Argumentation and Debate

What Do You Know???

Debate
a discussion, as of a public question in an assembly, involving opposing
viewpoints
A formal discussion on a particular topic in a public meeting
or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward.
The formal presentation and opposition of a specific motion, followed by a
vote
The definition of a debate is a formal discussion of the opposing sides of a
specific subject or a formal contest of arguments.
Course Contents
Proposition: Types and Examples
Conduct of Debate
Debate Format: Modified Oxford-Oregon
Debate Speeches: Preparation of Constructive and Rebuttal Speeches
Duties of the Moderator
Speaker Duties: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Rebuttal Speaker
Propositions
What is a Proposition?
A proposition is a viewpoint that you will create, defend or
destroy. It should be worded as a declarative sentence that
unambiguously expresses your position.

A proposition can be the main point of your position. It can

also be a single supportive element. It can also be an
opposing proposition that you will disprove.
 Attributes of a Good Proposition
Debatable
A proposition should first be debatable in that arguments may be
marshaled for and against the proposition. This is important for the persuader,
too, as one way of persuading is putting up arguments against the proposition
and knocking them down. Paraphrasing Sherlock Holmes, 'When all other
propositions have been disproven, the truth, however improbable, will be
proven.'
Provable

As well as arguing for and against the case, it should be possible to

conclusively prove the truth of your proposition. Karl Popper also added the
importance of falsifiability. If you cannot possibly prove something to be false,
then you neither can prove it to be true.
Types of Propositions
In a proposition of values, you make a
statement where you are asking your
audience to make an evaluative
Value judgment as to whether the statement is
morally good or bad, right or wrong.
A proposition of fact is a statement in
Fact which you focus largely on belief of the
audience in its truth or falsehood.
Policy A proportion of policy advocates a
course of action.
Examples of Propositions

Fact Policy Value

This House believes/ Resolved that This house believes/ Resolved that the This house believes/ Resolved that the
single-sex schools are good for Philippines should stop negotiating the apple does not fall far from the
education. with China. tree.

This House believes/ Resolved that This house believes/ Resolved that BU This house believes/ Resolved that it is
reality television does more harm must allocate more funds for better to be the rabbit than to be the
than good. scholarship. turtle.

This House believes/Resolved that This house believes/ Resolved that This house believes/ Resolved that the
wild animals should not be kept in elected government officials should pen is mightier than the sword.
captivity. resign prior to their filing of
certificates of candidacy.
Conduct of Debate
Guidelines for Conducting a Debate

