 Debate
 There
is a formal type of argument.
are several forms of debate, but
all include guidelines that make sure
everyone has a chance to speak their
minds.
Every debate has a topic.
This should be a pretty specific topic
statement, not a question!
“Cell phones should not be allowed in school.”
“School should start at 10am and end at 5pm.”
A debate is most interesting when it is
on a topic that people disagree about!
As each topic appears, give
a thumbs up if you think it’s a
good topic for a debate or a
thumbs down if you think it
would make for a bad
debate.
Cell phones should not be allowed
in schools.
This is a good choice for a debate topic
because…
… it is specific.
… it is controversial (not everyone agrees).
I love animals.
This is a poor topic for a debate
because…
… it isn’t specific!
… it isn’t controversial (there is no
disagreement)!
Making healthy food choices is
good for you.
This is a poor topic for a debate
because…
… while it is specific, it isn’t
controversial!
Mr. X is the best candidate for
President.
This is a good topic for a debate
because…
… it is specific!
… it is controversial!
Every debate has two sides.
AFFIRMATIVE
This side says that the
topic statement is
correct.
NEGATIVE
This side says that the
topic statement is
wrong.
Both people need a turn to speak!
There are many different kinds of debate…
Here is one example:
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
A speaker
makes the
argument that
supports the
debate topic.
Both people need a turn to speak!
There are many different kinds of debate…
Here is one example:
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
Cross Examination
The negative
side asks the
affirmative side
questions
about their
argument.
Both people need a turn to speak!
There are many different kinds of debate…
Here is one example:
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
Cross Examination
Negative Argument
A speaker
makes the
argument that
goes against
the debate
topic.
Both people need a turn to speak!
There are many different kinds of debate…
Here is one example:
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
Cross Examination
Negative Argument
Cross Examination
The affirmative
side asks the
negative side
questions
about their
argument
Both people need a turn to speak!
There are many different kinds of debate…
Here is one example:
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
Cross Examination
Negative Argument
Cross Examination
Affirmative Rebuttal
The affirmative
side “rebuts”
the negative
side’s
argument.
What does it mean to “rebut” something??
A rebuttal is when one side
gives evidence that
disproves an argument
made by the other side of
the debate.
Both people need a turn to speak!
There are many different kinds of debate…
Here is one example:
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
Cross Examination
Negative Argument
Cross Examination
Affirmative Rebuttal
Negative Rebuttal
The negative
side rebuts the
affirmative
argument.
Both people need a turn to speak!
There are many different kinds of debate…
Here is one example:
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
Cross Examination
Negative Argument
Cross Examination
Affirmative Rebuttal
Negative Rebuttal
Second Affirmative Rebuttal
The affirmative
side gets one
last chance to
make a
rebuttal.
Builds the
main
argument
Asks
for each
questions
side!
about each
side’s
Each side
statements!
defends its
arguments with
more evidence
and shows how
the other side’s
evidence is
faulty
How long it is all
supposed to take…
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Affirmative Argument
7 minutes
Cross Examination of Affirmative
3 minutes
Negative Argument
8 minutes
Cross Examination of Negative
3 minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal
4 minutes
Negative Rebuttal
7 minutes
Second Affirmative Rebuttal
4 minutes

Debate helps us learn more about
topics. When we listen to two people
debate, we learn both arguments.

Debate helps us explore topics ourselves.
When we participate in debate, we are
forced to learn about both arguments
and examine our own opinions.
Most Importantly…
As United States citizens we have the right
to express and defend our position.
It is also our responsibility to be informed.
It’s not that way in all
countries…
Can you imagine what it
would be like if you couldn’t
speak your mind?!