Debate Writing: Sample Debates

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Debate Writing

Introduction
Debate is a discussion among two separate teams who have different views for
and against a definite topic chosen beforehand. Both of these opposing teams
make differing arguments to support their own views. A debate therefore,
turns out to be quite interesting and engaging for the viewers, as they get to
hear a lot of differing viewpoints and intelligent arguments. A debate is
designed to encourage students to enhance their linguistic skills. Additionally,
debates are a great way of forming new ideas.

Tips for writing debates


 The resolution/ motion adopted for a debate should have enough scope for
arguments, both positive and negative.
 There are two sides to any debate. Naturally, one will argue for and another
against the resolution.
 The arguments put forth must be concrete.
 Both sides of the argument should be kept in mind and respected while
making a statement.
 The ideas for the debate should be noted down separately beforehand.
 The word limit of the entire debate should ideally be kept within 50-70
words.

Sample Debates

1) Resolution: Fast foods should be banned.


For: Fast foods are downright unhealthy because they contain zero
nutritional value and instead
contain a lot of fat and calories, which tend to make us obese and can also
lead to heart-related
diseases. They also cause trouble to our digestion, while also increasing
chances of damaged
liver and even cancer.
Against: Fast food provides a ‘fast solution’ to our daily consumption
routine. They satisfy our
hunger at odd times and help us keep pace with our daily life. Further, fast
foods are harmful
only when they are consumed in huge quantities. If consumed in lesser
amounts, the risk factor
gets reduced.

2) Resolution: Capital Punishment should be stopped with immediate effect.


For: Capital punishment is not a crime deterrent. It is cruel, inhuman and
shows the violence inherent in a culture. To stop the crime, we cannot kill
the criminal.
Against: When the crime is absolutely heinous against humanity, the
criminal deserves the capital punishment. A human being who has willingly
forsaken his or her human identity has no right to live.

3) Resolution: Smartphones make us loners.


For: With a smartphone, a human being forgets he or she has a real social
being. Its virtual world bars all the real social windows and he or she
becomes alone detached from the social reality.
Against: The use of smartphones, like all gadgets, depends on individuals
solely. Therefore, if the individuals themselves change their attitudes and
control their usage, smartphones could no longer cause any harm to
anyone.

4) Resolution: Co-curricular activities are good for us.


For: Co-curricular activities help in overall development of the students and
encourage them to develop skills, explore talents outside academics and
also help in building up their self esteem.
Against: Co-curricular activities can be time consuming and can become an
extra burden for the students. The time utilised for extra-curricular
activities can be dedicated to studies and this would benefit the students
more. There may also be extra expenses for these activities, which could be
a problem for economically backward students.

5) Resolution: Children shouldn’t be allowed to play video games.


For: Video games tend to affect the children’s attitude towards life; they
may tend to lose interest in their surroundings. Also, many video games
may contain excessive violence and other content which might be harmful
and can have a negative impact on children.
Against: Video games provide a relatively safe alternative to the outdoor
playing which is no longer possible for most kids. They help in increasing the
problem solving skills, multitasking skills of young learners, while also
enhancing their concentration patterns and act as memory boosters.
6) Resolution: Zoos should be abolished.
For: Zoos present an unhealthy environment for the animals, who are caged
and their independence is hampered. Animals in zoos suffer from stress,
boredom, and irritation because of over-enthusiastic tourists. Besides, caged
animals can be dangerous for tourists, if they escape somehow. There have
also been reports of caged animals eating other such zoo animals.
Against: Zoos provide a scope for young students to know about various

7) Resolution: Watching TV is nothing but harmful.


For: Watching TV wastes our valuable time. TV programmes are often
misleading and they provide false information. Besides, violence on TV screen
can give rise to affect children in a negative way.
Against: TV can be educational and informative as well. The correct use of TV
depends on the users themselves and therefore, with proper monitoring,
students can be encouraged to use television in a positive and controlled
manner.

8) Resolution: Pets shouldn’t be kept.


For: Keeping pets requires a lot of resources which could be put to better use.
Keeping pets hampers their own sense of freedom. Keeping pets is a huge
responsibility. Unless, we are able to give enough time to the pets, there is no
point in having pets. Pets can also be a cause of harmful diseases.
Against: Pets bring love, companionship and having pets can teach us to
respect and love other living beings. Many stray animals probably wouldn’t
survive if they aren’t taken in as pets by some family. Keeping pets provide the
poor animals a home.

9) Resolution: Homework should be banned.


For: Homework creates extra pressure on students, who as it is, have to study
a lot for different exams. Instead, they can be asked to revise whatever lessons
they have been taught in school. Also, homework leaves no time for rest and
relaxation.
Against: Homework helps students get that extra amount of practice and helps
to keep them engaged in schoolwork even at home. Homework helps students
to think and process studies at home in a more free manner.

10) Resolution: Computers should replace teachers.


For: Computers are the newest technology and they will surely help in
providing quality education to young learners without any complications.
Computers do not need extra and regular payment. There is also no chance of
a computer getting distracted or being offended by the students. Besides,
computers would not make any errors.
Against: Computers can never provide the same effect that a teacher can.
Computers are mechanical and can never be able to show patience or
understanding to young students. There would hardly be any scope for
student-teacher interaction or doubt clearing.

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