Use icons, pictures, diagrams, or gestures (e.g., thumbs up/down) to represent viewpoints so students understand their options. Allow students to respond by pointing, moving, or using single words. Provide time to practice reasoning with a peer before sharing with the class.

Provide a word bank with key vocabulary for expressing opinions (e.g., important, because, agree, disagree). Offer simple sentence stems such as “I think ___.” or “I agree because ___.” Use a basic organizer to outline reasons.

Encourage the use of academic sentence frames such as “Based on ___, I believe ___ because ___.” Introduce simple debate moves such as acknowledging another viewpoint before explaining their own thinking.

Ask students to consider opposing viewpoints and develop counterarguments (e.g., “While I see the value in ___, I think ___ because ___.”). Encourage the use of academic language and evidence to support their stance.

Challenge students to evaluate multiple perspectives, defend their position with evidence, and refine their reasoning using precise academic vocabulary and complete explanations.