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Techniques in Crafting Substantial Contentions

The document outlines a lesson plan on techniques for crafting substantial contentions in debates, focusing on key objectives such as defining debate terms, analyzing the Claim-Evidence-Warrant model, and evaluating evidence reliability. It provides a structured approach to argumentation, emphasizing thorough research, logical reasoning, and the use of persuasive language. The conclusion highlights the importance of these techniques in building compelling arguments for successful debates.

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18 views

Techniques in Crafting Substantial Contentions

The document outlines a lesson plan on techniques for crafting substantial contentions in debates, focusing on key objectives such as defining debate terms, analyzing the Claim-Evidence-Warrant model, and evaluating evidence reliability. It provides a structured approach to argumentation, emphasizing thorough research, logical reasoning, and the use of persuasive language. The conclusion highlights the importance of these techniques in building compelling arguments for successful debates.

Uploaded by

acesarte7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Republic of the Philippines

North Eastern Mindanao State University

1st semester, A.Y. 2024-2025


Oral Presentation Outline

Name: Ceristian B. Sarte Year & Section: BSED-2B


Drexiel M. Saberon
Instructor: Victoria Cheska Batistis Course Code: Eng2

Lesson: Techniques in Crafting Substantial Contentions

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

 define key debate terms and explain their significance in forming strong arguments;

 analyze the Claim-Evidence-Warrant (CEW) model to construct well-structured


arguments; and

 evaluate the strength of evidence and determine its reliability in supporting


contentions.

What are Contentions?

In a debate, contentions are the main arguments or claims that a debater presents to
support their position on a given resolution or topic. Each contention represents a major point
in the overall case that the debater is building. These contentions are typically supported by
evidence, reasoning, and examples, and are structured in a way that directly addresses the
debate's resolution.

Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308


088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University

Techniques in Crafting Substantial Contentions

1. Thorough Research

 Know the Topic

Understand both sides of the argument thoroughly. Read about key facts,
relevant statistics, historical context, and counterarguments.

 Gather Evidence

Collect credible sources and data to back your claims. Facts, examples, expert
opinions, and statistics will add weight to your argument.

2. Define Key Terms

Clearly define any terms that are central to your contention to prevent ambiguity.
This helps both the judge, and the opponent understand your position.

3. Structure Your Argument

Use a clear structure like the Claim-Evidence-Warrant (CEW) model:

 Claim: The statement or assertion you are arguing.


 Evidence: Data, facts, or research that supports your claim.
 Warrant: The reasoning that links the evidence to the claim.

4. Use Solid Evidence

Support your contention with credible, well-researched evidence from reliable


sources. Facts, statistics, expert opinions, and real-world examples strengthen your
case.

Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308


088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University

5. Anticipate Counterarguments

Think ahead about possible rebuttals and preemptively address them. By


acknowledging opposing views and refuting them, you make your argument more
robust.

6. Use Logical Reasoning

Ensure that your argument follows a logical progression. Avoid fallacies like
straw man arguments, ad hominem attacks, or false dichotomies. Sound logic gives
your argument greater credibility.

7. Appeal to Emotion and Ethics (Pathos and Ethos)

While logic is essential, integrating appeals to emotion (pathos) and establishing


your credibility (ethos) can enhance the persuasive power of your argument.
However, balance emotional appeal with rational evidence.

8. Stay Focused on the Resolution

Keep your argument centered on the debate topic. Irrelevant points dilute your
contention and can confuse your audience.

9. Concise Delivery

Brevity is key. Articulate your points clearly and concisely, avoiding


overcomplication or rambling.

10. Use Persuasive Language

Choose language that is assertive but not aggressive. Avoid hedging (e.g., "I
think," "Maybe"). Instead, use definitive statements like "This clearly demonstrates..."

Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308


088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph
Republic of the Philippines
North Eastern Mindanao State University

11. Organize Sub-points

Break down larger contentions into manageable sub-points. This makes your
argument easier to follow and allows you to explore complex ideas in detail without
overwhelming your audience.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we explored the essential techniques for crafting strong contentions in
debate. We learned that well-structured contentions form the backbone of a persuasive
argument, using a clear framework like the Claim-Evidence-Warrant (CEW) model. By
focusing on logical reasoning, credible evidence, and anticipating counterarguments, debaters
can present powerful, focused arguments that stay aligned with the debate resolution.
Additionally, using persuasive language and appeals to ethos and pathos can further enhance
the effectiveness of the argument. Mastering these techniques will help you build compelling
contentions, ultimately leading to more successful and impactful debates.

References:

Rieke, R. D., Sillars, M. O., & Peterson, T. R. (2013). Argumentation and critical decision
making (8th ed.). Pearson Education.

Zarefsky, D. (2019). Argumentation in debate: Defining key terms and utilizing logical
reasoning. Journal of Argumentation in Context, 8(1), 45-59.
https://doi.org/10.1075/jaic.8.1.03zar

National Speech & Debate Association. (2020). Creating strong arguments: Debate skills and
techniques. https://www.speechanddebate.org/creating-strong-arguments/

Freeley, A. J., & Steinberg, D. L. (2019). Building a persuasive argument. In Argumentation


and debate: Critical thinking for reasoned decision making (13th ed., pp. 78-101). Cengage
Learning.

Tagbina, Surigao del Sur 8308


088-628-0714
www.nemsu-tagbina.edu.ph

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