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Debate Vs Argument: Understanding the Key Differences

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Debate and argument are two terms often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and purposes. In this blog post, we will delve into the essential differences between debate and argument, exploring their definitions, structures, and methods of persuasion. Understanding these differences will help us navigate discussions and disagreements more effectively, whether in a formal setting or a casual conversation. So let’s dive in and uncover the nuances between debate and argument.

What is a Debate?

A debate is a formal and structured form of discussion where two or more participants present and exchange contrasting viewpoints on a specific topic. It is a methodical examination of arguments and counterarguments, aimed at arriving at a well-reasoned conclusion. Debates require participants to present their ideas and opinions in a logical and persuasive manner, often supported by evidence or examples.

The key difference between debate and other forms of discussion is that debates are typically more structured and organized. They follow a set format with rules and time limits, allowing each participant to present their points of view and respond to opposing arguments. Debates often involve a moderator or a panel of judges who ensure that the discussion stays on track and maintains a respectful atmosphere.

The goal of a debate is not necessarily to convince the opposing side but rather to present a compelling case and engage in a thoughtful exchange of ideas. Debates encourage critical thinking, research, and effective communication skills . They provide a platform for exploring different perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues.

In a debate, participants are expected to adhere to certain guidelines and principles. They should address the topic at hand, provide evidence to support their arguments, and engage in respectful discourse. Debates are an important part of academia, politics, and various professional fields as they allow for an in-depth exploration of ideas and foster intellectual growth.

Overall, debates provide an organized and structured framework for discussing and evaluating opposing viewpoints, encouraging participants to present their arguments effectively and engage in a rigorous and constructive exchange of ideas.

What is an Argument?

An argument, on the other hand, is a less formal and more flexible form of discussion that can happen in a variety of settings. It involves expressing a point of view and providing reasons and evidence to support it. Unlike debates, arguments may not follow a structured format or adhere to any specific set of rules.

Arguments can be either logical or emotional, depending on the context and the participants involved. Logical arguments present a series of well-reasoned points that aim to convince the audience of the validity of a particular viewpoint. Emotional arguments appeal to the audience’s emotions and sense of values, such as fear , compassion, or justice.

The primary goal of an argument is to persuade the opposing side to accept one’s point of view. Arguments aim to convince the audience that one’s position is the most reasonable, accurate, or beneficial. Unlike debates, arguments are more informal and can be conducted in a more conversational tone.

Arguments can take many forms, from a casual discussion over dinner to a contentious political campaign. Arguments can be either constructive or destructive, depending on how they are conducted. Constructive arguments aim to promote understanding and seek a resolution. Destructive arguments, on the other hand, aim to undermine the opposing side and can lead to a breakdown in communication .

In conclusion, an argument is an informal and flexible form of discussion that aims to persuade the opposing side. It is an essential part of everyday communication and can take many forms. Arguments can be either logical or emotional and can either be constructive or destructive.

Debate Vs Argument: Key Differences

While debate and argument may seem similar at first glance, there are several key differences that set them apart.

Structure and Formality

One of the main differences between debate and argument lies in their structure and formality. Debates are typically more structured and follow a set format with rules and time limits. They often involve a moderator or a panel of judges to ensure fairness and order. In contrast, arguments are less formal and can take place in various settings, from casual conversations to online discussions. Arguments may not follow a specific structure or adhere to any strict rules.

Goal and Outcome

The ultimate goal of a debate is to reach a well-reasoned conclusion or solution through the presentation and examination of arguments. It focuses on the exploration of different perspectives, providing a platform for thoughtful exchange and intellectual growth. On the other hand, the primary goal of an argument is to persuade the opposing side to accept one’s point of view. Arguments are aimed at convincing the audience of the validity, reasonableness, or benefits of a particular viewpoint.

Level of Engagement

Debates often involve active participation from multiple individuals, each presenting their viewpoints and engaging in a back-and-forth exchange of ideas. Debates encourage rigorous research, preparation, and effective communication skills. Arguments, on the other hand, can involve a single individual expressing their point of view or engaging in a conversation with one or more people. Arguments may not require the same level of systematic preparation and can be more spontaneous.

Approach and Style

Debates tend to be more objective and focused on logical and evidence-based reasoning. Participants in debates are expected to support their arguments with facts, examples, and expert opinions. Arguments, on the other hand, can be more subjective and may incorporate emotional appeals or personal experiences to persuade. The style and approach of arguments can vary widely depending on the context and participants involved.

In debates, the goal is to arrive at a conclusion or decision based on the presented arguments and evaluation of evidence. On the contrary, arguments do not necessarily require a resolution. They can end without a clear winner or final decision. The aim of an argument is often to present a viewpoint and persuade others, rather than to reach a consensus or make a conclusive judgment.

In summary, debates and arguments differ in their structure, goals, level of engagement, approach, and resolution. Having a clear understanding of these differences can help in effectively navigating discussions and choosing the appropriate approach based on the context and desired outcome.

Persuasion in Debates and Arguments

Persuasion plays a crucial role in both debates and arguments, as the primary goal of both forms of discussion is to convince others of a particular viewpoint. However, the approach to persuasion can differ between debates and arguments.

Debates: Logical and Evidence-Based Persuasion

In debates, persuasion is often centered around logical and evidence-based reasoning. Participants strive to present well-constructed arguments supported by facts, data, expert opinions, and logical deductions. The use of evidence and logical reasoning helps to make a compelling case and persuade the audience.

Effective persuasion in debates involves thorough research and preparation. Participants need to gather relevant information, critically analyze it, and present it in a clear and organized manner. They should anticipate potential counterarguments and address them effectively. By providing solid evidence and logical reasoning, debaters aim to convince the audience that their position is the most reasonable and valid.

Debates also require effective communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely. Presenting counterarguments respectfully and addressing them with logical rebuttals helps to strengthen one’s persuasive case.

Arguments: Emotional and Personal Persuasion

In arguments, persuasion can be more emotional and personal in nature. Since arguments often take place in less formal settings, such as everyday conversations or online discussions, appeals to emotions, values, and personal experiences can be effective means of persuasion.

Unlike debates that rely heavily on evidence and logical reasoning, arguments may place greater emphasis on connecting with the emotions and values of the audience. By appealing to empathy, fear, compassion, or a sense of justice, individuals can make their arguments more relatable and persuasive.

In addition, personal anecdotes and experiences can be powerful tools in arguments, as they help to establish credibility and create a connection with the audience. Sharing personal stories or experiences that illustrate the impact of a particular viewpoint can be compelling and persuasive.

While emotional and personal persuasion can be effective in arguments, it is important to strike a balance. It is crucial to support arguments with some level of evidence and reasoning to maintain credibility and ensure a strong persuasive impact.

Common Ground: Finding Shared Beliefs and Values

Regardless of whether it is a debate or an argument, finding common ground is essential for effective persuasion. By pinpointing shared beliefs, values, or goals, participants can establish a basis for agreement and build upon it to present their viewpoint.

Finding common ground helps to foster understanding and encourages the audience to be more receptive to one’s arguments. It also creates an environment where individuals can engage in a constructive exchange of ideas, leading to a more productive discussion.

In conclusion, both debates and arguments rely on persuasion to convince others of a particular viewpoint. Debates generally focus on logical and evidence-based persuasion, while arguments may incorporate emotional and personal elements. Understanding the nuances of persuasion in each context allows individuals to engage in more effective communication and increase their chances of successfully influencing others.

In conclusion, debates and arguments are two distinct forms of discussion that serve different purposes and require different approaches. While both involve presenting a viewpoint and persuading others, the key differences lie in their structure, formality, goals, level of engagement, and style of persuasion.

Debates are more structured and formal, following specific rules and formats. They aim to explore different perspectives, provide a platform for intellectual growth, and reach a well-reasoned conclusion through logical and evidence-based persuasion. Effective debates require thorough research, preparation, and the ability to present arguments in a clear and compelling manner.

Arguments, on the other hand, are less formal and can occur in various settings. They focus on persuading the opposing side to accept a particular viewpoint, often by incorporating emotional appeals, personal experiences, and connecting with the values and emotions of the audience. Arguments can be more spontaneous, and although evidence and logical reasoning are still important, they may not require the same level of formal preparation as debates.

Understanding these differences is crucial for engaging in effective communication and navigating discussions. Whether it’s a structured debate or an informal argument, recognizing the context and desired outcome will help in choosing the most suitable approach.

Both debates and arguments play important roles in everyday life, from academic settings to personal conversations. They allow individuals to express their opinions, challenge ideas, and gain a deeper understanding of complex issues. By mastering the art of debate and argument, individuals can become more effective communicators, critical thinkers, and persuasive advocates for their viewpoints.

So, the next time you find yourself engaged in a lively discussion, remember the distinctions between debates and arguments and employ the appropriate strategies to convey your message effectively. Whether you rely on logical reasoning or tap into the emotions and values of your audience, understanding the nuances of persuasion in each context will greatly enhance your ability to influence and persuade others.

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Difference between Argument and Debate

• Categorized under Language | Difference between Argument and Debate

Argument vs Debate

What is the difference between argument and debate? Both ‘argument’ and ‘debate’ are related terms that can be used by English speakers to describe speaking about a topic and providing support to their opinions on it. For example, “She presented an argument about her opinion on the topic, and that lead to a debate among her coworkers.” The noun ‘argument’ means in technical terms statements, reasoning or evidence presented by someone in written or spoken form that support something, such as a particular opinion. For example, “He provided a valid argument for having a four day work week.” It can also have the meaning of a discussion in which people express their differing opinions with one another on a topic. For example, “The company allowed the argument of the issue of a four day work week to be discussed openly by all at the meeting.” Arguments in this sense are generally persuasive in their nature about a subject, but don’t often end in a decision or a formal ruling. ‘Argument’ also has a less formal and more commonly used meaning of an angry or passionate disagreement about something. For example, “Bob got into a heated argument with his boss about whether or not he should have Fridays off each week.”

A ‘debate’, as a noun, is understood as a formal discussion between people or groups of people that is regulated. Interestingly, debates are considered based on ‘arguments’, which are lines of reasoning, support or evidence about a subject. However, a debate has the feeling of a larger, longer or more formal discussion. A formal debate may even be judged by a person or a panel of people, with one side winning the debate by providing the best lines of reasoning or support for the issue. For example, “She argued that people should have the right to decide about their own medical care at the debate.”

A debate has also come to have a meaning similar to an argument in the negative sense in colloquial English in modern usage. For example you may hear someone say, “The child had an all-out debate with his mother about not eating his peas.” In this less formal usage, the word ‘debate’ is used to show the discussion or disagreement was more involved or longer than a normal argument, or perhaps less emotional or passionately angry. ‘Debate’ carries the idea of more intellectual discussion about disagreement when used this way, as opposed to ‘argument’, which implies a more emotion driven quarrel.

