Debate Definition
A debate is a formal argument in which there are two sides that take opposing viewpoints and discuss them in an organized manner.
Importance of Debate
Debates are an important way to share ideas and to critically analyze information. Debates challenge speakers to carefully research out both sides of a topic or question, and come up with solid evidence to support their chosen side, while at the same time anticipating problems and providing solutions. Debates are first thought to have originated in Greece, when Socrates is most believed to have developed the Socratic debating method in order to encourage his students to think more deeply about philosophical and political questions. Greek philosopher Plato later wrote down this process, and Aristotle later viewed this method as the basis of the scientific method.
In American society, debates have been a central part of our government since before America was its own country. Town Hall debates were a way for local citizens to have a say in the daily activities and issues in their towns, and later, debates became commonplace in town halls, town squares, and local bars as the Revolution began to brew. Since the establishment of our government, political debates have been a way for citizens to hear candidates’ views on issues, policies, and to get a sense of the candidates’ personalities.
In every debate there are two sides, although sometimes there is also a neutral or undecided section. The side that argues for the proposition is called the Affirmative (sometimes called the “Pro”); the side against the proposition is called the Negative (sometimes called the “Con”). Often, there is a Moderator who controls the questions and makes sure emotions stay under control. Sometimes there is also a Timekeeper, but many Moderators also complete this task. The debate format can also extend into the digital world, even including Moderators occasionally, although they may not be officially appointed as such.
Propositions in Debate
In general, there are three kinds of propositions for debates: Fact, Policy, and Value.
Fact Proposition
This proposition is based on true or false criteria. The proposition must be based in fact, so it is provable, so some research is necessary to plan for this particular proposition.
Policy Proposition
This proposition typically requires a lot of research and planning because it calls for action and change. The Affirmative must convince the audience that a change needs to occur because it will be beneficial for the majority.
Value Proposition
This proposition typically requires less research and planning because it comes from the Affirmative’s own beliefs (or values) about whether or not a change should occur. Since it is more opinion-based, it is often used for less formal debate formats.
| Propositions |
|---|
| Propositions differ from opinions in that they are rooted in facts, and therefore can be proven more than another side. An opinion is a belief, and while an audience can be swayed, it can be difficult to judge the proven effectiveness of arguments based in a belief, rather than an opinion. The majority of formal debates in schools and college will focus on propositions, rather than opinions. |
A debate is focused on the validity and effectiveness of the arguments presented. According to Will Bentinck, based on the Watson-Glaser Critical Thinking Appraisal, a good argument encompasses the following traits:
- All claims are backed up with reasoning, evidence, or both
- The conclusions follow logically from the premises
- The premises are true, or at least provable
- There are no redundant or stuck-on conclusions
In other words, no matter what kind of claim or argument is made in a debate, one must be able to follow it up with evidence that is logical and reasonable – just like in persuasive writing!
How to Debunk an Argument
John Cook and Stephan Lawandowsky collaborated to create an easy-to-understand handbook on how to best debunk myths and arguments, boiling down complicated theories to real-world applications and an easy step-by-step process. Their handbook is free for download. Some of the most important things to remember when debunking an argument include:
- Present and focus on the core facts of an argument
- Warn the audience before addressing false information
- Fill in the gaps by addressing them, exposing the false information and the techniques used to spread that information, and offering an alternative explanation
- Core facts should be presented visually to the audience
Many of the skills used in debates can also be used for researching and developing a persuasive paper. In a persuasive paper, students need to be able to use elements from the Rhetorical Triangle: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. Utilizing rhetorical strategies and devices in speech will help strengthen (or, if used improperly, weaken) a debater’s case. In a persuasive paper or speech, a student must make a claim and support it with logical reasoning; formulate arguments that make sense and would improve the lives of the majority of the audience if implemented; provide sufficient evidence for those arguments with facts, eyewitness testimony, statistics, and data; utilize rhetorical strategies to access the logical and emotional foundations of the audience; and anticipate or counter arguments against the claim. This is very much the same case in debating. For research papers, these skills can also be used to effectively analyze and sift through information to make sure that it is reliable. One way to prepare for a debate is to use Evidence Cards. Storyboard That can help! See the sample Evidence Card template below.
