debate.activity

__ Debate Format __ – 2 teams made up by 3 different groups. Each team gives three speeches for or against the debate topic. Thus, each small group of 2-3 students is responsible for 1 speech. The entire group should contribute in the preparation of speeches. Other team members may interject a point while their teammate’s speech is progressing. Also, feel free to remind teammates of relevant arguments to make if the speaker slips up. Groups should establish a division of labor so that each team member is productively contributing to the cause. For instance, one team member could “flow” or take notes on the opponent’s speeches, another member can brainstorm for evidence, another can write introductions or conclusions. Teams may not interrupt their opponents during speeches. __During each speech beyond the first one it is essential to answer the other team’s arguments thoroughly. An unanswered argument is a true argument in the context of a debate. Please play well with others!__ **Remember, other team’s prep time is your prep time – use it wisely so you aren’t caught unprepared

__ Each Speech and its Purpose __ examination, second affirmative, second negative, affirmative rebuttal, negative rebuttal
 * The speeches go in this order: first affirmative, cross-examination, first negative, cross-

= Sub-group 1 (15 min. prep time) =
 * // First Affirmative //** – (4min speech) - Establishes basic rationale for your case. What do you need to prove to affirm the resolution? Define the terms in the debate to your advantage. Establish evidence, examples, and analogies that support your thesis. What existing or potential problems might be solved by supporting the resolution? Establish the advantages of supporting the resolution in detail. Use your prep time wisely and inform your teammates of what you are about to say.

***Cross Examination (2 min time period) – Speaker may be cross-examined by any member of GROUP 6 that is not giving a speech.

= Sub-group 2 (5 min prep time) =
 * // First Negative //** – (5min speech) – Attack affirmative case. Expose flaws in their reasoning and/or evidence. What have they not considered? Show the disadvantages of supporting the resolution. Build your own case too. (Re)define the terms of the debate to your advantage. Establish evidence, examples, and analogies that support your thesis. Use your prep time wisely so that you can inform your teammates of what you are about to say.

***Cross Examination (2 min time period) – Speaker may be cross-examined by any affirmative team member of GROUP 5 that is not delivering a speech.

= Sub-group 3 (5 min prep time) =
 * // Second Affirmative //** – (4 min speech) – Extend your case. Remind the audience of the advantages of supporting the resolution. Add new evidence/arguments to support your position. Most importantly, defend your case against negative arguments.

= Sub-group 4 (5 min prep time) =
 * // Second Negative //** – (4 min speech) – Extend your case. Remind the audience of the disadvantages of supporting the resolution. Add new evidence/arguments to support your position. Most importantly, answer affirmative arguments.

= Sub-group 5 (4 min prep time) =
 * //Affirmative Rebuttal//** – (3 min speech) – Wrap up your case persuasively. Do not try to cover everything your team has said thus far. Crystallize the case for the affirmative. What are your best reasons to support the affirmative side? What are the biggest weaknesses in the negative’s case? What is your best argument(s)? Reiterate it. What is their best argument? Answer it. Are there contradictions in their case? Do they have insufficient evidence to prove a crucial point? Have they strayed off-topic and made arguments that are either irrelevant or support your position? Do not introduce new information. The point of the speech is to frame prior arguments in a way that wins the debate.

= Sub-group 6 (4 min prep time) =
 * //Negative Rebuttal//** – (3 min speech) - Wrap up your case persuasively. Do not try to cover everything your team has said thus far. Crystallize the case for the negative. What are your best reasons to support the negative side? What are the biggest weaknesses in the affirmative’s case? What is your best argument(s)? Reiterate it. What is their best argument? Answer it. Are there contradictions in their case? Do they have insufficient evidence to prove a crucial point? Have they strayed off-topic and made arguments that are either irrelevant or support your position? Do not introduce new information. The point of the speech is to frame prior arguments in a way that wins the debate.