how to write a debate speech first speaker

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Education and Communications
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Public Speaking

How to Write a Debate Speech

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,549,932 times.

So, you've joined debate, and it's time to write a debate speech. There are some tried and true methods to writing an effective debate speech. If you understand them, and the components that make up a standard debate speech, you will increase your chances of success.

Sample Speeches

how to write a debate speech first speaker

Preparing for the Debate Speech

You may be asked to stand affirmative or negative. In LD (Lincoln-Douglas debate), the first affirmative speech will be at most 7 minutes long, and the first negative speech will be at most 6 minutes. [1] X Research source
The speakers then present arguments against the earlier affirmative or negative speech that was just read. Speakers must listen carefully and be able to counter arguments. There are two segments involving cross-examination (CX), in which the debaters are allowed to ask questions and openly debate the topic. This is most often called cross-examination, or cx for short, and occurs after the first affirmative speech, and the first negative speech.
The best thing you can do to better understand LD/PF/Policy debate is practice and research.

Brainstorm the topic, and research it before you sit down to write. Write out a list of key components for both sides of the issue. If you are on a debate team, do this together. Each member could discuss the key component list, in order to figure out which issues you want to cover in each speech.
Spend some time at the library or on the Internet using credible sources to research the key reasons that seem strongest. Use books, scholarly journals, credible newspapers, and the like. Be very cautious about unverified information bandied about on the Internet.
You will also want prepare to deal with the strongest arguments your opponent(s) might make. Ignoring the other side’s best arguments can weaken your rhetorical appeal.

A basic debate outline should contain six parts: An attention-getter, your stated stance (aff or neg)/ restatement of the resolution, your definitions, your value, criterion, and contentions.
You can break each of those six parts into subcategories. It’s often a good idea to write the contentions last, focusing on the value and criterion to hold it up first.

Writing the Debate Speech

You should address the jury or audience with formal salutations. For example, you could say something like, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.” Debates are very formal in tone.
Making a good first impression with the judges is very important. This leads judges to assume the debater is persuasive. One technique to write a strong introduction is to contextualize the topic, especially in relation to real world events. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Bar Association Leading professional organization of lawyers and law students Go to source
Introductions can also focus on prominent examples, quotations, or on a personal anecdote that can help establish a rapport with the audience and judges. Be careful using humor; it involves risks and can lead to awkward silences if not done right. Find a relevant specific that illustrates the underlying point.

Step 2 Outline where you stand very clearly.

Don’t muddle your position. It needs to be extremely clear whether you affirm or negate the resolution, so don’t hem and haw and contradict yourself. The audience also should not have to wait until the end to find out. Make your stance very clear, and do it early on
For example, you could say, “my partner and I firmly negate (or affirm) the resolution which states that unilateral military force by the United States is justified to prevent nuclear proliferation.” [7] X Research source

Step 3 Make key points to back up your stance.

A good rule of thumb is to back up your position with 3-4 strong points of supporting argumentation. You definitely need to have more than 1 or 2 key points to back up the stance you have taken.
The body of the speech – the key points and their development – should be, by far, the longest part of the debate speech (perhaps 3 ½ minutes to 30 seconds for an opening and for a conclusion, depending on the rules of the debate you are doing).

Focus on the causes of the problem, the effects of the problem, expert opinion, examples, statistics, and present a solution. Try to use visual images, not just generic terms – show don’t tell, and illustrate a point with details.
Appeal to the motives and emotions of the listener with a light touch. Appeal to their sense of fair play, desire to save, to be helpful, to care about community, etc. Ground examples in how people are affected.
Try using rhetorical questions, which make your opponents consider the validity of their point; irony, which undermines their point and makes you seem more mature and intelligent; simile, which gives them something to relate to; humor, which gets the audience on your side when done well; and repetition, which reinforces your point.

Step 5 Understand the art of persuasion.

Aristotle believed that speakers were more persuasive if they combined elements of logos (persuasion by reasoning) with pathos (having an element of emotional appeal) and ethos (an appeal based on the character of the speaker) - for example, that they seem intelligent or of good will.
There are two ways to use logic – inductive (which makes the case with measurable evidence like statistics or a specific anecdote or example) and deductive (which makes the case by outlining a general principle that is related to the specific topic to infer a conclusion from it - as in, I oppose all wars except those involving imminent self defense; thus, I must oppose this one because it's a war that was not in imminent self defense, and here's why). Or the reverse.
You should use pathos sparingly. Emotional appeal on its own can be dangerous. Logos - the appeal to reason - should be at the core. However, logical appeal without any pathos at all can render a speech dry and dull. Consider what you are trying to make your audience feel. Explaining how a topic affects real people is one way to use pathos well.

