Starter quiz
- True or false? A debate is a structured argument between three teams.
- True
- False ✓
- What is the name for the team that agrees with the motion in a debate?
- proposition ✓
- opposition
- chairperson
-
- Which role in a debate involves signalling the time each speaker has left?
- chairperson
- judge
- timekeeper ✓
-
- True or false? The speakers from each team take turns to deliver their own speech and then the summary speakers summarise what their teammates have said.
- True ✓
- False
- A winning team can be decided by which of these methods?
- the audience voting ✓
- being scored by judges ✓
- rolling a dice
-
- True or false? A successful speech will follow a set structure, which is used to help a speaker organise their argument.
- True ✓
- False
Exit quiz
- Match each keyword to the correct definition.
- motion⇔the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated ✓
- proposal⇔the action of proposing a plan or suggestion ✓
- belief⇔a firmly held opinion about something ✓
- What makes a good debate motion?
- It is fair for both sides. ✓
- It is a boring topic.
- It is irrelevant to the speakers and audience.
- It is relatable, interesting and important. ✓
- It is thought-provoking. ✓
-
- Which of the following are good debate motions?
- This house would ban video games. ✓
- This house believes that sweets are healthier than vegetables.
- This house believes that schools should start an hour later. ✓
- This house believes that boys are better than girls.
- This house would ban mobile phones for under 12s. ✓
-
- In schools, debates can be used to discuss topics that ...
- will have a genuine impact on the lives of the children. ✓
- are only about politics.
- really matter to the children at that school. ✓
- are about adults.
-
- Which of these debate motions are proposals?
- This house would ban video games. ✓
- This house believes adults should have more breaks at work.
- This house would ban mobile phones for under 12s. ✓
- This house believes that schools should start an hour later.
-
- Which of these debate motions are beliefs?
- This house would make after-school activities compulsory for all children.
- This house believes that school trips are a waste of learning time. ✓
- This house would ban children over the age of 9 from using public parks.
- This house believes that leisure facilities should be free for all under 16s. ✓
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Worksheet
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Presentation
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- The motion is the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated.
- The motion in a debate always starts with the words 'This house ...'.
- There are different types of motion: beliefs ('This house believes that ...') and proposals ('This house would ...').
- A debate motion is most effective when it is relevant to the lives of the people in the debate and the audience.
- An effective debate motion will encourage critical thinking and mature discussion.
Common misconception
Pupils may find it challenging to come up with suitable motions.
Pupils could work in small groups for this task. As a class, come up with some ideas of what you might change or discuss related to the different aspects and have these visible for children when coming up with their motions.
Keywords
Motion - the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated
Proposal - the action of proposing a plan or suggestion
Belief - a firmly held opinion about something
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