Debate 3H

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 3,4

Debate 

Instructions

Today's goals

I know what a debate is and how to structure a debate

I have chosen a debate topic

I can reflect on how I did during the debate

At the end of class:

Agenda

- Lesson goals (2 mins)

- Discuss how to debate (10 mins)

- Discuss debate topics (5 mins)

- Work independently to form debate groups and answer prepatory questions (15 mins)

- Debate in groups (5 mins)

- Reflect (5 mins)

What is a debate?

What is a debate?

A debate is a structured discussion where two or more participants argue for or against a specific topic or issue. The goal is to present clear, persuasive arguments supported by evidence and reasoning. Debates often involve teams or individuals defending opposing viewpoints, with rules to guide the process of presenting and rebutting arguments.

Een debat is een gestructureerde discussie waarin twee partijen tegenovergestelde standpunten verdedigen over een bepaald onderwerp, met als doel het overtuigen van het publiek of de jury met argumenten en tegenargumenten.

What is the purpose of a debate?

What is the purpose of a debate?

persuasion, critical thinking, and presenting arguments

Give some examples of where debates are used?

Give some examples of where debates are used?

politics, education, media

Structure of a debate (10-15 minutes in total)

Openingverklaring - Opening Statements (1-2 minutes)

Argumenten - Arguments (2-3 minutes per side)

Weerleggingen - Rebuttals (2-3 minutes per side)

Slotverklaring - Closing Statements (1 minute per side)

Roles in a debate

Voorstander/propositie - Proposition (Affirmative): Defends the motion or statement.

Tegenstander/oppositie - Opposition (Negative): Refutes the motion or statement.

Speakers: Each side has 1-2 speakers who present different parts of the argument.

We will only do these:

Voorstander/propositie - Proposition (Affirmative): Defends the motion or statement.

Tegenstander/oppositie - Opposition (Negative): Refutes the motion or statement.

Argumenten - Arguments (2-3 minutes per side)

Weerleggingen - Rebuttals (2-3 minutes per side)

Debate timelines and rules

Time limits for each speaker

Respectful engagement with the opponent

The importance of using facts and avoiding mistakes in reasoning and personal opinions (bias)

How to build a strong argument

Stelling - Assertion: State your argument clearly.

Redenering - Reasoning: Explain why the argument is true.

Bewijs - Evidence: Support your reasoning with facts, statistics, or examples.

Impact: Explain why the argument matters.

Counterarguments and rebuttals

Luister aandachtig - Listen carefully: Identify weaknesses in the opponent’s argument.

Reageer effectief - Respond effectively: Refute by providing evidence or exposing logical flaws. (weerleg door bewijs)

Bouw voort op je eigen argument - Build on your own argument: Use the opponent’s points to reinforce your case.

Let's discuss the rules and the topics/motions of debate

NOTE:

Everyone needs to be prepared as you will debate in groups of 4
2 against and 2 opposite 

Statement

Video games make people violent.

For or against?

Everyone needs to be prepared, as you will debate in groups of 4
2 against and 2 opposite 

Now, we get to work

Read the statement

Do you understand what is expected of you?

Do you have a debate partner?

Do you know if you are for or against?

Prepare your arguments, we will then discuss these in groups of 4!

On ItsLearning I have put some links to help you prepare!

Statement

Online communication is making teenagers less capable of face to face interaction

2 minutes per pair!

Reflection

Discuss and write down answers, please:
1. Hoe heeft lezen je geholpen bij het debat?

2. Wat vond je het leukste of moeilijkste aan deze activiteit?

3. Zou je vaker op deze manier willen werken? Waarom (niet)?

4. Hoe hielp de tekst bij het formuleren van je argumenten?

5. Wat was een sterk argument dat je hebt gehoord?

6. Wat vond je lastig aan het debat?