A motion to debate
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use a motion to start debating.
Key learning points
- The motion is the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated.
- An effective motion should be one that people can either agree or disagree with.
- An effective motion should be relatable and important.
Keywords
Motion - the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated
Debate - a structured argument between two teams
Common misconception
Pupils may find it difficult to explain why a motion is not effective.
Explain thoroughly the criteria of an 'effective motion': it should be clear and easy to understand; both sides must have an opportunity to make a fair point; it must be relatable, important and respectful.
Teacher tip
Use the gesture of pulling your two hands apart (in a stretching motion) to remind pupils to answer questions in a full sentence using the word 'because' to give a reason for their opinion. This will prompt them non-verbally during talk tasks.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an opinion?
Q2.What is an argument?
Q3.What is a debate?
Q4.Which of the following are opinions?
Q5.Complete this sentence using the appropriate subordinating conjunction: 'I like to read before bed it helps me to relax.'
Q6.How can we be a successful speaker?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the topic being debated called?
Q2.What does a motion start with?
Q3.A great debate motion should be ...
Q4.True or False? Everyone has to agree with the motion.
Q5.Which word can we use to give a reason why we believe something?
Q6.True or false? This is a good motion: 'This house believes children should never eat fruit and vegetables.'
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: A motion to debate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: A motion to debate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the Getting ready to debate unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.