Let’s have a debate

Preparation for debates – 35 minutes 

The trainer divides the participants into four groups. This can be done by keeping the groups from the previous activity. This helps with teamwork as they have worked together once. 

The task of two of the groups is to prepare a debate on the topic “For and against the Green Deal“. 

The other two groups will prepare a debate on “Should the EU help non-EU countries fight climate change or not?“ 

The debate topics and pro or against thesis will be randomly assigned to each group, by asking a member of each group to pick from a box a folded piece of paper containing a topic-thesis combination. 

In this way, the participants will have the opportunity to discuss and defend a position, which for some of them could be different from their view. This will encourage them to look for data and opinions for and against the respective topic. 

Each group will have 30 minutes to prepare. 

After the preparation, each group should announce two participants in the debate. 

The trainer determines the moderator of the debate or he/she can assume this role. 

The trainer warns that the debate time is 16 minutes for each topic, with the same discussion time available to each side. 

For each of the two debates: 

1. The moderator introduces the topic and both participants; 
2. Then he/she determines which side will speak first using the “rock, scissors, leaf” principle. 
3. Determines the time for one speech – 8 minutes is recommended 

In case the listeners react violently, the moderator invites them to be quiet and attentive. 

Each of the two debaters stands behind their table. 

The moderator gives the floor to the speakers in turn according to the established rules. 

• The first debate takes place: “For and against the Green Deal” for 16 minutes circa, including Q&A. 
• The second debate takes place “Should the EU help non-EU countries fight climate change” for 16 minutes circa, including Q&A. 

During each debate, listeners can encourage and approve of the debaters or express their disapproval of what they hear (always avoiding offensive words and gestures). 

After each debate, other participants can ask questions. At the end, the moderator asks the participants to determine the winner of the debate by clapping. The one who was more convincing is also determined by the strength of the applause. 

The total time for the two debates and the discussion is 40 minutes.

Finally, the trainer facilitates a group discussion where participants share their experiences, challenges and what they have learned. 

Finally, the trainer asks everyone to vote: 

• “for” and “against” the Green Deal.

• “for” and “against” Should the EU help non-EU countries in their fight against climate change.