In formal debate, the statement to be argued is called:
A) The thesis
B) The resolution
C) The hypothesis
D) The premise
What is the role of the affirmative team in a debate?
A) To oppose the resolution
B) To ask questions only
C) To support and defend the resolution
D) To judge the debate
What is the role of the negative team in a debate?
A) To support the resolution
B) To oppose and refute the resolution
C) To remain neutral
D) To present new evidence only
What is a constructive speech in debate?
A) A speech where you attack the opponent's arguments
B) A speech where you build and present your team's main arguments
C) A speech where you summarize the debate
D) A speech where you ask the opponent questions
What is a rebuttal speech in debate?
A) The first speech of the debate
B) A speech focused on refuting the opponent's arguments and defending your own
C) A speech introducing new arguments
D) A speech asking questions
What is cross-examination in debate?
A) A period where the judge asks questions
B) A period where one debater questions an opposing debater to clarify, expose weaknesses, or set up arguments
C) A time for private team discussion
D) The opening statement
What does 'burden of proof' mean in debate?
A) The negative team must prove the resolution false
B) The affirmative team must provide sufficient evidence and reasoning to prove the resolution is true
C) Both teams share equal burden
D) The judge decides who has the burden
What is 'presumption' in debate?
A) It always favors the affirmative
B) It favors the negative — the current state of affairs is assumed acceptable until proven otherwise
C) It favors neither side
D) It is determined by a coin flip
In team policy debate, how many speakers does each team typically have?
A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Four