A Flowsheet is also a crucial requirement to a debate. The Flowsheet is used during the debate as the opposing sides listen to each other’s arguments. The Flowsheet helps individuals and teams stay on track and prepare rebuttals, or “clashes” to the opponent's’ evidence that they present during the debate. Storyboard That can help with Flowsheets! See the sample Flowsheet template below:
The job of the Affirmative side of a proposal is to identify problems and establish a plan for a solution. The burden of proof lies most with the Affirmative side, as they must convince the judges that there is a need for change to begin with. The Affirmative can do this by highlighting problems with the current status quo, and proposing reasonable solutions that provide tangible benefits.
The job of the Negative side is to refute the Affirmative’s proposals, theories, and identified problems by proving that the Affirmative’s evidence and reasoning are faulty. The Negative may offer their own solutions instead, or defend the status quo.
Both sides will create Constructive Speeches which will open the debate and outline the positions and evidence of each side. A Constructive Speech typically lasts 5-8 minutes and outlines the major points of each side’s arguments. These are then opposed by each team with rebuttals or cross-examinations. It is a visual way to plot out key points and ideas and organize them logically. Storyboard That can still help students with this! Please see the Sample Affirmative and Negative Constructive Speech planning templates below:
You can also have students create their own storyboards for each piece of the Constructive Speech, depending on the roles they are assigned, or a format that works best for them as they present their arguments. All storyboards can be printed out or pulled up on a computer screen or tablet for a handy, easy-to-read reference during the debate.
Types of Debate
There are several kinds of debates, but most incarnations fall under the four following categories:
- Lincoln-Douglas
- Rebuttal
- Oregon-Oxford
- One-Rebuttal
The Lincoln-Douglas (Two-Man) Debate
Named after the famous series of seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in 1858, the Lincoln-Douglas debate format poses two people against each other: the Affirmative and the Negative. This style of debate is most beneficial for value propositions because it often focuses on using Rhetorical Strategies such as ethos, pathos, and logos, and is less formal than other debate formats.
Rebuttal
A Rebuttal debate uses two teams comprised of 2-3 members. Each side makes a Constructive Speech, and then has the ability to offer a rebuttal. A rebuttal disproves the points outlined in the Constructive Speech and outlines the reasons why those points are faulty or wrong. The Affirmative team then gets to deliver the final rebuttal.
Oregon Oxford
Like the One-Rebuttal, there are 2-3 members on each side. The 1st Affirmative speaker delivers the entire case for the Affirmative side. Then, a speaker from the Negative side will interpellate or cross-examine the Affirmative side to clarify, expose errors, or to set up an argument. The second speaker from the Negative side will then present the entire case for the Negative. They will then stand for interpellation, or cross-examination, by a speaker from the Affirmative side. The Negative side then delivers a rebuttal speech, and the Affirmative side finishes with their rebuttal speech.
One-Rebuttal
The One-Rebuttal debate is a modified Lincoln-Douglas debate in that there are 2-3 members on each side. In this kind of debate, all members of the team have the opportunity to counter the arguments presented by the opponents except for the 1st Affirmative, who delivers the final rebuttal.
Judging a Debate
There are many factors that go into judging the effectiveness of debates, and some factors are common despite the different formats. Sometimes judges are in charge of timing, and sometimes moderators handle that task. The primary areas judges are supposed to focus on when watching a debate are: structure, effectiveness of arguments, effectiveness of examples and support, effectiveness of rebuttal, and overall presentation. Judges are encouraged to give oral critiques to commend debate participants and to provide constructive feedback. A sample debate rubric has been provided for you below.