1. Decide, or help participants decide upon a subject for debate.

2. Formulate the subject into a resolution, e.g., "Resolved that capital punishment should be
abolished by the United States Supreme Court. "
3. Make certain that those participating in the debate are familiar with the procedures to be
followed. (The form of debate described here is widely used but rather formalized. The purpose for
the debate may make it desirable to use a less formal procedure, or to use some other form of
debate.)
4. Select participants to take part in the debate and divide debaters into two teams, one team in
support of the resolution (pro) and one team in opposition to the resolution (con). The most
common number of members per team is two, but more than two may be used.
5. Select a Moderator and a timekeeper.
6. Allow sufficient time for participants in the debate to prepare "constructive arguments."
Constructive arguments should be based upon three to five major points which are logically
developed and substantiated by factual evidence in support of a particular position.
 General Rules or Order of Events
The first speaker on the opposing team presents arguments opposing the
resolution. (5 10 minutes)
The second speaker on the affirmative team presents further arguments in
support of the resolution, identifies areas of conflict, and answers
questions that may have been raised by the opposition speaker. (5 10
minutes)
The second speaker on the opposing team presents further arguments
against the resolution, identifies further areas of conflict, and answers
questions that may have been raised by the previous affirmative speaker.
(5 10 minutes)
The rules may include a short recess for teams to prepare their rebuttals.
(5 minutes)
General Rules or Order of Events
The opposing team begins with the rebuttal, attempting to
defend the opposing arguments and to defeat the supporting
arguments without adding any new information. (3 5 minutes)
First rebuttal of the affirmative team (3 5 minutes)
Each team gets a second rebuttal for closing statements with the
affirmative team having the last opportunity to speak. (3 5
minutes each)
There cannot be any interruptions. Speakers must wait their
turns.
Formalities and Expected Behavior
The debaters are expected to wear the prescribed attire.
The debaters are expected to be on time.
The debaters are expected to maintain composure and grace under pressure.
The debaters are expected to be at their best disposition and attitude before, during,
and after the debate.
The debaters should cross tables with their opponents before and after the debate.
The debaters are expected to use common expressions of formalities and respect
towards the judges, the moderator, the audience, and other debaters.
Vulgar words and expressions and violent reactions are not allowed at any point in the
conduct of the debate.
Modified Oxford-Oregon
Characteristics
Preparation: Propositions are given days
before the actual debate.
Researched: Since debaters are allowed to
prepare for a longer period of time, it is
expected that the constructive speeches will
contain data and information taken from
credible sources.
Order of Presentation
Affirmative Side
1. Constructive Speech of the 1st
Affirmative Speaker for 7 mins
4. Interpellation of the 1st
Affirmative Speaker for 3 mins.
5. Constructive Speech of the 2nd
Affirmative Speaker for 5 mins.
8. Interpellation of the 2nd
Affirmative Speaker for 3 mins.
9. Constructive Speech of the 3rd
Affirmative Speaker for 5 mins.
12. Interpellation of the 3rd
Affirmative Speaker for 3 mins.
13. Break for 3 Mins. (Preparation of Rebuttal Speeches)
15. Rebuttal Speech (Any Speaker)
for 3 mins.
Negative Side
2. Interpellation of the 1st Negative
Speaker for 3 mins.
3. Constructive Speech of the 1st
Negative Speaker for 7 Mins
6. Interpellation of the 2nd Negative
Speaker for 3 mins.
7. Constructive Speech of the 2nd
Negative Speaker for 5. Mins
10. Interpellation of the 3rd Negative
Speaker for 3 mins.
11. Constructive Speech of the 3rd
Negative Speaker for 5. Mins
14. Rebuttal Speech (Any Speaker) for 3
mins.
Preparation of Debate Speeches
Types of Debate Speeches
Constructive
Contains supporting arguments,
claims, and ideas
Contains contentions that help build
the case of the debaters side and
destroy the opponents side
Presents researched information,
data, and sources
Rebuttal
Emphasizes the strong claims and
arguments that refute or disprove
the arguments of the opposing side
Does not introduce new ideas or
arguments
Points out fallacies made by the
opposing side
Tips: Constructive Speeches
Start with a greeting and acknowledgment of the people
present.
Provide an overview of what the speech contains
Present at least 3 arguments in line with the stand of your
team
Support your arguments with data and information
Use credible sources of information
Never forget to use logic
Tips: Rebuttal Speeches
Present the weakest arguments of the opposing side and highlight the
strongest arguments of your side.
Make sure that you build the speech based on previously given arguments.
NEVER present a new argument at this point of the debate.
Point out fallacies and illogical statements of the opposing side.
Clarify your points or statements.
Duties of the Moderator
Duties of the Moderator
Keeps track of time.
Calls on the debaters.
Maintains order and formality in the conduct of debate: making sure that
the audience do not disrupt the flow of the debate
Relays points of information
Reminds the debaters of the guidelines and proper conduct of debate, as
the need arises
Speakers Duties
1st Speakers
Affirmative
Present parameters (Context)
Present the definition of terms
(For policy debate) present
necessity
Present an overview of the
speeches of the other debaters
Discuss and present initial
arguments
Negative
Acknowledges or rejects the definition
of terms present by the affirmative side.
Rebut or contend the arguments of the
1st Affirmative Speaker
(For policy debate) present non-
necessity
Present counter-preposition (if there is)
Present an overview of the speeches of
the other debaters
Present and discuss the initial arguments
2nd Speakers
Affirmative
Continue or build up on the case of
presented by the 1st Affirmative
Speaker
Rebut or contend some of the
arguments of 1st negative speaker
(For policy debate) present
beneficiality
Discuss and present succeeding
arguments
Negative
Continue or build up on the case of
presented by the 1st Negative
Speaker
Rebut or contend some of the
arguments of 2nd Affirmative speaker
(For policy debate) present non-
beneficiality
Present and discuss the succeeding
arguments
3rd Speakers
Affirmative
Continue or build up on the case of
presented by the 2nd Affirmative
Speaker
Rebut or contend some of the
arguments of 2nd negative speaker
(For policy debate) present
practicability
Discuss and present closing
arguments
Negative
Continue or build up on the case of
presented by the 2nd Negative
Speaker
Rebut or contend some of the
arguments of 3rd Affirmative speaker
(For policy debate) present non-
practicability
Present and discuss the closing
arguments
Other things to remember
Parameters
This is the context to which the debate is founded.
Set of assumptions or truths which are held to be
true by both sides.
The debates and the arguments should be within
the parameters agreed upon or set by the 1st
speakers.
Point of Information
This is an immediate question that can be asked to
the current speaker by any member of the opposite
side.
Must be acknowledge or allowed by the current
speaker.
Must take question form and be delivered for not
more than 15 seconds.