Debate – Culminating Task
For your culminating task in the historical children’s fiction unit it is important to take the
time to reflect on the timeline and the gradual development of children’s literature
throughout the decades and centuries to allow you an understanding of the current era of
children’s books. Thus for your debate, you are expected to use the information –both
non-fiction and fiction – that you have been working with throughout this unit; you are
expected to be able to comfortably quoting and referencing these sources.
Topics
a. Are Children Idiots or Blank Slates?
b. Should Children be guided by adults or should they learn
through exploration?
Guidelines
Your class will be broken into four teams of approximately eight students. Your teacher
will be observing group dynamic during the two work periods, but you will also submit
your notes for consideration.
My topic: _______________________________________________________________
Debate Date: _____________________________________________________________
Debate Expectations
1. Each group will be expected to make a formal Introductory and a Concluding
Comment. These comments MUST be presented by a different member of the group.
These comments should include reference to a main argument as well as all supporting
points. That being said, these should not make your teacher or classmates want to poke
their eyes out for sheer boredom – find a way to be dynamic and memorable.
2. During the main part of the debate, teams will take turns raising points. Each point of
your argument will be raised during this time, you will be given two minutes to outline
and support this point. Your opposition will then have two minutes to DESTROY your
argument. After these four minutes, the other team will raise a new point.
3. At the end of the debate (prior to concluding comments), the teams will engage in a
six minute free-for-all, followed by two minutes of group discussion to add any
triumphant, in-your-face last points to the concluding comments.
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Debate Rubric
Team Names ____________________________________________________________
Topic: __________________________________________________________________
Evaluation Scale: 1 = weak 2 = developing 3 = adequate 4 = above average 5 = amazing
Students should note that levels one through four will function as they do on most rubrics, while level five
will allow groups to achieve a high honours mark.
1. Appearance of the team
1
2
3
4
5
2. Opening statements were clear and addressed the central issues of the debate.
1
2
3
4
5
3. Overall impression of the presentation – eye contact, use of voice
1
2
3
4
5
4. Claims show evidence of research.
1
2
5
3
4
5. Rebuttal statements effectively addressed the statements of the opposing team.
1
2
3
4
5
6. The presentation demonstrated organization and forethought.
1
2
3
4
5
7. Final statements effectively summarized salient points and improved the team’s
position.
1
2
3
4
5
8. Participants adhered to rules and procedures.
1
2
3
Winning Team?
4
5
Most Consistent Rating:
Additional Comments:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Total Mark:
%