Debate Like a Boss!

Marissa Lane

Tier 2

Warm Up

Agree or Disagree: Warm-Up Challenge!

Instructions: When a statement appears, move to one side of the room if you strongly AGREE, and to the other side if you strongly DISAGREE. Be ready to explain why you chose your side!

1. Statement 1: Pineapple belongs on pizza.

2. Statement 2: Summer is better than winter.

3. Statement 3: Video games are a sport.

Think about it: What makes you choose a side? How do you feel when others disagree with you?

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Lesson Plan

Debate Like a Boss!

Students will learn foundational debate skills including structuring arguments, active listening, and respectful rebuttal techniques.

This lesson helps students develop critical thinking, communication, and public speaking skills, empowering them to express ideas confidently and engage in constructive discussions.

Audience

7th Grade Boys

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive activities and guided discussions.

Materials

Agree or Disagree?, - Debate Like a Boss! Slide Deck, - Debate Fundamentals Discussion Guide, - Quick Debate Challenge Activity, and - Debate Skills Rubric

Prep

Review Materials

10 minutes

Review the Debate Like a Boss! Lesson Plan, Debate Like a Boss! Slide Deck, Debate Fundamentals Discussion Guide, Quick Debate Challenge Activity, and Debate Skills Rubric. Ensure all links are working and you are familiar with the content and flow of the lesson.

Step 1

Warm Up: Agree or Disagree? (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Begin with the Agree or Disagree? warm-up activity. Present each statement and have students physically move to indicate agreement or disagreement. Facilitate a quick discussion on why students chose their sides and how it felt to have differing opinions. Use Debate Like a Boss! Slide Deck Slide 1.

Step 2

Introduction to Debate (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Introduce the concept of debate using the Debate Like a Boss! Slide Deck (Slides 2-3). Discuss what debate is, why it's important, and the key components: making a claim, supporting with evidence, and respectful communication. Emphasize that debate is about ideas, not personal attacks.

Step 3

Debate Fundamentals Discussion (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Lead a guided discussion using the Debate Fundamentals Discussion Guide. Focus on the core principles of constructing arguments, active listening, and polite disagreement. Encourage students to share their experiences and ask questions. Use Debate Like a Boss! Slide Deck (Slides 4-5).

Step 4

Quick Debate Challenge Activity (8 minutes)

8 minutes

Organize students into small groups for the Quick Debate Challenge Activity. Provide simple, engaging topics and have each group practice forming a claim, giving a reason, and listening to others. Circulate to provide support and feedback. Use Debate Like a Boss! Slide Deck Slide 6.

Step 5

Wrap-up and Reflection (2 minutes)

2 minutes

Conclude the lesson by briefly reviewing the key takeaways. Reiterate the importance of respectful communication and critical thinking. Mention that the Debate Skills Rubric will be used for future, more formal debates. Use Debate Like a Boss! Slide Deck Slide 7.

Slide Deck

Debate Like a Boss!

Agree or Disagree? What makes a good argument?

Remind students of the warm-up activity. Ask: What did you notice about how people expressed their opinions? Introduce the idea that today we'll learn how to express opinions in a structured way: debate.

What is Debate, Anyway?

It's NOT a shouting match!

It's a structured discussion where we:

Present our ideas clearly.
Support our ideas with reasons.
Listen to others respectfully.
Try to convince others with strong arguments.

Explain that debate isn't about fighting, but about sharing ideas and understanding different perspectives. Emphasize the goal is to persuade with facts and logic.

Building a Strong Argument

Every good argument needs three things:

Claim: What you believe to be true.
Reason: Why you believe it.
Evidence: Facts, examples, or logic that support your reason.

Go over the three key components of a good argument. Use simple examples if needed (e.g., 'Pizza is the best food' - Claim. 'Because it has cheese and toppings' - Reason. 'Studies show more people eat pizza than broccoli' - Evidence).

Listen Up! Active Listening

Debate isn't just about talking! It's also about listening.

Pay attention: Really hear what the other person is saying.
Understand their point: Even if you disagree, try to see their perspective.
Look for weak spots: Where can you politely challenge their argument?

