Causes of the American Revolution
Semi-formal Debate Instructions
In class, we have presented ourselves the question, “Why did the English colonies in
North America announce their independence from the mother country by the year 1776?”
To discover answers to this question we will conduct a debate on four pivotal events of
the period 1763-1774.
This page is a summary of the rules of the debate and the required written work. These
instructions will also present a grading rubric to aid in the preparation of you oral
presentation and materials.
Rules:
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Each side in the debate should prepare a 1 minute opening statement. An
opening statement serves two purposes. First it presents what you will be
attempting to prove. Second, it attracts the sympathies and emotions of the
audience.
Sides “A” and “B” will give a 2-3 minute presentation of specific arguments.
Since you have told us what you will prove, this part of the debate is where you
present the facts and evidence that support your conclusions. At the same time
you must make your argument understandable and interesting to the audience.
During the presentation each side should take notes because at the conclusion of
the arguments both sides will have an opportunity to present a 1 1/2 minute
response.
The next part of the debate allows the audience to participate. Under the direction
of the moderator(me), question may be asked of any of the participants. Audience
members may pose questions to debaters and/or debaters to one another. If a
question is presented to side “A,” then side “B” will have an opportunity to
respond to side “A’s” answer. This part of the debate will last from 5 to 10
minutes depending on the quality of the questions and responses. In this portion
of the debate, audience members may enhance their own debate grade by
receiving credit for solid questions posed to the debate panel.
Finally, each side must prepare a 1 minute conclusion. This conclusion serves
the same function as an essay’s conclusion. You are to leave the audience with no
doubt about the veracity of your conclusions and remind the audience of the
weaknesses of your opponent’s arguments. It should be forceful and emotional.
Each audience member will complete a debate-scoring guide and select a winner based
on the provided rubric.
Hints:
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You are to debate as if you were living in the era in which the events took place.
Debates are ¾ facts and logic. However, it may be difficult to convince anyone
that your cause is just if you do not present you material forcefully. The best
prepared teams in the world have lost out because their case was not adequately
presented. In other words, that ¼ presentation is vitally important.
In preparing, use any facts that you can get your hands on. Make any arguments
that you think are convincing. However, you should never fabricate facts. This is
the surest way to lose and receive a failing grade in the process.
It is possible for both teams to receive an “A.” Work hard towards that goal.
The winning side in each debate will receive a five percent bonus for their debate
grade.
The debate is worth two grades.
Required Written Work:
Each group will submit a folder ON THE DAY OF YOUR DEBATE, PRIOR TO
THE DEBATE’S BEGINNING that includes:
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Title page with all group members listed, debate topic, and side.
Written opening statement
Written arguments
Written closing statement
Annotated bibliography and any other evidence of research
Statement of preparation signed by all group members with % of final grade each
should receive