Academic Debate

➢ An argument with rules

➢ Two teams present a resolution (sometimes called a
proposition) or topic that they will debate
➢ Timed arguments
➢ One team is for the resolution (PRO or affirmative)
➢ Second team is (against or negative)
➢ A judge decides at the end of the debate who is the
winner (based on point system)

University of Zakho, College of Engineering, By Architect Engineer Halima A. Othman 21/11/2021 Department of Civil & Environmental
Engineering, Petroleum Department
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Order of Speaking

➢Very important
➢Cannot be changed
➢See handout
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The 3 major parts of a
debate

1. Constructive speech
2. Cross examination
3. Rebuttal
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1. Constructive speech

➢Begins with BIRT (Be it resolved

that…)
➢States 3 or 4 supporting points first
➢Then elaborates on each one
➢Plan your strategy (for e.g., go from
strongest to weakest)
➢Recap at the end
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2. Cross-Examination

➢Most difficult part

➢Thinking on your feet
➢Question the validity of your
opponents' constructive speech by source,
date, relevance
➢Show their weakest points
➢Question them aggressively
➢Start with general questions then get really
specific
➢Undermine the evidence
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3. REBUTTAL

➢Designed to argue the case made

➢It's your time to point out the inconsistences,
absurdities, and illogical arguments of your
opponents.
➢Provides the opportunity for speakers to critique
their opponents' arguments
➢Absolutely no new evidence may be presented
during this time
➢It's time to do some final damage here
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Important

❑ The first speaker in a debate must

make sure that the resolution is
clearly stated and defined.
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What is the Resolution?

➢The topic of the debate

➢The point on which both parties have agreed
to debate
➢Always stated in the positive
➢Begins with the phrase (BIRT):
Be it resolved that …
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Some examples:
➢Be it resolved that Canada is a better
place to live than the U.S.A.
NOT
➢Be it resolved that Canada is not a
better place to live than the U.S.A.
 And …
10

➢Be it resolved that all public schools in

Canada should make uniforms
mandatory for all students.
NOT

➢Be it resolved that all public schools

should not make uniforms mandatory
for all students.
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Debating Tips and Strategies

➢ There are many ways to structure

a debate

➢ In this class, you will follow the

handouts carefully and the time
allotments will not
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Please don’t

➢ DON’T side track your

opponents with irrelevant
points, stay on topic.
➢ DON’T attack your
opponents.
➢ DO stick to your planned,
researched arguments.
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TIPS

➢Cue cards can help a debater to stay

focused, but DON’T read from them,
use them as a guide.
➢Speak to the audience or moderator,
not the teacher.
 ➢ DO thoroughly research your topic
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and position, the best start to
squashing a rebuttal is a well
researched, well designed
presentation.

➢ DON’T simply state facts:

➢ This is the path to being a dull
speaker
➢ Not stating sources or not backing
up statements can lead to heavy
rebuttal from your opponents
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➢DO use humor and / or anecdotes in your
speaking:
➢Using examples helps illustrate your
position, and uses an argument of
precedence
➢Make sure your information is appropriate
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IMPORTANT

TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT

FACTOR IN A
DEBATE……………….
17 ➢DO be aware of time
constraints, if there are
any.
➢ Practice your initial
speech so you will be
“on top” of the situation.
➢Know what it feels like
to speak for the allotted
length of time, speaking
too much or not enough
weakens your position.
 ➢ DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at
18 once. State your ideas in a logical order.
➢ TIP: the more you practice and plan your
speaking, the less nervous you will be.

➢ DON’T use inappropriate language or

gestures:
➢ People will ignore your information if
not presented in an appropriate
manner.
 Remember
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➢ Any argument that you do not address in a

rebuttal will be left in the memory of others
as your opponents stated it.

➢ Likewise, any rebuttal from your opponents

that you do not address will also be left in
the minds of your audience / judges.
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DO be aware of what your partner(s)
plans are.

DON’T work alone and risk being

redundant, make the most of your team’s
time.
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➢ DO recycle information in
your closing speech.
➢ Remember: The closing
speaker(s) should sum up all
relevant arguments and
rebuttals without introducing
any new information.
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Follow these tips

and suggestions,
and everything will
come together for a
successful debate!!!
Home work for next lecture

1. Money make happiness

➢BIRT ?????
➢NOT ??????
2. Global warning is caused by human
activity , not natural

➢ BIRT ?????
➢ NOT ??????
 TIME ARRANGEMENT

Instructor gives overview and describes purpose.

Each group gives 2 minute summary of their position.
Each group gives 6 minute detailed presentation of
their evidence and arguments proponents go first.
Each group gives 5 minutes for rebuttal.
Each group has 4 minutes for response.
Each group has 2 minutes for summary.