Debater's Guide: Preparing for the Tie-Breaker Debate
Lesson 3: Comparative Texts
Congratulations on being selected as a representative for your team! This guide will
help you prepare and deliver a strong argument for the debate.
1. Understanding the Debate Topic
You will be debating the positive or negative perspectives of Benidorm based on the
content from textbook pages 42 and 43.
● Team A: Focus on positive perspectives (e.g., benefits, advantages, opportunities).
● Team B: Focus on negative perspectives (e.g., challenges, drawbacks, issues).
Key Tip: Refer to the textbook to back up your points with evidence and examples.
2. Structuring Your Argument
Use the following structure to organize your speech:
Introduction (30 seconds)
● Greet the audience.
● State your team's position (positive or negative).
● Provide a brief overview of the main points you will discuss.
Main Body (2-3 minutes)
● Present 2-3 key arguments to support your position.
○ Use evidence from the text (e.g., statistics, quotes, examples).
○ Explain why these points are important.
● Address potential counterarguments and refute them effectively.
Conclusion (30 seconds)
● Summarize your arguments.
● End with a strong, memorable statement that reinforces your position.
3. Preparing Your Speech
Follow these steps to prepare:
1. Read and Analyze the relevant textbook pages (42 and 43).
2. Brainstorm Arguments: Write down all possible points that support your position.
3. Select Key Points: Focus on the strongest 2-3 arguments.
4. Gather Evidence: Use specific examples or data from the text to back up your
claims.
5. Write Your Speech: Organize your thoughts using the structure above.
6. Practice: Rehearse your speech aloud to improve clarity and confidence.
4. During the Debate
DO:
● Speak Clearly: Project your voice and use proper intonation.
● Maintain Eye Contact: Engage with the audience and judges.
● Stay Calm and Confident: Even if you're challenged, stay composed.
● Use Gestures: Add emphasis and energy to your delivery.
● Take Notes: During the opposing team's presentation, jot down points to address in
your rebuttal.
DON’T:
● Interrupt: Wait for your turn to speak.
● Get Personal: Focus on arguments, not individuals.
5. Rebuttal Preparation
After the opposing team presents their arguments, you’ll have a chance to respond.
● Listen Actively: Identify weaknesses or gaps in their arguments.
● Plan Your Response: Use logical reasoning and evidence to refute their points.
● Be Respectful: Disagree politely and professionally.
6. Tips for Success
● Time Management: Stick to the allotted time for each section.
● Teamwork: Collaborate with your team to refine arguments and anticipate
counterpoints.
● Audience Engagement: Use persuasive language and rhetorical devices to
captivate the audience.
7. Checklist for the Debate
✅ I have read and understood the debate topic.
✅ I have selected 2-3 strong arguments.
✅ I have supporting evidence from the textbook.
✅ I have written and practiced my speech.
✅ I have anticipated potential counterarguments.
Good luck, and remember to represent your team with enthusiasm and professionalism!
Debate Observation Worksheet
Lesson 3: Comparative Texts
Name: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
1. Debate Overview
Topic: Positive or Negative Perspectives of Benidorm
Team A Representative: ________________________
Team B Representative: ________________________
2. Key Arguments
While listening to the debate, note down the key points presented by each team.
Team A - Positive Team B - Negative
Perspective Perspective
3. Strongest Argument
Which argument from each team do you think was the strongest? Why?
● Team A:
● Team B:
4. Team Effort and Collaboration
How effectively do you think the teams collaborated in presenting their viewpoints?
Provide examples.
● Team A:
● Team B:
5. Spectator’s Role
Questions/Feedback:
Write down at least two thoughtful questions or comments about the debate that you could
share at the end.
1.
2.
6. Final Thoughts
Which team do you think presented a more convincing argument overall? Why?
