Talk Show Debate – Speaking Activity & Debate Toolkit (B1–C1)

This resource is a comprehensive speaking activity pack designed to help students develop their oral interaction, argumentation, and fluency skills through engaging talk show-style debates.

Perfect for classroom use, this activity combines structured speaking practice, real-life topics, and exam-oriented language support.

Step-by-step activity guide

• Groups of 4 (host, guests, journalist)
• 10-minute preparation + 8–10 minute recorded debate
• Class listening and feedback session

✔ Key expressions for debating (B2 level)

Students learn how to:

• Express opinions (I completely agree / disagree)
• React and argue (That’s a good point, but…)
• Clarify ideas (What I’m trying to say is…)

✔ CEFR-based assessment criteria (B2)

• Relevance of arguments
• Interaction and spontaneity
• Lexical range and use of connectors

20+ engaging debate topics

Including:

• AI and the future of jobs
• Social media and communication
• Mental health at school
• Environment and responsibility
• Freedom of speech
• Technology, homework, equality, and more

Each topic includes discussion angles to guide students’ ideas.

✔ Advanced vocabulary & model opinions (B2–C1)

Students are supported with:

• Topic-specific vocabulary lists
• Useful expressions
• Sample opinions to inspire speaking

Complete debate language toolkit

• Agreeing / disagreeing politely
• Giving examples and arguments
• Interrupting and reacting
• Concluding and summarising

✔ Role-specific language support

Dedicated sections for:

• 🎤 Host (moderator expressions)
• 📰 Journalist (questioning & reacting language)