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      Agreeing and disagreeing

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can effectively agree or disagree with a point.

      Key learning points

      1. People can agree or disagree with other people's opinions.
      2. A debate involves speakers disagreeing with each other.
      3. Choosing a strong point is key to making a convincing argument.
      4. A counter-argument is when you hear someone else's point and then respond with your own perspective and reasoning.

      Keywords

      • Debate - a structured argument between two teams

      • Convince - to persuade someone to do something or agree with you

      • Counter-argument - your own perspective and reasoning that disagrees with the other person's point

      Common misconception

      Pupils may find it challenging to think of a counter-argument.

      Encourage pupils to think of one strong point. When thinking of a counter-argument, pupils should consider the opposite idea to their point.

      Teacher tip

      You may wish to spend more time in this lesson modelling how to generate a counter-argument.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated?

      the topic
      Correct answer: the motion
      the title

      Q2.
      What does it mean to agree with someone's point?

      to have a different opinion about something
      Correct answer: to have the same opinion about something
      to not care about their point

      Q3.
      What does it mean to disagree with someone's point?

      to not care about their point
      to have the same opinion about something
      Correct answer: to have a different opinion about something

      Q4.
      What effect will standing-up straight, smiling and making eye-contact have on the audience when you are speaking?

      It will make them think you are being cheeky.
      It will make them think you are speaking to an audience for the first time.
      Correct answer: It will make them think you are friendly, grown-up and doing something formal.

      Q5.
      Which word can we use to give a reason why we believe something?

      the
      before
      motion
      Correct answer: because
      but

      Q6.
      True or False? Everyone has to agree with the motion.

      Correct Answer: false, False

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      How can a speaker convince an audience to think or feel a certain way?

      Correct answer: give them a good reason to do so
      pay them money to do so
      ask them politely to do so

      Q2.
      Which of the following will help you to become a successful speaker?

      Correct answer: Stand up straight.
      Fiddle with your hands.
      Correct answer: Make eye contact with the audience.
      Look at the floor.
      Speak quietly.

      Q3.
      True or False? In a debate, you will always agree with the motion.

      Correct Answer: False, false

      Q4.
      True or False? In a debate, you might be part of team where you have to argue against what you actually believe.

      Correct Answer: True, true

      Q5.
      What would be a suitable counter-argument to this point? 'Strawberries are the best fruit because they are so sweet.'

      'I love strawberries too!'
      Correct answer: 'Apples are the best fruit because they are much easier to carry around.'
      'Strawberries are disgusting.'

      Q6.
      Which of the following is a convincing reason to support this opinion: 'I love running outside ...'

      because it is outside.
      because it is hot.
      Correct answer: because exercise and fresh air makes me feel great.

      To help you plan your 4 English lesson on: Agreeing and disagreeing, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...