1. Case Planning

• Start by researching the resolution.
   

• Open a document where you paste links and evidence you think could be useful.
   

• Spend at least 30–40 minutes deciding your main contentions.
   

  • Don’t feel confined to your first draft — you can always adjust contentions later.
     

  • Make sure every contention links back to your framework (V/C).
     

• Go as unique as possible with your case — that’s the beauty of debate. Judges love creativity and new angles.

  • Example: A couple years ago, while debating the living wage, most of the strongest Negative arguments attacked the Affirmative on the issue of inflation. However, part of my 3rd contention showed how inflation could actually be good in the short run, which completely threw many of my opponents off-guard. Many judges even commented that they enjoyed my case.

• But don’t be afraid to go generic if needed — sometimes the most straightforward arguments are also the strongest.
   

• Have multiple pieces of evidence prepared for each of your main points, so you’re never left vulnerable if one piece is weak or attacked.

2. Case Structure

• Resolution – Always write it at the top of your case.
   

• Definitions – Provide definitions for every word in the resolution and any other important terms.
   

  • Pull from multiple sources (Merriam-Webster, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Oxford, etc.).
     

  • Do this for both sides to stay prepared and impartial.
     

• Value – Define it clearly.
   

• Criterion – Define it as well.
   

• Contentions –
   

  • Label each contention with a heading.
     

  • It’s common to have subpoints under each contention.
     

  • Make sure your subpoints fit under the umbrella of the contention.
     

  • Affirmative: usually 3 contentions in 6 minutes.
     

  • Negative: usually 2 contentions in 3-4 minutes.
     

• Extra Evidence – Place any backup evidence (that may not be read) under the contention in smaller font, so it’s there for reference if needed.

3. Formatting Evidence

• Use this format for every card/piece of evidence:
   

  • Author’s last name. Year.
     

  • Provide the link directly under for reference.
     

  • Copy-paste the full paragraph, then:
     

    • Highlight the parts you plan to read.
       

    • Make the extra/unneeded words smaller (instead of deleting them) so you can still reference the original paragraph if needed.
      Example:​​

      •  

 

 

 

 

 

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4. Preparing for Opposing Arguments

• Create a separate document with evidence for arguments you think the other side might run.
   

• This becomes your “blocks/extensions” file — you’ll have pre-prepared counterarguments and counter-evidence.
   

• Anticipating the opponent’s moves makes you confident and saves time in-round.
   

Important Note: This is not a fixed structure — every debater has their own preferences and style. Some prefer shorter cases, some prefer more subpoints, and some adjust their approach based on the resolution. Use this as a starting point, then develop a system that works best for you.