DEBATING TERM 4 2012

debate v. debated, debating, debates v.intr. 1. To consider something; deliberate. 2. To engage in argument by discussing opposing points. 3. To engage in a formal discussion or argument.

I love argument, I love debate. I don't expect anyone just to sit there and agree with me, that's not their job. Margaret Thatcher "Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress." Mahatma Ghandi It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it. Joseph Joubert "I think debating in high school and college is most valuable training whether for politics, the law, business, or for service on community committees such as the PTA and the League of Women Voters. A good debater must not only study material in support of his own case, but he must also, of course, thoroughly analyze the expected argument of his opponent. The give and take of debating, the testing of ideas, is essential to democracy. I wish we had a good deal more debating in our educational institutions than we do now." John F. Kennedy, August 22, 1960 What is a debate?

Debates are a form of argument, or discussion, in which two opposing points of view are stated and both sides are argued. Supporting evidence for each side is put forward with hopes of winning the argument. There are many different types of debate but there are some things, however, that all debate formats have in common. 1) There is a resolution (also known as a resolve or proposition) that provides the basic substance of the discussion. It is a statement containing an opinion that is debatable. There are two teams. One represents those in favour of the resolution (the Affirmative or Pro side) and one represents those against (the Negative or Con side) There is a fixed order of speaking. Each team has a chance to state their side of the argument and to listen to the arguments made by the opposing team. Each team then has a chance to offer rebuttals in response to their arguments The debate closes with a final closing statement where both sides summarise their respective positions.

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Why debate? Debating is an excellent way to improve your oral communication skills. One of the challenges of debating is learning to be able to gather ideas together and think on your feet when you are rebutting the opposing teams arguments. Debating also helps you think deeply and critically about the issues up for discussion. Participating in debates will expose you to new ideas, facts and opinions, and allows you to explore conflicting points of view. Another benefit of debating is learning how to put forward your opinion in a polite and respectful manner, even when you disagree with someone. Youre success will depend on your whole team; everyone has a role to play and must prepare for it. Organisation, cooperating and working well together are more skills you will be practicing.

ROLES IN A DEBATING TEAM

Opening Statement Presenter: 2 minutes

This person gathers the main arguments into an introductory statement. It should state the teams position and include statements to grab the audiences attention. It is important that the opening statement introduces each of the main arguments, but it should not give specific information or detail. Topic Presenters: 1 minute each Topic Presenters give the main arguments for their team. During planning time before the debate, the team will have decided on the 3 strongest and most convincing arguments they will put forward. Each Topic Presenter concentrates on one main argument only. Each presenter explains this argument clearly and gives specific details and examples that prove why they are correct. Rebuttal Presenter: 2 minutes each Rebuttal presenters answer the arguments of the other team. They must know the issue well and be prepared to speak without a prepared speech (although it is a very good idea for Rebuttal Presenters to have a list of possible comments prepared in advanced). These presenters take notes while the other team is talking, and then respond to every argument using specific information to disprove them. After the Topic Presenters from each team have spoken, there is a 2 minute Rebuttal Conference to give the presenters time to plan their comments. Closing Statement Presenter: 2 minutes In the Closing Statement, this presenter sums up the arguments for the team by repeating the main idea and arguments. Use strong language and try to engage the audience, however there should be not new arguments raised in the closing statement.

YOUR HOMEWORK
Week 4 - RESEARCH DUE: Monday 12TH November In class this week you will be placed into debating teams. Two teams will then pair off and will be assigned a resolution to debate.

At this stage you will not know which side of the argument you will be taking. Your homework task is to find as much information as possible on BOTH SIDES of the resolution issue your team has been assigned. You need to look for strong arguments and good examples and facts that support each position. You should look for different sources of information. Remember that you dont know which side of the argument you will debate you need to find lots of different points of view, opinions and ideas. Record your notes and examples on the sheets provided. In class on Monday you will be presenting your findings to your group. Week 5 PLANNING YOUR SPEECH DUE: Monday 19th November In class this week a coin toss will decide which team will be arguing the affirmative and negative sides of the debate. You will then be given time in class to decide which role each member of your team will take and to plan which arguments you will use to support your position. Your homework task this week is to plan for your individual role in the debate. Opening Statement Presenter: Speaks for 2 minutes. You should be familiar with your teams overall argument. Use this week to talk to your team members and discuss their main points you will need to introduce them to the audience. You should begin by introducing your topic and each of your team members. Your speech should then set the scene and grab the audiences attention. Use emotive language rhetorical questions. Introduce the main points but dont give details. Topic Presenters: 1 minute each Each team has at least three topic presenters. Each presenter speaks for one minute about one main point of the overall argument. Your speech should have logical structure. Start by clearly stating your position and telling the audience what you will be talking about. Your speech needs to have lots of supporting details and examples. Rebuttal Presenter: 2 minutes Rebuttal speakers should spend this week thinking about what arguments the other team are likely to use, and how you might answer back to prove them wrong (using examples if possible). Write out as many possible answers as you can think of and try to find evidence in support. You are trying to explain why the other team is wrong so try to point out the flaws in their arguments.

Closing Statement Presenter: 2 minutes The Closing Statement should use strong language and try to engage the audience, however there should be not new arguments raised. This speech sums up the arguments for the team by repeating the main idea and arguments. HINTS: Practice at home either in front of a family member or the mirror. Speak slowly and clearly pronouncing words correctly. Look at the audience. Speakers will be viewed as better informed and more sincere if they have eye contact with the audience. Stand up straight. Dont lean on anything when speaking. Emphasise main points by letting your voice rise and fall. Use gestures and facial expressions to express an idea and to show enthusiasm for your topic Use note cards to guide you, but try not to look at them too much.

DEBATING TERMS Resolution: The statement that is debated is called the resolution. It is a statement containing an opinion that is debatable (e.g. Cats are better than dogs as pets.) to be argued in a debate. This can also sometimes be referred to as a resolve or proposition. Definitions: The affirmative side defines words used in the resolve (e.g. "Pets in this case means animals to be kept in apartments or houses.).

Counter-plan: A new argument that concedes some of the points made (Cats may be better than dogs in some situations, but dogs can be trained as helping animals.) Conceding a point: Allowing the other side to have a point, but making a new one on top of it. ("Well, cats may be better in terms of size, but hauling all that kitty litter up to the apartment is going to be a pain. That's why a small dog would be better.") Rebuttal: The final argument, in which each team tries to sum up for the judges the reason their team has proved (affirmative) or disproved (negative) the resolution. Courtesy and Respect: These qualities are to be shown at all times during the debate process.