Setting up a Debate - Topics
Debate Topics with arguments FOR and AGAINST
Debate Grading Rubric
These are the 6 topics to choose 2 topics. Prepare 3 arguments for and 3 arguments against
1. computerization reduces the total number of jobs available to Israelis.
2. the production of test tube babies should be prohibited.
3. students who receive an “A” average should be excused from final examinations
4. credit be given to students for participation in extra-curricular activities
5. music the mirror of society
6. Israeli culture is controlled by the United States.
Debate topics
Debate Grading Rubric
These are the 6 topics to choose 2 topics. Prepare 3 arguments for and 3 arguments against
1. computerization reduces the total number of jobs available to Israelis.
2. the production of test tube babies should be prohibited.
3. students who receive an “A” average should be excused from final examinations
4. credit be given to students for participation in extra-curricular activities
5. music the mirror of society
6. Israeli culture is controlled by the United States.
Debate topics
IN-CLASS DEBATE - INSTRUCTIONS AND RULES
Instructions:
1. Each team will discuss two topics. One team has the affirmative role
(defends “pros”
of the topic) and the other negative role (defends “cons”
of the topic).
2. All teams will have at least two weeks to prepare for the topic(s) they
will discuss.
Rules:
1. The two teams will discuss with each other and which role (affirmative,
negative) each of them will have.
2. Before the opening of the debate both teams will have 5 minutes to get ready for the debate.
They can write some notes and questions on a piece of paper and use them
during the debate. Using a dictionary during the debate is not permitted
3. Before each debate the team will choose one speaker who will present
his/her ideas and opinions of the topic. The speakers should change for each
debate (pros/cons).
4. The “affirmative”
team will start discussion with their speaker. The speaker´s speech should be about 7 minutes long.
5. The “negative”
team will ask questions and the “affirmative” team answers them.
All members of both teams should involve into asking and answering questions. Asking and answering questions should take
3 minutes.
6. The speaker of the “negative”
team will present his/her ideas and opinions. Their speech should be about 7 minutes long.
7. The “affirmative”
team will ask questions and the “negative” team answers them.
All members should involve into asking and answering questions. Asking and answering questions should take
3 minutes.
8. The debate ends after 20 minutes.
Point System:
Each
team will get points for:
1. Relevance - speaking to the topic, using strong and persuasive
arguments.
2. Promptness - quick responses to all questions.
3. Fluency - speaking readily without pauses.
4. Engaging of all members in the debate.
5. Correct grammatical structures.
6. Vocabulary - its richness and width.
7. Pronunciation.
Disqualification is for:
1. using Hebrew language during the debate,
2. not speaking to the topic,
3. interrupting the debate by not asking questions or not answering them,
4. breaking the ethical code of the debate (using offensive language and
colloquial slang).
Rules for
Classroom Debate
- Each
group is to agree on two to three significant points of argument.
- The
“pro” group will read the first point of argument. A debate on the
validity of that particular point will ensue, providing others in the
group opportunities to elaborate and the “con” group opportunities to
counter.
- One
person speaks at a time. No side discussions!
- All
comments MUST address the
previous student comment directly.
You may not simply ignore a comment and shift the argument to an unrelated
point.
- Each
person will credit the source of any statistic, quotation, survey, or
other research information AT THE
TIME that source is mentioned during the debate.
Structure
for Classroom Debate
Total Time Allowance: 15 minutes
“Pro” Point #1 “Con” Objection to Point #1 “Pro” Rebuttal to Point #1
“Pro” Point #2 “Con” Objection to Point #2 “Pro” Rebuttal to Point #2
“Pro” Point #3 “Con” Objection to Point #3 “Pro” Rebuttal to Point #3
Total Time Allowance: 5 minutes
Questions from Audience
Total Time Allowance: 15 minutes
“Con” Point #1 “Pro” Objection to Point #1 “Con” Rebuttal to Point #1
“Con” Point #2 “Pro” Objection to Point #2 “Con” Rebuttal to Point #2
“Con” Point #3 “Pro” Objection to Point #3 “Con” Rebuttal to Point #3
Total Time Allowance: 5 minutes
Questions from Audience
Total Time Allowance: 3 minutes
“Pro” Concluding Remarks “Con”
Concluding Remarks
Debate Etiquette
- Team members must meet together in preparation for the debate, so they can work together as an effective team. Practice, practice, practice!
- All members of each side must participate in the debate.
- Do not read your materials.
- You may bring some brief notes, but you may not read them.
- Maintain good eye contact with the audience.
- Use proper language and be polite in referring to your opposing team.
- The pro
team should write the topic on the board before class begins, listing the
names of each pro and con debater in a clear fashion.