Prequel to the Custody Debate: The Scarlet Letter
Who should have custody of Pearl Prynne? Should Hester retain custody or should
Pearl be given over to the custody of the town of Boston? We will debate this matter
during the next class period, but first you need to write about it. You have been
randomly assigned a side to argue; you will find that on the bottom of this page.
Once you know what side you will be arguing, reread Chapters 6-8 with this in mind.
As you read, mark those sections that you find useful to your cause. Then, when you
have completed your rereading, type up a one-page argument (MLA format, doublespaced), quoting from the novel at least three times along the way.
Begin your page with the words, “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury ... ” and imagine
that you are writing your final summation to a jury of you case. Write in a voice as if
you were the lawyer making that summation.
This is worth 25 points.
You will be arguing for Hester to retain custody of
Pearl.
Prequel to the Custody Debate: The Scarlet Letter
Who should have custody of Pearl Prynne? Should Hester retain custody or should
Pearl be given over to the custody of the town of Boston? We will debate this matter
during the next class period, but first you need to write about it. You have been
randomly assigned a side to argue; you will find that on the bottom of this page.
Once you know what side you will be arguing, reread Chapters 6-8 with this in mind.
As you read, mark those sections that you find useful to your cause. Then, when you
have completed your rereading, type up a one-page argument (MLA format, doublespaced), quoting from the novel at least three times along the way.
Begin your page with the words, “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury ... ” and imagine
that you are writing your final summation to a jury of you case. Write in a voice as if
you were the lawyer making that summation.
This is worth 25 points.
You will be arguing for Boston to have custody of Pearl.
Custody Debate: Who should have custody of Pearl Prynne? Should Hester or should she be given
over to the custody of the city of Boston? Debate the matter, using the following format:
Affirmative: In favor of the city gaining custody
Custody = Boston
Negative: Against the city gaining custody
Custody = Hester
2. 2 affirmative speaker
1. 1st negative speaker
2. 2nd negative speaker
3. Affirmative rebuttal
3. Negative rebuttal
4. Questions for the negative
4. Questions for the affirmative
5. Final affirmative appeal
5. Final negative appeal
st
1. 1 affirmative speaker
nd
Timing
1. 2-4 minutes
2. 2-4 minutes
3. 1-2 minutes
4. 2-4 minutes
5. 1 minute
Evaluation: After the debate the judges will evaluate the debate.
Judges’ roles: The judges will determine which side has presented a better argument. The work
for the judges will come after the debate, when each judge will write up a 1-2 page response
explaining their ruling. Each judge will respond to the ruling in general, but will then focus on one
area. (For example, deliver, argument, organization, etc).
Specific Procedure of the Debate
• Introduction by the moderator
• The first speakers state the positions of their teams. Then they provide evidence supporting that
position.
• The second speakers rebuild their cases and present more evidence (different from what has already
been presented) supporting their cases. Time should be reserved to restate and summarize the case.
• During rebuttal, focus on specific arguments made by the opposition and refute these arguments. No new
information may be presented. Base your rebuttals on notes taken during the opposition’s initials appeals.
Rebut points one by one. Be specific: “Johnny said that Hester is Pearl’s family unit; however the truth is ...”
Anticipate your opponents; key arguments prior to the debate, find flaws in those arguments, and then,
when the arguments are made, undercut them in rebuttal.
• During questioning, each team submits 10 questions to the moderator in the order they want them to be
asked. The moderator has the option of asking follow-up questions.
• Final appeals are the team’s last
chance to briefly restate their cases and end with a strong appeal to the audience. Go for our hearts as well
as our minds. Leave us with a moving final image, a powerful last statement, an utterly persuasive
rhetorical question. Remember, the rhythm of the language can add to the emotion of your final appeal.
Some Advice for the Debate
• Do not pass around materials for us to look at while you speak.
• Do not begin your speech by
saying “OK” or by looking at the teacher or moderator and asking if he or she is ready. Wait until
you can see that everyone is ready, compose yourself, command our attention, and begin.
•
Guideusthroughyourspeechwithtransitions,i.e.,“firstofall,”“mysecondargumentis,”“in addition to
________ and ________, a third reason it ...”
Use notecards or memorize your speech.
• Do not look
only at the teacher.