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A Beginner's Guide to Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Welcome! I’m the creator of this website, a first-place winner at multiple local tournaments, an alternate to NSDA Nationals, and a top competitor in my UIL region, with experience competing and placing across diverse circuits statewide in both progressive and traditional styles of debate.

 

When I first started, I struggled to find resources, since so much emphasis in debate is placed on in-round experience rather than accessible guidance for beginners.

 

This free, accessible website compiles all of the resources I have used, and is designed to bridge the gap for students who are new to Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate. Here, you’ll find clear explanations of the format, essential terminology, and beginner-friendly strategies — along with tips on avoiding common mistakes — to help you build a strong foundation for success!

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This website is designed for beginners only and is based entirely on my personal experience in Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate. All tips, examples, and strategies come from what I’ve learned competing in rounds — what has allowed me to succeed — and it’s meant to help new debaters build a strong foundation. 

Resources

Welcome to our Resources Page! Here, you'll find a curated of links to some of our favorite YouTube creators, along with valuable resources like NSDA topic breakdowns and helpful lists for value, criterion, etc.

Tobias Park's LD Course: https://www.youtube.com/@tobias-ld​

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Past Topics: https://www.debatedrills.com/past-topics

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Rebuttal Tips: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX0LMp11CXI

 

Values and Criterion*: â€‹https://www.angelfire.com/weird/debateworld/Values.htm

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*Commonly used, but not limited to

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**General advice for all LD debate evidence, regardless of program.​

UIL LD Debate Guide

What to Expect (NSDA)

UIL LD Debate Evidence Rules**

LD Sample Ballot (NSDA)

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