Debate Topic: Additional Gun Control Is Needed in the United States

Debate Topic: Additional gun control is needed in the United States.

Constructive Speeches:

1.  Affirmative: presents case, including resolution, values, and contentions (6 minutes)

2.  Negative cross examination: asks questions for clarification and entrapment (3 min)

3.  Negative: presents case, including position on the resolution, counters to affirmative definitions deemed unacceptable, values (which may be same as the affirmative’s) and contentions, makes first attacks on affirmative case (7 min)

4.  Affirmative cross: asks questions for clarification and entrapment (3 min)

Rebuttal Speeches:

1.  Affirmative: first counters negative attacks and if time allows, rebuilds side (4 min)

2.  Negative: counters affirmative attacks, rebuilds side (6 min)

3.  Affirmative: rebuilds side while still countering the negative arguments (3 min)

Definitions:

Contention: A contention is a single point made by the affirmative or negative during their constructive speech to support their case. In the affirmative’s case, each contention would state a single reason why the resolution is correct. In the negative’s case, each contention would state a single reason why the resolution is wrong. Both the affirmative and the negative should have 2-5 contentions (I think 3 is a good number to aim for)

Value: A value is an abstract thing or idea, such as freedom or justice, that is considered desirable. These ideas are used by debators to prove the worth of their side of the debate. To win a Lincoln-Douglas debate, a debator must prove that is side is supported by at least one value.

Major Value: Freedom, Justice, Security, Equality, Life, Knowledge

Minor Value: Work, Leisure, Family, Beauty, Self-Esteem, Progress

Value Criterion: A means for deciding the debate given to the judge by each debator in his constructive, based on his values. For example, an affirmative whose value is Justice might offer the value criterion of “the advancement of Justice.” While the negative in the debate, whose value is freedom, would offer the criterion of “the preservation of freedom.” Value criterions are presented in the constructive case, right after the value