Starter quiz
- Which of these words can be described as: 'a view or belief that a person has'?
- opinion ✓
- debate
- fact
- statistic
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- Which of the following are reasons why someone might debate?
- to settle an argument ✓
- to make someone else laugh
- to give their opinion ✓
- to entertain a crowd
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- Which of the following are opinions?
- There are 11 players in a standard football team.
- 5+5 = 10
- Blue cheese does not belong in sandwiches. ✓
- My favourite book is 'Little Women'. ✓
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- Is the answer true or false? When debating or discussing, you do not need to worry about body language.
- 'False' ✓
- Which of the following is an example of an open question?
- Was the book good?
- How did you feel about the main character? ✓
- Would you read the book again?
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- It the answer true or false? As long as you are quiet, you are being an active listener.
- 'false' ✓
Exit quiz
- Match the debate roles on the left with the correct description of the role on the right.
- chairperson⇔the person who manages the debate ✓
- proposition⇔statements or people in favour of the motion being debated ✓
- opposition⇔statements or people against the motion being debated ✓
- audience⇔a person who listens to the debate and may ask questions ✓
- Which of the following is a synonym for the word rebuttal?
- agreement
- evidence
- objection ✓
- clarification
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- Which word beginning with 'm' refers to the topic or statement that is being argued in a debate?
- 'motion' ✓
- 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
- 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
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- Is the answer true or false? Competitive debating is considered a formal type of communication.
- 'true' ✓
- What is the topic of this debate motion: 'This house believes that all students should learn a second language in school.'?
- the house believes
- students should learn a second language ✓
- students should not learn a second language
- some students should learn a second language in school
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Debates are a formal type of communication that help us build knowledge and develop critical thinking skills
- A debate is focused around a motion which is a clear statement.
- The proposition is in favour of the motion.
- The opposition is against the motion.
- A debate requires a range of roles and skills.
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.
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
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