Skip to main content
Font size options
Increase or decrease the font size for this website by clicking on the 'A's.
Contrast options
Choose a color combination to give the most comfortable contrast.
A group of students seated at a table discuss an open book.

Registration now closed

Introduction to Debate

A Six-Week Program for Middle School Students

2026-04-13 17:00:00 2026-04-13 18:30:00 America/Indiana/Indianapolis Introduction to Debate Middle school students are invited to a free program series to discover skills and gain confidence through learning about debate! This series will be led by Park Tudor junior and debate champion, Penelope Guevara! College Avenue Branch -

Monday, April 13
5:00pm - 6:30pm

Middle school students are invited to a free program series to discover skills and gain confidence through learning about debate! This series will be led by Park Tudor junior and debate champion, Penelope Guevara!

This free six-week program series introduces middle school students to the fundamentals of debate. Students will learn how to research topics, construct persuasive arguments, respond to opposing viewpoints, and speak with confidence. No prior experience is required - just curiosity and a willingness to participate! Each of the sessions will present a new topic, but will build off one another, so attendance at all sessions is highly encouraged! Please speak to library staff if you need assistance registering for all programs in the series. All materials will be provided, but students should bring a notebook and pen. The schedule and topics for each session are:

  • Week 1 - What is Debate?    
        Introduction to debate: what it is, why it matters, and how it works. Students will explore different debate formats and discuss the value of civil argumentation.
  • Week 2 - Research & Evidence
        How to find reliable information, evaluate sources, and use evidence effectively. Students will practice researching a sample topic using library resources.
  • Week 3 - Building Arguments
        The structure of a strong argument: claims, reasons, and evidence. Students will learn to organize their ideas clearly and persuasively.
  • Week 4 - Responding to Others
        Listening actively, taking notes, and crafting rebuttals. Students will practice identifying weaknesses in arguments and responding respectfully.
  • Week 5 - Speaking with Confidence
        Public speaking techniques: voice, posture, eye contact, and pacing. Students will deliver short speeches and receive constructive feedback.
  • Week 6 - Putting it All Together
        Students will have mini-debates on topics of their choosing. Students will apply everything they have learned in a supportive, low-stakes environment.

AGE GROUP: | Teens | School-Age Kids |

EVENT TYPE: | Class/Workshop |

TAGS: | |

College Avenue Branch

Phone: 317-275-4320

Hours
Skip opening hours widget
Mon, Oct 19 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Tue, Oct 20 10:00AM to 8:00PM
Wed, Oct 21 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Thu, Oct 22 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Fri, Oct 23 10:00AM to 6:00PM
Sat, Oct 24 10:00AM to 5:00PM
Sun, Oct 25 Closed

About the branch

Established as the Broadway Branch in 1924, the library served the neighborhood from a frame house on E. 42nd Street until 1958 when a 6,500-square-foot facility opened on Broadway Street. This aging and overcrowded building was replaced in August 2000 with the current 16,000-square-foot structure on College Avenue that was renamed the College Avenue Branch.

Upcoming events

Skip Branch Events widget
Sat, Oct 24, 11:00am - 1:00pm

Sat, Oct 24, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Registration is now closed

Sat, Oct 24, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Sat, Oct 24, 2:30pm - 4:00pm
Registration is now closed

Mon, Oct 26, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Mon, Oct 26, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Tue, Oct 27, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Tue, Oct 27, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Wed, Oct 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
This event is full

Thu, Oct 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This event is full

Fri, Oct 30, 10:30am - 11:30am

Sat, Oct 31, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Sat, Oct 31, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Tue, Nov 03, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
This event is full

Wed, Nov 04, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Thu, Nov 05, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This event is full

Fri, Nov 06, 10:30am - 11:30am

Sat, Nov 07, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Sat, Nov 07, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Mon, Nov 09, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Tue, Nov 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
This event is full

Tue, Nov 10, 6:00pm - 7:30pm

Wed, Nov 11, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
This event is full

Thu, Nov 12, 10:30am - 11:15am
Registration opens Thursday, October 29 2026 at 10:30am

Thu, Nov 12, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
This event is full

Fri, Nov 13, 10:30am - 11:30am

Sat, Nov 14, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Sat, Nov 14, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Mon, Nov 16, 10:30am - 12:30pm

Mon, Nov 16, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
This event is full

Tue, Nov 17, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Tue, Nov 17, 4:30pm - 6:00pm

Wed, Nov 18, 4:30pm - 5:30pm

Thu, Nov 19, 10:30am - 11:00am
Registration opens Thursday, November 5 2026 at 10:30am

Thu, Nov 19, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Fri, Nov 20, 10:30am - 11:30am

Sat, Nov 21, 12:30pm - 4:30pm

Sat, Nov 21, 1:00pm - 2:00pm

Sat, Nov 21, 2:00pm - 5:00pm

Mon, Nov 23, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

Mon, Nov 23, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Registration opens Monday, November 9 2026 at 4:30pm

Mon, Nov 23, 6:00pm - 7:30pm