Class timeline
February 22- 25th
Read Your Evidence
The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.
The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.
Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments
As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.
Plan to Fill Your Speech Time
Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.
Practice to Build Confidence
It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.
Final Thoughts
Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.
November 1st- November 5th
This weeks debate topics:
People should be legally required to get vaccines.
Violent video games should be banned.
Read Your Evidence
The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.
The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.
Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments
As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.
Plan to Fill Your Speech Time
Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.
Practice to Build Confidence
It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.
Final Thoughts
Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.
This weeks debate topics:
Social media does more harm than good.
School should be year round.
February 14th- February 18th
“The Best There Ever Was” Important Historical Figure Speech
This assignment will require students to choose a historical figure that has made a major impact on the course of history. With the option to dress up like that person, and present a speech AS that figure, your objective is to convince the world that YOU are/were the best there ever was in your field. The historical figure must have made an impact on his/her field and/or changed the course of history. The figure must have made a contribution that affected the people of his/her country or altered the way people thought or viewed certain aspects of life. The figure must have made enough of an impact to be mentioned in history or be noted as a person of importance throughout history in some way, shape, or form. This figure also needs to have a birthdate prior to 1985. (No animated characters).
You may choose an important historical figure from one of the following fields:
-Politics/Leaders (Emperors, Presidents, Dictators, etc.)
-Military (Generals, commanders, etc.)
-Science (Scientists, astronauts, etc.)
-Movement Leaders (Leaders of revolts, feminists, civil rights leaders, etc.) Literature/Art (Writers, painters, etc.) -Entertainment -(Musicians, film stars, etc.)
-Sports (Athletes who MAJORLY impacted their sport)
-Other (Individuals who had a major impact, criminals, spies, etc.)
Each Speech and Debate student will be participating in this assignment. Students will be expected to research the person from history they will be portraying. The student should develop an understanding of what type of person they were, why they made the contribution they did, and the importance of the person’s contribution. Aspects of this individuals family life, career, achievements, etc. should be included in this presentation.
The speech must be a minimum of 2 minutes, but no longer then 5 minutes.
Students that choose to wear a costume may NOT come to school out of uniform. Students will be allowed to change before/during Speech and Debate. Any student who is dressed inappropriately will receive a zero. The idea is to become the person you are doing the speech on however, you may not wear tank tops or shorts (shorter than school uniform guidelines) for the speech.
Date to Choose Individual: Tuesday, September 13th. Individuals are on a first come first serve basis. Date of Speech & Dress Up: Friday, September 16th.
TOTAL POINTS: 20 Project Points
Your main objective is to write a persuasive speech in which you are trying to convince the audience that “you” (as your historical figure) are the “BEST there ever was” in your field.
January 31st- February 4th
Students will be given a speech from Steve Jobs and will be tasked with highlighting specific examples of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos and explaining how the use of these devices in his speech emphasized his points and/or helped to persuade the audience using a graphic organizer.
Students will have time to complete their graphic organizers from Monday. Afterward, students will be able to form their groups to create their Plato Academy commercials.
Steve Jobs speech----> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UF8uR6Z6KLc
January 24th-January 28th
Argumentative (Persuasive) Project Due Thursday.
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
The goal of this argumentative project is to persuade your parents/family that your idea for a Summer vacation is valid, or more valid than someone else's. The Greek philosopher Aristotle divided the means of persuasion into three categories - Ethos, Pathos, Logos.
1) Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing an audience using the character of the author OR appealing to someone morally/ethically. We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.
2) Pathos (Emotion) means persuading an audience by appealing to their emotions. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.
3) Logos (Logic) means persuading by the use of reasoning and logic. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough.
Assignment:
You are to create a presentation to ‘present’ to your family members to convince them to go on a specific vacation/vacation spot this Summer. It can be anywhere, the Bahamas, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Disney World, Mexico, Legoland, on a cruise (a specific cruise), etc. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! Make sure you organize your project and present it in class as if you were speaking to your FAMILY!
You may create a:
* Brochure
* Flyer
* Prezi
* PowerPoint
* Commercial
* Other TEACHER approved method
Your presentation should be/include:
* FORMAL: Use correct grammar/punctuation, strong vocabulary, etc.
* When you present your project: Be well practiced, clearly well planned, well- rehearsed, & clearly spoken.
