---
title: "Formal Debates"
description: "Participate in formal debates and structured discussions — presenting a position with supporting evidence, responding to others’ points, summarising and building on what has been said, and following r"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/formal-debates-mt_Yrjn8jAt1c
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/formal-debates-mt_Yrjn8jAt1c.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Formal Debates

Participate in formal debates and structured discussions — presenting a position with supporting evidence, responding to others’ points, summarising and building on what has been said, and following rules of discussion

Subject: English · Area: Speaking & Listening · Ages 12 to 14
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/formal-debates-mt_Yrjn8jAt1c

## Ready when they can

- Present an argument in a debate with a clear claim supported by evidence
- Respond to an opposing point by summarising it fairly before offering a counterargument
- Build on a previous speaker’s idea by extending, questioning, or challenging it constructively

## Lesson: Taking Part in a Formal Debate

A formal debate is a structured argument between two sides. Each side takes turns speaking, and everyone follows the same rules, so the discussion stays fair.

You already know how to write a persuasive argument and speak in a formal voice. A debate adds one new skill: you must respond to what the other side actually said, not just repeat your own point.

**Example.** In a debate about school start times, one side claims, 'School should start later, because sleep research shows teenagers focus better after 8:30am.' The other side responds, 'So you're saying later starts help focus. But buses and after-school jobs also need to fit the schedule.' They summarised the point fairly, then added a counterargument.

*(drawing: One full debate turn has four moves. State your claim, back it with evidence, and when you answer the other side, summarise their point before you counter it. The third move is the one most debaters forget.)*

**Tip.** Before you disagree with someone, put their point in your own words first. Try starting with 'So your point is...' This shows you listened, and it makes your counterargument land harder.

**Tip.** When you want to build on another speaker's idea, name it first. Say 'Building on what Maya said...' before you extend it, question it, or challenge it. That keeps the debate connected instead of jumping between separate points.

**Recap.** In a debate, back your claim with evidence, summarise the other side fairly before you counter it, and build on what others said instead of ignoring it.

## Practice

24 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Evaluating a Speaker's Argument](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/evaluating-a-speakers-argument-mt_on7FHCDmi-)
- [Persuasive Writing](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/persuasive-writing-mt_Qxyikkkzam)
- [Speaking Formally and Giving Presentations](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/speaking-formally-and-giving-presentations-mt_z07UNAIsNc)

## Opens up

- [Weighing a Spoken Argument as You Hear It](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/weighing-a-spoken-argument-as-you-hear-it-mt_eSTvUWJufm)
- [Arguing a Case in Another Language](https://lightmysky.com/learn/languages/arguing-a-case-in-another-language-mt_mOXW08EFdW)
- [Speaking to a Brief and Taking Questions](https://lightmysky.com/learn/english/speaking-to-a-brief-and-taking-questions-mt_ykCrDCiVIy)