Tuesday, April 5, 2022

Debate Text: Definition, Structure, Motion, Rules, Elements, & Examples

Definition of Debate Text

A debate text is a presentation of the opinions of two parties who share various reasons and arguments in different points of view or opinions (pro-cons) to defend their respective views. As stated by Iman (2017, p. 94), the debate is the process of presenting ideas or opinions of two opposing parties who try to defend their ideas or opinions (Iman, 2017: 94).

Debate text is a genre derived from exposition text. Why is the debate classified as an exposition text? Because the main thing discussed is still an argument or opinion. The difference is that there are two conflicting opinions in the debate text, namely the affirmative opinion (agree) and the opposition (disagree).

Difference between Discussion and Debate

Then how is it different from a discussion in the form of two opinions juxtaposed in one text? The discussion compares several opinions that may be contradictory or slightly different. Then, the discussion text will conclude the middle way that can be taken so that the opinion becomes more valuable and effective in application.

Meanwhile, the debate pits two opinions to achieve victory for one side. It may sound too competitive and not as positive and constructive as a discussion. However, sometimes things have to be decided through just one idea to be carried out more effectively.

Discussion can still be applied after the debate. In the end, the various opinions of both the losing Team in the debate can still be integrated into the "winning" opinion.

Debate is also a healthy way to question each other's opinions. As stated by Handayani (2017, p. 139), debate allows students to present their understanding of a topic, question the opinions of others, argue with others, argue and clarify arguments, and evaluate others.

Debate Text Structure

Two structures can be noticed in the debate text. First, the text is notes or writings from the debate itself. In this case, of course, the debate text will have an exposition text structure. However, as a debated text in the form of implementation, here is the structure:

1.      Orientation

It is an introduction and disclosure of the topic to be debated (motion).

2.      Affirmation opinion

Affirmative parties will present their arguments first with supporting reasons; why support the motion states.

3.      Opposition opinion

The opposition will present a rebuttal argument against the affirmative party's statement accompanied by reasons.

4.      Neutral opinion

In the form of a mediating opinion between the pro and contra who do not have a tendency to argue with either party.

5.      Final decision (Conclusion)

It is a conclusion and assessment based on the strengths and weaknesses of the affirmative, oppositional, and neutral parties.

In addition, the implementation of the debate also has a special structure that is usually followed so that it is carried out more orderly and in accordance with the objectives. There are various debate structures based on the geographical location of the implementation, including British, American, Australian, and Asian debate structures. One example of a debate structure commonly used here (Asia).

  1. The moderator opened the debate and invited the first speaker of the pro group to present an argument.
  2. Then, in turn, the first speaker of the opposition group is invited to present an argument.
  3. The moderator invited the second speaker from the pro group to present an argument.
  4. Furthermore, speakers of the two opposition groups are also welcome to present their arguments.
  5. The moderator invited the third speaker from the pro group to present an argument.
  6. Next, the speakers of the three opposition groups presented their arguments.
  7. The moderator invites the opposition group to deliver a reply speech made by the first speaker or the second speaker.
  8. Followed by the pro group delivered a counter speech with the same provisions.
  9. The debate ended, and the moderator closed the debate.

Elements of Debate Text

If it is necessary to mention the elements in the text of the debate, then based on the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 206), the elements of the debate are as follows.

1.      Motion

It is a matter that is debated and can be known from the title or opinion submitted by the debating parties.

2.      Affirmation team

Is the party that agrees to the motion or issue being debated.

3.      Opposition team

Is the party that opposes or disagrees with the disputed issue (motion).

4.      Neutral Team

Is the audience or judges who are invited to the debate.

5.      Moderator

The party regulates the debate starting from the time limit given for both parties to express their opinions and ensures that questions and opinions remain on topic or motion (not out of line).

6.      Author (Minutes)

The note taker is the writer of the debate whose job is to record everything that happens in the debate, including debate motions, moderator statements, each party's arguments to the final decision.

Language Rules of Debate Text

According to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2019, p. 198), the variety of language used in the debate is scientific linguistic rules that must meet the following characteristics.

