Understanding how to use each definition is key to success.

Case Writing, Resolutions, ValueDrew MagnessSeptember 11, 2019Preventive War, Preventive, Preventive War is Ethical, NCFCA, NCFCA LD, LD, Lincoln DouglasComment

Stoa Voting Guide 2019: Team Policy Resolutions

It’s time for one of the most important decisions facing Stoa policy debate: choosing a resolution! Here’s a review of our options.

6 Arguments Against Justice (Part 1)

If you’re sick of facing Justice, read on. I’ll give you ammunition that will make you eagerly await your next encounter.

StrategyJoseph AbellDecember 10, 2018Stoa, LD, Resolution, Criminal Procedure, truth-seeking, individual privacy, privacy, justice, value, value linkComment

NCFCA LD: Ranking the Definitions of Fair Trade

Fair trade is a nebulous term that can mean a variety of different things. Let’s rank each of the definitions in three separate categories.

Value, AdvancedDrew MagnessOctober 17, 2018NCFCA, Fair Trade, Free Trade, Definitions, Arguments, LD, Lincoln DouglasComment

The Five Most Common LD Myths (Part 1)

We’re breaking down the most common myths in LD value debate. Here’s part 1.

TheoryJoseph AbellOctober 1, 2018LD, Value, Myths, Theory, Criterion, value, debate, value link, framework, Case Writing, LD case Comments

8 Types of Justice (And How to Deal With Them)

In the current Stoa resolution, this is the obvious front-runner value. But not all justice is created equal. Here are eight possible definition types.

ValueJoseph AbellSeptember 10, 2018Stoa, Justice, LD, Value, Debate, Definition, Truth Seeking, individual privacy, privacy, Criminal Procedure, Case Writing, LD case, aff, negComment

Value, Fact, and Policy Resolutions

Academic debate offers resolutions with three different kinds of claims: value, fact, and policy. Understanding the difference between them allows you to craft your case with precision, and deliver your advocacy with accuracy.

Parli, Case WritingJoseph AbellSeptember 5, 2018LD, Value, policy, Parli, Case WritingComment

How to Research a New Debate Topic: 3 Steps

The academic debate season is underway. Whether you're in LD or TP, it’s time to dive into the topic and learn as much about it as you can. Unfortunately, a lot of competitors…

Strategy, Case WritingDrew MagnessSeptember 3, 2018TP, LD, Research, NCFCA, Stoa, Strategy Comments

Winning with Evidence: The Counter-Warrant Strategy

We've already talked about argument structure. Now we dive headfirst into something known as counter-warrant strategy.

Strategy, Value, PolicyJoseph AbellApril 8, 2018Counter Warrant, Warrant, Policy, Stoa, NCFCA, Evidence, Debate, Team Policy, LD

How to Prep for Cross-Ex

Cross-ex is a fast-paced, dynamic battle in which the witness has...

Flowing, Value, Strategy, Policy, Cross ExaminationJoseph AbellApril 1, 2018Flowing, Cross Examination, CX, Cross Ex, LD, Stoa, NCFCA, Debate, Questions, Question

Creating Voting Issues

A voting issue (or “voter”) is a reason for the...

Strategy, Policy, Parli, ValueJoseph AbellMarch 29, 2018voting issues, LD, TP, Strategy, Stoa, NCFCA, ParliComment

When Should I Run Definitions?

Logically, the first step to prove a resolution is to...

Application Profile: The Six Day War

This article covers Stoa's current LD resolution: Preemptive warfare is morally justified.

Affirmatives everywhere are winning with a really simple narrative: "we have...

Value, StrategyJoseph AbellFebruary 18, 2018Stoa, LD, Preemptive Warfare, Applications, Six Day War, Strategy, Preemptive

Cross Examination: Two Patterns to Avoid

Cross-examination is difficult, and there's very little formal theory on how to do it. Most competitors just stand up and start asking the witness questions, hoping that eventually, they'll build up enough momentum for the witness...

Cross ExaminationJoseph AbellFebruary 12, 2018Cross Examination, Debate, LD, TP, Witness, Examiner

Sign up for updates