This worksheet guides students through a silent debate, where they engage in written argumentation instead of speaking. Working in pairs, students present their stance, respond to opposing viewpoints, and construct counterarguments. The activity enhances critical thinking, persuasive writing, and structured reasoning. A peer evaluation phase helps students identify strong arguments, while self-assessment prompts them to reflect on the quality of their reasoning and counterarguments. Template link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGgqafyB6A/qYI0DHaDqz2GMZLhmGMQ7A/view?utm_content=DAGgqafyB6A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Public view link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGgqafyB6A/0APkOJGw_tOBb9eBqDz_sw/view?utm_content=DAGgqafyB6A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2550695140

Learning Outcomes: • to compare and contrast different viewpoints in a written debate, identifying key arguments and counterarguments • to assess the strength of their partner’s arguments and provide reasoned counterpoints • to construct well-organized written responses that support their stance with logical reasoning and evidence Objectives • developing critical thinking skills by engaging in structured written debates. • improving argumentation skills by responding to opposing viewpoints with logical reasoning. Steps: 1. introduction – explaining the concept of a silent debate and its rules and assigning debate topics (working in pairs) 2. writing round 1 – each student writes their initial argument in response to the prompt 3. exchange & respond – students swap papers and read their partner’s argument and write a counterargument addressing key points 4. counter-response – students write a second response defending their position or challenging their partner’s counterargument 5. final rebuttal – students write a concluding statement, summarizing their strongest points 6. reflection & discussion – students review their exchanges, reflect on their reasoning, and discuss key insights as a class Assessment Phase 1: peer assessment • Students take another pair’s worksheet and analyze their debate. • They circle the three strongest arguments, regardless of whether they are pro or con. • Based on their analysis, they decide the winner of the silent debate. Phase 2: Self-Assessment (Have I... - statements) 1. Have I provided strong arguments supported by examples? 2. Have I written solid counterarguments that effectively challenged my partner’s points? 3. Have I responded to my partner’s counterarguments with clear reasoning? Template link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGgqafyB6A/qYI0DHaDqz2GMZLhmGMQ7A/view?utm_content=DAGgqafyB6A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Public view link: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGgqafyB6A/0APkOJGw_tOBb9eBqDz_sw/view?utm_content=DAGgqafyB6A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h2550695140