Debates

What distinguishes a debate from a regular argument?

• Debates are longer

• Debates involve more people

• Debates have no clear winner

• Debates have rules

Which of the following questions would make the best debate prompt?

• What are some of the most popular renewable fuels?

• Should the United States drill for oil in Alaska?

• How have fossil fuels helped America's economy?

• Where was oil first discovered in U.S. territory?

What's wrong with the following argument against cloning? "Cloning is the most dangerous practice scientists have ever devised."

• It doesn't take a clear stance on the issue.

• It's supported by too many examples

• It actually supports cloning

• It doesn't use facts for support

Which of these is a synonym for "rebuttal?"

• Refutation

• Retraction

• Recommendation

• Reprimand

What is the main point of a rhetorical question?

• To clarify the topic of a debate

• To gather evidence in support of a reason

• To make an argument more convincing

• To rebut an existing argument

You are arguing against the use of fossil fuels. Which of the following statements might appeal to the audience's sense of sympathy?

• "I want my children and my grandchildren to grow up in a world that isn't polluted."

• "A hundred years ago, nobody had to worry about things like global warming and acid rain."

• "In a few years, China will be burning far more fossil fuels than the United States."

• "Global warming? This last winder was the coldest one I can remember!"

The proposition...

• Support the statement put forward

• Oppose the statement put forward

• Offer a rebuttal

• Are the timekeepers

The opposition...

• Oppose the statement put forward

• Support the statement put forward

• Are the time keepers

• Keep order in the debate