Debate is a formal discussion of a topic that follows specific rules. Participants make arguments in favor or against a topic, and audiences listen to the argumentations to form opinions. It requires strong public speaking and performance skills. Debating is often used in political campaigns, and debaters compete in structured debating competitions.
The debate about whether or not school uniforms are good for students is a great example of debating and discussion. Both sides of the argument have valid points. One argument is that uniforms help students feel like they belong at school, and it makes them more likely to be productive. The other argument is that students should be able to express their personalities, and the use of uniforms restricts this.
In a democratic society, citizens are often involved in decision-making by participating in debates. These may be between candidates for a position in government, or they may be more formal discussions about a topic. In the United States, for example, presidential candidates are sometimes required to participate in public debates. These debates are usually hosted by schools or universities and aired on television.
If you are writing a debate essay, it is important to understand both sides of the argument. Find out what statistics, expert opinions and case studies support each side of the debate. Once you know what your stance is, figure out which arguments are most important and how to present them. The most compelling arguments are those that are grounded in facts.