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Debate

What is Debate Writing?

A formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.
 

When it comes to writing debates during exam, we have to be smart and wise with our choice and length of words. This is because there are time constraints and within that time constraint, we have to impress the person checking it.

Tips to attempt a question on Debate writing

The first and the foremost step is to choose the side, whether you want to write for, or against the motion. Always try to select the side you personally want to support and have more material, information to write on. It is preferable to make a choice during the reading time.
 

An ideal debate must consist of 4 paragraphs, namely-

  • Introduction/Salutations,

  • Problem,

  • Solution and

  • The conclusion.

Let us discuss each of them in detail.

1. 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).

 

2. Body (Problem)- This is the main paragraph or the body of the debate.

  • 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. Iis important to 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 you'll be able to put them into words unambiguously.
     

3. Solution- "For every problem, there is a solution."
This paragraph needs to be short and crispy 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.

 

4. 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.

Things to remember

  1. Write down all the points (one/two words per point) at the back of your answer sheet (rough sheet) so that you do not forget relevant points while writing. This also helps you in maintaining a sequence, which is very important.

  2. Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.

  3. Leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.

  4. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after finishing your exam. Use a pencil and scale for underlining.

  5. Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in presentation and shows that you're prepared

  6. Presentation is very important.

  7. Read a lot of debates to get an idea.

  8. Have information about all the major environmental, political, social issues that have taken place during the entire year.

  9. Practice previous year Question paper questions.

  10. Never mention any of your personal details, i.e., name, school name or address.

  11. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make paragraphs.

  12. Don't use slangs or short forms.

  13. Don't write wrong facts.

  14. Try not to exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.

  15. Do not invest too much time in just this question.

Difference between speech and debate

             Speech                                                        Debate

1.Argues the pros and cons.                     1. Argues either pros or cons.

2.Follows Facts, Causes,                         2. Follows mostly facts.

  Consequences & Solutions.                       

3.Can ask a few questions.                       3.Can give answers to questions.

4.Address the audience in second person.   4.Address the audience in second                                                                          person.

5.Ends with a ‘thanks.’                            5. Ends with a thanks.

         

 

Question – Write a  debate in favor or against the motion “online smart classes are the future education style.”

 

FOR THE MOTION:

Honorable judges and worthy listeners

If you are so old minded and dare to think that computers will be distracting children from studies, with a sincere sorry for you, let me tell you that the young generation has gone a long way with computers!

When most parents think of learning from computers, socializing websites like facebook appear before their eyes. It is the biggest cyber tragedy. There are definitely a large number of sites beyond the just facebook. I am not here to debate if these social networking sites are doing good or bad – certainly they do both – but I am here to talk about the endless possibilities of computer and internet based teaching method.

Khan’s academy, Baiju’s teaching app, learn-next, meritnation, good-reads… the list of online teaching platforms is endless and ever growing. There are millions of students and teachers who use these websites and apps for their exam-preparation. They are mostly free is what makes one turn away from traditional paper-guides. With a smartphone in every hand, city and village alike, these online libraries are within everyone’s reach. Google has already replaced the word Guru because this guru gives us knowledge.

With seven hundred billion population and six hundred trees, it is the need of the century to minimize the use of paper. In this context you can find no better solution than eLearning. Rather than living the life of a consumer, let’s be contributors. Instead of buying paper books, let’s buy eBooks. Instead of collecting a thousand books in our shelves, let’s convert our phones or computers a virtual library and learn.

Thank you.

 

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Online Classes are the Future of Education Style" and I choose to speak against the motion.

Online learning or e-learning refers to learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the Internet. There is no face-to-face interaction between the teacher and the student. It decreases the scope of adjusting and modifying the language or the concept according to various audiences. Moreover, humans are known to be social animals and are thus, more interested in direct tuition than virtual tuition. There is lack of proper guidance and self-assessment mechanisms. Not only this, it would also reduce employment among teachers.

Since it involves only brain work and not physical work, they tend to get lethargic resulting in altered physiology. Also, it leads to lack of discipline. Attending a school makes one have a time schedule in a day. This helps them learn some good habits like, bathing, breakfast, going to bed at the right time etc. Physical school help children adopt a discipline.

Not to forget the excellent interactions involved in physical learning. People tend to make friends who support them and mentors who guide them. Thus, no matter how fast technological developments are taking place, the traditional way of learning should not be displaced.

Thank you.  

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