| Exemplary 20 Points | Proficient 17 Points | Emerging 13 Points | Needs Improvement 10 Points | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure, Organization, and Clarity | Presentation is clear and shows a sophisticated understanding of format and organization of ideas and issues. Ideas and arguments are presented clearly and in an orderly fashion. | Presentation shows an adequate understanding of format and organization of ideas and issues. Ideas and arguments are mostly clear, and they are presented in an orderly fashion. | Presentation may be clear, but organization may be inconsistent or confused. Ideas and arguments may lack structure and clarity. The arguments may still be presented in an orderly fashion. | Presentation lacks organization, clarity, and may be confusing or difficult to follow at times. The preparation seems limited or not fully understood; chaotic presentation may accompany the above issues. |
| Effectiveness of Arguments | Arguments are clearly detailed with substantial evidence provided to support the arguments. Offers plans of action, addresses or anticipates the other side's assumptions, and utilizes debating strategies effectively. Reasoning is sophisticated and insightful. | Arguments are correct and relevant. There is substantial evidence provided to support the arguments. Offers some plans of action, and anticipates the other side's assumptions. Reasoning is effective paired with evidence. | Arguments are presented, but may lack sufficient evidence to support these arguments. May not offer a reasonable plan of action or anticipate the other side's assumptions effectively. Reasoning is simple, but effective when paired with evidence. | Arguments are confused or offer little evidence for support. Arguments are obviously flawed, and show little anticipation of the other side's assumptions, or research done to address the other side's arguments. |
| Effectiveness of Examples, Support, Facts, and References | Examples, support, and facts are given with appropriate references. Support is relevant and strengthens arguments. | Most examples, support, and facts are given with appropriate references. Support is relevant and strengthens arguments. | Most examples, support, and facts are given with appropriate references. Support may be irrelevant or accidentally weaken arguments. | There are little or few examples, support, and facts given, or evidence is not supported by references at all. Support may be irrelevant or weaken arguments. |
| Effectiveness of Rebuttals | Shows sophisticated understanding of the other side's arguments, and utilizes those to advance own side's position. Identifies errors in reasoning and uses them to own advantage. | Shows adequate understanding of the other side's arguments, and addresses them in response. Identifies errors in reasoning and effectively refutes them. | Shows some understanding of the other side's arguments, but may tend to repeat arguments from own side rather than addressing errors in reasoning. May gloss over or ignore important arguments from the other side, or reply may be ineffective or irrelevant. | Repeats own arguments with little or no address made to the opposing side's arguments. |
| Overall Presentation | Speakers maintain appropriate eye contact, organized notes, speak clearly and with appropriate emphasis and volume. Speakers are confident and animated in their delivery. Pace is appropriate, with an eye to the time, and the team exhibits evidence of careful planning, practice, and preparation. | Speakers maintain appropriate eye contact, organized notes, and speak clearly with appropriate emphasis and volume. Speakers show confidence and keep an adequate pace. Team exhibits evidence of planning, practice, and preparation. The team may occasionally use word fillers in delivery, or lack in emphasis and volume, and while overall they maintain a consistently commendable presentation, there are some qualities which are less than exemplary. | Speakers may lack appropriate eye contact, may sometimes lack organization in notes, and may mumble or incorporate distracting errors in speech. Speakers keep an adequate pace most of the time, and the team shows evidence of planning and some practice and preparation. | Speakers lack eye contact, simply read from their notes, and exhibit little emphasis or volume in their speech. Speakers show little enthusiasm for their topic, and may rely too much on distracting word fillers. Speakers may not exude much confidence in their arguments and in fact, may seem unsure or questioning about their own reasoning. Pacing is off, and the team shows little evidence of planning, practice, and preparation. |
Create Debate Worksheets
Sometimes it's helpful for students to be able to handwrite their evidence and arguments, which is why we put together debate worksheet templates. The templates on this page are found in worksheet format, as well as an organizer for students to outline both sides of the argument. Tailor as needed for the student's grade level and reuse as often as you'd like.
Debates are extremely useful for helping students improve many important skills that will translate into their writing and everyday lives. Some of the most important skills students will learn include: public speaking, research, teamwork, critical thinking, independent learning, and creative thinking. In addition, engaging in debates encourages students to develop and inform their values and ideas, and how to articulate them in an effective way. Debates differ from typical public speaking forums in that students are expected to not only participate, but challenge their opponents’ assertions.
