REBUTTAL

1. It is a freedom of speech.

Rebuttal: Debaters are not entirely free to express their opinions. As. St. Augustine says, "freedom means to do good." This means that one cannot fully express his feelings because debate has rules and ethical standards. A person cannot be very vulgar (e.g., saying bad words) and his opinions should not hit below the belt (being personal). So even a person has many things to say, he cannot do it all because one needs to abide by certain rules and regulations in order for the debate to be controlled. Another instance is that people are not free to choose their motion and side. He is forced to defend the side he's assigned to, even if it is against his morals.

2. It is to develop one's capacity to play from either position with equal ease. Rebuttal: A person cannot debate on either position with equal ease. In every motion, each of us has our own personal stand about it. We feel comfortable to talk about the things we believe in and find it hard to defend the things that are against our principles. If debaters will constantly be on one side(e.g., always government, always opposition), they will not be comfortable to be on the other side if they will be given a chance. The different view they have about a certain topic plus the changing of their side will cause the group to find it really hard to develop this skill and if to the extremes, they will never get to develop it.

3. It helps develop our critical thinking skills and tolerance of differing viewpoints.

Rebuttal: According to our reliable friend named Wiki(Wikipedia), critical thinking skills consists of mental processes of discernment, analysis and evaluation. It has its basis in intellectual criteria that go beyond subject-matter division which includes the following: clarity, credibility, accuracy, precision, relevance, depth, breath, logic, significance and fairness. It is a form of JUDGMENT specifically purposeful and reflective judgment. We make decisions or solve the problem of judging what to believe or what to do. So, how come debate improves critical thinking? When in the first place, we are ask to do some advance researching before the debate starts. Most debaters do not make use of their thinking skills because they are clingy to various resources such as the World Wide Web.

4. It improves our grasp for words.

Rebuttal: debate does not develop our grasp for words. Why? It is because books or any literary forms are responsible for the enhancement of our vocabulary and communication skills. When we read, we encounter different terminologies. After reading, we usually consult to Mr. Webster to do the interpretation of that mumbo jumbo. So it is Mr. dictionary and other literary forms who helps us develop this skill, and not by debating.

5. It boosts our self-esteem and self-confidence.

Rebuttal: Motions for debate are usually given 30 minutes before the debate proper. Instead of being confident, one tends to cram and panic because he is not prepared with his matter. There is not enough time for physical, emotional, and psychological preparations. So during the debate proper, we usually see people shiver and having some anxieties and these are not manifestations of good self-esteem and self-confidence.

6. It enables us to defend our views appropriately and appreciate criticisms.

Rebuttal: During debates, most people are usually at the top of their lungs, unconsciously uttering words that are not that pleasant for the public's ears. obviously, people during these crucial times are not defending their views appropriately. Why? Because when we say "appropriately", respect goes with it. We defend our sides in a nice manner, not by bombarding out opponent with ruthless words. How can one appreciate criticisms if they are not given constructively? It will just aggravate the insecurities of a person.

7. It makes us practice time management.

Rebuttal: Again, our friend Wiki helped us define what time management is. According to him, "Time management" is the various means by which people effectively use their time and other closely related resources in order to make the most of it. If you analyze carefully, the word "time management" is a mislabelled problem which has little chance of being an effective approach. We cannot manage time, it just is! what we really manage is our activity during time defining outcomes and physical actions.

7 Reasons Why People Debate:

1. It is a freedom of expression.

• We are open to voice out our opinions, sentiments and ideas on certain issues.

2. It is to develop one's capacity to play from either position with equal ease.

• It means that for inexperienced debaters, they can support some of their propositions while as to skilled debaters, they can defend or destroy their proposition.

3. It helps develop our critical thinking skills and tolerance of differing view points.

• It creates opportunities and it give you skills like being able to structure arguments, make convincing analysis, etc.

4. It improves our grasp for words.

• It improves communication skills and solve problems creatively.
  

5. It boosts our self-esteem and self-confidence.

• One is able to conquer stage fright.

6. It enables us to defend our views appropriately and appreciate criticism.

• An instance to this is a student-teacher-class argument due to some issues like computation of grades. The student is battling over the teacher's grading system and the sort. This way, we can make someone realize their mistakes so that they can correct it.

7. It makes us practice time management.

• With the limited time available, one develops the skill of being concise in one's arguments and points (avoiding situations such as beating around the bush).