ARGUMENTATION AND

DEBATE CLASS
 What is "debate"?
 To consider something; deliberate.
 To engage in argument by discussing
opposing points.
 To engage in a formal discussion or
argument.
Why debate?
 Important Terms
Resolution
Affirmative team (For)
Negative team (Against)
Constructive Speech
Evidence
Crossfire/ Point of Information
Rebuttal
Judges
 Resolution

also known as the proposition or motion

 Affirmative Negative
• supports • does NOT
the support the
resolution/ resolution/
motion motion
prove that • prove that
the topic the topic
(resolution) (resolution)
is a good is a bad
idea
idea
Constructive Speech
 Evidence
facts
statistics
expert quotations
studies and polls
real life examples
anecdotes
analogies
 Crossfire/ Points of Information
short questions after/during an opponents
speech (15 seconds max)
to clarify points
expose errors
get the opponent to admit
 Rebuttal
an answer to your opponents statements
and arguments
prove your opponent's ideas are wrong or
flawed
 Sample Format:
Affirmative Negative
1 Present arguments 1 Listen and take
notes/ Prepare
2 Listen and take arguments
notes/ Prepare for
rebuttal 2 Present arguments

3 Present rebuttal 3 Present rebuttal

Judges
 Debate Topics:
Smartphones should be banned in school.
Children should be able to watch
television more than two hours a day.
Wearing a bike helmet for all outdoor
sports (bikes, hoverboards, skateboards,
etc.) is mandatory.
Homework should be banned in all
schools.
School uniforms should be required.
 Lincoln-Douglas Debate
• Affirmative VS Negative
• Format: consists of five speeches and two
cross-examination periods

 Affirmative Constructive
 Cross-Ex on Aff by Negative
 Negative Constructive
 Cross-Ex on Neg by Aff
 Affirmative Rebuttal
 Negative Rebuttal
 Affirmative Rejoinder/Closing Speech

• Focus: emphasis on speaking clearly,

logically, and fluently
 Parliament Debate
• Government VS Opposition
• Format: consists of six speeches: four
constructive speeches and two rebuttal
speeches
 Prime Minister Constructive
 Opposition Leader Constructive
 Member of Government Constructive
 Member of Opposition Cinstructive
 Leader of Opposition Rebuttal
 Prime Minister Rebuttal

• Focus: emphasis on persuasion, logic, and

humor