In general, ‘Argument’ means a line of reasoning or evidence in support of an issue or opinion. It has a more informal usage, as well as it can imply a personal dispute that has a more negative meaning to it. ‘Debate’ is more often used as a formal word that implies a larger or public-style discussion with people supporting both sides of the issue and rules or specific guidelines governing the proceedings.

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Cite APA 7 Hutchinson, A. (2016, June 8). Difference between Argument and Debate. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-argument-and-debate/. MLA 8 Hutchinson, Aaron. "Difference between Argument and Debate." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 8 June, 2016, http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-argument-and-debate/.

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Learn the best strategies and tips on how to write an effective and persuasive debate essay for your academic success.

When it comes to expressing opinions, engaging in a debate can be an effective way to communicate and support your stance on a particular issue. A debate essay, or argumentative essay, allows you to showcase your critical thinking skills and present a well-reasoned argument. This type of essay requires careful planning and organization to effectively persuade your audience. By following a step-by-step approach, you can develop a strong debate essay that presents your point of view clearly and convincingly.

Before diving into the writing process, it’s essential to understand the purpose of a debate essay. The goal is not only to express your own opinion but also to address counterarguments and anticipate potential objections. Your aim is to convince your audience to understand and accept your perspective by presenting strong evidence and logical reasoning. To achieve this, you need to research and gather relevant information on the topic, evaluate different viewpoints, and outline a clear structure for your essay.

One of the key components of a successful debate essay is a strong thesis statement. This statement presents the main argument or claim that you will be defending throughout your essay. It should be clear, concise, and impactful. Your thesis statement should express your position on the topic and provide a preview of the main points you will be discussing. A well-crafted thesis statement sets the tone for your essay and helps guide your writing process, ensuring that every point you make supports and strengthens your overall argument.

Understand the topic and choose a side

Before diving into the debate essay writing process, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the topic at hand and carefully consider which side you will argue for. This step is essential as it sets the foundation for a well-reasoned and persuasive argument.

Take the time to read and research extensively on the topic to gain a comprehensive understanding of its different aspects and perspectives. Look for reliable sources such as books, scholarly articles, and reputable websites to gather information and insights. By doing so, you will be able to familiarize yourself with various arguments, counterarguments, and evidence presented by experts in the field.

Once you have gained a deep understanding of the topic, it is time to choose a side. Consider the different arguments presented by both sides and evaluate which one aligns with your own beliefs, values, and knowledge. Think about the strengths and weaknesses of each argument, as well as the evidence supporting them. Reflect on your own experiences and personal views to help you make an informed decision.

Choosing a side does not necessarily mean that you have to agree with it wholeheartedly. It simply means that you will be presenting and defending that particular perspective in your debate essay. Keep in mind that choosing a side does not imply being closed-minded or dismissive of the opposing viewpoint. A well-rounded debate essay will acknowledge and address counterarguments, showing a balanced and thoughtful approach to the topic.

Once you understand the topic and have chosen a side, you can move on to the next step of the debate essay writing process: gathering evidence and constructing a persuasive argument.

Research and gather supporting evidence

In order to write a strong and convincing debate essay, it is essential to conduct thorough research and gather relevant supporting evidence. Research serves as the foundation for an effective argument, providing credible information that strengthens your position and persuades your audience.

When conducting research, it is important to explore multiple sources to ensure a well-rounded understanding of the topic. This can include peer-reviewed articles, academic journals, books, and reputable websites. By utilizing a variety of sources, you can gain different perspectives and enhance the credibility of your argument.

During the research process, it is crucial to critically analyze the information you gather. This involves evaluating the credibility and reliability of your sources. Look for evidence that is backed by reputable experts, institutions, or organizations. Additionally, consider the timeliness of the information to ensure that you are presenting the most current and relevant data.

As you gather evidence, it is also important to keep track of your sources. This will allow you to properly cite and reference your information in your debate essay. Utilize a citation style guide, such as APA or MLA, to ensure consistency and accuracy in your citations.

When selecting evidence to support your argument, consider the strengths and weaknesses of each piece of information. Choose evidence that is logical, well-reasoned, and directly relevant to your argument. Avoid using biased or unreliable sources that may weaken your position.

In conclusion, research and gathering supporting evidence is a critical step in writing a debate essay. Thorough research and careful evaluation of sources will strengthen your argument and enhance your credibility. By selecting well-reasoned and relevant evidence, you can effectively persuade your audience and present a compelling debate essay.

Organize your arguments

When writing a debate essay, it is crucial to organize your arguments in a clear and logical manner. By doing so, you will be able to effectively present your ideas and support your stance on the given topic. Organizing your arguments not only helps you convey your message more effectively, but it also makes it easier for your readers to comprehend and follow your line of thinking.

One way to organize your arguments is to group them based on similarities or themes. This can be done by identifying common elements or ideas among your arguments and grouping them together. For example, if you are arguing in favor of stricter gun control laws, you might have separate arguments related to reducing gun violence, preventing accidental shootings, and deterring criminals. By grouping these arguments together, you can present a more cohesive and convincing case.

Another way to organize your arguments is by presenting them in a logical order. This can be done by arranging your arguments from the strongest to the weakest or from the most general to the most specific. By structuring your arguments in this way, you can build a strong foundation and gradually persuade your readers as they progress through your essay. Additionally, presenting your arguments in a logical order makes it easier for your readers to follow your reasoning and understand the progression of your ideas.

Furthermore, it is important to provide evidence and examples to support your arguments. This can be done by incorporating research findings, statistics, expert opinions, and real-life examples into your essay. By including evidence, you not only strengthen your arguments but also make them more persuasive and credible. However, it is crucial to ensure that the evidence you present is reliable and relevant to your topic. Additionally, you should clearly explain how the evidence supports your arguments so that your readers can understand the connection.

In conclusion, organizing your arguments is a crucial step in writing a debate essay. By grouping your arguments based on similarities or themes, presenting them in a logical order, and providing evidence to support them, you can effectively convey your ideas and persuade your readers. Remember to stay focused on your main point and to present your arguments in a clear and concise manner. With proper organization, your debate essay will be more impactful and convincing.

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Argument vs. Debate

What's the difference.

Argument and debate are both forms of communication that involve presenting and defending a particular viewpoint or opinion. However, there are some key differences between the two. Argument typically refers to a more informal and spontaneous exchange of ideas, where individuals express their opinions and provide reasons or evidence to support their claims. It often involves a more confrontational approach, with the goal of persuading others to accept one's viewpoint. On the other hand, debate is a more structured and formalized process, usually involving a moderator and specific rules. Debaters are expected to present well-researched and logical arguments, often in a competitive setting, with the aim of convincing the audience or judges of the validity of their position. While both argument and debate involve presenting and defending opinions, debate tends to be more structured and focused on logical reasoning, while argument can be more spontaneous and emotionally driven.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Argument and debate are two forms of communication that involve presenting and defending ideas or opinions. While they share similarities, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. Understanding the differences between argument and debate can help individuals effectively engage in discussions, make informed decisions, and improve their communication skills.

Definition and Purpose

Argument refers to the process of presenting a claim or viewpoint with the intention of persuading others to accept or agree with it. It involves providing evidence, reasoning, and logical explanations to support one's position. The primary purpose of argument is to convince others of the validity of a particular idea or opinion.

Debate, on the other hand, is a structured discussion where participants present and defend their viewpoints on a specific topic. The purpose of debate is not only to persuade others but also to critically analyze different perspectives, challenge assumptions, and arrive at a well-rounded understanding of the topic. Debates often involve multiple participants or teams, each presenting their arguments and counterarguments.

Structure and Format

Arguments can be presented in various formats, such as written essays, speeches, or informal discussions. They typically follow a logical structure, starting with an introduction that states the claim, followed by supporting evidence and reasoning, and concluding with a summary of the main points. Arguments can be presented individually or in a group setting, but they do not necessarily require opposing viewpoints.

Debates, on the other hand, have a more formal structure and follow specific rules. They often involve a moderator or judge who ensures fairness and adherence to the rules. Debates are typically divided into different sections, including opening statements, rebuttals, cross-examinations, and closing arguments. Each participant or team is assigned a specific position, either in favor or against the topic, and they must present their arguments and counterarguments accordingly.

Focus and Approach

Arguments tend to focus on presenting a single viewpoint or perspective. The goal is to convince others of the validity of that viewpoint by providing strong evidence and logical reasoning. Arguments can be emotionally charged, but they should ideally rely on facts and logical appeals rather than personal attacks or fallacies.

Debates, on the other hand, aim to explore multiple perspectives and consider different sides of an issue. Participants in a debate must not only present their own arguments but also anticipate and address counterarguments. Debates often involve rigorous research, critical thinking, and the ability to think on one's feet. The focus is on analyzing and evaluating different viewpoints rather than solely persuading others.

Skills and Benefits

Engaging in arguments can help individuals develop critical thinking skills, improve their ability to articulate ideas, and strengthen their persuasive abilities. Constructing a well-reasoned argument requires research, analysis, and the ability to communicate effectively. Arguments can also foster intellectual growth by challenging one's own beliefs and encouraging open-mindedness.

Debates, on the other hand, provide additional benefits such as enhancing public speaking skills, promoting teamwork, and developing the ability to think critically under pressure. Debaters must be able to listen actively, respond to opposing arguments, and construct coherent rebuttals. Debating also encourages research skills, as participants must gather evidence and information to support their positions.

While argument and debate share the common goal of presenting and defending ideas, they differ in their structure, focus, and approach. Arguments are more individualistic and aim to persuade others of a single viewpoint, while debates involve multiple perspectives and encourage critical analysis. Both argument and debate are valuable tools for effective communication, fostering intellectual growth, and developing essential skills that can be applied in various aspects of life.

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• Knowledge Base
• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples

The Four Main Types of Essay | Quick Guide with Examples

Published on September 4, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An essay is a focused piece of writing designed to inform or persuade. There are many different types of essay, but they are often defined in four categories: argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Argumentative and expository essays are focused on conveying information and making clear points, while narrative and descriptive essays are about exercising creativity and writing in an interesting way. At university level, argumentative essays are the most common type. 

In high school and college, you will also often have to write textual analysis essays, which test your skills in close reading and interpretation.

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Table of contents

Argumentative essays, expository essays, narrative essays, descriptive essays, textual analysis essays, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about types of essays.

An argumentative essay presents an extended, evidence-based argument. It requires a strong thesis statement —a clearly defined stance on your topic. Your aim is to convince the reader of your thesis using evidence (such as quotations ) and analysis.

Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation.

The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion:

• The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
• The body presents your evidence and arguments
• The conclusion summarizes your argument and emphasizes its importance

The example below is a paragraph from the body of an argumentative essay about the effects of the internet on education. Mouse over it to learn more.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An expository essay provides a clear, focused explanation of a topic. It doesn’t require an original argument, just a balanced and well-organized view of the topic.

