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Debate Writing Class 11: Format, Stand, Rebuttal

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EnglishCBSE Class 11 · Debate Writing

Debate Writing (Class 11 English Core): Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models

Updated 17 October 2026 · Fact-checked

A debate of 120 to 150 words carries 5 marks (format 1, content 2, expression 2). Write the motion, address the audience, declare your side at once, give two reasoned arguments with examples, answer the other side in a rebuttal, and end with a firm conclusion and thanks. Attack arguments, never people.

Follow the six steps in order, declare your side early, add a rebuttal, and keep the tone polite within 120 to 150 words.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models

Format. (1) Heading with the motion: "Motion: ..." (2) Greeting to the Chair, judges and audience. (3) Your stand: "I stand for/against the motion." (4) Arguments. (5) Rebuttal. (6) Conclusion with thanks.

Stand. The reader must know your side from the first two lines. Do not stay neutral and do not change sides in the middle.

Arguments. Make two strong points, each with a reason and an example or fact. Use numbers or cases only if the question provides them; otherwise keep to reasoning that is clearly hypothetical.

Rebuttal. Anticipate what the other side will say and answer it. "My opponents say... but..." shows that you have considered the opposite view. Keep the tone polite.

Expression. Use persuasive but courteous language: "I firmly believe", "Consider this", "On the contrary". Use short sentences, linkers and rhetorical questions.

Difference from a speech. A debate has a motion and a declared side, and it includes rebuttal. A speech may simply inform. Word limit: 120-150 words. Neighbouring topics (speech) are on the chapter page.

Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models: key facts

Structure
  • Motion
  • Greeting
  • Stand
  • Arguments
  • Rebuttal
  • Conclusion
Six parts.
Argument
  • Point
  • Reason
  • Example
Two arguments are enough.
Rebuttal
  • Opponents say
  • But
  • Because
Answer the strongest opposing point.

How to answer Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models questions

Use this for any debate on a motion.

  1. 1Write the motion and greet the audience.
  2. 2Declare your side clearly.
  3. 3Give two arguments, each with a reason and an example.
  4. 4Add a rebuttal to the main opposing point.
  5. 5Conclude firmly with thanks, within 120-150 words.

Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

A family argument

Suppose two cousins argue over whether the TV should be switched off during dinner. One says, "It stops us talking," the other says, "But we can talk after the news." The first replies, "The news is repeated all evening, but dinner happens once."

Which debate skill does the first cousin show?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. She takes a stand.
  2. She gives a reason.
  3. She answers the opposing point.

Answer: She uses rebuttal: she answers her cousin's objection with a reason, which is what makes a debate convincing.

Memory hook: Say it, back it, answer back.

Tricks to remember Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

  • M-G-S-A-R-C

    Motion, Greeting, Stand, Arguments, Rebuttal, Conclusion.

    Use it when: The six parts.

  • PRE

    Point, Reason, Example.

    Use it when: Build each argument.

Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Stand · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

The first thing a debater must make clear is
(a) the audience size (b) the side taken (c) the age of the speaker (d) the word count

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. The side taken, for or against the motion (1 mark).

Answer: (b)

Example 2: Rebuttal line · 2 marks · Short answerBoard level

Write one rebuttal sentence (not more than 30 words) against the argument "Homework improves discipline."

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Acknowledges the opposing view (1).
  2. Answers it with a reason (1).

Answer: My opponents say that homework improves discipline, but discipline comes from habits and guidance; too much homework only causes stress and leaves no time for play.

Example 3: For the motion · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

Motion: "Mobile phones should be allowed in schools." Write a debate speech (120-150 words) FOR the motion. Cues: emergency contact; learning apps; digital skills.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format and stand (1).
  2. Content: cues, arguments, rebuttal (2).
  3. Expression and length (2).

Answer: Motion: Mobile phones should be allowed in schools.
Respected Chair, judges and friends, I stand for the motion.
Firstly, a phone is a lifeline in an emergency, as parents and students can reach each other at once. Secondly, learning apps, dictionaries and videos make lessons richer, and they build digital skills that every career will need.
My opponents say phones distract students. But a rule can solve this: phones may be kept in bags and used only with the teacher's permission. We do not ban books because some children doodle in them.
Consider a student stranded after a late bus: a phone call would bring help in minutes. Such moments matter. Schools should prepare us for the world, and the world uses phones. Therefore, I urge you to support the motion. Thank you.

Example 4: Against the motion · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

Motion: "Social media does more harm than good." Write a debate speech (120-150 words) AGAINST the motion. Cues: staying in touch; learning; awareness campaigns.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Format and stand (1).
  2. Content: cues, arguments, rebuttal (2).
  3. Expression and length (2).

Answer: Motion: Social media does more harm than good.
Respected Chair, judges and friends, I stand against the motion.
First, social media keeps families and friends in touch across cities and countries. Second, it is a rich place to learn: tutorials, lectures and discussions are one click away. Moreover, awareness campaigns on health, safety and the environment reach millions within hours.
My opponents say it wastes time and spreads rumours. But the problem lies in misuse, not in the medium. A knife can cut a vegetable or hurt a hand, and we do not ban knives. With guidance and limits, the good outweighs the harm.
Consider how a single post can bring help to a flood-hit village within hours. No other medium is so quick. Therefore, I strongly oppose the motion. Thank you.

