Worksheet

DEPT. OF ACADEMICS

Details

Campus Ahmedabad Session 2022-23

Work Sheet
Topic Debate Writing
No
Class 11 Subject English

Name Date 22.11.22

The purpose of a debate is to show skill and ability in arguing.

Debate is a creative expression of a person’s opinion or a perspective on an issue.

 Salutation: ‘Respected chairperson, honourable judges, and my dear friends…’

 Introduction: ‘I am here to present my views for/against the motion…’
 Body of the argument: May include views, facts, rebutting the statements, questions, etc.
 Common phrases: ‘I strongly feel that…’, ‘I would like to draw your attention to…’, ‘May I ask all
present…’, ‘I wholeheartedly oppose/support…’, ‘In my opinion…’

♦ Format (150-200 words)

 Catchy introduction
 Pre-speech note to draw attention of listeners
 Formal address to audience
 Development of the topic
 Adverse effects
 Conclusion
 Formal thanks to audience

When it comes to writing debates during exam, we have to be smart and wise with our choice and length of
words. This is because there are time constraints and within that time constraint, we have to impress the
person checking it.

The first and the foremost step is to choose the side, whether you want to write for, or against the motion.
Always try to select the side you personally want to support and have more material information to write
on. It is preferable to make a choice during the reading time.

An ideal debate must consist of 4 paragraphs, namely, Introduction/Salutations, Problem, Solution and the
concluding part.

Introduction- This includes salutations and the topic (including FOR/AGAINST the motion).
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DEPT. OF ACADEMICS

For Example: - Good morning everyone. Esteemed judges, honourable guests, respected teachers and my
fellow students. I, (name given in the question or else, XYZ) feel honoured to have been given the
opportunity to speak (FOR/AGAINST) the topic- (name of the topic).

Body (Problem)- This is the main paragraph or the body of your answer.

 Always begin with the meaning of the topic or the explanation of the topic in not more than a line.
 Then start quoting the issues. Now here, it is important you follow a sequence. It is possible that you have too
many points or very few points. When you have a lot of varied points, it is better you choose a few best ones
and write a line on each. In case you have very few already, explain them in at least two lines each.
 Make sure you are clear with your thoughts, only then you’ll be able to put them into words unambiguously.

Solution- “For every problem, there is a solution.”
This paragraph needs to be short and crisp whereby; you are supposed to give a rational and practical solution
for all the above problems. 
 In case you are not able to figure one out, keep in mind a few general ones. It could involve spreading
awareness, campaigns, stringent laws and their strict implementation, education, etc.
 Using a quote never hurts. It can be general ones like, on working together. Every situation can be faced and
solved if there is unity. So here are a few handy ones.
 “Wherever there is unity, there is always victory. “
“Unity is strength.”
“United we stand, divided we fall.” And many more.

Conclusion- This part involves clarification of your statement and stance along with thanking the audience
for being such patient listeners. This paragraph needs to be short and precise.
Here also, you could add some glitter to your art piece with some quotes like “The word IMPOSSIBLE itself
says, I M POSSIBLE.”
 
DO’S AND DONT’S
DO’S
1. Before you begin writing, write down all the points (one/two words per point) at the back of your answer
sheet (rough sheet) so that you do not forget relevant points while writing. This also helps you in maintaining
a sequence, which is very important.
2. Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.
3. Leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.
4. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after finishing your exam. Use a
pencil and scale for underlining.
5. Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in presentation and shows that you’re prepared
6. Presentation is very important. 
7. Read a lot of debates to get an idea.
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DEPT. OF ACADEMICS

8. Have information about all the major environmental, political, social issues that have taken place during the
entire year. The Sample Question Paper 2018-19 released by CBSE consists of a question on “Social Media
and its effects”. It can be linked with a lot of problems we are facing today on personal and on global level.
Example- Spreading of fake information, Mob lynching, reduced physical activities in children resulting in
poor health, etc.
9. Practice previous year Question paper questions.

DONT’s:-
1. Never mention any of your personal details, i.e., name, school name or address.
2. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make paragraphs.
3. Don’t use slangs or short forms.
4. Don’t write wrong facts.
5. Try not to exceed the prescribed word limit of 120 – 150 words.
6. Do not invest too much time in just this question.

