Global Campus Debate Club Participated in an Online Event

The DAIS Global Campus Debate Club participated in an online debate against the British Vietnam International School of Ho Chi Mihn City (BVIS - HCMC). The debate was part of the Global Campus Debate League and the students participated in the "Beginner League."

Four students participated in the debate: Haoxuan Xiao (Grade 9), Iris (Shiwen) Liang (Grade 7), Megan Tian (Grade 6), and Liuyan Wang (Grade 6).

The Debate League uses the parliamentary style debate format which divides the debate teams into the "Government" and "Opposition." Under parliamentary style debate, the Government supports the motion while the Opposition opposes the motion. In this system, students are given the motion 10 minutes prior to the start of the debate and must put together the best arguments possible for their position. 

The motion before the debaters for the DAIS-BVIS-HCMH match was "Children ages 7 - 17 should be given pocket money every month, regardless of if they complete chores." DAIS was assigned the position of Government and therefore supported the motion. The debaters feverishly prepared their notes during the 10-minute preparation time and created a cohesive argument which all four debaters needed to present as a team.

Haoxuan led the debate team with the opening and provided the foundation for the entire argument. The main kernel laid before the judges was universal income for children would help ensure and guarantee human rights. Iris, participating in her first ever debate, followed Haoxuan and rebutted the arguments of the Opposition. Iris fielded a point of order from the Opposition which asked what to do if children spent their money frivolously. She skillfully answered the question to the satisfaction of the Opposition. Liuyan, also participating in her first debate, continued to advance the Government's argument using quick and forceful rhetoric — and even declined the Opposition's request for a point of order. Liuyan's tactic worked as the powerful points she raised left the Opposition reeling. Finally, Megan ended the Government's argument with a masterful closing. She reinforced the strength of the argument before the house while dismantling the argument presented by the Opposition. 

After some deliberation, the judges awarded DAIS the winning placements in the debate with a particular commendation being presented to Megan and Liuyan. 

The Global Campus Debate Club looks forward to debating in the Global Campus Debate League later this year.