Example 5: Evaluate a weak answer · 3 marks · Case-basedHOTS / competency

A student wrote: "Some people say yes and some say no, so I cannot decide." Explain why this fails and how to fix it. (3 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution
  1. Fault: no stand (1).
  2. Effect: no arguments, content marks lost (1).
  3. Fix: choose a side and argue (1).

Answer: The student takes no side, so there is no stand and no arguments to build, and the content marks are lost. The fix is to choose a side at once, give two reasons with examples and answer one opposing point.

Where students lose marks in Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

  • Mistake: No stand

    The reader cannot tell the side.

    Wrong working

    Some say yes, some say no.

    Right working

    I stand against the motion.

    Do this: Declare the side in line two.

    Usually costs: 2 marks of 5.

  • Mistake: No rebuttal

    It is a key feature.

    Wrong working

    Only my own points.

    Right working

    My opponents say... but...

    Do this: Add one rebuttal sentence.

    Usually costs: 1 mark of 5.

  • Mistake: Attacking the person

    Courtesy is part of expression.

    Wrong working

    My opponent is foolish.

    Right working

    My opponent's argument overlooks...

    Do this: Criticise ideas, not people.

    Usually costs: 1 mark of 5.

Exam tips

  • State the motion and your side clearly.
  • Give two arguments with a reason and an example each.
  • Add a rebuttal with "My opponents say... but...".
  • Keep the tone polite and confident.
  • Write 120-150 words and thank the audience.

Practice questions on Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

  1. Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

    A rebuttal answers
    (a) the Chair (b) the opposing argument (c) the audience's question (d) the title

    Hint

    It is a reply.

    Answer

    (b)

  2. Q2 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    Motion: "School uniforms should be abolished." Write a debate speech (120-150 words) AGAINST the motion. Cues: equality; discipline; saving time.

    Hint

    Stand, two arguments, rebuttal.

    Answer

    Motion: School uniforms should be abolished.
    Respected Chair, judges and friends, I stand against the motion.
    Firstly, uniforms create equality. No child feels richer or poorer because of what he or she wears. Secondly, they build discipline and a sense of belonging to one school. Moreover, they save time and worry each morning, as nobody has to decide what to wear.
    My opponents argue that uniforms limit self-expression. But a student can express himself through ideas, sports and art. Clothes are not the only way to be unique.
    Think of the pressure students would feel to wear costly brands every day; a uniform removes that pressure at once. Surely a school should unite children, not divide them by what they wear. For a fair, disciplined and simple school life, uniforms must stay. Hence, I oppose the motion. Thank you.

  3. Q3 · 5 marks · Long answerHarder board level

    Motion: "Online learning is better than classroom learning." Write a debate speech (120-150 words) FOR the motion. Cues: flexibility; recorded lessons; no travel.

    Hint

    Include a fair rebuttal.

    Answer

    Motion: Online learning is better than classroom learning.
    Respected Chair, judges and friends, I stand for the motion.
    Firstly, online learning is flexible, so students can learn at their own pace and time. Secondly, recorded lessons can be replayed whenever we need, which helps us revise difficult topics. Moreover, there is no travel, so we save hours and energy.
    My opponents say that classrooms give personal attention and friendship. That is true, but online groups, doubt sessions and chats can offer support too, and they reach students who live far from good schools.
    Consider a student in a remote village: online lessons bring a good teacher to her home, which no building can do. That is real progress. Learning should follow the learner. For convenience and access, online learning is the better choice. Thank you.

  4. Q4 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level

    Why should a debater avoid personal remarks about the opponent? Give two reasons. (3 marks)

    Hint

    Think of courtesy and strength of argument.

    Answer

    Personal remarks are discourteous and lose the audience's respect. They also weaken the case, because the debate is judged on arguments, not on insults. A polite rebuttal of the idea shows confidence and earns expression marks.

  5. Q5 · 3 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

    Which is stronger in a debate: a long list of points or two well-developed points? Argue your view in 3 marks.

    Hint

    Think of depth and word limit.

    Answer

    Two well-developed points are stronger. In 120-150 words a long list gives no room for reasons and examples, while two points with explanation and a rebuttal show depth, which the content marks reward.

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. 1.How many marks is a debate?Show answer

    5 (format 1, content 2, expression 2).

  2. 2.What is the word limit?Show answer

    120-150 words.

  3. 3.What must you declare early?Show answer

    Your side: for or against.

  4. 4.What does a rebuttal do?Show answer

    Answers the opposing side.

  5. 5.How should you treat opponents?Show answer

    Politely; attack arguments, not people.

Debate Writing: Stand, Arguments and Rebuttal with Models: frequently asked questions

How is a debate different from a speech?

A debate has a motion, a stand and a rebuttal.

Can I change sides?

No, keep one stand throughout.

How many arguments are needed?

Two developed arguments are enough.