Issues Debates
Choose a topic.
Two members will be on the pro side, while the other two will be on the con side.
Research your topic.
You must find four sources. Each member of the group will find four sources; members should not turn in the same sources. You can work with your group member as much or as little as you want, but you cannot turn in the same sources.
Sources cannot be Wikipedia or your textbook.
On the day of your presentation, turn in an accurate works cited page. This must be done in
MLA format. I will also accept APA format.
If you use websites, print off those websites and turn in during the day of your presentation.
If you use a book or legal document, you must type the facts from the books/document that
you plan on using and turn them in on the day of the debate.
If you interview a teacher, you must turn in a written and signed transcript.
Your debate is 12 minutes long for a group of 4; 15 minutes for a group of 5; and 18 minutes for a
group of 3. Dr. Fandel is the moderator.
Everyone must speak. When you make a comment, someone on the opposing side must respond.
Then, you must have a rebuttal.
Take turns speaking. Your grade will be lowered if you dominate the debate.
The livelier the debate, the better the grade. More facts presented=better grade.
Although this is a group debate, you will receive an individual grade.
Your grade will be based on grammar, professionalism, depth of thinking, and participation. Your
grade will also be based on the quality of the presentation.
If you do not show up for class on the day of your debate, you will lose FIFTEEN POINTS off of
your score for each day missed.
Questions to consider as you conduct your research:
Is it ethical?
Is it legal?
Does it benefit/harm students, parents, and teachers?
Does it cost too much money?
Dates-MW April 8, April 13, April 15, April 20
TR April 7, April 12, April 14, April 19, April 21, April 26, or April 28
Group Assignments
MW
1. Meredith, Nicholas T., Hallie, Cara
2. James, Ashlea, Raul
3. Brittany, Nathan, Colten
4. Nicholas C., Kasey, Brandy
TR
1.Chandler, Erin, Diane, Stacy
2. Kristie, Jamison, Tramiska, Leanne
3. Nelida, Kyle, Latoya, Brittany
4. Alyssa, Niandia, Natalie, Farrah
5. Kristin, Luisa, Dale, Yuri
6. Kendall, Mikel, Jill
Checklist
1._____Are two members on the pro side and two members on the con side?
2._____Did I find at least four relevant sources?
3._____Are my sources relevant?
4._____Is one of my sources an article from a peer-reviewed journal?
5._____Are my sources different from my group member's sources?
6._____Did I complete a works cited page in MLA or APA format?
7._____Did I turn in copies of all of my sources? For a book, turn in a fact sheet showing the information being referenced from the book and the page number.
8._____If using an interview, did I turn a signed transcript of the interview? Is the person being interviewed someone who is in a position to be knowledgeable about the topic?
9._____During the debate, do I participate enough?
10.____Do I use proper grammar?
11.____Do I overpower the debate?
12.____Am I prepared for the debate? You may bring notes to the podium, but please be prepared. Long pauses negatively affect your performance.