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Year 6 - English

How to debate

Debating important topics

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils recap on the features of a debate and use the PEPs structure to deliver a speech. They learn what makes an effective debate motion and design their own. Pupils then prepare for and participate in a full debate, scoring their performances and reflecting on their speech delivery.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to understand what a debate is and deliver a speech.

Key Notes

  • A debate is a structured argument between two teams who either agree or disagree with a motion.
  • The motion is the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated.
  • An opinion is a view or belief that a person has and robust reasoning supports an opinion.
  • The PEPS structure stands for: point, explanation, proof, summary.

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
  • motion: the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that a speech in a debate can be improvised on the spot and not follow a structure.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

A debate is a structured argument between two teams who either agree or disagree with a motion. The motion is the name for the belief or proposal that is being debated.

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 a speech in a debate can be improvised on the spot and not follow a structure. Correction: Teach pupils that following a structure will help to make their speech flow better and be easier for an audience to follow.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 6 English guide library.