Please post your affirmative cases for the competition vrs. coop debate here

In Class on Thursday Sept. 24th we will discussing how to write a constructive case. Please post your affirmative case of the Cooperation is superior to cooperation debate here.

Here is the Prefab: Affirmative Case FRAMEWORK that we reviewed in class:

Introduction: Start with a HOOK. (something to get your judges attention)
• Quote “__<insert quote>___” This great quote comes from _<insert source of quote>_.
or
• <insert a short story or historical example> I use this story to illustrate _<insert why this story makes a point>_.My name is _<insert name>___ and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be __<insert value here>__, and for the purpose of supporting this value I present my thesis which is ___< insert Thesis here>____. In this case I will demonstrate that my value __ <insert value>__ requires us to affirm the resolution which states: ____<insert your resolution here>______.I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate. <<< INSERT YOUR AFFIRMATIVE DEFINITIONS HERE including a definition for your value.>>>> My value is the most important value in this debate round because: <<State your Thesis again.>>
As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my <<2/3/4>> main points.
Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider…<<< (insert your reasoning behind why your value is important. You may also want to give a concrete way that your value is achieved in society today>>>>My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:
1. State point one: (insert TAG line) then offer historical examples, analogies, personal insight, or quotations to support this point.
2. State point two: (insert TAG line) offer historical examples, analogies, personal insight, or quotations to support this point.
3. State point three: (insert TAG line) offer historical examples, analogies, personal insight, or quotations, to support this point.CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these three points (restate or summarize your major points briefly if time allows)
I’ll close with a quote from _<insert person’s name>__ who says “ __ <insert quote>_”.
Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

Justin’s affirmative:

“Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.” This great quote illustrates the major point that I’ll be making today and that is, competition is the best way to achieve excellence through progress. My name is Justin Hartman and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, the timer, the audience, and the negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be Progress, which is defined in Websters New World College dictionary as: advancing toward perfection or to a higher or better state; improvement. I would like to restate my thesis so that you can continue to understand my key argument in this debate. Competition is the best way to achieve excellence through progress.
To support my thesis I am going to show that progress is the most important value to frame this debate around. I will do this with my key arguments that follow. Before I move on to my arguments I would like to further define the resolution we are debating today. It states:
Resolved: competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence.
The key words that need clear definition are competition: which is defined as: the act of competing, rivalry, or a contest or a match. Superior is defined as: greater in quality or value; cooperation is defined as: to act or work together with another, or other;achieving is defined as: to bring about a desired result; succeed; excellence is defined as: the fact or condition of excelling; superiority; surpassing goodness, or merit. My value is the most important value in this debate round because no goal or value can be achieved without making progress. As the negative speaker in this debate I must show that my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will do this with my 3 main points which are: 1. Competition is the best way of achieving progress.
2. Progress is the only way to achieve excellence. 3. Cooperation doesn’t allow us to progress towards excellence.
First… Let me discuss the first of these points: Competition is the best way of achieving excellence. When two people or two groups are attempting to compete and reach a common goal, they are motivated to progress toward that goal through competition. Take the Olympic games as an example. These athletes train extensively to develop their strength and their skills in order to achieve the goal of competing at this exclusive competition. Regardless of the awards they receive at the Olympics, no one can deny that these athletes are in excellent condition. Highly trained and developed individuals who have prepared themselves vigorously for this exclusive opportunity.
2nd: Progress is the only way to achieve excellence. If we define excellence as: condition of excelling; superiority; surpassing goodness, or merit, we would have to agree that achieving excellence is a process. We must progress toward a goal in order to ever achieve it. Take for example the game of soccer. If we remove the goal and fail to give the players a purpose, then the game would lose it’s value. Players would simply be kicking the ball all over the field with no point of scoring or winning in site.
My third and final point is Cooperation doesn’t allow us to progress towards excellence. The key point I need you to keep mind is the reality that if cooperation is valued above competition, then individuals would not be able to excel beyond the level of the group. If our primary goal was to cooperate with our opponent on the soccer field, and never compete for the goal of winning, then the game would lose it’s purpose. Vince Limbardi once said: If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?
If we focus solely on cooperating and never set the ultimate goal of winning then we are losing the benefits of competition. Charles Hampden-Turner once said
“Competition is the supreme value of any successful economy or company. Attempts by major parties to cooperate usually end in collusion against one or more of them.” he also said
“Competition is the supreme value of any successful economy or company, because this involves serving customers better than our rivals, so assuring the public interest.”
Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business Charles Hampden-Turners
thank you I now stand ready for cross-examination

Justin, You are on to a great start here. We need to find a value that encompasses your big idea (giving people the chance to make a better living) What about Quality of Life. Generally a value is one or two words that encompasses an idea that can't be seen or touched. (I gave a handout of potential values in class) Another value that might be able to encompass your argument is progress.
You've also skipped a few key sections of the constructive case:

