11/12/2015 Aim: To determine qualities of a good argument Topic: The Stuff of Good Argument

04/20/23

Aim: To determine qualities of a good argument

Topic: The Stuff of Good Argument

04/20/23Intro to DebatePage 2

Do Now

• Take 5 minutes to explain in your notes why you agree or disagree with the following statement:

“WGHS should adopt a dress code that requires school uniforms.”


Now Do

• Within your small groups share everyone’s ideas and identify the three best reasons to support your belief.

• Appoint a speaker who will share your thoughts with the class!


Every Argument:

1) makes a statement of a possible truth, and then…

2) gives support or evidence for that argument in terms of some reason why this argument is true, and

3) explains how the argument proves their position; it tells how the argument affects people.


Tomorrow…

• We begin a discussion about the debate unit…


Topic: Essential Terms of Debate

Aim:

To understand the structure and components of our class debate.

Do Now:

Draw and Label a P.E.E.E.T. Diamond and be prepared to help me label the one on the board


Essential Terms

• Controversial issue: – a subject that can be argued and supported

from opposing points of view– Ex. Gun Control

• Resolution (or proposition): – a statement that defines the nature of the

debate– Ex. “All gun owners must register and

inventory their firearms with the federal government.”


Essential Terms

• Teams:– We will debate in two-person teams.

Each team will have a defined responsibility.

– Affirmative: the team which supports the resolution, or proposed change

– Negative: the team which opposes the resolution, or proposed change


Essential Terms:

• Format of Debate:– Constructive Speeches: given in the first

part of the debate• They present the major arguments with evidence

– Rebuttals: given in the second part of the debate

• the process of rebuilding after attack or defending from attack

• Both sides are given a chance for rebuttal


Essential Terms

• Definition of terms: a clear explanation of the resolution which defines and limits the terms of debate– This is the affirmative’s responsibility– The negative team must approve

• Why is this important?


Essential Terms

• Evidence: the material offered as proof in an argument; – Evidence takes the following

forms:•Quotations from authorities•Examples of actual situations or case histories•Facts and statistics

– Reminds you of…?

Ethos

Pathos

Logos


Essential Terms

• Status Quo: a Latin term meaning “the existing state of affairs; the present or current beliefs or actions”– Your resolution must propose a change in the

status quo

• Burden of Proof: rests on the affirmative, who must prove that the status quo is unsatisfactory and that the affirmative has a better way– b/c this task is difficult, the affirmative goes

first


Essential Terms

• Stock Issues: the issues that must be proved by the affirmative:– 1: Harm – 2: Plan– 3: Advantage

• Presumption: that the negative is “right” until proven “wrong”– We accept the status quo until it is proven

unacceptable.


Tomorrow we…

• Review our debate terms• Dig deeper into the stock issues• Quiz Friday!• Vocab Friday!

– (I know, I know I know… except you p. 3)


Topic: Terms of Debate Review

Aim:

To solidify your understanding of the structure and components of our class debate.

Do Now:Take five min. to review your notes, then take five min. to list and define all of the debate terms you can remember


Stock Issues

1. Harm:– A problem caused by the status quo– Actions that deprive people of life,

liberty and the pursuit of happiness create harm.

– Harm must be significant to warrant action, let alone discussion…


Stock Issues

1. Harm (cont.):• The aff. must:

– Present evidence that identifies the harms of status quo

– Explain how their proposition makes the world a better place.

• The neg. tries to minimize the arguments about harm


Stock Issues

2. Plan:–Identifies what blocking change; the roadblock on the path to the better world.

–The obstacle is usually a law, business practice or social norm


Stock Issues

• Aff.’s plan must how the resolution makes changes by addressing:– Gaps in the current system

• One Man, One Vote: Sorry, ladies…

– Set of barriers:• Civil Rights and Voting: Literacy tests, poll

taxes, etc. after blacks given right to vote

– Private Sector Practices:• Predatory lending practices entrench

poverty


Stock Issues

3. Advantages:– How the resolution mitigates

harm and solves the problem.– Aff. must explain how their

proposed change makes the world a better place

– Aff.’s explanation must address:•Workability: is the plan practical?


Resolutions of Fact

• “Carrots are orange, nutritious vegetables.”– A resolution of fact.– An objective statement.– Something that exists and can be

verified.• Analyze the following:

– “More than half of America’s children are being raised in single-parent homes.”


Resolutions of Value

• “Children raised in single parents homes are not as well off as other children.”– A resolution of value.– Expresses a judgment about the qualities of

a person, place, idea or event– An opinion!

• Analyze the following:• “Genetic engineering is morally

unjustified.”


Resolutions of Policy

“The federal government should increase social services to the homeless.”– A statement of a course of action to be

considered.– A policy calls for action, or a plan!

• Analyze the following:– NASA should bring back manned space

missions.


Analyze the Following Resolutions

• Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its transportation infrastructure investment in the United States.

• Resolved: Rehabilitation ought to be valued above retribution in the United States criminal justice system.


Analyze the Following Resolutions

• Resolved: On balance, the rise of China is beneficial to the interests of the United States.

• Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase alternative energy incentives in the United States.

• Resolved: Individuals have a moral obligation to assist people in need

Documents

11/12/2015 Aim: To determine qualities of a good argument Topic: The Stuff of Good Argument