Name:
Date:
My topic:
How to use this worksheet. Welcome to your very first debate worksheet! A debate is just a friendly way to share ideas. You are getting ready — picking your side and finding your first reasons. Take it one part at a time.
- Part 1 explains what a debate is. Read it together first — there is nothing to fill in there.
- In the working parts, answer on the lines. There are no wrong answers — this is about your ideas.
- Every working part has a Clarify hint. Try the part first; read the hint if you get stuck. It gives you a strategy, never the words to copy.
PART 1
Understanding Debate Basics
Read this together before you start. It explains what a debate is and why we do it.
What is a debate?
- A debate is a structured way for people to talk about different ideas.
- Two sides present reasons why they think their idea is best.
Key Rule: we listen respectfully, use kind words, and take turns speaking.
Why debate ideas you don't agree with?
- It helps us learn new things.
- It helps us understand different viewpoints.
- It helps us practice making strong arguments for any idea.
PART 2
Our Debate Topic & My Side
First, write down the topic. Then choose the side you will argue for.
1.Our main topic for debate is:
2.Am I arguing YES or NO for this topic? My side is:
Circle one: YES | NO
Clarify — Your "side" is just YES or NO — that's the whole choice for now. You'll build the reasons next, so don't worry about explaining yet. Pick the side that feels right to you.
PART 3
My First Ideas & Beginning My Research
Time to think like an Idea Detective! Write down the first reasons that pop into your head.
3.What are some initial reasons why you think your side is a good idea? (Just 1 or 2 that come to mind first)
Clarify — These are just first thoughts — no research needed yet. Write what you already believe. If a reason feels true to you, it belongs on a line.
PART 4
Where Will I Find My Facts?
A good detective knows where to look. Check every place you could use to find facts.
Books
Simple articles or handouts
Pre-selected websites (like Kiddle or KidRex)
Asking a teacher or expert
Pictures or videos related to the topic
My own idea:
Clarify — You can check more than one box — good facts come from lots of places. Start with the one that feels easiest to reach, like a book you already have or a website your teacher trusts.
PART 5
My First Supporting Arguments
As you start research, write down the first facts you find that support your side.
4.As you start research, what are 1 or 2 simple supporting arguments or facts you found for your side?
Argument #1
My argument or fact:
Where did I find this argument? (e.g., "In the book," "On the website")
Argument #2
My argument or fact:
Where did I find this argument? (e.g., "In the book," "On the website")
Clarify — Always write WHERE you found it. A fact is stronger when you can say where it came from — that shows other people your idea is real.
💡 Tips for You: Being a Great Idea Detective
- Say it out loud first. If a reason is hard to write, tell it to your mentor. Then write down what you said.
- One reason at a time. You don't need every idea today — even one strong reason is a great start.
- Keep your notes. You will use these first ideas and facts again in Worksheet 2, so don't lose this page!
Reflection
Which part was the easiest for you? Which was the hardest? Name one thing you feel excited to learn more about for your debate.
FOR MENTOR USE — STUDY THIS TOGETHER
Mentor Guide
How to start the debate unit with your student
1. What this worksheet builds
This is the launch of a 4-part debate unit. It gets the student to do three things: pick a side (YES or NO), name their first reasons for that side, and identify where to find facts. The goal is confidence and a starting point — not a finished argument. Celebrate the first idea, however small.
2. Run it with gradual release: I do → we do → you do
- I do: Read Part 1 aloud and model choosing a side out loud, so the student hears how you decide.
- We do: Fill in the topic and side (Part 2) together, then brainstorm first reasons (Part 3) side by side.
- You do: Let the student pick where to look for facts (Part 4) and record a first argument (Part 5) on their own.
3. Using the Clarify hints
Let the student attempt each working part first; read the Clarify box only if they stall. The hints coach strategy ("your side is just YES or NO," "write where you found it"), never the content. Over time, ask the student to say the hint back to you before they read it — that is the skill becoming their own.
4. Supporting the work
- Accept oral ideas first, then have the student write them — speaking removes the blank-page freeze.
- Keep it low-pressure. There are no wrong sides and no wrong reasons here. This stage is about getting started, not being right.
- Model being an "idea detective." Wonder out loud — "Where could we find out if that's true?" — so hunting for facts feels like a game, not a chore.
5. What comes next
Worksheet 2 builds the main reasons for the student's side and introduces the other side's point of view. Keep this page — the topic, side, first reasons, and sources chosen here become the raw material for that next step.