Toulmin model

Try to fill in a Toulmin model for the "I SAY" at the end of the debate:

Because __(evidence)______, therefore _______________(claim)_______________, 

since______________________(assumption --with backing & qualifier if necessary)________,

 unless ____________(reservation).

How it looks:

Because of evidence (from a study, etc) that grades add stress to the learning experience, therefore grades should be abolished, since stress inhibits learning.

Because you bought me a diamond, therefore I know that you love me, since love requires material proof.

Because they make us more understanding of the foibles and frailities of man, everyone should read novels, since most of us are unaware of our fallibility. 

Now, on the bottom of the Conversational Roundtable, try to compose your argument using this frame:

Because_____________________________, therefore____________________, since________________________,  unless ________________________________.

Link to this week's debate topic and readings

NY Times Room for Debate: chivalry

Remember to fill out your roundtable with a summary of the argument AND a key detail/quotation.

Friday's First Four Square!

Today, both periods impressed me with excellent debating skills.  You presented valid claims, supported them (for the most part) with SPECIFIC facts taken directly from your research this week, and you listened to the other side and responded effectively, attempting to refute the other's side's reasoning.

Next Friday we will debate the answer to the question "Should advertising in schools be allowed?"
The Blast should be present in your studysync account starting today if you want to get started.  Remember, you can "blast away" anytime!

Tuesday I will check your annotations on the editorial "Felons and the Right to Vote."  Look for claims of fact, value, and policy.

In addition to advertising in schools, we will be examining closely arguments about steriods in sports, as well as academic pressure in school.

Have a good weekend!

Argument for the week: Hello Study Sync!

Your homework for the next few nights is to study a topic from multiple perspectives in order to be prepared to argue one particular viewpoint.

To see the question, you will need to be able to log in to Study Sync.  Do that here: Study Sync log in
Your username is NVUSD + 6 digit student ID and password is your "locker" number.  See me if you need those.

When you log on, click on the button that says "BLASTS" on the banner at the top of the page.
It should say that you have one assigned blast to work on.  The blast I have assigned you for the week is a "Listen Edition" blast, which means that you need to be able to listen to the NPR story linked on that page.  Also, scroll down and you will see the links for your research.  Click on each one and take notes on the Conversational Roundtable Handout that I will give you in class.  Be sure to clearly mark the sources in each square.

If you would like to participate in the "blast," you may do so at anytime, provided that you are prepared to contribute in a meaningful and serious way.  (the blast is only 140 characters, so the challenge is to condense your most salient points in that small space--it is really an exercise in being concise!)

On Friday, we will try to do our first "FOUR SQUARE" debate.  I expect you to come to class ready to argue any point of view, for I may assign you a stance to take, for the sake of a good argument.