Year 3/4 whole class reading debate lesson from The Cloud Thief teaching evidence-based discussion, reasoning and oral argument skills.
This Year 3/4 lesson from The Cloud Thief develops debate and discussion skills through text-based reasoning.
Pupils explore both sides of key story arguments, use evidence from the text, and learn how to justify opinions respectfully in a structured class debate.
Includes a full lesson plan, differentiated discussion scaffolds and modelled examples for whole class reading or English oracy sessions.
Learning Objective:
To discuss key events using evidence from the text to support arguments.
Success Criteria:
• I can explore both sides of an argument.
• I can use evidence from the text to justify my opinion.
• I can listen and respond respectfully in discussion.
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What’s Included
• Full lesson plan with I Do / We Do / You Do structure
• Differentiated support sheets for LA, ARE and GD
• BBC Discussion Skills video link starter
• Class “Discussion Rules” chart template
• Key debate questions with example responses
• Extension task: write a balanced argument paragraph
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Skills Covered
• Evidence-based reasoning and justification
• Speaking and listening skills (KS2 oracy)
• Understanding character motives and decisions
• Collaborative talk and structured debate
• Building confidence in verbal reasoning
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Ideal For
• Year 3 and Year 4 whole class reading
• KS2 English oracy and discussion lessons
• Novel-based comprehension and reasoning
• Text-based critical thinking activities
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TES Tags
Year 4 reading
Year 3 reading
Whole class reading
Class debate
Evidence-based reasoning
KS2 speaking and listening
The Cloud Thief
Discussion lesson
Balanced argument KS2
Justifying opinions
Text-based English
KS2 English
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