Dragons and wizards are everywhere nowadays, from popular books to TV shows to movies (and books that become TV shows and movies…). Their mystical powers have long captured our imaginations begging the question, which is the more powerful? This debate activity seeks to settle the score. This explosive debate will build students’ critical thinking and public speaking skills.
In the classroom, this activity begins with dividing students into even teams, ideally of four, though groups of three can also work with some adjustments. Half of the class is tasked with defending Wizards, while the other half advocates for Dragons. Students are provided with a debate template and a “fact sheet” to structure their arguments, with the rule that no outside evidence is allowed. This ensures that the debate is low-prep, but it also facilitates sound rebuttals later as all the students are working with the same information. The preparation phase lasts about ten minutes, during which students work together to develop their arguments, writing and refining their points using the provided templates.
The debate itself is structured in a point-counterpoint format. Each student has two opportunities to speak: once to present their argument and once to offer a rebuttal. The first speaker for Wizards presents their case, followed by a rebuttal from the first speaker for Dragons. This pattern continues, with each student delivering a one-minute argument or rebuttal in turn. There is no additional preparation time between rounds, keeping the energy fiery and the students on their toes.
Grading is based on the quality of the arguments using a detailed rubric, with no declared winners or losers. This approach encourages creativity, teamwork, and the development of public speaking skills. I hope you set your students’ minds ablaze with this magical debate activity!
