IntroductionExcessive sun exposure to our skin is harmful. However, most people do not take preventative measures to protect their skin from the sun. Sunblock is one of the most effective ways to prevent sun damage. Many dermatologists recommend that we wear sunblock every day. However, others think it is unnecessary and too expensive to do this on a daily basis. Let’s see what Henry and Ashley think about this interesting topic.
Henry (Constructive)We should wear sunblock every day. First of all, climate-change experts have confirmed that parts of our planet’s ozone are wearing thin. This means that the sun’s UV rays are hitting the Earth’s surface with increased intensity. These harmful UV rays can do serious damage to our skin. They cause wrinkles and skin discolorations. However, the biggest threat of all is skin disease. We need to wear sunblock every day to lower our risk of skin cancer.
Ashley (Constructive)We should not wear sunblock every day. Sunblock is necessary sometimes. However, we do not need it every day. There are many chemicals in sunblock that can irritate the skin. That is why it is better to apply sunblock only when there is a lot of sun! Sunblock can also be expensive. It would cost a lot of money to apply sunblock on a daily basis. We can protect our skin by limiting the amount of time spent in direct sunlight. We can also wear hats!
Henry (Rebuttal)You think that money and minor skin irritations are more important than protecting your skin from skin diseases. That is absurd! It is good to have a hat and limit the time you spend in the sun. However, that is not enough. The number of skin-disease cases is rising because people are not taking the proper precautions. It is necessary to apply sunblock even on cloudy days. It has been proven that the majority of UV rays still pass through the clouds.
Ashley (Rebuttal) I agree with you that sunblock is helpful and crucial. I do not think that money and minor skin irritations are more important than sun protection. I simply think that it is not feasible for everyone to wear sunblock every day. Therefore, it makes more sense to have multiple ways to protect our skin. Wearing a hat or limiting time in the sun are two examples of alternatives. The important thing is to take measures to prevent sun damage.
Judge’s CommentsAshley is the winner. Henry committed the strawman fallacy. Debaters commit this fallacy when they put words in their opponent’s mouths. This expression means that they say their opponent has stated something when they actually have not. In this case, Henry said that Ashley thinks money and minor skin irritations are more important than protecting herself from skin diseases. This is not what Ashley said. Henry exaggerated her argument to make it easier to attack.