What is a formal debate?
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand how a formal debate is structured and consider my role within it.
Key learning points
- Debates are a formal type of communication that help us build knowledge and develop critical thinking skills
- A debate is focused around a motion which is a clear statement.
- The proposition is in favour of the motion.
- The opposition is against the motion.
- A debate requires a range of roles and skills.
Keywords
Formal - following set rules, traditions or an official way of doing things
Informed - having knowledge or information about something, usually because you've learned or researched it
Rebuttal - a statement that a claim or criticism is not true
Motion - a statement that is being discussed and argued for or against in a debate
Common misconception
There are no rules in debating. It is just another way to argue or have an argument and does not need preparation.
Formal debating is an important part of society and allows important issues to be discussed in a constructuve way. It takes consideration and preparation to be involved in an effective debate.
Teacher tip
The practice tasks in these lessons can be completed as written tasks, if discussion is not a viable option.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of the debate transcript used in Learning Cycle 2 which is available in the additional materials.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these words can be described as: 'a view or belief that a person has'?
Q2.Which of the following are reasons why someone might debate?
Q3.Which of the following are opinions?
Q4.Is the answer true or false? When debating or discussing, you do not need to worry about body language.
Q5.Which of the following is an example of an open question?
Q6.It the answer true or false? As long as you are quiet, you are being an active listener.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the debate roles on the left with the correct description of the role on the right.
the person who manages the debate
statements or people in favour of the motion being debated
statements or people against the motion being debated
a person who listens to the debate and may ask questions
Q2.Which of the following is a synonym for the word rebuttal?
Q3.Which word beginning with 'm' refers to the topic or statement that is being argued in a debate?
Q4.Which definition best describes the word 'formal'?
Q5.Is the answer true or false? Competitive debating is considered a formal type of communication.
Q6.What is the topic of this debate motion: 'This house believes that all students should learn a second language in school.'?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: What is a formal debate?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: What is a formal 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.
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.