Contentions
Following the observations, the debaters then make their chief arguments. These arguments, often referred to as “contentions,” are independent reasons why the resolution is true or false. After collecting research, analyzing the resolution, and thinking of arguments, debaters should collect the best arguments for each side and attempt to divide them into themes. Those themes will provide the basis for contentions. Arguments can be organized by impact, by chronology, by geography, or by importance; the exact system of organization is less important than the coherence of each contention. The key to good contention writing is to ensure that all contentions are self-contained units. This makes the case more difficult to answer and gives the debaters more options when answering their opponents’ case. Typically, a case has two or three contentions. Having more than three makes it difficult for a judge to remember the independent ideas in a case; having only one limits the flexibility of a position. Case construction should never sacrifice quality or depth for breadth, however.
Sub-points
Contentions may have sub-points, arguments or examples that help to organize the contentions. For example, a contention may be something broad, such as “Affirming the resolution will improve the economy.” This contention could then have sub-points, such as “Affirming the resolution will create jobs” and “Affirming the resolution will spur investment.” Unlike a contention, a sub-point does not have to be an independent argument. Sub-points can reinforce or build on one another, or they can serve as independent reasons why the resolution is true. The number of sub-points a debater includes is determined by their research and arguments. Sub-points are often organized by letter (sub-point A, sub-point B, etc.), whereas contentions are organized by number. Debaters should not include sub-points just for the sake of having them; speakers should use them to best organize contentions. The contentions and sub-points should include taglines and data. Taglines should be short and digestible; data should be plentiful, persuasively presented, and embedded in the debater’s own rhetoric. Many contentions have up to six to seven sources of data. While the contentions have copious structure and data, speakers should remember that they also should be pleasant to listen to — do not sacrifice rhetorical appeal for data.