Extension+Debates


 * Extension Debates Discussion Board**

These topics are meant for you to practice your debate skills throughout the school year. You must prepare and original response presenting your view on the topic, then you are expected to reply to two of your peers' original responses. If you are unclear about the expectations for this assignment, please see Mr. Foltz or Ms. Shubert. Keep it clean; keep it focused. Support your opinion with well reasoned arguments and credible support.

Please read the below "rules" for debating. After you have read them, feel free to enter one of the debating pages we have set up. Remember, beyond the below rules, common sense, courtesy, and human decency should dictate what and how you express yourself. Have fun. As a side note, there is no doubt both of us will be sticking our noses into the discussion to stir things up a bit.

The American Dream The Great Gatsby?
 * Week 10:**

Survival of the Fittest We Are or I Am You will participate in the OTHER discussion this week. You must work on the topic you did not post to for the last WikiWednesday. In response to previous inquiries, you MAY reply to more than two postings. Please include ALL activity in the discussion for your WikiWednesday submission.
 * Week 9:** Opposite Week (December 4th-December 10th)

Survival of the Fittest We Are or I Am
 * Week 8:** (November 19- December 3rd)

Electoral College vs. Popular Vote: Requires research before posting Does Halloween have a place in public schools?
 * Week 5:** (October 29th-November 4th)

World Series --by request-- please read directions BEFORE posting The Next President's Impact on Education
 * Week 4:** (October 22nd-October 28th)

Presidential Election 2008 Internet Censorship
 * Week 2**: (October 8th-October 15th) - Choose one topic and complete the activities for "WikiWednesday."

Cats make better pets than dogs. School attendance should be voluntary.
 * Week 1**: (October 1st-October 11th) - Thank you for a good first practice week.


 * Rules for debating...**

You must debate/argue with civility being the first and foremost quality on your mind, meaning personal attacks are not tolerated as they are viewed as unwarranted and tasteless. Personal attacks (and inappropriate comments as a whole) will elicit moderation as well as further disciplinary action by Mr. Foltz or Ms. Shubert and, if necessary, the administration of Middletown High School.

Remember, too, what we have discussed in class, you are responsible for the words posted under your username on these discussion boards. Therefore, keep in mind that the written word is quite different than the spoken one, especially in the context of tone. What might sound as a joke, might instead read poorly and not be taken as a joke. In essence, be aware of not only what you say, but how you say it.

Beyond the basic universal rules of civility as alluded to above, your objective for using these boards should be to sharpen your writing skills, specifically those pertaining to persuasive rhetoric. So, be certain your words reflect this academic objective. And, while applying standard English grammar, proper spelling, interesting syntax and word choice are vital for everyday writing, they should be the minimum standard for each of your posts. More so, you should be attempting to apply the appeals and the different rhetoric devices we have practiced and discussed during the Persuasion Unit for English this year.

Rule list taken from http://www.paulnoll.com/Books/Clear-English/debate-advice.html
 * # Avoid the use of Never.
 * 1) Avoid the use of Always.
 * 2) Refrain from saying you  are wrong.
 * 3) You can say your  idea is mistaken.
 * 4) Don't disagree with obvious  truths.
 * 5) Attack the idea  not the person.
 * 6) Use many  rather than most.
 * 7) Avoid exaggeration.
 * 8) Use some  rather than many.
 * 9) The use of often  allows for exceptions.
 * 10) The use of generally  allows for exceptions. || # Quote  sources and numbers.
 * 11) If it is just an opinion,  admit it.
 * 12) Do not present opinion  as facts.
 * 13) <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">Smile  when disagreeing.
 * 14) Stress the <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">positive.
 * 15) You do not need to <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">win  every battle to win the war.
 * 16) <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">Concede  minor or trivial points.
 * 17) Avoid <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">bickering, quarreling, and wrangling.
 * 18) Watch your <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">tone  of voice.
 * 19) Don't win a debate and <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">lose  a friend.
 * 20) Keep your perspective - You're just <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);">debating.  ||