The Great Debate

In just 5 days from now we are having our first class debate! Debates are a great way to practice our spoken English because we have to make sure we speak in such a way that others understand what we're saying and understand our point of view. I gave you all a paper with the debate topic on it, but here it is again: "First world countries have an obligation to help third world countries with funds and assistance in cases of hunger and poverty". You all have been placed in 1 of 2 groups. Group A believes that statement is true, that first world countries do have an obligation. Group B believes that statement is false, that first world countries do no have that obligation. This is a very relevant topic for us to discuss and debate on because of all that has happened and is going on in Hati. You all should be able to put your own thoughts and opinions related to Hati and other similar events in this debate.

Your homework over the next 5 nights is to gather your thoughts and opinions and put them into written form to help you on the day of the debate. You need to organize your thoughts into points and with those points give reasons, examples, etc to back your point up. You will also need to try and think of what the other team is going to say and how you are going to defend your side of the debate.

Here are some helpful words and phrases to get you started in the right direction:

Opinions, Preferences:

I think..., In my opinion..., I'd like to..., I'd rather..., I'd prefer..., The way I see it..., As far as I'm concerned..., If it were up to me..., I suppose..., I suspect that..., I'm pretty sure that..., It is fairly certain that..., I'm convinced that..., I honestly feel that, I strongly believe that..., Without a doubt,...,

Disagreeing:

I don't think that..., Don't you think it would be better..., I don't agree, I'd prefer..., Shouldn't we consider..., But what about..., I'm afraid I don't agree..., Frankly, I doubt if..., Let's face it, The truth of the matter is..., The problem with your point of view is that...

Giving Reasons and offering explanations: To start with, The reason why..., That's why..., For this reason..., That's the reason why..., Many people think...., Considering..., Allowing for the fact that..., When you consider that...