Example Debate

EXAMPLE DEBATE DEBATE TOPIC: Should School Uniforms be Mandatory in All Schools? ● Introduction ○ Opening statements by each team member introducing the topic ■ Affirmative (PRO) team emphasizes the benefits of mandatory school uniforms. ■ Negative team (CON) highlights the importance of students' freedom of expression. ● PRO Speaker - Arguments ○ Presents the main argument in favor of mandatory school uniforms. ■ Proposition: School uniforms promote equality among students, and should be mandatory in all schools. ● PRO Speaker - Evidence ○ Studies show that school uniforms reduce socioeconomic disparities ○ Surveys indicate that students feel more equal and inclusive when wearing uniforms ○ Uniform policies have been successful in reducing instances of bullying and social exclusion ● CON Speaker - Arguments ○ Presents the main argument against mandatory school uniforms. ■ Proposition: School uniforms restrict students' freedom of expression, and should not be mandatory in all schools. ● CON Speaker - Evidence ○ Research suggests that clothing is a form of self-expression and identity for students ○ Case studies demonstrate that students perform better academically when allowed to express themselves through clothing ○ Interviews with students reveal concerns about feeling constrained and restricted by uniform policies ● Counter-Arguments ○ PRO Speaker - Counter-Argument: Counters the negative speaker's argument by addressing the concerns raised about freedom of expression. ■ Counter-Argument: ● School uniforms can still allow for self-expression through accessories or non-uniform days. ● Emphasizes the importance of fostering a sense of unity and community through uniformity. ● Challenges the assumption that academic performance is negatively impacted by uniform policies. ○ CON Speaker - Counter-Argument: Counters the affirmative speaker's argument by addressing the concerns raised about equality and discipline. ■ Counter-Argument: ● Emphasizes the potential negative impact of uniform policies on students' mental health and creativity. ● Challenges the effectiveness of uniform policies in addressing underlying issues such as bullying and social inequality. ● Proposes alternative approaches to promote inclusivity and address social issues in schools. ● Rebuttals - Where the speakers provide evidence to REFUTE the counter arguments ○ PRO Speaker - Rebuttal: Responds to the counter arguments presented by the negative speaker. ■ Reiterates the evidence supporting the benefits of mandatory school uniforms. ■ Challenges the validity of the evidence presented by the negative speaker and reinforces the importance of uniform policies in promoting equality and discipline. ○ CON Speaker - Rebuttal: Responds to the counterarguments presented by the affirmative speaker. ■ Reiterates the importance of preserving students' freedom of expression and presents additional evidence supporting this position. ■ Challenges the assumptions made by the affirmative speaker regarding the effectiveness of uniform policies in addressing social issues. ● Conclusion ○ Summarizes the main arguments presented by both sides. ■ Pro team emphasizes the evidence supporting the benefits of mandatory school uniforms for promoting equality and discipline. ■ Con team highlights the evidence supporting the importance of preserving students' freedom of expression. ○ Encourages the audience to consider all perspectives and make an informed decision. A diagram (Applies to 5 min. debates) outlining the structure of a debate.