Debate Task Sheet (Bii, Cii Ciii, Dii Dv)

SOI: Writers and speakers communicate their thoughts and opinions in a

structured manner keeping the purpose and audience in mind.

GOAL: You will display an understanding of the SOI.

ROLE: You are an informed citizen, debating an important social issue.

AUDIENCE: Members of the UN

SITUATION: You will have to develop an argument in support/ against the motion (a complex
societal issue for which there are many explanations, perspectives, and opinions to be
debated). You will research information that will help you formulate and articulate reasons for
making a strong argument, and refute the opposition claims. Oxford debate format should be
strictly followed.

PRODUCT: Argument in favour of/against the motion

STANDARDS: Task Specific Clarification

https://docs.google.com/document/d/10eVNGYfM9g-gEwO82siHtJHPKBU1TuhflcNmKdoV1-Q

Here are the debating terms and procedure:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1HdtyAj4IRJIsw3zx44zpuAigdkOiMzJdO5BK7BsGzeo/e
dit?usp=sharing

Structure for an Oxford-style debate:

- Teams of 4 students each
- Two for the proposition, two for opposition

4 minutes- Speaker 1 Proposition- introduction and argument 1

4 minutes- Speaker 1 Opposition- introduction and argument 1
2 minutes- Break- discuss points for refuting
4 minutes- Speaker 2 Proposition- Refutes + Argument 2
4 minutes- Speaker 2 Opposition- Refutes + Argument 2
3 minutes- Break - discuss points for refuting
4 minutes- Speakers 1 and 2 Proposition- Refutes +Summarises
4 minutes- Speakers 1 and 2 Opposition- Refutes + Summarises
(Total time: 29 minutes)
In case there are 6 students in a debate: (MONDAY, TUESDAY or THURSDAY block)
4 minutes- Speaker 1 Proposition- introduction and argument 1
4 minutes- Speaker 1 Opposition- introduction and argument 1
2 minutes- Break- discuss points for refuting
4 minutes- Speaker 2 Proposition- Refutes + Argument 2
4 minutes- Speaker 2 Opposition- Refutes + Argument 2
2 minutes- Break- discuss points for refuting
4 minutes- Speaker 3 Proposition- Refutes + Argument 3
4 minutes- Speaker 3 Opposition- Refutes + Argument 3
3 minutes- Break - discuss points for refuting
4 minutes- Speakers 1 and 2 Proposition- Refutes +Summarises
4 minutes- Speakers 1 and 2 Opposition- Refutes + Summarises
(Total time: 39 minutes)

MOTIONS/ RESOLUTIONS TO BE DEBATED:

1. Violent video games make children more violent.
2. We should use technology to help people live longer.
3. Investing in further scientific exploration of space is a waste of money.
4. One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.
5. Capital punishment must be abolished.
6. Euthanasia must be legalised.
7. The internet needs censorship.
8. The freedom of the press should not be curtailed.
9. The government should ban beef.
10. The compatibility of environmental and economic objectives is often lost in the pursuit of
individual or group gains.
11. First world countries have a moral obligation to accept refugees.
12. Providing healthcare to its citizens is the government’s duty.
13. The rich have a moral obligation towards the poor of society.

P.S. Students should dress up formally for the duration of the debate.