Methodology
DEBATE IN CLASS
WHAT IS A DEBATE? A formal method of presenting arguments in support and against a
given issue in which debaters present reasons and evidence to persuade an audience or a
group of judges in two rounds.
It is a good exercise which prepares you to write good essays.
HOW TO DEBATE IN CLASS?
The ‘Pro’ Side goes first: Team A is in favor of/ supports the statement or the resolution.
They present their arguments. (10 to 15 minutes)
The ‘Con’ Side goes second: Team B is against the issue/the statement or resolution. They
present their arguments. (10 to 15 minutes)
Both teams take notes while the other is speaking and prepare more arguments to fight back.
(Over a 5 minutes break.)
Rebuttal of the arguments of your opponents: 2nd round for team A and second round for
team B.
The judge (the teacher) decides who was more convincing based on clarity, relevance and
thoroughness.
Prepare at least 3 arguments for your statement and support your arguments with strong
evidence coming from:
-Examples
-Common sense
-Expert opinions
-Statistics
Anticipate the other team’s arguments
Refutation or rebuttal:
-repeat the opponents’argument you’re going to refute.
-refute and explain what doesn’t work in the argument.
-replace the argument with your argument.
GLOSSARY:
a resolution is a simple statement subjected to critical analysis.
a rebuttal/refutation is explaining why one team disagrees with the other one
TIPS FOR SUCCESS:
Do not rely on your personal views and consider every angle.
Go from having a simple opinion/reaction to defining your idea through your arguments.
Play the Devil’s advocate if needed.
Work with your team: give everyone a role if needed or take turns. (speakers/ team lab for
more arguments or examples). Be reactive.
ASSESSMENT WORKSHEET
RESOLUTION :
CLARITY
OF RELEVANCE
EXPRESSION
ARGUMENTS,
COMPLETENESS
TOTAL
(2,5)
EXPLANATIONS
AND RIGOR
/10
AND
2,5
TEAM A NAMES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
TEAM B NAMES
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
OF THOROUGHNESS/ + EFFORT 2,5 =
EXAMPLES 2,5