Title
Solving Systems of Equations by Graphing, Elimination, and Substitution
Skill
Responding to Counterarguments
EBA Activity
Counterarguments Table Debates
Claims
You may use the following claims for this activity:
 _______________ is the most useful method for solving systems of
equations.
 Most people need to be very comfortable with using
________________ to solve systems of equations.
[Fill in the blanks with graphing, elimination substitution.]
Procedure
Timing/Pacing
This is a standard Counterarguments Table Debates activity.



This is near the end of the unit. Prerequisite knowledge includes
solving a system of equations by graphing, solving a system of
equations by elimination, and solving a system of equations by
substitution. This will be followed by a full-length debate and a unit
test.
This activity takes 30 minutes.
A Four Corners occurs at the beginning of class, using the two prompts
above for each of the three methods, followed by individual practice
and then the activity, which continues until the end of the lesson.
Notes
When teaching each of the methods, address potential arguments and
counterarguments for why each method is the best. This will help students
create stronger warrants and responses to counterarguments. Students should
explore which of the methods of solving systems of equations is the most
useful with an example problem, which they could also use as evidence during
the table debate.
Follow Up
Activities
To add a written component, this activity could be followed by a Defeating the
Critic Paragraph.
Text
Standard Algebra 2 Text, student notes
Boston Debate League © 2012
Name:____________________________________ Class:______________ Date:______________
Counterargument Table-Debate
Claim 1A:
Claim 1B:


Substitution is the most useful method
for solving systems of equations.
Claim 2A:

Most people need to be very
comfortable with using elimination to
solve systems of equations.
Boston Debate League © 2012
Elimination is the most useful method
for solving systems of equations.
Claim 2B:

Most people need to be very
comfortable with using graphing to
solve systems of equations.
Counterargument Table Debates
Before the Table Debate write the two reasons you believe your claim is true. If you have time, start
forming counterarguments for your opponent’s claim.
Claim 1A/1B
Warrants
Round 1
Counterarguments
and/or Responses
Warrants
Round 1
Counterarguments
and/or Responses
Warrants
Round 2
Counterarguments
and/or Responses
Warrants
Round 2
Counterarguments
and/or Responses
My Claim
( ):
My
Opponent’s
Claim ( ):
Claim 2A/2B
My Claim
( ):
My
Opponent’s
Claim ( ):
Boston Debate League © 2012