Debate Worksheet: Points For and Against
Debater's tip (Agree or disagree?): Read the motion carefully, then ask: does this point make the motion more true or less true? For the motion = the proposition’s point. Against the motion = the opposition’s point. Before a debate, list three points for and three against — you will need to answer the other side.
NameDateTime takenScore ___ / 40
- 1.⚖️ The opposition argues… (a) for the motion (b) against the motion (c) about another topic
- 2.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” Which side does this point support? “Hot stoves and knives can be risky for young students.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 3.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Regular homework helps students practise what they learned.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 4.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” Which side does this point support? “It helps children help their families at home.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
- 5.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” Which side does this point support? “Children can already play sport after school.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
- 6.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” Which side does this point support? “Summer is too hot in many parts of India for classes.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
- 7.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” Which side does this point support? “The timetable is already full with core subjects.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
- 8.⚖️ The proposition argues… (a) against the motion (b) for the motion (c) about another topic
- 9.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” Which side does this point support? “A break from desks helps students focus better afterwards.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
- 10.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” True or false: the point “Hot stoves and knives can be risky for young students.” supports the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 11.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Students who are keen will still choose to practise at home.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 12.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “Many schools do not have a big enough playground.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 13.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” True or false: the point “Some students get bored after weeks with nothing to do.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 14.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Families could use evenings for hobbies and time together.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 15.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “Some children get no other chance to play sport.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 16.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” Which side does this point support? “Some children get no other chance to play sport.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 17.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Teachers use homework to see who needs extra help.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 18.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Optional homework would lower stress before exams.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 19.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” Which side does this point support? “Some students get bored after weeks with nothing to do.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
- 20.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” True or false: the point “Shorter holidays would spread lessons out and reduce the rush.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 21.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “Many schools do not have a big enough playground.” supports the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 22.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” Which side does this point support? “Daily exercise keeps children fit and healthy.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 23.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Homework builds the habit of working on your own.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 24.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “Children can already play sport after school.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 25.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “A long school day leaves no room for another period.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 26.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” Which point is AGAINST the motion? (a) kitchens cost a lot (b) cooking is a life skill (c) we learn healthy food
- 27.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Families could use evenings for hobbies and time together.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 28.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” Which side does this point support? “Many schools do not have a big enough playground.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 29.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Children need free time to play and rest after school.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 30.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” True or false: the point “Extra school days could be used for clubs and projects.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 31.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” True or false: the point “Summer is too hot in many parts of India for classes.” supports the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 32.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” True or false: the point “Cooking is a life skill everyone needs.” supports the motion. (a) True (b) False
- 33.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” Which side does this point support? “Children need a long rest to come back fresh.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 34.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” True or false: the point “Cooking is better learned at home with family.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 35.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “A long school day leaves no room for another period.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 36.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” True or false: the point “Long holidays give time to visit grandparents and relatives.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 37.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Regular homework helps students practise what they learned.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 38.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” Which side does this point support? “Holidays give time for hobbies, reading and camps.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
- 39.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Students who are keen will still choose to practise at home.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
- 40.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “A break from desks helps students focus better afterwards.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
Answer key
- against the motion
- against the motion
- against the motion
- for the motion
- against the motion
- against the motion
- against the motion
- for the motion
- for the motion
- False
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- for the motion
- True
- for the motion
- for the motion
- False
- False
- for the motion
- against the motion
- False
- True
- kitchens cost a lot
- for the motion
- against the motion
- False
- False
- False
- True
- against the motion
- False
- False
- True
- False
- against the motion
- True
- True
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