• Value justification

• and your key arguments to support your value:

This is the part of the case that you still need to develop
As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my <<2/3/4>> main points.
Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider…<<< (insert your reasoning behind why your value is important. You may also want to give a concrete way that your value is achieved in society today>>>>My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:
1. State point one: (insert TAG line) then offer historical examples, analogies, personal insight, or quotations to support this point.
2. State point two: (insert TAG line) offer historical examples, analogies, personal insight, or quotations to support this point.
3. State point three: (insert TAG line) offer historical examples, analogies, personal insight, or quotations, to support this point.CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these three points (restate or summarize your major points briefly if time allows)

Thanks Mrs. Gray

"The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries." This powerful quote comes from Sir Winston Churchill.

My name is Madeline Eck and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be capitalism, and for the purpose of supporting this value I stand resolved that competition is more beneficial to society than cooperation. In this case I will demonstrate that my value capitalism requires us to affirm the resolution which states competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving exellence. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard as for which you can further understand this debate. Competition- The act of competing, rivalry, a contest, or match. Superior- Greater in quality or value. Cooperation- To act or work together with another or others. Achieving- To do; succeed in doing; accomplish. Excellence- The fact or condition of exelling; superiority surpassing goodness,merit, ect. Capitalism- The economic system in which all or most of the means of production and distributation, as land, factories, railroads etc, are privately owned and operated for profit, originally under fully competetive conditions. All of these definitions came out of the Websters New World College Dictionary.

My value is the most important value in this debate round because competition is more beneficial to society than cooperation. As the affirmative speaker in today's debate round, I have the privelage of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show you how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my two main points.

Before I move on to my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider. My value is important because if people are allowed to be rewarded for their hard work, it will motivate them to do their best, therefore making more money.
My second point is that if everyone is motivated to work hard America will prosper, making it a better place for everyone.

My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:

1. Hard work pays off. Prov 14:23 says "All hard work brings a profit , but mere talk leads
only to poverty."

2. A free market system can benefit everyone. "The spirit of freedom which moved out
across the world in the 1800s was primarily inspired by the fruits of freedom in the
United States. The climate of free-market econimics allowed science to thrive in an
explosion of inventions and technical discoveries which, in merely 200 years, gave the
world the gigantic new power resources of harnessed electricity, the internal
combustion engine, jet propulsion, exotic space vehicles, and all the wonders of nuclear
energy." The 5000 Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen.

CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these two points. That people will work harder if they rewarded for their effort and if people work hard America will benefit.

I'll close with a quote from Bertrand Russell . “Advocates of capitalism are very apt to appeal to the sacred principles of liberty, which are embodied in one maxim: The fortunate must not be restrained in the exercise of tyranny over the unfortunate.”

Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

Affirmative Case for Competition vs. Cooperation

My name is Kevin Darst, and I am the affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the Judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be enjoyment, and for the purpose of supporting this value, I stand decided that enjoyment can be achieved through competition. In this case I will demonstrate that my value, enjoyment, requires us to affirm the resolution which states resolved, competition is superior to cooperation as means of achieving excellence.

I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate. Competition is defined by Webster’s II dictionary as the act of competing for a prize. Cooperation is also defined by Webster’s II as to work or act together toward a common end or purpose. My final and most important definition is excellence, which is defined by oneloook.com, as the quality of excelling, or possessing good qualities in a high degree.

My value is most important in this debate round because competition is superior to cooperation.

As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate, I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my main points.

Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider. Competition is better than cooperation because competition can be enjoyable. For example, ice hockey, soccer, and football are all forms of enjoyable competition.

My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:

1. Competing can be enjoyable in almost every circumstance. Have you ever seen teams playing together? When a team competes, they share great camraderie whether they win or lose. I have had experience playing sports and I know what it is like to experience the thrill of competition. When you are enjoying competition, then that is keeping you from discouragement. If you are not discouraged, then you won't give up.
2. My second point is that enjoyment can encourage excellence. When someone enjoys competing, then they want to compete even more. When I score a goal in hockey, it makes me want to score another! Have you ever seen teams celebrating a victory? When a team wins, they celebrate with gresat satisfaction. I have had experiance playing sports, and I know what it is like to win. The thrill of winning encourages me to practice more, which pushes me to excel.
3. My third argument is that enjoyment can make someone satisfied with their work. When someone is satisfied in their competition, then they work harder, which enhances their reputation.

