following set rules, traditions or an official way of doing things

having knowledge or information about something, usually because you've learned or researched it

a statement that a claim or criticism is not true

a statement that is being discussed and argued for or against in a debate

What is a formal debate?

English

Creating and presenting opening arguments for a debate

Responding in debates: effective rebuttals

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

statements or people in favour of the motion being debated

statements or people against the motion being debated

a person who listens to the debate and may ask questions

Match the debate roles on the left with the correct description of the role on the right.

Which of the following is a synonym for the word rebuttal?

Which word beginning with 'm' refers to the topic or statement that is being argued in a debate?

having knowledge or information about something, usually because you've learned 

following set rules, traditions, or an official way of doing things

Which definition best describes the word 'formal'?

Is the answer true or false? Competitive debating is considered a formal type of communication.

students should not learn a second language

some students should learn a second language in school

What is the topic of this debate motion: 'This house believes that all students should learn a second language in school.'?

Which of these words can be described as: 'a view or belief that a person has'?

Which of the following are reasons why someone might debate?

There are 11 players in a standard football team.

Blue cheese does not belong in sandwiches.

Is the answer true or false? When debating or discussing, you do not need to worry about body language.

How did you feel about the main character?

Which of the following is an example of an open question?

It the answer true or false? As long as you are quiet, you are being an active listener.

Starter Quiz

Which of these words can be described as: 'a view or belief that a person has'?