Debate writing involves formally discussing a particular theme or topic by presenting opposing arguments for or against a motion in a public setting. An effective debate writing sample should maintain a clear sequence and structure using transitional phrases to introduce arguments and examples. Writers should double check for accuracy, leave spacing between paragraphs, and consider underlining main points. Effective debate writing also involves practicing with sample debates, being informed on current issues, and following guidelines on formatting, content, and word limits while avoiding personal details. A practice question is provided to help prepare views on a school debate topic.
2. WHAT IS DEBATE WRITING?
A DEBATE IS A FORMAL DISCUSSION ON A
PARTICULAR THEME OR TOPIC. IT IS MOSTLY
CONDUCTED IN A PUBLIC SETTING IN WHICH
PEOPLE PRESENT THEIR OPPOSING
ARGUMENTS FOR OR AGAINST A PARTICULAR
THEME OR TOPIC.
7. REMEMBER TO INCLUDE PHRASES SUCH AS:
• I SUPPORT THE MOTION WHOLEHEARTEDLY …
• I STRONGLY OPPOSE THE MOTION …
• I’D LIKE TO PRESENT MY VIEWS …
• I FAIL TO UNDERSTAND WHY MY WORTHY OPPONENT FEELS …
• I FULLY AGREE WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY …
• I TOTALLY DISAGREE WITH THE VIEW …
• I REJECT…
• I SUBMIT…
• I CONDEMN…
• I AM AMAZED BY THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY …
• I’D LIKE TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE JURY AND MY FRIENDS …
• MAY I ASK MY WORTHY OPPONENT…
• LET ME GIVE YOU AN EXAMPLE …
9. DO’S AND DONT’S
• DO’S
1. BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING, WRITE DOWN ALL THE POINTS (ONE/TWO WORDS PER POINT) AT THE
ANSWER SHEET (ROUGH SHEET) SO THAT YOU DO NOT FORGET RELEVANT POINTS WHILE WRITING.
YOU IN MAINTAINING A SEQUENCE, WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT.
2. MAKE SURE YOU DOUBLE CHECK FOR GRAMMATICAL ACCURACY AND SPELLINGS. THEY CARRY
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
PENCIL AND SCALE FOR UNDERLINING.
5. ALWAYS HAVE A FEW GENERAL QUOTES IN HANDY. THEY HELP IN PRESENTATION AND SHOWS THAT
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
DURING THE ENTIRE YEAR.
10. DO’S AND DONT’S
• DON’T’S
1.NEVER MENTION ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS, I.E., NAME, SCHOOL NAME
2.NEVER WRITE IN ONE GO. MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE RIGHT FORMAT AND
PARAGRAPHS.
3.DON’T USE SLANGS OR SHORT FORMS.
4.DON’T WRITE WRONG FACTS.
5.TRY NOT TO EXCEED THE PRESCRIBED WORD LIMIT OF 120 – 150 WORDS.
6.DO NOT INVEST TOO MUCH TIME IN JUST THIS QUESTION.
12. YOU ARE MUKUL / MAHIMA OF ALPS PUBLIC SCHOOL. YOUR SCHOOL HAS
ORGANIZED A DEBATE ON “SOCIAL MEDIA AND IT’S EFFECTS” AND YOU WILL BE
PARTICIPATING IN YOUR SCHOOL. PREPARE YOUR VIEWS AGAINST OR IN FAVOUR OF
THE MOTION. (120 – 150 WORDS)