1. Rules of Debate We want this! We don’t want this!

2. Structured discussion and contest Used in democratic societies to explore and resolve problems: Board meetings Public hearings Legislative assemblies Clubs and organizations Various structures: Parliamentary Robert’s Rules of Order What is it?

3. Our Structure Two sides: Affirmative (supporting the resolution) and Opposition (against the resolution Four people per team: First Speaker Second Speaker First Rebuttal Speaker Second Rebuttal Speaker Only the first and second speakers may introduce new material. Rebuttal speakers must re-phrase arguments to provide a stronger argument Strong arguments are based on evidence, not strength of voice! Debate will be judged.

4. Points of Order Debaters may make "Points of Order" during the other team's presentation. To make a point of order, a debater stands up, puts out their hand and says, "Point of order." – The person who is speaking at the time may choose to accept the point of order by saying, "Yes." – Or, the person speaking may decline the point of order by saying, "No, thank you." Points of order are made by the opposing team to emphasize a point, counter what the speaker is saying, or simply to throw the speaker off his or her stride.

5. Our Structure (cont’d.) Order of Speaking: First Speaker, Affirmative: 5 minutes First Speaker, Opposition: 5 minutes Second Speaker, Affirmative: 5 minutes Second Speaker, Opposition: 5 minutes First Rebuttal Speaker, Affirmative: 3 minutes First Rebuttal Speaker, Opposition: 3 minutes Second Rebuttal Speaker, Affirmative: 3 minutes (if used) Second Rebuttal Speaker, Opposition: 3 minutes (if used) First and Second Speakers research the topic and prepare arguments (in writing) using facts. Their evidence should differ. Rebuttal Speakers have 3 minutes to prepare rebuttals during the debate and may not introduce new facts

6. Judges Judges will work with me to develop a judge’s scoring form. Judges will conduct research to determine the kinds of information debaters should be presenting and sources.

7. Wrap-up The debate will be Sept. 27 Our resolution is: “Schools should issue email accounts to students.“ Everyone will have a job. I will make assignments. Judges: Develop scoresheet Research: who should debaters be referencing? What should they be talking about? Debaters: Research Write speakers’ speeches together REHEARSE! You must come close to your time allowances!