Study Guide Debate Packet Format Where to Begin Avoid One On One

Debate Packet Format:

This packet was designed to be:

• Brief: Elaborate examples and explanations have been eliminated in a hope that each debater will read the packet from front to back. However, because not all concepts are well explained you will need to ask for help with areas that you do not understand.
• Structured: An attempt has been made to structure concepts into a usable form. You should be able to transfer many items directly from this packet into your arguments, i.e. topicality standards.
• In-depth: Every effort has been made to cover all major issues used in C-X debate. If you understand and apply the information in this packet, you will be the best debater that I've ever encountered.

Return to top
Return to main directory

Where to Begin:

This packet should be used as a study guide. Since you will not be able to absorb all of the information overnight, you will need to establish some sort of study routine. I suggest the following:

• Determine What You Know: On the Terminology sheet inside this packet, check off the words that you understand the meaning and know how to apply in a debate.
• List Shortcomings: Make a list of all of the problems you have experienced in the past and the reasons why you lost any rounds.
• Read This Packet And Make Notes: Check off the items in this packet that you already know and use, make a list of new concepts that you believe you can use in future debates, and place a question mark beside the items that you do not understand.
• Debate And Try Something New: Set a goal to try at least one new concept in every round you debate - pull one out of this packet and use it. At first, your debating will suffer because you will feel uncomfortable and will lack experience using new concepts. But remember practice rounds are intended to promote learning, not simply to win.
• Resolve to Solve Problems: Be determined not to loose the same issue twice or be satisfied with a weakness that others overlook. Work on perfecting your ability to argue using more structured and complex approaches. If you experienced a problem or weakness - solve it
• Prepare For Coming Battles: With the skills you now have, you may be able to win 90 percent of your rounds. But what about that 1 in 10? Prepare for the formidable battles that are yet to come.

Return to top
Return to main directory

Avoid One On One:

Many debaters will argue one on one with their opponents, i.e. Negative argues point A is true and the Affirmative will argue that point A is not true - this is called direct refutation.

• Direct refutation only works with significance and inherency; it does not work with Topicality, Solvency, or Desirability.
• These three areas require special strategies that have been included in this packet under: Topicality - Reasonable Limits Topicality - Non-Representative Disadvantages Solvency - Workability Solvency - PMN/PMA Evidence Tests - Shotgun Blasts - Chasing Squirrels - Grouping Cross-Examination Strategies - Counterplans.
• Shelbyville debaters have not done well using these strategies; and, if you can add them to your bag of tricks, winning rounds will become much easier.
• One on one debating leads to an even draw and open doors allowing the judge to make a decision on something other than the best arguments.

Return to top
Return to main directory