Argumentative Wars is an iCivics game that allows you to become a lawyer while fighting in historic cases, including the Brown vs the Board of Education. You'll need to work on whatever side you are supporting with factual content, ideas, and reasoning to win Argumentative Wars. This wikiHow explains the entirety of the game.
Steps
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Begin the game. You will need to select a difficulty as you play against a computer. You can either select Normal (an easier way to play the game if you are a beginner) or High (an expert level that is recommended for players wanting a challenge). You are to then select your character.
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Select a historical case to play with. There are more than 5 cases to select, including New Jersey vs TLO, Texas vs Johnson, and Brown vs the Board of Education. Once you select your case, you can decide what side you will try to argue for.Advertisement
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Listen to the opening statements and select the amendment. When your case begins, you will introduce yourself and say your opening statement, along with your opponent. Once it is done, you will need to select the amendment that matches the statements. If you have the amendment correctly, you will earn a point bonus for the game.
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See the cards. In your first round, you will be given three support cards by default to use (either a Fact, a Supreme Court case, an idea, or a Constitution description), then you will have the option to draw two more cards. During this time, you may need to improvise to get an Action card (either Objection/Explain/Reconsider/Strategize) early in the game to gain an advantage.
- If you are not happy with your cards, you can reset your card deck. You will get warned if you are wanting to do this, so click on Yes if you want this. However, if you reset your card deck after having 5 cards, you will only have three support cards - so be wary.
- Throughout the rounds, if you have less than three cards, you will automatically get a Support card as well.
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Place the evidence to show for the judges. At this point, you will need to look at the details of your support cards - since this will be the only way you will win points. You can also couple it with an Explain action card followed by a support card - or use the Reconsider/Strategize card before you show your evidence. To do this, just drag the card to the middle of the screen to present to the judges.
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See how the judges react to the evidence given. The judges might be impressed with your skills if you place evidence that matches the case and the side you are supporting on - or they might be disappointed if it does not support your argument. Either way, you will be given a reason why the evidence was (in)correctly used.
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Try to explain your evidence. Sometimes, you may need a point advantage over the computer. If you use the explain card with supporting evidence (and it positively supports the argument), you will have a chance to have more points by placing a detailed explanation. To get those extra points, all three lines will need to match the argument and the supporting evidence. If one line fails, your character will stumble and extra points will not be awarded. On the contrary, you can get extra points with a confident character and an impressed judge.
- It is recommended to use Supreme Court/Consitution cards for the Explain cards - they give you a huge point bonus in between.
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Object to incorrect supports. If you get the Objection card, you can use this card to object to an opponent's evidence. If you correctly object, you will earn bonus points for incorrect evidence. On the other hand, you will lose points if the objection gets overruled.
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Reconsider some cards. With a Reconsider card, you will have the option to discard one card without removing your entire card deck. Whether you select a card that has incorrect evidence, you will also earn bonus points in between.
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Strategize what card should you get in a pack of three. When you play this card, you will have the option to choose one of the three cards seen (with one incorrect and two correct pieces of evidence). You should select the card that should support your argument before using it.
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Win your case! Once you get the hang of arguing your way into the Supreme Court - your side will now be considered the winner. Great job!Advertisement
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