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Year 8

Responding in debates: effective rebuttals

I can identify key points or flaws in an opposing argument and use these to create an effective rebuttal.

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Year 8

Responding in debates: effective rebuttals

I can identify key points or flaws in an opposing argument and use these to create an effective rebuttal.

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These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. A rebuttal means having to track the opposing team’s argument and identifying any flaws.
  2. You will usually have time to prepare for a debate, this will help in creating effective rebuttals.
  3. Evidence can look like: statistics, expert testimonials and credible studies.
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 8 english lesson on: Responding in debates: effective rebuttals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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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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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the key terms from related to debate to the correct definition.
Correct Answer:motion,the statement or idea being argued or discussed
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the statement or idea being argued or discussed

Correct Answer:chairperson,the person who directs the debate, ensuring all rules are followed
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the person who directs the debate, ensuring all rules are followed

Correct Answer:proposition ,statements in favour of the motion
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statements in favour of the motion

Correct Answer:opposition ,statements against the motion
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statements against the motion

Correct Answer:audience,the group of people watching and listening to the debate
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the group of people watching and listening to the debate

Correct Answer:debate,a structured discussion in which opposing views are presented
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a structured discussion in which opposing views are presented

Q2.
Which tasks would you be expected to undertake as chairperson in a debate?
present your arguments in a debate
Correct answer: ensure the debate follows the rules
Correct answer: introduce the speakers and the motion
ask the audience for their opinions
Correct answer: ensure the debate keeps to time
Q3.
Is the answer true or false? The audience of a debate can be invited to ask questions.
Correct Answer: True
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?
Correct Answer: For
Q5.
Which of these sentences does not use a discourse marker?
Finally, we must think about the impact on humanity.
Correct answer: It is not something that has been considered.
Next, the issue of bias in the current system.
Q6.
Which of these definitions best describes the word 'logical'?
using imagination to come up with creative ideas
acting on feelings without thinking about the consequences
Correct answer: thinking in a clear and sensible way, based on reason and facts
making decisions quickly without needing evidence or reasons

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following definitions best describes a rebuttal in a debate?
presenting your main argument at the beginning of a debate
asking questions to clarify someone's point
Correct answer: a response or argument that challenges or disproves another person's claim
summarising all the key points of your argument.
Q2.
Which of the following would not be considered a flaw in an argument?
Correct answer: well chosen evidence
opinion presented as fact
contradictions
irrelevant or incorrect information or evidence
Q3.
Which word beginning with 'f' can be described as 'a mistake or weakness in something'?
Correct Answer: flaw, flaws, flawed, a flaw
Q4.
What is an example of a potential flaw in an argument?
providing strong evidence to support a claim
Correct answer: presenting an opinion as a fact without evidence
making sure your argument stays on topic
respecting the opposing team's views
Q5.
Why is listening carefully to the opposing team important during a debate?
to avoid asking questions
to interrupt their argument
to copy their points
Correct answer: to identify flaws and prepare your rebuttal
Q6.
Which of the following best describes the term 'irrelevant' in a debate?
a point that strongly supports your argument
a point that everyone agrees on
Correct answer: a point that does not relate to the main topic
a point that provides evidence