DB8 Speech & Debate Academy
Unit 2 · Lesson 3 7 min

Contention Structure (CRE)

Every contention needs Claim, Reason, Evidence. Drop one and the contention collapses.

Claim

One sentence stating what you believe. 'This bill will reduce diabetes deaths.'

Reason

WHY is the claim true? Logic + mechanism. 'Because insulin rationing is the leading cause of preventable diabetes deaths.'

Evidence

A stat, a study, a real example. 'A 2023 Yale study found 1 in 4 diabetics ration insulin due to cost.'

Quick Check
  1. 1. CRE stands for:

  2. 2. True or False?

    "A contention with no evidence is still a strong argument."

Answer all 2 to check.

Takeaway

No claim is too obvious to state. No reason is too short. No contention is complete without evidence.

Next: The Impact Wrap