ENG DEBATE (prime minister)

Introduction
Motion for debate
Definition and interpretation
Statement of advocacy
Speech preview
Argument 1
Argument 2
Conclusion

Homework should be abolished

What is homework? - homework refers to the assigned tasks given by the teacher that a
student is expected to complete outside of the classroom.
What is abolishing? - abolishing means to formally put an end to something, according to
dictionary.cambridge.org, this refers to putting an end to something, such as
an organization, rule, or custom.

GOVERNMENT:

Good Morning to the respected speakers, honorable judges and members of the opposing
team. Before we go any further, I would like to define today’s motion ‘This house believes that
homework should be abolished’ I would like to specify what I am talking about, number one,
homework refers to the assigned tasks given by the teacher that a student is expected to
complete outside of the classroom. second, abolishing means to formally put an end to
something, according to dictionary.cambridge.org, this refers to putting an end to something,
such as an organization, rule, or custom. Given these definitions, we would like to offer the
terms of the motions presented; 1. homework can be a source of stress and anxiety for
students, particularly if they are assigned a large amount or if they struggle with the material. 2.
it can be ineffective in achieving its intended goals. 3. abolishing homework could allow
students to have more time for other activities, such as extracurriculars, hobbies, and spending
time with family and friends.

Today, I as the Prime Minister will be the 1st speaker of the government. Today, again, we the
government strongly believe with the motion ‘This house believes that homework should be
abolished’

Ladies and Gentlemen,

First of all why we agree with the motion ‘This house believes that homework should be
abolished’ is because, according to researched sites, Homework takes a lot of time. Being young
is not just about doing school work. It should also be about being physically active, exploring
the environment through play, doing creative things like music and art, and playing a part in the
community. It is also important for young people to build bonds with others, especially family
and friends, but homework often squeezes the time available for all these things. Setting
homework does little to develop good study skills. It is hard to check whether the homework
students produce is really their own. Some students have always copied off others or got their
parents to help them. But today there is so much material available on the internet that
teachers can never be sure. It would be better to have a mixture of activities in the classroom
which help students to develop a whole range of skills, including independent learning.
Students often struggle to get enough sleep and feel like they have limited freedom. This can
negatively impact their time management skills. Homework often results in a significant
amount of meaningless work that does not contribute much to a student's education. However,
grading this work can consume much of a teacher's time, leaving them exhausted and with
insufficient time to prepare engaging and impactful lessons. Homework can possibly add stress
to one students mind. If the students can’t and won’t pass their homework before the
deadline, the teachers will most likely not accept their hard work, which can lead to
devastation.

Therefore, as a conclusion, we the government strongly agrees that it would be beneficial to

abolish homework in order to promote better mental health, increase freedom, and improve
time management skills for students.

Thank you, now I shall pass to the next speaker.

Points:
• Homework takes a lot of time. Being young is not just about doing school work. It should
also be about being physically active, exploring the environment through play, doing creative
things like music and art, and playing a part in the community. It is also important for young
people to build bonds with others, especially family and friends, but homework often squeezes
the time available for all these things.
• Setting homework does little to develop good study skills. It is hard to check whether
the homework students produce is really their own. Some students have always copied off
others or got their parents to help them. But today there is so much material available on the
internet that teachers can never be sure. It would be better to have a mixture of activities in
the classroom which help students to develop a whole range of skills, including independent
learning.
• Students often struggle to get enough sleep and feel like they have limited freedom.
This can negatively impact their time management skills.
• Homework often results in a significant amount of meaningless work that does not
contribute much to a student's education. However, grading this work can consume much of a
teacher's time, leaving them exhausted and with insufficient time to prepare engaging and
impactful lessons.
• Homework can possibly add stress to one students mind. If the students can’t and
won’t pass their homework before the deadline, the teachers will most likely not accept their
hard work, which can lead to devastation.
OPPOSING:

Points:
• Homework should not be abolished because it plays a crucial role in the learning process
of students. Homework provides students with an opportunity to practice and apply the
concepts taught in the classroom, which helps them to retain information better. It also allows
students to develop self-discipline, time-management skills, and independent learning skills
that are essential for success in higher education and the workplace.
• Homework helps to bridge the gap between home and school by involving parents in
the education of their children. Parents can monitor their children's progress, provide guidance
and support, and reinforce the importance of education.
• Homework is a essential part of the education system and should not be abolished.
Instead, it should be used effectively to enhance the learning experience of students and
prepare them for success in the future.
• Not abolishing homework has many benefits that can support academic success and
promote a positive learning environment for students, parents, and teachers alike.
• Homework can be a valuable tool for teachers to assess student understanding and
progress. By reviewing homework assignments, teachers can identify areas where students may
be struggling and adjust their teaching accordingly.
•

Mandatory Community Service for High-School students

What is mandatory community service? - It is typically implemented by schools or school
districts as a way to promote civic responsibility and social awareness among students; a policy
that aims to promote community engagement and social responsibility among high school
students.

