Proper grammar and spelling are very important in written debate.

I will begin by refuting my opponent's case and then showing why mine stands. My opponent states that proper spelling and grammar are important because it allows people to read and understand the arguments presented. Yet, I gave an example in which improper spelling and grammar were used, but the argument was still conveyed effectively. Therefore,since arguments can be communicated without the use of proper spelling and grammar, we must not look to my opponent's point regarding readability. My opponent also states because there is a spell checker, the only reason for not using proper spelling is laziness. This is not relevant since it does not relate to the importance of spelling and grammar, so we must not look to this point. My opponent later discusses how words and punctuation can be used to illustrate a picture. However, in a debate situation, it is not the job of the debater to paint a picture, so to speak. That is something that should be used in creative writing, not debate. My opponent also states that articulation in writing is necessary for communication of arguments. However, articulation is more than just proper grammar and spelling. It includes vocabulary and understanding of words. Since articulation is not only caused by proper grammar and spelling we must not look to this point. I contend that improper grammar and spelling does not deter the value of debate. I provided an example which my opponent has failed to refute. I also contend that proper grammar and spelling is an unreasonable expectation. I point to time constraints. My opponent points out that he had three days to write his argument. This is true, but I was referring to the time spent on the argument. People are busy, and, especially with multiple rounds and debates, many people might not have time to proofread all their arguments. I also state that proper grammar is not common knowledge. My opponent states that grammar is taught in schools; therefore, it is common knowledge. This is not necessarily true. People only retain the information that they need to know, and, if they are not constantly using proper grammar, it is forgotten. Once forgotten, it is no longer common knowledge. Also, if proper grammar were common knowledge, it would always be used. Since proper grammar and knowledge is not constantly used it is not common knowledge. Also, according to the 2000 census, only 54% of people whose first language is not English say that they speak English "very well". (. http://www.census.gov...). This implies that proper grammar is not common knowledge for over 20 million Americans. Now that it has been established that proper grammar is not common knowledge, my opponent failed to refute my point regarding reference books. If proper grammar was required then the use of reference book would deter people from using this site, which is not a good thing. I thank my opponent for pointing out that there are seven voting issues. As I said, I am new to this site and I must have miscounted. However, proper spelling and grammar is only only 1 of these 7 points for voting, so, it is not "very important". I have established a clear impact because if proper grammar and writing was "very important" then time consuming reference books would need to be used because proper grammar is not common knowledge. This would turn people away from this website. My opponent's impact of some debates being easier to read is clearly outweighed by my impact and the fact that communication can occur without proper grammar. I would like to thank my opponent for this debate. It has been a high quality, thought provoking debate. I look forward to continued use of the site.