DEBATE BRIEFS

You will using briefs for all of your debates. Each debate has different requirements but the briefs will generally be the same. A brief is essentially an outline or text of your arguments. It will include the following:

 

  1. Your Thesis. What are you trying to prove. In a debate you are always trying to prove something so the thesis must be clearly stated and you must then be able to defend it, support it, back it up with evidence, etc.
  2. The arguments. Whenever you debate you will be attempting to REASONABLY ARGUE why your position or side is the best or is correct. You will primarily be using reasonably arguments; i.e., logical arguments, to persuade the audience, your classmates.
  3. Evidence. Each separate argument will have supporting RESEARCHED evidence. This is more than just a story of something you personally experienced.

 

Below is a sample of a brief on the topic of “Teachers should be allowed to use corporal punishment.”

I.                 Definitions.

A.    This topic implies public elementary through high schools. Teachers as defined by Webster’s as those who are assigned to provide instruction in one or more subject areas. This topic then could also include all staff personnel designated by the law to be allowed to use corporal punishment.

B.    Corporal Punishment is defined as the physical use of force which is not physically damaging, or disfiguring. This may include paddling or striking. Since 28 states currently include corporal punishment it is not difficult to find a model of the best method possible.

II.               There are two main reasons that teachers should be allowed to use corporal punishment.

A.    Discipline

1.     #1 concern among Ca. teachers is discipline.

Poll in NYT June 17 2005, “Ca. teachers concerns are first in-class discipline followed by security risks and then lack of preparation for students.

2. Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina have lowest discipline rates.

                           B. Respect

1. The states with the highest usage of corporal also have the highest morale.

    "WSJ, June 17, 2006 "The ratio of student morale to corporal punishment has been positively correlated for the past 17 years, suggesting that students that are paddled respect and appreciate the school system."

2. (Another example...)

 

I was reared in a parochial school where the teachers were allowed to smack us with rulers or paddles and I know that I grew to respect the discipline and my education. I believe that if teachers were allowed to use this--as they once were--we would have a much stronger school system.

TOPICS