New
New
Year 8

What is a formal debate?

I can understand how a formal debate is structured and consider my role within it.

New
New
Year 8

What is a formal debate?

I can understand how a formal debate is structured and consider my role within it.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Debates are a formal type of communication that help us build knowledge and develop critical thinking skills
  2. A debate is focused around a motion which is a clear statement.
  3. The proposition is in favour of the motion.
  4. The opposition is against the motion.
  5. 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.

The practice tasks in these lessons can be completed as written tasks, if discussion is not a viable option.
Teacher tip

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

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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6 Questions

Q1.
Which of these words can be described as: 'a view or belief that a person has'?
Correct answer: opinion
debate
fact
statistic
Q2.
Which of the following are reasons why someone might debate?
Correct answer: to settle an argument
to make someone else laugh
Correct answer: to give their opinion
to entertain a crowd
Q3.
Which of the following are opinions?
There are 11 players in a standard football team.
5+5 = 10
Correct answer: Blue cheese does not belong in sandwiches.
Correct answer: My favourite book is 'Little Women'.
Q4.
Is the answer true or false? When debating or discussing, you do not need to worry about body language.
Correct Answer: False
Q5.
Which of the following is an example of an open question?
Was the book good?
Correct answer: How did you feel about the main character?
Would you read the book again?
Q6.
It the answer true or false? As long as you are quiet, you are being an active listener.
Correct Answer: false

6 Questions

Q1.
Match the debate roles on the left with the correct description of the role on the right.
Correct Answer:chairperson,the person who manages the debate

the person who manages the debate

Correct Answer:proposition,statements or people in favour of the motion being debated

statements or people in favour of the motion being debated

Correct Answer:opposition,statements or people against the motion being debated

statements or people against the motion being debated

Correct Answer:audience,a person who listens to the debate and may ask questions

a person who listens to the debate and may ask questions

Q2.
Which of the following is a synonym for the word rebuttal?
agreement
evidence
Correct answer: objection
clarification
Q3.
Which word beginning with 'm' refers to the topic or statement that is being argued in a debate?
Correct Answer: motion, the motion, a motion
Q4.
Which definition best describes the word 'formal'?
having knowledge or information about something, usually because you've learned
a statement that a claim or criticism is not true
Correct answer: following set rules, traditions, or an official way of doing things
a statement that is being discussed and argued for or against in a debate
Q5.
Is the answer true or false? Competitive debating is considered a formal type of communication.
Correct Answer: true
Q6.
What is the topic of this debate motion: 'This house believes that all students should learn a second language in school.'?
the house believes
Correct answer: students should learn a second language
students should not learn a second language
some students should learn a second language in school

Additional material

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