LINCOLN-DOUGLAS CROSS EXAMINATION

• Your manner of questioning and answering affects your credibility or ethos.

• Communicate through your demeanor that you are dynamic, expert, trustworthy, and pleasant.

• There are four primary types of questions you can use:

1. Direct2. Open3. Probing4. Leading

Direct Questions

• Refer to a specific piece of information and usually have a short answer.

• Example:– “What was the source for you definition of

energy?”– “Do you support mandatory penalties for

violations of your plan?”

Open Questions

• Allow the respondent to amplify ideas and probably should be limited to explanations of implications of the argument rather than repeating ideas already presented.

• Example:– “Tell us why you favor mandatory

execution of violators” is better than “Explain your plan’s philosophy.”

Probe Questions

• These are similar to open questions in requiring a longer answer. They are often directed at a specific line of reasoning which the opponent has used. Example:– “Why do you (the opponent) rely so much on moveon.org

for your evidence?”

• Such a question might reveal weakness in the research or evidence of your opponent. You can imply that the research is biased.

• Try to delve beneath the surface of the evidence or reasoning as to WHY it is included in the argument.

Leading Questions

• The debater can set up a series of questions, especially if some sort of logical relationship is the ultimate goal of his/her series of questions.

• You are setting up a series of questions which eventually lead the opponent to admit his or her weakness in reasoning and/or evidence.

• In cross examination, the speaker whose opponent has just finished speaking should ask questions.

• Demanding “yes or no” questions are not permitted, and the debater being questioned should be allowed an opportunity to reply.

• The debater asking questions may cut off a reply if his or her opponent appears to be stalling, or if an important point has been reached.

• Throughout cross examination, both speakers should face the audience directly (not each other), and should remain courteous.