Debate writing pertains to argumentation between two opposing sides on a specific issue. The two sides express their views and opinions about a particular problem. One team argues in favour of an issue while the other opposes those ideas. Debates are dialectical in nature, where people come together to discuss a problem and change each other's opinions through persuasion. Debate is not only about providing information to the people about a problem, but you have to defend those facts with arguments. For that reason, it is essential to be clear about what you want to speak about and how you can defend your opinions.
Debate writing pertains to building sound arguments backed up by evidence. These points increase your chance of success in a debate. So, it is important to familiarise yourself with the standard format of debate writing. This article will tell you everything you need to know about debate writing.
How Do You Start Writing A Debate?
- Pick Up A Side
Before you start writing your debate, it is essential to decide your position regarding an issue or a problem. You will have to take a stance on the proposed motion/agenda of the debate. Depending on your interest and worldview, you can either defend the motion or go against it.
- Research On The Topic
Start researching the topic once you decide whether your stance is affirmative or negative. It is essential to conduct thorough research on the topic to comprehend every aspect. You can get help from dissertation topic helpers as they have experts to provide you best debate topic help. If you make a point during your debate, you will have to defend it with evidence and arguments. It is important to remember that debates are not only about skilful oratory. Rhetorical debates are frivolous; therefore, make sure your words carry weight to save yourself from embarrassment.
- Make an Outline
Like in essay writing, you will have to make an outline for debate writing. An outline serves as a blueprint, and it does not let you deviate from the topic of your debate. Creating an outline about the main points of your topic lets you maintain fluency while debating an issue. You can divide your outline into the following sections:
- Introduction
The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the debate, so it is essential to formulate this section carefully. Include attention grabbers in this section that are relevant to your topic. Write down those points that you might need during the debate to establish the context of your topic. Formulate a thesis statement because it defines your stance on the topic.
- Main Body
In this section, write down the main points in bullet points that you intend to discuss during the debate. Make sure that for every point, you have all the necessary information and facts to support your opinions. Keeping in mind your stance on the topic, develop logical arguments supported by evidences and examples.
- Conclusion
The conclusion summarises your arguments and is a significant part of your debate. Here, you can use the art of oratory and incorporate such expressions that will give a dramatic touch to your debate. You will have to wrap up your thesis statement in the end and emphasise it through skilful oratory. While drafting the outline, make sure that you include the closing sentences in this section to create a lasting impression during your debate.
How Do You Write A Good Debate?
The following steps will help you in writing a good debate:
Step One: An Impressive Opening
"You only get one chance to create a first impression", as the saying goes. If you want to grab your audience's attention or the opposing team during the debate, you will have to come up with an impressive opening. A strong opening statement is the foundation of any excellent debate. In debates, starting with an emotionally charged opener is an excellent strategy. Opening your debate with statistics and facts will also grab the attention of the audience. It is prudent to develop a synthesis of facts and oratory while writing the introduction section. You can also include anecdotes in the introduction section to elicit interest in what you want to talk about. The mixed approach will help you evoke your audience's emotions regarding an issue. In a nutshell, the introduction section should have the following components:
- Salutations
- Attention grabbers
- Thesis Statement
- Anecdotes
- A brief overview of the topic if you are the first speaker
- Facts and figures to establish the context of the topic
Step Two: Main Body of Debate writing
In this section, you will have to explain the topic in detail. It is essential to stick to the outline you drafted and follow the sequence. For every point you wrote in the outline, develop logical arguments supported by evidence and examples. If you have too many points, it is best to pick up a few best points directly relevant to the issue at hand. Also, it is important to take a strong stance for which it is essential to write with confidence. You should be clear in your thoughts and not sound vague while drafting this section. Develop a solution for the proposed problem and keep it concise. You must provide such a solution to the problem, which is logical and practical.
Step Three: Conclusion
The conclusion reiterates your thesis statement and wraps up your arguments to demonstrate the significance of your opinions. You must keep this paragraph short and concise since it is only a clarification of your stance. You can incorporate quotations or phrases in concluding sentences to create a dramatic effect during the debate.
What Is The Debate Writing Format?
Debate writing consists of the following format:
- Salutations
- Introduction
- Main Body
- Conclusion
What Is A Debate Example?
- Harmful effects of fossil fuel emotions on the environment
- Impact of social media on shaping the public opinion
- Online education versus traditional education
- Debate on women empowerment
- Debate on the necessity of gender-neutral pronouns in language
Conclusion
Debate writing is a skilful endeavour that utilises the art of oratory coupled with solid statistics. Reality is subjective, and everyone is entitled to their opinions, and therefore it is essential to respect the difference of opinion. Debate is not only about winning, but it is a dialectical approach that helps us gain a better perspective about societal issues. So, it is essential to incorporate rational thinking in debate writing coupled with empathy to gain deeper insights into a problem.