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.