Today, formal debate is one of the activities that is commonly used as an academic assignment for students who are still in high school or who have tasted university. In particular, the debate process generally involves two individuals or two teams who have different points of view on an issue. Even though someone is an expert in debating, in fact a debate framework is still needed to ensure that the arguments used are truly effective, structured, and comprehensive. Unfortunately, writing a debate outline is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand. That's why, this article is here to help you in classifying the premises in the framework of the debate and presenting them in the form of a complete argument. Want to know more information? Read on for this article!
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Method 1 of 3: Doing Research
Step 1. Identify the type of debate before creating an outline
Basically, there are several types of debates, such as parliamentary debates and Lincoln-Douglas debates, each of which has its own organizational structure and ultimately determines the order in which each debate participant presents the arguments. That is why, the framework of the debate must be adapted to the structure or type of debate that you will be conducting.
- Inter-team debate is one of the most common types of debate. In this type of debate, generally the first round will consist of two segments, and in each segment, each team has the opportunity to present their arguments. Meanwhile, in the second half, each team again had its own segment to refute the opposing team's arguments presented in the first half.
- Meanwhile, in the Lincoln-Douglas debate, one side or team has the opportunity to present their argument. Then, the other team had the opportunity to cross-examine the argument. After that, the same process will be repeated on the other team. In the end, each team had a chance to give their final rebuttal.
Step 2. Research the debate questions to determine which side you will take
Seek information from trusted sources, such as journals and academic texts, to increase your understanding of the topic at hand. In particular, focus on finding facts, statistics, quotes, case examples, and other material related to the topic. Then, based on the evidence that has been collected, choose the side that has a stronger argument, if possible.
- For example, if the topic being debated is the role of electric cars in environmental damage versus the role of gas cars on the same issue, try gathering material from academic journals and non-profit organizations that monitor consumer behavior on carbon emission levels to find out the impact of carbon on environmental damage, and get official citations from statements by experts on the topic, such as environmental scientists and car factory owners or workers.
- If the framework of the debate is made to meet the value of the assignment and you are having trouble choosing which side to fight for, it's best to first focus on gathering as much evidence as possible to strengthen your argument later.
- Whatever argument you choose, make sure it sounds logical and is accompanied by a variety of relevant and convincing supporting evidence.
- Don't forget to write down all the information you quote.
- For each supporting evidence you find, try to find other facts to refute or refute the evidence. This method is very effective in strengthening your argument later.
- Remember, it's better to gather too much information than not do enough research and end up lacking supporting evidence.
Step 3. Group all the evidence that you find while doing your research
On a piece of paper, write down all the evidence that can support your main argument, starting with the most influential evidence, continuing with the mediocre evidence, and ending with the strongest final evidence. Then, compose similar lists to list contradictory evidence on different worksheets.
- For example, if the most influential supporting evidence is a graphic showing that gas-fueled cars produce twice as much carbon emissions as electric cars, put that fact at the top of your list of evidence.
- If the debate is long and/or the topic being debated is complex, try dividing the evidence you have into several categories, such as legal, moral, and economic.
- At least, include three facts or supporting evidence in the framework of the debate.
Method 2 of 3: Creating a Basic Outline
Step 1. Follow the basic principles of creating an outline to ensure the result is neat and structured
Although the order of the material really depends on the type of debate used, the format of the debate framework must still follow the basic rules that apply in general. For example, headings and subheadings in a debate outline should be marked with Roman numerals, capital letters, and Arabic numerals.
- Divide the information into sections. Generally, the main heading section will be filled with your argument, while the subheading section will be filled with some evidence to support the argument.
- Use the right symbols. In fact, each level in the debate framework has its own symbol. For example, the main headings are marked with Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV). Meanwhile, the subheading section is marked with capital letters (A, B, C), and the sub-subheading section (second subheading) is marked with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3). Maintain that consistency throughout the outline.
- Make sure each level is written or typed indented. This concept makes it easier for you to monitor the flow of arguments and maintain a neat outline format.
Step 2. Begin to outline an introduction or introduction
In the introduction or introduction, include an outline of the research question or topic of debate, as well as a thesis statement that summarizes your entire argument. If the debate outline is created manually, put a bullet point followed by the word “Introduction/Introduction” at the top of the paper. Then, add an indented bullet point containing a summary of the topic of debate, followed by another bullet point containing your thesis statement.
- The thesis statement must be able to explain the side you take in the debate, and the reasons for your argument are stronger than the arguments of the opponent.
- For example, if the topic of debate is the impact of electric cars versus gas cars on gas emission production, your thesis statement would be: “Electric cars are more environmentally friendly than gas cars.”
Step 3. Write down your main argument in the form of a thesis statement
Add a second heading with the title “Argumentation”, then include a subheading containing your main argument or thesis statement below it. Ideally, the section is filled with the most convincing evidence to support the truth of your argument.
