Debate & Discussion Q3

"The _____ is the statement or topic being debated, usually starting ""This House Would…""."

motion

The _____ supports the motion; the _____ argues against it.

Proposition | Opposition

A _____ is a brief question or challenge offered by an opposing speaker during a speech.

Point of Information (POI)

_____ is when a speaker can't be interrupted by POIs (first and last minute of a speech).

Protected time

A _____ returns to the main _____ and compares why your side was stronger; it has no new arguments.

reply speech | clashes

PEEL = _____, _____, _____, _____.

Point | Explanation | Evidence | Link

A _____ explains HOW a policy or argument produces its effects (if X happens, then Y, so Z).

mechanism

_____ = facts, statistics or examples that support a claim; give the source and what it shows.

Evidence

A _____ ties the argument back to the _____.

link | motion

A _____ responds directly to an opponent's argument and shows why it fails.

rebuttal

A _____ is a central point where the two teams directly disagree.

clash

The Proposition's _____ is to show why the motion is needed and how it will produce the claimed benefits.

burden of proof

A _____ is the Opposition's alternative policy (e.g. limited, purposeful homework instead of a ban).

countermodel

"_____ = telling the audience the structure (""First…, second…"")."

Signposting

A _____ distorts the opponent's argument into an easier, weaker version to attack.

straw man

An _____ attacks the person (age, background, character) instead of the argument.

ad hominem

The _____ = restating the opponent's argument in its strongest fair form.

principle of charity

A _____ admits a point is partly or fully correct, then pivots to the bigger comparison.

concession

_____ = _____: your workable plan if negotiation fails.

BATNA | Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement

A _____ is a main constructive argument that builds your case.

substantive

A _____ builds the case with clear arguments and support.

constructive speech

"A debate _____ explains the key terms of the motion (e.g. ""school day"" = lessons 8:00–16:00)."

definition

A _____ explains who acts, what will happen and how the policy will operate.

model

An _____ is something an argument depends on being true (e.g. every school has enough trained staff).

assumption

_____ = the consequence or importance of an argument.

Impact

_____ = comparing impacts (size, likelihood, who is affected) to show why your side wins.

Weighing

"_____ asks ""Can it be afforded, staffed and organised?"""

Feasibility

_____ = people are more likely to accept a decision when affected groups have a fair voice.

Legitimacy

A _____ is an error in reasoning (e.g. ad hominem, straw man).

fallacy

_____ = answering the opponent's strongest version of their point.

Steelmanning

_____ = give source, date and accurate meaning without exaggeration.

Citation integrity

"A strong POI is a short, pointed _____ (e.g. ""If your plan costs more, who will pay?""), not a speech or insult."

question

An _____ is a judge who evaluates the debate and decides which team performed better.

adjudicator

The _____ manages the debate, introduces speakers and ensures the rules are followed.

chairperson

The _____ records speaking time and signals when time limits are reached.

timekeeper

A _____ = the complete set of arguments presented by one team; a _____ = the team's overall position on the motion.

case | stance

An _____ = a claim supported by _____.

argument | reasons and evidence

_____ = a new argument or analysis added by a later speaker on the same team.

Extension

_____ = the main arguments directly supporting a team's position.

Direct matter

A _____ is an argument presented against an opponent's claim; to _____ is to challenge, answer or disprove it.

counterargument | rebut

A _____ is a specific issue on which the two teams disagree.

point of clash

_____ = a comparison showing why one team's outcome is better or worse than the other's.

Comparative

A _____ argument uses a fundamental value or moral reason; a _____ argument uses likely real-world results.

principle | practical

_____ = equality in actual outcomes, opportunities and access, not merely equality under the law.

Substantive equality

_____ = people have a fair chance to access education, employment or power.

Equality of opportunity

_____ = social groups are viewed as equally capable and deserving.

Equality of perception

_____ = policies designed to improve opportunities for groups that have experienced discrimination.

Affirmative action

A _____ requires a certain number or proportion of positions for a particular group.

quota system

_____ = unfair treatment because of characteristics like race, gender or social background.

Discrimination

_____ = a law intended to prevent unfair treatment based on protected characteristics.

Anti-discrimination law

A _____ has been denied rights, opportunities, influence or political power.

disenfranchised group

_____ is built into social, political or economic systems.

Structural inequality

_____ = bias embedded in organisations' rules or practices.

Institutional prejudice

_____ = language that expresses or encourages prejudice based on race.

Racist rhetoric

A _____ is a simplified and often inaccurate belief about a group.

