Debate in Grade 8 encourages students to explore issues, defend viewpoints, and listen to opposing perspectives through inquiry. Learners ask how arguments are structured, why evidence is important, and what strategies make communication effective. Instead of only memorizing points, they practice building claims, questioning assumptions, and reflecting on fairness. Activities such as class debates, role-plays, and analyzing speeches develop confidence and critical thinking. Debate helps students connect communication with civic responsibility, teamwork, and respect for diverse opinions. By examining real-world topics, learners see debate as both a skill for school success and a tool for active citizenship.
🟢 Starter
- Define debate.
- List three examples of debate topics.
- Write three reasons why evidence matters in debate.
- Create a sentence showing an opinion.
- Compare agreeing and disagreeing politely.
- Write three phrases used to start an argument.
- List three qualities of a good speaker.
- Write a short paragraph about listening in debate.
- Reflect: why do people debate?
- Create two sentences giving opposite opinions.
- Write three examples of respectful language.
- Compare facts and opinions in arguments.
- List three examples of school debate topics.
- Write a reflection on why fairness matters.
- Create a role-play introducing a topic.
- Write three closing statements.
- Compare debate and discussion.
- Write three strategies for staying calm.
- Reflect: how does debate build confidence?
- Create a two-sentence example of a debate opening.
🟡 Practice
- Write a paragraph on the role of evidence in debate.
- Create a chart comparing strong and weak arguments.
- Research how famous leaders used debate skills.
- Write three strategies for rebuttal.
- Create a role-play of two students debating school uniforms.
- Write a reflection on how listening improves debate.
- Compare formal debates and casual discussions.
- Write a persuasive paragraph about teamwork in debate.
- Research how debate clubs work.
- Create an outline for a class debate.
- Write three examples of common fallacies.
- Compare fairness in debate and fairness in sports.
- Write a reflection on how preparation affects debate results.
- Create a speech defending a school rule.
- Research how debates influenced history.
- Write three strategies for handling nervousness.
- Write a reflection on how debate teaches respect.
- Create a role-play about debating environmental issues.
- Compare debate in school and debate in politics.
- Reflect: how does debate build leadership skills?
🔴 Challenge
- Write an essay on the importance of debate in society.
- Research how debate shaped democracy.
- Debate: should social media posts be regulated?
- Create a project about debates in world history.
- Research how lawyers use debate skills.
- Write a reflection on how debate sharpens critical thinking.
- Compare debate strategies in different cultures.
- Write a persuasive essay about starting debate clubs in all schools.
- Research how televised debates influence elections.
- Debate: should voting age be lowered?
- Write a poem about the power of words in debate.
- Create a guide for new debaters.
- Research how technology is changing modern debates.
- Write a reflection on how debate improves decision-making.
- Compare formal debate styles (Oxford vs. Lincoln-Douglas).
- Write a short story centered on a debate.
- Debate: is winning more important than fairness?
- Research how debate skills prepare students for careers.
- Write an essay on ethical responsibilities in debate.
- Propose three new ways to make debates engaging for teens.