Debate Format
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Lincoln-Douglas is the one-on-one, values-driven format — a single debater a side arguing the ethics and philosophy behind a resolution, won on a "value" and the "criterion" that upholds it.
Of the four major formats, LD maps closest to ArguFight: it's already 1v1, so you can drill the whole shape of the round here — framework, contentions, and the clash that decides which value wins.
What is Lincoln-Douglas (LD)?
One debater affirms, one negates a values-based resolution. Each sets up a framework (a value like justice, and a criterion for weighing it), builds contentions under it, and the round is won by showing your value best resolves the resolution. It rewards philosophical depth and tight clash.
Skills you can drill here
Value framework
LD rounds are won on framing. Practice choosing a value + criterion and showing why the judge should weigh the debate through it.
Contention building
Build arguments that link cleanly up to your value. The AI rubric rewards structured, logically complete contentions.
Philosophical clash
Engage the opponent's framework, not just their examples. Practice arguing at the level of principle, where LD is decided.
Comparative weighing
Tell the judge why your value outweighs theirs. Drill the "even if" comparisons that win close rounds.
This is the closest fit: ArguFight is already 1v1 and AI-judged, so you can drill the full LD shape — framework, contentions, and clash. We don't enforce LD speech times or spreading; we reward the reasoning the format is built on.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lincoln-Douglas debate?
A one-on-one format on values-based resolutions. Each side sets a framework (a value and a criterion for weighing it), builds contentions, and wins by showing their value best resolves the resolution. It emphasises ethics and philosophy over policy evidence.
Can I practice Lincoln-Douglas on ArguFight?
LD is the best fit of the four formats — ArguFight is already 1v1 and AI-judged. You can drill the whole round: value framework, contentions, philosophical clash, and comparative weighing, with a rubric score each time.
Does ArguFight work for values-based debate like LD?
Yes. The AI panel scores argument quality and clash, which rewards the framework-and-contention reasoning LD is built on. It's a strong between-tournaments drill for LD debaters.