Definition and Interpretation

The First Step in Preparing a Debate

Before your team starts writing arguments, you need to work out what the topic actually means.

This is called definition and interpretation.

A clear definition helps your whole team stay on the same track. It also helps the adjudicator and audience understand exactly what your team is arguing.

What is a Definition?

A definition explains the important words in the topic.

For example:

Topic: That homework should be banned.

Important words:

  • Homework = schoolwork completed outside class time
  • Banned = officially not allowed

Definitions help everyone understand what the words mean.

What is an Interpretation?

An interpretation explains what the whole topic means.

For example:

Topic: That homework should be banned.

Interpretation:
This debate is about whether schools should stop requiring students to complete schoolwork at home.

Definition = important words.
Interpretation = the whole topic.

How to Define and Interpret a Topic

Use this simple 3-step method.

Step 1: Find the Key Words

Underline the most important words in the topic.

Topic: That zoos should be closed.

Key words:

  • Zoos
  • Closed

Step 2: Define the Key Words

Work out what each word means.

  • Zoos = places where animals are kept for public viewing
  • Closed = permanently shut down

Step 3: Explain the Topic as a Whole

Put the meaning into one clear sentence.

Example:
This debate is about whether zoos should permanently stop operating and no longer keep animals for public display.

What Should First Affirmative Say?

The First Affirmative speaker should explain the definition and interpretation near the start of their speech.

Use this sentence starter:

“In this debate, our team defines the topic to mean…”

Example:

“In this debate, our team defines the topic ‘That homework should be banned’ to mean that schools should no longer require students to complete schoolwork at home.”

Keep it simple. Keep it clear.

What Should First Negative Say?

The First Negative speaker must decide whether their team agrees with the Affirmative team’s definition.

If You Agree

Say:

“Our team agrees with the Affirmative team’s definition.”

Then move on to your arguments and rebuttal.

If You Disagree

You need to explain:

  1. What the Affirmative team’s definition was.
  2. Why your team disagrees with it.
  3. What your team’s better definition is.

This is called a definition debate.

What Makes a Good Definition?

A good definition should be:

  • Clear
  • Fair
  • Reasonable
  • Connected to the topic
  • Something both teams can debate

A good test is to ask:

“Would an ordinary person think this is what the topic means?”

Common Definition Mistakes

1. Too Narrow

Topic: That smoking should be banned.

Too narrow:

“Smoking should only be banned in one hospital corridor.”

This is too small and does not deal with the full topic.

2. Too Broad

Topic: That homework should be banned.

Too broad:

“Homework means all learning outside school, including reading, sport, music practice and hobbies.”

This makes the topic much bigger than it should be.

3. Too Tricky

Topic: That smoking should be banned.

Tricky interpretation:

“Smoking means using smoke to preserve food.”

This ignores what most people would normally think the topic means.

4. A Truism

A truism is something that is obviously true and almost impossible to argue against.

Example:

That the sun sets in the west.

If the other team cannot reasonably disagree, there is no real debate.

The Spirit of the Topic

The spirit of the topic means the normal, expected meaning of the topic.

Ask:

“What is this topic really trying to get us to debate?”

For example:

That smoking should be banned

The spirit of the topic is probably about cigarettes or tobacco, not smoke machines, campfires or cooking smoke.

Quick Team Activity

Choose one of these topics:

  1. That pets should be allowed in schools.
  2. That children should have less screen time.
  3. That school uniforms should be compulsory.
  4. That zoos should be closed.

For your topic, write:

Key Words

Definitions

Interpretation

This debate is about…

Definition Checklist

Before your debate, check:

  • Have we found the key words?
  • Have we defined the important words?
  • Have we explained the topic as a whole?
  • Is our interpretation fair?
  • Is our interpretation clear?
  • Can the other team still argue against us?
  • Does our interpretation match the spirit of the topic?

If the answer is yes, your team is ready to start building arguments.

Remember

Definition and interpretation are not just something you say at the start of the debate.

They guide your whole team case.

A strong definition helps you create stronger arguments, clearer speeches and better rebuttal.

Good debates start with good definitions.