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Debate Structure Card Sort

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Debate Structure Card Sort

A class is preparing a formal debate on this motion: “Visitors should be barred from exploring rock pools at low tide.” Sort the speech cards into a sensible Australian school debate order. Then use the scenario and your listening skills to examine how arguments, rebuttals and summaries work.

Part A: Sort the speeches

In this format, each team has three speakers. The first two speakers on each side present their team’s case and answer opposing points. The third speaker answers the other team’s main arguments and sums up; they do not introduce a new argument. Alternate between affirmative and negative speakers.

Negative speaker 2: rebuttal and second argument

Affirmative speaker 1: introduce the motion and present the first argument

Negative speaker 3: rebut the affirmative case and summarise the negative team’s case

Affirmative speaker 2: rebut the negative case and present the second argument

Negative speaker 1: respond to the motion and present the first negative argument

Affirmative speaker 3: rebut the negative case and summarise the affirmative team’s case

1.Number the six speech cards from 1 to 6 in the order they should be delivered.

2.Evie, speaking for the negative team, says, “People can learn to explore carefully. Visitors could follow marked paths and leave animals where they find them.” Which speech card fits this contribution?

Affirmative speaker 1
Negative speaker 1
Affirmative speaker 3
Negative speaker 3

3.Grace argues that restricting access could protect fragile sea life. Arjun replies, “That does not answer our point about guided visits. A guide could show people how to avoid disturbing animals.” Is Arjun mainly presenting a rebuttal or a summary? Explain what makes it that kind of contribution.

4.Match each debate term to its purpose.

Rebuttal
Summary
Opening argument

Introduces a reason supporting the team’s position
Responds to a point made by the opposing team
Recaps the team’s strongest case without adding a new argument

5.True or false? A third speaker should introduce a completely new reason that their team has not raised earlier.

TrueFalse

6.Complete the sentence: “When I listen to the opposing team, I can prepare a useful rebuttal by…”

7.A speaker says, “Rock pools are fascinating, and I like looking at crabs.” Why is this not yet a strong debate argument for the motion? Rewrite it as a claim supported by a reason.

8.Grace is giving the final affirmative speech. Which plan best follows her role?

Add a new argument about tourism, then finish
Repeat every sentence from the first two affirmative speeches
Answer the negative team’s strongest points, then recap the affirmative team’s main reasons
Ask the audience to decide before the negative team has spoken

9.Explain one way that listening carefully can make a debate more persuasive and respectful.