Debate instructions

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