debate society
Formal argument group
A debate society is an organization, typically at a school or university, where members practice formal argumentation on assigned topics.
Members learn to construct and defend positions, often arguing sides they don't personally hold.
The term sometimes appears figuratively to criticize excessive deliberation: This isn't a debate society—we need to make a decision.
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- moot courtHypothetical case exercise
- rhetoricArt of persuasive language
- opening statementFirst formal address
- podiumRaised platform for speakers
proposition · opposition · rebuttal · closing arguments · motion · affirmative · negative · point of order · tournament · adjudicator · parliamentary · Oxford · oratory · argument · devil's advocate · cross-examination · public forum · resolution
- intellectual gatheringssalon, symposium, colloquium, seminar, forum
- School Activitiesstudying, homework, reading, writing, clubs
- student clubsdrama club, chess club, art club, book club, film club
- oratorypublic speaking, speeches, oration, orations, addresses
debate societycasual conversation
Informal spoken exchange
bull session · coffee klatch · water cooler talk · shooting the breeze · chitchat
debate societysports team
Organized group of athletes
athletic club · choir · orchestra · gardening club · hiking club
debate societyprayer group
Faithful gathered for intercession
support group · Quaker meeting · faith community · catechism class · echo chamber
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