Sparta vs athens: a class debate

1. 
   Students should divide into 2 groups: one representing Sparta, the other representing Athens.
   
   
   
2. 
   Once in groups, groups will form “mini-groups” of 2 and select one of the following topics:
   
   
   

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  Government / political structure
  
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  Education
  
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  Role women and children
  
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  Military strength / alliances
  
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  Economy
  
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  Social or Class Structure
  
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  Lifestyle, Values and beliefs
  
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  Cultural Achievements / Legacies
  

3. 
   Once in small groups, students will research their society according to selected topic. Students are encouraged to investigate the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents’ society as well as the strengths and weaknesses of their own.
   
   
   
4. 
   Prior to debates, groups / pairs should use strongest arguments and evidence during debates. This should be organized in a FACT SHEET that each student must complete (see attached) for individual mark and debate mark.
   

5. 
   During debates, each student must explain at least ONE argument pertaining to his/ her topic and offer challenges or rebuttals to opposition. All students must be prepared to defend their position against their opponents.
   

6. 
   After debate is complete, students should reflect and report on its opponents’ strongest arguments / challenges / rebuttals.
   

DEBATE DATE: ______________________________________

ARGUMENTS EXPECTED OPPONENTS TO MAKE				PLANNED REBUTTLES
	DEBATE RUBRIC	LEVEL 4	LEVEL 3		LEVEL 2	LEVEL 1
	Knowledge & Understanding -historical accuracy	-student provides exceptionally detailed and historically accurate information in main arguments	-student provides proficient details and historically accurate information in main arguments		- student provides adequate information that is accurate but needs more details in main arguments	-student provides few details or inaccurate or irrelevant information in main arguments
	Thinking & Inquiry -connecting evidence -rebuttals	- skilfully draws connections by using more than two pieces of evidence (visually) that overwhelmingly supports argument - clear and thorough preparation for opponents points with exceptional rebuttals	- makes connections by using two pieces of evidence (visually) that effectively supports argument - student has prepared for points by opponent and responds proficiently		- student presents some evidence (visually) to support arguments and conclusions - adequate preparation for opponents’ arguments but needs stronger rebuttals	- student offers little to no evidence to support argument - student seems totally unprepared for opponents’ points and make few rebuttals
	Communication -clarity of ideas -delivery	- student exceptionally expresses ideas clearly and concisely to audience in confident manner - student skilfully varies pitch, tone, uses humour and appropriate language to convince audience	- student speaks clearly and confidently to audience - student uses appropriate language, volume, tone and humour to convince audience		- student needs to speak more clearly and confidently - adequate use of language, volume, tone to convince audience	- often hard to hear student or student seem lost or confused -student needs to used volume, tone to be more convincing
	Application -fact sheet	- student submits an exceptional fact sheet that is detailed, concise, and well organized	- student submits a complete fact sheet that is clear and well organized		- student submits fact sheet that is complete but could be more detailed and concise	-student submits a fact sheet that is missing information, details and clarity

MINI DEBATE STRUCTURE