Name: _______________________________ Date: _______________

Detailed Outline!
Thesis:​ A thesis statement that describes one side of an arguable viewpoint. Write your own
goal or thesis here for the topic that you are debating:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Main Contention #1​: Briefly state your​ first​ reason that would convince someone that your
goal or thesis is valid.
1.
__________________________________________________________________

Facts or Examples​: Write three facts or examples to support your first point that validates
your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!!

1a.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

1b.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

1c.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

Main Contention #2:​ Briefly state your ​second​ reason that would convince someone that
your goal or thesis is valid.
2.
__________________________________________________________________

Facts or Examples: ​Write three facts or examples to support your ​second​ point that
validates your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!!

2a.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

2b.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

2c.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________
Main Contention #3: ​Briefly state your ​third​ reason that would convince someone that your
goal or thesis is valid.
3.
__________________________________________________________________

Facts or Examples:​ Write three facts or examples to support your​ third ​point that validates
your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!!

3a.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

3b.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

3c.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

Rebuttal:​ State a possible point of rebuttal, in opposition to your stance. Prepare this, so you
are ready for anything your opponent might throw your way.
4.
__________________________________________________________________

Facts or Examples:​ Write three facts or examples to support your​ rebuttal ​point that
opposes your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!!

4a.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

4b.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

4c.________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
SOURCE:___________________________________________________________

Conclusion:​ Conclude your argument by summarizing the most important details of the
argument and stating once again ​why your side of the argument is the winning, or
correct choice for the judge and your classmates.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
Name: ​Ms. Shinkle ‘s EXAMPLE Date: ​01/31/2018 
Detailed Outline!
Thesis:​ A thesis statement that describes one side of an arguable viewpoint. Write your own
goal or thesis here for the topic that you are debating: ​RED: DUE 01/30 Thesis and
Major Contentions.

Star Trek is the best example of science fiction of all time, due to its 
creativity and innovation, its impact on our history, and its use of social 
allegory.
Main Contention #1​: Briefly state your​ first​ reason that would convince someone that your
goal or thesis is valid.

Star Trek is the best example of science fiction because of its creativity 
1.​

and innovation, specifically when it comes to alien species and technology. 

Facts or Examples​: Write three facts or examples to support your first point that validates
your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!! ​ PURPLE: DUE 01/31 Three Sub
points for EACH Major Contention

1a. Inventing Vulcans, and Klingons, and Romulans (SPOCK)

SOURCE:​https://www.tor.com/2014/03/05/thirteen-ways-of-looking-at-a-romulan-warbird-di
ane-duanes-my-enemy-my-ally/
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90964169

1b. Creating Tricorders, Holodecks, and tech in general

SOURCE: ​https://tricorder.xprize.org/teams
http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0002/microsoft-builds-a-holodeck/278289
 
1c. Film technology and special effects 
SOURCE: ​https://www.inverse.com/article/18757-how-star-trek-changed-visual-effects-history

Main Contention #2:​ Briefly state your ​second​ reason that would convince someone that
your goal or thesis is valid.

2. Star Trek is the best science fiction because it made history. 

Facts or Examples: ​Write three facts or examples to support your ​second​ point that
validates your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!!

2a. Star Trek was a cultural phenomenon, and helped pave the way for 
other science fiction fandoms to take off (specifically Star Wars). 
SOURCE: 
http://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/george-lucas/151192/george-lucas-on-how-star-trek-hel
ped-star-wars

2b. Due to the influence of the show, Nasa named its first space shuttle 
orbiter after the Enterprise.
SOURCE:​https://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Social/star_trek/SH7.htm

2c.​Star Trek made history by broadcasting the first interracial kiss 

between Kirk and Uhura on American Television, 
SOURCE:​https://www.depauw.edu/sfs/backissues/72/bernardi72.htm

Main Contention #3: ​Briefly state your ​third​ reason that would convince someone that your
goal or thesis is valid.

