What are Disadvantages?
Disadvantages (abbreviated DA) are a reason that the plan is bad – they point out a negative consequence that would arise as a result of the plan. The negative team typically introduces the disadvantage in the 1NC – the first negative speech, and the affirmative team responds in the 2AC.
The negative team should go for the disadvantage in their final speech by explaining why the reason that the plan is bad outweighs (i.e. is more important) than the benefits of the plan. In other words, the negative consequences of the plan outweighs the positive consequences of the plan. This is done through impact calculus.
Structure of a Disadvantage
Disadvantages will always follow this structure:
- Uniqueness: the status quo
- Link: links the plan to the disadvantage
- Internal Link: connects the link to an impact
- Sometimes, the internal link is not necessary as the
- Impact: why the disadvantage matters
For example, an Economy DA on the Fiscal Redistribution (HS 23-24) topic would look like this:
- Uniqueness: the economy is currently in a good state
- Link: the plan is bad for the economy
- Impact: economic decline leads to war
- Here, the internal link is not necessary because the link is already directly connected to the impact.