Chapter 1:
1. Debate can be of benefit in everyday life. What elements of debate make this true?
 Develop decision making ability
 Process of generating argumentative clash
 Be able to compare precise, stimulating, and well-supported arguments
 Critique arguments offered by an opponent
2. What is the value of learning to make arguments?
 Take statements, studies, facts, and options and shape them into a cogent
case
 Sharpen thinking
 How making cases increases your ability to influence others
 How to put together strong, clear, forceful positions that lead to good
decisions
3. If you learn how to criticize arguments, how will you be able to better defend your
own position?
 Examine arguments systematically
 See if the proof is sound and if the methods of reasoning is valid
 Criticism permits you to isolate what is wrong with an argument
 Argumentation expands your ability to influence people
 Clear out bad ideas and make room for better ones
4. Describe the functions of debate in democratic society.
 Debate helps people decide the meaning of the past,
 Decide the values of the present,
 Permits people to evaluate alternative futures
5. How will debate help you to develop an analytical mind?
 Debate forces you to look for the best arguments and supports
 Work at advancing and defending ideas
 Decisions will be made on what position to take, evidence, and how to
structure the argument
6. In debate, it is important to have an open mind when you prepare arguments. How
does this help you in preparing your position or in attacking an opposing position?
 Closed mind approach to argument- not be able to predict your opponent’s
positions
 An open mind helps you prepare your position because you can better
evaluate its weaknesses and strengths
 Predict and prepare for what your opponent will do