Debate 101 Brand

Class Rules We are respectful We are considerate We listen the first time We will be present We are responsible What are some of the ways we can make this happen? Parent Signature? Notebook?

Vocabulary (for glossary) Debate – The process of generating argumentative clash. The intellectual exchange of ideas. Argument - Claim or statement that attempts to convince an audience about some idea. The most basic building block of debate.

The Nature of a Debate (Right) Learning how to debate can help you develop your decision-making ability. Debate is the process of generating argumentative clash. There are many different debate formats, each with different procedures. Common to all debating, however, is the intellectual exchange of ideas. A debate involves reasoned arguments put forward in the service of statements of beliefs or the proposition of policy.

The Nature of a Debate cont’d To debate well, you must be able to compose precise, interesting, and well-supported arguments and be able to critique the arguments of your opponent. to critique involves intelligence, not just argumentation

People Some people are able to debate easily. To them, public speaking comes more naturally. Others, who may be shy or inexperienced with debating, have trouble at first. However, everyone has a right to express their opinion and to debate topics.

What You’ll Learn How to make well-reasoned arguments, which is a very important skill. A well-reasoned argument requires that you take statements, studies, facts, and opinions and shape them into a convincing case. courtroom analogy Rather than making judgments based on your own likes/dislikes/biases, you will be able to reach a more objective judgment. I may make you debate the side opposite of what you agree with to test your abilities to form and present an objective debate.

What You’ll Learn cont’d Learning to properly debate will increase your ability to influence others. This can be greatly beneficial to your future career. You will learn to present facts and reasons in a very convincing way. You are going to be learning how to communicate effectively. Q: What are some examples of how this can be beneficial to your future/career?

What You’ll Learn cont’d You are also going to learn how to properly criticize arguments. Sometimes, an argument sounds good, but it is really misleading or incorrect. You will learn how examine arguments and see if the proof is sound and the reasoning valid. Fallacy example Criticism is not negative thinking. You cannot simply reject arguments because you believe that they are wrong. Criticism permits you to find out what is wrong with something and point it out.

Value – Real Life You may be wondering: Other than arguing, how is what I’m going to learn help me in real life? Learning to debate will help make you a better citizen by improving your communication skills. EXAMPLE: Public Discussion: There are frequently meetings to discuss certain decisions that are open to the public. i.e. school board meetings where the school board is asking for input on changes (increase/decrease budget, policy changes)

Value – Real Life cont’d You’ll be able to properly evaluate cases that political leaders make for and against changes (increase/decrease taxes, health laws, etc.) Easily swayed, uncritical listeners frequently make bad/uneducated decisions and support bad policies.

Yelling Match? While the term argument might be defined as squabbling or mean-spirited disagreement, this is not the case here. Debate trains people to maximize the chance that any critical discussion they participate in will be an honest exchange of views leading to an intellectually respectable decision. As in – there are rules/ethics for Debate

5 Principles (Right) 1. Debaters should respect the intellectual integrity of an argument, even if they disagree. 2. Debate is based on the fair exchange of opinions. It is not about getting the “last word.” 3. Debates must be conducted with respect to others. This is not an “I’m smarter” dominance war.

5 Principles cont’d (Right) 4. Debates must be the product of honest research and valid evidence. There is no room for distortion or fabrication in debates. 5. Debates are a learning experience. The process of debate should not only help train strong advocates and good speakers, but also help develop open minds.

Review (Right) 1. What is the value of learning to make arguments? 2. If you learn how to criticize arguments, how will you be able to better defend your own position? 3. How will debate help you develop an analytical mind?

Let’s try to form an argument…. (Left) School lunches needed to be reformed in favor of eliminating “junk food”. 1. Who agrees? 2. Disagrees? Write down three reasons for each side. Then, move to the left side of the room if you are the agree side. Right Side for Disagree. (Bring your reasons with you)

As a Group 1. Each of you discuss your reasons why you agree or disagree. YOU MUST COME UP WITH THE THREE STRONGEST REASONS AND WHY THEY ARE TRUE. Let’s share ( DO NOT INTERUPT. BE RESEPCTFUL)

Why do you think your argument is important? Now what do we all have in common?

The Commonalities 1. Each is making a statement of truth 2. Giving support in some terms of some reason why 3. Explicitly states the importance as to how the reason is proof. WARRANT This is known as CLAIM, WARRANT, and TRUTH/IMPACT THIS THE IS BASIC FORMULA FOR STRONG ARGUMENTATION!

You will add these to your glossary Criticism - the judgment of the merits and faults of a debate. Analyzing and evaluating or judging the quality of an argument, debate. Bias - a particular tendency or inclination, especially one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudiceprejudice