Definition Demon
In this event, a student acts as the "referee" of the chamber, recognizing speakers and maintaining the clock, a role known by this title.
What is a Presiding Officer (Or P.O)?
During a rebuttal, a speaker says: "You shouldn't believe my opponent's evidence about climate change because he once failed his 5th-grade science fair and is lowkey a messy eater."
What is Ad Hominem?
During a Public Forum round, your opponent cites a "2023 Harvard Study" claiming 90% of people support their plan, but they don't have the text or the author's name available. You "object" by demanding to see this.
*Hint Available for $50*
What is a Card?
In 1858, these two men engaged in seven legendary debates across Illinois; while the loser of the Senate race eventually became President, the winner’s name is still used today for the most common 1v1 debate format.
Who are Lincoln and Douglas? (Bonus points if you get their first names!)
This NASA spacecraft successfully splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, completing a 10-day lunar flyby that carried the first crew beyond low Earth orbit since 1972.
What is Artemis II?
An Extemper’s speech is almost always structured around this many "areas of analysis," or contentions.
What is Three?
A debater argues: "If we allow students to wear hats in class today, tomorrow they will refuse to take off their coats, and by next week, they’ll be bringing in sleeping bags and refusing to leave the building!"
What is a Slippery Slope?
In a Policy round, the Affirmative proposes a plan to build solar panels in space. You "object" on the grounds that the resolution only allows for "Domestic Energy" solutions, making their plan "Out of Bounds."
What is Topicality?
In the first-ever televised presidential debate in 1960, radio listeners largely thought Richard Nixon won, but TV viewers gave the edge to this man because he appeared calm and "telegenic."
Who is JFK?
Despite the temporary ceasefire, global trade remains throttled by a blockade of this critical waterway, where Iranian forces have recently seized vessels and drones.
What is Strait of Hormuz?
In DI, HI, or Duo, this is the term for the brief section where a performer steps out of character to deliver the title, author, and theme of the piece.
What is the Introduction?
When asked how his bill will pay for a new space station, a Senator responds: "Why are we talking about money when there are kittens in this country that don't have homes? We must focus on the kittens!"
What is a Red Herring?
Your opponent argues that banning plastic straws will save the oceans. You "object" by showing that plastic straws only account for 0.02% of ocean waste, arguing their claim lacks this—the causal link between an action and a significant outcome.
What is Solvency?
Delivered in 1946 at Westminster College in Missouri, Winston Churchill’s "Sinews of Peace" address is better known by this two-word phrase describing the metaphorical divide between the Soviet Union and the West.
What is the Iron Curtain?
In its April 2026 World Economic Outlook, this international financial organization downgraded global growth projections to 3.1% due to the "shadow of war" in the Middle East.
What is the IMF? (Bonus points for movie franchise)
This specific motion is used to immediately end debate on a piece of legislation and force an immediate vote on its passage.
What is Previous Question?
A debater claims: "The New York Times is a reliable source because it says so in the 'About Us' section of the New York Times website."
What is Begging the Question? (Or: Circular Reasoning)
In a high-level circuit round, the Affirmative uses a specific piece of evidence. You "object" by arguing that the way they are debating creates an unfair environment for the round itself, forcing the judge to vote on the "rules of the game" rather than the topic.
What is a Theory?
In her 1995 speech at the UN World Conference on Women in Beijing, this then-First Lady famously declared that "human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights."
Who is Hillary Clinton?
On April 18, 2026, the Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences was awarded to researchers who successfully used gene therapy to treat this specific inherited blood disorder for the first time.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
When citing sources, an Extemper often mentions this—the specific political "slant" or reliability rating of a publication like The Economist or Al Jazeera.
What is Source Credibility?
An Extemp speaker argues: "Ever since we elected a new mayor, the local squirrel population has increased by 20%. Therefore, the mayor’s policies are directly causing squirrels to multiply."
What is Post Hoc? (Or: False Clause)
You are in a Counterplan debate. Your opponent tries to "object" to your alternative by claiming they can do both their plan and your counterplan at the same time to prove they aren't mutually exclusive. This specific test is called a...
What is a Permutation?
In his 1952 "Checkers" speech, this future President used a televised address to defend himself against campaign finance accusations, famously claiming the only gift he ever kept was a black-and-white spotted dog.
Who is Richard Nixon?
This top civilian official was ousted this week following a reported dispute over naval shipbuilding; he was replaced on an acting basis by Undersecretary Hung Cao.
Who is the Secretary of the Navy? (Bonus points if you get his name)