Expository essays test your familiarity with a topic and your ability to organize and convey information. They are commonly assigned at high school or in exam questions at college level.

The introduction of an expository essay states your topic and provides some general background, the body presents the details, and the conclusion summarizes the information presented.

A typical body paragraph from an expository essay about the invention of the printing press is shown below. Mouse over it to learn more.

The invention of the printing press in 1440 changed this situation dramatically. Johannes Gutenberg, who had worked as a goldsmith, used his knowledge of metals in the design of the press. He made his type from an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony, whose durability allowed for the reliable production of high-quality books. This new technology allowed texts to be reproduced and disseminated on a much larger scale than was previously possible. The Gutenberg Bible appeared in the 1450s, and a large number of printing presses sprang up across the continent in the following decades. Gutenberg’s invention rapidly transformed cultural production in Europe; among other things, it would lead to the Protestant Reformation.

A narrative essay is one that tells a story. This is usually a story about a personal experience you had, but it may also be an imaginative exploration of something you have not experienced.

Narrative essays test your ability to build up a narrative in an engaging, well-structured way. They are much more personal and creative than other kinds of academic writing . Writing a personal statement for an application requires the same skills as a narrative essay.

A narrative essay isn’t strictly divided into introduction, body, and conclusion, but it should still begin by setting up the narrative and finish by expressing the point of the story—what you learned from your experience, or why it made an impression on you.

Mouse over the example below, a short narrative essay responding to the prompt “Write about an experience where you learned something about yourself,” to explore its structure.

Since elementary school, I have always favored subjects like science and math over the humanities. My instinct was always to think of these subjects as more solid and serious than classes like English. If there was no right answer, I thought, why bother? But recently I had an experience that taught me my academic interests are more flexible than I had thought: I took my first philosophy class.

Before I entered the classroom, I was skeptical. I waited outside with the other students and wondered what exactly philosophy would involve—I really had no idea. I imagined something pretty abstract: long, stilted conversations pondering the meaning of life. But what I got was something quite different.

A young man in jeans, Mr. Jones—“but you can call me Rob”—was far from the white-haired, buttoned-up old man I had half-expected. And rather than pulling us into pedantic arguments about obscure philosophical points, Rob engaged us on our level. To talk free will, we looked at our own choices. To talk ethics, we looked at dilemmas we had faced ourselves. By the end of class, I’d discovered that questions with no right answer can turn out to be the most interesting ones.

The experience has taught me to look at things a little more “philosophically”—and not just because it was a philosophy class! I learned that if I let go of my preconceptions, I can actually get a lot out of subjects I was previously dismissive of. The class taught me—in more ways than one—to look at things with an open mind.

A descriptive essay provides a detailed sensory description of something. Like narrative essays, they allow you to be more creative than most academic writing, but they are more tightly focused than narrative essays. You might describe a specific place or object, rather than telling a whole story.

Descriptive essays test your ability to use language creatively, making striking word choices to convey a memorable picture of what you’re describing.

A descriptive essay can be quite loosely structured, though it should usually begin by introducing the object of your description and end by drawing an overall picture of it. The important thing is to use careful word choices and figurative language to create an original description of your object.

Mouse over the example below, a response to the prompt “Describe a place you love to spend time in,” to learn more about descriptive essays.

On Sunday afternoons I like to spend my time in the garden behind my house. The garden is narrow but long, a corridor of green extending from the back of the house, and I sit on a lawn chair at the far end to read and relax. I am in my small peaceful paradise: the shade of the tree, the feel of the grass on my feet, the gentle activity of the fish in the pond beside me.

My cat crosses the garden nimbly and leaps onto the fence to survey it from above. From his perch he can watch over his little kingdom and keep an eye on the neighbours. He does this until the barking of next door’s dog scares him from his post and he bolts for the cat flap to govern from the safety of the kitchen.

With that, I am left alone with the fish, whose whole world is the pond by my feet. The fish explore the pond every day as if for the first time, prodding and inspecting every stone. I sometimes feel the same about sitting here in the garden; I know the place better than anyone, but whenever I return I still feel compelled to pay attention to all its details and novelties—a new bird perched in the tree, the growth of the grass, and the movement of the insects it shelters…

Sitting out in the garden, I feel serene. I feel at home. And yet I always feel there is more to discover. The bounds of my garden may be small, but there is a whole world contained within it, and it is one I will never get tired of inhabiting.

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Though every essay type tests your writing skills, some essays also test your ability to read carefully and critically. In a textual analysis essay, you don’t just present information on a topic, but closely analyze a text to explain how it achieves certain effects.

Rhetorical analysis

A rhetorical analysis looks at a persuasive text (e.g. a speech, an essay, a political cartoon) in terms of the rhetorical devices it uses, and evaluates their effectiveness.

The goal is not to state whether you agree with the author’s argument but to look at how they have constructed it.

The introduction of a rhetorical analysis presents the text, some background information, and your thesis statement; the body comprises the analysis itself; and the conclusion wraps up your analysis of the text, emphasizing its relevance to broader concerns.

The example below is from a rhetorical analysis of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech . Mouse over it to learn more.

King’s speech is infused with prophetic language throughout. Even before the famous “dream” part of the speech, King’s language consistently strikes a prophetic tone. He refers to the Lincoln Memorial as a “hallowed spot” and speaks of rising “from the dark and desolate valley of segregation” to “make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” The assumption of this prophetic voice constitutes the text’s strongest ethical appeal; after linking himself with political figures like Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, King’s ethos adopts a distinctly religious tone, recalling Biblical prophets and preachers of change from across history. This adds significant force to his words; standing before an audience of hundreds of thousands, he states not just what the future should be, but what it will be: “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” This warning is almost apocalyptic in tone, though it concludes with the positive image of the “bright day of justice.” The power of King’s rhetoric thus stems not only from the pathos of his vision of a brighter future, but from the ethos of the prophetic voice he adopts in expressing this vision.

Literary analysis

A literary analysis essay presents a close reading of a work of literature—e.g. a poem or novel—to explore the choices made by the author and how they help to convey the text’s theme. It is not simply a book report or a review, but an in-depth interpretation of the text.

Literary analysis looks at things like setting, characters, themes, and figurative language. The goal is to closely analyze what the author conveys and how.

The introduction of a literary analysis essay presents the text and background, and provides your thesis statement; the body consists of close readings of the text with quotations and analysis in support of your argument; and the conclusion emphasizes what your approach tells us about the text.

Mouse over the example below, the introduction to a literary analysis essay on Frankenstein , to learn more.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, protagonist Victor Frankenstein is a stable representation of the callous ambition of modern science throughout the novel. This essay, however, argues that far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to portray Frankenstein in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as. This essay begins by exploring the positive portrayal of Frankenstein in the first volume, then moves on to the creature’s perception of him, and finally discusses the third volume’s narrative shift toward viewing Frankenstein as the creature views him.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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At high school and in composition classes at university, you’ll often be told to write a specific type of essay , but you might also just be given prompts.

Look for keywords in these prompts that suggest a certain approach: The word “explain” suggests you should write an expository essay , while the word “describe” implies a descriptive essay . An argumentative essay might be prompted with the word “assess” or “argue.”

The vast majority of essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Almost all academic writing involves building up an argument, though other types of essay might be assigned in composition classes.

Essays can present arguments about all kinds of different topics. For example:

• In a literary analysis essay, you might make an argument for a specific interpretation of a text
• In a history essay, you might present an argument for the importance of a particular event
• In a politics essay, you might argue for the validity of a certain political theory

An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

The key difference is that a narrative essay is designed to tell a complete story, while a descriptive essay is meant to convey an intense description of a particular place, object, or concept.

Narrative and descriptive essays both allow you to write more personally and creatively than other kinds of essays , and similar writing skills can apply to both.

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The Difference between an Essay and a Debate

Presidential debates would fare a lot worse in television ratings if the candidates simply read essays to the crowd. On the other hand, the crowd would come away from an essay reading with clear, concise ideas that the politicians supported. The crowd would be less entertained, but they would have a full picture of a candidate's supporting arguments.

Features of an Essay

Essays have a clear structure. A good essay includes an introduction that makes one specific thesis statement clear, body paragraphs with topic sentences that flesh out the ideas from the thesis statement, and a closing in which the arguments are summed up and conclusions are drawn.

While some essays are persuasive, and the arguments in a persuasive essay can be structured in a similar way as one would for a debate, an advocate for the opposing view won't present their side in the middle of an essay. A well-written persuasive essay always considers the opposing views, but those views are still being analyzed by the writer of the essay.

Not all essays, however, are written with the intention to persuade. Essays can be expository, narrative, and descriptive, as well.

Features of A Debate

Debates usually also feature an introduction, supporting arguments, and a conclusion. The difference is that the supporting arguments do not go uninterrupted and the opposing side is presented by another person. An essay's purpose is to inform, while the purpose of a good debate is to persuade others that you're right and your opponents are wrong.

A good debater already knows the opposing arguments and is prepared to answer counterarguments that mention them. Since those arguments cannot be fully anticipated ahead of time, debates often require more broad research and knowledge than the focused topic of an essay does. The purpose of a debate is always to persuade, and a good debater does so with reasoned arguments, a clearly defined viewpoint, and preparation to counter an opposing view knowledgeably.

Why You Should Know Both

Writing an essay can help to form and structure an argument, and it's definitely a clear way to make a point or tell a story. In order to learn to defend your arguments and your ideas, practice debating them with others. Research and writing can inform you on a subject, but no topic is fully understood unless many views of that topic are considered. Sometimes the best way to understand all the different views is to try debating them.

How to Write a Good Debate Essay

When the word “debate” occurs in an essay title, you are being asked to examine a subject in which there are opposing views. The aim is that your essay will lead to support for one side, based on clear argument, effective judgement and justification for the decisions presented and arguments presented. The foundation of a good debate essay is effectively completing research combined with being able to refer to facts and credible information. The biggest challenge is to remain unemotional, whilst still persuading your audience of the validity of the arguments you are making in support of your chosen side.

Writing your debate essay

Introduction.

Your introduction should ensure that your reader understands what topic is being debated and encourage them to read more. One effective way to start is with a question, which sets the stage for you to state your position on the subject (your thesis statement). For example, “Does online learning creates laziness in students?”.

The aim is that your readers will have an immediate answer to the question, and this then drives the arguments you are presenting. An alternative approach is to refute a statement, framing the subject negatively, for example, “There are studies which suggest online learning creates laziness, however, studies have shown that online learning actually increases motivation”. In this case you are encouraging the reader to support your argument. In both cases, you have set a foundation with your introduction which needs to be built on by effective arguments and evidence.

