Responding in debates: effective rebuttals
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify key points or flaws in an opposing argument and use these to create an effective rebuttal.
Key learning points
- A rebuttal means having to track the opposing team’s argument and identifying any flaws.
- You will usually have time to prepare for a debate, this will help in creating effective rebuttals.
- Evidence can look like: statistics, expert testimonials and credible studies.
- In a rebuttal you should aim to explain why and how you are challenging the argument.
Keywords
Rebuttal - a response or argument that challenges or disproves another person's statement or claim
Flaw - a mistake or weakness in something
Critical - in a debate, being critical means thinking deeply about an argument to spot any flaws or weak points
Irrelevant - not related to the topic or situation
Testimonial - a statement in which someone shares their personal experience or opinion to support something
Common misconception
You always have to show both sides of the argument in a debate or discussion.
In a debate, it is much more skilfull to present a single line of argument.
Teacher tip
Task B can be completed as spoken or written task, depending on the needs of your pupils.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the key terms from related to debate to the correct definition.
Q2.Which tasks would you be expected to undertake as chairperson in a debate?
Q3.Is the answer true or false? The audience of a debate can be invited to ask questions.
Q4.What is the house's position on this debate motion? 'This house believes that mobile phones should be banned in schools.' Are they for or against?
Q5.Which of these sentences does not use a discourse marker?
Q6.Which of these definitions best describes the word 'logical'?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following definitions best describes a rebuttal in a debate?
Q2.Which of the following would not be considered a flaw in an argument?
Q3.Which word beginning with 'f' can be described as 'a mistake or weakness in something'?
Q4.What is an example of a potential flaw in an argument?
Q5.Why is listening carefully to the opposing team important during a debate?
Q6.Which of the following best describes the term 'irrelevant' in a debate?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Responding in debates: effective rebuttals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Responding in debates: effective rebuttals, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
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 3 English lessons from the Participating in effective debates unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.