English Only Again! Final Debate

Language & Culture

Fall 2016

Debate Topic---Final "exam"

“The National Language Question”
Due: Position Paper and Presentation 12/8 (last day)

You have two responsibilities in this assignment (1) to complete your own position paper. (due December 15-email or office) (2) to help construct and present your position with your team.

I will give each team time to meet in class to discuss their topic and construct their declamation. Each team will be responsible for supplementing materials distributed in class to strengthen their position. During the declamation, each team will be allowed a maximum of 10 minutes to present their position. Then each team will be allowed two 5 minute rebuttals. Winning teams will receive wonderful prizes!!! Although all team members are not responsible for presenting in class, each of you must participate in the actual declamation once during the course of the semester. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade for the debate section of the course.

You may each choose your position on a debate ONCE during the course of the semester. Otherwise, positions will be assigned randomly. Please carefully follow the instructions for writing a position paper when completing this assignment. 

Topic: Should there be a constitutional amendment to make English the national language of the United States?

Answers should focus on the underlying cultural beliefs, values and practices which frame this debate.

Please refer to the “Writing a Position Paper/Debate” and general writing rubric as guidelines for your written and oral presentations.

DEBATE FORMAT

Introductions &

Coin Toss                                                         5 Minutes

Opening Remarks Team A                                10 minutes

Opening Remarks Team B                                10 minutes

Discussion                                                        5 minutes

Rebuttal Team A                                              3 minutes

Rebuttal Team B                                               3 minutes

Discussion                                                        5 minutes

Rebuttal Team A                                              3 minutes

Rebuttal Team B                                               3 minutes

Discussion                                                        5 minutes

Rebuttal Team A                                              3 minutes

Rebuttal Team B                                               3 minutes

Judges Question posed         1                         2 minutes

Discussion                                                        3 minutes

Answer Team A                                               3 minutes

Answer Team B                                               3 minutes

Judges Question posed   2                               2 minutes

Discussion                                                        3 minutes

Answer Team A                                               3 minutes

Answer Team B                                               3 minutes

Concluding Remarks Team A                           1 minutes

Concluding Remarks Team B                            1 minutes

Decision By Judges!

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Writing a Position Paper/Debate Preparation

            We will end the term with a written and performed argumentative style called a debate. There are no correct positions in a debate, just sound arguments and strong evidence for and against your positions. Your success in presenting a position lies on how PERSUASIVE you can be. Your position is only an OPINION, unless it is well reasoned and supported with evidence (persuasive). Writing a position paper is a good way to organize your thoughts and construct sound arguments when structuring a debate. Here is your chance to show politicians how a debate should be contested. 

Steps:

1.     Consider the question to be debated. Make sure that you understand the issues surrounding the debate, as they have been discussed in class. If you do not, ask for clarification.

2.     List the major points that will be used in support of your position. These may be gathered from class, assigned readings, Internet and other current event resources, etc.

3.     Structure a coherent argument for your position based on these major points. Support your points with illustrations (evidence).

4.     List the major arguments against your position. Again, these may be gathered from class, assigned readings, Internet and other current event resources, etc.

5.     Refute these arguments using supporting illustration.

6.     Summarize and make concluding remarks (a catchy and persuasive final note is often effective here).

7.     Be prepared to argue your position verbally in class.

Position papers should be 3-5 pages in length, typed (double spaced), and handed in at the conclusion of the semester (December 15). Those arguing for the same position may (should) work together to structure sound strong and persuasive positions. All position papers however, must be written individually. Failure to write your own position paper will be evaluated as plagiarism, and result in a failing grade. So, talk together, write alone.

_______________________________________
getting you started (plus Lippi-Green)

• Reading: (to get you started)
• http://www.governing.com/news/headlines/the-english-only-debate-heats-up-again.html
• http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/english-only.aspx
• http://www.languagepolicy.net/archives/langleg.htm
• http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_lang.html
• http://www.civilrights.org/monitor/vol8_no4/art3.html
• http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1997/04/should-english-be-the-law/376825/