What are "flow notes" used for in debate practice?

Flow notes serve as a vital tool in debate practice mainly for tracking arguments and organizing one's thoughts throughout a debate round. By allowing debaters to visually map out the progression of arguments made by both sides, flow notes enable debaters to keep a clear record of the conversation dynamics. This method helps in identifying key points, important rebuttals, and relevant evidence that can be used later in the debate.

The process of flowing forces debaters to listen carefully and analyze the arguments presented, facilitating a better overall understanding of the debate's structure. This organized approach ultimately strengthens the debater's ability to respond strategically and effectively during rebuttals or cross-examinations. In contrast, the other options may have value in different contexts but do not encapsulate the primary function of flow notes in the debate setting.