In summary I would like to consider these three points, competition can be enjoyable in almost every circumstance, competition can encourage someone to excel, and competition motivates us to enhance ourselves.
I'll close with a general quote that states, "Competition is the whetstone of talent."
Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

Kevin, Just a few comments as you keep up the good work.
you state:

Quote :

My value for this round will be that competition makes enhancing yourself fun,

I understand the point you are trying to make and I think the idea behind this is great however I need to clarify that a value is generally one word or an idea that is abstract and untouchable.
You are making the point that competition is fun therefore to find the value that is implied in this statement you need to ask. What do I value if I value having fun?
Your value could be: Happiness (socrates has a lot to say about happiness!)
or Enjoyment

or you could simply say I value fun. Fun can be a value in and of itself but it doesn't have quite the lofty idealism that Happiness or Enjoyment might have if put up against an opposing value.
Your points could then be Competition is fun so it makes self improvement more enjoyable.
Cooperation isn't as fun as competition so self improvement doesn't occur as consistently.

Let me know if you have questions about these comments. Great start on the affirmative!

Quote: “ Taste the relish in competition in having put forth the best within you.” This great quote comes from Henry J. Kaiser.

My name is Ana-Mae Wallinga, and I am the affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round is incentive. And for the purpose of supporting this I stand resolved that competing gives us incentive to achieve a goal. In this case I will demonstrate that my value of incentive requires us to affirm the resolution which states, "Competition is superior to cooperation as a meas of achieving excellence." I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate.

Competition: The act of competing rivalry for the prize.

Superior : Higher in station, rank, importance, above the standard in excellence.

Cooperation : An act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit.

Achieving: To bring to a successful end carry through accomplish to get or attain by effort.

Incentive: Something that incites or tends to incite to greater action or effort, as a reward offered for productivity.

My value is the most important value to consider in this debate because competing gives us an incentive. Incentive causes achievement, a better society as a whole, willingness to compete or work harder for someone or yourself and finally incentive spurs change. As the affirmative speaker I have the honor in agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider. My reason being, without incentive achieving a goal would be impossible, because there would be no motive to achieve, or to be better, & work hard.

My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is;

1. Achievement. Incentive causes one to strive toward a goal. Competition, is about overthrowing your opponent to achieve a goal or prize. Competition makes the competitors strive to be better than his or her opponent “There is no medicine like hope, no incentive so great, and no tonic so sweet as the expectation of something better tomorrow” - Orison Swett Marden.

2. Society. Incentive also can cause one to do good deeds, which can set a good example for unbelievers, causing them to want what you have and that glorifies God. In other words, shining our light. If others are striving to do good isn’t that better for all. As Matthew 5:16 says “In the same way let your light shine before all men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

3. Work hard. If you are an employee you have reason to work hard for your money, you need to be superior in your profession to be excellent to keep your position. If you work for yourself you have to be superior than your competitors.

4. Spurs change. Incentive always spurs change wether it is to lose weight to fit a pair of jeans, getting training to be better at something to get a better paying job.

In summary I would like the judge to consider the incentive and motivation of competition and the example we are called to set by Christ. 1 Peter 2:12 states “ Live such good lives among pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’

I will close with a quote from Ronald Regan which states “ The more the government takes in taxes the less incentive people have to work. “What coal miner or assembly- line worker jumps at the offer of overtime when he knows that Uncle Sam is going to take 60 % of it in taxes”

Thank you, I now stand ready for Cross-examination

Anna Mae, Good work! Don't forget to define your value. Also read your speech and see how long it takes for you to deliver it. If you still have time (you have 6 minutes) be sure to offer additional support and applications to your points. Time is precious and we do want to use every minute we have available to us because our words win the debate.

Thanks for your hard work!
Mrs. Gray

oops, posted the wrong thing here.

Josh, I need to point out upfront that you can't change the wording of the resolution.

Quote :

resolution which states: _Progress can be attained through competition which yields equal opportunity to everyone.

The resolution that everyone is debating is: Resolved: Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence.

Your definitions must all work to define the key words in this resolution. Not your reworded resolution.

Quote :

May the best “whatever” win so that we can progress in every facet of our society. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate. Progress is hard to argue against because of this great definition out of Webster’s NewWorld dictionary: “to advance toward perfection; improve”. I think most wants to work towards a better tomorrow. When it comes to the word competition, I am referring to competition that is beneficial. Someone looses when they compete, but they can learn from their mistakes and compete again. I am against competition meant for immoral purposes, such as a stronger man beating up the wimp for his wallet, or the business man who learns loopholes for selfish gain. Equal opportunity to everyone means just that. If a black man is a better computer programmer than a white man, he should get the job, but if the white man has more credentials, he should get the job. When my resolution says, “May the best “whatever” win”, I am referring to presidential candidates, cars, hamburgers, you name it; whichever one is the best, can be chosen by the public. The definition for best is: “in the most excellent or most suitable manner.” This also means that best stands on a firm ground of good morals. Society: “a group of persons regarded as forming a single community, especially as forming a distinct social or economic class”.

This is a bunch of great argumentation, but it is all geared toward your reworded resolution. Some of these ideas could still apply to this current "real" resolution but it needs to be defined accordingly.

