AP Lang. Debate Assignment
Finally, it’s time for our formal debates! We’ll be using the Lincoln-Douglas format. Following
are the resolutions that will be debated:
Each debate will have an affirmative and negative team. The affirmative will support the
resolution as it stands. The negative will oppose it. You may be assigned to debate something
you don’t believe in. Consider this a chance to flex your intellectual muscles.
Both sides will create a constructive speech, cross examination questions, blocks, and a rebuttal.
See other handouts for details on each requirement.
Timeline (all deadlines are subject to change—consult the white board):
Monday, December 1st: Introduction of debate topics, and assignments to teams and resolution
topics.
December 2nd and 3rd: Research your case and write the constructive speech
December 4th: Continue working on your case construction. Lower G Lab. Reminder: Final
book projects are due tomorrow, December 5th.
Monday, December 8th: Complete constructive speeches checked. Start working on cross exam
questions. Lower G lab.
Tuesday, December 9th. Work on cross exam questions, due tomorrow. Lower G lab.
Wed., December 10th. 5-10 cross exam questions checked. Work on blocks. Lower G lab.
Friday, December 12th: 4 Blocks checked for your case.
Monday, December 15th: Rebuttals worked on. Upper G lab.
Thurs., December 18th: Entire case is due: Complete constructive speech, 5-10 cross exam
questions, 4 blocks, and a complete rebuttal. 200 points!
Monday, January 5th: Practicing public speaking.
Tuesday, January 6th-Tuesday, January 14th: Debates! 1 per day.
Flowing notes and ballots collected after each debate. 50 pts. total
For the debate itself, a rubric will be given.
Debate Resolutions: Period 1
1. Police should be required to wear a body cam while on duty.
Pro: Megan/Charlene
Con: JeeJee and Naomi
2. Students should take at least one online class.
Pro: Yang /Josh
Con: Diane/Andrew
3. Euthanasia should be legal.
Pro: Natalie/Kori
Con: Jade/Elijah
4. Torture shouldn’t be illegal in certain circumstances.
Pro: Penelope/Isabella
Con: Olivia/Mark
5. Veterans are not being treated with the respect they deserve in the U.S.
Pro: Jessica/Payten
Con:
6. Judges shouldn’t be allowed to sentence people to death.
Pro: Taylor/Ryan
Con: Ashley/Brittany
7. Drinking age should be 18.
Con: Liam/Ramey
Debate Resolutions: Period 6
1. Dogs are better household pets than cats.
Pro: Eric/Melinda Con: Harrison/Hunter
2. Prostitution should be legal.
Pro: Claudia
Con: Alex
3. Students should be allowed to wear hats at school.
Pro: Jaden/Cassidy
Con: Evelyn/Jessica
4. Students should have to wear uniforms.
Pro: Elsa/Courtney Con: Jordan/Justin
5. Torture shouldn’t be illegal in certain definable circumstances.
Pro: Joe
Con: Megan/Charlotte
6. The drinking age should be 18.
Pro: Nicole/Daniela
Con: Julia/Itzel