Night Round Table Debate

Purpose:
● To engage in an informed, yet informal debate about ethical and moral issues concerning human
nature, justice, and the other prominent themes we’ve studied in class.
● To understand value-based propositions and arguments
● To apply discussion of ethical dilemmas to real-world issues

Preparation:
1. Read the book Night keeping track of each character’s thoughts regarding the key issues of: Justice,
Suffering, and Humanity/Morality.

2. Participate in Small Group Debates about Values.

3. Examine several propositions of value as a group. Vote on those propositions.

4. Receive your group’s proposition. As a group, you will begin preparing for BOTH the Affirmative and
Negative sides of the proposition. Remember: The Affirmative Side agrees with the proposition. The
Negative side disagrees with the proposition.
a. It is encouraged to prepare together as a group. However, individual work may be
necessary. Suggestion: One group member open a Google Doc and share with all group
members. You can all work on the same Doc.

5. Receive your side of the proposition. Finalize your preparation

6. Perform Round Table Debates.

Propositions:
Resolved: Certain acts make a person irredeemable.

Resolved: Human nature is inherently evil.

Resolved: Suffering is beneficial because it builds resilience.

Resolved: Individuals have a duty to defend the rights of others.

Winner:
● The class will take a vote; however, I will also have a vote and I have the right to overrule the majority :)
● The winner is not only the group who makes the most convincing arguments but also the group that
does the best job of upholding the chosen value through those arguments.
 Debate Format:
This debate is somewhat informal but still requires structure. Though provided, time limits are estimates. At
times, certain concepts, such as the philosophical concepts or supporting claims, may be introduced earlier
than they are listed here. Such a deviation, if appropriate, will not be penalized.

1. Presentation Proposition and VALUE

(approx. 2-3 minutes each side)
Each side elects one person to open up discussion on their proposition. This first speaker will be responsible
for:
○ Stating the proposition
○ Defining the value that supports their side of the proposition
○ Explaining why that value is important to consider for the proposition.

2. Presentation of CLAIMS and EVIDENCE

(approx 3-4 minutes)
● Debaters will continue to support their side through at least two claims.
● Claims must be supported with textual support from Night, The Book of Job AND from outside
resources.
● All sources must be cited with the author, source credibility, and date (when necessary).

3. Open CROSSFIRE Between Debaters

(approx 3-4 minutes)
● Debaters will participate in a period of asking and answering questions with opposing team.
● While there is no designated order of speaking/questions, expectations are that questions are offered
and answered respectfully and sufficiently.

4. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS
(approx 3 minutes)
● Audience members will pose questions to debaters.

5. FINAL REBUTTAL and VOTING ISSUES

(approx. 2 minute each side)
● When there are approximately 2 minutes left, the final speaker for each side will provide a rebuttal
and provide reasons to vote for their side.

Debate Requirements:
 ● Each side of the discussion, both Affirmative and Negative, must mention a VALUE that is upheld by
their side.
● You must be prepared to present claims (contentions) for BOTH the Affirmative and the Negative sides
of your proposition. After you have prepared BOTH sides, you will randomly be assigned one side for
the proposition and given additional prep time.
● The Aff and Neg claims need to be supported by SPECIFIC evidence from the texts and resources you
examined in class as well as other outside research.
○ Evidence from Night and The Book of Job should be referred to by chapter, page number,
and/or direct quotation.
○ Outside resources must be identified by author, credibility, and date (when appropriate).
○ To receive a score of proficient or higher, the group MUST provide evidence from MULTIPLE
chapters as well as AT LEAST ONE outside source.

Possible Values to consider for Values-Based Debates

Life Equality
Quality of Life Societal Welfare
Liberty Peace
Justice Fairness
Happiness Community
Self-Preservation Redemption
Suffering Autonomy
Health Democracy
Dignity Religion
Privacy Morality

Your grade will be determined individually using BOTH of the rubrics below. One rubric assesses your
debate as a whole. The other rubric assesses you as an individual. Your final grade will be a reflection
of your composite, overall performance in BOTH areas. This debate is a Speaking and Listening grade.

Debate Proposition: _____________________________________________________________________

Side: Affirmative / Negative

 Group Members: _________________________ ____________________________

_________________________ ____________________________

_________________________
Group Rubric
VALUE 5 4 3 2 1
● Value is appropriate for the proposition.
● Value is accurately explained.
● Throughout the debate, the group continuously supports their chosen
value.

CLAIMS AND TEXTUAL SUPPORT!!! 5 4 3 2 1

First claim to support the group’s side is appropriate and identifiable.
● It is supported with cited, credible evidence from Night and /or outside
support.
● Warrants explicitly link evidence to the claim and the value/philosophy.

Second claim to support the group’s side is appropriate and identifiable.

● It is supported with cited, credible evidence from Night and/or outside
support should also be implemented. 5 4 3 2 1
● Warrants explicitly link evidence to the claim and the value/philosophy.

(Optional) Third claim to support the group’s side is appropriate and identifiable.
● It is supported with cited, credible evidence from Night and/or outside
support should also be implemented.
● Warrants explicitly link evidence to the claim and the value/philosophy.

5 4 3 2 1
ABILITY TO CREATE CLASH 5 4 3 2 1
● The group demonstrated strong listening and critical thinking skills
● They directly addressed and challenged the majority of the arguments
from the opposition.

REFUTATION 5 4 3 2 1
When challenged, the group successfully refuted the arguments from the
opposition either by highlighting the flaws in the opposing side or emphasizing the
superiority of their support.

FINAL FOCUS 5 4 3 2 1
Conclusion is clear, confident, and concise while highlighting the most important
voting issues

Name: __________________________
Individual Rubric
During the debate, the Individual:
1. Participates several times in the discussion and includes SPECIFIC evidence from Night and/or
outside research. 5 4 3 2 1

2. Engages in refutation and/or questioning towards members of the other side. The speaker also
appeared knowledgeable when challenged by the other side. 5 4 3 2 1

3. Maintains all qualities of effective speaking such as :

○ Avoiding vocal fillers
○ Speaking at an appropriate volume and rate 5 4 3 2 1
○ Maintaining strong eye contact
○ Pronouncing words correctly

4. Demonstrates strong listening through appropriate body language and follow-up comments. At no
point does the individual cut off another speaker. 5 4 3 2 1

During OTHER debates, the individual

Engaged in audience questioning AT LEAST one time. The question was useful, articulate, concise,
and demonstrated STRONG listening skills. 5 4 3 2 1

Took clear, complete, and accurate notes during all of the debates. 5 4 3 2 1