The Extension Tracker Worksheet

"Extending" an argument does not mean repeating it, it means carrying it forward while adding something new: a response to what the other side said about it, or new impact analysis. This worksheet builds the habit.

The three-part extension

Every time you extend an argument from a previous speech, say all three parts, in order:

1. 1.Recall it: "On my second contention, ___" (name the argument specifically, do not just say "on my case").
2. 2.Address their response: "My opponent said ___, but ___" (you must engage with what they actually said about it, or this is just a repeat, not an extension).
3. 3.Add weight: "This matters because ___" (new reasoning about why this argument should decide the round, not something you already said).

Practice format

Take any argument from the 40 Practice Resolutions resource. Write a 2-sentence version of the argument (speech one). Then write a 1-sentence opposing response to it (as if you were the other side). Then write your 3-part extension responding to that opposing response. Do this for five different arguments, timing yourself to get each extension under 20 seconds.

The test for a real extension versus a fake one

Cover up part 2 (addressing their response) in what you just wrote. If parts 1 and 3 alone would make just as much sense without it, you were not actually extending, you were repeating your original argument with different words. A real extension cannot be understood without knowing what the other side said in between.