The Debate
Debates take
the form of an organized argument over a particular issue, with speakers
representing each side (for and against). Each speaker has a specific
role and speaks at designated times. All members of the debate engage in
constructing positive arguments for their position, as well as refuting the
arguments presented by their opponents.
Your assignment: As part of a larger group of 5 or 6, you will be
divided into two groups of 2 or 3 to present a debate on a topic of your choice
related to one of the themes in the Lord of the Flies. It will be first
come, first serve, for the choice of topic.
*Along with the
larger team members, your group of 2 or 3 must decide which side they will pick
to debate. Note that although you MAY not agree with the side you are
defending, you must still pretend and do you job as a debater!
Your debate
should include the following:
-
A
powerful opening
-
Attention
to the thesis (what you are arguing)
-
Persuasive
devices (ex:
tone, emphasis, repetition, rhetorical question)
-
Arguments
and counter-arguments for rebuttal
-
Use
of notes taken during debate for rebuttal
-
A
concise summary of supporting arguments to bring closure.
Before your
debate, you should prepare three arguments
that will support your side of the topic you are debating. You must also anticipate the arguments that will
be brought forth by the opposing team and prepare
for a rebuttal after they are finished.
Structure
of the debate
1.
Opening
statement with arguments presented by the team arguing affirmative side of the
topic (4 to 5 minutes)
2.
Opening
statement with arguments presented by the team arguing negative side of the
topic (4 to 5 minutes)
3.
Both sides get to confer and prepare
for their rebuttal (2 minutes).
4.
Rebuttal
by the team arguing affirmative side of
the topic (2-3 minutes)
5.
Rebuttal
by the team arguing negative side of
the topic (2-3 minutes)
6.
Final
statement by the team arguing affirmative
side of the topic (1.5 minutes)
7.
Final
statement by the team arguing negative
side of the topic (1.5 minutes)
8.
Audience
votes for who they think won the debate.
Process for
debate research and work
1.
Choose
which side your 2-3 member team is debating (you must discuss this with the
larger team).
2.
Brainstorm main arguments. Which is your weakest and strongest?
Choose which order you will debate your arguments (remember your strongest
argument always comes last, with your weakest in the middle). Think of
potential counter-arguments that the opposite team will come up with.
3.
Decide
what kind of research needs to be done and split up the task (perhaps split up
research based on arguments and counter-arguments). Write down your arguments with supporting
proof (stats, examples, testimonies etc).
4.
Clearly
write down what your arguments and counter-arguments are. Write CUE CARDS in
bold, large letters. Point form is
best. You only want to GLANCE at these during the debate.
5.
Write
your final statement using CUE
CARDS.
6.
Decide
who will present what. Don’t forget everyone must talk for an equal amount of time.
7.
PRACTICE!!!!
EVALUATION
Please note that each person in the smaller group of 2
or 3 will receive the same grade. This means that each person must perform and
must be ready. Please take this task seriously and do your research properly
and practice!
Weight of grade: Pondération 3
