SPAR


 * SPONTANEOUS ARGUMENTATION (SPAR)**

The purpose of SPAR is to have a "class of ideas by opposing sides on a specific resolution. It blends elements of debate and public speaking. . . . Critical evaluation should be given to the quality or argumentation, refutation, cross-examination, organization, and delivery of each speaker. . . . The speaker must employ logic, sound reasoning, and common knowledge to argue in favor of or against a resolution." (From the Hawaii Speech League description)

1) You are given a "resolution" (from a list you have seen already) about which you must agree or disagree. (Your opponent will do the opposite of what you do. You will be told which side to take.) 2) With very little preparation (1 minute, to be exact), you must present an argument supporting your side of the resolution. 3) Your opponent will then give his/her side of the resolution. 4) After both sides have been presented, you and your opponent will do an open cross-examination during which time you may ask each other questions and receive answers. 5) Last, each of you will have time for a rebuttal (counter argument against opponent's arguments) and some concluding statements.
 * In short:**

1 minute Resolution analysis (prep time) 2 minutes Affirmative constructive (pro) 2 minutes Negative constructive (con) 3 minutes Open cross-examination (free questioning) 1 minute Negative rebuttal and conclusion (con) 1 minute Affirmative rebuttal and conclusion (pro)
 * The timing of the arguments looks like this:**


 * Assessment:** 15 pts (//R&J//), 25 pts (//EG//)


 * Topics** : See possibilities below (we will do this twice. The //Ender's Game// resolutions are for later in quarter 4). You will choose a resolution from among these statements but will do so "blindly."


 * Preparation** : Think about these resolutions and begin to consider and collect evidence for your possible arguments (bring your books!).

__**Possible** //**Romeo and Juliet**// **Topics**//**:**//__
 * Romeo is the ultimate cause of the events that come to pass in the play.
 * Balthasar is the ultimate cause of the events that come to pass in the play.
 * The Friar is the ultimate cause of the events that come to pass in the play.
 * Lady Capulet is the ultimate cause of the events that come to pass in the play.
 * //Romeo and Juliet// has a happy ending.
 * Romeo and Juliet experienced true love in their short-lived relationship.
 * Mercutio is the most pivotal character in the play.
 * Shakespeare's play suggests that a self-destructive tendency is inextricably connected with love.
 * The tragedy of Romeo and Juliet was unavoidable.
 * Paris and Romeo are very similar in their perception of love.
 * Capulet is a good father.
 * Lady Capulet is a good mother.
 * Benvolio is a better friend that Mercutio to Romeo.
 * The Nurse has the young couple's best interest in mind.
 * Sometimes violence is the only solution.
 * Romeo and Juliet died honorable deaths.
 * Benvolio's character was not needed in the play.
 * Juliet loves the Nurse more than her own mother.
 * Romeo and Juliet were destined to die.
 * Juliet's decision to fake her own death caused the actual death of her husband.
 * Juliet was wrong to reject the wishes of her parents to marry Paris.
 * The love shared by Romeo and Juliet only brought about sadness and despair.
 * Juliet is braver than Romeo.
 * Romeo and Juliet's deaths were the only way the Montagues and Capulets could ever reconcile their differences.

As you prepare for the Spar, gather quotes of support or contention on each of the following (bring your books!).
 * __Possible //Ender's Game// Topics:__**
 * **Ender Wiggin is an ideal leader.**
 * **Ender Wiggin is a killer**
 * **Ender is like Peter.**
 * **Ender is like Valentine.**
 * **Valentine is the most influential character in the novel.**
 * **Mazer Rackham is an ideal teacher.**
 * **Sometimes violence is the only answer.**
 * **The adults were justified in deceiving Ender about the reality behind the games.**
 * **//Ender’s Game//** **is an anti-military and anti-war novel.**
 * **The buggers were a clear threat to the human race.**