Concluding the Debate Speech

One strong way to conclude a debate speech is to bookend the conclusion with the opening, by referring back to the introduction and tying the conclusion into the same theme.
Quotations can be a good way to end a speech. You can also end with a brief summation of the key arguments of the speech to ensure they remain fresh in judges’ minds.

Step 2 Work on your delivery from beginning to end.

Use a clear , loud voice, and be careful to watch pacing. You don’t want to speak too loud or too slowly. Remember that confidence goes a long way toward persuasion.

Expert Q&A

Reader Videos

Never degrade your topic. Thanks Helpful 37 Not Helpful 3
Don't use all your points in your debate- in an actual debate, it is sometimes useful to have other information to cite if the argument starts going their way Thanks Helpful 33 Not Helpful 3
Never add new points in your speech because you still have time, as you might not present it in the best way. When you are nervous, you might even say an argument in favor of the other side and you don't want that. Thanks Helpful 35 Not Helpful 4

Tips from our Readers

You can make a sample opening and closing speech beforehand so you can focus more time on developing your arguments during the actual debate.
Make sure to include rebuttals in your speech, as they are just as important as your main arguments.
Practice as much as possible — it will make you more confident and help you maintain eye contact.
Imagine you're just practicing with a friend rather than performing in front of an audience.
Take deep breaths before starting to ease nerves.

Remember, just because you can write a debate speech, it doesn't mean you can say a debate speech effectively. Practice! Thanks Helpful 24 Not Helpful 5

↑ https://www.learndebating.com/english/DEBATING.pdf
↑ https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/faq/reliable
↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/how-to-outline-a-speech
↑ https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/resources/newsletters/trial-evidence/five-tips-engaging-opening-statements/
↑ https://www.oxfordsd.org/Page/5582
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/argument/
↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/persuasive-speaking
↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/speech-anxiety

About This Article

To write a debate speech, start by researching the topic thoroughly with credible and scholarly sources, and make an outline of your argument including an introduction, thesis argument, key points, and conclusion. Write the thesis argument and develop 3-4 strong points of argumentation. Be sure to clearly state your stance, and utilize expert opinions, statistics, and examples to support your opinion. To finish the speech, write an interesting introduction that incorporates your thesis and a brief conclusion that summarizes your main points. If you want to learn more, such as how to make your debate speech persuasive, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Instant Debate Speech Maker Online

The Debate Speech Maker simplifies the process of writing persuasive speeches. This tool helps you generate clear, structured arguments and compelling points, ensuring your debate speech is well-organized and convincing.

📢 Introduction to the Tool

🗣️ What Is a Debate?

👍 debate maker benefits, ✏️ how to write a debate speech, 🔗 references, 📢 debate script maker: an introduction.

If you’ve decided to participate in a debate, you probably know that this activity requires a lot of preparation. Sometimes, you may receive the topic of your debate in advance so that you have time to prepare thoroughly for it. But also, you may be given the subject on the day of the debate, and then you’ll have much less time to prepare. In either case, our debate maker will be an indispensable assistant!

When comparing AI vs human writers, artificial intelligence excels in the speed of content creation, although it loses in creativity. Unlike when using other AI chat bots, you don't have to bother with creating successful prompts. Using this tool is simple - to instantly make a speech, you’ll need to take these four steps:

Type in the topic of the debate.
State your position and audience.
Indicate whether you are replying to an opponent.
Click “Generate” and get your result!

A debate is a structured and formalized argumentative exchange between two or more opposing sides . While this practice is usually associated with the election season , it can also be often found in schools or colleges. Participants, categorized as either the “pro” or “con” side, systematically present and defend their perspectives on a given topic. They use evidence to back up their claims and. Each side takes turns articulating arguments and responding to their opponent's points.

The primary objective of a debate is persuasion - convincing the opposition and the audience. Although debates often lack a declared winner, they may conclude with a vote or judgment from adjudicators in formal settings. Informal debates can persist until one side concedes.

