Debating techniques II

Debating techniques II

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This task is about debating techniques and procedures.
illustration: boy speaking to class
 
Below are extracts from a debate that "School is the best time of our lives." 
Read the extracts and answer the questions that follow. 
 
The extract contains bracketed letters (A). The questions refer to these letters.
 

Speaker one
Let us begin with asking what is a school? In a few words, schools are institutions where instruction is given. (A) We attend to get educated and . . .

Interjection
Institutions like a prison? (B)

Speaker one (continues)
We aim to prove that now is the best time of our lives. There are three key reasons why school is the best time of our lives: firstly the training of our minds, secondly the development of life skills, and thirdly we have time to have fun and enjoy life . . . (C)

Speaker two
Let's look at what these affirmative team losers are saying with their oh so serious, yet pathetic, ideas. In fact, they are appalling – starting from their retro school uniform to their ugly haircuts. (D)
Let's unpack some of their arguments. They say school is cool because they find it so – that's just personal opinion and has no impact on the wider issues. (E)
What has not been addressed is why do schools seem to do everything in a rush? Why do teachers have no time for us? Why do we have irrelevant subjects? (F)

Question 2Change answer

a) This is part of the affirmative's opening speech. (A) What should the speaker do next?

Question

b) Is this a successful interjection? (B)

    • Yes

    • No

Give a reason for your answer.

Question 2Change answer

c) How is the speaker trying to make sure the listeners follow the argument? (C)

Question 1Change answer

d) Why might there be an interjection at this point? (D)

Question 1Change answer

e) What key task is the speaker doing here? (E)

Question 1Change answer

f) What speaking technique is speaker two using at this point of the debate? (F)
Task administration: 
This task can be completed by pencil and paper or online.
Copyright: 
illustration: boy speaking to class
iStock
Level:
5
Curriculum info: 
English, Creating meaning, Speaking
Keywords: 
debating, procedure, techniques
Description of task: 
Students study a short transcript of part of a debate and answer six short questions on debating techniques and procedures.
Answers/responses: 
 
Y11 (07/2007)
a) For any 1 of:

  • Introduces what the team will talk about (give the split of this team's case), e.g., "my second speaker will speak about," etc.
  • Develops the 3 ideas.
 difficult
b) For any 1 of:

  • No – did not affect the speaker.
  • Yes – could interrupt the flow of thought of the speaker, and is framed as a question which invites a retort.
 difficult
c) For any 1 of:

  • Using listing, firstly, etc.
  • Repeating the moot/debate topic.
 difficult
d) Point of order – personal attack. difficult
e) Rebutting the other team's case or arguing against the other team's ideas. difficult
f)

For any 1 of:

  • Asking rhetorical questions.
  • Repetition of "why".

difficult