Speaking activity Number 2

Debate Level 8

1. Distribution of topics:
Group 1 vs Group 2
Group 1 (Affirmative): “Sport people must be expelled from competitions when they
cheat”

Group 2 (Negative): “Sport people must not be expelled from competitions when
they cheat because they have a reason for it”.

Vocabulary to use and review:

Structure in tomorrow´s debate

1. Introduction of the topic

All ESL debates start with a topic, or resolution. Often, this resolution is a
proposed course of action that one team will argue for and another will argue
against. (It is at the beginning of this document)
2. Assign the Affirmative and the negative
There are two sides to any debate. Naturally, one will argue for and another
against the resolution.
3. Give Time for Research
Your teacher is going to give you time to research the issue. Then, during the
preparation time in anticipation of the rebuttal, you are going to discuss with your
teams the points the opposition made and decide how to refute them.
4. Keep Track of Time
You are going to follow a set order. The following is the most basic of debate
structure:
o First, the affirmative group receives two minutes to present their case to the
audience.
o The negative group then receives two minutes to present their case.

o After both sides have a chance to speak, both teams receive two minutes to
prepare a rebuttal and summary.
o The order of speech is reversed now and the negative side presents their
rebuttal and summary for the first two minutes.

o The last to speak is the affirmative team who then presents their rebuttal
and summary for two minutes. The debate is now concluded.
5. Make a Judgment
Usually in debate, the winner is the one who has presented the strongest case. For
ESL classes, the overall purpose of speaking is more important than the specific
outcome of the debate. Still, you will probably want to know who won. To determine
the winner, one group (the one that is not in the debate at the moment) vote on
which team they thought made the most convincing argument.
Your teacher does not have to name a winner and a loser. As long as you were able
to communicate clearly, use good grammar, and have good pronunciation, the
debate was a success, and your grades should reflect that success.
Though debates are often formal and structured, do not let them intimidate you.
Controversial issues are always a great resource for ESL students’ speaking
practice, and discussing the issues in a formal manner is just as valuable as
informal class discussions.

Taken from:
https://busyteacher.org/7245-conducting-class-debate-essential-tips.html