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      Making points and explanations in a debate

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can follow a structure to make a point and explanation in a debate.

      Key learning points

      1. It is important to structure your argument when debating.
      2. The PEPS structure stands for: point, explanation, proof, summary.
      3. Structuring your argument will make it more convincing.

      Keywords

      • Structure - A structure is the way something is organised.

      • Point - A point is an idea or reason to support your opinion.

      • Explanation - An explanation means giving reasons to help someone understand an opinion.

      Common misconception

      A speaker does not need to follow a set structure when making a speech in a debate.

      There are many benefits to following a structure when making a speech in a debate.

      Teacher tip

      This lesson will introduce pupils to the first two parts of the PEPS structure that they'll follow when making a speech in a debate. It would be beneficial to teach this lesson and the next one without a long gap between.

      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 a debate?

      a performance on a stage
      a group of people reading speeches
      Correct answer: a structured argument between two teams

      Q2.
      An opinion must be justified in a debate with which of these?

      Correct answer: reasoning
      facts
      another opinion

      Q3.
      It is important to speak clearly and loudly in a debate so ...

      Correct answer: ... the audience can hear every word the speaker says.
      ... the other team feel intimidated.
      ... you can gain extra points by being the loudest speaker.

      Q4.
      What is an opinion?

      explaining why a person thinks something
      Correct answer: a view or belief that a person has
      something that is true

      Q5.
      What is reasoning?

      a structured argument between two teams
      a view or belief that a person has
      Correct answer: explaining why a person has a certain opinion

      Q6.
      Convincing someone will make them ...

      disagree with you.
      Correct answer: agree with you.
      angry with you.

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is structure?

      the process of writing a list
      Correct answer: the way that something is organised
      a list of instructions

      Q2.
      Which three of these are reasons why is it important to follow a structure when making a speech in a debate?

      Correct answer: Using a structure helps an argument flow.
      Correct answer: Using a structure makes it easier for an audience to follow.
      Using a structure helps an audience to hear the speaker.
      Correct answer: Using a structure helps the speaker to manage their time.
      Using a structure helps a speaker to make eye-contact with the audience.

      Q3.
      Starting with the first, order these parts of the PEPS structure.

      1 - point
      2 - explanation
      3 - proof
      4 - summary

      Q4.
      What might happen if a speaker did not follow a structure when making their speech?

      Correct answer: They may miss key parts.
      They may speak more quietly.
      They may speak more loudly.

      Q5.
      What is a point in a debate?

      the way something is organised
      Correct answer: an idea or reason to support an opinion
      a way to summarise an argument

      Q6.
      What is the purpose of the explanation part of the PEPS structure?

      to tell the audience what the speaker thinks or believes
      to summarise the speaker's argument
      Correct answer: to give reasons to help the audience understand a point

      To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Making points and explanations in a debate, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...