The Arts Unit Unit Creative Teachers

The basics of debating

What is debating?

Debating is a structured discussion between two opposing teams. The team deemed to have the most persuasive case wins the debate.

How does it work? 

Teams are given a topic. One team is assigned the affirmative side and they must agree with the topic. The other is assigned the negative side and they must disagree with the topic. 

The team who presents the most persuasive case is the winner. The winner is decided by a judge, called an adjudicator. 

In NSW school competitions, there are four people per team, each with their own specific role. You can learn more about these roles below.

Please note that most of the videos below are from primary or secondary Creative Classes or Art Bites (videos made for students). 

They explain concepts in simple terms and some strategies are not as applicable for high school students who generally debate in a more sophisticated manner. They are, however, useful for establishing a solid foundation that can be built upon. It is also useful to understand the basic terminology and concepts used in debating.

The 3 m's of debating and the role of each speaker

The 3 m's of debating

The most important element of debating is matter. Of course, if the speaker is too quiet (an aspect of manner), then the adjudicator can't hear their arguments, and if the structure of the debate (method) is haphazard, it is difficult to follow the team's argument. However, matter matters most!

The role of each speaker

In NSW public school debates, there are 4 members on each team. Each member has a different part to play in the debate. 

Watch the video to learn about the different roles, then visit the foundation skills page of this website to view speaker templates and activities.

The basic rules of a debate and the roles of each speaker 

Duration: 13:00

Note: This video is from a lesson called Roles and rules of debating, which you can complete with your students. It is designed for students in Stage 3 but may also be applicable to junior students who are new to debating.

Developing speaking skills

Manner

Keep in mind that the most important element of debating is 'matter', meaning the content of the debate. The main focus of training should be on learning to develop persuasive arguments and rebuttals. 

That said, it is also important that students feel comfortable speaking in front of an audience. This generally improves with experience. You might like to start your training sessions with a warm-up activity that encourages students to practise their speaking skills (specifically, their impromptu speaking skills). 

Tips for improving your manner 

Duration: 14:38

Note: This video is from a lesson called Best manners, which includes a number of activities that you can try with your students. The lesson is designed for students in Stages 3 and 4 but may provide useful ideas for older students as well.

Defining the topic

Context and definitions

The first affirmative speaker gives the definition in the debate and (generally) the first negative speaker will agree with the definition. The first affirmative speaker also gives 'context' which introduces or opens the debate.

Learn more about this by watching the video.

Giving context and defining the topic in a primary debate 

Duration: 02:38

Note: This video is part of a step-by-step lesson called Discovering definitions, designed for students in Stage 3 but may also be relevant to students who are completely new to debating.

Definitions in debating 

It is important that students learn how to define the topic in a debate. It should not be a dictionary definition. 

In debating, a definition sets the scene. The affirmative team determines the parameters of the debate topic that will be discussed. 

Students need to consider:

Learn more about this by watching the video.

Defining a high school debating topic – Hugh Bartley

Duration: 7:05

Topic: 'That the casts of Australian films and television shows should be required to reflect the racial diversity of the population'. 

Note: This video is from the Art Bites series called Defining a high school debating topic. In this series of videos, experienced debaters demonstrate how to define a secondary debating topic.

Writing arguments

PEEL

There are lots of ways students can approach writing arguments, but one of the most simple strategies to teach is PEEL.

PEEL stands for:

PEEL helps students elaborate with structure and confidence. It also helps when presenting an impromptu argument. 

As students become more experienced debaters, they are encouraged to use more sophisticated techniques to present persuasive arguments.

Using PEEL to write an argument for a debate

Duration: 10:59

Note: This video is from a step-by-step lesson called Crafting persuasive arguments, designed for students in Stage 3 but may also be relevant to students who are completely new to debating.

Writing rebuttal

How to write a rebuttal

A debate cannot be won on arguments alone. It is important that students engage with each other and attempt to rebut points made by the opposing team. 

There is no one 'correct' way to write a rebuttal, but this structure is easy to remember and is effective for beginning debaters.

How to write a fantastic rebuttal in a primary debate 

Duration: 10:36

Note: This video is from a step-by-step lesson called That's debatable!, designed for students in Stage 3 but may also be relevant to students who are completely new to debating.

As students become more confident and experienced debaters they should consider trying techniques such as thematic rebuttal.

Preparing for a debate

Debate preparation

Many debating competitions (such as the Premier's Debating Challenge) allow students one hour of preparation time after they receive the topic. Regardless of the time you have to prepare a debate, this video will step you through how to break down the topic and prepare your team's case. 

The following video will take you through each step of preparation.

Time breakdown

Summary of time spent preparing: brainstorm (5 mins), download (5 min), set up (5 min), case (25 min), writing (15 min), final regroup (5 min)

Preparing your case 

Duration: 31:02

Note: This video has been turned into a step-by-step interactive lesson called Ready, prep, debate!, designed for students in Stages 3 and 4. It may also be relevant and useful for older students who are unsure about how to best use their preparation time.

If you have any questions about debating, please get in contact by emailing debating@det.nsw.edu.au. 

For more information about debating at The Arts Unit, visit our website.