Page 194 - New Grammar with a Smile 7

6 Debate

A speech is merely a one-sided affair, in which one person constructs a talk on a
given topic and presents it to an audience.

A debate is a formalised discussion between opposing/conflicting sides in which
each side presents its position within a given time frame and there is generally time
for sides to cross-examine each other for questions and points of clarification. This is
called the ‘rebuttal round’.

Some useful points and language style to be followed while writing for
a debate—

y Opening statement/Quotation
y Respected Chairperson, Members of the Jury, Teachers and my dear friends

y I strongly support/oppose the motion … .
y First reason for/against

y Second reason for/against
y My worthy opponent has just pointed out … .

y But I feel … .
y Friends, don’t you agree with me when I say … .

y Although my opponents may feel … .
y Summing up

Write down points ‘for’ or ‘against’ the following topics:

1. Mobile phones should be banned in schools.

2. Honesty is the best policy.
3. Science has helped us more than it has harmed us.

4. Money is more important than anything else.
5. The advantages of a ‘co-ed’ school outnumber its disadvantages.

6. India is headed in the right direction.

194