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How to Debate

How to Debate. (at least in 8 th grade). What is a Debate?. A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition American Heritage Dictionary In a debate there is a winning side and a losing side A debate affirms or negates the resolution

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How to Debate

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  1. How to Debate (at least in 8th grade)

  2. What is a Debate? • A formal contest of argumentation in which two opposing teams defend and attack a given proposition • American Heritage Dictionary • In a debate there is a winning side and a losing side • A debate affirms or negates the resolution • A debate is not just contradiction

  3. The Resolution • A formal expression of opinion or intention • The topic/statement to be debated • Example Resolution: When in conflict, Civil Liberties ought to take precedence over security.

  4. Resolved: (Sample resolution) When in conflict, Civil Liberties ought to take precedence over security.

  5. Affirmative Supports the resolution Rejects and contests negation of the topic Negative Negates the resolution Offers better alternatives Rejects and contests the affirmative Sides in a debate

  6. Affirmative Constructive (AC) Affirmative Cross Examination (Cross Ex) Affirmative Rebuttal (AR) Affirmative Closing Negative Constructive (NC) Negative Cross Examination (Cross Ex) Negative Rebuttal (NR) Negative Closing “Jobs” in a debate

  7. The Constructives • Minimal • To provide the evidence for their side of the debate • Better • Evidence and define the important terms of the resolution • Best • Evidence, definitions and reasons observations that focus the debate

  8. Constructive Elements • Opening quote • State the Resolution – “Because we agree with____, we (negate/affirm) the resolution that….(state resolution) • Definitions – “To better clarify the resolution we would like to offer the following definitions” • Observations – “To further clarify… • Contentions, sub-points

  9. Cross Examination • Minimal • Clarify/check the constructive understanding of their case • Better • Clarify and attack their opponents case • Best • Clarify, attack and trap their constructive into supporting their side

  10. The Rebuttals • Minimal • To provide general evidence against the opposing side of the debate • Better • Provide specific evidence against specific points stated by the opposition • Best • Provide specific evidence and attack issues such as Topicality, Definitions and/or Disadvantages

  11. The Closing • Minimal • Repeat the “winning” points of constructive • Better • Repeat constructive and winning rebuttals arguments • Best • Repeat constructive, rebuttals and extend(provide further) evidence from the constructive or rebuttals.

  12. Debate Order • AC – 6min • NCX – 3min • NC – 6min • ACX – 3min • NR – 7min • AR – 7min • NCl – 4min • ACl – 4min

  13. How to Win/Lose a Debate Winning Losing Only know what you want to say and ignore the other side Give random facts Don’t refer to your constructive, just give more facts Tell what you think is right Only worry about how you sound. Use a few semi-topical arguments • Know everything the opposition said and challenge it. • Be Organized • Have entire team know the constructive and support it. • Use researched evidence • Help the Team get better • Create as many STRONG arguments as you can http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhzwSlK4uEc

  14. Definitions • Evidence – Facts that are researched to affirm/negate the resolution • Observations – Views of the debaters that focus the issues of the debate to help their side • Topicality – The argument that the evidence that the opposition is providing is not about the resolution • Disadvantages – If there is a plan, this claims that the outcomes of the plan or counter plan are worse than not doing anything • Extending – Providing additional evidence that supports points already stated in the constructive or rebuttal

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