WRITING TO ARGUE DEBATE ANALYSIS

WOOLWICH ATTACK On the afternoon of 22 May 2013, a British Army soldier, Lee Rigby of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was attacked and killed by two men near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, southeast London. Rigby was off duty and walking along Wellington Street when he was attacked. The two men ran him down with a car, then used knives and a cleaver to stab and hack him to death. The men dragged Rigby's body into the road and remained at the scene until police arrived. They told passers-by that they had killed a soldier to avenge the killing of Muslims by the British armed forces.

This House believes Islam is a religion of peace OXFORD DEBATE The following day after the attack, the Oxford Union held a debate regarding the resolution: This House believes Islam is a religion of peace The participants included: Matthew Handley, a history student at Oxford Anne-Marie Waters, council member of the National Secular Society Adam Deen, a prominent Muslim intellectual and founder and director of the Deen Institute Daniel Johnston, journalist and editor of what he called the “not very right-wing” magazine Standpoint Muslim journalist Mehdi Hasan, political editor of the Huffington Post Peter Atkins, former Professor of Chemistry at Oxford The Oxford Union Society, commonly referred to simply as the Oxford Union, is a debating society in the city of Oxford, England, whose membership is drawn primarily from the University of Oxford. Founded in 1823, it has provided an opportunity for many budding politicians from Britain and other countries to develop their debating skills and to acquire a reputation and contacts.

MEHDI HASAN What arguments did Hasan make? What evidence did he provide? How was his argument structured?

EVIDENCE IN ARGUMENTS Read over the given extract of Mehdi Hasan’s argument, and annotate the following: Logos = facts and anecdotes used in his argument Ethos = statements that portray himself or those in agreement with him as trustworthy Counter-arguments Undermining the opposition Language techniques

IN-CLASS DEBATE With a partner, sign up for one of the following debate topics: (NOTE: Both sides of the topic have to be represented) TOPIC DEBATERS Poetry should be removed from the curriculum. Sports stars should be positive role models. Parents should be allowed to choose their baby's gender. Social media comments should be protected by free speech. Social media is worsening our society. Religion has no place in public schools. Evolution and Creationism should both be taught in schools. There are no bad children, only bad parents. Cloning is immoral and should be banned. The treatment of women is steadily improving. Gay marriage should become an international right. The drinking age should be lowered to 16.

HOMEWORK Complete a Debate Planner sheet to help you build your argument Write your argument – it should be no longer than two pages (double-sided), and should last between 3-5 minutes You may not practice with your partner – a rebuttal stage may take place For next lesson, come prepared with two typed copies of your argument