Debate Terminology Examples for Students

Here, you can become familiar with the basic terms. It’ll be beneficial for you to learn them to make it easier to grasp the debate structure further.

Adjudicator - An impartial observer who evaluates the debate. Such moderators provide feedback on the quality of arguments and overall performance. Also, they can contribute to determining the winner in formal debates.
An affirmative - A team or speaker supporting the motion in a debate. Affirmatives present arguments in favor of the proposition. They aim to convince the audience or adjudicators of the motion's validity.
Motion - The central topic, idea, or statement being debated. The motion frames the discussion and determines the stances of the affirmative and opposition sides. Debaters construct arguments either in support or against this subject.
Chairperson - The person responsible for moderating and overseeing the debate. Their goal is to maintain order and ensure adherence to the rules. The chairperson may introduce speakers and the motion.
Card - A card is a paragraph or several paragraphs taken from an authoritative journalistic or scholarly source that proves the validity of a particular argument. It should be a verbatim quotation without additions or paraphrasing. It is important to explain the quote and how it relates to the argument.
Floor - The general audience or participants who are not actively engaged in the debate but may have the opportunity to pose questions. They can make contributions during designated segments. The floor adds an interactive element to the discussion.
Opposition/a Negative - A team or speaker taking an opposing stance on the core topic. The opposition presents arguments countering the proposition. Such arguments should demonstrate flaws in the affirmative's position and persuade the audience that the motion is unsupported.
The first speaker - The initial speaker of a team. They introduce and establish the main arguments supporting or opposing the motion. Their speech should set the tone for the team's position and outline the critical points to be developed by subsequent speakers.
The second speaker - The second speaker introduces additional evidence and reinforces the team's position. They aim to strengthen their affirmative/opposing case and respond to the arguments from the other team.
The third speaker - The last speaker should summarize the team's key points. They may also respond to opposition’s reasons raised during the debate. The goal is to leave a lasting impression on the adjudicators before the discussion concludes.
Reply speeches - Reply speeches are the concluding words from both the affirmative and opposition sides. These speeches are often shorter, not more than three minutes. Such speeches are the last chance to influence the overall impression, so they should strongly support your ideas.

What Does the Maker of the Argument Do in a Debate?

In a debate, the first speaker, whether on the affirmative or opposition side, should:

Formulate a clear and concise stance on the motion.
Organize arguments logically, presenting a structured case.
Support points with relevant facts and examples.
Convince adjudicators and the audience of the credibility of their position.

The Structure of a Debate

Whether an academic debate or a parliamentary one, the structure and ground rules essentially remain the same.

In this section, we'll briefly explain how your proceedings are going to look like:

Gathering the sides . At this stage, you should determine the teams and their participants. They are divided into affirmative and negative sides. As a rule, the debates should include three speakers , who will take turns and, at each stage, strengthen their position. All participants should meet 15 minutes before the start to prepare materials .
Starting the debate . Participants should determine the debate’s time limit, as speeches cannot last nonstop. Usually, each speaker is given a maximum of 3 minutes for their presentation. At the beginning, the speakers should introduce themselves. The duration of the answer is regulated by the timekeeper , who should give a bell 30 seconds before the end of the speaker's time to start summarizing.
Debating the topic . The core of the debate involves a structured exchange between the sides. The first speaker for the affirmative introduces the motion, presenting key arguments. The opposition's first speaker responds, presenting counterarguments. This pattern continues with subsequent speakers building upon and responding to the points raised. The debate format could also include cross-examination or questioning segments.
Finishing the debate . Both sides deliver final counter-speeches summarizing key arguments. The adjudicators then assess the overall performance of each side. The persuasiveness of the arguments presented assists in the audience’s decision-making. Participants may engage in discussions and receive feedback . After the debate, each team is given the opportunity to thank everyone in attendance.

As you've probably already realized, getting ready for such a significant event will take a lot of time. You'll need to gather your thoughts, stay level-headed, and be assertive in your stance. This preparation process can be quite overwhelming. That's why our debate script maker is the perfect solution!

