During this activity, I learned how to build a strong academic argument step by step. At the beginning, I thought debating was just about saying my opinion, but now I understand that it requires structure, evidence, and critical thinking.
In the first class, we learned about the importance of the statement. I understood that a clear statement is the foundation of any argument. It helps define the topic and guides the discussion. I learned that before defending an idea, we must fully understand what the statement is really saying.
In the second class, we learned about counterarguments. This was very interesting because I realized that a good argument is not only about defending your opinion, but also about understanding the opposite side. Learning how to explain why another position might be incomplete or incorrect helped me think more critically and see different perspectives.
In the third class, we focused on conclusions and how to close an argument properly. I learned that a conclusion is not just repeating ideas, but summarizing the most important points clearly and confidently. It should leave a strong final impression.
Overall, this activity helped me improve my critical thinking, organization of ideas, and ability to express my opinion in a respectful and academic way. I also learned that debates are not about winning, but about understanding different perspectives and supporting ideas with clear reasoning.