This House Believes: Debating a Topic

About This Resource

A complete Grade 8 ESL speaking pack on formal debating: what a motion is, the roles of the proposition and the opposition, the structure of a debate (opening, arguments, rebuttal and summary), and the language for stating a position, giving reasons and evidence, rebutting politely and summing up. Students analyze arguments, plan a case and hold a class debate. Includes slides, a lesson plan, worksheet, quiz, homework, flashcards, a rubric and answer keys.

Overview

Students learn how a formal debate works. A debate starts with a motion, such as "This house believes that school uniforms should be optional." The proposition team argues for the motion and the opposition argues against it. Each speaker states their position, gives reasons supported by examples or evidence, responds to the other side's points (rebuttal) and sums up. Students learn polite, persuasive language for each stage, practice spotting strong and weak arguments, prepare a team case and take part in a short class debate with clear roles and time limits.

Resource Details

Subject: ESL
Topic: Debating a Topic
Category: Speaking
File Type: PDF
File Size: 365.9 KB
Published: 09 Nov 2026
Downloads: 0

Members Only

Upgrade to Teacher Pro (from ฿199/month) to download this resource.

Upgrade to Pro Login

Looking for something different? Request a Resource.

Grade 8 ESL (ages 13–14), B1 60 minutes Speaking persuasive language listening critical thinking teamwork

Learning Objectives

Explain the structure of a formal debate and the roles of each team.
Present a clear argument with a reason and supporting evidence or an example.
Rebut an opposing point politely using debate language.

How to Use This Resource

Start with the slides: show the motion "This house believes that school uniforms should be optional" and take a quick class vote.
Teach the debate structure and useful language with the slides and flashcards, then do worksheet activities 1 and 2 together.
Students complete activities 3 to 6 and prepare their case, hold the debate, then use the quiz and send the homework page home.

Classroom Activity Ideas

Vote with your feet: students stand on one side of the room to agree or disagree with a statement and give one reason.
Rebuttal tennis: one student makes a point; a partner must rebut it in one sentence starting with However.
Mini-debate: groups of four debate a light motion (cats make better pets than dogs) for five minutes.

Differentiation

Support: give sentence frames for each stage and let weaker speakers present the opening or summary from notes. Challenge: students must answer at least one point from the previous speaker without notes.

Assessment

Use the worksheet and quiz to check debate structure and language. Use the rubric during the class debate and for the homework speech.

Teacher Tips

Assign sides randomly so students practice arguing for positions they may not agree with. Keep the atmosphere respectful: students should attack arguments, not people, and always use polite phrases such as "With respect, I disagree because…"

What's Included

11-page printable PDF lesson pack: teacher lesson plan with timings, materials and differentiation
Key vocabulary list (8 words with meanings and examples)
Student worksheet (6 activities)
Quiz / assessment (3 parts)
Homework practice page
Printable flashcards: 8 A5 picture cards (separate PDF)
Assessment rubric (4 levels)
Lesson slides (editable PowerPoint)
Editable Word version of all student pages
Complete answer key (also as a separate PDF)

Additional Files

Lesson Slides (PPTX)
Editable Student Pages and Lesson Plan (DOCX)
A5 Flashcards (PDF)
Answer Key (PDF)

Two Thumbs Up: Writing a Review

Writing a Review

A complete Grade 8 ESL writing lesson pack on writing a review: the purpose and audience o...

View Resource