the side that supports the topic or motion being discussed

the side that disagrees with the topic or motion

when an argument follows a sequence of ideas that are connected and easy to understand

the emotion or attitude in a speaker’s voice

British English CC

Creating and presenting opening arguments for a debate

English

What is a formal debate?

Responding in debates: effective rebuttals

Time to debate: planning, evaluating and participating

In 'Participating in effective debates', pupils begin to confidently deliver complex ideas and arguments through spoken language. In 'The language of change' pupils will analyse, create and develop a presentation for delivery in a formal setting.

In 'The fundamentals of effective discussion', pupils begin to develop their spoken language skills through discussion, understanding how to develop and challenge other speakers using evidence. In 'Participating in effective debates' pupils will use their developing spoken language skills in a formal debate setting, creating effective arguments and rebuttals to ensure confident participation.

In this unit, pupils learn about debate and practise having debates. They first learn what a debate is, before presenting arguments for a debate and then learning how you create rebuttals in debates. Pupils then finish the unit by having a debate.

Participating in effective debates

Which of these is an example of a discourse marker?

to introduce the motion and ensure the debate runs smoothly

What is the role of the chairperson in a debate?

Is the answer true or false? In a debate the opposition goes first.

use specific examples and evidence to support

be chatty and use slang to engage your audience

Which of these is **not** part of the success criteria for creating an effective opening argument in a debate?

Which word beginning with 'L' can be used to describe an argument that follows a sequence of ideas that are connected and easy to understand?

the gestures used by speakers to emphasise their points

the questions put forward by audience memebers

the use of evidence to develop an argument

the formal proposal put forward at the start 

In a debate, what is the best description of the word 'motion'?

What word beginning with 'c' refers to the person who moderates and organises the debate?

Which of the following means you are in favour of the topic being discussed in a debate?

Is the answer true or false? The audience of a debate can be invited to ask questions.

What is the house's position on this debate motion? 'This house believes that there should be a tax on meat.' Are they **for** or **against**? 

speaking respectfully, using correct grammar

What does it mean to speak in a formal register?

Starter Quiz

In a debate, what is the best description of the word 'motion'?