Watch: How do you have a debate?
What is a debate?
Film Set Worker: Hey Brody, it looks like the Director wants to debate something with you!
In a debate each person has an amount of time to speak, present facts and state their point of view.
Oh come on Brody, be confident!
Brody: It would be great if Buff was eaten by a shark.
Director: I hate sharks.
Brody: But sharks are mega!
Film Set Worker: No, no, not that confident - speak loudly and clearly but don’t shout.
Brody: It would be exciting and hilarious to fire Buff out of a cannon.
Film Set Worker: Yes Brody! You’re being focused, persuasive, funny and convincing if you ask me.
And don’t forget to make eye contact, but don’t be too intense.
Director: It would be too expensive to buy a cannon.
Brody: Pfffft. Whatever, dummy!
Film Set Worker: Oi, Brody…you can challenge the other person’s ideas,but don’t attack them personally.
Brody: If Buff gets eaten by a crocodile, then we’re bound to win awards!
Film Set Worker: Now you’ve got the hang of it!
The greatest debaters provide a strong opening and finish with a strong conclusion, while giving evidence and reasons why their argument is best.
Director: Action!
What do you do during a debate?
- Speak confidently and make eye contact.
- You need to use persuasive language, evidence and facts to prove your argument is best.
- You can challenge the other person's ideas, but don't be rude to them.
- Finish with a strong conclusion.
Activity
Play our fun English game Crystal Explorers. game
Use grammar, punctuation and spelling skills to explore jungles, caves and tombs on your mission!
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