"Debate" vs "Argue"

"Agree to disagree:)"

With aspiring undergraduates waiting to test their English speaking skills in an English as a Second Language (ESL) climate, what can be enacted and created to assist them in grooming themselves for career demands? What can indeed be the platform to groom undergraduates to use English in a way closest to real-life context, meeting the challenge of interview quality, as well as employability? On this note, please be rest-assured that almost everybody in the country can speak English, by now, and to be a cutting-edge graduate, you should be able to communicate with confidence, persuasion, and impressive language.

Recently, the Vice Chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia(UPM) reported that “Proficiency in the English language is the second most important characteristic sought after by potential employers,” (the Star online, May 13, 2008) in a research which was conducted by UPM’s Alumni Centre involving more than 4000 recently graduated students. In fact, English competency forms an integral element in the success of the country’s National Higher Education Action Plan. So, mastering English is fundamental, and mastery entails the ability to use English in group discussions, group decision making, academic presentations, competetions, and ultimately - debate.

Yuppp:) We argue much with friends and foes, we quarrel and win the arguments with our siblings, we put together our so-called 'communicative competence' and emotional artilleries to win these challenges embedded with sarcasm, ad-hominems, and god knows what...Come to think of this oftentimes-gratifying experience, how much evidence and facts do we have to summon to win the 'battle of wits-and-whatsoever'? At the end of the day, you may discover that to argue is in fact to merely share ignorance... period!

Debate, on the other hand, is entirely different from a mere argument. To debate is to share your intelligence, deliberating on matters and issues at hand, supporting claims with facts, details and evidence beyond reasonable doubt. The fact that you'll be designated to opposing camps can be a blessing in disguise. Being well-read, you shall anticipate the opponents' points and prepare your rebuttals to bring down their claims. And what about you? Muster enough courage, collate all facts and figures pertinent to the motion and your stance, and convince the speaker that your proposal is superior. Hmmm...because it's a battle of intelligence, where brainpower and intellect collide, debates offer a much professional and ethical speaking avenue to evaluate matters.

Can everybody argue? Perhaps. Can any Tom, Dick, and Harry or Salleh, Ah Meng, and Kumari, debate? Yuppp:) Why not? Try it, for the sake of future employability, and pure exchange of insights and observation, and you shall feel the difference. Debate, and "make a difference."

So... if you are currently a debater, have debated, will be debating, etc., please drop us one line or two to share your thoughts and experience. Inspire others to be like you, doing what you do best, enjoy most - debates.

The avenue for debating at UNITEN is definitely by joining the English Debate Society or EDSoc. (from 17th August 2006). C U there.

Cheers, Zue