Goals of Framework

1. Focus the round on certain issues while deemphasizing other topical, yet less important issues.
2. Analyze the impacts that will be discussed in the round.
3. Aid the judge in deciding who wins the round. This means Framework should be written in understandable language.
4. “Put the round on your terms” (Zoffer) – the Framework should make your arguments more persuasive and your opponents’ argument less persuasive.
5. Create contrast between your side and your opponents’ side of the resolution.
6. Preclude abusive arguments or arguments that will only waste time.
7. Explain why your Framework is relevant to the topic and useful to the round.


Other purposes:
Use Framework as an offensive tool to preclude difficult to answer arguments or impacts that your opponent may make. This only works if: one- you are not removing legitimate arguments from the debate and two- can defend your Framework as a fair for both sides. You should aim to “subtly alter the ground” of the debate so that your opponent’s arguments are harder to make, not impossible to make (Zoffer). If your opponents’ arguments do not fit under your Framework, don’t fight to make them fit. If you anticipate what your opponents will say and are incorrect, don’t continue discuss that aspect of your Framework. Adapt your Framework during the debate if necessary.

Framework has the side benefit creating an obstacle your opponent’s must tackle in Rebuttal.