Formal Debate Reference Sheet

The art of effective or persuasive speaking and writing

Ethos (character/credibility), Pathos (emotion), Logos (logic/reason)

Persuasion through the speaker's character, credibility, and authority

Persuasion through emotional appeal — evoking feelings in the audience

Persuasion through logical reasoning, facts, and evidence

The right or opportune moment for an argument — timing and context matter

The main point or thesis that the speaker is trying to prove

Facts, statistics, examples, or expert testimony that support the claim

The logical connection between the evidence and the claim — why the evidence supports the claim

Part of the Toulmin model

A response that challenges or disproves an opponent's argument

An argument made in opposition to another argument, anticipating the other side's position

The obligation of the person making a claim to provide sufficient evidence to support it

A framework with six parts: claim, grounds (evidence), warrant, backing, qualifier, and rebuttal

Deductive: general to specific (certain conclusion); Inductive: specific to general (probable conclusion)

The specific statement or proposition being debated — one side affirms it, the other negates it

Affirmative (for the resolution) and Negative (against the resolution)

A one-on-one debate format focusing on values and philosophical arguments, named after the Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858

A period where one debater questions the other to clarify arguments, expose weaknesses, or set up their own case

The initial speeches where each side presents their main arguments and evidence

Later speeches that respond to the opponent's arguments and defend your own position

An original, firsthand account or document from the time period being studied

An analysis, interpretation, or summary of primary sources by someone not directly involved

It comes from a reliable, expert, and unbiased source; it is current, verifiable, and relevant

A brief personal story used to illustrate a point — persuasive but not strong logical evidence alone

Correlation means two things occur together; causation means one actually causes the other

Clear organization, confident delivery, eye contact, appropriate pace, and strong evidence

A verbal cue that helps the audience follow the structure of your argument (e.g., 'First...', 'My second point is...')

To accurately understand and respond to your opponent's arguments rather than attacking a straw man

Taking organized notes during the debate to track arguments, responses, and dropped points

Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, Delivery

The process of discovering arguments and evidence to support your case

Organizing your arguments in the most effective order

Aristotle (also Cicero and Quintilian as major figures)

Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric — the three verbal arts that form the foundation of classical learning