Introduction
Two out of three Koreans between 25 and 34 years old have a college
degree. This makes Korea one of the countries with the highest proportion
of college graduates in the world. Due to a strong cultural emphasis
on education, many see a college degree as a basic requirement for
success. Today our debaters will discuss whether a college degree
is a must. Let’s see what Henry and Ashley have to say about this
topic.
Henry
(Constructive)
A college degree is a must for getting a job. In order to have a
successful career, it is essential to graduate from college. All
the best and highest-paying jobs require a college degree and some
professions require even more education, such as doctors and lawyers.
Also, all our education until high school is general. College is
where we learn knowledge about a specific subject. It is where we
gain the tools and knowledge to work in a certain field.
Ashley
(Constructive)
A college degree is not a must for getting a job. There are many
great jobs that do not require college degrees in the United States.
What would we do if we did not have bakers to make delicious breads
and cakes, construction workers to build structures, or dancers
to perform at theaters? All these people contribute greatly to society.
Korea has too many college graduates, and it cannot offer jobs to
all of them. More people should pursue careers that do not require
a college degree.
Henry
(Rebuttal)
It is true that bakers, construction workers, and dancers do not
need a college degree in the United States. However, they could
earn more money if they went to college and worked in a professional
job. Why would they not want that? We should be proud that Korea
has such an educated population. We should not be encouraging people
to forego university. Only people with college degrees can make
significant contributions to society. Just think of all the famous
college-educated scientists, politicians, and teachers!
Ashley
(Rebuttal)
You listed doctors and lawyers as the best and highest-paying positions.
They may be some of the highest-paying jobs, but that does not mean
that they are necessarily the best professions. There are many other
great jobs that require and do not require a college degree. However,
it is not necessary to graduate from college in order to have a
successful career. After high school, people can learn a specific
trade. They can learn how to become electricians, cooks, or firefighters.
A college should not be mandatory for everyone.
Judge’s
Comments
The winner of today’s debate is Ashley. Henry made a false absolute
statement when he claimed that only people with college degrees
can make significant contributions to society. The term “absolute
statement” means that something is true without exception. Therefore,
the claim is false if there is even one exception. In this case,
there are many people without college degrees who greatly contributed
to society, such as one of the founders of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg,
or movie director Steven Spielberg. Therefore, the claim is false.