Getting ready to debate
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Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on the skills developed in the previous unit on speeches by extending pupils' understanding of how to construct and support an argument. By learning the fundamentals of debating - such as justifying opinions and engaging respectfully in disagreements - pupils further refine their ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and express their views persuasively. This foundation in debating will prepare pupils for the next unit, where they will learn to prepare for and participate in formal debates, applying and strengthening their ability to justify opinions with reasoning.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Successful speaking includes speaking loudly and clearly enough for everyone to hear.
- Using a varied tone helps to engage an audience.
- Standing to speak helps to get the audience's attention.
- Using body language and gestures to engage an audience will help to keep their attention.
- It is important to make eye contact with the audience.
- Strategies to reduce nerves during public speaking include rehearsing and practising calm breathing.
- A good orator will engage their audience and deliver their speech in a charismatic and persuasive manner.
- A speaker can engage an audience through a variety of techniques, including repetition and rhetorical questions.
- Successful listening includes looking at the person speaking and paying close attention.
Threads
Why this why now
This unit builds on the skills developed in the previous unit on speeches by extending pupils' understanding of how to construct and support an argument. By learning the fundamentals of debating - such as justifying opinions and engaging respectfully in disagreements - pupils further refine their ability to communicate clearly, listen actively, and express their views persuasively. This foundation in debating will prepare pupils for the next unit, where they will learn to prepare for and participate in formal debates, applying and strengthening their ability to justify opinions with reasoning.
Prior knowledge requirements
- Successful speaking includes speaking loudly and clearly enough for everyone to hear.
- Using a varied tone helps to engage an audience.
- Standing to speak helps to get the audience's attention.
- Using body language and gestures to engage an audience will help to keep their attention.
- It is important to make eye contact with the audience.
- Strategies to reduce nerves during public speaking include rehearsing and practising calm breathing.
- A good orator will engage their audience and deliver their speech in a charismatic and persuasive manner.
- A speaker can engage an audience through a variety of techniques, including repetition and rhetorical questions.
- Successful listening includes looking at the person speaking and paying close attention.
Reading, writing & oracy
Getting ready to debate
In this unit, pupils explore the concept of debating and the importance of justifying opinions. They learn what a motion is, how to create effective motions and techniques for agreeing or disagreeing respectfully. The unit concludes with an informal debate, allowing pupils to apply their skills.
slide decks, worksheet PDFs, quizzes and lesson overviews. You can select individual lessons from the Getting ready to debate unit and download the resources you need, or download the entire unit now. See every unit listed in our primary english curriculum and discover more of our teaching resources for primary english programmes.