Introduction to Debating

What is a debate?

• A discussion between two or more interlocutors

• A formal argument with a clear answer

• A controversial theme or question

• A practice that goes back thousands of years

What is the purpose of a debate?

• To determine the winner based on personal agreement

• To present a cogent and convincing argument

• To randomly assign positions to the teams

• To fight and argue without any structure

What is the role of the proposition in a debate?

• To argue in favor of the motion

• To argue against the motion

• To judge and decide the winner

• To present counter arguments

What is the role of the opposition in a debate?

• To argue in favor of the motion

• To argue against the motion

• To judge and decide the winner

• To present counter arguments

What is the purpose of a judge or committee in a debate?

• To determine the winner based on personal agreement

• To present a cogent and convincing argument

• To randomly assign positions to the teams

• To analyze the problem and form a persuasive argument

Where did the practice of debate originate?

• Ancient Greece and India

• Early 18th century England

• Latin verb patere

• Forming a persuasive argument

What skills are necessary for debate?

• Ability to think critically and analyze a problem

• Ability to speak confidently in public

• Ability to listen carefully and interpret information quickly

• All of the above

What is the benefit of debating a position you disagree with?

• Developing empathy and broadening your worldview

• Winning the debate

• Ignoring counter arguments

• Gaining new perspectives

What can you learn from training for debate?

• How to analyze a problem and form a persuasive argument

• How to respond to counter arguments

• How to ask questions and discover new information

• All of the above

What are the crucial skills for any leader, academic, researcher, or artist?

• Ability to think critically and analyze a problem

• Ability to speak confidently in public

• Ability to listen carefully and interpret information quickly

• All of the above