GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS – YOUR DEBATE
Vocabulary:
Genetically modified organism – a living thing which has had its DNA changed by humans to create a desired
result

Example – Scientists put the piece of DNA from a bacteria that makes insect poison into a potato. Now the
potato makes a poison that gives it protection from the beetle.
Debate is an argument for or against a statement (proposition) based on reasoning with evidence. It is about
changing people’s ideas about a topic, ie., winning people to your way of thinking with evidence and
logic.

The argument has a format that allows both sides to present their cases using a combination of
evidence, such as, expert quotes, numerical data, examples, and analogies (comparisons).

The debate format gives debaters a chance to question and respond to the opposite side’s argument.
1. Time is give for cross examination, a time of questioning to expose weak reasoning or
unsupported statements.
2. Time is given for a rebuttal, a use of evidence against opposing attacks. During the rebuttal the
debater may refute, that is, attack with evidence a point made by the opposing side.

To prepare for a debate, the debater researches both sides of the proposition and is ready for the
opposition’s reasoning and evidence.
The following is our proposition:
Resolved that our society go forward with design and development of genetically modified organisms for
human use.
Directions:
1. Research using only websites on the Library Website (these were screened by Ms. Morioka to be full of
useable information. Helpful since we are short of time)
2. Record resource for bibliography and notes from a site in your science journal.
3. Use the rubric on the back side of this page to prepare your case for the debate.
Proposition: Resolved that our society go forward with design and development of genetically modified
organisms for human use.
Criteria
Research
4
Exceeds
Meets

notes and resources
recorded in journal

notes and resources recorded in
journal

a variety of evidence –
examples, data, expert
quotes noted

a variety of evidence – examples,
data, expert quotes noted


notes cover both sides of
issue (separated)
notes cover both sides of issue
(separated)


5-or more pieces of
evidence noted that
strongly support stance
3 - 5 pieces of evidence noted that
strongly support stance

several main opposing pieces of
evidence noted
more than several
opposing pieces of
evidence noted

New vocabulary recorded

Writes stance (for or against) with
prioritized (in order of most
importance to you and audience)
evidence.


New vocabulary recorded

Writes stance (for or
against) with prioritized (in
order of most importance to
you and audience)
evidence.

Writes refutation to major
opposing evidence.
Preparation

Joins ideas with like
minded people

Presents evidence with
logic, clarity and
emphasis.
Debate
Self
Evaluation
3

Notes opposing evidence
and

Uses notes to cross-exam
and form rebuttal
Reflects on how your
research affected your
opinion
Reflects on how
presentations affected
ideas on GMOs



Joins ideas with like
minded people

Presents evidence with logic, clarity
and emphasis.

Notes opposing evidence

Reflects on how presentations
affected ideas GMO’s