Contention

  • Date 2022-07-18

General Definition: A full argument, including a statement of the central claim or premise, analysis of the status quo, mechanisms or links defining how the motion changes the status quo, and impacts. A debate case may be organized into multiple contentions (e.g. “Contention One”, “Contention Two”, etc.).

  • Public Forum: see general definition.
  • World Schools Debate: In WSD, two contentions are typically presented in the first speech for each side, with a third contention in the second. See also “Substantives”.
  • British Parliamentary: In BP, this is synonymous with “argument”. A full argument, including a statement of the central claim or premise, analysis of the status quo, links defining how the resolution changes the status quo, and impacts. A debate case may be organized into multiple contentions (e.g. “Contention One”, “Contention Two”, etc.). 
  • Canadian National Debate Format: In CNDF, two contentions are typically presented in the first speech for each side, with a third contention in the second.