Debate Writing Class 11: Format, Arguments, Rebuttal and Model Debates
Updated 15 October 2026 · Fact-checked
Debate writing is Q9 of the CBSE Class 11 English Core paper: one of two tasks, 120-150 words, on visual or verbal inputs about a topical issue, for 5 marks (format 1, content 2, expression 2). A debate states the motion, takes a clear side for or against it, gives reasoned arguments, rebuts the other side and ends firmly.
What Debate Writing is about
Q9 of Section B in the Class 11 English Core paper is a debate of 120-150 words 'based on visual/verbal inputs ... thematically related to contemporary, topical issues'. You answer one of two, for 5 marks: format 1, content 2, expression 2 (CBSE English Core syllabus 2026-27).
A debate differs from a speech: the topic is a motion (a statement that one side supports and the other opposes), the speaker must declare a side at the start, and the best debates anticipate and answer the other side's points (rebuttal). The tone is persuasive and confident but polite: you attack arguments, never people.
This page covers the format, how to build arguments with reasons and examples, how to rebut, persuasive language, model debates and common mistakes.
Weightage: Section B (Grammar and Creative Writing, 23 of the 80 theory marks): Q9, a debate of 120-150 words on visual or verbal inputs, one of two, 5 marks (format 1, content 2, expression 2).Source: CBSE English Core (301) syllabus 2026-27, Class XI question paper design
Key concepts
- Format of a debate
- NCERT section CBSE syllabus Q9 (format)
1. Title: the motion, e.g. 'Homework Should Be Banned'.
2. Salutation: 'Respected judges, teachers, worthy opponents and my dear friends,' (the judges and the opponents are addressed in a debate).
3. Introduction: greeting, name and class, the motion, and your stand: 'I stand before you to speak for/against the motion ...'
4. Arguments (two or three), each with a reason and an example.
5. Rebuttal of the expected opposing argument.
6. Conclusion: restate your stand forcefully, then 'Thank you.'
No date or signature.Worked example
Write the introduction (about 35 words) for a debate against the motion 'Mobile phones should be allowed in schools'.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Salutation including judges and opponents.
- Greeting, name, motion and a clear 'against'.
Answer: Respected judges, teachers, worthy opponents and my dear friends,
Good morning. I, Nikhil Rao of Class XI-B, stand before you to speak against the motion 'Mobile phones should be allowed in schools'.- Taking a clear stand
- NCERT section CBSE syllabus Q9
Decide for or against before you write and keep it the same from the first line to the last. Use the motion's own words when you state your side. Do not argue both sides or end with 'both have merits'. If the question tells you which side to take, you must take that side. A firm stand is part of both the format and the content marks.
Worked example
A student writes: 'I am for the motion ... However, uniforms also have many advantages ... In the end, I feel both sides are right.' What is wrong?
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- The stand changes and the conclusion is neutral.
- A debate must defend one side throughout.
Answer: The debater wavers; the stand must stay the same and the conclusion must support it firmly.
- Building arguments
- NCERT section CBSE syllabus Q9 (content)
Each argument should follow Point → Reason → Example (PRE):
- Point: a clear claim in one sentence ('Homework teaches self-discipline').
- Reason: why it is true ('working alone at home trains students to plan their time').
- Example: a fact, a situation or a figure from the input ('board toppers often say a fixed daily routine helped them').
Two strong arguments with reasons and examples earn more than five bare claims. Use the visual or verbal inputs as evidence wherever possible.
Worked example
Turn this bare claim into a PRE argument for the motion 'Online classes cannot replace classroom teaching': 'Online classes are boring.'
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Make the claim precise: online classes reduce interaction.
- Reason: teachers cannot read faces or answer doubts on the spot.
- Example: in a 40-student video call, most cameras are off and few questions are asked.
Answer: Online classes reduce real interaction. A teacher cannot see puzzled faces or clear doubts instantly; in a 40-student video call, most cameras stay off and only a few students ever ask a question.
- Rebuttal
- NCERT section CBSE syllabus Q9 (content)
A rebuttal answers the opposing side's best argument before or after you make yours:
1. state their likely point fairly: 'My opponents may argue that ...'
2. show its weakness: 'but they forget that ...' / 'this ignores ...'
3. turn it in your favour with a reason or fact.
One good rebuttal shows depth and earns content marks. Keep it polite: 'my worthy opponents', never 'my foolish opponents'.Worked example
You are against the motion 'Homework should be banned'. Write a rebuttal of the argument that homework causes stress.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- State the opposing point fairly.
- Show that the problem is excess, not homework itself; propose limits.
