Why do we do a debate in english class?

L

Liv

New member
we are assigned to have a debate in my english class about banned books. we have to either defend or go against a certain book and i dont understand why we are doing this assignment! i just really hate doing debates in front of the class and i get super nervous, so it would help if i knew why we even do debates in english class.
 
Actually, unlike a LOT of what is taught in school, debating, aka arguing, is actually a VERY useful skill after you graduate, and THAT'S why they make you do it!

Trust me, one day you'll be out in the real world and you will have to argue/debate a point with a co-worker or boss, and you'll remember what you learned in these practice debates, and you'll be glad you did them! Hard to believe right now, I know, but it's true, I swear!

Good luck!...
 
Because of No Child Left Behind most modern education "teaches to the test". You are not taught things you will need later on, but are only given enough information to pass the test, so the school looks good to the government.

Learning to debate forces you to actually think. It doesn't teach to the test, it requires you to do something real. That's probably why most kids hate it - they have to think creatively, something they've never had to do... or even been taught to do.

Preparing a debate requires organized research. It also requires the development of a strategy in presenting the material in a competitive manner. Delivering the debate teaches organized thinking, how to give quick responses to unexpected questions... and, as you say, public speaking. All of these things you'll slam into over and over in professional life.

No, it's not fun and it is work. But it's one of the very few valuable things you'll do this side of college.
 
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