A Guide to Online Debate Resources

Written By Eloquence Academy

For the novice debater, finding the right resources while researching a topic can be akin to a "needle-in-a-haystack" moment. If this sounds like you, take solace in knowing that you are not the only one who has faced such issues, and that there is a work-around. 

Below is a list to help you get "un-stuck" and prepping efficiently. Remember that debate is a practice game; the more topics that you prepare for, the easier this process will be. The list below is by no means a comprehensive one, but one that will get you started. 

Briefs

Briefs are packets of evidence sold by debate companies such as DebateTrack, VictoryBriefs, Champions Briefs, and DebateUS. These packets of evidence release based on the topic, and normally include sources that are categorized by argument, and a section that has evidence responding to it. Here are the links to the briefs specified above:

  • DebateTrack:

    • https://www.debatetrack.com/

    • Bonus: has PF lectures. 

  • VictoryBriefs

    • https://classroom.victorybriefs.com/

    • Bonus: runs summer camps, has multiple other membership packages, and has a blogs website. 

  • Champions Briefs

    • https://championbriefs.com/

    • Bonus: has some free resources, such as topic analyses.

  • DebateUS

    • https://debateus.org/

If you are interested in utilizing a subscription, look through the offerings of each service, and ask other debaters you know about recommendations. 

OpenCaseList

OpenCaseList is linked to your Tabroom account, and is where many competing teams disclose their cases/round reports for each tournament. These cases can often be helpful to realize a new argument you may like. OpenCaseList also has an OpenEvidence category, where there are more philosophical arguments. Depending on your debate form, that may be of interest to you. 

You can find the link to OpenCaseList here: https://opencaselist.com/

Card-Finding Websites

If you have ever felt like you have been stuck and could become "unstuck" by just finding that right card, there are card-finding websites that can help you. Card-finding websites should be your inspiration. It is still important to check the cards you are finding to make sure they are accurate. Still read through the source, and then cut it in your own way. While these websites may point you to some of the right sources, it is important to analyze and re-cut/cite as necessary. 

Here are the links to some of these websites:

  • contention.ai

    • https://www.contention.ai/

  • Logos

    • https://logos-debate.netlify.app/

  • DebateCards

    • https://debate.cards/

  • DebateEv

    • https://www.debatev.com/

r/Debate

The Reddit community r/Debate is a large hub for debaters to ask questions about anything competitive debate related. This is a great place to ask general questions to other debaters. 

You can find the link to OpenCaseList here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Debate/

Written by Arnav Maheshwari from West Windsor, New Jersey. Arnav was a Program Instructor and is passionate about introducing positive change in small-school debate.

Eloquence Academy
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