Class 12 English Writing skills

In the writing section (Section-B of the exam), Debate writing comes as a Very long
answer type question (10 marks).
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. So, without any
further ado, let's know how to write a perfect debate.

Tips to attempt a question on Debate writing

The first and the foremost step is to choose the side, whether you want to write
‘For the motion’ 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 CONCLUSION.

Let us discuss each of them in detail.

1. Introduction- This includes salutations and the topic (including FOR/AGAINST
the motion).
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 write (FOR/AGAINST)
the topic- (name of the topic).

2. 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.

3. 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."

4. 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."

Marking Scheme for Debate Writing.

Talking about marks, Debate writing comes as a 10 marks question. The breakup for
which (as per CBSE Marking scheme for 2018-19) is as follows:-

Format (opening address and conclusion) 01 mark

Content 04 marks
Expression 05 marks :-
 Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and 2.5
spellings. 2.5
 Coherence and relevance of ideas and style.

Total 10 marks
 Things to remember while attempting debate writing:

DO'S
i. 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.
ii. Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry
marks.
iii. Leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.
iv. Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in presentation and shows
that you're prepared
v. Presentation is very important.
vi. Read a lot of debates to get an idea.
vii. Have information about all the major environmental, political, social issues that
have taken place during the entire year..
viii. Practice previous year Question paper questions.

DON'Ts
i. Never mention any of your personal details, i.e., name, school name or address.
ii. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make
paragraphs.
iii. Don't use slangs or short forms.
iv. Don't write wrong facts.
v. Try not to exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.
vi. Do not invest too much time in just this question.
Debate Writing Samples

Q1. 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 from your
school. Prepare your views against or in favour of the motion. (150-200 words)

Answer:
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 write 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 what the real world
lacks: it gives us immediacy, direction and a value as an individual."
Thank you.

Answer:
Social Media and its Effects
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?
Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen! I am Mukul/ Mahima and my topic for the day
is, "Social media and it’s effects". I would like to write 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 lynchings 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.

Q2. "ONLINE SMART CLASSES ARE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION". Write a debate
either for or against the motion. (150-200 words).

Answer:
Online Smart Classes are the Future of Education
For The Motion:
Honourable Judges and worthy readers,
"If you are so old minded and think that computers will be distracting children from
studies, with a sincere sorry for you, let me tell you that the young generation has
gone a long way with computers!"
Thus, I am going to write about the endless possibilities of computer and internet
based teaching methods.
When most parents think of learning from computers, socializing websites like
Facebook appear before their eyes. It is the biggest cyber tragedy. There are definitely
a large number of sites beyond just Facebook.
Udemy, Coursera, Khan Academy, Byju's teaching app, the list of online teaching
platforms is endless and ever growing. There are millions of students and teachers
who use these websites and apps for their exam-preparation. They are mostly free
and it is what makes one turn away from traditional paper-guides. With a smartphone
in every hand, city and village alike, these online libraries are within everyone's reach.
Google has already replaced the word Guru to become the greatest knowledge-
provider.
With seven hundred billion population and six hundred trees, it is the need of the
century to go paperless. In this context you can find no better solution than
eLearning.
Rather than living the life of a consumer, let's be contributors. Instead of buying
paper books, let's buy eBooks. Instead of collecting a thousand books in our shelves,
let's convert our phones or computers into virtual libraries and learn.
Thank you.

Answer:
Online Smart Classes are the Future of Education
Against The Motion:
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Online Classes are the
Future of Education and I choose to write against the motion.
Online learning or e-learning refers to learning conducted via electronic media,
typically on the Internet. There is no face-to-face interaction between the teacher and
the student. It decreases the scope of adjusting and modifying the language or the
concept according to various audiences. Moreover, humans are known to be social
animals and are thus, more interested in direct tuition than virtual tuition. There is
lack of proper guidance and self-assessment mechanisms. Not only this, it would also
reduce employment among teachers.
Since it involves only brain work and not physical work, they tend to get lethargic
resulting in altered physiology. Also, it leads to lack of discipline. Attending a school
makes one have a time schedule in a day. This helps them learn some good habits
like, bathing, breakfast, going to bed at the right time etc. Physical school help
children adopt a discipline.
Not to forget the excellent interactions involved in physical learning. People tend to
make friends who support them and mentors who guide them. Thus, no matter how
fast technological developments are taking place, the traditional way of learning
should not be displaced.
Thank you.