a response or argument that challenges or disproves another person's statement or claim

in a debate, being critical means thinking deeply about an argument to spot any flaws or weak points

a statement in which someone shares their personal experience or opinion to support something

British English CC

Responding in debates: effective rebuttals

English

What is a formal debate?

Creating and presenting opening arguments for a debate

Time to debate: planning, evaluating and participating

In 'Participating in effective debates', pupils begin to confidently deliver complex ideas and arguments through spoken language. In 'The language of change' pupils will analyse, create and develop a presentation for delivery in a formal setting.

In 'The fundamentals of effective discussion', pupils begin to develop their spoken language skills through discussion, understanding how to develop and challenge other speakers using evidence. In 'Participating in effective debates' pupils will use their developing spoken language skills in a formal debate setting, creating effective arguments and rebuttals to ensure confident participation.

In this unit, pupils learn about debate and practise having debates. They first learn what a debate is, before presenting arguments for a debate and then learning how you create rebuttals in debates. Pupils then finish the unit by having a debate.

Participating in effective debates

presenting your main argument at the beginning of a debate

asking questions to clarify someone's point

a response or argument that challenges or disproves another person's claim

summarising all the key points of your argument.

Which of the following definitions best describes a rebuttal in a debate?

irrelevant or incorrect information or evidence

Which of the following would **not** be considered a flaw in an argument?

Which word beginning with 'f' can be described as 'a mistake or weakness in something'?

providing strong evidence to support a claim

presenting an opinion as a fact without evidence

What is an example of a potential flaw in an argument?

to identify flaws and prepare your rebuttal

Why is listening carefully to the opposing team important during a debate?

a point that strongly supports your argument

a point that does not relate to the main topic

Which of the following best describes the term 'irrelevant' in a debate?

the statement or idea being argued or discussed

the person who directs the debate, ensuring all rules are followed

the group of people watching and listening to the debate

a structured discussion in which opposing views are presented

Match the key terms from related to debate to the correct definition. 

Which tasks would you be expected to undertake as chairperson in a debate?

Is the answer true or false? The audience of a debate can be invited to ask questions.

What is the house's position on this debate motion? 'This house believes that mobile phones should be banned in schools.' Are they **for** or **against**? 

Finally, we must think about the impact on humanity.

It is not something that has been considered.

Next, the issue of bias in the current system.

Which of these sentences does **not** use a discourse marker?

using imagination to come up with creative ideas

acting on feelings without thinking about the consequences

thinking in a clear and sensible way, based on reason and facts

making decisions quickly without needing evidence or reasons

Which of these definitions best describes the word 'logical'?

Responding in debates: effective rebuttals

Lesson outcome