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Learning Activity: Debates Viewing Guide

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(CNN Student News) -- Use the following activity to help students interpret televised political debates.

Televised debates have become a traditional and integral part of the election process. Debates can introduce voters to candidates' positions on key campaign issues. They can also enable voters to judge the temperament, knowledge, communication skills and personalities of the candidates.

Debates can take a variety of formats. One format uses a panel of experts or journalists to ask the candidates questions. In a single moderator format, one person is selected to question the candidates. A town hall meeting debate format gives audience members the opportunity to directly question the candidates. In most formats, candidates are given a limited time to answer the questions. The topics addressed at debates can be wide-ranging, or the questions may center on select themes or issues.

Some critics of modern televised debates prefer allowing direct cross-examination by the candidates, without any intermediaries. Other debate experts suggest allowing voters across the county to pose questions directly to candidates in person, or live via phone or e-mail.

Regardless of the debate format, there are several things that viewers can do to get the most out of televised debates. Consider the following activities and questions before, during and after watching a debate:

Before the Debate:

Decide what issues are important to you. (Refer to http://www.publicagenda.org/ to explore multiple perspectives on key issues) Where do you stand on these issues?

During the Debate:

Take notes on what questions are asked and how the candidates respond to these questions.

As you take notes, identify the following:

After the Debate:

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