Answer: My opponents claim that homework causes stress. But the cause is too much homework, not homework itself. Twenty minutes of well-planned work revises the day's lesson and builds confidence. We need limits, not a ban.
- Persuasive language and the marking scheme
- NCERT section CBSE English Core syllabus 2026-27, Q9
Expression (2 marks) rewards confident, persuasive, accurate language:
- strong openers: 'I firmly believe', 'There is no doubt that', 'The facts speak for themselves'
- signposts: 'Firstly', 'Moreover', 'On the other hand', 'Finally'
- rhetorical questions: 'Should we punish every student for the mistakes of a few?'
- polite address to judges and opponents
- a strong closing line restating the stand
Marks: Format 1 (title, salutation including judges/opponents, introduction with stand, thanks), Content 2 (relevant, reasoned arguments using the inputs, with rebuttal), Expression 2. 120-150 words.
Worked example
Strengthen this closing line: 'So I think the motion is maybe not right. Thank you.'
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Replace hesitant words with a firm restatement.
- Add a memorable final line.
Answer: Therefore, I firmly oppose the motion. Let us reform the system, not abandon it. Thank you.
Debate Writing in real life
Each concept, met in an everyday situation. Read the situation, answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.
Arguments need evidence
Suppose in a class debate one team simply repeats 'Junk food is bad' five times, while the other team quotes a canteen survey and a doctor's advice.
Which team is more convincing and why?
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Repetition adds no proof.
- Survey figures and expert advice give reasons and examples that judges can weigh.
Answer: The second team, because its points carry reasons and evidence.
Memory hook: Claims persuade no one; reasons and examples do.
Rebuttal in everyday arguments
Imagine you want to persuade your parents to let you join a weekend robotics club, and you know they will say it will hurt your studies.
How would you answer that objection before they raise it?
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- State their concern fairly: 'You may worry it will cut into study time.'
- Answer it: the club is only Saturday mornings, it builds Physics and coding skills, and you will keep a weekly study plan.
Answer: A fair statement of the objection followed by a reasoned answer makes your case stronger.
Memory hook: Answer the 'but' before it is said.
Politeness in disagreement
Suppose during an inter-school debate a speaker calls the opponents 'ignorant' and is marked down.
Why did this cost marks, and what should the speaker have said?
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Debates judge arguments; personal attacks show weak expression and poor manners.
- Better: 'With respect, my worthy opponents overlook a key fact ...'
Answer: Personal attacks lose expression marks; challenge the argument politely instead.
Memory hook: Hard on arguments, soft on people.
Topics in this chapter
Debate Writing: key facts
- Marks
- Format 1 + Content 2 + Expression 2 = 5
- 120-150 words; one of two.
- Format
- 1.Title (motion)
- 2.salutation (judges, teachers, opponents, friends)
- 3.introduction with stand
- 4.arguments
- 5.rebuttal
- 6.conclusion
- 7.Thank you
- No date or signature.
- Argument
- Point + Reason + Example (PRE)
- Two or three strong arguments.
- Rebuttal
- 'My opponents may argue ... but ...' + reason
- Attack the argument, not the person.
How the school exam asks Debate Writing
The question patterns to expect, and the method that works for each.
| Question type | How it is asked | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Debate on a school issue | Motions such as 'Uniforms should be abolished', 'Homework should be banned', 'Mobile phones should be allowed in schools' (5 marks). | Clear stand, two arguments with school-life examples, one rebuttal. |
| Debate on a social or technological issue | 'Social media does more harm than good', 'Artificial intelligence will take away jobs', 'Online shopping is better than markets' (5 marks). | Use the inputs (data, quotes, pictures) as evidence; balance emotion with reason. |
| Debate with a given side | The question tells you to speak for or against the motion (5 marks). | Follow the instruction exactly; build the case for that side only. |
Tricks to remember Debate Writing
Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.
Stand early, stand firm
Say 'for' or 'against' in the introduction and repeat it in the conclusion.
Use it when: Clear stand.
PRE
Point, Reason, Example for every argument.
Use it when: Content marks.
May argue... but
'My opponents may argue ..., but ...' is the rebuttal template.
Use it when: Rebuttal.
Judges and opponents
A debate salutation names the judges and the worthy opponents.
Use it when: Format.
Debate Writing: exam-level solved questions
Ordered from exam level to HOTS. Cover the solution, write your own, then compare step by step.
Example 1: Against: homework should be banned · 5 marks · Long answerExam level
Write a debate in 120-150 words against the motion 'Homework should be banned in schools'. Inputs: practice and revision / self-discipline / parents see progress / excess is the real problem.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Format with judges and opponents; stand: against.
- Two arguments from the inputs; rebuttal on stress (excess).
