DEBATE WRITING

ASSIGNMENT
A Debate is an excellent way of exhibiting oratory skill and is particularly helpful in providing
experience in developing a convincing argument that leads to open-mindedness, critical and logical
thinking.It is a formal discussion or argument on a particular matter delivered in favour of or against
a subject in a disciplined manner. Debate gives students a rare opportunity to take ownership over
their own intellectual development.

FORMAT OF A DEBATE

I. Salutation/Greetings/Addressing the audience :- 'Respected Chairperson, Honourable Judges, and

II. Introduction :- 'I am here to present my views for/against the motion........’

III. Content/Body of the argument :- May include views, facts, data and examples, contradiction to
opponent’s views/ rebutting the statements, questions, etc.

• Common phrases:- 'I strongly feel that...', 'I would like to draw your attention to...;, 'May I
ask all present....', 'I wholeheartedly oppose/support.....’ , ‘ In my opinion.....,
• Use powerful expressions like :
-I’d like to argue....
-At this point I differ from my worthy opponents.....
-May I ask a very genuine question from my worthy opponent why/how
-I totally disagree with my opponent

iv. Conclusion

V. Formal thanks

NOTE: An ideal debate must consist of 4 paragraphs, namely, Introduction/Salutations, Problem,

Introduction-This includes salutations and the topic (including FOR/AGAINST the motion). For
Example: Good morning everyone. Esteemed judges, honourable guests, respected teachers and my
fellow students. I, (name given in the question or else, XYZ) feel honoured to have been given the
opportunity to speak (FOR/AGAINST) the topic- (name of the topic).

Body (Problem)- This is the main paragraph or the body of your answer.

• Always begin with the meaning of the topic or the explanation of the topic in not more than a line.

• Then start quoting the issues. Now here, it is important you follow a sequence. It is possible that
you have too many points or very few points. When you have a lot of varied points, it is better you
choose a few best ones and write a line on each. In case you have very few already, explain them in
at least two lines each.

• Make sure you are clear with your thoughts, only then will you be able to put them into words
unambiguously.

Body(Solution ) - "For every problem, there is a solution."

This paragraph needs to be short and crisp whereby; you are supposed to give a rational and
practical solution for all the above problems.

• In case you are not able to figure one out, keep in mind a few general ones. It could involve
spreading awareness, campaigns, stringent laws and their strict implementation, education, etc.

• Using a quote never hurts. It can be general ones like, on working together. Every situation can be
faced and solved if there is unity. So here are a few handy ones. "Wherever there is unity, there is
always victory. "

"Unity is strength."

"United we stand, divided we fall." And many more.

Conclusion- This part involves clarification of your statement and stance along with thanking the
audience for being such patient listeners. This paragraph needs to be short and precise.

Here also, you could add some glitter to your art piece with some quotes like "The word IMPOSSIBLE
itself says, I’M POSSIBLE."

*HOW TO START A DEBATE SPEECH ?

1. Begin with an Impressive Greeting

Remember, a compelling greeting will help you gain maximum attention from the listeners. An
example of the greeting is stated below.

"A very cheerful good morning to all ! Honorable jury/adjudicators, respected teachers, and my
fellow competitors. Today I would like to light my views supporting (if you are in favor) /opposing (if
you are against) the motion/topic (say your topic).".

2. Narrating a personal story, being authentic and genuine will also make your debate stand out.

For Example: "When I was a child growing up in rural India, I came to accept how clean and
unpolluted it was. It was when I moved to the city where I enrolled in a University. Little did I realize
that air pollution and excessive waste was a big problem....

3. State an Amazing Fact

Stating the facts and statistical data will also grab the audience's attention. Similarly, it can also
improve your position by strengthening the arguments.

For Example : "The economy does not work for everyone. The average person in the UK only has 12
weeks' worth of their income saved in the bank..."

4. Use a Powerful Quotation

You can also summarize a topic or idea by using the words of other people. It is a great way to add
weight and reputation to your argument.
For Example: "Over the last 20 years, the number of people who are keenly changing their diet is
steadily on the rise. Ellen DeGeneres notably became a vegan, as she said in her own words after
seeing "footage of what goes on in the slaughterhouses and on the dairy farm." The notion that
eating meat is becoming less important..."

5. Ask a Rhetorical Question

Starting a debate speech with a question will engage people and make them think in a specific mind
frame. For Example-: "Have you ever wondered how important the ocean is in our lives? The oceans
provide half the oxygen we breathe and feed more than 2 billion people each day..."

6. State a Problem

A debater can give a clear picture of the main argument by stating a problem.

For Example: "The internet is a danger to society. It's clear that our global civilization is coming of
age. We are communicating faster, doing business quicker, and learning volumes. Even the trade in
black market goods and services is not diminishing. What we choose to do with the internet can
change the world."

7. Share Your Opinion About the Topic

Lastly, a debater must share his opinion on the topic while starting a debate speech. It will help the
audience to comprehend the side we are going to argue about.

For Example:- "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you today about exams. The exam
system that we have followed is the British system has been reformed many times. A big exam at the
age of eleven determined a child's whole future.

Here, I will argue that the problem is that exams, besides being stressful, are ineffective in assessing
student learning.

SAMPLE DEBATE:

"Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career." Write a debate either for or
against the motion. (120-150 words)

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER.

FOR THE MOTION:

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it from you."

Respected judges and my worthy opponents, I stand before you all to speak in favour of the motion:
"Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career".

Right to Education is the fundamental right of every child in the age group of six to fourteen years.
The education system in the primary years is designed so as to provide basic knowledge of each
subject and help the youth of today to choose their subject of interest for its deeper study that can
only be provided effectively through universities. It plays a key role in the development of society
and nation. Information cannot be converted into knowledge without education.

Education makes us capable of interpreting things, among other things. It helps in raising future
leaders by providing them clear understanding and developing decision making abilities. It makes
them resourceful and competent. Excellence in academics prepares children for the competition
ahead and teaches them to work hard as well. Moreover, Excellency will ensure admission to the
best universities for higher education that provide exposure and a kick start to their career. To
conclude, I would say that one who has its academic future choices sorted out, has its career
planned out.

"The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth." Thank
you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Academic excellence is the only
requirement for a successful career" and I choose to speak against the motion.

"The goal of education is to raise the leaders of tomorrow". But my question is, how is it that most of
the leaders of today happen to be college dropouts? This is because having degrees cannot ensure
success. It fails to impart the life skills and polish personality of an individual.

They can surely give you an overview of a subject but fail to provide an overview of how the world
works. It does not ensure skills and competencies. It tells people what to think instead of how to
think and the end results is that, the society now has just robots who have switched their minds off
only to believe what is being taught.

One's attitude towards life is what brings success. Undoubtedly, academic excellence can provide
you degrees or may even land you at a job, but, your success depends upon how you think, behave,
walk, talk and present yourself. It has been rightly said, "Education produces great employees in the
market, not employers". Thank you.

Topics for Practice

1. Private cars should be banned in the congested commercial areas of the cities. Write a debate, in
120-150 words, either for or against the motion.

2. 'Out large population is not a cause of poverty but an asset, a resource.' Write a debate, in 120-
150 words, either for or against the motion.

3. 'It is cruel to put stray dogs to sleep'. Write a debate, in 120-150 words, either for or against the
motion.

4. 'Social media (Facebook, twitter, Instagram, etc.) is being used to create disaffection in society.
Write a debate in 120-150 words, either for or against the motion.

5. 'Homes for the aged is a necessity in India. Write a debate, in 120- 150 words, either for or against
the motion. You are Shiva/Shivani.