The body text of your debate essay should be separated into paragraphs, each one of which will cover a different reason / rationale for the viewpoint you set out in your introduction. For each point you should provide back-up information from credible sources, which demonstrates that you have evaluated evidence before drawing a conclusion and opinion. Each paragraph should introduce your argument for or against, depending on your perspective, and include where appropriate, statistical evidence, illustrative data and clearly referenced sources. A good tip with a debate essay is to also present the counterargument for your point and refute it with viable sources to demonstrate why it is incorrect, demonstrating your understanding of the subject. The structure of the body text should be logical, moving from one argument to another with effective connections such as “Furthermore”, “Notwithstanding”, “Moreover” or similar to ensure coherence of argument.

The conclusion to your debate essay should be a summing up of all the positive points you have made, reaffirming your stance on the issue and should refer back to your thesis statement or original question. This enables you to demonstrate that you have effectively provided a strong justification for your point of view and in so doing, persuaded the reader of the accuracy of your perspective and opinion.

Key Words for a Debate Essay

• In the same way
• On the other hand
• Nevertheless
• On the contrary
• Subsequently
• Specifically
• Furthermore
• In consequence

Tips For Writing A Debate Essay

An argumentative paper depends on various aspects that can either build the conversation or break it. Here is how to write a debate essay step by step and get your point through in a convincing manner:

• Choose the topic wisely. Make sure it is a controversial topic that can have a debate both ways. You can pick any topic from child education to medicinal marijuana. The topic itself needs to have a compelling pull to keep the audience involved.
• Once the topic is decided, figure out which side you are on. For topics like domestic violence, most people will be against it, but you can still create an argument around it confidently.
• Make sure you have done your research to articulate the facts and stats which go both in favour and against the topic. Your opponents may have a different perspective than you, but if you have solid grounds that can prove your stance, you can make them agree with you.
• Know your audience. The readers of your essay will be very crucial to you building your argument. If you are writing a term paper, you may focus more on sentence building, structuring, and formatting. But if you are drafting for a competition, you need solid supporting research which can be cited and argued.
• Have your facts ready. Without figures and numbers, a paper loses credibility. It becomes more of an opinion-piece than a debate essay grounded in facts.
• The last, the most important factor. Select an issue you are most passionate about. If you feel strongly about it, you will be able to express your thoughts and also be able to research it with dedication.

Consider these tips combined when you think about how to make a debate essay convincing and interesting. Don’t forget, your opponent may not agree at all with your verdict, but at least you would present your vision with strong arguments and leave a good impression on the readers.

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Organizing Your Argument

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How can I effectively present my argument?

In order for your argument to be persuasive, it must use an organizational structure that the audience perceives as both logical and easy to parse. Three argumentative methods —the  Toulmin Method , Classical Method , and Rogerian Method — give guidance for how to organize the points in an argument.

Note that these are only three of the most popular models for organizing an argument. Alternatives exist. Be sure to consult your instructor and/or defer to your assignment’s directions if you’re unsure which to use (if any).

Toulmin Method

The  Toulmin Method  is a formula that allows writers to build a sturdy logical foundation for their arguments. First proposed by author Stephen Toulmin in  The Uses of Argument (1958), the Toulmin Method emphasizes building a thorough support structure for each of an argument's key claims.

The basic format for the Toulmin Method  is as follows:

Claim:  In this section, you explain your overall thesis on the subject. In other words, you make your main argument.

Data (Grounds):  You should use evidence to support the claim. In other words, provide the reader with facts that prove your argument is strong.

Warrant (Bridge):  In this section, you explain why or how your data supports the claim. As a result, the underlying assumption that you build your argument on is grounded in reason.

Backing (Foundation):  Here, you provide any additional logic or reasoning that may be necessary to support the warrant.

Counterclaim:  You should anticipate a counterclaim that negates the main points in your argument. Don't avoid arguments that oppose your own. Instead, become familiar with the opposing perspective.   If you respond to counterclaims, you appear unbiased (and, therefore, you earn the respect of your readers). You may even want to include several counterclaims to show that you have thoroughly researched the topic.

Rebuttal:  In this section, you incorporate your own evidence that disagrees with the counterclaim. It is essential to include a thorough warrant or bridge to strengthen your essay’s argument. If you present data to your audience without explaining how it supports your thesis, your readers may not make a connection between the two, or they may draw different conclusions.

Example of the Toulmin Method:

Claim:  Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution.

Data1:  Driving a private car is a typical citizen's most air-polluting activity.

Warrant 1:  Due to the fact that cars are the largest source of private (as opposed to industrial) air pollution, switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution.

Data 2:  Each vehicle produced is going to stay on the road for roughly 12 to 15 years.

Warrant 2:  Cars generally have a long lifespan, meaning that the decision to switch to a hybrid car will make a long-term impact on pollution levels.

Data 3:  Hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor.

Warrant 3:  The combination of these technologies produces less pollution.

Counterclaim:  Instead of focusing on cars, which still encourages an inefficient culture of driving even as it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging the use of mass transit systems.

Rebuttal:  While mass transit is an idea that should be encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural and suburban areas, or for people who must commute to work. Thus, hybrid cars are a better solution for much of the nation's population.

Rogerian Method

The Rogerian Method  (named for, but not developed by, influential American psychotherapist Carl R. Rogers) is a popular method for controversial issues. This strategy seeks to find a common ground between parties by making the audience understand perspectives that stretch beyond (or even run counter to) the writer’s position. Moreso than other methods, it places an emphasis on reiterating an opponent's argument to his or her satisfaction. The persuasive power of the Rogerian Method lies in its ability to define the terms of the argument in such a way that:

• your position seems like a reasonable compromise.
• you seem compassionate and empathetic.

The basic format of the Rogerian Method  is as follows:

Introduction:  Introduce the issue to the audience, striving to remain as objective as possible.

Opposing View : Explain the other side’s position in an unbiased way. When you discuss the counterargument without judgement, the opposing side can see how you do not directly dismiss perspectives which conflict with your stance.

Statement of Validity (Understanding):  This section discusses how you acknowledge how the other side’s points can be valid under certain circumstances. You identify how and why their perspective makes sense in a specific context, but still present your own argument.

Statement of Your Position:  By this point, you have demonstrated that you understand the other side’s viewpoint. In this section, you explain your own stance.

Statement of Contexts : Explore scenarios in which your position has merit. When you explain how your argument is most appropriate for certain contexts, the reader can recognize that you acknowledge the multiple ways to view the complex issue.

Statement of Benefits:  You should conclude by explaining to the opposing side why they would benefit from accepting your position. By explaining the advantages of your argument, you close on a positive note without completely dismissing the other side’s perspective.

Example of the Rogerian Method:

Introduction:  The issue of whether children should wear school uniforms is subject to some debate.

Opposing View:  Some parents think that requiring children to wear uniforms is best.

Statement of Validity (Understanding):  Those parents who support uniforms argue that, when all students wear the same uniform, the students can develop a unified sense of school pride and inclusiveness.

Statement of Your Position : Students should not be required to wear school uniforms. Mandatory uniforms would forbid choices that allow students to be creative and express themselves through clothing.

Statement of Contexts:  However, even if uniforms might hypothetically promote inclusivity, in most real-life contexts, administrators can use uniform policies to enforce conformity. Students should have the option to explore their identity through clothing without the fear of being ostracized.

Statement of Benefits:  Though both sides seek to promote students' best interests, students should not be required to wear school uniforms. By giving students freedom over their choice, students can explore their self-identity by choosing how to present themselves to their peers.

Classical Method

The Classical Method of structuring an argument is another common way to organize your points. Originally devised by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (and then later developed by Roman thinkers like Cicero and Quintilian), classical arguments tend to focus on issues of definition and the careful application of evidence. Thus, the underlying assumption of classical argumentation is that, when all parties understand the issue perfectly, the correct course of action will be clear.

The basic format of the Classical Method  is as follows:

Introduction (Exordium): Introduce the issue and explain its significance. You should also establish your credibility and the topic’s legitimacy.

Statement of Background (Narratio): Present vital contextual or historical information to the audience to further their understanding of the issue. By doing so, you provide the reader with a working knowledge about the topic independent of your own stance.

Proposition (Propositio): After you provide the reader with contextual knowledge, you are ready to state your claims which relate to the information you have provided previously. This section outlines your major points for the reader.

Proof (Confirmatio): You should explain your reasons and evidence to the reader. Be sure to thoroughly justify your reasons. In this section, if necessary, you can provide supplementary evidence and subpoints.

Refutation (Refuatio): In this section, you address anticipated counterarguments that disagree with your thesis. Though you acknowledge the other side’s perspective, it is important to prove why your stance is more logical.  

Conclusion (Peroratio): You should summarize your main points. The conclusion also caters to the reader’s emotions and values. The use of pathos here makes the reader more inclined to consider your argument.  

Example of the Classical Method:  

Introduction (Exordium): Millions of workers are paid a set hourly wage nationwide. The federal minimum wage is standardized to protect workers from being paid too little. Research points to many viewpoints on how much to pay these workers. Some families cannot afford to support their households on the current wages provided for performing a minimum wage job .

Statement of Background (Narratio): Currently, millions of American workers struggle to make ends meet on a minimum wage. This puts a strain on workers’ personal and professional lives. Some work multiple jobs to provide for their families.

Proposition (Propositio): The current federal minimum wage should be increased to better accommodate millions of overworked Americans. By raising the minimum wage, workers can spend more time cultivating their livelihoods.

Proof (Confirmatio): According to the United States Department of Labor, 80.4 million Americans work for an hourly wage, but nearly 1.3 million receive wages less than the federal minimum. The pay raise will alleviate the stress of these workers. Their lives would benefit from this raise because it affects multiple areas of their lives.

Refutation (Refuatio): There is some evidence that raising the federal wage might increase the cost of living. However, other evidence contradicts this or suggests that the increase would not be great. Additionally,   worries about a cost of living increase must be balanced with the benefits of providing necessary funds to millions of hardworking Americans.

Conclusion (Peroratio): If the federal minimum wage was raised, many workers could alleviate some of their financial burdens. As a result, their emotional wellbeing would improve overall. Though some argue that the cost of living could increase, the benefits outweigh the potential drawbacks.

Argument vs. Debate: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

Comparison chart, emotional content, argument and debate definitions, can arguments be part of a debate, do arguments require evidence, what defines a debate, are debates always public, do debates follow specific rules, what is the main purpose of an argument, can an argument be a simple disagreement, how do arguments start, are emotions helpful in arguments, are arguments always confrontational, can debates change public opinion, is it necessary to have a winner in a debate, do debates require preparation, can anyone participate in a debate, is it possible to argue without being aggressive, do debates always involve two sides, can debates be informal, can an argument lead to a solution, is the goal of a debate to reach an agreement, are arguments more common than debates.

