Debate & Speech Events

General Information

Debate is an opportunity for students to use their skills of reading, thinking, writing, speaking, and listening in a meaningful situation that can be related to their own lives.

Teams of two students research a controversial issue to:

• collect facts and expert opinions for/against a proposed change (stated as a resolution)
• prepare cases by using this data and making/stating a strong case and refuting opponent’s claims with contradictory facts and explanations
• elementary students argue either as affirmative or a negative team
• intermediate students are prepared to argue both affirmatively and negatively
• middle school students can opt for Lincoln/Douglas debate style

Debate can be used in the classroom in two ways:
     1. As a unit of study, introducing debate skills with the process and information for the debate.
     2. As part of the year’s curriculum and as an outgrowth of language arts, science and social studies.