Lesson five: Responding to questions

Questions in debate

Cross-examination - debaters ask each other questions during designated periods in debate

CROSS -EXAMINATION

What is the purpose of cross-examination in debate: different types of questions

CROSS -EXAMINATION

Clarify the Opponent’s arguments

Q: I am sorry, our team missed your last point…Could you please explain…?

CROSS -EXAMINATION

Ask for additional information

Q:Do you have any statistics on this point ?

CROSS -EXAMINATION

Force your opponent to commit to a position

Q: You said that the freedom of an individual is the greatest value. Is it always right? What about cases when individuals can potentially endanger others?

CROSS -EXAMINATION

Expose bad arguments

Q: You have said that advertising has no effect on the viewers but then why would companies like Coca-

Cola be then spending all this money if advertising did not work?

CROSS -EXAMINATION

• Expose inadequate evidence

• Q: You mentioned the fact that after re-introducing capital punishment in California, the crime rate in that state increased. Do you know if that was an increase in violent crime or other types of crime?

• A: We have the statistics that show the over-all increase.

CROSS –EXAMINATION- questioner

• Treat your opponent with respect and courtesy.

• Ask questions in series- follow –up on answers with another question.

• Ask short close-ended question: do you agree? Is it correct that?

CROSS –EXAMINATION- questioned

• Remain poised and confident• Admit ignorance, if the question demands

knowledge of obscure facts.• Exercise the control of the cross- examination

period by controlling the timing of your answers.