The Sept. - Oct. resolution is -
Resolved: TBA - will be announced on NFLonline.org
Description: Lincoln-Douglas is a one-on-one values debate. The debaters present logical arguments at a normal speed to persuade the judge. A round of Lincoln-Douglas lasts about forty minutes.
The first speech is the affirmative's, called the 1AC, and presents the debater's case for the resolution. The affirmative debate delivers a prepared speech which argues for the resolution in its entirety. Expect a brief introduction in which the resolution is stated followed by definitions of the resolution's terms, then an assertion of value (such as liberty, justice, or social good) with analysis to prove its importance. Criteria may be given to show how the debater intends to further that value. A few arguments, perhaps labeled "contentions" or "levels of analysis," show how the affirmative meets the criteria or the central value for the debate.
The negative debater will then cross-examine the affirmative speaker for three minutes. Both debaters should maintain eye contact with the judge, rather than with each other.
After the cross-examination period ends, the negative debater may use some of the allotted three minutes of preparation time to organize for the next speech. The debater may ask to have time called out in regular intervals to avoid using all, or most of it.
The next speech is the negative's, called the NC. The negative debater usually gives a prepared speech similar to the 1AC which negates the resolution in its entirety. The speech may include a counter-value or counter-criteria. Midway through the debater's time, the 1NC usually begins to refute the affirmative's case, clashing with values, criteria, or ways to meet an agreed-upon value.
Next, the affirmative debater cross-examines the negative for three minutes, and then will usually use some preparation time.
The first affirmative rebuttal, 1AR, is the speech that follows and is very difficult as it requires the affirmative to refute the negative case as well as the negative's responses to the affirmative case in just four minutes. Thus, the debater will address the main issues without being obligated to refute each and every argument, detail, or example advanced by the NC.
The negative follows with a six-minute NR to respond to the affirmative points and to wrap up the negative position. The debater may present new responses to arguments, but may not initiate entirely new arguments. New arguments should not affect decisions at the end of the round.
The last speech is the affirmative's, a three-minute 2AR, which wraps up the main issues of the debate and the affirmative positions on them. Crystallization is the key to a good 2AR. No new arguments should be presented. The 2AR is the last speech of the round.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD L-D DEBATE:
A good debater presents good, clear, logical arguments with plenty of analysis to prove the position. Evidence may be used alone to prove a point, but analysis should accompany a clear argument. Evidence and analysis are ideal. Examples are useful only as illustrations. The debate should involve conflicts that center around a key value or around the clash between values.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Time Format
AFFIRMATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE
(AC).................................................................6 Minutes
Cross-Examination...................................................................................3
Minutes
NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE
(NC)....................................................................7
Minutes
Cross-Examination...................................................................................3
Minutes
1ST AFFIRMATIVE REBUTTAL
(1AR).................................................................4 Minutes
NEGATIVE REBUTTAL
(NR)..........................................................................6
Minutes
2ND AFFIRMATIVE REBUTTAL
(2NR)................................................................3 Minutes
PREPARATION TIME FOR EACH
DEBATER..........................................................3 Minutes
