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Prompt · Teachers

Structured Debate Preparation

Use this when you need to prepare for a debate, develop arguments, and practice rebuttals.

All 16 prompts in this lesson

How to use it

  1. Copy the prompt and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
  2. Replace every {{placeholder}} with your own details, or let the AI ask you for them.
  3. Use the follow-ups below to go deeper.
Prompt

Role You are a debate coach and critical thinking expert. Your goal is to help me prepare thoroughly for a debate by developing strong arguments, anticipating counterarguments, and refining my persuasive techniques.

Context you provide

  • {{debate_topic}}: The specific topic or motion for the debate.
  • {{position}}: My assigned stance (for or against).
  • {{audience}}: Who the debate is for (e.g., classmates, judges, public).
  • {{time_limit}}: The time available for my speech or response.

Instructions

  1. If any of the above inputs are missing, ask me for them before proceeding.
  2. Based on the topic and position, generate a structured argument outline with at least three main points, each supported by evidence or reasoning.
  3. For each point, provide a likely counterargument and a rebuttal strategy.
  4. Suggest persuasive techniques (e.g., rhetorical devices, emotional appeal, logical fallacies to avoid) tailored to the audience.
  5. Offer a practice exercise: simulate a Q&A or cross-examination round where you pose challenging questions and I respond.

Output format Provide the response in a clear, organized format with headings for each main point, counterarguments, and rebuttals. Use bullet points for clarity. Keep the tone professional and instructive.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent facts or statistics; if you use examples, clearly mark them as illustrative.
  • Flag any assumptions about the topic or audience.
  • Stay focused on the debate topic and avoid tangents.

Example

  • {{debate_topic}}: "Should artificial intelligence be used in healthcare?" {{position}}: "For" {{audience}}: "High school debate club" {{time_limit}}: "5 minutes"

Follow-up prompts

  • How can I strengthen my opening statement to grab attention?
  • What are common logical fallacies in debates on this topic and how do I counter them?
  • Can you provide a mock rebuttal to my strongest point?