What is a debate?

Debate is a formal contest of argumentation between two teams or individuals. More broadly, and more importantly,
debate is an essential tool for developing and maintaining democracy and open societies.Also, debate embodies the ideals
of reasoned argument, tolerance for divergent points of view and rigorous self-examination. Debate is, above all, a way
for those who hold opposing views to discuss controversial issues without descending to insult.
Why debate?
The process of debate offers profound and lasting benefits for individuals, for societies and for the global community as a
whole. With its emphasis on critical thinking, effective communication, independent research and teamwork, debate
teaches skills that serve individuals well in school, in the workplace, in political life and in fulfilling their responsibilities
as citizens of democratic societies. Once students have learned how to debate, they are better able to critically examine the
pronouncements of their political representatives and to make informed judgments about crucial issues.
How to Get Started in Debate
We suggest that you follow these four steps:
1. Read for background information about the subject.
First you want to get a good general knowledge of the proposition (topic) you are to debate. You need to study the
historical background of the topic and why this topic is a matter of current interest. The reading order should be from the
general to the specific, from background to present-day facts and figures, from books to magazines to newspapers.
Naturally, in studying a question one will use all of these sources more or less concurrently, but for real understanding of
the broader aspects one needs background material early in his research
2. Prepare a comprehensive bibliography.
The second step in your study of topic will be that of preparing a general bibliography. A bibliography is a list of
books, pamphlets, magazine articles, and other printed materials in which information may be found on a given
subject. Excellent bibliographies on many subjects have already been compiled. If a bibliography on your topic is
available you should try to obtain it.

3. Read and study the material discovered.
After you have secured all of the material available, you will then read and study carefully the books and
articles you have found. Try to learn as much as you can about the subject and to get the points of view of as
many different authorities as possible. Be on the lookout for new ideas and new suggestions for arguments,
arguments on both sides of the topic. Look for specific items of evidence, which might be used as proof. Take
careful notes as you read. We will discuss how to take notes next.