You are to write and submit a 5-7 page paper containing your argument for your speech in your debate. If you are the rebuttal speaker on your team, your paper should be a refutation of likely arguments for the other team.
If you are on the affirmative team, your paper will be in support of the resolution.
If you are on the negative team, your paper will be opposed to the resolution.
Requirements:
In your paper you will need to:
State the resolution you are speaking for or against
Preview the arguments you will present either for or against the resolution
Provide a substantive discussion of each argument that:
States the argument
Explains the argument
Supports the argument
Illustrates the argument
A conclusion that summarizes your points and support for or opposition to the resolution
About 5-7 pages of double-spaced type will probably meet your time requirements for your debate speech. It will also depend on how fast you talk, but you should make sure your argument as presented in the debate will meet the time constraints (5-7 minutes for your argument).
Formatting (APA Formatting)
5-7 pages of double space type (excluding the title page and references)
margins no greater than 1” (right, left, top, bottom)
12 Times New Roman Font
Title page (not counted in the 5-7 pages)
I’m not terribly concerned if you go a little over 7 pages if you need the room, but I do want to see at least 5 substantive pages of argument in your paper
Reference Page (not counted in the 5-7 pages)
References
You will need references for all of the sources you cite in your argument.
Use appropriate APA citation guidelines for formatting your works cited and for citing quoted or extensively paraphrased work in your paper. When in doubt, it is best to over cite rather than under cite
For information on APA requirements for citing your research and formatting your references you may use the following links:
The Perdue OWL APA Formatting Guide
APA Style FAQ
Writing Style
Your papers should be written with your listener in mind. It is important to proofread and to edit for clarity before you turn in the final draft of your paper. Some tips:
Avoid “fluff” or content that does not add anything substantive to your listener’s understanding of your argument
Never use 10 words to say what can clearly be articulated in 5
Read your paper aloud as part of the editing process. If the sentences or paragraphs don’t flow, rewrite them so they do
Your goal is to write in a “conversational” style. I should “hear” your voice as I read your words. At the same time, your conversational style should be more polished than your everyday speech (think about your speaking style, on its best behavior)
Proofread carefully before submitting your paper. Read especially for the things that may not be caught by spellcheck (e.g. effect/affect, there/they’re/their, form/from, plural v possessives forms of words, etc.)
Submission
All papers must be submitted via Canvas by the date and time specified on Canvas
You may copy and paste into Canvas or upload a file (Word or PDF only – if you use Pages, please convert to a pdf before uploading)
I will not accept any papers that are emailed directly to me or turned in on paper
Evaluation
Your paper will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Clarity of argument (50 points):
Your main argument is stated clearly and concisely
Your supporting points clearly support your main argument
You provide sufficient evidence to support your argument
Your reasoning is sound and you avoid fallacies that weaken your argument
Your argument is well-organized
Formatting (15 points):
Internal citations (e.g. citations in the text of the paper) are used where necessary and formatted appropriately using APA style
List of references includes all works cited in paper
List of references is formatted using the correct APA style
Paper is formatted according to APA style
Readability (15 points)
Your paper is free from spelling errors
Your paper uses proper grammar and syntax (note: the purpose of this is not to make you follow some arcane set of grammar rules, but to help you to write clearly and concisely. It always helps to read your work aloud to hear how the words, sentences and paragraphs come together. If it’s awkward to say, it’s generally awkward to read)
Evidence that the paper has been proofed and edited for clarity
Claim: college athletes should not be paid
Main points:
Financial Implications is my part of the argument
Time, health, expenses
Finances brought in by the school
Families coming from poverty
School/sports balance, treating it as a job
Not all athletes get a scholarship
Don’t have time to get a job
Financial Implications: Not all college sports programs generate substantial revenue, and many universities struggle with budget constraints. Paying athletes could strain university finances, potentially leading to program cuts, increased tuition, or other financial burdens on students and institutions.
Sources need to relate to why college athletes should not be paid
