Formal Debates · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.
En anglais

Taking Part in a Formal Debate

English · Speaking & Listening · ages 12-14
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. A speaker cites a survey but does not say who answered. Which question requests that missing detail?

    • When was the survey conducted?
    • Which groups answered the survey?
    • What questions were included in the survey?

  2. Which description fits a formal debate?

    • Speakers discuss opposing positions using agreed turns and rules.
    • A speaker presents a prepared report and then takes audience questions.
    • A group works together to plan an event.

  3. Maya proposes a garden to help lessons. Which reply asks about the ongoing work needed to put her idea into practice?

    • Which lessons could use it?
    • How much space would Maya's proposed garden need at the school?
    • Who would care for the garden during term and holidays?

  4. The agreed rules give each debater an uninterrupted timed turn. A speaker may interrupt whenever they wish.

    Circle one:   True   False

  5. A speaker says, 'Our hall is popular, so its windows must leak.' Which part of the reasoning needs checking?

    • The link from popularity to leaks.
    • Whether the speaker recommends repairing the windows.
    • Whether leaking windows would make the hall less popular.

  6. Tom says, 'Uniforms may reduce clothing costs.' Maria replies, 'You say uniforms cost families nothing.' What changed?

    • A saving became a cost.
    • A clothing-cost claim became a school-cost claim.
    • A possible saving became no cost.

  7. Omar proposes weekend library opening for quiet study. Jamal asks how staff would be paid. Which next step addresses that concern?

    • Survey pupils about weekend study demand.
    • Compare the library's study facilities with those at other local venues.
    • Estimate staffing costs and identify possible funding.

  8. Hana's teacher checks four things: a claim, relevant evidence, a fair summary and a direct reply. Hana includes all except the fair summary. How many checks does she meet?

    Answer: ______________

  9. New, relevant evidence appears to support the other side. What is the fairest way to assess its effect on your position?

    • Use the source's reputation to decide.
    • Check its methods and support, then reconsider the affected claim.
    • Compare the total number of examples offered by each side before choosing a position.

  10. A speaker says, 'A later start may help attendance if buses can be rescheduled.' Which summary preserves the uncertainty and condition?

    • Changing bus schedules would improve attendance by making school start later.
    • A later start may help attendance if buses can change.
    • A later start may help attendance, so buses should be rescheduled.
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Taking Part in a Formal Debate W1-mt_Yrjn8jAt1c-s1

  1. Which groups answered the survey? · Asking who took part identifies respondents. The date and wording are useful checks but answer different questions.
  2. Speakers discuss opposing positions using agreed turns and rules. · Opposing positions and agreed speaking procedures distinguish the debate. A report or planning meeting can be organised without being a debate.
  3. Who would care for the garden during term and holidays? · Care during term and holidays concerns ongoing work. Lessons concern the benefit; space concerns the garden's location and size.
  4. False · The stated procedure requires respecting uninterrupted timed turns.
  5. The link from popularity to leaks. · The speaker infers leaks from popularity. The statement supplies no connection between those two things.
  6. A possible saving became no cost. · Maria changes a possible reduction into complete removal of costs. Tom did not say uniforms were free.
  7. Estimate staffing costs and identify possible funding. · The concern is paying staff. A cost estimate and possible funding address it; demand and facilities concern other parts of the proposal.
  8. 3 · Hana meets three checks: claim, evidence and direct reply. One of the four is missing.
  9. Check its methods and support, then reconsider the affected claim. · Check the evidence itself and what it supports. Reputation and example counts alone do not settle its quality or effect on your claim.
  10. A later start may help attendance if buses can change. · The fair summary keeps both the possible benefit and the bus condition. The alternatives add a causal guarantee or a recommendation.
Worksheet · LightMySky