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No Argument, There's a Difference Between Argue and Debate

• DESCRIPTION Argument vs Debate Example
• SOURCE sorbetto / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images

Debates and arguments are two types of discussions. And, you could debate or argue all day about how they are the same thing or entirely different. Let’s settle the debate once and for all with an in-depth look at what “debate” means and what “argument” means.

Both Are Nouns

“Argument” and “debate” are both nouns . They are both things, but they are different kinds of things. That’s how you’ll be able to see the difference between them. Let’s explore further.

Definition of Debate

“ Debate ” can be a noun or a verb, but to compare it with “argument,” let’s stick with the noun form. It comes from the Old French word debatre , which means “to fight or contend.” It is defined as a:

Formal discussion of the opposing sides of a specific subject

Definition of Argument

The word “ argument ” is always a noun. It comes from the classical Latin argumentum , which means “evidence or proof.” It is defined as:

A reason or reasons why you are for or against something.

One Is Part of the Other

An argument is a part of a debate, which is the whole. In other words, a debate is made up of a bunch of arguments and counter arguments. Arguments are the proof needed to have the debate, or to discuss the opposing points of view.

A Difference in Formality

In their common use, a debate is considered more formal than an argument. However, a debate can be informal and an argument can be formal. Looking at examples of these two words can help you better understand what makes them different.

Informal Use With Examples

Most people think of an argument as a yelling match or negative discussion. Any two or more people can engage in an argument any place, any time. There are really no rules for an informal argument. Informal arguments are often negative and involve a disagreement.

• The couple got into an argument about how much money to spend on their vacation.
• Talking about religion at Thanksgiving always leads to a family argument .

A debate can also be informal, although this is the less common use of the noun. An informal debate can take place anytime, anywhere, like an argument, but an informal debate is usually more civil than an informal argument.

• My dad and I had a debate about the death penalty at dinner last week.
• Can this abortion debate wait for another time, not at this birthday party?

Formal Use With Examples

A formal debate is a scheduled event that involves specific debate rules and enforcement of those rules.

• The presidential debate will be on Channel 2 tonight.
• Our high school team won the national debate .
• The Senate is having a debate about whether to pass the new bill.

A formal argument is part of a debate and it needs to include supporting details so it is more than just one person’s opinion.

• Please present your argument for closing migrant detention centers.
• What evidence do you have to support your argument ?
• The argument you make in this essay is very compelling.

How They Differ From Other Similar Words

“Debate” and “argument” have many other synonyms since each is another word for “discuss.” It can be confusing trying to figure out which word to use. Check out some simple explanations of what other discussion words mean to help you decide.

Argument vs. Persuasion

Argument includes evidence to back up your point. Persuasion is your belief or opinion, or it can be the act of convincing someone to agree with you.

Argument vs. Disagreement

Arguments can be heated, but they make a point that isn’t necessarily contested. Disagreements are often heated and imply a difference of opinion.

Debate vs. Forum

A debate is a discussion. A forum is a place to have a discussion.

Discussion vs. Debate vs. Argument

Debates and arguments are types of discussions that exchange opposing views.

Conversation vs. Debate vs. Argument

Debates and arguments are types of conversations if they are spoken.

Fight vs. Debate vs. Argument

A fight is a conflict, whereas debates and arguments are exchanges of views that can be civil.

Settle the Debate

Now that you’ve seen the arguments about how “debate” and “argument” differ, the debate on how to use them is settled. But, are you guilty of misusing other words? Do you know the difference between “stationary” and “stationery,” for example?

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What's the difference between "debate" and "argument"?

These words seem to have similar meanings, possibly with different connotations.

• differences
• connotation

• 4 It depends on the context. The OED has seven definitions of 'debate' ten of 'argument', when both are used as nouns. A good dictionary should provide an adequate answer. –  Barrie England Commented Nov 2, 2011 at 17:30
• 3 Did anyone else instantly think of youtube.com/watch?v=kQFKtI6gn9Y when they read this question? –  Joel Brown Commented Nov 2, 2011 at 19:37
• 2 It depends how loud you're shouting. –  Hugo Commented Nov 2, 2011 at 20:20
• debate vs argument . If these definitions do not satisfy your curiosity, please explain why in the body of your question. –  Matt E. Эллен Commented Aug 29, 2012 at 8:17

7 Answers 7

This is a problematic question as the words are not clearcut in most peoples minds, but there are cues, and distinctions to be made.

Debate on wikipedia:

Debate or debating is a formal method of interactive and representational argument. Debate is a broader form of argument than logical argument, which only examines consistency from axiom, and factual argument, which only examines what is or isn't the case or rhetoric which is a technique of persuasion. Though logical consistency, factual accuracy and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience are important elements of the art of persuasion, in debating, one side often prevails over the other side by presenting a superior "context" and/or framework of the issue, which is far more subtle and strategic.

Argue on wikipedia:

In philosophy and logic, an argument is an attempt to persuade someone of something, by giving reasons or evidence for accepting a particular conclusion.[1][2] The general structure of an argument in a natural language is that of premises (typically in the form of propositions, statements or sentences) in support of a claim: the conclusion.[3][4][5] Many arguments can also be formulated in a formal language. An argument in a formal language shows the logical form of the natural language arguments obtained by its interpretations.

Thus a debate is:

• More formal
• More intellectual
• Normally concerns factual events, or theories
• Concerned with persuading the opposing party to an alternate viewpoint

To argue however is not the same as an arguement. Nor is the logical definition of 'argue' the same as what is commonly referred in public. One can argue the case of XYZ say in law or physics, or one can argue on the street ( in which case bickering would be a more appropriate word ).

For example Alice had an arguement with Bob where she accused him of paranoia , would not be considered a debate. Here Alice argues the point that Bob has paranoia. One can argue at a debate, and an argument, but an arguement is not a debate.

Arguments are thus:

• Usually personal, though not always
• Not always concerned with the factual correctness
• Can be about things both parties are aware of, thus no opposing viewpoints, e.g. a row between a man and wife who have cheated on each other, would not be a debate, as they are both aware and agree that adultery took place.

In most of the cases of 'arguments', one could substitute another word such as row , tiff , bickering , and various other words. Where debate is concerned, one could use the word arguement, but not words such as row or bicker .

Debate has method. Argument does not necessarily.

The difference is that argument usually has a more negative connotation to it. It implies a possible quarrel, people talking over each other and impoliteness.

My wife and I had an argument last night. The neighbors called the cops, that's how loud we were. I was so ashamed.

Debate , on the other hand, is usually a conversation between people expressing two sides of a certain topic in a polite and respectable manner.

I found out my son was drinking more than enough at a party, so I got worried, but I sat down with him, we had a debate and I believe he understands he shouldn't repeat what he did. He is quite intelligent, so we understood each other easily.

• 6 In practice I think most people would use the word discussion in your second example. Which in any case would simply be a euphemism for I gave him a lecture / good talking-to , since it's unlikely the son spent much time expostulating the advantages of excess indulgence, to be weighed up against the disadvantages set out by the father. –  FumbleFingers Commented Nov 2, 2011 at 17:48
• @FumbleFingers: sounds OK, do you have a proposal for an improvement of my answer? –  Frantisek Commented Nov 2, 2011 at 17:50
• Hmm. Tricky. How about Politicians habitually and vociferously disagree with members of other parties, but they rarely engage in the kind of reasoned debate that would help voters to understand and decide for themselves about the issues on which they disagree . Too verbose, I know, but at least it's a context where debate would fit. Mind you, once you include the word "reasoned", the two words become synonyms anyway! –  FumbleFingers Commented Nov 2, 2011 at 18:17
• Or how about: My wife and I had a debate about where to go on vacation this year. I wanted to go to the Bahamas but she won the debate when she reminded me the kids have been begging to go to Disney World. –  Josh Commented Nov 2, 2011 at 21:47
• @Josh: Personaly I'd swap your had a debate about for discussed , but there's still the problem that won the debate could just as easily be won the argument . –  FumbleFingers Commented Nov 3, 2011 at 1:59

Within the American legal system, two processes are linked inextricably: debate and argument. If you read any published opinion of any court within the U.S. federal legal establishment you will discover how crucial and far-reaching the two processes are.

In American jurisprudence, an argument is simply a line of reasoning judges use to arrive at a decision or ruling. After they decide a case, the judges issue a ruling, commonly called an opinion. Since within a panel of judges the majority determines the outcome of the case, one of the majority judges writes the opinion, after which the government publishes it and the general public is free to scrutinize it.

The doctrine of stare decisis (“the decision stands”) is foundational to judges’ decision making. As they formulate their arguments—again, their lines of reasoning—that culminate in their decisions, judges are required to respect past judicial decisions, constitutions (federal and state), statutes, and rules and regulations, both past and present.

The notion of stare decisis obviates the need to reinvent the wheel, so to speak, every time a new case arises. Keep in mind, however, that judges are not necessarily bound to rubber stamp past decisions. After all, no two cases are identical. The cast of characters and circumstances change from case to case. Despite obvious similarities there may often be not-so-obvious dissimilarities, called distinguishing facts. Consequently, when you read any published opinion of our nation’s highest appeal court, the U.S. Supreme Court, you detect a virtual debate that has already taken place between the deciding judges in the present case and the deciding judges from past cases.

Of the Supreme Court’s nine justices a majority of only five is required to make the final ruling stand. The justices therefore debate with each other about what that ruling should be. Despite their differences, however, all of them have this in common: they have already “debated” with the law as it already stands (i.e., stare decisis ). Each judge, if she has done her job well, has compared and contrasted the present case with past cases, looking for facts (analogous and disanalogous), examining arguments, and balancing her own arguments with those of both her fellow judges in the present and judges from the past. She then either agrees or disagrees (completely or partially) with them and makes her own tentative decision. Subsequently, the second debate begins, but this time it takes place between judges in the present, who may or may not agree with each other’s decisions.

Since the judge responsible for writing the majority opinion has already exercised his due diligence by debating justices past and present (virtually and up-close and personal, respectively), he is then free to state the reasons for his decision. His decision can be only one of three: he can concur with, or affirm, the lower court's decision; he can overturn the lower court’s decision; or he can remand the case to the lower court for retrial.

Before issuing her opinion, however, the thinking process of the judge might proceed along these lines: "I agree with the decision Judge Smith made in a landmark case from 1879, in which he concluded _ __ . However, I do so for different reasons. For example, I argue that __ _ , rather than _ ___ . Nevertheless, I agree with Judge Smith's decision, and rule accordingly in this case that the lower court erred in convicting the petitioner standing before us today. I therefore overturn the lower court's decision."

Can you see how the debates and arguments go hand in hand? Because of stare decisis the opinion-writing judge, as with all his fellow judges, is required to look back to previously made decisions but is obligated neither to agree with them nor to disagree with them. He is free to use similar or dissimilar arguments and come to the same or different conclusions, based on his own powers of deduction.

