Debate Assignment: Problem Youth? Youth Issues Under Debate
Debates will be presented on
November 18: [ Ariel, Danny, Harrison ] [ Ryan, Alicia, Trip ]
December 1: [ Travis, Megan McKnight, Elizabeth ] [ Maya, Brad, Chiyong ]
December 15: [ Meghan Carmody, Brian, Shannon ] [ Raymond, Lauren, Sheila ] [ Marty, Emily, Matt ]
Evaluation Guidelines are now available!
This assignment asks you to do the following:
1. With your debate group members, choose a controversial issue that exists and touches the lives of young people (whether children, young adults, teenagers, etc.). You may choose a topic that not only affects young people in the U.S., but one that also has a significant global influence. Choose a topic that you personally care about, one that you might be outraged by, concerned about, believe needs to be addressed, or even one that you want to help to reform or solve.
Here are some sites to help you think of a good topic.
Email me your groupšs topic by this Monday, November 1st. I will contact you if your topic seems problematic or unsuitable for this assignment.
2. You and your group should conduct initial research on this issue and identify the various sides to this controversy. Identify the points of "clash" in the controversy and three sides that will make for a dynamic, energetic debate.
3. Design a proposition based on your initial research. This proposition should be a policy proposition and include the word "should." One of you will argue for the proposition, one will argue against it, and one will argue an intermediate or alternative proposition.
Hand in your proposition (plus a list of the three perspectives you will each take) to me by Wednesday, November 3rd.
4. Choose a context and specific audience to whom you will address your argument. The class will take on the role of this audience. Remember that if it is an international issue, the context and audience should somehow reflect this globalism. You will inform your fellow students of their role before your debate.
5. Now your individual work begins. Given your target audience, each of you should now conduct research that will affirm or negate the proposition or develop an alternative perspective. This research must be done individually and should stay within the parameters of the proposition. You should use all three forms of support (evidence, credibility, and values) and you should use evidence generously. Be sure to gather information that will rebut the major arguments on the other side.
6. Using your extensive research, prepare to take part in the debate. Again, this preparation should be done alone. The structure for the debate will go as follows:
- 5-minute Affirmative Presentation
- 5-minute Negative Presentation
- 5-minute "Alternative" Presentation (3rd point of view)
- 3-minute Affirmative Rebuttal
- 3-minute Negative Rebuttal
- 3-minute "Alternative" Rebuttal
- 2-minute Affirmative Closing
- 2-minute Negative Closing
- 2-minute "Alternative" Closing
All sections of the debate will be strictly timed! You will be cut off if you go past the allotted time.
I suggest that you prepare a 5-minute presentation for your first speaking opportunity. This presentation should lay out two or three major arguments and evidence for them.
For the rebuttal, be flexible but prepared. Know the arguments and evidence that your opponent is likely to use. Be ready to argue against those arguments and challenge the evidence used to support them. Take notes during your opponent's initial presentation and "flow" the arguments s/he is presenting. During your rebuttal you want to do two things: 1) challenge the arguments presented by your opponent and 2) quickly restate your arguments challenged by your opponent and respond to the challenges.
In the closing, you want to quickly summarize the weaknesses of your opponent's arguments but be sure to provide a summary of your arguments and why they are stronger than your opponents. Be sure to end with your own arguments. Although you cannot completely plan out your closing, you can plan what your last sentences will be and the impression you wish to leave with the audience.
7. Prepare a one-page handout that summarizes the arguments you prepared, including sources used. Flesh out some of the arguments by providing details and evidence. Make 20 copies for your classmates.
8. After the debate, use sound reasoning to respond knowledgeably to questions and counter-arguments posed by class members during a five-minute post-presentation refutation session.