stereotype

_____ = treating a person as a symbolic representative of a group, not recognising their individual ability.

Tokenization

_____ = a strong negative reaction against a policy, group or social change.

Backlash

_____ = interpreting new information as proof of beliefs you already hold.

Confirmation bias

_____ = personal opinions or preferences that unfairly influence judgment.

Subjective bias

_____ = qualities such as ability, achievement or qualifications that make someone suitable.

Merit

_____ = the basic skills, education or experience required for a position.

Minimum qualifications

A _____ is a person whose achievements provide an example or inspiration.

role model

_____ = giving people more ability, confidence, resources or authority to influence their lives.

Empowerment

_____ = knowledge from personally experiencing a social condition or discrimination.

Lived experience

_____ = the benefit lost when choosing one option instead of the next-best alternative.

Opportunity cost

_____ = influence, trust or support a government can use to achieve its goals.

Political capital

_____ = public discussion and debate about political and social issues.

Political discourse

_____ = ordinary people and local communities, not powerful institutions.

Grassroots

To _____ someone is to give them training that improves their abilities and qualifications.

upskill

_____ = businesses contributing positively to society and reducing harm.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

_____ = money or investment leaving a country or region because of perceived risks.

Capital flight

_____ = rules regulating employment, wages, working conditions or workers' rights.

Labor restrictions

A _____ considers the whole problem, not only one part.

holistic approach

To _____ = to cause something (problem, belief, inequality) to continue; to _____ = to establish it so firmly it is hard to change.

perpetuate | entrench

To _____ = to correct a problem or injustice; to _____ = to avoid or get around a rule or obstacle.

rectify | circumvent

To _____ = to admit an opponent's point is partly or entirely correct.

concede

A _____ is a conflict between two claims, statements or positions.

contradiction

To _____ = to treat one issue or group as more important than others.

prioritize

To _____ = to describe someone as evil, dangerous or worthless.

vilify

_____ = a movement backwards, especially a worsening of social progress.

Regression

_____ = significant change with real effects, not merely _____ change.

Substantive change | symbolic

WSDC = _____ (format established _____); _____ teams, _____ speeches, judged by adjudicators.

World Schools Debating Championships | 1988 | two | 8

The World Schools format has _____ speakers per team plus a _____ speech by the 1st or 2nd speaker.

3 | reply

WSDC speaking order: Prop 1, Opp 1, Prop 2, Opp 2, Prop 3, Opp 3, then _____ reply, then _____ reply.

Opposition | Proposition

WSDC substantive speeches are _____ minutes each; reply speeches are _____ minutes.

8 | 4

1st Proposition: _____ the motion, sets the team _____, introduces substantives 1 and 2.

defines | model

1st Opposition: rebuts Prop 1, outlines the Opposition _____, introduces its own substantives.

philosophy/counter-model

2nd speaker: _____ the other team, _____ their own case and brings a new _____ (the extension).

rebuts | defends | substantive

3rd speaker: comprehensive _____ of the opposing case and thematic clashes; _____.

rebuttal | no new substantives

"The reply speech is a _____ adjudicator summary: ""Why our side won the debate""; it has no _____."

biased | new arguments

The 2nd speaker is the team's _____ to add a new constructive argument because the 3rd speaker may not.

last chance

Speech skill 1, _____: repair the damage the opponent did to your _____ arguments.

Defense | first speaker's

If you don't defend your first speaker's points in speech 2, the judge assumes you have _____ them.

abandoned

Speech skill 2, _____: directly dismantle the opponent's new arguments (logical flaws, lack of evidence, unrealistic impacts).

Attack

WSDC rewards _____ (direct engagement); you can't just repeat your own points.

clash

Speech skill 3, _____: brand-new content with a new angle, stakeholders or impact (not just Speaker 1 reworded).

Extension

"Defense example: ""The opposition attacked our first point by saying our plan is too expensive. However, the _____ cover the initial costs…"""

long-term savings

Debate benefits: builds public speaking, _____ and perspective-taking, _____, research and structured analysis.

empathy | critical thinking

In WSDC you don't choose your side; arguing views you oppose builds _____ (Mill: knowing only your own side = knowing _____).

cognitive empathy | little

A POI is a _____ maximum interruption offered during _____ time (about 1:00–7:00 of an 8-minute speech).

15-second | unprotected