Speech

Chapter 19: Lincoln-Douglass Debate

Activity Lesson Plan

Introduction
Students have learned about Lincoln-Douglas debate and the format used in this type of debate. In this lesson they will deepen their understanding of this process.

Lesson Description
Students will watch and listen to segments of a videotaped debate and answer questions relating to it.

Instructional Objectives
Students will reinforce their knowledge of the debate process and review debate terminology and concepts.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. Possible answers: The affirmative team's reasons to keep English as the official language of the United States are to promote unity, promote government efficiency, and preserve opportunity. This speech is called First Affirmative Constructive.
2. Possible answers: Two arguments from the opposing team are:
   
1. How will forcing people to learn English uphold democracy?
2. How will the public react to those who do not speak English?
3. Possible answers: The second speech is called Second Affirmative Rebuttal. Three points made in this speech are that having English as the official language of the U.S. will promote unity, that they are not proposing an "English-only" policy, and that having English as the official language will promote democracy.

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