Debate 1

Students in the Debate I are members of the Westlake Speech & Debate team. Students will be introduced to the art of logical argumentation. The student will analyze proposed topics, hone research skills, and develop informed case positions. Through debate, the student will develop skills in organization, analysis, reasoning, refutation, evaluation, synthesis, and speaking. Because of the emphasis on higher level thinking skills, above-average reading and reasoning skills are incredibly beneficial in this class. Students are required to attend at least one tournament per grading cyle which earns an automatic 100 for the final semester exam grade. Students who do not attend the required tournaments will be given a written final semester exam. Additionally, team participation dues will be assessed in order to cover the cost of tournament entry fees, judging fees, hired consult fees, and necessary materials ($300 per semester). Students must also adhere to the WHS Speech & Debate Handbook, which students and parents must sign prior to attending a tournament.