Environmental Debates

You have done research, observed and taken notes on an actual debate, and have developed your arguments for and against your given topics.
On Thursday, December 14th Periods 4 & 6 will have your in-class debates.
On Friday, December 15th Period 3 will have your in-class debates.

Here is what the procedures will be:
1. Teams will go in order, starting with Topic 1 and ending with Topic 4.
2. Each team member will turn in an argument they have developed for their side.  For example, if you agree with the Clean Power Plan you will have one reason why, with supporting evidence and the short or long term impact.
3. Each speaker will have 2-3 minutes to speak.  The first minute there can be no questions asked, but after the first minute members from the opposite side can ask questions.  It is up to the person whether they take the question or they can respectfully tell the person they will try to get to their question later.
4. The first speaker for each topic will be the "For" side and then it will go to the against, then back to for and back to against.
*If you have an odd number in your team you are still responsible for turning in your own argument for one of the sides.

You will be graded on the following:

• Information: Was information presented clearly and accurately? 
• Rebuttals: Did you address what the other side's claims were?
• Understanding of topic:  Did you demonstrate you understood the topic?
• Decorum: You demonstrated respect during the proceedings.

Tips:

*Opening speeches should define the terms of the topic. Example: What is Ocean Outfall? What are the specifics of the plan?

*Openers should also include who they represent. Example: We represent the State of Florida and we are for allowing oil exploration permits. OR We represent the opposing side for the State of Florida and do not believe oil exploration permits should be allowed. 

*In between speeches should rebuttal or demonstrate why the opposing sides argument is weak or not correct.  Then you should proceed with your arguments.

*Closing speeches should not include new points.  However, you can elaborate on a point that was made in the debate.  Example: The Clean Power Plan will increase jobs and then include a statistic that was not mentioned before.

Hierarchy of Evidence:
Peer reviewed studies (most valuable)
Mass Media
Case Study
Historical evidence
Thought Experiment
Famous quote
Personal anecdote
Metaphor (least valuable)

Parts of argument:
Assertion—What you are trying to achieve
Thesis – Main goal
Reasoning – Answer the why and call to action
Evidence – Using current examples, sources (relevant)
Significance/Results – Short or Long term impact

I am looking forward to hearing your arguments.