Horseshoe Debate

Open Debate
Participants have the opportunity to question the positions of others by asking questions, refuting points or
arguments or by adding additional support or detail to a position.
This continues until no one wishes to speak or time runs out.
If time runs out before all students have had an opportunity to contribute to the open debate, they may submit
written rebuttals or additional support for their position before class begins the following day. Points off-topic or
redundant will not be counted.

Opening Excellent Proficient Adequate Fair Weak

Speech 5 4 3 2 1
(20 marks)
Introduction Provocative and/or Interesting Introduces topic May have an Hard to discern
and engaging introduction and a at the beginning introduction if there is an
Conclusion introduction sound conclusion and ends with a but it is introduction or
(5 marks) Conclusion has an summary unclear conclusion
impact statement Conclusion is
absent

Support of Details are Details are accurate Details are Few details Details are
position with interesting, accurate, and generally generally vague or absent
specific facts and complete. All complete. accurate and Arguments are
and examples arguments are Arguments are fairly complete. weak and Little evidence
(use of Rule of focused and show specific and Arguments are show surface of research or
Three) deep understanding convincing. general and understanding understanding
of the complexity of Specific quotes and show basic Some of the issue
(10 marks) the issue. supporting understanding of evidence of demonstrated
Specific quotes and evidence are issue. research but it
supporting evidence present but not Supporting demonstrates a
are used throughout consistently used. details are very limited
the speech. A wide Sources used general. (without understanding
variety of sources demonstrate sources) of the issue
demonstrate research.
extensive research
Presentation Delivery is smooth Delivery is Delivery falters Delivery is Delivery
rehearsal and confident/ generally smooth on occasion halting and impedes
voice emotional Some evidence of uneven communication
- pacing Rehearsal is evident rehearsal Some evidence
- volume Effective pacing, Some attention to of rehearsal Little evidence No evidence of
- clarity volume, expression pacing, volume, of rehearsal rehearsal
expression and eye contact expression and eye Adequate
eye contact contact volume and eye Inadequate Not prepared
contact preparation
(5 marks)

Open Debate (10 Marks)

Students are awarded two marks for each successful challenge, rebuttal or evidence in support of or against a
position.
No marks are awarded for points that are redundant or off topic.
Marks are deducted for breaking the rules of discussion.

© 2001 Galileo Educational Network

 Developing Paragraphs – “The Rule of Three”

1. State your opinion

• Restate the question or problem

• Make sure your opinion is clear

2. Explain your opinion

• Develop your arguments

• Give reasons for your opinion
• Define ideas or terms

3. Support with examples

• Use specific information to support your opinions

• Use quotes, statistics, facts, specific examples
• Include sources – “The website ________ stated that….
• Or “In her article _________, the writer ____________, wrote
…………”

(1) The first value of a good pet is companionship. (2)Companionship is the ability
for a pet to be a good friend to you. Your pet should be excited to see you
when you come home, want to play with you, and be a comfort when you
need them. Using companionship as a criteria for a good pet, it is obvious
that dogs make better pets than cats. (3)According to a the website
www.about.com, the number one reason why dogs are superior pets is
because, “Dogs will tilt their heads and try to understand every word you say.
Cats will ignore you and take a nap.” In a comparison between cats and dogs,
www.odordestroyer.com stated that, “dogs will guard your home, bring you
your slippers and newspaper, and worship you. In contrast, cats don't want to
go anywhere with you. But try to keep them at home, and they'll dash through
open doors and leap over fences.” As you can see, dogs are clearly superior
companions to cats.
Horseshoe Debate – Practicing at home Name: ________________

Before we have our horseshoe debate in class, I want everyone to have the opportunity to
practice their debate speech in front of someone at home.

Due: ___________________________

Please have your observer fill out the following:

Name: __________________________________________

Relationship to student: _____________________________

1. The student needs to explain the “Rule of Three” before they start

2. After the speech, look at the rubric on the back of this page. What marks would this
student get? Discuss together.

3. Did the student follow the “Rule of Three” in each of their three arguments?

4. What were the strengths of this student’s speech?

5. What area(s) could this student improve on?

6. Comments?

Signature of Student: _____________________________

Signature of Observer: ____________________________