Back to Basics | Exploring the World of Parliamentary Debating by edudrift

PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATE | JUNIOR CLASS LEVEL 1

BACK TO BASICS EXPLORING THE WORLD OF PARLIAMENTARY DEBATING

PART 0

Welcoming Remarks Welcome to class, everyone! If this is your first class, we’re very excited to meet you! Before moving on to our lesson, let’s all introduce ourselves. I’ll go first. I’m coach___ from ___. I’ve been debating for __ years. My greatest achievement was___. Now, let’s go around the room. Tell us your: Name

Age

Favorite subject in school

Fantastic! Now that we all know each other, we are ready to embark on an exciting journey of learning. Along the way, you will discover new ideas, practice thinking on your feet, build your confidence when speaking in front of an audience, and develop your critical thinking skills.

Expectations

1 2 3 MODULE BY

We’ll kick things off with a fun warm-up activity that will get our minds energized and ready to go. Then we will jump into our new topic. Buckle up, because there will be a lot of thrilling activities to keep you on the edge of your seats! Toward the end of class, each of you will get the chance to give some awesome speeches. And guess what? I'll be there to provide you with helpful feedback, so that next time, your speeches will be much better. Finally, we'll all come together to review everything we talked about today. To make the most out of our two hours, I want everyone to actively participate, so I will randomly call on each of you throughout the class. Your thoughts, ideas, and creativity will make this class extra special.

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Reminder: Class Rules Now that we all know each other, let’s make this class into a proper classroom! Here are some rules that we will all follow together:

Before Class 1. Make sure that you’ve eaten breakfast/lunch and have gone to the bathroom 2. Join the Zoom call a few minutes before class starts so we can get started right away!

At the Start of Class 1. Turn your camera on so we can see your lovely smile! 2. Let your coach know if you need to leave class early

During Class 1. Keep your camera on unless you are preparing during an activity 2. Put your hand up if you want to say something 3. Do not leave your computer during class - if you need to go to the bathroom, put your hand up and ask your coach before you go 4. Immediately unmute yourself and reply when you are called on

BACK TO BASICS

PART 1

PAR

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Warm Up Activity

We will ask you to take a look at your debating skills and tell us what areas you can improve in.

A for argument 1. What is an argument? 2. The elements of a good argument 3. How to construct it?

Exceptional Use of Examples

Try to m to the ar

How to use examples effectively to break down the opposition’s arguments!

Respond with exa

A for argument Activity

Provide arguments for the topics given below.

PAR

Smooth as

Presenting you the most soph structure poss

SYMBOL OB

Key takeaway

Question

Speaki

ROADMAP

RT 2

Riddled With Examples

Activity 1

match the correct examples as responses rguments presented.

Engaging with Examples

Activity 2

d to the arguments below by coming up amples (either real or made up).

RT 3

It All Comes Down To This Style based activity

s Butter

We want you to give a PM or LO speech on one of the motions given below.

ur arguments in histicated sible.

BJECTIVES:

ing Activity

Quiz

Dictionary

INTRODUCTION

Recap

By the end of today’s class, you’ll learn: Case building-how to make an argument Rebuttals-learning how to use examples to strengthen the rebuttal Style-structuring your speech

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COMPETITIVE DEBATE WORKSHOP

INTRODUCTION

Warm-up Activity Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Time

3 Mins: Prep 2 Mins: Speak

Rules

We want you to speak your heart out and tell us about the skills are you good at and also about the ones you need to improve about your debating

Guidelines

1. Be honest, everyone has different strengths and weaknesses so one is going to judge 2. If you are having a hard time coming up with an answer, refer to past activities you have done and the feedback you have received

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PART 1

PAR

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Warm Up Activity

We will ask you to take a look at your debating skills and tell us what areas you can improve in.

A for argument 1. What is an argument? 2. The elements of a good argument 3. How to construct it?

Exceptional Use of Examples

Try to m to the ar

How to use examples effectively to break down the opposition’s arguments!

Respond with exa

A for argument Activity

Provide arguments for the topics given below.

PAR

Smooth as

Presenting you the most soph structure poss

SYMBOL OB

Key takeaway

Question

Speaki

ROADMAP

RT 2

Riddled With Examples

Activity 1

match the correct examples as responses rguments presented.

Engaging with Examples

Activity 2

d to the arguments below by coming up amples (either real or made up).

RT 3

It All Comes Down To This Style based activity

s Butter

We want you to give a PM or LO speech on one of the motions given below.

ur arguments in histicated sible.

