Policy Debate Format
First affirmative constructive (3 – 5 minutes) can be completely written and learned in advance!
Introduction
- Opening - state your name and partner’s name and that you are speaking for the affirmative; express pleasure for opportunity to debate the topic; state the resolution
- Define key terms
- Present your thesis statement to show where you are going, e.g., This is a serious problem and the present system will not solve the problem; our plan will solve the problem
Body
- Describe the issue, using a combination of logos, ethos, and pathos
- Support the affirmative case with 4 –6 contentions, have at least 3 supporting pieces of evidence and reasoning (save at least 1 for rebuttal)
- Establish the need for change – why this is a serious problem (qualitative/quantitative)
- Establish the harm of the present system – people or other living beings are hurt physically, emotionally, financially, socially
- Establish how the present system contributes to the problem (inherency)
- Briefly introduce your plan and how it solves the problem
Conclusion
- Summarize your position. Say “Thank you.”
First negative constructive (3 – 5 minutes)
Introduction
- Greet - state your name and partner’s name and that you are speaking for the negative; express pleasure for the opportunity to debate the topic of ____
- Either accept the affirmative’s definitions or correct definitions presented by affirmative
- Describe the issue from the point of view of the negative
- Introduce your case with your thesis statement: “We intend to prove that there is no need to . . .
Body
- State negative philosophy by presenting 4 – 6 contentions; have at least 3 pieces of evidence and reasoning to support them (save at least 1 to reestablish during rebuttal)
- Refute the need for change; explain why the status quo is preferable (defend present system)
- Deny that the present system contributes to the problem (inherency)
- Why there is no reason for change; diminish significance (quantitative/qualitative)
- Why change could be worse than the present system
- Attack the need for a plan, possibly why it will cause more harm than good
- (Optional advanced strategy! You can accept that the status quo could be changed in a MINOR way; then introduce a counter plan that is significantly different from the affirmative’s plan.)
- Clash: Refute affirmative’s points with evidence and reasoning
Conclusion
- Summarize the negative case so far. Say “Thank you.”
Second affirmative constructive (3 – 5 minutes)
Introduction
- Present overview of the debate so far, contrasting affirmative and negative positions
- Defend definitions of terms and topicality, if necessary
- Present a thesis statement to show where you are going, e.g., _______ is a problem that must be solved and our plan will do it.
Body
- Attack the negative philosophy defending the present system, especially harm and significance
- Clash. Directly address each of the specific challenges issued by the negative
- Reestablish why change is necessary
- Explain your plan with details; describe the benefits of the plan, how the plan will solve the problem
Conclusion
- End with an appeal to adopt the resolution. Say “Thank you.”
Second negative constructive (3 – 5 minutes)
Introduction
- Review / reinforce negative philosophy
- Present thesis, e.g., We will prove that there isn’t a problem, that the plan is bad, that the plan is unnecessary
Body
- Present contentions, attacking the plan as undesirable, unable to solve needs, or unnecessary
- Practicality, workability – specific elements of the plan
- Solvency – demonstrate that the plan is not capable of solving the problem
- Disadvantages – explain that more harm will result from the plan than the status quo
- Injustices – explain that the plan affects some individuals or groups more than others
- Deny the supposed benefits of the plan
- If the affirmative neglected to present a plan, make a HUGE deal of its omission
- Clash. Counter all affirmative challenges directly and specifically
- Refute the affirmative case as a whole
Conclusion
- Summarize problems of the plan; say: That is why we cannot adopt the resolution. Thank you.
First negative rebuttal speech (2 – 3 minutes) – summarize and reiterate
- Clash: Refute the arguments introduced by the second affirmative, point by point
- Again attack affirmative’s justification for change
- Summarize the entire negative block
- End with instructions: We must not allow . . .
First affirmative rebuttal speech (2 – 3 minutes) –be the savior- regain control after 8 negative minutes!
- Refute negative’s plan objections; point out fallacies in reasoning
- Rebuild your case at major points of attack; offer new evidence to support your contentions
- Clash. Respond to all the arguments from the second negative constructive arguments and first negative rebuttal; defend and resupport the arguments you can
Second negative rebuttal speech (2 – 3 minutes) - last chance for the negative side to speak
- Rebuild your case at major points of attack; offer new evidence to support your contentions
- Explain why your side should win: Review plan objections and disadvantages, refuting affirmative’s responses; point out any issues dropped by the affirmative
- Summarize the negative position in a dramatic way; call for rejection of the proposal
- Thank the audience and judge(s)
Second affirmative rebuttal speech (2 – 3 minutes) - last speech!
- Point out any arguments dropped by the negative; these are considered your points now
- Respond to objections negative made to your plan and point out those that were dropped by the second negative rebuttalist; dropped arguments are conceded arguments!
- Remind the judges of your arguments and why they are more important than the negative’s
- Be dramatic in your big picture. Make your audience care! End with a strong appeal to adopt the resolution, to accept the proposal.
- Thank the audience and the judge(s)
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