Choose a position and then prepare to support it, using the Debate Preparation and Summary Worksheet, as if you were going to participate in a debate.

Assessment Instructions

Preparation

• Select a debate topic from the Debate Topics [PDF] document.
• You may choose to watch this video on building arguments:
  • Reading Pioneers Academy. (2015, December 13). Debate skill: Argument building [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zZ4YEuThRw
• Preview the Debate Preparation and Summary Worksheet [DOCX] that you will use complete for the assessment.
• Research your topic to gather the sources you’ll need to complete the worksheet.

Instructions

Choose a position and then prepare to support it, using the Debate Preparation and Summary Worksheet, as if you were going to participate in a debate.

In the worksheet, present your position and arguments for the debate topic, counterarguments to your position and arguments, and rebuttals to those counterarguments. The worksheet will finish with a conclusion on the strength of your position. Before submitting the worksheet, be sure to review the assessment scoring guide to ensure that you meet all criteria, including the following:

• Your position.
• At least three well-developed arguments.
• Evidence to support your arguments (that is, data and research), including how the evidence supports the arguments.
• Counterarguments to your points.
• Rebuttals to the counterarguments that oppose your arguments.
• Evidence to support your rebuttals (data and research), including how the evidence supports the rebuttals.
• A conclusion that asserts why your position is strong.
• In-text citations and references for all sources of information.

Submission Requirements

Submit the completed worksheet as your deliverable for the assessment.