  1. In accordance with standard language rules, both spelling and grammatical rules (formation of words, phrases, clauses, sentences, and paragraphs).
  2. The ideas expressed must be true according to the facts and acceptable to common sense (logical), precise, and have only one meaning, solid, direct to the target, coherent and systematic and presented as effective sentences.
  3. The word chosen has the actual meaning (denotative).

In addition, because the debate is one of the derivatives of the exposition text, some of the linguistic rules of the exposition text also apply, including:

  1. Using terminology of technical words related to the topic of discussion.
  2. Many use words (conjunctions) that show an argumentative relationship or causality. For example, cause, because, if, thus, therefore, consequently.
  3. Using mental verbs (mental verbs), such as: concerning, expected, estimating, surmising, assuming, concluding, opinionating, and admiring.
  4. Rich in reference words such as: according to opinion, based on data, referring to opinion.
  5. Using persuasive words, such as: expected, should, should need, should. In addition (Kemdikbud, 2017, p.81).

Debate Text Type

It should be noted first that the debates studied in this lesson are scientific debates, which use valid arguments based on data and science. Not the coachman debate that, unfortunately, we often find in everyday life or TV shows.

The coachman debate has no clear purpose and substance. Its nature will only try to defeat the opinion of the other party regardless of the validity of the argument. His opinion is only a personal opinion and plays logic that is not necessarily true as a weapon.

Debates can be classified into two broad categories: applied debates and academic debates. Applied debates are carried out on propositions, questions, and topics specifically determined by the jury and delivered before or during the debate.

Academic debates are conducted based on propositions in which the jury has an academic interest. Debates are usually presented before a teacher or audience without direct power to decide about the proposition (Freeley & David, 2009: 19).

In addition, debate can also be divided into three categories (Tarigan, 2008, pp. 95-100) when viewed from the form, purpose, and method, namely:

1.      Assembly Debate or Parliamentary Debate

It aims to provide and increase support for the enactment of the law. In this debate, all members who wish to express their views or arguments, both for and against, are given the opportunity based on the permission of the assembly.

2.      The debate of Re-examination (Evaluation) to Know the Truth of the Previous Examination

It was started by the affirmative party, who delivered the official speech and was then scrutinized for seven minutes by the first opposition speaker. The affirmative party was then given four minutes to clarify the evidence and arguments. Next, the second opposition speaker expressed a contra opinion and then re-examined by the second affirmation party and so on.

3.      Formal, Conventional, or Educational Debate

This debate allows the affirmation team and the opposition team to present their arguments to the listeners in the same time frame. Each speaker describes a sub-topic related to the Team's argument with evidence.

Debate Text Example

An example of a complete debate text is in the form of a moderator text and a series of debate implementations and their elements. According to the Ministry of Education and Culture Team (2017, p. 179), the following is an example of a debated text.

Absorption of Foreign Language Vocabulary Evidence of Indonesian Language Inability in Interaction with Other Languages

Debate Moderator Text

Good afternoon; this afternoon, we will take part in a debate between the Affirmation Team from SMA Pembangunan Jaya, the Opposition Team from SMK Nusantara, and the Neutral Team from MA Al-Ikhlas.

This morning the two teams will debate about "The Absorption of Foreign Language Vocabulary Evidence of Indonesian Inability to Interact with Other Languages."

Before carrying out the debate, I will read the rules for the debate as follows.

  1. These Rules apply to each participant during the match round.
  2. Participants wear full uniforms during the debate activities.
  3. The motion is announced thirty minutes (30 minutes) before the debate takes place to prepare arguments.
  4. During the thirty minutes (30 minutes) of preparation time, participants are not allowed to access the internet or use electronic devices and are only allowed to use printed materials such as books, newspapers, magazines, journals, personal notes, etc.
  5. Participants are not allowed to bring printed materials during the match. Participants are only allowed to bring personal notes during the match.
  6. Each participant is prohibited from bringing and/or using cigarettes, narcotics, liquor, sharp weapons or firearms during the Debate Contest.
  7. Each participant is prohibited from communicating with the teacher or the audience during the match.
  8. Each participant is prohibited from using electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, cameras during the match.
  9. Each participant is prohibited from personally attacking other participants during the debate.
  10. Each participant is prohibited from using abusive language, indecent and/or offensive to SARA.

