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| The formal statement of the issue to be debated. During the debate, the speakers take opposing sides on the proposition. It is a statement of policy, not of fact. It should propose a specific change in existing conditions or policies. |
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| The side of the debate that argues for the change advocated in the proposition. During the debate, the affirmative side presents arguments and evidence to support the proposition. |
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| The side of the debate that argues against the change advocated in the proposition. During the debate, the negative side presents arguments and evidence to oppose the proposition. |
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| The statement of an objective reason that directly supports the position of either the affirmative side or the negative side. |
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| Facts, statistics, expert testimony, or other specific details that directly support an argument. |
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| A complete outline of all the necessary definitions, arguments, and evidence on both sides of a proposition. |
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| An effort by speakers to answer or disprove arguments presented by the other side in a debate. |
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| The first speech given by each debater. Both affirmative and negative speakers use their constructive speeches to present the arguments in support of their positions. Except for the first speaker in the debate, they may include some refutation in their constructive speech. |
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Term
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Definition
| A speech in which refutation is the primary activity. Usually, each debater gives one constructive speech and later, one rebuttal speech, half as long as the constructive speech. In his or her rebuttal speech, the debater may also try to bolster arguments refuted by the other side, clarify positions, and summarize arguments. |
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Term
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Definition
| An opposing team member may request information from the speaker (who may decline). If the speaker agrees to allow it, they cede that time to the questioner (generally up to 15 seconds). |
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