What is constructive debating?

Answer 1

A. Debate, the art of reasonable discussion of controversial topics, will help us all become morally aware and will enhance our ability to think critically. We will be better able take the perspective of others, and make thoughtful moral decisions for ourselves. We may often disagree-but we will learn to do so respectfully and civilly.

II. Where to begin?

A. Keep your ears, eyes, and mind open for interesting topics for debate!

B. Talk to family members and friends about issues of importance.

C. Start a file of articles, or make a list of topics that interest you.

D. Introductory classes will get us into debating with mini-debates on topics we already know a lot about (e.g.: "Cats are better than dogs as pets for city dwellers.").

E. We will also view videos of competitions of debate clubs and political debates. For more information on the rules of debate, visit some of the websites listed below!

III. How to debate? Become aware, select, research, and plan your debate!

A. Become aware: Individually and as a group we will use newspapers, magazines, and websites to select topics of interest.

--- 1. Keep track of current events by reading headlines, scanning news sources

and other sites through School Library Website.

---2. Discuss issues of importance with friends and family members.

B. Select: When a group of students has agreed on a topic of interest, we will determine the central question or topic to debate.

---1. Resolve: The statement that is debated is called the resolve. It is like a thesis in an essay: a statement containing an opinion that is debatable.

C. Research: During this phase, you are trying to get as much information as possible on BOTH SIDES of the topic. You do not yet know which side your team will debate, so you need to understand the big picture and as many issues as possible that can be used as arguments for or against.

D. Plan your debate:

---1. Choose sides: Sometimes this is done by choice, often by a coin toss!

---2. Continue research! Use encyclopedias, news sources, personal interviews, and other tools to accumulate an overwhelming amount of evidence to support your argument.

---3. Prepare your opening: When you know whether you are debating the affirmative (pro) or the negative (con), you and your teammates need to fine tune your arguments and begin to prepare your first speech.

---4. Debate: There is a fixed order to speaking and questioning during debates. Speak clearly, looking at your audience and opponents. Do not simply read your prepared remarks. Introduce your teammates, your argument, make your points, and sum up. As you listen to speakers, make notes! You will use these notes as you prepare questions and new points to argue.

IV. Terms used:

A. Resolve: A statement (e.g. "Cats are better than dogs as pets.") to be argued in a debate.

B. Definitions: The affirmative side defines words used in the resolve (e.g. "Pets in this case means animals to be kept in apartments or houses.").

C. Counter-plan: A new argument that concedes some of the points made ("Cats may be better than dogs in some situations, but dogs can be trained as helping animals.")

D. Conceding a point: Allowing the other side to have a point, but making a new one "on top" of it. ("Well, cats may be better in terms of size, but hauling all that kitty litter up to the apartment is going to be a pain. That's why a small dog would be better.")

E. Rebuttal: The final argument, in which each team tries to sum up for the judges the reason their team has proved (affirmative) or disproved (negative) the resolve.

F. Courtesy and respect: These qualities are to be shown at all times during the debate process.