A.P.
In
groups of four or five you will prepare a debate of affirmative (pro/yes) or
negative (con/no) on one of the following topics. (Your topic will be assigned
randomly)
·
Was Slavery an Economic Necessity in the American South?
·
Did the Frontier Determine the Course of American History?
·
Did the Progressives Fail?
·
Did World War II Liberate American Women?
·
Were the 1950s
·
Did the Civil Rights Movement Improve Race Relations?
v
The debate will follow a proper debate format.
v
Debates will occur from Tuesday, November 16 through Friday November 19
v
This assignment is worth 200 points. (100 points team – 100 points individual)
All team members need to be present for the debate. If you are absent for any
reason, you lose 100 points.
v
Teams will be permitted to bring prepared materials written/printed on
8.5" x 11" paper and/or note cards.
v
For the debate, the teams will be divided into two sections in the
front of the classroom. The left is assigned to the affirmative and the right
to the negative. A speaker’s podium will be positioned between the two sections
and face the rest of the class.
v
During the speeches and rebuttals, the speaker will stand at the
podium. During the cross-examination, the team member asking the questions will
stand at their chair and the speaker whose speech is being cross-examined will
remain at the podium to answer.
v
There will be one minute between each affirmative and negative part of
the debate to allow teams to discuss strategies. After one minute, the team
leader must call up the next speaker to the podium.
v
Teams are permitted to discuss and write notes during all parts of the
debate. However, table decorum will be evaluated and points will be taken off
for teams that are distracting to the other team.
DEBATE CHART
|
First Affirmative (pro) Speech 3 – 4 minutes 1.
State and define the resolution 2.
State the basic affirmative position with appropriate supporting
evidence. |
|
Cross Examination by
Negative Team 2 – 3 minutes The speaker for the
negative questions the affirmative speaker on the points made on the first
affirmative speech. |
|
First Negative (con) Speech 3 – 4 minutes 1.
Presents negative plan 2.
Clarify terms on the resolution to the negative side 3.
Attacks the affirmative position |
|
Cross Examination by
Affirmative Team 2 – 3 minutes The speaker for the affirmative
questions the negative speaker on the points made on the first negative
speech. |
|
Second Affirmative Team 2 – 3 minutes 1.
Attacks negative position 2.
States and expands on affirmative position |
|
Cross Examination by
Negative Team 2 – 3 minutes The speaker for the
negative questions the affirmative speaker on the points made on the second
affirmative speech. |
|
Second Negative Team 2 – 3 minutes 1.
Expands negative position 2.
Re-attacks affirmative position |
|
Cross Examination by
Affirmative Team 2 – 3 minutes The speaker for the
affirmative questions the negative speaker on the points made on the second
negative speech. |
Rebuttal
Preparation Time – 2 minutes
|
Negative Rebuttal 2 – 3
minutes 1.
Summarize major positions without presenting new evidence 2.
Emphasize negative point-of-view with pizzazz |
|
Affirmative Rebuttal 2 – 3
minutes 1.
Summarize major positions without presenting new evidence 2.
Emphasize affirmative point-of-view with pizzazz |
|
FREE QUESTION/ATTACK 3 – 4 minutes Both teams may
spar with each other on points of the debate
|
Your behavior during this debate is very important.
Acting childish, obnoxious or rude will result in point lost and possible
disciplinary actions.
I expect you to behave in a courteous manner and
behave with the utmost decorum. Have fun with this debate. A top-notch job will
require you and your team putting in an excellent effort.
The debate is worth a total of 200 points. 100 points will be earned by your individual effort and 100 points will be earned by you team effort. Extra credit can and will be awarded when a group goes above and beyond the project’s expectations. You will be evaluated on a grading rubric for different parts of your debate.
EACH CATEGORY IS WORTH UP TO 20 POINTS MAKING THIS PART WORTH 100 POINTS.
|
Points à Category ¯ |
0 - 13 |
14 - 15 |
16 - 17 |
18 - 20 |
|
Factual Accuracy |
Misinformation is presented. Exhibits inadequate or inaccurate information |
Factual knowledge is accurate but scanty. Contains little and not that relevant information |
Facts adequate to support the argument or to relay the concept, but not extensive. Contains some relevant information |
Facts are evident and extensive; used in a very effective and persuasive manner. Contains a high degree of original thought and critical thinking |
|
Clarity of Presentation |
Group’s position or explanation of concepts is not evident. Little or no presentation of the pros or cons of the topic |
Positions and explanations are presented, but with no elaboration. Deals with the pros or cons of the topic in a general way |
Positions and explanations are presented clearly, supported by adequate understanding of the concept and/or argument. |
Contains a clear well-developed understanding of the pros and cons of the topic. Audience fully understands the positions and rationales for arguments |
|
Originality/ Energy |
Has no originality and just reads in a mundane voice. Audience is bored and wanders |
Gives a general overview of the topic. Presentation is straightforward |
Contains some original thought and critical thinking skills. Presentation is engaging with several creative elements |
Contains a high degree of original thought and critical thinking. Presentation is highly creative and lively |
|
Oral Presentation |
Has very limited oral presentation skills and is over 20% short on time |
Has very limited oral presentation skills. Is up to 20% short on time |
Have good oral presentation skills but limited in scope. Goes just under the time allotted or does not finish entire part |
Depicts effective oral presentation skills of voice, grammar and articulation. Stays within the allotted time. |
|
Effectiveness of Argument |
Has no persuasive evidence or relevant arguments at all |
Has limited persuasiveness and arguments are barely developed |
Has persuasiveness and relevant arguments |
Has strong persuasion and high relevance of arguments |
EACH CATEGORY IS WORTH UP TO 20 POINTS MAKING THIS PART WORTH 100 POINTS.
|
Points à Category ¯ |
0 – 13 |
14 - 15 |
16 - 17 |
18 - 20 |
|
Dress |
Dresses like a slob |
Dresses in a non-professional manner |
Dresses appropriately |
Dresses in a professional manner |
|
Preparation |
Has no preparation and tries to wing it |
Demonstrates little preparation and is seemed lost throughout the debate |
Is prepared and active in the debate |
Is well prepared and is very involved in the debate |
|
Presentation |
Has a presentation that does not adhere to the standards set forth |
Gives a presentation that is bland, but adequate |
Gives a decent presentation of assigned part of the debate |
Presentation is very effective and appropriate |
|
Effectiveness |
Is not effective or persuasive at all |
Has adequate effectiveness or persuasiveness |
Presents material in a persuasive and effective manner |
Presents material in a very persuasive and convincing manner. |
|
Behavior |
Has no decorum and professional behavior towards the other team. |
Has adequate decorum and professional behavior towards the other team |
Is polite and has decorum towards the other team. |
Expresses high decorum and behaves in a very professional manner |
Overall Grading Scale
200 – 180 A
179 – 160 B
159 – 140 C
139 – 120 D
119 AND BELOW Fail