ENGLISH-CORE, WRITING SECTION

FORMAT OF DEBATE WRITING

What is Debate Writing?

Debate Writing - A formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or
legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which
usually ends with a vote.
For Example - "Last night's debate on the Education Bill"

When it comes to writing debates during exam, we have to be smart and wise with
our choice and length of words. This is because there are time constraints and
within that time constraint, we have to impress the person checking it.

Tips to attempt a question on Debate writing

Debate Writing Tips - The first and the foremost step is to choose the side, whether
you want to write for, or against the motion. Always try to select the side you
personally want to support and have more material information to write on. It is
preferable to make a choice during the reading time.
An ideal debate must consist of 4 paragraphs, namely-

i. Introduction/Salutations,
ii. Problem,
iii. Solution and
iv. the conclusion.

 
Let us discuss each of them in detail.
1. Introduction- This includes salutations and the topic (including FOR/AGAINST the
motion).
For Example:- Good morning everyone. Esteemed judges, honourable guests,
respected teachers and my fellow students. I, (name given in the question or else,
XYZ) feel honoured to have been given the opportunity to speak (FOR/AGAINST) the
topic- (name of the topic).
 
2. Body (Problem)- This is the main paragraph or the body of your answer.

i. Always begin with the meaning of the topic or the explanation of the topic in
not more than a line.
ii. Then start quoting the issues. Now here, it is important you follow a sequence.
It is possible that you have too many points or very few points. When you have
a lot of varied points, it is better you choose a few best ones and write a line
on each. In case you have very few already, explain them in at least two lines
each.
iii. Make sure you are clear with your thoughts, only then you'll be able to put
them into words unambiguously.

3. Solution- "For every problem, there is a solution."

This paragraph needs to be short and crisp whereby; you are supposed to give a
rational and practical solution for all the above problems.

i. In case you are not able to figure one out, keep in mind a few general ones. It
could involve spreading awareness, campaigns, stringent laws and their strict
implementation, education, etc.
ii. Using a quote never hurts. It can be general ones like, on working together.
Every situation can be faced and solved if there is unity. So here are a few
handy ones.

"Wherever there is unity, there is always victory."

"Unity is strength."
"United we stand, divided we fall." And many more.
4. Conclusion- This part involves clarification of your statement and stance along
with thanking the audience for being such patient listeners. This paragraph needs to
be short and precise.
Here also, you could add some glitter to your art piece with some quotes like "The
word IMPOSSIBLE itself says, I M POSSIBLE."

Things to remember while attempting a question on debate

writing for class 12 English writing skills
DO'S
 i. Before you begin writing, write down all the points (one/two words per point)
at the back of your answer sheet (rough sheet) so that you do not forget
relevant points while writing. This also helps you in maintaining a sequence,
which is very important.
ii. Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They
carry marks.
iii. Presentation is very important.
iv. Read a lot of debates to get an idea.

DON'Ts

i. Never mention any of your personal details, i.e., name, school name or
address.
ii. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make
paragraphs.
iii. Don't use slangs or short forms.
iv. Don't write wrong facts.
v. Try not to exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.
vi. Do not invest too much time in just this question.

. You are Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School. Your school has organized a
debate on "Social Media and It's Effects"Â and you will be participating from your
school. Prepare your views against or in favour of the motion. (150-200
words)                                            

SOCIAL MEDIA AND IT's EFFECTS

FOR THE MOTION:
"We are all now connected by the internet, like neurons in a giant brain"
Honourable judges, teachers and my worthy opponents, thank you for giving me the
opportunity to join this debate on the topic, "Social Media and It's Effects". I am
Mukul/ Mahima and I would like to speak in favour of the motion.
How many people do not have a smile on their faces on finding an old friend on
facebook? Well, social media has removed all the barriers and boundaries to
communication by bringing the globe on a single platform. While business
opportunities have widened, marketer's reach has broadened. It keeps us updated
about everything going on in every nook and corner of the world on a real-time basis.
From emergency alerts, announcements and declarations to knowing how our
friends are doing has all become so convenient. It provides freedom of speech and
thus, enables everyone to speak their mind. Not to forget the incalculable access it
provides to the extensive information.   
With so much advancement and innovation, it would be an unimaginable world
without having social media in it. Someone has rightly put it into words by saying,
"Social media is addictive precisely because it gives us something what the real
world lacks: it gives us immediacy, direction and a value as an individual."
Thank you.
AGAINST THE MOTION:
What a world it is, with everyone on their phones, all the time, faking their lives and
keeping a count of their likes?
Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen! I am Mukul/ Mahima and my topic for the day
is, "Social media and it's effects". I would like to speak against the motion.
It has now become doubtful to trust the saying that goes like "Technology was
developed to save time and make our lives easier", because people have become
addicted and unproductive. It takes a lot of effort and discipline to stay away from
social media. Results have shown that it has had adverse effects on human minds
and their functioning. Outdoor activities among children have also reduced
significantly.
No doubt it provides access to useful information, but, it is hard to ignore the
quantum of fake news that spreads like wildfire and the extent of impact it has on
the society. In fact, fake whatsapp forwards was a clear pattern that was observed
behind the recent mob lynchings or rather, "Death by social media".
It is one of the reasons behind insecurities and depression among teenagers. It is
right that technology was introduced to save time, but we forgot to mention, "In the
right amount"Â. So, remember, you leave the present moment every time you check
the phone.
Thank you for your cooperation and patient hearing.
Academic excellence is the only requirement  for a successful career." Write a
debate either for or against the motion. (150 words)

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR A SUCCESSFUL

CAREER.
FOR THE MOTION:
"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it from you."
Respected judges and my worthy opponents, I stand before you all to speak in
favour of the motion: "Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful
career".
Right to Education is the fundamental right of every child in the age group of six to
fourteen years. The education system in the primary years is designed so as to
provide basic knowledge of each subject and help the youth of today to choose their
subject of interest for its deeper study that can only be provided effectively through
universities. It plays a key role in the development of society and nation. Information
cannot be converted into knowledge without education. Education makes us
capable of interpreting things, among other things.
It helps in raising future leaders by providing them clear understanding and
developing decision making abilities. It makes them resourceful and competent.
Excellence in academics prepares children for the competition ahead and teaches
them to work hard as well.  
Moreover, Excellency will ensure admission to the best universities for higher
education that provide exposure and a kick start to their career. To conclude, I would
say that one who has it's academic future choices sorted out, has it's career planned
out.
"The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of
truth. “A
Thank you.
AGAINST THE MOTION:
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Academic excellence
is the only requirement for a successful career" and I choose to speak against the
motion.
"The goal of education is to raise the leaders of tomorrow". But my question is, how
is it that most of the leaders of today happen to be college dropouts? This is
because having degrees cannot ensure success. It fails to impart the life skills and
polish personality of an individual. They can surely give you an overview of a subject
but fail to provide an overview of how the world works. It does not ensure skills and
competencies. It tells people what to think instead of how to think and the end
results is that, the society now has just robots who have switched their minds off
only to believe what is being taught.
One's attitude towards life is what brings success. Undoubtedly, academic
Excellences can provide you degrees or may even land you at a job, but, your
success depends upon how you think, behave, walk, talk and present yourself. It has
been rightly said,
"Education produces great employees in the market, not employers".
Thank you.