What is a Debate?
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Definition
A debate is an argument with rules. Debating rules will vary from one competition to another, and there are several formats for debates. Debates can involve single-member teams or teams that include several students. Aim Typically in a debate two teams are presented a resolution or topic that they will debate, and each team is given a set period of time to prepare an argument. Students usually don't know their debate subjects ahead of time. The goal is to come up with a good argument in a short amount of time. Students are encouraged to read about current events and controversial issues to prepare for debates. |
Competitions
At a debate, one team will argue in favor (pro) and the other will argue in opposition (con). Sometimes each team member speaks, and sometimes the team selects one member to speak for the entire team. A judge or a panel of judges will assign points based on the strength of the arguments and the professionalism of the teams. One team is usually declared the winner and that team will advance to a new round. Content A typical debate includes:
For instance, teams may have only 3 minutes to come up with their rebuttal. If you are interested in joining the Debate Team, contact Ajarn Tim at: [email protected] |
Discussion Topics
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Debate Facts
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(A) Taking a Position (Environmental Issue Example)
1. Study environmental issues to learn more. Before you start to make any decision about the issues, take some time to learn what the major issues are and see what both sides are saying. Check out global Issues websites for an overview of the debate. 2. Decide whether global warming is caused by humans or whether what some people call global warming is simply part of a natural cycle. People who support environmental issues generally claim global warming is caused by or worsened by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. However, many people on the other side believe it is a natural cycle which humans cannot influence. 3. Become familiar with what scientists have to say about global warming and environmental issues. Whether you end up agreeing with scientists or disagreeing with them, they are a key group in the debate. Monitor the science sections of major news publications, but also science journals, such as "Nature." 4. Determine the proper balance between keeping the natural environment pristine and using its resources. On one side, some say we must limit our use of the planet's resources so they will be around for future generations and so we do not harm the earth. However, people on the other side of the debate say we can accomplish these goals without halting business development. 5. Make a choice to support drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or to support leaving the oil field untapped. A major source of oil could be in the National Wildlife Refuge, but some people say we could hurt wildlife by drilling for oil there. 6. Think about whether the United States should pledge to support the Kyoto Treaty. The treaty calls on nations to pledge support for cutting the carbon emissions they put into the air. Kyoto Treat supporters say the United States should join with the rest of the world to help the environment. Opponents say the United States should not participate because abiding by the Kyoto Treaty would hurt our economy. |
(B) Taking Notes during Speeches
A topic question or "resolution" is given, and each team is told whether they will present the affirmative or negative position on the issue. Each team member is assigned a certain number of minutes to speak (depending on the style of debate). A "flow" is the paperwork on which each team member keeps track of the topics discussed. 1. Develop your own shorthand. Nearly all debaters speak faster than a person can write. As you learn common debate tactics and terms, you will develop a form of abbreviations that works well for you. 2. Draw columns on each sheet of paper. Make one column for each speech that will be made. Assign your own team one color and the opposing team other color. 3. Each column represents one speech. The affirmative team speaks first, and the first speaker on each team sets the tone for how many sheets will be used. One sheet is usually used for introductory material, such as restating the resolution, explaining what the status quo is regarding the topic, defining words in the resolution, and outlining what course of action the affirmative team proposes. Each subsequent sheet represents either an advantage of affirmative team's plan or a disadvantage of that plan (presented by the negative team). 4. As each speech is given, write down the points made in that speaker's column. If a rebuttal immediately occurs to you, write that down in the column that represents your team's next speech. Be sure to use the appropriate colored pens, as it helps identify which team is making which points. 5. As the speeches go on during the debate, align rebuttals horizontally on the paper with the arguments against which they're being made. For example, if the affirmative team's advantage was "video cameras should be allowed in court to help transparency of the judicial system," the negative team might jot a note next to it, but in the next column, saying "not all states permit cameras." If it's not possible to align the arguments horizontally, connect them with a line on the paper for clarity. |
(C) The Rebuttal
A debate rebuttal involves addressing your opponent's points. The goal is to defeat their logic, either individually or as a grouped theme. A rebuttal succeeds if you can show how their points do not support their arguments. Rebuttals are reactive, responding to your opponent's arguments using systematic and careful techniques. Thematic rebuttals involve grouping similar ideas, from your opponent, into a few specific themes. Once grouped, you can address each theme independently and at greater length. Effective thematic rebuttals allow you to address multiple points simultaneously. Avoid oversimplifying your opponent's themes. Make sure to explain the logic behind your groupings and how the theme is universal within each of the points developed by your opponent. |
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Logical rebuttals show that your opponent's plan or statement fails to address the topic of your debate, or that individual points do not logically lead to the solution that he promised. For example, if he contends that a federally run recycling program would decrease global pollution, you can argue that his plan fails to logically address the problem, because it does not provide adequate incentive for private citizens to actively recycle.
Targeted rebuttals focus on a few specific points within your opponent's case. Note: This can be a dangerous technique, because if you choose points that are less significant, you might find that the overall case may still be strong. Focus instead on fundamental points, specific areas of your opponent's case that are required for consideration. An argument supporting the testing of medicines on animals, for example, might be weak in a rebuttal centered around alternate testing techniques that can yield higher quality test results. However, if you can show that the alternate methods have accuracy results that are at least as high as the animal results, your rebuttal could eliminate the rest of your opponent's case.
Alternate outcome rebuttals center on the possible ramifications of your opponent's case and suggests that there are multiple outcome possibilities other than the ones your opponent suggests. To support your rebuttal, you will need to show a logical connection between the outcomes you are suggesting and their specific methodologies. In a debate about providing sex education to teenagers, for example, you could show that a lack of such education can lead to an increase in teen pregnancy.
Targeted rebuttals focus on a few specific points within your opponent's case. Note: This can be a dangerous technique, because if you choose points that are less significant, you might find that the overall case may still be strong. Focus instead on fundamental points, specific areas of your opponent's case that are required for consideration. An argument supporting the testing of medicines on animals, for example, might be weak in a rebuttal centered around alternate testing techniques that can yield higher quality test results. However, if you can show that the alternate methods have accuracy results that are at least as high as the animal results, your rebuttal could eliminate the rest of your opponent's case.
Alternate outcome rebuttals center on the possible ramifications of your opponent's case and suggests that there are multiple outcome possibilities other than the ones your opponent suggests. To support your rebuttal, you will need to show a logical connection between the outcomes you are suggesting and their specific methodologies. In a debate about providing sex education to teenagers, for example, you could show that a lack of such education can lead to an increase in teen pregnancy.