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Grade 10 - Argumentation and Debate

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14 views

Grade 10 - Argumentation and Debate

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b.markc18
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Argumentation and

Debate
Grade 10
Argumentation and Debate
 These are formal types of discussions.
 Argumentation is the art of presenting
reasons to arrive at a truth that is
acceptable to others.
 Debate is a formal type of argumentation. It
is carried out by two opposing sides and con
ducted according to certain well-defined
rules.
Argumentation
 One of the major modes of discourse, argumentation
can be applied to virtually all assignments involving
critical reasoning no matter the subject or discipline.
 As it involves a higher level of reasoning than
associated with descriptive writing, or narrative
writing, or expository writing per se, it is crucial for
the successful university-level student to understand
and master the principles, indeed the concepts that
drive the critical thinking skills associated with
argumentative writing.
Argumentation
 Arguments are claims backed by reasons that are supported
by evidence. There are five highly relevant characteristics of
argument:
 (1) Argumentation is a social process. Having an argument
involves two or more individuals responding to one another's
claim and support for such a claim. Argument is not simply
restating the same claims and reasons, rather it is
supporting, modifying or defending positions accordingly. As
a process, arguments unfold based on the contributions of
the dialogue participants.
Argumentation
 (2) Argumentation aims to gain adherence from an audience.
People argue to gain assent for their positions. The world is
filled with ambiguous situations that argument attempts to
render more certain. Argumentation is a listener and audience-
oriented activity—even if the audience is just one person.
Ultimately, one wishes to persuade to audience the act on the
advanced claim, whether it is to encourage action or gain
support.
 (3) Argument is an art. As an art, argument has techniques
and general principles, therefore is a learned craft. Although
there are suggested guidelines and argumentative tools, there
is no science of argument.
Argumentation
 (4) Argument involves contested issues. As a
mode of influence, argument has persuasion
as a central goal. Argument does not occur
where there is consensus.
 (5) Argument fills much of our lives. Whether
we recognize so or not, argument dominates
our lives. We spend time arguing about what to
eat, who to invite, when to do things, and
where to go.
Elements of Argumentation

 (1) Conviction which is based


on logic or correct reasoning.
 (2) Persuasion which is the
emotional aspect of an
argument.
Debate
 A debate is a structured argument. Two sides speak
alternately for and against a particular contention usually
based on a topical issue.
 Unlike the arguments you might have with your family or
friends however, each person is allocated a time they are
allowed to speak for and any interjections are carefully
controlled.
 The subject of the dispute is often prearranged so you may
find yourself having to support opinions with which you do
not normally agree. You also have to argue as part of a
team, being careful not to contradict what others on your
side have said.
Why Debate?
 It is an excellent way of improving speaking
skills and is particularly helpful in providing
experience in developing a convincing
argument.
 Those of you who are forced to argue against
your natural point of view realize that
arguments, like coins, always have at least two
sides.
Basic Debating Skills
 Style is the manner in which you communicate your arguments. This is the
most basic part of debating to master. Content and strategy are worth little
unless you deliver your material in a confident and persuasive way.
 Speed is vital to talk at a pace which is fast enough to sound intelligent and
allow you time to say what you want, but slow enough to be easily
understood.
 Tone. Varying tone is what makes you sound interesting. Listening to one
tone for an entire presentation is boring.
 Volume. Speaking quite loudly is sometimes a necessity, but it is by no
means necessary to shout through every debate regardless of context. There
is absolutely no need speak any more loudly than the volume at which
everyone in the room can comfortably hear you. Shouting does not win
debates. Speaking too quietly is clearly disastrous since no one will be able
to hear you.
Basic Debating Skills
 Clarity. The ability to concisely and clearly express complex issues is what
debating is all about. The main reason people begin to sound unclear is
usually because they lose the “stream of thought” which is keeping them
going. It is also important to keep it simple. While long words may make you
sound clever, they may also make you incomprehensible.
 Use of notes and eye contact. Notes are essential, but they must be brief
and well organized to be effective. There is absolutely no point in trying to
speak without notes. Of course, notes should never become obtrusive and
damage your contact with the audience, nor should they ever be read from
verbatim. Most people sketch out the main headings of their speech, with
brief notes under each. When writing notes for rebuttal during the debate, it
is usually better to use a separate sheet of paper so you can take down the
details of what the other speakers have said and then transfer a rough
outline onto the notes you will actually be using. Eye contact with the
audience is very important, but keep shifting your gaze. No one likes to be
How to win a debate?
 Debate is like an intellectual sport where you have to learn the skills to
win. For example, in order to win a debate round, you need to have a
full understanding of the topic you are debating about. You must also
be able to answer the following questions:
(1) Who are the people the debate is about and who is presenting the
argument?
(2) What is the debate about?
(3) Where did the incident discussed take place?
(4) When did the incident discussed take place?
(5) Why did the incident happen and why are you debating about it?
(6)How did the incident happen?
 Once you understand these questions, then you will be able to build
your argument in a logical way to win a debate round.

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