Argumentation

• This lesson is meant to

help you to express
yourself concisely and
clearly, and to train
you to analyze issues
and gather relevant
data to support your
statements.
 Format for a Typical Debate
Part I Constructive Speeches No. of Minutes
Introduction – by the moderator 3
First Affirmative constructive speech 5
Negative constructive speech 5
Second Affirmative constructive speech 5
Negative constructive speech 5
Third Affirmative constructive speech 5
Negative constructive speech 5
BREAK 2
Part II Refutation and Rebuttal
Introduction – by the Moderator 2
First Negative refutation 5
Affirmative rebuttal 5
Second Negative refutation 5
Affirmative rebuttal 5
Third Negative refutation 5
Affirmative rebuttal 5
BREAK 2
 Part III Summation
Introduction – by the moderator 2
Affirmative side 5
Negative side 5
BREAK 10
 Part IV Declaration of Winners
Introduction of Specific Judges 2
Announcement of 7
Best Debating Team
Best Debater
Best Speaker
on
1. Debating as a classroom activity aims
to develop critical thinking and
responsible decision – making.
a.careful analysis of propositions
b. research on proposed topics
c.discovery of the proper arguments
d.compilation of pieces of evidence
e. formulation of cases
f. defense of positions (stand)
g. mastering of refutations
h. ability to express oneself clearly
a. Proposition – a clearly stated conclusion on a controversial issue
b. Evidence – facts and opinions in formulating and proving or
disproving arguments
c. Refutation – attacking of the arguments of one’s opponent
d. Rebuttal - defense a debater gives for his/her arguments
The main parts of a formal
debate

a. Initial presentation of
constructive arguments.

b. A spontaneous and
improvised attack on the
opponents and a defense of
one’s own case (rebuttal)
 What is the main thrust of each team?

a. The Affirmative side advances the

proposition and gives reason for its
establishment; it carries the burden of proof
and has the privilege of presenting the first and
the last speeches.

b. The Negative side denies or opposes

the proposition and upholds the status
quo or the situation.
How do you proceed in refuting an argument?
a. You state the proof you want to refute.
b. You then state your objection to the proof.
c. You support your objection with enough pieces of
evidence.
 IMPORTANT

TIME IS A VERY IMPORTANT

FACTOR IN A
DEBATE……………….
•DO be aware of time
constraints, if there are any.
•TIP:
•Practice your initial speech
so you will be “on top” of the
situation.
•Know what it feels like to
speak for the allotted length of
time, speaking too much or
not enough weakens your
position.
 •DON’T try to “juggle” too many points at
once. State your ideas in a logical order.
•TIP: the more you practice and plan your
speaking, the less nervous you will be.

•DON’T use inappropriate

language or gestures:

•People will ignore your

information if not presented in an
appropriate manner.
a. State the proof you intend to reestablish and
the objection your opponent has asserted.
b. You explain why the objection is not valid.
c. Point out how the explanation reaffirms
your proof and reestablishes your case as
unaffected by the objection raised.
 Useful language
How to Agree How to Disagree
 You know, that’s exactly what I think.  That’s not the way I see it.
 I agree entirely.  There may be something in what you say but…
 True enough.  I’ve got some reasons to disagree.
 Oh, definitely.  I’m not at all convinced…
 That’s a good point.  To be honest, I don’t think that’s true.
 I couldn’t agree more.  I know what you are saying, but…
 Yes, that’s quite true, but …  That may be true, but …
 That’s just what I was thinking  I can’t agree with you there, I still think …
 That’s one way of looking at it. But …
 I can’t say that I share your view.
 I see things rather differently.

How to Ask for More Information How to Persuade Someone

 Can you explain that?  You must admit that …
 What do you mean exactly?  Do you really believe that …
 Could you give me an example?  Don’t you agree that …
 Could you be more specific?  What you don’t seem to understand is that …
 Would you mind saying a little bit more about that?  (Oh,) come on, …
 Do you really think that …  I’II tell you what …
 Could you explain what you mean by …  I was wondering if you’d ever thought of…
 Don’t you think…
•DO be aware of what your partner(s) plans are.

•DON’T work alone and risk being redundant, make the most of
your team’s time.
What other preparations must be made for the formal
debate?
a. The team captains meet their individual teams to decide
which members will speak on the particular subthemes and
rebuttal. The captains advise their members on the
presentation of their arguments and also prepare materials
and information for research. The members develop their
speeches (5 minutes each, supporting the subtheme).

b. An outside board of judges may act be invited.

Follow these
tips and
suggestions,
and
everything will
come together
for a
successful
debate!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!