Researching for a
Debate
What is a debate?
 A debate is, simply put, an argument.
 But rather than being a shouting match
between two sides, a debate has strict rules
of conduct, utilizing sophisticated techniques.
 You may be put in a position where you must
argue the opposite of what you believe in.
This is an important part of the art of
debating.
Exploring the Topic
 Define the topic
 “layman’s” terms
 Be aware of the scope of the debate
 What is included, what is not included
 Get a clear understanding of your position
(Pro vs. Con)
 If in doubt, ask your learning manager for
clarification
Coming up with
Keywords
Children



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Parents
Families
Society
Kids
Google Hint:
Punish



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Discipline
Spank
Time-Out
Guidance
~Discipline will search for the word
promotion and its common synonyms
define: Discipline will search for
definitions and links
Brainstorming
Brainstorm ALL possible arguments for
& against the topic
Come up with as many arguments as
possible to support your claim
Think about possible rebuttal
arguments
Use a concept map and PMI
Importance of Research
 Arguments will be based on evidence, facts
and statistics.
 Debater will become familiar with the topic,
which allows for better flow of ideas and
better preparation for rebuttal arguments.
 Over-research.
 Use multiple, diverse sources.
Looking for Information
Check the library for:
Books
Periodicals
Government documents
Newspapers
Videos/DVDs
Human expertise
Looking for Information
Check the Internet for:
Online databases
Current information (online newspapers,
articles, studies. . .)
Blogs, Wikis, and websites of concerned
organizations and societies.
Searching tips
 Use “debate” language
 Versus, for against, argument
 Be clear & specific
 Correct spelling is important
 Phrase searching
 “social promotion”
 Leave out and, the, a , of . . .
 Use the * wildcard (e.g. child* for child,
children ; punish* for punish, punishing,
punishment etc.
Going Beyond Google
Holland College Library has licensed several
databases that provide access to full text articles and
current information: (accessible from home as well)
•ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
•Education Research Complete
•Academic Search Elite
•Professional Development Collection
•SOCIndex
•Daily Life Online
•E-STAT (Government Statistics)
Evaluate your sources
Think critically about the information
you find. Remember that your opponent
will be as well.
Ask yourself some of these questions…
Accuracy
Does the source seem correct? Do
you need to cross check the
information with a second source?
Is it peer-reviewed?
Currency
Is this source up to date? How old is
too old?
Objectivity
Is this source opinion or fact? Is it
unnecessarily biased?
Purpose
What is the purpose of this source?
Is it trying to inform, to sell, to
promote?
Authority
Who is the author / publisher of this
source?
Is she/he a well-known researcher in
the field? Is the journal accepted as
authoritative by researchers?
Get Organized to Debate
Take lots of notes
Use index cards or paper that can easily be
reorganized
Keep the notes short
Add personal comments
Include facts and statistics
Acknowledge your
sources for credibility
http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/notes.shtml
Get Organized to Debate
Develop a thesis statement to guide
your debate
Formulate a plan for an introduction,
presentation of evidence and
conclusion
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the basic argument
advanced by a speaker or writer who then
attempts to prove it; the subject or major
argument of a speech or composition
ww2.aps.edu/~apsedumain/CurriculumInstruction/glossary.htm
A thesis statement:
 states the topic / main idea of the debate
 shows the purpose of the debate
 shows the direction of your argument
 is captivating
Thesis examples
 It is better to spank children.
weak example
 Studies have shown that spanking children is an
effective means of behavioural modification and
that if used properly, leads to a better disciplined
and more socially productive adult.
stronger example
Introduction
Your point must have a basic, clear
introduction.
You can open with a general thought or
anecdote, but directly connect the intro
to your thesis statement.
Start by being strong and confident.
Evidence
Gather at least three pieces of evidence
to support your claim.
Have information on each “sub topic”
prepared ahead of time.
Conclusion
Conclude your debate by disproving the
opponent’s point.
Reaffirm your position by repeating the
highlights of your evidence.
Restate your thesis.
Rebuttal
 Do your research to be well-prepared for
contra arguments.
 Take notes of the points to rebut.
 Concentrate on the important points and use
logic to show why the other side is wrong.
 Attack each argument that the opposition
presents in turn.
Debate Tips
 Search the web for debating videos.
 Have notes prepared, but do not let your
debate become an oral presentation of a
written essay.
 Practice speaking aloud in front of a mirror or
other people.
 Understand both sides of the debate so that
you are prepared to contradict the other side.
 Be ready to let go of small points.
Concentrate on debating the main topics and
prepared evidence.
2010
Holland College Library Services