Debate Master Lesson Plan The Big Debate
Middle School Lesson Plan
Time Needed
60-90 Minutes
What's the Plan?
This lesson helps middle schoolers turn their opinions into strong arguments. Using the "CER" model (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning), students learn how to speak up, listen carefully, and respond to others with respect and logic.
Learning Goals
Build a strong argument using the CER model.
Use "Trust, Feelings, and Facts" (Ethos, Pathos, Logos) to persuade.
Practice the "Comeback" (Rebuttal) by listening to the other side.
Pack Your Bag
• Simple Power Slides
• Argument Builder Worksheets
• Strategy Cards (Clash Cards)
• Feedback Rubric
• Desk Bell or Whistle (Optional)
Speak the Language
Pro / Con The Comeback Evidence Reasoning Persuade
Step-by-Step Guide
10m
The Warm-Up: This or That?
Clear a path in the room. Label one side "Side A" and the other "Side B." Ask questions like "Cats or Dogs?" or "Video Games or Outside?" Students jump to a side and must give ONE reason why. Switch fast!
20m
Mini-Lesson: The Argument Builder
Show the Slides . Keep it simple:
"Claim" = What you think.
"Evidence" = How you know it's true.
"Reasoning" = Why your proof matters.
20m
Partner Work: Blueprinting
Give out the Worksheet . Assign a fun topic (like: "Recess should be 1 hour long"). Have partners build their best argument using the boxes provided. Check in to ensure they aren't just giving "opinions" without "reasons."
30m+
The Game: Strategy Cards
Give each student a Strategy Card . Challenge them to a "Pop-Up Debate." When a student speaks, they must try to use the secret move on their card. Classmates try to guess what move they used!
10m
Final Thoughts
"What was the most surprising argument you heard today? Why did it change your mind?"
Persuasion Power Slides WIN THE
ARGUMENT
Middle School Debate Pro
What is a
Debate?
It's not an argument with shouting.
"It is a game of rules where you use facts and logic to show why your ideas are the best."
Respect
Logic
Proof
Teamwork
The 3-Step Argument Builder
1. THE CLAIM
"What do you think?"
A clear 'yes' or 'no' statement of your opinion.
2. THE PROOF
"How do you know?"
Facts, numbers, or examples that back you up.
3. THE WHY
"Why does it matter?"
Explain how your proof actually supports your claim.
How to Persuade
Trust (Ethos)
"I know what I'm talking about because..."
Feelings (Pathos)
"Imagine how it would feel if..."
Facts (Logos)
"The numbers show that..."
The Comeback
When your opponent makes a point, don't ignore it.
"They said [X], but I say [Y] because [Z]."
Time to Debate
Remember:
Speak Loud and Clear
Look at your Audience
Be a Good Sport
Argument Architect Worksheet Argument Builder
Plan Your Points • Prove Your Side
Name:
Date:
!
The Big Question
What are we debating today?
1
My Stance (Claim)
"I believe that..." (Write your main 'Yes' or 'No' here)
2
The Proof (Evidence)
"I know this because..." (Give a fact, example, or quote)
3
The Why (Reasoning)
"This proves my point because..." (Explain how your proof helps your side)
The Comeback Plan
The Opposition says:
My Comeback is:
Be Bold • Be Brief • Be Balanced
Clash Cards Activity Debate Secret Moves
Middle School Strategy Cards • Cut along the dashed lines
Trust Move
PERSUASION
"I have researched this topic and found that experts from [Source Name] agree with me."
Action Card
Feeling Hit
PERSUASION
"Think about how sad it would be if [Example] happened. We have to stop this!"
Action Card
Fact Bomb
PERSUASION
"Did you know that statistics say [Fact]? This proves my point perfectly."
Action Card
The Flip
REBUTTAL
"My opponent said [Reason], but I think that actually helps my side because..."
Defense Card
Proof Check
REBUTTAL
"Where did you get that information? I haven't seen any proof of that yet."
Defense Card
On Track
REBUTTAL
"That's interesting, but it doesn't really answer the question we are debating."
Defense Card
Eye Power
Look directly at 3 different classmates while you speak for 20 seconds.
Performance
Voice Magic
Say your most important sentence in a quiet, serious whisper.
Performance
Big Silence
Stop talking and count to 3 in your head before starting your speech.
Performance
Using a card correctly earns 2 bonus Victory Points! Don't let your opponent see your move.
Victory Points Rubric Victory Points
How did you do today?
Final Score / 20
Debater Name
Topic
Skill Area Learning (1-2) Strong (3-4) Expert (5) Building the Argument
Using Claims, Evidence, and Reasoning.
| I have an opinion, but I forgot the proof. | I used clear facts to support my opinion. | I explained exactly HOW my facts prove my point. |
|
Persuading the Crowd
Using Trust, Feelings, and Facts.
| I just stated my ideas without trying to convince. | I used at least two "Persuasion Moves" (Trust, Feelings, or Facts). | I connected with the audience's brain AND their heart. |
|
The Comeback
Listening and responding to others.
| I didn't really listen to what the other side said. | I answered back to at least one of their points. | I dismantled their point and showed why mine is better. |
|
Public Speaking
Eye contact, volume, and poise.
| I was quiet and looked at my paper the whole time. | I spoke loud enough and made eye contact sometimes. | I sounded confident and commanded the whole room! |
The Verdict
Greatest Strength & One Thing to Improve:
A champion is anyone who has the courage to speak their truth.
Victory Points Rubric • MS Edition
