Class Debate Prep-Worksheet



Class Debate Prep-Worksheet Name ___________________

Date ___________Period____

Use this worksheet as model from which to prepare your debate. Attach your article or research to this worksheet and bring it to class, either in paper or electorinic form. Complete each section. You should be prepared to present your debate AT ANY TIME. There's no reason to be nervous, if you're prepared.

1. Write your resolution. In just a few words, that you can write on the board to summarize the issue and your position state your topic? (Example: "Resolved: the legal driving age in California should be raised to 21 years.")

2. What is the position you will be taking on the topic and how will you support it?

3. Give the name and date of the newspaper, magazine, television show or web site from which you found your information: (Attach copy or notes)

4. Briefly list several facts that your source provides regarding your topic.

5. The issue may be local, national or international in scope. List the parties (who) involved and the setting (where/geography) of the controversy.

6. Place the issue within its historical (when) context. Is it a recent or long-standing situation?

7. What are the various economic aspects of the issue and your position?

8. Are there political, cultural, religious or other social aspects of the issue? Explain.

9. What arguments, feelings, ideas or information can you use to SUPPORT your position?

10. What is the most obvious argument AGAINST your position, and how will you rebut it?

POINTERS TO GUIDE YOU THROUGH YOUR PRESENTATION

Use the following guide as a format for your debate.

You should present your debate as follows:

1. Write your name on the board and topic/position, as “Resolved: Laws regarding X (your topic) should be changed to Y (the change you support) or simply: “I believe “X” (your topic) is beneficial/harmful and should be (the change you support).”

2. Next, take an informal “straw” poll, to see how controversial your issue is. Write the count for PRO and CON beside your name on the board.

3. After presenting the topic and your position on it, provide your listeners with BOTH SIDES of the argument. Each side should draft an OPENING STATEMENT

4. Providing evidence or examples to support your position, and then open the topic up for debate. “The topic is now open for debate.” You will serve as moderator, and should attempt to call on people we don’t often hear from, or who clearly have strong feelings regarding the topic. Don’t let anyone monopolize the debate, including you. Your role is to keep things moving briskly, moving back and forth between the two positions, and to only rarely defend your position once the debating has begun. Usually, it will be more effective to let others support your position than for you to do all the talking.

5. When the debate appears to be drawing to a close, or it is ended, thank the class for their interest and attention. Then poll the class once again, to see if any students changed their positions. Good job – you’re done!

Write further notes, ideas, possible rebuts, etc. below:

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