Intramural Debate Helper Page
The CEDA National Organization awarded our Intramural Program a top three Public Debate Program in the Nation trophy.

t t t t t t

  • You will be affirmative (for the resolution) in one debate and negative (against the affirmative) in the other debate.

  • For the affirmative, do this:
    Take your position on the resolution. If the topic is for affirmative action, then take your position in favor of affirmative action.
    List out and give support for two to four reasons in favor of your position. 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 positions the affirmative might take in favor of the resolution.
    Think through what arguments the affirmative might present in favor of their position and mentally prepare responses to those arguments (you can write down notes on those too).
    Think through your own arguments against the affirmative position—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 affirmative is going to argue for nuclear power to provide energy—you could argue for solar power instead.

  • 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 at 4:00 p.m. the day of the tournament. Frequently, a debater will be there to help you prepare for your debates.

t t t t t

Questions should be directed to Jim Hanson at hansonjb@whitman.edu