SPEECH & DEBATE

Speech or a debate is something that is spoken, addressing a gathering. So, even

though we write it in the exams, remember, it should be written in a way that it
feels as if it’s being spoken

Speech Writing - In an examination, nothing is written purposelessly. All the writing tasks
have a purpose. Before writing a speech, make sure you are writing to inform people, to
persuade them, to convince them, or to entertain them. Clarity of purpose will ensure clarity
in the choice of style and vocabulary.
Format for Speech Writing - In order to write a perfect speech, we must be well
acquainted with the topic and must possess a wide range of vocabulary, a thorough
knowledge of the subject, some research, and excellent organizational skills. Here are the
ideal format and tips to help you write your perfect speech.
A perfect speech must consist of:-

OPENING QUOTE- It should be catchy and brief. You can go as creative as you want with
this one just make sure you do not devote too much time to it in the exam.

OPENING LINE- This includes salutations, introduction, and the topic. Make sure you do
not mention your personal details (name, school name, etc.).

Example- Respected Principal, teachers, and my dear friends! Today, I (the name is given
in the question) stand before you all to speak on the topic “(given in the question)”.
OR you could start with a quote related to the topic and then go with the salutations and
introduction.

BODY- It is the main part of your writing piece.

i. You begin with a short introduction on the topic, it’s meant to be precise.
ii. Then you need to explain the current situation, the problems (if any), and whether after any
corrective actions, betterment in the situation has been observed or not.
iii. It may include advantages/ disadvantages, pros & cons, good or bad, etc depending upon
the topic in question.
iv. You have to strictly follow the prescribed word limit in a limited time frame so just do not go
on writing and writing.
v. MOST IMPORTANT- Always begin with your strongest point. You can accommodate the
weaker ones in between and end with another strong point.
vi. Feel free to give your personal opinion in one or two lines.
vii. It is very important that you do not deviate from the topic. There are chances you may get
ideas linking from one to another that may deviate you from the main point. You have to
refrain from doing so.
viii. SOLUTION/CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH- Now, it is to be remembered that wherever you
elaborate a problem, you always have to mention the steps being taken to improvise the
situation and suggest a few solutions as well.Now, it would be great if you could add a few
quotes relating to motivating the people to take action.
For example,Here also, the rule of STRONG-WEAK-STRONG applies.

The concluding line- thanking the audience for their cooperation and their patience. It is
very important to conclude what you’ve started.

Eg. Therefore, in conclusion, I would like to say/stress that……….

I hope/ I am sure now you agree with me that…….

Tips to attempt a question on Speech writing –

1. Make sure you use language which is suitable for the audience you are addressing.
Usage of complex vocabulary for is not advisable.
2. Usage of quotes is highly recommended. Quotes can be used at the time of
commencement or as an ending statement. A quote in the middle of the speech would
also be fine.
3. Make sure you write in paragraphs.
4. Read as many samples as you can. It will give you an idea as to how they are
actually written.
5. Read newspaper editorials or opinions. They give new ideas and opinions that may
help during exam.
6. Plan before you pen. Just make a list of all your important points on the rough sheet
(last sheet of your answer booklet) so that you do not forget relevant points while
writing. This also helps you in maintaining a sequence, which is very important.
7. The presentation is very important.
8. Make sure you double-check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry
marks.
9. 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.
10. Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in the presentation and show
that you’re prepared.
DON'Ts

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

Below is an example from the Sample Paper 2018-19 by CBSE.

The recent rise in incidents of violent behaviour of students is a matter of concern for
all. The problem can be curbed if students learn how to manage anger. Write a
speech on the topic in 150-200 words to be delivered in the school morning assembly
Answer
HOW TO MANAGE ANGER
Honourable Principal, Respected teachers and my dear friends, today I would like to share
with you few “Ways to Manage Anger”.
The growing intolerance among the new generation resulting in violence towards teachers
is a matter of grave concern. The old-age guru-shishya parampara is losing its sheen.
Aggressiveness in students may be triggered by several things: as a self-defence reaction,
stressful situation, over-stimulation or lack of adult supervision.
It has become the need of the hour to curb the situation. Life skills classes should be
inculcated in the time-table. Teachers should be given training to handle such defiant and
hostile behaviour. Meditation and deep breathing also helps and thus, should be practiced
every morning. Students must be taught to count till 10 before reacting in anger. Also,
sessions on anger management and it’s far-reaching importance must be held.
Remember, Anger is one letter short of danger. It makes it all the more important to be able
to diffuse one’s anger. It’s never too late to begin because a wise man once said,
“For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of your peace of mind.”
Thank you.
Practice Question.
SPEECH: IMPORTANCE OF CLEANLINESS
Suggested value points:
• Importance of Cleanliness – School, home & Surroundings
• Present status
• Prevents diseases
• Need to practice?
• Reflects the character of the nation
• Benefits of Cleanliness
• Conclusion
DEBATE
A debate is a contest in the form of an argument, in favour of or against a motion. It is usually
between two persons or two teams.
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-
1.Introduction/Salutations,
2.Problem,
3.Solution
4.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/motion- (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.

