Free printable
The Debater’s Cheat Sheet
Competitive debate rewards structure under pressure, and structure can be drilled. Master these four moves and you’ll hold your own in any round, from the classroom to the national circuit.
Drill one move at a time. Build a case with C-R-E-L, practice the four-step rebuttal on a friend’s argument, then add points of information once the basics feel automatic.
Free · print-ready · no email required
Build an argument: C-R-E-L
- Claim: state your point in one clear sentence.
- Reason: explain why it’s true.
- Evidence: back it with a fact, example, or study.
- Link: tie it to the motion and show why it matters.
Rebut in four steps
- They said: restate their point fairly, in one line.
- But that’s wrong: state your response.
- Because: give your reason and evidence.
- So: explain why your side wins the clash.
Points of information
Offer a point of information in one sharp sentence during an opponent’s speech, either a question or a quick challenge. In your own speech, take one or two to show you can think on your feet, then move on. Never take more than you can handle.
Spot the fallacy
- Ad hominem: attacking the person, not the point.
- Straw man: twisting their argument to beat it.
- Slippery slope: “this tiny step leads to disaster.”
- False dilemma: pretending there are only two options.
- Bandwagon: “everyone thinks so, so it’s true.”
- Circular: using the claim to prove itself.
- Hasty generalization: one case, big conclusion.
- Red herring: changing the subject to distract.
Ready when you are
Ready for a real coach?
Printables are a great start. A free 30-minute assessment pairs your child with a TalkMaze coach who works with them live and builds a plan. No credit card, no commitment.
Book my free assessmentFree assessment · no credit card · no commitment