KS3 Speech Writing: The Plastics Debate

An extended lesson that follows on from this introduction to speech writing for KS3:

https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/an-introduction-to-speech-writing-for-ks3-12049010

This lesson can stand alone but assumes some pre-teaching of AFOREST.

• A starter tasks invites learners to examine a range of images relating to plastic waste (see cover image).
• They then examine a list of keywords and attempt to match them to the correct definition. This is accompanied by a challenge task for more able learners, in which learners attempt to make connections between the keywords. The answers to the definitions tasks are provided.
• After this, learners discuss in pairs whether there is a need to ban plastics in the UK. A YouTube video link on the ‘plastic problem’ is also provided but optional.
• Learners then read the arguments for and against a plastic ban and transform these onto a summary sheet of six boxes. The aim is for each box to contain one point, one relevant image and one piece of evidence.
• They go on to thinking about how they could apply their knowledge of AFOREST to this debate.
• There is a sample GCSE question (AQA style) with a WAGOLL for annotation according to 5 success criteria.
• Learners then write their own speech in relation to the plastics debate.
• The lesson ends with learners peer assessing each other’s work.

The material is aimed at middle-ability KS3 but could be used with KS4 with some tailoring.