Introduction
A role model is a person whom others look to as an example of success.
Many believe that it helps to have a role model. Others believe
that we should create our own success rather than seek the guidance
of a role model. Today our debaters will discuss whether having
a role model is helpful.
Constructive
Debater 1 Henry
Having a role model is helpful. One of the best ways to achieve
success is to have a clear idea of what success looks like. For
example, my role model is Park Ji-sung because I want to be a soccer
player someday. Park Ji-sung demonstrates that having strong endurance
is very important. Therefore, I train hard to make sure that I can
run for long periods of time.
Debater
2 Ashley
Having a role model is not helpful. It does more harm than good!
Many people who have a role model try to copy their role model.
But I think that it is better to create our own success. For example,
I want to be a famous scientist. However, I do not want to copy
Albert Einstein, the world’s most famous scientist. I want to be
famous for my own scientific discoveries.
Rebuttal
Debater 1 Henry
I do not think that all people copy their role models. Role models
are there to inspire us and give us good ideas. You can learn a
lot from Albert Einstein’s example that will help you achieve your
dream of becoming a scientist. You do not need to imitate him. I
also do not try to copy Park Ji-sung’s life. However, his leadership
and skills inspire me to follow my dream.
Debater 2 Ashley
Everyone chooses Park Ji-sung to be their role model! You should
be more original and choose another player. It is true that he had
good endurance. However, it is not enough to have good endurance
if you want to be a soccer player. You must also have good ball-handling
techniques and strength. To be a good soccer player, you do not
need a role model. You need a coach.
Judge’s
Comments
The winner of today’s debate is Henry. Ashley committed the logical
fallacy called needling. Debaters commit this fallacy when they
try to upset their opponent. Ashley should not have criticized Henry’s
choice of role models. She also talked too much about what Henry
needed to do in order to be a soccer player.