Domestic abuse campaign: Activity 4 - Let's debate!
Contents
Learning aims
- To practice research skills
- To present and respond to arguments appropriately
- To gain an understanding of relationship abuse
Time
1 hour and 30 minutes (this includes 30 minute research time).
Resources
- I.T. equipment / facilities to research the 'statements for debate'
- pens and paper to prepare arguments
- clock / stopwatch to limit time given
- voting cards / ballot box (optional)
(Please download the activity sheet for the voting cards)
Activity description
Start by explaining to students what a debate is, and the rules you must follow whilst participating in a debate (download the activity sheet to see example of debate rules).
Split the class into 2 groups, one group being 'For' and the other 'Against'.
Present the groups with the 'statements for debate' (provided) and ask that they come up with arguments 'for' or 'against' depending which group they are in. They may wish to do some research to add facts and supporting arguments to their positions.
Once students feel they have enough arguments, the debate can begin!
Make sure you remind everyone of the rules and your role as Chair Limit time for students to state each argument to 30 seconds, politely reminding them when they are out of time!
Each statement should take no more than 15 minutes to debate.
Once the debate is over, students may wish to have a final vote to show if they are 'For' or 'Against'.
Remind everyone to vote honestly irrespective of their original designation as 'for' or 'against'!
Voting can be kept confidential by using voting cards and a ballot box.