Monday, February 11, 2008
How to debate

How to debate

Debating is a useful, lifelong skill. Competitive debating has a specific format to help focus the argument and maintain order in the discussion.

In a debate, two sides argue a proposition. A proposition is a debate subject that can be discussed from opposing points of view. An example of a debate would be:
"Teachers should not give any homework".

Once a proposition is selected, teams of 2 to 4 people are formed. One team supports the proposition (the affirmative team). The other team opposes the proposition (the negative team).



Please watch the following videos to get a rough idea of how a debate takes place:

Loyang Primary (Opposition)
Motion: Teachers should not give homework
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5d4-3YkHPk

Loyang Primary (Preposition)
Topic: Due to modern technology, scientists should stop testing on animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AoRFtOfWac



How to write a debate script:
I have provided a god webpage with templates on how to write a debate script and how to argue convincingly --> http://www.learnquebec.ca/en/content/curriculum/social_sciences/features/debate/resources/resources_tt.html

You may look through the rest for a deeper understanding but the most useful templates are the ones below:
Plan It! Laying out my speech

Speak Up! Scripting my speech


Miss Feng remembered on 12:29 PM.