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Most simplistically, debate is the exchange of arguments. Each side will advance a number of arguments that are related to a given topic – as spelled out in more detail in a resolution – and then will answer their opponent’s arguments throughout the debate.
The goal of the constant argumentative sparring is to produce an answer to the question of whether or not the plan in particular, should be supported. The affirmative will advocate supporting the plan and the negative team will argue that the plan should be rejected. At the conclusion of the debate, a judge will decide which side has prevailed based on the arguments made in the debate.
Developing arguments in support, or in opposition to, the plan, requires a number of general steps.
Advocacy. Advocacy involves making your arguments in a given debate. You need to present arguments in a way that will convince the other judge to accept them and consequently vote for you.
Inquiry. Inquiry involves research. Debaters do research on the resolution under discussion in order to be prepared to present specific knowledge in support of what they are arguing for, and to refute the arguments that are being made by the other side.
Invention. Invention involves creating arguments and will be necessary if you wish to become a more advanced debater. During the process of inquiry you will discover arguments that have been made by others, and you will often take the arguments of your opponents and make many of those in your debates. Invention, however, is the next step – creating your own arguments based on your reading.
Synthesis. Synthesis is being able to organize and combine and package a set of arguments in a way that supports an overall conclusion. Such a synthesis may involve a recognition that some of your opponent’s arguments may be correct, but that the negative or affirmative position is still overall the one that should be accepted.
Learning the process of inquiry, advocacy, invention, and synthesis will be a challenge. You will start your debate career simply advocating basic arguments in a debate with other inexperienced students. The goal of this stage of debate is simply to develop some basic advocacy and refutation skills.
Your participation in basic advocacy will encourage you to develop an inquiring mind because you will want to learn how to defeat your opponents’ arguments. To defeat stronger and stronger opponents you will need to invent your own arguments and eventually learn to synthesize a combination of arguments.
The main reason that the process of inquiry, advocacy, invention, and synthesis is so challenging is that it is a process of active learning – it is about you creating arguments, figuring out how answer the other sides arguments, and creating a synthesis of arguments. It is really not about simply obtaining knowledge from a teacher and then demonstrating your mastery of the content on a test. It is a new way of learning – one that you may very well may not be familiar with.
Hopefully you have a teacher or coach who can help you through this process, but even if you do not you will be able to succeed. Many students without one have done so, but it does require drive and determination.