Grade 5 · Social Studies · Lesson 37

Class debate presentations

It is debate day. The prep is done, the rubric is taped to the front of the room, and your INDEX CARD is in your hand. Today you will walk the LIVE FORMAT - the order of speakers, the time blocks, what each phase sounds like, and how the audience earns its own respect score. The debate has FOUR phases per side: OPENING (2 min), EVIDENCE (3 min), REBUTTAL (2 min), and CLOSING (1 min). Watch the clock. Hit each phase. Stay respectful. The rubric scores everything you do at the podium - and everything you do while seated as audience.

What this lesson teaches

1Open a debate by stating your claim clearly within the 2-minute opening time limit
2Present 2-3 cited pieces of evidence and answer counter-arguments inside the rebuttal block
3Close the debate by restating your strongest reason and thanking the other side
4Score a debate using the four-criteria rubric while listening like a respectful audience

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