Social Debate in the Social Sciences
Introduction to Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology
HSP 3U
TASK:
For this assignment you will:
 Join a group (based on an activity created by the teacher) in order to research and debate on a topic based on
which subculture is most influential in the area to which you live in.
 Each group is to create an opening and closing arguments for their topic.
 Each group will debate their topics with each other. They will have to engage in proper debate etiquette.
 Every member of the group will have a specific part to do. There are groups of two’s
TIPS:
 Select a ROLE for each of group members
 Your introduction must have at least three points that supports why your subculture is the most
influential in our society today.
 Your conclusion must restate your main points plus require you to add information to present
throughout the debate.
It is important that the topic relates to you. Here is the list of subcultures that exist in our society today:
-Vampire
-Rave
-Science-Fiction fandom
-Beat generation/Beatnik
-Comic book/manga
-Extreme/alternative sports
-Hip-hop
-Punk
-Grunge
-Cybergoth
-Gamerz
-Teenybopper
-OR any other subculture accepted by the teacher _____________________
Your topic should be of some interest to you. It is important to gather research in all kinds of formats. Your argument
must clearly be presented in your opening statement.
The Statements - In Detail
Both, the opening and closing arguments must be written. It should be neatly laid out with the following format:
OPENING STATEMENT (3 to 4 minutes)
1) Opening Introduction: clearly defining your subculture and why it has been the most influential in our society
today
2) Body Paragraphs: Providing evidence that supports your argument. There must be a MINIMUM of three points
of contention to support your argument.
3) Conclusion: Some closing remarks to your opening. You can provide personal opinions or critique other
subcultures through your own remarks.
CLOSING STATEMENT (3 to 4 minutes)
1) Opening Introduction: reintroduce why your subculture is the most important.
2) Facts or Evidence: provide additional evidence to support your closing. You may want to make notes during
the debate and rebuttal in order to make your argument more sound. You can restate your main points with
additional information collected throughout the debate.
3) Closing: To conclude your arguments made.
NOTE: you can have the closing written on the day you present, you can hand in your formal closing the day after
the debate has ended.
The DUE DATE for this assignment is: _____________________________
Social Debate in the Social Sciences
Introduction to Anthropology, Sociology, and Psychology
Evaluation:
Name(s) ___________________________
Criteria
Knowledge &
Understanding
Understanding the
rules and regulation
of debate format.
Not
Demonstrated
Issues:
Thinking & Inquiry
Arguments are
completed and
designed in a proper
debate format.
Issues:
Communication
Debate skills are
presented in a
proper fashion
Issues:
Rebuttals (questions
and responses to
questions asked)
were communicated
throughout the
debate.
Application
Appropriate spelling,
grammar, and
punctuation
Issues:
What I liked about your assignment:
MARK: __________
Level 1
(50 – 59%)
Demonstrates
limited
understanding of
the rules and
regulations of
debating
Arguments are
limited; opening
& closing
statements are
designed with
limited
effectiveness
Student has
demonstrated
limited debate
etiquette
Level 2
(60 – 69%)
Demonstrates
some
understanding of
the rules and
regulations of
debating
Arguments are
satisfactory;
opening & closing
statements are
designed with
some
effectiveness
Student has
demonstrated
some debate
etiquette
Level 3
(70 – 79%)
Demonstrates
considerable
understanding of
the rules and
regulations of
debating
Arguments are
considerable;
opening & closing
statements are
adequate for
debate
Level 4
(80 – 100%)
Demonstrates
exceptional
understanding of
the rules and
regulations of
debating
Superb
arguments;
opening & closing
statements are
outstanding
Student has
demonstrated
considerable
debate etiquette
Student has
demonstrated
exceptional
debate etiquette
Student had a
limited
engagement in
the rebuttals
Student
demonstrated
some
engagement in
the rebuttals
Student displayed
a considerable
portion of
engagement in
the rebuttals
Student’s
engagement in
the rebuttals was
exceptional and
very engaging
Written and
presented with
limited clarity;
difficult to
understand;
many errors in
spelling and
grammar
Written and
presented with
moderate clarity;
some parts are
difficult to
understand;
several errors in
spelling and
grammar
Written and
presented with
considerable
clarity; relatively
easy to
understand; few
errors in spelling
and grammar
Written and
presented with a
high degree of
clarity; easy to
understand; no
errors in spelling
and grammar
What you might like to try next time: