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Lesson Plan Title
Manner, Matter, and Method
Lesson Plan
Title: Developing Effective Debaters: Exploring Manner, Matter, and Method
Grade Level: 7th and 8th Grade Subject: Debate
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the concepts of Manner (delivery and style), Matter
(content and argumentation), and Method (structure and organization) in
debate.
2. Learn effective strategies to improve Manner, Matter, and Method in
their own debates.
3. Enhance critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills through
engaging hands-on activities.
Duration: 2-3 class periods
Procedure:
I. Introduction (15 minutes) A. Engage students by asking them to share
their opinions on a given topic, encouraging a brief debate-like discussion.
B. Introduce the concept of debate and explain its significance in
developing critical thinking and communication skills. C. Present the
learning objectives and explain the three key elements of debate: Manner,
Matter, and Method.
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II. Manner (40 minutes) A. Explain the importance of delivery and style in a
debate, emphasizing the impact it can have on the audience. B. Provide
examples of effective and ineffective delivery styles. C. Engage students in
a fun activity called "Debate Rap Battle," where they form teams and
create rhyming debates on a given topic. Each team must focus on
delivering their arguments with style and clarity. D. Facilitate a class
discussion about the importance of delivery in persuasion, linking it to the
concept of Manner. E. Assign a short homework task where students need
to watch a debate video and analyze the delivery styles of the participants.
III. Matter (50 minutes) A. Discuss the significance of content and
argumentation in a debate. B. Introduce logical fallacies and provide
examples for students to identify in everyday life. C. Divide students into
pairs and assign them different topics to debate. Each pair will have to
research and prepare arguments for both sides of the topic, focusing on the
quality of their arguments. D. Conduct a debate tournament where pairs
face off against each other using the arguments they have prepared.
Encourage students to critically analyze the quality of their arguments and
identify logical fallacies. E. Reflect as a class on the importance of well-
researched and supported arguments, connecting it to the concept of
Matter.
IV. Method (60 minutes) A. Explain the role of structure and organization in
a debate, emphasizing the need for a clear and logical flow of ideas. B.
Provide students with a template for organizing their debates, including an
introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. C. Model the use of the
template by conducting a mock debate with a student volunteer on a
relevant topic. D. Divide the class into small groups and assign each group
a different topic. In their groups, students must collaboratively plan and
structure a debate using the provided template. E. Conduct a debate
showcase where each group presents their structured debates, focusing on
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the clarity and organization of their arguments. F. Conduct a class
discussion about the importance of structure and organization in
maintaining a persuasive flow of ideas, connecting it to the concept of
Method.
V. Conclusion (10 minutes) A. Recap the main concepts of Manner, Matter,
and Method and their importance in effective debating. B. Allow students
to reflect on their personal growth during the lesson and discuss how they
can apply these skills in real-life situations. C. Encourage students to
continue practicing and honing their debate skills beyond the classroom.
Assessment:
1. Observations of student participation and engagement during activities.
2. Evaluation of student-debate performance based on effective use of
Manner, Matter, and Method.
3. Analysis of student reflections on personal growth and application of
debate skills.
Note: Throughout the lesson, provide continuous feedback and guidance to
students to foster their development of Manner, Matter, and Method.
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