Point Counterpoint Debate Worksheet
Junior High Debate Critical Thinking & Argumentation
Point • Counterpoint
Analyze both sides of each resolution. Formulate 3 strong arguments for each perspective.
Name:
Date:
Class Period:
Team/Group:
Argument Formula:
1. Claim (What is your point?) | 2. Reason (Why is it true?) | 3. Evidence/Impact (What proves it or why does it matter?)
Topic 1 School & Daily Life
Resolved: Middle schools should completely ban personal smartphones during school hours.
AFFIRMATIVE / PRO (Support Ban)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
NEGATIVE / CON (Oppose Ban)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
Your Preliminary Stance:
In Favor of Ban (PRO) Against Ban (CON) Undecided / Need Evidence
Topic 2 Ethics & Society
Resolved: Zoos and wildlife parks holding animals in captivity should be phased out.
AFFIRMATIVE / PRO (Phase Out Zoos)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
NEGATIVE / CON (Preserve Zoos)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
Your Preliminary Stance:
In Favor of Phasing Out (PRO) Support Preserving Zoos (CON) Undecided / Need Evidence
Debate Skill: Balanced Perspective & Evidence Generation Page 1 of 2
Point • Counterpoint
Debate Organizer (Continued)
Name:
Topic 3 School & Daily Life
Resolved: Schools should enforce a mandatory 30-minute daily cap on total homework.
AFFIRMATIVE / PRO (Enforce Cap)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
NEGATIVE / CON (Allow Flexible Limits)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
Your Preliminary Stance:
In Favor of Cap (PRO) Against Strict Cap (CON) Undecided / Need Evidence
Topic 4 Ethics & Society
Resolved: Middle school students should be required to complete 20 community service hours.
AFFIRMATIVE / PRO (Mandatory Service)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
NEGATIVE / CON (Voluntary Only)
1 Point 1:
2 Point 2:
3 Point 3:
Your Preliminary Stance:
In Favor of Requirement (PRO) Against Requirement (CON) Undecided / Need Evidence
Debate Deep Dive: Your Undefeatable Argument
Select 1 Topic (1, 2, 3, or 4)
Choose the single most compelling argument you crafted today. Write your complete argument statement below, explaining why it would be difficult for the opposing team to disprove.
Debate Skill: Balanced Perspective & Evidence Generation Page 2 of 2
