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Balloon Debate Voting Sheet

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Balloon Debate Voting Sheet

A storm has damaged a research balloon carrying supplies to a remote community. It can safely carry only three passengers. Four people make their case to stay aboard. In a group, take turns reading the speeches aloud: use a clear voice, listen without interrupting, and note each speaker’s strongest reason. Then complete the ballot and reflection. You may disagree with the model answers; support your choices with evidence from the speeches.

Four speeches

Read each pitch aloud, or have a partner read them while you listen. MAYA, the paramedic: “I have treated people in bush communities for twelve years. The supplies include a medical kit, and I know how to use it. If someone is hurt on the journey, I can help immediately. I also train local volunteers, so the skills I share can keep helping after we land.” JACK, the radio technician: “The balloon’s radio is failing. I can repair it with the tools in my pack, and then we can call for weather updates and tell the community where we are. I built my first radio as a teenager. I know the repair is not guaranteed, but without communication this trip becomes much riskier.” LEILA, the young scientist: “I have spent three years studying how dryland plants survive heat. The community asked me to bring seeds and a simple growing guide. I can teach people how to protect the plants that hold the soil together. My work is useful, but it will take time to show results.” NOAH, the cook and organiser: “I have packed enough food for everyone and planned a route that avoids the worst of the storm. I have organised trips through remote country before. I can keep people calm and make sure supplies are shared fairly. I cannot repair the radio or treat injuries, but a careful plan can prevent trouble.”

Listen, weigh the evidence, and vote

Use the speeches as evidence. For the ranked ballot, choose three people to remain aboard and explain each choice. There is no single correct ranking: a strong vote gives reasons and refers to what a speaker actually said.

1.Which speaker offers a skill that could directly address the balloon’s failing radio?

Matilda
Chloe
Leila
Bodhi

2.Chloe says his repair is “not guaranteed”. What does this qualification show about the way he presents his argument?

3.True or false: Leila says her work will produce results immediately.

TrueFalse

4.Match each speaker with the contribution they offer. Use each contribution once.

Matilda
Chloe
Leila
Bodhi

Share knowledge about dryland plants
Treat injuries and train local volunteers
Plan the route and manage food supplies
Repair the radio and restore communication

5.Choose two speakers who could help the community in different ways. Name them and explain one important difference between their contributions.

6.Vote for three people to remain aboard. Give a reason for each choice, using a detail from that person’s speech. Your choices may differ from the example answer.

7.A listener says, “Bodhi should stay because good planning matters more than specialist skills.” Write one respectful response that recognises Bodhi’s strength and gives a reason for a different choice.

8.Which speaker’s pitch was most convincing to you? Identify one speaking choice that could make a pitch persuasive—such as a clear example, confident pace, or honest acknowledgement of a limitation—and explain how it could help a listener.