Guidelines & Rules for Great Debate
Debate Format:Each debate will last 20 minutes and include the following:
Step 1 (5 minutes) Introduction of topic, presented by affirmative team:
- Overview of topic and the different sides/positions that have been taken on this topic
- Statement of team's claim/position
- Presentation of evidence to support your claim (this should be done by several team members, not just one)
- Presentation and rebuttal of possible counter arguments with an explanation of why they are wrong or flawed.
- Restate (or reframe) the topic according to your own definition and give your team's counter claim
- Rebut or refute 2 or 3 of the affirmative team's main points (assertions) and provide support to back up your rebuttal
- Ask thoughtful, critical questions that are meant to create doubt about the argument of the affirmative team's claim and assertions.
- Address the rebuttals and questions put forth by the counter team
- Final words: restate position and put forth your most convincing evidence.
- Do NOT read directly from cards/notes - you may refer to your notes, but it should be clear that you have prepared and are familiar with the research
- Do NOT ever lose site of your team's claim - everyone should be working towards the same goal of convincing the audience that your argument is the best and most convincing. If anyone in the team flounders or seems uncertain about your claims and assertions it will hurt your credibility.
Requirements:
- Annotated bibliography using MLA format with 6-8 sources. Sources should include a variety of the following: opinion articles, journal articles, newspaper articles, books, documentaries, and/or news media. (20 points)
- 1-2 page typed summary of argument: team’s claim, assertions, support/evidence, possible counter arguments and rebuttals - this should serve as your guide for the debate. (25 points)
- Inclusion of “They Say, I Say” strategies in your summary & during the debate (15 points)
- Rebuttals with cited evidence during debate (20 points)
Optional:
- Visual presentation support - digital (or not) presentation to support your argument. Might include images or video clips - this should enhance and not take away from your claim. Keep in mind that a long video clip may not leave you with enough time to explain your position and ultimately weaken your argument.
Oral Presentation (20 points) Guidelines:
- Respect all members of the debate
- Refrain from talking to your partner while debate is in process – pass notes only
- Do not make personal attacks or comments
- Take copious notes during debate and number your points of argumentation and rebuttal
- Address the speakers professionally
- Speak clearly and confidently
- All team members participate
- Make eye contact!
