What is this lesson about?
This B2-C1 discussion and debate lesson tackles a genuinely contested question: should workplaces be legally required to provide formal support for menopause? Students read a balanced framing text setting out both sides, build a bank of argumentation language, then debate the question in structured, assigned-position groups before opening the floor to their real opinions. The lesson closes by asking students where they actually landed, having heard the other side.
 
What language will students learn?
Students practise advanced argumentation language for hedging, conceding and disagreeing respectfully, including:
Useful expressions
It could be argued that…
I take your point, but…
That’s fair, however…
I’d push back on that a little…
Where I’d disagree is…
That assumes…
Building on that…
The evidence suggests…
On balance, I think…
 
These are introduced by function, practised in a dialogue gap-fill, then used in a live, structured debate.
 
How do students practise?
Learners build fluency through a read-prepare-debate sequence:
Giving an initial gut reaction to the central question
Reflecting on their own experience of the topic
Reading a balanced overview of both sides of the debate
Checking comprehension of both positions before forming an opinion
Learning argumentation language for hedging, disagreeing and concluding
Practising the language in a guided dialogue
Preparing and presenting an assigned position in a structured debate
Opening the floor to a free discussion of their real views
Reflecting on whether their opinion changed after hearing the other side
 
Why is this lesson useful?
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
Discuss a genuinely contested workplace policy question with nuance
Use advanced language for hedging, conceding and disagreeing respectfully
Argue a position they may not personally hold, a core debate skill
Evaluate both sides of an argument before forming an opinion
Reflect on and articulate a change, or lack of change, in their own view
 
Who is it for?
This lesson is designed for adult ESL learners at B2-C1 level who want to build advanced argumentation skills through a genuinely contested, real-world workplace debate.