Have A Debate
Debates are a wonderful, authentic activity for developing students' English language skills.
I’m currently on a special assignment, somewhere in the north of Korea, in a training institute, preparing young Koreans in public speaking and debate. It’s fun but hectic, 7 days a week and I’m enjoying this time away from academic things - refreshing my skills teaching youngsters / tweens.
I have taught debate often, both during my teaching years in Europe and Canada but also in Korea, even using it when helping train teachers. It’s a great skill, using your English on your feet and to argue, persuade and debate. So, I thought I’d share with members and subscribers a few of the debate materials and resources I’ve used successfully.
Warmer: First Word War. Debate requires “automacy” - not stopping to translate and speaking, reacting quickly to the speech of another. This game helps with that. Say a word and students must think of the first word that comes to their head. Then continue back and forth. Pause more than 3-4 seconds and you are out! Here is an example. Another good warmer activity is bragging. Use this example.
A basic organizer. This is essential and we have many in the Lesson Library. I use this free one, often. Also, see this one. It gets students thinking about the debate resolution / topic and eases them into the preparation phase. For and Against organizers work well too.
How To Hold A Debate. There are many ways but this handout covers the basics for teachers. Refer to it if you have questions and are just starting out. I also like showing students an actual debate, watching it and discussing who does what. I’ve used the debates on this Youtube channel - The Noisy Classroom. Here is an example. Also, I like this explainer video.
Debate Topics. Use this list of practical debate topics. Or use our debate cards.
A Rubric for Assessment. You’ll need to set our criteria for assessing a debate. Here is one that is useful. But best to just ask students for their thoughts and make a simple one including logic, strength of arguments, public speaking skills, speaking fluency, coherency/organization, eye contact, gestures, preparation, audience interest and more …
The language of debate. We have many handouts for practicing the language of debate. See this pptx. Or also our full bundle of debate materials. You’ll have to provide students with vital “chunks” of language that they can use and repeat while debating. Transitions, sequential transitions, phrases etc … You might also have students practice bragging! It’s fun and really is a skill similar to debate.
There is so much more I can add and I’ll update this topic and post often. So come back for more! See our full list of all debate related materials and enjoy teaching this very interesting and useful topic!
