Stage a Debate Sure, your teen can debate his way out of a paper
bag. He can explain why chores are unethical, or why a later
curfew is a fundamental freedom. But formal debate, the kind
favored in courtrooms, governmental bodies, and high school
debate competitions, isn't about standing behind your beliefs.
In fact, the art of debate lies in the fact that a master
debater should be able to skillfully defend any argument, no
matter what he himself believes. Not sure how your teen fits
into the equation? In high school, students are often given
writing assignments where they must defend a statement or
argument. Same goes for the SAT essay section. But seeing both
sides of an issue, and being able to talk eloquently about them,
isn't just an academic essential: it's also a way to make your
teen a more thoughtful and well-informed citizen. Ready to get
started? Here's how to stage your own formal debate! What You
Need: - Research materials, i.e. Internet access, library books,
or articles