1. English 12 Argument: Debating the Issues
Week 9, Ms. Stone

2. Opening Activities Week 9, Day 1
Objective: Students will compose an argument, in order to prepare for debates.
Warm Up: In the midst of an organized argument, what makes a debater successful? What pitfalls might a debater encounter?
Essential Question: Name two “hot topics” that you are passionate about. Explain and provide an example.

3. Debate Preparation Week 9, Day 1
Let’s select groups and topics (form the list)
Work in your assigned groups
Choose the opposing team
Pick a proposition from the provided options and take the affirmative or negative
Use the laptops and your electronic devices to find appropriate evidence to support your topic

4. Week 9, Day 2 Debate Preparation: Format Review
Proposition (topic) – the statement or point that is debated. (i.e. Are metal detectors the path to safety in public schools.)
Resolution (claim) – a formal statement of opinion presenting the proposition. (i.e. Resolved. Metal detectors are the path to safety in public schools.)
Which side has been chosen by your team? Try to prove the point.
Affirmative – YES, that is true!
Negative – NO, that is false!
Evidence – information that helps prove something
Quotes from famous authors, scientists, and philosophers
Statistics from research articles and journals
First-hand experiences that clearly relate to the topic