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?

Tags

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.1.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

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

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.8.8

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!"

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

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