How the Debate Works

Debating Issues

How the Debate Works:

The class will be divided into three groups. Two of the groups will be told which side of a question they must argue. The third group plays the role of Evaluators, similar to the journalists who moderate, question, and judge presidential debates.

Debating Groups:

These two groups will be given time to prepare their approach. They will decide how to assign roles for the debate -- Introducer, Supporter, Summarizer, Responder, Questioner, and Closer. If a group has more than six people, more than one person can play the roles of Responder and Questioner.

Evaluating Group:

Evaluators are responsible for running the debate, which means that it is their job to call the debate to order, to keep time, etc.

While the other groups are preparing for the debate, evaluators should be preparing questions on the issue that they expect to be answered by each side. If those questions are not addressed, they should be asked after the closing arguments. Each evaluator must pose a question to one member of each side of the debate after the closing statements.

After the debate is completed, the evaluators will voteby a show of hands to indicate which position has received their support. Evaluators must introduce themselves after voting and explain why they have been persuaded to support a certain position. Each evaluator must describe what they consider to be the strongest and weakest aspects of each side's performance, including alternative ways each group could have pursued their arguments. This evaluation should include the following factors: 1) depth of the analysis provided, 2) persuasiveness of the assertions, 3) quality of support provided for assertions, 4) quality of rebuttals, and 5) quality of delivery.

Debate Structure:

Preparation10 minutes

Affirmative Statement of Position2 minutes

Affirmative Provision of Supporting Evidence2 minutes

Clarification and Summation1 minute

Cross-Examination of Affirmative4 minutes

Negative Statement of Position2 minutes

Negative Provision of Supporting Evidence2 minutes

Clarification and Summation1 minute

Cross-Examination of Negative4 minutes

Affirmative Closing Statement1 minute

Negative Closing Statement1 minute

Evaluators Intercession20 minutes

Questions Directed to Individuals on Each Side

Vote and Explanation of Position

Commentary on the Performance of the Debate

Post-Debate Discussion (optional)

Participants discuss their actual position on the topic of debate, and discuss the experience of arguing against their position if relevant.