1. Researching for a Debate

2. 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.

3. 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

4. Coming up with Keywords
Children
Punish
Parents
Families
Society
Kids
Discipline
Spank
Time-Out
Guidance
Keywords are important because there is so much information available, and all sources do not use the same word to describe the topic you are looking for.
For example, information on dysgraphia can also be found by searching for:
Learning disability
Dyslexia
Handwriting problem children
Think about the topic Eating disorder. Come up with 3 or 4 keywords that you would consider when exploring your topic.
Google Hint: ~Discipline will search for the word promotion and its common synonyms
define: Discipline will search for definitions and links

5. 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

6. 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.

7. Looking for Information
Check the library for:
Books
Periodicals
Government documents
Newspapers
Videos/DVDs
Human expertise
In the library – use the online catalogue, ask a librarian, scan the shelves

8. Looking for Information
Check the Internet for:
Online databases
Current information (online newspapers, articles, studies. . .)
Blogs, Wikis, and websites of concerned organizations and societies.
Invisible web is made up of databases, password protected material, PDF, spreadsheets and word processed documents, information found deep below crawl space, and dynamic pages (URL, PHP . . .)
How to find it:
Use “database” in your searches. Use quality directories such as LII & INFOMINE. Use the resources on the library’s web pages to access password protected and licensed products.
*Camtasia*
Do example of keyword search in CBCA

9. Searching tips Use “debate” language Be clear & specific
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.
Computers do not interpret what we are trying to find. Don’t expect them to know what you are looking for.
Google does have a handy feature that offers suggestions when your spelling appears to be incorrect. Don’t always count on it. Try to use correct spelling.
Use quotation marks to search for a specific phrase or words appearing in that specified order. If not the search engine will search for all the words in any possible order.
And, the, a, of . . .can slow down your search speed. They are not necessary to include in your search. You will get the same results with or without them.
If location is important include it in your search. For example: birthrate statistics Canada, will give you relevant Canadian statistics, whereas birthrate statistics will give you stats from all over the world

10. 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)

11. Evaluate your sources
Think critically about the information you find. Remember that your opponent will be as well.
Ask yourself some of these questions…
Up to date?
Fair? Biased, unsupported arguments
Purpose? To sell, to inform, to attract
Author? Reputable, unknown
There is no central authority for the internet, so you must think critically about the information you see and read online. Also be aware when using other sources, newspapers, publications, videos may cause concern as well.

12. Accuracy
Does the source seem correct? Do you need to cross check the information with a second source?
Is it peer-reviewed?

13. Currency
Is this source up to date? How old is too old?

14. Objectivity
Is this source opinion or fact? Is it unnecessarily biased?

15. Purpose
What is the purpose of this source? Is it trying to inform, to sell, to promote?

16. 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?

17. 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

18. Get Organized to Debate
Develop a thesis statement to guide your debate
Formulate a plan for an introduction, presentation of evidence and conclusion

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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.

22. Evidence
Gather at least three pieces of evidence to support your claim. 
Have information on each “sub topic” prepared ahead of time. 

23. Conclusion Conclude your debate by disproving the opponent’s point.
Reaffirm your position by repeating the highlights of your evidence.
Restate your thesis.

24. 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.

25. 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.

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