PL Debate :]

2007-03-30T19:52:00.000-07:00

We broke into semi-finals :DD
YAYYYYYYYYYYYYY.

2007-03-10T04:48:00.000-08:00

TJ U16 invites!

Finals

Prize-giving

Presentation of the challenge trophy :)

Team PL

CCA Fair

then...

...now

:DD

2007-02-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hello! Here are the latest updates:

Temasek Junior College u16s Invitationals (JAN)
YAY (: We emerged victors for the first time, bypassing Raffles (in the semis) and Hwa Chong (in the finals) to clinch the over-all trophy. It was a nerve-wrecking, insomnia-inducing period for us, no doubt. Hassles over blazer-borrowing, countless blisters and uniform 'dos finally culminated in that one special night. Of course, let's not forget the Preliminary Rounds which were held on a separate day, as well. Suffice to say, throughout the course of competition, we've had much help and for that, we have a few very important people to thank (: LIZ, for being a fabulous coach and helping us with our cases, sometimes despite the very ungodly hours. JEBRO, for being ever so supportive and encouraging of us. Especially when we needed it the most. MISS DONG, for being the cheeriest and most avid supporter-cum-teacher ever. MRS ONG, for overseeing our welfare (and ensuring we do not suffer from hunger pangs despite us being too distracted to eat). SUPPORTERS, for your cheers, applause, hugs and well wishes. TEAM, for always always being there :D

CCA Fair-cum-Sec1 Recruitment Drive (JAN)
Lots of people signed up to audition, much to our surprise. Goes to show debate is gaining popularity in PL. :D The good thing is, we've got lots of plans laid out this year so be prepared to get involved neck-deep! Auditions went well too. Glad to have had Samsee and Jebro both there to source out fresh talent. (: We see a lot of promise in our sec1 batch!

To any juniors who may be viewing this, we warmly welcome you to the team! Currently, as you already know, Clara is in charge of showing you the ropes. Before long, we look forward to having you train with the rest of the seniors!

p.s. Didn't you love the booth, posters, 'Get Hooked' souvenirs (Debate), pamphlets and all else? Personally, I thought it looked great. Kudos to all who chipped in (:

Julia Gabriels (FEB onwards)
That time of the year is here again! When schools nationwide convene to partake in the prestigious annual clash of wits, in a showdown of elan and elocution. For the uninitiated, JGs is The (biggest) Competition of the year because it determines each school's standing (be it A, B or C division) in the Debate Circuit. In Round One, we were pitted against Anglican High. It was a close debate (: The second round is coming up on 9 March! It's the last Friday of term1. So, if you're free, then I trust you know what to do :D

_____________________

Okay, that rounds up this post (: In the meanwhile, we're scouring for a new skin. I trust Hilary will do up something, aye? (;

Till then, bye!

2006-11-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

Meth Cup '06

...and PL Debate did it again, with both teams clinching two out of three wins (:
To God Be The Glory

2006-10-10T02:40:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

It's been a while, hasn't it?

Here's the low-down on the latest happenings:

As you perspicacious ones might have noticed, PLdebate:TheBlog has undergone a slight revamp (: I hope this blog is now fully functional, but if you do spot any glitches, leave a tag! My suggestion to spruce up the side column apropos the layout hasn't been too successful, what with the (unbelievable) lack of photos, but no matter :)

Also, we're trying to recruit new members, so if you know of anyone who shows a keen interest in the verbal act of sparring, then do let us or Mrs Ong know.

Alas, it is that time of the year again. Meth Cup and other competitions are just round the corner. So, in the interim, trainings will be intensified somewhat. Brace yourselves :D

Come to think of it, try as best to avail yourselves this holidays. There are quite a few debate camps coming up, namely the DA camp, Siglap and most probably a HwaChong one too. Not to mention, the exhibition debates.

Also, I hoped all of you kept a record of the competitions and camps you've attended throughout the year because it will contribute toward your CCA points and if need be, go haggle for more (:

That's about all I have to say for now.

Oh yeah, do update more often, the rest of you! With frivolities, quizzes, anything.

Until then,
Rachael

p/s. best of luck, return of results tomorrow!

2006-05-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Also, please check your emails for the debate folder that Robyn sent. It's crucial!

2006-05-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Training will be held tomorrow at 2A1, 3pm.
Liz is coming down, so see you there!

