EnglishFreePrintable

Introduction to Debating

A free english worksheet ready for your classroom. Open in Kuraplan to grab the print-ready PDF, customize it for your students, or generate a fresh version in seconds.

Introduction to Debating worksheet preview
Introduction to Debating

Introduction to Debating

Students debating illustration

📢 Part 1: Understanding Debating

1. What is the main purpose of debating? (Choose the best answer)

To argue and fight with people

To develop critical thinking and persuasion skills

To win at all costs

To show off your knowledge

2. List three reasons why debating skills are important in real life:
3. Which of these are benefits of learning to debate? (Check all that apply)

Improved communication skills

Better critical thinking

Understanding different perspectives

Becoming more aggressive

Learning to research effectively

🏗️ Part 2: Debate Structure

4. Fill in the blanks to complete the formal debate structure:

A formal debate has four main parts:

1. _________________ statements

2. Main _________________

3. _________________

4. _________________

5. Put the debate components in the correct order by numbering them 1-4:

_____ Rebuttal

_____ Opening statements

_____ Conclusion

_____ Main arguments

6. Describe what happens during the rebuttal phase of a debate:

📚 Part 3: Debating Terminology

7. Match each debating term with its correct definition:
1. Motion
2. Affirmative
3. Negative
4. Points of Information
5. Judging Criteria
A. The team that argues against the motion
B. Standards used to evaluate debate performance
C. The topic or statement being debated
D. Brief questions or challenges during speeches
E. The team that argues for the motion
8. Complete these sentences using the correct debating terms:

The _____________ team supports the motion, while the _____________ team opposes it.

During a speech, opponents may ask _____________ __ _____________ to challenge points.

The _____________ is the statement or topic that teams will debate.

👥 Part 4: Debate Roles

9. What are the main roles in a formal debate? (Check all that apply)

First speaker

Second speaker

Reply speaker

Judge

Audience member

Timekeeper

10. Describe the main responsibilities of each role:

First Speaker:

Second Speaker:

Reply Speaker:

Judge:

11. Which role would you prefer to have in a debate and why?

🎯 Part 5: Skills and Reflection

12. What interaction skills are essential for effective debating? (Check all that apply)

Active listening

Speaking loudly

Responding respectfully

Interrupting frequently

Presenting ideas clearly

Making personal attacks

13. Think of a current issue in your school or community that could be debated. Write it as a motion:

"That ________________________________________________"

14. Reflection: What is one thing you learned about debating today that surprised you?
15. What aspect of debating are you most excited to learn more about?

🏠 Homework Task

Research a famous historical or current debate. Complete the information below:

Name of debate: _________________________________

Topic/Motion: _________________________________

When did it take place: _________________________________

Who were the main participants: _________________________________

Outcome or result:

Why was this debate significant:

About This Worksheet

Free in Kuraplan

Sign up free, grab the PDF, and customize it for your class.

Print-Ready

Formatted for standard paper. Clean layout, easy to read.

AI-Generated

Created with Kuraplan's AI, designed for real classroom use.

For Teachers & Parents

Use in classrooms, for homework, tutoring, or homeschool.

Need a custom version of this worksheet?

Kuraplan's AI generates custom worksheets in seconds — differentiated for every learner, aligned to your curriculum.

Generate Custom Worksheets — Free
No credit card Curriculum-aligned Under 60 seconds