Building Your Case

First, GOVERNMENT CASES:

I am going to list the parts of your speech, the parts in quotation marks should be repeated back JUST AS I typed them-- you want to basically say what I've written. You may choose different words to communicate the message, but this is the point you're trying to make. The parts I leave without quotes are variable- you plug in your own terms.

Here goes:

1) Welcome everyone

2) Define the round using these steps: a) State the resolution. (for instance: This House should participate in sports) b) define one word at a time (for instance: This House represents Homeshool families, participate means take part in, etc.) c) Repeat the definition as you defined it (for instance: Homeshool families should take part in athletic competitions.

3) State your value. This is the "measuring stick of the round". It is what determines which arguments are most valuable. So, if you were debating the above case and wanted the goal to be physical health- that would be your value. However, socialization, team work, new experiences, strategy, etc.... would also apply. It is up to you. Choose ONE theme as the value... one general concept like safety.

4) State the criteria. Say this, "Madam Speaker, in order to judge this round, you obviously need some method for determining who wins. So our criteria today- or the goal for the round, will be the Cost/Benefit Analysis. That means that in order for the Opposition to win they must show that the Cost, or Consequence, to our plan outweight the benefits. As the Government, we want to prove the Benefits outweight the cost. In other words, the Government is trying to prove that it is WORTH adopting our plan, and the Opposition is trying to say it is not worth it. Whomever best convinces you at the end of the round will be declared the winner."

5) Explain the "Need" or the Problem. BE THOROUGH. You can even number each part of the problem, 1,2, etc. This will make it easier for everyone to take notes and organize.

6) Explain your 'Plan'. Make sure it solves or at least improves each part of the problem. Also make sure it is possible and practical.

7) Explain the Benefits. List these and number them off. The first benefits will be that you will solve or improve each problem. But there are more benefits after that. MAKE A LONG LIST OF BENEFITS... the more the better!

8) State in one reason why you think you've developed a great case, for instance, "Madam Speaker, surely you can see that we have clearly identified a problem and a solution- and have a number of benefits for our plan. I'm eager to hear from the Opposition. Thank you!" Then sit down.

OPPOSITION ATTACKS TO CONSIDER
1) Not Resolutional: Poor definitions or unfair definitions.

2) Win under the Cost/Benefit Analysis:
Show More Costs than Benefits,
No Real Benefits,
Benefits no one wants,
Plan won't work=No Benefits,
OR Plan is a Band-Aid

3) Present a Better Plan or Counter-Case: but be certain that it disagrees with resolution, fixes the Problem, Upholds the Value and Criteria, and is Mutually Exclusive (it cannot happen while the Gov plan is happening).

4) Gov case Does Not Uphold the Value: Fails to meet their own value.

5) Attack Their Logic: Point out the lack of support and logical fallacies within the Government case.

6) No Need: There simply isn't a problem, the status quo is fine.

Remember to have fun and do your best!
I love you all!
-Kristina