2006-05-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Please frequent the debate blog for updates especially in the holidays, everyone!
Spread the word.

2006-05-27T06:48:00.000-07:00

ok U14. you all did well. yay. quarters. next year's team beat that and aim for semis.

i suppose you all know that the three speakers were ranked in top 10 best speakers but no harm placing it up here for all to see.

Robyn-8th
Rachael-6th
Charis-5th

congrats and continue to train hard.

oh and nic is going to try to apply to ACJC through DSA-debate. so pray for her k.

Sam

2006-05-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Much has happened in the past few weeks.

u14s, friendly spars etc.

We hope all of you can make it tomorrow for the Grand Finals of the u14s debating championships. It's MGS (prop) vs RGS (opp). The motion reads:

THBT the information super highway should be free from the traffic police.

(...or something along those lines anyway)

Sounds interesting eh.

So yes. Tell one of us if you're coming (:

2006-05-19T23:08:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Robyn, Charis and Rachael would just like to say a big thank you to everyone ((:

The different renditions can be found here:

robyn

rachael

charis

And although our maiden journey has ended here (and yes, despite what many may think, this is our first competition together as a speaking team), we look forward to the many opportunities ahead (:

Till then, cheerio.

2006-05-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

School's been totally slack these days and really, I don't know how any of you can stand it. But no matter. At least the June hols are coming very very soon. Whoopeedoopeedoo.

Speaking of the June hols, you do know that there's a debate camp coming up, right?

Well, even if you didn't know at first, now you do :)

Robyn and Rachael will be away at CAP which leaves only Charis and Rachel and erm, possibly Meena.

Sec1s who are interested can go approach Clara. Details on the LD board.

dumdeedum.

2006-05-18T07:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something to everyone :)
...liz, tiff, mrs ong and the lovely juniors who helped in moving desks and chairs.
not to mention, our dear sec3s for coming down to help us during trainings.
and the sec4s who gave us moral support and encouragement.

2006-05-18T06:32:00.000-07:00

2006-05-16T06:58:00.000-07:00

...and the verdict's out!

We broke ((:

Along with CHIJ Toa Payoh, SCGS, RI, RGS, HCI, MGS and St Nicks.

Kudos to all.

2006-05-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Youth14s prelim motion:

THBT sustainable development is an impossible dream.

Supporters are all welcome!
Especially our juniors (:

Let any one of us know if you're coming down!

...Till Monday!

2006-05-12T07:23:00.000-07:00

Look what I found(:

I hope this dispels the myth of debaters being cantankerous cos we're actually quite erm...

you get the idea((:

2006-05-03T06:13:00.000-07:00

To the u14s team (and all whom it may concern):

You are cordially invited to a sleepover at my house on Friday, 12 May 2006

:DD

After training, let's go somewhere nearby for dinner before trooping over to my place. We can spend the entire night debating and prepping till the wee hours of the morning. Ooo, don't forget the night strolls to the park near my house. And if we're feeling particularly piggy, we can call the 24-hour Macs or smth :) Then, of course, we mustn't forget bay window-ing, camera-whoring and sitting under the stars (in my nicely mowed garden, of course).

:DD

I'm looking forward to it. Dumdeedum.

Go ask your folks real soon!

love, rachael

(...i'm open to suggestions!)

And my sister has consented to sharing her room with four "big" girls on the condition that

1) we do not disrupt her beauty sleep

HAHAHA.

2006-04-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

Good times, bad times
Pain will come and pain will go
If I care for nothing
Sun don't shine

And if by chance we both forget
The passage of space and time between
Pick up the pieces cold and wet
And drive them before the light to clean

Good times, bad times
Pain will come and pain will go
If I care for nothing
Sun don't shine and the grass don't grow
Bloodletting go

<333.

I was about to turn this into a total banal and trite post when I realised I had art homework left with so many other things on my agenda too.

I mean, how apt would my clicheness be right before my 2nd u14s competition?

2006-04-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

ok im here to liven things up a little with my entry. :DDD how nice of me right. ok yes i admit. its cause i have nothing else better to do thats why im sitting in front of my computer blogging for this blog. but you see. I'm nice, thats why i'm blogging. and dont you guys dare say its utter rubbish. *sweet smile*

anyway just an update on how pl debate has been going on. Ermm quite obviously we didnt make it to the Julia Gabriel's quarter cause we only won 1 out of 3 thus unable to break. But its all in the name of competition so what can i do? *shrugs*

U14s should be coming up but dont bug me about the details cause I DONT HAVE THEM! i'll tell you once i receive it so stop pestering me for it. hahaha. anyway there will definitely be more competitions for you guys to participate in so just look forward to them and don't complain when i ask you to practice debating.

