Students in 'war of words' at debate contest
War of words: A representative from the Sayyidina Othman Secondary School team(L) in action during the 12th Brunei Darussalam Interschool Senior Level English Debating Competition 2008 semi-finals at RTB's Dewan Raya yesterday.Picture:Nasroul Hizam
Sunday, April 27, 2008
FIERCELY lashing tongues spouting smart retorts was a sign that the war of words, namely the 12th Brunei Darussalam Interschool Senior Level English Debating Competition 2008, had been set in motion.
The semi-finals began yesterday at the Radio Television Brunei's (RTB) Dewan Raya in the capital. The first round held in the morning saw the walls barely able to contain the heated debate between the Sixth Form Centre (PTE) and Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah, proposition and opposition respectively to the motion "this house believes that competition is superior to cooperation in achieving excellence".
Though Maktab Duli won the very close battle of wits, PTE's Danial Norjidi was named best speaker for the round.
Later in the afternoon, Sayyidina Othman Secondary School crossed swords with the Science College, the former being the proposition and the latter the opposition to the motion "this house believes that vehicle access to the city should be restricted". Standing up for what they strongly believed in, the second round saw victory in the hands of the Sayyidina Othman Secondary School team, and it's own Mayyer Ling Mohd Tony Ling crowned best speaker for the round.
This year's competition is the first time for Maktab Duli's Moustafa Mahmoud Talaat, 15, on the national level.
Having been in an interhouse debating competition in his previous school, he said that there is a big difference between the two, especially in terms of its quality and standards.
Initially expecting a more formal competition, he admitted that it turned out truly enjoyable and everybody had fun.
Despite the competition's familiar set-up being changed to a more relaxed environment with a comfortable brightly coloured sofa set, Moustafa said that it would not be a big deal if they only had stools to sit on during the competition.
Exuding a thick air of confidence, Moustafa shared that the key to a debater's success is preparation, presentation and personality, all sharpened further with help of teachers and debate coaches.
Mayyer Ling, 18, attributed their success to over-preparation. Knowing that their opponent were formidable, they did vast amounts of research but were still nervous due to the Science College's reputation.
She told The Brunei Times that the team had their fair share of late nights and even spent a whole week to practice the contest.
The finals between Maktab Duli and Sayyidina Othman Secondary School will be held on May 3. The Brunei Times
The semi-finals began yesterday at the Radio Television Brunei's (RTB) Dewan Raya in the capital. The first round held in the morning saw the walls barely able to contain the heated debate between the Sixth Form Centre (PTE) and Maktab Duli Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadee Billah, proposition and opposition respectively to the motion "this house believes that competition is superior to cooperation in achieving excellence".
Though Maktab Duli won the very close battle of wits, PTE's Danial Norjidi was named best speaker for the round.
Later in the afternoon, Sayyidina Othman Secondary School crossed swords with the Science College, the former being the proposition and the latter the opposition to the motion "this house believes that vehicle access to the city should be restricted". Standing up for what they strongly believed in, the second round saw victory in the hands of the Sayyidina Othman Secondary School team, and it's own Mayyer Ling Mohd Tony Ling crowned best speaker for the round.
This year's competition is the first time for Maktab Duli's Moustafa Mahmoud Talaat, 15, on the national level.
Having been in an interhouse debating competition in his previous school, he said that there is a big difference between the two, especially in terms of its quality and standards.
Initially expecting a more formal competition, he admitted that it turned out truly enjoyable and everybody had fun.
Despite the competition's familiar set-up being changed to a more relaxed environment with a comfortable brightly coloured sofa set, Moustafa said that it would not be a big deal if they only had stools to sit on during the competition.
Exuding a thick air of confidence, Moustafa shared that the key to a debater's success is preparation, presentation and personality, all sharpened further with help of teachers and debate coaches.
Mayyer Ling, 18, attributed their success to over-preparation. Knowing that their opponent were formidable, they did vast amounts of research but were still nervous due to the Science College's reputation.
She told The Brunei Times that the team had their fair share of late nights and even spent a whole week to practice the contest.
The finals between Maktab Duli and Sayyidina Othman Secondary School will be held on May 3. The Brunei Times
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