Assignment Guidelines:

Briefs: 8 due throughout the semester

50 points each; 400 points total

Goal: To be thoroughly informed on a topic/policy in one region; to increase debate

round preparedness

Components:
Topic, stance, evidence, complete arguments and anticipated rebuttals and responses

You will be given a region and must select a topic/policy within that region to prepare a
debate case regarding. For example, if the region is South America you may write a
debate brief entitled: “Chavez Government in Venezuela = Good.” Your brief will then
compile evidence from difference, credible sources and present arguments that support
this claim. Your brief is due on the dates stated on the syllabus. Briefs will not be
accepted late or by email. You must turn in two copies of each brief: one for grading and
one for the class tub.

Grading is as follows:
10 points: selection of information
5 points: components of good argumentation
5 points: organization of arguments
5 points: breadth/depth of the case
25 points total

Citation of evidence: Always cite the author, source and the year. If the author is not well
known or providing credentials of the author would increase the value of the piece of
evidence, include this as well. Do not include the weblink on your brief. This takes up
space and is of no use before debate rounds where it is not permissible to access the
Internet. Making up evidence is highly unethical and will be viewed as an honor code
violation.

YOU MUST EMAIL ME YOUR BRIEFS BY CLASS TIME ON THE DAY THAT
THEY ARE DUE TO THE FOLLOWING EMAIL ADDRESS:

debatebriefs@yahoo.com

Do not email the briefs to my UNC account. They will not be accepted.

Please write the subject as follows: YOUR last name, brief region, short resolution
e.g.: Ravenscroft, US Domestic, NoChildLeftBehind Bad.

Bring one hard copy to class to turn in. If you do not bring a hard copy on the day they
are due, you will automatically lose 10 points.

Please see examples for further guidance