Debate Theory
What is a POI?
Point of information
Everyone I know likes it, therefore everyone likes it
Generalization
What does democracy mean?
Rule by the people
If the price of pizza doubles, do people usually buy more or less pizza?
Less
Who is the main character of Harry Potter?
Harry Potter.
What is an weighing?
After policy X happened, crime fell. Therefore X caused crime to fall.
Correlation ≠ causation
What is the job of a mayor?
To run a city
What is inflation?
Prices rising over time.
Which singer is known for the albums 1989 and Midnights?
Taylor Swift
Name two types of rebuttal.
Mitigation, direct, opposite, etc.
Bobby shouldn't litter because if everyone littered society would collapse.
Universalization
What do taxes pay for?
Public services like roads, schools, healthcare, police, etc.
What is a shortage?
More people want something than is available.
What is the name of the fictional African country in Black Panther?
Wakanda.
Name three weighing mechanisms.
Probability, magnitude, scope, vulnerability, etc.
The mayor is wrong because he's ugly.
Ad hominem
Give two reasons why someone might support freedom of speech?
People can express opinions and criticize government, more and better ideas, etc.
You can only have one:
Which creates more value?
Defend your answer.
Subjective
Which movie became the highest-grossing film of all time (without adjusting for inflation)?
Avatar.
What is an extension?
New material that advances the team's case.
Identify two flaws:
My grandfather smoked and lived to 95. Therefore smoking is healthy.
Anecdotal evidence + generalization
Give one reason someone might support voting at age 16.
Affected by policy, encourages engagement, etc.
What is an externality?
A cost/benefit to a third party outside of a transaction.
Name three members of the Avengers.
Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Hawkeye, etc.