Debate Challenge Teacher Guide The Great Debate Challenge
Mastering Rhetoric & Reasoning
Teacher Guide
Grade Level: 9th Grade
Learning Objectives
Construct evidence-based arguments using the ARE (Assertion, Reasoning, Evidence) model.
Identify and refute counterarguments through active listening and note-taking.
Demonstrate respectful public speaking and civil discourse techniques.
Recognize and avoid common logical fallacies (Ad Hominem, Straw Man).
Standards Alignment
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners on grades 9-10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
At a Glance
Duration
90 Minutes
Materials
Slide Deck, Flow Sheets, Prep Worksheets, Timer
Grouping
Teams of 3-4
Instructional Sequence
00-10
Hook: The Unpopular Opinion Blitz
Display a low-stakes prompt (e.g., "Is a hot dog a sandwich?") and have students move to sides of the room. Briefly allow 3 people to explain 1 reason. Transition to the importance of structured reasoning over shouting.
10-25
Direct Instruction: The Anatomy of an Argument
Use the Slide Deck to teach the ARE model and the 4-step Refutation process. Introduce logical fallacies (The Straw Man and Ad Hominem) to set ground rules for civil discourse.
25-50
Team Preparation & Research
Assign debate topics (see back page). Students use the Prep Worksheet to build their case. Teacher circulates to help students strengthen "Warrants" (the 'Why' connecting evidence to the assertion).
50-85
The Debate Showdown
Run a modified "Spontaneous Argumentation" (SPAR) format or a 3-v-3 structured debate. Audience members must use Flow Sheets to track the "clash" between arguments.
85-90
Debrief & Exit Ticket
Students reflect on which argument was the most persuasive and why (identifying specific rhetorical techniques rather than just agreeing with the stance).
Facilitation Mastery
Discussion Starters
"While I understand your point about X, you haven't accounted for the impact of Y..."
"The evidence provided suggests X, but it fails to address the underlying issue of..."
"My opponent claims X, however, the data shows..."
Topic Ideas for 9th Grade
School Policy
Should high schools start at 10:00 AM to align with teen sleep cycles?
Technology
Should social media platforms be legally restricted for users under 16?
Ethics
Is it ethical to use AI to help draft academic essays?
Common Misconceptions
"Debate is about winning an argument." Correct this by framing it as a search for truth and finding the most reasonable solution.
"Loudness = Persuasion." Emphasize that logic and evidence carry more weight than volume or aggression in structured debate.
The Debate Clock
Part Time Opening (Affirmative) 3 Min Opening (Negative) 3 Min Cross-Ex (Both) 4 Min Rebuttal (Affirmative) 2 Min Rebuttal (Negative) 2 Min Closing Statements 1 Min ea
Differentiation Strategies
Support: Provide "Assertion Starters" and a list of pre-vetted evidence sources for struggling teams.
Extension: Challenge advanced students to use "Ethos" and "Pathos" specifically in their closing statements.
Debate Strategy Slides The Great Debate
Challenge
"The aim of argument, or of discussion, should not be victory, but progress."
— Joseph Joubert
The Opening Statement
Quick Pick:
Should high schools abolish homework entirely?
You have 60 seconds to find ONE partner and explain your "Yes" or "No" using ONLY one sentence.
Goal: Clarity over Volume.
Argument vs. Quarreling
Structured Debate
Focused on logic, evidence, and established rules.
The Goal
To persuade a neutral judge, not to "win" against a person.
Quarreling
Focused on personal attacks and "being right."
The Danger
Emotional reactions override logical reasoning.
The ARE Model
A
Assertion
A clear, concise statement of your claim.
R
Reasoning
The logical "Because" that explains why your assertion is true.
E
Evidence
Facts, statistics, or expert quotes that prove your reasoning.
"An assertion without evidence is just an opinion."
How to Refute (The 4-Steps)
1
"They said..." (Briefly restate their argument)
2
"But..." (State your counter-assertion)
3
"Because..." (Provide your counter-reasoning/evidence)
4
"Therefore..." (Explain why your point is stronger)
The Rules of Engagement
Avoid these "Cheat Codes" (Logical Fallacies):
Ad Hominem
Attacking the person instead of their argument .
"You can't trust his argument because he's a freshman."
Straw Man
Misrepresenting an opponent's argument to make it easier to attack.
"They want to ban homework, so clearly they hate learning!"
The Battle Plan
Team Roles
1st Speaker: The Opening Statement
2nd Speaker: The Rebuttal Expert
3rd Speaker: The Closing Argument
Preparation Time
25:00
Use your Prep Worksheet to organize your ARE points and anticipate counter-arguments.
Current Challenge
"Social media platforms should be legally restricted for users under the age of 16."
Case Builder Worksheet The Case Builder
Official Debate Prep Worksheet
Team:
Topic:
Core Argument #1
Assertion (The Claim)
Reasoning (The "Because")
Evidence (Facts/Stats/Expert Quotes)
Core Argument #2
Assertion (The Claim)
Reasoning (The "Because")
Evidence (Facts/Stats/Expert Quotes)
Anticipating Conflict
The Opposing Argument
What is the strongest point the other team will likely make?
Our Refutation (The Block)
How will we prove them wrong or show our point is more important?
The Closing "Hook"
Your final 60 seconds. Summarize your best points and leave the judge with a memorable thought or a call to action. Use Pathos (Emotional Appeal) here!
Final Impact Statement Draft Here
Self-Check Checklist
Are our assertions clear and direct?
Do we have specific data or expert quotes?
Is our reasoning logical and easy to follow?
Did we avoid personal attacks?
Debate Flow Sheet The Flow Sheet
Active Listening & Refutation Tracker
Debate Session:
Instructions: Use this sheet to track the "clash" of arguments. Take notes in the columns as speakers present. Draw lines connecting an argument to its specific rebuttal.
Affirmative Team
Supporting the Resolution
Opening Argument #1
Opening Argument #2
Negative Team
Opposing the Resolution
Refutation #1
Refutation #2
Critical Reflection
Which argument "dropped" (went unanswered)?
Winner's Circle
In your opinion, who won the clash and why?
Debate Evaluation Guide The Referee Guide
Facilitation, Discussion & Scoring Rubric
Debate Performance Rubric
Criterion Mastery (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Argumentation (ARE Model) All assertions are backed by clear reasoning and specific, credible evidence. Assertions are clear; reasoning is logical, but evidence may be generalized. Assertions are vague; reasoning or evidence is missing or weak. Refutation (The Clash) Directly addresses opponent's points; identifies logical fallacies or gaps. Addresses main points but may miss nuance or smaller counter-arguments. Ignores opponent's points or relies on personal attacks/fallacies. Delivery & Civil Discourse Clear voice, eye contact, and respectful tone even during intense moments. Mostly clear delivery; maintains a respectful demeanor throughout. Difficult to hear; uses dismissive body language or disrespectful tone.
Classroom Debrief
Use these questions to facilitate the post-debate discussion:
"Which piece of evidence today felt the most 'undeniable'? Why?"
"Did anyone's mind change during the debate? What specific point caused that shift?"
"How did using the 'ARE' model change the way you listened to your classmates?"
"Where did you notice a 'Straw Man' or other fallacy creep in?"
Refutation Sentence Starters
"While my opponent argues that [X], they have overlooked [Y]..."
"The assertion that [X] is problematic because the evidence shows..."
"Even if we accept that [X] is true, the impact is less significant than..."
Teacher Tips
Keep a strict timer. Fairness in time is fairness in debate.
If a student gets stuck, allow one "Team Lifeline" (30 sec huddle).
