What You Need to Know

Constructive speeches build the team's case with evidence, logic, and examples

Rebuttals directly engage with and refute the opposition's arguments

Cross-examination tests the strength of the opposing team's evidence and logic

Tone, body language, and eye contact are as important as the content of arguments

Conceding a weak point while maintaining the overall argument shows confidence and maturity

Key Vocabulary

A speech or section of a speech that directly refutes the opposing team's arguments

Questioning an opponent to expose weaknesses in their arguments or evidence

A debate speech that builds the team's argument for the first time

Acknowledging that an opposing point has merit while maintaining the overall argument

Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.

Question 1

The main purpose of a rebuttal in a debate is to:

Repeat your own argument Directly refute the opposition's arguments Introduce a new argument Thank the adjudicators

Question 2

Cross-examination in a debate is designed to:

Allow debaters to read notes Give the audience time to ask questions Test and expose weaknesses in the opposition's case Summarise your own argument

Question 3

Conceding a minor point in a debate can:

Always lose you the debate Make the opposition win immediately Replace the need for evidence Demonstrate confidence and strengthen your credibility