Lincoln-Douglas Debate · Beginner
1v1 values debate. Win at the framework level.
5–8 min lessons
- Novice topic (used every year)
Resolved: In the United States, national service ought to be mandatory.
The NSDA novice LD topic is the same every season, so it is the best place to learn Value/Criterion without drowning in new research. Many tournaments run it in Sept/Oct novice divisions — confirm with your host.
New resolution every two months (Sept through Nationals). Members vote between two options one week before release. Confirm the live topic
Value & Criterion
The framework skeleton at the heart of every LD case.
Building Contentions
Two contentions that ladder up to your Criterion.
Round Strategy
Time management, CX, and the 1NR/2AR rhythm.
Structure & Organization
Lincoln-Douglas Debate practice focused on structure & organization.
Refutation & Adaptation
Lincoln-Douglas Debate practice focused on refutation & adaptation.
Delivery & Presence
Lincoln-Douglas Debate practice focused on delivery & presence.
Questioning & Interaction
Lincoln-Douglas Debate practice focused on questioning & interaction.
Strategy & Weighing
Lincoln-Douglas Debate practice focused on strategy & weighing.
Full-Round Practice
Lincoln-Douglas Debate practice focused on full-round practice.
Tournament Readiness
Lincoln-Douglas Debate practice focused on tournament readiness.