Pick a Side! How to Build Your First Argument

Imagine your friend says recess should be only 10 minutes. You think 30 minutes is better. Instead of just saying 'nuh-uh,' you say 'Here is why!' and give a reason. That is a debate — two people disagree, and each one gives reasons for their side. People have been debating for thousands of years. In ancient Athens, more than 2,500 years ago, citizens stood up in the public square and argued about laws and ideas to help their city make better decisions.

By the end of this lesson you will be able to: - Explain what a debate is and why it is different from just arguing - Tell the difference between a claim and a reason - Build a simple argument using a claim, a reason, and an example - Practice listening respectfully to a different point of view

A debate is a structured conversation where two sides share different opinions about one topic — and each side gives reasons for what they believe. Important: an argument in debate is NOT the same as an argument at home. In debate, an argument means a statement plus a reason that backs it up. No yelling needed! Here is what a debate looks like: - One topic (example: 'Should school lunches be free for everyone?') - Two sides: YES and NO - Each side takes turns talking - Each person gives REASONS, not just feelings The goal of debate is not to win by being louder. The goal is to share the best reasons so everyone can think more clearly about a topic.

Sometimes in a real debate you pick the side you truly believe in. Sometimes in practice debates you get assigned a side — even one you disagree with! That is called arguing a position, and it is a great thinking exercise because it makes you understand BOTH sides. Two questions to help you choose a side: 1. What do I already know or feel about this topic? 2. Who does this idea help, and who might it hurt? Example topic: 'Should kids be allowed to bring pets to school?' - YES side: Pets make kids feel calm and happy, which helps them learn. - NO side: Some kids are allergic to animals, so it would not be safe for everyone.

The simplest way to build an argument has three parts: Claim, Reason, Example (CRE). CLAIM: What you believe. 'Dogs make the best class pets.' REASON: Why you believe it. 'Because taking care of a dog teaches responsibility.' EXAMPLE: A real story or fact that shows your reason is true. 'For example, kids who fed the class hamster every day at Lincoln Elementary School reported feeling proud and more confident.' Put it all together: 'Dogs make the best class pets because taking care of one teaches responsibility — for example, kids who fed a class hamster every day reported feeling more proud and confident.' Notice: even one sentence can hold all three parts if you use the word 'because' and 'for example.'