Negative block
Encyclopedia
In policy debate
, the negative block refers to the second negative constructive (2NC) and the first negative rebuttal (1NR). Although the two speeches are divided by a three-minute cross-examination
of the 2NC, they are given back to back without the interruption of an affirmative speech. This is a result of the affirmative having the first and last speech.
Almost universally, negative teams will "split the block" by dividing the arguments between their speeches to avoid repeating themselves. Usually, the division will be based on flows
, but sometimes based on second affirmative constructive (2AC) arguments if there is a more compelling reason to divide arguments on flows. Often the 2NC and 1NR will go for different "worlds" of arguments, enabling the 2NR to go for only 2NC or only 1NR arguments, if the opportunity presents itself.
Because the 1NR has the ability to answer arguments which were dropped
by the 2NC, the cross-examination of the 2NC will generally not emphasize dropped arguments. Also, because the cross-examination provides de facto preparation time
to the 1NR, some debaters will end the cross-examination early if they have no important questions to ask.
Policy debate
Policy debate is a form of speech competition in which teams of two advocate for and against a resolution that typically calls for policy change by the United States federal government or security discourse...
, the negative block refers to the second negative constructive (2NC) and the first negative rebuttal (1NR). Although the two speeches are divided by a three-minute cross-examination
Cross-examination
In law, cross-examination is the interrogation of a witness called by one's opponent. It is preceded by direct examination and may be followed by a redirect .- Variations by Jurisdiction :In...
of the 2NC, they are given back to back without the interruption of an affirmative speech. This is a result of the affirmative having the first and last speech.
Almost universally, negative teams will "split the block" by dividing the arguments between their speeches to avoid repeating themselves. Usually, the division will be based on flows
Flow (policy debate)
In policy debate, the flow is the name given to a specialized form of notetaking, which debaters use to keep track of all of the arguments in the round....
, but sometimes based on second affirmative constructive (2AC) arguments if there is a more compelling reason to divide arguments on flows. Often the 2NC and 1NR will go for different "worlds" of arguments, enabling the 2NR to go for only 2NC or only 1NR arguments, if the opportunity presents itself.
Because the 1NR has the ability to answer arguments which were dropped
Drop (policy debate)
In policy debate, a drop refers to an argument which was not answered by the opposing team. Normally, a "dropped" or conceded argument is considered "true" for the purposes of evaluating a debate."Silence is compliance."...
by the 2NC, the cross-examination of the 2NC will generally not emphasize dropped arguments. Also, because the cross-examination provides de facto preparation time
Preparation time
In policy debate, preparation time is the amount of time given to each team to prepare for their speeches. Prep time may be taken at any time in any interval...
to the 1NR, some debaters will end the cross-examination early if they have no important questions to ask.