Debates

Printed Page 271

Often, students will engage in debates on opposing ideas, historical figures, or philosophical positions. In a history class, for example, students might argue whether women in sixteenth-century Western Europe experienced a Renaissance. The speaker must present a brief assertion (two to three minutes) about the topic; the opposing speaker then responds with a position. Whatever side of an issue you address, prepare a well-composed argument with strong supporting evidence.

Be Prepared to Lead a Discussion

Many students taking arts and humanities courses must research a question and then lead a classroom discussion on it. For example, a student of English may lead a discussion on Anton Chekhov’s play The Cherry Orchard. The speaker would be expected to provide a synopsis of the plot, theme, and characters and offer an analysis of the play’s meaning. For directions on leading a discussion, see p. 273.