CO 004 - Talk It Out

Time for some great debates! In this exercise, students will learn the importance of being able to take a stance on an issue and defending that stance with logic, reasoning, knowledge, and common sense.

Below is a list of scenarios to present for students to discuss and debate. They are based primarily on ethics and morality. They will encourage students to take a stand and defend their viewpoint. These can be done in pairs, but are much more compelling in larger class debates where views are divided. They can also be used as individual worksheets – students can circle an answer and then explain their choice in writing.

1. Richard finds an expensive looking ring in the school hallway one day. It has no name on it, and it’s not near anyone’s locker. Should he:

   A) Give it to lost and found

   B) Ask if it belongs to anyone there

   C) Keep it and not say anything

2. Judy’s friend is stressed about an upcoming test. Judy already took the test and got 100%, so she knows all the answers already. Should she:

   A) Just give the answers to her friend

   B) Use her knowledge to coach her friend

   C) Not get involved at all

3. Coach Nelson has caught two of his star basketball players vandalizing school property. The rule is that they must be suspended. If that happens their team loses the upcoming semi-finals. If the coach keeps quiet they’ll surely win, but he could lose his job. Should the coach:

   A) Suspend the two players and obey the rules

   B) Pretend he never saw them

4. Nick overhears two students bragging about having posted some inappropriate images of a female student online for a joke. Should he:

   A) Mind his own business

   B) Report the incident to the school principal

   C) Confront the boys and defend the student

5. You witness a bank robbery and follow the perpetrator down an alleyway. He stops at an orphanage and gives them all the money. Would you:

   A) Report the man to police since he committed a crime

   B) Leave him alone because you saw him do a good deed

6. A friend tells you that he/she has been receiving anonymous bullying messages online. You suspect that certain people are guilty. Would you:

   A) Tell your friend just to ignore them

   B) Encourage them to report the abuse

   C) Risk confronting the ones you suspect