Debate Preparation

Planning The Argument

1. Nominated a Captain and brainstormed research topics, team members should assume responsibility for researching their supporting topics, using all available resources.  Use this time to plan your strategy.

2. Once resources have been collected, it is important that each team member have an opportunity to present their research and materials to the team for discussion.

3. At that point, the team will need to decide if and how that information should be used, and assist members in supporting their arguments. (Would the information contribute to the defence of the argument?)

4. Prepare note cards, visual displays; ie. graphs, charts, pictures, etc.

5. Try to anticipate what the other team's arguments and responses may be, so that you are as prepared as you can be!  Use this time to prepare a few rebuttals in advance.

6. Decide which part of the debate each team member will complete.

The teacher's role is facilitator . . . The teacher will only monitor each group to assist with understanding their roles, maintaining focus, brainstorming research topics, etc.