3. Star Trek is the best science fiction because of the truth it reveals 
about us and our society, through its use of allegory since the 1960s.
Facts or Examples:​ Write three facts or examples to support your​ third ​point that validates
your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!!

3a. Composition of the bridge crew and the actors, which combated prejudice 
SOURCE: ​https://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Social/star_trek/SH7.htm

3b. Influences of war on the show  

SOURCE:​https://www.depauw.edu/sfs/backissues/62/franklin62art.htm

3c. Star Trek served and still serves as a political commentary of our 
surrounding situation in society  
SOURCE:​https://acculturated.com/star-trek-as-political-allegory/

Rebuttal:​ State a possible point of rebuttal, in opposition to your stance. Prepare this, so you
are ready for anything your opponent might throw your way.
4. Some may argue that Star Wars is better...
Facts or Examples:​ Write three facts or examples to support your​ rebuttal ​point that
 
opposes your thesis. Make sure to include your sources!!!
4​a. Nostalgia factor on an entire generation of individuals 
SOURCE:​http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/12/22/the-star-wars-effect-how-nostalgia-can-dist
ort-objectivity

4b. Box office sales (Break records?) 

SOURCE:​https://www.the-numbers.com/movies/franchise/Star-Wars#tab=summary

4c. Longevity of the franchise based on pathos 

SOURCE:​http://www.wired.co.uk/article/why-i-love-star-wars-explained

Conclusion:​ Conclude your argument by summarizing the most important details of the
argument and stating once again ​why your side of the argument is the winning, or
correct choice for the judge and your classmates.
 
Star Trek has remained a popular science fiction for over 50 years; This is 
due to its use of social allegory, the rich history surrounding and supporting 
the show, and its creativity and innovation. This show, led by example and 
paved the way for other science fiction franchises to exist. It is for these 
reasons, that Star Trek is the best example of science fiction. Vote, Trekkie 
and join its continuing mission to “Boldly go where no one has gone before.” 

SOURCES DUE: FRIDAY 02/02

WORKS CITED PAGE DUE 02/05

POSSIBLE QUOTES I COULD USE IN MY DEBATE:

Contention 3

“In the original ​Star Trek​ television series, the Klingons and Romulans were both allegorically
Soviet. The Klingons were brute-force totalitarians, while the Romulans were mysterious covert
operatives. Both were convenient to keeping the show’s vision for humanity’s unified future
relevant in an era of Cold War anxiety.” -
https://www.tor.com/2014/03/05/thirteen-ways-of-looking-at-a-romulan-warbird-diane-duan
es-my-enemy-my-ally/

Contention 2

"Star Trek softened up the entertainment arena so that Star Wars could come along and stand
on its shoulders" - Lucas

http://www.denofgeek.com/us/movies/george-lucas/151192/george-lucas-on-how-star-trek-hel
ped-star-wars

Star Trek​ featured the first multi-racial kiss on television, when Captain Kirk kissed his 
communications officer, Lieutenant Uhura. The multi-ethnic nature of the bridge crew as well as 
its positive message that humanity would survive and thrive among the stars is often credited by 
writers, fans, and historians for the show's broad appeal.  
 
Dwyane Day: An American Space Historian  
https://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Social/star_trek/SH7.htm 

In 1976, following a fan-organized letter-writing campaign, NASA named its first ​Space Shuttle 
Orbiter ​Enterprise​, after the starship in the show

https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/04/the-first-mobile-phone-call-was-ma
de-40-years-ago-today/274611/

http://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/1962/

http://www.businessinsider.com/lucille-ball-is-the-reason-we-have-star-trek-heres-what-happ
ened-2016-7

https://tricorder.xprize.org

https://www.inverse.com/article/1 8757-how-star-trek-changed-visual-effects-history
 Rough Draft

Introduction

Back in the 1960’s Gene Roddenberry had a vision of a universe where, “There was no
hunger, and there was no greed, and everyone knew how to read” (Frakes, STLV 2017). This
concept evolved and became one of the most influential examples of science fiction in history.
Today, I plan on discussing with you the multiplicity of reasons why Star Trek is the best
example of science fiction of all time. Star Trek is the best due to the franchise's creativity and
innovation, its impact on our history and pop culture, and its use of historical allegory to
reveal deeper truths about our society. After this debate, I hope you walk away having learned
something about the history of science fiction, and the franchise that paved the way of making
the genre what it is today.

