Debating class Week one

Day 1

• On day one in debating we spoke about what debating is, where and when it is used and what can be gained from a successful debate.
• The technical terms of debating were explained and discussed and we thought about what makes a good debate.
• After looking at debating according to the model followed in the House of Commons, we looked at specific topics in smaller groups. After much discussion (and debate!) we decided on a topical motion,the Olympics.
• Our final decision on the topic of debate was:

        "This house believes that the London 2012 Olympics should be the last."

Day 2

• Having decided on a motion, we decided to do some research on day 2, as facts are very important in debating.
• Everyone did his/her own research, looking at the pros and cons of the olympic games, in order to have a successful arguement, whether it was for or against the motion.
• We discovered some interesting controversies about the Games, as well as more discussions about the Olympics as a whole.
• It was easy for everyone to think of reasons why the games should continue, but more research was required for the opposite arguement, some finding it harder than others!
• Overall, the facts and opinions were very interesting to read and listen to, whether you agreed to them or not.

Day 3

•  On day 3 we collected all the research for and against the motion and were put into two teams, to 'propose' or 'oppose'.
• We each made an arguement for ourselves, working in the two teams so we didn't repeat each other.
• Each speaker from each team made an argument of 4-6 minutes, presenting their argument in the best English possible.
• It was explained that the use of rhetoric, or 'the art of persuasion' was very impotant in debating to influence the voters' decisions.
• Finally all the arguements were organised to form the final debate for each team, to be spoken in the official debate on Friday.

Day 4

• The beginning of Friday's lesson started with us practising our arguments with the notes we had written.
• 'Lady Beverley' ( Flora, the Student Host) took the chair and opened the debate with the motion:

           "This house believes that the 2012 Olympics should be the last."

• Interesting and persuasive arguments were posed by both sides of the house with effective chairing by the 'Speaker'. Interventions were plentiful during and intelligent questions were posed during or after the speeches. Mr Cocchi and Miss Manyutina made particularly lively contributions and had quite a sparring match; Miss Kabakova (aka Natasha) gave an excellent, unbiased summary at the end of the debate.
• At the vote, 4 said 'aye' to the motion and 4 'no'. Thus the motion was neither denied nor upheld.

        

Flora Beverley (Super blogger)
Valerio Cocchi (' Mr Smartpants' award!)
Cecelia Gerosa
Pauline Giorgini (photography)
Nataliya Kabakova
Yulia Manyutina
Arthur Petit
Carlos Sanchez Ruiz
Bogdan Yaremko