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      Making and responding to points of information

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can make and respond to points of information.

      Key learning points

      1. A point of information is a brief attempted interruption of someone’s speech.
      2. A point of information is similar to a rebuttal.

      Keywords

      • Interruption - An interruption is the action of stopping something from continuing.

      • Rebuttal - A rebuttal point is a counter-argument made against something specific that the opposing team has said.

      Common misconception

      Points of information always have to be accepted by the speaker.

      If points of information challenges are always accepted, a speech will be completely derailed, they should only accept one or two.

      Teacher tip

      In some debate formats, an opponent will say the words 'point of information' when challenging. However, this can be very off-putting for children and make it difficult to ignore and continue with their speech, but make this decision for your class.

      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 does the motion of a debate always start with?

      This debate ...
      We believe ...
      Correct answer: This house ...

      Q2.
      What are the names for the two teams involved in a debate?

      Correct answer: proposition
      positive
      negative
      Correct answer: opposition
      speaker

      Q3.
      Which team agrees with the motion?

      Correct answer: proposition
      opposition
      audience

      Q4.
      Which team disagrees with the motion?

      proposition
      Correct answer: opposition
      audience

      Q5.
      Which role is responsible for keeping order in a debate?

      time keeper
      judges
      audience
      Correct answer: chairperson

      Q6.
      When would a summary speaker have their turn in a debate?

      at the start of their team's speeches
      Correct answer: after the rest of their team have spoken
      in the middle of their team's speeches

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is an interruption?

      a game
      a loud noise
      Correct answer: the action of stopping something continuing

      Q2.
      What is an interruption in a debate called?

      a point of interruption
      Correct answer: a point of information
      a point of interrogation

      Q3.
      When can points of information be made?

      at any time
      during protected time
      Correct answer: during unprotected time

      Q4.
      Which three of these should be done when making a point of information?

      sit down
      Correct answer: stand up
      put a hand on your heart
      Correct answer: put a hand on your head
      Correct answer: extend one hand out to the speaker

      Q5.
      How many points of information should a speaker accept during their speech?

      none
      Correct answer: at least one
      more than two

      Q6.
      How long should a point of information be?

      Correct answer: 10-15 seconds
      15-20 seconds
      20-25 seconds

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Making and responding to points of information, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...