Debate Terminology

Front

Advantage

Back

A benefit achieved through adoption of the Affirmative plan or the negative’s counterplan.

Front

Affirmative

Back

A benefit achieved through adoption of the Affirmative’s plan or the negative’s counterplan.

Front

Agent of Action

Back

The entity responsible for ensuring the Affirmative’s plan is put into action.

Front

Analysis

Back

The act of defending a policy or a kritik.

Front

Block

Back

A set of prepared arguments or briefs focused on a certain single issue.

Front

Brief

Back

An outline of arguments and evidence supporting one side of a resolution.

Front

Burden of Proof

Back

The Affirmative obligation to present a prima facie case supporting the resolution.

Front

Case

Back

A policy that the Affirmative advocates to uphold the basis of the resolution.

Front

Clash

Back

A direct confrontation of arguments in a round.

Front

Claim

Back

Statements about what is true or good or about what should be done or believed.