The document below details some of what students need to know to prosper in Parnassus. Click on the images to return to class or home pages.

This page is maintained by Tim Jollymore at Skyline High School, Oakland, California. Please email your kind comments and questions to The Oracle at Delphi . . Copyright 2001, Tim Jollymore. Last up dated 5/4/02

Impromtu Debate Format

Preparation: Each team will be allowed an 8 minute period to meet with supporters, to solicit arguments and proofs and to outline a postion statement based on the resolution. Each side should work from notes taken on the readings and new notes on the arguments and evidence. Rebuttals must be crafted during the opposing side's constructive speech. No extra time will be allotted for rebuttal preparation.

Affirmative - opening statement and construction of the position: Up to 4 minutes

Read the resolution.
Clearly state the postition.
Clearly state at least three reasons for supporting the postion.
Spend the rest of the time allowed giving evidence in the form of a) reasoning b) illustration or c) quotation form in support of each of the three reasons.
Conclude this extended statement and argument with a short conclusion.

Negative - opening statement and construction of the position: Up to 4 minutes

Read the resolution.
Clearly state the postition.
Clearly state at least three reasons for supporting the postion.
Spend the rest of the time allowed giving evidence in the form of a) reasoning b) illustration or c) quotation form in support of each of the three reasons.
Conclude this extended statement and argument with a short conclusion.

Affirmative - rebuttal statements: Up to 2 minutes.

State at least two objections to Negative postion as stated in its opening statement.
Give reasons the postion cannot be supported as stated in its opening statement.
Give an alternative interpretation of the case which supports the Affirmative stance in each of the two cases.
Conclude with a restatement of the Affirmative position.

Negative - rebuttal statements: Up to 2 minutes.

State at least two objections to Affirmative postion as stated in its opening statement.
Give reasons the postion cannot be supported as stated in its opening statement.
Give an alternative interpretation of the case which supports the Negative stance in each of the two cases.
Conclude with a restatement of the Negative position.

Timing:
Preparation - 8 minutes
Affirmative - 4 mintues
Negative - 4 minutes
A Rebuttal - 2 minutes
N Rebuttal - 2 minutes

Total 20 minutes.