Debate Terminology

Resolution

An arguable statement that establishes the subject and terms of the debate.

Affirmative

The side of the debate in favor of the resolution, sometimes called the Pro or Aff.

Negative

The side of the debate that disagrees with the resolution, sometimes called the Con or Neg.

Value

Usually a word or phrase that establishes the parameter of the debate.

Observation

An interpretation of the resolution that frames the debate to limit or narrow the scope.

Tabula Rasa

Latin for 'blank slate'; judging the debate solely based on arguments presented by debaters.

Status quo

Latin for the present system or current state of affairs.

World

Refers to the broader implications of an argument for the world at large.

Flow

Notes taken during a debate, organized in an outline form.

Toulmin model

A model that includes main components: claim, grounds, and warrant.

Claim

An argument made about a topic or resolution similar to a thesis.

Grounds

Evidence used to support a claim.

Warrant

The connection between the grounds and the claim.

Crossfire

Questioning periods during the debate occurring after constructive and rebuttal speeches.

Signposting

Markers used to organize a speech for an audience.

Contention

Major arguments that support the claim, typically organized in constructive speeches.

Rebuttal

The process of rebutting arguments made by other teams.

Refutation

Producing evidence to prove an argument is untrue.

Embedded Refutation

An advanced rebuttal technique incorporating references to the opponent’s argument.

Prep time

The amount of time teams have to prepare speeches in a debate.

Canned

A speech that is prepared entirely before the start of the debate.

Card

A quote that debaters present in a debate, including citation and date.

A priori

An argument based on logic and reasoning without evidence.

Clash

Directly engaging and refuting an opponent’s argument.

Top heavy

When debaters spend too much time on overviews and initial arguments.

Drop

An argument not responded to by the opponent in their next speech.

Kick

Eliminating an argument if it's confusing, irrelevant, or messy.

Extend

Keeping an argument alive in later speeches.

Spread

To talk as quickly as possible, which is discouraged in debate.

Advocate

Supporting something with an argument to encourage its occurrence.

RFD/Reason for Decision

Judges’ reason for decision in the debate based on arguments presented.

Judge Paradigm

Criteria that judges use to evaluate the debate.

Framework

How judges evaluate the debate and determine the most important issues.