Intro to Competitive Debate G6-G8
Competitive debate curriculum for grades 6-8 teaching research, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills for NSDA debate events (Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, Policy).
NSDA Competition Ready
Master fundamental skills for Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, and Policy debate formats including 4-minute constructives and strategic rebuttals.
Core Debate Skills
Learn case writing, refutation techniques, cross-questioning strategies, flowing (note-taking), and persuasive closing speeches.
Real Debate Experience
Apply learned skills in actual debate rounds with peer judging, receive constructive feedback, and compete in multiple debate sessions.
Course Sessions
1 Session 1 - Debate Basics
Four Parts of Debate Mastery
Session 1 - Debate Basics
Four Parts of Debate Mastery
- Case: Building strong arguments
- Refutation: Responding to opponents
- The Closing Speech: Persuasive summaries
- Cross-questioning: Strategic inquiry
- Homework: Read Over Sample Cases
2 Session 2 - Introduction to Case Writing
Session 2 - Introduction to Case Writing
- Structure of an Argument
- Annotate Sample Cases
- Assign Sides to Topic
- Brainstorm and write cases
- Homework: Work on Cases
3 Session 3 - Case Writing Continued
Session 3 - Case Writing Continued
- Research and work on cases
- Work with peers and ask questions
- Homework: Work on Cases
4 Session 4 - Case Writing Continued
Session 4 - Case Writing Continued
- Read cases to class
- Peer/instructor editing
- Homework: Work on Cases
5 Session 5 - Introduction to Refutation
Session 5 - Introduction to Refutation
- Types of rebuttals
- Review sample blocks
- Practice rebuttal techniques
- Assign arguments to block
- Homework: Work on blocks
6 Session 6 - Refutation Continued
Session 6 - Refutation Continued
- Practice rebuttal delivery in front of class
- Peer/instructor comments
- Homework: Work on Blocks
7 Session 7 - Introduction to The Closing Speech
Session 7 - Introduction to The Closing Speech
- How does the closing speech work/why is it important
- How to give the closing speech
- Practice with the closing speech
- Homework: The Closing Speech Scenarios Worksheet
8 Session 8 - Introduction to Cross-questioning
Session 8 - Introduction to Cross-questioning
- How cross-questioning works
- Cross-questioning strategies/tricks
- Practice/activities with cross-questioning
- Homework: Watch cross-questioning videos & take notes
9 Session 9 - Flowing
Session 9 - Flowing
- What is flowing (note-taking system)
- How to flow effectively
- Practice flowing during debates
10 Session 10 - Putting it All Together
Session 10 - Putting it All Together
- Work on materials
- Practicing speeches for debates
- Homework: Practice!
11 Session 11 - Preparing for Real Debates
Session 11 - Preparing for Real Debates
- Work on materials
- Practicing speeches for debates
- Homework: Practice!
12 Session 12 - First Debate Round
Session 12 - First Debate Round
- Two competitors at a time, other students will act as judges
- Homework: Review debate/think about strengths and weaknesses
13 Session 13 - Review and Prepare for Second Debate
Session 13 - Review and Prepare for Second Debate
- Announcement of winners for debates
- Judge comments for debate
- Prepare for Second Debate
- Homework: Practice!
14 Session 14 - Second Debate Round
Session 14 - Second Debate Round
- Two competitors at a time, other students will act as judges
- Homework: Review debate/think about strengths and weaknesses
15 Session 15 - Final Review
Session 15 - Final Review
- Announcement of winners for debates
- Judge comments for debate
- Homework: Reflections
Introduction to Competitive Debate (Grade 6-8)
This curriculum teaches students the fundamental research, writing, public speaking, and critical thinking skills necessary to compete in the three main NSDA debate events (Public Forum, Lincoln Douglas, Policy).
Debate Format
The class is based on the following debate format to introduce students to the four core parts of any debate event:
- 4 Minute Constructives
- 3 Minute Cross-questioning period
- 4 Minute Rebuttals
- 3 Minute Cross-questioning period
- 3 Minute Closing Speeches
- 5 Mins Prep Time
Ideal for a class of 4, 6, or 8 students