YES points:
• Community service can help students develop important skills such as leadership,
teamwork, and communication. These skills are valuable in all areas of life, including higher
education and the workplace.
• Community service can provide students with valuable experiences that can help them
explore potential career paths or areas of interest. For example, volunteering at a hospital
could help a student decide if they want to pursue a career in healthcare.
• Mandatory community service can help to promote a sense of community within the
school. When students work together on community service projects, it can create a sense of
unity and encourage a positive school culture.
• Mandatory community service for high school students is important because it allows
students to give back to their community, develop important skills, explore potential career
paths, and promote a positive school culture.
• According to mlive.com, making community service a requirement ensures students will
at least spend the minimum time volunteering in their community. If at least a third of these
students are able to grasp the importance of community service, then they can take that skill
and apply it not only to their professional lives but also to the general well being of their
communities. If these same students use the lessons they learned from volunteering, they
could solve many of today's economic and social problems.
• VOLUNTEERING MAY LEAD TO SCHOLARSHIPS: Students who participate in volunteering
opportunities may be able to find more scholarships than they would without such experience.
As community service offers students a way to build their network, they'll be creating
connections with more people who can write letters of recommendation, and often, certain
community service organizations offer their own scholarship opportunities.
• VOLUNTEERING IS ONE BIG TEAM BUILDING OPPORTUNITY: As students work in
community service programs, they'll learn how to better work in teams. Often, students will
also learn to develop leadership skills as well. This is valuable not just for schoolwork, but for
higher education, careers, and further community involvement
• STUDENTS FIND A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND PRIDE: As students work within their
community, they learn that they can be responsible for making great things happen. This helps
to build a sense of responsibility in students, and a sense of pride when they see what they've
done is actually helping others.

NO points:
• Community service is a good way to help people in need, but if it is required you are not
doing it for the right reasons. Students may not ever want to help people after they graduate
because they will fell like its only something they do for school and they already got credit and
graduated so why should they keep doing it. Students could volunteer if they want to help
someone but if they are forced to do the work they may not be much of a help. They may do a
bad job or be rude because they do not want to do it, they might have other things they have to
get done.
• Mandatory community service may not be necessary in some cases because many
students are already involved in community service through extracurricular activities or
volunteer work outside of school. For these students, mandatory community service may be
redundant and could take away from their already limited free time.
• Mandatory community service may not be necessary because many students are
already engaged in activities that promote civic responsibility and social awareness. For
example, students may participate in activism or social justice organizations that work to
promote positive change in their communities.
• Mandatory community service may take away from other important aspects of a
student's education, such as academics, extracurricular activities, and personal responsibilities.
For students who have part-time jobs or other obligations, mandatory community service could
add unnecessary stress and strain on their already busy schedules.
• When community service is required, students may not be as invested in the work they
are doing and may not see the value in it. This could lead to a lack of engagement and a missed
opportunity for students to develop a genuine sense of empathy and civic responsibility.
Would ban single used plastics
What is single used plastics? - are items made from plastic that are designed to be used only once
before they are thrown away; Examples of single-use plastics include straws, plastic bags,
packaging materials, disposable cutlery, and bottles.

YES points:
-These plastics are not biodegradable, which means they do not break down naturally and can
persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
-They contribute to pollution in waterways, harm wildlife, and pose a threat to human health.
-The production of single-use plastics requires a significant amount of energy and resources, which
contributes to the depletion of natural resources and the emission of greenhouse gases.
-By banning single-use plastics, we can reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills
and the environment, conserve resources, and protect our planet and its inhabitants.

NO points:
-They are frequently used in industries such as food service, healthcare, and retail, where they
provide necessary functionality such as packaging and sterilization.
-some people argue that the environmental impact of single-use plastics is exaggerated and that
alternatives, such as paper or biodegradable plastics, are not practical or affordable.
-while there are arguments against banning single-use plastics, it is important to consider the long-
term environmental, economic, and social impacts of their continued use.
-The negative impact they have on the environment, wildlife, and human health cannot be ignored, --
-finding sustainable alternatives is crucial to protect our planet for future generations.
many single-use plastics are made from recycled materials, which can help reduce waste and
conserve resources.

