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Debate Basics
+DEBATE
A debate is a formal argument in which two opposing teams propose or attack a given proposition or motion in a series of speeches.
+THE PROPOSITION, MOTION OR RESOLUTIONThis is the statement of judgment that identifies the central issue in controversy.
A proposition may be one of fact, value or policy.
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Clearly state the controversy;
Contain only one central idea;
Be stated in neutral language;
Propose a change in the existing state of things or status quo
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSITION OF POLICY
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Resolved: that government should actively encourage the advancement of research on human cloning.
EXAMPLE OF A PROPOSITION OF POLICY
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This is the obligation of the advocates to prove their case, i.e., to provide good and sufficient reasons for adopting the proposition.
THE BURDEN OF PROOF
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It is the Affirmative that always carries the burden of proof. One who asserts must prove.
TAKE NOTE
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This is the obligation to counter or oppose arguments that harm one’s position.
BURDEN OF REBUTTAL OR REFUTATION
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While the burden of proof always stays with the Affirmative, the burden of rebuttal shifts between the two sides as the debate progresses.
TAKE NOTE
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These are standard claims that are applicable to many propositions.
STOCK ISSUES
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For policy debates, the stock issues are drawn from three basic elements: justification (necessity), plan (practicability), and advantages (beneficiality).
STOCK ISSUES
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Looks into the need (or lack of need) for the policy change and discusses the presence (or absence) of an inherent flaw in the status quo.
JUSTIFICATION (NECESSITY)
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Considers the feasibility (or lack of feasibility) of the policy change and includes matters of law and finance.
PLAN (PRACTICABILITY)
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Discusses advantages (or disadvantages) of adopting the change and mentions specific beneficiaries and benefits.
ADVANTAGES (BENEFICIALITY)
+DEBATE GROUPSS. Y. 2013-2014(A table of random numbers was generated to determine the group composition.)
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Group 1
18251513241037173835
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Group 2
163423281
392739
22
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Group 3
21146
1211302033325
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Group 4
48
363126402927
19
+THE DEBATE TEAM
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She will be responsible for mobilizing the group.
She will also be one of the debaters/speakers.
Team Leader
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They will represent and give voice to the team’s stand during the class debate.
Two Other Debaters/Speakers
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They help prepare the team’s stand. They take note of the other team’s points and help formulate responses or counterarguments.
If a speaker is absent or is unavailable, one of the scribes takes her place.
Two Scribes
+Four to Five ResearchersThey supply the team with matter, i.e., evidence to support its stand.
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