TE Debate Book SAMPLE
TE Debate Book SAMPLE
This packet includes a complete chapter as a sample of the Teacher’s Edition for the
Champion’s Guide to Debate Flexbook! The combination textbook and workbook includes
all the basics for new debaters.
As you’ll see in this sample, every chapter has multiple pages of new content for
educators to guide you through the lessons. All in-text activities include sample student
responses and the chapters are annotated with additional explanations.
The Champion’s Guide to Debate Flexbook offers specific guidance for Public Forum,
Lincoln-Douglas, and Congressional debate in addition to lessons on:
The Flexbook model allows students to complete activities within the book as they
learn new speech and debate skills. This edition is the result of contributions from
13 nationally acclaimed debate educators with 100+ years of combined classroom
experience.
Overview
This chapter focuses on mastering the art of argument construction and presentation
within competitive debate and everyday persuasive communications. Students will
explore the Toulmin Model as a framework for developing well-structured arguments,
adapt these techniques to various debate formats, and integrate their arguments
effectively into debate cases. Encourage students to appreciate the nuances of logical,
dialectical, and rhetorical perspectives in crafting arguments that are not only compelling
but also sound and persuasive.
As you guide students through this chapter, emphasize the strategic element of
debate—not just what arguments to present, but how to present them effectively to
engage and persuade an audience. Explore the significance of audience analysis, which
helps in tailoring arguments to be more impactful based on the audience’s values and
beliefs. Encourage students to view argument construction as a craft, where each word
and piece of evidence is carefully chosen to build a persuasive case. This approach will
not only enhance their debating skills but also their overall communication proficiency,
equipping them with the tools to articulate their thoughts and ideas compellingly in any
setting.
Key Points
Here are some core concepts that you should emphasize when teaching the material:
• Adaptability Across Formats: Highlight how different debate formats might require
modifications in argument presentation. Encourage students to think flexibly and
adapt their strategies to suit the format and audience.
• Real-World Application: Emphasize that the skills developed in debate are transfer-
able to real-life situations, such as job interviews, presentations, and discussions on
public issues. This will help students see the value beyond competitive environments.
Explaining Concepts
Here are a few ideas that some students may struggle to comprehend and ways to help:
• Understanding the Toulmin Model: Break down each component of the model
(Claim, Data, Warrant, Impact) with examples to illustrate how they interconnect to
form a coherent argument.
• Impact Relevance: Explain how the impact ties an argument to real-world conse-
quences, which is crucial for persuasion. Discuss how impacts can be aligned with the
values and concerns of the audience.
Engagement Strategies
Here are some ways to keep students excited about the material with hands-on learning:
• Debate Workshops: Organize workshops where students can construct and present
arguments on both sides of a current issue. This active participation fosters a deeper
understanding of argument construction.
• Peer Review Sessions: Use peer feedback sessions to allow students to critique
each other’s arguments. This not only helps refine their arguments but also enhances
critical thinking skills.
Activity Ideas
Here are a few ideas for class activities about the material:
• Mock Debates: Conduct mock debates where students can apply their skills in a
simulated competitive environment, focusing on using structured arguments and
responding to opposition effectively.
Other Thoughts
As you’re teaching the material, here are some final thoughts to keep in mind:
Chapter 5:
Everything Is An Argument
Objectives
By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:
We’ve all had informal arguments with our As you learned in Chapter 1, scholars and
friends and family, but learning how to thinkers have grappled with the complexi-
structure an argument in a debate setting ties of the debate process for centuries.
is a different process.
Today, we have three ways of viewing
In this chapter, we’ll explore the art of arguments: logical, dialectical, and
crafting and framing compelling argu- rhetorical.
ments. As debaters, we understand that
the strength of ideas lies not just in their Logical perspective: “Is the argument
content but also in how we present them. sound?”
How we shape and mold our arguments Dialectical perspective: “Has the discus-
can determine whether we sway minds or sion encompassed differing perspectives of
fail to persuade our audience. the topic?”
Rhetorical perspective: “Has the speaker
5.1 Role of an Argument constructed an argument so that it can
successfully persuade the audience?”
Arguments are reasons to agree or
disagree with a statement. Constructing As we dive deeper into the components of
compelling arguments will help you argumentation, keep these perspectives in
harness the true power of words to shape mind. By considering the three categories
perceptions, win debates, and leave a of perspectives, you’ll be better equipped
lasting impact on your judge and audience. to develop a strong point of view and use
sound logic in your debate rounds.
Support 3: Equality - It would level the electoral playing field by ensuring that all
socioeconomic groups are equally represented in the vote, reducing the policy influ-
ence of certain demographics that are more likely to vote.
Concept Checkpoint
1. Why are arguments considered the building blocks of a debate?
Provide structure, support positions, and persuade the audience
2. What is the difference between an argument being valid and sound?
Validity focuses on structure; sound means valid and true
3. In what ways do arguments provide structure and organization to a debate?
By systematizing ideas and evidence, they form the foundation for cases
Applying Argument
Structure Impact: If more people vote, our gov-
ernment will better reflect the will of all
Understanding and applying these compo- American voters, not just the ones who
nents (Claim, Data, Warrant, and Impact) showed up to vote. By creating a more
will allow you to construct well-structured representative government, we make it
and persuasive arguments. more likely that policies reflect the will and
needs of more Americans. This provides
Let’s look at an example of the CDWI the way that the claim being true would
model using our sample resolution, affect people’s lives.
Resolved: Compulsory voting should be
implemented in the United States. Watch some examples
Claim: Compulsory voting strengthens Choose an episode of Open To Debate and
democracy. This provides a clear and listen to the opening speeches.
concise statement summarizing the
argument. How do the speakers structure their
arguments?
Data: The foundation of a functioning
democracy is the participation of citizens Are the arguments valid or sound?
in the electoral process. According to
the United States Census Bureau, voter Can you think of ways an argument would
turnout was only about 66.8% in the be improved through better usage of
2020 presidential election. Even though Ethos, Pathos, or Logos?
this marked the highest turnout in over a
century, that means that 33.2% of eligible How do opposing arguments interact, and
voters did not participate. This provides how do the speakers adjust their strategy
clear evidence to show why a world based on their opponent?
without compulsory voting is flawed and
what might be improved by implementing Can you think of ways an argument would
compulsory voting. be improved through better structuring in
the CDWI model?
Warrant: By implementing compulsory
voting, we can increase voter turnout to Open To Debate Videos
nearly 100% by providing a real incentive www.debatetextbook.com/open-debate
to one-third of Americans who tend not
to vote. We can strengthen democracy by
maximizing the participation of all citizens.
This provides a logical explanation of how
the claim is proven by the data.
I’m working on arguments for the compulsory voting topic, but I’m
having trouble identifying the parts of the argument. Can you help me by circling the
claim, underlining the data, boxing the warrant, and double-underlining the impact?
The marked up solution is different than the student instructions. The claim is under-
lined, data is italicized, warrant is underlined and italicized, and impact is bolded.
Here’s another one I need your help with! This one is on the opposite side of the
topic.
Go to your favorite news source and find an article. See if you can identify the
claims, data, warrants, and impacts used by the writer to convey their points.
Imagine if one of these components was missing. Would the article still be as
informative?
Summarize the article below by summarizing a claim and its associated data,
warrants, and impacts.
Each student’s answer will be different depending on the article they select.
Prompt students to analyze articles from diverse news sources to identify and
dissect the Claim, Data, Warrant, and Impact components. Encourage them to
evaluate the effectiveness of arguments when a piece of the model is missing, and
to consider how this would affect the article’s persuasiveness and clarity.
This exercise aims to enhance students’ critical reading skills and their ability to
apply the CDWI model outside of classroom debates. By identifying these compo-
nents in real-world contexts, students can better appreciate the practical applica-
tions of structured argumentation.
Concept Checkpoint
1. Explain the simplified Toulmin Model (Claim, Data, Warrant, Impact)
and the role of each component in an argument.
Summary; evidence; explanation of evidence; why it matters
2. Why are a clear claim and relevant data crucial for constructing an
argument?
