What topics to anticipate when debating? Types of motions?

Preparing for a debate always entails preparation on different topics that may be debated upon. It is a good exercise for debaters to always read newspapers where current issues around the globe are discussed.



Motions debated in international and local debate competitions are rooted on issues and topics that currently controversial and debated upon. These topics may relate to a policy that is to be implemented by a certain country or a situation that is viewed differently in the international community. These topics are socially relevant to all whether directly or indirectly.



These topics when debated upon are worded in the form of a motion. Motions are worded in different forms. The following are the types of motions:

1. Positive motion- this motion is worded in a manner that a positive act must be done, or that a certain situation must be assessed as true.

examples:

a. This House believes that we should trade with Myanmar.
b. This House believes that democracy in Iraq succeeds.


2. Negative motion- a motion proposing that something must not be done, or that which describes the situation negatively or as false.

examples:

a. This will not negotiate with the terrorist
b. THBT that Islam has had a bad press.


3. Abstract motion- a motion wherein the subject is not apparent in its meaning.

example:

a. THTB we should plant cabbages rather than roses.


4. Direct motion- the motion is worded wherein the subject and issue is clear.

example:

a. THBT EU should sanction Russia for using energy as a tool for blackmail.


5. Value judgement- a motion wherein a certain situation, person, or place is assessed. It calls for the measuring of a certain act wehter it is good or bad. True or false.

example:

a. THBT conditional ecomonic aid is futile.


6. Policy motion- a motion which porses that something must be done or undone. That should be supported or not. It calls for an action.

example:

a. This House would use racial profiling in the war against terror.


7. Local motion- a motion that concerns only issues of national interest.

example:

a. That people power is nothing but the revolution of the rich.


8. International motion- a motion which is a global concern.

example:

a. That globalization defeats its own purpose.


9. Subjective motions- political, civil society, human rights, powers of the state, international diplomacy, religion, science and technology, economics, international policies, environment, etc.

examples:

a. This would prosecute extrajudial killings.
b. That Vatican upholds religious conquest and not religous conversion.
c. That spy sattellite is the way to go.
d. TH prefers bilateral to multilateral trade.
e. ASEAN should adopt EU policy.
f. This house would grant amnesty to war crimes offenders.



These motions are all around us. Topics in a debate can easily be anticipated if you keep yourself abreast of current events and by thorough analysis and research of different issues that are Internationally, and socially relevant.