DEBATE
A debate is a formal discussion on a particular topic on which two persons, groups or parties participate and
present their viewpoints or arguments either for or against the topic.
The student needs to know what to write or speak and how to present their point of view. Their focus should
be on the topic under discussion.
A good debate must contain the following:
Introduction: This includes salutations and the topic (including FOR and AGAINST the motion). For example, a
debate should start with Good morning honourable judges, respected principal, teachers, and my dear
friends, etc.
Body:
(a) Always begin the topical sentence with appropriate meaning or explanation in not more than a line (about
15 words).
(b) Think out points relevant to the topic and put them forward coherently and logically. Briefly explain each
point.
(c) Make sure that you put the words clearly and unambiguously.
(d) Write or convey your point of view politely. It is true your partner, on the other side, will not agree with
you at all. You should not impose your ideas on others. Just present your thinking. Do not take things
otherwise.
Solution: This paragraph needs to be short and crisp. Here, you are supposed to give a rational and practical
solution for the topic that you have dealt with. If you cite a quotation, it should be relevant to the topic.
Conclusion: The concluding part involves clarification and sum and substance of what you have said. Finally
thank your audience for being patient listeners.
AN EXAMPLE
1. Social media is a curse in a large population like ours. Write a debate either for or against the motion in
120-150 words. You are Harish/Hariksha Barua.
‘For’ the motion
Good morning respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends:
I, Harish Barua, stand before you to speak ‘for’ the motion: Social media is a curse in a large population like
ours. At this very moment many of you may feel the urge to reach out to your phones and scroll through for
messages. This habit has a negative feedback because it distracts you from concentrating on the requirement
of that moment.
But some of you might dismiss my suggestion as being too strict. To them I say, that what you put online in
the social media, is fraught with the danger of being blown beyond proportion. Any hacker in any corner can
interpret your information for some undesirable purpose and make your personal space miserable.
Another curse of social media is its habit of going viral. Thus, lies and half-truths flourish in social media and
have been known to create havoc in society.
Of course, the proponents of social media might argue that the advantages far outshine the disadvantages.
One would say to them, how far are they willing to compromise their privacy? Would they like to be exposed
to the danger that hacking poses? The answer is obviously 'no'.
Thank you
If ‘Against’ the motion
Good morning respected Principal, teachers and my dear friends:
I, Hariksha Barua, stand before you to speak ‘against’ the motion: Social media is a curse in a large population
like ours.
To my worthy opponents I would to address the question: Despite knowing the disadvantages, would any of
you forgo direct connectivity with a loved one, or a friend, that the social media platform offers? In times of
the lockdown, for instance, the social media has been able to assure millions, that they are not alone.
For educators, social media has emerged as a new methodology of teaching. It saves teachers from spending
hours, explaining simple solutions to inattentive pupils. The social media clicks them into attention and then
engages them forever.
In the business world, the social media has proved a great equaliser as everyone is given a platform
irrespective of their status or education. Also, manufacturers can reach their products directly to customers.
Important messages from the government reach our doorsteps thanks to social media and when we want to
travel, all the precautions are listed there. Besides the above, the social media is an information tool, as pupils
learn much more on this platform than in a conventional classroom, making it the future tool of quality
education.
Thank you very much.
PROBLEMS FOR PRACTICE
1. Online education is a tool for mass education. Write a debate for or against the motion
in 120-150 words. You are Anuj/Anju Pandey.
2. Smartphones should be distributed free to all adults. Write a debate for or against the
motion in 120-150 words. You are Deepak/Deepti Narang.
3. Water is important for our survival. As Indira/Indra Pathak, write a debate for or against
the topic: Water is what the country needs. (Word limit: 120-150)
4. The development of Artificial Intelligence should be regulated. Write a debate for or
against the motion in 120-150 words. You are Manoj/Manishi Sharma.
5. ‘Rain harvesting is the only solution to water crisis in the present times.’ Write a debate
for or against the motion in 120-150 words. You are Sujatha/Ajith.
6. Write a debate in 120-150 words either for or against the motion: ‘Capital Punishment
should be abolished.’
7. ‘Private cars should be banned in the congested commercial areas of the cities.’ Write
a debate for or against the motion in 120-150 words.
8. ‘Our large population is not a cause of poverty but an asset, a resource.’ Write a debate
for or against the motion in 120-150 words.
