Parts of a Debate

In this tutorial you will learn the different

components of a debate: opening
statements, rebuttals, and closing
statements.
 Opening Statements
• It must have an intro, body, and conclusion
• Try to think of a slogan to tie everything together
Organization

• The opening statement should use logic, have information from experts (no
personal stories), and have citations on where your information is coming from.
Argument • All of your facts and statistics should be represented in this part of the debate
type

• Persuasive Word Choice

• Quotes, academic language, interviews and strong sources
Word Choice

• This should be at least 5 minutes in length

• The strongest speaker of the group should deliver this part of the debate
Length • All groups are required to have a power point during their opening statement.
Rebuttal Section

• 4-step process
Organization • Always relate it back to your
topic

• Must follow four steps

• You must be a quick thinker
Delivery • Can give a rebuttal ONLY during
the rebuttal section

• To get a passing grade you must

deliver at least 2 rebuttals that
Scoring follow the 4-step process
• Don’t ramble and get lost from
the topic
 The 4-Step Rebuttal
4.
1. They 3.
2. But Therefor
Say Because
e
You compare your
Your transition word opinion to your
You repeat what the (you could use opponents and
other team said something other discuss why yours
This is your reasoning defeats theirs
during their opening than but like
statement “however” for
example)

This is a critical skill

for debate

It can be support for

You clearly state your your
Practice shortening
counter argument counterargument or Your argument could
the quote from the
here. “But I it could be a criticism be: better reasoned,
other team
disagree…” of your opponents better evidenced, has
idea more importance or
experience
 Closing Statement
Organization
• Must include an intro, a body, and conclusion
• If you used a slogan in the opening statement you should repeat it here
• Repeat any of your most important facts and statistics from the opening
statement, but DO NOT introduce anything new.
• There are no rebuttals allowed in this section.

Argument
• You should be using the emotional argument here.
• This is the last the audience will hear from your side so make it count!

Length
• This should be at least 1-2 minutes in length.