Topical Debate Worksheet
Directions: In this assignment, you will follow a three-step process to construct opposing arguments to debate on your approved topic from Week 1. In the fourth and final step you will reflect on what you learned in this assignment.
Step 1: Identify the components of accurate arguments.
What are the components of accurate arguments?
Step 2: Generate a well-constructed argument.
Respond to the following prompts
Construct an argument for your argument on your approved topic. Make sure that you cite your sources.
Construct an argument against your approved topic. Make sure that you cite your sources.
Step 3: Identify points to debate.
Before coming to a decision it is important to consider multiple perspectives, weighing the pros and cons of both sides of an argument and their respective solutions. In considering each side of the debate, be sure to focus on the implications and the consequences of implementing each side's proposed solution.
To complete this step, insert pros and cons of each solution in the respective columns in the following table.
Step 4: Reflect on this assignment.
Respond to the following prompts
Why do you think people have differing opinions, such as the ones you've identified in your Pros and Cons Chart?
Why do you think differing opinions lead to disagreement?
How well did you craft your argument in Step 2? How could you have improved your argument?
What type of evidence did you use to support your argument? Was your evidence credible?
What could you have improved to strengthen your argument?
How do others' perceptions and ways of thinking critically impact your viewpoint?