Debates are a way for students to practice using academic vocabulary and articulating a viewpoint.
Directions for Debate Activity:
- Organize students in groups of 3; assign each student in the group a letter (A, B or C)
- A=Judge
- B debates for the topic
- C debates against the topic
- The judge selects a topic.
- Debaters prepare for 2 minutes.
- B presents (2 minutes)
- C presents (2 minutes)
- B rebutts (1 minute)
- C rebutts (1 minute)
- Judge asks questions (3 minutes)
- Judge decides which side presented a stronger argument.
- Repeat procedure; switching roles.
NOTE: The objective of the debates is fluent oral communication. Debate topics should not be too controversial or require extensive research.
Sample debate topics:
- Space travel is a waste of money
- Social media does more harm than good
- Putting wild animals in cages in zoos is cruel
- Senior citizens should have to retake driving tests every year
- People should live together before marriage
- All state colleges and universities should be free
- All public schools should require uniforms
- Eating and drinking should be prohibited on public transportation.