Your 2Your 2ndnd Debate Debate

The Debate Unit Part IIThe Debate Unit Part II

Define terms and recognize ways to do so.Define terms and recognize ways to do so. Investigate your proposition.Investigate your proposition. Define the controversy.Define the controversy. Ask Stock Issue questions.Ask Stock Issue questions. Know the difference between the Know the difference between the

proposition and affirmative plan.proposition and affirmative plan.

Define TermsDefine Terms

Make sure you define all necessary terms Make sure you define all necessary terms in your proposition in the affirmative to in your proposition in the affirmative to make sure both sides apply each make sure both sides apply each argument to an agreed upon definition.argument to an agreed upon definition.

Prompt and precise terminology is Prompt and precise terminology is essential to good analysis in debate.essential to good analysis in debate.

The way you and your fellow debaters The way you and your fellow debaters define the proposition determines the kind define the proposition determines the kind of information you will prepare.of information you will prepare.

The main responsibility The main responsibility for defining terms in a for defining terms in a debate actually is for debate actually is for the affirmative.the affirmative.

In debate tournaments, In debate tournaments, the debate usually the debate usually opens with a opens with a statement of statement of definitions by the definitions by the affirmative.affirmative.

In classroom debate, it In classroom debate, it is a good idea for both is a good idea for both sides to work together sides to work together with a statement of with a statement of definitions.definitions.

Ways to Define Terms of a Debate PropositionWays to Define Terms of a Debate Proposition

1.1. Use some authority—a reference source, Use some authority—a reference source, dictionary, or leading text in which there is a dictionary, or leading text in which there is a clear definition to agree withclear definition to agree with

2.2. Use an example to define a termUse an example to define a term3.3. Define terms by negation—stressing what a term Define terms by negation—stressing what a term

does NOT mean.does NOT mean.4.4. Delve into the derivation or origin of a term. You Delve into the derivation or origin of a term. You

can break the term into parts and explain their can break the term into parts and explain their individual meanings and from where the part individual meanings and from where the part originatedoriginated

5. You may compare/contrast a difficult or technical term with one that is more familiar.

6.6. Use one or a combination of the methods for Use one or a combination of the methods for each term.each term.

Investigate Your PropositionInvestigate Your Proposition

When you have identified and When you have identified and defined the problem, ask yourself the defined the problem, ask yourself the following questions:following questions:

How long have we had the problem?How long have we had the problem? What seems to have caused it?What seems to have caused it? What solutions, if any, have been tried What solutions, if any, have been tried

before?before? Why didn’t they work?Why didn’t they work? In what ways are conditions different now?In what ways are conditions different now?

Define the ControversyDefine the Controversy

Pinpoint this by asking:Pinpoint this by asking: Why are you debating this particular topic at Why are you debating this particular topic at

this particular time?this particular time? What is causing you or others to be concerned What is causing you or others to be concerned

about certain facts, or to questions certain about certain facts, or to questions certain values, or to favor changing a certain policy?values, or to favor changing a certain policy?

What are the different views that people have What are the different views that people have of the positions?of the positions?

When evaluating a topic, consider what is When evaluating a topic, consider what is going on right now that makes the topic going on right now that makes the topic controversial?controversial?

To find out what all the sides of the To find out what all the sides of the controversy are, you should look into controversy are, you should look into the history of the controversy.the history of the controversy.• This can allow you to discover more This can allow you to discover more

arguments (pro or con) that have been arguments (pro or con) that have been used before.used before.

• No matter what side you are on, this No matter what side you are on, this information could be useful when information could be useful when building your case or when pointing out building your case or when pointing out the weaknesses in the other side’s case.the weaknesses in the other side’s case.

Stock Issue QuestionsStock Issue Questions

• Is there a need for a change in the Is there a need for a change in the status quo?status quo?

• Are there problems in the status quo?Are there problems in the status quo?• Will the affirmative plan solve the Will the affirmative plan solve the

problems in the status quo? Is the problems in the status quo? Is the affirmative plan practical? Will the affirmative plan practical? Will the affirmative plan work?affirmative plan work?

• Is the affirmative plan the most Is the affirmative plan the most desirable solution to the problem?desirable solution to the problem?

Know the Difference between a Debate Know the Difference between a Debate Proposition and Affirmative PlanProposition and Affirmative Plan

The proposition is like the architect’s drawing of what a house should look like from the outside when finished.

The affirmative plan is like a blue print that carefully outlines how the house is to be put together to look that way.

The affirmative plan then must show how The affirmative plan then must show how the change stated in the debate the change stated in the debate proposition will be brought about and proposition will be brought about and carried out.carried out.

By applying stock issue questions to your By applying stock issue questions to your proposition, you can develop proposition, you can develop specific specific issuesissues. To do this, substitute specific . To do this, substitute specific words from your proposition for the words from your proposition for the general stock issue terms status quo and general stock issue terms status quo and affirmative plan.affirmative plan.