Helpful in writing debates for class XI

1. DEBATE
What is the meaning of
‘Debate’?
⮚ Debate is a speech in
Argumentative form
with logical reasoning
and justification
⮚It requires minimum
two speakers(For &
Against)
⮚Expressions Used:
⮚For the Motion/Topic,
Against the
Motion/Topic

2. REMEMBER
• “Better to debate a question
without settling it than
settling a question without
debating it.”

3. KEY POINTS
• FORMAT- Intro. to express motion and
reiterate the motion 1 MARK
• CONTENT - 2 MARKS
• EXPRESSION- Strong and forceful arguments
befitting a debate 2 MARKS

4. Points to learn and remember
Physical Format & Main Content
• Begin by formally addressing the dignitaries on the dais/Chief
Guest, audience and the fellow debaters
• State topic for debate clearly
• Inform whether speaking in favour of the topic/motion or
Against the Motion/Topic
• Counter the anticipated arguments of the other speaker(s) –
Eg: My opponent’s view that .......... is totally illogical...

5. Points to learn and remember...
• Draft in conversational tone
• Pose questions, interactive expressions like “I think you will
agree with me.....”, “Don’t you think that.......”, “I’m sure that
you will have the same notion too”, “Does anyone have the
opinion that.....” etc.
• Begin with a brief, catchy introduction supported by an
anecdote, a quotation or striking expressions which decide
the fate of the debate, statistically provoking questions etc.

6. Points to learn and remember...
• Include adequate supporting facts and data to make your
view credible and interesting.
• Be clear about the purpose of the debate and the focus on
your point of view.
• Have originality (in ideas) use striking hook points, and
humour to emphasize or focus /hold the listeners’ attention.
• Conclusion should be brief, catchy and striking, and firmly
underline the stand you have taken.

7. Points to learn and remember
⮚ Mention “The motion tabled before the house
is.....” and state whether you’re speaking ‘Strongly in
favour of’ or ‘firmly against...’ the issue.
⮚Begin with Honourable Judges and my dear friends, I
stand before you to express/put forth/put forward
my views for/against the motion/topic.

8. Points to learn and remember...
• ‘Respected Chairperson, Members of the Jury and Dear
Friends...
• Or simple ”Good Morning Ladies & Gentlemen”
• Present your argument by way of total agreement to or
disagreement with the topic/subject matter as the case
may be according to the choice made by you. Express
them forcefully and clearly.

9. Use Powerful Expressions like
• “I’d like to make it a point...”, “In my
opinion...”, “May I ask you dear friends in the
audience/my dear friend(opponent)....”, “I
would like to enlighten my dear
friend(opponent)......”
• Very important: Stick to your view point till
end either in favour or against...
• Last Paragraph: Once again just sum up in a
line your views and establish that you are right

10. SAMPLE-1
• You are Kamala/Kamesh. You have to speak in a debate against the
motion, ‘We do not need Mathematics’. Prepare a speech about 150-200
words.
Respected Chairperson, Members of the Jury and dear friends,
I, Kamala/Kamesh, strongly oppose the motion that ‘We do not need
Mathematics’. Does my knowledgeable opponent believe that
Mathematics means only working on complex mathematical models? Or
that it is an activity indulged in only by those with a lot of time at their
disposal? Or that it is of no use to those who, apparently, have better
things to do?

11. On the contrary, Mathematics has always been-and will remain a
part of our lives. I should like to draw your attention to the fact
that almost everything we do-from buying a chocolate bar to
reaching the movie hall in time-involves Mathematics. At a
cricket or football match, what is score-keeping but the
arithmetical form of Mathematics? While building a house,
right from the planning stage, we need Mathematics in all
forms - arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry. We
need Mathematics to keep track of our day-to-day expenses
too. I therefore firmly reject the view that we do not need
Mathematics.
In my opinion Mathematics is an important and most interesting
field of study that complements life. Thank You one and all.

12. SAMPLE-2
On the National Debate Forum, the topic given to the students is ‘Should college
students or even Class XII students be given unlimited freedom?’ Write a
speech for or against the topic in about 200–250 words.
Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen !
Teenage proclaims itself near adulthood. So shouldn’t a teenager be allowed to
probe the mysteries of the world all on his/her own? The modern
environment and educational facilities surely enable that. However, I strongly
feel that some kind of guidance is necessary for their young and reasonable
minds. Friends, I stand here to say a firm “NO”
It is true that the modern world offers a variety of opportunities for all age groups
in all the fields of knowledge, and everything is accessible at the click of a
button. But, with one click on the wrong button, one could drift towards
harmful knowledge. Therefore, there needs to be control over the kind of
freedom handed out to youngsters, whose minds are easily influenced.

13. One could argue, “Aren’t teenagers, who are on the threshold of adulthood
capable of deciphering the good from the bad?” I agree with this thought but too
much curiosity can lead to unwanted confusion, and even chaos. Parental
guidance is imperative on teenagers regarding the kind of movies they watch,
the books they read, friends they choose etc. This does not mean a 24 x 7
scanner, but that youngsters should share their whereabouts and choices with
elders for prudent opinions and guidance. Prudent parents will never tie their
young son or daughter to a post. Some of us may wonder why we can’t be on
our own and enjoy life. But the truth is that the world holds out both good and
bad things and teenagers are not mature enough to differentiate the grey areas.
So parents’ guidance to a certain extent is essential.
Therefore friends, while creative urges and the inquisitiveness of teenagers
about the ongoings in the world should not be suppressed with too much
parental interference, teenagers, on their part should not insist on complete
freedom to act as they wish.

14. Examination Question
• You are Ramesh/Rani a class XII student of SBOA School,
Madurai. You interacted with your friends for knowing
their views on shopping malls which have come up in
every corner of the city. You found that around half the
total number of your friends love to go to malls, while
the other half hate them. Write a debate in 150-200
words in favour of or against the topic ‘Mall Culture in
Cities’.

15. Some more questions
• Should parents give pocket money to their
children?
• Should the students be given holiday
homework during vacations?

16. Thank you