Minnesota Homeschool Speech & Debate (MNHS&D)

 

From Lea Langley

 

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.  Proverbs 18:15

 

 

MINNESOTA HOMESCHOOL DEBATE - CHECK IT OUT!

“Debate is the practice of comparing and contrasting ideas, which is a common part of our experience as human beings. You have probably debated someone about something almost every day of your life. Formal debate is an educational way to learn the skills you need to argue effectively in real life.” Christy Shipe, An Introduction to Argumentation and Debate

 

 

WHO MAY PARTICIPATE?

Home educated students age 12-18 by January 1 of the current school year may participate in debate competitions.

 

 

WHAT DOES HOMESCHOOL DEBATE LOOK LIKE?

Minnesota follows The National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA www.ncfca.org) debate rules and resolutions. The two types of NCFCA debate include Lincoln Douglas and Team Policy Debate. 

 

The NCFCA Debate resolutions for 2009-10: 

Team Policy Debate:

Resolved:  That the United States Federal Government should significantly reform its environmental policy.

 

Lincoln Douglas Debate:

Resolved:  That competition is superior to cooperation as a means of achieving excellence.

 

 

HOW DOES A STUDENT BECOME INVOLVED?

Before participating in debate, it is recommended that students become familiar with debate theory.  Debate theory is not easy to learn (or practice) on your own, but it is possible.  Debate clubs and classes have already begun.  If you would like to debate this year, contact MNHS&D soon.

 

Debate coaches and veteran speakers suggest the following activities to get started:

·         Learn debate theory, etiquette, and terminology

·         Read more about the current resolution

·         Arrange to visit a debate class or club

·         Practice speaking skills by participating in speech events like Impromptu or Extemporaneous

·         Watch debate rounds – even volunteer to keep time in a debate round!

 

 

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT TO SEE IN A DEBATE ROUND?

Team Policy Debate rounds last up to 74 minutes; Lincoln Douglas Debate rounds are completed in approximately half that time. Participants in a Team Policy Debate round include four debaters, one or more judges, and a timekeeper.  Two-person teams debate the given resolution. In contrast, a Lincoln Douglas Debate round involves two individual debaters on opposing sides of the resolution, one or more judges, and a timekeeper. In each round, the teams or individuals are prepared to debate for (affirmative) or against (negative) the resolution, and will debate equally for or against the resolution in preliminary rounds of a tournament.  During timed constructive speeches, cross-examinations, and rebuttals, debaters on both sides of the resolution attempt to convince the judge(s) that their position on a policy (Team Policy) or value (Lincoln Douglas) is the correct one.

 

Throughout the season debaters will continue to gather information to strengthen their cases to more confidently argue for or against the resolution.

 

 

WHY DEBATE?

Participation in debate is a huge commitment, but benefits abound!  Christy Shipe writes,

 

“I do not know of a single subject that offers a broader education or more life skills than debate. Whatever the resolution, a student will almost certainly cover government, economics, political science, composition, research, public speaking, logic, rhetoric, current events, typing/word processing, computer skills, editing, and argumentation and debate theory… must organize her time to complete tasks, discipline herself to refute and rebuild arguments within the strict time limits of the debate round, and learn to appreciate the unique personalities of her teammates-life skills that are viable in any profession.”

 

Minnesota debaters benefit in these ways and more, for confidently communicating and defending their faith in Jesus Christ.   

 

 

WHEN AND WHERE DO DEBATE COMPETITIONS OCCUR?

Visit the MNHS&D website for the most current information. Generally, 2-3 practice debate competitions take place in various Minnesota locations throughout the season, with a final Regional NCFCA Qualifying Tournament in March.  From there, debaters may advance to Regional and National tournaments. In order to compete in NCFCA tournaments, students must be NCFCA members.  Families are encouraged to affiliate early in the season at the NCFCA website (www.ncfca.org). (Cost: $45) 

 

Interested adults and students are always welcome to view debate competitions.  PLEASE NOTE:  Because of the length of a debate round, young children can become a distraction.  Parents, please arrange for supervision of young – or potentially disruptive—children.

 

Minnesota Homeschool Debate – Check it out!  Whether you come to watch or compete, there is always more to learn. 

 

See MNHS&D www.mache.org/mnhs&d for more information.