* Only use clear, subject appropriate/relevant pictures and/or videos.
* Include ACTUAL activities/specifics about the vacation, (price, excursions, trip features, etc.).
* Demonstrate a clear understanding and usage of ALL THREE methods of persuasion- Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in argument.
Grading Rubric: Professionalism and Overall Quality:
* Lines are clearly memorized and clearly spoken
* Clearly well-planned and rehearsed
* Overall quality (video, audio, grammatical, illustrations) * Proper use of grammar and basic conventions
* Effort!
10 Points
Creativity and Originality:
* Creativity
* Proper use of vivid and subject appropriate images/videos
5 Points
Understanding of Rhetoric and Argumentative Methods:
* Project demonstrates an obvious, insightful understanding of each of the rhetorical elements. *Project utilizes ALL three of Aristotle’s methods, (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) CLEARLY and EFFECTIVELY.
15 Points
Total: 30 Points
Further guidelines:
The Ethos, Pathos, Logos project is a chance for students to demonstrate their creative and collaborative talents. Please be sure that only school appropriate images/videos/topics are included in projects. If this guideline is not followed students will lose ALL ‘professionalism’ points.
January 18th - January 21st
Weekly Formative Assessment: Group Toilet Paper Commercial
This week, students will be working in groups of three or four to create a toilet paper commercial (yes toilet paper, it’s funny). Your objective is to create a 90 second commercial or infomercial using ethos, pathos, and logos to sell your product (teams may use an existing brand or create their own). They MAY use scripts IF necessary.
1) Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing an audience using the character of the author OR appealing to someone morally/ethically. We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.
2) Pathos (Emotion) means persuading an audience by appealing to their emotions. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.
3) Logos (Logic) means persuading by the use of reasoning and logic. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dec 6th- Dec 10th
This weeks debate topics:
Parents should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
Paper books are better than ebooks.
November 29th- December 3rd
This weeks debate topics:
Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
Single gender schools are better for students.
November 15- 19th
This weeks debate topics:
Social media does more harm than good.
School should be year round.
November 8th- 12th
This weeks debate topics:
Should Travis Scott be held liable for deadly concert? (New)
Xbox is better than playstation.
Read Your Evidence
The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.
The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.
Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments
As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.
Plan to Fill Your Speech Time
Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.
Practice to Build Confidence
It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.
Final Thoughts
Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.
November 1st- November 5th
This weeks debate topics:
People should be legally required to get vaccines.
Violent video games should be banned.
Read Your Evidence
The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.
The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.
Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments
As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.
Plan to Fill Your Speech Time
Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.
Practice to Build Confidence
It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.
Final Thoughts
Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.
October 19th- October 22
“The Best There Ever Was” Important Historical Figure Speech
This assignment will require students to choose a historical figure that has made a major impact on the course of history. With the option to dress up like that person, and present a speech AS that figure, your objective is to convince the world that YOU are/were the best there ever was in your field. The historical figure must have made an impact on his/her field and/or changed the course of history. The figure must have made a contribution that affected the people of his/her country or altered the way people thought or viewed certain aspects of life. The figure must have made enough of an impact to be mentioned in history or be noted as a person of importance throughout history in some way, shape, or form. This figure also needs to have a birthdate prior to 1985. (No animated characters).
You may choose an important historical figure from one of the following fields:
-Politics/Leaders (Emperors, Presidents, Dictators, etc.)
-Military (Generals, commanders, etc.)
-Science (Scientists, astronauts, etc.)
-Movement Leaders (Leaders of revolts, feminists, civil rights leaders, etc.) Literature/Art (Writers, painters, etc.) -Entertainment -(Musicians, film stars, etc.)
-Sports (Athletes who MAJORLY impacted their sport)
-Other (Individuals who had a major impact, criminals, spies, etc.)
Each Speech and Debate student will be participating in this assignment. Students will be expected to research the person from history they will be portraying. The student should develop an understanding of what type of person they were, why they made the contribution they did, and the importance of the person’s contribution. Aspects of this individuals family life, career, achievements, etc. should be included in this presentation.
The speech must be a minimum of 2 minutes, but no longer then 5 minutes.
