Creating and presenting opening arguments for a debate
I can prepare an effective opening argument for both sides of a debate and present them successfully.
Creating and presenting opening arguments for a debate
I can prepare an effective opening argument for both sides of a debate and present them successfully.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In a debate you need to be prepared to take the role of proposition or opposition, regardless of personal stance.
- An opening argument should use formal vocabulary, specific examples and address the motion clearly.
- Discourse markers can be used to create a clear and logical line of argument.
- It is important to practise presenting your arguments.
- You should consider how you present your argument including body language and use of voice.
Keywords
Proposition - the side that supports the topic or motion being discussed
Opposition - the side that disagrees with the topic or motion
Logical - when an argument follows a sequence of ideas that are connected and easy to understand
Pace - how fast or slow someone speaks
Tone - the emotion or attitude in a speaker’s voice
Common misconception
In a debate you can only argue a stance you truly believe in.
Part of the skill of debating is being able to create, justify and convincingly present an argument that might not reflect your own personal viewpoint.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the model debate used in Learning Cycle 1. It is available in the additional materials.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), 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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