ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE

ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE

Objective Express agreement/disagreement on the issue.

Illustration “For good ideas and true innovation, you need human
interaction, conflict, argument, debate.” Margaret Hefferman

A debate is a structured argument The Benefits of Learning How to

with two sides which will deliver speech of Debate
argument alternately as affirmative and The faculty of Albany University in New York
negative contention usually based on a topical lists down 9 essentials of debate.
issue. The subject of the argument is often 1. Debates can help an individual practice and
arranged before the speaking event. A speech demonstrate one’s critical thinking skills.
may be organized to argue as part of a team. 2. Debates can help a speaker learn to
However, great caution shall be observed to communicate complex topics in a calm
avoid contradicting what others on your side intellectual discussions.
have said. 3. Debates can help speaker cultivate power of
A debate aims to influence people’s persuasion adopting the standards in debate.
view point or to motivate them to take action 4. Debates can develop one’s understanding of
or behavior in favor of the established variety of topics by listening to opposing views.
argument. 5. Debates can sharpen one’s communication
Mclean.k12 summarizes the purpose of a skills by learning how to express views according
debate as to: to the required number of words.
 take a stand from a proposition and 6. Debates can be an awareness to different issues
provide the audience FACTS and from listening to opposing opinions which can
reasons, lead to think out of the box by offering a wider
 provide insight that offers a verifiable range of possibilities, stimulate mind, and
standpoint for the audience, challenge resourcefulness.
 back the reasoning up with valid and 8. Debate teams can offer a sense of camaraderie,
strong evidence, exemplifying the value of teamwork.
 reflect on the opposing viewpoints, 9. Debates can widen and develop reasoning and
and communicating skills
 provide justification to clarify/explain
relevance and validity of evidence.
Whatever forms it may take; whatever occasions or in
what place, debate allows us to take a stand and

Types of develop reasons for an argument.

The four types of debates commonly used are
described below. These debates are characterized by
the Lincoln-Douglas debate (the two men debate);
the Rebuttal debate, the One-Rebuttal type of
Debate debate and the Oregon-Oxford debate that is also
called as the cross-question debate. Although there are
some variations in these debates with regards to time
limits as well as in the sequence of the speakers, the
debate’s primary requirements remain unchanged.
 Type Speakers Sequence of Speeches
Lincoln-Douglas Affirmative and Negative The affirmative speaker opens the debate then
sides are represented by the negative speaker’s speech follows.
only one speaker.
Rebuttal Each team from the The affirmative speaker opens the constructive
affirmative and the negative speech and the negative speaker initiates the
team completes by two or rebuttal. Every speaker is given a time to deliver
three speakers. a rebuttal speech. The delivery of the
affirmative speaker’s speech ends the debate
One-Rebuttal Two to three member- All speakers are given chances to refute the
speakers complete the argument of the opponent except for the first
affirmative and the negative affirmative speaker whose rebuttal speaker
sides. closes the debate.
Two to three speakers After the delivery of the speech of the first
Oregon-Oxford represent each group negative speaker shall ask with questions to first
(Affirmative and Negative). negative speaker. After this, the second speaker
of the negative side will present the entire
negative case; then, the second negative speaker
well be interpolated by the second affirmative
speaker. After, the first speaker of the negative
delivers his or her rebuttal speech followed by
the rebuttal of the second affirmative speaker.

