In conducting debates, the
following five (5) aspects or categories are involved including their equivalent
expressions for each category.
1.
Asking for an opinion. In this category, a
speaker asks someone else’s opinion, views, feelings about the motion. For example:
What do you think about corporal punishment?
What is your opinion on boarding school?
What is your view on school rules?
What do you say about the motion?
2.
Expressing an
opinion. In this category, the speaker presents his or her own opinions, views,
feelings about the motion. For example:
I think that corporal punishment is important
I think that boarding school is better
I believe that school rules are necessary
I feel that early pregnancies are bad in the society
My opinion is that corporal punishment is good
My view is that all school rules should be observed
3.
Supporting an
opinion. In this category, the speaker supports or argues for the opinions, point
of view, view or idea of the motion. For
example:
I argue for the opinion that school rules are
necessary
I support the opinion that corporal punishment should
be abolished
I am of the opinion that all schools should have
dormitories
I agree with the motion
I agree with the argument
I support the view that students should all be sent to
dormitories.
4.
Opposing an opinion.
In
this category of debate expressions, the speaker opposes or argues against the opinion,
point of view, view or idea of the motion as expressed or presented by other
speaker. For example:
I oppose the motion
I oppose the opinion that school rules should be
abolished
I am against the motion
I am against the argument
I disagree with the motion
I disagree with the opinion that corporal punishment
should be abolished
I do not support the view that school rules are
necessary
5.
Expressing a doubt
in opinion. In this category, the speaker expresses doubts or dissatisfaction about
the opinion, view, or idea of the motion as expressed by other speaker. For example:
It is possible that truancy is bad, but ......
There is a possibility that corporal punishment is
bad, however...
It might be that, but...
It is possible, but....
Maybe school rules are necessary
Perhaps students should all be sent to dormitories
When we are arguing or
debating on something, we have to support, oppose, or express a doubt on opinion. We do this
by giving evidences. We give information and points that prove our views.
Remember: These expressions
are not exclusive for debates alone. They can be used in any conversation,
speech presentations, or discussions when a speaker wants to express himself or
herself clearly.
Also, check the following Articles:
Don’t forget to comment on what you know about ‘Common Debate
Expressions’.