The Line-by-Line Refutation Drill

The biggest jump from Case Construction to Refutation is moving from "here is my case" to "here is exactly why your specific argument fails." This drill builds that skill directly.

The drill

Have someone read you a short argument (2-3 sentences) from an opposing case on any topic. Within 15 seconds, respond using this exact structure, out loud:

1. 1.Name it: "My opponent argues that ___." (Prove you actually heard the specific claim, not a vague version of it.)
2. 2.Attack it: choose exactly one of the following four attacks: it is not true (the factual claim is wrong), it does not matter (even if true, it does not affect who wins the round), it is outweighed (your side's impact is bigger), or it actually helps you (turn it around to support your side).
3. 3.Say why: one sentence of actual reasoning for your chosen attack, not just an assertion.

Sample arguments to practice on

• "Banning homework over breaks improves student mental health, so schools should do it."
• "Requiring community service teaches empathy, which makes it worth the lost class time."
• "Later school start times improve grades, so schools should adopt them."
• "Retaking tests removes the incentive to study the first time."

Why this beats general rebuttal

A debater who says "my opponent's case has some problems" gives a judge nothing to vote on. A debater who says "my opponent's claim that X is not true, because Y, and here's the specific evidence" gives the judge an exact reason to prefer your side on that exact point. Judges vote line by line, even when they don't say so out loud, so your rebuttal has to be organized the same way.