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Debate and Argumentation: The Basics offers students an introduction to the foundational elements of debate and the commonalities present across various forms and styles. This text navigates the intricate landscape of argumentation, distinguishing between different types of debates such as policy debate, value debate, and extemporaneous versus prepared debate.

The book covers a variety of topics from the essentials of constructing arguments and the strategic assembly of these into persuasive cases to the subtle incorporation of pathos and ethos into debate practices. The book balances coverage of argument structures and refutation techniques, while providing insights into the ethical dimensions of evidence management and the rhetorical use of emotional appeal. Furthermore, it addresses contemporary criticisms of debate as an activity and guides students in confronting and considering these critiques.

Debate and Argumentation is an exemplary text for introductory debate classes and more focused argumentation courses. It serves as an essential resource for novice debaters and a foundational reference for students transitioning from classroom learning to applied or competitive debate environments.

Theodore F. Sheckels (Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University) is the Charles J. Potts Emeritus Professor of Social Science, as well as an emeritus professor of English and communication studies, at Randolph-Macon College. Dr. Sheckels has contributed numerous articles and book chapters and has published thirteen books, which reflect his research on various literary and political communication topics.