an introduction to debating - university of reading...an introduction to debating a teaching...

An Introduction to DebatingA Teaching Resource

Dr Jennie Litten-Brown Alex WealleansDr Colin Litten-BrownContact: [email protected]

Sponsored by

Progress South Central Lifelong Learning Networkwww.progresssouthcentral.org.uk

The University of Readingwww.reading.ac.uk

This document has been prepared where possible using guidelines provided by the British Dyslexia Association.

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The purpose of this presentation is to show a case study of a simple debate and to illustrate its structure and format.

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Teaching Aims

Teaching Aims• To provide a case study highlighting the structure and

format of a simple debate.

• To illustrate the purpose of debates and the context in

which they may be used.

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What is a Debate?• A debate is structured and formalized

discussion about a controversial topic

• The debate is subject specific and on a

defined topic

• A debate is NOT an argument – shouting,

personal insults and violence are not

allowed

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• Debates allow for a formal, structured

discussion about what are often difficult

or highly emotive subjects, for example:

– Animal testing

– Genetic modification

– Animal welfare issues

• By structuring the debate, both sides of

the argument are given equal weight and

allowed to put their points across

unhindered.

Why do People Debate?

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Use of Debates• Debating is commonly

used in Parliament and other

government structures to

discuss issues that are to be

worked into policy and law.

• Debates are also used

competitively and for this there

may be particular variations on

the general format depending

on the nature of the

competition.

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Debate Structure• The question being debated is

known as ‘the motion’

• It is phrased ‘This house believes...’

for example:

– This house believes animal testing

is essential.

– This house does not believe

genetically modified crops should

be allowed to enter the food

chain.

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Debate Structure• Two ‘teams’ of speakers

– Proposition (arguing for the motion)

– Opposition (arguing against the

motion)

• Usually 2 speakers on each team

– Each have different roles

• Order of speakers, and length of

speeches, is agreed in advance

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Debate Structure• There may be a chairperson whose

responsibility is keeping order in

the debate and ensuring that the

rules and timings are adhered to.

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1st Speaker for the Proposition

• Explains the debate topic;

• Puts forward major points in support of the

motion;

• Highlights the points of following

proposition speakers – this is known as

‘flagging’

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1st Speaker for the Opposition

• Speaker puts forward major points

against the motion.

• Flags points for following opposition

speakers

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2nd Speaker for the Proposition

• Puts forward points flagged by

1st speaker for proposition

• Rebuttal of opposition points

and arguments

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2nd Speaker for the Opposition


1st speaker of opposition

• Rebuttal of proposition points

and arguments

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Debate StructureProposition Opposition

1st SpeakerSpeaks first

1st SpeakerSpeaks second

2nd SpeakerSpeaks third

2nd SpeakerSpeaks fourth

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Debate Structure Questions from the Floor• Depending on the rules of the individual debate,

the audience may ask questions either

– After each speaker

– After all speakers have been

• These are known as ‘questions from the floor’

• They question points made by speakers, ask for

clarification, or offer an opinion of their own

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• After the first minute of a speech has elapsed, any

member of the OTHER side of the debate can offer an

interruption to the current speaker, with their

permission

• If a member of the other side wishes to offer a point of

information they stand up and say ‘Mr/Madam

Speaker, on a point of information’

• The person being interrupted can then decide

whether to allow the interruption or not19

Debate Structure Points of Information

Speech Style• Your opponent is not referred to by name, but rather by

their position in the debate, for example:

– ‘as the speaker for the opposition said…’

• Speaker’s arguments must be based on evidence, not

simply their own opinions

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Speech Style• Speak clearly and slowly, this helps to get your point

across

• Use examples and metaphors that people can relate to

• Use humour carefully – if it goes well, humour can win

the debate; but a failed joke can lose it just as fast

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Speech Style• You are trying to persuade the audience to your point

of view

– Use emotive and persuasive language

• But do not villify the opposing speakers, or simply make

fun of their points

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Voting• It is often the case that once a debate has

been made, the audience are able to vote

on the issues raised.

• Voting can be done in a number of ways

e.g. raised hands or secret ballot but will

usually vote on whether to accept or not

accept the motion given.

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Voting• You should remember that they way you vote will

depend on the type of debate.

• In a competitive debate you vote on the best

speaker and NOT in reflection of your personal

opinion of the subject.

• In non-competitive debates (e.g. Parliamentary

debates) you form your opinion depending on the

arguments offered.

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Case Study• In the following video clips, an example debate has

been filmed.

• We will examine each section closely to point out the

structure and also matters of style. These will be

indicated by subtitles and captions.

• Although the same person has been used for all of

the clips, the different roles are indicated by different

clothing.

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• In this slide, the speaker will explain the

debate topic, in this case ‘This house

believes that academic qualifications

ensure success in later life’;

• The speaker will put forward major

points in support of the motion and

highlight the points of following

proposition speakers (‘flagging’).

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• Listen out for such things as:

– Statement of motion

– Rhetorical questions

– Emotive language

– Flagging / reference to partner

– Facts and statistics

– Repetition

– Emphatic language

– Named reference

– Use of props

– Claims of rightness

• These will be indicated as they occur.

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• Speaker puts forward major

points against the motion.

• Flags points for following

opposition speakers

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– Flagging


– Rhetorical questions

– Named reference

– Rebuttal of motion


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1st speaker for proposition

• Rebuttal of opposition points

and arguments

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– Affirmation of motion

– Unnamed reference

– Rhetorical question

– Rebuttal

– Mirroring previous speaker

– Emphasis


– Facts



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1st speaker of opposition

• Rebuttal of proposition points and

arguments

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– Named reference


– Reference to previous speaker

– Rebuttal of motion

– Rhetorical question

– Rebuttal of previous speaker


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Conclusion• This case study has shown some of the basic format

and structure of a debate.

• You will also find on the DVD (as the next chapter)

the complete debate without interruption or

subtitles.

• If you wish to view this, either leave the DVD

running or you can skip straight to it by using the

forward chapter function.

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