Opposing side in a debate

[LuluLovesDisney]

*Background- I teach high school - Inclusion/Special Ed English and I am working on a persuasive writing unit. This is to help me prepare some learning activities with my students. If you could answer, I'd appreciate it. I figure many of us like debating, so this would be a good place to ask.

What characteristics would make you respect the opposing side in a debate, even if you disagreed with them? In other words, what makes an argument worthy of respect, irrespective of whether or not you agree with the content?

THANK YOU!

 

[worm761]

You can be emotional about a subject without being angry at the other person's point of view. That is important in a debate. When debating topics, having good sources is a must. I cannot respect poor sources or "that is my opinion" type things (with the exception of morals which I am sure you are not debating).

 

[Judy from Boise]

that they are willing to acknowledge the difference between fact and opinion, and accept that on the opinion level we cannot prove truth.
That it is not necessary to attack anyone's character or positive intentions because they disagree with us.

 

[Tinijocaro]

*Background- I teach high school - Inclusion/Special Ed English and I am working on a persuasive writing unit. This is to help me prepare some learning activities with my students. If you could answer, I'd appreciate it. I figure many of us like debating, so this would be a good place to ask.

What characteristics would make you respect the opposing side in a debate, even if you disagreed with them? In other words, what makes an argument worthy of respect, irrespective of whether or not you agree with the content?

THANK YOU!

Sticking to the facts, not hysteria, myth or other rumors. Not slamming the opposing side but instead, presenting your own side. Playing nicely and not getting angry or upset.

 

[kirstenb1]

Really really good documentation and credibility as to sources. Secondly, always respectful toward the other side. This is my pet peeve in current politics. There is always someone with whom you disagree. It doesn't always make you right and him/her wrong.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

Thank you so much. This is exactly what I was hoping for. I am trying to get my students to use evidence to support their ideas more, so this is perfect.

 

[gina2000]

Examples and evidence supporting your position. Each reason should have 2/3 details supporting the position. In the standard 5 paragraph essay, I suggest 2 examples - one in paragraph 2 and one in paragraph 4. Most students can come up with reasons but supporting details are difficult in a timed environment. Teach them to use examples when the well runs dry on supporting evidence.

Also, if this is in response to a writing prompt as opposed to a research thesis, students can "create" stats that would not necessarily be available to them in a testing environment. In a writing prompt, the idea is to understand and utilize the persuasion technique, not to be expected to produce real evidence on demand.


Also, deflecting an opposing opinion before it is stated through use of example and evidence is a higher level writing skill that can be employed.

 

[DMRick]

This, and I would reiterate fact, as opposed to rumor/opinion.

that they are willing to acknowledge the difference between fact and opinion, and accept that on the opinion level we cannot prove truth.
That it is not necessary to attack anyone's character or positive intentions because they disagree with us.