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Simple Debate

Overview

Students discuss a topic and practise explaining and defending their ideas.

Learning Objective
Students present and support opinions using clear arguments.

Resources needed

  • None

Lesson stages

0 / 8 done
  1. 1 Introduce a clear and interesting topic that students can have different opinions about.
  2. 2 Divide students into small groups and assign or let them choose positions.
  3. 3 Give students time to prepare their ideas and think about reasons to support them.
  4. 4 Ask each group to present their main argument clearly to the class.
  5. 5 Encourage other groups to respond with questions or different ideas.
  6. 6 Guide the discussion to keep it respectful and focused.
  7. 7 Summarise the main points from each side.
  8. 8 Finish by asking students what they learned from hearing different opinions.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Formal debate structure.
  • Timed speaking turns.
  • Role-based arguments.
More information

Teach: I believe, in my opinion, however, because.

Provide structure or sentence starters.

Can students support their ideas with reasons?

No materials needed.

Students confuse opinion with fact.

Debate develops critical thinking and speaking skills.