BJECTIVES:

ing Activity

Quiz

Dictionary

PART 1: CASE CONSTRUCTION

A for Argument MODULE BY

? BACK TO BASICS

What is a an argument? A debate argument is a structured and persuasive statement presented during a debate to support a specific viewpoint or position on a topic. It's a way to convince an audience or opponents that your stance on the issue is the most valid and reasonable.

For example:

THBT animal testing for beauty products should be banned

The expectation from an would be to show why animal testing for beauty products should be banned.

Therefore, quite simply, the role of an argument in a debate is to serve as the primary vehicle for presenting and defending a particular viewpoint or position on a given topic.

Class Discussion: Do you think animal testing for beauty products should be allowed? Tell us why.

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PART 1: CASE CONSTRUCTION

EXPLANATION IS KEY In debating, you have to explain the details in order to convince the audience that you know what you are talking about. By providing more explanation, your audience also gets to understand why you feel so strongly about the point you’re making. In the earlier exercise, we needed to know why we should or should not ban animal testing. When presenting an argument, you should:

Clearly express your viewpoint or position on the topic. Present your argument in a clear and concise manner, avoiding jargon or overly complex language. MODULE BY

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FEEDBACK! As your coach, I will give you some feedback on how you can add details to those speeches we heard! Do you all have suggestions for your other classmates? In our next exercise, we are going to put that reasoning to test again. This time round, the details matter even more!

Presenting effective arguments requires a combination of logical reasoning, credible evidence, and clear communication to persuade and engage your audience.

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PART 1: CASE CONSTRUCTION

The elements of a good argument

A good argument is like a powerful tool in our arsenal. It allow articulate our thoughts, beliefs, and positions in a clear and or manner, fostering understanding and constructive dialogue. It persuade and influence is undeniable, as it relies on sound rea compelling evidence to support a particular viewpoint. The elements of a good argument includes: A Clear Position A clear and well-defined statement of your viewpoint or on the topic. Reasoning

If we do not have enough money to finance College educ all then the Opposition will struggle to provide jobs with amount of money. Evidence

Relevant and credible evidence, data, examples, or facts support your claims. Structure

A well-structured and organized presentation of your arg often following a logical sequence. MODULE BY

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ws us to rganized ts ability to asoning and

position

cation for h the same

s that

a good argument comprises a well-defined position supported by logical reasoning, credible evidence, and ethical considerations, presented in an organized, clear, and engaging manner, with the ability to adapt to new information or feedback when necessary.

gument, BACK TO BASICS

PART 1: CASE CONSTRUCTION

How to construct an argument?

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Construction of an argument is very simple if you are clear on your position in the debate. There are a few guidelines to consider when constructing an argument: There are a few guidelines to consider when constructing an argument:

Clarify Your Position Clearly state your position or viewpoint on the topic

Develop your reasoning Explain why you hold this viewpoint and outline the key reasons that drive your argument.

Gather and Present Evidence How do we execute this policy?

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PART 1: CASE CONSTRUCTION

Let's do a sample m THBT all children s

WHAT IS YOUR POS THIS DEBATE?

We agree that all children

WHAT EVIDENCE DO SUPPORT THIS CLAI

Children with pets are kin empathic.

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motion using the guidelines: should raise a pet

SITION IN

WHY DO WE FEEL THIS WAY?

n should raise a pet.

Raising a pet provides young children with a sense of responsibility and care for living beings.

O YOU HAVE TO IM?

nder and more

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PART 1: CASE CONSTRUCTION

A for Argument

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Argument Construction

Time

5 Mins: Prep 2 Mins: Speak

Rules Everyone will present their arguments after 5 mins.

Guidelines: Follow this structure: What is your position in this debate? Why do you feel that way? Do you have evidence to support your claim?

Motions: 1. THBT teachers should be replaced by computers 2. THBT video gaming should be included in the school curriculum 3. THBT the salary of teachers should be based on the performance of their students.

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PART 1: CASE CONSTRUCTION

Feedback Now it's time for me to give you feedback on the activity. The feedback will cover two aspects: 1. Were you able to state your position clearly? 2. Were you able to provide clear and compelling reasoning for your position?

MODULE BY

BACK TO BASICS

PART 1

PAR

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Warm Up Activity

We will ask you to take a look at your debating skills and tell us what areas you can improve in.

A for Argument 1. What is an argument? 2. The elements of a good argument 3. How to construct it?

Exceptional Use of Examples

Try to m to the ar

How to use examples effectively to break down the opposition’s arguments!

Respond with exa

A for argument Group Activity

Divide yourself into teams of 3 and make a policy for the topic given below.

