Debates are a wonderful way to allow intermediate students to express themselves on topics of their interest and to gain a greater understanding of the importance of researching reliable websites and information to support their arguments.

Through this unit students are placed into groups and are given specific roles within their groups which allow them each an opportunity to contribute to the debate. This unit is completely prepared and ready to go, and includes the following graphic organizers, rubrics and worksheets:

- Classroom Debate Rules and Guidelines
- Graphic Organizer to prepare for the debate (Whole Group)
- Big Ideas for Debate (Graphic Organizer for Group Members focusing on their groups arguments)
- Final Preparation Worksheet (Sheet students will use at the actual debate)
- Counter Attack Graphic Organizer (For Group Members focusing on Countering the possible opposite point of view)
- Counter Attack Ideas (Allows students to prepare responses to possible arguments of opposing team)
- Rubric for Judges of the Debate (Other class members)
- Judges Scoring Guide (Rubric)
- Peer Assessment Rubric
- Rules and Moderators Guide (For student who will be moderating the debate)
- Blank Assessment Sheet

This program allows students to organize their own support for ideas they have on topics of their interest. You can decide to provide the topics for your students, or have them create topics of their own interest.

I hope you enjoy the unit! My students loved it!

If you have any questions or need any support, let me know!