Name:
Period:
Date:
AP Rhetoric – Informed Debate – YES/NO Project
Brainstorm Topics:
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Final Topics:
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Informed Debate Overview
As we’ve discussed, much of this unit will revolve around honing your writing skills – taking all that critical thinking you
developed with the introduction of a “rhetorical language lexicon” and your rhetorical analysis skills, and applying those
to research and argument. The skills and tools introduced to guide you through your Lincoln Douglas debate will also
come in handy for this project. 
Please review the guidelines below for the Yes/No Project. Samples will be circulated in class.
What’s due 2.6.12: three to five brainstormed topics to present to class for review and discussion - to eliminate
duplicates
Project due date: March 4th
What you’ll do:
 After you have presented your topics in class and we’ve decided which ones you’ll pursue:
o Change those topics into arguable questions – worthy of a “resolution” statement
o Interview three people who respond to your topic with a resounding YES and capture the main premise
or idea about why each agrees
o Interview three people who respond to your topic with a resounding NO and capture the main premise or
idea about why each disagrees
o Gather research for your topic - minimum TWO reputable sources for each side – be sure about this…if I
(or a peer) doubt(s) a statistic, fact, or source, I will ask you to show me. Please make sure you are able.
What you’ll submit:
 After you have gathered your interview information, your research, and developed your own ideas, you will:
o Create a visual presentation – format possibilities:
 LiveBinder
 Webpage
 Print copy
 PDF –soft copy document presentation
 Other???? (tumblr and most blog sites don’t lend themselves to a suitable format)
o The presentation should follow the model formats in class and include:
 The interviewer quotes for the YES/NO section
 Graphics and be aesthetically appealing
 Two different argument short essays from an expert in the field – YOU!
 You will present an argument supporting or answering YES to your question
 You will present an argument supporting or answering NO to your question
 Your short essay/paragraphs will follow a loose analytical paragraph structure - we’ll
review this tool in class – and you’ll work on it for your LD debate - it’ll be cake!
 What else? A works cited page, of course. 
Questions? Notes:
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