Speech-Related Activity:  Debate

 

 

Aim: To encourage critical thinking, and ability to defend opinions, to persuade.

 

Description:

Debates can be thought of as an extension of Discussions.  There are 2 major differences between debates and discussions.  First, debates have more complex structure and format.  They must be properly timed, and follow certain rules.  Second, the purpose of a debate is to persuade the listener, rather than only to express an opposing opinion.

 

Speeches, Discussions, and Debates are part of a chain.  Speeches are the first step.  They require only one speaker.  That speaker states an opinion and talks about a subject.  There is no contention or interaction.  Discussions, step 2, require some experience with speeches.  A discussion is a speech in which 2 (or more) people participate.  Each person states his or her opinion, and whether or not he or she agrees with the other speaker.  The different speakers can either agree or disagree.  Some justification for their opinion is expected, however neither side is expected to convince the other to agree.  Finally, Debates are simply the next step after Discussions.  Debates require 2 opposing sides.  As with Discussions, each side must state its opinion, and justify why it feels that way.  However unlike Discussions, each side is then expected to prove that their opinion is more correct than the opposing side’s. 

 

Example Format for Debate:

 

A debate is like a set of scales: you have to weigh up each side of the argument and then decide which argument you agree with, and how strongly you will be able to present (and defend) your case.　


Topic for debate.
-School uniforms should be banned.

Then get the students to think of arguments "for" and "against" the topic.　For example, here are some ideas about the first topic: "School uniforms should be banned."














　


For
-School uniforms should be banned because they are very expensive and we grow taller every year.

-School uniforms suppress individuality!　 Everyone wears the same thing and it is　boring.

-School uniforms are too strict and we get cold in the winter.

　














　


Against
-School uniforms should not be banned　　 because we can all look the same and be　 equal.

-It is too difficult to decide what to wear each day for school so school uniforms should not be banned.

-School uniforms are very neat and give the school an identity.

　














　

Finally, get the students to present their ideas to the rest of the class.
　

　

 

 

 

Sample Debate (or Discussion) Topics:

 

 

VERY EASY

 

1.  Cats are better pets than dogs.

2.  The healthiest restaurant in Japan is Saizeriya.

3.  School Uniforms are good.

4.  Sports video games are the best types of video games.

5.  Smap! is the most talented musical group in Japan.

6.  Lord of the Rings is better than Harry Potter.

 

 

INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED

1. Requiring students to wear school uniforms is a good thing.

2. Japanese people should be allowed to drive at age 16

3. Japanese people should be allowed to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes at age 18.

4. Violent video games are bad for children.

5. We should bring our own lunches to school.

6. School holidays should be longer.

7. English should be a compulsory subject.

 

 

CONTENTIOUS (VERY ADVANCED)

(Outside of the classroom, real-life discussions generally surround contentious issues.  These are the most interesting, and often the most important kinds of discussions.  Even if the topic is clearly offensive, arguing against it provides a good opportunity for students to structure their reasons.  However it is not recommended that you use these issues in regular classes, and keep in mind who may be irreparably offended by hearing or partaking in such discussions.)

 

note: these topics are meant to be controversial and contentious.  These statements do not reflect the actual opinions of the authors or of anyone involved in making this document.  This list was largely compiled by the authors of the 1992 edition of Communicative English: A Practical Guide.

 

1.     Women should not be vice principals or principals

2.     Japan should have committed military assistance to the 2003 Iraq War.

3.     Abortion is an effective method of birth control.

4.     Americans are lazy and illiterate.

5.     Japanese English teachers should be required to pass an interactive oral English qualifying examination.

6.     The death penalty is an effective method of reducing violent crime.

7.     A 6-day work week is necessary.

8.     Television is a bad influence on children.

9.     Prostitution should be legalized.

10.  The Japanese English education system is poor and ineffective.

11.  People, by their very nature, are evil.

12.  Japan has a very serious pollution problem.

13.  America is a very violent and dangerous place.

14.  Smoking in public places should be prohibited.

15.  Japan should be allowed to have a military instead of only a self-defense force.

16.  Teachers should not be ‘parents’ to their students.

17.  It is okay to eat whale meat.

18.  It is perfectly acceptable for married men to have girlfriends and/or mistresses.

19.  Middle Eastern, Filipino, Thai, and Vietnamese people should not be allowed to work in Japan illegally.

20.  There are too many students in each class in Japanese schools.

21.  Sometimes it is useful to lie.

22.  Foreign English teachers, like AET’s, in Japan are really just ‘Gaijin on Display’ (GOD).

23.  There will be a third World War in the near future.

24.  We must all work together to save the rainforests. 

25.  The collapse of Communism in Russia was a bad thing.

26.  Schools should teach sex education as part of their curriculum.

27.  The mandatory fingerprinting of all aliens is an effective and justifiable method of immigration control.

28.  Parents should take a more active role in their children’s education.