Strategy For Debating Framework

If your opponents’ Framework limits or negates your arguments…

Attack the fundamental premise behind the Framework, not just how it has been applied to the resolution. This means explaining why your opponents’ analysis doesn’t make sense or how assumptions about the resolution/circumstances/actors etc. are not true. Always give clear, specific examples to back up these rebuttals.

You can also explain how their Framework restricts arguments you should be able to make. A Framework should not unnecessarily limit the debate. In debate speak, we call this an abusive framework. You must clearly explain what arguments it excludes and why these are legitimate. Explain “why the judge should prefer the broadest debate and the fairest debate”, which your Framework should provide (Zoffer). One of my biggest PF pet peeves is the claim that a Framework is abusive because “it’s unfair” – circular reasoning at its finest. Don’t accuse your opponent of using an unfair Framework. Give the judge a reason why a Framework is unfair.

If your case fits your opponents’ Framework…

Accept their Framework and take advantage of the overlap. Your case is even stronger if it achieves the goals of your opponents’ Framework. Illustrate how your case better achieves not your Framework and theirs. Be careful not to remove your Framework from the round. You still want to advocate for your own analysis; show the judge how you are winning under both Frameworks. If your Frameworks say the same thing, explain this to the judge. If you can win under both Frameworks, you present a strong case for your team.

In either case…

With Framework debates, you always want to use the phrase “you should prefer our observation” or “you should prefer to weigh the round on (insert specific issue)” rather than arguing that their Framework is invalid or wrong. Framework really can never be wrong – it’s analysis or interpretation, not fact. Preference is a more reasonable advocacy than correct vs. wrong. You want to illustrate what Framework allows for the best rubric for the judge.

After you write your Framework, check it for its usefulness as well as your ability to use it in round. Ask yourself… Does my analysis accomplish the goals of a Framework? Can

I defend my Framework? Is my case better with my Framework?

Remember, Framework is a recent evolution in Public Forum. It will take practice to write and run effective Frameworks. This practice will lead to more quality debating for you and your opponents. It will also increase the ability of judges to adjudicate debates well. Even if you debate in a region where Framework is new or misunderstood, it is the most worthwhile thing you can work on to improve the quality of debate for everyone. Framework is vital to competitive and clear debating. As the case provides the judge what to think about, Framework guides the judge how to think about the round.