If you simplify your key points to say something like:

• Competition encourages progress.

• Progress is necessary for healthy societies.

• cooperation is less efficient at promoting progress

(yes I added another point, just because it will further strengthen your argument and I think you could support this with some of the details you already mentioned)

Take a minute to revisit the original framework and see if you can organize your ideas into a clear outline using these points.
Progress is a fantastic value!

I would like to open with a quote. “Capitalism and communism stand at opposite poles. Their essential difference is this: The communist, seeing the rich man and his fine home, says: 'No man should have so much.' The capitalist, seeing the same thing, says: 'All men should have so much.'”
This great quote comes from Phelps Adams, a successful business man and contributor to the New York Times. And it says my point wonderfully, Competition helps all people, cooperation keeps all people at the same level.

My name is Alex Brown and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be Prosperity, and for the purpose of supporting this value I stand firm that: “In society the best way to have lasting prosperity is to have constant competition.” In this case I will demonstrate that my value, Prosperity, requires us to affirm the resolution which states: Resolved: Competition is better than Cooperation as a means of achieving excellence. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate.
Competition is defined as: a contest between two or more parties for some prize, honor, or advantage.
Superior is defined as: higher in station, rank, degree, importance, or quality.
Cooperation is defined as: an act or instance of working or acting together for a common purpose or benefit.
Achieving is defined as: attaining a goal by effort.
Excellence is defined as: the fact or state of excelling.
I would also like to define my value.
Prosperity is defined as: a successful, flourishing, or thriving condition; good fortune.
My value is the most important value in this debate round because, In society the best way to have a lasting prosperity is to have constant competition.
As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my 3 main points.
But, before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider. My value, Prosperity, is not only wealth but it is an overall success for society and the individuals in it, if you have prosperity you almost destroy unemployment, the poor, and low quality goods. All people have a opportunity to succeed if they show a little effort. The sciences and technologies flourish. That is a prosperous society. That is what competition can give us.
My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:
1. Point one: Competition provides motivation to succeed. Competition rewards the successful with victory and the failures with defeat, this makes men want to be successful. Yet cooperation has no reward for success, and no defeat for failure, thus there is no reason to do your best or even try. Humans are lazy, and without motivation nothing will get done. "We want to first; not first if, not first but; but First!" John F. Kennedy.
2. Point two: Competition breeds excellence. Constant competition forces people to always better them selves to survive. If there are only so many resources, all people must fight to get them. In the fight people will try to gain the upper hand by using innovative ideas, when these innovative ideas have been "weeded" then what we are left with is excellence.
3. Point three: Competition gives all people an equal chance. Competition is a level playing field in which all can rise up if they but try. Here's an analogue: 3 mice fall into a bucket of cream. One mouse says to him self "Oh well I've had a good life" and he then gives up and dies. The second mouse tries to look for an easy way out by swimming under the surface to look for a hole in the bucket. But he gets to deep and can't come up for air. He then dies. The third mouse doesn't give up he keeps swimming and he churns that cream into butter and walks out. All of the mice had the same chance to live but only one did. That’s because he was the on who fought to live. Competition is the same way. Everyone is on the same level, and all have an equal chance to succeed.
CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these three points, Competition provides motivation to succeed, and Competition breeds excellence.
I’ll close with a quote from Ovid who says "Never has a horse run so fast as when he has other horses to outpace”.
Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.


I believe this is my final draft.

• Quote “Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.” This great quote comes from the American President Herbert Hoover. My name is Caleb Fountaine and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be motivation, and for the purpose of supporting this value I stand resolved “Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence.” My thesis states “That motivation applied to competition is superior to a cooperative society, becaue it is forcing the average person achieve to higher standards.” In this case I will demonstrate that my value motivation requires us to affirm the resolution which states: “Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence.” I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate.

Motivation is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: An incentive , inducement, or motive especially for an act.

Competition is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: A striving or vying with another or others for profit, prize, position, or the necessities of life; rivalry.

Superior is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: Higher in rank, station, or authority.

Cooperation is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: An association of persons for mutual benefit.

Excellence is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority; pre-eminence.

My value is the most important value in this debate round because: Society is nothing without competition, competition is nothing without motivation. The two are inseprable like life and breathe.
As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my 3 main points.

1. Striving is for something is competitive, competitiveness is motivation.
2. Motivation is something that is applied to every great achieving human.
3. Competition is something that every human has, motivation is not, thus con yourself to be motivated to strive for standards the world hasn’t seen in history.

Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider… Motivation is achieved in society daily, through business competition (Mcdonalds vs. Burger King), Politicial Debating (Obama vs. McCain), and where you and I are sitting debating is competition, and I see you are not cooperating currently, and you are in competition against me in a value debate round. My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is: A competitive society upholding motivation as their highest value causes citizens/employees to produce more effiecently, present more friendly,and professional service, and overall present a better job at work or where(place) ever you are, being motivated in competition with their rival or competitor.

