Debate
“Don't raise your voice, improve your argument." ― Desmond Tutu
You and a partner will debate against each other on a shared topic: one supporting the affirmative side, the other debating for the negative side. Use the skills we discussed in argument writing to prepare your debate script and convince the audience of your side.
You will want to prepare and practice your argument because you will only have a limited amount of time to present your side and also offer a rebuttal. The layout will go as follows:
Preliminary Argument:
You may include some kind of visual with your presentation if you think it will be helpful, but make sure it does not detract from your speaking part.. The visual could be a power point, poster, picture, physical evidence, short audio recording, etc.
The class will vote after each debate to decide which side wins for most compelling argument.
In addition to the presentation of the information, you will submit a written essay detailing your ideas.
Avoid using logical fallacies in both your presentation and your essay.
You will want to prepare and practice your argument because you will only have a limited amount of time to present your side and also offer a rebuttal. The layout will go as follows:
- Affirmative Preliminary Argument (no less than 2:00 min, no more than 2:20 min)
- Negative Preliminary Argument (no less than 2:00 min, no more than 2:20 min)
- Affirmative Rebuttal (no less than 50 sec, no more than 1:10)
- Negative Rebuttal (no less than 50 sec. no more than 1:10)
- Final Statement and Class Questions
Preliminary Argument:
- Introduce yourself
- Introduce you argument and your thesis
- state the reasons for your side. Use clear language, evidence, and insightful explanation/connections
- directly address one point made by the opposing side.
- restate their side, and then provide a reason and evidence to fight against it.
- restate your side
- any last appeal (this would be a time to make any pathos connections with the audience, if you feel that is appropriate)
You may include some kind of visual with your presentation if you think it will be helpful, but make sure it does not detract from your speaking part.. The visual could be a power point, poster, picture, physical evidence, short audio recording, etc.
The class will vote after each debate to decide which side wins for most compelling argument.
In addition to the presentation of the information, you will submit a written essay detailing your ideas.
Avoid using logical fallacies in both your presentation and your essay.
While you and your partner will be able to choose your debate topic, there are a few guidelines. In order for us to keep a professional and grade-appropriate environment, I ask that you respectfully refrain from any of the following topics:
Here are a few resources that might help you choose your topic:
Be sure to get your topic checked off with your teacher before starting your research because no repeat topics are allowed.
Thank you!
- Abortion
- LGBTQ /sexuality
- Religion
- Specific Politicians (ex: Trump vs Clinton)
Here are a few resources that might help you choose your topic:
- Middle School Debate Topics
- 100 Most Popular Student Debate Questions
- 50 Persuasive and Relevant Topics
Be sure to get your topic checked off with your teacher before starting your research because no repeat topics are allowed.
Thank you!
Rubric - (see actual Google Doc Rubric here)
You will be graded in through the following:
- Your essay will be graded using the normal argument essay rubric:
- clear thesis in an egaging and informative intro paragraph
- well developed paragraphs, including well thought-out elaborations
- clear reasons, evidence for your points as well as an acknowledgement of the counterargument
- correct MLA format of entire essay and works cited page (use at least 3 outside sources)
- no punctuation, captitalization, spelling, etc errors
- You will be graded on your presentation:
- Preparation
- You may have cue cards, but you should not be reading from your notes.
- practiced so that you can have eye contact with audience
- engaging with audience
- the correct amount of time has been used for each section
- visual aid (if any) is helpful for the audience and adds better understanding to the topic
- Voice:
- presenter is easy to hear
- speaks clearly and doesn't mumble
- body language demonstrates confidence and preparation
- Ideas:
- thesis is clear
- clear and valid reasons to support
- reasons have evidence from outside sources
- Preparation
** Does presenting freak you out? The alternative to presenting in class is to present at home and video record yourself. You still need to include all of the required parts and time limits. We will watch your video in class. **