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Introduction to Cross-Examination: CX Around the World
Learning Objectives
Improve fundamental public speaking skills.
Become familiar with Q&A format of cross-ex.
Ask and answer questions from prepared notes.
Time Needed
~20-30 min.
Resources & Materials
Paper (2-3 sheets per student)
Pencil/pen (1 per student)
Evidence packet (1 per advanced student)
Teacher Preparation
- Choose a topic for the “Around the World” cross-examination game.
- For less experienced students, choose a simple topic similar to a SPAR Debate topic.
- Example: Cats are better than dogs.
- For advanced students, pick an affirmative (e.g., 1AC) or negative (e.g., disadvantage) argument.
- For less experienced students, choose a simple topic similar to a SPAR Debate topic.
Lesson Outline
- CX Around the World (Preparation)
- Briefly review the fundamentals of cross-examination.
- For less advanced students, review the “cardinal sins” of CX:
- Avoid “Isn’t it true/Don’t you agree” questions.
- Avoid “Yes/No” questions.
- Remember your role (don’t flip who is asking/answering questions).
- Don’t devolve into making arguments (ask and answer questions).
- For more advanced students, review the format of an effective CX question:
- Make a statement that sets up an argument.
- Ask a question that turns the statement into a question.
- Example: You say human rights violations are occurring in the status quo, but your evidence is from 2018. How does this assume recent changes in government policy?
- For less advanced students, review the “cardinal sins” of CX:
- Briefly review the fundamentals of cross-examination.
- CX Around the World (Game)
- Arrange students in a line around the edge of the room. Explain format, and begin the game:
- To begin, pick a student at one end of the “line.” That student will ask a CX question to the student next in line:
- The questioner wins if the next person in line is unable to provide a satisfactory answer to the given question.
- The person answering wins if they effectively answer the question using Assertion/ Reasoning/Evidence, or the questioner does not ask a question.
- For advanced students, provide a brief critique or decision after each round.
- After each round, the winning student advances “around the world,” playing against the next person until each student has had a turn. The student who wins the most rounds wins the game and should receive a suitable reward (e.g., candy).
- To begin, pick a student at one end of the “line.” That student will ask a CX question to the student next in line:
- Arrange students in a line around the edge of the room. Explain format, and begin the game:
Points of Improvement
Students speak very softly or pause excessively.
Questions do not pertain to the given topic or set up an argument against the opposing side.
Signs of Mastery
Students speak clearly and confidently, with minimal pauses.
Questions are appropriate to the given topic.
Instructor Notes
If a round is unclear, explain your decision, referencing the fundamentals of CX.
For larger squads, consider running two games at once, with a more experience student moderating the second game.