Student Learning Unit, Victoria University, Melbourne

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This is a post of materials created specifically for an Engineering (PBL) workshop on debating skills, but the information is very general and might be useful if you have to prepare for a debate in any subject.This Presentation  gives an overview of how to form an argument and counter-argument (or refutation), and it also looks at how a debate can be structured. It has links to all the handouts that were given out in the workshop.

First, though, have a  look at the video below from Youtube, which shows a debate taking place on the topic of a controversial TV programme on the topic of global warming. As you watch, try to answer these questions:

What do you think the argument is?
What is the counter-argument?
How do the speakers try to convince or persuade the audience?

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