Debate Update

On Friday October 23, the members of the Bundang High School Debate Club took part in their first debate of the term. The students actively debated if students should be permitted to use mp3 players in school. The proposition side stated that students should be permitted to use mp3 players in school, while the opposition side argued that they should remain banned. Both sides argued strong points for their case, including those listed below.

Proposition Arguments:
1. Mp3 players relieve stress.
2. Mp3 players help students to concentrate during self-study time.
3. Mp3 players improve the quality of life for students due to rights.
4. Mp3 players can be used for academic purposes.

Opposition arguments:
1. Mp3 players are a distraction.
2. Mp3 players are too valuable to bring to school.
3. Mp3 players are bad for your ears.
4. Mp3 players will be used inappropriately.

For the second class meeting, students choose a light hearted topic and debated the merits of Peppero Day.

Propositon arguments:
1. Giving peppero on Peppero Day allows people to express their feelings when other times, they might be too shy.
2. Giving the gift of peppero can help people extend friendships and improve relationships.
3. The increased sale of peppero is good for the GNI.

Opposition arguments:
1. It is unfair and stressful for the students who do not receive peppero on Peppero Day.
2. Peppero is not healthy.
3. The large sale of peppero on Peppero Day is a waste of resources, produces too much trash, and is bad for the environment.

Discussion and Debate Syllabus Fall 2009

Fall 2009

Debate is a formal contest of argumentation between two teams or individuals. More importantly, debate is an essential tool for developing and maintaining democracy and open societies. Debate embodies the ideals of reasoned argument, tolerance for divergent points of view, and rigorous self-examination. Debate is a way for those who hold opposing views to discuss controversial issues without descending to insult, emotional appeals, or personal bias. A key trademark of debate is that it rarely ends in agreement, but rather, allows for a robust analysis of the question at hand. Perhaps this is what French philosopher Joseph Joubert meant when he said: “It is better to debate a question without settling it, than to settle a question without debating it."


Debate teaches advanced critical thinking, effective communication, independent research, and teamwork. Once students have learned how to debate, they are better able to critically examine the pronouncements of their political representatives and to make informed judgments about crucial issues. Debate also gives us the opportunity to examine ways to improve our community, country, and the world!
- IDEA