4.2 Debates and Discussions
Learn to participate effectively in debates and discussions.
45 min
2 oppgaver
Debate structureDebate languageRebuttalsLogical fallacies
Din fremgang i kapitlet
0 / 2 oppgaver
Debating Skills
A debate is a structured argument where two sides present opposing views. Good debating skills help you:
- Organize your thoughts
- Listen to others
- Respond to criticism
- Persuade an audience
Debate Structure
Proposition (For):
- Supports the motion
- Goes first
- Must prove the motion is true
- Supports the motion
- Goes first
- Must prove the motion is true
Opposition (Against):
- Argues against the motion
- Responds to proposition's arguments
- Must show why the motion is false
Rebuttal:
- Direct response to opponent's arguments
- "My opponent claims... but..."
Summary:
- Restate your main points
- Explain why your side won
Debate Language
Making arguments:
- "Our position is that..."
- "We argue that..."
- "The evidence clearly shows..."
Responding to opponents:
- "My opponent argues that..., however..."
- "While this may seem true, in fact..."
- "This argument fails to consider..."
Giving evidence:
- "According to research..."
- "Statistics show that..."
- "For example, in [country/case]..."
Concluding:
- "For all these reasons..."
- "The case is clear..."
- "We urge you to support/reject this motion."
Logical Fallacies to Avoid
Ad hominem: Attacking the person, not the argument
- "You're wrong because you're too young to understand."
- "You're wrong because you're too young to understand."
Straw man: Misrepresenting the opponent's argument
- Making their position sound worse than it is
False dichotomy: Only two options when more exist
- "Either we ban it completely or allow everything."
Appeal to emotion: Using feelings instead of logic
- Can be effective but shouldn't replace evidence
Slippery slope: Claiming extreme consequences without proof
- "If we allow X, then Y will definitely happen."
📝Oppgave 1
Prepare arguments for both sides of one of these debate topics:
a
Topic: "Social media does more harm than good for teenagers."
b
Write 3 arguments FOR the motion.
c
Write 3 arguments AGAINST the motion.
d
Prepare rebuttals for each side.
📝Oppgave 2
Participate in a class debate on one of these topics:
a
"Schools should have a four-day week."
b
"Homework should be banned."
c
"All young people should do community service."