Debating the -isms

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• Middelbare school
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• Leerjaar 2

Debating the -isms

Today

Prepare your party, select roles	5 min
Debating - at least 2 rounds	35 min
Reflection and feedback	10 min

After today you can:

* empathise with people who lived at that moment

*  understand that personal experiences influence your thoughts and actions (and your idea about what's 'normal')

* compare perspectives from different -isms

Step 1: divide in parties

Communists/Social Democrats/Liberals

Read the party profile provided and the debate role

Step 2: divide roles within your party

Spokesperson: Delivers the arguments.

Secretary: Writes down group arguments and counterarguments.

Strategist: Thinks ahead about what other parties might say.

Rebuttal speaker: Answers challenges during rebuttal. 

Roles can change after each round so everyone gets to speak

Debate Structure

Statement is shown on the board

Each party (Liberal / Social Democrat / Communist) prepares 3 arguments:

Argument 1: Given by the teacher

Argument 2: Half-given – complete it together

Argument 3: Think of your own

Each group presents their arguments - 1 minute per party

Other teams ask 1 question or give 1 challenge

Original group responds (short answer)

Class votes: Who had the strongest arguments? 

Debate Goals

Make clear and convincing arguments

Use examples to support your points

Listen carefully and respond respectfully

Try to think like your party – even if you don’t fully agree! 

Debate like it’s 1890 — but speak with 2025 confidence! 

Statement 1

The rich deserve more political power because they contribute more to the economy. 

Statement 2

Child labour should be banned, even if it hurts the economy

Statement 3

Social class is the main cause of injustice and must be eliminated. 

Quick written reflection

1. Which party impressed you the most today and why?
2. What was one strong argument you heard from another team? 

Which -ism do you think has been most influential?

How come?

What movement will be most important for the future?