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[Writing Skills]Class XI: Debate Writing

Debate Writing

A debate is 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.

 Points to remember-

 1.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.

 2. An ideal debate must consist of 4 paragraphs, namely, Introduction/Salutations, Problem, Solution and the concluding part.

 Format -

 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 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 you will be able to put them into words clearly.

 3.Solution- “For every problem, there is a solution.”

This paragraph needs to be short and crisp and clear, 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 is also good. It can be general ones like, working together. Every situation can be faced and solved if there is unity. For instance  -

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

                                                                 Sample Questions

 Q.1) Write separate debates in 120-150 words both for and against the motion. The topic of  debate is "The Right to Education Act is a Realistic and Achievable Goal that will Change the Face of Education in India". You are Harshita/ Rahul.

                                                                   Against the Motion

 Worthy Chairperson, Secretary and Dear Students.

Today , Harshita, stand before you to speak against the motion "The Right to Education is a realistic and achievable goal that will change the face of education in India."

 There is no denying the fact that our country has taken some very bold  steps towards spreading education to the remotest areas of the country and to all the deprived sections of our society. One of these steps is the passage and implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. However, we still have a long way to go to fully change the face of  education in the country. What is the use of the act if parents simply do not  send their children to school? In rural areas and in many urban slums, this is a stark reality due to the necessity of making children work for meeting the family budget.This is the main cause of the curse of child labour. I would also like to draw your attention to the wide gap between what is  shown to us through various media as well as data published by the government and what is the ground reality. We still see dropouts from schools searching for trinkets in heaps of garbage. There are villages where there are no schools, no teachers and nothing worth the name called a school'.

 I don't think RTE will succeed in its mission unless we change our work culture and recognise the reality behind facts and figures. I, therefore, oppose the motion.

 Thank you! 

For the Motion

 Worthy Chairperson, Secretary and Dear Students

Today I, Rahul, stand before you to speak for the motion, "The Right to Education Act (RTE) is a realistic and achievable goal that will change the face of education in India'

 I wish to say that the RTE makes it obligatory on the state to guarantee the right to education and ensure compulsory admission, attendance and completion of elementary education by every child of 6 to 14 years. I feel very strongly that the three basic goals of RTE will greatly benefit the children coming from poor and marginalised families, provided that they are implemented with due seriousness.

 The benefits of properly implementing RTE are three. Firstly, it brings poor children to school. Then, it ensures that all schools meet the norms specified by the government. Next, it ensures that all children receive quality schooling. In my opinion, education and literacy are the keys to many problems facing the people. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that today the condition on the education front is not like what it was when India achieved independence. Successive governments have helped to increase the literacy of the population significantly, particularly that of females.

Thus, if the RTE Act is effectively implemented, it is a realistic and achievable goal. So, I strongly feel that, with the passage of time, RTE will change the face of education in India.

Thank you!

 Points to remember -

 1.    Formal  Address -A debate begins with a formal address to the chief guest, other eminent people and audience- Worthy Chairperson, Secretary and Dear Students

Today 1,__________, stand before you to speak for the motion, "The Right to Education Act (RTE) is a realistic and achievable goal that will change the face of education in India'

2.    Content - subject matter of debate (body of the debate)

3.    Expression - (a) Grammatical accuracy appropriate words and spelling

                    (b) Coherence and relevance of ideas and style.

     4. Formal thanks -At the end of the debate, the speaker formally thanks the audience for their cooperation and for   listening to him  or her.

 Q2)You are Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School. Your school has organised a debate on “Social Media and Its Effects” and you will be participating in your school. Prepare your views against or in favour of the motion. (120 – 150 words)

 SOCIAL MEDIA AND IT’s EFFECTS

 FOR THE MOTION

 “We are all now connected by the internet, like neurons in a giant brain”

 Honourable judges, teachers and my worthy opponents thank you for giving me the opportunity to join this debate on the topic, “Social Media and Its Effects”. I am Mukul/ Mahima and I would like to speak in favour of the motion.

