This debate lesson scheme of work is perfect for KS3 students. The lessons focus on what debate is and why it occurs. You’ll also cover rhetorical strategies for arguing and persuading, debate structure and debate delivery.

Also included are motions for debate, as well as arguments that might be used to respond to these motions.

In order to complete this unit successfully, pupils should be able to draw on their experience of:

• Speaking accurately
• Persuasive speaking and writing
• Note-taking and summarising

Debate lesson learning objectives

• Express and explain relevant ideas and feelings, with some elaboration to make meaning explicit
• Shape talk in deliberate ways for clarity and effect to engage the listener
• Adapt vocabulary, grammar, and non-verbal features in ways well-matched to audience, purpose and context

Dan Ingman is an English teacher and lead practitioner at Mulberry School for Girls, East London, and coordinator of the Fetch Me a Pen academic writing project for Tower Hamlets schools. You can find more of his resources on his TES page, and follow him on Twitter at @IngmanDan.

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