OUTLINE OF A DEBATE
Many of the words identified in bold will be concepts you will need to learn more about as you get deeper into debating. There is a glossary of terms at the end of this book.
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (1AC)
8 minutes Establishes affirmatives advocacy of resolution. There is a problem that could be solved - SIGNIFICANCE, HARM, ADVANTAGE The status quo isn’t going to solve this problem without change - INHERENCY Here is our specific proposal of what ought to be done - PLAN Our plan will solve the problem/harm - SOLVENCY
SECOND NEGATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 1AC
3 minutes
FIRST NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (1NC)
8 minutes Attacks affirmative and begins laying out additional issues negative Make arguments against the specifics of the aff case. CASE ARGUMENTS. Argue that if the plan is adopted bad things will happen. DISADVANTAGES. Argue that the fundamental assumptions of the affirmative are flawed/incorrect. CRITIQUE. Argue that the plan is not a representation of the topic. TOPICALITY. Argue that there would be a better alternative to the plan. COUNTERPLAN
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 1NC
3 minutes
SECOND AFFIRMATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (2AC)
8 minutes Defend aff positions, attack negative positions, last chance to introduce new issues for aff. Argue that the disadvantages are really reasons to vote affirmative. TURNS. Argue that the counterplan and the affirmative plan can co-exist. PERMUTATIONS.
FIRST NEGATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 2AC
3 minutes SECOND NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (2NC)
8 minutes Attack aff positions, defend negative positions, last chance to introduce new issues for the neg. 2NC and 1NR should cover different issues. DIVISION OF LABOR.
SECOND AFFIRMATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 2NC
3 minutes FIRST NEGATIVE REBUTTAL (1NR)
4 minutes Attack aff positions, defend neg positions. . DIVISION OF LABOR.
FIRST AFFIRMATIVE REBUTTAL (1AR)
4 minutes Answer all neg issues, defend aff positions. SECOND NEGATIVE REBUTTAL (2NR)
4 minutes Select winning issues and sell them to critic. WEIGH THE ISSUES.
SECOND AFFIRMATIVE REBUTTAL (2AR)
4 minutes Select winning issues and sell them to critic. WEIGH THE ISSUES.
Teams are given a total of 5-10 minutes prep time to use before their speeches. It is different at different tournaments. Shake Hands. See if the judge has any comments.