Sec1s, i doubt any of you have visited our blog, but anyway hope you'll fast become loud confident speakers by the end of the year compared to what I have seen from the first meeting with you all. haha. but its alright. =)). just get yourself involved in our activities and you guys will improve in no time, though there is a lot to learn.

well...oh yeah just realised you all dont know when is my birthday so here it is. *big grin* 2nd august. there. hahaha.

ciao
SamSee

all the best to the past, present and future pl debaters

2006-03-30T03:36:00.000-08:00

Hello to all who may be reading this !
:D

- robyn & rachael

2006-02-18T04:34:00.000-08:00

Right now, I'm on a blogging rampage. Better to be bombarded than have it stagnate, right? :D

Okay, that's totally irrelevant. But the point is, I've decided, it's high time to spruce up this little nook which has been so still mosquitoes have already breeded in the thousands.

And so, I now present a timeline of the PL Debatolog (otherwise known as the debate blog)...

August 2005 - February 2006

February 2006 -

__________________

If you'd like a closer look, then click to enlarge.

Really, I much prefer the second skin. Although it's comparatively simpler, with fewer colours to boot, it's nicer. Classier, see.

Haha. I'm sorry to be singing praises of something done by yours truly :)

-rachael

2006-02-18T04:16:00.000-08:00

Just a suggestion, maybe we could fill the side column entitled 'P R O F I L E S' with some interesting stuff. Like, facts about yourself, of course. Nicknames, Birthdates, the usual.

Dumdeedum.

2006-02-17T20:13:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone!

Here I am to revive this blog of ours :)

So far we've been up to our necks with preparations for JGs. Just for posterity's sake, the motions we've had are:

THBT only native born citizens should be allowed to represent their country in international sport.

and

THBT alcohol and tobacco companies should not be allowed to advertise their products.

In both instances, PL was assigned the Prop side.

Just so you know, the 2nd preliminary rounds are going to be held this upcoming Friday at Deyi Secondary, somewhere in Ang Mo Kio.

From what I've heard, Mrs Ng has invited the juniors along to provide moral support. Everyone is welcome, and those who can't make it, please pray for the team :)

So far, things have been looking good. We've got Tiffany and Elizabeth as coaches, and Mrs Ong has now taken over the reigns. Plus, a nice new debate shirt should be on its way anytime soon. Hopefully.

Also, we're scheduling friendly spars with other schools sometime next week. Let's hope all debaters can avail themselves :)

And before I bid adieu, I've decided to change the skin once again. Please comment!

To everyone else, all the best with the common tests!

- rachael

2006-01-02T01:56:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

This Saturday (7 January), there's an exhibition debate at Woodlands Regional Library.

Starts at 2, ends around 4pm.

The motion is: THW Fine Those Who Flout Library Rules.

DEP Junior vs. Intermediate.

If you're going, let one of us know!

2005-12-24T22:57:00.000-08:00

Hey all!

Here are (the long-delayed) photos of Siglap South:

Debaters from all walks of life

The auditorium at Victoria School

The transition from that to this

Hahaha. During prep.

2005-12-07T02:01:00.000-08:00

It's been quite a while since I posted. Anyhow, let me keep this short.

Us, juniors, are participating in the Siglap South Debating Championships this weekend. We'd appreciate if everyone (who's available) be there to grant us your moral support.

Much thanks (:

2005-12-01T03:31:00.000-08:00

It's the great, sweet, innocent junior Robyn here!
I don't know if you guys still check this place or not...
We need to blog more, people!

Okay, anyway, I shall finally reveal my secret stash of debate tips to the world.

Debate Videos
(I haven't watched them yet, so no guarantees yet. It isn't a video of a debate taking place,
but merely some educational video thingy. )

Watch a debate

Debatabase Links

Code of The Debater
(Very comprehensive, covering topics from rebuttals to a debater's conduct.
Although some topics aren't applicable in our type of debate, it's a worthy read.)