Contention 1:

Star Trek is the best example of science fiction because of its creativity and innovation,
specifically when it comes to alien species and technology; some technology that is still used
today.​ One of Star Trek’s major inventions was the Tricorder. This was once a fictional device
used to monitor planetary atmospheres, as well as the medical vitals of the crew of the
Enterprise. Thanks to Qualcomm, a wireless technology and innovation company that is
located in Boulder Colorado, the Tricorder is a reality today. Qualcomm’s Tricorder is able to
diagnose 13 health conditions, and capture five real-time health vital signs (Qualcomm
Tricorder X Prize)​. ​Star Trek had to start from scratch, and literally invent a future that
audiences could belief, and the technology to construct and produce the show. With that being
said, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan holds the reputation as the first major use of computer
graphics in a feature film. Producers and expert technicians had to invent computer graphics
for their vision to actually happen. They used fractals, particle systems, texture mapping,
bump mapping, digital painting and a moving camera to finalize their planetary sequences
(Failes). ​And finally, Star Trek invented plenty of aliens. Leonard Nimoy’s, Spock, is the only
character that survived the original pilot episode, “The Cage,” which was a major network flop.
After this episode, Star Trek might not have lasted had it not been for Lucille Ball, owner of
Desilu productions. Ball decided to go over the head of executives and agreed to finance the
reshoot of the pilot, solely because she believed in the show, and believed in Spock (Gottlieb,
Business Insider). ​Because of the show’s creativity and innovation, we have more
technological capabilities today.

Contention 2:

Star Trek is the best science fiction because it made history, and shaped our pop culture.​ Star
Trek gathered such a cult following after the show’s initial cancellation, that the fans created
the concept of “conventions” in 1972, an event where fans can gather, meet actors, and share
fan experiences (Star Trek). Conventions are still a lasting event today, and occur all over the
United States. We have Star Trek to thank for this pop culture experience.​ ​The fan’s influence
did not simply stop there; According to Dwyane Day, an American Space Historian, fan’s led a
letter-writing campaign in 1976 for NASA to name its first space orbiter after the Starship
Enterprise. This orbiter was used for engineering tests, and now resides in the Smithsonian in
Washington D.C. for all to visit​.​ ​Additionally, this show made history by broadcasting the first
interracial kiss between William Shatner (Kirk), and Nichelle Nichols (Uhura). This kiss broke
social barriers in the mid-60’s, and inspired people of all nationality. Nichols became a symbol
for the African American community, by portraying a character of color and of high rank on
the show. So much so, that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. approached her, and thanked her for
her work in social justice.​ These are just three out of the countless examples, of how this show
made history.

Contention 3:

Star Trek is the best science fiction because of the truth it reveals about us and our society,
through its use of allegory since the 1960s. Like any narrative, Star Trek drew inspiration from
its surrounding historical events. ​When the creating the Romulan and Klingon alien species,
they were written as allegorically “Soviet,” while the United Federation of Planets (aka
Starfleet) symbolized the views of the United States. Diane Duane, screenwriter on Star Trek
and science fiction novelist states, “Both were convenient to keeping the show’s vision for
humanity’s unified future relevant in an era of Cold War anxiety” (Thirteen Ways). ​This show
mirrored reality, and the anxieties of wars that were raging. It is a known fact that in the
beginnings of Science Fiction as a genre, there were three renewals of Technology, Philosophy,
and Religion. Due to the surrounding wars, (WWI, WWII, and the Cold War) Star Trek
allowed us to soul search, and restore our faith in the human condition. We were able to
understand what humanity was in such a inhumane time, thanks to Star Trek ( Augé). ​Specific
episodes touched on other political topics at the time also, offering insight and commentary.
For example, on episode 15 of season three, "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield," the crew
interacts with an alien race where half their faces are black, and half of their faces are white.
We discover as the audience that the two sides of the planet have inverted faces, or a color
mutation, and blame each other for the wrongdoings of their world. This episode symbolizes
the raging racism that was at play during the 1960s. It points out how ridiculous it is to
discriminate someone for something so trivial. Star Trek gets away with criticising racism, and
shows us that it is still occurring in the real world (Memory Alpha). ​These three examples
show that Star Trek has layers deeper than one might realize on first glance.

