2. Fact vs. Opinion Debating
This lesson introduces debating. Students will discuss a claim and examine solid reasons for and against it.
Objectives:
Understand the meaning of a statement and find arguments.
Express one's viewpoint and prepare an effective response to a claim.
Things to Do:
Select a topic from the resources provided.
Prepare three arguments for and against the chosen claim for further comprehension.
2.1 What Is Your Opinion?
1. Warm-up:
First, explain to the students how to construct arguments and present their viewpoints during a debate.
Introduce the selected topic from the To-do section.
Discuss the primary lesson goal for students to evaluate arguments for and against a specific issue.
2. Learn:
Write the topic on the board and discuss it with the class.
Ensure that all students understand words related to the topic.
Clarify with facts and opinions. Try with examples.
Create a table on the board with columns for "Fact" and "Opinion."
Reminding them what the difference is between them might help.
After gathering comments from the students, discuss each one.
Ask the students to justify their responses to differentiate their opinions from the facts.
3. Instruct:
Divide the class into groups of three to four and create a for and against section.
On the board, write the claim and a table with headings for "Pros" and "Cons."
Distribute the A4 paper and ask the students to split it into "Pros" and "Cons" columns.
Instead of the original topic, students will write their arguments and counterarguments about the statement on the board.
After some time, they should discuss good responses and drop bad ones.
Monitor the student's progress and offer suggestions when necessary.
4. Exercise:
Each group presents its significant points to the class.
Note their arguments on the board.
Once each group has finished, have the class review and debate each argument.
Encourage students to weigh the merits of the facts, opinions, and pros and cons.
Allow both sides to discuss and refute each other's ideas.
The conclusion of the discussion will determine whether the argument stays, moves to the other column, or gets removed.
5. Assess:
Ask the students if the arguments are in the correct column.
Request that students make changes and point out inaccuracies to evaluate their comprehension.
Discuss the terms for review.
Bonus - English Court Debate:
Students are encouraged to voice their perspectives.
Place various topic cards in a box, such as "Should mobile phones be prohibited in classrooms?"
Select three students to oversee and be the judges.
Divide the remaining students into two teams: advocate for the topic and argue against it.
Select a team spokesperson to lead the discussion.
Have one team make a statement and write it on the board.
The opposing team will respond to the statement, and both sides will continue to supply fresh reasons.
After some time, the judges will decide which team presented the most compelling case.
Remember: suggest that students use respectful language, focus on the arguments rather than the people making them, and listen carefully to each other's points.
2.2 Debate Resources
For this activity, we have a mix of statements covering diverse topics categorized under general headings.
Art and Culture:
Art is a form of expression.
Diverse cultures have different art forms.
People use art to spread important messages.
Art and culture bring people together.
Education and Learning:
Education is important for personal and societal growth.
Different people have different learning styles.
Learning happens outside of traditional classroom settings.
Education helps us better understand the world.
Entertainment and Media:
Entertainment and media influence our opinions and beliefs.
Different people enjoy diverse types of entertainment.
People use the media to spread positive messages.
We should be critical of the media we consume.
Family and Relationships:
Family is an important support system.
Respectful communication is vital in all relationships.
Families come in all shapes and sizes.
Each family has its unique dynamic.
Food and Cooking:
Cooking from scratch is healthier than processed food.
Diverse cultures have unique cuisine.
Carefully reading recipes leads to better results.
Sharing meals with others brings people together.
