Argument Debate Terminology

Resolution

An arguable statement that is precise

Resolutional

Pertains to the resolution (on topic)

Affirmative

The side in favor of the resolution

Negative

The side against the resolution

Value

A word or phrase that establishes the parameters of the debate

Observation

An interpretation of the resolution that forms the debate in a way that helps the speaker

Tabula Rasa

Latin for "blank slate", to approach a situation unbiased.

Status Quo or SQUO

Latin for the present system, current situation

World

Refers to the reality of your own arguments or your opponents argument

Flow

notes in a debate

Claim

An argument made about a topic

Grounds

evidence used to support claim

warrant

The connection between the grounds and the claim

Signposting

Markers to help organize a speech for an audience

contention

Constructive speeches are often organized into major arguments

Crossfire

Questioning periods during the debate, cross examination

Rebuttal

your refute to an opponents argument

Embedded Refutation

add in counter arguments to your speech

framework

explanation of how the judge should evaluate the debate

Prep Time

time between speeches to write and prepare speeches

canned

a speech prepared before the debate

Card

A quote read in a debate

Aprior

what is most important, most important issue

Clash

Engaging and refuting an opponent's argument

Top Heavy

a critique of a debate performance. You do a lot of work on constructive speech causing you to poorly answer questions.

Drop

Argument that is not responded to by your opponent. Important to note that your opponent ignores it and not you.

Kick

eliminating an argument, you do this not your opponent.

Extend

keeping the argument alive in later speeches rather than kicking it

Judge Paradigm

Criteria a judge uses to evaluate the debate

RFD or Reason for Decision

The judge's reason for decision in debate

Spread

To talk as quickly as possible

Advocate

to support something with an argument

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Real-world terminology for the language of net benefits