Debate Groups

Class Debates

This activity should help develop speaking skills in front of an audience, research skills, critical thinking skills, and persuasive skills.  Do not take this assignment lightly. The grading will be stringent.

Your debate teams have been chosen.  In most cases there are three individuals per team.  Each individual has a particular task on the team and will therefore receive an individual grade.  The team will also receive a group grade based on how well the team communicates and works together.

This is a debate that will follow a persuasive model.  You will be expected to be knowledgeable about your entire topic; you will also be expected to be very knowledgeable about your portion of the debate.

Rules

1. One team will choose an issue to debate; the opposing team will choose the side they wish to defend.  Only one debate on each topic will be allowed per class.

2. The debate will be controlled by a moderator.  Speakers are not to speak unless permission is given by the moderator.

3. Speakers must stay within the allotted time.  A time keeper will alert the speaker of time remaining.   When a speaker’s time has elapsed, the speaker must then finish his of her thought and sit down.

4. The speakers must attack the issue and not personally attack the opponent. 

5. Proper attire should be worn on the day of the debate. 

6. The teacher reserves to right to end a debate or remove a speaker at any time for lack of proper decorum.

Guidelines

1. Time in class will be given to prepare arguments as a group. 

2. Library time will be provided to find factual research from a print source to support arguments.  A minimum of one print source per group member must be utilized in the debate.  The more factual sources used to support a topic, the better the team’s argument will be.  A unified works cited for the sources will be turned into the teacher before class on the day of the debate.  An outline must also be turned into the teacher before the debate.

3. Everyone in the group must participate.  Anyone who is absent during the process will be required to write a research paper of 1800 words on the topic.

4. Visuals are not required but could be utilized to assist diverse learners.

5. The audience must conduct itself in an appropriate manner.  Inappropriate actions will result in removal from the debate and a failing grade.

The speaker’s responsibility:

1. The speaker will receive an individual grade based on his or her portion of the debate. 

2. Be prepared and present your arguments.

   1. Have your arguments written down on note cards or typed in an orderly manner.

   2. Utilize persuasive techniques.

   3. Utilize research; each speaker must clearly reference one print source while speaking.

   4. Anticipate your opponents’ points and demonstrate that you have considered the points in your speech.

   5. Anticipate the audience questions; questions may be planted

3. Be respectful.

   1. Wait for the moderator to call on you before you begin speaking.

   2. Remain seated in a respectful manner unless you are speaking.  You may stand when you are speaking.

   3. Do not taunt, jeer, or distract from your opponent.  You may write while your opponents are speaking.

The group’s responsibility:

1. Prepare the speakers.

1. Take notes and discuss the topic.

2. Research the topic.

2. Complete a works cited and outline to turn in before the debate.

1. Turn in an accurate MLA works cited stating the sources you used.

2. Turn in an outline that states the points and the speakers who will be arguing each point.

 The moderator’s responsibility:

1. The moderator might receive extra-credit for doing well.  If a moderator is not prepared, points may be deducted

2. Write the debate topic on the board before the debate.

3. Begin the debate by stating the issue.  Do not attempt to sway the audience.

4. Control the flow of the debate.  Tell the participants when it is their time to speak.

5. Control the debate. 

a.       Do not allow individuals to speak out of turn.

b.      If the timekeeper holds up a sign reading “time up,” allow the speaker to finish his/her thought.  If the speaker continues, interrupt him/her by saying, “your time is up, please sit down.”

The time keeper’s responsibility:

1. The time keeper might receive extra-credit for doing well.  If a time keeper is not prepared, points may be deducted

2. Keep the time. 

a.       Hold up a sign when there is 10 seconds remaining in the speaker’s time. 

b.      Hold up a sign that tells when the speaker’s time is up.

3. Be inconspicuous. You want to be able to be seen by the speaker, but you do not want to distract from the speaker.

The audience’s responsibility:

1. Be respectful.

   1. Sit in a respectful manner while the debaters present. 

   2. Clear your desk of everything except paper and writing utensil.

   3. Do not distract from the speakers.  Do not taunt, jeer, tap, rock, talk, etc…

2. Pay attention:

   1. Take notes if need be.  You should be able to discuss the ideas being expressed after the debate concludes

   2. Be prepared to ask questions.

                                                     i.     If you have a question for the speakers, respectfully raise your hand and wait to be called by the moderator.  Do not wave your hand or call undue attention to yourself.  Only four questions may be taken at the moderator’s discretion.

                                                   ii.     Questions should not be directed to the pro or con side.  They should be phrased so that either side may answer.

3. Identify propaganda or fallacious thinking.

The instructor’s responsibility:

1. Judge on the effectiveness of the presentation.

   1. Utilization of research

   2. Presentation of ideas / persuasive techniques

   3. Response to opponent / composure handling audience questions

   4. Intro and Conclusion.

2. Do not interrupt if possible. Allow the moderator to maintain order. 

Opening Statement:  In order to receive an “A,” the speaker must present superb organization, impart an excellent attention grabber, state a clear issue and position, demonstrate excellent speaking technique – verbal and non-verbal.  Lacking in one area should result in a “B.”  Lacking in more than one area or significantly lacking in one area should result in a “B” or “D.”

Argument:  In order to receive an “A,” the speaker must present superb organization in a logical manner, effectively utilize scholarly research, present a new argument that has not yet been presented by the group or expand a previous argument, demonstrate excellent speaking technique – verbal and non-verbal.  Lacking in one area should result in a “B.”  Lacking in more than one area or significantly lacking in one area should result in a “B” or “C.” Significantly lacking in more than one area will result in a “C,” “D”, or “F.”

Rebuttal: In order to receive an “A,” the speaker must show forethought in considering the counter-point, focus on the counter-point instead of introducing new arguments, present the argument in a logical manner, demonstrate excellent speaking technique – verbal and non-verbal.  Lacking in one area should result in a “B.”  Lacking in more than one area or significantly lacking in one area should result in a “B” or “C.” Significantly lacking in more than one area will result in a “C,” “D”, or “F.”

Questions: In order to receive an “A,” the speaker must focus on the question, present the answer in a logical manner, demonstrate excellent speaking technique – verbal and non-verbal.

Conclusion: In order to receive an “A,” the speaker must present superb organization, summarize the arguments, conclude with a memorable thought, and demonstrate excellent speaking technique – verbal and non-verbal. 

Respect and Decorum: In order to receive and “A,” the speaker must maintain proper respect and decorum throughout the debate.  He / She must wait for the moderator before speaking, refrain from personal attacks on the other team, and display composure when others are speaking.

Debate Groups

The Debates begin on Tuesday, 23 January 2007.  One group per class per day will present.  The groups listed below will present in consecutive order.