This debate writer has many advantages:

Time-saving . This AI tool will speed up the process of creating a script. You won't have to worry about the structure and arguments.
Inspirational . Our maker will allow you to explore different points of view, and you may look at your discussion topic from a new angle that will inspire you.
Free . You can use the debate generator without prepayments and subscription fees. Besides, our tool does not have any limit on the number of requests.
Online . Finally, thanks to online access, you don't need to download any apps, so that you can use our speech maker anytime from any device.

Our tool is a great way to save time and get that initial burst of inspiration for your debate. However, that is just the beginning. You will still need to edit and finalize this speech. Additionally, you may find it helpful to learn how to write one yourself.

The following steps will show you how to improve your speech and prepare you for your future debates:

Compelling beginning . The opening of your speech is of the utmost significance. Your task is to captivate the audience and create the overall atmosphere of the speech. We suggest using a hook at the very beginning. It can be a question or a fact intended to capture the attention of your opposition and the audience. You could also use a quote from a famous person, an interesting statistic, a rhetorical question, or even a relevant personal anecdote.
Presenting your arguments . This is the time to talk about your position on the topic. Be sure to formulate a concise thesis statement . After that, you should provide the arguments that support it. Explain each point clearly to avoid misunderstanding among the audience.
Explaining the position . Follow a structure where each of your arguments is followed by evidence and then justification. Proof builds credibility and engages the listeners. Ensure that you have data only from relevant and reliable sources.
Summarizing . In the concluding part of your persuasive speech, you should reiterate your thesis and essential arguments. Emphasize the value of your position. It’s your last opportunity to impress the judge and the listeners. Round it off by offering a provocative question, a recommendation, or talking about your predictions for the future of the subject.
Confidence and consistency . After writing your speech, you should refine its structure so that you have smooth transitions from one idea to the next. Use connecting words to tie your arguments together. Afterward, practice your speech and make sure it's clear . Your gestures, facial expressions, and intonation are ways to communicate with listeners. Be convincing but not pushy, and use a moderate pace.

And if you need to create a different kind of speech, try our persuasive speech generator .

Updated: Nov 15th, 2024

What is a debate? – Vanesa Velkova, European Commission
How debating works – Law Society of Scotland
Debating: A Brief Introduction for Beginners – Debating SA Incorporated
Debate Timing & Structure - Debating Matters
How do you structure your debate speech to capture the attention and interest of your audience? - LinkedIn

20+ Debate Speech Outline Examples

The debate speech outline examples below will help you to know how to write a debate speech. Are you a teacher handling English Composition or Essay Writing? You will find these debate speech outlines very useful.

Note that the majority of the outlines show you what the first speaker should say in a debate speech. This is because most high school level debate speech questions ask the candidate to write the principal speaker or main speaker’s debate speech.

Each debate speech outline or plan you will see here shows you how to write a complete debate essay with regard to the following.

What to say first as the principal speaker in a debate speech
How to introduce yourself in a debate
The kind of points you should be using to either support a debate speech motion or to speak against the motion. So each debate speech outline gives you a good number of points for both the pros and cons side. It is left to you to make your own choice.

These are debate speech outlines

They are templates or plans that must guide any candidate who desires to write a debate speech in a class test or external examination like WASSCE and NECO/SSCE. With these examples of a debate speech outline, my hope is that you will learn how to plan your debate speech before you begin the actual writing.

And on the happy occasion that you are faced with a debate speech question which is exactly the same as any one of the debate essay questions here, you will have an easier task planning and writing your awesome debate speech.

Should you need further explanation on how to write a great debate speech or argumentative essay, simply click the link below.

HOW TO WRITE YOUR BEST ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY (DEBATE SPEECH INCLUDED)

It’s time to get down to why you’re here. Find the examples of the debate speech outline for specific essay questions below.

Please, don’t forget:

Each debate speech outline is only the bare bones of the real essay. The points are therefore very brief. But you shouldn’t find it difficult developing them into complete, acceptable paragraphs.
You can only speak either FOR or AGAINST the motion. So do not take the points for both pros and cons at the same time.

You are the main speaker in an inter-school debate on the topic: The Media is to blame for the upsurge in crime in our society . Write your speech for or against the motion.

OUTLINE/PLAN

Vocatives (Make sure to always keep this simple and appropriate to the question.)

Example: Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Headmasters, Members of Staff of both Schools, Guests, Fellow Students, Ladies and Gentlemen.

