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Quizzes > Society & Culture > Philosophy & Ethics

Debate Basics Quiz: Test Your Skills Now

Think you've got what it takes? Dive into debate questions and answers!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Debate Basics Quiz with question marks thought bubbles answers on dark blue background

This debate quiz helps you practice clear claims, sound evidence, and quick rebuttals. Use it to get class‑ready or meet‑ready, check what you know, build sharper reasoning, and track your score. Want a quick warm‑up? Try current events trivia first.

What is the primary purpose of a 'round' in competitive debate?
A casual group discussion for teammates
A private meeting of judges to rank speeches
A structured session where teams present and exchange arguments on a resolution
A social event held before the competition
A debate round is a formal, timed session in which affirmative and negative teams present and rebut arguments on the given resolution. It provides a regulated environment for fair competition, ensures both sides can speak, and helps judges evaluate performance. Rounds follow a set format of speeches and cross-examinations.
Which side in a debate is known as the 'affirmative' side?
The team asking questions only
The team that judges the debate
The team opposing the resolution or motion
The team supporting the resolution or motion
In debate terminology, the 'affirmative' side supports or affirms the resolution being debated. They bear the initial burden to present a constructive case. The 'negative' side opposes the resolution.
What does the term 'rebuttal' refer to in a debate?
A speech introducing new arguments
A period for asking questions
A speech responding to and refuting opponent's arguments
A final summary speech with no interaction
A rebuttal is designed to directly address and refute the opposing team's arguments, highlighting weaknesses and reinforcing your case. It does not introduce significant new arguments but builds on existing ones. Effective rebuttals are crucial to swing judge perception.
What is the significance of speaking time limits in debates?
They allow judges to skip speeches
They are suggestions rather than rules
They measure the speed of delivery only
They ensure fairness and give both teams equal opportunity to speak
Time limits in debate enforce fairness, ensuring both sides have equal opportunity to present arguments and respond. They also help maintain a clear, structured format so judges can evaluate content consistently. Exceeding time typically results in penalties or loss of speaking opportunity.
What is 'cross-examination' in a policy debate format?
When coaches question judges
When audience members ask questions
A timed period where one debater questions the opposing speaker after their constructive speech
A break for debaters to prepare evidence
Cross-examination follows each constructive speech in policy debate, allowing one speaker to question the other directly. It clarifies arguments, exposes weaknesses, and sets up material for rebuttals. Mastery of this segment can significantly sway the round.
In Lincoln-Douglas debate, how many minutes is the first affirmative constructive speech?
10 minutes
8 minutes
6 minutes
4 minutes
Standard high school Lincoln-Douglas debate allocates 6 minutes for the first affirmative constructive speech (1AC). This time is used to present values, criteria, and supporting arguments. Timing rules ensure clear structure and fairness.
What does 'flowing' refer to in debate preparation?
A style of persuasive speaking technique
A method of note-taking to track arguments and responses
A rehearsal technique for group debates
Designing debate posters
Flowing is a specialized note-taking system debaters use to record and organize arguments, responses, and evidence throughout a round. It helps debaters track developments, identify clashing points, and plan rebuttals. Effective flowing is essential for high-level competition.
Which type of argument tries to prove that the opponent's contention is inherently contradictory?
Ad hominem
Slippery slope
Reductio ad absurdum
Straw man
A reductio ad absurdum argument demonstrates that the opponent's proposition leads to logically absurd or contradictory conclusions. By showing the internal inconsistency of their case, the debater undermines the entire position. It's a powerful tool in advanced debate.
What is a 'kritik' in competitive debate?
A style critique by judges
A preliminary research briefing
An argument challenging an opponent's underlying assumptions or discourse
A type of evidence document
A 'kritik' (often abbreviated 'K') examines and critiques the assumptions, language, or ideology underpinning an opponent's arguments rather than their content alone. It often proposes an alternative framework to judge the round. Kritiks are common in collegiate and advanced high school policy debate.
What is the difference between 'impact calculus' and 'impact comparison'?
Impact calculus quantifies magnitude and probability; impact comparison judges which impact is more significant
Calculus measures speed; comparison measures length
Calculus is oral; comparison is written
They are the same concept in debate
Impact calculus involves analyzing the magnitude, probability, and timeframe of a potential outcome. Impact comparison (weighing) then ranks competing impacts to determine which is more significant to the round. Distinguishing the two is vital for structured clash.
What is a 'topicality' argument in policy debates?
An argument about judge bias
A procedural objection that the opposing plan falls outside the resolution's terms
A type of value criterion
An argument about speaking order
Topicality is a procedural argument claiming that the opponent's case is not within the boundaries of the agreed-upon resolution. If a team wins topicality, they argue they should win the round on procedural grounds. It is one of the most common negative strategies.
In parliamentary debate, what is the purpose of the 'Point of Order'?
To challenge a procedural mistake or rule violation in the round
To propose a new resolution mid-round
To request a break for team strategy
To ask the judge for more time
A Point of Order is raised when a debater believes a rule or procedural format has been breached. If sustained by the chair, the round is corrected according to the rulebook. It ensures fair application of parliamentary procedures.
What is the 'Fiat' assumption in policy debate?
The assumption that judges will reject the plan
A term for final rebuttal speeches
The procedural construct that assumes the government can enact the proposed plan
An argument against the resolution's wording
The Fiat assumption allows debaters to argue hypothetical implementation of their plan without proving political feasibility. It shifts focus to advantages and disadvantages rather than real-world enactment. Fiat is widely accepted in policy debate formats.
How does the 'Burden of Proof' shift across the speeches in a debate round?
Judges impose no burden; speakers decide topics
The negative always has no burden until rebuttal
It starts with the affirmative to establish the case, then the negative must rebut and meet the affirmative's claims
It remains solely on the affirmative throughout
Initially, the affirmative carries the burden to present and prove a case. After their constructive speeches, the negative's burden shifts to refute the affirmative's arguments and establish reason to vote negative. This shifting burden ensures interactive clash.
What role does an 'Unconditional Voting Issue' play in style-based debates?
It is a procedural motion to extend speaking time
It guarantees the affirmative wins if they meet criteria
It allows judges to vote for a side regardless of content based on style criteria alone
It forces the negative to concede after cross-examination
An Unconditional Voting Issue lets judges base their decision solely on specific criteria such as speaker-skill or style, independent of case substance. It's often invoked in certain formats to prioritize delivery or strategy. This can shift a round away from purely policy-based judging.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Analyze Fundamental Debate Concepts -

