art of debating 09

7/31/2019 Art of Debating 09

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The Art of Debating


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What is a Debate?

A formal, verbal presentation of opposing sides ofan issue by teams or individuals before anaudience or judge

Follows a clearly defined formatWho speaks first and last

How long each team/individual speaks

Used to strengthen and extend studentsunderstanding of an issue and to help studentsdevelop and demonstrate cognitive thinking,research, and public speaking skills


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Debating as an Activity

In a debate, speakers must speakspontaneously, even though they have preparedtheir arguments ahead of time

It is essential that the debaters listen carefullyto each speaker and then quickly plan how they

will present their own arguments in the moststrategic manner


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In many classrooms, a debate occurs on aone-shot basis

The debate is presented as an activity The students participate in one debate and then they

move on to other activities in the subject area


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Students will develop their speaking and listeningskills by participating in several debates ordebating activities

The speaking and listening skills essential todebating develop over time

The students must practice debating, as well as reflect on

their own and their peers presentations


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A Good Proposition for Debate

The proposition is the arguable statement

The negative team argues against the proposition

The positive team argues for the proposition

Can be argued on both sides

Contains an idea

Is relevant and significant

Is controversial


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Two Types of Debate Propositions

Based on Action or Policy Something should happen

Based on Values That one position or belief is deemed better than another


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Proving the Argument

The key in debating is the proof of arguments

Proof can be in the form of either logical reasoning or evidence

Logical proof is based on common sense and

common knowledge Value debates usually use this type of proof, which is more

subjective

Debaters use logic and common sense to build a convincingcase


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Proving the Argument

Evidence includes facts and statistics from reliablesources

Action or policy debates usually use this type of proof,although they may use both types


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Time Keepers & Judges

During a formal debate, participants must followestablished procedures and rules

In this case, a time keeper is necessary to keep track

of each persons speaking time and the time given toteam to prepare arguments and rebuttals during thedebate


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Debate Procedures

There are several different academic debate proceduresthat the teacher and students might explore

Standard debate teams usually have 2 people on eachside, although teacher can adapt this formal to include

more students The standard format uses 2 types of speeches:

constructive speeches & rebuttal speeches

Constructive speeches are those that present the sides

argument Rebuttal speeches are those that the side develops during

preparation time to try to counteract the arguments ofthe opposing side


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Arguing the Affirmative

Because the affirmative side is the one proposing a change andcalling for action, the onus is on the affirmative to prove itsposition should be adopted.

The affirmative side needs to put together its arguments in order

to convince that change is necessary and will make things betterthan they are now. This involves:

Pointing out problems with the current situation (the "status quo")

Convincing that the problems are significant

Pointing out benefits of the proposed change

Finding reliable experts to back up the claims

Predicting what the opposing arguments will be and developingcounter arguments

Planning for a logical flow in the presentation of arguments.


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Arguing the Negative

The negative side's task is simply to defeat theaffirmative's position. This involves:

Developing arguments in defense of the present systemor status quo

Convincing that any problems referred to by theaffirmative are insignificant

Developing reasons for opposing the affirmative's

proposition

Finding reliable experts to back up the opposition

Questioning the affirmative's proof.


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Considerations for the Classroom

Should not be used until the classroom comfortlevel has been established

Require a clear understanding of the value of

positive versus negative argumentation

Require an awareness of sensitive, shy, or reticentstudents

Are usually moderated by the teacher (or a capablestudent leader for upper grades and/or matureclasses).


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Debate Scenario

A new state of the art video game,Mafia Hit-Man 2005,is about to hit the market. This game asks the user totake on the role of a professional hit man. The user will

take on contracts of various difficulty and perform theassigned tasks for money and reputation points. Thesecontracts involve the simple task of eliminating a mob-snitch, the moderate tasks of wiping out a cops familythe difficult task of the assassination of the president or

other high ranking government officials. This game usesthe new Gore-Extreme game engine. It incorporatesrealistic blood spattering and rag-doll physics.


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Debate Scenario

Word of this game has reached the media andseveral groups are expressing outrage that the

game has only received a Teen rating. Parentalgroups are angered over the explicit violence anddisrespect for the law portrayed in the game.Politicians, eager for reelection, are joining

parental groups in voicing their concerns.


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Debate Scenario

Many are promising stricter laws and regulationson video game companies. Some go as far as to

suggest that children, playing these violent gamesdevelop anti-social behavior and even model theiractions on the actions seen in these games.


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Debate Scenario

Game companies and retailers disagree with these

points and view their products as just games.

Many view themselves as scapegoats for deepersocietal problems. Game companies suggest that ifparents took a stronger interest in their childrenshobbies and habits there would be no need for

regulation within the video game community.


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Todays Debate Activity

Work with your group to expand upon yourposition and point of view. Keep in mind that youmust stick to the point of view of the stakeholder

group you have been assigned.

We will regroup in 10-12 minutes for the debate.


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Roles

Moderator (normally a student, can be the teacher)

Panel of judges

Time keeper

Diverse groups: Parents (#1)

Government (#2)

Kids (#3)

Game companies (#4)

Retailers (#5)


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Debate Scenario
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Through Debate, the Students can

Develop positive attitudes toward the intellectual exchange

of ideas

Develop an interest in the investigation of issues and

problemsBecome more adept at developing and putting forward ideas

Learn to think quickly

Learn to work as a teamDevelop leadership skills

Develop speaking and listening skills.


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20 minute pres

10-15 discussion

50 min debate

1 min opening statement (5) 2 min rebuttals (10)

2 min regroup

Questions/comments (20 min)

Closing statements (10)

art of debating 09

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