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Pros and Cons: A Debaters Handbook
Pros and A Debaters Handbook offers a unique and invaluable guide to the arguments both for and against over 140 current controversies and global issues. Since it was first published in 1896 the handbook has been regularly updated and this nineteenth edition includes new entries on topics such as the right to possess nuclear weapons, the bailing out of failing industries, the protection of indigenous languages and the torture of suspected terrorists.
Equal coverage is given to both sides of each debate in a dual column format which allows for easy comparison. Each entry also includes a list of related topics and suggestions for possible motions.
The introductory essay describes debating technique, covering the rules, structure and type of debate, and offering tips on how to become a successful speaker. The book is then divided into eight thematic sections, where specific subjects are covered individually.
Equal coverage is given to both sides of each debate in a dual column format which allows for easy comparison. Each entry also includes a list of related topics and suggestions for possible motions.
The introductory essay describes debating technique, covering the rules, structure and type of debate, and offering tips on how to become a successful speaker. The book is then divided into eight thematic sections, where specific subjects are covered individually.
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 27, 2016
It's odd adding a book like this to my read list, as I usually don't read books like these from start to finish. This is an exception. I've realistically read this entire book twice, and boy is it helpful.
On December 24th/25th, there was the National High School Parliamentary Debate tournament here in Japan, and I relied on this book, in addition to some others and of course my brain, while prepping a lot of the motions that could come, and it really helped me a lot to have an extensive background knowledge to fall back upon.
The book is divided into 2 sections, an introduction that explains various debating formats and tips on how to be good at each, and the main part that includes an easy to understand dual-column view of the pros and cons of over 140 relevant topics. Some of the topics aren't that helpful, like the one on Regional Trade Blocs over World Trade, from, just by reading the pros and cons, I couldn't even build a decent 2 point speech, however most are really valuable assets.
The book is divided into sections ranging from (A) Philosophy/ Political Theory all the way to (H) Health, science and technology, with a special (I) United Kingdom issues section, which I have skipped as it is not the most useful for a Japan based debate tournament.
With a total of 140 topics spread out over 285 pages, you're more than likely to find the topic you are looking for. Even if you don't, there are a lot of topics that are applicable to almost all situations, such as Protective legislation v. individual freedom, which I fell back on when preparing my speech for the Finals, which was whether Casinos bring more benefit than harm, which is currently a big debate due to Japan's Casino Bill.
I can't say this book made us win Nationals, but it certainly helped me get a basic understanding of how to form arguments and put me in the right mindset on how to approach new topics, which is most likely what helped my team win Nationals.
Also, we won Nationals, so now I have no time to read any other books because we have the World Congress to prepare for.
- yona
On December 24th/25th, there was the National High School Parliamentary Debate tournament here in Japan, and I relied on this book, in addition to some others and of course my brain, while prepping a lot of the motions that could come, and it really helped me a lot to have an extensive background knowledge to fall back upon.
The book is divided into 2 sections, an introduction that explains various debating formats and tips on how to be good at each, and the main part that includes an easy to understand dual-column view of the pros and cons of over 140 relevant topics. Some of the topics aren't that helpful, like the one on Regional Trade Blocs over World Trade, from, just by reading the pros and cons, I couldn't even build a decent 2 point speech, however most are really valuable assets.
The book is divided into sections ranging from (A) Philosophy/ Political Theory all the way to (H) Health, science and technology, with a special (I) United Kingdom issues section, which I have skipped as it is not the most useful for a Japan based debate tournament.
With a total of 140 topics spread out over 285 pages, you're more than likely to find the topic you are looking for. Even if you don't, there are a lot of topics that are applicable to almost all situations, such as Protective legislation v. individual freedom, which I fell back on when preparing my speech for the Finals, which was whether Casinos bring more benefit than harm, which is currently a big debate due to Japan's Casino Bill.
I can't say this book made us win Nationals, but it certainly helped me get a basic understanding of how to form arguments and put me in the right mindset on how to approach new topics, which is most likely what helped my team win Nationals.
Also, we won Nationals, so now I have no time to read any other books because we have the World Congress to prepare for.
- yona
December 20, 2015
Awesome
It's helpful on building cases and making argument in debate. I hope the content will be updated regularly and continuously.
It's helpful on building cases and making argument in debate. I hope the content will be updated regularly and continuously.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews