Argument Flow Slides Argument GPS
Mastering the Art of "Flowing" in Debate
The 60-Second Challenge
I am going to speak for exactly one minute.
Your goal: Write down every distinct claim I make.
Rules:
No talking.
Don't worry about complete sentences.
Capture the core of the idea.
What is "Flowing"?
Strategic Mapping
It's not transcripting; it's tracking the logic of the debate from start to finish.
Visual Continuity
You line up your opponent's arguments in one column and your responses directly next to them.
Anatomy of a Claim
C
Claim
The main point or conclusion being made.
W
Warrant
The logical leap. Why the claim is true.
E
Evidence
The facts, data, or expert testimony supporting it.
Logical Fallacies usually hide in the Warrant.
The Layout
Affirmative Case
Negative Rebuttal
Affirmative Reply
1. Fast food is toxic.
2. Taxes reduce health costs.
-- Fallacy! (Anecdotal)
-- Wrong impact.
Flow Mastery Worksheet Flow Mastery Worksheet
Lesson 1: Argument GPS & Tracking Logic
Debater:
Date:
Part 1: The Anatomy of a Claim
Listen to the sample argument provided by your teacher. For each distinct point, identify the Claim (What is said), the Warrant (Why they say it), and the Evidence (Proof provided).
Claim (C)
Warrant (W) - Look for the logic gap!
Evidence (E)
Claim (C)
Warrant (W)
Evidence (E)
Part 2: The Vertical Flow
As the opponent speaks, use this column to map their argument. Line up your rebuttals in the column next to it.
Opponent's Argument
Your Refutation
Speed Listening Teacher Guide Speed Listening Scripts
Teacher Guide • Lesson 1
Introduction
Use these scripts for the "60-Second Challenge" and "C-W-E Breakdown" activities. Read these at a brisk, conversational pace (similar to a competitive debater, but still intelligible). Do not pause for students to catch up.
Script 1: The School Uniform Debate
Recommended Speed: Fast
"It's high time we implement mandatory uniforms. First, uniforms bridge the socioeconomic gap between students—when everyone wears the same thing, the pressure to wear expensive labels disappears. Second, uniforms increase campus safety; staff can instantly identify who belongs on campus and who is an intruder. Finally, academic performance will skyrocket because students will spend less time focused on their social image and more time on their studies. A survey from Smithson High found that 80% of teachers saw better focus after uniforms were introduced. We cannot ignore the data."
Claim: Uniforms help poor students.
Warrant: Pressure to buy labels disappears.
Evidence: Logical deduction + Teacher survey.
Script 2: The Social Media Ban
Recommended Speed: Very Fast
"Social media platforms should be restricted for those under 16. The algorithms are designed to be addictive, leading to a measurable decline in teenage mental health. This isn't just a hunch; the CDC reported a massive spike in anxiety since 2012. Furthermore, social media platforms have failed to police cyberbullying effectively, creating a digital environment of constant harassment. Since these tech companies won't act, the government must. If we don't act now, we are raising a generation of anxious, distracted citizens."
Claim: Ban social media for kids.
Warrant: Algorithms are addictive/harmful.
Evidence: CDC Anxiety stats.
Facilitation Tips
Don't Repeat: If students ask you to repeat, tell them that in a real debate, there are no 'rewinds'. Encourage them to leave gaps and keep moving.Shorthand: Model shorthand on the board after the first attempt (e.g., 'Unif' for Uniforms, '↑Perf' for Increased Performance).Comparison: Have students compare their 'flows' with a neighbor to see what they missed. The Rebuttal Rhythm Slides The Rebuttal Rhythm
Mastering the 4-Step Refutation Method
Phase 2
Why Do We Lose Rebuttals?
The "Ship in the Night"
You ignore their point and just repeat your own. You never actually engage .
The "Brain Dump"
You talk fast but the judge (and your opponent) has no idea what you're actually refuting.
"If you don't tell the judge where you are on the flow, your argument doesn't exist."
Step 1 & 2: The Signpost
01. "THEY SAY..."
Refer back to your flow. Briefly state the specific point you are refuting.
"They say that banning cars will ruin the economy..."
02. "BUT I DISAGREE..."
The 'But' is the pivot. State your counter-claim in one clear sentence.
"But I disagree because public transit creates more jobs than it loses..."
The Core
03. "BECAUSE..."
This is where you Identify the Fallacy.
"Because my opponent is using a Slippery Slope fallacy, assuming one ban leads to total economic collapse without any proof of the link..."
Don't just name it. Explain the error in logic.
The Conclusion
04. "THEREFORE..."
Show why this matters for the round. Close the loop for the judge.
"Therefore, their point about the economy fails, and you should favor our plan for its environmental benefits."
