North Korea Debate Prep
Background:
Ever since the “end” of the Korean War in 1953, North and South Korea have uneasily coexisted on either side of a tense
and heavily fortified demilitarized zone.
The US has kept a significant military presence in the area in both South Korea and Japan.
Recently, North Korea has successfully tested nuclear weapons and has threatened both the US and her allies.
In addition, North Korea has been charged with “crimes against humanity” for its treatment of its own citizens.
Many groups around the world urge the US to take action against North Korea for both its internal and external
behaviors.
The Resolution:
The United States should directly confront North Korea for the threat it poses to Asia and the US through military
action.
The Task:
Using the text provided, the internet links, and other classroom materials, take notes that support both of the sides
listed below.
Day 1: Introduce topic and watch video in class
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HW:
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Have students take notes on video note sheet and record questions or ideas
At the end of the video quickly discuss student questions and ideas
Assign students to read articles:
In Focus: North Korea’s Nuclear Threats
How North Korea Became So Isolated
Using the attached forms
A summary of EACH article
Analyze EACH article to highlight facts that would support the use of US military intervention AND facts that
would show that force would be bad or that another way would be more effective in dealing with the problem
Day 2:
Computer lab time: Using the links on the assigned pages read and take notes on the information there that would
support the use of US military intervention AND facts that would show that force would be bad or that another way
would be more effective in dealing with the problem
Homework: Taking all of the materials gathered in class and in analysis of articles, sort the information into the two
following categories:
Agree (Yes, the solution to NK requires military force)
Disagree (no, the solution must be diplomatic,
economic, or humanitarian)
Day 3: Silent Debate in class –
Homework: Complete reflection on performance and your written final position on the topic
The Resolution:
The United States should directly confront North Korea for the threat it poses to
Asia and the US through military action.
In the space provided below list as many ideas and supporting facts as possible to:
Agree (Yes, the solution to NK requires military force) with the statement above.
In the space provided below list as many ideas and supporting facts as possible to:
Disagree (no, the solution must be diplomatic, economic, or humanitarian)
Video National Geographic Inside North Korea
Source: __________________________________________
Credibility: good
History
Present Situation
fair
Date:
poor
Questions or Comments
In Focus: North Korea’s Nuclear Threats
Source: __________________________________________
Credibility: good
fair
poor
Date:
How North Korea Became So Isolated
Source: __________________________________________
Credibility: good
fair
poor
Date:
North Korea Holds Massive Rally Against UN Human Rights Resolution
Source: __________________________________________
Credibility: good
fair
poor
Date:
Name________________________________________ Period __________
Silent Debate Self-Reflection
Preparation
A. How did you prepare for the debate (give examples)? Attach/staple notes to this handout as
evidence. (5 points)
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B. Were your preparation methods helpful? Why or Why not? Explain. (5 points)
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C. How might you prepare differently for a future Silent Debate? (5 points)
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D. Having now studied this topic in depth, write a clear, well-argued final position on the topic.
You must use at least two specific arguments to support your position and you must
defend your position with specific evidence from your research
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Silent Debate (Judges Form)
1. As the debate takes place on the screen, make notes on the arguments posed on both sides. (Responses should
address what the person said with either a contradictory statement or an acknowledgement of the point and a
redirection of the debate (yes, but…)
2. When the debate is over, scroll through to make sure you did not miss anything.
3. Assign points for the best arguments or rebuttals
4. Total up the scores and make last comments: (What did each side do well? What would have made this debate
better?)
positive
pt
negative
Topic
#1
Topic #2
Topic #3
Last comments: (What did each side do well? What would have made this debate better?):
pt
Silent Debate Organizational Chart
1. Research in preparation for a 25 minute silent debate. Bring notes to class on assigned day.
2. Teacher Assigns Position- Take 5 minutes to pick your top 3-4 arguments for the side you have been assigned. Place
them in the chart to help organize yourself for the silent debate.
3. Review and Highlight any information on the “other side” that you will anticipate coming up and think about how you
would like to respond to it
4. Rebuttal – Any response should address what the person said with either a contradictory statement or an
acknowledgement of the point and a redirection of the debate (yes, but…)
(Anticipate possible arguments
Topic
Details to support your argument
against this point)
Argument
#1
Argument
#2
Argument
#3
Silent Debate Rubric
Performance
Indicator
Preparation
Performance
Indicator
Participation
Performance
Indicator
4
Exemplary
10
Clear evidence of the following:

Took notes prior to
debate

Brought notes to debate

Made notations on prep
sheet
4
Exemplary
 frequently contributes
meaningfully to the discussion
 uses specific references to the
materials
 builds on another's point explains
ideas thoroughly
 explains ideas clearly
 makes direct references to points
made by other student
4
Exemplary
_______/30
3
Proficient
9-8
Good evidence of the
following:

Took notes prior
to debate

Brought notes to
debate

Made notations on
prep sheet
3
Proficient
2
Developing
7-6
Little evidence of the
following:

Took notes prior
to debate

Brought notes to
debate

Made notations on
prep sheet
2
Developing
No evidence of
preparation
1
Deficient
 occasionally contributes
to the discussion
 refers to the text or film
in general ways
 occasionally refers to
another's point
 attempts to explain ideas
 may initiate a new idea
 rarely contributes to
the discussion
 shows little evidence of
knowledge regarding
the research materials
 presents unexplained
ideas
 makes tangential
remarks
 no evidence of
knowledge
regarding the
research materials
 speaks off topic
 makes personal
criticisms of the
ideas of others
 shows disrespect
 attempts to
obstruct the debate
process
3
Proficient
2
Developing
1
Deficient
Reflects on preparation
and participation.
Reflection is superficial
and/or lacks sincerity
Reflection
Thoroughly and thoughtfully reflects
on preparation and participation.
1
Deficient
5 or less
Does not
complete selfreflection
handout