1. Introduction to Debate Adapted from Mr. Schuttinger

3. What is debate? “An organized public argument on a specific topic.” ▫There are rules of debating ▫It is done in front of an audience ▫Arguments are well-explained opinions ▫One side argues in favor, the other side against A disagreement with your little brother... ▫Is it debate? A discussion with passion and disagreement ▫Reasoning and evidence

4. Debating is Like a Trial Similar to arguments made in U.S. criminal trial ▫Narrow Topic  “High school students should wear uniforms to school.” ▫Two sides - Prosecution and defense  Abuse by police officer ▫Both sides use evidence ▫There is a judge or jury ▫One side has to prove

5. Debate format Topic usually announced 2-4 weeks before debate ▫Sometimes an impromptu topic Each team usually has 3 students No “heckling”

6. Debate format Rounds Round 1 – Constructive Arguments (Opening Statement) Teams present constructive arguments outlining your position. Teams will not address statements made by each other in this round Round 2 – First Rebuttal Both teams attach the points made by the opposing team using facts and evidence to support your positions. They may ask questions of the opposing team Round 3 – Second Rebuttal Attach any statement made in Rounds 1 and 2, only. Can answer questions to defend your position but may not introduce any new constructive arguments. Round 4 – Summary Argument Both teams defend their original position from Round 1 and summarize arguments.

7. Rebuttal Preparation Most difficult part – needs lots of preparation ▫“What will the other team say?” ▫“What will I say in return?” They say, I say diagram Ways to refute ▫Show facts are not true ▫Show the evidence and arguments do not address the issues, though may be true or justified ▫Show that even IF the facts are true and related to the issue, the reasons behind the arguments are not well thought-0ut

8. Structure the Rebuttal Clearly state the issue you are going to refute Describe how it relates to your attack Give your rebuttal Explain the effect of your rebuttal on the issue and how it will impact the other side’s case

9. Practice Debate topics (20 mins) Cell phones should be allowed in schools. Television is a bad influence. Junk food should be banned in schools. School should be year-round. Schools should not use standardized testing. The U.S. should ban the death penalty.

10. AP World History Topic #1 Which civilization was the greatest, the Han civilization or the Roman civilization? This would include the accomplishments and contributions of each empire.