Debate Vocabulary Unit One

Question 0

Claim

Answer 0

Statement must be controversial

Controversial statement a debater supports or refutes with argument

Question 1

Debate

Answer 1

The process of arguing about controversial statements in situations where a judge/audience decides the outcome

Question 2

Argument

Answer 2

Using reason to communicate claims

Question 3

Affirmative Team

Answer 3

Team supporting the resoulution

Question 4

Negative team

Answer 4

The team that argues against the Affirmative Team’s position

Question 5

Judges

Answer 5

Individuals who listen to debates, decide the winner, and rank participants

Question 6

Status quo

Answer 6

The generally held opinion prior to the start of a debate. The proposition argues to change it in some manner.

Question 7

Proposition

Answer 7

A suggestion that is offered for consideration or acceptance

Question 8

Types of Proposition

Answer 8

Value: Debate of opinions
Fact: Debate of facts
Policy: Debate proposing a change of procedure or call to action

Question 9

Proponent

Answer 9

The side that will argue the proposition

Question 10

Opposition

Answer 10

The side that will argue against the proposition

Question 11

Resolution

Answer 11

Formal Subject in a debate

Question 12

Rebuttal

Answer 12

Statements claiming that some proposition (suggestion) is untrue or incorrect

Question 13

Refutation

Answer 13

The process of attacking and defending arguments

Question 14

Brief

Answer 14

A summary of all evidence to be used in a debate

Question 15

Proof

Answer 15

Evidence supporting the team’s position or used to belittle or defeat the opposing view