Video games are beneficial for childrens developement

What are video games? - According to igi-global.com, these are digitally based games typically
played on personal computers or dedicated gaming devices; such as game consoles (e.g., Xbox,
PlayStation), personal computers, or handheld/mobile game devices; They often involve various
challenges and objectives that players need to accomplish to progress through the game.

YES points:
• Many children play video games for almost the whole day on weekends. And children
barely have time to study. If they play video games, that would be just a distraction to the
children and it would give them less time to do their school works or to study for upcoming
academic activities.
• Video games can help children develop their creativity and imagination. Many video
games allow players to create and customize characters and worlds, which can inspire creativity
and encourage imaginative thinking.
• Video games can help children develop social skills and improve their ability to work
with others. Many video games have multiplayer modes that allow players to collaborate with
others to achieve a common goal or compete against each other in a friendly way.
• Video games can help children develop perseverance and resilience. Many video games
are challenging and require players to try multiple times before they achieve success. This can
help children develop a growth mindset and learn to persevere in the face of difficulty.
• Video games can be a fun and engaging way for children to learn new things. Many
educational video games are available that can teach children about subjects such as history,
science, and math in an interactive and engaging way.
• Overall, video games can be beneficial for children's development in many ways,
including improving problem-solving skills, fostering creativity, developing social skills,
promoting perseverance and resilience, and providing a fun way to learn new things.

NO points:
• They can have negative effects on their physical health, social skills, and academic
performance.
• Spending too much time sitting and playing video games can lead to a sedentary
lifestyle, which can cause obesity and other health problems.
• Excessive video game use can interfere with academic performance by reducing the
amount of time children spend studying or engaging in other productive activities.
• not every game is appropriate for children. The Entertainment Software Rating Board
(ESRB) provides ratings on a game's intended audience and appropriateness. Some games
designed for teens or adults are too violent for kids. They’re not necessarily ideal for teens,
either. Research has shown that exposure to violent video games may increase the chance of
teens being more aggressive and less empathetic.
• Most games are usually not children friendly, which can have a major effect in one
Childs thinking.

Would introduce a sugar tax on Sugary beverages

What is sugar tax on sugary beverages? - is a government policy that involves adding a tax on
drinks with added sugar; the idea behind the tax is to make sugary drinks more expensive and
less appealing, thus reducing consumption and promoting healthier choices.

YES points:
• Excessive consumption of sugary drinks has been linked to various health problems such
as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. By introducing a sugar tax, governments hope to
discourage people from consuming these drinks in excessive amounts and promote healthier
choices.
• The sugar tax can also encourage the beverage industry to reformulate their products
and reduce the sugar content in their drinks. This can lead to a wider availability of healthier
beverage options and help to address the obesity epidemic.
• This can be a unhealthy diet for people, especially ones with health issues.
• The implementation of a sugar tax on sugary beverages can have numerous health and
economic benefits for individuals and society as a whole.

NO points:
• One argument is that it may unfairly target low-income families who consume more
sugary drinks due to their lower purchasing power and limited access to healthier food options.

Supports teaching coding as a core subject in schools

What is coding as a core subject in schools? - According to commonsense.org, learning to code
involves logic, problem-solving, backwards planning, and other broadly applicable thinking
skills, teachers of all subject areas can consider making coding a part of their content area;
Coding as a core subject in schools refers to the teaching of computer programming languages
in schools as part of the curriculum.

YES points:
• coding is an essential skill in today's digital world. It is used in almost every industry,
from healthcare to finance, and is an in-demand skill in the job market. By teaching coding in
schools, students can learn a skill that can help them in their future careers.
• By teaching coding in schools, students can learn a skill that can help them in their
future careers.
• earning to code fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These are all
valuable skills that can be applied not just in coding but in life in general. By teaching coding,
students can develop these skills while also learning a valuable skill.
• By teaching coding to all students, regardless of gender or background, we can help
create a more diverse and inclusive tech industry.
• supporting teaching coding as a core subject in schools is a smart move that can benefit
students, the economy, and society as a whole.

