Department of English

Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University


 

2202208  English Conversation and Discussion



Debate Guidelines

 

Students get into pairs to form a team for the midterm debates in week 9 of classes. Representatives draw motions, sides, and time on Wednesday, September 18, 2019.

Debate Schedule

Monday, October 7

Wednesday, October 9


Debate Guidelines


Debating is an exercise in research and argument. The following chart outlines the roles of each speaker in presenting the case for their team.

Proposition Speaker 1 (3 minutes)
Open the case for the proposition.
  • Opening statement (introduce the topic and set up the terms of the debate)
    • Provide brief relevant context or background for the motion.
    • Define what you are arguing for and the scope of what you are supporting in a fair and reasonable sense so that it is clear to the opposition and adjudicators.
  • Outline the affirmative arguments
    • List the main points your team will make ex. "There are three main reasons we believe x..."
    • Briefly state how this arc of arguments will make the case in support of the motion.
  • Make the first substantive argument
  • Conclude your speech
Opposition Speaker 1 (3 minutes)
Open the case for the opposition.
  • Opening statement (introduce the topic and context for your side of the debate)
    • Add any information omitted from the background/context provided by the first affirmative speaker
    • Define your stance or offer your counter-proposal/model
  • Rebut the first affirmative speaker's arguments (no more than 1 minute)
    • Point out what is wrong with the first speaker’s point(s)
    • Briefly explain why
  • Outline the opposition arguments
    • List the main points your team will make ex. "There are three strong reasons we disagree with the resolution…"
  • Make the first substantive argument
  • Conclude your speech


Proposition Speaker 2 (3 minutes)
  • Introduction (lead in to your speech)
  • Rebuttal (no more than 1 minute)
    • Respond to the the first negative speaker, both to his/her rebuttal and substantive arguments.
    • Identify the questionable points and explain why they are problematic.
  • Make the second substantive argument in support of your case.
    • Give examples that support your case and explain them.
    • Extend the team's analyses of the issue where possible.
  • Conclude your speech.
Opposition Speaker 2 (3 minutes)
  • Introduction (lead in to your speech)
  • Rebuttal (no more than 1 minute)
    • Respond to the second affirmative speaker, both to his/her rebuttal and substantive arguments.
    • Identify the questionable points and explain why they are problematic.
  • Make the second substantive argument in support of your case.
    • Give examples that support your case and explain them.
    • Extend the team's analyses of the issue where possible.
  • Conclude your speech.


Proposition Speaker 1 (3 minutes)
  • Introduction (lead in to your speech)
  • Rebuttal (no more than 40 seconds)
    • Respond to the second negative speaker, both to his/her rebuttal and substantive arguments
    • Identify the questionable points and explain why they are problematic
  • Make the third substantive argument
    • Give examples that support your case and explain them.
    • Extend the team's analyses of the issue where possible.
  • Conclude your speech.
Opposition Speaker 1 (3 minutes)
  • Introduction (lead in to your speech)
  • Rebuttal (no more than 40 seconds)
    • Respond to the second affirmative speaker, both to his/her rebuttal and substantive arguments
    • Identify the questionable points and explain why they are problematic
  • Make the third substantive argument
    • Give examples that support your case and explain them.
    • Extend the team's analyses of the issue where possible.
  • Conclude your speech.


Proposition Speaker 2 (3 minutes)
Conclude the case for the proposition, wrapping up and evaluating the arguments made.
  • Evaluate main contested issue(s).
    • Point out one or two key issues of disagreement ("point of clash") between the sides.
    • Explain how your team has argued it, providing further examples or analyses that convince adjudicators why it is important and confirms your position in support of the motion.
  • Evaluate rebuttals and your responses to them.
    • Deal with any rebuttals for the arguments made by the first negative speaker in his/her second speech.
    • Mention one or two key rebuttals by the opposition and explain how your response to it/them support your arguments.
    • Point out to the adjudicators if the opposition has made very few or weak rebuttals.
  •  Closing statement
    • Show how the opposition's arguments are weakened or debunked by your team's points.
    • Comment on and analyze your team's arguments in the context of the debate that has happened and show how your points are still valid, are the strongest and most important to convince the adjudicators that the proposition's case wins.
Opposition Speaker 2 (3 minutes)
Conclude the case for the opposition, wrapping up and evaluating the arguments made
  • Evaluate main contested issue(s).
    • Point out one or two key issues of disagreement ("point of clash") between the sides.
    • Explain how your team has argued it, providing further examples or extended analyses that convince adjudicators why it is important and how it confirms your opposition of the motion.
  • Evaluate rebuttals and your responses to them.
    • Mention one or two key rebuttals made by the proposition and explain how your response to it/them support your arguments against the motion.
    • Remind adjudicators if the proposition has made very few or weak rebuttals.
  • Closing statement
    • Show how the proposition's arguments are weakened or debunked by your team's points.
    • Comment on and analyze your side's arguments in the context of the debate that has happened and show how your points are still valid, are the most compelling and important to convince the adjudicators that the opposition's case wins.




Other Roles


Chair

Adjudicators



Resources and Guides

The following are guides provided by various debate organizations to help you with terms and preparation for your various roles. Our course debate does not have POIs (points of information) mentioned in World Schools style debates. Our team divisions and times are also adapted to fit student numbers and class period times.



 

 

 


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Last updated October 9, 2019