DEBATES ASSIGNMENT

WHAT IS DEBATING?

The purpose is to argue the "pros" and "cons" of a controversial issue in order to convince an audience or judge that one side of the argument is more logically sound than the other. The audience must be objective, set aside their personal views, and judge.

It is essential that each team anticipate the arguments or points which will be made by the opposition. This will enable you to create a more effective argument.

DEBATING PROCEDURES

The chairperson and six debaters are seated at the front of the room. The team supporting the proposition is seated at the chairperson's right, the opposing team to his/her left. The chairperson states the proposition for the audience, introduces each speaker, and controls the proceedings like a judge.

All speakers must stand when speaking. No speaker may read his/her speech. All speakers must keep to the allotted time; any speaker running over time will receive penalty marks by the chairperson.

The order for speaking is as follows:

1^st affirmative speaker (3 min. max. per speaker)

1^st negative speaker

2^nd affirmative speaker

2^nd negative speaker

3^rd affirmative speaker

3^rd negative speaker

1^st affirmative speaker rebuttal speech (1 min.)

Break to prepare for rebuttal

Final rebuttal speech Affirmative team (3 min. max)

Final rebuttal speech Negative team

Audience discussion and final judgement.

THE REBUTTAL

The rebuttal speeches take place both after and during the arguments. It is both a defence of points attacked by the opposing team and an attack on the opposition's arguments.

THE SPEECHES

Each team takes a stand for or against the proposition. The following are the duties of each team member.

First speaker:

*presents the team's viewpoint on the proposition

*defines the proposition (if necessary)

*outlines the main points the team will present (in brief)

*argues the team's second best point

Second speaker

*refutes or defends against any points made by the previous speaker of the opposing team, ie. Second affirmative speaker will refute any points made by the first negative speaker.

*argues the team's weakest point

Third speaker

*refutes or defends against any points made by the previous speaker of the opposing team

*argues the team's strongest point

*provides brief summary of three points