DEBATE OUTLINE ASSIGNMENT (Accelerated)
Objective: Select a topic to debate and prepare an argument in outline form
Practice Debate Outline Model
I.
II.
Position or opinion:
Reason 1:
a. Detail:
b. Detail:
c. Detail:
d. Detail:
III.
Reason 2:
a. Detail:
b. Detail:
c. Detail:
d. Detail:
IV.
Opposing view summary:
a. Detail / discredit:
b. Detail / discredit:
c. Detail / discredit:
Instructions
1. You and your debate opponent will flip a coin to decide who gets
to pick the topic from the list below.
2. The debate opponent who did not get to choose the topic will
decide which position he or she wants to take. The other
opponent must accept the opposing position.
3. After selected a topic and position, each opponent must
independently read the resource material provided for your topic,
highlighting any using information and ideas.
4. Use the above model outline to prepare for your debate. Fee free
to add more than three details for each reason. You will be
speaking for two minutes during the first round and for one
minute during the closing.
Topics Menu
 Sports: are they really good for us?
 School uniforms: are school uniforms a good idea?
 Cell phones: do kids really need them?
 Homework: should we get rid of it?
 Unhealthy food: should it be banned in schools?
DEBATE OUTLINE RUBRIC (30 points)
All outlines will be collected and graded based on the following rubric:
_____ Opinion statement clearly stated (3)
______Reason 1 and four distinct supporting details (5)
______Reason 2 and four distinct supporting details (5)
_____ Three points of the opposing view are summarized (3)
_____Three details are included to discredit opposing view (3)
_____Outline is formatted properly using the model provided (5)
_____Spelling and punctuation is correct (4)
_____Proper heading and title (2)
Debate outline assignment.doc
DEBATE OUTLINE ASSIGNMENT (Honors)
Objective: Select a topic to debate and prepare an argument in outline form
Practice Debate Outline Model
I. Position or opinion:
II. Reason 1:
a. Detail:
b. Detail:
c. Detail:
d. Detail:
III. Reason 2:
a. Detail:
b. Detail:
c. Detail:
d. Detail:
IV. Opposing view summary:
a. Detail / discredit:
b. Detail / discredit:
c. Detail / discredit:
Instructions
i. You and your debate opponent will flip a coin to decide who gets
to pick the topic from the list below.
ii. The debate opponent who did not get to choose the topic will
decide which position he or she wants to take. The other opponent
must accept the opposing position.
iii. After selected a topic and position, each opponent must
independently read the resource material provided for your topic,
highlighting any using information and ideas.
iv. Use the above model outline to prepare for your debate. Fee free
to add more than three details for each reason. You will be
speaking for two minutes during the first round and for one minute
during the closing.
Topics Menu









Zoos: should we ban the keeping of animals?
Gangsta rap: should the government censor violent song lyrics?
Smoking ban: should smoking be banned in public places?
Sports: are they really good for us?
Boxing: should it be banned?
School uniforms: are school uniforms a good idea?
Global Warming: is more action really needed?
Cell phones: do kids really need them?
Unhealthy food: should it be banned in schools?
DEBATE OUTLINE RUBRIC (30 points)
All outlines will be collected and graded based on the following rubric:
_____ Opinion statement clearly stated (3)
______Reason 1 and four distinct supporting details (5)
______Reason 2 and four distinct supporting details (5)
_____ Three points of the opposing view are summarized (3)
_____Three details are included to discredit opposing view (3)
_____Outline is formatted properly using the model provided (5)
_____Spelling and punctuation is correct (4)
_____Proper heading and title (2)
Debate outline assignment.doc