Tests for cases

Tests refer to a way of examining a case by considering if it passes the key tests or criteria. These will depend on whether it is a value or policy debate. Tests can also be used to examine the support for an argument

For a policy debate, the tests would be in these areas. This is a good starting point for deciding on burdens.

1. Problem

Is there a problem or need to improve things? Is that the real problem?

2. Model Issues

Will the model/plan work: is it practical and will it solve the problem?

3. Is it worth it

Is it worth the cost, including side-effects and unintended effects (short and long term)?

Is the model/plan morally acceptable, is the principle/precedent acceptable?

4. Alternatives

Is there a better way of dealing with the problem/achieving the goal?

For a values debate, Standards would be the main test. This is a good starting point for deciding on burdens. Approaches based on standards could include:

1. What is the standard we should use for deciding? Why? This could include principles.

2. Why is your standard better if your opponents have a different one? This could include what are the consequences of each standard.

3. How can we tell if the point under debate meets that standard?

Practice resolutions:

1. Policy

1. We should have a national day care system

2. We should have a carbon tax

3. We should ban Uber

4. This House would abolish the veto in the security council

5. This House would ban private ownership of handguns

6. This House would abolish university tuition

7. This House believes that Western liberal democracies should not give financial or military support to nondemocratic regimes in the Middle East

8. Women's sports should receive the same funding as men's sports

9. We should get rid of the ICC (International Criminal Court)

10. Museums should return major cultural treasures to their countries of origin

2. Values

1. We regret legalizing marijuana

2. Donald Trump was bad for America

3. Donald Trump was good for America

4. Uber is bad for society

5. There should be more emphasis on Arts education

6. Athletes are paid too much

7. We should allow performance enhancing drugs in professional sports

8. This House regrets Facebook

9. There should be more emphasis on competition in school

10. This House condemns political correctness

11. Countries should not apologize for historical injustices

12. We regret the Me Too movement

13. We would rather be popular than right

14. It is better to live on your feet than die on your knees

15. We should not interfere in other people’s wars

16. This House would not have dropped the bomb on Hiroshima