Debate

Debate is a discussion among two separate teams or participants who have different views for
and against the motion. They make differing arguments to support their own views. It is an
interesting writing skill to represent their views with valid points. It is also a great way of
forming new ideas
The purpose of making a debate is to convey information orally to a large gathering of people
strongly and convincingly.
FORMAT
-Title (For/Against)
In First Paragraph
-Includes the topic (For/Against) SALUTATION, greeting the chief guest and fellow speakers or
listeners. Begin with "Honourable Chairperson, judges, teachers and my dear friends, I stand before
you to express my views for/against the motion on the topic......."
In Second Paragraph (CONTENT):
-Arguments, you put forward, express your views about the topic, compare & contrast at statistically
data. Examples in order to prove your points.
In Third Paragraph (Conclusion)
-Summarise or sum up highlighting your view point.
“I hope I have been able to convince my judges with my strong points… Thank you.”
Points to Remember:
-Use LANGUAGE that is persuasive and powerful using the expressions like-I vehemently disapprove
of, I strongly feel, in my opinion, may I ask......etc.
-Use argumentative style and logical reasoning, bank up argument and relevant information.
-It is very important that you do not deviate from the topic.
-Always make a rough draft
-Follow the word limit.

Q1. Write a debate in 120 words either for or against the motion. ‘Mobile Phone is
proving to be a curse for students.
Mobile Phone-a Curse
For the Motion
Good Morning. respected Principal ma’am, judges, teachers and my dear friends. Today I,
Animesh, stand before you to speak for the motion, “Mobile phone is proving to be a curse for
students.”
Technology has reached its pinnacle in the 21 st century and it has conveniently seeped into
our daily lives. From the time we wake up in the morning till we go back to sleep we use
technology to make our lives simpler and easier. We have become so habituated to ‘using
technology’ that we hardly realise that we have become slaves to it. One fine specimen of this
slavery is the use of mobile phones in our lives.
With the introduction of smart phone and 5G network, we have the world at the disposal of just
one touch. There is no denial of the fact that mobiles have helped us connect globally and has
provided us the key to the vast encyclopaedia of knowledge. However, it is also true that
mobiles have taken a toll on the vulnerable minds of students.
Students these days pester their parents to buy the latest mobile sets so that they can show
off to their peers. They spend multiple hours on the device ignoring both studies and outdoor
games. Unfortunately, they prefer playing mobile games like PUB_G over cricket or football.
They are so hooked on to the virtual world that they unknowingly escape from the reality of
their lives. Social networking sites too influence them to a great extent- they have thousands
of friends in Facebook and Instagram but not even a handful to follow them in reality.
Befriending unknown people seems quite alluring and thrilling at their age but little do they
know about its grave consequences. Many teenagers eventually become victims of cyber
bullying or cyber-crime. Statistics say about 28% of teenagers are reported of being
threatened or bullied online.
Students are so engulfed in the cocoon of the virtual world that they have withdrawn
themselves from their parents and true friends. They rarely spent quality time with their
siblings and parents. My worthy opponent must understand that students fail to socialize
which hinders their inter-personal skills. Many a times out of curiosity or ignorance they land
into erotic sites or become victims of playing Apps like Blue Whale which can be life
threatening.
Excessive amount of screen time has certain ill effects on their health too. Long hours of
chatting and playing games not only strain their eyes but ears too. Total inactivity weakens
their immunity as well as hampers their cognitive ability resulting in poor academic
performance. Children become restless and are more prone to stress and anxiety. They find it
difficult to remain focussed for a longer duration of time. Their sedentary lifestyle has made
them lazy and they lack discipline in their lives.
Mobile phone is a curse as students lack the ability to use them judiciously. Therefore, I
vehemently feel that there must be a check on the use of mobile phones by students. Parents
should always monitor their wards and refrain from giving them internet access.
Thank you!

Mobile Phone-a Curse

Against the Motion
Good Morning respected Principal ma’am, judges, teachers and my dear friends. Today I,
Animesh, stand before you to speak against the motion, “Mobile phone is proving to be a
curse for students.”
Technology has reached its pinnacle in the 21st century and it has conveniently seeped into
our daily lives. From the time we wake up in the morning till we go back to sleep we use
technology to make our lives simpler and easier. They have become the part and parcel of our
lives. Mobile phone is one such wonders of technology.
With the introduction of smart phone and 3G network we have the world at the disposal of just
one touch. There is no denial of the fact that mobiles have helped us connect globally and has
provided us the key to the vast encyclopaedia of knowledge.
The multiple features of mobile phones have indeed made it a ‘smart’ device. It works as an
alarm clock, timer, camera, a telephone directory, calendar, world map and so on. And the
best part is that the 4-inch wonder-device easily fits into our pocket and has thus, become our
inseparable companion.
With the help of your mobile you are forever connected to your parents, friends and relatives.
Therefore, my worthy opponent must not forget that it ensures security to children when they
are out of their houses especially when they are in coaching classes or at a friend’s house.
Social media like Facebook has helped us re-connect to our long lost friends.
Mobiles, if used wisely, help students in multiple ways. For instance, with a little research in
Google, students can do wonders to their assigned projects. They can learn new skills or even
display their talent with the help of internet. Learning new languages, art and craft, music etc.
can be done sitting at your home with the help of internet and mobile. In an era of globalisation
mobiles help students to keep updated about the happenings of the world. One can play
games in the mobile to kill boredom. Moreover, some of the games are designed in a way that
they help students to develop their logical reasoning skills and analytical skills.
Therefore, I strongly feel that mobile is a boon. However, it is up to you to make the best use
of it and not reduce to mere slave to the device.
Thank you!
You are Zeenia/Zeeshan a class XII student of RSV school, Badli. You interacted with
your friends and family 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 120 words in favour
of or against the topic-Mall Culture-a privilege in Cities.
Mall Culture in Cities
For the motion

