Instigator / Pro
33
1702
rating
77
debates
70.13%
won
Topic
#2688

Resolved: Literacy is the ability to read/write and to comprehend. It is not one, nor another, only, but all together.

Status
Finished

The debate is finished. The distribution of the voting points and the winner are presented below.

Winner & statistics
Better arguments
15
0
Better sources
10
6
Better legibility
5
5
Better conduct
3
5

After 5 votes and with 17 points ahead, the winner is...

fauxlaw
Parameters
Publication date
Last updated date
Type
Standard
Number of rounds
3
Time for argument
Three days
Max argument characters
12,000
Voting period
One month
Point system
Multiple criterions
Voting system
Open
Contender / Con
16
1553
rating
24
debates
56.25%
won
Description

Resolved: Literacy is the ability to read/write and to comprehend. It is not one, nor another, only, but all together. Literacy must include both the ability to read/write a language and to comprehend what is said or written in that language. Further, literacy in one language does not imply literacy in another. Each language, even one’s mother tongue, must have its ability to read/hear/write, and to comprehend before claim that one is literate in that language. To expect otherwise is an achievement no better reached than that of a parrot, who merely achieves mimicry, but its meaning is lost to the bird who mimics. The same goes for other domesticated animals, such as the family dog, who may respond to commands, but this is not a demonstration of literacy by the dog. Non-commands that have not been taught to the dog are not comprehended, but merely heard.

Definitions: [all definitions from the O.E.D.]

Literacy: The ability to read and write.

Ability: The quality in a person or thing which makes an action possible; suitable, proficient, capable.

Read: To interpret the written form of a language

Comprehend: To grasp with the mind, conceive fully or adequately, understand

Debate protocol:

Rounds 1, 2: Argument, rebuttal, defense. While all three may not be required in all rounds [see restrictions below], argument must be included in at least round 1.

Round 3: No new argument, rebuttal, defense, conclusion

All argument, defense, rebuttal, and sourcing will be listed within the context of the debate argument rounds only, except sourcing may also be listed within comments within the debate file to conserve maximum space for argumentation, but only during the argumentation phase. No other external reference may be made within the context of the debate argument rounds.

No waived rounds. No more than one round may be forfeited, or forfeiture of entire debate will result. Concession in any round is a debate loss.

Rounds 1 & 2 will contain arguments, rebuttals, and defenses, plus 3rd round rebuttal, defense, and/or conclusion, but no new argument in in R3. No declaration of victory will be made but in the 3rd round. No declaration of assumption of the opponent’s concession or forfeit in any round. These conditions will be obvious to voters.

Arguments, rebuttals, defenses, or conclusions may not address voters directly for voting suggestions beyond statement of validity for arguments, et al, made in all rounds.

Criterion
Pro
Tie
Con
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

Concession

Criterion
Pro
Tie
Con
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

concession

Criterion
Pro
Tie
Con
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

Concession.

Criterion
Pro
Tie
Con
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

Concession

Criterion
Pro
Tie
Con
Points
Better arguments
3 point(s)
Better sources
2 point(s)
Better legibility
1 point(s)
Better conduct
1 point(s)
Reason:

concession