The Junior Year Theology classes has began the process of preparing for Debates, an annual event which began in 1987. Debate topics for this year were assigned in January. The debates themselves will be in Room 214 (Mr. Hollister's classroom) this year.Two teams of three to five persons will debate each day's topic against a team from another class. There will be a panel of three faculty judges as well as student observers.
Debate Topics Calendar of Classes Debating Format of the Debate Grading Criteria
Each group will have the following amount of time to present their views, beginning with the Pro side. A warning bell will be rung when there is one minute left in the round. The judging will be done by three teachers and three Seniors. They will vote on: visuals, knowledge of subject, articulation, arguments' morality, and overall presentation.
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Opening Argument | 3 minutes |
| Cross Examination | 5 minutes |
| Preparation | 2 minutes |
| Rebuttal | 2 minutes |
| Judge/Class Examination | questions from judges & observers |
| Closing Argument | 2 minutes |
| Preparation | Debate Presentation | ||
| Student/Parent Contract | 5 pts | Knowledge of the Subject | 20 pts |
| Definition of Terms | 15 pts | Articulation of the Argument | 20 pts |
| 24 Source Argument Summaries | 240 pts | Clear/Concise Argument | 20 pts |
| Opposing Argument Summaries | 50 pts | Effective Rebuttal | 20 pts |
| Opening Statement | 25 pts | Poise | 10 pts |
| Media Plan | 20 pts | Visual Aids | 10 pts |
| Cross Examination Questions | 10 pts | ||
| Closing Argument | 25 pts | ||
| In-Class Presentation | 25 pts | ||
| Total | 400 pts | Total | 100 pts |
updated on April 4, 2000