The novice debaters are participating in an interactive learning opportunity. Each year, they become part of the Turkey Debates.

The Turkey Debates require each partnership to create two separate speeches. The affirmative speech has the goal of finding something to replace turkey at the Thanksgiving meal while the negative speech is attempting to keep turkey as the standard traditional meal. They will have two weeks to prepare both positions before they begin to competing against each other until there is one team left. The winners will have the choice of earning extra credit or presenting their speeches to the eighth grade Speech and Drama classes at Aubry Bend.

Freshman Gracie Martin feels that she enjoys the Turkey Debates more than just a regular debate.

“I like the idea better than most debates because you can make up stuff,” Martin said. “I enjoy this because I like to argue. This also shows me how to put a speech together from scratch.”

Freshman Kirsten Lee also loves the Turkey Debates. She finds it both enjoyable and a learning experience.

“They are lots of fun,” Lee said. “I do like this because of their [the opposing team’s] funny advantages and points. I feel that I have learned more about debate through this opportunity. It teaches how to make up arguments, which is a much needed skill in debate.”

Junior Jacob Burrow really likes this activity. He has learned a lot of things from it.

“I feel really excited about it [the Turkey Debates],” Burrow said. “My partner and I have thought of some really good ideas. I really like debate because I can actually argue with someone and I want to be yelled at. Through this, I have learned how hard it is to put a really good speech together.”

How would you feel if turkey was replaced by another food item at Thanksgiving? Tweet @bvswnews to share your opinion.

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