The fact that those on the affirmative side propose something new places on them what is called the burden of proof.  This means that they must show why there is need of a change from the present state of things.  When they have done this, they may proceed to argue in favor of the particular change which they propose.

3.  It should make a single statement about a single thing: 

(Correct) In public high schools secret societies should be prohibited.

(Incorrect) In public high schools and colleges secret societies and teaching of the Bible should be prohibited.

4.  It must be expressed with such definiteness that both sides can agree on what it means.

5.  It must be expressed in such a way as to be fair to both sides.

But you noticed that your friend had not only to state the question definitely, but to explain what the terms of the proposition meant.  He had to tell you what the “honor system” was.

Our second rule, then, for making the question clear, is:  In the proposition as stated, explain all terms that may not be entirely clear to your audience.

And in explaining or defining these terms, there are certain things that you must do.  You must make the definition clear, or it will be no better than the term itself.  This is not always easy.  In defining “moral force” a gentleman said:  “Why, moral force is er—­er—­moral force.”  He did not get very far on the way toward making his term clear.  Be sure that your definition really explains the term.

Then one must be careful not to define in a circle.  Let us take, for example, the assertion or proposition, “The development of labor unions has been beneficial to commerce.”  If you should attempt to define “development” by saying “development means growth,” you would not have made the meaning of the term much clearer; and if in a further attempt to explain it, you could only add “And growth means development,” you would be defining in a circle.

There is still another error to be avoided in making your terms clear to your audience.  This error is called begging the question.  This occurs when a term is defined in such a way that there is nothing left to be argued.

Suppose your friend should say to you:  “I wish to make you believe that the honor system should be used in all examinations in the Greenburg High School.”  You ask him what he means by the “honor system.”  He replies:  “I mean the best system in the world.”  Is there anything left to argue?  Hardly, if his definition of the term honor system is correct, for it would be very irrational indeed to disagree with the assertion that the best system in the world should be adopted in the Greenburg High School.

To summarize:  Define terms carefully; make the definition clear; do not define in a circle, and do not beg the question.