CLASS – XII ENGLISH(CORE)

TOPIC – DEBATE
PREPARED BY
Dr. V. SUNDAR,PGT(ENGLISH)
JNV, HASSAN, KARNATAKA
 DEBATE
What is the meaning of
‘Debate’?
Debate is a speech in
Argumentative form
with logical reasoning
and justification
 It requires minimum two
speakers(For & Against)
 Expressions Used:
 For the Motion/Topic,
Against the
Motion/Topic
 Points to learn and remember
• (Physical Format & Main Content)
• It begins with a formal address to the
onlookers/dignitaries on the dais/Chief Guest
and the Fellow debaters and the Topic of
Dispute/Argument/Controversy clearly say/
write whether you are speaking in favour of
the topic/Motion (For/ Supporter) or Against
the Motion/Topic (opponent)
 Points to learn and remember...
• To be written in Conversational tone
• Pause questions, Interactive expressions like I
think you will agree with me, don’t you think
that, I’m sure that you will have the same notion,
does anyone have the opinion that...etc.,
• Begin with a brief, catchy introduction-supported
by anecdote, quotation, striking expressions
which decide the fate of the debate, statistical
provoking questions etc.,
 Points to learn and remember...
• Include adequate supporting facts and data to
make it credible and interesting.
• Be clear about the purpose of the debate and
the focus on your point of view.
• Have originality (in ideas) use striking hook
points, and humour to emphasize or focus
/hold the listeners attention.
• As to introduction, conclusion should be brief,
catchy and striking.
 Points to learn and remember
 Mention “the motion tabled before the house
is...” and state whether you’re speaking
‘Strongly in favour of’ or ‘firmly against...’ the
issue.
Begin with Honourable Judges and my dear
friends, I stand before you to express/put
forth/put forward my views for/against the
motion/topic.
 Points to learn and remember...
• ‘Respected Chair person, Members of the Jury
and Dear Friends...
• Or simple ”Good Morning Ladies &
Gentlemen”
• Present your argument by way of total
agreement or disagreement with the
topic/subject matter as the case may be which
are in your favour. Express them forcefully
and clearly.
 Points to learn and remember...
• Begin with a Quotation/Question/interesting
statistics...
• Develop3-4 points in support of your stand and
negate at least two points of your opponent.
• Then and there refer to the Opponent’s Views
and Refute them strongly & issue challenges.
• Back and back Up your arguments with relevant
examples, supportive facts, information,
statistical data etc.,
 Use Powerful Expressions like
• I’d like to argue, In my opinion, May I ask you one
thing dear audience/my dear friend(opponent),
may I enlighten my dear friend(opponent)
• Very important: Stick to your view point till end
either in favour or against...
• Last Paragraph: Once again just sum up in a line
your views and claim/justify/declare you yourself
that you are Right and request/appeal to the
honourable Judges to deliver the judgement in
favour of your views and topic.
 Use Powerful Expressions like...
• Conclude with your
strongest point and
reiterate your stand
once again.
• At the end say/write
(At the bottom middle
of the page)
Thank you one and all.
 SAMPLE-1
• You are Kamala/Kamesh. You have to speak in a debate
against the motion, ‘We do not need Mathematics’.
Prepare a speech about 150-200 words.
Respected Chairperson, Members of the Jury and dear
friends,
I, Kamala/Kamesh, strongly oppose the motion that ‘We do
not need Mathematics’. Does my knowledgeable opponent
believe that Mathematics means only working on complex
mathematical models? Or that it is an activity indulged in
only by those with alot of time on their hands? Or that it is
of no use to those who, apparently, have better things to
do?
On the contrary, Mathematics has always been-and
will remain part of our lives. I should like to draw
attention to the fact that almost everything we
do-from buying a bar of chocolate to reaching the
movie hall on time-involves Mathematics. At a
cricket or football match, what is score-keeping
but the arithmetical form of Mathematics? While
building a house, right from the planning stage,
we need Mathematics in various forms, such as
arithmetic, algebra, geometry and trigonometry.
We need Mathematics to keep track of our day-to-
day expenses too. I therefore firmly reject the
view that we do not need Mathematics.
In my opinion Mathematics is an important field of
study in modern life. Thank You one and all.
 SAMPLE-2
On the National Debate Forum, the topic given to the students is
‘should college students or even Class XII students be given
unlimited freedom?’ Write a speech for or against the topic in
about 200–250 words.
Good Morning, Ladies and Gentlemen !
Teenage proclaims itself near adulthood. So shouldn’t a teenager be
allowed to probe the mysteries of the world all on his/her own?
The modern environment and educational facilities surely enable
that. However, I strongly feel that some kind of guidance is
necessary for their young and reasonable minds.
It is true that the modern world offers a variety of opportunities for
all age groups in all the fields of knowledge, and everything is
accessible at the click of a button. But, with one click on the
wrong button, one could get access to harmful knowledge.
Therefore, there needs to be some kind of control over the kind
of freedom
One could argue that aren’t teenagers capable of deciphering the
good from the bad as they are on the threshold of adulthood? I
agree with this thought but too much curiosity can lead to added
confusion, and even chaos. Some kind of parental guidance should
be exercised on teenagers regarding the kind of movies to be
watched, the books to be read, friends to have, etc. Some of us may
strongly protest as to why can’t we be on our
own and enjoy life.
But the truth is that the world consists of both good and bad things
and teenagers are not in a position to differentiate between the
grey areas amidst good and bad. So the parents’ guidance to a
certain extent is essential.

Therefore, I think that while creative urges and the inquisitiveness

of teenagers about the goings-on in the world should not be
suppressed with too much parental interference,
teenagers, on their part should not insist on complete freedom to
act as they wish.
 Board Exam Question
• You are Ramesh/Rani a class XII student of
SBOA School, Madurai. You interacted with
your friends for knowing their views on
shopping Malls which have come up in every
corner of the city. You found that around half
the total number of your friends love to go to
Malls, while the other half hate them. Write a
debate in 150-200 words in favour of or
against the topic Mall Culture in Cities.
Thank you