NO points:
• Coding may not be suitable for all students: Some students may not be interested in
coding or may not have the aptitude for it, so forcing them to learn it may be
counterproductive.
• Coding may take away from other important subjects: Some argue that coding may take
away from other core subjects, such as math, science, and language arts, which are also
important for a well-rounded education.
• Coding may require expensive equipment or technology: Some schools may not have
the resources to provide the necessary equipment or technology for students to learn coding,
which could create a disadvantage for some students.
• many educators and experts believe that the benefits of teaching coding as a core
subject in schools are significant and worth pursuing. By teaching coding, students can learn a
valuable skill that will be in demand in the job market, develop critical thinking and problem-
solving skills, and become better prepared for the future.

Schools should teacher financial literacy

What is financial literacy? - According to investopedia.com, it is the ability to understand and
effectively use various financial skills, including personal financial management, budgeting,
and investing

YES points:
• Schools should teach financial literacy as it is an essential life skill that can help students
make informed decisions about their personal finances. Financial literacy refers to a set of skills
and knowledge that enables individuals to manage their money effectively and make informed
financial decisions.
• By teaching financial literacy in schools, students can learn about budgeting, saving,
investing, credit management, and other important financial concepts. They can also learn
about the risks and benefits of financial products such as credit cards, loans, and insurance.
• Financial literacy is especially important in today's society, where student loan debt is a
major issue, and many people struggle with debt and financial insecurity. By teaching financial
literacy in schools, students can develop the skills and knowledge they need to manage their
money effectively and avoid common financial mistakes.
• teaching financial literacy in schools can help bridge the wealth gap and promote
financial inclusion. Many students come from low-income households and may not have access
to the same financial resources and opportunities as their more affluent peers. By teaching
financial literacy, schools can help level the playing field and give all students the tools they
need to succeed financially.
• teaching financial literacy in schools is an important step towards promoting financial
well-being and empowering students to make informed decisions about their personal finances.

NO points:
• Financial literacy is not a core subject: Some may argue that financial literacy is not a
core subject and should not be prioritized over other subjects, such as math, science, and
language arts.
• Financial literacy may be better taught by parents or other professionals: Some may
argue that financial literacy is something that parents or other professionals, such as financial
advisors, should teach, rather than schools.
• Financial literacy may be too complex for some students: Some may argue that financial
literacy is too complex for some students, particularly those who struggle with math or have
limited financial background.
• many educators and experts believe that financial literacy is an essential life skill that all
students should learn. By teaching financial literacy in schools, students can develop the skills
and knowledge they need to manage their money effectively, avoid common financial mistakes,
and achieve financial security and independence.

Would lower the voting age to 16

What is voting? - According to dictionarycambridge.org, the activity of choosing someone; is
the process of choosing a candidate or decision on a particular issue, usually in an election or
referendum; It allows individuals to express their opinions on issues such as healthcare,
education, taxation, and foreign policy, and to choose the individuals who will represent them
in government.

YES points:
• 16-year-olds are mature enough to vote: Many argue that 16-year-olds are mature
enough to vote, as they are able to work, pay taxes, and drive in the Philippines. Lowering the
voting age would give young Filipinos a voice in the political process and allow them to have a
say in the decisions that affect their lives.
• Young people are affected by political decisions: Many argue that young people are
affected by political decisions, particularly on issues such as education, employment, and the
environment. By allowing 16-year-olds to vote, the government can ensure that the voices of
young Filipinos are heard on these important issues.
• Lowering the voting age could increase youth engagement in politics: Many argue that
lowering the voting age could increase youth engagement in politics and encourage more
young people to participate in civic life. By giving young people a stake in the political process,
the government can help to build a more active and engaged citizenry.
• many believe that it could be a positive step towards building a more engaged and
empowered citizenry. By giving young people a say in the political process, the government can
help to build a more inclusive democracy and ensure that the voices of all Filipinos are heard.
• the decision to lower the voting age to 16 is a complex one that requires careful
consideration of the potential benefits and drawbacks. While there are valid arguments on both
sides, many countries have already lowered the voting age to 16, and it remains a topic of
debate in many others.

NO points:
• 16-year-olds may not have enough life experience: Some argue that 16-year-olds may
not have enough life experience or knowledge of political issues to make informed decisions
when voting. They may be more easily influenced by peers or parents, and may not have the
independence and critical thinking skills necessary to make their own decisions.
• Lowering the voting age could lead to lower voter turnout: Some argue that lowering
the voting age could lead to lower voter turnout, as younger voters may be less likely to vote
than older voters. This could have negative consequences for the democratic process, as the
voices of young people may not be heard if they do not participate in elections.
• Lowering the voting age could be a distraction from other important issues: Some argue
that lowering the voting age could be a distraction from other important issues facing the
country, such as poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses. They argue that the
government should focus on addressing these issues before considering changes to the voting
age.
• it may not be the best way to promote democracy and civic engagement in the country.
Instead, they argue that the government should focus on other initiatives to engage young
people in politics and ensure that their voices are heard in the political process.

