Honors DebateFriday, August 14, 2015

Preview

Intro to argument

Argument activities

We will go over the quiz on Monday

Debate practice, Wednesday after school in room 108

Argument

How does society perceive argument

How is the term argument misused?

Definition of argument

A language-based social phenomenon that enables us to discover what beliefs and actions are reasonable in any social context and that is concerned with the selection and organization of ideas to justify particular positions. (Zigemueller & Kay)

Examples of non-arguments

Fighting

Verbal abuse/aggression

Opinions

Argument Structure

Preview

3 components to an argument

Presenting an argument

Refuting an argument

Practice

3 components to an argument

1. Claim- the assertion you are trying to prove

“the conclusion to your argument”

Example: It’s hot outside

3 Components to an argument

2. Data/Grounds support for your argument: evidence, logic, examples, etc.

Example: Weatherchannel.com says that in LA the temperature will be 95 degrees today

Components to an argument

3. Warrant: connects your claim to your data/grounds. Explain how your evidence relates to your claim.

95 degrees is above the comfortable temperature with humans, thus it is hot

Argument Structure

1. State your claim (the statement you are trying to prove)

2. State your data/grounds (evidence and other support for your argument)

3. State the warrant of your argument (connects evidence with the claim)

4. State the importance/impact of your argument (why does your argument matter?)

5. Restate your claim (to ensure the judge remembers your central claim)

Example

1. Anonymous speech is necessary for groups to challenge oppression

2. According to the Michigan Bar Journal in 2014, resistant groups rely on anonymous speech to organize protests, discuss ideas and challenge establishment power structures without risking backlash

3. Since anonymous speech protects an individual’s identity from attack, this form of communication provides the opportunity for protest

4. Challenging oppression of oppressed groups is essential to preserve safety and human rights

5. Anonymous speech is necessary for groups to challenge oppression

Refute Arguments1. State your opponents’ claim (so the judge knows which argument you are answering)

2. State your claim

3. State your data/grounds (evidence or support)

4. State your warrant (connects evidence to your claim)

5. Explain the importance of your argument

6. Restate your claim

Refutation Example1. My opponents claim that anonymous speech is necessary to challenge oppresion

2. I disagree and contend that anonymous speech provides cover for dangrous groups to commit violence

3. David Herbrick of the American Scholar provides data that hate groups use anonymous online media to organize and institute violent acts against women and people of color

4. Since anonymous speech is used to inflict violence, it cannot liberate the oppressed

5. As long as anonymous speech is legal, oppression against protected groups will continue and increase

6. Thus, anymous speech provides cover for dangerous groups to commit violence

Practice 1

Which is more important

Winning at debate vs. education gained from debate

Making money vs. being happy

Practice 2

Which sport is better, Football or basketball?

Practice 3

Continue Superhero debates

Review

Argument Structure

Present Argument

Refute Argument

Conclusion: Make complete arguments

Read argument article on website by monday