02Writing a PF Case

Evidence selection, contention design, internal links, and read-aloud flow with your partner.

Build a persuasive case

Aim for 2–3 contentions with tight internal links: uniqueness → link → impact. Each contention should contain a warranted card and a short analytic explanation that a lay judge can follow.

Case outline

Intro/Weighing: Define the decision metric for the round.
Contention 1: [Tag] — Card (author, year) + warrant → impact.
Contention 2: [Tag] — Card (author, year) + warrant → impact.
Turn/Preempt: Address the most likely refutation in one line.
Summary hook: Re-state the weighing and the clean path to the ballot.

Partner delivery

  • Assign roles: one cards and tracks ink; the other focuses on weighing and narrative.
  • Practice read-aloud pacing so both partners sound consistent to the judge.
  • In crossfires, decide who leads before the round and alternate leadership by segment.