Lincoln Douglas DebateTerminology and Structure

Framework

Framework is a the outline of your resolutions and contentions.

The most significant part of the framework is the value and value criterion.

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Resolution

Resolution is simply the topic that is being debated. They are statements of policy (government deciding an action), fact

(empirical phenomenon), or value (moral dilemmas)

“I affirm/negate the resolution...”

Key Terms

Define each of your key terms as state where exactly you got them from.

Before I begin my speech I would like to identify some key terms…

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Value & Value Criterion

The value is a statement of a broad concept of great value that is specific to your case

It is the reason for your argument and is seen as the basis of the framework

Your contentions MUST relate back to the value

The value criterion is how you will achieve the value It is a concrete way to achieve something abstract, such as your

value

Organizing your thoughts: the Chicken Foot

Organizing your thoughts:the Chicken Foot

Say your topic is: children under the age of 18 should not be allowed to vote, you would organize your information by putting the tagline or topic sentence for each of your contention in one of the toes of the chicken foot.

Your resolution will go on the section where it reads main idea.

For example…

Organizing your thoughts:the Chicken Foot

I negate that children under the age of 18 should not be allowed to vote for…

They are generally less informed in politics than adults

The voting information may be beyond their comprehension

Most of what is being voted on is adult oriented and therefore should be decided by them

Contentions

Each contention is an argument for your resolution and within each contention is a set of smaller arguments called sub points.

So, if your topic was the previous one, you would organize your information as such:

Sub Points

Contention 1: Most of what is being voted on is adult oriented and therefore should be decided by them

Sub point A or (A): There are laws intact that only affect people above the age of 18

Sub point B or (B): Sub point C or (C):

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Cross Examination

Cross examination is when either the affirmative or negative side asks the other questions that can be used in their rebuttals

Cross-ex is NOT a time for rebuttals; always make sure there is an actual question formed

Tips: Try to think of a goal you want to achieve out of the cross-ex and ask

questions that relate to this in order to stay on topic Be polite but firm Ask more “why” and “how” questions than yes/no ones

Rebuttals

A rebuttal is a counter argument to your opponents speech.

Exercise… write a 2 minute minimum rebuttal to ONE of the following arguments.

1.) Cyber bullying directly correlates with an increase in internet technology.

2.) Schools should offer weight-loss programs for students who are increasingly over

3.) US interference in the political and militaristic conflicts of middle eastern nations is necessary.

Rebuttals

Tips

Be very clear and make sure to extend your contentions.

It is okay and even encouraged to begin your rebuttals by restating things in your speech such as your value and value criterion.

Be sure to reference your framework and then target all parts of your opponents speech.

Rebuttals

Address the opponents argument

Restate your position

Refute the opponents points

Supporting details

Supporting details

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Flow

Flow is a debate term for note taking.

It is vital to maintain organization and to keep track of everything you need to say and remember during the debate

A flow chart is helpful especially in rebuttals, as limited time is given to construct one

How to Construct a Flow Chart...

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FLOW ORGANIZATION