Opening Statement & Stating Core Arguments
Each team delivers an opening statement, outlining their fundamental policy proposal or opposition and the main arguments supporting their stance.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
implementation
The act of putting a plan or policy into action. Use it when discussing starting new programs, like 'The implementation of the new law begins next year.'
alleviate
To make something less severe or painful, often used for problems like poverty. For example, 'This medicine will alleviate your headache.'
feasibility
The possibility of something being done successfully, especially regarding cost and practicality. Say, 'We need to check the feasibility of this project.'
disincentives
Things that discourage people from doing something, like working. Use in debates: 'High taxes can create disincentives for investment.'
dependency
The state of relying too much on something or someone, often negatively. For instance, 'Government aid can lead to dependency if not managed well.'
empowerment
The process of giving people power or confidence to act independently. Common in policy talks: 'Education is key to women's empowerment.'
reallocating
Redistributing resources or money to different areas. Useful in budget discussions: 'We are reallocating funds from marketing to research.'
incentives
Things that motivate or encourage action, like rewards. In debates: 'Tax breaks provide incentives for businesses to hire more workers.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Our proposal for today is the implementation of a universal basic income program across the nation.
This is an opening statement in a debate, using 'our proposal' to introduce an idea clearly. Useful for starting discussions; note the structure: subject + verb + specific policy. Practice for formal presentations.
We firmly believe this policy is not merely a social safety net, but a vital investment in human potential and economic stability.
Emphasizes belief with 'firmly believe' and contrasts ideas using 'not merely... but...'. Great for arguing importance; helps intermediate learners express strong opinions in debates.
Our primary argument centers on the idea that UBI will alleviate poverty, reduce administrative burdens, and stimulate local economies.
Lists benefits with parallel structure (will + verb) after 'centers on the idea that'. Useful for stating core points; teaches how to use 'and' for multiple ideas in arguments.
While the aspiration behind a universal basic income is commendable, our team stands in opposition due to significant concerns.
A concession-contrast sentence starting with 'While... is...,' then opposition. Ideal for polite debates; shows balanced view and why to use it when acknowledging the other side.
Our core argument is that the immense cost of such a program would necessitate unsustainable tax increases or lead to unmanageable national debt.
States main point with 'core argument is that' + clause; uses conditional 'would' for hypotheticals. Practical for counterarguments; highlights cause-effect with 'lead to'.
To address the financial aspect, we propose a multi-faceted funding model, including reallocating funds from less efficient welfare programs.
Responds to concerns with 'To address...'; lists solutions after 'including'. Useful in rebuttals; teaches gerund phrases like 'reallocating funds' for proposals.
Our argument is that we need to focus on job creation and skills training, rather than a system that could potentially detach individuals from the traditional workforce.
Contrasts alternatives with 'rather than'; uses 'could potentially' for possibilities. Key for debates; explains preference and modal verbs for uncertainty.