Debate
What is Debate?
Debate is a process of reasoned deliberation between two individuals or groups, usually with the intention of arriving at the truth or best possible resolution to a problem. There are many different types of debate, but they all involve the use of logic, reason, and sometimes emotion to persuade others to accept a particular point of view.
The most common type of debate is the style used in academic settings, which is designed to find the truth or best possible resolution to a problem by considering all sides of an issue. This type of debate is usually structured, with each side taking turns to present their arguments and evidence. The opponents then cross-examine each other to try to find flaws in their logic or to uncover new information.
Other types of debate include parliamentary debate, which is popular in political settings, and policy debate, which is often used in legal settings. There are also many informal debate formats, such as those used in online forums or between friends.
Debate is an excellent way to learn how to think critically and to defend one's beliefs. It is also an excellent way to develop one's research skills, as debaters must be able to find and cite evidence to support their positions. Debate is also an excellent way to improve one's public speaking skills.
Debate Resources
SPAR: Hundreds of Questions to Spark Smart Debates and Conversations
Introducing SPAR, a carefully-curated fan deck offering hundreds of contentious questions to sharpen kids' thinking and spark smart conversations and debate: Imagine that you travel to a part of the world where it's normal to eat the flesh of an e...
Mastering Competitive Debate
The must-have basics for all competitive debate formats Current information about all competitive debate formats make this text a must for your students. The content focuses on policy debate, with additional chapters covering Lincoln-Douglas debate,...
Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Values in Conflict
The basics of Lincoln-Douglas debate for novice and intermediate debaters This is the most complete introductory text available on preparing for and participating in the highly popular Lincoln-Douglas debate format. Short and well-designed chapters...