Practical tasks for intermediate students to help them engage in group discussions and prepare for a debate:

1. Role-Playing Group Discussions:

   • Objective: Develop skills in active listening, articulating ideas, and responding to others in a group discussion.
   • Task:
     • Step 1: Divide students into small groups and assign each group a discussion topic (e.g., "The impact of social media on society").
     • Step 2: Assign specific roles to each group member (e.g., facilitator, note-taker, time-keeper, and participants with varying perspectives).
     • Step 3: Have each group conduct a structured discussion on their topic, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to speak and contribute.
   • Debrief: After the discussion, each group presents a summary of their discussion points and conclusions. Reflect on what made the discussion effective and areas for improvement.

2. Constructing Arguments and Counterarguments:

   • Objective: Enhance the ability to build strong arguments and anticipate counterarguments in preparation for a debate.
   • Task:
     • Step 1: Assign a debate topic (e.g., "School uniforms should be mandatory").
     • Step 2: Split the class into two teams, one supporting the proposition and the other opposing it.
     • Step 3: Have each team brainstorm and list their main arguments. Then, have them think of potential counterarguments the opposing team might present and prepare rebuttals.
     • Preparation: Allow time for teams to organize their arguments and counterarguments into a coherent structure.
   • Practice: Conduct a mock debate where each team presents their arguments and responds to counterarguments. Provide feedback on the strength of their arguments and effectiveness of their rebuttals.

3. Debate Preparation and Execution:

   • Objective: Apply skills in constructing arguments, teamwork, and public speaking through a formal debate.
   • Task:
     • Step 1: Assign a debate topic (e.g., "Technology in the classroom enhances learning").
     • Step 2: Divide the class into two teams (proposition and opposition).
     • Step 3: Guide each team in researching their topic, organizing their main points, and assigning speaking roles (e.g., opening statement, main argument, rebuttal, closing statement).
     • Step 4: Provide time for teams to practice their speeches and anticipate the opposing team's arguments.
   • Debate: Conduct the debate, ensuring that each team member has a chance to speak. Use a timer to keep track of speaking times and ensure a fair and structured debate.
   • Feedback and Reflection: After the debate, provide feedback on the performance of each team, focusing on argument strength, clarity, teamwork, and public speaking skills. Have students reflect on what they learned from the experience and how they can improve in future discussions and debates.

These tasks will help students develop essential skills for engaging in group discussions and preparing for debates, including active listening, argument construction, teamwork, and public speaking.