Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate
Webquest on Preparation for a Debate (Grade 11 English)
Curricular Expectations:
The Grade 11 Academic Language requirements expect the student to “use listening techniques and oral communication skills to participate in classroom discussions and more formal activities…” The debate unit in our school involves research for a debate, a debate and an argumentative paper. Throughout the unit all the strands (knowledge and Understanding, Thinking and inquiry, Communication and Application) will be applied.
The webquest will focus on only a small part of the process. The webquest will focus only on two stages of research, preparing for research and accessing resources. Under “Inquiry and Research” in the information studies guide, grade eleven students are asked to “use formal debate strategies to explore ideas during research process”. Students will be asked to “relate prior knowledge to information tasks” and “gather information from resources using internal organizers and conventions of text” and “collaborate with others to share findings and ideas” (Information Studies, Inquiry and Research: Grade 11, 41)
Introduction
As part of your debate unit we will review some of the rhetorical techniques used in our speech unit and visit examples of good speeches. Then you and your group will choose a topic and explore some of the resources that are available in the library.
Task: Work in groups of two or four. You will be debating an issue so one partner or pair must argue to support the motion, while the other partner or pair must oppose it. You will review what makes a good speech and then select a topic, formulate a motion and begin the research process.
Process.
Reviewing Speeches Unit
1. Think about what makes a good speech. Write your impressions here and share with your partner.
2. Review the following rhetorical device and methods of development
Parallel structure
intonation
metaphors
anecdote
images
personification
simile
analogy
by going to American Rhetoric to hear them with examples.
3. Choose one of the following speeches
What key rhetorical devices does the speaker use? What makes this an example of a good speech?
Dr. Martin Luther King “I have a Dream
Justin Trudeau’s eulogy Nelson Mandela’s inauguration speech
4. Read the assignment for this unit. Form groups and decide which person will defend a point of view in the dabate.
Debate Assignment
5. Brainstorm points before beginning your research on the Smart ideas template or create your own template.
Brainstorming points
Debate Planning Template
Debate Planning Template
6.Accessing Resources:
You will need a minimum of three articles to adequately prepare for your debate. Try to balance electronic sources with print resources. You will be evaluated for your reseach periods. See attached rubric.
Use the following template to record your notes. Print as many as you need.
Note-taking template
On line resources
Multnomah Social Issues
International Debate Education Association
Opposing Viewpoints: use your public library card
Books in our Library:
On line Catalogue
Look for the following when you do citations:
Always include the url
Make sure you get the title, Author, and date the article was modified.
Your Citation should look like this:
MLA: date of access
Jones, Eliot. “Should Homosexual couples be allowed to marry?” 1 Nov. 2000
International Debate Education Association. 30 Apr. 2007 <http://www. debate.org>
Webquest: Grade 11 Debate Unit
By Simone Nieuwolt-White
May 23, 2007