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Formal debate and discussion
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A formal debate is a structured argument with rules. It teaches you to listen carefully, think on your feet and answer other people's points, which are useful skills far beyond English lessons.
How a formal debate works
Listening and building
Summarise: 'So, what you are saying is...'
Build on: 'Building on Amira's point, I would add that...'
Challenge politely: 'I see why you think that, but the evidence suggests...'
Making a strong rebuttal
2. Explain the flaw: missing evidence, an exaggeration or a different way of seeing it.
3. Give your own evidence or example.
Always challenge the idea, not the person.
Rebut this point: 'Homework should be banned because pupils are too tired.'
- Restate it fairly: 'The opposition says pupils are too tired.'
- Find the flaw: tiredness is more about sleep and screens than short tasks.
- Offer a solution: limit homework rather than ban it.
Answer: The opposition claims pupils are too tired for homework. However, a short, well-planned task is not the main cause of tiredness; late-night screen use is. The answer is to limit homework, not ban it.
A debate has a motion, a proposition, an opposition and a chair. Rebut by restating, finding the flaw and giving evidence. In discussions, summarise and build on others' points, and challenge ideas politely.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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