HRT 3M1- World Religions
World Religions Oral Summative:
Great Debates
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of studying history is how different
conclusions can be drawn by examining the same events. Being able to
analyze data, form an opinion on a controversial issue, and clearly defend
that interpretation with evidence is a vital skill.
Task: Students will research a controversial issue concerning the role of
religion in the world and / or specific issues from a religious perspective.
Working with in teams, students will organize their research in preparation
to debate their issue in front of the class. THIS IS THE ORAL SUMMATIVE
FOR THIS COURSE AND WILL MAKE UP 15% OF YOUR MARK.
 Students will debate in teams of two- three but will be marked
individually
 Each student must prepare a brief opening and closing statement or
can create a ‘team’ opening and closing statement
 Each student must prepare ONE main argument for debate
 Each student must have a visual presentation of:
a) ARGUMENTS / EVIDENCE (images, quotes, statistics, speeches,
pictures, documents etc.)
b) REBUTTAL EVIDENCE (maps, images, quotes, statistics, speeches,
pictures, documents etc.) which will be used during debate
(powerpoint, prezi, concept map, word document). This should be
uploaded to moodle.
Debating Tips
When presenting…
 Always stand when speaking
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Always make clear connections and provide analysis and conclusions
between your evidence, arguments and your thesis
face your opponents but also open yourself to the audience (do not
speak with your back to them)
be confident: eye contact, clear voice
have a pen / pencil and piece of paper to write down notes / ideas /
rebuttals / points that you want to make
Agree on any necessary definitions…
 Depending on the topic question, key terms may need to
be defined (ie. “justified”, “winner” etc.)
 Groups must come to a consensus on all terms that need to be
defined. This will avoid the use of different definitions in the debate
and keep the question clear and concise.
Use Visuals…

to enhance your argument / rebuttal / opening & closing statements
/ free for all
 example of visuals: images, quotes, statistics, charts, graphs, maps
 Use large font and bold , underline, italics or highlight tool on
powerpoints / prezi / Smart Ideas (visuals)
 Always include the source under all evidence (or use footnotes)

Organize your evidence so it is easy to read and follow
Help your team…
 Stand as a team to show support of your partner
 Help your team help with AV equipment (Smart Board, Smart
Ideas, powerpoint, slideshow) while you are presenting your
opening / closing, arguments or challenges
Be professional and respectful
 prepare and practice your arguments (use all the allotted time as
most efficiently as possible)
 dress professionally

listen to your opponents arguments then respond (don’t speak over
them)
Opening
Introduction
Statement
-introduce team members
-introduce question
-state your side (thesis)
-give any necessary definitions
Tell a Story
-provide background information / overview
of the topic / issue (dates, key people, impact
on society)
-give perspective to the side that you are
arguing that may appeal to the audience
(“Imagine…”)
-state effects of the issue on history (social,
political, economic, military)
-show images / quotes / stats
State
-state the main arguments that your team
Arguments
will be presenting (name or categorize the
arguments)
-offer some challenges / questions to the
opposition
-restate your thesis
Main
Categorize your Formulate your argument (name it under a
Arguments argument
theme or catchy name that is easy for the
class to recall-- ie. "My first argument that I
will present to you will be called the
'Puppeteer' argument". (this could be an
argument as to why Hitler could not have
been stopped prior to 1939 because he was a
mastermind at manipulating the masses of the
people AND world leaders > then the debater
will show specific visual evidence such as
images, quotes from speeches, statistics,
timeline etc..
Be clear and
concise
Be clear and concise and convince your
audience. Time your argument. Do not read
paragraphs to the class--- summarize your
ideas and make simple and easy to understand
points with evidence to back it up.
Remember, it is not what you think, it is what
you can prove!!!
Relate to your Relate back to the thesis / side of the debate
side
you are proving.
Rebuttals Before Hand
Prepare potential challenges that you can
pose to your opposition. Find evidence to
back up your challenges.
During debate Rebuttal- Listen to the opening statement and
arguments presented. You must make
challenges based on what has been presented
during the debate. Ask for clarification, pose
questions, challenge sources, arguments,
evidence (or lack of) and show evidence to
prove your own challenges.
Free for All
you can challenge / defend and address any
points, arguments, evidence etc. made during
the debate. Don't let up (no dead air)
Conclusion Restate thesis -restate team members
- restate question and any definitions
-restate thesis
Recap the issue -review the major issue, impact, effects and
perspective of the topic
Recap the
-restate the main arguments and highlight all
arguments and the major evidence used to prove both
key evidence
arguments
-show images / quotes / stats
Rebuttal
-restate the major challenges to oppositions
Challenges
arguments / evidence
Closing
-restate thesis
-end with a quote / statistics or image