Debates

Debate Overview

AP SEMINAR

​Participants of a Debate

• ​Affirmative/Pro

• Negative/Con

• Moderator

• Judging Panel

​What is a debate?

​A debate is a structured argument. Two sides speak alternately for and against a particular contention usually based on a topical issue. Unlike the arguments you might have with your family or friends however, each person is allocated a time they are allowed to speak for and any interjections are carefully controlled.

Multiple Choice

What is a debate

• An argument

• A structured argument

• An essay

• An opinion

​Debate structure

​

• Opening Statements and Arguments

• Formal Rebuttals

• Question & Answer Sessions

• Closing Statements

​** Remember the sessions are timed

Multiple Choice

How many different parts/sessions are there in a structured debate.

• 4

• 2

• 3

• 5

​Opening Statement and Arguments

• ​Set tone for the debate

• Opinion/Claim/Ideas Support or Oppose

• Short Summary

Poll

Opening statements are important in order to _________

• Make the other team look bad

• Set the tone for the debate

​Formal Rebuttals

​Why is the other sides argument flawed/wrong.

Poll

During the formal rebuttal session, the opposing team should....

• Why your argument is right.

• Why the other team's argument is weak

​Question and Answer sessions

​The goal of a Q&A session is to ensure that both sides correctly understand the opposition's arguments, so they can create and argue their best defense.

"Could you please repeat and explain your first argument?" Or, "Could you clarify where you got the statistical information to back your findings?"

​Closing Statements

​Closing statements help each side summarize its main arguments and stress its most critical points. They also allow you to remind the judges of your opponent's shortcomings.