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- Affirmative/Pro. The side that “affirms” the resolution (is “pro” the issue). For example, the affirmative side in a debate using the resolution of policy, Resolved: The United States federal government should implement a poverty reduction program for its citizens, would advocate for federal government implementation of a poverty reduction program.
- Argument. A statement, or claim, followed by a justification, or warrant. Justifications are responses to challenges, often linked by the word “because.” Example: The sun helps people, because the sun activates photosynthesis in plants, which produce oxygen so people can breathe.
- Constructive Speech. The first speeches in a debate, where the debaters “construct” their cases by presenting initial positions and arguments.
- Cross-examination. Question and answer sessions between debaters.
- Debate. A deliberative exercise characterized by formal procedures of argumentation, involving a set resolution to be debated, distinct times for debaters to speak, and a regulated order of speeches given.
- Evidence. Supporting materials for arguments. Standards for evidence are field-specific. Evidence can range from personal testimony, statistical evidence, research findings, to other published sources. Quotations drawn from journals, books, newspapers, and other audio-visuals sources are rather common.
- Negative/Con. The side that “negates” the resolution (is “con” the issue). For example, the negative side in a debate using the resolution of fact, Resolved: Global warming threatens agricultural production, would argue that global warming does not threaten agricultural production.
- Preparation Time. Debates often necessitate time between speeches for students to gather their thoughts and consider their opponent's arguments. This preparation is generally a set period of time and can be used at any time by either side at the conclusion of a speech.
- Rebuttal Speech. The last speeches in a debate, where debaters summarize arguments and draw conclusions about the debate.
- Resolution. A specific statement or question up for debate. Resolutions usually appear as statements of policy, fact or value.
- Statement of policy. Involves an actor (local, national, or global) with power to decide a course of action. For example, Resolved: The United States federal government should implement a poverty reduction program for its citizens.
- Statement of fact. Involves a dispute about empirical phenomenon. For example, Resolved: Global warming threatens agricultural production.
- Statement of value. Involves conflicting moral dilemmas. For example, Resolved: The death penalty is a justified method of punishment.
- Topic. A general issue to debate. Topics could be “The Civil War,” “genetic engineering,” or “Great Books.”
