Debate

For those that have chosen to do a debate we will be using a parliamentary debate format. The questions we will debate include:

8.4 

For: Adapting to revolutionary technology will make our society better.

Against: Adapting to revolutionary technology will make our society worse.

Groups of three will debate this in relation to a particular revolutionary technology in our world.

8.3

For: Choosing to isolate Japan from the rest of the world will be better for Japan.

Against: Choosing to modernize Japanese society will be better for Japan.

Japan Social classes to be represented in the debate:

Shogun

Samurai/Daimyo

Merchants

Women

Farmers

Nature of parliamentary debate:

Based loosely on the British House of Commons, parliamentary debate is lively and audience-oriented. The House of Commons permits no written speeches from its members. Similarly, no speeches, briefs, or quotations are read in parliamentary debates. The debaters speak off the cuff in parliamentary competition, using only the notes they have made during the debate and preparation period. Parliamentary debates have relatively few rules; the rules of parliamentary debating are primarily designed to ensure that debates are evenly matched and enjoyable.

In competitive parliamentary debating, fifteen minutes is the most common amount of time given for preparation. During preparation time, the participants analyze the proposition and outline their major arguments. They ask themselves: 

·     What important issues are raised by this proposition?

·      How may it be affirmed or denied?

·      What examples and events are relevant to its discussion?

·      The answers to these and other questions will serve as the foundation for the government case and prepare the opposition for its counter argument.

Format:

First proposition for speech 3 minutes

First opposition against speech 3 minutes

Second proposition for speech 3 minutes

Second opposition against speech 3 minutes

Opposition rebuttal and counter questions 4 minutes

When introducing argument for:

·      Create an opening that attracts the audiences attention and brings interest to the topic


·      Clearly state your position on the resolution


·      Clearly state one reason you believe this
   

·      Support with reason and evidence


·      Conclude effectively

A opposition argument against:


·      A good introduction that attracts the audiences attention and interest in the topic


·      Clearly state the Negative’s position on the topic


·      Clearly state the Negative’s Observations
   

·      Support with reason and evidence


·      Attack and question the for’s arguments/evidence


·      Conclude effectively