When two speakers or two groups of speakers argue over an issue, expressing opposing views, so as to convince the jury and audience of their own point of view, this formal discussion is known as a debate. The speakers speak either for the motion or against it.
Debate Format
- Formal Address: A debater must always start by formally addressing the chief guest, jury members and the audience. This should be the opening line of the debate.
- The Motion: Next, the speaker must introduce himself/herself and make his/her stand clear i.e., whether one is for the motion or against it. This should form the first paragraph while writing the debate.
- The Argument: Forcefully and clearly, the speaker must express his/her views either for or against the motion. Highlight the main points of the argument and at the same time use ideal examples to support them. The points should be strong and logical so as to nullify some of the points made by the opponent. These main points of the argument must be highlighted in the middle portion.
- The conclusion: The speaker must express his/her own views about the issue in the concluding lines of the debate. It is usually an impactful statement, which emphasises one’s stand on the issue. Include a rhetorical question for listeners to ponder upon. (e) End with ‘Thank You!’
Debate Topics
- Debate on 21st Century is an Age of Greed
- Debate on A Career Counsellor Is the Best Person to Guide You in the Choice of a Career
- Debate on Academic Excellence is the Only Requirement for a Successful Career
- Debate on All Girls or All Boys School Vs Co-educational School
- Debate on Animals Should Not Be Used for Drug Development or Medical Research
- Debate on Boarding Schools Are Better Than Day Schools
- Debate on Brain Drain is Not a Bane for a Developing Country Like India
- Debate on Capital Punishment Should Be Abolished
- Debate on Career Counsellor is the Best Person to Guide You in the Choice of a Career
- Debate on Cinema Both Entertains and Educates the Masses
- Debate on Commercialization of Festivals Has Eroded Their Real Significance
- Debate on Democracy Cannot Survive Without Education
- Debate on Everyone Should Become Vegetarian
- Debate on Government Has Banned Animal Dissection in Laboratories
- Debate on Indulgence of the Youth in the Use of Internet is a Great Bane
- Debate on Internet Cannot Replace a Classroom Teacher
- Debate on It is Cruel to Put Stray Dogs to Sleep
- Debate on Large Population is Not a Cause of Poverty but an Asset
- Debate on Mobile Phones Should Be Allowed in Schools
- Debate on Money Causes More Harm Than Good
- Debate on Money is Important for Happiness
- Debate on Money is the Only Thing That Matters in Today’s Life
- Debate on More Lessons Are Learnt on Sports Field Than in Classroom
- Debate on No Detention Policy for Classes Sixth to Eighth Is Academically Very Unsound
- Debate on No Detention Till Class 8 is Not in the Interest of Students
- Debate on No Other Subject Is as Important as Moral Science
- Debate on Old Age Homes Are Not Required in India
- Debate on Only Way to Minimise Human Suffering and Pain is to Control Our Needs
- Debate on Private Cars Should Be Banned in Congested Areas
- Debate on Private Tuitions Are a Necessary Evil
- Debate on Rain Harvesting Is the Only Solution to Water Crisis in the Present Times
- Debate on Reality TV Draws a Factual Picture of Life
- Debate on Reservation of Seats for Admission to the Professional Courses
- Debate on Rising Prices Can Be Controlled Only by the Government
- Debate on School Bullies Are a Menace
- Debate on School Days are Happiest Days of Our Lives
- Debate on Simple Living High Thinking
- Debate on Social Media and Its Effects
- Debate on Solution to Problem of Misery in the Urban Slums
- Debate on Stray Dogs Should Not Be Put to Sleep
- Debate on Teenagers Today Are More Worldly Wise Than Their Parents
- Debate on Use of Mobile Phones Has Lowered Active Social Life and Become an Addiction
- Debate on Value Based Education is the Only Remedy for Decreasing Crime Rate
- Debate on Working Women Make Better Mothers