Transcript Document
Researching for a
Debate
What is a debate?
A debate is, simply put, an argument.
But rather than being a shouting match
between two sides, a debate has strict rules
of conduct, utilizing sophisticated techniques.
You may be put in a position where you must
argue the opposite of what you believe in.
This is an important part of the art of
debating.
Exploring the Topic
Define the topic
“layman’s” terms
Be aware of the scope of the debate
What is included, what is not included
Get a clear understanding of your position
(Pro vs. Con)
If in doubt, ask your learning manager for
clarification
Coming up with
Keywords
Children
Parents
Families
Society
Kids
Google Hint:
Punish
Discipline
Spank
Time-Out
Guidance
~Discipline will search for the word
promotion and its common synonyms
define: Discipline will search for
definitions and links
Brainstorming
Brainstorm ALL possible arguments for
& against the topic
Come up with as many arguments as
possible to support your claim
Think about possible rebuttal
arguments
Use a concept map and PMI
Importance of Research
Arguments will be based on evidence, facts
and statistics.
Debater will become familiar with the topic,
which allows for better flow of ideas and
better preparation for rebuttal arguments.
Over-research.
Use multiple, diverse sources.
Looking for Information
Check the library for:
Books
Periodicals
Government documents
Newspapers
Videos/DVDs
Human expertise
Looking for Information
Check the Internet for:
Online databases
Current information (online newspapers,
articles, studies. . .)
Blogs, Wikis, and websites of concerned
organizations and societies.
Searching tips
Use “debate” language
Versus, for against, argument
Be clear & specific
Correct spelling is important
Phrase searching
“social promotion”
Leave out and, the, a , of . . .
Use the * wildcard (e.g. child* for child,
children ; punish* for punish, punishing,
punishment etc.
Going Beyond Google
Holland College Library has licensed several
databases that provide access to full text articles and
current information: (accessible from home as well)
•ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
•Education Research Complete
•Academic Search Elite
•Professional Development Collection
•SOCIndex
•Daily Life Online
•E-STAT (Government Statistics)
Evaluate your sources
Think critically about the information
you find. Remember that your opponent
will be as well.
Ask yourself some of these questions…
Accuracy
Does the source seem correct? Do
you need to cross check the
information with a second source?
Is it peer-reviewed?
Currency
Is this source up to date? How old is
too old?
Objectivity
Is this source opinion or fact? Is it
unnecessarily biased?
Purpose
What is the purpose of this source?
Is it trying to inform, to sell, to
promote?
Authority
Who is the author / publisher of this
source?
Is she/he a well-known researcher in
the field? Is the journal accepted as
authoritative by researchers?
Get Organized to Debate
Take lots of notes
Use index cards or paper that can easily be
reorganized
Keep the notes short
Add personal comments
Include facts and statistics
Acknowledge your
sources for credibility
http://webster.commnet.edu/mla/notes.shtml
Get Organized to Debate
Develop a thesis statement to guide
your debate
Formulate a plan for an introduction,
presentation of evidence and
conclusion
Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the basic argument
advanced by a speaker or writer who then
attempts to prove it; the subject or major
argument of a speech or composition
ww2.aps.edu/~apsedumain/CurriculumInstruction/glossary.htm
A thesis statement:
states the topic / main idea of the debate
shows the purpose of the debate
shows the direction of your argument
is captivating
Thesis examples
It is better to spank children.
weak example
Studies have shown that spanking children is an
effective means of behavioural modification and
that if used properly, leads to a better disciplined
and more socially productive adult.
stronger example
Introduction
Your point must have a basic, clear
introduction.
You can open with a general thought or
anecdote, but directly connect the intro
to your thesis statement.
Start by being strong and confident.
Evidence
Gather at least three pieces of evidence
to support your claim.
Have information on each “sub topic”
prepared ahead of time.
Conclusion
Conclude your debate by disproving the
opponent’s point.
Reaffirm your position by repeating the
highlights of your evidence.
Restate your thesis.
Rebuttal
Do your research to be well-prepared for
contra arguments.
Take notes of the points to rebut.
Concentrate on the important points and use
logic to show why the other side is wrong.
Attack each argument that the opposition
presents in turn.
Debate Tips
Search the web for debating videos.
Have notes prepared, but do not let your
debate become an oral presentation of a
written essay.
Practice speaking aloud in front of a mirror or
other people.
Understand both sides of the debate so that
you are prepared to contradict the other side.
Be ready to let go of small points.
Concentrate on debating the main topics and
prepared evidence.
2010
Holland College Library Services