Teacher Lesson Plans - Debates

Introduce the idea of debates (15 minutes)

Explain that in any debate, the student should think hard about what they say and ensure that they only use relevant statements. Make sure that what they say always logically supports the opinion, that it is specific and states the idea clearly, and that it is convincing most people

• There are also some rules to consider when arguing, such as;
• Don’t say ‘you are wrong,’ instead say ‘your idea is mistaken’
• Use ‘many’ rather than ‘most’
• Avoid the use of ‘never’ and ‘always’
• The use of ‘often’ and ‘generally’ allow for exceptions
• Don't disagree with obvious truths, and concede minor or trivial points
• Do not present opinion as facts, and avoid exaggeration
• Smile when disagreeing and watch your tone of voice
• Attack the idea not the person: don't win a debate and lose a friend

Quick debates (20 minutes)

Ask the students to work in pairs and hold some quick debates (just 2 minutes each) on a number of topics. It’s essential that they disagree, so assigning ‘agree’ or ‘disagree’ role sin advance can help. The topics I use are below, but you can change these to suit your students;

1. All Chinese writing should be changed to Pin Yin
2. It is better to be single than married
3. Women should stop working when they get married and have babies
4. Women should not change their family name when they get married

A large group debate (30 minutes)

Ask the students to form groups of 4-6 people, and split themselves into 2 teams. They will be debating the topic of whether ‘Students should have a part-time job.’ They can use the following handout for ideas and leads, but the ideas should try to come from them. Each point is addressed until exhausted, and then a new one can be introduced.

Arguments in Favour

• It helps develop independence among young people
• It will encourage a sense of competition, which is important for students in the future
• Earning your own money makes students feel more responsible and mature
• Part-time jobs make students more confident in themselves
• Part-time jobs can help students apply their knowledge in practice
• Part-time jobs give students a feeling of achievement through contributing to the national construction and economy
• Students who have part-time jobs can reduce, to some extent, the economic worries of their parents
• Because they earn money, students can pay for their education and thus will value their education even more
• Part time work helps the economy by providing additional inexpensive labour

Arguments Against

• It's not good for students to do part-time jobs because they will become money-oriented
• Many students who have part-time jobs have lost interest in their studies
• The main task of students is to study hard and learn what is needed for the development of our nation
• Social experience can be gained later after they finish their studies
• Part-time jobs may expose them to social dangers at an age when they cannot recognise good from bad
• Though some after-school work can help students to practice what they learn in classes, many jobs require nothing of the students' knowledge.
• Because of the low cost of part time workers, employers are tempted to employ only part time and not full time workers, making it harder to get a full time job after graduation
• Part time workers are not given vacations, sick pay, and health care
• Most part time jobs are very basic and do not lead to meaningful full time jobs