Debate Simulator

Debate is not about being loud or aggressive — it's about constructing logical, evidence-based arguments that persuade a reasonable audience. This module covers the fundamentals.**The Toulmin Model of Argumentation:**Every strong argument has 6 components:**1. Claim** — What you're asserting

"Remote work increases employee productivity."

**2. Data/Evidence** — The facts supporting your claim

"A Stanford study of 16,000 workers found a 13% productivity increase among remote workers."

**3. Warrant** — The logical connection between data and claim

"When employees eliminate commute time and office distractions, they can focus more deeply on their work."

**4. Backing** — Additional support for the warrant

"Neuroscience research shows deep work requires uninterrupted focus periods of 90+ minutes, which open offices rarely allow."

**5. Qualifier** — The strength/scope of your claim

"In knowledge work roles, remote work generally increases productivity, though results vary by individual and role type."

**6. Rebuttal** — Acknowledging and addressing counterarguments

"While some argue that collaboration suffers, video conferencing tools have largely replicated the collaborative benefits of in-person work."

The 3 types of arguments:

• **Logos** (Logic): Facts, statistics, logical reasoning

• **Ethos** (Credibility): Expert opinion, credentials, track record

• **Pathos** (Emotion): Stories, values, human impact

The strongest arguments use all three. Pure logic without emotion fails to persuade. Pure emotion without logic fails to convince.

Common logical fallacies to avoid:

• Ad hominem: Attacking the person, not the argument

• Straw man: Misrepresenting the opponent's position

• False dichotomy: Presenting only two options when more exist

• Slippery slope: Assuming one event inevitably leads to extreme consequences

• Appeal to authority: Citing an expert outside their domain of expertise

**Exercise:** Take the position "Social media does more harm than good." Write a 3-sentence argument using Claim + Data + Warrant.