by Joel Erickson | Feb 28, 2022 | Concept Analysis, Theory
In October 2021, we published an article interrogating trichotomy, debate lingo for the classic tripartite categorization of resolutions as fact, value, or policy. Before you continue reading, make sure you revisit the original piece—this analysis depends on...
by Ben Brown | Jan 19, 2022 | Concept Analysis, From Advanced to National-Class, Theory
I’ve found that a major downside of dedicating time to speech and debate instead of some other high school extracurricular is that it’s painful not being able to tell everyone about my amazing escapades in certain rounds. Sure, if I played basketball, anybody...
by Jeremiah Mosbey | Jan 5, 2022 | Counterplans, From Advanced to National-Class, Theory, TP
There has been no shortage of content covering counterplans over the years, but unfortunately there has been a lack of resources for those who already understand the theory. If you are one of those brave debaters who understands the risks and still wants to run a CP,...
by Joel Erickson | Oct 11, 2021 | Concept Analysis, Theory
Debaters traditionally classify resolutions into three different categories—fact, value, and policy. Often called “trichotomy,” this three-pronged division conventionally unfolds as follows: Fact resolutions are “descriptive,” assessing “(scientifically) testable...
by Anthony Severin | Jul 11, 2021 | Advocacy, Basics, Counterplans, Fiat, From Advanced to National-Class, Negative, Theory, Uncategorized
What must an affirmative team do to win a policy debate round? The affirmative should win if they convince the judge that the audience and the debaters are better off if the judge votes affirmative. Conversely, the negative should win if they convince the judge that...
by Ellie Harris | May 1, 2021 | Advocacy, Affirmatives, From Intermediate to Advanced, Negative
In Voting Issues Part I, we discussed three common problems surrounding voters and how to avoid them by not running voters at all. But this doesn’t mean you should never run voters! It’s important to understand how to debate without voters, but at the same time many...
