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Expert · Fluency and confidence · topic 56 of 59 · 18 min

Debates: give reasons and win respect

Explanation

In a debate, the calm person with clear reasons wins, not the loud one. Use PREP: make your Point, give a Reason, add an Example, then repeat your Point. Accept a fair point before you disagree. शांत रहें, तर्क दें, उदाहरण दें।

A debate (वाद-विवाद) is a discussion where people give different views and support them with reasons. You will meet debates in college, in group discussions, in office meetings and even at the dinner table. The skill is the same everywhere: clear structure, good reasons, calm voice.

The PREP structure

StepUseful startExample (motion: "Mobile phones should be banned in schools")
PointI believe that... / In my view...I believe phones should not be banned completely.
ReasonThis is because... / The main reason is...The main reason is that students use them to learn.
ExampleFor example... / Take the case of...For example, many students watch free lessons and check dictionaries on their phones.
Point againThat's why... / So, I feel...That's why I feel schools should control phones, not ban them.

In my view, the benefits are bigger than the problems.

Say it: in my VYOO, the BEN-i-fits ar BIG-er than the PROB-lemz

मेरे विचार में, फ़ायदे समस्याओं से ज़्यादा हैं।

The main reason is that it saves time.

Say it: the MAYN REE-zun iz that it SAYVZ TYM

मुख्य कारण यह है कि इससे समय बचता है।

Contrast and conceding

Conceding (मान लेना) means you accept the part of the other view that is fair. It does not make you weak. It shows you listened, and your next point sounds stronger.

That's a fair point, but we also need to think about safety.

Say it: thats a FAIR POYNT, but wee AWL-soh need to THINK a-BOWT SAYF-tee

यह सही बात है, पर हमें सुरक्षा के बारे में भी सोचना होगा।

I see what you mean. However, the numbers tell a different story.

Say it: ai SEE wot yoo MEEN. how-EV-er, the NUM-berz tel a DIF-rent STOR-ee

मैं आपकी बात समझता हूँ। फिर भी, आँकड़े कुछ और कहते हैं।

Although phones can distract students, they can also help them learn.

Say it: awl-THOH FOHNZ kan dis-TRAKT STOO-dents, thay kan AWL-soh HELP them LURN

हालाँकि फ़ोन छात्रों का ध्यान भटका सकते हैं, पर वे सीखने में मदद भी कर सकते हैं।

Do not use "but" after "although". Say "Although X, Y", not "Although X, but Y".

It seems to me that most people would agree with a middle path.

Say it: it SEEMZ to mee that MOHST PEE-pul wud a-GREE with a MID-ul PAATH

मुझे लगता है कि ज़्यादातर लोग बीच का रास्ता मानेंगे।

Hedging: "It seems to me", "in most cases", "probably" make you sound fair, not unsure.

Too strong (avoid)Strong but respectful
You are totally wrong.I see it differently.
That is a stupid idea.I'm not sure that would work, because...
Everyone knows that...Research suggests that... / In my experience...
Listen to me!Could I add something here?
Think of it like this: A debate is like a game of chess, not a wrestling match. You win by thinking one move ahead and placing each piece (reason, example) carefully, not by pushing the other player off the board.
Careful: Common mistakes: raising your voice, interrupting, attacking the person instead of the idea ("You are young, what do you know?"), giving only feelings with no reason, and "Although..., but..." in one sentence.
Tip: Pick one news topic each day and give a 60-second PREP answer for it, then a 60-second answer for the opposite side. Arguing both sides makes you a stronger, calmer speaker.

Watch the lesson

Debates: give reasons and win respect · 1/7

Debates and opinions

Hello! Today you learn to give your opinion in a debate and win respect.

Prefer a video by a teacher? Find free videos on “how to debate in english phrases for agreeing and disagreeing in hindi” on YouTube ↗

In real life: A college debate on phones in schools

Moderator: The motion is "Mobile phones should be banned in schools." Arjun, please begin. Arjun: Thank you. I believe phones should be banned in class. The main reason is focus. For example, in our hostel survey, most students said they checked messages during lectures. So a ban would help learning. Moderator: Sana, your reply? Sana: That's a fair point about focus, Arjun. However, a full ban goes too far. Many students in small towns use phones for free lessons and online forms. Although phones can distract, schools can keep them in a box during class and allow them in the library. Arjun: I see what you mean. A middle path might work if the rules are strict. Moderator: Thank you both. That was a very respectful debate.

Practice (0/4 done)

Task 1 · Speak

Concede and then disagree, calmly.

That's a fair point, but I see it differently. The main reason is safety.

यह सही बात है, पर मेरी राय अलग है। मुख्य कारण सुरक्षा है।

Press Speak, then say the sentence.
Task 2 · Listen and type

Listen and type the sentence.

Task 3 · Practice

Motion: "Students should do a part-time job during college." Give a one-minute answer for OR against it, using PREP. Then say one sentence that concedes a point to the other side.

Task 4 · Question

Which sentence is correct?

Quick quiz

Question 1

1.What is the "E" in PREP?

Question 2

2.Which reply concedes a point before disagreeing?

Question 3

3.Which is the most respectful way to disagree?

Question 4

4.Which word shows contrast?

Question 5

5."In most cases, online classes save time." The words "in most cases"...

Pass the quiz (60% or more) or mark this topic as done when you are ready.

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