Effective Debate Tactics

Last week, our 7th grade students took a field trip to SeaWorld. From research notes they collected on that visit, the students engaged in a debate to help prepare them for the WrAP assessment. “The students incorporated all of the elements of argumentation effectively in their debates, such as supporting claims and rebutting counterclaims with logical reasoning and evidence,” says their Language Arts Teacher Tracy Sheldon. “Afterward, they reflected on the persuasive appeals (logos, pathos, and ethos) and other critical elements that enabled the winning team to perform so well. They discovered that it is crucial to include these elements to effectively communicate and defend positions.”