Motions that matter

English

How to debate

Preparing to debate

Holding a full debate

Reflecting on, reviewing and scoring a debate

In this unit, pupils recap on the features of a debate and use the PEPs structure to deliver a speech. They learn what makes an effective debate motion and design their own. Pupils then prepare for and participate in a full debate, scoring their performances and reflecting on their speech delivery.

Debating important topics

Match each keyword to the correct definition.

It is irrelevant to the speakers and audience.

It is relatable, interesting and important.

This house believes that sweets are healthier than vegetables. 

This house believes that schools should start an hour later.

This house believes that boys are better than girls.

This house would ban mobile phones for under 12s.

Which of the following are **good** debate motions?

will have a genuine impact on the lives of the children.

really matter to the children at that school.

In schools, debates can be used to discuss topics that ...

This house believes adults should have more breaks at work. 

Which of these debate motions are **proposals**?

This house would make after-school activities compulsory for all children. 

This house believes that school trips are a waste of learning time. 

This house would ban children over the age of 9 from using public parks.

This house believes that leisure facilities should be free for all under 16s.

Which of these debate motions are **beliefs**?

True or false? A debate is a structured argument between three teams. 

What is the name for the team that agrees with the motion in a debate? 

Which role in a debate involves signalling the time each speaker has left?  

True or false? The speakers from each team take turns to deliver their own speech and then the summary speakers summarise what their teammates have said.

A winning team can be decided by which of these methods? 

True or false? A successful speech will follow a set structure, which is used to help a speaker organise their argument. 

Starter Quiz

True or false? A debate is a structured argument between three teams.