Speech Showdown

This debate-based worksheet supports students in Grades 5 and 6 as they practice argumentative reasoning, evidence use, civic discussion, and historical evaluation. By debating whether the Gettysburg Address is the most important speech in U.S. history, students organize a clear claim, gather supporting evidence, consider counterarguments, and reflect on their reasoning, strengthening both persuasive skills and historical understanding.

Learning Goals

• Civil Discourse & Argumentation (Grades 5-6) – Develop respectful debate skills by forming claims and responding to opposing viewpoints.
• Evidence-Based Reasoning – Support arguments with historical facts, examples, and logical explanations.
• Evaluating Historical Significance – Analyze why certain speeches matter and how they shape national identity.
• Rebuttal & Reflection – Practice responding to counterarguments and reflecting on the strength of ideas.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA, social studies, and civics standards.
• Structured Debate Organizer – Guides students through claim, evidence, rebuttal, and reflection steps.
• Encourages Critical Discussion – Promotes thoughtful conversation and respectful disagreement.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for debates, writing preparation, small groups, or assessment of argument skills.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen persuasive writing, civic engagement, and critical thinking by evaluating the importance of the Gettysburg Address. By organizing arguments and engaging with opposing views, learners gain confidence in debate structure, evidence use, and historical reasoning. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning while supporting thoughtful civic discussion.

This worksheet is part of our Gettysburg Address collection.