DEBATE TYPES
1. Value Debate – This type focuses on morality, ethics, or abstract principles. It’s about
arguing whether something is right or wrong, good or bad, just or unjust. For
example, a motion like “THB that individual freedom is more important than societal
stability” falls into this category. The debate revolves around competing values rather
than specific policies.
2. Policy Debate – This centers around whether a particular action, rule, or law should
be implemented. It’s practical and often involves discussing feasibility, benefits, and
consequences. For example, “THB that all public transport should be free” is a policy
debate because it suggests a course of action that governments or institutions could
take.
3. Actor Debate – This type is about whether a specific entity (a government,
corporation, or group) should take a certain action. The motion usually names the
actor directly. For example, “THB that the United Nations should intervene in all
humanitarian crises” is an actor debate because it focuses on whether a particular
organization should act.
Structuring your arguments effectively is key to winning debates. Here are some tips for each
debate type:
1. Value Debate (Morality & Principles)
Since value debates focus on abstract ideas, your arguments should emphasize philosophical
reasoning and ethical implications.
Start with a clear stance: Define your principle (e.g., “Freedom is more valuable than
security”).
Use real-world examples: Show how this value has shaped society positively or
negatively.
Compare competing values: Address the counterarguments—why your value
outweighs others (e.g., freedom vs. stability).
Appeal to emotions & logic: Persuasive language backed by sound reasoning
strengthens your case.
🔹 Example Motion: THB that happiness is more important than success.
🔹 Possible Argument: Success without happiness leads to burnout and dissatisfaction,
whereas prioritizing happiness encourages a fulfilling life, making success more meaningful.
2. Policy Debate (Action & Implementation)
Policy debates focus on whether a course of action should be taken, so practicality and
feasibility are crucial.
Define the problem: Establish the necessity for change.
Explain the policy: Outline how it works and why it's effective.
Weigh the pros & cons: Show how the benefits outweigh drawbacks.
Provide evidence: Use studies, statistics, or historical examples to back claims.
🔹 Example Motion: THB that public transportation should be free for all.
🔹 Possible Argument: Free public transport reduces pollution, eases financial burdens, and
encourages economic mobility, benefiting society more than its cost.
3. Actor Debate (Responsibility & Obligation)
Actor debates revolve around whether a specific entity (government, company, organization)
should act.
Define the role of the actor: Explain their responsibilities and authority.
Prove why they should act: Show why it's their duty or in their best interest.
Explore consequences: What happens if they do or don’t act?
Challenge opposing claims: Address alternatives and their shortcomings.
🔹 Example Motion: THB that tech companies should be responsible for misinformation on
their platforms.
🔹 Possible Argument: As social media giants control information flow, they must regulate
misinformation to prevent harm and maintain public trust.
General Strategy for Any Debate
Use the ARE (Assertion-Reasoning-Evidence) structure to keep arguments clear.
Engage the opposition’s points—not just proving your case but disproving theirs.
Maintain strong delivery—confidence, clarity, and conviction can win even shaky
arguments.
The ARE structure (Assertion-Reasoning-Evidence) is a powerful framework for making clear
and logical arguments. It helps ensure that your points are well-supported and convincing.
Here’s how it works:
1. Assertion – This is your main claim or argument. It should be clear and direct.
🔹 Example: Freedom of speech should have some limits to prevent harm.
2. Reasoning – Explain why your assertion is valid. This is where you justify your claim
logically.
🔹 Example: Unlimited freedom of speech can lead to hate speech and
misinformation, harming society.
3. Evidence – Provide proof to support your reasoning. This can be examples, statistics,
expert opinions, or historical cases.
🔹 Example: For instance, social media companies often remove harmful posts to
prevent misinformation from spreading.
Putting it all together:
"Freedom of speech should have some limits to prevent harm (Assertion). Unlimited
freedom of speech can lead to hate speech and misinformation, harming society
(Reasoning). For instance, social media companies often remove harmful posts to prevent
misinformation from spreading (Evidence)."
