Debate
Prepare and facilitate a structured class debate on a relevant topic.
Prompt template
Prepare a class debate on: **Motion / Question:** [e.g. "Social media should be banned for under 16s."] **Subject:** [SUBJECT — English / Politics / Ethics / etc.] **Class:** [GRADE] **Format:** [Oxford Debate / Fishbowl / Pro-Con / Talk show format] **Duration:** [MINUTES] **Preparation:** [HOW MUCH PREPARATION TIME DO STUDENTS HAVE] Create: 1. **Research task** for both sides (Pro and Con) 2. **The 5 strongest arguments** per side 3. **Facilitation questions** (that deepen the debate) 4. **Assessment sheet** (argument quality / rhetoric / factual knowledge) 5. **Closing reflection** (What did the debate change?)
Replace placeholders in [square brackets]: [e.g. "Social media should be banned for under 16s."][SUBJECT — English / Politics / Ethics / etc.][GRADE][Oxford Debate / Fishbowl / Pro-Con / Talk show format][MINUTES][HOW MUCH PREPARATION TIME DO STUDENTS HAVE]
How to use this template
Copy the prompt, replace the placeholders in square brackets with your details and paste it into the AI assistant of your choice. The more precise your details, the better the result.
Tips for better results
- Randomly assign students to a side — it strengthens perspective-taking.
- A good argument has claim + reasoning + evidence.
- Write down debate rules and display them visibly.
Suitable open models
The selection names current open models as a starting point for your own tests. It is not a measurement for this template.
Keywords: #debate #argumentation #critical-thinking #rhetoric