Education · Advice & Questions · Oct 18

How can I argue the assigned side of a school debate without pretending it is my own view?

Education

I drew the card marked "compulsory school uniforms." I had spent lunch explaining to a friend why I opposed them. Now she says arguing for the motion tomorrow would make me a hypocrite.

The teacher assigned sides randomly. We are meant to present a case and answer a challenge, not vote on the policy. I can think of arguments someone might make for uniforms, but I don't agree that they settle the issue. I also don't want to sabotage my own assignment with a deliberately weak speech.

Would it be reasonable to introduce the speech as the case for my assigned side, or would that sound as though I'm apologising for it before I begin? I'm stuck between representing a view fairly and sounding as though I have changed mine overnight.

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3 community replies

@MorganSays

Ask the teacher how the role is meant to be introduced. If everyone knows sides were assigned, a simple opening naming the motion may already make that clear. You don't need to interrupt each argument with a disclaimer about your personal opinion.

@TheoInTransit

Your friend is treating a classroom role as a declaration of belief. You could explain the assignment once: you are testing a case you were asked to represent. It is still your responsibility to avoid claims you know are false.

@maren17

Pick an argument you can state accurately, then identify its limits when preparing for questions. A fair case can acknowledge trade-offs. You don't have to manufacture certainty or choose the most extreme position just because the card says 'for.'

How can I argue the assigned side of a school debate without pretending it is my own view?

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