Length:

 5 minutes of initial presentation*

2 minute rebuttal*

*Both will be strictly timed, as per the rules of formal debating

Criteria:

• Content (Relevant, critical, sufficiently in-depth)
• Organization (Logical order of presentation of information)
• Style and timing (Pace, clarity, dynamism)
• Coherence and complementarity of presentations and rebuttals

Format:

Teams (4 people each) will debate one another in formal debating style, alternating between ‘house’ (pro) and ‘opposition’ (anti). After everyone has presented, each person will have the opportunity for rebuttal, speaking in the same order as the initial debate.

In other words, if you have two teams of four people (X and Y) the order is:

5 minute debate: X1, Y1, X2, Y2, X3, Y3, X4, Y4

followed by

2 minute rebuttal: X1, Y1, X2, Y2, X3, Y3, X4, Y4

Roles:

X1 and Y1 have key roles: they define the parameters of the debate, including their team’s interpretation of the resolution. They also explain the key claims in their team’s argument, and summarize how the team will proceed to explain that argument. In addition, they may make their own argument. X4 and Y4 also have key roles: in addition to making their own argument, they sum up their team’s arguments.

Mark  : 25%  of    final    mark,    as    follows:

1. Instructor’s  mark:    20%    of    final    mark

PLUS

2. Peer  mark:    5%    of    final    mark.

The instructor’s mark will be allocated as follows:

Content (5 marks): Quality of argument, critical thinking, sufficiently in-depth, links with other team members

Organization (5 marks): Logical, coherent, flows well from one point to the next

Style and timing (5 marks): Pace, clarity, dynamism, timing

Rebuttal (5 marks): Cogent, concise summary of opposing team’s argument(s); clear explanation of how you refute or disprove the claim.

Additional Handout

Handout #1: Concept Map