Debating Vocab
What is a debate?
A discussion where two sides argue for or against a topic.
If your topic is "Zoos should be banned", what would the negative side argue?
Zoos should NOT be banned.
What type of evidence is this? "A survey of 500 students found that 70% prefer school uniforms."
Statistics
The other side says, "Zoos help protect animals." What could the rebuttal be?
Answers will vary. For example: "Some animals may still suffer in captivity."
Which animal is known as the largest living land animal?
The African elephant.
What do we call the side that agrees with the topic?
Affirmative Team
Complete this sentence: "I believe school uniforms should be compulsory because..."
Any reasonable argument, such as they make students feel equal.
What type of evidence is this? "A wildlife expert explains that some animals need large spaces to move freely."
Expert opinion.
The affirmative side says, "Zoos should be banned because animals need more space." What could the rebuttal be?
"Some zoos provide large spaces for animals to move around."
What is the name of the process plants use to make their own food using sunlight?
Photosynthesis.
What do we call the side that disagrees with the topic?
Negative Team
Complete this sentence: "I believe robots should be used to cook meals in school because..."
Any reasonable argument, such as they will do it quickly.
What type of evidence is this? "A newspaper reports that a local school has collected many plastic bottles this year."
Fact
The affirmative side says, "Animals in zoos are unhappy because they live in cages." What could the rebuttal be?
"Some zoos provide large spaces and activities to keep animals healthy and active."
Which Australian state is home to the Great Barrier Reef?
Queensland
What is the name for a statement that supports your side of the debate?
Argument
Your argument is "School uniforms are too expensive." What evidence could you use to support it?
A price comparison or survey showing the cost of uniforms.
What type of evidence is this? "Fitting into the palm of a hand, a tiny 3-week-old turtle was found lying on his back, covered in sand, and immobile on a local beach in Queensland. Rescuers brought him to the Taronga Zoo Wildlife Hospital, where veterinarians discovered he had ingested marine plastic debris alongside suffering bite injuries."
Real life story
The negative side says, "Zoos should stay open because they help protect endangered animals." What could the rebuttal be?
"Animals can be protected in wildlife sanctuaries without being kept in traditional zoos."
In Harry Potter, what position does Harry play on his Quidditch team?
Seeker
What is the name for a response that challenges the other side's argument?
A Rebuttal
Your topic is "Children under 13 should not use social media." Give an argument and a piece of evidence to support it.
Answers will vary. For example: Social media can expose children to bullying. Evidence could include a reliable survey or report about online bullying among children.
What type of evidence is this? "I think zoos are bad because I don't like seeing animals in cages."
Personal Opinion
The negative side says, "Zoos should not be banned because they teach children about animals and help them care about wildlife." Give a rebuttal that challenges this argument.
"Children can learn about animals through documentaries, wildlife parks and visits to animals in their natural habitats without keeping them in zoos."
In soccer, what is the name of the international tournament held every four years where countries compete to become world champions?
FIFA