6th Grade Class Debate
THE SUPERIOR SOCIETY – ATHENS OR SPARTA?
Our class debate is an exercise designed to allow students to strengthen
their skills in the areas of leadership, interpersonal influence,
teambuilding, group problem solving and oral presentation. All delegation
members are required to participate in the research, development and
presentation of your debate position. This means that you will be as
strong as your weakest link. Be sure that you work together so that all members of your
debate delegation have equivalent background on the positions and arguments that your
delegation will be presenting.
TIPS:

Remember, you are a representative of Athens or Sparta

Refer to yourself as “we”, or “my government” or “my delegation” and be respectful
of other representatives

Begin your speech with “Honorable Chair, Judges, Fellow Representatives, Opposing
Delegates”

Prepare a quick reference paper or note cards with the topics you want to address

Control your hands with minimal, smooth, intentional movements

Know when and to whom you may yield the remainder of your time (chair, points of
Inquiry, other delegates etc.)

Listen closely to the words of other speakers and take notes on arguments you want
to address, comment on.

Note characteristics of other speakers you deem effective and emulate them
When your delegation has determined who will be responsible for each portion of your
team’s debate, it is up to you to prepare yourself for the challenge that lies ahead,. Only
one team will win the debate! Changes are good that the winning team will:

Have a solid background on subject matter of their own and opposing team’s
information

Have plenty of evidence to back up claims

Use teamwork to teach all in the delegation the important concepts behind
specific positions

Be creative, professional, impressive and silently intimidate opponents

Not use non-words including “uh”, “like” or “um”

Have positive attitude and body language at all times
DEBATE FORMAT
The Superior Society - Athens or Sparta?
Immediately prior to commencement of the debate, a coin will be flipped to determine
which delegation will present first.
DEBATE PHASE
DELEGATION SPEAKER
3-4 minute position presentation + questions
_______________________________
3-4 minute position presentation + questions
_______________________________
3 minute work period
3-4 minute rebuttal
_______________________________
3-4 minute rebuttal
_______________________________
3 minute work period
2 minute response
_______________________________
2 minute response
_______________________________
1 minute work period
2 minute position summary
_______________________________
2 minute position summary
_______________________________
Judging
DEBATE PREPARATION/ PLANNING SHEET
Delegation Name ____________________________
PROPONENT OF __________________
OPPONENT OF __________________
DELEGATION MEMBERS:
_____________________________
________________________________
_____________________________
________________________________
_____________________________
________________________________
_____________________________
________________________________
There will be an opening statement made by your delegation. This should be 3-4 minutes
long and should state your team’s position and arguments you are proposing
Responsible member(s): ________________________________________________
You should have 3-5 questions that can be asked of your opponents.
Responsible member(s): ____________________________________________
These should be on separate sheets of paper or on note cards for easy reference. These
questions should be specifically directed to your opponents and should be concise and
clear.
Responsible member(s): ____________________________________________
You should anticipate questions and prepare answers to questions your opponents are likely
to ask you.
Responsible member(s): ____________________________________________
You should have a final conclusive argument/statement drawn up which will be presented at
the end of the debate. This should be no longer than 4 minutes. You should have this
largely written prior to the debate but should take notes during the entire debate and
make alterations/additions to your final argument throughout the debate.
Responsible member(s): ____________________________________________
SAMPLE JUDGES SCORING SHEET
SPARTA or ATHENS
Criteria
Opening statement was clear,
well organized, and relevant.
First arguments were fact
based, in support of position,
stated clearly, and
demonstrated subject
knowledge
Rebuttal to opposing side’s
argument was clear, relevant,
well informed, and effective.
Questions to opposing team
were well thought out, well
stated and provocative
Responses to opposing side’s
questions were clear, wellinformed, and relevant.
Closing statement was stated
clearly, relevant, and effectively
summarized the team's
position.
Overall preparedness,
effectiveness, and
professionalism in the debate.
Total Points Earned: ______
Overall Comments:
Rate:
Comments
1-10
DEBATE RUBRIC
The Superior Society - Athens or Sparta?
Delegation Name ____________________________
PROPONENT OF __________________
OPPONENT OF __________________
DELEGATION MEMBERS:
_____________________________
________________________________
_____________________________
________________________________
_____________________________
________________________________
_____________________________
________________________________
ITEM
POSITION
USE OF FACTS &
EXAMPLES
RELEVANCE OF
SUPPORTING
ARGUMENTS
STRENGTH OF
ARGUEMENTS
SPEAKING VOICE
PREPARATION
PROFESSIONALISM
COMMENTS:
8–7
POINTS
6-4
POINTS
3-1
POINTS
TOTAL SCORE _____/56
TOTAL
POINTS