Debate Club

Our topic last week was “Does Food That Has Been Genetically Modified (GMO) Benefit the World?” Mattia chose this topic despite Mr. Eilian suggesting a topic on global warming.

By now we are adhering far more strictly to the rules of debate, such as speaking for a fixed amount of time with no interruptions for the first and last thirty seconds. During the other time members can raise their hand to be given the opportunity to ask a question by saying “Point of Information” which the speaker can either accept or reject. This created a certain tension and few members, mentioning no names, became agitated and wanted to enter into an argument. They failed.

Generally, however, it was conducted in a disciplined and orderly manner. I opened for the motion and explained the negative aspects about GMOs such as the fact that little is known about their effects on the human body and environment. Mattia contradicted my arguments by saying that they are not dangerous but simply make food better. Vanja and Milica backed up my arguments and added a few of their own points. Similarly, Teresa and Tao backed up Mattia.

Without any doubt the girls won and, being such bad losers, the other side thought they won. We are going to repeat this debate this week with an audience of a few teachers, selected on their charm and kindness, to cheer us on.