The above process then repeats itself with each new case. Imperfect judges make the best decisions they can, balancing what has been decided in the past with what needs to be decided in the present. The process is not without its flaws, but it is certainly better than the vast majority of other methods of judicial decision making extant today.

Perhaps I'm being a Humpty-Dumpty here, but I see the distinction differently from others around here .

A debate is a contest of winning in front of an audience.

An argument is statement of facts and inferences drawn from those facts.

Perhaps my intended meaning can be better specified as making an argument to distinguish it from the more popular connotation of having an argument . That still leaves me prejudiced about debate , however, since I still see wooing an audience as the primary desideratum.

Both words are used to describe conversations in which two (or more) sides take opposing views. As Irene notes, "debate" is normally used to describe conversations about social and political issues, while "argument" is used to describe personal differences. "Senator Smith and Senator Jones had a debate about fiscal policy", but "Senator Smith and Senator Jones had an argument about who should get the bigger office."

Also, "debate" implies a reasonable, civilized expression of opinion, while "argument" implies hostility, raised voices, etc. It is not uncommon to hear, "The candidates' debate turned into an argument", meaning that instead of rationally discussing their differences they started yelling at each other and calling names. Thus, you could say, "Senator Smith and Senator Jones argued about fiscal policy." But you wouldn't normally say, "My wife and I had a debate about how much she spent on clothes", except in a joking way.

Both words suggest exchange of opposing views and disagreement. They do have similar meanings, but the word "debate" is used for formal situations eg social or political debates. You don't refer to a family argument as a "debate" (actually, I've heard this once, but it was an exaggeration meant to make us laugh).

If you’ve ever had to study and participate in a formal debate, there is one underlying and irrefutable aspect to it which may or may not also be used in an argument, but which is necessary and fundamental in a debate: when you debate, you listen to your opponent for the sole purpose of formulating a counter argument. And that is all.

• 1 I disagree. There are things that one can do in a debate beyond reacting to the opponent, like coming up with new scenarios. –  Mitch Commented Jan 10, 2013 at 14:59

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged meaning differences nouns connotation or ask your own question .

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I'm in a debate club at school and we've been assigned to write an essay that presents a strong argument on a given topic. Anyone got any tips or advice for writing a persuasive debate essay?

When writing a persuasive debate essay, it's important to craft a strong argument that can persuade your audience or readers. Here are some tips and advice to help you write an effective essay:

1. Choose a compelling topic: Make sure to pick a controversial topic that has at least two strong opposing perspectives. This will allow you to present a robust argument and engage your audience.

2. Understand your audience: Before you start writing, consider who your audience is and what their potential biases or beliefs may be. This information will help you tailor your arguments to resonate with them effectively.

3. Research thoroughly: A well-researched essay will provide you with strong evidence to back up your claims. Use credible sources, such as academic articles, books, and reputable news sources to gather facts and statistics that support your argument. This will also help you identify potential counterarguments and anticipate how to address them in your essay.

4. Develop a clear thesis statement: Your thesis statement should clearly convey your stance on the issue and present a roadmap of your argument. Make sure it's concise and specific, so your audience can easily follow your line of reasoning.

5. Utilize the argumentative structure: Structure your essay by presenting an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the body paragraphs, provide a clear topic sentence, followed by evidence to support your claim, and then analyze the evidence to explain its relevance to the topic. Make sure to address counterarguments as well, and explain why your standpoint is stronger.

6. Use persuasive techniques: Employ various persuasive techniques to make your argument more compelling. These can include appeals to emotion (pathos), logic (logos), and credibility (ethos). Using a combination of these methods can strengthen your overall argument.

7. Ensure clear transitions: Make sure to use clear transitions between ideas and paragraphs, so your essay flows smoothly and maintains a logical progression.

8. Edit and revise: Once you have your draft completed, take the time to edit and revise your essay. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. Additionally, check for logical consistency, clarity, and the overall strength of your argument.

9. Practice presentation skills: If you will be presenting your essay in a debate setting, make sure to rehearse your delivery. Speak clearly, maintain eye contact, and be confident in your argument. Be prepared to answer questions or engage in a discussion about your topic.

10. Seek feedback: Before submitting or presenting your essay, share it with peers, teachers, or mentors to get their feedback. This can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your argument.

Remember, the goal of a debate essay is to persuade the reader or audience of your position on a particular topic. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to crafting a strong and convincing argument. Good luck!

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Debate — Questions, Structure, and Topics

What is a debate.

A debate is a form of public discourse that presents organized arguments by two opposing sides. In a typical debate, two sides (affirmative and negative) are given a proposition to debate using a structured format that differs based on the type.

The affirmative side advocates for the proposition, providing supporting evidence and explanation, while the opposing side refutes the resolution. Therefore, the affirmative wants to convince the audience to adopt the resolution, while the opposition side wants them to reject it.

The audience varies depending on the topic of the debate. Consider the following examples:

Political: Voters

Policy: Lawmakers

Trial: Jury

Public Debate/Forum: Community members

Debate questions

The basis of a debate stems from the resolution, a declarative statement determined by a question. The resolution contains the claim the two sides will debate. These statements derive from debate questions:

Structure for debate

The specific structure depends on the form of debate. However, every formal debate contains a judge, opposing sides, speeches, and a decision.

Debates are set up to persuade a panel of judges rather than the opponent.

There are always two sides in a debate – one that agrees with the resolution (affirming) and one that disagrees (opposing).

Each debate includes rounds of speeches that present the side’s argument. The placement of the speech in the debate impacts its purpose.

The constructive speech is each team’s first speech to build their case.

Rebuttals provide the opportunity for both sides to discredit their opponent’s argument.

Cross-examination allows each side to question the other side.

The period where speakers from both sides can ask and answer each other’s questions is called crossfire . The grand crossfire functions in the same way, except all four speakers participate.

Closing statements offer each side a final opportunity to present their argument.

Upon conclusion of the debate, the judge(s) or moderator decides the winning side.

Types of debates

Team policy, Lincoln-Douglas, spontaneous argumentation, public forum, and parliamentary are the most common types of debates.

Team policy debates consist of two teams of two who take a position concerning a predetermined policy. One team argues to enact the policy while the opposing team members offer reasons to reject it.

Policy debates are structured as follows:

Lincoln-Douglas debates consist of one speaker debating against another speaker and are a common form of high school debates. The topic typically concerns social and philosophical issues with questions concerning ideas such as morality, justice, democracy, etc. They focus on determining if certain thoughts or actions are good or bad, right or wrong, and moral or immoral. Presidential debates typically look most like Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Spontaneous argumentation (SPAR) is a quick and simple type of debate. It typically involves two debaters given a topic right before the debate, allowing only a few minutes for preparation.

Public forum debates feature two teams with two speakers each who debate a topic regarding a current event.

A parliamentary debate includes two teams with two speakers each. The affirmative team is often referred to as the government and is trying to uphold the resolution, whereas the negative team (the opposition) opposes the government’s viewpoint. The government identifies a problem and offers a solution, while the opposition argues against that solution. The rules for this type of debate originated from British parliamentary procedure.

Debating tips

When debating, the following strategies can positively affect the outcome:

While some debate formats allow for a limited amount of preparation time, utilize the time provided. It is best to take as much time as possible to formulate an argument. Going into a debate unprepared not only impacts the argument but can negatively influence body language, eye contact, volume, pacing, etc.

Focus and stay on topic. Make sure each sentence has a purpose and supports the argument.

Use good public speaking skills like appropriate eye contact, volume, pacing, intonation, inflection, posture, etc., which show the speaker’s confidence. Sometimes the presentation can be as important as what is presented.

Debates provide speakers with the opportunity to respond to their opponent’s argument. Focus on actively listening to the opposing side. While it is possible to predict their argument, providing a direct response to something they said is much more persuasive than moving forward as if there is no opposing side.

The point of a debate is to attack the argument , not the opponent.

Debate topics

The following are example topics for each main type of debate:

Team Policy Debate

The United States federal government should substantially increase its protection of its water resources.

The United States federal government should substantially increase its security cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization in one or more of the following areas: artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and cybersecurity.

New York should offer universal healthcare to its residents.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

In a democracy, a free press ought to prioritize objectivity over advocacy.

Radicalism is preferable to incrementalism to achieve social justice.

Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified.

The actions of corporations ought to be held to the same moral standards as the actions of individuals.

Spontaneous Argumentation (SPAR)

Lying is sometimes justified.

High schools should require uniforms.

Voting is a duty and not a right.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

Money can buy happiness.

Public Forum Debate

Japan should revise Article 9 of its Constitution to develop offensive military capabilities.

The United States should establish a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement with Taiwan.

Parliamentary Debate

In the US criminal justice system, truth-seeking ought to be valued above attorney-client privilege.

Chain stores are detrimental to the best interests of the American public.

The United States Senate should eliminate the filibuster.

Differences Between Argument And Debate

• Post author: Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka ACMC
• Post published: June 30, 2022
• Post category: Scholarly Articles

Differences Between Argument And Debate: Many terms in English literature have the same meaning, while others may appear to have the same meaning but do not. Because one does not have a clear understanding of the term and its meaning, there is frequently uncertainty on which word should be used when. Argument and debate are frequently used interchangeably since there isn’t a discernible difference between them if you don’t check it up. The two have quite different dictionary definitions, but it can be difficult to tell them apart.

The term argument is different from a debate in that the former calls for you to present your points of view in a logical order, whilst the latter is more competitive and involves other people presenting their own arguments. It may be described as a non-contested event with dialogues of dispute that don’t follow any set pattern. The verb form of this term would then be debated, which, because it is based on the meaning “ to disagree ,” more clearly expresses disagreement than any other type of verb.

A debate is an argumentative conversation. When we use the word as an adverb, it means there was a disagreement over what should occur next in order to reach a consensus on how things will proceed without further arguments or protests from either side; this type of agreement does not have any room for new thoughts-it only considers those already put forth by others before you even start your own argument.

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Although most individuals do not know the difference between argument and debate, they frequently use them interchangeably in speech. If one doesn’t delve into the terms more deeply than just their dictionary definitions, which don’t necessarily correspond with how we think about each word being used in conversation or writing style, it is actually practically hard to give a precise description for either. Without further ado, let’s examine in this article the key distinctions between these two perplexing terms.

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Table of Contents

What Is An Argument?

Every mainstream English dictionary recognizes and defines the term “ argument ” as a noun in the English language. Technically speaking, the noun “ argument ” refers to claims, justifications, or evidence made by someone in writing or verbally in order to justify anything, such as an opinion. An argument is a conversation characterized most frequently by a dispute. This is can be seen when one presents their arguments and tries to convince the other to agree with their viewpoint on the subject at hand.

Consequently, they are often known as persuasive courses. For instance, “The corporation enabled the argument of the subject of a four-day work week to be debated by everybody at the meeting,” In this sense, arguments tend to be convincing in nature but seldom result in a conclusion or official decision.

