It’s Up For

Debate Get Ready To Participate In A Classroom Debate!

What Is A Debate?

A debate is a formal discussion/argument on a

particular topic.

There are several forms of debate, but all use detailed

guidelines to make sure everyone has a chance to

voice their opinions.

Why Debate? Debate helps us learn more

about important topics. When we listen to others

debate, we are able to learn from both sides.

Debate helps us explore topics ourselves. When we participate in a debate, we are forced to learn about

both arguments and examine our own opinions.

Debate Topic Before you begin a debate, you must settle on a topic. This topic should be written in the form of

a statement (not a question). It should be a specific topic and it should be a topic that people

sometimes disagree with. This always makes debates more interesting!

What Do You Think?The next few slides will have possible debate topics. As each topic appears, give a thumbs up if you think it’s a strong topic for a debate or a thumbs down if you think it would make for a bad debate. Remember, good debates have a specific topic, and is an issue that people may be divided on.

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Is This A Good Debate Topic?

Cell phones should be banned

from schools.

Is This A Good Debate Topic?

Cell Phones have many practical

uses.

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Is This A Good Debate Topic?

Cell phones should be banned from schools.

YES! This is a good topic because it is specific, and it is a

topic that some people may disagree

with.

Is This A Good Debate Topic?

Cell phones have many practical uses

NO! This is not a strong debate topic because

most people would agree with this topic,

and it is not a controversial issue.

Affirmative/Negative

NEGATIVE:This side says that the

topic statement is

wrong.

Every debate has two sides.

AFFIRMATIVE:This side says that the

topic statement is

correct.

Debate Structure Overview1. AFFIRMATIVE – state and support their position ( 3-5

min)

2. NEGATIVE – discuss rebuttal (1-2 min), then state & support their position (no more than 5 min. total)

3. SECOND AFFIRMATIVE- discuss their next point(s) and/or response to NEGATIVE comments/questions….then offer one more point or rebuttal (3 min.)

4. SECOND NEGATIVE – discuss their next point(s) and/or respond to POSITIVE comments/questions…then offer one more point or rebuttal (3 min.)

5. CLASS QUESTIONING- each side will be questioned equally. Teams will be allowed 1-2 min. to discuss before responding. Responses may be no longer than 3 minutes.

6. NEGATIVE FINAL REMARKS- offer final remarks (-5 min.)

7. AFFIRMATIVE FINAL REMARKS -offer final remarks (-5 min.)

Assessment/judging by teacher & students

Debate Structure Details1. FIRST AFFIRMATIVE

2. FIRST NEGATIVE

AFFIRMATIVE- State and support your position. Briefly introduce the 3 main reasons why you support your topic. Discuss the first and second reason in detail (give evidence and explain the “so what?” i.e. - Why is that important evidence? ( 5 min. max)(The NEGATIVE team may have 1-2 min. to discuss their rebuttal with each other)NEGATIVE- State and support your position and offer a rebuttal if necessary. They may choose to pose a question to the AFFIRMATIVE. (5 min. max)

What Is A Rebuttal?A rebuttal is when one side gives evidence that disproves an argument made by the

other side of the debate.

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3. SECOND AFFIRMATIVE

4. SECOND NEGATIVE

(The AFFIRMATIVE team may have 1-2 min. to discuss their next point and/or response)AFFIRMATIVE- Respond to any questions offered by the NEGATIVE, offer another final point and/or rebuttal ( 3 min. max)

(The NEGATIVE team may have 1-2 min. to discuss their next point with each other)NEGATIVE-. Respond to any questions offered by the AFFIRMATIVE, offer another final point and/or rebuttal ( 3 min. max)

Debate Structure Details

5. Classroom Questioning:

1. The class will ask questions to BOTH sides. 2. The class will decide to whom the questions will be directed,

but an equal number of questions will be directed to each side.3. The teams will be allowed one to two minutes to discuss their

response. Each response will be no more than 3 minutes.

4. BE PREPARED! You will need to prepare questions to pose to your classmates who are debating the other topics. You may or may not be given an opportunity to pose these questions when you are part of the audience observing the debate. Well thought out, higher order questions can earn you EXTRA CREDIT.

6. NEGATIVE CLOSING/FINAL REMARKS

7. AFFIRMATIVE CLOSING/FINAL REMARKS

Both sides will offer their final remarks in no more than 5 minutes. Note: NEGATIVE side goes first this time. Do NOT offer any new material at this point! Point out any arguments dropped by the opposition; these are considered your points now (conceded). Remind the judges of your arguments and why they are more important than the opposition’s. Be dramatic in your big picture. Make your audience care! End with a strong appeal to adopt or refute the resolution. Thank the audience and the judge(s).

Debate Structure Details

If you want to win a debate you must do the following:

1. RESEARCH! Know your information, so when it comes time for rebuttal, you are prepared…HAVE MORE THAN YOU NEED!!!

2. Have your information at your fingertips to refer to while the opposition is speaking

3. Use persuasive language. The more convincing you are, the better chance you have of winning (appeal to people’s emotions)

4. Take notes while the opposition speaks so you can refute their arguments later.

5. Practice speaking in front of a mirror or with a friend!

Remember that Preparation = Success!

How To Win A Debate:

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1. Refrain from saying “you are wrong”2. Attack the idea, not the person3. Watch your tone of voice4. Avoid bickering/quarrelling5. Do not present opinions as facts!6. Smile when disagreeing7. Don’t win a debate and lose a friend!8. Speak clearly and slowly9. REMEMBER GOOD ETIQUETTE: While a speaker has

the floor, she or he should NOT BE INTERRUPTED!

Remember that Preparation = Success! RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCHDO YOUR PART FOR YOUR TEAM!

REMINDERS:

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