Name:_____________________

Debates!
The task
For this assignment you will be placed in groups of 3 (there will be 1 group of 2). You will debate
another group about issues and themes that are present in The Giver. You will need to come up
with a plan as a group for your arguments. Remember, the purpose of a debate is to convince
the audience/judges that your argument is better than your oppositions. There are very strict
rules for the debate that must be followed. In your arguments, you should use examples from
The Giver and from other texts, personal experience, or real-life events. Turn in this page just
before you debate.
The format for the debate:
3 Students per side per topic.
Each student gets to speak 1 time.
The first student who goes from each side should set up the thesis (main argument) of their
group, along with their positions on the topics they have thought through.
The 2nd person in each group should address what the 1st person has said, as well as
(possibly) the 2nd person.
This is a rebuttal, where someone expands their own arguments while shooting down the
arguments of their opponent.
The 3rd person concludes, summarizing the total argument while restating why their
opponents are wrong.
After the last person goes from each group, the group that went first has 30 seconds for
rebuttal of the concluding thought. Anyone can do this part.
1st - Intro and positions 1.5 min
2nd - Rebuttal and Expansions 1.5 min
3rd - Conclusion and Summary of Correctness 1.5 min
4th - (only starting group) 30 sec
Group A (goes first)

Group B (goes second)

Member 1 Intros (1 min 30 sec)

Member 1 Intros (1 min 30 sec)

Member 2 Rebuts (1 min 30 sec)

Member 2 Rebuts (1 min 30 sec)

Member 3 Concludes (1 min 30 sec)

Member 3 Concludes (1 min 30 sec)

Any Member can do final rebuttal (30 sec)

There will be a slightly different format for the group which has 2 members.

Name:_____________________
Success Criteria
__present a convincing argument
__respond to what the opposition says while arguing
__speak clearly and concisely, not going over the allowed time
__use examples and details when explaining and arguing
__turn in a 1 page abstract before the debate, which outlines your argument and main points
Expectation

Level

Comments

Written abstract outlines main

arguments; is well-organized

Arguments are spoken clearly

and to the audience; body
language helps argument

Examples from text, world, and

self are used when explaining
arguments; examples are
closely related to the points
being made
The students respond to the
points of the opposition, being
sure to move their own
argument forward while
addressing the arguments of
their opponents.

Debate Themes! (circle yours)

Remembering the truth is important vs. Avoiding pain is important
The rights of the individual are important vs. The rights of the group are important
Pain is important because it helps us appreciate pleasure vs. Pleasure isnt worth feeling the
pain
Rules are Important vs. Freedom is Important
People should choose their occupation based on what they like vs. Jobs should be assigned
based on what someone is good at