What Is Debate? Components and Process of a Debate
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Warm Up What is the difference between an argument and a
debate?
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Possible Responses ArgumentDebate Demands to get own
wayPersuades through speaking ConfrontsExchanges differing opinions
in a formal way Attempts to change something Follows a set of rules
Usually negativeIs used by politicians
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Key Components of Debate The debate topic (ex. middle school
start times) Proposition - the idea suggested (ex. Middle schools
should have a later start time.) Resolution - formalized action to
debate (ex. Be it resolved that Howard County middle school should
start no earlier than 8:30.)
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Key Components of Debate Arguments - a discussion in which
reasons are put forward in support of and against a proposition,
proposal, or case Assertion - statement that something is so (ex:
Middle school students are less alert early in the morning.)
Reasoning - reason why the assertion is valid (ex: Teenagers tend
to stay up late and sleep late; therefore, if they have to get up
early, they are sleep-deprived and wont perform well at school.)
Evidence - proof of the reasoning (ex: A research study at the
University of Minnesota in 2004 confirmed that the sleep- producing
hormone, melatonin, is found at higher levels in the night and
early morning.).
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Key Components of Debate Persuasive Speaking Write an outline
or script of what you want to say. Speak clearly, distinctly, with
emphasis and pauses as necessary. Communicate confidence through
body language. Have engaging introductions and conclusions.
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Key Components of Debate Effective listening Use a flow chart
to keep a clear idea of arguments and rebuttals. Refute only
arguments the other side has presented. Judge or Audience An
impartial third party
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Public Forum Debate Components Opening Speeches 4 Minutes
Rebuttal Speech 4 minutes Summary Speech 2 minutes Crossfire 2
minutes
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Opening Speeches Lays out your case and position. Has a strong
introduction. Reveals a startling statistic that bolsters your case
or /example: attention that catches the audiences attention States
clearly for the judges As the pro (or con), I support (or oppose)
the resolved...
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Opening Speeches Defines the resolution set forth very clearly
for the judge what you must prove to win the debate. What does the
resolution ask? A very strategic team will tilt the resolution in a
way that is easier for their side to prove their case. For example,
the resolution Video Games do more harm than good the pro would
state that they do not have to prove that video games have
absolutely no good just that it is slightly more harmful than good.
This is important as the con can obviously prove that video games
improve coordination. The pro would respond that it makes children
more violent and therefore even though it has some good, its evils
far outweigh its benefits. Lays out 3 to 5 clear reasons in support
of your case. Each reason should be supported and developed with
sound analysis or evidence. Concludes with a memorable and powerful
ending that re-emphasizes whether you support or oppose the
resolution.
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Rebuttal Speech Answers each of the other sides arguments
Answers each arguments in the order presented Prepares for the
rebuttal by: Anticipating every possible argument the other team
will make. Drafting a brief for each possible point the other team
can raise. In essence, you are writing a speech against each
possible point they can raise. Each brief must be on a separate
sheet of paper. That way you can organize them in the order read by
the other team. Top of the brief should say Answers to ______
insert their argument. Keep your briefs organized so that you can
grab the appropriate one to read during the debate.
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Summary Speech Asks the following 2 questions: What 2
arguments, if I win, do I win the entire debate? What 2 arguments,
if I lose, do I lose the debate? Goes for those arguments. Extends
your top 2 winning points. Explains the point Explains why you win
the point Explains why winning the point means you win the debate
Tells judge why you defeated opponents 2 best arguments.
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Crossfire Happens after the 2 opening speeches and after 2
rebuttal speeches. Pro asks the first question but after that,
either side can ask questions. In preparation, you should make a
list of questions to ask during the debate. Clarifies arguments to
expose weaknesses.