Debate Organization

Step One - Pick a topic. The class needs to decide which topic they would like to debate.

A - Should the US Congress grant the Federal Communication Commission the authority to enforce "Net Neutrality" rules?

B - Should US corporations, such as Google, Microsoft, and CISCO, cooperate with foreign governments', such as China, attempts to suppress free speech?

Step Two - Divide up into teams.

Draw slips of paper from the mug to determine your side. You do NOT get to pick your side. Someone in the group must send the members' names to dannellys@winthrop.edu immediately after class.

Step Three - Learn the Debate Rules.

• We will flip a coin to decide which team goes first.
• Each side gets a four-minute opening statement (one person per group does this).
• Then each group takes turns asking questions.
  • Group Yes asks their first question to group No, and No gives an answer.
  • Then No gets to ask their first question.
  • This continues till each group has asked up to 6 questions (depending on time).
• Each group gets a 4 minute closing statement (one person does this).
• Every group member must talk (ask a question, answer a question, delivery opening or closing statement)

An individual's grade is based on their group's performance and their contribution to the group effort. One team will get a better grade than the other group - there will be winners and losers. Aspects that the judges will use include research, clarity, and organization.

Step Four - Get Organized

There is lots of work to do, so divide and conquer. Someone needs to write an opening statement. Multiple people need to write questions and decide on the best six. Multiple people need to research what the other group is likely to say and ask and be prepared to respond to their arguments. etc etc etc etc.