Common Debate Topics and Categories
Political
- Election Campaigns
- Policy Issues
- Merits of Laws
- Taxes
Social
- Abortion
- Animal Testing
- Gun Control
- Medical Marijuana
- Death Penalty
- Performance Enhancing Drugs in Sports
- Global Warming and Climate Change
- Environmental policies
- Euthanasia
- Violent Video Games
School Policies
- School Uniforms
- Recycling Programs
- Eating in Class
- Extra Time Between Classes
- Later Start Times
- Shortening or Lengthening the School Year
- Bullying and Cyberbullying
- Defending Arts Programs
- Abolishing Prom Court
Suggested Student Activities with Storyboard That
Use Storyboard That to plan out both sides of a debate when preparing for a debate.
Use Storyboard That to reenact key moments and bloopers from important political debates.
Have students use the rubrics to analyze presidential debates and other political debates, including for school elections.
Have students use the Judging a Political Debate rubric below for the Nixon vs. Kennedy debate in 1960. Have half of the class analyze the candidates while looking away from the screen; have the other half of the class analyze the candidates while watching the debate. Have students come together and share who they think scored better on the rubric, and note the stark differences between the students who watched, and the students who listened.
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structure, Organization, and Clarity | Candidate was prepared, organized, and efficient in answering questions and delivering remarks. Responses were timely and cognizant of the debate forum. Transitions were smooth and logical. | Candidate was prepared, organized and efficient in answering most questions and delivering most remarks. Responses were timely and cognizant of the debate forum. Most transitions were smooth and logical. | Candidate was somewhat prepared, a bit disorganized, and not quite as efficient in answering questions and delivering remarks. Responses were sometimes too long or too short, but the candidate was cognizant of the debate forum. Transitions could be somewhat rocky or confusing. | Candidate was ill-prepared, disorganized, and lacked efficiency in answering most questions and delivering remarks. Responses often showed a lack of awareness of time and the debate forum, which may have led to confusion or chaotic transitions. |
| Effectiveness of Arguments | Candidate's arguments were logical, provided sufficient supporting evidence, and seemed rooted in careful thought, research, and preparation. | Most of the candidate's arguments were logical, provided sufficient supporting evidence, and seemed rooted in careful thought, research, and preparation. Some arguments may have lacked effective evidence or logical reasoning. | Some of the candidate's arguments were logical, provided sufficient supporting evidence, and seemed rooted in careful thought, research, and preparation. Too many of the candidate's arguments lacked evidence, or seemed illogical. | Candidate's arguments were illogical and lacked sufficient supporting evidence. The candidate's arguments did not seem well-planned or prepared. |
| Use of Language | Candidate's word choice, phrasing, and rhetorical devices created an effective emotional and logical response from the audience. The candidate was compelling, sincere, and made statements that were memorable or thought-provoking. The candidate was not long-winded or too succinct, providing a good balance of precise delivery on complicated subjects. The candidate does not use verbal crutches or fillers. | Candidate's word choice, phrasing, and rhetorical devices created an effective emotional and logical response from the audience. The candidate was compelling and sincere, and made statements that were memorable or thought-provoking. The candidate could be long-winded or too limited in discussing some topics, but overall there is a good balance of precise delivery on complicated subjects. There are few instances of verbal crutches or fillers. | Candidate's word choice, phrasing, and rhetorical devices sometimes elicited an effective emotional or logical response from the audience. The candidate was sometimes dull, but seemed sincere. The candidate made some statements that were memorable or thought-provoking, but was too long-winded or limited on most topics. The candidate may have seemed overwhelmed at times by attempting to elaborate on complicated subjects. Verbal crutches or fillers may be too numerous relative to the amount of speaking time the candidate uses. | Candidate's word choice, phrasing, and rhetorical devices were seriously lacking. There may have been some emotional or logical responses from the audience, but for the wrong reasons. The candidate was dull or over-exaggerated for attention. The candidate's statements were not memorable or thought-provoking, and the candidate may have often deflected or gone on tirades about complicated subjects. Candidate often appears insincere and untrustworthy. Verbal crutches and fillers may be distracting. |
