Question

Which is a primary goal of debates

Answer 1

to help voters understand the argument on both sides

Answer 2

To persuade people to your point of view.

In a debate, both sides of an issue are presented, discussed with evidence, and rebuttal to the other sides' claim are made.

Debate is common to the US political structure and is often used as teaching tool in social studies classrooms. Controversial or two-sided topics can be discussed in a debate format by allowing each side to present their argument on the issue and provide evidence. The goal is to convince others that your side is the side they should choose for the issue. Those participating in a debate practice critical thinking skills because the nature of the debate requires a person to know their topic well and be able to counter the other sides' claim(s).