Debate · lesson 5 of 24 · free

Rebuttal: answering the other side — Debate and group discussion

A rebuttal answers the other side’s argument. A fair rebuttal deals with the exact point: if they say “A garden costs too much”, you answer about cost — “Seeds and pots cost under ₹500, and parents have offered tools.” A reply that talks about something else (“Gardens look pretty”) dodges the point, and a reply that insults the speaker (“You can’t even grow a cactus”) attacks the person — both lose marks.

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Debater's tip

Their point, why it fails, your proof — “say their point fairly, show why it is wrong, give evidence, say why it matters”

  1. Step 1: say their point fairly. Step 2: say why it is wrong or weak. Step 3: give your evidence. Step 4: say why it matters.
  2. A fair rebuttal answers the same point with a reason or a fact.
  3. Dodging (changing the subject) and attacking the person are not rebuttals.

Use it for: Second and third speeches, points of information, GDs and any friendly disagreement.

Worked example: 🛡️ What kind of reply is this? They said “A garden costs too much.” Reply: “Gardens look very pretty in spring.” → dodges the point

  1. Their point was about cost; the reply talks about how gardens look.
  2. It does not answer the point, so it dodges the point.

Check: Practise aloud: rebut “Sports periods waste study time” in four steps — their point, why it fails, your proof, why it matters ✓

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🏁 Lesson 5 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

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🖨️ Debate Worksheet: Rebuttal

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