1. THE ART OF DEBATE

2. What is debate?  A debate is a discussion between sides with different views.  Persons speak for or against something before making a decision.  Debates are a means of encouraging: critical thinking personal expression tolerance of others' opinions

3. Its Origins  Two thousand years ago, citizens of Athens held regularly scheduled public assemblies.  Peoples' votes determined: the policies and actions of the state whether Athens went to war and how it fought the laws that impacted their daily life

4. Why Debate?  The process of debate allows participants to analyze the similarities and differences between differing viewpoints, so that the audience can understand where opinions diverge and why.

5. BASIC TERMS  Basic Terms:  Debate  Resolution  Affirmative team  Negative team  Rebuttal  Judges

6. Opinions and Reasons  A resolution is an opinion about which there can be valid disagreement. The students either agree or disagree with the resolution regardless of what they personally believe. An opinion can be introduced by an opinion indicator :  "I think/believe that smoking should be banned in public places..."  A reason explains why that opinion is held and can be introduced by a reason indicator:  "...because/since second-hand smoke is harmful for non-smokers."

7. Strong Reasons versus Weak Reasons Mark down whether you think the reasons for the following resolution are strong (S) or weak (W)  Smoking should be banned in public places because:  it is bad  statistics show that it can cause cancer  it gives people bad breath and makes their teeth yellow  passive smoking is harmful for non-smokers  I have always disliked the smell

8. Think of at Least One Strong Reason for Each Resolution 1. One parent should quit their job after they have a child. REASON:____________________________ 2. Love is more important than money. REASON:____________________________ 3. It is better to be married than single. REASON:____________________________ 4. Writing by hand is better than writing by computer. REASON:____________________________

9. Generating Resolutions People are likely to disagree over controversial subjects like, the death penalty should be banned; or, in marriage, money is more important than love. Think of some ideas from topics discussed or read about.  Jot your resolutions down with some reasons.

10. A WARM-UP GAME: THE DEVIL’S ADVOCATE  You have two minutes to argue one side of each resolution.  When you hear "SWITCH," you will have two minutes to argue the opposite side of the resolution. Then move on to the next one.  It is better to be single than married.  Uniforms should be required at school.  Women should not change their family name when they get married.

11. SERIOUS DEBATE FORMAT Debate Format  4-6 minute Position Presentation - Pro  4-6 minute Position Presentation – Con  1-2 minute Formulate Rebuttal  3-4 minute Rebuttal - Pro  3-4 minute Rebuttal – Con  2 minute Response - Pro  2 minute Response – Con  1-2 minute Formulate final response/position summary  1-2 minute Final Response/Position Summary - Pro or Con