Establish a compelling argument’s foundation
3. How does a warrant connect the claim and its supporting data in an argument?
By providing the underlying reasoning or logic
4. What is the role of impact in an argument?
Explains why the argument matters, showing the consequences or significance
In short, offensive arguments are reasons can take the form of facts, statistics,
the judge should vote for you, and defen- expert opinions, research findings, or
sive arguments are reasons the judge examples. Select evidence that is relevant,
should not vote for your opponent. reliable, and compelling, and present it in
a clear and concise manner. Avoid over-
Ensuring that you focus on offense while whelming your audience with excessive
adequately making defensive arguments evidence, and instead focus on quality over
against your opponent is the simplest quantity.
way to meet judge expectations and work
toward winning. Logical Reasoning: Clear arguments rely
on logical reasoning to establish a coherent
Tips For Strong Arguments flow of ideas. Ensure that your argument
follows the modified Toulmin structure you
Clear and concise arguments not only just learned, with each point building upon
enhance your persuasiveness but also the previous one. Use logical connectors
facilitate effective communication with your such as “therefore,” “because,” or “in
audience. You should consider the following conclusion” to guide your audience through
principles to develop arguments that are the logical progression of your argument.
both clear and concise:
Organization and Signposting: A clear
Clarity of Thought: Clear arguments argument is organized and easy to follow.
stem from clear thinking. Before construct- Use clear and concise language to articu-
ing your argument, take the time to thor- late your points and employ signposting
oughly understand the topic. Clarify your techniques to guide your audience through
own position and identify the main points your argument. Signposting involves
you want to convey. This clarity of thought using phrases like “first,” “next,” “in
will lay the foundation for constructing a addition,” or “finally” to signal transitions
coherent and well-structured argument. between different points and sections of
your argument. This helps your audience
Strong Claim: A clear argument begins navigate your argument and understand
with a strong and focused claim. Your the logical flow of your ideas.
claim should be concise, specific, and
clearly state your position on the topic. Conciseness: Be succinct.
It should encapsulate the main idea you
are advocating and focus the argument on Just not that succinct. Conciseness is
one specific advocacy rather than a broad crucial in debate, where time constraints
selection of possibilities. A strong claim often dictate the length of your pre-
sets the direction for your argument and sentation. Strive to express your ideas
provides a clear point of focus for both you succinctly, using precise language and
and your audience. eliminating unnecessary or repetitive
information. Focus on delivering the most
Supporting Evidence: It is crucial to impactful and relevant points in a concise
provide supporting evidence to bolster the manner, avoiding tangents or excessive
strength of your argument. This evidence elaboration.
Practice and Feedback: Developing clear Clarity and conciseness are key to making
and concise arguments requires practice a lasting impact in the world of debate,
and refinement. Take the time to rehearse but you can also utilize these principles in
your arguments, ensuring that each point every aspect of your life!
is expressed clearly and concisely. Seek
feedback from peers or coaches to identify Whether you’re writing an essay for school,
areas where you can further enhance the coming up with a story, drafting a letter
clarity and conciseness of your arguments. to apply for a college or job, or any other
Constructive feedback can help you refine form of communication, you can apply
your communication skills and improve the what you’ve learned about arguments and
effectiveness of your arguments. persuasiveness.
Teachers can play a crucial role in helping students develop strong, clear, and
concise arguments by implementing focused instructional strategies and practice
opportunities. Begin by emphasizing the importance of clarity of thought. Encour-
age students to spend time understanding the topic thoroughly before formulating
their arguments. This could involve guided research sessions, group discussions to
explore different viewpoints, and activities that prompt students to articulate their
initial thoughts clearly. Such exercises help students to clarify their own positions
and identify the main points they wish to convey, establishing a strong foundation
for their arguments.
Concept Checkpoint
1. What are the key principles to develop arguments that are both
clear and concise in the context of a debate?
Clarity of thought, a strong and focused claim, relevant and reliable
supporting evidence, logical reasoning, clear organization, and
conciseness
2. What is the difference between offensive and defensive argumentation?
Offense proves your position; defense protects your argument or attacks opponents
3. How can logical reasoning and organization techniques (like signposting) enhance
the clarity and flow of your arguments?
Enhance an argument’s clarity and guide the audience through its progression
4. Why is supporting evidence crucial in debate, and how should it be selected and
presented for maximum impact?
Substantiates claims; should be selected to reinforce the argument