Next, I gave the spokesperson for each Team an opportunity to introduce themselves.

Affirmation Team: (introduce self)

Opposition Team : (introduce self)

Neutral Team: (introduce self)

Motion (Read by Moderator)

Today Indonesian continues to grow and is recognized as an international language. However, in its development, it is proven that the Indonesian language absorbs a lot of foreign vocabulary. To develop, Indonesian is highly dependent on foreign languages. There are those who think that foreign language vocabulary is included in the use of Indonesian because of the powerlessness of Indonesian in the interaction between languages.

This assumption is what we will discuss in this debate. I invite the Affirmation Team, the Opposition Team, and the Neutral Team to share their opinions for the first round.

Affirmation Team:

I agree that foreign language vocabulary is included in the use of Indonesian because of the powerlessness of Indonesian in the interaction between languages. Indonesian cannot be separated from other languages, both regional and foreign languages. The role of foreign languages ​​in Indonesian proves that there is a contact or relationship between languages ​​so that foreign languages ​​are absorbed into Indonesian. Indonesian relies on foreign vocabulary, which is then standardized into Indonesian. This proves that Indonesian is dependent on foreign languages and proof that Indonesian is difficult to communicate without the help of foreign vocabulary.

With the inclusion of foreign language vocabularies into Indonesian, more and more people are able to communicate well so that the knowledge transfer process runs quickly. Evidence that Indonesian is powerless to interact between languages ​​can be seen in the use of the word vitamin, which is absorbed from foreign language vocabulary, which, if explained in Indonesian, is not necessarily understood by language actors. However, the absorption of vocabulary from a foreign language makes it easier for us to pronounce understand, as well as makes the interaction between languages ​​easier. Without the help of foreign languages ​​that enter Indonesian, Indonesian has not been able to show its existence in inter-language interactions.

Many vocabularies are taken from foreign languages, so the role of Indonesian is still in doubt. Many people are more familiar with borrowed vocabulary from foreign languages ​​than Indonesian. Therefore, I still agree that foreign language vocabulary entered into Indonesian proves the powerlessness of Indonesian in the interaction between languages.

Opposition Team:

I don't agree that foreign language vocabulary included in Indonesian use occurs because of the powerlessness of the Indonesian language in inter-language interactions. Foreign language vocabulary into Indonesian is only used as synonyms that are easier to understand for some people. However, in essence, in Indonesian itself, there are already vocabularies related to these foreign vocabularies. For example, we hear the word snack more often in the community. In Indonesian, snack means light food. Thus, the entry of foreign vocabulary is only a variation of words for some people.

Indonesian is able to interact between languages ​​because it has many variations of the vocabulary. Foreign language vocabulary is only used and understood by certain circles. However, Indonesian is understood and used in almost all circles. That means, even though many foreign language vocabularies are entered into Indonesian, the existence of Indonesian is higher than foreign language vocabularies that have been standardized or have not been standardized into Indonesian.

Indonesian is able to interact with other languages ​​without the help of foreign language vocabulary, and the entry of foreign language vocabulary is not caused by the powerlessness of Indonesian in the interaction between languages. However, this happens because people want to feel highly educated and honored when using foreign language vocabulary. Thus, I still don't agree if the foreign language vocabulary that is included in the use of a foreign language shows the powerlessness of the Indonesian language in the interaction between languages.

Neutral Team

As a neutral party, I believe that Indonesian's ability in inter-language interactions can be realized if the portion of the use of Indonesian is balanced with the vocabulary of foreign languages. Suppose someone uses a foreign language that has been standardized, such as the words atom, vitamin, unit. Of course, this is not a problem because foreign languages ​​have become equivalents to Indonesian. However, if Indonesian users use a foreign language that has not been standardized, this becomes a threat to our beloved language. The use of foreign vocabulary in Indonesian is not always identified with a negative impact because there are positive things. Namely, it can facilitate communication activities,

However, it is hoped that Indonesian equivalents will be intensive socialization so that vocabulary identity in Indonesian is not eroded by vocabulary from foreign languages. In the future, it is hoped that there will be no more discourse that foreign language vocabulary is more familiar to Indonesian language users than the Indonesian language itself.

 

0 comments:

Post a Comment