1. Who does the speaker welcome to the debate in the opening paragraph? 2. Is the speaker proposing or opposing the motion? 3. List the three main points the speaker says she will address. 4. What statistical evidence does the speaker put forward? 5. Identify the rhetorical question the speaker asks in this speech.
Explore
1. Do you believe the rhetorical question in this speech was effective? Give two reasons for your answer.
2. What features of a debate can you identify in this speech? Work with a partner to list all of the features you can fi nd. Include an example of each feature you identify.
Investigate Can you fi nd any facts or statistics that would oppose Lucy’s argument? Create
1. Work in groups to write the opposing speech for the motion: This house believes that written homework should be banned. Choose a member of your group to deliver it to your class.
2. (a) Write a speech proposing or opposing the following motion in the space provided on pages 14–15 of your Portfolio: This house believes that social media should be banned. Remember to research some facts and fi gures to help strengthen your argument.
(b) Time yourself reading your speech aloud. Your speech should be two minutes long. Edit or add to your speech in order to meet the two-minute requirement.
(c) Deliver your speech to your class.
3. Split the class in half. The left side is the proposition and the right side is the opposition. Write a debate speech for the following motion: This house believes that secondary school classes should continue during the summer months. When you have written your speeches, carry out a class debate on this motion.
