Part 2

Question 0

Contention

Answer 0

in a constructive speech, these are the main arguments that the debater uses to build their case for or against the resolution. There should be at least two contentions in each build their case for or against the resolution. THere should be at least two contentions in each constructive, and each contention should have evidence.

Question 1

Constructive

Answer 1

In a debate, each debater´s fist speech. In this speech, the debater constructs his or her argument based on whether he-she affirms or negates the resolution. There are at least two contentions in each constructive, and the debater is expected to use evidence and reasoning to support their claims and arguments.

Question 2

Cross Examination

Answer 2

a question-and-answer period where opponents ask a speaker questions his or her constructive speech. Questions may be written before or during the constructive speech.

Question 3

Rebuttal

Answer 3

this is the final portion of the debate, where debaters highlight the main points of the debate, give any last counterarguments for their opponents’ case, and reiterate any of their own points and arguments which were not successfully attacked or refuted by their opponent

Question 4

Burden of Proof

Answer 4

in a debate the burden of proof is always the responsibility of the affirmative side. It is heir job to probe to the audience and judges that the resolutions needs to be accepted, and to provide sufficient evidence and reasoning to support that argument.

Question 5

Burden of REfutation

Answer 5

in a debate, the negative side always bears the responsibility of disproving the arguments and case of the affirmative. Since we assume the status quo is acceptable, neg doesn’t need to focus their attention on supporting it, but rather on convincing the audience and judges that the affirmative case is not worth supporting.

Question 6

Fallacy

Answer 6

an error in logic and/or reasoning resulting fro a misconception or presumption.

Question 7

Fiat Power

Answer 7

In a debate, the assumption by the affirmative that the plan (policy) can be passed into law, despite the inherit barriers which exist in the status quo which have kept the plan fro passing. This keeps the debate focused on the resolution, and not theoretical issues which keep it from being a reality already.

Question 8

Status quo

Answer 8

latin for “the state in which”, meaning the present situation in which we find ourselves. Essentially, it’s the way things are right now.

Question 9

Stock Issues

Answer 9

in Policy debate, the three logical issues which present themselves when considering whether or not to affirm a resolution. The specific issues are defined below.

Question 10

Harms

Answer 10

the first stock issue, which asks,”What’s wrong with the way it is?”

Question 11

Inherency

Answer 11

another stock issue, which asks, “Why can’t the problems (harms) be fixed on their
own­­why do we have to do what the resolution says to fix them?”

Question 12

Plan

Answer 12

the proposal by the affirmative of how the resolution will be adopted and put into action by the governing body

Question 13

Solvency

Answer 13

the final stock issue, which explains how the plan will solve the problems that currently exist (harms) and the barriers which keep them from fixing themselves (inherency)

Question 14

Disadvantage

Answer 14

in a Policy Debate, the basic arguments which the negative uses to refute the affirmation of the resolution. They can claim that the benefits of the plan can be attained in other ways (uniqueness) or that the plan can cause more problems than it solves (impact).