English·Speaking & Listening·procedural
Formal Debates
Participate in formal debates and structured discussions — presenting a position with supporting evidence, responding to others’ points, summarising and building on what has been said, and following rules of discussion
Suggested ages 12–14
Evidence of understanding
- Present an argument in a debate with a clear claim supported by evidence
- Respond to an opposing point by summarising it fairly before offering a counterargument
- Build on a previous speaker’s idea by extending, questioning, or challenging it constructively
Assessment prompt
Has Formal Debates taken part in a school debate where they had to argue a position with evidence, respond to the other side's points, and keep to the rules of formal discussion?
Standards alignment
KS3-ENG-SE-1cGB · uk-nc-2013
Participate in formal debates and structured discussions
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3