Lincoln-Douglas Value Debate

Throughout a tournament, debaters alternate between affirming and negating the assigned resolution for the season. This helps students learn that there are reasonable arguments for both sides in a clash of desirable values.

Debaters use different ways to structure cases and arguments, but you can anticipate that many rounds will feature the following categories of argumentation.

• Precise definitions: The words in a value resolution often have different nuances of meaning, and precise definitions may be required to support an argument. Therefore, the selection and quality of key definitions is important.
• Hierarchy of values: Debaters will appeal to values or ideals that they will contend their side of the resolution best supports. When there is a clash of values, a debater may argue that his value ought to be preferred over his opponent’s value.
• Criterion or standard: Debaters may offer a defined way to help explain, measure or evaluate which arguments best support the preeminent value they have identified.

Enjoy recordings of NCFCA debate committee and guest expert as they take a deep dive into the 2026-27 Value resolution, covering resolution framework and background, relevant philosophies, Affirmative and Negative Perspectives as well as potential values, criterion, and case construction. The research bundle, available for families or groups is also available and includes presenter notes from the live online event, research links, and other valuable materials.

Written from a biblical worldview, this 12-week course invites students to consider the values that drive our decision-making. As novice and advanced students learn how to research, reason, and persuade, they will be challenged to apply a Christian worldview to relevant value topics. With hands-on activities to accompany each lesson, students will practice new skills and prepare to communicate effectively in and out of debate rounds. The curriculum also includes includes 12 Logic Lessons. People with no previous knowledge or experience will be able to learn from the step-by-step progression. This curriculum can be adapted for any educational setting, including home, club, co-op, or classrooms.

The curriculum comes in three books: Student Text, a reproduction of the 2018 material in a new format; Student Workbook; and Teacher Manual. The individual books are offered in convenient bundles. All books and bundles are delivered as digital flipbooks which include a downloadable .pdf file. This flexibility allows you to view on a device or to print and place in a 3-ring binder. Use your NCFCA Office Depot account to receive significant savings on printed copies. If you already own the 2018 Value Debate Competitor’s Handbook, you may use it as the Student Text and purchase the revised, resolution-specific Student Workbook and/or Teacher Manual.

With six hours of instruction and activities, an easy-to-follow facilitator guide, printable student activity packets, and slides, even a novice parent can successfully lead students through Intro to Value Debate. A recording of the live event is available for families or groups.