State point one: A young Australian man with no legs and arms named Nick Vujicic has only a small foot in which he performs daily tasks with, he attempted several sports, and he won the Young Australian of the Year Award. Nick Vujicic is a man who I am positive holds motivation at the top of his values. I would like to present another quote by Nick Vujicic which states: “If I fail I try again and again, but I just wanted you to know it is not the end, it matters how you finish, are you going to finish strong?”

State point two: If 10 children were challenged with a reading competition the more motivated children would win. Motivation applied in competition is a sharp edge in which the weaker unmotivated opponent is attacked and devoured.

State point three: I would like to present a quote from Brian Graham which states:“Competition creates better products, alliances create better companies.”

CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these three points
I’ll close with a quote from Jim Rohn and it says “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

"Excellence demands competition. Without a race there can be no champion, no records broken, and no excellence in education or in any other walk of life." This notable quote was stated by our 40th president, Ronald Reagan.

My name is Katelyn Soderlund and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be superiority, and for the purpose of supporting this value I stand resolved that competition is superior to cooperation in every way. In this case I will demonstrate that my value superiority requires us to affirm the resolution which states: Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate.
Competition is defined by onelook.com as: the act of competing as for profit or a prize.
Superiority is defined too, at onelook.com as: the state of excelling or surpassing or going beyond usual limits.
Cooperation is defined on Encarta online dictionary as: the act of working or acting together to achieve a common goal
My value is the most important value in this debate round because: competition provides the incentive that results in higher quality output in all aspects.
As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my 3 main points.
Before I move onto my contentions, let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider; both individuals and groups work harder when there is an incentive which results in higher quality in society. For example, if a company that produces products sets a goal to whoever gives the first and/or best idea for a new product will receive a promotion, competition will be at work.
My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:
1. Competition provides greater benefit to society

• Competition provides the incentive that results in higher quality output
o Both individual and groups work harder when there is an incentive
o Hard work typically results in higher quality
• Incentives bring out the best in people
• It eliminates poor performers
• It lowers the cost of products


2. Competition was instituted by God

• He created competition in nature; what happens to the slowest animal as the cheetah’s on their tail?
• The Bible compares the Christian life to a competition
o 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified."
o Philippians 3:12-14 – "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

3. Competition produces stronger, more cohesive relationships
• People are put in the position where they best fit; where their skills and interests are
• People learn to depend on others when they understand each other’s roles and strengths
o The achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual. -- Vince Lombardi


• People learn to cooperate to achieve a greater good… finding success both as individuals and as a group (community)
• You have to earn where you are in life. (Ex.) You can’t have someone who’s never (let’s say basket-ball) played before, walks in and try’s out, and a college student who has been playing since she was a lot younger and is really good on the same team
• The stronger players know their no stronger than the weakest link so they want to mentor them.

4. Without competition, cooperation is of little value
• You have no reason to work together, (cooperate) if there is nothing in it for you


I’ll close with a quote from _<insert person’s name>__ who says “__ <insert quote>_”.

Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

Affirmative Case

”A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace.” This outstanding competitive quote comes from Ovid.
My name is Brayden Matthew Lauffer and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be Discipline, and for the purpose of supporting this value my thesis is: that Competition is the best way to achieve discipline compared to cooperation. In this case I will demonstrate that my value Discipline requires us to affirm the resolution which states: Resolved: That Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate.

Competition is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: The act of competing, as for a profit or prize; rivalry.

Cooperation is defined by the Online Cambridge Dictionary as: To act or work together for a particular purpose, or to be helpful by doing what someone asks you to do.

Achieving is defined by the Online Cambridge Dictionary as: To succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim, especially after a lot of hard work or effort.

Excellence is defined by the American Heritage dictionary as: Of the highest or finest quality; exceptionally good of its kind.

Superior is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: Higher than another rank, station, or authority.

Discipline is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.

My value is the most important value in this debate round because: That Competition is the best way to achieve discipline compared to cooperation. As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my 2 main points.
Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider. One of our main goals in society today is to achieve discipline; we want to be more focused and superior than the person next to us. Its human nature, and when we try to do that, it forces us to be competitive, Therefore giving us more motivation to achieve discipline. My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:
1. State point one: Good discipline makes good competition.

In a swimming competition when you are racing a disciplined competitor, the competition is greater than racing someone who is not disciplined. This kind of competition forces both swimmers to achieve excellence (swim their fastest).

2. State point two: The majority of the time competition that leads to excellence and discipline cannot happen without each other.

Athletes’ that are competing who are not disciplined is just a fun competition. It does not help achieve excellence.

CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these two points: good discipline makes good competition, and the majority of the time competition that leads to excellence and discipline cannot happen without each other.
I’ll close with a quote from our thirty-fifth president of the United States John F. Kennedy who said “We want to be first; not first if, not first but, but first!”

Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace.” This outstanding competitive quote comes from Ovid.
hello I amTy Grice and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be Quality of Life and for the purpose of upholding this value as I argue for this resolution I present my thesis: competition helps us achieve and improve our quality of life. In this case I will demonstrate that my value Quality of Life requires us to affirm the resolution which states: Competition is superior to Cooperation as a means of achieving excellence. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate. Competition is defined by Cambridge Online dictionary as: an organized event in which people try to win a prize by being the best, fastest, etc.
Cooperation is defined by American Heritage dictionary as: The association of persons or businesses for common, usually economic, benefit.
Superior is defined by Compact Oxford English Dictionary as: higher in status, quality, or power.
Achieving /Achieve is defined by Cambridge online dictionary as: to succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim, especially after a lot of work or effort
Excellence is defined by Webster’s 1913 dictionary as: An excellent or valuable quality; that by which any one excels or is eminent; a virtue.
My value quality of life is defined by Websters new collegiate dictionary:
a quality: Degree or grade of excellence of life: The property or quality that distinguishes living organisms from dead organisms and inanimate matter, manifested in functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, and response to stimuli or adaptation to the environment originating from within the organism.
My value is the most important value in this debate round because competition helps us improve our quality of life. As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my 3 main points. Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider: Quality of life is a standard that we all wish to achieve therefore excellence is dependent on having quality of life.
Now I will offer my 3 main points for affirming this resolution:
1. participating in competitions helps us develop discipline and practice personal skills. take this debate for example both my opponent and I are competing to hone our skills. Neither one of us may qualify as excellent speakers, but we both can agree that if we kept practicing to develop our skills we could achieve excellence. A great philosopher named Demosthenes once faced the challenge of overcoming a speech defect. He developed a personal competition where he taught himself to speak clearly by placing small pebbles in his mouth. As he learned to talk with one pebble, he would add another one to further challenge himself to articulate his words clearly. Through this personal competition where he challenged himself to speak clearly with his mouth full of pebbles, he eventually became known as a great orator.
2. In order improve our quality of life we must practice and develop discipline and skills to achieve our goals: My quality of life has been improved greatly because i have enjoyed the benefits of competitive sparring with tae kwon doe. Through participation in this competitive sport, I have improved my strength, my endurance, my speed and my social life. all of these benefits have served to improve my quality of life.
3. Competition is more effective than Cooperation at improving a person’s Quality of life. When our concern is placed on cooperating we must continually worry about the status quo. Take for example running in a 3 legged race. If I am fettered to my team mate, we are holding each other back from reaching the goal in a timely manner. We may both be heading in the same direction but I am hindered by the fact that I must rely on and respect the limits of my team mate. The rope around our legs represents the status quo or average expectations of a society. A great historical example of how our quality of life was improved because an individual was willing to challenge the status quo is found in the Famous scientist Galileo Galilei. Galileo invented the telescope and later determined that the earth was not the center of the solar system as was believed by a large majority of people at this time. He withstood great challenges and was excommunicated by the catholic church for what they called heretical beliefs. His great invention has served to improve our world and our understanding of the solar system his willingness to challenge the status quo has served to increase the quality of life for many people.
In summary I would like the judge to consider these three points: participating in competitions helps us develop discipline and practice personal skills; In order improve our quality of life we must practice and develop discipline and skills to achieve our goals; and Competition is more effective than Cooperation at improving a person’s Quality of life.
I now stand ready for cross examination.

Ty, Now that you have rewritten an affirmative case, please edit this post and replace it with your new case.
Thanks
Mrs. Gray

Curran, I remember seeing your affirmative case, but now it appears that it's been replaced by your negative case.
Am I missing it?
Sue

• “Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.”” This great quote was made by Hebert Hoover.

•My name is Josh Lawson and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be progress, and for the purpose of supporting this value I stand resolved that positive progress can be attained through competition which yields equal opportunity to everyone. In this case I will demonstrate that my value, progress, requires us to affirm the resolution which states: Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate. Progress is hard to argue against because of this great definition out of Webster’s New World dictionary: “to advance toward perfection; improve”. I think most wants to work towards a better tomorrow. When it comes to the word competition, I am referring to competition that is beneficial. Someone looses when they compete, but they can learn from their mistakes and compete again. I am against competition meant for immoral purposes, such as a stronger man beating up the wimp for his wallet, or the business man who learns loopholes for selfish gain. Equal opportunity to everyone means just that. If a black man is a better computer programmer than a white man, he should get the job, but if the white man has more credentials, he should get the job. When my resolution says: Competition is superior to cooperation, I am referring to presidential candidates, cars, hamburgers, you name it; whichever one is the best, it can be chosen by the public. The definition for best is: “in the most excellent or most suitable manner.” This also means that best stands on a firm ground of good morals. Society: “a group of persons regarded as forming a single community, especially as forming a distinct social or economic class”. Progress is the most important value in this debate round because: positive progress can be attained through competition which yields equal opportunity to everyone.