Development of an Argumentative Speech

The University Of Maryland University College (2011) sets standards on how to organize an argument speech. An
argumentative speech can be organized in Classic and Rogerian organizational structures or frameworks to
support the goal of a discourse.
Classic Argument
1. Introduction: Establish the significance of an issue using authentic style and tone.
2. Statement of the Case: Make the issue clear with required background for the audience to grasp the
issue. Provide a clear definition of any vital term.
3. Proposition: State the central proposition which offers a neutral structure open for both sides. Present the
points or backup points of an argument for the readers/audience to predict the [your] stand.
4. Refutation: Examine the con arguments then summarize them; refute the con points. Pay attention to
filter fallacies in reasoning described as deceiving appeals.
5. Substantiation and Proof: Establish the [your] stand on the issue. Organize and make a thorough plan in
the exposition of reasons and evidences; avoid faulty argument (fallacies). Get focused mainly on
reasoning using backup such as giving examples, utilization of facts, presenting work of experts, and
using statistics as backup. Develop the structure of the argument using (e.g., causal analysis, comparison,
analogies, and definitions).
6. Conclusion: Close the speech with conclude with strong conviction by reviewing the main points and
reiterating the claims strongly. Make a persuasive appeal for the readers/audience to take an action, or put
a challenge to refute the argument.
 Development of an Argumentative Speech
Rogerian Argument
1. Write a brief objective statement that defines the issue.
2. Analyze and state the opposition’s position in a neutral, objective structure. Exhibit [your]
understanding of the opposition’s opinion and the backup reasons. Avoid subjective rebuttal to
the opposition’s position or reasons.
3. Analyze and state your own position in a neutral, objective way. Avoid subjective rebuttal to
the opposition’s position or reasons.
4. Analyze what the two positions have in common; find commonly shared goals and values.
5. Propose a resolution to the issue that recognizes and incorporates the interests of both
positions.

Rules of Oxford Oregon Debate

1
An Oregon oxford debate or Cross-Examination/Oregon-Oxford/Forensic Debate is the most
traditional debate format used in all countries. In this debate format, two teams are assigned as the
affirmative and the negative. The affirmative team proves the validity of the issue or topic expressed
in a Proposition while the Negative team refutes it. Each team three speakers and one scribe. A
Debate Moderator imposes the rules to maintain smooth conduct of debate. The sequence is
described below.

2
Sequence Affirmative Negative
Opening Constructive Speech 1st Speaker -
Interpellation - 1st Speaker
Opening Constructive Speech - 1st Speaker
Interpellation 2nd Speaker -
Constructive Speech 2nd Speaker (rebuttal) -
Interpellation - 2nd Speaker
Constructive Speech - 2nd Speaker (Rebuttal)
Interpellation 1st Speaker -
Conclusion - Team Captain
Conclusion Team Captain -
Fallacy Report - Scribe
Fallacy Report Scribe -

3 Duration 4 Criteria for Judging

Constructive Speech: Minimum of five (5) and A. Evidence - 25%

maximum of seven (6) minutes B. Delivery - 25%
Interpellation: Five (5) minutes C. Interpellation - 25%
Rebuttal Speech: Three (4) minutes D. Rebuttal - 25%
 5 Rules on Interpellation 6 Judges, based on their discretion,
1. Questions shall primarily focus on the arguments
shall have the authority to determine who
established in the speech of the opponent. However, other will be the Best Speaker and Best Debater.
questions/materials relevant to the proposition are allowed. The winning team shall be determined by
2. Courtesy shall be observed in asking and answering a the majority decision of the Board of
question. Both speakers shall address the judges for Judges.
verification; directly referring concerns to a speaker shall be
avoided.
3. Both speakers stand and face the audience during the 7 Guides for Constructive Speech
question or Interpellation period. Constructive Speech may be delivered by:
4. Questioners shall only require brief and easily 1. Reading Method
understandable question. Answers shall equally be brief.
Categorical questions answerable by yes or no is allowed,
2. Memory Method
however, opponent if he choose, may qualify his answer why 3. Extemporaneous
yes or why no. Poise, gestures, audience connection and
6. Questioner may not cut off a reasonable and qualifying conviction are highly recommended.
answer, but he may cut off a long response with a statement
such as a “thank you” “that is enough information” or “your
point is quite clear” or “I’m satisfied.” 8 Rules of Scribe
7. A questioner shall not comment on the response of his
opponent. A. A scribe shal point out clearly the fallacies
8. The opponent may reject to answer unclear, immaterial or committed by his opponent stating clearly
very difficult questions by asking the moderator to rephrase what particularly statement or argument
or change his question. constitute said fallacy.

