Debate Unit: 2+ Weeks of Speaking, Nonfiction, & Writing for ELA (with Google!)

Do you want to assess speaking skills in a low-stress manner? Need to assess argumentative writing without another essay? This debate unit is a “no stage fright” method to build student confidence, stretch critical and logical thinking skills, and engage students in spirited, friendly competition that is authentic to real world situations.

This unit scaffolds students through the basics of...

• defining debate,

• reading and evaluating the strength of sample arguments,

• drafting an opening statement, prepared counterarguments/rebuttals, and a closing statement,

• and delivering live partner debates in front of a small group audience.

• Vocabulary is front-loaded through a video with guided notes and then assessed with a quiz.

This 50-page download includes:

• A Teacher’s Guide with a unit plan, calendar of lessons, the link to the flipped vocabulary video, a link to an online set of vocabulary flashcards, and a detailed explanation on how to conduct the Debate Days.

• A pre-assessment and post-assessment handout

• A flipped classroom vocabulary video with guided notes

• A copy of the PPT from the flipped video, in case you want to teach the lesson live OR make your own flipped video!

• A vocabulary quiz assessing terms from the video (with teacher answer key)

• A non-fiction close reading activity based on two articles from The New York Times

• A graphic organizer analyzing the content, strengths, and weaknesses of the NYT articles

• Directions and graphic organizers to help students prepare debates

• A mini-lesson on writing opening statements

• A mini-lesson on writing counter-arguments and rebuttals

• A mini-lesson on writing closing statements

• A whole-class debate activity and formative assessment self-reflection sheet

• Example set of the “debate notes” students will prepare (to critique as a class)

• A directions sheet for student partner debates, with rubric

• A peer feedback/critique sheet for peer assessment editing of debate notes

• Peer comment sheet for whole-class engagement during Debate Days

• NOW INCLIDES Google Docs, editable Word files, and PDF copies!

NOTE: This product is INCLUDED in my Public Speaking Activity Bundle.

Last Update August 2022

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You might also like my other speaking and argument products:

• Public Speaking Activity "15 Minutes of Fame"

• Intro to Public Speaking (as taught by TED) lessons

• Argumentative Writing Bundle

• Speaking Activity: Dramatic Readings (of Speeches, Poems, etc.)

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