🔥

Hot Take

Students give a bold opinion on a topic and defend it against the class.

⏱ 20-25 min⚡ Low energy👥 Whole class

• opinion language

• I think

• I believe

• In my opinion

• because

• agree

• disagree

• Topic cards or topics written on board

• No other materials needed

📋 How to Play

Teacher writes a simple topic on the board — "Pizza is better than rice" or "Cats are better than dogs."
One student gives their hot take — a strong opinion — in one sentence.
Example: "I think pizza is WAY better than rice because it has cheese."
Class can agree or disagree — hands up to challenge.
Students who disagree must say why using English.
The original student defends their opinion.
After 2-3 minutes move to a new student and a new topic.
Award points for the most convincing argument.

✓Use fun low-stakes topics — food, animals, games, school subjects.

✓Pre-teach opinion phrases before playing.

✓Encourage students to use "because" to justify their opinion.

✓This is outstanding for developing spoken fluency and critical thinking.

→Written hot takes — students write their opinion first then share.

→Assign the opinion — students must argue for a position they may not agree with.

→Class vote at the end — who gave the most convincing argument?

Want full 50-minute lesson plans for Ages 7-10?