A speech for a debate

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We want to persuade an audience that is listening, not reading. A debate speech starts by stating the motion and your side, previews your arguments, develops each one with evidence and ends with a strong summary. Repetition and questions to the audience help listeners follow.

Show where your evidence comes from, and rebut the other side: My opponents may claim that … but … A good debater is firm but respectful. Say the speech aloud to check that it sounds natural and fits the time.

My opponents may claim that the cost is too high, but the evidence suggests that it would save money in the long run.

Opening speech: This house would introduce a four-day school week

Good afternoon, Chair, judges and fellow students. Today's motion is that this house would introduce a four-day school week, and I am proud to speak for it. I will give you three reasons: well-being, learning and fairness. First, well-being. We all know what Friday afternoons feel like. Many students are exhausted by the end of the week, and surveys of young people regularly report high levels of stress about school. A longer weekend would give everyone more time to rest, exercise, see friends and simply recover. Rested students are happier students, and happier students learn better. Second, learning. You may think that fewer days must mean less learning. But four slightly longer days would mean fewer changeovers between lessons and fewer wasted minutes at the start of each day. Several schools in the United States have tried a four-day week. The results are mixed, which we should be honest about, but some studies found that attendance improved and that achievement stayed the same. Third, fairness. Many teenagers have responsibilities at home, part-time jobs or long journeys to school. A free day would give them time to manage these things without falling behind. My opponents may claim that parents would struggle to find childcare on the fifth day. That is a real concern for younger children. However, we are talking about secondary school students, most of whom can look after themselves for a day. Schools could also offer optional clubs and study support on that day for those who need it. So, ladies and gentlemen, ask yourselves this: do we want schools that simply fill the week, or schools that use time well? I urge you to support the motion.

Källor

1. Kursplan i engelska, Lgr22, Skolverket