Since the attacks of September, 11 2001, America has struggled to find the right balance between safety and freedom. Some say the government has become so zealous and intrusive in its efforts to stop terrorism that our freedoms have been compromised. Others believe law enforcement and the military should be given wide latitude to prevent terrorism. This week you and your partners will research and conduct debates related to this important and timely topic.
Debate topics
Are current airport security procedures overly intrusive or are they necessary for safety?
Was the procedure of waterboarding performed on Khalid Sheik Muhammad justified?
Was the killing of American citizen Anwar Al-Walaki without a criminal trial justifiable?
Are drone strikes (in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Yemen and other places) morally justifiable and wise policy?
Should Guantanamo Bay be closed within the year?
Debate format Opening Statement- 3 minutes for each team. Please be sure to practice so that your opening is neither too short nor too long.
Rebuttal Period- 8 minutes. This is the freewheeling section of the debate. The teams will contest points, emphasize the strengths of their argument, and try to poke holes in the ideas of the other team.
Question Period- 5 minutes. The students and teacher will direct questions to both sides.
To be successful in a debate you must:
Turn in an outline of your main ideas and arguments. The outline should be about 1.5 pages single-spaced. In order to save the trees of the world, please refrain from making your outline longer than 2 pages. A copy of the outline and your bibliography must be turned in to Mr. Dagli on the day of the debate.
All members of your team must participate relatively equally.
Make sure you are well-prepared
Meet with Mr. Dagli prior to the debate.
After your debate is over, write your reflections on the appropriate page on this wiki.
9/11 Debate Guide
Since the attacks of September, 11 2001, America has struggled to find the right balance between safety and freedom. Some say the government has become so zealous and intrusive in its efforts to stop terrorism that our freedoms have been compromised. Others believe law enforcement and the military should be given wide latitude to prevent terrorism. This week you and your partners will research and conduct debates related to this important and timely topic.Debate topics
Debate format
Opening Statement- 3 minutes for each team. Please be sure to practice so that your opening is neither too short nor too long.
Rebuttal Period- 8 minutes. This is the freewheeling section of the debate. The teams will contest points, emphasize the strengths of their argument, and try to poke holes in the ideas of the other team.
Question Period- 5 minutes. The students and teacher will direct questions to both sides.
To be successful in a debate you must: