Resource 3: Structure of debating speeches

Background information / subject knowledge for teacher

Explanation of a motion

In parliament, or on important committees, when the members are making decisions, someone may introduce a motion to debate. A motion is a statement about something that needs to be done or discussed. A debate explores all sides of the argument. For example, if a member of parliament stands up and says: ‘I move that capital punishment be abolished,’ this idea is discussed formally and a decision is reached, which results in the desired action being carried out or not.

The following motions are examples of issues you could use in schools. You may have to adapt these depending on the size of your class and the age of your pupils.

Parents should not use corporal punishment to discipline children.

What we learn at home and in the community is more important than what we learn at school.

a) Supporting the motion

State the motion: I move OR I support the motion that all ‘out-of-school’ youngsters, isolated because of barriers to learning, should be brought to school.

Define your terms. In this case, you will need to say what you mean by ‘out-of-school’ youngsters, and barriers to learning. (This need only be done by the first speaker.)

Give your reasons in support of the motion: e.g. My first reason for supporting this motion is …

Secondly, …

Thirdly, …

Sum up your reasons for supporting the motion: In summary, OR To sum up, …

Restate the motion: I therefore repeat OR I therefore urge you all to support the motion that ….

b) Opposing the motion

State your opposition to the motion: I oppose the motion that … OR I support those who oppose the motion that …

Define your terms. In this case, you will need to say what you mean by ‘out-of-school’ youngsters, and barriers to learning. (This need only be done by the first speaker.) All those involved need to agree on their definition of terms.

Give your reasons for opposing the motion: e.g. My first reason for opposing this motion is …

Secondly, …

Thirdly, …

Sum up your reasons for opposing the motion: In summary, OR To sum up, …

Restate your opposition to the motion: I therefore repeat OR I therefore urge you all NOT to support the motion that …

Resource 2: Games that promote understanding of physical disability

Resource 4: Rules and procedures for debating