DON BOSCO SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

Debate Writing for Class 12 - all you need to know

It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settling a question without debating it.

What is 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.

English Writing skills - Debate writing

In the writing section (Section-B of the exam), Debate writing comes as a Very long answer
type question (10 marks). Generally, there is a choice (internal) between the following:-

 Debate writing
 Article writing
 Speech writing
 Report writing

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. So, without any further ado, let's know how to write a
perfect debate.

Tips to attempt a question on Debate writing

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 and
 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.

 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.

 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.
 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."

Marking scheme for debate writing

Talking about marks, Debate writing comes as a 10 marks question. The breakup for which (as
per CBSE Marking scheme for 2018-19) is as follows:-
Format (opening address and conclusion) 01 mark
Content 04 marks
Expression 05 marks :-
2.5
 Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings.
 Coherence and relevance of ideas and style. 2.5

Total 10 marks

Things to remember while attempting a question on debate writing for class 12 English
writing skills

DO'S

1. 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.
2. Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.
3. Leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.
4. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after finishing your exam.
Use a pencil and scale for underlining.
5. Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in presentation and shows that you're
prepared
6. Presentation is very important.
7. Read a lot of debates to get an idea.
8. Have information about all the major environmental, political, social issues that have taken
place during the entire year. The Sample Question Paper 2018-19 released by CBSE consists of a
question on "Social Media and its effects"•. It can be linked with a lot of problems we are
facing today on personal and on global level. Example- Spreading of fake information, Mob
lynching, reduced physical activities in children resulting in poor health, etc.
9. Practice previous year Question paper questions.

DON'Ts

1. Never mention any of your personal details, i.e., name, school name or address.
2. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make paragraphs.
3. Don't use slangs or short forms.
4. Don't write wrong facts.
5. Try not to exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.
6. Do not invest too much time in just this question.
Debate Writing Solved questions

Below are a few samples for you to look at so that you get an idea as to how to write debates
during exam. Remember, the more you read and practice, the better it is. As per, CBSE
guidelines, it should not exceed the prescribed limit of 150-200 words.

Q1. You are Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School. Your school has organized a debate
on "Social Media and It's Effects"• and you will be participating from your school.
Prepare your views against or in favour of the motion. (150-200 words) (10)

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS 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"•. So,
remember, you leave the present moment every time you check the phone.

Thank you for your cooperation and patient hearing.

Q2. "Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career." Write a debate
either for or against the motion. (120 - 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."•

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 Excellencies 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.

Q3. "ONLINE SMART CLASSES ARE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION STYLE".

Write a debate either for or against the motion. (150 - 200 words)

ONLINE SMART CLASSES ARE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION STYLE

FOR THE MOTION:

Honourable judges and worthy listeners,"If you are so old minded and think that computers
will be distracting children from studies, with a sincere sorry for you, let me tell you that the
young generation has gone a long way with computers!"
Thus, I am here to talk about the endless possibilities of computer and internet based teaching
methods.When most parents think of learning from computers, socializing websites like
facebook appear before their eyes. It is the biggest cyber tragedy. There are definitely a large
number of sites beyond just facebook.

Udemy, Coursera, Khan academy, Byju's teaching app, the list of online teaching platforms is
endless and ever growing. There are millions of students and teachers who use these websites
and apps for their exam-preparation. They are mostly free and it is what makes one turn away
from traditional paper-guides. With a smartphone in every hand, city and village alike, these
online libraries are within everyone's reach.
Google has already replaced the word Guru to become the greatest knowledge-provider.With
seven hundred billion population and six hundred trees, it is the need of the century to go
paperless. In this context you can find no better solution than eLearning.

Rather than living the life of a consumer, let's be contributors. Instead of buying paper books,
let's buy eBooks. Instead of collecting a thousand books in our shelves, let's convert our phones
or computers into virtual libraries and learn.

Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Online Classes are the Future of
Education Style"• and I choose to speak against the motion.

Online learning or e-learning refers to learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the
Internet. There is no face-to-face interaction between the teacher and the student. It decreases the
scope of adjusting and modifying the language or the concept according to various audiences.
Moreover, humans are known to be social animals and are thus, more interested in direct tuition
than virtual tuition. There is lack of proper guidance and self-assessment mechanisms. Not only
this, it would also reduce employment among teachers.

Since it involves only brain work and not physical work, they tend to get lethargic resulting in
altered physiology. Also, it leads to lack of discipline. Attending a school makes one have a time
schedule in a day. This helps them learn some good habits like, bathing, breakfast, going to bed
at the right time etc. Physical school help children adopt a discipline.

Not to forget the excellent interactions involved in physical learning. People tend to make friends
who support them and mentors who guide them. Thus, no matter how fast technological
developments are taking place, the traditional way of learning should not be displaced.

Thank you.

*************************