Many debate textbooks give few examples of well structured arguments, and often the examples which the books do give are inconsistent with current debate practice. All too often, young debaters learn how to structure and deliver arguments from more experienced teammates, or even from debate competition opponents. The clearest example of…

This paper addresses the question whether or not forensics is a cult. The paper states that forensics can be compared to the criteria listed on the "Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry Homepage" which says that a cult is a group that is unorthodox, esoteric, and has devotion to a person, object, or new set of ideas. In keeping…

A study investigated whether the narrative writing task is more compatible with the structure of conscious thought than are other writing tasks. If so, composing a narrative text should demand less cognitive effort, occur more fluently, and yield a more coherent document than composing persuasive or descriptive texts. Sixteen college students were…

The internal structure of verb phrases (VPs) are investigated. Using the Path Containment Condition, as developed by May (1985), to establish relations between quantified arguments, this study draws two conclusions about the structure of argument-relations within VPs. First, arguments have binary relations with projections of the verb, and second,…

Such terms as "intrinsic justification,""intrinsicness," and "intrinsicality" are increasingly being heard in academic debate circles. Intrinsic justification consists of an argument which focuses evaluation of a resolutional term on the term's definitional contours. Essential qualities are defining characteristics…

Intercollegiate competitive speech and debate is at a crossroads requiring massive reforms, or the academic exercise will lose its power to provide lasting benefits. Likewise, the scope of individual events is in a constant state of change. One constant, however, is the value of extemporaneous speaking which encompasses many of the ideals…

A study investigated the personal and career choices that motivate an educator's departure from active involvement in forensics activities, and what trends, if any, exist concerning what former directors do in place of forensics. The study also investigated how forensics participation as a coach/director impacted on the individual, and what…

A study examined introductions used in competitive oral interpretation events. A total of 97 introductions (from four oral interpretation events at a nationally recognized Midwestern intercollegiate forensic tournament) were analyzed using four categories: Descriptive, Simple Theme, Descriptive and Simple Theme, and Argumentative Theme. Results…

Scholars can learn much from analyzing discourse within a statewide political debate. A study used W. R. Fisher's theory of narrative rationality to analyze the first intra-party debate (April 16, 1990) between Republican candidates for Governor of Arkansas, Sheffield Nelson and Tommy Robinson, to ascertain the narrative rationality employed by…

This paper, a research review, looks at the concept of rhetorical sensitivity and how it relates to persuasion. The paper maintains that rhetorical sensitivity and its measures, RHETSEN and RHETSEN 2, (developed in 1980 by Hart, Carlson, and Eadie) attempt to categorize the sensitivity people have for the rhetorical nature of interaction. The…

Even though the importance of critical thinking skills has been recognized and studied by experts in several fields, the research has not yielded a clear definition, nor has a clear explanation been proffered of how writing can foster critical thinking. This article reviews the literature on the various definitions of critical thinking and…

Various genres of writing, such as corporate annual reports, do not evolve fully adapted to the purpose for which they were created. A historical review of use to professionals and students shows that annual reports have gradually developed from modest beginnings to become elaborate, slick, and purposeful documents, bending in time to economic…

The American Parliamentary Debate Association (APDA) provides a good example of the parliamentary style of debate. The APDA and the Cross Examination Debate Association (CEDA) can be compared by considering several factors: (1) geographic participation; (2) sponsorship; (3) procedural differences; (4) resolutions; and (5) decision rendering. The…

Issue management oriented public relations provides an excellent pedagogical device for anyone interested in the application of argumentation. This can be illustrated by a case study in which a commercial metals company was wrongly accused of improperly disposing of toxic waste at a particular site. To counter the bad publicity that followed the…

"Argumentation" as an academic course should not be limited to or regarded as primarily a study of advocacy. Most of the current texts in the field of argumentation are directed toward skill in oral advocacy or persuasion. This emphasis works to the disadvantage of the student. Students should be able to use the principles learned in…