ESL: How to Learn Debate in English

Debate, # debate, esl, high school,

A debate is a structured discussion in which two opposing teams present their arguments for or against a specific topic.

The main goal of a debate is to establish a clear and convincing position on a particular subject by presenting logical arguments, examples, and evidence.

Debating is not only a fun and engaging activity, but it is also an important skill that can benefit students in many ways.

Table of Contents

Why debate important

Develop logic and reasoning skills

Participating in debates can help students develop their logic and reasoning skills. By analyzing different perspectives and weighing the pros and cons of each argument, students can learn to think critically and logically.

This type of analytical thinking is a crucial skill that can be applied to other academic subjects and real-world situations.

Teach vital skills such as research, argumentation, rebuttal, and persuasion

Debates teach students valuable skills such as researching, arguing, rebutting, and persuading. Through preparation and practice, students can learn to effectively communicate their ideas and opinions.

Debating can also help students build their confidence and public speaking skills, which are important for success in many areas of life.

Help express their opinions and listen to others

In addition, debates provide a platform for students to express their opinions and listen to others. Students can learn to respectfully listen to different viewpoints and engage in productive dialogue.

This can help foster open-mindedness and understanding of different perspectives, which is a crucial skill in today’s diverse society.

Help express their opinions and listen to others

Debates can help resolve conflicts and reach consensus. By presenting their arguments in a structured and respectful way, students can work towards finding common ground and reaching a shared understanding.

In conclusion, debating is an important activity that can benefit students in many ways. It can help develop their logic and reasoning skills, teach them valuable communication and public speaking skills, foster open-mindedness and understanding, and provide a platform for resolving conflicts and reaching consensus.

Debate formats

There are many types of debate formats, each with different characteristics, rules, and strategies. Some of the most common debate formats are:

Team Policy Debate:
Two teams of two debaters each argue about a policy issue, such as whether to ban nuclear weapons or legalize marijuana. Each team has a constructive speech, a cross-examination, and a rebuttal speech. The debate lasts for about an hour.
Cross-Examination Debate:
Similar to team policy debate, but with more emphasis on questioning and challenging the opponents’ arguments during cross-examination. The debate lasts for about 90 minutes.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate:
A one-on-one debate about a moral or philosophical issue, such as whether human rights are universal or relative. Each debater has an affirmative speech, a negative speech, a cross-examination, and a rebuttal speech. The debate lasts for about 45 minutes.
Parliamentary Debate:
A team-based debate that mimics the style of parliamentary debates in countries like Britain or Canada. Two teams of three debaters each argue about a motion that is announced shortly before the debate. Each team has an opening speech, a closing speech, and points of information. The debate lasts for about 40 minutes.

How to choose debate topic

Choosing a debate topic for ESL beginners can be challenging, but there are some tips that can help you. Some of them are:

Choose a topic that your students will likely be interested in (something that affects their lives directly).
Choose a topic that has two clear sides (pro and con) and avoid topics that are too complex, controversial, or personal.
Choose a topic that has enough information available for research, but not too much that it overwhelms your students.
Choose a topic that matches your students’ level of language proficiency and vocabulary.

Some examples of debate topics for ESL beginners are:

Do you think that money can buy happiness?
Are cats better than dogs?
Should schools ban mobile phones?
Should people start to eat less meat?
Debate Topic for High School

Debate speech structure

A debate speech is a persuasive speech that presents your position on a given topic and argues why it is better than the opposing position. According to , a debate speech should have an introduction, a thesis argument, key points, and a conclusion.

Here are some tips for each part:

Introduction:
Catch the attention of the audience and judges with a hook, such as a quote, a question, or a statistic. Introduce your topic clearly and concisely. Outline where you stand on the issue and what you will argue in your speech.
Thesis argument:
State your main claim or proposition that summarizes your position. Make sure it is debatable, specific, and clear.
Key points:
Provide at least three reasons or evidence to support your thesis argument. Use credible and relevant sources, such as facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, etc. Explain how each point relates to your thesis argument and refutes the opposing position.
Conclusion:
Restate your thesis argument and key points briefly. Summarize why your position is superior to the opposing one. End with a strong closing statement that leaves a lasting impression on the audience and judges.

