My First Journal Entries about Learning of Debate

This semester, my Listening and Speaking class is talking about English Debate instructed by Viphavee. “Debate is a formal way of expressing opinions or stance on a controversial issue.” Instead of improving solely English listening and speaking skills, I also look forward to learning more abilities, such as critical thinking, justifiable arguing, factual evidencing, being deeply knowledgeable, logical and educated person.

I have had three classes from this semester and learned about the Asian Parliament Debate format, watching the video about “Introduction to debating”. Frankly speaking, I have never participated in any debate contest, not to mention in English. It is completely a new and big challenge for me. Besides, when I search the Internet about English debate, I discover that there are a number of the videos which are debate contests by Asian university students. It astonishes me that all of them speak so fluently in such a quick speed that basically, I cannot catch up with. Sometime, I can capture some part of fragmented vocabulary inadequately, but, at the same time, ignore the meanings of whole sentences. How poor my English is that I suddenly realize.

Well goes an old saying, “Self-recognition is the largest progress.” I know that I do not have enough or perfect English skills; what I know is working hard. May myself be more and more diligent and be willing to persevere!