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An Introduction to DebatingA Teaching Resource
Dr Jennie Litten-Brown Alex WealleansDr Colin Litten-BrownContact: j.c.litten-brown@reading.ac.uk
Sponsored by
Progress South Central Lifelong Learning Networkwww.progresssouthcentral.org.uk
The University of Readingwww.reading.ac.uk
This document has been prepared where possible using guidelines provided by the British Dyslexia Association.
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The purpose of this presentation is to show a case study of a simple debate and to illustrate its structure and format.
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Teaching Aims
Teaching Aims• To provide a case study highlighting the structure and
format of a simple debate.
• To illustrate the purpose of debates and the context in
which they may be used.
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What is a Debate?• A debate is structured and formalized
discussion about a controversial topic
• The debate is subject specific and on a
defined topic
• A debate is NOT an argument – shouting,
personal insults and violence are not
allowed
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• Debates allow for a formal, structured
discussion about what are often difficult
or highly emotive subjects, for example:
– Animal testing
– Genetic modification
– Animal welfare issues
• By structuring the debate, both sides of
the argument are given equal weight and
allowed to put their points across
unhindered.
Why do People Debate?
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Use of Debates• Debating is commonly
used in Parliament and other
government structures to
discuss issues that are to be
worked into policy and law.
• Debates are also used
competitively and for this there
may be particular variations on
the general format depending
on the nature of the
competition.
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Debate Structure• The question being debated is
known as ‘the motion’
• It is phrased ‘This house believes...’
for example:
– This house believes animal testing
is essential.
– This house does not believe
genetically modified crops should
be allowed to enter the food
chain.
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Debate Structure• Two ‘teams’ of speakers
– Proposition (arguing for the motion)
– Opposition (arguing against the
motion)
• Usually 2 speakers on each team
– Each have different roles
• Order of speakers, and length of
speeches, is agreed in advance
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Debate Structure• There may be a chairperson whose
responsibility is keeping order in
the debate and ensuring that the
rules and timings are adhered to.
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1st Speaker for the Proposition
• Explains the debate topic;
• Puts forward major points in support of the
motion;
• Highlights the points of following
proposition speakers – this is known as
‘flagging’
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1st Speaker for the Opposition
• Speaker puts forward major points
against the motion.
• Flags points for following opposition
speakers
14
2nd Speaker for the Proposition
• Puts forward points flagged by
1st speaker for proposition
• Rebuttal of opposition points
and arguments
15
2nd Speaker for the Opposition
• Puts forward points flagged by
1st speaker of opposition
• Rebuttal of proposition points
and arguments
16
Debate StructureProposition Opposition
1st SpeakerSpeaks first
1st SpeakerSpeaks second
2nd SpeakerSpeaks third
2nd SpeakerSpeaks fourth
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Debate Structure Questions from the Floor• Depending on the rules of the individual debate,
the audience may ask questions either
– After each speaker
– After all speakers have been
• These are known as ‘questions from the floor’
• They question points made by speakers, ask for
clarification, or offer an opinion of their own
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• After the first minute of a speech has elapsed, any
member of the OTHER side of the debate can offer an
interruption to the current speaker, with their
permission
• If a member of the other side wishes to offer a point of
information they stand up and say ‘Mr/Madam
Speaker, on a point of information’
• The person being interrupted can then decide
whether to allow the interruption or not19
Debate Structure Points of Information
Speech Style• Your opponent is not referred to by name, but rather by
their position in the debate, for example:
– ‘as the speaker for the opposition said…’
• Speaker’s arguments must be based on evidence, not
simply their own opinions
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Speech Style• Speak clearly and slowly, this helps to get your point
across
• Use examples and metaphors that people can relate to
• Use humour carefully – if it goes well, humour can win
the debate; but a failed joke can lose it just as fast
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Speech Style• You are trying to persuade the audience to your point
of view
– Use emotive and persuasive language
• But do not villify the opposing speakers, or simply make
fun of their points
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Voting• It is often the case that once a debate has
been made, the audience are able to vote
on the issues raised.
• Voting can be done in a number of ways
e.g. raised hands or secret ballot but will
usually vote on whether to accept or not
accept the motion given.
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Voting• You should remember that they way you vote will
depend on the type of debate.
• In a competitive debate you vote on the best
speaker and NOT in reflection of your personal
opinion of the subject.
• In non-competitive debates (e.g. Parliamentary
debates) you form your opinion depending on the
arguments offered.
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Case Study• In the following video clips, an example debate has
been filmed.
• We will examine each section closely to point out the
structure and also matters of style. These will be
indicated by subtitles and captions.
• Although the same person has been used for all of
the clips, the different roles are indicated by different
clothing.
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1st Speaker for the Proposition
1st Speaker for the Proposition
• In this slide, the speaker will explain the
debate topic, in this case ‘This house
believes that academic qualifications
ensure success in later life’;
• The speaker will put forward major
points in support of the motion and
highlight the points of following
proposition speakers (‘flagging’).
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1st Speaker for the Proposition
• Listen out for such things as:
– Statement of motion
– Rhetorical questions
– Emotive language
– Flagging / reference to partner
– Facts and statistics
– Repetition
– Emphatic language
– Named reference
– Use of props
– Claims of rightness
• These will be indicated as they occur.
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1st Speaker for the Opposition
1st Speaker for the Opposition
• Speaker puts forward major
points against the motion.
• Flags points for following
opposition speakers
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1st Speaker for the Opposition
• Listen out for such things as:
– Emphatic language
– Flagging
– Emotive language
– Rhetorical questions
– Named reference
– Rebuttal of motion
• These will be indicated as they occur.
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2nd Speaker for the Proposition
2nd Speaker for the Proposition
• Puts forward points flagged by
1st speaker for proposition
• Rebuttal of opposition points
and arguments
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2nd Speaker for the Proposition
• Listen out for such things as:
– Affirmation of motion
– Unnamed reference
– Rhetorical question
– Rebuttal
– Mirroring previous speaker
– Emphasis
– Emphatic language
– Facts
– Emotive language
• These will be indicated as they occur.
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35
2nd Speaker for the Opposition
2nd Speaker for the Opposition
• Puts forward points flagged by
1st speaker of opposition
• Rebuttal of proposition points and
arguments
36
2nd Speaker for the Opposition
• Listen out for such things as:
– Named reference
– Emphatic language
– Reference to previous speaker
– Rebuttal of motion
– Rhetorical question
– Rebuttal of previous speaker
• These will be indicated as they occur.
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Conclusion• This case study has shown some of the basic format
and structure of a debate.
• You will also find on the DVD (as the next chapter)
the complete debate without interruption or
subtitles.
• If you wish to view this, either leave the DVD
running or you can skip straight to it by using the
forward chapter function.
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All content and images unless
otherwise stated
© University of Reading 2011
www.reading.ac.uk
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