TKAM Philosophical Debate
Task 1: Quote Analysis
Task 2: Philosophical Debate
Task 3: Reflection
College & Career Readiness Anchor Standards
• Read closely to determine what the text says and
to make logical inferences from it; cite specific
textual evidence when writing or speaking to
support conclusions drawn from text.
• Prepare for and participate effectively in a range
of conversations and collaborations with diverse
partners, building on others’ ideas and
expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
TKAM Quote Analysis
Other people’s words can help us understand the world better.
1.
Read the quotation below 3 times to yourself and then once to someone sitting
next to you.
“…[Y]ou must try to behave like the little lady and gentlemen
that you are. She wants to talk to you about the family and
what it’s meant to Maycomb County through the years, so
you’ll have some idea of who you are, so you might be
moved to behave accordingly…” (Lee 136).
2.
Explain the quote to your partner using the sentence frame:
Atticus is saying that…
TKAM Quote Analysis continued…
3. “…[Y]ou must try to behave like the little lady and gentlemen that
you are. She wants to talk to you about the family and what it’s
meant to Maycomb County through the years, so you’ll have some
idea of who you are, so you might be moved to behave
accordingly…” (Lee 136).
4. Using the sentence frames below, write an analysis of Atticus’s
quote.
In his quote about________________, Atticus’ perspective is that
_____________________. This means that _____________, which is
relevant to me because
___________________________________________________.
5. Get up, read your analysis to two people, and sit back down.
What common topics can we identify?
• List ideas on the board
• Here are some other ideas:
– Expectations
– Obligations
– Social roles
– identity
– Social norms
– Conformity
Vocabulary Awareness
Thumbs Up/Middle/Down
Vocabulary
Identity
Social norms
Conformity
Know Have Seen/ No Clue
It Well
Heard It
Vocabulary Awareness
For discussion purposes, we will use the following
definitions for reference…
• Identity is the distinguishing character or personality
of an individual .
• Societal norms are the rules a group uses for
appropriate and inappropriate values, beliefs, attitudes
and behaviors. These rules may be explicit or implicit.
• Conformity is compliance with standards, rules or laws.
Task # 2: Philosophical Debate
Philosophical Chairs/ Debate
• The goal of Philosophical Chairs is to
frequently engage students in a meaningful
and structured debate on an engaging and
controversial topic while teaching the skills of
academic discussion and how to effectively
support an opinion.
• Before we begin, let’s review some norms for
the discussion…
Philosophical Chairs
Rules of Engagement
1. Understand the central statement or topic and take a stand.
2. Listen carefully even if you don’t agree.
3. Only one person speaks at a time.
4. Summarize the previous speaker’s argument before
responding.
5. Remember, “Three before me.”
6. Address the ideas, not the person stating them.
7. Move if your opinion is swayed.
8. Maintain order and keep an open mind.
Formal Register
Students will:
• Chooses precise, academic language
• Respond in complete sentences
• Uses appropriate body language and posture
for a formal, academic setting
Non-Verbal Cues
The teacher and/or students can use these cues to redirect the speaker to
adhere to the norms without interrupting.
Complete sentence
–Stretch fingers
Elaborate
–Keep going, moving hand
Academic Language
– Finger to mouth
Academic Language Scripts
Students may use this handout during the discussion 
•
•
•
•
Expressing an Opinion
I think/believe/predict/imagine
that…
In my opinion…
It seems to me that…
Not everyone will agree with me,
but…
Building on What Others Say
•
•
•
•
•
I agree with what (name) said
because…
You bring up an interesting point,
and I also think…
(Name) said… I agree and I also
think…
Based on the ideas from _____ and
_____, it seems that…
That is an excellent point, and I
would add…
DISAGREEING
• I don’t really agree with
(summarize point) because…
• I see it another way. I think…
• My idea is slightly different
from yours. I believe/think
that…
• I have a different
conclusion/answer. I
believe/think…
Agree or disagree
• People must conform to social norms in order
to be successful in society.
• WRITE DOWN your position statement on a
half sheet of paper using this sentence frame:
I agree/ disagree that people must conform to
social norms in order to be successful in society
because…
When you choose a side…
Bring the following items with you:
1. your ½ sheet with your position statment
2. your academic language scripts handout!
But first a few quick reminders…
• Before we begin, let’s briefly review the rules of
engagement, the formal register, and the non-verbal
cues.
• Now that you understand the expectations of the
philosophical debate, you will now literally take a stand
on a controversial statement.
• There is no neutral position so you must choose and
defend the side on which you feel the strongest.
• The teacher is ONLY a facilitator. Students must drive
the debate!
• And finally, let’s begin…
Philosophical Chairs
Agree
Disagree
People must conform to social norms in order to be successful in
society.
Task 3: Questions for Reflection
Directions: COPY and answer the following questions in complete sentences
on a separate sheet of paper. Be sure to elaborate on your answers!
1. Did your opinion on the statement change
during the debate? Why or why not?
2. Did your ideas on conformity change? Why
or why not?
3. How did this activity add to your
understanding of the novel as a whole?