Debate — Quick Leaflet for Students
B1 Intermediate | How to debate clearly, confidently, and correctly
📝 Before You Speak: Preparation
- Choose your side: Do you agree or disagree with the topic?
- Write 2–3 strong reasons that support your opinion.
- Use examples to make your points easier to understand.
- Note taker: Write down 3–5 ideas during prep time to help your team.
- Time allowed: 2 minutes of brainstorming before the debate begins.
⏱ The 5-Step Debate Plan
| Phase | Time | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Preparation | 2 min | Brainstorm reasons. Use target grammar. |
| 2. Opening | 1 min | Captains only: "Our team believes…" |
| 3. Main Debate | 4–5 min | Everyone speaks — one opinion + one reason. |
| 4. Final Argument | 30 sec | Captains only: "In conclusion…" / "To sum up…" |
| 5. Class Vote | 10 sec | Hands up for the winner! |
👥 Your Role in the Team
- Captain Opens the debate and delivers the final closing argument.
- Speakers Each speaker gives one opinion + one reason. Keep it short and sharp.
- Note Taker Writes 3–5 ideas during prep. Helps teammates who get stuck.
🔄 Roles rotate every debate — everyone will lead eventually!
💬 Useful Debate Language
Giving your opinion:
- I believe that… / In my opinion…
- The main reason is… / For example…
- I prefer… because… / I would rather… because…
Responding to the other side:
- I understand your point, but…
- I see what you mean; however…
- I disagree because…
Closing:
- In conclusion… / To sum up…
- "For these reasons, I strongly believe we should…"
🏆 How to Score Points
✔ Grammar Power
Use: would rather, prefer, modals — 1 pt
Use: would rather, prefer, modals — 1 pt
✔ Clear Opinion
Did we understand you? — 1 pt
Did we understand you? — 1 pt
✔ Good Reason
Did you explain why? — 1 pt
Did you explain why? — 1 pt
✔ Respect
Listen while others speak — 1 pt
Listen while others speak — 1 pt
✔ Teamwork
Help your teammates — 2 bonus pts
Help your teammates — 2 bonus pts
💡 Pro Tips for B1 Success
- Don't just say "I like it." Use target grammar to earn grammar points.
- ✖ "I like books." → ✔ "I prefer reading because books are more detailed."
- ✖ "Movies are fast." → ✔ "I would rather watch a movie because it might be more exciting."
- Use full sentences. Make eye contact. Speak loudly and clearly.
- Stay on topic. Only discuss ideas related to the debate question.
- Don't interrupt. Take notes while the other side speaks.
📚 Example: Books vs. Movies
Topic: "The book is always better than the movie."
For (Speaker A): "I prefer books because they are more detailed."
Against (Speaker C): "I'd rather watch the movie because it's faster."
Captain For: "In conclusion, we believe books help your imagination grow."
Captain Against: "To sum up, we think movies are easier to enjoy with friends."