2. Opening remarks, your stance (FOR or AGAINST) and briefly why

3. Pros with evidence (That is, when you support the motion)

Violent films (armed robbery, domestic violence, drug abuse)
Pornography (pedophiles, rape, defilement, prostitution etc.)
Dubious means of making money – Promotion of materialism, dishonesty corruption etc.

4. Cons with evidence (This is when you’re speaking AGAINST the motion)

– Crime detection and prevention ie.The media help in crime detection and prevention.
There are more serious culprits – broken homes, peer pressure etc.
Economic factors are to blame: unemployment, poverty etc.

5. Conclusion/Closing Remarks.

SEE ALSO: How to Write a Report Essay (with example)

As the prinicipal speaker in a debate, write your speech for or against the motion: School days are the happiest days of one’s life

2. Opening remarks, your STANCE AND WHY

3. Pros with evidence e.g.

Events /friendship / socialization / social life etc. (Primary to Univ.)
Academic work – knowledge acquisition. competition etc. – exciting
Graduation :run-up to the event, the occasion – happy and most fulfilling moments

4. POINTS AGAINST: Cons. with evidence

Painful punishment & discipline
Exam fever and failures
High school fees and other financial burdens
initiation/bullying by seniors

5. CONCLUSION/CLOSING REMARKS

You are the main speaker in a public debate on the motion, The country should not waste money on sending diplomatic representatives abroad. Write the speech you would deliver for or against the motion.

2. Opening remarks, your STANCE and why

3. POINTS AGAINST Cons with evidence (Not waste of Money BECAUSE):

Public Relations (P.R.) important in today’s international relations – positive image of country and government.
Attraction of foreign economic aid and investment
Protection of Welfare of nationals living abroad
Friendly ties with others for goodwill and security

4. POINTS FOR: Pros with evidence

Expenses could be used for more pressing domestic needs – lazy ambassadors.
Abuse of diplomatic immunity – country’s image rather tarnished e.g. drug related crimes by envoys
Suffering, imprisonment and death of nationals abroad in spite of ambassadors and high commissioners

5. Conclusion/closing remarks

As the principal speaker in an inter-school debate, write your speech for or against the motion: Money is the root of all evil.

3. POINTS AGAINST: CONS with evidence;

It is rather “lack of money (poverty)” that causes crime, quarrels etc.
Philanthropy, religious work etc. cannot be carried out without money
All holy books extol virtues of wealth creation eg. The Parable of the Talents in the Christian bible.
National Development is only possible when hard foreign currency is available.

4. POINTS FOR: Pros WITH EVIDENCE

Crime is committed for money
Replacement of the worship of God with worship of money these days
Broken relationships/marriages due to money disputes.

5. Conclusion/closing remarks.

You are the first speaker in an inter-school debate on the topic: Initiation ceremonies in schools should be abolished . Write your speech for or against the motion.

Opening remarks, your STANCE and why

3. POINTS FOR: Pros with evidence

Violent initiation practices – injuries etc.
Occultism – dangerous trend – LEADS TO crime etc.
Not well organized – waste of precious time
Create antagonism/ enmity and strained student interpersonal relationships

4. POINTS AGAINST: Cons with evidence

Needed for orientation – formal school orientation is desirable
Socialization – creates fellow-feeling and friendships
Entertainment: a source of fun and release of tension

As the principal speaker in a debate organized by the Youth Association in your community, write your speech for or agaisnt the motion, Females should be made to enjoy exactly the same opportunities as their male counterparts .

SPEECH OUTLINE

3. POINTS FOR: PROS with Evidence

To become better better mothers and character trainers of character
To contribute to the economy. They are naturally better at handling money and business. They can help in the home and contribute to national devt.
Leadership: to promote efficiency, honesty loyalty and peace in national life.
It is a question of human rights and equality under the UN declaration of human rights

4. POINTS AGAINST: Cons with Evidence

Biblical reference. – women are weaker vessels
Traditional place of woman is in the kitchen
Emotionally weak – can’t be strong,courageous leaders
Women become arrogant when given too many opportunities

You are the main speaker in an inter-school debate under the topic, The media has failed society . Write your speech for or against the motion.

3. POINTS AGAINST: CONS with Evidence;

Promotion of tenets of democracy.
Information and knowledge dissemination
Entertainment
Promotion of business, employment etc.