- Firm conclusion; thanks.
Answer: Homework Should Be Banned in Schools
Respected judges, teachers, worthy opponents and dear friends,
Good morning. I, Ishita Bose of Class XI-A, stand firmly against the motion that homework should be banned.
Firstly, homework is practice. A lesson heard once in class is easily forgotten; solving ten problems at home fixes it in memory and shows us what we have not understood.
Secondly, homework builds self-discipline. Planning tasks without a teacher watching prepares us for college and work. It also lets parents see our progress and help in time.
My worthy opponents will say homework causes stress. I agree that three hours of copying is pointless. But the cure for too much homework is less homework, not none at all. Short, meaningful tasks are the answer.
Therefore, I strongly oppose the motion. Let us reform homework, not remove it.
Thank you.
Example 2: For: social media does more harm than good · 5 marks · Long answerHarder exam level
Inputs: a chart showing that teenagers spend an average of 3 hours a day on social media; headlines on cyberbullying and fake news. Write a debate in 120-150 words for the motion 'Social media does more harm than good to teenagers'.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Use the chart figure and the headlines as evidence.
- Arguments: time and health; cyberbullying and fake news; rebuttal of 'it connects people'.
- Conclusion and thanks.
Answer: Social Media Does More Harm Than Good to Teenagers
Respected judges, teachers, worthy opponents and friends,
Good morning. I, Aarav Khanna of Class XI-D, speak for the motion.
The chart before us shows that an average teenager spends three hours a day on social media. That is over a thousand hours a year taken from sleep, sport and study, and the endless scrolling harms eyes, posture and concentration.
Worse, these platforms expose young users to cyberbullying and fake news, as today's headlines show. A cruel comment can follow a student home; a false post can spread panic in minutes.
My opponents may argue that social media connects us. But a hundred online likes cannot replace one real friend who listens. Connection without care is not connection at all.
Therefore, I firmly believe social media does teenagers more harm than good. Let us log out and live more.
Thank you.
Example 3: Using a cartoon as input · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
A cartoon shows a student buried under a pile of coaching-class books while a cricket bat gathers dust in the corner. Write a debate in 120-150 words for the motion 'Coaching classes are robbing students of their childhood'.
Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
- Describe the cartoon in the hook and read its message.
- Two arguments: lost play and rest; pressure and copying of answers instead of thinking; rebuttal: 'coaching improves results'.
- Firm close.
Answer: Coaching Classes Are Robbing Students of Their Childhood
Respected judges, teachers, worthy opponents and dear friends,
The cartoon before us says it all: a student buried under coaching books while his cricket bat gathers dust. I, Tanvi Joshi of Class XI-C, speak for the motion.
Firstly, coaching steals time. After six hours of school, many of us spend four more hours in classes, leaving no time for play, hobbies or simple rest. A tired mind cannot learn well.
Secondly, coaching often trains us to memorise tricks rather than to think. Curiosity dies when every answer is a formula.
My opponents will argue that coaching improves results. But marks gained by sacrificing health and joy come at too high a price; good schooling and self-study can achieve them too.
I therefore urge everyone to support the motion. Let childhood be lived, not scheduled.
Thank you.
Where the marks are
How a typical answer is marked: the value points the examiner looks for and the marks each earns.
Write a debate in 120-150 words for or against the motion, using the inputs. [5 marks] (5 marks)
| Step | Marks |
|---|---|
| Format: title (motion), salutation to judges and opponents, introduction with a clear stand, thanks | 1 |
| Content: reasoned arguments with examples from the inputs, rebuttal, firm conclusion | 2 |
| Expression: persuasive, accurate and fluent language in a polite debating tone | 2 |
Where students lose marks in Debate Writing
The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.
Mistake: No clear stand or a changing stand
A debate must defend one side of the motion throughout.
Wrong working
'Both sides have good points, so it depends on the situation.'
Right working
'I firmly stand against the motion ...' and the conclusion repeats this.
Do this: Write your stand in the first and last lines.
Usually costs: 1-2 marks
Mistake: Writing a speech without addressing judges or opponents
The debate format addresses judges and opponents and argues against the other side.
Wrong working
Respected Principal and friends, today I will speak on uniforms.
Right working
Respected judges, teachers, worthy opponents and dear friends, I speak against the motion ...
Do this: Use the debate salutation and the word 'motion'.
Usually costs: 1 mark (format)
Mistake: Bare claims without reasons or examples
Content marks need developed arguments.
Wrong working
Uniforms are good. Uniforms are needed. Uniforms are important.
Right working
Uniforms promote equality: when everyone dresses alike, no student feels ashamed of simpler clothes.
