With the tight constraints on our time and curriculum, no book I can think of provides an easier way to learn the economic principles that are most relevant to extemp and debate. Here is my take on the top ten things every debater and extemper should know from this book. I urge you to accept this essay as an appetizer, rather than the main course. I think you'll have your own reasons for wanting to learn more about using economics as a tool for debate and extemp. Once you begin to catch on you will be astonished at the power of the economic way of thinking for making and rebutting arguments about government, the market, and society.
Private ownership promotes responsibility and cooperation.
Trade creates wealth. Profits direct businesses toward activities that increase wealth. Competition increases efficiency and innovation. Taxation and regulation discourage production and destroy wealth. Political decision-making favors plunder over production.