Planning, Practicing, Performing Learning objective: To be able to plan, practice and perform a debate. Keywords: Plan, practice, perform

Recapping last lesson: What is debating? What makes a good debater? What is a motion? What do proposers do? What do opposers do?

What are we doing today? Today, you will work to debate a motion. You will be proposers then you will be opposers. You will each have one minute to make your argument. You will be planning, practicing and performing your debates.

To get us warmed up: The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions. James Russell Lowell

Changing sides: In this game you have to be able to argue two different points of view – at the same time! You will be given a motion and you have to think of an proposing statement. You will then have to think of an opposing statement.

Changing sides: The motion: Superstar athletes do not deserve their high salaries. Write down one argument you could make to PROPOSE this statement. Now fold over your paper and pass it on. Next write an OPPOSING statement. Pass the paper on again.

Changing sides: Next we are going to try speaking our arguments. Each person will be asked for a proposing and opposing statement, so make sure you’re ready! Your motion is…

Changing sides: The motion: The hours in the school day should be lengthened. Write down one argument you could make to PROPOSE this statement. Now fold over your paper and pass it on. Next write an OPPOSING statement. Pass the paper on again.

The motion: PE, MUSIC, DRAMA, DANCE AND ART SHOULD BE ELIMINATED FROM THE CURRICULUM.

Start by working in pairs. You will start by working with your partner to think about your argument. What are your opinions? (They must support your part of the debate.) What evidence can you use? Bullet point the main parts of your speech. Think of a variety of different points.

Some ideas to get you thinking: 20% of children are overweight – does something need to be done? Should all lessons be about sitting down and writing? Is creativity important? What matters most – enjoyment or results? What skills do you need for the outside world? What do you learn on a sports pitch? Are academic achievements the only ones that matter?

Now work as a four. Follow the debating rules; take it in turns. Put forward your arguments. Be confident! Believe you are right! Practice this debate together a few times.

Let’s hear them! As we watch these debates, remember that the audience must be silent and not interfere – it is against debating rules. Think about CX and REBUTTALS for each team we watch. Note these down on your scribble sheet.

To finish off: What did you do well today? Write down three things. What would you like to do better with? Write down one thing.