Researching and preparing for a debate

Researching and preparing for a debate is an important step to ensure you have a strong and convincing argument. Here are some tips for doing so:

Work together with your team members if you are debating in a group. Discuss your goals, strategies, roles, and responsibilities. Share your ideas, evidence, and feedback with each other.
Write individual speeches before discussing anything together. Brainstorm your main points, evidence, and rebuttals. Use credible and relevant sources to support your claims.
Analyze the evidence you have collected. Check its accuracy, reliability, validity, and bias. Make sure it is consistent with your position and refutes the opposing one.
Prepare arguments for both sides of the debate. Anticipate what your opponents will say and how you will counter them. Think of possible questions or challenges that may arise during the debate.

Practice your speeches out loud. Check your clarity, tone, pace, volume, and body language. Make eye contact with your audience or judges. Use persuasive language and avoid cliches or jargon.

Speaking confidently and effectively in a debate

Speaking confidently and effectively in a debate can make a big difference in your performance and impression. Here are some tips for doing so:

Be prepared for the debate. Study and research your topic thoroughly. Practice your speeches and rebuttals. Know your strengths and weaknesses.
Remember that the audience and judges are on your side. They want to hear your arguments and learn from you. Don’t be intimidated by them or by your opponents.
Build confidence among your team. Support each other, communicate well, and coordinate your strategies. Trust each other’s abilities and skills.
Don’t worry about being perfect. Everyone makes mistakes or gets nervous sometimes. Focus on delivering your message clearly and convincingly. Learn from your feedback and improve for next time.
Act confident. Use positive body language, such as eye contact, gestures, posture, etc. Speak with a clear, loud, and varied tone of voice. Use pauses for emphasis or transition.
Engage the judge or audience. Address them directly, ask questions, or use rhetorical devices to capture their attention or interest. Show that you care about their opinions or perspectives.

Debate Vocabularies

Here are some common debate vocabulary and expressions:

Point of information: A request made by a debater during an opponent’s speech for a clarification or additional information.
Point of order: A request made by a debater during a debate to draw attention to a violation of the rules or procedures.
Rebuttal: A response to an argument or claim made by an opponent in a debate.
Affirmative: The side of the debate that supports the resolution or proposition.
Negative: The side of the debate that opposes the resolution or proposition.
Cross-examination: A period of questioning in which one debater asks the other questions to clarify or challenge their arguments.
Opening statement: The initial argument presented by a debater at the beginning of a debate.
Closing statement: The final argument presented by a debater at the end of a debate.
Constructive speech: A speech in which a debater presents arguments and evidence to support their position on the resolution or proposition.
Rejoinder: A brief response to an opponent’s argument, made immediately after it is presented.
Extension: An expansion or continuation of an argument made earlier in the debate.
Flow: A system used to keep track of the arguments presented in a debate, often in the form of a chart or diagram.
Fallacy: A flawed argument or reasoning that undermines the credibility of a debater’s position.
Ad hominem: A fallacy in which a debater attacks the character or personal traits of an opponent rather than addressing their arguments.
Appeal to emotion: A fallacy in which a debater attempts to sway the audience’s opinion by using emotional language or evoking strong feelings.
Straw man: A fallacy in which a debater misrepresents an opponent’s argument in order to make it easier to refute.
Red herring: A fallacy in which a debater introduces an irrelevant or distracting argument to divert attention from the main issue.
False dichotomy: A fallacy in which a debater presents only two options as if they are the only possible choices, when in fact there are others.

How to listen and respond to the arguments of your opponents in a debate

Listening and responding to your opponents’ arguments is a crucial skill in a debate. Here are some tips for doing so:

Become well-informed about both your and your opponents’ positions. Know their main points, evidence, assumptions, and weaknesses. Anticipate their possible objections or questions.
State a thesis at the beginning of your speech. Make it clear what you are arguing for or against. Provide an overview of your main arguments and how they support your thesis.
Listen carefully to your opponents’ response. Pay attention to their logic, evidence, tone, and body language. Identify any flaws, gaps, or contradictions in their arguments.
Do not ignore or dismiss the objections that your opponents raise. Address them directly and respectfully. Explain why they are wrong, irrelevant, or insufficient. Use facts, examples, or analogies to support your claims.
Remain calm and rational at all times. Do not let your emotions get the best of you. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or sarcasm. Respect your opponents as fellow debaters who have different opinions.

