K. Taller/ S. Vogt R 2003 World Schools Debating Championships 2004 WORLD SCHOOLS DEBATING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2004 USEFUL DEBATING PHRASES ROLLENSPIEL Ways to open a debate As the proposition, we would like to begin with defining the following…. To set the framework for our motion, we believe it is necessary to propose the following definitions…. We would like to introduce our stand by giving the following definitions. … In order to effectively debate this topic, we as the proposition, would like to propose…. By giving this definition, a number of key issues arise from this problem which merit closer examination. We, the proposition, will elabortate one of the most striking features of this problem, namely… In the first place we would like to make clear that…. The main argument focuses on…. How to convince in a debate The opposition have tried to make some good points, however, they forgot to think about some very important issues, namely…. We hear what the opposition are saying but we do not agree. We will prove to you… That’s one way to think about it, however,…. Not to play the Devil’s Advocate, but we will prove to you exactly the opposite. The proposition’s motion may seem plausible at first glance, however, we as the opposition, would like to remind you of recent developments in this area. According to …. At first sight, the proposition’s argument seems to be true. But…. We have thought about the proposition’s proposal, however, research findings strongly support our motion of….. The proposition unfortunately failed to reveal the truth of the matter,…. It is easy enough to make broad generalisation about...like the opposition just did, but in reality it is a very complex issue. The arguments presented by the proposition are by no means sufficient enough to back up the claim that…. It is generally excepted these days that…. It is only a matter of time until it will become evident that the opposition’s stand must fall due to the following reasons…. One must take into account that…. Possible conclusions This motion must fall because…. To conclude, we must emphasise our motion of…., hence the opposition’s point of view can no longer be supported. To sum up, our motion must stand, simply because during the debate we have shown…. This debate has made obvious that the opposition’s motion cannot stand since….. The simple truth is… The proposed arguments lead us to the irrefutable conclusion that… To draw a line under this debate, … After careful consideration, we must conclude that…. D:\533566513.doc K. Taller/ S. Vogt R 2003 World Schools Debating Championships 2004 Modes of Address All references to other speakers should be in the third person, e.g. Points of Information should begin with a phrase such as: Point of Information, Sir/Madam! Is the Speaker aware that... Mr / Madam Chairman... I request the floor... Are the Chair / the Speaker (not) aware that... I yield the floor to points of information / to the Chair / to another delegate. Does the Speaker (not) agree that...? Resolution Introductory Phrases Each clause should start with a verb in the following way (please note, this list is not exhaustive): Pre-ambulatory Clauses Affirming Alarmed by Approving Believing Bearing in mind Contemplating Convinced Declaring Deeply concerned Deeply conscious Deeply convinced Deeply disturbed Deeply regretting Emphasizing Expressing its appreciation Expressing its satisfaction Fully aware Fully believing Further deploring Further recalling Guided by Having adopted Having considered further Having denoted attention Having examined Having received Having studied Keeping in mind Noting with approval Noting with deep concern Noting with regret Noting with satisfaction Realising Reaffirming Recalling Recognising Referring Recalling Taking into account Taking into consideration Taking note Viewing with appreciation Welcoming Declares accordingly Deplores Demands Designates Draws the attention Emphasizes Encourages Endorses Expresses its hope Expresses its appreciation Further invites Further problems Have resolved Notes Proclaims Reaffirms Recommends Reminds Requests Solemnly affirms Strongly condemns Supports Trusts Takes note of Transmits Urges Operative Clauses Accepts Affirms Approves Authorises Calls for Condemns Congratulates Confirms Considers D:\533566513.doc K. Taller/ S. Vogt R 2003 World Schools Debating Championships 2004 Sample Resolution Committee: Submitted by: Co-submitted by: Political Iraq Cuba and PDRK Pre-ambulatory Phrases Organ --> The General Assembly of the United Nations, Noting Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that "All beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". Use a comma to separate preambulatory clauses Underline initiating phrases Indent 5 spaces Operative Clauses Aware that economic embargoes cause great damage to nations, both to the individuals within the nations, and to the wider social structure, Bearing in mind paragraph 70 of the Secretary-General's 1995 report on the work of the United Nations, which stated, "Sanctions ... raise the ethical question of whether suffering inflicted on vulnerable groups in the target country is a legitimate means of exerting pressure, Calling the attention of member states to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of action which affirms that food should not be used as a tool for political pressure, Number operative clauses Convinced that it is wrong and immoral for any country to penalise another through prejudice, because they disapprove of their government, Use a semicolon to separate operative clauses Believing that it is only through building firm trading links, and not through a policy of hatred and intolerance that a lasting peace between nations can be achieved, Use a full stop to end the resolution 1. Calls upon all member states to reconsider their position over all sanctions, and particularly the sanctions on Iraq and Cuba; 2. Suggests that the sanctions against the above named countries be gradually relaxed, with the aim of reinstating the infrastructure, education system and medical care of both member states; 3. Expresses its hope that the sanctions will be fully lifted within eight years; 4. Urges the United Nations to send medical aid to both countries, to alleviate the suffering of the thousands of civilians, especially to pregnant and nursing mothers, and children; Strongly recommends that the first sanctions to be relaxed on oil in the case of Iraq, and on sugar in the case of Cuba, so that the countries may use the profits from their primary exports to: (i) invest in the socio-economic structure of their nations, in order to revive their economies, (ii) provide humanitarian aid, specifically food and medicine, to their population, (iii) pay teachers and other professionals to return to work, so that the alarming drop-out rate at elementary and secondary schools may be remedied, to provide a basic education for the future generation; 6. Suggests that this process be monitored by the UN and other nations that would be affected, especially those in the Middle East; 7. Encourages all member states to endeavour to trade fairly with these countries in particular, and troubled regions in general, so that through mutual trade and increased prosperity, lasting peace and friendly relations between countries will ensue. D:\533566513.doc