B. If not familiar with the fallacies of logic,

8 Role of the Moderator the debater may counter arguments directly by
The moderator of the debate introduces the issue stating what arguments or statement is
involving the debate; employs the rules on points of incorrect or false.
clarification about the issues or questions and answers
made during the Interpellation; and ensures that the 10 Role of the Timer
debate runs orderly and follows the rules of
parliamentary procedures. 1. To manage the time given to speakers and
debaters precisely;
9 GUIDELINES FOR ASKING 2. To give the speakers a one-minute signal with
…………………QUESTIONS the ringing of the bell once before his/her time is
ends.
1. Ask a short question requires a short answer. 3. To avoid the debaters exceed the time assigned
2. Specify the object of your question. to them by ringing the bell twice.
3. Avoid short cut on your argument, avoid making it too
obvious. Tips on Interpellation and Rebuttal
11 CROSS EXAMINATION
4. Refrain from asking question that your opponent won't
answer properly win the right way. The cross-examination part of a debate is a time
5. Ask only vital question, although your purpose is to when the speaker who delivers the constructive shall be
make clarification. asked questions by the opponent speaker based on six
6. Always demonstrate politeness. objectives:
7. Approach an argument from a non-obvious direction. 1. To clarify points
Then trap your opponent. 2. To expose errors
8. Prepare series of related questions that represent a big 3. To obtain admissions
argument. 4. To setup arguments
9. Avoid open ended questions unless you drive a point 6. To show the judge how the speaker gets prepared about
of an argument in the end. 10. Face the judge/audience, the battle.
not your opponent. Never attack the speaker; only attack Most debaters tend to ignore the value of good
the argument. cross-examination. 25% of the entire debate is from the
cross-examination. Therefore, worthy, effective cross-
examination of the opponents can play a vital and smart role
in winning the votes of the judges.
 Practice Direction: Tick the button of your answer.

1. Debate is…
8. A debate team shall compose of _______
 An argument with friends students.
 An organized public argument on a specific  3-5
topic
 1
 A public argument on many topics
 9
 An event with a guest speaker.
 2
2. Debate is facilitated in front of an audience
9. In debate, it acceptable to cheer at the other
 True
team especially when a speaker is delivering
 False his/her speech.
 True
3. Debating simulates (what lawyers do) in a court
 False
trial.
 True 10. The affirmative team of a debate argues.
 False  Yes
 No
4. A good debatable topic present one correct side.
 True 11. To be a great debater, it is required to__
 False  Speak clearly, loudly, and conviction
 Ponder about what the other team will an
5. “OFW” can stand as proposition in a debate.
intensive research.
 True
 All of the above
 False 12. Write an argument of the topic below.
Remember to organize your argument.
6. In debate, which side is required to support Ex: Assertion (express what you think about the
argument with strong evidence? topic.
 The pro (yes) side Reason (express the reason why you think that).
 The con (no) side Evidence (prove it)
 Both sides use evidence
 Neither side uses evidence Topic: DepEd shall abolish wearing of school
uniform in high school.
7. Debate is a table topics because it doesn't
_____________________________________________
require time to prepare what to say.
 True _____________________________________________
 False _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
 References
Four Types of Debate. Retrieved March 1, 2019. https://legalref.knoji.com/the-four-common-types-of-debates/
Lumen English 121. Exposition and persuasion. Accessed March 1, 2019.
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/ivytech-engl112/chapter/four-aims-of-argument/

Robert, J. (2012). National Forensic League. Retrieved March 1, 2019 from

https://www.speechanddebate.org/wp-content/uploads/Intro_to_LD.J.Roberts.7.5.27
Rules of Oregon Debate. Retrieved March 1, 2019 from http://alljectsart.blogspot.com/2011/01/rules-of-
oxford-oregon-debate.html
UMAC Guide Research. Retrieved March 1, 2019. https://coursedev.umuc.edu/WRTG999A/
Chapter8/ch8-09.html
Wikinut four types of debate. Retrieved March 1, 2019https://guides.wikinut.com/The-Four-Common-Types-
of-Debates/11i-6-tf/