A debate is a discussion or structured contest about an issue or a resolution. A formal debate\u00a0involves two sides: one supporting a resolution and one opposing it. Such a debate is bound by\u00a0rules previously agreed upon. Debates may be judged in order to declare a winning side. Debates,\u00a0in one form or another, are commonly used in democratic societies to explore and resolve issues\u00a0and problems. Decisions at a board meeting, public hearing, legislative assembly, or local\u00a0organization are often reached through discussion and debate. Indeed, any discussion of a\u00a0resolution is a form of debate, which may or may not follow formal rules (such as Robert\u2019s Rules\u00a0of Order). In the context of a classroom, the topic for debate will be guided by the knowledge,\u00a0skill, and value outcomes in the curriculum.<\/p>\n
A formal debate usually involves three groups: one supporting a resolution (affirmative team),\u00a0one opposing the resolution (opposing team), and those who are judging the quality of the\u00a0evidence and arguments and the performance in the debate. The affirmative and opposing teams\u00a0usually consist of three members each, while the judging may be done by the teacher, a small\u00a0group of students, or the class as a whole. In addition to the three specific groups, there may an\u00a0audience made up of class members not involved in the formal debate. A specific resolution is\u00a0developed and rules for the debate are established.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Develop the resolution to be debated.
\n\u2022 Organize the teams.
\n\u2022 Establish the rules of the debate, including timelines.
\n\u2022 Research the topic and prepare logical arguments.
\n\u2022 Gather supporting evidence and examples for position taken.
\n\u2022 Anticipate counter arguments and prepare rebuttals.
\n\u2022 Team members plan order and content of speaking in debate.
\n\u2022 Prepare room for debate.
\n\u2022 Establish expectations, if any, for assessment of debate.<\/p>\n
Debate opens with the affirmative team (the team that supports the resolution) presenting their\u00a0arguments, followed by a member of the opposing team. This pattern is repeated for the second\u00a0speaker in each team. Finally, each team gets an opportunity for rebutting the arguments of the\u00a0opponent. Speakers should speak slowly and clearly. The judges and members of the audience\u00a0should be taking notes as the debate proceeds. A typical sequence for debate, with suggested\u00a0timelines, is as follows:<\/p>\n
CLASSROOM DEBATE RUBRIC<\/p>\n
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Criteria<\/strong><\/td>\n| 1<\/td>\n | 2<\/td>\n | 3<\/td>\n | 4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n |
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