4. POINTS FOR or PROS to refute:

Promotion of immorality and crime
Promotion of national disunity – fanning ethnicity in politics
Defamation, sensationalism and character assassination
Adverts – dangerous drugs, alcohol

You are one of the speakers of your school in a debate on the motion, “ Girls are to blame for teenage pregnancy in our country ”. Write your contribution either for or against the motion.

SPEECH OUTLINE/PLAN

3. POINTS AGAINST: CONS with Evidence (other factors bear greater responsibility)

Parents – uncaring, irresponsible, lustful, immoral influence
Boys and older men – lustful, irresponsible
Media – indecent language use, pornography
Society – condones deviant behaviour, no sanctions, improper socialization, high poverty levels

4. POINTS FOR Pros with Evidence

Indecent dressing among girls
Disrespect for authority and disregard for discipline
Crave for material things and ostentatious lifestyle
Premature experimentation with sex

You are the main speaker in a debate on the topic, “ women can never be equal to men ”. Write your speech for or against the motion

SPEECH OUTLINE: Refer to Question 6 above.

Question 10

There is an inter-school debate on the motion, “ The prefect should always be on the side of the school authorities ”. As the main speaker for your school, write your speech for or against the motion.

2 . Opening remarks, your STANCE and why

3. POINTS AGAINST: CONS with Evidence:

Can’t work in the interest of his/her fellow students – will become a yes-man to obnoxious policies
Prefect is elected by students, NOT authorities, to protect their interest.
This could lead to autocratic and paternalistic leadership from authorities
In the interest of democratic practices – as an elected representative, he/she must advance students’ views
It could lead to violent demonstrations

4. POINTS FOR: Pros to refute:

Students are immature and inexperienced
Students’ duty is to study and obey rules and not to meddle in or oppose school administration.
Two heads are better than one and there is strength in unity – iit’ll bring effective administration and school development

Question 11

You are the principal speaker in a debate on the motion, “ The participation of women is essential in nation building ”. Write your contribution for or against the motion.

QUESTION/PLAN: Refer to points under Qs. 9 and 6

Question 12

As one of the main speakers in a debate, write your speech for or against the motion. “ Scientific advancement is a curse to mankind ”.

3. POINTS FOR: PROS with evidence

Wars causing unnecessary deaths and destruction due to manufacture of deadly weapons
Accidents in factories, on roads, in the air etc
Invention of harmful drugs and dangerous medical developments – Thalidomide drugs in the 60s, cloning, genetically modified foods
Climate change and global warming due to rapid industrialization
Cyber crime and immorality in the media

4. POINTS AGAINST; CONS with Evidence

Turning the world into a global village – easy, convenient communication
Improved standard of living – more free time for leisure, entertainment etc.
Easy access to education – distance learning etc
Economic development: impressive infrastructural development – roads, bridges, dams, electricity etc,

Question 13

You are a speaker in a debate on the topic: “ Drivers are to blame for the accidents on our roads” Write your speech for or against the motion.

3. POINTS AGAINST:CONS with Evidence:

Drivers apart, passengers and pedestrians must carry the greater blame
Corruption and complicity on the part of personnel of Law enforcement agencies – from ports to highways, roads, lorry parks – condone overloading, unqualified drivers, vehicles which are not roadworthy etc
Govt. Officials – nature of road, lack of maintenance, shoddy road construction due to corruption in the award of contracts etc.

4. POINTS FOR: PROS with evidence

Drink driving
Unqualified drivers
Dangerous Overtaking
Overloading,
Speeding and carelessness
Greed leading to insufficient rest etc.

5. Conclusion and closing remarks

Question 14

To commemorate your school’s 20 th Anniversary, you have been invited to contribute to a debate on the motion; “ The national government should continue to borrow money for development”. Write your speech for or against the motion.

Inadequate internally-generated funds.
Interdependent world and global village
Business-like approach to governance and national development is now the norm. – need to borrow money
Most loans are long-term and interest rates are very low

4. POINTS AGAINST: CONS with evidence

Such monies only end up being embezzled and misappropriated
It is better to be self-reliant than to be a beggar
High interest rates
Unfavourable conditionalities e.g. removal of subsidies on agric inputs, use of expertise of expatriate consultants, importation of inappropriate technologies from lender countries , imposition of unworkable policies

Question 15

You are a speaker in a school debate on the topic; “ Our elders may no longer be active but they are still very useful to our society” . Write your contribution for or against the motion.

