1. What is debate?

2. Debate
Basically, a debate has two sides arguing opposite points of view. A clear topic is needed to keep the debate focused and provide a basis for picking the winner. Both sides are given an equal amount of time to speak. Finally a judge or group of judges picks a winner based on the arguments presented.

3. What are some topics that could be debated?

4. Why do we need debate? Information age Information overload Apathy
Debate encourages critical thinking.

5. Where does debate happen?
Congress
Kids debating with parents
Customer service desk

6. Discuss something you have debated recently.

7. What kind of debate will we learn in this class?
Lincoln Douglas (LD) Debate
Policy (Cross-Examination) Debate
Congress
You will also learn extemporaneous speaking.

8. LD Debate
RESOLVED: On balance, government restrictions on threatening speech are desirable.

9. CX Debate
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its non-military exploration and/or development of the Earth's oceans.