Your debate constructive should consist of three parts:

1. Clearly state and define the proposition

The terms in your proposition can be defined differently to provide an advantage to the affirmative or negative. Consider this claim, “Abortion should be allowed.” How do you define abortion? How do groups that support this claim versus groups that negate this claim define it differently? Do you include in your definition of abortion the term “kill” or “eliminate” do you say “fetus” or “life” or “baby”? Also included in your definition of the term is what type of abortion are you referring to? Does your definition specify what week/term abortion should be allowed or are you including all abortion in your definition such as late term and after birth abortion? If you are not including this you need to make it clear. Also are you saying abortion should always be allowed – or allowed in only some instances and not others, some states and not others – be very clear.

2. Convince the audience to accept your claim. Provide credible outside material to support the main points in your debate. Your claim can originate from your opinion but you must substantiate your viewpoint with evidence. This is not an opinion piece but a thorough, well supported argument. Create a case with the evidence you have gathered. Provide an explanation of the material rather than just facts upon facts of evidence, be certain to show how the evidence is relevant to the claim.

3. Provide information to refute the opposition. The best defense is a good offense – meaning attack the opposition before they get the opportunity to do so. Consider what arguments the opposition can make against your case and instead of ignoring them, include them in your constructive to refute them.