Introduction to Debate

1. THE BASICS OF
DEBATE
Lorna Victor-Matienzo

2. YES
NO

3. AFFIRMATIVE
NEGATIVE

4. Girls face more peer
pressure than boys.

5. Giving is better than
receiving.

6. It is better to be good at
academics than to be good
at sports.

7. All people should be able
to own gun.

8. Disinformation poses a
threat in Philippine
democracy.

9. Mandatory ROTC in senior
high school should be
reinstated.

10. Paper books are better
than e- books.

11. Clowns are more crazy
than funny.

12. People shouldn’t have to
go to school or work on
their birthdays.

13. A debate is a series of formal
arguments. It should not be a
rowdy, unruly free-for-all. A
debate is a timed and
structured clash of ideas.
Arguments should be based on
credible evidence rather than
gut feelings, personal attacks,
or unsupported opinions.
INTRODUCTION

14. Learning how to debate
helps students develop
critical thinking, language,
and teamwork skills
Expected Learning Outcome

15.  Be courteous and attentively
listen to the opposing side.
Speak audibly and with
passion, but do not shout or
insult the opposing side.
 In a structured, timed debate,
speak only when it’s your turn
and stick to time limits.
Ground Rules for Courtesy and Tone