Posted by Tien @ Bellerbys Cambridge
Here at Bellerbys Cambridge we have a new debating club. I joined a lot of publish speaking competitions before I came to the UK. But I have never done debating before. I started learning during lessons.
“Debate or debating is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn't the case or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion.
Though logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are important elements of the art of persuasion, in debating, one side often prevails over the other side by presenting a superior "context" and/or framework of the issue, which is far more subtle and strategic.
In a formal debating contest, there are rules for people to discuss and decide on differences, within a framework defining how they will interact.
Informal debate is a common occurrence, the quality and depth of a debate improves with knowledge and skill of its participants as debaters. Deliberative bodies such as parliaments, legislative assemblies, and meetings of all sorts engage in debates.
The outcome of a debate may be decided by audience vote, by judges, or by some combination of the two. (Of course, this implies that facts are based on consensus, which is not factual.) The major goal of the study of debate as a method or art is to develop one's ability to play from either position with equal ease.”
Our school Debating Club is run by my History teacher – James Underwood. I think it a very interesting club us it’s not only helping us in order to improve English but it also teach us to talk, think, … in other words it’s a very effective way to practice critical thinking.
On the 1st day of Lunar New Year, I went to the Oxford Union Debating competition with my classmate – Natalya. Motions were very really difficult, about British army, homosexuals … It was a great chance for me to learn and just to have a great time!
Later, I went to Manchester Union Debating competition. The trip starts from 3:30 am from Cambridge train station to Manchester. It was a really long day, travelling.
We didn’t win all the rounds but luckily we came 1st once!!! It was a big victory especially or us – non-UK students. The motion was “This house believes that all judges should be elected.” Finally, after a hardworking day we came back to Cambridge at around 2 am!
I think debating club is one of the most interesting clubs we have here at Bellerbys Cambridge. It’s so useful for every subject as it the way we talk and express our opinion. At the same time it's useful because we are learning new things even after one hour of practice. And I am sure it’s a big PLUS for those who want to go to top universities in the UK! As for me, I love it and it’s a good choice! ;)
Tien is studying A Levels at Bellerbys Cambridge
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