The Anatomy of Debate

Week 8

Debate

a formal, structured discussion of a specific issue with strict rules and time limit

Proposition

the team that agrees with, defines and supports the motion

Opposition

the team that disagrees with the motion

Motion

the specific statement, resolution, or policy being debated on

Argument

a set of reasons supported by qualitative and quantitative data to show either something is right or wrong

Refute

pointing out the flaws, contradictions, or lack of evidence in the opposing team’s idea

Disprove

to show that something is definitely wrong

Rebuild

to make and idea/ statement strong again

Yielding the floor

when a speaker is finished their turn, they must respecfully step down

Heckling

shouting out, making loud retorts, or intentionally interrupting a speakẻ to throw them off