Do this: Follow Point-Reason-Example.
Usually costs: 1 mark (content)
Mistake: Rude language towards opponents
Expression includes appropriate tone.
Wrong working
My opponents clearly do not know anything.
Right working
My worthy opponents have overlooked one important fact.
Do this: Challenge ideas politely.
Usually costs: 1 mark (expression)
Practice questions on Debate Writing
Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.
Q1 · 1 mark · MCQExam level
Which line best states a stand in a debate? (a) 'Today I will talk about uniforms.' (b) 'I stand firmly against the motion that uniforms should be abolished.' (c) 'Uniforms have both advantages and disadvantages.' (d) 'Let us discuss uniforms.'
Hint
For or against?
Answer
(b)
Q2 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder exam level
Write a debate in 120-150 words for or against the motion 'Online shopping is better than traditional markets'.
Hint
Pick a side; PRE arguments; one rebuttal.
Answer
Model points (against): format; stand; argument 1: markets let us touch, try and bargain, and support local shopkeepers; argument 2: online buying causes impulse spending, returns and packaging waste; rebuttal: convenience of home delivery is real, but it costs local jobs and community life; firm conclusion; thanks.
Q3 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder exam level
Write a rebuttal (about 40 words) to the argument 'School uniforms kill individuality', if you are speaking against abolishing uniforms.
Hint
Where else can individuality show?
Answer
My worthy opponents say uniforms kill individuality. But individuality lies in ideas, talents and character, not in clothes. A uniform removes the pressure of fashion and lets every student be judged by what they think and do.
Q4 · 1 mark · Very short answerExam level
Rewrite this weak argument using Point-Reason-Example: 'AI is good for students.'
Hint
Give a reason and an example.
Answer
AI tools can help students learn at their own pace, because they explain a concept again and again without impatience; for example, a student weak in algebra can practise step-by-step problems late at night.
Q5 · 5 marks · Long answerHOTS / competency
Inputs: 'Electric vehicles: zero tailpipe emissions / charging points scarce / high purchase cost / falling battery prices.' Write a debate in 120-150 words for the motion 'India should switch fully to electric vehicles by 2035'.
Hint
Use the negatives as rebuttal material.
Answer
Model points: format; stand for; arguments: cleaner air in cities from zero tailpipe emissions, lower running costs and less oil import; rebuttal: scarce charging points and high cost are early problems that falling battery prices and new infrastructure will solve within a decade; appeal for a planned switch; thanks.
Q6 · 1 mark · Very short answerHOTS / competency
A student's debate ends: 'In conclusion, both sides have valid points. Thank you.' Rewrite the conclusion for a speaker who is for the motion 'Sports should be compulsory in schools'.
Hint
Firm restatement.
Answer
Therefore, I strongly support the motion that sports should be compulsory in schools. A healthy body builds a healthy mind. Thank you.
Test your recall
Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.
1.What is a motion?Show answer
The statement being debated, which one side supports and the other opposes.
2.What is the word limit for the debate?Show answer
120-150 words.
3.Whom does a debate salutation address besides teachers and friends?Show answer
The judges and the worthy opponents.
4.What is a rebuttal?Show answer
An answer to the opposing side's argument.
5.How are the 5 marks split?Show answer
Format 1, content 2, expression 2.
Best order to study it
- Learn the debate format and salutation.
- Practise stating a stand on ten common motions.
- Build PRE arguments for and against each.
- Practise one rebuttal per motion.
- Write two timed debates of 120-150 words and mark them.
Quick revision checklist
The night before the exam: can you do each of these without looking?
- Q9: debate, 120-150 words, visual/verbal inputs, one of two, 5 marks.
- Title = motion; salutation includes judges and opponents.
- State for/against in the introduction; keep it to the end.
- Arguments: Point-Reason-Example; use the inputs.
- Rebut politely; end with a firm restatement and thanks.
Debate Writing: frequently asked questions
Is debate writing in the Class 11 English syllabus for 2026-27?
Yes. It is Q9 of Section B: a debate of 120-150 words based on visual or verbal inputs on a contemporary issue, one of two, for 5 marks (format 1, content 2, expression 2).
Can I choose my own side?
Yes, unless the question tells you to speak for or against the motion. Choose the side for which you can give the strongest reasons and examples.
Must I include a rebuttal?
It is not a separate mark, but answering the other side's main argument makes your content stronger and is expected in a good debate.
How is a debate different from an article?
An article informs or discusses for readers and may present several views; a debate is spoken, addresses judges and opponents, takes one side of a motion and argues it persuasively.
Based on: CBSE English Core (301) syllabus, Classes XI-XII 2026-27