Students that choose to wear a costume may NOT come to school out of uniform. Students will be allowed to change before/during Speech and Debate. Any student who is dressed inappropriately will receive a zero. The idea is to become the person you are doing the speech on however, you may not wear tank tops or shorts (shorter than school uniform guidelines) for the speech.
Date to Choose Individual: Tuesday, September 13th. Individuals are on a first come first serve basis. Date of Speech & Dress Up: Friday, September 16th.
TOTAL POINTS: 20 Project Points
Your main objective is to write a persuasive speech in which you are trying to convince the audience that “you” (as your historical figure) are the “BEST there ever was” in your field.
October 4th- October 15th
This week we will continue discussing the art of persuasion in the political realm. The art of persuasion is important because you cannot be an effective speaker without a rhetoric arsenal. Ethos, Pathos, and Logos are important concepts for you to be able to identify AND to use effectively.
September 7th- September 24thth
(Lesson extended due to the quarantine situation and then maps testing)
Argumentative (Persuasive) Project Due Thursday.
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos
The goal of this argumentative project is to persuade your parents/family that your idea for a Summer vacation is valid, or more valid than someone else's. The Greek philosopher Aristotle divided the means of persuasion into three categories - Ethos, Pathos, Logos.
1) Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing an audience using the character of the author OR appealing to someone morally/ethically. We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.
2) Pathos (Emotion) means persuading an audience by appealing to their emotions. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.
3) Logos (Logic) means persuading by the use of reasoning and logic. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough.
Assignment:
You are to create a presentation to ‘present’ to your family members to convince them to go on a specific vacation/vacation spot this Summer. It can be anywhere, the Bahamas, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, Disney World, Mexico, Legoland, on a cruise (a specific cruise), etc. THE SKY IS THE LIMIT! Make sure you organize your project and present it in class as if you were speaking to your FAMILY!
You may create a:
* Brochure
* Flyer
* Prezi
* PowerPoint
* Commercial
* Other TEACHER approved method
Your presentation should be/include:
* FORMAL: Use correct grammar/punctuation, strong vocabulary, etc.
* When you present your project: Be well practiced, clearly well planned, well- rehearsed, & clearly spoken.
* Only use clear, subject appropriate/relevant pictures and/or videos.
* Include ACTUAL activities/specifics about the vacation, (price, excursions, trip features, etc.).
* Demonstrate a clear understanding and usage of ALL THREE methods of persuasion- Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in argument.
Grading Rubric: Professionalism and Overall Quality:
* Lines are clearly memorized and clearly spoken
* Clearly well-planned and rehearsed
* Overall quality (video, audio, grammatical, illustrations) * Proper use of grammar and basic conventions
* Effort!
10 Points
Creativity and Originality:
* Creativity
* Proper use of vivid and subject appropriate images/videos
5 Points
Understanding of Rhetoric and Argumentative Methods:
* Project demonstrates an obvious, insightful understanding of each of the rhetorical elements. *Project utilizes ALL three of Aristotle’s methods, (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) CLEARLY and EFFECTIVELY.
15 Points
Total: 30 Points
Further guidelines:
The Ethos, Pathos, Logos project is a chance for students to demonstrate their creative and collaborative talents. Please be sure that only school appropriate images/videos/topics are included in projects. If this guideline is not followed students will lose ALL ‘professionalism’ points.
August 30th- Sept 3rd
Weekly Formative Assessment: Group Toilet Paper Commercial
This week, students will be working in groups of three or four to create a toilet paper commercial (yes toilet paper, it’s funny). Your objective is to create a 90 second commercial or infomercial using ethos, pathos, and logos to sell your product (teams may use an existing brand or create their own). They MAY use scripts IF necessary.
1) Ethos (Credibility), or ethical appeal, means convincing an audience using the character of the author OR appealing to someone morally/ethically. We tend to believe people whom we respect. One of the central problems of argumentation is to project an impression to the reader that you are someone worth listening to, in other words making yourself as author into an authority on the subject of the paper, as well as someone who is likable and worthy of respect.
2) Pathos (Emotion) means persuading an audience by appealing to their emotions. Language choice affects the audience's emotional response, and emotional appeal can effectively be used to enhance an argument.
3) Logos (Logic) means persuading by the use of reasoning and logic. Giving reasons is the heart of argumentation, and cannot be emphasized enough.
August 10th- 13th
Welcome back to our first week of school!