Mrs. Clancy – Mr. Moll – Mr. RampullaApril 2009

LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE

BRIEF DEFINITIONLincoln-Douglas debate is a

one-on-one argumentation in which debaters attempt to convince the judge of the acceptability of their side of a proposition. 

One debater shall argue the affirmative side of the resolution, and one debater shall argue the negative side of the resolution in a given round.

FORMAT AND TIME LIMITATIONS 1st Affirmative Constructive, 4

minutesCross-examination by negative, 2

minutes1st Negative Constructive, 4

minutesCross-examination by affirmative,

2 minutesRebuttals1st Affirmative Rebuttal, 2 minutesNegative Rebuttal, 4 minutes2nd Affirmative Rebuttal, 2 minutes

DELIVERY Communication with the audience is to be considered a high priority. 

Oral delivery in Lincoln-Douglas debate is to be communicative and persuasive.

EVIDENCE Supporting evidence adds to

the persuasiveness of the reasoning and argumentation of the debate. 

WHENEVER A DEBATER QUOTES AT ANY LENGTH THE WORDS OF ANOTHER, THE FACT MUST BE PLAINLY STATED. There must be full source citation even if not orally delivered.

CROSS-EXAMINATION  During the questioning period, both opponents

face the judge.  The questioner shall control the use of time

during the period and shall only ask questions.  Questioners may not comment on the answers

or make any statements of their own views during the cross-examination period. 

PURPOSE OF CROSS EXAMINATION

1. Ask for information to gain clarification and understanding.

2. Set up strategies to use in developing further argumentation.

3. Discover fallacies or inconsistencies in opponent's argumentation.

Why Debate?Debate will give you the opportunity to

explore your beliefs, values, and intelligence.You will get out of debate exactly what you

are willing to put into it.