About Debate
Source : http://www.paulnoll.com/Books/Clear-English/English-debate.html
Debate Ideas for Use in American English
This has been one of my most successful exercises to get students to free talk in English. It
contains ten in a series of debates. To use this exercise, distribute one set the week before to the
students. Explain that they will be required to argue or debate one side of the argument. They will
not know in advance which side they will have to argue for or against. They, however, must come
to class with a paper listing 5 arguments for and five against. Those papers will be picked up at
the end of class. Those who do not have the papers will not be allowed to participate and will get a
zero for that debate.
I choose up one side and give them for or against. Generally we have five to six on each side. I
pick one student to start. They give a point on the side they are on and then they choose someone
on the opposite side and they ask, "Do you agree with me?" They are to answer the person and
then give a point of their own and ask someone if they agree and so on. I insist that you cannot
disagree with everything. Argument For example if someone says that cigarettes cause disease
and you are asked to agree, you should reply something like "You are correct to a point but", and
then go on with your point. Students get really excited and go on for an hour debating.
I try to explain that the ideas are not always the true feeling of each students but just practice in
talking and debating. It also lets them learn that no matter how strongly they feel about things
others have equally opposite opinions. I give the argument for and against to the students the
week before the debate. They do not know whether they will argue for or against. This has worked
very well.
Debate Rules for Use in American English
Definition of Argument:
1. To put forth reasons for or against; debate.
2. To prove or attempt to prove by reasoning.
3. To give evidence of your reasoning.
4. To persuade or influence, as by presenting reasons.
Synonyms of Argument:
Argue, quarrel, wrangle, squabble, haggle, and bicker.
These verbs are compared as they mean to dispute.
Argue
Quarrel
Wrangle
Haggle
Bicker
This implies intent to persuade an adversary in debate.
This stresses animosity and estrangement.
This refers to loud, contentious argument and squabble to minor argument over a petty
or trivial matter.
This specifies verbal bargaining usually over a price, in a petty way.
This suggests sharp, recurrent exchange of remarks on a mean or petty level.
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Note:
You need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone in English, even someone you know
quite well.
With someone you know very well, you can disagree more directly.
Some Debate Series Argument Suggestions.
1. Some Debate Rules
2. How to Agree and
Disagree
3. Advice on Debating
with Others
1. Television Plays a Positive Role
in Society.
2. Students should have a Parttime Job.
3. The Younger Generation Knows
Best.
4. Smoking Should Prohibited.
5. Money is the Most Important
Thing in Life.
6. Women Should be Treated the
Same as Men.
7. It is a Good Thing to Live in a
Modern City.
8. Housing Reform has become
necessary.
9. Cars do more Harm than Good.
10. Fashion Contributes to
Society.
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
For
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument
Against
Argument Agreement and Disagreement
A. How to Agree Strongly with an Opinion. B. How to Half Agree with an Opinion.
1. I couldn't agree more!
2. That's absolutely true!
3 .Absolutely!
4. I agree with your point.
5. I'd go along with you there.
6. I'm with you on that.
7. That's just what I was thinking.
8. That's exactly what I think.
9. That's a good point.
10. That's just how I see it.
11. That's exactly my opinion.
1. Yes, perhaps, however ...
2. Well, yes, but ...
3. Yes, in a way, however ...
4. Hmm, possibly, but ...
5. Yes, I agree up to a point, however ...
6. Well, you have a point there, but ...
7. There's something there, I suppose, however.
8. I guess you could be right, but ...
9. Yes, I suppose so, however ...
10. That's worth thinking about, but ...
C. How to Disagree Politely with an
Opinion.
D. How to Disagree Strongly with an Opinion.
1. I am not so sure.
2. Do you think so?
3. Well, it depends.
4. I'm not so certain.
5. Well, I don't know.
6. Well, I'm not so sure about that.
1. I disagree.
2. I disagree with your idea.
3. I'm afraid I don't agree.
4. I'm afraid your idea is wrong.
5. I can't agree with you.
6. I couldn't accept that for a minute.
7. You can't actually mean that.
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7. Hmm, I'm not sure you're right.
8. I'm inclined to disagree with that.
9. No, I don't think so.
8. I wouldn't go along with you there.
9. You can't be serious about that.
10. You must be joking.
11. It's possible you are mistaken about that.
You need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone in English, even someone you know
quite well.
With someone you know very well, you can disagree more directly.
Debate Rules and Suggestions
Advice on Debating with Others
1. Avoid the use of Never.
2. Avoid the use of Always.
3. Refrain from saying you are wrong.
4. You can say your idea is mistaken.
5. Don't disagree with obvious truths.
6. Attack the idea not the person.
7. Use many rather than most.
8. Avoid exaggeration.
9. Use some rather than many.
10. The use of often allows for exceptions.
11. The use of generally allows for
exceptions.
12. Quote sources and numbers.
13. If it is just an opinion, admit it.
14. Do not present opinion as facts.
15. Smile when disagreeing.
16. Stress the positive.
17. You do not need to win every battle to
win the war.
18. Concede minor or trivial points.
19. Avoid bickering, quarreling, and
wrangling.
20. Watch your tone of voice.
21. Don't win a debate and lose a friend.
22. Keep your perspective - You're just
debating.
You need to be very polite when disagreeing with someone in English, even someone you know
quite well.
With someone you know very well, you can disagree more directly.
Useful links for Debate
1. http://www.triviumpursuit.com/speech_debate/what_is_debate.htm
Key Article :
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What is Debate?
Why Debate?
Four Types of Debate
How to Get Started in Debate
General Rules for Debate
"Present your case," says the Lord. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the King of Jacob.
Isaiah 41:21
2. http://www.urbanedpartnership.org/uclasp/ISSUES/bringing_water/debate.htm
Key Article : Assessment by Debate Organizing a Debate and Sample : Bringing Water To
Los Angeles
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