| Stage Presence | Candidate is confident, assertive, energetic, and composed. The candidate has excellent posture, makes eye contact with the moderator, other candidates, the camera, and the audience. The candidate uses gestures effectively, speaks with clarity, volume, and emphasis, and uses tone appropriately in discussing topics and delivering arguments. | Candidate is mostly confident, assertive, energetic, and composed. The candidate has good posture, and makes eye contact with the moderator, other candidates, the camera, and the audience most of the time. The candidate uses gestures effectively, speaks with clarity, volume and emphasis, and uses tone appropriately in discussing topics and delivering arguments. | Candidate seems mostly confident and assertive, but at times may seem unsure. The candidate is energetic most of the time, but may lose composure occasionally. The candidate's posture, eye contact, and gestures are good most of the time, but could use some work. The candidate doesn't always speak up and may lapse into monotone occasionally. | Candidate appears nervous and unprepared, meek and unsure in delivery. The candidate may lack energy. The candidate may lose composure frequently, becoming a distraction. The candidate's posture is lacking, the candidate may rarely make eye contact, and candidate might be fidgeting or not using gestures at all. The candidate doesn't always speak up, and may be monotonous. |
Related Activities
How to Prepare for a Debate
Understand the Debate Format
Familiarize yourself with the specific debate format you will be participating in, such as Lincoln-Douglas, Rebuttal, Oregon Oxford, or One-Rebuttal. Understand the roles of the Affirmative and Negative sides, as well as the time limits for speeches and rebuttals.
Research and Gather Evidence
Conduct thorough research on the debate topic to gather evidence and supporting arguments for your side. Use reliable sources to back up your claims and anticipate counterarguments from the opposing side. Take notes and organize your evidence for easy reference during the debate.
Construct Your Speech
Prepare a well-structured and persuasive constructive speech that outlines your position, evidence, and main arguments. Use the Rhetorical Triangle (Ethos, Pathos, and Logos) to appeal to your audience's logic, emotions, and credibility. Practice delivering your speech to ensure clarity, coherence, and time management
Rebuttal and Cross-Examination
Prepare to counter the arguments presented by the opposing side. Anticipate their points and think critically about potential weaknesses or flaws in their reasoning. Develop strong rebuttals supported by evidence and be ready to ask strategic questions during cross-examinations to expose any inconsistencies or gaps in their arguments.
Utilize Visual Tools
Storyboarding can be a valuable tool in a debate. Create flowsheets to track the arguments and evidence presented by both sides. Use storyboards to visually plan and organize your constructive speech, rebuttals, and key points. Print out or display your storyboards for easy reference during the debate.
Practice and Rehearse
Practice your speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examinations multiple times to build confidence and fluency. Time yourself to ensure you stay within the allotted time limits. Seek feedback from peers or teachers to refine your arguments and delivery. Rehearsing will help you become comfortable with the content and improve your overall performance in the debate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Debate
Are there specific debate-related worksheets that are recommended for classroom use?
There are a variety of debate-related worksheets available for classroom use, including research guides, argument construction templates, and rebuttal and refutation practice exercises. Teachers may choose to create their own worksheets based on the specific needs of their students and the topics being debated. Teachers can incorporate debates and debate-related worksheets into their lesson plans by selecting a relevant topic, providing resources for research and preparation, and creating a structured debate format. Worksheets can be used to guide students in their research and argument construction, and to help them practice critical thinking skills.
What are some strategies for helping students who may struggle with public speaking or debate participation?
Strategies for helping students who may struggle with public speaking or debate participation include providing opportunities for practice and feedback, breaking down the debate process into smaller steps, and creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Teachers can also work with individual students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and provide personalized support and resources to help them succeed.
Are there any ethical considerations to keep in mind when incorporating debates into the classroom?
When incorporating debates into the classroom, it is important to consider the ethical implications of the topics being debated and to ensure that the debate does not promote discrimination, hate speech, or harmful stereotypes. Teachers should also be mindful of the emotional and mental wellbeing of their students, and provide support and resources as needed.
What are some strategies for helping students who may struggle with public speaking or debate participation?
Strategies for helping students who may struggle with public speaking or debate participation include providing opportunities for practice and feedback, breaking down the debate process into smaller steps, and creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Teachers can also work with individual students to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and provide personalized support and resources to help them succeed.
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