Supports the use of GMOS in agriculture

What is GMO? - According to nongmoproject.org, they are genetically modified organism, is a
plant, animal, microorganism or other organism whose genetic makeup has been modified in a
laboratory using genetic engineering or transgenic technology; This creates combinations of
plant, animal, bacterial and virus genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional
crossbreeding methods.
What is agriculture? - refers to the science, art, and business of cultivating crops, raising
animals, and producing food, fiber, and other products; It involves the practice of farming and
includes a wide range of activities, such as planting, harvesting, irrigation, pest control, and
animal husbandry.

YES points:
• Most of the GMO crops grown today were developed to help farmers prevent crop and
food loss and control weeds. The three most common traits found in GMO crops are:
Resistance to certain damaging insects. Tolerance of certain herbicides used to control weed.
• The future is very promising for GM technologies to meet the future global needs for
food feed and fiber in a sustainable and responsible way.
• GM crops are only one part of the solution. To meet the targeted yields, nutritional
quality, and sustainable production, we need all of the tools at our disposal including
conventional and organic food production systems.
• by creating crops that are more resistant to pests and diseases, farmers can produce
more food on the same amount of land, which can be especially beneficial in areas where food
shortages are common.
• GMOs can also help to reduce the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides, which can
have negative environmental impacts.
• the decision to support or not support the use of GMOs in agriculture is a complex issue
that requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.
NO points:
• Is the potential impact on the environment. GMOs have the potential to spread to non-
GMO crops, which could cause unintended consequences and harm local ecosystems.
• some people are concerned about the safety of consuming GMOs. While studies have
shown that GMOs are safe to eat, there is still some uncertainty surrounding their long-term
effects on human health.
• GMOs can also have economic impacts on small farmers as they often require expensive
licensing agreements and can lead to a loss of biodiversity in crops.
• the decision to support or not support the use of GMOs in agriculture is a complex issue
that requires careful consideration of the potential benefits and risks.

Would make PE mandatory everyday in schools

What is PE? - According to cdc.Gov, It aims to develop students’ physical competence and
knowledge of movement and safety, and their ability to use these to perform in a wide range of
activities associated with the development of an active and healthy lifestyle; It also develops
students’ confidence and generic skills, especially those of collaboration, communication,
creativity, and critical thinking.
What is mandatory? - refers to something that is required, or that must be done, according to law,
rules, or regulations; It is typically used to describe an action or behavior that is necessary or
obligatory, and failure to comply with a mandatory requirement can result in penalties or
consequences

YES points:
• regular physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on physical health,
mental health, and overall well-being.
• By making PE mandatory every day, schools can help to promote a healthy and active
lifestyle, and instill healthy habits in students from a young age.
• regular physical activity can have a positive impact on academic performance. Studies
have shown that physical activity can improve cognitive function, increase focus and attention,
and enhance academic achievement.
• By making PE mandatory every day, schools can help to ensure that students are
physically and mentally prepared to learn and excel academically.
• regular physical activity can help to build social skills, foster teamwork, and develop
leadership skills. By participating in group activities and games, students can learn important
social and emotional skills that can help them in all areas of life.
• making PE mandatory every day in schools can help to promote physical and mental
health, improve academic performance, and foster important social and emotional skills.
•

NO points:
• there are concerns about the impact of daily PE on academic performance. While some
studies have shown that regular physical activity can have a positive impact on academic
performance, others suggest that too much physical activity or exhaustion can have a negative
impact on academic performance.
• there are concerns about the availability and cost of facilities and equipment needed to
provide daily PE classes. Schools may not have the budget or resources to provide daily PE
classes, making it difficult or impossible to implement.
• some students may have physical limitations, injuries, or other health issues that make
it difficult or impossible to participate in daily physical activity. Mandating daily PE could
potentially put these students at a disadvantage and create additional barriers to their
education.
• it is important to consider the needs and preferences of individual students. While some
students may be enthusiastic about daily PE classes, others may not enjoy physical activity or
may have other interests and priorities. It is important to provide a well-rounded education
that accommodates the individual needs and preferences of students.