Types of Debate
A two-on-two debate that involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal.
Policy Debate
the topic being debated.
Resolution
Mislead or give false impression of something or someone. Distort information taking away credibility.
Misrepresent
citing an expert in one area as an expert in another area
False Authority
appeal to what is popular or to the crowd.
Ad Populum
A quick-moving, 20 min one-on-one format consisting of two students who will argue a specified topic with limited prep time.
Extemporaneous Debate
An opposing team member may request information from the speaker (who may decline).
Point of Information
reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity.
Logic
stating only two interpretations or actions as the only alternatives, ignoring anything in the middle
Either-or-reasoning
stating an idea meant to conceal or mislead
Smoke Screen
a simulation of the U.S. legislative process, students generate a series of bills and resolutions for debate.
Congressional Debate
note taking during a debate; accurately recording the principle arguments and rebuttals
Flowing/Flow Chart/Flow Sheet
These are the people who support and don't support the resolution in the debate. (Also known as pro and con).
Affirmative and Negative
appeal to pity or misery
Ad Misericordia
argument based on one/a few examples; using all instance when only some apply
Hasty generalization
involves opposing teams of two, debating a current event topic.
Public Forum
an opportunity for one debater to ask the other questions that are relevant and designed to get admissions or concessions from the other.
Cross-examination
a mistaken belief, especially one based on unsound argument; a failure in reasoning that renders an argument invalid.
Fallacy
implying that because one event followed another, the first event must have caused the second
Post Hoc
using appeal of spokesman or someone famous to promote an idea rather than rely on the traits of the idea
Ad Vericundium
A 45 min one-on-one format where students debate topics ranging from individual freedom versus the collective good to economic development versus environmental protection.
Lincoln-Douglas
a set of reasons, supporting facts, and arguments that shows why we should affirm or negate the resolution
Case
Special Question: A notation of sources used in a debate case or essay.
Citations
the arguer creates a weaker false argument for the opponent, one that can easily be defeated
Straw man argument
This is the other name for Either-or Reasoning.
Black or White Fallacy or False Dilemma