A less formal and more typical definition of “ argument ” is an enraged or passionate disagreement over something. For instance, “ the interns and supervisor got into a heated argument about whether or not they should get Fridays off every week.”

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What Is A Debate?

All commonly used English dictionaries recognize and define the word debate as a noun. A debate is a structured approach of interactive and representational argument. The scope of debate is more than that of logical argument, which only considers axiomatic consistency, factual argument, which only considers if a claim is true or false, or rhetoric, which is a persuasive method.

Although the art of persuasion calls for logical consistency, factual accuracy, and some degree of emotional appeal to the audience, in debate, one side frequently defeats the other by offering a superior “ context ” and/or a framework of the problem, which is considerably more nuanced and strategic.

Also see: How to speak in public without any fear or anxiety

5 Key Differences Between Debate And Argument

1. Meaning: Arguments are classified as conversations that are competitive yet uncontested in nature and that lead to conflicts. Technically speaking, an “ argument ” is a set of claims, justifications, or supporting details that are communicated orally or in writing to support a claim, such as an opinion. Additionally, it can refer to a conversation in which participants share contrasting viewpoints on a subject.

A debate on the other hand is a competition of formal conversations over a predetermined subject, frequently held in a hall. When used as a noun, “ debate ” refers to a controlled, formal conversation between individuals or groups of individuals. An individual or group of people may even decide the winner of a formal debate by evaluating the strongest arguments made by both sides in favor of the subject.

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2. Process: In arguments, the process of thinking may be compared to a battle between opposing sides. Since there is no one present to pass judgment, an argument is just a back-and-forth exchange of ideas on the subject under debate.

Through the debating process, people may voice their viewpoints and interact with others who disagree with them. The opposing teams are given the chance to voice both their favorable and negative opinions while also having their thoughts heard.

3. Nature: Debates are always conducted in a formal manner. The debates that are held as competitions are usually formal unless they are employed as a verb. The term “debate” is more frequently used in a formal context and connotes a bigger or public discussion with participants supporting both sides of the topic and rules or specific criteria guiding the proceedings.

However, depending on the circumstance, an argument may be formal or informal. The majority of the time, informal settings call for its utilization. An argument may be referred to as a line of reasoning or a piece of evidence that supports a claim or an opinion. It might signify a personal conflict with a more unpleasant connotation and has a more casual usage.

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4. Decision: Decisions are established during debates, not arguments. Arguments are not always definitive. Arguments don’t need to be resolved; instead, they only lead to disputes and conflicts. The goal of a debate is to reach a decision that will be decided by voting or the democratic process.

5. Usage: An argument is something you use to persuade someone, in your mind. Arguments may be used to persuade someone to agree with an arguing point of view since they are generally persuasive. Persuasion is the act of convincing someone to agree with your view or attitude. Arguments may also be used to imply an abstract or a summary of some prose or poetry, but they are limited when used to persuade others who might not agree with your point of view.

Although the term “ debate ” changes in meaning when it is employed as a verb, a debate may still be used in a variety of contexts.

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With the established concepts about the terms – argument and debate, it can be deduced that the two are terms for several types of dialogues. But depending on whether they’re employed as verbs or nouns to represent a conversation about something else entirely, even though their meanings might vary. While a debate is a formal discussion in which competing, viewpoints are heard and choices are reached democratically.

An argument is often informal, disagreement, or conflict, can get hot, and doesn’t necessarily result in a conclusion. And also, while debates focus on presenting opposing ideas to challenge others’ opinions, arguments include trying to persuade someone of your point of view.

Edeh Samuel Chukwuemeka, ACMC, is a lawyer and a certified mediator/conciliator in Nigeria. He is also a developer with knowledge in various programming languages. Samuel is determined to leverage his skills in technology, SEO, and legal practice to revolutionize the legal profession worldwide by creating web and mobile applications that simplify legal research. Sam is also passionate about educating and providing valuable information to people.

Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Bottled Water Ban – Should bottled water be banned?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits  – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

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Essay vs Debate - What's the difference?

As nouns the difference between essay and debate, as a verb debate is, derived terms, related terms, external links.

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55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project

General Education

A debate is a formal discussion about a topic where two sides present opposing viewpoints. Debates follow a specific structure: each side is given time to speak either for or against the topic at hand.

Many students study debate in high school to improve their speaking skills. As a debater, you learn how to clearly structure and present an argument. The skills you develop as a debater will help you on everything from a college admissions interview to a job presentation.

Selecting debate topics is one of the most important parts of debating. In this article, we’ll explain how to select a good debate topic and give suggestions for debate topics you can use.

How to Select Good Debate Topics

A good debate topic is one that lets the participants and the audience learn about both sides of an issue. Consider the following factors when selecting a debate topic:

Interest: Are you interested in the topic? Would the topic be interesting to your fellow classmates, as well as to the audience listening to the debate? Selecting a topic that you’re interested in makes the preparation part of the debate more exciting , as well as the debate more lively.

Argument Potential: You want to choose a debate topic that has solid argument potential. If one side is clearly right, or if there isn’t a lot of available information, you’ll have a hard time crafting a solid debate.

Availability of Data: Data points make an argument more robust. You’ll want to select a topic with lots of empirical data that you can pull from to bolster your argument.

Now that we know how to select a debate topic, let’s look at a list of good debate topics.

Debate Topics Master List

If you’re searching for your next debate topic, here are some suggestions.

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

• All people should have the right to own guns.
• The death penalty should be abolished.
• Human cloning should be legalized.
• All drugs should be legalized.
• Animal testing should be banned.
• Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults.
• Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
• Violent video games should be banned.
• The minimum wage should be $15 per hour.
• All people should have Universal Basic Income.
• Sex work should be legal.
• Countries should be isolationist.
• Abortion should be banned.
• Every citizen should be mandated to perform national public service.
• Bottled water should be banned.
• Plastic bags should be banned.

Education Debate Topics

• Homework should be banned.
• Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
• Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
• School uniforms should be required.
• Standardized testing should be abolished.
• All students should have an after-school job or internship.
• School should be in session year-round.
• All high school athletes should be drug tested.
• Detention should be abolished.
• All student loan debt should be eliminated.
• Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
• All schools should have armed security guards.
• Religion should be taught in schools.
• All schools should be private schools.
• All students should go to boarding schools.
• Sexual education should be mandatory in schools.
• Public college should be tuition free.
• All teachers should get tenure.
• All school districts should offer school vouchers.

Health Debate Topics

• Healthcare should be universal.
• Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance.
• All people should be vegetarians.
• Euthanasia should be banned.
• The drinking age should be 18.
• Vaping should be banned.
• Smoking should be banned in all public places.
• People should be legally required to get vaccines.
• Obesity should be labeled a disease.
• Sexual orientation is determined at birth.
• The sale of human organs should be legalized.
• Birth control should be for sale over the counter.

Technology Debate Topics

• Social media has improved human communication.
• The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity.
• Individuals should own their own DNA.
• Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.
• Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.
• Net neutrality should be restored.
• Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be encouraged or banned.
• Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
• Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.

How to Prepare for a Debate

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, the next step is to prepare for your debate. Follow these steps as you get ready to take the podium.

Read Your Evidence

The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.

The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.

Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments

As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.

Plan to Fill Your Speech Time

Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.

Practice to Build Confidence

It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.

Final Thoughts

Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.

What's Next?

Looking for ways to keep the debate going in non-academic life? Then you'll love our list of 101 "this or that" questions to argue over with your friends.

Thinking about how you can use your argumentative skills in a future career? Read up on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to see if that's a path you want to pursue.

Getting ready to take an AP test? Here’s a list of practice tests for every AP exam, including the AP literature exam .

It can be hard to schedule time to study for an AP test on top of your extracurriculars and normal classwork. Check out this article on when you need to start studying for your AP tests to make sure you’re staying on track.

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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United States Institute of Peace

Dialogue versus debate, learn about dialogue, one activity used in the practice of peacebuilding, by comparing it to debate, another common form of communication with very different processes and purposes..

Dialogue has been around as long as humans faced with a crisis have gathered in circles to talk. It is one of the oldest forms of conflict resolution and is still, when well-conceived and executed, one of the most effective. It comes as no surprise, then, that dialogue is used regularly by experts at USIP and peacebuilders around the world as one tool to manage conflict nonviolently.  Despite its usefulness, it can sometimes be difficult to know what, exactly, constitutes "dialogue." 

One way to define dialogue is “a dynamic process of joint inquiry and listening to diverse views, where the intention is to discover, learn and transform relationships in order to address practical and structural problems in a society.”  It involves face-to-face encounters in focused, facilitated groups with participants representing various stakeholders, and emphasizes:

• deep listening,
• participation based on agreed-upon norms and procedures, and
• exploration of complex issues related to identity and conflict, community or national priorities, or contentious socio-political issues.

To better understand dialogue, it can be useful to compare it to other forms of communication. In the  Dialogue Versus Debate handout, the processes and purposes of dialogue become more apparent in contrast to those of debate. 

As you consider how dialogue might be useful in conflict settings or your own life and community, this handout may offer insight into the nature of dialogue and how it can be used to build relationships and mutual understanding. With this greater understanding of dialogue, you might even identify opportunities to employ dialogue as a tool to inspire profound intra- and interpersonal transformation, which can be crucial components of peacebuilding and conflict management.

This page is partially adapted from " Dialogue: Calming Hot Spots Calls for Structure and Skill " by Alison Milofsky and Maria Jessop, both of whom work in USIP’s Academy for International Conflict Management and Peacebuilding.

Home — Essay Samples — Psychology — Nature Versus Nurture — The Nature vs Nurture Debate

The Nature Vs Nurture Debate

• Categories: Nature Versus Nurture

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Words: 603 |

Published: Jan 29, 2024

Words: 603 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Nature argument, nurture argument, interactionist perspective, criticisms and limitations of the debate.

• One of the most compelling examples of genetic influences on behavior is the study of identical twins. Identical twins share the same genes and were commonly separated at birth, yet they often display remarkable similarities in personality traits, interests, and even medical conditions.
• Genetic factors can lead to the onset of psychological disorders such as Autism and Schizophrenia.
• Evolution and natural selection have created inherited traits such as physical characteristics that enable humans to adapt to their environments.
• Early childhood experiences can heavily influence an individual’s cognitive development. Studies have shown that a nurturing environment positively contributes to intellectual development and conversely, poverty and violence negatively impact cognitive development.
• Socialization is a critical environmental factor that shapes one's personality. Cultural norms also deeply influence one's way of thinking, behavior, and personal identity.
• Environmental factors can heavily impact behavior, such as peer pressure and negative societal influences leading to adverse outcomes.
• Genetic factors and environmental factors have both been shown to interact to influence behavior, gene-environment interaction being critical scientific evidence of this.
• Epigenetics, the study of how environmental factors can activate or suppress certain genes, can have impacts on both personality and physical health.
• Plomin, R. (2018). Genetics and life events: The importance of childhood environments for recruitment into ‘nature’s experiments’. Psychological Review, 125(5), 778-791.
• Reiss, D., Neiderhiser, J. M., Hetherington, E. M., & Plomin, R. (2000). The relationship code: Deciphering genetic and social influences on adolescent development. Harvard University Press.
• Jablonka, E., & Raz, G. (2009). Transgenerational Epigenetic Inheritance: Prevalence , Mechanisms, and Implications for the Study of Heredity and Evolution. The Quarterly Review of Biology, 84(2), 131–176.

