Culminating Activity:  Great Debates

 

 

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of studying history is how different conclusions can be drawn by examining the same events. Being able to analyze data, form an opinion on a controversial issue, and clearly defend that interpretation with evidence is a vital skill.

 

Assignment: Students will research a controversial issue concerning Ancient World History.  Working with a partner, they will organize their research in preparation to debate their issue in front of the class.

 

Ø Students will debate in teams of two but will be marked individually

Ø Each student must prepare an opening OR closing statement (one partner does opening; other partner does closing)

Ø Each student must prepare ONE main argument for debate (two per team)

Ø Each student must have a minimum of THREE pieces of evidence (quotes, statistics, speeches, pictures, documents etc.) to be shown as a visual aid during debate  (powerpoint, concept map, word document).

Ø Each student must submit a Great Debate Concept Map  (upload to Moodle).  The concept map will be different as one partner’s will have one argument / evidence/ rebuttals, while the partner’s will have statement and a 2nd argument/ evidence/ rebuttals. 

 

Helpful Hints

 

Definitions

Ø Depending on the topic question, key terms may need to be defined  (ie. “justified”, “winner” etc.)

Ø Groups must come to a consensus on all terms that need to be defined.  This will avoid the use of different definitions in the debate and keep the question clear and concise.




Opening and Closing Statements

Ø Teams must decide who will present the opening and closing statements.  Although these are similar, there are different components that should be emphasized in the opening and closing statements.

 

Opening Statement

Closing Statement

1)  Introduction
-introduce team members
-introduce question
-state your side (thesis)
-give any necessary definitions

2)  Tell a story
-provide background information / overview of the topic / issue  (dates, key people, impact on society)
-give perspective to the side that you are arguing that may appeal to the audience (“Imagine…”)
-state effects of the issue on history (social, political, economic, military)

3)  State Arguments
-state the two main arguments that your partner and yourself will be presenting  (name or categorize the arguments)
-offer some challenges  / questions to the opposition
-restate your thesis

1)  Conclusion
-restate question and any definitions
-restate thesis

2)  Recap the Issue
-restate the major issue, impact, effects and perspective of the topic

3)  Recap Arguments and Evidence
-restate the two main arguments
-highlight all the major evidence used to prove both arguments

4)  Challenges
-restate the major challenges to oppositions arguments / evidence

5)  Closing
-restate thesis
-end with a quote / statistics or image


Debating

Ø Always stand when speaking

Ø Stand as a team to show support of your partner

Ø use visuals  (images, quotes, statistics, charts, graphs, maps)

Ø Use large font and bold , underline, italics or highlight tool on smartboard / document reader/ concept map/ powerpoints / visuals

Ø Always include the source under all evidence (or use footnotes)

Ø Organize your evidence so it is easy to read and follow 

Ø Have your partner help with AV (concept map, smartboard, document reader, powerpoint, slideshow) while you are presenting your opening / closing, arguments or challenges

Ø Name or categorize your argument

Ø Always make clear connections and provide analysis and conclusions between your evidence, arguments and your thesis

Ø face your opponents but also open yourself to the audience  (do not speak with your back to them)

Ø be confidence:  eye contact, clear voice

Ø prepare and practice your opening / closing  and arguments  (use all your time as most efficiently as possible)

Ø dress professionally


Evaluation

Ø Each student will be graded individually using the Debate Rubric.