PAR

Smooth as

Presenting you the most soph structure poss

SYMBOL OB

Key takeaway

Question

Speaki

ROADMAP

RT 2

Riddled With Examples

Activity 1

match the correct examples as responses rguments presented.

Engaging with Examples

Activity 2

d to the arguments below by coming up amples (either real or made up).

RT 3

It All Comes Down To This Style based activity

s Butter

We want you to give a PM or LO speech on one of the motions given below.

ur arguments in histicated sible.

BJECTIVES:

ing Activity

Quiz

Dictionary

PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

Why should we use examples in our rebuttals?

When our opponents give flawed logic in their arguments, it is important we call out the flawed logic and respond to it. When we add examples to our responses it makes them even more relatable and easy to visualize for judges as they have something to back it up against. Debating is all about being persuasive and using examples helps us do just that exactly.

Do you think you should be relying on examples when making rebuttals?

Two Basic Types of Example A.) Facts based example:

When to use them: These are situations where an opponent uses a logical argument to prove something but there are well-known examples that dispr the logic of the argument. How to use them: If possible, you can state real-world cases, numbers or sta but even if you don't know exact figures, just explaining the circumstances w

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rove

atistics, works.

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PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

Sc Go inf

Example 1: THBT Developing Nations should not host the Olympic Games Scenario: You are supporting the topic. Your opposition says that developing nations' economy will develop because of an increase in tourism and investment A reply with real-world cases, without statistics: If that argument was true then the nations of Brazil and Greece would not have been devastated economically after hosting the Olympics. A Reply with statistics: If that argument were to be true then Brazil would not have been in a debt of 132 million USD as a result of hosting the Olympics.

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A ed ab rar th

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Example 2: This House Would Allow Children to Vote

cenario: You are against this topic. overnment argues that children are well formed as they are receiving education!

reply just explaining the circumstances: Being ducated does not mean being well-informed bout politics. For example, school curriculums rely, if ever, teach or discusses politics. Hence, he government’s argument is flawed.

What examples would you use to argue against someone claiming that streaming sites such as Netflix are ruining the diversity of shows?

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PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

S l d

B.) Hypothetical- situation based examples: When to use them: Use these examples when you do not know any real-life examples or statistics. How to use them:

Use your imagination! Try to think of how an argument would play out Use logic. Make sure to back up your imagination with logic–think about why and how something would happen.

Not

Tell a story. Tell a short story to help the audience imagine your example.

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Example: This house would limit children’s use of technology to 2 hours per day

Scenario: You are against the topic. Your opponent argues that if we limit the children’s use of technology they will use that time instead to do something productivee such as study

Imagination: Imagine yourself in a similar situation. If you were not allowed to use technology would you automatically go and study?

Logic: Think about school children and what they like and dislike. Would the majority of school kids voluntarily study if their parents did not push them?

Story: Get creative! Imagine Billy, a rebellious kid who doesn't listen to his parents. Once his IPad is taken away, he'll just sleep all day or party with friends.

Make sure the examples are reasonable and easy to believe. Extreme examples makes an argument unpersuasive.

te: There are reasonable and extreme examples. Reasonable: Billy will be sad and uncooperative with chores at home. Extreme: Billy will start breaking everything in the apartment if his iPad is taken away.

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PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

RIDDLED WI Match the arguments with their

LIST OF ARGUMENTS

Animals don’t deserve rights because they can’t feel emotions like humans do

It is impossible to think of colonizing outer space because we don’t have the technology yet.

When it comes to school children, explaining how to behave in class does not work, you need to order them to keep quiet

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ITH EXAMPLES correct rebuttals

LIST OF REBUTTALS

Space X and NASA are only two of many organizations who are going further into outer space everyday

Dogs, cats and many other species stop eating for days after their owners passed away.

When my mom asks my younger brother to not do something, that is exactly what he will do.

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PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

RIDDLED WI Answer Key

LIST OF ARGUMENTS

Animals don’t deserve rights because they can’t feel emotions like humans do

It is impossible to think of colonizing outer space because we don’t have the technology yet.

When it comes to school children, explaining how to behave in class does not work, you need to order them to keep quiet

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BACK TO BASICS

ITH EXAMPLES LIST OF REBUTTALS

Space X and NASA are only two of many organizations who are going further into outer space everyday

Dogs, cats and many other species stop eating for days after their owners passed away.

When my mom asks my younger brother to not do something, that is exactly what he will do.

BACK TO BASICS

PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

ACTIVITY:

Engage with Examples Time

5 Mins: Prep 2 Mins: Speak

Rules You will be given 2 arguments below to respond to, use examples to oppose them

Guidelines: Remember the two ways in which we can use examples to respond 1. Facts based example 2. Situation based example If you can, use both. If not, use the one you’re most comfortable with! Format for the activity : 1. My response to the first argument is ___________, 2. My response to the second argument is _______.

