Cross–Examination in Debate
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A GUIDE TO Cross- E amination XDEBatE W.E. Schuetz and David Gardiner Co–Authors Jana M. Riggins, Editor Designed by David C. Trussell Revised Summer 2017 UNIVERSITY INTERSCHOLASTIC LEAGUE Preface This publication serves to provide contest rules, procedures and theoretical background to assist you in being successful in UIL CX Debate competition. You will, of course, want to consult debate texts for expanded information on theory. My special thanks to the co-authors of this endeavor, Bill Schuetz and David Gardiner. Both are talented educators and successful coaches who freely give the priceless gift of mentoring. They are individuals who have unselfishly shared their personal time to serve as contest officials for the UIL CX Debate State Meet, to teach workshops at Student Activities Conferences, to serve on League committees and to serve in other valuable consulting capacities. They give of their time and energy because of their love for young people and their commitment to the art of argumentation. Their support of the UIL is deeply appreciated. In addition, special appreciation is expressed to Dr. Rich Edwards of Baylor University who, for many years, has provided the section over Internet Debate Research written specific to the current debate resolution. Dr. Edwards’ contribution to high school policy debate in Texas and across the nation is unparalleled. UIl was proud to nominate him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the National Fed- eration of State High School Associations. As you read this manual, remember that debate is an ever-evolving discipline. Paradigms and theory continue to evolve, and though you may initially find academic debate confusing, I challenge you to persevere. Debate is much like learning to drive a car — all the instruction in the world doesn’t have meaning until you sit behind the wheel, turn the key in the ignition, and put the car in motion. Then, it all comes together! The same is true for debate — commit yourself to the study of debate texts, use this manual as a guide to success in UIL competition, and be sure to enter the tournament arena to test your skills. As you become your own advocate, you’ll realize why so many high school debaters have become significant leaders in society. Best of luck! Jana Riggins, Editor UIL State Speech & Debate Director About the Authors W.E. Schuetz is a speech and debate teacher at Gregory–Portland High School in Portland, Texas, where he has taught for over four decades. During his teaching career, he has coached numerous award-winning competitors in extemporaneous speaking, cross-examination debate and Lincoln-Douglas Debate. He has earned certification not only in speech, but also in history, English, earth science, biology, physical education and health. Active in UIL, Mr. Schuetz has served as contest director for the Conference A CX Debate State Tournament, and he is a certified One-Act Play judge. He also presents workshops at the UIL Capital Conference in the summer and at Student Activities Conferences during the fall. Mr. Schuetz has received numerous prestigious awards, including the National Federation Citation Award and Outstanding District Chair for the National Speech and Debate Association. He has also received the Texas Speech Communication Association Teacher of the Year award. He has authored several study reports for the National Debate Topic Selection process, has chaired the National Debate Topic Selection Wording Committee and is a vital contributor to LD Debate resolutions, serving on the UIL State Advisory Committee. Mr. Schuetz holds a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University in College Station and a Master of Arts from Corpus Christi State University. David Gardiner is a speech and debate teacher at for the Corpus Christi Independent School District where he has coached students to UIL State and NSDA Nationals honors multiple years. Mr. Gardiner has served as District Director of extemporaneous speaking, cross-examination debate and Lincoln- Douglas Debate contests and has been appointed to the Regional Speech Advisory Committee. Nomi- nated for the Texas Speech Communication Association Teacher of the Year Award, he has also been a contest official for the UIL CX Debate State tournament. He has presented several study reports at the National Debate Topic Selection meeting, with his topics advancing to the final national ballot and he has served on the National Wording Committee. He was a high school and college debater, and also participated in UIL One-Act Play. Mr. Gardiner holds a Speech Communication degree from Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi. TABLE OF CONTENTS Section 1 — Foundations Advocacy ............................................................................................................ 5 Resolutional Analysis ......................................................................................... 5 Researching the Topic ......................................................................................... 6 The Stock Issues ................................................................................................. 9 Section 2 — Structures Debate Format .................................................................................................. 10 Writing an Affirmative Case ............................................................................. 11 Negative Strategy ............................................................................................. 12 Speaker Responsibilities ................................................................................... 22 Flowing the Debate ........................................................................................... 23 Cross-Examination Period ................................................................................ 26 Section 3 — Details Tournament Practice and Procedure ................................................................. 28 UIL Rules .......................................................................................................... 28 Debater’s Code of Ethics .................................................................................. 38 How to Judge the Judge .................................................................................... 39 Misunderstood UIL Rules ................................................................................. 40 Debate Jargon ................................................................................................... 42 Improving Debate Skills ................................................................................... 42 Debate in Texas ................................................................................................. 43 Selecting a Resolution ...................................................................................... 45 Section 4 - How to Run the Meet Preparing for the tournament ............................................................................ 48 Computer Guidelines ........................................................................................ 49 Substitutions ..................................................................................................... 50 Pairing/Power Matching/Tabulation ................................................................. 52 Appendix .................................................................................................................... 57 SECTION 1 — FOUNDATIONS WHY SHOULD YOU DEBatE? The answer is advocacy. Webster’s Dictionary defines advocacy as speaking or writ- ing in support of something. An advocate is someone defending or promoting an issue or position. When you debate, you advocate adoption of the debate resolution through implementation of your affirmative case or you defend a negative strategy as being the best in the round. Through advocacy, you appeal to the judge by offering evidence and argumentation to support your position. It is important to be the best advocate under these circumstances. It is even more important to learn the process of advocacy because after debate, you have the rest of your life to live, and the skills you learn from debate will be invaluable. On a personal level, you need to be your own best advocate. You will probably have to sell yourself to an employer to obtain that “once-in-a-lifetime” job. At some point in your career, you might request a salary increase. You may be called upon to support and campaign for a candidate seeking elective office. You could be for or against a major bond issue affecting your taxes and your community. All of these decisions are important because they will impact your life and certainly your happiness. Some debaters become professional advocates. Are you considering a career as an attorney? Your clients will be dependent upon your skills as an advocate. Do you aspire to public office? In a political posi- tion, you are speaking for and acting for your entire constituency. Are you a good salesperson? You will be convincing individuals and companies to purchase the products you represent. You may become a professional fund raiser or lobbyist. Regardless of your choice of profession, advocacy will definitely play a role. Income and quality of life are direct results of your persuasiveness. As a debater, you will learn advocacy from the ground up. You will learn how to research an issue, how to analyze your research, and how to organize your research to orally support your position. Debating will teach you note-taking skills, listening skills,