49 ESL Conversation Games & Activities - Jackie Bolen 2020

5 Minute Debate
English conversation games and activities for higher level students

Skills: Speaking/Listening

Time: 10 minutes

Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Materials Required: Nothing

Give students an age-appropriate controversial statement. If you are knowledgeable about pop culture, start with, “so and so is the best X (singer, soccer player, whatever),” if students are too young for truly controversial topics. In pairs or small groups, have them debate the sides. It may have be necessary to assign sides, if too many agree or disagree with the premise.

A simple way to see who disagrees and agrees is to say the statement and then ask students who agree to raise their hands. If the numbers are about equal, ask those students to stand up

and find someone who is sitting down to talk to. If the numbers are not equal, assign roles to argue from.

Consider scaffolding with language like, “I think ... because ... .” “I agree with X, but ... .

Teaching Tip:

To make this even more student-centered, consider having students come up with the controversial statements themselves. Put students into pairs or groups or three and ask them to come up with 2-3 of them. I do more than one because inevitably there will be some repeats among groups. Then, continue the activity as described.

Procedure:

1. Divide students into pairs or small groups.

2. Give students a controversial statement. Something in the news recently may make a nice option.

3. Give students a time limit to discuss the merits of their side, trying to change the mind of their “opponent”.

4. If necessary, begin with some helpful language, such as, “I feel ... because ... .“

5. Finish with a quick poll to see if anyone changed their mind on the topic.