1. What it is and How to do it!
The Great Debate!
What it is and How to do it!

2. BASIC TERMS!
Debate: a discussion in which two opposing teams make speeches to support their arguments & disagree with those on the other team.
Resolution: the opinion the two teams argue about.
Affirmative Team: Agrees with the resolution
Negative Team: Disagrees with the resolution
Rebuttal: One team’s explanation of why they disagree with the other.

3. What Kinds of Topics are Debated?
Issues about which people are likely to disagree work best for a debate
They can be controversial
Some examples:
- The death penalty should be banned
- Love is more important than money
- It is better to be married than single
- Women should quit their job after they
get married
- A soldier killing another in war is not murder

4. OPINIONS & REASONS!
A resolution is an opinion about which there can be valid disagreement. An opinion can be introduced by an opinion indicator.
“I think/believe that smoking should be banned in public places…”
A reason explains why that opinion is held and can be introduced by a reason indicator:
“…because/since secondhand smoke is harmful for nonsmokers.”

5. STRONG REASONS vs. WEAK! A strong reason has the following qualities:
it logically supports the opinion
It is specific and states the idea clearly
It is convincing to a majority of people

6. Model Debate For Our Class
The Resolution: Be it resolved that…
Opening statements from each side: 2-3 minutes each
Rebuttal & discussion: 5+ minutes
Questions from the class directed to particular debaters
Concluding statement of each side: 2 minutes each
Class members write a short opinion paragraph stating which side they agree with using details from the debate

7. Giving Support for Your Reasons
Support consists of evidence. There are 4 kinds of evidence:
Example: from your own experience
Common Sense: things you believe everyone knows
Expert Opinion: opinions of experts – this comes from research
Statistics: numbers – also from research

8. Productive Debates
Students are responsible for the quality of the debate.
All claims (opinions) should always supported with logical and relevant facts or examples
Students must agree and disagree using respectful words, tone and body language.
Each individual is responsible to ask for clarification if they are confused.

9. Sentence Starters Agreement Disagreement Confusion Opinion
I agree with (person) that_____ because
(Person) made me realize that _____ because...
Disagreement
I am not sure I agree because_______
Have you considered__________?
Confusion
I don't understand what you mean. Can explain your idea a little more?
Are you saying that_________?
Opinion
I wonder __________
I just realized _______

10. SO, LET’S GO! We will do a practice debate in class.
The topic is: Should the death penalty still be used?
Use the outline to help you develop your opening, your arguments, your rebuttals and your conclusion.
Good luck and happy planning!!