Idea and many resources from: http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Krieger-Debate.html
Strong Reasons Versus Weak Reasons
According to LeBeau, Harrington, Lubetsky (2000), a strong reason has the following qualities:
- It logically supports the opinion.
- It is specific and states the idea clearly.
- It is convincing to a majority of people.
1. Mark the ideas below as opinion or reason:
Smoking should be banned in public places because:
- it is bad.
- it gives people bad breath and makes their teeth yellow.
- secondhand smoke is harmful for nonsmokers.
- Smoking-related diseases are very expensive to treat
- I don’t like smoking
- If you smoke many people will refuse to date you
- Banning may lower the appeal of smoking for the young
Children should wear uniforms at school:
- It helps children focus on learning
- They look so cute
- If children wear uniforms then they grow to be disciplined
- If children wear uniforms then they grow to be obedient
- I prefer them wearing colours
- I wore one and I liked it!
- It takes brands and competiveness out of schools
2. Explain why some reasons are strong and others are weak based on the above criteria.
3. Practice generating reasons for opinions.
- Should children have a TV in their bedrooms?
- Does society have a right to put someone to death?
- Animals should not be kept in cages
- Beauty is only skin deep
- The Olympics are a waste of money
- Cats make better pets than dogs
- Computers should replace teachers
- Should animals be used for scientific experimentation?
- Homework should be banned
- Teachers should not be allowed to contact students through social media
- All people should be vegetarians
- Sports stars should be positive role models
- Sharing music online should be allowed
- History is an important subject in school
- People should be fined for not recycling
- Same sex marriage should be legal
source: http://kiwiyert.tripod.com/ideas_for_debate_topics.htm