Prep-Sheet for Debates on Capitalism V

Prep-Sheet for Debates on Capitalism v. Communism

• Expectations for the Debate:
• 100% Participation. This means I expect to hear from each and every member of your group. So those of you who tend to be relatively (or completely!) silent—make sure you speak!
• That you will research and find accurate resources to use to back up your position.
• That you will present a sound and well thought out argument

Your Position:
Capitalism is the best economic system.
OR
Communism is the best economic system.
Pre-Debate Assignment (Individual):

1. List the THREE strongest arguments / examples that help you prove your point
2. List at least ONE potential counter-argument. How you will respond should it come up in debate?

Beginning Preparation (Group):
1. Groups should share their pre-debate assignment & decide on the four arguments & counter argument they will focus on.

2. Ms. Glynn will nominate a manager.

3. The manager will assign group members to committees & provide Ms. Glynn with a list of members in each committee

4. Groups will begin researching to prepare for the debate.

Roles of Individuals in Debate Preparation:

Groups will be composed of 13-14 members. Because of this large number, you must break your group into subcommittees and assign each person a specific role. This is how the group breakdown should look:

• Manager- 1 person- responsible for keeping everyone on task, makes sure the group is coming up with sounds arguments from reliable resources
• Argument 1 Committee- 3 to 4 people- responsible for finding resources to back up argument #1, writes a bulleted form of notes about these resources & their relevance for easy reference during the debate
• Argument 2 Committee-3 to 4 people- responsible for finding resources to back up argument #2, writes a bulleted form of notes about these resources & their relevance for easy reference during the debate
• Argument 3 Committee- 3 to 4 people- responsible for finding resources to back up argument #1, writes a bulleted form of notes about these resources & their relevance for easy reference during the debate
• Counter Argument Committee- 2-3 people- responsible for researching possible counter arguments & developing sound responses to them
• Technology Coordinator- 1 person- allowed to use the computer to do research for all committees, researches credible websites for information, passes the information along to each committee

In-Class Structure:

Opening Statements (Side A, then Side B)
Side A presents its arguments
Side B rebuts and presents its arguments
Side A rebuts
Closing Statements