Honourable judges, Principal and my dear friends! I, Zeenia of class XII of RSV School stand
before you to express my views in favour of the motion ‘Mall culture in cities’.
Shopping malls are becoming an integral part of cities. Every corner of a city has at least one
shopping mall in it. They are fast emerging as new hallmark of development. Teenagers love
to visit malls with their friends and family. Air-conditioned atmosphere provides a big relief
from sweltering heat one has to face while shopping in markets in summers. The neat and
clean, safe and secure building helps teenagers to forget the stress and pressure of schools
colleges, offices and everyday stressed life and enjoy free time in a relaxed way. Shopping
malls help us to shop for anything under the sky under one roof. All our favourite things like
Junk Jewellery, latest DVD, newly released books all are available there. They can take
electronic item of any brand without caring about bargaining as the articles sold in malls are of
quality brands with fixed price tags.
Window shopping, the best way to learn about latest products in market is best done in malls.
Teenagers with their peer are seen window shopping at showrooms of famous brands there.
Shopping malls also provide perfect place to give and enjoy parties. Mcdonalds, Pizzahuts,
KFC and many such eating joints have their outlets in malls.
It is becoming a new trend among teenagers to celebrate birthdays, friendship days and many
such occasions in the company of whole gang of their friends in shopping malls. Shopping
malls with their movie theatres provide another way of enjoying holidays with friends and
family. One can watch latest movie in cool and relaxed atmosphere of such theatres. The
shopping malls also are great contributors to the economy of the country by providing
employment opportunity to many.
Thus, shopping malls are emerging as the most favourite place not only for the teenagers but
also for the elders to hang around in the company of their loved ones without worrying about
heat or hunger. I hope I have been able to convince the judges with the strong arguments.
Thank you!

Mall Culture in Cities

Against the motion
Honourable judges, Principal and my dear friends I, Zeenia, stand before you to express my
views against the motion ‘Mall culture in cities’.
Mushrooming of shopping malls in every nook and corner of cities is becoming a nuisance for
common people. Teenagers suffer most because of increasing mall culture in cities. Their
imposing structure and lucrative exterior symbolise the superficiality of city life with increasing
materialistic outlook of its people. They seem to be blot on social growth of people.
Youngsters, especially teenagers spend their valuable time and hard-earned money of their
parents in malls. Shopping malls are harmful for health of the visitors. The air inside the mall is
stale due to its being air-conditioned without proper ventilation. The air inside it contains fumes
from its eating joints besides breathed out air of the crowd there. Shopping malls are heavy on
the purse also. Most of the showrooms in malls charge higher prices in comparison to those in
open markets as they have to pay higher rents. It costs many times more to watch movies or
buy things here. Shopping malls encourage western culture among teenagers. They get lured
by the glossy advertisements about the eating joints there and want to give parties in them
instead of at home. They thus, harm teenagers as they get away from Indian values like
partying at home with parents. It is detrimental to the economy as the small businesses get
affected due to shopping malls.
To conclude, one can say it emphatically that teenagers under the bad influence of western
culture, encouraged by malls, spend their valuable time and hard-earned money by roaming
around aimlessly and many a times anonymously in malls in the name of window shopping.
They want to show off to their friends their spending powers and western outlook at the cost of
time and money.
Thank you!

Q2. Brain Drain is not a bane for developing country like India.

Brain Drain is not a bane

Against the Motion

Honourable Judges, my worthy opponents and dear students, today I, Abha, of class XII, will
speak against the motion, "Brain drain is not bane for a developing country like India."

I would like to draw the attention of my worthy opponents to the fact that India is a developing
nation and a lot of money is spent on the education and paid as subsidies to the students of
Engineering and Medical but it is ironical that these students after completion of their studies
instead of serving their motherland go away to foreign countries to earn more money.

This is indeed a great national loss because the expense incurred on their education comes
from the taxes submitted by the common people. The present statistical data reveals the fact
the number of students leaving the country and going abroad has nearly doubled. I'm sure and
confident that my honourable opponents will do some soul searching!

Those in favour of the motion have highlighted the view that brain drain has brought prestige
to the Nation, I strongly disagree, in my opinion brain drain is a great loss of talent of our
nation. Had these talented engineers and doctors stayed behind, the people of our motherland
would have benefitted immensely.

The day would not be far when she would once again be called the "Golden Bird". The drifting
away of the intelligent people has left our country poor and benefitted another country. To
conclude I would once again firmly say that Brain drain is a bane for a developing country like
India.

Thank You!

Practice Questions:
Q1. You are Shobha/Suresh of Springdale Senior Secondary School, Green Park, Delhi. You
have been chosen to participate in a debate on "Women's Safety in Contemporary Time". It is
an Inter-state debate contest arranged in an auditorium. You have to write the debate in 120
words.
Q2. You are Mahindra/Madhumati of Delhi Public School, Gomtinagar, Lucknow. Your school
has hosted a debate competition on "Increasing incidents of ill-treatment meted out to the
aged in metro cities."(Word limit 120 Words)