As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how progress is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my two main points.
Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider…Progress applies to almost every part of competition. When we compete with various ideas, we usually achieve a higher level of whatever our goal is. The microwave oven was originally invented for soldiers. Once invented, the breakthrough of the microwave has served more than just the military; it is now a common American household item. What was the competition between? It was between the oven and the microwave. Though the oven is still used, the option of the microwave has brought progress to our lives by conveniently saving us time. We strive and compete for progress. We want a better tomorrow. My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is
1. State point one: Competition that keeps costs lower and gives more options is progress. I don’t know about you, but I am glad McDonald’s is not the only restaurant out there. If it was the only one, the value menu would charge 100$ for a burger. But in reality there is a burger king across the street. This keeps businesses from gauging their customers.

2. State point two: Progress can give us more technology. When we compete with various ideas, we usually achieve a higher level of knowledge, which in turn, makes our work easier or gives us new entertainment. Web 2.0 technologies like facebook help people socialize on a different level without needing a lot of computer skills. In summary I would like the judge to consider these two points (A lot of Progress comes from competition, which saves money and gives the public more options or selection. My other point is competition gives us more technology which is progress.

I’ll close with a quote from Henry Ford who says “Competition is the keen cutting edge of business, always shaving away at costs”.

Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

• Quote “Competition is not only the basis of protection to the consumer, but is the incentive to progress.” This great quote comes from the American President Herbert Hoover. My name is Caleb Fountaine, and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be motivation, and for the purpose of supporting this value I stand resolved “Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence.” My thesis states “That motivation applied to competition is superior to a cooperative society, because it is forcing the average person achieve to higher standards.” In this case I will demonstrate that my value motivation requires us to affirm the resolution which states: “Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence.” I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate.

Motivation is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: An incentive , inducement, or motive especially for an act.

Competition is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: A striving or vying with another or others for profit, prize, position, or the necessities of life; rivalry.

Superior is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: Higher in rank, station, or authority.

Cooperation is defined by the Cambridge International Dictionary of English as: when you work together with someone or do what they ask you.
Excellence is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as: The state, quality, or condition of excelling; superiority; pre-eminence.

My value is the most important value in this debate round because: Society is nothing without competition, competition is nothing without motivation. The two are inseprable like life and breathe.
As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my 3 main points.

If 10 children were challenged with a reading competition the more motivated children would win. Motivation applied in competition is a sharp edge in which the weaker unmotivated opponent is attacked and devoured.


Motivation is something that is applied to every great achieving human.

Competition is something that every human has, motivation is not, thus con yourself to be motivated to strive for standards the world hasn’t seen in history.

Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider… Motivation is achieved in society daily, through business competition (Mcdonalds vs. Burger King), Politicial Debating (Obama vs. McCain), and where you and I are sitting debating is competition, and I see you are not cooperating currently, and you are in competition against me in a value debate round. My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is: A competitive society upholding motivation as their highest value causes citizens/employees to produce more effiecently, present more friendly, and professional service, and overall present a better job at work or wherever you are. Being motivated in competition with their rival or competitor.

State point one: The colonists were motivated. During the revolutionary war the colonists were motivated to keep their land, freedom, and form their own government and rule themselves. They had to fight for that. The British were, more experienced than the colonists, more equipped, and they had the numbers to their advantage. The colonists had something they did not: motivation. In the British army ranks were set thus they had little to strive for anyway. How could you lose that battle to a bunch of cross eyed farmers? Only if they were not motivated, and striving to win the competition. I would like to present this quote as a parallel to this point.

To be willing to die for an idea is to set a rather high price on conjecture.
- Anatole France

State point two:
If Michael Phelps was not motivated do you think he would have achieved what he did? Do you think his 8 gold metals were achieved with motivation and competitiveness absent? Motivation and Discipline are undoubtedly at the top of his values.


State point three:
“It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”

Mark Twain quotes



CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these three points
I’ll close with a quote from Jim Rohn and it says “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”

Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.

Caleb, You make some great arguments in this case. I have one overall suggestion that I think will make this case go from good to GREAT. First try to simplify your wording a bit. Simple direct sentences are easier for the judges to grasp.
For example your first argument or major contention states:

Quote :

A competitive society upholding motivation as their highest value causes citizens/employees to produce more effiecently, present more friendly, and professional service, and overall present a better job at work or where(place) ever you are, being motivated in competition with their rival or competitor.

Since this is your "Tag Line" for your argument, try to say it in 10 words or less. You can elaborate on and clarify what you mean after the key point is stated.

