Guidelines for Choosing a Topic

Choose a topic both you and your partner are passionate about.

Each person needs to feel strongly about the specific position/side he or she is defending.

Make sure both of you know a lot about the topic, and you need to have knowledge of each side of the issue that will be defended.

Order of Tasks

1) Choose topic and pick side each person will defend.

2) Write out THREE strong arguments to defend your position.

Write one ethos appeal. (What makes you a credible person on this topic?)

Write one logos appeal. (Use evidence, facts, proof)

Write one pathos appeal. (Make an argument that will impact a specific emotion)

Order of Tasks4) DEBATE: You and your partner will meet up with

another pair. While you present your arguments, your partner will record your three arguments while the other two students listen. Don’t announce which appeals you are using! If you’ve done your job, your partner and the listeners should know.

5) Then it’s your partner’s turn to present his or her arguments while you write them down and the other two students listen.

6) Now switch roles. The other pair will present and record arguments while you and your partner listen.

Order of Tasks6) VOTING TIME! With your partner, discuss the

strengths and weaknesses of the other team’s arguments and choose a winner. Factors to consider:

Did the speaker use all three of Aristotle’s Persuasive Appeals?

How strong were the arguments? Could you follow the thinking and reasoning of

what the speaker was saying? Did the speaker use passion? IGNORE your prior feelings on the topic. Award

the strength of the arguments!