Rebuttal:

Although some may argue that Star Wars is better...

Conclusion:

Star Trek has remained a popular science fiction for over 50 years; This is due to its use of
social allegory, the rich history surrounding and supporting the show, and its creativity and
innovation. This show, led by example and paved the way for other science fiction franchises
to exist. It is for these reasons, that Star Trek is the best example of science fiction. Vote,
Trekkie and join its continuing mission to “Boldly go where no one has gone before.”
Saraswoti Shinkle

Reading Class

Period: 2-8

02/13/2018
Star Trek: Simply the Best

Back in the 1960’s Gene Roddenberry had a vision of a universe where, “There
was no hunger, and there was no greed, and everyone knew how to read” (Frakes, STLV
2017). This concept evolved and became one of the most influential examples of science
fiction in history. Today, I plan on discussing with you the multiplicity of reasons why
Star Trek is the best example of science fiction of all time. Star Trek is the best due to the
franchise's creativity and innovation, its impact on our history and pop culture, and its
use of historical allegory to reveal deeper truths about our society. After this debate, I
hope you walk away having learned something about the history of science fiction, and
the franchise that paved the way of making the genre what it is today.
Star Trek is the best example of science fiction because of its creativity and
innovation, specifically when it comes to alien species and technology; some technology
that is still used today. One of Star Trek’s major inventions was the Tricorder. This was
once a fictional device used to monitor planetary atmospheres, as well as the medical
vitals of the crew of the Enterprise. Thanks to Qualcomm, a wireless technology and
innovation company that is located in Boulder Colorado, the Tricorder is a reality today.
Qualcomm’s Tricorder is able to diagnose 13 health conditions, and capture five
real-time health vital signs (Qualcomm Tricorder X Prize). Star Trek had to start from
scratch, and literally invent a future that audiences could belief, and the technology to
construct and produce the show. With that being said, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan
holds the reputation as the first major use of computer graphics in a feature film.
Producers and expert technicians had to invent computer graphics for their vision to
actually happen. They used fractals, particle systems, texture mapping, bump mapping,
digital painting and a moving camera to finalize their planetary sequences (Failes). And
finally, Star Trek invented plenty of aliens. Leonard Nimoy’s, Spock, is the only
character that survived the original pilot episode, “The Cage,” which was a major
network flop. After this episode, Star Trek might not have lasted had it not been for
Lucille Ball, owner of Desilu productions. Ball decided to go over the head of executives
and agreed to finance the reshoot of the pilot, solely because she believed in the show,
and believed in Spock (​Gottlieb, ​Business Insider). Because of the show’s creativity and
innovation, we have more technological capabilities today.
Star Trek is the best science fiction because it made history, and shaped our pop
culture. Star Trek gathered such a cult following after the show’s initial cancellation,
that the fans created the concept of “conventions” in 1972, an event where fans can
gather, meet actors, and share fan experiences (Star Trek). Conventions are still a
lasting event today, and occur all over the United States. We have Star Trek to thank for
this pop culture experience. The fan’s influence did not simply stop there; According to
Dwyane Day, an American Space Historian, fan’s led a letter-writing campaign in 1976
for NASA to name its first space orbiter after the Starship Enterprise. This orbiter was
used for engineering tests, and now resides in the Smithsonian in Washington D.C. for
all to visit. Additionally, this show made history by broadcasting the first interracial kiss
between William Shatner (Kirk), and Nichelle Nichols (Uhura). This kiss broke social
barriers in the mid-60’s, and inspired people of all nationality. Nichols became a symbol
for the African American community, by portraying a character of color and of high rank
on the show. So much so, that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. approached her, and thanked
her for her work in social justice. These are just three out of the countless examples, of
how this show made history.
Star Trek is the best science fiction because of the truth it reveals about us and
our society, through its use of allegory since the 1960s. Like any narrative, Star Trek
drew inspiration from its surrounding historical events. When the creating the Romulan
and Klingon alien species, they were written as allegorically “Soviet,” while the United
Federation of Planets (aka Starfleet) symbolized the views of the United States. Diane
Duane, screenwriter on Star Trek and science fiction novelist states, “Both were
convenient to keeping the show’s vision for humanity’s unified future relevant in an era
of Cold War anxiety” (Thirteen Ways). This show mirrored reality, and the anxieties of
wars that were raging. It is a known fact that in the beginnings of Science Fiction as a
genre, there were three renewals of Technology, Philosophy, and Religion. Due to the
surrounding wars, (WWI, WWII, and the Cold War) Star Trek allowed us to soul search,
and restore our faith in the human condition. We were able to understand what
humanity was in such a inhumane time, thanks to Star Trek ( Augé). Specific episodes
touched on other political topics at the time also, offering insight and commentary. For
example, on episode 15 of season three, "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield," the crew
interacts with an alien race where half their faces are black, and half of their faces are
white. We discover as the audience that the two sides of the planet have inverted faces,
or a color mutation, and blame each other for the wrongdoings of their world. This
episode symbolizes the raging racism that was at play during the 1960s. It points out
how ridiculous it is to discriminate someone for something so trivial. Star Trek gets
away with criticising racism, and shows us that it is still occurring in the real world
(Memory Alpha). These three examples show that Star Trek has layers deeper than one
might realize on first glance.
Star Trek has remained a popular science fiction for over 50 years; This is due to
its use of social allegory, the rich history surrounding and supporting the show, and its
creativity and innovation. This show, led by example and paved the way for other
science fiction franchises to exist. It is for these reasons, that Star Trek is the best
example of science fiction. Vote, Trekkie and join its continuing mission to “Boldly go
where no one has gone before.
 Works Cited Page

