Debate in Grade 7 introduces students to structured argument, respectful discussion, and persuasive communication. Through inquiry learning, learners ask questions, research evidence, and test ideas by presenting and defending positions. Instead of only stating opinions, they practice listening to opposing views, building counterarguments, and reflecting on fairness. Activities such as mock debates, group discussions, and speech writing make debate practical and engaging. By connecting real issues to structured dialogue, Debate becomes a way to develop confidence, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.
🟢 Starter
- Define the word “debate.”
- List three rules for respectful debate.
- Write a short opinion about a school topic.
- Identify one reason why listening matters in debate.
- Practice giving a 30-second speech on your favorite food.
- Write three polite phrases to disagree with someone.
- Reflect: how do debates differ from arguments?
- List three topics suitable for classroom debate.
- Practice asking a clarifying question.
- Explain why evidence is important in debate.
- Role-play agreeing with a partner.
- Role-play disagreeing politely with a partner.
- Write a short opening line for a debate.
- Identify the role of a moderator in a debate.
- List three qualities of a good debater.
- Reflect: why is preparation important before debating?
- Practice summarizing a classmate’s opinion.
- Explain the difference between fact and opinion.
- Write three ways debates improve communication skills.
- Reflect: how does debating make you more confident?
🟡 Practice
- Write an opening statement for a school debate.
- Debate: should homework be banned?
- Create a list of arguments for and against school uniforms.
- Practice giving a one-minute persuasive speech.
- Write three counterarguments to a common opinion.
- Research one famous debate in history.
- Write a paragraph about why teamwork matters in debate.
- Debate: should mobile phones be allowed in class?
- Write an outline for a debate speech.
- Practice summarizing an opponent’s argument.
- Research how evidence strengthens debate points.
- Write a reflection on how body language affects persuasion.
- Debate: should junk food be banned in schools?
- Create a poster with debate rules.
- Write three strategies for handling stage fright.
- Debate: should students have longer school holidays?
- Research how debates are used in politics.
- Write a short reflection about listening during debates.
- Create a speech that ends with a strong conclusion.
- Reflect: how does debate connect to real-world decision-making?
🔴 Challenge
- Write an essay on why debate is essential in democracy.
- Debate: should voting be mandatory for all citizens?
- Research how debates influence elections.
- Create a mock debate on environmental issues.
- Debate: should social media be restricted for teenagers?
- Research how debate clubs shape leadership skills.
- Write a persuasive speech about freedom of expression.
- Debate: should animals be used in scientific research?
- Research how international debates resolve conflicts.
- Write about how famous speeches changed society.
- Debate: should space exploration be funded by governments?
- Create a debate about technology’s impact on learning.
- Research the history of debate in ancient Greece.
- Debate: should students choose their own subjects at school?
- Write a reflection about what you learned from debating.
- Debate: should the school day start later?
- Research how media debates shape public opinion.
- Create a project about how debate teaches problem-solving.
- Write a diary entry from a student preparing for a big debate.
- Propose three new topics for future classroom debates.