CLASS-XI

TOPIC- DEBATE WRITING

What is Debate Writing?

Debate Writing - Debate is a creative expression of a person’s opinion or a perspective on an
issue . It is basically a contention by words or arguments. Persons speak for and against a
topic, before making a decision.
Format

• Catchy introduction- introduction must be very impressive

• Pre-speech note to draw attention of listeners
• Formal address to audience
• Development of the topic
• Arguments against or for the motion
• Conclusion
• Formal thanks to audience

Marks will be awarded for:

• Format: Formal Address + Formal Thanks

• Content: (logical organization, relevance). Credit will be given for the
candidate’s creativity in presenting his/her own ideas.
• Expression: Accuracy, Grammatical, appropriate words & spelling Fluency,
coherence and relevance of ideas and style

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-

• Introduction/Salutations
• Problem
• Solution
• the conclusion
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. May include
views, facts, rebutting the statements, questions, etc.

• Common phrases: ‘I strongly feel that…’, ‘I would like to draw your attention to…’,
‘May I ask all present…’, ‘I wholeheartedly oppose/support…’, ‘In my opinion…’
• Always begin with the meaning of the topic or the explanation of the topic in not
more than a line.
• 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.
• 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.
1. 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.
2. 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."
At the end write "THANK YOU".
Follow the word limit.
Q1. Write a debate in 150-200 words either for or against the motion. ‘Mobile Phone is
proving to be a curse for students.
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 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. 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 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 spend 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
inappropriate sites or become victims of playing certain Apps 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!
 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 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 encyclopedia 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 this 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 and other AI sites, 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!
Q2. Brain Drain is not a bane for developing country like India.

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 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!
Consumerism is- increasing day by day. Luxuries of yesterday have become necessities of
today. The result is that the more we want the more miserable we become. Write a debate
in 150-200 words on ‘The only way to minimise human suffering and pain is to control
our needs’. You are Navtej/Navita.

FOR THE MOTION

Respected Chairperson, honourable judges, and my dear friends, I Navtej/Navita, stand here
today to speak for the motion, ‘The only way to minimise human suffering is to control our
needs’. Even when people have all they need, they feel deprived. Though they have money,
some people stare into empty cupboards or an empty refrigerator bemoaning their
circumstances.

Modern consumerism is, in part, a product of our instinct to cope with inner emptiness.
Consumerism creates the illusion that we’re rich. This is facilitated by credit cards where one
is allowed to make purchases beyond the income level. Advertisements also reshape our desires
and push us into buying things which we might not need. We are driven to create the illusion
of a pain-free life, full of choices that make us feel in control.

We need multiple choices for each and every thing, so that we feel like kings of the universe.
We need faster pain relievers, appliances to take away all inconvenience, and communication
devices to foster immediate exchange. All of these create the illusion of complete pleasure at
our fingertips, with none of the hassle of pain. When we are ruled by this kind of physical
materialism, we identify ourselves by what we have.

Since human ego is never satisfied, consumerism grows. Increased consumerism evidently
comes at a steep price. People are incurring debt and working longer hours to pay for the high-
consumption lifestyle, consequently spending less time with family, friends, and community
organisations. In the rat race to earn more, our health gets affected and we feel stressful. In
rampant consumerism, we’ve created a monster with a huge appetite for the planet’s natural
resources. It’s depleting and polluting the planet, impoverishing us and future generations.
Excess consumption can be counterproductive. The irony is that less needs i.e., being satisfied
can actually cure some of these problems.

Thank you

Practice Questions: 150- 200 words

1. Should School Uniforms be Mandatory?
2. Should Homework be Banned in Schools?
3. Is Online Learning as Effective as Traditional Classroom Learning?
4. Students would benefit from a shorter school day.
5. “A career counsellor (not you, yourself) is the best person to guide you in the choice
of a career.”
6. ‘Participation in sports is a mere wastage of time’.
7. Courses in Humanities provide better scope in career than Sciences.