Resolution: To be determined
I. Introduction A.Start with a quote relevant to the resolution—and particularly to your value—from a Founding Father, philosopher, or other famous person.
B.Explain the quote and get the attention of your listeners.
C.State the resolution exactly.
II. Body
A. Definitions — Define all the important terms in the resolution.
B. Value — Define and explain the value you have chosen to uphold the resolution. You may use criterion on which to base the value or to further clarify the value.
C. Contentions — 2-3 reasons to support the affirmative case. Back up your case with quotes from Founding Fathers, philosophers, U.S. Constitution, and other important people to help the judge understand why your value is important.
III. Conclusion — Quick one- or two-line wrap up.
NOTE: Be cautious using Bible verses in a Lincoln-Douglas debate. As Christians we are not to cause our opponents to have to debate against the Word of God and thus state he does not uphold particular verses. An opening quote may be acceptable, but use of Scripture to support contentions may cause an opponent to violate his/her own conscience in Christian debate. Any use of Scripture is considered unethical in some divisions of Lincoln-Douglas debate.
Time Frame of FULL L-D Debate Round
- Affirmative Constructive (AC) – 6 minutes
- Cross-Examination by Negative of Affirmative – 3 minutes
- Negative Constructive (NC) – 7 minutes (4 min. on negative case, 3 min. to rebut AC)
- Cross-Examination by Affirmative of Negative – 3 minutes
- Affirmative Rebuttal (1AR) – 4 minutes
- Negative Rebuttal (NR) – 6 minutes
- Affirmative Rebuttal (2AR) – 3 minutes
AC-4 minutes
CX-1 minute
NC-5 minutes
CX-1 minute
1 AR-2 minutes
1 NR-2 minutes
2 AR-1 minute
