Analyzing a Debate: Arguments and Persuasion
This worksheet helps 11th-grade students analyze the structure, arguments, and persuasive techniques used in a debate.
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Standards
Topics
Debate Analysis Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Score:
Carefully read the provided debate transcript or listen to the debate. Then, answer the following questions to analyze the arguments, persuasive techniques, and overall effectiveness of each side. Be sure to provide specific examples from the debate to support your answers.
1. What is the central topic or resolution being debated? State it clearly in your own words.
2. The Affirmative side argues that .
3. The Negative side argues that .
4. Which type of evidence was predominantly used by the Affirmative team to support their claims?
Statistical data and research studies
Personal anecdotes and emotional appeals
Expert testimony and historical examples
Logical reasoning and hypothetical scenarios
5. The Negative team successfully refuted all of the Affirmative team's main arguments.
True
False
6. Identify and explain at least two persuasive techniques (e.g., ethos, pathos, logos, rhetorical questions, appeals to authority) used by either side. Provide specific examples from the debate to illustrate each technique.
Match the debate term with its definition.
7. Proposition
a. To present an opposing argument or evidence
8. Rebuttal
b. The central claim or topic of the debate
9. Affirmative
c. The side that supports the proposition
10. Negative
d. The side that opposes the proposition
11. Which team do you believe presented a more compelling and well-supported argument? Explain your reasoning in detail, referencing specific strengths and weaknesses of each team's presentation.