Debate Statement Planning Outlines
Opening Statement should include:
1) 4-10 sentences introducing the topic, giving background information about the differing views,
stating your position on the issue, and providing a general explanation of why you believe as you
do (example, “it’s important for the health, happiness and safety of ______” (who ever your topic
(these words will change to support your important ideas)
affects).
2) Present your 3-4 main reasons (points) to support your position; and
3) Provide several sentences of explanation, examples, facts, statistic, etc. to explain and support
each reason as valid and important.
4) A conclusion restating your position, summarizing why you are “right”, and why it matters.
Rebuttal Statement should include:
1) 3-4 separate sentences guessing what your opponents main points will be.
2)
A separate “rebuttal” for each point, explaining why their point isn’t valid, important, correct,
or how it could be easily remedied, etc. (disprove or solve their objection)
3) Leave space on this document for taking notes during the debate. During the debate, as the
opposing team gives their opening statement, you will have to change how their point is stated,
but most likely, you will have already anticipated it, and your response will be appropriate and
effective.
Questions should include:
1) 3-4 separate questions that your team will ask the opposing team, to try to demonstrate that
their position is flawed.
2)
An educated guess of 3-4 questions that the opposing team will ask your team to make you
look wrong or weak, and what your response to those questions will be.
Closing Statement should include: 6-8 sentences reminding the audience of your position on
the issue, summarizing your main reasons/points, why your opponents’ points are wrong or weak,
and some general words explaining why are correct. Some commentary on why it is important to
the world that people agree with your side.
When Statements are Complete:
Each team member should practice giving their statements out loud to their team. Team
members can comment, give ideas and suggestions for improving, clarifying and strengthening
each other’s statements. HELP each other be great – you are a team!
Opening Statement:
Introduction: 4-10 sentences introducing the topic, giving background
information about the differing views, educating the audience about the issue. Briefly
state your position on the issue, and providing a general explanation of why you believe
as you do.
First Point/Fact/Reason:
Discussion/Evidence:
Second Point/Fact/Reason:
Discussion/Evidence:
Third Point/Fact/Reason:
Discussion/Evidence:
Fourth Point/Fact/Reason:
Discussion/Evidence:
Brief Conclusion:
Summarizing/restating your points
Rebuttal Outline:
First Point/Fact/Reason they used AGAINST you:
Discussion/Evidence to refute it (show it is weak or wrong):
2nd Point/Fact/Reason they used AGAINST you:
Discussion/Evidence to refute it (show it is weak or wrong):
3rd Point/Fact/Reason they used AGAINST you:
Discussion/Evidence to refute it (show it is weak or wrong):
Brief Conclusion:
Summarizing/restating your points
questions:
Choose 3-4 excellent questions:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Closing statement:
1-2 paragraphs restating your main points, why you are right and they are
wrong. Why it matters and how it will affect the future?