Step 1: Choose a topic for your debate.

Brainstorm with your peers and teacher to decide on a topic.

Step 2: Prepare for your debates.

ADetermine who will be the moderator, who will be the affirmative, and who will be the

negative. Keep in mind that debaters often argue for positions they do not personally

support.

BGather your own ideas about your topic.

CConduct research to gather evidence that supports your ideas.

DKeep notes as you prepare so you can access your ideas and supporting evidence during

the debate.

Step 3: Engage in a debate.

AAsk your teacher for guidance about how long to spend on each section of the debate. Keep

track of time to make sure both participants have time to speak.

BThe affirmative side should begin by making a claim in which the position is explained.

Remember to support ideas with evidence. Then, the negative will ask questions and then

make a claim. Take notes to remember issues you want to address later in the debate.

CThe affirmative should then ask questions and present a rebuttal that will highlight possible

weaknesses in the negative’s argument.

DThe negative should then present a rebuttal that will highlight possible weaknesses in the

affirmative’s argument.

EConclude by allowing the affirmative to give a final rebuttal.

Student Guide (continued)



Step 4: Write to evaluate the debate.

AUse your notes from the debate to complete the debate evaluation. Be sure to write in

complete sentences and use appropriate grammar.

BWhen you have completed your assignment, return to the Virtual Classroom and use the

“Browse for file” option to locate and submit your assignment. Congratulations! You have

completed a debate