On October 10, 2023, the awards ceremony of the 3^rd SHSID Freshman Chinese Debate Competition was held in the Zhentao Building Lecture Hall. This debate provided valuable opportunities for the Grade 9 high school freshmen to hone their skills in critical thinking and expression. Through the debates, students not only improved their understanding of each other but also cultivated teamwork and cooperation skills.

Part 1 - Finals Recap

This year’s competition adopted a three-on-three debate format, with each class sending three debaters for intense confrontations in each round, covering different debate topics. Debaters from Class 7 and Class 8 stood out in the fierce competitions of the preliminary, semi-final, and final rounds, eventually advancing to the stage of the finals. The debate topic for the finals was: 'Is it advisable to use magic to defeat magic?'

The debater from Class 7, representing the affirmative side, believed that using 'magic to defeat magic' is essentially retaliating in kind. If the issue can be resolved without violating ethical and legal boundaries, then it is an acceptable solution. On the contrary, the debaters from Class 8, representing the negative side, argued against this approach. They contended that in a society governed by the rule of law, we have the capability and should use more appropriate methods to resolve conflicts. Using 'magic' would only escalate and intensify conflicts, without truly addressing the underlying issues.

In the free debate segment, both sides utilized a series of real-life examples to argue their respective points. In the end, the debaters from Class 8 were deemed the final Champion. Teresa, who served as the third speaker for the opposing side from Class 7, was also honored as the best debater of the competition, leaving a remarkable impression on the entire event.

Part 2 - Champion Interview

After the competition, we had the honor of interviewing the champions—debaters from Class 8. When discussing their gains from participating, the debaters mentioned that, despite not having prior experience in formal Chinese debates, the unexpected outcome of the competition was a result of the team's cohesive collaboration and each individual's relentless effort. They believed that, through this competition, the team's critical thinking and debating skills would see significant improvement, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the activity of 'debate.'

The debaters also shared some challenges they faced during the competition. Particularly in the semi-finals, being on the side of a debate topic conflicting with personal opinions posed a difficulty in adjusting their mindset and preparing their arguments. This is a common challenge many debaters encounter on the competition stage. Nevertheless, the debaters from Class 8 overcame these difficulties through extra effort. They not only researched more to support their arguments but also successfully maintained composure, demonstrating resilience in the face of challenges during the competition.

Part 3 - Interview with the President of the SHSID Chinese Debate Club

We also interviewed Vincent, the president of the SHSID Chinese Debate Club (one of the organizers of this competition). We invited him to share his experiences and insights into debating.

When discussing the significance of debate for today's students, Vincent expressed, 'Debate brings not only the improvement of a specific skill but also a collective activity that teaches everyone how to think, investigate, and express simultaneously. Engaging in debates enables a comprehensive understanding of various knowledge and the development of individual perspectives.' The enthusiasm for critical thinking and expression also drives the debate team's students to tirelessly organize numerous on-campus debate activities. Vincent mentioned, 'Continuously communicating with teachers about competition planning, selecting debate topics, and the going about the process of publishing on public platforms, I transformed from someone focused on self-development into someone who loves the community and is willing to contribute to those who share a passion for debate. I have gained a deeper understanding of the meaning of service.' Finally, when asked about his connection with debate, Vincent felt that since he started participating in Chinese debates in the ninth grade, he increasingly realized that 'debate is the glory of the team, not the show of an individual,' bringing him 'unforgettable memories and personal growth in each stage.'

Thus concludes the 2023 SHSID Freshman Chinese Debate Competition. On the battlefield of debate, students not only showcased a high level of critical thinking but also demonstrated exceptional adaptability. Each competition provided them with valuable opportunities to hone their skills and make progress. Through debate, they not only discovered the beauty of critical thinking but also ignited a thirst for knowledge and a keen insight into rhetoric. This debate competition serves as a key to the door of deliberation, adding momentum to their fresh academic explorations in high school.

(Written by 9(1) Victoria, 11(4) Vincent Pictures by G9 News Group Supervised by Yanjie Yao Reviewed by Qian Zuo)