SPAR (Spontaneous Argumentation)

What Is a SPAR Debate?

In this structured debate modeled after an event in forensic competitions, students frame their argument in one minute and then react quickly to their opponents’ ideas. This strategy helps students practice using evidence and examples to defend a position. Because students aren’t given much preparation time, SPAR is most effective when students already have background information about the topic. With practice, students become increasingly comfortable with and proficient in using this method to unearth the “pro” and “con” sides of controversial topics.

How to Conduct a SPAR Debate

Step 1: Prepare the Class

Divide class in half. Assign one side to take the “pro” position and the other side to take the “con” position. Have students move their desks so they are sitting opposite an opponent. Write a debatable proposition on the board (e.g., “It is always best to use nonviolent methods to achieve greater civil rights” or “After conflicts and violence, restorative justice is a better tool for rebuilding society than retributive justice”). The proposition should relate to material you have been studying, and students should already have some background information on the issue.

Step 2: Students Brainstorm Arguments

Give students one to two minutes to write down their arguments and evidence for or against the proposition. You can give the students a graphic organizer to help them structure their ideas and take notes during the debate.

Step 3: Students Present Opening Statements

The “pro” students present a one-minute opening statement making their case, while the “con” students listen quietly and take notes. Then the “con” students present a one-minute opening statement while the “pro” students listen quietly and take notes.

Step 4: Students Discuss

Give students 30 seconds to prepare ideas for what they want to say to their opponent. Then invite the pairs to engage in a three-minute discussion during which they may question their opponent’s reasoning or examples or put forth new ones of their own.

Step 5: Students Present Closing Statements

Give students 30 seconds or one minute to prepare a closing statement. “Con” students present a closing statement for one minute while the “pro” students listen quietly, and then the roles reverse.

Step 6: Debrief the Activity

Prompts you can use to structure a class discussion about this activity include:

• What did you learn from participating in this SPAR debate?
• What were the arguments for or against the issue?
• What is the value in arguing positions with which you don't necessarily agree?
• What was hardest about taking part in this type of debate? What did you like about it? Should the format of the debate be adjusted? If so, in what ways?

Before facilitating a class discussion about any of these questions, give students the opportunity to respond in their journals.