7 metodika indd

Step VI
Revise  how  to  give  an  opinion,  if  necessary,  and  how  to  agree/disagree.  If 
necessary, write the phrases on the blackboard. 
e.g. I think that........
Sorry, I don’t agree. We know that..... so .....
It’s true that....... but .........
Step VII
Ask pupils to arrange the classroom with the “Fors” opposite the “Againsts” and 
the chairman in the middle. Give each person except the chairman a small piece of 
paper. When a pupil speaks, s/he puts the paper in a box. Every pupil must get rid of 
the paper, no pupil can speak if s/he has used her paper. This ensures that all pupils 
take part and no pupil dominates.
Explain that you will not take part in the debate. The chairperson is in charge and 
pupils must do what he/she says. Explain that at the end of the debate the chairperson 
will ask everyone to vote. At that point they may vote according to their own ideas, 
not according to their role in the debate.
Step VIII
Ask the chairman to begin the debate by reading from the paper you have given 
him/her. Do not interrupt the debate, try to sit in an inconspicuous place and note 
down any repeated mistakes pupils make, any particularly good things they say, any 
things they want to say but can’t/or say in mother tongue. You will need these notes 
for feedback at the end of the debate.
Make  sure  that  after  the  given  minutes  the  chairperson  ends  the  debate  and 
organises the vote.
Step IX
After the vote bring the debate to a close. Let pupils return to their proper seats. 
Then ask them for feedback on the activity. You could ask:
Did you enjoy the debate?
Why?/Why not?
Then you can tell them your feedback on their performance.

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