The Basics: An Introduction to Debate

Why Take Notes?

-Take what someone is saying and write it down, in order to use it as debate.

Who do you argue or debate with?

-Everyone….

Do you usually win? Why

-Your points are valid

-More well informed on topics

-Stay calm and collected

-Bring up the important points

-Ask logical questions

-Can’t just spew out what you are thinking

-Control your emotions

-Separate your personal opinion

-Facts, logical thinking

Why do people lose an argument?

-debating an authority figure

-get frustrated and give up

-emotions get in the way (take things personally)

-debate things that aren’t debatable

-unprepared

KEY DEBATE SKILLS-

1.     Think on your feet

2.     Listen very well; to teammates and opponents

3.     How to create (construct) and take apart (deconstruct) an argument

4.     Think on your feet (no technology allowed)

5.     How to research (in the given allotted times)

6.     K-W-L chart for research

Basics of an argument:

-What is an argument?

            *not structured

            *claims that are not based in evidence

            *uses opinions instead of fact (opinion is perceived truth vs. fact is based in

                   evidence)

-What is debate?

            * based in cold hard facts

            * uses logic to make a point

            * two opposing sides

Debate Structure Roles: 2 Sides

Topic: (then)

Proposition: Your job to support the claim/debate

Opposition: Why to shouldn’t happen (negate that topic)

Goal: (preliminary round: meaning the first round)

-stronger claim

-better argument

-capture attention of audience…how?

            *Provide best argument

            *Use best sources

            *How do you present it

            *Presentation manners

            *What you are talking about makes sense

            *Have to address claim

            *Engage opponent

Debate Vocabulary:

1.     Point of Clash: imaginary place where competing arguments meet each other (your topic to argue)

2.     Issues: themes that arise in the argument. Bring up 3 issues for each speech.

3.     A.R.E.: foundation of a debate

A: Assertation: A declaration or a claim (declarative statement)

Ex: “Cell Phone shouldn’t be allowed in schools”

---Important before you jump in!!

R: Reasoning: logical connection. This is WHY I have the assertation. Usually have 3

---Ex: “They shouldn’t be allowed because…”

E: Evidence: this is your research

---Ex: “For example…”

4.     Point of Information: POI: when you can ask a question during someone’s speech

--Assertation: All students should learn musical instruments

--Reasoning: -Makes students attentive –self-esteem –etc.

Looking for potential claim….

*(reasoning)Because video games are too violent, ______________________

There are two types of evidence:

Factual:

Logical:

Claim: We should be treating animals with respect

Logical evidence: We should treat animals with respect because we have the intelligence to know better and because of that we, as animals, should not kill other animals