Doan Thi Diem Debate Club_Session 05: Rebuttal

What is a Rebuttal?

• Agreeing with the opponents argument.

• Challenging, criticising, or finding fault with your opponent's argument using reason.

• Supporting your argument with additional examples.

• Summarizing the opponent's arguments.

Which of the following is NOT a valid form of rebuttal?

• Denying a statement without providing any reasoning.

• Pointing out the lack of evidence behind an opponent's claim.

• Showing that the facts used by the opponent are incorrect.

• Demonstrating that the opponent's conclusion does not logically follow from their premises.

If an opponent argues that ‘video games cause violence because many violent individuals played video games’, which rebuttal method is most appropriate?

• Suggesting that the correlation does not imply causation.

• Agreeing that video games are widespread among youth.

• Stating that video games are a form of art and entertainment.

• Arguing that all video games do not contain violent content.

What can make a rebuttal effective?

• Being very lengthy.

• Addressing the key points.

• Using complex language.

• Agreeing with some points.

What is an example of a 'Not True' rebuttal?

• "Your evidence is outdated."

• "That’s an interesting point, but irrelevant."

• "Your main claim is simply incorrect."

• "You didn’t explain this well."

Motion: This house would ban dangerous sports.

Argument: Dangerous sports should be banned due to the risk of severe injuries.

Question: What is the best rebuttal to this argument?

• Risk is part of all sports; informed consent matters.

• Many sports can be made safer with proper regulations.

• Dangerous sports help in mental and physical strength building.

• People value freedom to choose their own risks.

Motion: This house would encourage children to strike for climate change.

• Argument: Striking teaches children to be responsible and active in societal issues.

• Question: What is the best rebuttal to this argument?

• School education is too important to miss for strikes.

• Other non-disruptive methods can teach the same values.

• Striking may not effectively lead to policy change.

• Education programs can integrate climate activism.

Motion: Children should be paid to go to school.

• Argument: Paying children would increase school attendance and engagement.

• Question: What is the best rebuttal to this argument?

• It could make learning seem like just a job.

• Long-term motivation might not be sustained.

• External rewards diminish intrinsic value of education.

• Funding could be better used for educational resources.

Motion: This House would ban homework.

• Argument: Banning homework allows children more time for creative activities.

• Question: What is the best rebuttal to this argument?

• Homework reinforces learning outside school.

• Structured learning improves academic skills.

• Homework bridges educational gaps.

• Time management skills are built through homework.

Motion: We should ban cars from city centres.

• Argument: Banning cars would reduce urban pollution and congestion.

• Question: What is the best rebuttal to this argument?

• It could limit access for people with disabilities.

• Essential services might be disrupted.

• Public transit alternatives may not cover all areas.

• Impact on local businesses could be negative.