Debating Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: Speaking & Listening

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Debating provides students with great life skills. Debates examine differing sides of an issue or idea. The goal is to persuade the audience to agree with your side of the argument. We find that students learn the most when they are assigned the task of supporting the side of the issue that they do not agree with. It takes some talent to successfully get people to agree with you when you don’t agree with what you are saying. These worksheets will help students explore all aspects of a debate.

Debating Worksheets:

Prepare for Your Debate – Answer the following questions to prepare for your debate.

Brain to Brain – How will you summarize your position and be convincing?

Evidence Gathering – Good debaters back their assertions with evidence. Prepare for your debate by making sure that you have solid evidence or sound reasoning to back up ever point you make.

Know Your Opponent – Good debaters also anticipate the points that their opponents will make and prepare themselves to be able to rebut them.

Transition Words for Debates – As you practice for your debate, get comfortable using solid transition words that will help your audience follow your argument.

The Main Points – Now write out the main points you will make as you state your position.

Pick a Topic! – Hot topics for you to choose from that are commonly argued.

Get After It! – Print the topics on card stock and cut into individual cards.

Banned! – Student pairs should take opposite sides of the question whether or not the topic should be banned.

Don't Panic! PREPARE! – Prepare for your debate by answering the following questions for both your and your opponent’s positions.

The FOR Group Worksheet – This will help a group organize for a session.

The AGAINST Group Worksheet – This is for the group that has the negative position or stance on the topic.

The Short Preparation – You will have one hour to prepare your speeches. Follow these steps and adhere to the time limits.

Flaws and Doubts – Are your reasons and evidence reliable? How do you know? Are each of your points justified? Why or why not?

The Great Debate – A short version of debate preparation.

The Great Debate 2 – I will re-affirm my position by:

Research Skills – Research the issues surrounding the topic broadly enough to identify the conflicting viewpoints.

Tips – Each speaker has a certain amount of time for which they will be allowed to speak.

Tips for Winning Debates


Every student should take part in debates. This is because debates are really helpful in developing the speaking skills of individuals. It also boosts the confidence in young students. Debates prepare you for your future. Your cognitive skills are developed through debates. If you ever get a chance to take part in the debates competition, do not miss out on the opportunity. Although it does not matter if you win or lose at first as it is all about the experience, you can still use these following tips to win any debate competition.


Gather Your Thoughts


Once you have received the topic of the debate, it is time to start writing an effective debate. Make sure to educate yourself on the topic. It is very necessary as you don't want to look like a fool who knows nothing while debating. You should do your research. After that, it is time to gather your thoughts and opinions. You can write the main points down and think of ways to deliver your thoughts in a positive and enlightening way.


The Non-Verbal Components


It is a common misconception that winning the debate is all about speaking skills. While speaking skills and strong opinions do matter, another extremely important thing is the non-verbal component. You should use gestures while speaking. This is because your speech will look natural and conversational. You will come across as confident and strong. Use the movement of your hands and facial gestures along with your body language to deliver an effective debate in front of your audience.


Be Confident


The most important tip is to remain confident no matter what. You can believe that you have a winning speech even if you did not give it enough time. Confidence is all you need to win the debate.