Memory Trick:
S-B-B-T
(Say, But, Because, Therefore)
Rebuttal Cheat Sheet The Rebuttal Cheat Sheet
Four Steps to Winning Any Argument
1
"They Say..."
The Signpost: Tell the judge which specific argument you are attacking. Keep it brief—don't re-debate their whole case.
"On my opponent's second point regarding cost..."
2
"But I Disagree..."
The Claim: State your counter-argument clearly. This is the "headline" of your refutation.
"But I disagree because the long-term savings outweigh the initial investment..."
3
"Because..."
The Warrant: This is the meat. Use logic, name the fallacy, and provide evidence.
"Because my opponent is using an Appeal to Emotion , citing one sad story rather than looking at the broad economic data..."
4
"Therefore..."
The Impact: Explain why your refutation means you win this specific clash or the whole debate.
"Therefore, their argument about cost should be disregarded, leaving our benefits as the primary focus..."
Common Refutation Fallacies
Ad Hominem
Attacking the person instead of the argument.
Straw Man
Misrepresenting the opponent's view to make it easier to attack.
Slippery Slope
Claiming one small step will inevitably lead to a chain of disasters.
Rapid Practice
Scenario:
"We should ban chocolate milk in schools because it's just a gateway to sugar addiction and eventual obesity for all students."
1. THEY SAY:
2. BUT I DIS:
3. BECAUSE:
4. THEREFORE:
Logic Lab Scenarios Logic Lab Scenarios
Practice identifying and plugging fallacies into the 4-Step Method.
Instructions
Read each fallacious argument. Identify the specific fallacy type, then write a complete 4-step refutation using the "They say... But... Because... Therefore..." structure.
Scenario 01: The New Video Game
Difficulty: Easy
"Everyone in the 10th grade is playing 'Neo-Quest'. If you don't start playing it, you're going to lose all your friends and become a social outcast."
Fallacy Identified:
Your 4-Step Refutation:
Scenario 02: The Homework Policy
Difficulty: Medium
"If we stop assigning homework for one weekend, students will stop doing any work at all. Soon, test scores will plummet, our school will lose funding, and the entire education system will collapse."
Fallacy Identified:
Your 4-Step Refutation:
Scenario 03: The Debate Opponent
Difficulty: Hard
"My opponent claims we should invest in solar energy, but they drive a gas-powered car to school every day. Clearly, we shouldn't listen to their ideas about the environment."
Fallacy Identified:
Your 4-Step Refutation:
Fallacy Spotter Slides Phase 3
FALLACY SPOTTER
Speed and Precision in the Heat of Debate. Call it out, or lose the round.
How to Call a Foul
01. The Buzz
"The moment you hear the warrant break, you hit the buzzer."
02. The Label
"Name the fallacy immediately. No stalling."
03. The Evidence
"Cite exactly what was said that triggered the foul."
The Target List
Bandwagon
"Everyone is doing it."
Slippery Slope
"A leads to Z disaster."
Ad Hominem
"You're just a jerk."
Appeal to Emotion
"Think of the children!"
Straw Man
"So you hate puppies?"
Begging the Question
"It's true because it's true."
False Dilemma
"Either A or B. No C."
Red Herring
"Look over there!"
BATTLE ROUND
"I shouldn't have to clean my room because my brother hasn't cleaned his in a week, and honestly, if I clean my room today, next thing you know you'll be asking me to paint the whole house!"
1
Fallacy
?
Name it
Fallacy Flashcards Target 01
Bandwagon
The argument that since "everyone" is doing it or believing it, it must be right or good.
"90% of gamers use this mouse, so it's obviously the best choice for you."
Target 02
Slippery Slope
Claiming that a small first step will lead to a chain of related events resulting in some significant impact.
"If we let students use AI for one essay, they'll never learn to think for themselves again."
Target 03
Ad Hominem
Attacking the character or personal traits of an opponent instead of engaging with their argument.
"Why should we listen to his tax plan? He can't even keep his own lawn mowed!"
Target 04
Straw Man
Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.
"You want to lower military spending? So you want our country to be defenseless?"
Target 05
False Dilemma
Presenting two opposing options as the only possibilities, ignoring any middle ground.
"Either you support this new law, or you don't care about public safety."
Target 06
Begging the Question
Circular reasoning where the conclusion is included in the premise.
"Free trade is good for the country because it's beneficial to have trade that is free."
Target 07
Red Herring
Introducing an irrelevant topic into an argument to divert attention from the original issue.
"We need to talk about climate change. But first, let's talk about why taxes are too high!"
Target 08
Appeal to Emotion
Using strong emotions (fear, pity, joy) instead of logical reasons to win an argument.
"If we don't pass this bill, thousands of innocent puppies will be sad."
Audio Clip Analysis Key Audio Analysis Key
Teacher Resource • Lesson 3 Competition
Competition Rules
Divide the class into teams. Give each team a buzzer (or have them slap the desk).
