Debate Terms

explains why one team disagrees with the other team (comeback).

• resolution

• rebuttal

• opening statements

• closing statements

The FIRST step in the process of debate

• opening statement

• arguments

• rebuttal conference

• rebuttal

• closing statement

The SECOND step in the process of debate

• opening statements

• arguments

• rebuttal conference

• rebuttal

• closing statement

The FINAL step in the process of debate

• opening statement

• arguments

• rebuttal conference

• rebuttal

• closing statement

Reasons that run against a conclusion

• counterargument

• assumption

• qualifiers

• credibility

All of the following are techniques of effective debate EXCEPT

• Quote your opponent

• Quote a famous person from history

• Appeal to your audience's emotions

• Speak softly so you don't scare anyone in the audience

The reason why your claim is true. If an argument does not have this, it may automatically disregarded by some judges.

• bargain

• warrant

• resolution

• compare

Arguing against constructive arguments made by the other debater.

• warrant

• forum

• consult

• refutation

This is a major argument in the debate. Affirmatives and negatives build their cases with this.

• contention

• burden of proof

• forum

• broker

This is the time one debater gets to interact with another debater by asking questions. Each debater gets three minutes after his/her opponent's constructive speech. Th time can be used for clarification or to set up an argument.

• rebuttal

• negotiate

• affirmative

• cross examination