SKILL #2: Casewriting
A debate case isn’t just a list of arguments. It’s a coherent story with a beginning (framing), middle (arguments with evidence), and end (conclusion or impact).
🎯 Objective:
Learn how to write a strong, well-organized case to open a debate round — one that clearly presents your side, backed by evidence and structure.
Here’s what a solid case needs:
1. Framing (Set the Stage)
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Introduce the big idea or value your side is fighting for (e.g., justice, public health, education).
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Define any key terms from the resolution.
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Briefly state your thesis — what you plan to prove.
Think of framing like the “Why should the judge care?” setup.
2. Main Arguments (Claims & Warrants)
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Pick 2–3 strong claims that support your side of the resolution.
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Each claim should have a tagline (a clear, short statement) and be backed by a warrant (reasoning or evidence).
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Use evidence from credible sources — properly cited, but not read aloud word-for-word.
A claim is your argument, the warrant explains it and evidence makes it credible.
3. Impacts
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Explain why your argument matters.
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Show the real-world consequences or benefits if your claim is accepted.
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Be clear and connect impacts back to the round’s framing.
Example
Resolution: Public health should be prioritized over individual freedom.
Framing: Justice requires protecting the health of the majority over individual preferences.
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Claim 1 Tagline: “Freedom is meaningless without health.”
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Warrant: Without good health, people can’t enjoy any freedom.
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Evidence: WHO reports millions of deaths yearly from preventable disease.
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Impact: Prioritizing health saves lives and enables long-term freedom.
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Claim 2 Tagline: “Public health emergencies require collective action.”
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Warrant: Epidemics can’t be controlled if individuals refuse to follow guidelines.
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Evidence: New York Times reports that when individuals fail to follow the guidance offered by the CDC, the risk of disease spread increases twofold.
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Impact: Saves thousands of lives and prevents economic collapse.
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Practice Exercise
1️⃣ Pick a resolution (e.g., “Social media does more harm than good”).
2️⃣ Write:
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A framing paragraph: What value or big idea are you supporting?
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Two claims: Each with a tagline, warrant, and a piece of evidence.
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Impacts: What happens if your claim is accepted?
3️⃣ Share your case with a partner and ask for feedback.