DrillKit is an AI-powered tool that turns your online lesson chat from Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams into professional, print-ready ESL lessons in under 30 seconds. It automatically extracts vocabulary, generates exercises (gap-fill, error correction, vocab match, word formation, and more), and produces beautiful PDFs tailored to the student's CEFR level and native language.

Does DrillKit support Zoom chats?

Yes! Simply copy the chat text from your Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams lesson and paste it directly into the input area. You can also paste vocabulary lists or handwritten notes. DrillKit's AI strips out timestamps, sender names, and other noise automatically.

Can I export lessons to PDF?

Absolutely. Every lesson is generated as a high-quality, print-ready PDF. Pro users can also export to Google Docs and customize branding with their school logo and accent colors.

Which languages are supported?

DrillKit supports translations in 11 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Turkish, and Russian. The AI auto-detects the student's native language from the chat transcript.

What exercise types can DrillKit generate?

DrillKit generates 11 exercise types: Gap Fill, Vocab Match, Error Correction, Sentence Completion, Multiple Choice, Word Scramble, Sentence Reorder, Translation, Word Formation (Cambridge Part 3), Key Word Transformation (Cambridge Part 4), and Dialogue Builder.

How does the AI extract vocabulary from chat transcripts?

The AI scans your pasted chat transcript, strips out noise (timestamps, reactions, media placeholders), identifies teachable vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms, and student errors, then scores each item by relevance. You review and select the best items before generating exercises.

Is DrillKit free to use?

Yes! The free plan includes 20 generations per month with full access to all 13 exercise types, all lesson styles, and custom branding. The Pro plan ($5.99/month or $4.00/month billed yearly) unlocks unlimited generations and priority AI processing.

Can I customize the lesson with my school branding?

Pro users can add their school or institution name, choose custom accent colors, select from 5 lesson styles (Standard, Classic, Modern, Playful, Academic), and add footer text to every generated lesson.

Using Debate in the ESL Classroom: A Complete Guide | DrillKit Blog

Why Debate Works for Language Learning

Debate combines two things that language learners rarely practice together: sustained monologue (presenting an argument) and spontaneous response (rebutting opponents). Both are critical real-world communication skills that are almost impossible to develop through exercises alone.

For ESL learners, well-scaffolded debate also provides something invaluable: a reason to argue in English. The communication is genuinely purposeful, not simulated. Students forget they're 'practicing language' and focus on winning the argument.

Debate Formats for Every Level

A1-A2: Agree or Disagree
Two sides: agree / disagree. One sentence each. 'I agree because...' 'I disagree because...' Simple, low-prep, and effective for developing basic opinion language.

B1-B2: Fish Bowl Debate
Three students debate a topic while others observe and take notes on language used. Observers give feedback on vocabulary and grammar, not just ideas. Rotation every 5 minutes.

B2-C1: Structured Academic Controversy
Pairs argue one side, then swap and argue the other. Forces understanding of both perspectives. Excel for developing nuanced argument language: 'Proponents argue that...' 'Critics counter that...'

C1-C2: Oxford-Style Debate
Full format: opening statements, cross-examination, rebuttal, closing. Requires preparation of position papers and sophisticated argumentation language. Works with groups of 4+.

Debate Language Students Need

🎙️

Opening Gambits

'I firmly believe / The evidence suggests / Let me begin by stating'

⚔️

Rebuttal Language

'That may be true, but / With all due respect / You overlook the fact that'

✅

Concession + Counter

'While I accept that X, it doesn't follow that Y / Granted, but'

Teacher Tip

“Assign debate positions randomly or against the student's real opinion. 'Argue that social media is good for society' to a student who hates it. Defending an uncomfortable position forces more sophisticated language — students can't rely on conviction, only argument construction. It also develops the critical thinking and perspective-taking that underpins advanced communication.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is debate suitable for one-to-one lessons?

Absolutely. In private lessons, teacher and student debate each other. The teacher can model sophisticated argumentation language and deliberately introduce vocabulary gaps that the student must work around.

What topics work best for ESL debate?

Topics that are genuinely controversial, culturally accessible, and don't require specialized knowledge to argue. Social media, remote work, urban vs. rural living, pet ownership, travel. Avoid politically partisan topics that may create discomfort.

How do I use DrillKit to support debate lessons?

Generate a 'debate' exercise type: DrillKit creates a contentious statement from lesson vocabulary with both FOR and AGAINST language scaffolding. Use it as a preparation activity before the live debate.

Debate in the ESL Classroom: Building Argumentation and Fluency Simultaneously