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Introduction to British Parliamentary Debate China Debate Education Network:
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Presented by Liu Xin (SCUEC ) Xu Min (HBUE) Derek Buescher ( Puget Sound )
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Focus for this Presentation Part I: Introduction Part II: What is the British Parliamentary debate Format
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Introduction Why we debate in general Why we debate in educational settings in particular
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Why We Debate in General? People in the debate communities learn skills --- to improve everyday lives --- to become good citizens --- to adapt skills of debate to other venues
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Why We Debate in Educational Settings in Particular -- to expand knowledge -- to hone public speaking skills -- to learn to engage critical thinking --to gain skills for a dynamic citizenry -- to argue as ethical communicators
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British Parliamentary Debate Format I. Teams and Motions II. Order of Speeches & Speaker Titles III. Timing & POI IV. Speaker Roles & Responsibilities V. How your debate will be evaluated
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Motions -- Motions: For & Against A motion is a statement provided by the Tournament Director that will become the subject of the debate. A motion is sometimes called a debate topic, a resolution, or a proposition. -- Examples
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Examples of Motions
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Procedure for Each Debate Positions of teams are posted on the “draw.” Motions announcement to all teams 15-30 minutes preparation Teams of the same side do not prepare with one another, nor can they consult their teammates or teachers Debate begins
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Four Teams Teams Members: 4 Teams --- 8 Debaters Upper House --- Lower House Government: Supporting Motion 2 upper Government Speakers 2 lower Government Speakers Opposition: Arguing against Motion 2 upper opposition Speakers 2 lower opposition Speakers Upper House Government Opposition For Motion Against Lower House
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Names of Speakers Upper House (Opening) Prime Minister Leader of the Opposition Deputy Prime Minister Deputy Leader of the Opposition Lower House (Closing) Member of Government Member of Opposition Government Whip Opposition Whip Upper House (Opening) PM LO DPM DLO MG MO GW OW Lower House (Closing)
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Order of Speakers Upper House (Opening) Prime Minister, 1 st Government Team Leader of the Opposition, 1 st Opposition Team Deputy Prime Minister, 1 st Government Team Deputy Leader of the Opposition, 1 st Opposition Team Lower House (Closing) Member of Government, 2 nd Government Team Member of Opposition, 2 nd Opposition Team Government Whip, 2 nd Government Team Opposition Whip, 2 nd Opposition Team Upper House (Opening) PM LO DPM DLO MG MO GW OW Lower House (Closing)
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Points of Information POI --- Point of Information Who --- a member of an opposing team; What --- comments, statement, question…; How to offer --- by rising and extending hand or by saying “on that point, Sir/Madam” NO POI --- protected time (the first and the last minute); Time --- 15 seconds or less
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Timing 7 minutes for each speech Protected Time: First and last minute A single knock on table or sounding of a bell announces protected time double knock or bell signals the end of your speech. Your speeches will be timed by a timekeeper or by the judge
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Speaker Roles and Responsibilities
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1 st Speaker -- Prime Minister --- Defines and interprets the motion --- Develops a case for the proposition in support of the motion Upper House
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2 nd Speaker: Leader of Opposition -- Accepts the definition of the motioin -- Refutes the case of the first Government -- Construct one or more arguments against the Prime Minister's interpretation of the motion Upper House
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3 rd Speaker -- Deputy Prime Minister -- Defends the general thesis of the first Government’s case -- Refutes the case of the first opposition -- Rebuilds the case of the first Government -- May add new arguments to the case of the first Government Upper House
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4 th Speaker – Deputy Leader of Opposition -- Continues refutation of case of 1 st Government -- Rebuilds arguments of the 1 st opposition. -- May add new arguments to the case of the 1 st opposition. Upper House
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5 th Speaker – Member of Government --Defends the general direction and case of the 1st Government -- Continues refutation of 1st opposition -- Develops a new argument that is different from but consitent with the case of the 1st Government (frequently called an extension) Lower House
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6 th Speaker – Member of Opposition -- Defends the general direction taken by the 1st opposition -- Continues general refutation of 1st proposition case -- Provides more specific refutation of 2nd proposition -- Provides new opposition extension. Lower House
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7 th Speaker – Government Whip --- Summarizes the entire debate from the point of view of the proposition --- Defends the general view point of both proposition teams with a special eye toward the case of the 2 nd proposition. --- Does not provide new arguments. Lower House
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8 th Speaker – Opposition Whip --- Summarizes the entire debate from the point of view of the opposition --- Defends the general view point of both opposition teams with a special eye toward the case of the 2nd opposition. --- Does not provide new arguments. Lower House
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How You Will Be Evaluated and Adjudicated In general, you will be evaluated on the strength of your arguments. Although your speaking ability influences how adjudicators respond to your arguments, they still will focus on the Usually a panel of adjudicators although sometimes a single one An odd number of panel, usually 3 members One Chairperson/Speaker (designated by the organizers) --- This person will introduce and manage the debate --- This person also announce the result & comment on the whole debate
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Summary Part I: Introduction Part II: What is the British Parliamentary debate Format
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