Debate Skills Curriculum Unit | 3 Weeks | Gr 6-10
Get 20% off when you apply a valid affiliate code.
Secure checkout · Instant download · No refunds
Sign in required
Secure checkout. Instant download after purchase.
Quick overview
The **Debate Skills Curriculum Unit** is a structured, ready-to-teach **3-week debate unit for Grades 6–10** that develops students’ ability to build arguments, use credible evidence, respond to opposing viewpoints, and communicate ideas clearly and respectfully.
Through scaffolded lessons on **claims, evidence, CER argument writing, counterarguments, rebuttals, rhetoric, research, speech delivery, and civil discourse**, students progressively move from understanding the fundamentals of argumentation to participating in a **formal classroom debate**.
Ideal for **Middle School and High School ELA, Speech & Debate, AVID, critical thinking electives, mock trial preparation, and argument writing instruction**, the unit supports key **critical thinking, argumentative writing, speaking and listening, evidence-based reasoning, and academic discussion skills** emphasized in college- and career-ready ELA standards.
Product description
⚖️ **Transform your students from passive listeners into confident, articulate debaters in just 3 weeks!** ⚖️
Are your students struggling to back up their claims with solid evidence? Do they shut down during class discussions, or worse, resort to arguing instead of debating?
The **Debate Skills Curriculum Unit** is a comprehensive, **15-lesson, step-by-step unit** that takes students from zero debate knowledge to executing a full formal debate. Aligned specifically for **Grades 6–10**, this unit explicitly teaches the architecture of a strong argument, the structure of a rebuttal, and the delivery skills needed to persuade an audience.
🌟 **WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS UNIT:**
✅ **No Prep Required:** 15 detailed, 45-minute lesson plans ready to print and teach. ✅ **Scaffolded Approach:** Starts with the basics (claims vs. facts) and builds up to complex rebuttals and live debates. ✅ **Explicit Frameworks:** Teaches the **CER Framework** for arguments and the **4-Step “They Say, I Say” framework** for rebuttals—giving students clear structures to practice. ✅ **Engaging Content:** Includes low-stakes hooks such as “Hot dogs = sandwiches?” to engage students before moving to academic topics. ✅ **All Supplements Included:** Graphic organizers, checklists, and score sheets are included.
📜 **WHAT’S EXACTLY INSIDE:**
### **3-Week Pacing Guide**
**Week 1: Foundations of Argument** — Civil Discourse, Claims, Evidence, CER **Week 2: Refutation & Presentation** — 4-Step Rebuttals, Steel-Manning, Ethos/Pathos/Logos, Signposting, Delivery **Week 3: The Formal Debate** — Topic Selection, Preparation, Rehearsal, 2 Days of Live Debates, Reflection
### **15 Detailed Lesson Plans**
**Lesson 1:** Introduction to Civil Discourse & Debate **Lesson 2:** Crafting a Strong Claim **Lesson 3:** Sourcing & Evaluating Evidence **Lesson 4:** The CER Framework (Claim, Evidence, Reasoning) **Lesson 5:** Building a Complete Argument **Lesson 6:** Introduction to Rebuttal & Counter-arguments **Lesson 7:** Researching the Opposition (Steel-Manning) **Lesson 8:** Rhetoric: Ethos, Pathos, Logos **Lesson 9:** Speech Structure & Signposting **Lesson 10:** Vocal Delivery & Body Language **Lesson 11:** Topic Selection & Team Research **Lesson 12:** Drafting Arguments & Rebuttals **Lesson 13:** Rehearsal & Peer Feedback **Lesson 14:** Formal Debate Day 1 **Lesson 15:** Formal Debate Day 2 & Unit Reflection
### **Premium Supplemental Documents**
**Argument Structure Graphic Organizer** — Guides students through Hooks, Roadmaps, and CER. **Debate Prep Worksheet** — Helps teams outline their case and anticipate the opposition. **Speech Delivery Checklist** — Peer-evaluation tool for eye contact, pacing, and tone. **Judge Score Sheet** — Ready-to-use rubric for Argument, Rebuttal, Presentation, and Civil Discourse. **Topic Suggestion Bank** — Age-appropriate, researchable topics for Grades 6–10.
🎯 **PERFECT FOR:**
Middle School ELA (Grades 6–8) High School ELA / Speech & Debate (Grades 9–10) AVID or Critical Thinking Electives Mock Trial or Student Government Prep
🛑 **Copyright © UM Printables.** This resource is for single-classroom use only. Please purchase additional licenses if sharing with other teachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grades is this curriculum designed for?
The unit is designed specifically for **Grades 6–10**, including middle school and early high school learners.
How many lessons are included?
The curriculum includes **15 detailed, 45-minute lessons** organized into a 3-week pacing guide.
What debate skills are taught?
Students learn **claims, evidence, CER arguments, rebuttals, counter-arguments, Steel-Manning, ethos/pathos/logos, signposting, speech delivery, and civil discourse**.
Does the unit include materials for the final debate?
Yes. It includes **topic suggestions, debate preparation materials, speech delivery checklists, a judge score sheet, rehearsal activities, and two formal debate days**.
Are supplemental student materials included?
Yes. The unit includes an **Argument Structure Graphic Organizer, Debate Prep Worksheet, Speech Delivery Checklist, Judge Score Sheet, and Topic Suggestion Bank**.
Teachers also viewed
Student Self-Monitoring Behaviour Toolkit | Goal Cards, Rating Scales Gr 2-8
Calm-Down Corner Complete Setup Kit | Feeling Posters Gr K-5
Behaviour Intervention Data Collection Bundle | Frequency & Duration Gr K-12
