Debate Process Exam

12/18/25

Purpose of Debates

• Debates help us understand different perspectives.

• They teach us to analyze issues, communicate clearly, and defend claims with evidence.

• Winning is not the goal—learning and understanding arguments is.

Debate Etiquette

• Stay respectful at all times.

• Never interrupt or insult the opposing team.

• Attack the argument, not the person.

• Professionalism matters.

Opening Statements (Constructive #1)

• Introduce names and side.

• State thesis.

• Provide at least 3 pieces of evidence.

• Summarize your stance.

Constructive #2

• Review what has been said.

• Restate thesis.

• Add new evidence.

• Address opponent's claims.

• Explain why your side is stronger

Rebuttal Speeches

• Respond point-by-point.

• Disprove opponent's arguments

• Use strong evidence.

Closing Arguments

• Point out dropped and conceded arguments.

• Highlight strongest evidence.

• Show the big picture.

• Give a final call to action.

Constructive

Builds main arguments.

Rebuttal

Disproves opposing arguments.

Counterargument

Challenges opponent.

Dropped Argument

Opponent fails to respond.

Conceded Argument

Opponent accepts as true.

Strong Topics

Specific and debatable.

Weak Topics

Vague or universally accepted.

Rhetorical Appeals

Ethos: Credibility

Pathos: Emotion

Logos: Logic and evidence

How to Prepare

• Research thoroughly.

• Gather evidence.

• Prepare counterarguments.

• Practice all parts of the debate.

• Take notes during the opponent's speech.