Lincoln-Douglas Debate Outline
PRELIMINARY
  1. Introduction
    1. Catchy quote, statistic or phrase thingy
    2. Introduce self (optional)
    3. State the resolution
  2. Definitions
  3. Value
    1. State the value
    2. Why you are supporting that value
    3. (optional) other good stuff about the value
  4. Criterion (Criteria if plural)
    1. State the Criterion
    2. Why this is the superior criterion
CASE
Contentions (Possible outline)
  1. Contention 1 My value meets my criterion.
    1. My value is good and happy and fluffy with quotes!
    2. This good happy value promotes or supports the lovely criterion. Lots of quotes and "proof"
    3. Value and criterion are the best thing in the world (use proof)
  2. Contention 2 The affirmative side best supports the value.
    1. The affirmative side is loyal, trustworthy, kind, truthful, happy, just, supports the American way and brings world harmony and joy.
    2. Only by going with the Affirmative could you possibly have all these great things that will bring about bliss.
    3. Everything else but the Affirmative is evil and a waste of time, because the Affirmative is the embodiment of the value.
  3. Contention 3 Because the affirmative supports the value, and the value meets the criterion, the Affirmative should win the round.
    1. The Affirmative meets the criterion
    2. The side that best meets the criterion should win the round.
    3. Affirmative should win the round (It’s great!)
  4. Contention 4 (optional) The affirmative supports a myriad of other really cool values.
    1. Although (your value) is the highest value, the affirmative also supports values X, Y and Z
    2. Values X Y and Z also support the criterion
    3. Affirmative is the coolest thing in the universe
CONCLUSION 1