This document provides guidance on developing reasonable and balanced definitions for debate motions. It explains that the most reasonable definition should consider the context and spirit of the motion to create the best debate. Definitions should not be truisms, tautologies, or "squirrel" away from the topic. The affirmative should offer a definition that allows for strong arguments on both sides and feels reasonable for the opponent to address. Parameters can also be used to further focus the definition. Sample definitions are then provided for some debate motions.

1. DEFINITION,
PARAMETER

2. Definition
Golden Rule :
Most reasonable definition =
Context + Spirit of the motion
 The most reasonable definition creates the best debate.
 It is the 1st
affirmative’s job to offer the most reasonable
definition. His/her role fulfillment is partially assessed
based on how reasonable is the definition offered.
 So, it is in the affirmative’s interest to offer the most
reasonable definition.

3. Definition (cont’d)
 Context
What is happening in the world or a specific region that
relates to the topic? Those issues should be the focus
of the debate.
 Spirit of the motion
 What sort of debate was envisioned when this motion
was chosen?
Hint: an issue that would make a good debate.
 Your definition must create a reasonably balanced
debate, with enough issues to be sustained over the
course of the debate.

4. Definition (cont’d)
 Bad definitions
 Truism (true by nature)
Ex: Motion : The sun rises from the East
Def : The sun rises everyday from the East.
What negative can say?
 Tautology (self-proving)
Motion : THBT Modern technology is dangerous
Definition : modern technology that when it is operated
will automatically kill millions people is dangerous

5. Definition (cont’d)
 Squirreling – not in the spirit of the motion
Motion: THBT PRC should give independence to Tibet
Def : Public Roswell Clinic should let its patient named
Tibet to choose her medication.
 Unreasonable place setting
THW send UN Peace-keeping Troops
Def: THW send UN Peace Keeping Troops to help
Diponegoro War at 1825.

6. Definition (cont’d)
Test:
 Key question – does it create a good debate?
 Can you think of several strong arguments for the
opponent?
 Is it reasonable to assert that the opponent sho uld
know about the issue?

7. Definition (cont’d)
Risks of a bad definition:
 Definitional challenge  ruins the debate and your
speaker scores!
 Confused/angry adjudicators.
 Reputation as a team that plays dirty – even if you
didn’t mean to!

8. Definition (cont’d)
 Don’t know what the debate is about?
 Remember, you’re still required to offer the most
reasonable definition.
 You can’t apply the ‘context + spirit of the motion’ rule,
so…
 Break down the motion into parts that make sense to
you.
 Use principles that apply across the board (ie. role of
government, economic theories, etc.)

9. Parameter
 Parameter: it is the limitation of your case
Ex: THBT school tuition should be free
Def: Indonesia students should not pay for SPP
Parameter : for SD students.

10. Your turn…
 Make a definition for these topics:
- This House would allow abortion
- This House would ban smoking in public
places
- THBT police who conducts coercion should
be penalized.
- THBT UAN system is not effective.