3.21 Readers Take Their Researcher-Debating Selves into the World

What is the Purpose of an Argument? To change someone’s mind and make them do something

Whose Mind? What do you want them to do? That depends on your audience!

PROTOCOL FOR ARGUING TO AN AUDIENCE Audience introduces themselves and the decision they need to make. Each side lays out its position Audience can ask questions Time for debaters to plan rebuttal. Each side rebuts Audience deliberates, makes decision, and gives feedback

Audience Roles—Extreme Sports A group of parents are concerned because their 11-year-old children want to start taking lessons for different extreme sports. They are trying to decide if they should get their children the lessons. The group that is studying the issue of extreme sports will debate this issue. The group that is not debating will play the role of the parents and will decide at the end if they will get their children the lessons.

Audience Roles—Outer Space/Underwater A group of lawmakers is trying to figure out the budget for the country. Money is limited, and the lawmakers are trying to figure out if they should spend more money on space exploration or underwater exploration. The group that is studying the issue of space versus underwater exploration will debate the issue. The group that is not debating will play the role of the lawmakers and will decide at the end if they will allot more money for space or for underwater exploration.

Audience Roles—Mount Everest There is a group of hikers who are trying to decide if their next climb should be Mount Everest. The group that is studying the issue of climbing Mount Everest will debate the issue. The group is that is not debating will play the role of the hikers and will decide at the end if their next climb will be Mount Everest.

Audience Roles—Plastic Water Bottles A group of principals is trying to decide if their schools should ban plastic water bottles. The group that is studying the issue of banning plastic water bottles will debate the issue. The group that is not debating will play the role

Audience Roles—Zoos A group of fifth graders has been working hard to raise money to donate to a worthwhile cause. They are wondering if they should donate the money to zoos. The group that is studying the issue of zoos will debate the issue. The group that is not debating will play the role of the fifth graders and will decide at the end if they will donate that money to zoos.

Audience Roles—Plastic Bags A group of new business owners is trying to decide if they should use plastic bags in their stores. The group studying the issue of banning plastic bags will debate the issue The group that is not debating will play the role of the new business owners and will decide at the end if they will use plastic bags in their stores.