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A debate is a formal discussion about a subject where people have different views.

Different facts and opinions are presented by each side during the discussion.

Watch this short debate about whether children should wear school uniforms.

Debates are useful for discussing new or important topics. Watch this video to find out more about how they are structured.

• an introduction
• facts to support each point
• formal language
• emotive language
• rhetorical questions
• repetition
• a counter argument
• discourse markers or conjunctions to connect paragraphs
• a strong conclusion

Example

Let's apply these key features to the following argument:

‘Should animals be kept in zoos?’

This is an argument against animals being kept in zoos:

• Introduction – Animals should live in the wild.
• Facts – Zoos cannot provide the amount of space animals have in the wild.
• Formal language – It is always important to consider animal wellbeing.
• Emotive language – Many cages are cramped, dirty and in terrible condition.
• Rhetorical questions – Would you like to live in a cage?
• Repetition - Repeat your main argument after making each point.
• Counter argument – Some will say animals are happy in a zoo, but do we truly know?
• Discourse markers/conjunctions – for example, however, in addition or as well as.
• A strong conclusion.

Can you fill the gaps in the text to test your knowledge about debates and their structure?

Watch this video about looking after our oceans.

Imagine that you are a leading scientist having a debate about caring for the oceans.

Write a powerful argument in support of the idea that:

‘Litter should be kept out of our oceans.’

Remember to use all the key features of a well-structured debate argument.

Super challenge

Can you write a counter argument to this point?

‘Putting litter in the ocean doesn’t matter because nobody can see it. The ocean is huge and lots of litter sinks anyway!’

Top tips!

• Try reading your debate argument out loud to check that it is clear but also powerful.

• Remember to make eye contact with the person you are presenting to.

Now it’s time to apply your knowledge of debating skills.

Read through the following statements and choose one that you feel strongly about.

• Men and women should be paid the same salary for doing the same job.

• Professional sports people are paid too much.

• Fishermen and fisherwomen should be allowed to catch whatever they want.

• All twelve-year-olds should be given a mobile phone.

• Every country should be forced to ban plastic bags.

• Teachers will one day be replaced by computers.

• Children don’t really understand the dangers of the internet.

Decide whether you agree or disagree with the statement you have chosen.
Now, discuss and debate your ideas with a friend or family member.

Remember to listen carefully to what they are saying, as well as thinking carefully about your own opinion.

You could used some of these phrases to help you:

• I agree…
• On one hand…
• I have mixed feelings about…
• To conclude…

• I disagree…
• However, on the other hand…
• Another reason…