What is a debate?
A debate is a formal discussion with rules. It starts with a motion: a clear statement such as "This house believes schools should ban phones in class". The proposition (for) side supports it; the opposition (against) side opposes it. Each speaker has a fixed time, for example 3 minutes.
A conversation is relaxed and has no winner. A discussion tries to find the best answer together. A debate tests two sides against each other so the audience can judge which reasons are stronger.
A simple school format
- Chair introduces the motion.
- First speaker for, first speaker against (constructive speeches: set out your case).
- Second speakers: add new points and rebut.
- Short cross-examination or questions from the floor.
- Closing speeches: summarise, no new points.
- Vote or judges' decision.
Building an argument: claim, reason, evidence, link
- Claim – the point you want the audience to accept: "Phones distract students."
- Reason – why it is true: "Notifications break concentration."
- Evidence – proof: a study, a statistic, an expert, an example.
- Link – tie it back: "So a ban in class would help learning, which supports the motion."
Signposting helps listeners: "I have three points. First… Second… Finally…". Open with a hook (a question, fact or short story) and end with a clear summary.
Logical traps (fallacies) to avoid
- Attacking the person instead of the idea.
- Straw man – twisting the other side's point into a weaker one.
- Hasty generalisation – one example turned into a rule.
- False choice – "either ban phones or accept bad marks", ignoring other options.
Research and evidence
Prepare both sides, because you may not know which side you will argue. Collect facts from trusted sources: government data, research papers, reputable news, books by experts. For each piece of evidence check the 3 Rs:
- Reliable – who said it? Are they expert and fair?
- Recent – is the number up to date?
- Relevant – does it really prove your claim?
Note the source so you can quote it: "According to a 2023 national survey…". A fact from one small survey is weaker than a pattern found by many studies.
Rebuttal, cross-examination and chairing
Rebuttal
Listen and write down each of the other side's points. Pick the key issues, not every small detail. Use four steps: They said… But… Because… So…. You can show the evidence is weak, the reason does not follow, or the point is not relevant.
Cross-examination
Ask short, closed questions that lead to one weak point: "Was the survey done in only one school? Yes or no?" Stay polite and do not make a speech while asking.
Chairing a debate
The chair (moderator) opens the debate, explains the rules, calls speakers in order, keeps time with a bell or card, stops interruptions, stays neutral and sums up fairly at the end. A good chair makes sure quieter voices also get a turn.
Delivery
Speak clearly and not too fast, look at the audience, use notes (not a full script) and stand steady. Respect the other team: shake hands after the debate.
Key formulas and definitions
- Argument = Claim + Reason + Evidence + Link
- Rebuttal = They said… + But… + Because… + So…
- Evidence check = Reliable + Recent + Relevant (3 Rs)
- Key term – motion: the statement being debated
- Key term – proposition / opposition: the for / against sides
- Key term – fallacy: a mistake in reasoning
Worked examples
1. Build one argument FOR the motion 'Homework should be optional'.
Claim: Optional homework improves learning. Reason: students who choose to practise are more focused. Evidence: surveys of students show stress falls when homework is reduced, and several schools report no fall in marks. Link: so making homework optional supports well-being without harming results — we support the motion.
2. The other side says: 'My cousin never did homework and topped his class, so homework is useless.' Rebut it.
They said homework is useless because of one cousin. But one example cannot prove a rule for all students (hasty generalisation). Because many students need practice to remember, one success story tells us little. So their point does not show homework is useless.
3. You are the chair. A speaker goes 40 seconds over time and the other team starts shouting. What do you do?
Ring the bell and politely stop the speaker ('Thank you, your time is up'). Ask for silence and remind everyone of the rule: one speaker at a time. Then call the next speaker. Stay calm and neutral.
Common mistakes
- Making claims with no evidence. 'Everyone knows' is not proof.
- Attacking the speaker ('you are too young to know') instead of the argument.
- Reading a full script without looking up. Use short notes and eye contact.
- Rebutting only small details and missing the other side's main point.