Sophomore Henry Jones reflects upon the topic he plans to debate at Royse City High School. When he needs help, he asks Mr.Ritz, as a class they research topics in the computer lab. After he concludes his work, he prepares for the tournament.

“[Before my round] I felt confident,” Jones said. “I wondered whether my opponent would be experienced.”

Debating the Texas Forensic Association (TFA) topic, “individuals have a moral obligation to assist people in need” at the Royse City tournament, Jones wrote a negating and affirming case for this topic. Not only did he build cases for TFA, but he also built cases for the University Interscholastic League (UIL) topic “capital punishment in Texas is unjust.”

“I think UIL is easier to debate,” Jones said. “It is easier to find research and facts on their topics. TFA is different, it is more difficult and more philosophical.”

Building a debate case requires Jones to uphold a value in his round, and to achieve his value through some criteria. After he has established these, he must brainstorm points to back up his value and criteria. Backing up these points with research, he has successfully created a framework for his debate case.

“I enjoy researching cases,” Jones said. “I like learning, and it is just fun.”

Going 3-0, Jones went undefeated at Royse City on Oct. 29, placing 7 overall at the tournament in novice Lincoln-Douglas debate. He feels proud of his accomplishment, but wants to improve and continue to perform better.

“I did fine,” Jones said. “I do need to do better. It was good, but not great.”

Jones feels good about the debate team this year. He believes the participation and involvement of the team makes them what they are. He plans on staying in debate and continuing to improve his abilities. Jones wants to be able to think on his feet, and to improve his speaking abilities.

“This year is going pretty well,” Jones said. “I plan on staying in debate so I can do better, and hopefully make it to state one day.”