SPEECCH OUTLINE

Opening remark; your stance and why.

2. POINTS FOR: PROS with Evidence

They have experience and can offer useful advice – all areas of life.
Trainers of children as most active parents are away
Guards/security in homes in the absence of younger members of the family
Entertainment & transmission of cultural heritage – folklore – stories, proverbs, etc.

POINTS AGAINST: CONS with evidence

They are a burden – they nag a lot
Weak and unfit – high medical bills
They are of no economic value – they don’t produce anything and are therefore worsening the dependency ratio
Witches and sources of confusion in homes

Question 16

Your school is organizing a debate on the motion; “The media has done the society more harm than good. ” As a principal speaker, write your contribution for or against the motion.

OUTLINE: Please, refer to question 7 above.

Question 17

You are a speaker in a debate on the topic: official visits abroad by a Head of State are beneficial to the country . Write your speech for or against the motion.

2. Opening remarks, your STANCE and why i.e. “FOR”

3. POINTS FOR: PROS with Evidence:

It is a public relations exercise for the country’s positive image
“Travel and see” The president will replicate development. projects seen in foreign countries e.g. Malaysia, Singapore
A means of attracting foreign aid – loans, grants
Attraction of foreign private investment
Visiting Ghanaian/ nationals outside – caring head of state
Risk of accidents, coups, assassination etc.
Waste of badly needed funds for development on per diem, transport, dinners etc.
Distraction or escape from pressing domestic problems

Question 18

As the principal speaker at an inter-school debate, write your contribution for or against the motion. “ We do not need the extended family in our changing society”

3. POINTS AGAINST/CONS with Evidence:

Proper upbringing of children calls for help from others
Pooling resources together for individual, family and social development
A caring, selfless and united society where each person is his brother’s keeper.

4. POINTS FOR/ PROS with evidence

High dependency ratio – burden on a few hardworking ones
Retrogressive attitudes eg. Backbiting, jealousy, and disunity is widespread in every extended family
Problem grandparents – nagging, behaving like children etc due to old age

5. Conclusion and closing remarks.

Question 19

As the principal speaker in a debate, write your contribution for or against the motion: “ The disabled can make a meaningful contribution to national development”.

SPEECH OUTLINE/

3. POINTS FOR/ PROS with Evidence:

Sports – athletics, boxing eg. The Para-Olympics games
Educators eg. teachers etc.
Creative arts – music, art, writing, artefacts
Politics – leaders etc,

4. POINTS AGAINST/CONS to refute or CONSIDER

They are incapable of physical activity
Rather depend on others for guidance and survival
National resources spent on them
Mainly beggars

Question 20

As the principal speaker at an inter-school debate. Write your contribution for or against the motion: “ Money and possessions do not necessarily bring happiness”

2. Opening remarks, your STANCE and why,

Happiness has very little to do with money and possessions –there are other more important factors e.g. good health, time with family and friends
Money may bring more discomfort and unhappiness and soured relationships – fear of thieves, anxiety over inheritance etc,
More money and possessions create desire for more leading to greedy and criminal behavior: embezzlement, etc. incarceration/ imprisonment and social stigma
Jealous and demanding relatives may bring more misery to the person with a lot of money and possessions
All what man needs to be contented is provided by money e.g. food, clothing, shelter, leisure, entertainment
A poor man is not respected in our society – money and possessions bring prestige, social recognition and high sense of fulfillment.
Money can help one help others i.e. charity and be loved.

5. Closing remarks/Conslusion

Question 21

.As the principal speaker at an inter-school debate, write your contribution for or against the motion: “ The youth of today have more opportunities than their predecessors” .

There are better educational facilities and opportunities today
Scientific and technological development. has brought brighter job and career opportunities.
Now there are more open, free and democratic societies – freedom for creativity, self-determination and achievement.
It was a safer world in the past – less dangerous times e.g. higher life expectancy
Better character training opportunities in the past for further achievement
Lower population in the past so no overcrowded schools etc.
Better job prospects, due to low turnout of school graduates

Conclusion and closing remarks.

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