Debate Terms Word Search, Scramble and Crossword Puzzle

I made this debate terms puzzle set for my Year 4 and 5 students during our debate unit. The kids loved arguing with each other but had no idea what words like resolution, affirmative, or rebuttal meant. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like debate, resolution, affirmative, negative, argument, claim, evidence, reasoning, rebuttal, cross examination, opening statement, closing statement, judge, time limit, and persuade. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the debate vocabulary finally stick.

The set is six pages. Three puzzles, each with its own answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about the difference between a claim and evidence. The crossword I use for partners. I added a couple simple podium and scale drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for Years 4–5. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers write one possible rebuttal to the claim "homework should be banned" on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.