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Academic Skills Unit

Mastering the Debate Academic Skills LEO module: Writing at ACU

ACU Study Guide Chapter 14

Session outline

 What is a debate?  Format and structure  Supporting evidence  Rebuttal  Critical thinking  Delivery  Online resources

A structured argument with two

sides arguing for and against a particular

contention.

What is a debate?

• Team based argument on single topic • Work to persuade a judge or audience • Each team presents and sticks to the team line

Why debate?

Improve speaking skills

Develop convincing arguments

Work against your natural point of view

Enhance self-esteem and academic confidence

Future competitive success

Format

Affirmative team

• Presents arguments

• Listens and takes notes

preparing for rebuttal

• Presents rebuttal

Negative team

• Listens and takes notes

preparing for rebuttal

• Presents arguments

• Presents rebuttal

Structure Think essay • Introduction, body and

conclusion

Each point builds on the last

Decide as a team: • Save the best to last or

lead with your strongest?

The team line

• Main line of argument (affirmative or negative)

• All members reaffirm the team line – Take their individual arguments – All build together

• Not necessarily word-for-word repeated

Sample (simple) structure

Affirmative team

First speaker define, present team line, outline order, present

first point.

Second speaker reaffirm team line, rebut previous negative, present

next point.

Third speaker reaffirm team line, rebut remaining points, present

summary of entire case and round off debate.

Negative team

First speaker Accept or reject definition, present team line, outline

order, rebut 1st positive, present first point.

Second speaker reaffirm team line, rebut previous positive, present next

point.

Third speaker reaffirm team line, rebut remaining points, present

summary of entire case and round off debate.

Supporting evidence - types

Systematic reviews

Randomised controlled trials

Uncontrolled studies

Observational case studies

Expert opinion

Supporting evidence – who?

Rubric Clues

Theories on health care

ethics

National and international frameworks

Professional codes of

ethics

Professional codes of conduct

Cultural, social, legal and spiritual

factors

Supporting evidence - use

Distinguish one point of view from another

Cause and effect link

Refute opposing argument

Substantiate a claim

Compare or link to redirect argument

What skills are needed?

Public speaking

Critical thinking

Researching

Writing

Listening

Organising

Rebuttal

• Logic – Why were they wrong? – What evidence do you have?

• Choose your battles – Link to what your team has said

• Play the ball – Focus on the facts and

evidence – Respect

Critical thinking

• Questioning your own conclusions (reflection anyone?)

• Anticipation of opposing points • Formulating counter arguments • Considering multiple (competing)

perspectives • Theoretical foundations for ethical

perspective

Delivery

Tone

Speed

Clarity

Language

Body language

Humour

Online resources

• https://www.artsunit.nsw.edu.au/speaking- competitions/debating-and-public- speaking-resources

• http://idebate.org/debatabase/