DEBATE WRITING – CLASS 11

Layout

 Para 1 – Introduction: Greetings, self-introduction, state the motion, mention side

(for/against).

 Para 2 – Body: Define the motion briefly, give 2 strong arguments.

 Para 3 – Rebuttal: Counter one weak point from the opponent.

 Para 4 – Conclusion: Summarise your stance, end with a strong line/quote, thank the
audience.

1. Introduction

 Start with greetings and self-introduction.

 State the motion clearly and your stance. (for/against).

Example: Good morning everyone. Respected judges and my fellow students, I, XYZ, stand
here to speak (for/against) the motion — ‘Social Media has a positive effect on people’

2. Body

 Briefly define/explain the topic in one line.

 Give 2–3 strong points in a logical order.

3. Rebuttal

 Counter one weak point from the opponent’s side in a short, crisp manner.

4. Conclusion

 Summarise your stand confidently.

 End with a strong quote or statement.

 Thank the audience.

DO’s

1. Note down key points first to maintain sequence.

2. Check grammar and spelling carefully.

3. Keep paragraphs neat with proper spacing.

4. Underline main points (after finishing).

5. Use a few relevant quotes for impact.

6. Focus on clear presentation.

7. Read sample debates for practice.

8. Stay updated on current issues.

DON’Ts
 1. Don’t share personal details (name, school, address).

2. Don’t write in a single block — use proper format and paragraphs.

3. Avoid slang or short forms.

4. Don’t give wrong facts.

5. Stay within the word limit (120–150 words).

6. Don’t spend too much time on one question.

SAMPLE

Q1. You are Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School. Your school has organized a debate on "Social
Media and Its Effects" and you will be participating from your school. Prepare your views against or
in favour of the motion.(120-150words) [5]

Answer:

FOR THE MOTION

Para 1 – Introduction
Good morning honourable judges, respected teachers and my worthy opponents. I am
Mukul/Mahima and I rise to speak for the motion – ‘Social Media has a positive effect on people.’

Para 2 – Body
Social media, in the simplest sense, is a global platform that connects people instantly. It has broken
barriers of distance and time, reuniting long-lost friends and families with just a click. It has also
widened opportunities for businesses, allowing even small start-ups to reach customers across the
world. Moreover, it keeps us updated with news and events in real time, making the world more
aware and informed.

Para 3 – Rebuttal
Our opponents argue that social media increases the chances of scams. But I strongly disagree. With
awareness campaigns, digital literacy and privacy tools, such risks can be minimized. In fact, the
benefits of staying connected far outweigh the occasional pitfalls.

Para 4 – Conclusion
To conclude, social media is not a curse but a blessing when used wisely. As someone rightly said,
“Social media gives us immediacy, direction and value as individuals.” With this, I strongly affirm that
social media indeed has a positive effect. [Thus I rest my case.]
Thank you.
Use the cues given and write a debate AGAINST THE MOTION:

You may start this way

Imagine a world where children no longer play outdoors, where conversations are replaced by
emojis, and where truth is buried under layers of fake news.

Para 1

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! I am Mukul/ Mahima and my topic for the day is, "Social
media and its effects". I would like to speak AGAINST the motion.

Para 2

 a lot of effort and discipline to stay away from social media.

 adverse effects on human minds and their functioning.
 outdoor activities among children have reduced significantly.
 hard to ignore the quantum of fake news that spreads like wildfire
 and the extent of impact it has on the society
 fake WhatsApp messages have led to mob lynchings or rather, "Death by social
media"
 one of the reasons behind insecurities and depression among teenagers.

Para 3

 Rebuttal

Para 4

 Conclusion: Summarise your stance, end with a strong line/quote, thank the audience.

Suggested Response

AGAINST THE MOTION

Para 1 – Introduction
Imagine a world where children no longer play outdoors, where conversations are replaced by
emojis, and where truth is buried under layers of fake news. I am Mukul/Mahima and I stand against
the motion – ‘Social Media has a positive effect on people.’

Para 2 – Body
Social media has invaded our lives so much that it takes real discipline to stay away from it. Its
adverse effects on our minds and daily functioning are alarming. Outdoor activities among children
have reduced drastically, making way for a sedentary lifestyle. Worse still, fake news spreads like
wildfire – we all remember how false WhatsApp messages have led to mob lynchings, rightly called
“death by social media.” It also fuels insecurities and depression among teenagers who constantly
compare their lives with others.

Para 3 – Rebuttal
Our opponents may argue that social media connects the world. But what use is connection when it
disconnects us from reality? The truth is that likes and shares cannot replace genuine relationships.

Para 4 – Conclusion
In conclusion, social media may look glamorous, but it leaves behind scars of anxiety, misinformation
and alienation. Let me end with a line to ponder: “We don’t use social media. Social media uses us.”
Thank you.

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Write a debate in 120-150 words either for or against the motion. THBT the Internet cannot
replace a classroom teacher.

2. The government should do more to address climate change. Write a debate in 120-150 words
either for or against the motion.

3. Should schools teach financial literacy as a mandatory subject? Write a debate in 120-150 words
either for or against the motion.