The other Debatabase

Everything about Debating

The Ubiquitious Debatabase
(If you guys do not know what this debatabase is, you are truly a frog in a well)

Oxford Debate Tips
(Happy reading through this. (: )

All Debate Links
(in case you were wondering, I didn't get my biscuit tin-hidden info from there.
Heh. I have my RESOURCES!)

And of course,
the one problem that still plagues me is my half-baked and one-liner rebuttals.
Rebuttal Tips 1

Rebuttal Tips 2

An adjudicator's personal tips

I guess this marks the end of my secret stash of debate tips.
For all you know, I may have a few links hidden somewhere.

And on behalf of all juniors, we need help in our rebuttals mostly, and learning how to elaborate with only point forms at hand.

Firstly, our rebuttals.
Like what all good speakers do, they signpost, and have like, 2 main points of contention, while we have like, 10 main points of contention. Our problem lies with one-liner rebuttals. I know that we cannot quote a debater, and just go all out to knock down that sentence. But rather,
we should rebut the whole case of theirs, the principles on which their case is built upon. And yes, we need help!

Secondly, ~~our inability to not read word-for-word on a speech~~
I have been told countless times that a good debater never reads word-for-word
while speaking in impromptu debates, but I just can't elaborate on a point.
Perhaps I freeze over in space time, while the rest of the world continues spinning.

Excuse me while I shall go find out what a Kurd State is.

Okay, and thanks to all who wished us good luck!
Enjoy your debate camp too, okay?

--Robyn

2005-11-24T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone! (: *drum roll* its the one and only Nic Mao! yay! ok.. whatever, im pretty bored and im sure its starkingly obvious that i dont give a hoot to cap letters and punctuation. let mrs j. slaughter me for all i care. my hands are too lazy to bother. like sam see, ive been asked to blog. like adel, i dont know what to say! arghh.

and yes dear sam see, my english is totally crap too! we'll die at the hands of grammar together! aww. ugh i dont want to die with you. oh gosh, this is so random! i have no idea on what to say here. hmms. and i sincerely hope the school gives thought to providing debators with their OWN blazers! this spares Both the debator and the poor prefect some agony..no, what some. it spares a LOT of agony. ha!

just want to wish the juniors ALL THE BEST in that siglap thing (and try to keep your "urge" down around you-know-who ok? (:). and to adel, i wish you ALL THE BESTin your future jc (we all know which one it is, dont have to launch into a speech of how great it is :P) and to deareat sam see, i wish you ALL THE BEST in umm.. handling debate! (and handling mrs s.) you'll need it (:

just want to leave you with a quote: its not the hours you put in that count, its what you put in the hours. (: got this from randomly flipping through the Daily Bread. also remember that in everything you do, you do it for the school and for God (: shall not elaborate anymore before i start sounding like a pastor :)

Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men - Colossians 3:23

love you all! tata!

2005-11-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

Hello, this is Adel here (your ex-captain from the '04 batch, if you didnt know). Blogger is horrible; I had to look all over the place for all the funny little buttons so that I could post an entry. Ah well, I believe I'm not techologically impaired because I manage all other applications and computer programmes with ease.

Main point of me posting this wasnt to slam Blogger; it's more of me relieving my boredom. It's 1.10am in the morning and I have to go to school early tomorrow but I'm terribly bored (but unfortunately, not tired) so I refuse to sleep. Ah, nice long sentance, I think Mdm D would be pleased with it (or maybe not, since the grammar most probably sucks cos it's late and my brain's not functioning).

Interesting. I'm bored, have nothing to type, have my grey matter disabled, and I actually make it past the first two paragraphs without any hesitation!

Third paragraph now, I'm proud of myself for no rhyme or reason -- my ego's inflating exponentially. Ah well, I meant to wish all of you the best in whatever you do (no matter how much I hate the bureaucracy over there -- I've graduated, hah!). Hopefully the school would be nicer to you guys and realise that numbers dont count for anything, it's quality that counts, and thus, shower more attention (and money; money is always welcome, we love the feel of flashy green/red/purple notes sliding thru our fingers) on you guys.

This is getting rather draggy and crappy, I know. And wow! you are actually reading this! Well done for putting up with my horrendous style of writing and uber crappy content to boot! I think I'm done --I shall be nice and angelic and gracious and spare your eyes-- for now, so work hard and dont forget to play hard as well!

