Researching for a

Debate
 What is a debate?
 A debate is, simply put, an argument.
 But rather than being a shouting match
between two sides, a debate has strict rules
of conduct, utilizing sophisticated techniques.
 You may be put in a position where you must
argue the opposite of what you believe in.
This is an important part of the art of
debating.
 Exploring the Topic
 Define the topic
 “layman’s” terms
 Be aware of the scope of the debate
 What is included, what is not included
 Get a clear understanding of your position
(Pro vs. Con)
 If in doubt, ask your learning manager for
clarification
 Coming up with
Keywords
Children Punish
 Parents  Discipline
 Families  Spank
 Society  Time-Out
 Kids  Guidance

Google Hint: ~Discipline will search for the word

promotion and its common synonyms
define: Discipline will search for
definitions and links
 Brainstorming
 Brainstorm ALL possible arguments for
& against the topic
 Come up with as many arguments as
possible to support your claim
 Think about possible rebuttal arguments
 Use a concept map and PMI
 Importance of Research
 Arguments will be based on evidence, facts
and statistics.
 Debater will become familiar with the topic,
which allows for better flow of ideas and
better preparation for rebuttal arguments.
 Over-research.
 Use multiple, diverse sources.
Looking for Information

 Check the library for:

Books
Periodicals
Government documents
Newspapers
Videos/DVDs
Human expertise
 Looking for Information
 Check the Internet for:
Online databases
Current information (online newspapers,
articles, studies. . .)
Blogs, Wikis, and websites of concerned
organizations and societies.
 Searching tips
 Use “debate” language
 Versus, for against, argument
 Be clear & specific
 Correct spelling is important
 Phrase searching
 “social promotion”
 Leave out and, the, a , of . . .
 Use the * wildcard (e.g. child* for child, children ;
punish* for punish, punishing, punishment etc.
 Going Beyond Google
Holland College Library has licensed several
databases that provide access to full text articles and
current information: (accessible from home as well)

•ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)

•Education Research Complete
•Academic Search Elite
•Professional Development Collection
•SOCIndex
•Daily Life Online
•E-STAT (Government Statistics)
 Evaluate your sources

Think critically about the information

you find. Remember that your opponent
will be as well.
Ask yourself some of these questions…
 Accuracy
Does the source seem correct? Do
you need to cross check the
information with a second source?
Is it peer-reviewed?
 Currency

Is this source up to date? How old is

too old?
 Objectivity
Is this source opinion or fact? Is it
unnecessarily biased?
 Purpose

What is the purpose of this source?

Is it trying to inform, to sell, to
promote?
 Authority
 Who is the author / publisher of this
source?
 Is she/he a well-known researcher in
the field? Is the journal accepted as
authoritative by researchers?
 Get Organized to Debate
 Take lots of notes
Use index cards or paper that can easily be
reorganized
Keep the notes short
Add personal comments
Include facts and statistics
Acknowledge your
sources for credibility

http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/notes.shtml
 Get Organized to Debate
 Develop a thesis statement to guide
your debate
 Formulate a plan for an introduction,
presentation of evidence and
conclusion
 Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the basic argument advanced by
a speaker or writer who then attempts to prove it;
the subject or major argument of a speech or
composition
ww2.aps.edu/~apsedumain/CurriculumInstruction/glossary.htm

A thesis statement:
 states the topic / main idea of the debate
 shows the purpose of the debate
 shows the direction of your argument
 is captivating
 Thesis examples

 It is better to spank children.

weak example

 Studies have shown that spanking children is an

effective means of behavioural modification and
that if used properly, leads to a better disciplined
and more socially productive adult.
stronger example
 Introduction
 Your point must have a basic, clear
introduction.
 You can open with a general thought or
anecdote, but directly connect the intro
to your thesis statement.
 Start by being strong and confident.
 Evidence
 Gather at least three pieces of evidence
to support your claim. 
 Have information on each “sub topic”
prepared ahead of time. 
 Conclusion
 Conclude your debate by disproving the
opponent’s point. 
 Reaffirm your position by repeating the
highlights of your evidence.
 Restate your thesis.
 Rebuttal
 Do your research to be well-prepared for
contra arguments.
 Take notes of the points to rebut.
 Concentrate on the important points and use
logic to show why the other side is wrong.
 Attack each argument that the opposition
presents in turn.
 Debate Tips
 Search the web for debating videos.
 Have notes prepared, but do not let your debate
become an oral presentation of a written essay. 
 Practice speaking aloud in front of a mirror or
other people.
 Understand both sides of the debate so that you
are prepared to contradict the other side.
 Be ready to let go of small points. Concentrate
on debating the main topics and prepared
evidence.
 2010
Holland College Library Services