This is about the key principles and steps to follow when preparing and engaging in a debate. The main points covered are:

Define your audience. Know who you are debating with and for. Understand their perspectives, interests, and expectations. Tailor your arguments and tone accordingly.
Commit to a single claim. Agree on what you are trying to prove or disprove with your team. Make sure your claim is clear, specific, and relevant.
Structure your argument around your claim. Divide your argument into sub-points that support your claim. Assign roles and responsibilities to each team member based on their strengths or preferences.
Incorporate research. Use credible sources, data, or examples to back up your arguments. Share your research with your team members and cite them properly.
Anticipate opposing claims. Think of possible objections or questions that your opponents may raise. Prepare counter-arguments or responses with your team members.
Address your argument’s flaws. Be honest and transparent about any weaknesses or limitations of your argument. Explain how they do not affect the validity of your claim.
Ask questions. Use questions to challenge, clarify, or expand on your opponents’ arguments. Listen carefully to their answers and follow up if needed.
Answer questions directly. Do not evade or ignore questions from your opponents or audience. Answer them confidently and respectfully using facts or logic.
Don’t take things personally. Respect every person and their viewpoint, even if you disagree. Avoid personal attacks, insults, or sarcasm.
Admit when you’re wrong. If you realize that you made a mistake or that your opponent has a stronger argument, acknowledge it gracefully and learn from it.

Respecting your opponents

Respecting your opponents and maintaining a professional demeanor during a debate is crucial for several reasons:

Encourages a constructive dialogue: By treating your opponents with respect and maintaining a professional demeanor, you create an environment that encourages a constructive dialogue. This allows for a meaningful exchange of ideas and the possibility of reaching a mutual understanding or agreement.
Fosters mutual respect: Respecting your opponents and maintaining a professional demeanor also promotes mutual respect. This can help build relationships, establish trust, and encourage others to engage in debates.
Demonstrates your credibility: A professional demeanor and respectful attitude towards your opponents also demonstrate your credibility. It shows that you are knowledgeable, confident, and passionate about your position without having to resort to personal attacks or disrespectful behavior.
Upholds the values of the debate: Debates are meant to be a forum for exploring different perspectives and engaging in intellectual discourse. By respecting your opponents and maintaining a professional demeanor, you uphold the values of the debate and contribute to a healthy and productive discussion.
Sets an example for others: Finally, respecting your opponents and maintaining a professional demeanor can set an example for others. Your behavior can inspire others to do the same, creating a culture of respect and professionalism that benefits everyone involved in the debate.

Tips for managing time effectively during a debate

Here are some tips for managing time effectively during a debate:

Prepare in advance: One of the most important things you can do to manage time effectively during a debate is to prepare in advance. This means doing your research, organizing your thoughts and arguments, and practicing your delivery.
Set clear goals and objectives: Before the debate begins, set clear goals and objectives for your argument. This will help you stay focused and avoid wasting time on irrelevant points.
Use your time wisely: During the debate, use your time wisely. Be concise and clear in your arguments, and avoid repeating yourself or getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
Stay aware of the clock: It’s important to stay aware of the clock during a debate. Keep track of how much time you have left and adjust your argument accordingly.
Be flexible: While it’s important to stick to your goals and objectives, it’s also important to be flexible. If your opponent makes a particularly strong point or raises a new issue, don’t be afraid to adjust your argument on the fly.
Wrap up effectively: As your time comes to a close, make sure to wrap up your main points and give clear instructions to your audience. This will help reinforce the key takeaways and leave a lasting impression.
Stay respectful and constructive: Finally, it’s important to stay respectful and constructive during the debate. Avoid personal attacks or disrespectful behavior, and instead focus on engaging in a meaningful exchange of ideas with your opponents.

Evaluate and improve your performance in a debate

Here are some steps to help evaluate and improve your performance in a debate:

Watch a recording of the debate: Watching a recording of the debate can help you evaluate your performance objectively. Pay attention to your body language, tone, and delivery, and take notes on what worked well and what could be improved.
Evaluate your arguments: Think about the strength of your arguments and whether you provided enough evidence to support your claims. Identify areas where you could have been more convincing, and consider new evidence or examples that could strengthen your position.
Review feedback: Ask for feedback from your teammates, opponents, and audience members. Listen carefully to their feedback, and take notes on areas where you could improve.
Reflect on your preparation: Consider your preparation leading up to the debate, including your research and practice sessions. Identify areas where you could have prepared more effectively, and think about how you can improve your preparation in the future.
Set goals for improvement: Based on your evaluation and feedback, set specific goals for improvement. For example, you might set a goal to be more confident in your delivery or to provide more specific examples to support your arguments.
Practice and refine your skills: Practice is key to improving your debate skills. Use the feedback and goals you’ve set to practice and refine your skills. This could include practicing your delivery, refining your arguments, or improving your research skills.