The Great Debaters Test Questions – Flashcards

Segregated South

Marshall, Texas

1935

Willey College

Founder of the Wiley College debate team.

Youngest member of the debate team (14)

Only female member of the team

Talented yet rebellious member of the team

Talented, likes to talk, was on the team the previous year

A policy of enforced separation of races

A statement that expresses judgement or opinion.

Argument in favour of a proposition

Argument against the position stated in a proposition

Criticize unfairly; note the Latin root of the work means "black"

Pathos is appeal based on emotion

A tenant farmer who pays a share of his crops as rent

Unlawful hanging done to send a message

a political theory advocating class war, where all property is publicly owned and workers are paid according to their abilities and needs. There was fear of communism in America as it was associated with the Soviet Union i.e. godless, favoring the command economy instead of capitalism. Professor Tolson could have been arrested and lost his job for being a union organizer as this was closely associated at that time with being a "communist."

1) Finish what you are saying (rehearse so you don't run out of time). If you do run out of time, save your arguments for the rebuttal. 2) Don't rely on conjecture (something that is your opinion; is not substantiated). Substantiate each point with reliable (meaning they are accurate and relevant) sources. 3) Use pathos - be passionate about the subject; imbue emotion into the debate. Use a good balance of pathos and logos (facts).

The judge is god

Because he decides who wins or loses, not my opponent.

he doesn't exist

Because he is merely a dissenting voice to the truth that I speak.