Debate Vocabulary Terms

an argument with rules

• moderator

• opening statement

• debate

a statement made at the beginning of a debate

• closing argument/statement

• opening statement/argument

• rebuttal

Statement made at the end of a debate; should restate the opinions with strong supporting evidence

• opening stattement

• closing statement

• counterclaim

The position a debater takes on a topic or issue

• moderator

• refutation

• stance

the art of effective communication; how we persuade others to see things our way

• refutation

• claim

• rhetoric

the person who directs the debate

• con or against

• pro or for

• moderator

what you believe to be true about an issue

• opinion

• for or pro

• con or against

Reasons why something is good; the affirmative side; supports an issue

• anecdote

• pro or for

• rhetoric

Reasons why something is NOT good; opposes an issue

• con or against

• rhetoric

• for or pro

Claim or prove something is false

• rebuttal

• refutation

• all of the above