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How to Make a Valid Argument: Debate 101

Completed by 303 learners
Ages 10-12
Live One-Time Class
Welcome future debaters! In this class, we will learn the three basic tactics of argumentation: Ethos, Logos and Pathos.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(552 reviews)
Star Educator
Popular

Live video meetings
Meets once
4-6 learners per class
55 min

What's included

1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours
Assessment
At the end of the lesson, students will receive individualized feedback on their strengths and suggestions for continued improvement.

Class Experience

US Grade 5 - 6
Outside of art, every piece of content we consume - from a math equation to an essay - is an argument. 

In this class, we will learn the three basic tactics of argumentation: Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. We will then practice making arguments on policy issues (e.g. whether students should be given more homework by teachers) using the three tactics and discuss the pros and cons of each tactic.

Students will learn to think critically about the arguments made by others and to examine the strengths of their own arguments.

Specifically, the second half of the class will focus on:

1. The creation of a constructive argument (e.g. "Students should be given less homework by teachers so that they can focus on after-school activities...")
2. The use of a rebuttal (e.g. "TV and video games are responsible for limiting student participation in after school activities, not homework...")
3. The use of weighing in an argument (e.g. "Even if homework does limit after-school activities, the value of homework is greater than playing little league baseball..."). 

My teaching style is heavily focused on student-generated ideas and throughout the course, I will introduce concepts and then guide students as they interact with those concepts. Students will generate over 75% of the total talk-time throughout the course

No prior knowledge or skill is required for this beginner-level debate class.

Learning Goals

Students will develop a basic foundation for good argumentation. These debate skills are a lead-in to competitive argumentation activities, especially Policy Debate, Public Forum Debate, and Mock Trial.

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Offered by

Joined May, 2020
5.0
552reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature from University of Florida
Justin Boyette
Bachelor's Degree in Economics from University of Southern California
Roger LM
Welcome!

We're a very small team of educators who strongly believe in the transformational power of debate. We find that when debaters are having fun and working together as a team, they readily find the motivation to unpack even the most rigorous and academically challenging topics. This then translates to debaters having substantially more confidence and intellectual curiosity to create great ideas and then really share them with the world.

Our current and former competitive debaters have competed at the highest levels, with many of our students reaching and even winning nationals in Public Forum, Policy, LD and Parliamentary Debate. 

Even more importantly, we find that well-coached and moderated debates are an enormously powerful tool for learners. Having the ability and confidence to share ideas, defend ideas, and expose weaknesses in ideas is something that can truly carry students throughout their entire lives - as does having the wisdom and humility to change your mind and realize that everyone is sometimes mistaken. 

We're always available for questions and otherwise, never stop learning!

To learn more about our coaches, please copy and past this following URL:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGOQyFywFw/SHzG7YqUAIlGTNGSNqLMcQ/view?utm_content=DAGOQyFywFw&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=editor

Reviews

87 total ratings, 43 with reviews

Review summary for this class
The reviews overwhelmingly praise the instructor for being engaging, encouraging, and effective in teaching debate skills. Students of various ages reported thoroughly enjoying the class and learning valuable concepts like ethos, logos, and pathos. Many were eager to take more classes with this instructor. If you want an interactive and fun introduction to debate, this class is highly recommended.
This summary was AI-generated from parent reviews
Instructor did a great job moving the class along and helping kids even... 
Lauren S.on Feb 21
We can' t wait for the next class!
Bono S.on Feb 19
Great overview and very dynamic. My son enjoyed it the whole class. 
Matthewon Oct 24, 2024
Coach Roger is very prepared and my son really like the class, thx
Z R.on Apr 27, 2023
This was a fantastic class!
Leoon Dec 7, 2022
Great class! My son loved the topics, and interaction with other... 
Alexanderon Sep 15, 2022
Seattle Debate Academy suggests this class next...
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