Debate Script final

First Negative’s (Leader of the Opposition) Constructive Speech Thank you Mme/Mr. Speaker. The resolution before the house today is: “BE IT RESOLVED THAT HOMEWORK MUST BE ABOLISHED.” ABOLISHED.” We, the opposition, strongly feel that this resolution will fall. Before moving on to our points, I would first like to refute some of the points introduced by the Honorable Prime Minister LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY AND TAKE NOTES HERE:

1. Why it’s inaccurate, unbelievable, false, or that you’ll deal with it later in your speech.

2.

Why it’s inaccurate, unbelievable, false, or that you’ll deal with it later in your speech.

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Now I would like to move on to some of the opposition’s points. We, the opposition, feel that this resolution should fall for f or these fundamental reasons: 1. First, homework is a vital and valuable part of education. 2. Second, homework helps create independent life skills.

Now Mme/Mr. Speaker, allow me to expand on our first point. 1. Homework is a vital and valuable valuable part of education! education! Homework extends study beyond the school day. It • reinforces what children learn in school and allows them to practice, review, reflect reflect and make new meaning. In this way, homework allows for deeper learning and a better overall education.

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We have evidence showing that homework plays an important role in improving test scores and grades. According to the Washington Post, 2008, “There was o some evidence that in grades 2 -5, students do better on unit tests when they did short HW assignments on basic skills.” o Harris Cooper PhD. did a study and wrote in the Denver Post (2000), “HS students who complete their assigned HW outperform students who don’t do their HW by 69 % on standardized tests.” Some work is best done at home because students can focus on homework without the distractions of other students.





And now Mme/Mr. Speaker, I will move into discussion of our second point that proves why the resolution before the house today must fall. 2. Homework helps create independent life skills Homework can also improve time management skills, organizational skills, study and research skills, selfdiscipline and concentration, create good habits including reading for pleasure. pleasure. These are all independent independent life skills that will help a student in every aspect of their lives for the rest of their lives. Also, in some cases, homework might be life changing. changing. It can keep students out of trouble by giving them less time to make bad choices such as even joining gangs or getting involved with drugs or mischief. •

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So Mme/Mr. Speaker for these reasons: That Homework is a vital and valuable part of education That, Homework helps create independent life skills And the ones my partner will raise, the resolution before the house today “Be it resolved that Homework should be abolished MUST AND MOST DEFINITELY WILL FALL!!!





Second Negative’s Constructive Speech Thank you Mme/Mr. Speaker. The resolution before the house today is: “BE IT RESOLVED THAT HOMEWORK SHOULD BE ABOLISHED.” We, the opposition, strongly feel that this resolution will fall.

Before moving on to our points, I would first like to refute some of the points introduced by the government today.

LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY AND TAKE NOTES HERE 1.


2.






Now I would like to move on to my points that will strengthen the cause presented by my colleague. The resolution before the house today “BE IT RESOLVED THAT HOMEWORK MUST BE ABOLISHED” must fall because: 1. Homework can facilitate facilitate a positive partnership partnership among child, school school and home. 2. Well-planned homework has benefits! benefits! Homework should be measured by Quality not quantity!

Now Mme/Mr. Speaker, allow me to expand on my first point. 1. Homework can facilitate facilitate a positive partnership partnership among the chi child, ld, school and home. Homework gives an opportunity for parents to be involved with their children’s learning, often becoming additional “teachers.” It gives them the opportunity to bond on projects, share ideas, read together and share work ethics. •

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Many parents value the chance to see what their child is studying. They can keep up to date with their child’s child’s grades and abilities and then be advocates for their kids and support them.

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If parents are involved and feel positive about their child’s education, they will be more likely to support the school community including the school’s budget.





And now Mme/Mr. Speaker, I will move into discussion of our final convincing point that proves why the resolution before the house must fall. 2. Good homework is measured by quality not quantity! Well-planned Well-planne d homework has benefits! •

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Best, well-planned well-planned homework is fun and and effective. It is engaging and expands learning, interests, and ideas. o “We should change the fundamental expectation of homework. Students are asked to take schoolwork schoolwork home only when there is a reasonable likelihood that a particular assignment will be beneficial for most of them.” Neil Rigler, 2008. Best, well-planned homework should still allow for family togetherness time, free time, and time for other interests. o “It’s always about about quality, not quantity.” quantity.” Patricia McMahon, Chair of Secondary Education at Carlow University. o Brian P. Hill reported in the LA Times that a majority of students do only about an hour of HW a night.







So, Mme/Mr. Speaker, for the reasons that I have presented: 1. Homework can facilitate facilitate a positive partnership partnership among the chi child, ld, school and home. 2. Well-planned, quality homework homework has benefits

and those presented to you by the Leader of the Opposition: That homework is a vital and valuable part of education That homework helps create independent life skills The resolution before the house today “Be it Resolved That HOMEWORK MUST BE ABOLISHED” MUST AND WILL FALL!!!!!





The Final Rebuttal: Rebuttal: Leader of the the Opposition Opposition

Thank you Mme/Mr. Speaker: The Government speakers have stood before us today in an attempt to convince us that HOMEWORK SHOULD BE ABOLISHED. My partner and I have, representing the Opposition, have clearly shown that the case (and consequent plan) presented is without merit.

The Prime Minister basically said that the resolution should stand because…

Whereas my partner and I believe that this case boils down to…

A case clearly not proven or substantiated by the Government who said… (Expand emphasizing weakest arguments)





It is very obvious to us that this resolution must and will most definitely fall! COUNTERARGUEMENTS: IF THEY SAY…WE SAY…

STRESS for KIDS: Of course homework can be stressful when when a lot is given. We • are not saying that children should spend all afternoon doing homework. If children are stressed when doing homework, it usually means • they are not comfortable with the the material yet. Teachers can see that they need to remain on a topic or approach it differently if their students are not succeeding with the homework. STRESS on FAMILY: •

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Some families do not become stressed about homework. Stress might be a function of the family, not the fault of the homework. Also, sometimes homework is a parent’s only exposure to what their child is learning. Isn’t awareness a good thing? If it causes stress str ess because children don’t understand the work or because children are getting bad grades, parents find the opportunity to meet with teachers teachers and try to help. Sometimes conflict like this leads to better results in the long run.

TOO DIFFICULT OR TOO BORING:





UNFAIR: •

Effective homework takes into account individual differences including financial and family situations.

TOO EASY TO CHEAT ON Good homework assignments are designed such that students • can not simply copy others or download from the internet. For example, they would show independent creative and critical thinking. DOESN’T HELP TEST SCORES We have evidence that shows that test scores do go up due to • homework. We can not compare the homework policies of other countries that do not have very similar educational educational systems. How long is their school school day? day? How many days days a week? How many many vacation days? •

TEACHERS DO NOT LIKE HW Homework makes the best use of teachers by letting class lessons be used for teaching instead of supervising work that could be done at home. Teachers can see how students are doing and what they understand by looking at homework. Niel Rigler with the English Journal 2008 says, “Knowing that all students have had time to do reading and complete assignments means that we do not have to devote class time to •

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Debate Script final

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