Debate sessions in English

This year our school introduced a new optional: debate sessions for preparing for
Cambridge. When I heard about it, I was very interested in it because I needed to improve my
speaking skills and I really want to pass the Cambridge exam. So I decided to try it.
Let me explain what debate means. There are two groups which have to discuss about a
given topic. One of the groups will speak for the topic and the other against it. In each group
there are 3 speakers. The first speaker talks about the topic and bring arguments for or against the
topic for 5 minutes. The second speaker brings concrete examples for the arguments told by the
first speaker and also counter examples for the arguments told by the other group. The third
speaker is summarizing everything told throughout the debate while he or she demonstrates why
his or her group were better than the others.
The first time was horrible for me. I forgot words and I couldn’t formulate sentences. I
was the second speaker at that time. But the time passed and with every session I tried to speak
better and better. I improved my confidence in my words and in my speaking. Also, I learned to
structure my speech like an essay. I was very glad when finally, our teacher gave me a ten for my
speaking, confidence and structuring ideas! I tried all the speakers and I don’t have preferences
about them. Each speaker has advantages and drawbacks, and each of them suites to me
depending on the topic.
In conclusion, I feel that I improved my speaking skills, but I know that I need to learn
more. I recommend this activity to everybody who want to pass the Cambridge exam with
success, but for those too who want just to improve their speaking skills and their self-
confidence.