Step 1: Choose a topic for your debate.
Brainstorm with your peers and teacher to decide on a topic.
Step 2: Prepare for your debates.
a) Determine who will be the moderator, who will be the affirmative, and who will be the
negative. Keep in mind that debaters often argue for positions they do not personally
support.
b) Gather your own ideas about your topic.
c) Conduct research to gather evidence that supports your ideas.
d) Keep notes as you prepare so you can access your ideas and supporting evidence during
the debate.
Step 3: Engage in a debate.
a) Ask your teacher for guidance about how long to spend on each section of the debate. Keep
track of time to make sure both participants have time to speak.
b) The affirmative side should begin by making a claim in which the position is explained.
Remember to support ideas with evidence. Then, the negative will ask questions and then
make a claim. Take notes to remember issues you want to address later in the debate.
c) The affirmative should then ask questions and present a rebuttal that will highlight possible
weaknesses in the negative’s argument.
d) The negative should then present a rebuttal that will highlight possible weaknesses in the
affirmative’s argument.
e) Conclude by allowing the affirmative to give a final rebuttal.
Student Guide (continued)

Step 4: Write to evaluate the debate.
a) Use your notes from the debate to complete the debate evaluation. Be sure to write in
complete sentences and use appropriate grammar.
b) When you have completed your assignment, return to the Virtual Classroom and use the
“Browse for file” option to locate and submit your assignment. Congratulations! You have
completed a debate