Should Wild Animals Be Kept in Zoos? — A Pair Debate

1.

ONGOING SPEAKING ASSESSMENT
Should wild animals
be kept in zoos?
A short debate in pairs
Two arguments each · One response each · One conclusion each

2.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN
02
Your roles and the task
STUDENT A / FOR
STUDENT B / AGAINST
Wild animals should be kept in
zoos.
Wild animals should not be kept
in zoos.
Use Exercise A. Explain your ideas and respond to your partner.
You may use notes, but do not read a full script.
Preparation: 5 min
Debate: 3–4 min
Reflection: 1 min

3.

STEP 1 · 3 MINUTES
Choose two arguments
Find two statements in Exercise A that support your assigned position.
1
Argument 1: add a short explanation or example.
2
Argument 2: add a short explanation or example.
Aim for two different reasons, rather than repeating the same idea.
03

4.

STEP 2 · 2 MINUTES
04
Prepare one response
Predict one point your partner might make.
My partner might say: _________________________________
I could respond:
_________________________________
USEFUL PHRASES
“I agree that …, but …” “I see your point. However, …”
“That may be true, but we should also consider …”

5.

STEP 3 · 3–4 MINUTES
05
Debate with your partner
1
FOR
State your opinion and first argument.
2
AGAINST
Respond and give your first argument.
3
BOTH
Take turns with your second arguments and responses.
4
BOTH
Finish with a one-sentence conclusion.
Start: “In my opinion … because …” Listen without interrupting.

6.

STEP 4 · 1 MINUTE
Quick reflection
Complete both sentences after your debate.
My strongest argument was …
Next time, I will improve …
06

7.

8 POINTS TOTAL
07
Teacher observation checklist
Two relevant arguments with explanations
0–2
Response to the partner’s argument
0–2
Clear speech and suitable debate phrases
0–2
Turn-taking and respectful listening
0–2
Feedback: One thing you did well: __________ One thing to practise: __________
Observe pairs while they debate at the same time.