World War Two:  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 World War II or Canada’s role or participation in specific events during the Second World War.

 

Ø Students will form groups of six

Ø Students will research a question / topic and complete the “Presenting an Argument” mind map (Smart Ideas)

Ø On the day of the debate, the group of six will draw for teams / sides (3 per team per side)

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

Ø Each student must present ONE argument for debate with EVIDENCE   (quotes, statistics, speeches, pictures, documents etc.) > Smart Ideas- Presenting An Argument (mind map)

 

Evaluation

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

WWII DEBATE STRUCTURE (Gr. 10)

 

Opening Statement

FOR

AGAINST

 

30 seconds

30 seconds

Argument #1

 

Argument #1

FOR

 

 

 

1 ½  minute

Rebuttal AGAINST

30 seconds

Argument #1

AGAINST

1 ½  minute

Rebuttal FOR

30 seconds

 

 

Argument #2

 

Argument #2

FOR

1 ½  minute

Rebuttal AGAINST

30 seconds

Argument #2

AGAINST

1 ½  minute

Rebuttal FOR

30 seconds

 

 

Argument #3

 

Argument #3

FOR

1 ½  minute

Rebuttal AGAINST

30 seconds

Argument #23

AGAINST

1 ½  minute

Rebuttal FOR

30 seconds

 

 

Free For All

6 minutes

 

 

Closing Statement

AGAINST

FOR

 

30 seconds

30 seconds

 

Open Questions  (by class to the debaters

5 minutes

 

Ø  TOTAL = 25 minutes


Topics:  WWII Debates

Question

Date

Students (6)

Issue 1- Road to War:  Could Hitler have been stopped prior to 1939?

Tues. Oct. 17

 Sinthu, Fatimah, Yoyo, Chloe, Leanne, Linda

Issue 2- Road to War: Was strategic bombing immoral?

Fri. Oct. 20

Ruween, Mary, James, Daniel, Jeremy (Zac?) 

 Issue 3- Genocide and Atrocities:  Do the Nazis bear the responsibility for the Holocaust?

Fri. Oct. 20

 Andrew, Eddy, Huron, Armaan, Aaron, Shannon

Issue 4- Canada’s Role in WWII:  Was the Internment of Japanese Canadians justified?

Fri. Oct. 27

 Carol, Hiba, Julia, Faye, Emily, Aaren

Issue 5- End of War:  Was the decision to drop the atomic bomb justified?

Fri. Oct. 27

 Spencer, Zac, Kelvin, Jimmy, Gerrod, Brendan


*****Initial Resources:
http://www.markville.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/history/history/greatdebates_initialresources.html

 

Helpful Resources


Stats Canada                                    http://www40.statcan.ca/

Ø CBC Archives                                   http://archives.cbc.ca/index.asp?IDLan=1

Ø Historica!                                          http://www.histori.ca/default.do?page=.index

Ø Library and Archives Canada      http://www.collectionscanada.ca/index-e.html

Ø Canadian Military History            http://www.cmhg.gc.ca/html/default-en.asp?Num=&RT=

Ø McCord Museum                           http://www.mccord-museum.qc.ca/en/

Ø Museum of Civilization                 http://www.civilization.ca/visit/indexe.aspx

 

 

 

 

Helpful Hints

 

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 overhead transparencies / 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 team help with AV (Smart Board, Smart Ideas,  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 arguments  (use all your time as most efficiently as possible)

Ø dress professionally


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 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