Textbooks

Introduction to Policy Debate

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This free online textbook is available to all. No log-in is required to view any of the chapters and sections.

Thanks to generous contributions from Bill Smelko, William Smelko, and Rebecca (Gray) Jordan, we have been able to radically expand the available content.

It is difficult to write a debate textbook that neatly orders and organizes debate instruction.  All students who use this book receive a different amount of instruction before attending their first tournament, will receive instruction that emphasizes different types of arguments, and will bring their own unique set of skills to the table when preparing. 

With that in mind, there are two things worth emphasizing. First, there is only a very minimum amount of knowledge that you need before you participate in your first tournament. If you understand the material in chapter II, you will at least be able to debate at your first tournament. 

 Second, the earlier you debate the better.  Debate is an active learning process, and you will not begin to see what is involved, or be able to take advantage of most of what is discussed in this book, until you have debated at least once – either in practice or in a tournament.  The earlier you are able to debate, the better off you will be because you will be able to understand more of the content of this book if you have debated.  Every debater you speak to will give you that piece of advice.

Third, reread sections of this text as you gain experience in debate.  The more experience you have, the more that what is written here will make sense to you. 

Fourth, complete the review questions. The questions aim to capture the essential issues that are being discussed in the chapters.  Many of the review questions are best answered in a discussion either in your debate class or in conversation with other debaters.

Fifth, debate styles and practices different in different regions of the country.  You may find that some of the advice in this book, particularly in the more advanced sections, is not practical for the area you debate in.  While that may be the case, I believe that most of the advice and suggestions that are offered are apply no matter where you debate, and once you have the opportunity to travel outside your own region you will find much of it valuable.

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