Q.1 You are Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School. Your school has organized a debate on “Social
Media and It’s Effects’ and you will be participating in your school. Prepare your views against or in
favour of the motion. (120 – 150 words)

SOCIAL MEDIA AND its EFFECTS

FOR THE MOTION:

“We are all now connected by the internet, like neurons in a giant brain”
Honourable judges, teachers and my worthy opponents thank you for giving me the opportunity to join this
debate on the topic, “Social Media and It’s Effects”. I am Mukul/ Mahima and I would like to speak in favour
of the motion.
How many people do not have a smile on their faces on finding an old friend on Facebook? Well, social
media has removed all the barriers and boundaries to communication by bringing the globe on a single
platform. While business opportunities have widened, marketer’s reach has broadened. It keeps us updated
about everything going on in every nook and corner of the world on a real-time basis.
From emergency alerts, announcements and declarations to knowing how our friends are doing has all
become so convenient. It provides freedom of speech and thus, enables everyone to speak their mind. Not to
forget the incalculable access it provides to the extensive information.
With so much advancement and innovation, it would be an unimaginable world without having social media
in it. Someone has rightly put it into words by saying,
“Social media is addictive precisely because it gives us something that the real world lacks: it gives us
immediacy, direction and a value as an individual.”
Thank you.
 
AGAINST THE MOTION:

What a world it is, with everyone on their phones, all the time, faking their lives and keeping a count of their
likes?
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Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen! I am Mukul/ Mahima and my topic for the day is, “Social media and
its effects”. I would like to speak against the motion.
It has now become doubtful to trust the saying that goes like “Technology was developed to save time and
make our lives easier”, because people have become addicted and unproductive. It takes a lot of effort and
discipline to stay away from social media. Results have shown that it has had adverse effects on human
minds and their functioning. Outdoor activities among children have also reduced significantly.
No doubt it provides access to useful information, but, it is hard to ignore the quantum of fake news that
spreads like wildfire and the extent of impact it has on the society. In fact, fake whatsapp forwards was a
clear pattern that was observed behind the recent mob lynching or rather, “Death by social media”.
It is one of the reasons behind insecurities and depression among teenagers. It is right that technology was
introduced to save time, but we forgot to mention, “In the right amount’. So, remember, you leave the present
moment every time you check the phone.
Thank you for your cooperation and patient hearing.

Q.2 “Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career.” Write a debate either for or
against the motion. (120 – 150 words)
                                                     
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER.

FOR THE MOTION:

“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it from you.”
Respected judges and my worthy opponents, I stand before you all to speak in favour of the motion:
“Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career”.
Right to Education is the fundamental right of every child in the age group of six to fourteen years. The
education system in the primary years is designed so as to provide basic knowledge of each subject and help
the youth of today to choose their subject of interest for its deeper study that can only be provided effectively
through universities. It plays a key role in the development of society and nation. Information cannot be
converted into knowledge without education. Education makes us capable of interpreting things, among other
things.
It helps in raising future leaders by providing them clear understanding and developing decision making
abilities. It makes them resourceful and competent. Excellence in academics prepares children for the
competition ahead and teaches them to work hard as well.
Moreover, Excellency will ensure admission to the best universities for higher education that provide
exposure and a kick start to their career. To conclude, I would say that one who has its academic future
choices sorted out, has its career planned out.
“The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth.”
Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is “Academic excellence is the only requirement
for a successful career” and I choose to speak against the motion.
“The goal of education is to raise the leaders of tomorrow”. But my question is, how is it that most of the
leaders of today happen to be college dropouts? This is because having degrees cannot ensure success. It fails
to impart the life skills and polish personality of an individual. They can surely give you an overview of a
subject but fail to provide an overview of how the world works. It does not ensure skills and competencies. It
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tells people what to think instead of how to think and the end results is that, the society now has just robots
who have switched their minds off only to believe what is being taught.
One’s attitude towards life is what brings success. Undoubtedly, academic Excellence can provide you
degrees or may even land you at a job, but, your success depends upon how you think, behave, walk, talk and
present yourself. It has been rightly said,
“Education produces great employees in the market, not employers”.
Thank you.