Debate 101: The Things You Pretend You Know
"Common Knowledge” (That’s Actually Not)
Prep Time Panic
Debate or Date?
Science According to Debaters
100

What does the word “motion” mean in a debate?

The topic or issue being debated

100

How many continents are there?

What is 7? (unless you're Australian and salty about Oceania)

100

What’s the first thing someone always says in prep time?

"Wait… what’s the motion again?” 

100

You’re not listening to my logic!

Mostly debate

100

What does "studies show" mean in debate?

No actual study, just vibes
200

How many people speak on one debate team?

What is three? 

200

What do cows drink?

What is water? (not milk)

200

Name one thing guaranteed to be said by the 3rd minute of prep.

Guys, we have no arguments..

What might the opposition's points be? 

200

This feels like an unfair power dynamic

Classic debate speak

200

Correlation is not…” what?

Causation

300

What’s the job of the first speaker?

To set up the team’s arguments

300

What color is a mirror?

Technically, whatever’s in front of it. 

300

The magic phrase when time runs out? 

What is we'll wing it? 

300

I deserve more time..

Probably a second speaker, maybe a boyfriend

300

According to 90% of debate cases, what solves climate change?

Innovation and green tech

400

What do you say if someone wants to interrupt you with a POI?

"No, thank you” or “Yes, go ahead” 

400

What’s heavier: a kilogram of feathers or a kilogram of steel?

Neither — they weigh the same

400

What’s the universal panic button in prep time?

“Let’s just mirror their case but flip the framing.” (aka nonsense with confidence)

400

You’re being too emotional

Debate faux pas and dating mistake. 

400

Neuroscience proves empathy works.” What’s the follow-up question from the other team?

Citation please? 

500

What do we call it when a team finishes strong and sums up the debate?

What is a whip speech? 

500

If a plane crashes on the border of the US and Canada, where do they bury the survivors?

You don’t bury survivors😅

500

What’s the worst possible thing to say at the 1-minute mark?

Wait… I changed my mind. I don’t like our stance

500

You're always trying to win, even when we're just talking

Every debater in a relation ship ever

500

What do you call science that supports the other team?

What is flawed methodology?


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