Video Debate Questions

Before you actually record your debate, answering the following questions will help create a
"structure" for your debate. Once you decide who is on what side, do a little research. This
helps you develop an understanding about the “pros” and “cons” of both English Only and
Bilingual Education.

Each group only must create one document in total (we have 3 groups of 5 and 2 groups of 4).
However, I would still like each of you to create a tab in your Weebly portfolio and upload the
document there.

Please answer the following questions:

1. Roles?  Who is on the Bilingual Education side? Danielle and Bridget English Only? 
Karen and Blaire Moderator: Anna 

2. Research Bilingual Education and English Only.  Identify 3 pros for each, and 3 cons for
each. 

EO:

Pros:

 Stronger listening skills

 Helps in better problem solving
 Makes socializing easier 

Cons: 

 Restricts free speech 

 Promotes division instead of unity 
 Discrimination of minorities 

https://visionlaunch.com/pros-and-cons-of-english-only-movement/

BE:

Pros: It’s easier for children to learn a second language, creates opportunities for early diversity,
and working memory is improved. 

Cons: 

 education in a second language can be inconsistent

 There may be a lack of qualified teachers and assistants
 Bilingual education can be costly
 Video Debate Questions

3. Identify 3 key points you will discuss in your opening for Bilingual Education.  Briefly
describe why you believe the key points are relevant/appropriate for the debate.  Do the
same for English only. 

BE:

1. Gives us the opportunity to raise cultural awareness of children.

2. Makes it easier to learn a second language.
3. Promotes diversity 

These key points are relevant because they give more benefits as to why the
teacher being bilingual can help the students in the end.

3. Create 3 questions the English Only side will ask the Bilingual Education side during the
cross examination.  Also vice versa. 

BE questions to ask EO:

 Even though an English- only classroom has it’s benefits, isn't it a waste of time trying to
ask the same question in English over and over again until your students understand?
Not only is this time consuming but won’t you be left with frustrated students?
 Connecting with our last question, with only speaking English in the classroom it has
shown that the act of teachers removing another way of communicating results in
frustrated students who also have social problems when they grow up.  How is this
helpful?
 There is an increased failure rate when looking at English only classrooms.  How can
teachers make sure that their students do not fall into this?

EO to ask BE: 
1. Why is a dual language program a better approach to use in a bilingual setting?
2. Why is the first language important in the instruction of LEP students?
3. How do you show students that both languages are of equal value and
importance in the instruction?

4.)Identify 3 key points you will address in your closing statements for both English Only and
Bilingual Education. 

EO:
 Video Debate Questions

1. While the federal government does not recognize an official language, roughly 30
states have passed laws designating English as the official language. A few
states have gone further by requiring their public schools to teach only in English
2. while English-only laws have similar purposes, there are important differences in
their scope and exceptions
3. English only learning may go against NCLB, must look into a child's background
thoroughly 

BE:
1. It improves overall cognitive skills.
2. Increases school engagement and academic success, closing the achievement gap for
ELL students.
3. Increases school involvement for non-english speaking parents.