K. Taller/ S. VogtR 2003World Schools Debating Championships 2004

Ways to open a debate

  • As the proposition, we would like to begin with defining the following….
  • To set the framework for our motion, we believe it is necessary to propose the following definitions….
  • We would like to introduce our stand by giving the following definitions. …
  • In order to effectively debate this topic, we as the proposition, would like to propose….
  • By giving this definition, a number of key issues arise from this problem which merit closer examination.
  • We, the proposition, will elabortate one of the most striking features of this problem, namely…
  • In the first place we would like to make clear that….
  • The main argument focuses on….

How to convince in a debate

  • The opposition have tried to make some good points, however, they forgot to think about some very important issues, namely….
  • We hear what the opposition are saying but we do not agree. We will prove to you…
  • That’s one way to think about it, however,….
  • Not to play the Devil’s Advocate, but we will prove to you exactly the opposite.
  • The proposition’s motion may seem plausible at first glance, however, we as the opposition, would like to remind you of recent developments in this area. According to ….
  • At first sight, the proposition’s argument seems to be true. But….
  • We have thought about the proposition’s proposal, however, research findings strongly support our motion of…..
  • The proposition unfortunately failed to reveal the truth of the matter,….
  • It is easy enough to make broad generalisation about...like the opposition just did, but in reality it is a very complex issue.
  • The arguments presented by the proposition are by no means sufficient enough to back up the claim that….
  • It is generally excepted these days that….
  • It is only a matter of time until it will become evident that the opposition’s stand must fall due to the following reasons….
  • One must take into account that….

Possible conclusions

  • This motion must fall because….
  • To conclude, we must emphasise our motion of…., hence the opposition’s point of view can no longer be supported.
  • To sum up, our motion must stand, simply because during the debate we have shown….
  • This debate has made obvious that the opposition’s motion cannot stand since…..
  • The simple truth is…
  • The proposed arguments lead us to the irrefutable conclusion that…
  • To draw a line under this debate, …
  • After careful consideration, we must conclude that….

Modes of Address

All references to other speakers should be in the third person, e.g. Points of Information should begin with a phrase such as:

  • Point of Information, Sir/Madam!
  • Is the Speaker aware that...
  • Mr / Madam Chairman...
  • I request the floor...
  • Are the Chair / the Speaker (not) aware that...
  • I yield the floor to points of information / to the Chair / to another delegate.
  • Does the Speaker (not) agree that...?

Resolution Introductory Phrases

Each clause should start with a verb in the following way (please note, this list is not exhaustive):

Pre-ambulatory Clauses

Affirming
Alarmed by
Approving
Believing
Bearing in mind
Contemplating
Convinced
Declaring
Deeply concerned
Deeply conscious
Deeply convinced
Deeply disturbed
Deeply regretting / Emphasizing
Expressing its appreciation
Expressing its satisfaction
Fully aware
Fully believing
Further deploring
Further recalling
Guided by
Having adopted
Having considered further / Having denoted attention
Having examined
Having received
Having studied
Keeping in mind
Noting with approval
Noting with deep concern
Noting with regret
Noting with satisfaction / Realising
Reaffirming
Recalling
Recognising
Referring
Recalling
Taking into account
Taking into consideration
Taking note
Viewing with appreciation
Welcoming

Operative Clauses

Accepts
Affirms
Approves
Authorises
Calls for
Condemns
Congratulates
Confirms
Considers / Declares accordingly
Deplores
Demands
Designates
Draws the attention
Emphasizes
Encourages
Endorses
Expresses its hope / Expresses its appreciation
Further invites
Further problems
Have resolved
Notes
Proclaims
Reaffirms
Recommends / Reminds
Requests
Solemnly affirms
Strongly condemns
Supports
Trusts
Takes note of
Transmits
Urges

Sample Resolution

Committee:Political
Submitted by:Iraq
Co-submitted by: Cuba and PDRK
Organ --> The General Assembly of the United Nations,
Pre-ambulatoryNoting Article One of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
Phraseswhich states that "All beings are born free and equal in dignity and
rights".
Use a comma to
separate preambulatory
clauses
Underline initiating
phrases
Indent 5 spaces
Operative Clauses
Number operative
clauses
Use a semicolon to
separate operative
clauses
Use a full stop to end
the resolution / Aware that economic embargoes cause great damage to nations,
both to the individuals within the nations, and to the wider social structure,
Bearing in mind paragraph 70 of the Secretary-General's 1995
report on the work of the United Nations, which stated, "Sanctions ...
raise the ethical question of whether suffering inflicted on vulnerable
groups in the target country is a legitimate means of exerting pressure,
Calling the attention of member states to the Vienna Declaration
and Programme of action which affirms that food should not be used as
a tool for political pressure,
Convinced that it is wrong and immoral for any country to penalise
another through prejudice, because they disapprove of their
government,
Believing that it is only through building firm trading links, and not
through a policy of hatred and intolerance that a lasting peace between
nations can be achieved,
1. Calls upon all member states to reconsider their position over all
sanctions, and particularly the sanctions on Iraq and Cuba;
2. Suggests that the sanctions against the above named countries
be gradually relaxed, with the aim of reinstating the infrastructure,
education system and medical care of both member states;
3. Expresses its hope that the sanctions will be fully lifted within
eight years;
4. Urges the United Nations to send medical aid to both countries,
to alleviate the suffering of the thousands of civilians, especially to
pregnant and nursing mothers, and children;
Strongly recommends that the first sanctions to be relaxed on oil in
the case of Iraq, and on sugar in the case of Cuba, so that the countries
may use the profits from their primary exports to:
(i) invest in the socio-economic structure of their nations, in order
to revive their economies,
(ii) provide humanitarian aid, specifically food and medicine, to
their population,
(iii) pay teachers and other professionals to return to work, so that
the alarming drop-out rate at elementary and secondary schools may
be remedied, to provide a basic education for the future generation;
6. Suggests that this process be monitored by the UN and other
nations that would be affected, especially those in the Middle East;
7. Encourages all member states to endeavour to trade fairly with
these countries in particular, and troubled regions in general, so that
through mutual trade and increased prosperity, lasting peace and
friendly relations between countries will ensue.

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