Advanced 1: Debate

Topic: You will be assigned a debate topic and partner in class. With your partner, you will be arguing to support
your assigned side in a debate. Each side will present their claim and arguments.

Overview: Each debate will consist of a group of four people. Two people will be in favor of the resolution; the other
two people will be against the resolution.

You will work with a partner to discuss and organize your arguments, find evidence to support the arguments, and
anticipate the other side’s arguments. During the debate, you will make rebuttals against the other side. This will
require preparation ahead of time as well as carefully listening to the other side’s arguments rebuttals during the
debate.

Audience members will be expected to listen, take notes and come up with at least one question per presenter.

Purpose: This assignment will be used to evaluate your mastery of the oral objectives for this level.

Format: The debates will all follow the same format:

1. Opening Remarks
a. Present at least three main arguments in support of position 10 minutes: 5 minutes per side
2. Three minute break--Planning Session 3 minutes
3. Formal Rebuttal 8 minutes: 4 minutes per side
a. Address/refute what the other team said
4. Three minute break--Planning Session with partner 3 minutes
5. Informal Rebuttals 10 minutes
a. Turns not held – anyone in the debate teams can speak
6. Two minute break--Planning Session with partner 2 minutes
7. Closing Statement 4 minutes: 2 minutes per side
a. Summarize main points

Total Length: 40 minutes

Write your resolution here: __________________________________________________________________.

Write the name of your partner here: ____________________________

Are you assigned to be for or against the resolution? __________________

What date is your debate scheduled for? _____________________

Debate Scoring Sheet:
Name ____________________________________ Topic: ____________________________ ____/100 =_____

Content goals: 60
Presented several arguments supporting position 0 1 5 7 10
Provided adequate evidence or support for each argument & named sources 0 1 5 7 10
Used appropriate terminology specific to the debate topic 0 1 3 5
Use of argument and counterargument language 0 1 3 5
Shared speaking time with partner(s) evenly 0 1 3 5
Showed evidence of collaboration with partner 0 1 3 5
Responded to opposition’s arguments appropriately 0 1 5 7 10
Presented a final statement that summarized main points 0 1 5 7 10

Grammar 15
Accurate verb tense 0 1 3 5
Accurate vocabulary 0 1 3 5
Accurate grammar overall 0 1 3 5

Fluency goals: 10
Rate of speed 0 1 3 5
Pauses 0 1 3 5

Stress, Intonation, and Phonetics 15

Accurate word stress 0 1 3 5
Accurate Intonation 0 1 3 5
Accurate speech sounds used 0 1 3 5

Notes:
Debate Motions:

1. Zoos are cruel to animals and should not exist.

2. The official language of Education in Puerto Rico should be English.
3. University should be free.
4. Governments should be allowed to spy on their citizens.
5. The way to improve schools is by spending more money on education.
6. Social media sites have a positive influence on society.
7. Students should be allowed to use their cell phones in school.
8. Violent video games contribute to violence in society.
9. Physician-assisted suicide should be legal.
10. Students should be able to choose what topics they want to learn in school.

*Remember two people will be for the motion and two people will be against the motion.