Augé, Etienne “Why our world need science fiction” TED TALK. 23 Mar 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJkixvgJqsY Accessed 07 Feb 2018.

Bernardi, Daniel, “​Star Trek​ in the 1960s: Liberal-Humanism and the Production of Race.”
Science Fiction Studies. July 1997. https://www.depauw.edu/sfs/backissues/72/.
Accessed 02 Feb, 2018

Cheeseman-Meyer, Ellen, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Romulan Warbird: Diane Duane’s My

Enemy, My Ally,” TOR. 05 Mar, 2013. https://www.tor.com/2014/03/05/thirteen-ways
-of-looking-at-a-romulan-warbird-diane-duanes-my-enemy-my-ally/ Accessed 08 Feb
2018.

Day, Dwayne, “Star Trek as a Cultural Phenomenon.” Centennial of Flight: Born of Dreams-
Inspired by freedom. www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Social/star_trek/SH7.htm.
Accessed 02 Feb, 2018

Failes, Ian, “How 'Star Trek' Changed Visual Effects History: From miniatures and glitter to
cutting edge computer graphics, the franchise has led the way” Inverse Entertainment,
25 July, 2016. https://www.inverse.com/article/18757-how-star-trek-changed-visual-
effects-history. Accessed 09 Feb 2018

Frakes, Jonathan, “25th Anniversary Panel of Star Trek: The Next Generation” Rio Grande
Hotel, Las Vegas Nevada. 08 August, 2017

Gottlieb, Meryl, “Lucille Ball is the reason we have 'Star Trek' — here's what happened” Business
Insider. 08 July, 2016 http://www.businessinsider.com/lucille-ball-is-the-reason-we​-
Have-star-trek-heres-what-happened-2016-7. Accessed 08 Feb 2018.