The Active Study Dictionary of English defines debate as a public meeting in which a question is talked about by at least two people or groups, each expressing a different point of view.
We observe from the definition that talking or arguing about something with someone, usually in an attempt to persuade other people, is what we call a debate.

 FEATURES OF A DEBATE 
The features of a debate and that of an argumentative essay look alike. This is because in both essay types, the speaker or the writer is expected to give reasons in support of an idea or against it. However, there are differences between the two essay types.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO ESSAY TYPES 
1. In a debate we use vocatives such as, Mr Chairman, Panel of Judges etc. but in an argumentative essay we do not use vocatives.

2.One person writes or argues for or against an idea but at least two people or groups of people are involved in a debate.

3. An argumentative essay has a writer whilst a debate has a speaker.

 Let's look at a sample question
Q1. As the main speaker in a debate ,write your contribution either for or against the motion , "A boarding school is better than a day school"

 HOW TO BEGIN 
Mr Chairman, Panel of Judges, Fellow Debaters, Ladies and Gentlemen, Accurate Timekeeper, I wish to speak against the motion, " Boarding school is better than a day school.

But before you begin your essay, think of the side you want to write and gather the necessary points to support your views. For instance you are write for the motion ," Boarding school is better than a day school". What will be some of the points to support what you are saying. Let's look at a few of them.
a. In boarding schools they get time to learn.
b.They learn from one another
c.They eat a balanced diet.

So this points can become your positive points to write about to support your view..
And you need to raise some negative points as well. Let's look at a few of them;

a. In boarding schools, fees are too much
b.sleeping places and the food students eat are not the best.
c.Absence of parents and guardians makes many students bad boys and girls.


If you are writing against the motion " Boarding school is better than a day school ". That means you need to raise some positive points on why you a think a day school is better than that of a boarding school and some few negative points as well. But in the end your positive points must outweigh the negatives raised....
Let's list some positive points ...

a.In day schools, fees are moderate.
b.few items are needed
c.sleeping places are good and students eat good food.
d.students are well catered for by their guardians.

 NEGATIVES 
a.They do a lot of house chores so they don't get enough time to study.
b.Some day students go out to do whatever they Like.
c.Some day students walk from far away places to school. This wastes their time .

So let's get started now you are done raising you points and you have made a decision which side to write ....

WRITING DEBATES 
So in writing a debate you must first address the officials in charge. This is the vocative address.

Mr. Chairman, Panel of Judges, Co-debaters, Fellow Students, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen; I stand before this great gathering to speak for (or against ) the motion ,"Boarding schools are better than day schools".

You must take note that each word of those you are addressing begins with a capital letter. After that put a full stop or comma. The motion to be debated must be put in quotation marks. This first section is your *introduction*.

2ND PARAGRAPH
In the second paragraph you must mention one point from the opponent's side and speak against it. You then continue to present your points,which must be at least three. Speak to convince your listeners that your points are very strong.


3RD PARAGRAPH 
In this last paragraph you will state all your three points and conclude that from these points there is no way that you have not been able to convince the judges.


 EXERCISE 1
As the the principal speaker in a debate, write your contribution either for or against the motion, "A boarding school is better than a day school".

EXERCISE 2      30TH JUNE, 2020
You are a speaker in a debate on the motion:
The use of mobile phones in school by students should be banned.
Write your contribution for or against the motion.