For example:
Contention 1: A society improves when motivated to succeed through competiton.
You offer the following points to support this key argument:

State point one: The colonists were motivated.

Point two: If Michael Phelps was not motivated do you think he would have achieved what he did?

Point 3 “It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.”


I would suggest that you simply allow these three examples to support your contention 1. You could then add one additional contention (argument) such as:
Contention 2: Cooperation doesn't motivate as successfully as competition does.
To support this you could simply state, If everyone is trying to cooperate and stay together as a group, motivation to excel beyond the average is taken away. Many of our great technologies and advancements were motivated by competition. For example, We were motivated to walk on the moon before the russians, We were motivated to win wars to defend our rights and freedoms etc. If we were more worried about cooperating with our fellow man then we would still think the world was flat, the earth was the center of the solar system, and taxation without representation is perfectly acceptable.

Any additional support you can add would strengthen your case.

Let me know if this is confusing and I can clarify further. Keep in mind that in "debate vocabulary" your major arguments are called "contentions". These contentions are always directly related to your value.
You can have a contention with several points following it. These points simply give strength to your argument.
Thanks
Mrs. Gray

am i allowed to edit my case now?

Affirmative Case:

”A horse never runs so fast as when he has other horses to catch up and outpace.”

This outstanding competitive quote comes from Ovid.
My name is Brayden Matthew Lauffer and I am the Affirmative speaker for this debate round. I would like to thank the judge, timer, and negative speaker for being here today. My value for this round will be Discipline, and for the purpose of supporting this value my thesis is: That when we apply discipline to competition it is the best way to achieve excellence when compared to cooperation. In this case I will demonstrate that my value Discipline requires us to affirm the resolution which states: Resolved: That Competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence. I am going to define a few of the key words in this resolution to ensure that we all understand what this resolution means. I present these definitions as the standard for which you can further understand this debate.

Competition is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: The act of competing, as for a profit or prize; rivalry.

Cooperation is defined by the Online Cambridge Dictionary as: To act or work together for a particular purpose, or to be helpful by doing what someone asks you to do.

Achieving is defined by the Online Cambridge Dictionary as: To succeed in finishing something or reaching an aim, especially after a lot of hard work or effort.

Excellence is defined by the American Heritage dictionary as: Of the highest or finest quality; exceptionally good of its kind.

Superior is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: Higher than another rank, station, or authority.

Discipline is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: Training expected to produce a specific character or pattern of behavior, especially training that produces moral or mental improvement.

My value is the most important value in this debate round because: That when we apply discipline to competition it is the best way to achieve excellence when compared to cooperation. As the affirmative speaker in today’s debate round, I have the privilege of agreeing with the truth of this resolution. In order to win this debate I will show how my value is the most important value to consider when deciding on this resolution. I will show this with my 2 main points.

Before I move onto my contentions let me first explain why my value is the most important value to consider. One of our main goals in society today is to achieve excellence; we want to be better and superior than the person next to us. Its human nature and one great way to do that is to discipline ourselves. When we discipline ourselves we want to work every day on the thing we are trying to accomplish. And that will help us achieve excellence. My first argument explaining why my value requires us to affirm this resolution is:

1. State point one: Good discipline makes good competition.

In a swimming competition when you are racing a disciplined competitor, the competition is greater than racing someone who is not disciplined this kind of competition forces both swimmers to achieve excellence (swim their fastest). Think about the Olympic Games. Are they all disciplined??? Of course!!! They wouldn’t be there if they had not disciplined themselves each day to practice the sport they were competing in. It is a tight race, game, or event if all of the athletes are disciplined and want to achieve excellence. Think about Usain Bolt. Would he have been the world’s fastest man without his discipline or motivation? No. What drove him was the competition to be the best. The world record holder at the time of the Olympics was Tyson Gay. He didn’t even place in the top 5. It shows you what discipline can do. I’m not saying Tyson wasn’t disciplined or motivated the bar was raised and he couldn’t compete with it.

2. State point two: The majority of the time competition that leads to excellence cannot happen without discipline.

Athletes’ that are competing who are not disciplined is just a fun competition. It does not help achieve excellence. This would relate to little 6 year olds playing football. They are not disciplined… they are just competing for fun, it is not a giant game that decides who is going to the Super Bowl. They do not practice every day for that sport. They are not motivated to win something big. They are having fun. An example of disciplined athletes would be the ones playing in the NFL and the NCAA football leagues. These athletes are disciplined to the core. The go through excruciating work-outs each day. They are disciplined and motivated and they are not satisfied with nothing but excellence.

CONCLUSION: In summary I would like the judge to consider these two points: good discipline makes good competition, and the majority of the time competition that leads to excellence cannot happen without discipline.
I’ll close with a quote from our thirty-fifth president of the United States John F. Kennedy who said:

“We want to be first; not first if, not first but, but first!”

Thank you, I now stand ready for cross examination.