DEBATE
This is a formal discussion of an issue at a public meeting or in a
parliament. In a debate two or more speakers express opposing views and then
there is often a vote on the issue. People debate when they disagree on a topic
and want to explain their reasons why. In a formal debate, two teams of people
disagree, but they follow a set of rules. The rules ensure that each team has a
fair chance to express its views.
Before the debate, the teams are given the topic statement usually
called the motion. One team will argue for (support) it and the other team will
argue against (oppose) it. Team members on both sides organise their ideas and
prepare a speech.
The school debate must
have the following people;
1. The chairperson/speaker.
The chairperson is in charge of controlling all
matters, including tells people when they can speak, etc.
2. Motion mover: this one defines the motion to make it debatable but without
supporting or opposing it.
3. Judges: these help to decide who has won a competition by assessing the
strength of the points given by both sides.
4. Secretaries: these are responsible for recoding the points spoken by their members.
5. Time keeper. This has a duty to control the time allotted for each member to speak.
6. Principal/main speakers. These are
representatives from each team who are given equal chances to argue either for
or against the motion before opening it to the members of the floor (audience).
7. Audience. These are listeners in a debate who are from either of the two sides
participating in a debate. They may also be given chances to contribute to the
topic under discussion by supporting their team or asking questions and
clarifications of some points from the opposite team. There may be neutral
speakers who present their views regardless of the side. They may even oppose a
point spoken by a member of their side or add a point to their opponents if
they find it important but the opposite side has not been able to raise it.
In a debate good speaking and listening skills are
very important. Some important appropriate phrases used in the debate include:
Ø Additional point.....
Ø Interruption point....
Ø Point of correction....
Ø Point of information....
Ø Point of opposition...
Ø The previous speaker has
raised an interesting point however I would like to differ with him...
Ø I concur with the
previous speaker, additionally...
For the debate to be
interesting then;
a. Select a good motion. A good motion is one that is controversial enough to evoke strong
arguments from both sides. Also it should not be one-sided. Some topics are
biased as they give a chance for one side to win and another to lose.
b. Read widely on the
subject. It is better to do a thorough research prior to
participating in a debate so as to argue from an informed position and support
your ideas with statistics, or authority.
c. Use polite and appropriate language. Even when you disagree with the opposite speaker’s claims you don’t
have to fight. You need to remain calm and use a polite language.
d. All matters should be
addressed to the chairperson. No personal attack or
confrontation is allowed. Even questions are directed to the chairperson then
he/she allows the person responsible to respond
e. Each speaker is allotted
the same amount of time. The chairperson gives
both sides equal chances to present their arguments by calling a speaker from
either side in an alternating manner.
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TASK
Choose any motion(s)
among the given and hold a class debate
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1. Corporal punishments should be abolished in Secondary schools
2. The government should provide free education from Primary to
University level
3. The coming of Europeans was the source of Development to Africans.
4. Girls are better than boys
5. Air transport is better than water transport
6. Arts subjects are more important than business subjects
7. Female genital mutilation should be promoted.
8. Boarding schools are better than day schools.
9. African culture is better than European culture
10. The mass media are responsible for moral decay in the society.
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DIALOGUES
A formal discussion between two
groups or countries, especially when they are trying to solve a problem, end a
disagreement, etc
A dialogue is conversations between
two or more people in a book, play, or film/movie. In dialogues the speaker is
identified and the exact words are spoken. The name of the speaker is written
on the left, followed by a colon (:) before the actual words spoken are
written.
Apart from what is spoken, stage
directions and other information like actions, reactions or organization of the
setting are included in the dialogue. Such information is put in brackets.
1. Here is the dialogue between a receptionist and a customer. Complete it
by filling in the blank spaces.
Receptionist:
Can I help you sir?
Guest: ……………………………………………………………
Receptionist: I am sorry sir. All our rooms are booked unless you are ready to share
with our secretary.
Guest: …………………………………………………………….
Receptionist:
Okay: Let me ask HIM.
Guest: ………………………………… Let me try somewhere
else!
Receptionist:
…………….………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………..
2. The following are jumbled sentences of a
dialogue between a Booking Office clerk and a customer. Arrange the sentences
to complete the dialogue.
·
Certainly, your name, please?
·
Thanks very much.
·
Precision Airways, good afternoon. How may I help you?
·
My name is Kaja Mwanga.
·
There are three flights to Nairobi tomorrow; at six, eight and eleven.
·
My number is 0912-234567
·
Hello, I would like to book a place to Nairobi for tomorrow.
·
Your telephone number, please?
·
Could you put me on the eight o’clock flight please?
·
Your reservation is confirmed, good day, madam.
