1. How to formulate a good debate
The Art of Debate
How to formulate a good debate

2. What are the parts of an argument?
Claim
Warrant
Impact

3. The Rebuttal
What is a rebuttal? When an opponent takes his foe’s idea and points out what is wrong with it.
What makes a rebuttal good? 4-step process
Therefore…
Why is your argument better? (better reasoned, better evidenced, more important, etc.)
Because…
Put your reasoning here; warrant and impact in regard to opponent’s argument
But…
Use a transition word
Clearly state your argument
What did they say?
Paraphrase the other team’s claim, warrant, and/or impact

4. What is a Rebuttal?

5. What are good transition words/phrases?
However
In spite of
On the other hand
In contrast
On the contrary
Yet, on one hand
But*
Conversely
I disagree*
At the same time
In fact
While this may be true.
As a matter of fact
Contrarily
Notwithstanding
Nevertheless
*weak

6. Reasoning Logic Experience Emotion Numbers Personal life
Positive or negative emotions

7. Example
Opponents Warrant: Research shows that if a person exercises at least once a week, they can avoid becoming obese.
Your rebuttal: Exercise helps fight obesity but it is not good alone. To avoid obesity, we need to also look at mental health.

8. FINAL EXAM INFORMATION
The students will be split into groups of two. Each group will pick a topic to debate and will begin researching for it. The students must have chosen a topic that allows for a clear pro/con relationship. The debate must be a t least minutes long. The debate must contain all the parts of an argument and all the parts of a rebuttal as a part of their debate. Students must have at least 7 sources per side. So each debate will have a total of 14 s ources. The students will then answer questions from the other students and the professor. Students not debati ng will be expecting to ask intelligent questions.
12-15 minutes
Pick a topic (think of time limit, sources, interest, feasibility, etc.) (Due by May 22)
Contains all parts of an argument or debate
Has a total of 14 sources, 7-pro and 7-con (list due to prof. by June 5)
Both students participate activity in debate and challenge the opponent’s ideas
Students not debating ask intelligent questions of debaters