For example, if you argue that electric cars are more environmentally friendly than gas cars because they produce less carbon dioxide, an example of your main argument or thesis statement would be: “Electric cars produce less carbon dioxide emissions than gas cars.”
Step 4. Include relevant and significant evidence to support the main argument
Add a second subheading under the main argument, and fill the section with a brief explanation of relevant evidence that can support the main argument. Then, include a final subheading to explain the significance of the main argument to the whole case you are defending in the debate process.
For example, include evidence that electric cars produce less carbon dioxide emissions than gas-fueled cars, along with a collection of statistics that you can get from official government websites, such as from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and/or from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry
Step 5. Repeat the same process to outline each argument
Create a subheading for each argument you provide, then include relevant and significant supporting evidence for each argument below it.
Step 6. Prepare rebuttals to respond to possible conflicting arguments
In the middle of the debate process, you will have the opportunity to refute or question your opponent's argument. Before the debate begins, take some time to identify the arguments your opponent might put forward, and most of the arguments against which you will likely have come across in the research process. After gathering several possible opposing arguments, look for rebuttals from each argument just in case the other party presents that argument in the debate process.
- For example, if you are reasonably certain that the other party will accuse your argument of coming from a biased source, prepare a rebuttal by seeking supporting evidence from a variety of sources.
- Look for rebuttals from each aspect of their argument, rather than from a single whole argument. By doing so, your position in the debate will undoubtedly be more solid and secure.
- Most likely, the opponent's argument will always contradict yours. That is, if your argument focuses on the advantages of an idea or policy, the opponent's argument will focus on the shortcomings of the same idea or policy. If you can pay more attention to this aspect, besides being able to prove the lack of validity of the opponent's argument, you can also more easily promote personal arguments in front of the audience.
Step 7. Add any necessary details
After you've created an outline of arguments and rebuttals, start adding more detail to strengthen your writing or contentious material on a subject. In other words, keep the outline of the debate divided into headers, sections, and bullet points, but include fuller sentences, relevant questions, and significant evidence to make your argument richer and more comprehensive.
Complete the outline as if you were really arguing. This will help you to understand your personal arguments better, as well as to find logical questions and rebuttals to your opponent's arguments
Method 3 of 3: Avoiding Logical Errors
Step 1. Avoid using the straw man argument
One of the most common logical mistakes made by novice debaters when drafting a debate framework is the straw man. In particular, the straw man logic error occurs when you misinterpret the opponent's intention and present the wrong interpretation in front of an audience. Make sure you don't make this mistake, and be prepared to stand up to opponents who do it to you.
For example, if your argument focuses on abolishing the death penalty, your opponent could make a logical straw man error by accusing you of not having sympathy for the victim's family, or that you don't want the criminal to suffer the consequences for his actions
Step 2. Don't assume to avoid slippery slope logic errors
This logical fallacy occurs if you assume that sooner or later, very extreme things are bound to happen if at this time, similar, less extreme things are allowed to happen. Although it sounds intuitive, in fact the argument is not based on the right logic and therefore, should be avoided.
For example, if your argument focuses on legalizing same-sex marriage, your opponent could fall into the slippery slope logic of assuming that once same-sex marriage is legalized, sooner or later the state will legalize sexual relations between humans and animals
Step 3. Don't attack your opponent personally to avoid ad hominem logic errors
Often used by the losing party in an argument, this logical fallacy occurs when one party makes a personal attack on the other, instead of focusing on attacking an argument that is deemed inappropriate. This kind of behavior is neither logical nor ethical to do, so it should be avoided as much as possible in situations of formal debate.
- For example, if you've put together a very complete and clear argument but your opponent isn't, they may try to attack your poor academic grades, instead of your argument, as a way of fighting back. Even if you score poorly, understand that the attack is irrelevant to the topic at hand and is therefore not logically valid.
- Even if your opponent makes a personal attack in an argument, never do the same thing. Apart from being logically flawed, this behavior is extremely disrespectful.
Step 4. Use specific diction to avoid ambiguity
Using ambiguous and/or too general diction can make it difficult for your opponent to understand your explanation. As a result, they can be easier to attack your argument, and make you look stupid for not knowing what you are talking about.
For example, if you claim that electric cars are "always" cleaner than gas cars, your opponent could attack the argument by saying that a gas car in a car wash is still cleaner than an electric car covered in mud. To avoid such ambiguity, do not use ambiguous diction such as "always."
Step 5. Avoid bandwagon logic errors
In fact, this is one of the most common logical mistakes, when you think something is right or good, just because most people have the same opinion. This logical fallacy is also known as "appeal to the populous."
For example, you can't argue that the death penalty is the most effective consequence, just because most people support the policy
Step 6. Be careful not to make the logical fallacy of the false dilemma
Often used at the end of a debate to emphasize the importance of the audience supporting an argument, this fallacy occurs when you only offer the audience two final options (black and white), when in fact there are many other options out there. If you make this mistake and your opponent refutes it by giving a third option, surely your argument will sound very weak.
