Debate Skills

What should you avoid when you make an argument?

Topic: Is it better to thrift clothes or buy new ones from known brands?

"Thrifting clothes is better because it’s cheaper, and lots of people are doing it nowadays."

What is wrong with this argument?

Read this argument:
"Thrifting clothes is better than buying new ones because it reduces waste, which helps the environment. For example, textile waste accounts for 85% of all landfill materials. Additionally, thrifting saves money while still allowing people to express their unique style by finding one-of-a-kind items."

This was the opposite team's question:

You said buying new clothes reduces waste because textile waste represents 85% of landfill materials but have you thought of eco-friendly stores?

Explain why you think this question is wrong.

"Thrifting clothes reduces the demand for fast fashion, which is a major contributor to environmental pollution and unethical labor practices. By purchasing second-hand items, individuals actively lower the production of new clothing, decreasing carbon emissions and waste while supporting a more sustainable and ethical approach to consumption."
CHOOSE THE BEST QUESTION TO DEFY THIS ARGUMENT

• "Isn’t it true that thrifting clothes helps reduce environmental pollution and unethical labor practices?"

• "But how has the popularity of social media influenced teenage fast fashion trends?"

• • "While thrifting can lower demand for new clothing, how can it address the economic challenges faced by workers in the fast fashion industry?"

• "Do you think thrifting is better for the environment overall?"

Topic: Should homework be banned in schools?

"Homework should be banned because it adds unnecessary stress to students' lives and limits their time for family, extracurricular activities, and rest. Studies show that excessive homework can lead to mental health issues like anxiety and burnout, which hinders learning rather than promoting it."

Imagine you're from the opposite team, what question would you ask?

Topic: Should public transport be free?

"Well, you know, public transport is really important because it’s, like, something that a lot of people use every day, and it’s good for the environment and all that. So, you know, if it were free, then more people might use it, which could maybe help with things like traffic or pollution or stuff like that. Plus, it would just be nice for people to not have to pay because paying for things isn’t always easy for everyone, and free things are better for society, you know?"

Why is this argument wrong?

Read the argument again, then use the ideas presented to rephrase it better.

"Well, you know, public transport is really important because it’s, like, something that a lot of people use every day, and it’s good for the environment and all that. So, you know, if it were free, then more people might use it, which could maybe help with things like traffic or pollution or stuff like that. Plus, it would just be nice for people to not have to pay because paying for things isn’t always easy for everyone, and free things are better for society, you know?"

Read this argument and explain: What is being debated? What is their main argument?

"The implementation of innovative environmental strategies in urban and rural contexts, alongside a reconsideration of individual habits and overarching systemic policies, has the potential to foster not only ecological sustainability but also societal well-being in a manner that aligns with global progress, though the nuances of practical application remain multifaceted and context-dependent, requiring holistic approaches that consider economic, cultural, and geopolitical factors simultaneously."