Understanding Arguments and Debates

What is the main difference between a discussion and an argument?

• A discussion is only emotional

• An argument tries to prove a specific point

• A discussion involves only one person

• An argument is always a fight

Which of the following is NOT one of the 7 C’s of building an argument?

• Consider the situation

• Choose a winner

• Craft your argument

• Confirm your main point

What is the first step in the 7 C’s model?

• Consider the situation

• Collect evidence

• Clarify your thinking

• Confirm your claim

What does a good argument need besides a claim?

• Only opinions

• Evidence and counterarguments

• A loud voice

• A funny story

What should you do to make a convincing argument?

• Interrupt your opponent

• Use emotional words only

• Organize your ideas clearly and support them with facts

• Speak for as long as possible

What is the role of the speaker in a debate?

• To keep time

• To deliver the team's arguments clearly

• To do background research

• To write down audience questions

What is the role of the researcher?

• To find evidence and facts

• To make jokes

• To repeat what the speaker says

• To lead the debate

What does the challenger do during a debate?

• Claps after each point

• Keeps score

• Responds to the other team’s arguments

• Judges the debate

What should a summarizer do at the end of the debate?

• Say who won

• Restate the team’s main points and final message

• Start a new argument

• Ask more questions

Why is it important to “clarify your thinking” when preparing a debate?

• To memorize your speech

• To make sure your ideas are logical and easy to follow

• To confuse your opponent

• To impress the teacher