Parliamentary Debate
(T/F): In parliamentary debate, the Prime Minister speaks first in the round.
True. The Prime Minister delivers the first constructive speech.
A slippery slope fallacy involves claiming one event will lead to a series of increasingly negative events without sufficient evidence.
True. It exaggerates the potential consequences without logical justification.
(T/F): The 4-step refutation process begins with stating the argument you're refuting.
True. First you state the argument, then respond to it.
(T/F): Logos appeals rely primarily on emotional connections with the audience.
False. Logos appeals rely on logic, reasoning, and evidence.
(T/F) Making eye contact with your judge or audience can help build your credibility as a speaker.
True
Name the second speaker for the Government team in parliamentary debate.
Member of Government (MG)
What fallacy occurs when someone attacks a person's character rather than addressing their argument?
Ad hominem fallacy
What are the four steps in the refutation process?
1) State the argument 2) State your response 3) Support your response with evidence 4) Conclude/impact your response
Name and briefly describe the three types of rhetorical appeals.
Ethos (credibility/character), Pathos (emotion/values), and Logos (logic/reasoning)
What are the four main types of delivery methods?
Manuscript, memorized, impromptu, and extemporaneous
Explain the difference between a Member of Government (MG) speech and a Member of Opposition (MO) speech.
The MG extends and supports the Government case while introducing new arguments; the MO extends and supports Opposition attacks while introducing new arguments against the Government case.
Explain the false dilemma fallacy and provide an example.
A false dilemma presents only two options when more exist. Example: "Either we cut education spending, or we'll go bankrupt" (ignores other budget solutions).
What makes a claim "complete," and what elements must be included?
A complete claim includes the claim itself, warrant (reasoning), evidence/backing, and impact/significance. It must state what is claimed, why it matters, and how it's supported.
How would you use pathos effectively without committing a logical fallacy?
Use emotionally resonant examples that are relevant to the argument; connect emotional appeals to sound reasoning; use moderate emotional language that enhances rather than replaces logical arguments; acknowledge emotions without letting them override logic.
Describe three specific strategies to manage communication apprehension before a debate.
Deep breathing exercises to regulate physiological responses; visualization of successful performance; thorough preparation and rehearsal; progressive exposure to speaking situations; reframing anxiety as excitement; positive self-talk; physical warm-ups like stretching or walking.
What are the specific duties of the Leader of Opposition in parliamentary debate?
The Leader of Opposition (LO) must: directly refute the Prime Minister's case; present the Opposition's main arguments against the resolution; establish the Opposition's framework for evaluating the debate; and set up arguments for their partner (Member of Opposition) to develop further.
What is the fallacy of straw man, and why is it problematic in debate rounds? Provide an example.
The straw man fallacy occurs when a debater misrepresents or oversimplifies an opponent’s argument to make it easier to attack. It’s problematic because it distracts from the real issue and weakens the quality of argument clash.
Example: If one side argues for increased regulation of social media platforms, and the other responds by saying, "My opponent wants to destroy free speech," that’s a straw man fallacy.
What does it mean to clash with your opponent’s argument in a debate, and why is it essential for effective argumentation?
Clashing means directly responding to and engaging with your opponent’s arguments rather than ignoring them. It’s essential because it demonstrates active debate, weakens the opposing case, and helps control the narrative of the round. Judges expect clash to see which side better supports their position under scrutiny.
Explain how ethos is established in a debate and how it can be damaged during a round.
Ethos is established through demonstration of knowledge, good character, and goodwill. It's developed via preparation, citing credible sources, acknowledging opposing views fairly, maintaining professional delivery, and demonstrating expertise. It can be damaged by factual errors, misrepresenting sources, poor conduct, or emotional outbursts.
Compare the advantages and disadvantages of extemporaneous vs. impromptu delivery in debate.
Extemporaneous: Prepared but flexible, allows for organization while maintaining conversational tone, requires preparation time but adapts to the moment. Impromptu: Completely spontaneous, authentic and responsive, may lack organization or miss key points, tests thinking under pressure. Extemporaneous is generally preferred for debate as it balances preparation with adaptability.
Explain how the Government and Opposition teams should divide their speaking time differently in parliamentary debate.
Government team should spend more time building their case at the beginning, clearly explaining their position and setting up their arguments. Opposition team should spend more time directly responding to what Government said and then offering their own counter-arguments. Government focuses on building something new, while Opposition balances between attacking the Government's case and offering alternatives. Government needs to plan ahead for Opposition attacks, while Opposition must be ready to adapt to whatever Government presents.
Define the appeal to popularity (ad populum) fallacy. Why is it flawed reasoning in debate, and how can it be refuted?
The appeal to popularity (ad populum) fallacy assumes that because a belief or action is popular, it must be correct or justified. It’s flawed because the popularity of an idea doesn't determine its truth or ethical value.
Refutation strategy: Point out that majority opinion has been wrong in history (e.g., beliefs about the Earth being flat) and redirect the debate toward evidence and reasoning rather than public opinion.
Compare and contrast propositions of fact, value, and policy. Give an example of each.
Fact propositions assert what is/was true (e.g., "Climate change is accelerating"). Value propositions make judgments about worth/morality (e.g., "Universal healthcare is ethical"). Policy propositions advocate action (e.g., "The government should ban single-use plastics"). Facts establish reality, values establish priorities, and policies establish courses of action.
Explain how overusing one rhetorical appeal can weaken a debater’s case. Choose either ethos, pathos, or logos and provide an example of how it might backfire.
Overusing pathos can weaken a case by making it seem manipulative or lacking substance.
Example: If a debater relies only on tragic anecdotes about homelessness without offering evidence-based solutions or logical reasoning, judges may view the case as emotionally exploitative and unbalanced, reducing its persuasive power.
Analyze how nonverbal communication (gestures, posture, facial expressions) can strengthen or weaken a debater’s credibility (ethos) during a round. Give two examples.
Strong, controlled gestures and upright posture convey confidence and credibility.
Example: Open hand gestures while explaining a point builds trust.
Weak: Fidgeting or avoiding eye contact signals nervousness and weakens ethos.