KEY TO Debate Writing CLASS XI ENGLISH CORE

DEBATE

1. CLASS – XI ENGLISH(CORE) TOPIC – DEBATE

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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...

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 .

9. Debate Topic can be …

10. 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.

11. Points to learn and remember... Begin with a Quotation/Question/interesting statistics... Develop 3-4 points in support of your stand and counter at least two points of your opponent. Refer to the opponent’s views then and there and refute them strongly & challenge them. Back and back up your arguments with relevant examples, supportive facts, information, statistical data etc.,

12. 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

13. Wind up this way... Conclude with your strongest point and reiterate your stand. End with “Thank you one and all.” (At the bottom middle of the page of your draft)

14. 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?

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. 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’.

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

20. Thank you