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- You will be
affirmative (for the resolution) in one debate and negative (against the
resolution) in the other debate.
- For
the affirmative, do this:
Take
your position on the resolution. If the topic is for affirmative action,
then you support affirmative action.
List out and give support for two to four reasons in favor of
affirmative action. Give examples, logic, etc. to support each of your
reasons.
Think through what the negative is going to say against you and think
through responses to those arguments.
- For the negative
side, do this:
Think
through what arguments the affirmative might present in favor of the
resolution and mentally prepare responses to those arguments (you can
write down notes on those too).
Think through your own arguments against the resolution—show that it
would be bad; that it would be harmful.
Further, consider: would a different way of changing things be superior
to the change supported by the affirmative? If so, argue for that. For
example, if the resolution is for nuclear power to provide energy—you
could argue for solar power instead. (see the tournament rules to make
sure your arguments are permitted)
- NOTE: In ALL DIVISIONS, you may not present debate
theory arguments (e.g. ASPEC), generic disadvantages or kritiks. You MUST argue against the specific
affirmative case presented against you (e.g. if they say solar power is
good; you need to argue against solar power). You can argue that the
affirmative case does not follow the resolution.
- Get a sponsor
from the speech and debate team. Your sponsor will help you prepare your
case, practice, etc. To get a sponsor, just ask any member of the speech
and debate team. You can contact them from this web page: Speech and Debate Team Members.
You
can also show up at Hunter Conservatory Foyer by 4:00 p.m. the day of the
tournament for a “Help you Prepare” Session where you will work one-on-one
with a debater.
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