Round Table

Debates
Introduction & Explanation
H. English II // Ms. Schmidt
What is it?

A form of academic
discussion
+ equal right to
participate
 Purpose
1. To engage in an informed yet informal
debate about ethical and moral issues
concerning the main themes of Night
2. To understand value-based propositions
and arguments
3. To apply discussion of ethical dilemmas
to real-world issues
 How it will work:
1. You will be placed into groups  4. Your group must prepare both
2. Your group will be given one of four affirmative & negative sides (to gain
statements  overall understanding).
3. Your group must associate a value 5. The day before debates, your group
with the statement (this value will will be given either the affirmative or
be included in your argument later) negative side to argue
6. Your group will participate in the
Round Table Debate
 1. Certain acts make a person
irredeemable.

The Four 2. Human nature is inherently

evil.

Statements
3. Suffering is beneficial because
it builds resilience. 
4. Individuals have a duty to
defend the rights of others.
 Religion

Possible Societal Welfare

Peace

values your Fairness

Community
Redemption
group may Human Nature
Quality of Life
Autonomy
Democracy
choose: Liberty
Justice
Equality 
Morality
Happiness
Self-Preservation
Suffering
Health
Dignity
Privacy
Debate Format (Overview)
1.Presentation of Proposition & Value
approx. 2-3 minutes each side
2. Presentation of Claims & Evidence
Approx. 3-4 minutes
3. Open CROSSFIRE Between Debaters
Approx. 3-4 minutes
4.Audience Questions
Approx. 3 minutes
5. Final Rebuttal and Voting Issues
Approx. 2 min each side
 01
Format Presentation of Proposition & Value

Broken
Each side elects one person to open up discussion on their
proposition.
This first speaker will be responsible for: 

Down -Stating the Proposition 

-Defining the value that supports their side of the proposition
-Explaining why that value is important to consider for the
proposition.

02
Presentation of Claims & Evidence
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).
Format Broken 03
Down Cont'd Open Crossfire Between Debaters
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.

04
Audience Claims & Evidence
Audience members will pose questions to debaters.
Format Broken
Down Cont'd
05
Final Rebuttal & Voting
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 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.
 Example:

Statement: “Human nature is inherently evil” 

-Possible Affirmative Value: Self preservation,

Survival, etc
-Possible Negative Value: Justice, Equality, etc
 01
Final Prep In your group, use 15 minutes to finalize anything in your
Day. You planning documents. This includes:
Finishing up both side of the argument & asking Ms.
Should: Schmidt any questions!!!
02
With the remainder of class:
Run through your debate. VERBALIZE your arguments:
a. Practice both the negative & affirmative side. ½ the group
assumes the negative role, ½ the groups assumes the
affirmative.
b. Debate each other and look for: 
Fallacies/problems within your debateWeaknesses in your
evidence (& how to make it stronger) 
Questions the other groups may ask to dismantle your claim