Year 4 - English
What is a debate?
Getting ready to debate
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore the concept of debating and the importance of justifying opinions. They learn what a motion is, how to create effective motions and techniques for agreeing or disagreeing respectfully. The unit concludes with an informal debate, allowing pupils to apply their skills.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to define a 'debate' and an 'opinion'.
Key Notes
- A debate is a structured argument between two teams.
- An opinion is a view or belief that a person has.
- An important aspect of debating is justifying opinions.
- It is important to speak in a loud, clear voice, make eye contact with the audience and stand up straight.
Vocabulary To Learn
- debate: a structured argument between two teams
- opinion: a view or belief that a person has
- reasoning: explaining why a person has a certain opinion
- justify: giving clear reasoning for an opinion
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may think that an opinion has to include 'my' or 'I'.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
A debate is a structured argument between two teams. An opinion is a view or belief that a person has.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'debate'
a structured argument between two teams.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may think that an opinion has to include 'my' or 'I'. Correction: Explain to pupils that an opinion is a view or belief that a person has. 'Tennis is the best sport' is an opinion because it is not a fact. Someone else may think differently.
More Lessons In This Unit
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