    Understand core argument techniques and debate principles by working through sample debate questions.

  2. Interpret Real-World Scenarios -

    Apply logical reasoning to real-life debate topic questions and craft coherent viewpoints.

  3. Evaluate Argument Strengths -

    Critically assess differing positions using debate questions and answers to identify persuasive elements.

  4. Formulate Effective Responses -

    Practice creating structured replies for question for debate prompts to refine your rhetorical skills.

  5. Enhance Critical Thinking -

    Challenge assumptions and explore counterarguments through engaging debate question prompts and scenarios.

  6. Measure Debate Proficiency -

    Gauge your understanding of debate basics with instant feedback on sample debate questions.

Cheat Sheet

  1. C-E-R Framework for Structuring Arguments -

    Every strong response to a question for debate uses the Claim-Evidence-Reasoning model (C-E-R). For instance, claim "Renewable energy reduces emissions," evidence from a 2022 IPCC report, and reasoning that connects data to impact helps judges follow your logic (source: Harvard College Debating Union). Use the mnemonic "Clever Elephants Read" to remember the sequence.

  2. Understanding Debate Formats -

    Different formats - Lincoln-Douglas (values), Policy (proposals), and Public Forum (teams) - have unique rules on speeches and cross-exams (National Speech & Debate Association). For example, Public Forum features 4-minute constructive speeches and 3-minute rebuttals per side. Knowing the format guides how you research sample debate questions and prepare your rebuttals.

  3. Types of Debate Questions -

    Debate question prompts fall into fact ("Is climate change human-made?"), value ("Is freedom more important than security?"), and policy ("Should governments implement universal basic income?"). Each type demands a tailored approach: facts need statistics, values rely on ethical frameworks, and policies require feasibility analysis. Classify each sample debate question early to shape your case effectively (source: Purdue OWL).

  4. Rebuttal Techniques and Clashes -

    Effective rebuttals use direct clash by addressing opponents' claims point-by-point, turns to flip their evidence, and extensions to deepen your own arguments (source: University of Oxford Debating Society). Structure each rebuttal using "Point, Illustration, Explanation" to keep judges engaged. Practice with debate questions and answers drills to sharpen your pacing and clarity.

  5. Evaluating Evidence with the CRAAP Test -

    Ensure your evidence meets the CRAAP criteria: Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose (Mnemonics: "Clever Rabbits Admire Apples' Peel"). Cite peer-reviewed journals, government reports, or reputable think tanks for credibility (source: University of California Libraries). This builds trust and strengthens any position in a debate on policy or value questions.

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