Theory

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Overview

Theory debate is a type of debate where debaters attempt to prove that their opponents are damaging the debate round itself, usually through arguments like fairness and education. Strategically, theory can usually take the highest layer of the round as debaters will claim that it is a prior question of being able to continue the round e.g. “if the debate round was so unfair/uneducational we cannot debate in the first place.” Theory can also be run as a time suck since it can be condensed into a short paragraph and multiple short shells can be run at a time, causing it to be extremely advantageous since each theory shell can impact out to dropping the other team.

Structure of a Shell

Theory (also called “theory shells” or just “shells”) are composed of four parts: the interpretation and violation, standards, and voters.

Initiating Theory

[Explanations on why you might initiate theory in various speeches, with links to 1AC Theory, 1NC Theory, 1AR Theory, and 2NR theory pages.]

Common Shells

[Explain why certain theory shells gain popularity and remain common, with a link to Common Theory Shells which provides a brief description of all of the most common theory shells.]

Note: Disclosure theory should go in here.

Topicality

[Explanation of what T shells are, with a link to the Topicality page.]

Combo Shells

[Explain what a combo shell is, with a link to Combo Shells to provide a more detailed explanation.]

Recommended Drills

[Explain how getting good at theory requires practice, with a link to further Recommended Theory Drills.]