Speaking and Listening: Formal Debate Assignment

Complete the paragraph by choosing the correct word from each drop-down menu. In a formal debate, the ____ provides the resolution. The _______ argues in favor of the resolution, and the ______ argues against the resolution. The debate begins with the _______ providing a claim and evidence. Later, each side has an opportunity to provide a rebuttal. The ______ ensures that each side adheres to the rules for the debate.

Moderator Affirmative Negative affirmative moderator

Based on the evidence you have, write one sentence that gives the claim you will support as the affirmative for this resolution: "Standardized tests should no longer be required for college admission."

Sample Response: Standardized test scores should no longer be required for college admission because they are not as strong of an indicator of future success as an analysis of high school performance.

Affirmative claim: Standardized test scores should no longer be required for college admission because they are weaker indicators of future success than analyses of high school performance are. Studies indicate that cumulative GPAs and graduation rates are similar to standardized test scores as indicators of academic success. Which persuasive appeal is the affirmative using in the claim? Which technique reveals the type of appeal?

1st choice- Logos 2nd choice- the use of data, statistics, or research

Affirmative claim: Standardized test scores should no longer be required for college admission because they are weaker indicators of future success than analyses of high school performance are. Negative counterclaim: High school performance is a good indicator of a student's future success, but it would be just as reckless to consider only this factor as it would be to consider only standardized test scores. What rhetorical appeal is the negative using in the counterclaim to refute the affirmative claim? What key word from the negative's counterclaim indicates the rhetorical appeal being used?

2nd choice- pathos 2nd choice- reckless

What should you be doing while the negative is presenting a claim and evidence? Check all that apply. paying attention to what the negative is saying identifying important pieces of evidence that the negative uses writing down everything that the negative says asking questions, if I have any thinking about a possible counterclaim

A. paying attention to what the negative is saying B. identifying important pieces of evidence that the negative uses E. thinking about a possible counterclaim

Taking Standardized Test Scores Out of College Admissions While most four-year colleges and universities in the United States require students to submit standardized test scores in order to be considered for admission, a growing number of institutions are making this part of the application optional. Opponents of standardized testing assert that these scores do not fairly represent a student's skills. In fact, studies analyzing cumulative GPAs and graduation rates have shown few significant differences in these indicators of academic success between students who submit standardized test scores and those who do not. Making standardized test scores optional in the admissions process has created a more diverse student population, as students who choose not to submit these scores are more likely to be minorities, first-generation college students, women, and students with learning disabilities. Proponents argue that a better indicator of students' potential in postsecondary education is their performance in high school. Students who can demonstrate a pattern of diligence, focus, and inquisitiveness in high school are most likely to be successful in a four-year college or university. Which statements provide evidence for the affirmative claim? Check all that apply. "Most four-year colleges and universities in the United States require students to submit standardized test scores." "These scores do not fairly represent a student's skills." "Making standardized tests scores optional in the admissions process has created a more diverse student population." "A better indicator of students' potential in postsecondary education is their performance in high school." "Students who can demonstrate a pattern of diligence, focus, and inquisitiveness in high school are more likely to be successful."

B. "These scores do not fairly represent a student's skills." C. "Making standardized tests scores optional in the admissions process has created a more diverse student population." D. "A better indicator of students' potential in postsecondary education is their performance in high school." E. "Students who can demonstrate a pattern of diligence, focus, and inquisitiveness in high school are more likely to be successful."

Which sources could provide reliable evidence for your claim? Check all that apply. a step-by-step guide listed at www.gettingtocollege.com an article from the New York Times a book by an educational researcher and professor a report from the US Department of Education at www.ed.gov a blog post written by a college admissions director a high school student's research report

B. an article from the New York Times C. a book by an educational researcher and professor D. a report from the US Department of Education at www.ed.gov

Affirmative claim: Standardized test scores should no longer be required for college admission because they are weaker indicators of future success than analyses of high school performance are. Negative counterclaim: High school performance is a good indicator of a student's future success, but it would be just as reckless to consider only this factor as it would be to consider only standardized test scores. Which rebuttal would best refute the negative's counterclaim? Standardized test scores are poor indicators of future success. Looking impartially at information about a student should not be considered reckless. There are many other factors besides standardized test scores that indicate future success. High school performance is always the best indicator of a student's future success.

C. There are many other factors besides standardized test scores that indicate future success