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• Joe Biden’s Covid Symptoms “Have Improved Meaningfully,” Physician States; POTUS Says He Will Return To Campaign Trail Next Week — Update

Kamala Harris Has Agreed To Three Possible Dates For CBS News VP Debate Against J.D. Vance; Trump Campaign Declines To Commit Before DNC

By Ted Johnson

Ted Johnson

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• Donors Game Out A Kamala Harris Candidacy As Potential Joe Biden Exit Looms; VP, Katzenberg On Call Today With Contributors
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UPDATE: The Trump campaign has not agreed to a date for a vice presidential debate , even though the Biden campaign has said that Kamala Harris has agreed to three different times.

Brian Hughes, Trump campaign senior adviser, said in a statement, “We don’t know who the Democrat nominee for Vice President is going to be, so we can’t lock in a date before their convention. To do so would be unfair to Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, Gretchen Whitmer, or whoever Kamala Harris picks as her running mate.” 

Harris has agreed to a CBS News hosted debate on July 23 or August 12 or 13. The Democratic National Convention is Aug. 19-22, but plans are in the works for a virtual roll call some time after Aug. 1.

Brian Fallon, communications director for the Biden-Harris campaign, said in a statement, “ Donald Trump is the one whose campaign said he would debate ‘anytime, anyplace’ and who picked JD Vance specifically for his debating skills.

“Now suddenly right after a damning new leak showing his support for a nationwide abortion ban, Vance is backing off a debate against Vice President Harris, who has spent the last two years prosecuting the case on behalf of  reproductive freedom.

“This debate has been discussed for two months now. If JD Vance is unwilling to defend the Trump-Vance record on the debate stage, he should just say so.”

PREVIOUSLY: Vice President Kamala Harris has agreed to three different dates for a vice presidential debate against Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH), Donald Trump’s running mate .

CBS News would host the debate.

In a statement Wednesday, a Biden campaign official said, “On May 16, Vice President Harris accepted the very first invitation we received from a television network to host a Vice Presidential Debate. She agreed at that time to participate in a CBS-hosted debate on either Tuesday, July 23 or Tuesday, August 13.

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Donald Trump Picks J.D. Vance As Vice Presidential Running Mate

Kamala harris, at l.a. fundraiser, addresses joe biden’s debate performance as campaign tries to assuage fearful donors.

“Now that the Trump campaign has selected a running mate, we encourage them to agree to a debate between Vice President Harris and Senator Vance.”

A Trump campaign spokesperson did not return a request for comment.

RELATED: 2024 Presidential Election Debate Schedule: Dates, Times, Who’ll Be There And Who Won’t

Harris and Vance spoke on Tuesday, including in general about debating, according to the Associated Press. In May, before he selected his running mate, Trump said his campaign had accepted a vice presidential debate, but it would be one hosted by Fox News. The Biden campaign had spelled out the criteria it would accept for debates this cycle, and both Fox News and MSNBC would be excluded.

ABC News plans to host the next presidential debate September 10.

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Trump campaign burns Biden over VP debate, implying he may not head the ticket

WASHINGTON – Ouch!  

Donald Trump ’s presidential campaign slapped President Joe Biden ’s re-election team on Wednesday over questions about the timing for a debate between the candidates’ vice-presidential nominees.

Vice President Kamala Harris has already accepted three potential dates for a debate with Trump’s running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio. In late May, Harris accepted an invitation by CBS News to debate on either July 23 or Aug. 13. She accepted a third potential date – Aug. 12 – on Wednesday.

The Trump-Vance campaign has yet to commit to any vice-presidential debate.

More: RNC live updates: We bring you inside Day 3 of the Republican National Convention

The Trump campaign suggested Wednesday its hands are tied because it doesn’t know who will be on the Democratic ticket.

“We don’t know who the Democratic nominee for vice president is going to be, so we can’t lock in a date before their convention,” said Brian Hughes, a Trump campaign senior adviser.

Citing a list of Democrats mentioned as possible candidates should there be a shakeup on the party’s ticket, Hughes said scheduling a vice-presidential debate right now would be unfair to California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer – “or whoever Kamala Harris picks as her running mate.”

The reference was an obvious dig at Biden, who has faced a flurry of calls from Democrats to withdraw from the race following his disastrous debate with Trump on June 27. Rep. Adam Schiff of California on Wednesday became the most prominent Democrat so far to call for Biden’s exit.

Multiple polls show Biden losing to Trump, and some nervous Democrats want to replace him with Harris or someone else who has a better chance of winning.

The Biden-Harris campaign suggested Vance doesn’t want to debate Harris because of his comments in a recently unearthed podcast from 2022 in which he suggested he was open to a national abortion ban.

“Donald Trump is the one whose campaign said he would debate ‘anytime, anyplace’ and who picked JD Vance specifically for his debating skills,” Harris campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said. “Now suddenly right after a damning new leak showing his support for a nationwide abortion ban, Vance is backing off a debate against Vice President Harris, who has spent the last two years prosecuting the case on behalf of reproductive freedom.”

Fallon said the debate has been discussed for two months. “If JD Vance is unwilling to defend the Trump-Vance record on the debate stage, he should just say so,” he said.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers

Michael Collins covers the White House. Follow him on X @mcollinsNEWS.

Zeke Miller, Associated Press Zeke Miller, Associated Press

Jill Colvin, Associated Press Jill Colvin, Associated Press

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kamala-harris-and-j-d-vance-have-not-yet-agreed-on-terms-for-a-vice-presidential-debate

Kamala Harris and J.D. Vance have not yet agreed on terms for a vice presidential debate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. JD Vance, the new Republican vice presidential nominee, have yet to agree on terms to participate in a debate, according to three people familiar with the matter.

WATCH: Vance pick for VP cements the GOP’s populist turn, strategist Lanhee Chen says

Harris has agreed to a debate on CBS News on either July 23 or Aug. 13. Two months ago, former President Donald Trump agreed to those same dates, or one later in the calendar, on behalf of his then-unidentified running mate — but for a debate on Fox News, which Biden’s team has indicated it would reject.

The people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal conversations about the debate, said there had been no progress at bridging the disagreements on the network partner and format, but they expect discussions to begin now that Trump has selected Vance, a first-term senator from Ohio.

Harris, in her congratulatory voicemail to Vance on his selection, urged him to accept the CBS debate, according to one of the people familiar with the discussions.

Last month’s debate disaster for President Joe Biden , Saturday’s attempted assassination of Trump , and the ages of both men atop their respective tickets could raise the stakes for the running mates’ potential faceoff.

“Vice President Harris is prepared to debate JD Vance,” Biden campaign spokesman TJ Ducklo told reporters Monday after Vance was added to the GOP ticket. “We have accepted the proposal from CBS News — I think as folks are aware — to participate in that debate, and we feel very good.”

Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren told reporters on a Biden campaign call, “The V.P. will take it to JD Vance.”

“The debate is going to have two parts to it,” she continued. “It’s how strong our vice president is and how good her economic issues are. I’m looking forward to this debate.”

Finding someone would could perform well against Harris was among Trump’s considerations as he assessed the field of potential candidates. And on that measure Vance stood out.

Vance had first captured Trump’s attention during his campaign for the Senate in 2022 — a viciously nasty primary in which the candidates often seemed to be competing more for Trump’s endorsement than for Republican votes.

As Trump was weighing the field, the candidates gathered for a raucous debate in which two of Vance’s rivals had a near-physical altercation on stage.

The debate became intense almost as soon as it began, as former state Treasurer Josh Mandel attacked investment banker Mike Gibbons’ business dealings in his opening remarks. Soon, the two were standing face to face on the debate stage, shouting at each other as the moderator tried to keep their argument from further escalating.

But instead of jumping into the fray, Vance tried to be the bigger man.

READ MORE: Fact-checking JD Vance’s past statements and relationship with Trump

“Sit down. Come on,” he said, sitting in a row with the remaining candidates. “This is ridiculous.”

Vance, a military veteran, also slammed Mandel as “disgraceful” for using the Marine Corps as a “political football,” drawing loud applause from the crowd. “What a joke,” he said.

The performance caught Trump’s attention and helped Vance win the former president’s crucial endorsement.

Trump’s campaign did not respond Tuesday when asked whether Vance would agree to one of the two proposed CBS dates.

Trump had said he hoped Harris and his eventual running mate would meet at Virginia State University, which is where Fox proposed holding its event.

The university was originally scheduled to host a debate put on by the nonpartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, and it would have been the first time a historically Black college or university hosted one.

Virginia’s two senators, Democrats Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, have urged the candidates to still hold a debate at the school.

CBS would host the debate in one of the network’s studios, which is the Biden team’s preference.

Colvin reported from Milwaukee. AP writers Seung Min Kim and Michelle L. Price in Milwaukee contributed.

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Republicans Grapple With Next Moves if Democrats Replace Biden

Candidates trying to flip congressional seats have spent months yoking their opponents to the president. A new nominee could scramble that strategy.

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By Kellen Browning ,  Simon J. Levien and Chris Cameron

Reporting from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee

• July 19, 2024 Updated 7:46 p.m. ET

As Sam Brown, a Republican and Army veteran, has campaigned for Nevada’s U.S. Senate seat against Senator Jacky Rosen, he has deployed a potent weapon against his Democratic foe: the unpopularity of President Biden among the state’s voters.

Mr. Brown and his campaign have linked Ms. Rosen to Mr. Biden and his policies at every turn, slamming her support for him on the campaign trail and online and even occasionally referring to her as “Jacky Biden.”

Now, with Mr. Biden’s future at the top of the Democratic ticket in doubt , Republicans like Mr. Brown, campaigning in competitive down-ballot races that could decide control of Congress, are considering whether they will need to alter their messaging to account for a different Democratic presidential nominee — whether that is Vice President Kamala Harris or another challenger.

“It certainly changes things; changing a potential presidential candidate for November, that’s going to do something,” Mr. Brown said in an interview. “But at the end of the day, Jacky Rosen has her own record that she has to answer to.”

Republicans viewed Mr. Biden as an easy target even before the renewed questions over his age and mental acuity stemming from his disastrous June debate performance. Many voters already viewed him as too old for a second term, and Republicans bashed him for his handling of the border and tried tying him to soaring inflation and gas prices.

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