Debate Lesson

Do Now Watch the following clip: x2YSnpkhttps:// x2YSnpk Write down what may be wrong with the way the dad responds to the argument?

Objective SWBAT learn about the different types of ways to refute (disprove) an opponent’s arguments.

REFUTE TO PROVE WRONG

Prove me wrong don’t chop my head off! My statement is that school lunches are the healthiest lunches ever because the state provides them for us.

Ways to prove me wrong 1) Challenge the truth behind my argument with evidence or examples- ex) One thing that is not mentioned is that even though the state funds lunches they do not monitor how many grams of fat there are per meal

2) Point out what is missing in my argument. Don’t just point out that I’m making assumptions, but point out what they are and why they are wrong It was mentioned that lunches are healthy because the state provides them, but that allows you to assume the state will monitor that every lunch given to every student is healthy, and that’s impossible to do. Ways to prove me wrong

3) Point out that my argument does not have any warrant (so, it doesn’t have a clear reason why the argument is true) How does the state providing lunches make them any healthier? There was no mention of a requirement for the state to have healthy lunches. Ways to prove me wrong

4) Point out that the claim they are making may be true but it is not relatively important. The argument may not be important due to: - The probability that their claim would happen is small - Their argument may not affect many people - The time frame they have for their argument is too far in the future of to slow to help the problem Ways to prove me wrong

Let’s see what side you are on!

New Topic Claim: The drinking age in the United States is too high. If you are on the affirmative you will argue ___________________. If you are on the negative you will argue ___________________.

Articles I am not assigning you a side yet. While you read, write down 2-3 facts or more from each article that you believe would strengthen an argument affirming and/or negating. We will put it all together after.

Article Titles to Research Affirming: “Return the Drinking Age to 18, and Enforce It” by Gabrielle Glaser of The New York Times Negating: “Legal Drinking Age Should Remain at 21” by Alina Bigjohny at Manchester University s/archives/Issue_14/OpinionShouldtheLegal DrinkingAgeStayAs-Is.htmhttp:// s/archives/Issue_14/OpinionShouldtheLegal DrinkingAgeStayAs-Is.htm

Share! With a partner, decide which of your arguments on both sides is the STRONGEST!

On a Separate Piece of Paper I will now assign you a side. Write down your best COMPLETE argument on a piece of paper. It should be a solid paragraph. –Remember: Claim, warrant, impact! I will then randomly pass out your arguments to someone of the opposing side.

Refute! This is your rebuttal in a debate. The purpose of a rebuttal is to refute. You will now have the opportunity to write your short paragraph refutation of the opposing side. WRITE IT BELOW THE ARGUMENT YOU ARE REFUTING! Remember the notes we took. Make sure your rebuttal is clear and strong with evidence to support.

Mini Mock Debates! Pair up with the person who wrote your opposing argument. Each person will read his/her argument to present, then each will have the opportunity to refute. The class will act as a judge to determine whose arguments were stronger and WHY.

Exit Discussion Which arguments did we feel were strongest? –In other words, what did the strongest arguments/rebuttals contain?