Group Discussion Note Sheet

Sub topic:

Plan Opening Statement:

Hello everyone. My name  is ____________________________, I’m a ________  (grade) at The Bromfield School. I think we have a really interesting topic today regarding ________________________________________________________ I’m looking forward to discussing it with all of you.

On the first part of the topic, I think that:

Transitioning to the second half of the topic, I believe that:

Thank you and I’m looking forward to a great discussion.

Notes on Opponents’ Opening Statements:

• Name:
• Number:
• First Topic:
• Second Topic:

Group Discussion Topic Archive

US Constitution

First discuss the specific language of the 2nd Amendment and possible interpretations of the Founders intent, then decide what, if any restrictions on gun ownership are constitutional.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

First discuss the original text of the Constitution (Article I) regarding the election of Senators, then decide if the 17th Amendment should be repealed.

Original language -

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, chosen by the Legislature thereof for six Years; and each Senator shall have one vote.

Amendment XVII

The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures.

When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.

This amendment shall not be so construed as to affect that the election or term of any Senator chosen before it becomes valid as part of the Constitution

First, discuss the implications of the 1st Amendment for the expression of free speech and religious faith in our public institutions, then decide if the phrase “under God” should continue to be used in the Pledge of Allegiance in our public schools.

First, discuss the most significant strengths and weaknesses of the US Constitution, then decide what changes to the Constitution might be advisable in the future.

First, discuss the principle of federalism as it is spelled out in the US Constitution, then decide whether laws such as those concerning the legal status of marijuana use and the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples should be decided at the state level or the federal level.

Supreme Court

First, decide if the court should be an institution which demands of society social change. Then, discuss if the Supreme Court moves quickly enough when taking on social practices.

First, discuss the effects of live video feeds since their introduction to state courtrooms. Then, decide if live video access should be made public during Supreme Court hearings and oral arguments.

First, discuss if Supreme Court Justices are too out of touch with average Americans to effectively render proper rulings. Then, decide if Supreme Court Justices should be required to retire at a certain age.

First discuss how the Supreme Court should determine the limits to free expression on the internet. Then decide if it would be appropriate for the court to rule to restrict threatening speech on the internet in cases such as Elonis v. the United States.

First, discuss if the Supreme Court is likely to overturn a key aspect of the Affordable Care Act. Then, decide if the court should take into account the effects on the population as part of their judgements, or solely base judgments on constitutionality.

Climate Change

First, discuss if environmental regulations such as the carbon tax are successful in encouraging companies to pursue renewable sources of energy. Then, decide what are the most effective governmental policies in motivating the corporate sector of a country to act on climate change.

First, discuss if the “Green Revolution” has had a significant impact on developing countries that are still in the process of industrialization. Then, decide how the governments of these countries should seek environmental sustainability while still staying economically practical.

First, discuss if the Millennial Generation has significantly different views towards global warming than the previous generations. Then, decide how subsequent generations should adapt and deal with the consequences of climate change.

First, discuss the environmental costs associated with the farming of both plants and animals. Then, decide how humans should manage the production of affordable food while maintaining a healthy environment.

Government Shutdown (November 2014)

First, discuss the root causes of the recent Federal Government shutdown. Then, decide what can be done to prevent a second shutdown early next year.

First, discuss who or what type of people were most effected by the Federal Government shutdown. Then, decide if any positive outcomes emerged from the deal to reopen the government.

First, discuss why some parts of the federal government were shut down during the recent budget battle, while others were not. Then, decide how the effect of the action might have been different if the entire federal government had been shut down.

US National Security

Discuss Edward Snowden’s leaks of classified information and their impact on US national security and the pursuit of democratic ideals. Then, decide how the US should adapt its domestic and international policy to address these concerns.

Discuss the effectiveness and legitimacy of targeted drone strikes by the US military and intelligence agencies. Then, decide how the US should adapt or maintain its drone policy in the future, addressing practical concerns and the international response.

Discuss the main terrorist threats that the US faces today, identifying the groups involved and the type of threats presented. Then, identify some strategies to address those threats, bearing in mind the historical challenges involved in fighting terrorism.

Children at Play

First, discuss if programs such as the NFL’s Play 60 which encourages children to engage in active play, are effective in changing behavior. Then, decide what are the most effective programs to engage youngsters in physical activity.

First, discuss if violent video games are desensitizing children to violent actions. Then, decide what, if any, kind of age restriction or regulation should be in place in regards to violent video games.

