Argumentative Speech/Debate

An argumentative speech involves persuasion, the influencing of somebody’s point of view. The whole purpose of your speech is both to convince and to change the minds of those who don’t agree with your opinion.

 

Your argumentative speech is a debate between you and your fellow students. The length of your speech will have to be approximately 5 minutes.

• Speak as unsupported/freely as possible, vary your words and use as formal and advanced language as possible.
• Use the words and phrases provided (below).
• Take an active part in questioning your fellow students’ speeches.
• You will be accessed on your speech, script and participation.
• Follow the instructions carefully!

How?

1. Write a short introduction, begin by introducing your chosen topic. Think of this opening statement like a story you are telling about why your argument is the most convincing. Consider using QUOTES that you think are emotionally powerful. You MUST appeal to people’s sense of REASON and EMOTION.
2. Present your arguments (at least three), give examples that support them.
3. Finish with a summary of your arguments. In your conclusion you are to summarize your strongest arguments at the end.
4. Defend your speech.

Questions for Debate:

1.       Is Cheating Getting Worse?

2.      Should the Private Lives of Famous People Be Off Limits?

3.      Do Great Leaders Have to Be Outgoing?

4.      Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks?

5.      Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals?

6.      How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body?

7.      What Current Musicians Do You Think Will Stand the Test of Time?

8.     How Concerned Are You About Climate Change?

9.      Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful?

10.  Is It Wrong for a Newspaper to Publish a Front-Page Photo of a Man About to Die?

11.   Should You Care About the Health and Safety of Those Making Your Clothing?

12.  How Should We Prevent Future Mass Shootings?

13.  What Do You Think About Grouping Students By Ability in School?

14.  Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes?

15.  Have Curse Words Become So Common They Have Lost Their Shock Value?

16.  Is It O.K. for Men and Boys to Comment on Women and Girls on the Street?

17.   Do ‘Shame and Blame’ Work to Change Teenage Behavior?

18.  Do You Think Life Exists — or Has Ever Existed — Somewhere Besides Earth?

19.  Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough?

20. Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble?

21.  Do People Complain Too Much?

22. Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired?

23. Should Children Be Allowed to Wear Whatever They Want?

24. What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools?

25. Choose Your Own Topic!

 

Words and phrases to use:  

 

INTRODUCTORY PHRASES
In my opinion I believe It is my belief that	There is no doubt that From my point of view It seems to me that	I question whether I (dis) agree with I maintain that
SUPPORTING OPINIONS
First           Furthermore Second      In addition Third          Also Finally        Last	Equally important In the first place Likewise	Besides          Further Next               Again Moreover       Similarly
INTRODUCING DETAILS
For example In fact	For instance As evidence	In support of this
CONCLUDING PHRASES
For the reasons above As you can see As I have noted In other words On the whole	In short To be sure Without a doubt Obviously Unquestionably	In brief Undoubtedly In any case Summarizing In any event
CAUSE AND EFFECT
Since Because of Due to For this reason Therefore If…then	Caused by This results in Consequently Accordingly As a result of Leads to	In effect Brought about Made possible As might be expected Give rise to Was responsible for
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
Similarly Compared to In like manner On the other hand Although Even though	Likewise In the same way Contrasting On the contrary As opposed to Rather than Nevertheless	As well as Have in common All are The same as Conversely Whether of not In spite of
COUNTERING
I realize you I understand you Even though you Although you Some people It may be that you Your idea to ____ deserves some merit	Believe Feel Maintain Want Favour Support Argue State	But Yet However I doubt I question Let me explain On the other hand Nevertheless

 

 

 

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