oregon-oxford debate

oregon-oxford debate

Cross-Examination/Oregon-Oxford/Forensic Debate
- traditional debate format used in elementary, high schools and colleges all over the country.
- There are 2 sides in this format : the Affirmative and the Negative. The Affirmative proves the validity of the issue or topic called the Proposition while the Negative disproves it. Each team has two speakers and one scribe. A Debate Moderator enforces the rules to ensure the debate's smooth conduct.
- Each speaker delivers one Constructive speech, one Rebuttal-Summation speech and gets to cross-examine his opponent.
- This is the format of choice for topics requiring more than superficial research. This format involves the use of specific information in the form of evidence to support arguments
- During interpellation, the debate takes the appearance of a courtroom trial where the advocate is subjected by his opponent to a series of questions with the aim of exposing fallacious arguments and clarifying issues.

Propositions
- The topics or issues used in Cross-Examination debate are called PROPOSITIONS.
- A proposition is a statement of the issue under consideration which the debater must establish or overthrow, depending on his side.
- Propositions start with the phrase "Resolved…" which is short for "Be it resolved as it is hereby resolved…". This is the reason why the topics are sometimes called resolutions.
- Propositions are classified under (1) policy or (2) fact. Propositions of policy deal with the question "Why should this be done?". Propositions of fact deal with the question "Is this true?"

Phrasing the Proposition
The proposition must be debatable.
The proposition must be stated in the affirmative.
The proposition should be concise and simple.
The proposition must state the proposed policy, not defend the status quo.
The proposition should embody only one act of judgment or central idea.
The proposition must not be too wordy and must be impartial.

Team Burdens and Rights
Affirmative
Negative
Burden of Proof ( prove validity of the proposition)

Burden of Rebuttal (to oppose or disprove the proposition; to effect a clash on all affirmative arguments)
Right to Definition (to define the proposition and set the parameters of the debate)
Right to Presumption of Validity (that the status quo is presumed to be working and valid if not properly refuted)
Interpellation is the phase in a debate when the actual clash between you and your opponent occurs

Objectives of Interpellation
To clarify points in the opposing team's position
To expose factual errors or unscrupulous assertions by the opposition
To obtain damaging admissions from the opposition themselves
To set up arguments for use in subsequent speeches by you and your team-mate.

Do's and Don'ts in Interpellation
Don't simply state that the opponent's argument is fallacious.
Do not make statements in interpellation.
Don't ask irrelevant questions or questions that might require a lengthy explanation.
Ask categorical questions (answerable by a simple yes or no).
Observe courtesy. Rudeness will not win debates.

Checklist for Debaters
Examine the proposition closely.
Formulate a clear theme.
Prepare for both sides.
Never write the actual speech in advance.
State the burden of both sides.
Always support arguments with evidence.
Never use distorted of fabricated evidence.
Debaters are expected to be in possession of the forms of documentation at the time they used any evidence which was challenged.
Don't overemphasize an argument.
Be on the look-out for fallacious arguments.
Don't underestimate the power of the last emotional appeal.