Discuss how listening is just as important as speaking. Explain that by listening, you can better understand and respond to the other side's points.

Disagree Respectfully

You can disagree without being disrespectful.

Focus on the idea, not the person.
Use 'I' statements: "I hear what you're saying, but I believe..."
Stay calm.
No name-calling or interrupting!

Emphasize that disagreement is okay, but how you disagree is crucial. Focus on critiquing the idea, not the person. Provide examples of polite and impolite disagreements.

Quick Debate Challenge!

Time to practice! In your groups:

Pick a topic.
Each person makes a claim and a reason.
Practice listening and respectfully disagreeing.

Introduce the Quick Debate Challenge. Give them a few simple, fun topics. Emphasize practicing the skills just discussed. Monitor groups and offer feedback.

You're A Debate Boss!

Today we learned:

How to build a strong argument.
The importance of active listening.
How to disagree respectfully.

These skills help you in school, with friends, and in life!

Summarize the key takeaways and reinforce the value of these skills beyond the classroom. Briefly explain that the rubric will be used for more formal debates in the future.

Discussion

Debate Fundamentals Discussion Guide

I. Building Strong Arguments

What is a "claim"? Can you give an example of a claim you might make in a friendly debate?
Why do we need "reasons" to support our claims? What happens if you just make a claim without a reason?
What kind of "evidence" can you use to make your reason even stronger? Think about real-life examples, facts, or even personal experiences.

II. Active Listening

What does it mean to "actively listen" in a debate? How is it different from just waiting for your turn to speak?
Why is it important to understand the other person's point of view, even if you disagree with it?

III. Disagreeing Respectfully

What are some ways you can show respect to someone even when you strongly disagree with their idea?
Can you think of a time when someone disagreed with you in a good way? How did it make you feel? How about a time when someone disagreed in a not-so-good way?
Why is it important to focus on the idea being debated, and not the person debating it?

Activity

Quick Debate Challenge Activity

Instructions:

Get into groups: Your teacher will divide you into small groups.
Choose a side: Your group will be given a simple, fun topic to debate (e.g., "Dogs are better than cats," "Pizza is the best food"). Decide as a group if you are arguing FOR or AGAINST the statement.
Form your claim: As a group, come up with one clear sentence that states your position (your claim).
Brainstorm reasons: Think of at least two strong reasons why your claim is true. You don't need evidence for this quick challenge, just good reasons!
Listen and Respond:
- One person from your group will share your claim and a reason.
- Listen carefully to the other group's claim and reason.
- Discuss within your group: How can you respectfully challenge their point or strengthen your own?
Practice Respect: Remember to focus on the ideas, listen actively, and disagree politely!

Example Topics (Your teacher will give you one!):

Students should have a longer summer break.
Uniforms should be mandatory in schools.
Junk food should be banned from school cafeterias.
Everyone should learn a musical instrument.

Rubric

Debate Skills Rubric

This rubric assesses your foundational debate skills, focusing on how well you construct arguments and engage respectfully.

Criteria	Beginning (1 Point)	Developing (2 Points)	Proficient (3 Points)	Master (4 Points)
Making a Claim	Struggles to state a clear position.	States a position, but it may lack clarity.	Clearly states a relevant and understandable claim.	States a precise, compelling, and well-defined claim.
Providing Reasons	Offers no reasons or irrelevant reasons for the claim.	Provides one reason, but it may be weak or underdeveloped.	Offers clear and logical reasons to support the claim.	Provides multiple strong, well-explained reasons for the claim.
Active Listening	Shows little to no attention to the opposing side.	Listens, but may miss key points of the opposing argument.	Listens attentively and demonstrates understanding of the opposing side.	Demonstrates deep understanding and accurately summarizes opposing arguments.
Respectful Communication	Frequently interrupts or makes disrespectful comments.	Sometimes interrupts or makes slightly disrespectful comments.	Consistently communicates respectfully, even when disagreeing.	Always communicates respectfully, encouraging a positive debate environment.