Enjoy your holidays while it lasts (please subtract the number of weeks you spend on that pile of homework sitting just over there *gestures frantically*); I'm happy because *gasp!* I actually dont have a pile of homework waiting for me. *flashes evil smile*

Haha. Ok, seriously, enjoy your hols and oil your engines for next year for it'll present greater challenges. But remember, nothing is impossible with God. Just have faith. =)

Merry Christmas and Happy New year in advance. =)

-- Adel(25112005)

2005-11-21T23:31:00.000-08:00

ok i'm asked to blog here cause its dead...wahahaha..am i allowed to use lousy english here? i guess not. *sulks* anways ok thats bad english haha but who cares.

hmmm. i have been really out of touch so far with the debate world this hols. didnt have time to watch the debate exhibitions *sobs* yeah. but will have a debate workshop for both seniors and juniors in december although different workshops. and all the best to the juniors in preparing for their competition. 6 motions...wow. even i will die. haha for seniors its a RJC thing. for the rest its Siglap. yepp.

and everybody, just start praying real hard that we get a coach ok? and a permnant one. ermmm oh yeah next year's will be my last. not sure if i want to continue on though in JC so yeah... ok...need to do other things now...

ALL THE BEST TO PL DEBATERS AND THEIR DEBATE CAREERS!!!
signing off as
SamSee *smiles*

2005-11-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

Lots of things have been happening recently.

First and foremost, the Methodist Cup.
I'm pleased to say PL emerged 1st runner-up and two of our debaters clinched top 10 best speakers. Indeed, to God be the glory!

Secondly, as promised, a temporary debate coach was hired to train us for the competition about 1 week in advance. We're currently scouting around for another coach. Any takers?

Thirdly, we're planning to attend ~~all~~ the exhibition debates this hols. So if we've neglected to notify anyone, you can always contact us. Alternatively, there's this site you can check out.

And lastly, this announcement is for all PL debaters!

Feel free to send me photos or stuff about yourself which you'd like to be posted at the side column.

Thanks a million (:

- rach

2005-09-15T06:55:00.000-07:00

Newsflash!

A new debate captain has been selected and she's none other than...

-drumroll please-

Sam See!

Congrats (:

I'll try and get her to write a testimony in here once the finals are over. But until then, here is the lowdown on the latest going-ons...

1) We're finally getting ourselves a coach! Hurray!
2) We're making an official polo tee (:
3) And we hope to participate in the Methodist Cup

Looks like the clockworks are in motion and things are finally getting a move on...
Three cheers for all who made it possible ((:

2005-09-01T02:30:00.000-07:00

I am visibly devastated. My entire post on the semi-final motion of the Mayer's Debate Series was deleted. Just like that. And to think, I spent hours crafting it out. The idiocy of it! Imagine the agony of your painstaking labour of sweat and blood going to naught and multiply that angst hundredfold. Only then will you be able to comprehend the magnitude of my devastation.

Seeing as I have absolutely no intention of beginning all over again, I shall do a summary instead.

The motion ran as such: THBT adults make better volunteers than teenagers.

It appears more of a quibble than anything else, doesn't it?

Politics would have been a welcome change.

Anyhow, my senior team was pitted against Singapore Chinese Girls' School, the proposition.

The exchanges were lively although sometimes hazy.

But overall, in terms of style and substantives, I think SCGS was more deserving of the crowning glory. Apparently, the adjudicators echoed these sentiments. But nevertheless, it was a closely matched and interesting debate put forth by both teams.

2005-08-31T07:27:00.000-07:00

Hello and welcome to the brainchild of two aspiring debaters.

We're still at the 'Humble Beginnings' stage, hence the apparent lack of posts.

To kickstart our oh-so-grand project, perhaps I ought to branch into the history of this blog.

Honestly, there isn't much to be said. It started off with two overactive, overimaginative girls who were clearly bored with their routinous lives. The intellects that they were, they decided that they needed an outlet to channel all their creative juices and positive energy since no one really paid heed to either of them. So, after (not-)much deliberation, a simply phenomenal plan formed in their heads. It took shape in the form of a blog dedicated to debates and debaters alone!

They intended it to be their legacy, to transcend the generations of debaters to come.

Not only was it to be a treasure trove of valuable resources and references, it would also serve as an online convention and support system for the debate sorority.

And with that, the brainchild was born!

p/s. A rousing applause wouldn't hurt :)