How Do You Construct A Lincoln Douglas Debate Case?
The art of Speech and Debate really is just that, an art! As with any art, there is a specific way to do it. This article will tell you how to compile a Lincoln-Douglas (LD) case. There are many other types of debate, and you should look into those before you begin constructing an LD case. Remember, debate styles change throughout the country, so please, look into what is different about your area and your league. However, most of America’s high school teams debate under the National Forensics League (NFL). • Understand what Lincoln-Douglas (more commonly known as LD) debate is. LD debate is value debate. Unlike policy debate, LD debate is about whether we, as people, should “value” something, as opposed to “do” something (though pragmatism can be seen as a value). Because LD debate is not as evidence-intensive as policy debate, you do not need so much evidence, but you do need cards, or sources to back up each of your arguments. You should also know the resolution, or topic, thoroughl
• Understand what Lincoln-Douglas (more commonly known as LD) debate is. LD debate is value debate. Unlike policy debate, LD debate is about whether we, as people, should “value” something, as opposed to “do” something (though pragmatism can be seen as a value). Because LD debate is not as evidence-intensive as policy debate, you do not need so much evidence, but you do need cards, or sources to back up each of your arguments. You should also know the resolution, or topic, thoroughly. • First, define terms. This is important as terms have different meanings within different contexts. This may require more than just your average dictionary, like if you try to define justice. • Pick a value. Your value should be drawn from the resolution. For example: A just society ought not use the death penalty as a form of punishment. The value is justice because the resolution is attempting to achieve some sort of value- you must defend why that is true. Other resolutions, like Resolved: Limiting ec
