The document provides guidance on structuring arguments for a debate. It recommends introducing the theme, defining key terms, and outlining 3 main arguments supported by evidence like examples, statistics and quotes. It also suggests anticipating opposing arguments and preparing rebuttals by identifying questions opponents may ask and ways to defend your own points. The overall structure involves an introduction, presenting the case and conclusion in both the opening and subsequent speeches.

2. Plan
1. Introducing the team
2. Case:
• Theme; actuality; importance
• Definitions
• Framework / Criteria
• Arguments (3/2) + explanations +
support/evidence (examples, statistics,
quotes)
• Summarizing
3. Destructive arguments
4. Rebuttal

3. Case Building
1. Theme: A theme is a single, short sentence that explains the main
idea behind your case. The purpose of a theme is to show the 'big
picture' behind your argumentation and its importance/actuality.
Every speaker should (possibly repeatedly) state the theme in
his/her speech.
2. Definition: The purpose of a definition is not so much to explain
what the words of the motion mean in general, but rather what they
mean in the context of your debate.
3. Framework: In some cases, especially for complicated topics, is
makes sense for a proposition to explicitly name criteria the
arguments of your debate should be judged upon. This is called a
framework and can be used to limit the „battleground“ of your
debate.
4. Arguments: 3(2) individual reasons that support your side. Also
think about how to support them.
5. Destructive arguments: Sometimes there are some arguments
that are absolutely destructive for your side of the debate. Make
sure you identify those and prepare to oppose them.
6. Rebuttal: Think of some fundamental points of the opposing side
and find ways of attacking them.

4. Label
argument #1
Evidence
Examples
Statistics
Quotes
Explanation/
Justification
Summary
Label
argument #2
Evidence
Examples
Statistics
Quotes
Explanation/
Justification
Summary
Label
argument #3
Evidence
Examples
Statistics
Quotes
Explanation/
Justification
Summary

5. 1. Label - a single sentence that can be used when referring to the
argument; particularly useful for adjudicators, so speak slowly.
2. Explanation - theoretical reasoning explaining why the argument is true.
This part should lead the audience to wonder: „OK, this sounds good, but is
it actually true in real life?“
3. Evidence - one or two pieces of evidence showing that the argument is
not merely theoretical; should lead the audience to wonder: „Alright, this
must be true, but how does it support your case?“; evidence may consist of:
• examples (current events, past events, history)
• statistics
• quotes
• ...
• weak evidence: personal experience, hypothetic examples.
4. Summary (link) - shows how what you just proved supports your side of
the debate; throughout a lengthy argument, the audience may well lose
track of what connects your reasoning to the motion, so this can be of
crucial importance.

6. Argument
for/against
Explanation
Evidence
Examples Statistics Quotes
#1
#2
#3

7. Affirmative Side Negative (Opposition) Side
1st
speaker
1. Greeting. Introduction.
2. Define the topic and
present the team line.
3. Introduce the definition
and criteria / framework.
4. Introduce the speakers
and outline what each
speaker will say.
5. Begin your team’s
arguments: label them &
support.
6. Summarize your own case
1. Greeting. Introduction.
2. Present the team line.
3. Accept or challenge / reject the
definition and criteria (if reject
then justify).
4. Introduce the speakers and
outline what each speaker will
say (also called Team Split).
5. Rebuttal.
6. Begin your team’s arguments:
label them & support.
7. Summarize your own case.
2nd
speaker
1. Introduction.
2. Reaffirm the team line.
3. Rebut some of the arguments of the opponent’s side.
4. Summarize your own first speaker (optional). Support
arguments with reasons and evidence.
5. Summarize your team case.
3rd
speaker
1. Introduction.
2. Reaffirm the team line.
3. Rebut the arguments of the opposition side,
4. Summarize your side’s arguments.
5. Present a conclusion (also called Ending).

8. Structuring Reply Speeches(feel free to be creative, this is just a hint):
1. Introduction:
• welcome back, possibly restate team line;
• say you are going to summarize / again have a look at clash points).
2. Clash points:
• 2-5 major points both sides have been arguing about;
• say what both sides said and why the argument falls to your side.
3. Questions:
• 3-6 rhetorical questions the answer to which should imply your side is
right, framing the major clash points.
4. Creative Part (or so we may call it) e.g.:
• philosophical context;
• contrast between sides;
• similes, imagery;
• outlook.
General tips: speak slowly, use gestures, make it enjoyable to listen to, don't
refute single points, don't bring new arguments.

9. Round Time
Speech: A 1 3 (6 min)
Cross-questioning: N 3 – A 1 2 (3 min)
Speech: N 1 3 (6 min)
Cross-questioning: A 3 – N 1 2 (3 min)
Speech: A 2 3 (6 min)
Cross-questioning: N 1 – A 2 2 (3 min)
Speech: N 2 3 (6 min)
Cross-questioning: A 1 – N 2 2 (3 min)
Speech: A 3 3 (5 min)
Speech: N 3 3 (5 min)
Preparation Time
Affirmative Party 5 (5 min)
Negative Party 5 (7 min)

10. 1. Know in advance how to oppose destructive arguments.
How opponents can
ruin your arguments
How to defend your own points / overcome or
oppose their arguments
#1
#2
#3
Sometimes there are some arguments that are absolutely destructive for
your side of the debate. Make sure you identify those and prepare to
oppose them.
2. Know in advance what questions your opponents can ask you to ruin
your arguments and get ready to answer them.
Your opponents
questions
How to answer their questions to defend your
own points
#1
#2
#3

12. Rebuttal:
1. Think of some fundamental points of the opposing side and find ways
of attacking them.
Argument against Your questions
#1
#2
#3
Argument against How to overcome/ Why don’t agree
#1
#2
#3