Introduction:
Good morning, and welcome to Debate Camp. Over the next two days, you will be introduced to the art of debating that we will employ in Civics this year. As I explained to you the first day, debating is not always about how well you speak, but how well you listen. Opinions are not welcomed, unless they are supported by facts. On Day 1, we will discuss the rules and procedures for debating, how to keep an accurate “Flow Sheet” and how to research your arguments. On Day 2, we will begin an open-ended Mock Debate on a pre-selected topic. No grading will be done; this is merely so you can get more comfortable in getting up to the podium and addressing your classmates. I think you will find it very interesting, and a lot of fun.
Debates are presented in teams of three (3). Each student will be restricted to the time allowed listed below, a bell will indicated when time has expired; extra time can be granted at the judge’s digression.
Procedures:
Order of Speeches:
First Proposition Constructive – 3 Minutes
First Opposition Constructive – 3 Minutes
Second Proposition Constructive – 3 Minutes
Second Oppositional Constructive – 3 Minutes
Oppositional Rebuttal – 2 Minutes
Proposition Rebuttal – 2 Minutes
Points of Inquiry – Can be a statement of question from the opposing team – may not be more than 15 seconds long. Speaker must recognize your point, if the speaker does not recognize you, you must sit down. Points of Inquiry can only be asked during the Second Propositional or Oppositional Constructive arguments. Speaker may accept or reject a point, thought it is in the best interests to accept as many points as they can. Speaker should say things like “Ok, I’ll take your point” or “No, thank you.”
Point of Information – Can be a question of clarification from the opposing team. – may not be longer than 15 seconds long. Speaker must recognize your point, if the speaker does not recognize you, you must sit down. Points of Information can only be asked during the Second Propositional or Oppositional Constructive arguments. Speaker may accept or reject a point, thought it is in the best interests to accept as many points as they can. Speaker should say things like “Ok, I’ll take your point” or “No, thank you.”
Heckling – Lightly banging desks, shouting “Here! Hear!” and saying “shame!” are appropriate means of heckling. It is also helpful for debaters to bang on their desks when a speaker on their side has made a good point. Shouting “Here! Here!” is another way to affirm good arguments. Debaters should say “shame” if they feel a team has accidentally misrepresented previous arguments or said something negative. It is NOT appropriate to shame every argument made by an opposing team.
* Note – Heckling is a privilege and can be suspended if behavior is deemed excessive or inappropriate.
Flow Sheets – The third member of the debate team as well as the judge must take notes during debates. For students, note-taking helps you win the debate; it also helps in improving note-taking abilities. Note-taking is done on a “flow sheet.” A flow sheet is like a flow chart in that it tracks ideas and their development over time. The flow sheet, which has vertical columns for different speakers, is used to visually represent the debate and organize speeches. On the sheet, the arguments made by both sides should be listed, along with your rebuttal strategies. (See below enclosed)
Explanation of Speech Criteria:
First Proposition Constructive (3 minutes) – This speaker makes a case for the motion for debate, providing proof of the topic with three or four major points
First Opposition Constructive (3 minutes) – This speaker makes several arguments against the proposition team’s case and refutes the proposition’s major points.
Second Proposition Constructive (3 minutes) – This speaker should rebuild and extend upon the previous proposition’s case. This means that this speaker must extend and amplify the original proposition’s points and refute the opposition’s major arguments against the case.
Second Opposition Constructive (3 minutes) – This speaker amplifies the opposition arguments against the case, providing new information about why the opposition team should win the debate. This speaker should answer the proposition’s answers to the opposition team’s original arguments.
Proposition Rebuttal (2 minutes) – This speaker should summarize the issues and explain why, even with the opposition’s arguments; the proposition should win the debate. This is the final speech of the debate, and should refute the opposition’s major points.
Opposition Rebuttal (2 minutes) – This speaker must put the debate together and explain why, given all of the arguments in the debate, the opposition team should win the debate. They should also refute the proposition’s major points in the form of a final speech.
Judging:
Your teacher as well as your classmates will judge your debates. The team with the most convincing argument will be considered the winner. Classmates will be asked to fill out a survey and ballot during the debate. The votes will be totaled and will be read by the judge alone with the judge’s decision as well.
Note: All classmates must submit a ballot in order to get class participation credit for the day, any who does not submit one, will get a zero for the day.
Grading:
Participants in the debate will be graded as a group. It is important to know that your ability to speak in front of your classmates will not be what will determine your grade, rather than the credibility of your sources and the strength of your arguments. In other words, if you get nervous speaking in front of your classmates, it won’t hurt your team’s grade.
And most importantly, have fun!