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PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

The two arguments are :

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Topic: Everyone should have the right to own guns

Argument: In America, it is easy to own a gun. As a result, crimes like theft and murder are low. Response: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ __________________________________________

Topic: Animals should not have equal rights as humans.

Argument: Animals cannot communicate with others and hence it's impossible to give them rights as we don’t understand them. Response: ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ __________________________________________

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PART 2: REBUTTALS: EXCEPTIONAL USE OF EXAMPLES

Feedback It is now time for some feedback. The feedback will focus on one aspect: 1. Were you able to use logical examples in the activity?

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PART 1

PAR

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Warm Up Activity

We will ask you to take a look at your debating skills and tell us what areas you can improve in.

P for Policy 1. What is a policy? 2. What is a FIAT? 3. Government & Opposition Have Equal Capital / Resources: 4. How to construct it? 5. When do we use it?

Exceptional Use of Examples

Try to m to the ar

How to use examples effectively to break down the opposition’s arguments!

Respond with exa

P for Policy Group Activity

Divide yourself into teams of 3 and make a policy for the topic given below.

PAR

Smooth as

Presenting you the most soph structure poss

SYMBOL OB

Key takeaway

Question

Speaki

ROADMAP

RT 2

Riddled With Examples

Activity 1

match the correct examples as responses rguments presented.

Engaging with Examples

Activity 2

d to the arguments below by coming up amples (either real or made up).

RT 3

It All Comes Down To This Style based activity

s Butter

We want you to give a PM or LO speech on one of the motions given below.

ur arguments in histicated sible.

BJECTIVES:

ing Activity

Quiz

Dictionary

PART 3: STYLE: SMOOTH AS BUTTER

While presenting an argument we use the following structure:

Key Takeaway When presenting your argument, you should follow these clear steps rather than explaining your idea aimlessly.

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Heading or Assertion or Claim- The main idea or point you're trying to make. It's a clear and concise statement that captures the central theme of your argument.

Reasoning- This is the logical explanation or evidence you provide to support your claim. It's the "why" behind your assertion, where you offer facts, examples, logic, or explanations to convince your audience that your claim is valid.

Example a specific instance or scenario that illustrates your reasoning. It's a practical demonstration that helps your audience understand how your reasoning applies in real-life situations.

Conclusion- A restatement of your claim, supported by your reasoning and examples. It is a summary that reinforces the main point you've made and summarizes the overall argument, leaving a strong final impression on your audience.

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PART 3: STYLE: SMOOTH AS BUTTER

So, why is structure important? Maintaining a structure allows you to deliver an argument in the most persuasive way possible. a) Assertion at the start of the argument points the judge towards the direction of where the argument is going. b) Reasoning helps the judge connect the dots that justify your assertion. c) Use of example helps ground the argument and make it relatable. d) A conclusion is the icing on the cake that perfectly ties the argument together.

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Example of how we use it: Topic: This House Would Allow Kids to Vote Argument: This makes kids more politically aware. Now the argument structure: Heading: This will make kids more politically aware Reasoning: As kids will now be voting, they will follow the news, watch the presidential debates and ask questions about the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates. They will also discuss these things with friends, leading to more awareness.

Example: Now we are likely to have mock presidential debates in classrooms. Conclusion: All these reasons lead us to believe that this will make kids more aware politically.

Do you agree with this argument? BACK TO BASICS

PART 3: STYLE: SMOOTH AS BUTTER PART 3: STYLE: SMOOTH AS BUTTER

MAIN ACTIVITY It All Comes Down To This

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Time

10 Mins: Prep 7 Mins: Speak

Rules You will be divided into groups of 2 and you will be assigned either the Government or Opposition side for the motion given below. After 10 mins are up, one of you will have to deliver a PM or LO speech based on the sides you were assigned.

Guidelines: 1. Don't forget your speech structure! 2. For those who will be the PM, make sure to include a policy 3. For those who will be the LO, support your rebuttals with examples

Topic for Debate

This house would require people to obtain a parenting license in order to have children

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PART 3: STYLE: SMOOTH AS BUTTER

Feedback

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It's now time for me to provide feedback on your speech The feedback will focus on two areas this time: 1. Were you able to link back tp your speech? 2. Were you able to give sound reasoning?

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PUBLIC SPEAKING & DEBATE | JUNIOR CLASS LEVEL 1

THANK YOU

EXCITED TO SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK!