The Debate
Debate Rules
No put downs. (Use civility)
You must raise your hand if it's not your time to speak.
Teams lose 1 point for each interruption.
Teams lose 1 point for whispering while another speaker is talking.
Times
Opening statements for both sides = 3 minutes each
Arguments for both sides = 3 minutes each
Rebuttal conference = 1 minute
Rebuttals = 2 minutes each
Closing statements for both sides = 3 minutes each
Debate Layout
Clear statement of main idea in opening statement
Points
1.
2.
3.
Rebuttals
Closing Statement
Debate Rubric Criteria
-Addresses the Issue
-Supports with Facts
-Rebuttal
-Persuasiveness
-Teamwork
-Organization
Debate Worksheet:
Opening Statement:
Gather the main arguments into an introductory statement. Does not give specific information;
just says "this is true because of A and B." Explain what your proposition means and what side
you are arguing. (Plan for 3 minutes)
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Topic Arguments:
Present the main arguments for the team. Each presenter give specific details that prove A and
B that you mentioned in your opening statement. (Plan for 3 minutes)
1.___________________________________________________________________________
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2.___________________________________________________________________________
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Rebuttal Presentation:
Answer the arguments of the other team. You have three minutes to take notes as the other team
is presenting their arguments and then one minute to put together your rebuttal. In your
rebuttal, try to use every argument they bring up and use specific information to disprove them.
(Plan for 2 minute rebuttal time)
1.___________________________________________________________________________
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2.___________________________________________________________________________
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Closing Statement:
Present the closing arguments. Repeat the main idea for your position and restate the supporting
ideas one last time. Close with a question or thought to make your audience continue to think
about your argument. (Plan for 3 minutes)
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Debators:
Issue:
Pro or Con
DEBATE RUBRIC
Category
Presidential The Student
Debates
Senate Council
Floor Election
4
Addresses
Issues
Support with
Facts
Rebuttal
Organization
2
Always addresses
topic
Usually
addresses
topic
Uses many facts
that support topic
Uses some Uses few facts
facts that
that support
support
topic
topic
Rarely
addresses
topic
Did not
address
topic
Does not
use facts
that support
topic
Disproving
arguments
unclear or
unconvincing
Does not
disprove
opposing
side
Arguments clear
and convincing
Arguments are
rarely clear
and
convincing
Arguments
are never
clear and
convincing
Arguments
are
sometimes
clear and
convincing
Used team member One
effectively
member
does the
talking 75%
Equal timing
of the time
One member No one
does the
talks
talking 100%
of the time
Electrifies audience
in opening
statement
Closure convinces
audience
Introduces
topic and
brings some
closure to the
debate
Grabs
attention
Brings
closure to
the debate
Score
1
Disproves opposing Disproves
side with specific
opposing
examples based on side
their argument
Persuasiveness
Teamwork
3
Not
Yet
Does not
introduce
topic; no
closure
TOTAL __________