DEBATE ASSIGNMENT

Name: Sydney Bell

Issue: High vs Low Density Housing
Pro/Con: Con – Supporting Low Density Housing

1. Opening Statement:
a. Powerful hook: If money was our only focus in life, we would probably love high density
housing. However, we know that as human beings, life is more than just money. Low
density housing promotes diversity within families, education for our children, and
healthy living for overall well-being.
b. Topic sentence that defines position: I believe low density housing is the best way to
build family foundations and create positive environments for communities to thrive.
c. Arguments:
i. Argument 1: “One size fits all” never fits all.
ii. Argument 1 evidence: There are many kinds of families: nuclear, single parent,
extended, childless, step families, grandparent families, etc. (many more) For
example, my friend Courtney’s family has 12 people in it. High density housing
wouldn’t accommodate them at all.
iii. Argument 2: Overcrowded schools.
iv. Argument 2 evidence: High density housing would no longer only be a housing
problem, but an education problem as well. Having dense populations would
cause bigger student numbers, larger classes, and less teacher availability. Dhaka,
Bangladesh: 189 km – 1,400,000 students. Davis County, Utah: 1,020 km – 69,879
students in school district.
v. Argument 3: Health. Green, fresher air. Your own space.
vi. Argument 3 evidence: A British study found that 93% of children living in centrally
located high-rise apartments had behavioral problems. 10% green area:
depression and anxiety greater. 90% green area in living space: less mental illness.
Prone to obesity. Having space encourages exercise and imagination. Mentally, it
is good to have space of your own.
d. Powerful concluding statement or summary: Low density housing creates positive
communities for generations to live in.
2. Rebuttal:
a. The other side might try to argue that: Energy inefficiency.
b. To weaken this position, we will argue that: There are sources for energy efficiency
within low density housing situations. Solar panels, electric cars, flip your switches off,
adjust A/C or heat when you aren’t home. Simple changes make great impacts.
c. The other side might try to argue that: Health- walking & cycling.
d. To weaken this position, we will argue that: Physical health is also increased with low
density housing as we have more space to play and run. Mental health is also improved
when there is plenty of space for individuals.
e. The other side might try to argue that: Infrastructure cost.
f. To weaken this position, we will argue that: As densities increase, cities tend to get larger
and the level of general spending tends to rise (as do tax rates). Thus, while infrastructure
costs may go down, administrative inefficiencies increase as cities get bigger.
3. Anticipated questions from opposition or audience:
a. Question 1: “Saving trees?”
 b. Question 1 rebuttal: Utilizing land that we live on can include landscaping for trees and
plants that benefit the earth. Gardens and flowerbeds are great ways to promote green
living.
c. Question 2: Poor, middle, wealthy?
d. Question 2 rebuttal High density housing creates gentrification (pushing the poor out to
create “sophisticated living” for the wealthy). In the end, it makes life a lot worse for the
poor. (Attracts white collar employment.)
e. Question 3: What are some of the drawbacks of low density housing?
f. Question 3 rebuttal: Low density housing can be further from stores or services,
however, there is generally convenient locations near most communities. Low density
housing still provides necessities for families.
g. Question 4: How would you solve the long-term problems of low density housing?
h. Question 4 rebuttal: We need a balance of homes that work for all types of people. We
need fair educational opportunity for all students. Investing in these issues will help our
future.
4. Closing statement:
a. Summary of main points: Low density housing allows people to create their own space
based on their needs.
b. Connect your position to the bigger position of people and society as a whole: We all
want space to create memories and have meaningful experiences. We have only one life
to live and it’s important that we have the space necessary to nurture such things.
c. Sell your argument: We have the liberty to build the lives we choose in the homes we
desire. Because we are all different, we deserve housing that best suits our individual
needs and wants.
d. Powerful impact statement: I believe in the American Dream, and that dream is one of
diversity, a right to fair education, and well-being- beginning with low density housing.