SKILL #6: Cross Examination
🎯 Objective:
Learn how to ask smart, focused questions that expose flaws in your opponent’s arguments, clarify confusion, and set yourself up for strong refutation later.
What is Cross-Examination?
Cross-ex (CX) is a period where one debater asks questions, and the other answers.
It’s your chance to:
-
Clarify your opponent’s arguments or evidence.
-
Find weaknesses in their reasoning.
-
Set up your next speech with smart, targeted questions.
Pro Tip: Always stay polite and focused. Cross-ex is not a fight—it’s a chess match.
Types of Questions You Can Ask
1️⃣ Clarifying Questions:
-
“What exactly does your evidence say?”
-
“Can you explain how your plan solves the problem?”
2️⃣ Evidence Questions:
-
“Where did you get that statistic?”
-
“Who conducted that study, and when?”
3️⃣ Logical Challenges:
-
“How does your plan solve X if Y still happens?”
-
“Isn’t it possible your solution creates a new problem?”
4️⃣ Setting Up Refutation:
-
“If your impact takes 10 years to occur, wouldn’t my impact, which happens now, outweigh it?”
-
“Does your evidence consider counterarguments?”
Example Cross-Ex Exchange
You: “Can you explain how your plan reduces plastic waste if it doesn’t ban single-use plastics?”
Opponent: “Our plan focuses on recycling incentives.”
You: “But if single-use plastics aren’t banned, isn’t it likely they’ll still end up in landfills?”
Opponent: “Yes, but less often.”
You: “So your plan only reduces plastic waste a little, right?”
Opponent: “I suppose.”
(Use this to argue your plan is stronger!)
How to Prepare for Cross-Ex
-
Flow your opponent’s case carefully.
-
Underline unclear or weak areas.
-
Write 3–5 potential questions before the round.
-
Practice asking and answering with a partner or coach.
Practice Exercise
1️⃣ Choose a debate topic and flow a sample case.
2️⃣ Write 3 clarifying questions, 2 evidence questions, and 2 logical challenges.
3️⃣ Practice cross-ex live with a partner—take turns asking and answering.
4️⃣ After the practice, write a short reflection:
-
What questions were most effective?
-
How did your opponent’s answers reveal weaknesses?
-
How can you use this information in your next speech?