Debate provides training in analysis. In general, there is evidence that indicates that training in speech serves to make students better students. Debate training can help prepare students for a speci fic profe ssion . Debate activities offer opportunity for increased fellowship and fun. Debate provides a stimulating intellectual environment.
Debate provides for the development of necessary social graces.
Argumentation requires of those who understand it that they work to improve both the substance and the structure of public controversies. As more members of society's audiences become skilled in the application of argumentation concepts to public statements, false and shallow thinking will be less able to prevail. And as argumentation situations are restructured to provide more opportunities for critical examination of ideas, the substance of public disputes will be more thoroughly explored. Application-oriented midterm and final examinations. Writing assignments requiring students to analyze and evaluate the use of argumentation in both debates and contemporary conflicts.