Persuasive Writing & Debate Class Summary 4/28/14

Our First Debate!

Students took on the ambitious topic of the death penalty for their very first in-class debate this week.  

The affirmative stance was: 
The death penalty should be legal.

In our previous class, students voted to determine the debate topic, were placed into teams, and assigned roles and instructions to prepare for the debate.  

We followed a standard team debate format with four members per team assigned to these roles:

Our remaining two students were assigned as audience members and tasked with preparing questions for either team.

Results...

I was very pleased with how both teams performed overall.  This was a great introductory experience to the form and function of debate. Opening speeches were well thought-out and comprehensive.  Both teams did a good job anticipating the counter-arguments from the other side, and rebuttal speeches were well prepared and smoothly delivered.  I felt there was a good balance of logos-ethos-and-pathos demonstrated throughout the arguments.

The biggest challenge both teams faced was effectively articulating responses to the cross examination questions.  I think all students experienced how difficult it can be to think on their feet and rebut challenging questions. Both teams lacked enough factual evidence to strongly support their side during the rounds of questioning.  As I explained during the debate - your opinion on the topic only has strength in a debate if you are able to back it up with sound logic and evidence.  Research, research, research!

The debate was scored in categories of: factual support, comprehensiveness, persuasiveness, delivery, and effective rebuttal.  

And the winning team was... the Opposition Team of Olivia, Charlie, Nani, and Levi, arguing against the death penalty. Congratulations!

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Homework - Ethics Debate Preparation

For homework this week students should read the fable "From the Elephant Pit" and answer the questions on the homework handout I provided in class.

Should we show compassion in all circumstances? to all people?

Write a brief (300 word) cogent argument for your position on this topic.  Reference the story and provide additional examples/facts and personal experience to support your stance. 

Be prepared to explain and defend your position in class next week!

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