Free 9th Grade Write Rebuttal Speeches Lesson Plan (Debate)

Topic:Writing Rebuttal Speeches

Objectives & Outcomes

• Students will be able to write a persuasive rebuttal speech in which they respond to an argument or criticism with counter-arguments and evidence.

Materials

• Text on a controversial topic
• PowerPoint presentation with the controversial argument or criticism
• Handout with guidelines for writing a rebuttal speech

Warm-up

• Ask students to brainstorm what makes a good argument. Write their responses on the board.
• Explain that a rebuttal speech is a response to an argument or criticism, in which the speaker presents counter-arguments and evidence in support of their position.

Direct Instruction

• Introduce the concept of a rebuttal speech and explain its purpose: to respond to and counter the arguments presented by the opposing side.
• Explain the structure of a rebuttal speech, including the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
• Share examples of rebuttal speeches and have students analyze them for their structure and content.

Guided Practice

• Divide the class into pairs and give each pair a set of arguments that support a position contrary to their own.
• Have students work together to draft a rebuttal speech, using the structure and techniques discussed in class.
• Encourage students to use persuasive techniques such as fact-based arguments, credible sources, and logical reasoning.
• Have students share their rebuttal speeches with the class for feedback and analysis.

Independent Practice

• Have students choose a topic of their own and find arguments supporting competing positions on the internet.
• Have students draft a rebuttal speech, using the structure and techniques discussed in class.
• Encourage students to use persuasive techniques such as fact-based arguments, credible sources, and logical reasoning.
• Have students share their rebuttal speeches with the class for feedback and analysis.

Closure

• Review the key take-aways from the lesson, including the importance of using persuasive techniques in a rebuttal speech and how to draft a rebuttal speech using the structure discussed in class.
• Discuss any challenges or successes students experienced during the independent practice assignment.

Assessment

• To assess students' understanding of the material, have students complete a quiz or written test that includes questions on the structure and purpose of a rebuttal speech, as well as persuasive techniques that can be used. Alternatively, have students deliver their independent practice speeches and provide feedback on their use of persuasive techniques and overall effectiveness.