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Civil Debate


Do the benefits of genetically modified foods (GMOs) for human consumption outweigh the harms for the health of people and the environment?

Should the government impose an age limit of 18 on the use of social media platforms as it imposes age limits on the use of tobacco and alcohol? 

Should physician-assisted suicide be legalized in the United States as a compassionate option for terminally ill patients?

With passionate defenders on both sides, our eighth grade boys recently faced off in a series of debates on these and other hot-button, complex public health issues.

The boys were assigned to find and read an article that discussed a current issue in public health in which two or more “sides” were presented. They then selected the topics that they wanted to debate. In their opening statements, arguments, rebuttals, crossfire questions, and closing summaries the debaters were judged on how well they made distinct arguments supported by evidence, explained the science, and presented in a captivating and persuasive style.

Our science program's debate challenge calls upon boys to research and critically analyze complicated ideas and issues, and to employ debating skills they have learned and practiced. They must present persuasively, using evidence and confident public speaking ability, as they marry copious preparation with quick thinking and the ability to respond and persuade "in the moment." 

They might argue a position they personally hold, or be tasked with advocating for an opposing viewpoint. One eighth grader noted that having to argue a position he did not agree with made for a good exercise: "I had to argue the con on the issue of physician assisted suicide, but I really was pro. This helped my debating skills. When you argue a con, you need to force the debater on the pro side to counter your counter." 

Another eighth grader reflected: "The most challenging aspect was learning to think and respond on the fly. I prepared by anticipating points I thought the other side would make ... Overall, I think it is most important to be able to debate respectfully about an issue, even if you strongly disagree with another person's opinion." 

That's exactly what we seek to achieve through this debate series: a challenging academic experience that encourages our boys to embrace the value of civil discourse. 


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