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Grade 9: Striving for Brilliance through Debating

September 23, 2024

The Freshman Chinese Debate Competition is a showcase of intellectual talent and strategic thinking. This competition is a great platform for the G9 studrnts to showcase their abilities in presenting ideas clearly and analyzing opinions logically. In the initial round, held from September 11th through the18th, 11 teams faced off in a series of rigorous debates. As the first round unfolded, the excitement and intensity of the competition were evident, setting the stage for a remarkable display of youthful debate prowess.


This year's competition began with a challenging and thought-provoking topic: "Are there more benefits or disadvantages to the idolization of sports stars?" Each team was tasked with defending or opposing the notion.


The debate began with the first speakers’ constructive speeches, where each team’s first speaker had 3 minutes to introduce their main arguments.




Teams that argued in favor of idolization pointed out how athletes can serve as role models, inspire young people to pursue excellence and promote perseverance in the face of difficulty. Conversely, the argument against idolization focused on how excessive focus on sports stars can overshadow more meaningful values within sports, as well as the negative effects it can have on athletes themselves.


The debate continued with the rebuttals, a 1.5-minute segment where each team had the chance to challenge the arguments presented by their opponents. This phase saw the debaters skillfully dissecting each other’s points, highlighting inconsistencies, and reinforcing their positions.


Following the rebuttals were the second speakers’ defensive arguments, lasting 2.5 minutes each. In this stage, teams reinforced their initial positions and addressed the points raised during the rebuttals. The defense arguments were marked by a deeper exploration of the debate topic, with students presenting additional evidence and examples to support their claims.


The crossfire segment, lasting 4 minutes, added an extra layer of excitement to the debate. This interactive phase allowed debaters to directly question each other, leading to a dynamic exchange of ideas. The students used their questioning to challenge the opponent's assumptions and clarify their positions. This segment showcased the debaters’ ability to think solidly and adapt their strategies in real-time.


After the crossfire, teams were given 1 minute of preparation time to finalize their closing arguments. The conclusion speeches, lasting 2.5 minutes each, were the culmination of the debate. In these final remarks, debaters summarized their positions and made a last, persuasive case for their side. The conclusion speeches provided a powerful end to the debate, with each team striving to leave a lasting impression on the judges.


Out of the 11 participating teams, only 4 advanced to the semifinals. They were classes 9(2), 9(5), 9(6), and 9(7). These top teams distinguished themselves through effective argumentation, strategic thinking, and engaging interactions. The Freshman Chinese Debate Competition’s initial rounds were a testament to the student’s intellectual capabilities and dedication. As they continue through the tournament, these G9 debaters will have the opportunity to refine their skills, tackle new challenges, and further showcase their debate prowess. 




(Written by 9(5) Edwin Shao, 9(5) Henry Fang, 9(9) Emma Li   Pictures by 9(11) Maggie Tang, 9(11) Emily Li       Supervised by Lijia Yu, Yi Fang    Reviewed by Qian Zuo)