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• Connie Alexa D

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Researching for a Debate

What is a debate? • A debate is, simply put, an argument. • But rather than being a shouting match between two sides, a debate has strict rules of conduct, utilizing sophisticated techniques. • You may be put in a position where you must argue the opposite of what you believe in. This is an important part of the art of debating.

Exploring the Topic • Define the topic

• Be aware of the scope of the debate

• What is included, what is not included • Get a clear understanding of your position (Pro vs. Con)

Coming up with Keywords Children – – – –

Parents Families Society Kids

Google Hint: define: Discipline will search for definitions and links

Punish    

Discipline Spank Time-Out Guidance

Brainstorming • Brainstorm ALL possible arguments for & against the topic • Come up with as many arguments as possible to support your claim • Think about possible rebuttal arguments • Use a concept map • http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resource s/interactives/persuasion_map/

Importance of Research • Arguments will be based on evidence, facts and statistics. • Debater will become familiar with the topic, which allows for better flow of ideas and better preparation for rebuttal arguments. • Over-research. – Use multiple, diverse sources.

Looking for Information • Check the library for: – Books – Periodicals – Government documents – Newspapers – Videos/DVDs – Human expertise

Looking for Information • Check the Internet for: – Online databases – Current information (online newspapers, articles, studies. . .) – Blogs, Wikis, and websites of concerned organizations and societies.

Searching tips  Use “debate” language  Versus, for against, argument  Be clear & specific  Correct spelling is important  Phrase searching  “social promotion”  Leave out and, the, a , of . . .  Use the * wildcard (e.g. child* for child, children ; punish* for punish, punishing, punishment etc.

Going Beyond Google

UEES has licensed several databases that provide access to full text articles and current information: (accessible from home as well)

Evaluate your sources

Think critically about the information you find. Remember that your opponent will be as well. Ask yourself some of these questions…

Accuracy – Does the source seem correct? Do you need to cross check the information with a second source? – Is it peer-reviewed?

– Is this source up to date? How old is too old?

Currency

Objectivity – Is this source opinion or fact? Is it unnecessarily biased?

Purpose – What is the purpose of this source? Is it trying to inform, to sell, to promote?

Authority • Who is the author / publisher of this source? • Is she/he a well-known researcher in the field? Is the journal accepted as authoritative by researchers?

Get Organized to Debate • Take lots of notes – Use index cards or paper that can easily be reorganized – Keep the notes short – Add personal comments – Include facts and statistics – Acknowledge your sources for credibility http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/notes.shtml

Get Organized to Debate • Develop a statement to guide your debate • Formulate a plan for an introduction, presentation of evidence and conclusion

Thesis Statement A thesis statement is the basic argument advanced by a speaker or writer who then attempts to prove it; the subject or major argument of a speech or composition A thesis statement:  states the topic / main idea of the debate  shows the purpose of the debate  shows the direction of your argument  is captivating

Thesis examples – It is better to spank children. weak example

– Studies have shown that spanking children is an effective means of behavioral modification and that if used properly, leads to a better disciplined and more socially productive adult. stronger example

Introduction • Your point must have a basic, clear introduction. • You can open with a general thought or anecdote, but directly connect the intro to your statement. • Start by being strong and confident.

Evidence • Gather at least three pieces of evidence to support your claim. • Have information on each “sub topic” prepared ahead of time.

Conclusion • Conclude your debate by disproving the opponent’s point. • Reaffirm your position by repeating the highlights of your evidence. • Restate your thesis.

Rebuttal • Do your research to be well-prepared for contra arguments. • Take notes of the points to rebut. • Concentrate on the important points and use logic to show why the other side is wrong. • Attack each argument that the opposition presents in turn.

Debate Tips  Search the web for debating videos.  Have notes prepared, but do not let your debate become an oral presentation of a written essay.  Practice speaking aloud in front of a mirror or other people.  Understand both sides of the debate so that you are prepared to contradict the other side.  Be ready to let go of small points. Concentrate on debating the main topics and prepared evidence.

The Roles of The Speakers In a debating team each speaker has specified roles that they must fulfill to play their part in the team.

The Roles of The Speakers 1st Affirmative must: Define the topic. Present the affirmative's team line. Outline briefly what each speaker in their team will talk about. Present the first half of the affirmative case.

The Roles of The Speakers 1st negative must: Accept or reject the definition. If you don't do this it is assumed that you accept the definition. Present the negative team line. Outline briefly what each of the negative speakers will say. Rebut a few of the main points of the first affirmative speaker. The 1st negative should spend about one quarter of their time rebutting. Present the first half of the negative team's case.

The Roles of The Speakers 2nd affirmative must: Reaffirm the affirmative's team line. Rebut the main points presented by the 1st negative. The 2nd affirmative should spend about one third of their time rebutting. Present the second half of the affirmative's case.

The Roles of The Speakers 2nd negative must: Reaffirm the negative's team line. Rebut some of the main points of the affirmative's case. The 2nd negative should spend about one third of their time rebutting. Present the second half of the negative's case.

The Roles of The Speakers 3rd affirmative must: Reaffirm the affirmative's team line. Rebut all the remaining points of the negative's case. The 3rd affirmative should spend about two thirds to three quarters of their time rebutting. Present a summary of the affirmative's case. Round off the debate for the affirmative.

The Roles of The Speakers 3rd negative must: Reaffirm the negative's team line. Rebut all the remaining points of the affirmative's case. The 3rd negative should spend about two thirds to three quarters of their time rebutting. Present a summary of the negative's case. Round off the debate for the negative.

Rebuttal In debating each team will present points in favor of their case. They will also spend some time criticizing the arguments presented by the other team. This is called rebuttal. There are a few things to remember about rebuttal: 1. Logic - to say that the other side is wrong is not enough. 2. Pick the important points - try to rebut the most important points of the other side's case. 3. `Play the ball' - do not criticizes the individual speakers, criticize what they say.

example • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l9FcWM JQ-M