Clerk: …………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
Customer: ……………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
Clerk:…………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
Customer: ……………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
Clerk:…………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
Customer: ……………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
Clerk:………………………………...…………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
Customer: ……………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………
INTERVIEWS
The word interview can be understood as:
i.
A formal meeting at
which somebody is asked questions to see if they are suitable for a particular
job, or for a course of study at a college, university, etc
ii. It is to ask somebody questions
about their life, opinions, etc, especially on the radio or television or for a
newspaper or magazine
iii. To ask somebody questions at a private meeting.
The
most common type of interview and that most people feel apprehensive about is
the job interview. The best thing with job interviews however is that both the
interviewers and the interviewee are in stress. The interviewers are in stress
because they might land on the wrong person. So for the rest of this topic we
are going to discuss some tips and tricks to help you go through the interview
stage of your job application.
Tips
and tricks on how to prepare for the interview.
a. Read widely on the subject you are going to be interviewed for.
b. Prepare all the necessary documents needed to be carried with you for
the interview.
c. Dress smartly, decently and formally. Do not under-dress (Be shabby) or
overdress (be too much attractive). Your first impression matters a lot and may
affect the decision.
d. Think positively. Be optimistic and not pessimistic.
e. Be informed of the company’s mission and vision.
f.
Practice interview. Ask
someone who has been in the interview what happened in his/her interview. If
you get someone from the same company, so much the better.
g. Get in the interview earlier.
h. When entering the interview room remain standing until offered a seat.
DOS
AND DON’TS DURING THE INTERVIEW
The
dos
a. When asked a question give a clear, precise and concise answer.
b. Listen and answer the questions you are asked and ask later.
c. Focus on your contribution to the organisation.
d. Make sure that you are heard clearly.
e. Relax and enjoy the experience because you are prepared.
f.
Relate to the
interviewers, call them by names, look on their faces and smile to them.
g. Thank the interviewers at the end of the interview and carry your
documents with you.
Don’ts
Ø Whatever you do, don’t talk about money until the employer puts the job
offer on the table.
Ø Don’t chew things in the interview.
Ø Don’t show that you know too much.
Ø Don’t sit down until allowed to do so.
Ø Don’t cross your legs one on the other but sit squarely.
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EXERCISE
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Imagine that you have been called for a job
interview at Samwiterson Company dealing with book publishing. Give your
responses to the questions below.
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Manager:
Tell us about yourself.
You:
______________________________________________
Manager:
Have ever done this kind of work before?
You:
______________________________________________
Manager:
Just what kind of position are you looking for?
You:
_______________________________________________
Manager:
Why did you leave your last job?
You:
______________________________________________
Manager: How did you get along
with your former boss and colleagues?
You:
______________________________________________
Manager:
Doesn’t this work (job) represent a step down for you?
You:
______________________________________________
Manager: There are many publishing
firms in this city why did you decide to work with us?
You:
______________________________________________
Manager:
Tell me what is your greatest weakness?
You:
______________________________________________
Manager:
How much would you like to be paid?
You: ______________________________________________
Manager:
Thank you for coming, you’ll be informed through your number by our secretary
whether you managed to get through.
You:
______________________________________________
Manager:
You are welcome!
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DISCUSSIONS
Since
different people or groups of people hold different views and opinions on
different matters, it is mandatory to hold discussions to arrive at a common
understanding. Discussions allow each member an equal opportunity to express
his/her views.
Although
each one would like to have his/her views taken, it is impossible to consider
each view raised during the discussion. So when presenting your views be
prepared for one of the following situations and don’t feel ignored.
Ø
Lose – win situation,
(you need to compromise your stand and agree with another person’s view)
Ø
Win – lose situation,
(the other person may compromise his stand and agree with yours)
Ø
Lose – lose situation
(both of you have to compromise your stands to reach a common ground)
Ø
Win – win situation
(both of your ideas are taken into considerations)
For
effective discussion to take place
ü All the members have to read widely on the subject under discussion.
ü There should be a chairperson to moderate the discussion and a secretary
to record the points.
ü As pointed above the discussion is not intended to find who is right but
what is right. Since we are not looking for the winner and the loser don’t
defend you position even when the points presented by other members are
convincing. Be read to win or lose without being hurt.
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EXERCISE
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Choose one topic here and hold a discussion on it.
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1) How can youths use social networks fruitfully?
2) Can we avoid conflicts in the society?
3) Should secondary school students be allowed to use
electronic devices?
4) What are the disadvantages of cheating in exams?
5) Importance of participating in sports and games.
6) Importance of controlling the tongue.
7) How can youths avoid bad peer groups and pressure?
8) Is democracy important in every decision?
9) There is no need for Tanzania to join East Africa
federation
10) Unplanned pregnancies should be aborted.
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