In the following two weeks I’ll be holding class debates. The debate topics was given last week. They are:

1. should students be required to wear uniforms at school? (1st round)
2. Should Taiwan ban the death penalty? (2nd round)

Each team is required to participate in the first debate in which they should prepare for both sides of the debate: prop and con. On the day of the debate your team will draw lots to decide in which position you are. You might be debating positions opposite to your beliefs, but it is an important skill for you to learn.

At the beginning of the debate, the pro side will speak first followed by the con side, and have 4-5 minutes of uninterrupted time to explain your position. Each member must participate equally. Then both sides will be given three minutes to confer and prepare for your rebuttal. Begin the rebuttals with the con side followed by the pro side. Each member of both sides will be given three minutes to speak. Each member must participate equally.

Regarding the first debate topic, you may check the site at< http://www.econoclass.com/debatetopics.html> for more information.