Read the script below or play the corresponding movie/speech clip.
The first student to buzz MUST immediately name the fallacy.
Bonus Point: Explain why the logic fails in 10 seconds or less.
Clip 01: The Courtroom
Movie Reference: A Few Good Men
"You can't handle the truth! And anyway, why should we listen to a junior officer who hasn't seen a day of combat? You're just a pampered lawyer trying to make a name for himself!"
Answer
AD HOMINEM
— Attacking the lawyer's character rather than the facts of the case.
Clip 02: The Town Hall
Scripted Scenario
"If we allow the city to build this park, we'll have more people hanging out late at night. More people will lead to more noise, more noise will lead to crime, and before you know it, our property values will be zero and the city will be a wasteland!"
Answer
SLIPPERY SLOPE
— Assuming a park inevitably leads to a wasteland without logical links.
Clip 03: The School Board
Scripted Scenario
"The principal says we need to upgrade the science labs. I guess he thinks the humanities and the arts don't matter at all and we should just turn this school into a robot factory!"
Answer
STRAW MAN
— Misrepresenting 'funding science' as 'hating arts' to make it easier to attack.
Clip 04: The Commercial
Common Trope
"Four out of five dentists recommend Sparkle-Dent toothpaste. Don't be the one person with yellow teeth—join the millions who have already switched!"
Answer
BANDWAGON
— Using popularity as proof of quality.
Impact Analysis Slides Phase 4
Impact Analysis
"So what?" — The most important question in debate.
Naming is not Winning
The Amateur Move
"My opponent just used a Slippery Slope fallacy. Therefore, I win this point."
Result: No Impact
The Pro Move
"My opponent used a Slippery Slope fallacy by assuming a park leads to a wasteland. Because they failed to prove that link, their entire argument about property values collapses. "
Result: Point Secured
The Impact Trinity
01
Nullification
Explain why the logic error means the specific point they made is completely invalid.
02
Turn-around
Explain how the fallacy actually helps your side of the argument.
03
The Verdict
Tell the judge exactly what to do with their ballot based on this error.
Impact Challenge
Fallacy: Straw Man
"My opponent wants to reduce the police budget, so they obviously don't care if our neighborhoods are safe."
Your Task:
Write an impact statement that doesn't just name the fallacy, but tells the judge why the opponent failed their burden of proof.
Impact Statement Guide Impact Guide
Winning the Verdict • Lesson 4
Mastery Level: Impact Specialist
The Impact Statement Frame
"Because my opponent has used a [Name of Fallacy], they have failed to provide a logical link between [Their Warrant] and [Their Claim]. Therefore, you must disregard this argument because [Reason why the error ruins their point]."
Pro Tip: Focus on the "Burden of Proof"
Impact Practice Drills
Scenario 01
"If we don't increase the military budget, we are basically inviting every foreign power to invade us tomorrow." (False Dilemma)
Write your impact statement:
Scenario 02
"You should listen to my plan for school lunches because I’m the most popular kid in school and everyone likes me." (Ad Hominem/Bandwagon)
Write your impact statement:
Scenario 03
"We need to pass this environmental bill because think of all the cute polar bears that will lose their homes! Do you want to be responsible for that?" (Appeal to Emotion)
Write your impact statement:
Spar Arena Rubric The Spar Arena
Final Mastery Simulation • Lesson 5
60s Prep Time
Format
1v1 Mini-Debates. 1 Minute Constructive. 1 Minute Rebuttal. 30 Second Closing.
Goal
Identify, name, and impact the logical errors of your opponent.
Focus
Logic & Structure over facts and deep research.
Arena Matchup Tracker
vs
Topic:
vs
Topic:
Spar Judging Ballot
Criterion Score (1-5) Evidence / Notes Flowing Accuracy Fallacy Identification
| |
| Impact Calculation |
| |
| Refutation Structure |
| |
Overall Feedback: Impromptu Topic Bank Impromptu Topic Bank
Teacher Guide • Lesson 5 Arena
How to Use:
Cut these topics out and place them in a hat. Students draw a topic and have 60 seconds to prepare a 1-minute constructive case. Remind the 'Negative' side to focus exclusively on finding and impacting the 'Affirmative' side's logical flaws.
01
Resolved: Schools should ban all forms of artificial intelligence in the classroom.
02
Resolved: Social media companies should be legally responsible for the mental health of their users.
03
Resolved: The voting age should be lowered to 16 for all national elections.
04
Resolved: All professional sports should eliminate separate gender categories.
05
Resolved: The government should provide a universal basic income to every citizen.
06
Resolved: Video games are a more effective educational tool than traditional textbooks.
07
Resolved: Mandatory national service should be required for all citizens after high school.
08
Resolved: Humans should prioritize colonizing Mars over solving climate change on Earth.
