AP English Language
Classroom Debate Assignment
September 22, 2005
Step 1: Form groups of four students who will find, research and build arguments
on BOTH the affirmative and negative side of an issue.
Step 2: Choose a topic, write a "resolution," and gain approval. The first group to gain approval of its resolution shall "own" that topic. No other group may research or debate that topic during that period.
Sample resolution: Resolve that the State of California secede from the United States of America to set up an independent, self-sustaining republic of California.
Step 3: On September 27 and 29th conduct research in the library on BOTH sides of your issue using the format given. A minimum of five sources, including at least two in print - as opposed to electronic media - must be used, and a minimum of 6 separate argument-premises must be employed ON EACH SIDE (expediency, participation or clarity from our public discussion of Lani Guinier for example).
The intent is, of course, to build a well balanced debate.
Step 4: Three days before the first debate, Mr. Jollymore will announce the
sides and schedule all the debates, two per day until finished, in the same
week. The newly announced sides have three or more days to prepare and PRACTICE
their delivery.
Step 5: On your scheduled day, present your debate in accordance to the directions
on the debate handouts.
