UNIT I

Have you ever talked about any topic with someone, arguing for hours, trying imposing your idea as the right one?

"talking"with a friend

We all like to be right when talking to others. Nevertheless, we all have different points of view for different topics.  

One of the first requirements when debating is RESPECT. So, in order to avoid ending an argument using “your mama is so” statements, this class is focused on learning the basis of debating. 

Class Objectives:

-          To learn how to collect data about a topic

-          To learn how to defend your statements

-          To learn how to write an argumentative essay

Activity 1

even old friendships have died after debating
who is the best

Web discussion

1.       Think about a topic you like and narrow it until you reach an specific topic

(I.e. Comic books > DC comic > Justice League > Batman,

Music >Rock>metal>Iron Maiden)

2.       Look in the web for different discussion sites where people uses to discuss about these topics (forums, image boards, Facebook groups)

3.       Look up for old posts/ threads and identify the most discussed topics.

4.       Read the used arguments and decide which side had the best arguments.

5.       Post your results in the comments

Now, what are you waiting for? Go out and google it!

Activity 2

Defending your statement

1.       Based on the first activity, now you have to write a 200-word argumentative essay about the same topic you previously selected.

2.       You have to deliver the essay to my email, have until midnight.

-          You can use google.com to search specific information

-          Using Fan pages would be accepted only this time. The reliability of these sites is not always the best.  

If you need help with how to write an essay click here

(Source: Bellevue College, Washington, http://bellevuecollege.edu/)