It is essential that debaters listen carefully to each speaker and then quickly plan how they will present their own arguments in the most strategic manner. This module presents the opportunity for students to develop their speaking and listening skills by participating in several debates and debating activities. The speaking and listening skills so essential to debating develop over time as students practise, and as they reflect on their own and others' presentations. This module focuses on formal, academic debate. An academic debate is usually about an hour long.
Teams argue their proposition using reasoning and evidence.
The proposition is the arguable statement. The negative team argues against the proposition. The negative team usually argues in favour of the current position or situation, as the proposition is usually in support of a change to the way things currently are. There are two types of debate propositions. The key in debating is the proof of arguments.