Scoreboard Debate

Materials:


 * Cards with a topic on one side and their point-value on the other side.


 * List of expressions/grammar points/speaking details that score points.

Instructions:


 * Separate students into at least two groups, so they can compete. Display to students the point-value for different speaking actions that score points. For instance, using some of the target vocabulary may award 50 points, while making a solid argument with support may award 100 points. The teacher decides the scoring and what gets scored. Every round of debating has one group choose one of the cards with a score (they don't know the topic of the card, only the score). The score determines the difficulty, or seriousness of the topic. Once the topic is unveiled, the group that chose it goes first and they have some time to come up with an initial argument. The competing group (or groups) makes their argument or counter-argument next. Both speaking turns are scored and the group with the highest score adds the point-value of the topic's card.

Example:


 * Group 1 starts and chooses a card with the score of 200. The topic of the card is 'Teenagers should work while studying.' The first group takes some time to make an argument and a member of the group delivers it. He uses two target expressions (50 each), makes a solid argument supported by evidence (100) and speaks without pause or hesitation (50). His group scores 250. The second group takes some time to make a counter-argument. A student from group 2 delivers the counter-argument with some pauses and fillers, only uses one expression (50), but makes a good counter-point (100). The second group scores 200 points, therefore losing the round. The first group then adds the original value of the topic card (200) to their score. The final tally being 450 to 200.


 * Sample Board: