Extending Arguments in Member Speeches

China Debate Education Network:

Role of Member Speakers

Task 1. Refutation ---- Length should be brief. ---- Content should be essential. Task 2. Extension ---- Length should be considerable. ---- Content should be elaborate.

Kinds of Extensions

1. New Line of Argument

2. In-depth Analysis

3. Focused Case Study

What is new Line of argument

• A new reason to explain why particular claim is correct. This new reason is independent from other reasons .

What is in-depth analysis?

• More comprehensive understanding of the argument discussed.

• Like onion-peeling, figure out the reason behind each arguments made.

What is focused case study?

• Focus on one typical example and offer detailed analysis of it

Criteria of good Member speech

1. Quality of extension

2. Loyalty

3. Distinction

Basic Purposes of Member Speech

1. Advancement

2. Unique contribution

Example1:TH should ban smoking in China.1st Gov & 1st Opp Constructive Arguments

1st Government Arguments 1st Opposition Arguments

Ensure healthy Living Environment

Protect second-smoking smoking victims

Reduce medical burden on public healthcare system

Reduce the risk of fire

1. Free choice of lifestyle

2. Economic ImpactsLoss of revenue

(tobacco industry)

Personal economic loss (shopkeepers,

tobaccofactory workers,

tobacco farmers)

More serious unemployment

Given the above examples, what are possible extensions for the Member of Government and Member of Opposition?

. Member Government Member Opposition

？？

Member Government Member Opposition

Extension (Constructive) Arguments 1. Individual Rights of health are more important than smoking

rights; health rights are basic human rights

2. A clear message to public, to advocate correct values and healthy lifestyle

3. Impact on Next Generation

Potential Extension Arguments for Member of Government

Member Government Member Opposition

Extension (Constructive) Arguments

Extension (Constructive) Arguments

1. Individual Rights of health are more important than smoking

rights; health rights are basic human rights

2. A clear message to public, to advocate correct values and healthy lifestyle

3. Impact on Next Generation

1. Public BacklashSmoker’s protest and social unrest

2. Illegal market a. more crime and violence, b. more money to criminals

Potential Extension Arguments for Member of Opposition

Contrast of Two Government TeamsSmoking should be banned in China

First (Upper) Government

Constructive Arguments1. Ensure healthy Living Environment

Protect second-hand smoking victims2. Reduce medical burden on public healthcare

system3. Reduce the risk of fire

Second (Lower)

Government

Extension Arguments 1. Individual rights of health are more important than smoking rights; health rights are basic human rights 2. A clear message to public, to advocate correct values and healthy lifestyle 3. Impact on Next Generation

Contrast of Two Opposition TeamsSmoking should be banned in China

First (Upper) Opposition

Constructive Arguments1. Free choice of lifestyle2. Economic impacts• Loss of revenue (tobacco industry)• Personal economic loss (shopkeepers, tobacco

factory, workers, tobacco farmers)• More serious unemployment

Second (Lower)

Government

Extension Arguments 1. Public backlash (smokers’ protest & social unrest)2. Illegal market• More crime and violence• More money to criminals