Debates

Steps for setting up a debate:


A) Choose a relevant topic
Select a topic that is relevant to the learners’ interests and age groups. It should be something that allows for different perspectives and encourages critical thinking. Consider what is culturally appropriate and avoid topics that are offensive to individual students.

B) Introduce the debate format
Explain the format of the debate to the students. Typically, a debate includes an introduction, opening statements, rebuttals and conclusions. Make sure students understand the purpose and structure of each section.

C) Assign roles
Assign specific roles to students, such as proposition and opposition speakers, a moderator (which might be you as the teacher), timekeeper and judges. This ensures all students are actively involved in the debate.

D) Research and preparation
Provide time for students to research their assigned roles and gather evidence to support their arguments. Encourage them to use reliable sources and practice citing information and expressing opinions in English.

E) Organise the debate outline and practice
Have your students create an outline for their speeches, which includes an introduction, key points, supporting evidence and a conclusion. Remember to use transitional phrases to connect their ideas.
Discuss and model effective language for debates, such as persuasive language, formal expressions, and strategies for making a convincing argument. There are some useful expressions below. This is an ideal opportunity for combining language practice with 21st Century skills such as critical thinking.
Now allow students time to practice their speeches and engage in mock debates to refine their arguments. Practice pronunciation and intonation to improve speaking and listening skills.

F) Set the rules for the debate
Establish clear rules for the debate including time limits for the different sections, guidelines for respectful communication, and consequences for not following the rules. This helps maintain order and focus during the debate. Student should of course be invited to participate in formalising the rules.

G) Conduct the debate
Hold the debate with the assigned roles, encouraging active participation from all students and remind them to use English throughout. The moderator can help transition between speakers and sections while enforcing rules, and the timekeeper can give time warnings throughout, letting speakers know how much longer they have for their turn.

H) Feedback and reflection
After the debate, students vote on which argument was more convincing. You can also ask students for constructive feedback on the content, language, performance, areas for improvement, and what they learned from the experience. Ask students to expand on their answers and add your own points as well.