Middle School Debate

Research, write, and persuade.

Debate daily, learn debating rules and etiquette, and craft arguments and rebuttals.

Students in this course express their viewpoints with clarity and confidence. They sharpen their reasoning, speak persuasively, and engage respectfully with opposing perspectives. With frequent practice debates and exercises, students grow into thoughtful, poised debaters.

Students study the structure of formal debates and learn how each team member contributes to a successful argument. They practice building affirmative cases, crafting rebuttals, taking organized notes, choosing precise language, and responding tactfully to opposing points. Through daily debate exercises, research activities, metaphor work, and presentations, they gain experience with evidence-based argumentation and persuasive speaking.

Families receive a video of the final debate students participate in. Students leave the course with stronger critical thinking skills, greater confidence in public speaking, and a deeper understanding of how to argue effectively and respectfully.