The Great Debaters Quiz

Resolution

• An error in logic; an invalid syllogism

• A statement of the issue to be debated

• Taking a position in opposition to the resolution

• Pointing out the errors or weaknesses in the opponent’s argument

Affirmative

• Taking a position in support of the resolution

• Pointing out the errors or weaknesses in the opponent’s argument

• Taking a position in opposition to the resolution

• An error in logic; an invalid syllogism

Negative

• An error in logic; an invalid syllogism

• A statement of the issue to be debated

• Pointing out the errors or weaknesses in the opponent’s argument

• Taking a position in opposition to the resolution

Rebuttal

• An error in logic; an invalid syllogism

• A statement of the issue to be debated

• Pointing out the errors or weaknesses in the opponent’s argument

• Taking a position in support of the resolution

Fallacy

• An error in logic; an invalid syllogism

• A statement of the issue to be debated

• Taking a position in opposition to the resolution

• Pointing out the errors or weaknesses in the opponent’s argument

According to Mr. Tolson, debate is…

• A reasoned argument between four intelligent people

• A game to be played by the rules

• A test of the wills

• Blood sport

Which of the following does Mr. Tolson NOT ask students to do impromptu during their tryout for the team?

• Recite the first sentence of the Declaration of Independence

• Quote and cite lines of poetry related to a specific topic

• Explain why a statement is ironic

• Argue a position on a topic without committing a logical fallacy

Which of the following is the BEST representation of the syllogism Mr. Tolson criticizes during the tryout scene?

• All laws are just; Jim Crow laws are unjust; Jim Crow laws are not actually laws.

• The unemployed are starving; Mr. Burgess is unemployed; Mr. Burgess is starving.

• All debaters are men; Miss Booke is not a man; Miss Booke is not a debater

• Harvard graduates are intelligent; Thoreau was a Harvard graduate; Thoreau was intelligent

Who is the judge?

• Mr. Tolson

• Dr. Farmer

• God

• Your opponent

Which of the following is the BEST representation of the syllogism Mr. Tolson criticizes during the tryout scene?

• All laws are just; Jim Crow laws are unjust; Jim Crow laws are not actually laws.

• The unemployed are starving; Mr. Burgess is unemployed; Mr. Burgess is starving.

• All debaters are men; Miss Booke is not a man; Miss Booke is not a debater

• Harvard graduates are intelligent; Thoreau was a Harvard graduate; Thoreau was intelligent