Unit 1: Making Arguments in Debate

Before you learn about LD debate, it’s important to refresh your understanding of arguments. You likely learned how to make arguments at an early age when you wanted something but your parents or friends said no. But have you ever studied how arguments work? This is important if you want to do well in debate.

This unit introduces you to the two basic types of arguments, deductive and inductive. Deductive arguments involve applying a general principle to a specific case and generating a specific conclusion: Rainbows are caused when sun shines on raindrops; there is a rainbow in the sky; therefore, there must be rain somewhere. Inductive arguments involve generating a rule by examining phenomena and inducing a rule: I really enjoy the food at a certain restaurant; we are eating there tonight; therefore, there is a high likelihood that I will enjoy dinner. The first two chapters in this unit examine various types of these arguments.

As you probably know, many arguments are bad. But what makes them bad? Chapter three explains several argumentative fallacies. And chapter four consists of exercises that give you a chance to test your knowledge of arguments.