I'll show you my Rebuttal
Can new evidence be introduced in a rebuttal?
No – you may only use analysis and comparison, not new evidence.
A debater says, “My opponent is wrong—my plan is better,” but gives no evidence or reason. Which step of 4 step refutation did they leave out?
Support
What is a prima facie affirmative case in debate?
When the affirmative case meets all of the stock issues in the 1st speech.
Why is being organized important in a debate?
Judges assume organized debaters are more knowledgeable
What is your primary responsibility when answering cross-ex questions?
To answer clearly and honestly
What does it mean to “crystallize” the debate in a rebuttal?
To focus on the 2-3 most important issues that decide who wins.
A debater says, “Their evidence is outdated; my research is from 2024,” but doesn’t explain why it matters for judging the round. Which step of 4-step refutation is missing?
Summarize & Impact
What does the Plan section of an affirmative case need to include?
A clear, specific, and actionable policy proposal that describes what will be done, who will do it, and how it will be enforced.
When must the negative introduce a counterplan?
1st negative constructive speech
What’s a key difference between cross-ex answers and speech time?
Cross-ex answers should be short and direct; speeches allow for longer explanations.
What does it mean to “preempt” your opponent in a rebuttal?
To predict and respond to their strongest potential attacks before they make them.
A debater says, “Their statistics are wrong — the study they cited was retracted for using fake data.”
Which type of refutation is this?
Deny
What does Solvency require a debater to prove?
That the plan will actually work — showing a clear causal link between the proposed change and the solution to the problem.
What are the four steps of organized refutation?
1. Signal (identify the claim), 2. State (make your counterclaim), 3. Support (give evidence), and 4. Summarize/Impact (explain significance).
What should you remember about the purpose of cross-ex from the respondent’s perspective?
It’s a chance to reinforce your argument, not to win an argument—the judge decides based on later speeches, not cross-ex alone.
What does “time allocation or balancing your time” mean in rebuttals?
Spending more time on major points and less on minor issues to prioritize critical arguments.
A debater says, “Even if they’re right that emissions might rise slightly, our plan prevents a global economic collapse, which is far more important.”
Which type of refutation is this?
Outweigh
True or False: If the affirmative does not get to one of the stock issues in the 1st speech, they can just add it later.
False. If the negative calls it out, the affirmative will lose. Missing even one issue means the case is incomplete — the judge could dismiss it as insufficient proof.
What is signposting?
Numbering or labeling your points (and subpoints) to help judges and opponents follow the structure of your arguments.
Why is “admitting small points” sometimes a good strategy when answering?
It prevents wasting time defending minor issues and makes you appear more reasonable and credible.
What’s the difference between refutation and rebuttal?
Refutation answers specific arguments; rebuttal is the overall summary speech that compares impacts and decides the round.
A debater says, “Their evidence about automation actually proves our point — it shows AI creates more jobs than it eliminates.”
Which type of refutation is this?
Reverse
What types of benefits are highlighted in the Advantages section?
Broader positive outcomes such as protecting constitutional freedoms, improving fairness, and strengthening democratic accountability.
What is the term used for appearing more competent and influential because of strong organization?
Perceptual dominance.
Your case was on the regulation of self-driving cars. Your opponent wants to ask you about a health care bill in Congress. What should you do?
Avoid making claims beyond the ones in your speech.