Evidence-Based Arguments & Respectful Debate
🌿 Whakataukī (Māori Proverb)
"Ko te kōrero te kai a te rangatira."
Meaning: Communication is the food of leaders.
But leadership kōrero is not “loud” — it is clear, evidence-based, and mana-enhancing for everyone in the room.
🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Structure an argument using claim + reasons + evidence + reasoning
- Identify assumptions and weak evidence
- Respond to counterarguments without disrespect
- Spot common logical fallacies in heated debates
- Use tikanga-based discussion norms (manaakitanga, listening, clarity)
📋 NZ Curriculum Alignment
English (L5): Create texts to persuade, justify, and argue using a range of language features.
Social Studies (L5-6): Use evidence to examine issues and participate in decision-making.
Key Competencies: Thinking; Relating to others; Using language, symbols, and texts.
🔥 Starter: Hot Take or Evidence? (10 mins)
As a class, sort statements into: Hot Take, Opinion with reasons, or Evidence-based claim.
Example A
“Schools should ban phones because they ruin learning.”
Example B
“Phone-free classes improve attention — our class off-task rate dropped when we trialled it.”
Example C
“Phones are fine — people who complain are just old.”
Challenge: What evidence would strengthen the weak statements?
🧱 Explore: What Makes an Argument Strong?
CER / PEEL Quick Guide
- Claim / Point: What are you saying?
- Evidence / Example: What proves it?
- Reasoning / Explain: How does the evidence support the claim?
- Link: Connect back to the question and values.
Reminder: Evidence is not only “numbers”. It can be credible testimony, reports, data, and lived experience — but you must be transparent and respectful about whose voice it is.
🧪 Activity 1: Build an Argument from Research (20 mins)
Use your sources from Lesson 7 to write one strong argument paragraph.
Argument Paragraph Checklist
- Clear claim + reason
- At least 2 pieces of evidence (with source details)
- Reasoning that explains the evidence (not just repeats it)
- One sentence acknowledging a counterargument
Fallacy help: Logical Fallacies Detection Guide
🗣️ Activity 2: Structured Disagreement (20 mins)
Fishbowl / Structured Academic Controversy
- Round 1: Side A speaks (2 mins), Side B listens and paraphrases.
- Round 2: Swap roles.
- Round 3: Identify shared ground and what evidence is missing.
Norms: Attack ideas, not people. Ask questions. Use “I think… because…” not “Everyone knows…”.
🤔 Reflect & Connect (5 mins)
- What did you do today that showed manaakitanga during disagreement?
- Which part of your argument is strongest? Which needs better evidence?
- What is one fallacy you will watch for in future debates?