First, discuss if the organized, physical games in which children and teenagers are involved are faster, more dangerous, or more intense than they were in the past. Then, decide how to balance competitive nature with the potential for student athlete injuries.

Public Forum Case Writing Rules

Complete List of PFD Case Writing Rules

Format

_____ Resolution is clearly stated

_____ Your position on the case is clearly stated

_____ Definitions of key terms are stated in the beginning of the case

_____ A framework and/or burden is established

_____ There are three contentions present

_____ Contentions are clearly indicated with a number and a tag

_____ Sub-points are clearly labeled with letters

Content

____ Definitions are from legitimate, reputable sources

____ Each contention has a minimum of two sub-points

____ Sub-point contains at least one quote/statistic/historical example

____ A variety of evidence types is used in each contention (quotes from experts, statistics, historical examples)

____ All sources are cited

____ All people referenced are given proper titles (ie professor, doctor, reporter, senator)

____ Each piece of evidence has a 1-2 sentence introduction

____ Each piece of evidence has a 1-2 sentence analysis

____ Case ends with “Judge, we urge a strong Pro/Con ballot.”

Grammar & Writing Style

____ Any contractions are eliminated

____ Any “I” statements are eliminated

____ If you need to refer to yourself, either “my partner and I” or “we” is used

____ Formal, academic language is used (no texting or casual language)

____ Language is specific (the words things, stuff, everyone, everything, people, good, bad are not used)

____ The same words are not repeated over and over again in the same space

____ Writing is as concise as possible (is trying -> tries; has forced -> forces; would help -> helps)

____ Weak constructions are eliminated (got, get, basically)

____ Quote introduction and citation is varied (according to Professor Blah; in consonance with Professor Blah, as stated by Professor Blah)

Miscellaneous

____ Speech is between 3 minutes and 50 seconds and 4 minutes

Public Forum Final Focus Template

Final Focus (PRO)

Are my judge, opponents and partner ready?

My partner and I have won this debate, because we have clearly proven that _____________________________________________________________________________. We have supported each of our contentions with evidence and statistics from experts. We have proved to our judge these main points about ______________________________________:

1.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2.__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Our opponents failed to rebut these points, and therefore, they agree with us on these terms. Thus, we have won the debate.

Our opponents have also failed to prove their points. We have rebutted their main contentions throughout the debate and they failed also to use adequate evidence and statistics from experts.

Judge, for these reasons, we urge a strong PRO ballot.

Public Forum Summary Speech Template

Summary Speech (PRO)

Are my partner, judges, and opponents ready?

For our summary speech, judge, we are going to recap what has happened in this debate so far.

[Use flow for QUICK re-cap]

For these reasons, we would urge you to vote a strong PRO ballot.

Public Forum Rebuttal Speech Template

Rebuttal Speech (PRO)

Are my judge, opponents and partner ready?

Judge, we would like to begin by going back and rebutting our opponents contentions, and then, if time, go back and strengthen our own arguments with new evidence. We will reference the contentions and sub-points by number, if that is helpful to follow along.

[Rebuttal:]

On my opponent's first contention, _____________________________, there are some clear flaws.

1. _________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________

On my opponent's second contention, _____________________________, there are some clear flaws.

1. _________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________

On my opponent's third contention, _____________________________, there are some clear flaws.

1. _________________________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________________________

[Strengthen (if time):]

Now, back to our case.

First we would like to go back to our ____ contention.

[Evidence:]
______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Next, we would like to go back to our ____ contention.

[Evidence:]
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Finally, we would like to go back to our ____ contention.

[Evidence:]
_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Judge, we urge a strong PRO ballot.

Public Forum Constructive Speech

Constructive Speech Template (PRO)

Are my judge, opponents and partner ready?

My partner and I fully support the resolution ___________________________________.

[Definitions:] To debate this resolution, my partner and I would like to define the following key terms:

[Framework:] The framework of today’s debate will be_______________.

[Thesis:]

[Sub-argument 1:] Contention One:

[Evidence A:] Sub-Point A:

[Evidence B:] Sub-Point B:

[Sub-argument 2:] Contention Two:

[Evidence A:] Sub-Point A:

[Evidence B:] Sub-Point B:

[Sub-argument 3:] Contention Three:

[Evidence A:] Sub-Point A:

[Evidence B:] Sub-Point B:

[Conclusion:]

[Closing Statement:] Thank you, Judge. We urge a strong PRO ballot.