4th Marking Period Project
XUS History
Name: _______________________
Mrs. Gardner
U.S. President Research Paper Debates
Debate Topic: President __________________________’s administration was overall
beneficial to the United States.
I.
To do today:
1. familiarize yourself with the expectations for this assignment -- for your
particular debate and as an audience judging other people’s debates
2. look over your research paper
3. meet with your debate partner
4. prepare questions you will ask during the debates-divide the task with
your partner
5. anticipate questions you may be asked and prepare responses
II. ASSIGNMENT:
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As per your research paper, each topic is divided into teams with 2
students arguing pro and 2 students arguing con to the debate topic
question above. Your paper will serve as your research for this
assignment.
The debates will start Monday and will continue for two days next week.
All must be prepared_____________. We will have two debates per day.
During your debate, you may have notes and should also take notes while
you are actively listening to your opponents.
Students in class who are not debating will be observing and evaluating
the debates and will determine the winner each day based on a rubric that
will be provided in class. (Candy will be provided for the winners from
your most awesome teacher)
Your grade for this assignment is not based on winning or losing the
debate.
The best debates will reflect preparation, mastery of content, confidence in
delivery, teamwork, and use of factual sources to support your comments
and responses
Makeup debates, if necessary, will take place before or after school.
Each day, bring your homework to class and remember to keep
up with your assignment schedule
I will introduce the topic each day
Please remember to submit your self-evaluation and the questions you
prepared for this debate on the day after your debate; this drastically
effects your grade!
III. FORMAT:
A. There will be two members on each team.
1. On each team, there will be a 1st Pro and a 2nd Pro, or if arguing the
other side of the debate, a 1st Con and 2nd Con.
2. The format of the debate will be as follows:
1st Pro
2 minutes to argue
2 minutes questioned
By 2nd Con
1st Con
2 minutes
2 min. questioned
by 2nd Pro
2nd Pro
2 minutes
2 min. questioned
by 1st Con
2nd Con
2 minutes
2 min. quest.
by 1st Pro
3. The topics being debated will be assigned and the pro/con position will
be assigned as well.
4. The teams will be arranged by the teacher.
IV. EVALUATION: 100 Points Total
A. 20 point honest self-evaluation- see debate self-evaluation sheet
B. 20 Points for Questions prepared in advance
C. 60 points for debate
1. 20 points for 2 minutes opening argument
2. 20 points for response to questions
3. 20 points for questions asked
4. See criteria for debate evaluation as to how you will be graded during
the debate specifically. Each student will be judged on validity of
argument, style and interest level of presentation, and effectiveness in
debate.