Substantives

General Definition: A main area of clash set up for the debate. Two substantives are typically presented in the first speech for each side, with a third contention in the second. Substantives should include a premise or claim for an argument, followed by multiple lines of analysis, examples, and subpoints, and ending with an impact. See also “Contentions“.

  • Public Forum: Not commonly used in PF.
  • World Schools Debate: see general definition.
  • British Parliamentary: Not commonly used in BP.
  • Canadian National Debate Format: Not commonly used in CNDF.