Basic Vocabulary
The abbreviation of Affirmative or Affirmation
Aff
Main arguments in a case, there are typically 3
Contention
Aff has ability to scope the round and define the words of the res
Right to Define
The problem is big enough to require a solution with the resolution
Significance
Quick reasons at the end of each person's last speech on why the Judge should vote for you
Voters
Judge
Smaller ideas or points that support a larger argument
Subpoint
The Neg must argue against what Aff says
Burden of Clash (also called rejoinder)
What bad things will happen if the resolution is not affirmed
Harms
Points given to a debater based on certain criteria, usually found on back of ballot
Speaks/Speaker Points
A way of taking notes during a debate round
Flow
Statement proving or disproving the Resolution
Claim
"metric" the Judge uses to judge the round
Weighing Mechanism (WM)
The problem will not be fixed without the resolution
Inherency
Counter Argument
Rebuttal/Refutation
The name for a Judge who does not come from debate
Lay Judge
Reason why what you are saying matters
Impact
The ability of the Aff in policy rounds to assume their plan will be adopted in the real world through "normal means"; this allows to debate to remain about if the plan should pass, and not if it will pass
Fiat
The Aff plan/case actually relates to the resolution
Topicality
Changing definitions or burdens mid round to alter where or how arguments will fit (changing what the round is about, usually unfairly)
Ground Shifting
What the Aff and Neg use to decide on the topic being debated
Strike Sheet
Another name for Aff Case
On-Case
Aff must convince Judge in their first speech; if the Neg were to say something, the Aff would win
Prima Facia
The Aff plan/case fixes the issue
Solvency
Quick reasons at the end of each person's last speech on why the Judge should not vote for the other person
Anti-Voter