In a debate, speakers take turns presenting arguments for or arguments against a controversial issue.

Each
speaker provides facts, examples, and statistics to prove that his/her argument is accurate. Each speaker also
DEBATE tries to show that the other speaker’s arguments are incorrect, incomplete or illogical. Members of the audience
must listen and decide which speaker presented a stronger argument.

GROUP EXAMPLE

TOPIC SHOULD HUNTING BE LAWFUL?

IN FAVOR AGAINST IN FAVOR AGAINST

 Hunting helps control animal

populations
 ARGUMENTS  ARGUMENTS  Some hunters are irresponsible
 Hunting tourism helps the
 Killing animals is not ethical
economy of a country
 People aren’t concerned about
 Some animals represent a
the status of some animals
threat to some species

In a debate, there are:

 Moderator
 Proposition
 Debaters
 Judge  Opposition
 Audience