Debate Writing

What is a Debate?

A debate is a formal discussion on a subject about which people have different opinions. It is like an argument but in a formal setup. For instance, some people are in favour of lavish marriage ceremonies, while some feel that marriages should be simple and low-key affairs. Some people think that computers are important for children, while others feel that they spoil them. These and many more issues can be debated upon by engaging in a persuasive speech.

Points to Remember while Writing a Debate

• Address the audience before you begin your discussion.
• Do mention whether you are in favour or against the given topic or motion or issue.
• Write a debate speech of at least 150–180 words.
• Use short and grammatically correct sentences to present your views.
• Use a variety of words and phrases to make the debate interesting.
• Avoid using harsh language or impolite expressions while expressing your opinion.
• Avoid repetition, as this will make your argument weak and uninteresting

Debate writing examples:

SAMPLE 1

Reservation system should be abolished in India. For the motion:

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends, today I am going to speak for the motion – Reservation system should be abolished in India.

In India, reservation was introduced to uplift the lower strata of society. However, over the years, the reserved classes have been enjoying privileges offered by the government without really contributing to the country’s progress. The equality of opportunity has turned into a chance to misuse the relaxations offered to the lower classes. The result: the lower classes glorify their so-called ‘low’ status and eat into the positions at various levels in the country.

In the modern times, people receive education irrespective of their caste; they are informed and can fight for their rights. The current reservation system then becomes an obsolete way of evaluating who needs aid from the government.

The government should amend the reservation system and make a person’s financial status the parameter to offer or withdraw privileges.

Positions in schools and government offices should be filled taking into account a candidate’s education and financial background.

This is a huge change, but if brought about, will only produce better citizens who could do the nation proud at the national and the global level. It is time that the present reservation system is abolished in India.

Thank you.

Against the motion:

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends, today I am going to speak against the motion – Reservation system should be abolished in India.

Although the country has developed at various levels, people are still discriminated based on their caste and religion. The disparity between the privileged and the underprivileged continues to thrive. The reservation system only ensures that the rights of such people are protected.

Thanks to reservation, more children are getting admitted in schools and colleges. Education is no more the right of the higher classes. If people from the lower castes also receive quality education, then they can find better employment opportunities and help their community prosper and flourish.

Discrimination has always been a major concern in India since the ancient times. Despite education and social development, a part of the Indian society will always believe that only the upper castes deserve all rights and privileges. The reservation system ensures that discrimination based on caste and religion is under control in India. Therefore, the reservation should not be abolished.

Thank you.

SAMPLE 2

Books should not be made into movies. For the motion:

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends, today I am going to speak for the motion – Books should not be made into movies.

In my opinion, making a book into a movie makes people lazy. It diminishes a person’s interest in reading the book. If you could watch all that happened in the seven books of Harry Potter in one movie spanning a few hours, why would you read the seven books?

Each reader perceives a book and its components differently. For instance, for some readers, a character might become a hero by the end of the book. However, for others, he might become a villain. Each character, episode or scene is written so that people can think over it. I strongly feel that movies kill the imaginative streak in people.

A story, its characters and the events are born out of the author’s imagination. You cannot recreate someone’s imagination. Every recreation will be a different version and the uniqueness and originality will be lost eventually.

A movie can never do justice to a book. Books shouldn’t be made into movies. Thank you.

Against the motion:

Respected Principal, teachers and dear friends, today I am going to speak against the motion – Books should not be made into movies.

Making a book into a movie can generate more readers. Those who saw the movie Harry Potter but hadn’t read the book would surely want to read the book to know more about the characters and the events.

Imagine reading books such as Gulliver’s Travels, The Chronicles of Narnia, Life of Pi, A Christmas Carol, and The Invisible Man; now imagine watching these as movies. Isn’t it more enjoyable to see Gulliver and his encounters with the little Lilliputians? Watching Aslan and the White Witch fight for Narnia is more exciting than reading the book.

Movies translate an author’s imagination into a series of fast-paced scenes which have a lasting effect on the audience. It makes people relate closely to the characters and the events described in a book. Audio- visual inputs also help children absorb the story better than reading the book.

I strongly feel that books should be made into movies. Thank you.