For example-- 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.
For example,
Debate Points to Remember

Use simple and short sentences.

Address the audience.eg. I’m sure you know…/ I’m sure you will agree with me…/Don’t you think…

Use. questions, phrases and quotes.

All the “Points to remember” for Speech is also applicable in Debate, regarding language,
presentation, use of quote, etc.
DON'Ts

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

Debate Writing Examples

As per, CBSE guidelines, it should not exceed the prescribed limit of 150-200 words.
Sample1.
Write a debate in 150 – 200 words either for or against the motion: ‘Capital Punishment should be
abolished’.
FOR THE MOTION

Good morning honourable judges, my fellow competitors and worthy audience.

Today, I, Deepak Raj [if name is given in question], am going to express my views in favour of the
motion, ‘capital punishment should be abolished’.

Friends, I feel that capital punishment is a brutal, outdated concept that must be abolished in the
name of civilized society. The death penalty is the harshest form of punishment in the world today.

So, the role of the death penalty as a form of deterrence is absolutely a myth. The ‘rarest of the rare’
phrase is explained by the law commission, as being arbitrary and subject to the judge ascertaining
a murder case. More importantly, it has kept the capital punishment in the context of the country’s
famed criminal justice system.

Capital punishment implies the state too are ‘murderers’ ,because after all, it is state mandated
killing of a human being, however bad he/she may be! In fact, my objection to death penalty or
capital punishment is an objection only to the taking of lives, but not to the idea of punishment as
such.

So, friends, capital punishment should be abolished because it has cultural, moral and economic
aspects. Taking lives is inhumane and it also affects economically weaker sections of the society.

Hence, I suggest the scrapping of capital punishment of all crimes except terrorism related offences.

Thank you.

Against the Motion Debate

Good morning honourable judges, my fellow competitors and dear friends. I, Anuj Gupta, stand
before you to speak against the motion. Friends, my wise opponent has highlighted some positive
aspects of abolition of capital punishment. But, I think that capital punishment should not at all be
abolished.

As you see that after the abolition of capital punishment in some countries, did the crime rate
increase or decrease in the country?

Statistics show that murderers after release from the prison commit murders rampantly. So, friends!
you realize the gravity of the situation. If capital punishment is made illegal, the criminals will be at
liberty to commit crimes in the country. Obviously the terrorists will attack the country. Drug
trafficking, treason and murder rate will increase, only capital punishment as imposed by the
government can control the situation. So, friends, for the defence of the country, capital punishment
must not be abolished. We must respect capital punishment and the idea of retribution, i.e. severe
punishment for crime.

Thank you.

Sample 2

You are Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School. Your school has organized a debate
on "SOCIAL MEDIA has positive effects on all our lives”.

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 has positive effects on all our
lives.". 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"Â.
So, remember, you leave the present moment every time you check the phone.
Thank you for your cooperation and patient hearing.

SPEECH DEBATE

In the starting, we mention topic In the starting, state you are speaking FOR or
AGAINST the motion

Both pros & cons, advantages & disadvantages, ONLY one side of the argument is to written.
to be written Either good OR bad, Advantage OR
disadvantage’ NEVER both.

Express personal opinion, use I,me, my Express personal opinion, use I,me, my

Divide your points in paras Divide your points in paras

Ask questions: Do you agree that… Give answers: I am sure you will agree that
this…..can be done.
What do you think….

Be polite, humble, use good language Be polite, humble, use good language but
you can be sarcastic, but do not insult/hurt
feelings.

Always end with THANK YOU Always end with THANK YOU