 How many people do not have a smile on their faces on finding an old friend on Facebook? Well, social media has removed all the barriers and boundaries to communication by bringing the globe on a single platform. While business opportunities have widened, marketer’s reach has broadened. It keeps us updated about everything going on in every nook and corner of the world on a real-time basis.

From emergency alerts, announcements and declarations to knowing how our friends are doing has all become so convenient. It provides freedom of speech and thus, enables everyone to speak their mind. Not to forget the incalculable access it provides to the extensive information.

With so much advancement and innovation, it would be an unimaginable world without having social media in it. Someone has rightly put it into words by saying,

 “Social media is addictive precisely because it gives us something that the real world lacks: it gives us immediacy, direction and a value as an individual.”

 Thank you.

 AGAINST THE MOTION

 What a world it is, with everyone on their phones, all the time, faking their lives and keeping a count of their likes?

 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.

 It has now become doubtful to trust the saying that goes like “Technology was developed to save time and make our lives easier”, because people have become addicted and unproductive. It takes a lot of effort and discipline to stay away from social media. Results have shown that it has had adverse effects on human minds and their functioning. Outdoor activities among children have also reduced significantly.

 No doubt it provides access to useful information, but it is hard to ignore the quantum of fake news that spreads like wildfire and the extent of impact it has on society. In fact, fake whatsapp forwards was a clear pattern that was observed behind the recent mob lynchings or rather, “Death by social media”.

It is one of the reasons behind insecurities and depression among teenagers. It is right that technology was introduced to save time, but we forgot to mention, “In the right amount”Â. So, remember, you leave the present moment every time you check the phone.

 Thank you!

 Q3).Consumerism is increasing day-by-day. Luxuries of yesterday have become necessities of today. The result is that the more we want the more miserable we become. Write a debate in 120-150 words on "The only way to minimise human suffering and pain is to control our needs. You are Naman/ Neha

 FOR THE MOTION

 Honourable Judges, my worthy opponents and dear students. Today I, Navtej of Class XI, will speak in favour of the motion ``The only way to minimise human suffering and pain is to control our needs."

 I am sure all of you watch TV programmes regularly, particularly entertainment programmes, serials and telecasts of cricket matches on various TV channels. You will find it hard to believe that just 25 years ago there was only one TV channel to watch, i.e., Doordarshan. Even then, having a TV set was a luxury and not a necessity, like it is nowadays. If we are prevented from watching TV by our parents even for a few days, like during exam time, most of us become miserable.

 However, our ancestors did not face any such misery. Their needs were minimum and items like a TV, fridge, etc. were just considered as luxury. This clearly points to the fact that we must learn to control our needs. Our and become greed which then becomes an obstacle in our lives. In greed, the material world controls us and we join a rat-race which puts us through immense physical and mental stresses. We all know that excessive desires and needs have always been considered immoral and a violation of divine law. 

Thus, we all must control our needs and desires to live our life without any suffering and pain.

Thus, we all must control our needs and desires to live our life without any suffering and pain. Thank you!

  AGAINST THE MOTION

 Respected Principal, members of the Jury, teachers and my dear opponents. Good morning to you all. Today I Navita, take the opportunity to express my disagreement with this view. Scientifically stating, all human beings are born with defined needs which are different for each and every individual. These needs grow and develop with time and age. A small child always has small and meagre needs but a grownup has a much larger and different set of needs.

 With this knowledge, the concept of controlling our needs and desires seems to be flawed. Fulfilment is the key here. Pain and suffering that humans face is because of the lack of satisfaction and fulfilment. If we focus on fulfilment, we can easily remove the obstacles that hurt us. Finding joy in simple things, and happiness and peace is the main aim of human life. Controlling needs then may make a person mentally sick and disgusted which would have physical impacts. Thus, instead of controlling our needs, we must find ways to satisfy them and march towards a happy and fulfilled life.

 Thank you!

 

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