What Is Debate?
A debate is an organized argument or contest of ideas in which the participants discuss a topic from two opposing sides. Those who agree with this statement or idea are the "Pro" side. Those who will not agree with this statement or idea are the "Con" side. Each side will show in an organized and clever way why they believe to have the right answers. They will use examples and evidence to support their ideas while working towards a conclusion.
The aim of a debate is to convince the opposition that you are right. When the two sides agree on the subject or when one side's arguments are more convincing than the other side that is when the debate comes to a close. In a formal debate, a mediator (a person that has not agreed with the Pro or the Con) will decide who the winner should be. In an informal debate the argument can continue until the time when one side gives up :)
The aim of a debate is to convince the opposition that you are right. When the two sides agree on the subject or when one side's arguments are more convincing than the other side that is when the debate comes to a close. In a formal debate, a mediator (a person that has not agreed with the Pro or the Con) will decide who the winner should be. In an informal debate the argument can continue until the time when one side gives up :)
Sample Debate Topic
"School uniforms are an important part of a student's education"
Pro: Example arguments
Con: Example arguments
- School uniforms make all students look alike. Poor and rich students look alike. This makes it easier for all to get along together and concentrate on their studies.
- Uniforms give students a sense of belonging to a certain school.
- Uniforms are easy and cheap to clean.
Con: Example arguments
- School uniforms don't allow students to be individuals. They restrict students from expressing themselves. They are also hot in the summer and they don't protect against the cold in the winter; therefore it is not easy to get along together or concentrate on studying.
- Students don't need uniforms to feel like they belong.
- Uniforms are expensive to buy and they wear out fast.
How Do You Win A Debate Round?
Debate is like an intellectual sport where you have to learn the skills to win. For example, in order to win a debate round, you need to have a full understanding of the topic you are debating about. You must also be able to answer the following questions:
(1) Who are the people the debate is about and who is presenting the argument?
(2) What is the debate about?
(3) Where did the incident discussed take place?
(4) When did the incident discussed take place?
(5) Why did the incident happen and why are you debating about it?
(6)How did the incident happen?
Once you understand these questions, then you will be able to build your argument in a logical way to win a debate round.
(1) Who are the people the debate is about and who is presenting the argument?
(2) What is the debate about?
(3) Where did the incident discussed take place?
(4) When did the incident discussed take place?
(5) Why did the incident happen and why are you debating about it?
(6)How did the incident happen?
Once you understand these questions, then you will be able to build your argument in a logical way to win a debate round.