 Debate is a formal type of argument.  There are several forms of debate, but all include guidelines that make sure everyone has a chance to speak their minds.

Every debate has a topic. This should be a pretty specific topic statement, not a question! “Cell phones should not be allowed in school.” “School should start at 10am and end at 5pm.” A debate is most interesting when it is on a topic that people disagree about!

As each topic appears, give a thumbs up if you think it’s a good topic for a debate or a thumbs down if you think it would make for a bad debate.

Cell phones should not be allowed in schools. This is a good choice for a debate topic because… … it is specific. … it is controversial (not everyone agrees).

I love animals. This is a poor topic for a debate because… … it isn’t specific! … it isn’t controversial (there is no disagreement)!

Making healthy food choices is good for you. This is a poor topic for a debate because… … while it is specific, it isn’t controversial!

Mr. X is the best candidate for President. This is a good topic for a debate because… … it is specific! … it is controversial!

Every debate has two sides. AFFIRMATIVE This side says that the topic statement is correct. NEGATIVE This side says that the topic statement is wrong.

Both people need a turn to speak! There are many different kinds of debate… Here is one example: Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument A speaker makes the argument that supports the debate topic.

Both people need a turn to speak! There are many different kinds of debate… Here is one example: Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument Cross Examination The negative side asks the affirmative side questions about their argument.

Both people need a turn to speak! There are many different kinds of debate… Here is one example: Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument Cross Examination Negative Argument A speaker makes the argument that goes against the debate topic.

Both people need a turn to speak! There are many different kinds of debate… Here is one example: Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument Cross Examination Negative Argument Cross Examination The affirmative side asks the negative side questions about their argument

Both people need a turn to speak! There are many different kinds of debate… Here is one example: Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument Cross Examination Negative Argument Cross Examination Affirmative Rebuttal The affirmative side “rebuts” the negative side’s argument.

“rebut” What does it mean to “rebut” something?? rebuttal A rebuttal is when one side gives evidence that disproves an argument made by the other side of the debate.

Both people need a turn to speak! There are many different kinds of debate… Here is one example: Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument Cross Examination Negative Argument Cross Examination Affirmative Rebuttal Negative Rebuttal The negative side rebuts the affirmative argument.

Both people need a turn to speak! There are many different kinds of debate… Here is one example: Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument Cross Examination Negative Argument Cross Examination Affirmative Rebuttal Negative Rebuttal Second Affirmative Rebuttal The affirmative side gets one last chance to make a rebuttal.

Lincoln Douglas Debate Affirmative Argument7 minutes Cross Examination of Affirmative3 minutes Negative Argument8 minutes Cross Examination of Negative3 minutes Affirmative Rebuttal4 minutes Negative Rebuttal7 minutes Second Affirmative Rebuttal4 minutes How long it is all supposed to take… Builds the main argument for each side! Asks questions about each side’s statements! Each side defends its arguments with more evidence and shows how the other side’s evidence is faulty

 Debate helps us learn more about topics. When we listen to two people debate, we learn both arguments.  Debate helps us explore topics ourselves. When we participate in debate, we are forced to learn about both arguments and examine our own opinions.

Most Importantly… As United States citizens we have the right to express and defend our position. It is also our responsibility to be informed. It’s not that way in all countries… Can you imagine what it would be like if you couldn’t speak your mind?!