The Resolution
How to read a resolution, find the clash, and understand what each side must prove.
Before you can prepare for battle you must understand the terrain. The resolution defines it: Pro affirms the statement, Con negates it, and everything in the round flows from what those words mean.
Well-written resolutions are winnable for both sides
A resolution biased toward one side makes for bad debate, so topic committees aim for balance. Your first research job is finding where the real clash is. Ask what the strongest version of each side would argue. Our topic hubs map this for you with coach-written analysis and FAQs.
Worked example: UK rejoining the EU
Resolved: The United Kingdom should rejoin the European Union. Neither side wins by saying "Brexit was bad" or "the EU is great" in the abstract. Each side has to prove the resolution true or false, and those are two different jobs:
What each side has to prove
- Pro must show
Rejoining leaves Britain better off on net, not merely that leaving caused harm.
Con must showStaying outside is better on net, or that the comparison is too uncertain to act on.
- Pro must show
The benefits are large enough to justify the real costs of re-accession.
Con must showRe-accession costs, including lost opt-outs, exceed whatever is regained.
- Pro must show
Re-accession is feasible within a meaningful timeframe.
Con must showThe negotiation timeline and political capital required make it unrealistic.
Remember that the positions you defend in a round are not necessarily your personal views. Debating both sides of a topic is the fastest way to understand it. Complete the assignment below using real reading on this resolution.
Resolved: The United Kingdom should rejoin the European Union.
Read both backgrounders below, then write two short paragraphs: (1) the strongest burden Pro must meet to win this resolution, and (2) the strongest burden Con must meet. Don’t argue which side is right. Explain what each side would need to prove to a lay judge.
Assignment
What Each Side Must Prove: UK Rejoining the EU
~12 min
Read before you write
- Two-thirds of EU citizens back UK rejoining bloc, survey finds
Lisa O’Carroll · The Guardian
Covers both UK voter regret and the EU’s willingness to take the UK back, which is context both Pro and Con need.
- How strong is UK support for rejoining the European Union?
YouGov · YouGov
Shows where public opinion gets complicated, including how support for rejoining drops if the UK loses its opt-outs. Con can use that.