Debate and Argumentation
The Basics
(First Edition)
©2026, 160 pages
Paperback list price: $29.95
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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.
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.
Other Cognella titles by Theodore F. Sheckels:Formats and Bulk Order Pricing for Confirmed Adoptions
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"Dr. Sheckels provided a balanced and fair analysis of all of the genres of debate. […] I found all of the content to be clear, direct, and understandable. This book is accessible to all readers, including people who have no prior experience in debate. I would adopt/purchase this book, because it is the only book that I know of that is narrowly tailored to the theory and practice of debate. […] I also really liked the exercises presented at the end of each of the chapters that allow the reader to practice the various argumentation concepts that Dr. Sheckels presents in the text. This book fills a void in competitive intercollegiate argumentation and debate. This book is a perfect quick-start guide for professors, teachers, and students with no prior knowledge or experience in debate."
Harry C. Strine, IV, Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg
"Chapter 9’s discussion on whether debate is sexist, elitist, or racist is a welcome inclusion. Identity politics had a truly paralyzing impact on US competitive debate, and I applaud the author’s effort in raising these very real and urgent exigencies. The text hits all the fundamental topics one would expect in a combined argumentation course. It also doesn’t shy away from important contemporary issues. The writing is largely accessible and clear for student without prior exposure to argumentation and competitive debate. The sample arguments and exercises at the end of each chapter also serve as great instructional assets. Lastly, as a rhetorician, I truly appreciate that this text is not just a 'how-to' manual but something that’s grounded in rhetorical theory and historical insight."
Keren Wang, Georgia State University
"I think this is a great introduction. One of the most accessible introductions to debate, argumentation, and rhetoric that I have seen. I really like it for its simplicity as an introduction without getting too caught in the weeds."
Antony M. Wach, Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit
Harry C. Strine, IV, Commonwealth University - Bloomsburg
"Chapter 9’s discussion on whether debate is sexist, elitist, or racist is a welcome inclusion. Identity politics had a truly paralyzing impact on US competitive debate, and I applaud the author’s effort in raising these very real and urgent exigencies. The text hits all the fundamental topics one would expect in a combined argumentation course. It also doesn’t shy away from important contemporary issues. The writing is largely accessible and clear for student without prior exposure to argumentation and competitive debate. The sample arguments and exercises at the end of each chapter also serve as great instructional assets. Lastly, as a rhetorician, I truly appreciate that this text is not just a 'how-to' manual but something that’s grounded in rhetorical theory and historical insight."
Keren Wang, Georgia State University
"I think this is a great introduction. One of the most accessible introductions to debate, argumentation, and rhetoric that I have seen. I really like it for its simplicity as an introduction without getting too caught in the weeds."
Antony M. Wach, Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit
