The Rhetoric Project
Rhetoric: [ret-er-ik] n. the ability to use language effectively.
SPAR SPAR stands for Spontaneous Argument. It is a debate requiring only two people and a few minutes. The debaters will draw a topic from a hat. It could be on some pressing world issue - like nuclear weapons - or on something else - like ninjas vs. fairies. Generally topics that both debaters know about are good choices. After drawing the topic, a few minutes are allowed for preparation. There are different formats that are used, so find out before the competition. The generally accecpted format: Preparation time for 1 minute Affirmative speaks for 2 minutes Negative speaks for 2 minutes Affirmative and Negative clash for 3 minutes Negative speaks for 1 minute Affirmative speaks for 1 minute The clash has both debaters standing at the same time. They are allowed to ask and answer questions, tell stories, talk over each other, and try to get the opponent to concede to their points. After that, there are a few minutes of judging, in which the judge will determine the winner of the debate and give some advice as to how the debaters can improve. |
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