BeIR/webis-touche2020 huggingface dataset:
High School English classes should be non-compulsory

There are two ways to satisfy the resolution: -Allow students to take any elective as an alternative to English -Allow students to take a similar class to English, such as journalism, as an alternative -------------------------------- "I'd say the benefits of this are very much worth the time invested in it. " Back this up. "I believe it because I do" is not a valid argument. My opponent claims that because bureaucrats control education rather than educators, "you can get the most out of your education and succeed in life beyond school". However, bureacrats cannot effectively run the lives of an individual. If knowing about 19th century literature helps a student succeed after school, then they might voluntarily take an English class. However, in most cases, such knowledge is not beneficial and ultimately replaces information that might otherwise be beneficial to students. My opponent claims that High School English classes teach us "to communicate our ideas and feeling to the surrounding population". However, such a skill is often taught before high school. Learning about "literary criticism" is not important to the large majority of the population. ---------> A communication class is often required to graduate in the United States. Such a class accomplishes my opponent's need to "communicate our ideas and feelings to the surrounding population". English is not necessary for this. "How do you know that one of those people you mentioned above didn't a certain knack for writing, and had they taken those English classes they could have had a change of heart and pursue a career as a writer? " Forcing teenagers to take a class that they otherwise aren't interested in would not lead them to become writers. Most people do not become interested in writing and journalism in junior year. -------------> Journalism could be offered as an alternative to English class. In fact, if such an alternative to English class were offered, its attendence would increase. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- My opponent has given two reasons why students should be forced to take English in high school: -communication -hidden writing talent Both are irrelevant: -Communication is a different class. It is necessary and mandatory. -Journalism/Creative Writing would be a wonderful alternative to English ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I now await my opponent's arguments.
High School English classes should be non-compulsory

High school refers to the grades between 9 and 12. compulsory- mandatory http://www.merriam-webster.com... Most grammar and vocabulary necessary for daily education is taught before highschool. "Ninth grade students will write in a variety of forms, building on earlier experiences in written expression while exploring and correctly using the conventions of language and vocabulary. Students will learn and use techniques of oral communication and critical/strategic reading skills exploring a variety of literary genres." "Tenth grade students will write in various forms to demonstrate skills of evaluation and analysis while refining the usage of language conventions and vocabulary. Students will explore the principles and techniques of literary criticism, conduct research, and document career options." "Eleventh grade students will continue to develop techniques of discussion and written expression through critical reading of American authors and poets with emphasis on an analysis of the interrelationships of culture and literature. Students will write more sophisticated compositions in a variety of forms and create a significant writing product requiring basic mastery of research, documentation, and synthesis of ideas from a variety of sources. Techniques of oral communication will be strengthened." "The twelfth grade English curriculum is the culmination of the students' study of language, literature, and writing in high school. Students will explore primarily the works of Great Britain and the British Commonwealth to refine skills in critical reading, literary analysis, and written expression. Students will be required to write a number of compositions that apply critical reading skills and various methods of literary criticism, as well as compositions to inform and persuade." Source for all: http://www.harfordtech.net... My opponent agrees to this example curriculum by accepting this debate. Skills such as "critical reading" and knowlege of "a variety of literary genres" is not important to the everyday individual. "Critical reading of American authors and poets with emphasis on an analysis of the interrelationships of culture and literature" is insignificant to many different professions: -truck drivers -plumbers -electricians -lawyers -doctors -entrepreneurs -factory workers -farmers -etc Because such information is ultimately irrelevant to many people's lives, individuals should not be forced to take four years of high school English class.
music should be banned

Research shows that listening to music improves our mental well-being and boosts our physical health in surprising and astonishing ways. If we take a music lesson or two, that musical training can help raise our IQs and even keep us sharp in old age. Here are 10 amazing scientifically-proven benefits of being hooked on music. 1) Music makes us happier. 2) Music lower stress and improve health. 3) Music helps us to sleep better. 4) Music reduce depression. 5) Music help to eat less. 6) Music strengthen memory and learning. 7) Music reduces pain. 8) Music increases verbal intelligence. 9) Music raises IQ and academic performance. 10) Music keeps your brain healthy in old age.
The IQ of a banana is more than 0

How to calculate IQThe formula that my opponent gave for computing IQ was used in the early 20th century. In modern time, the IQ is assumed to be distributed as a normal random variable with mean 100 and standard deviation 15. The definition in the link I provided in the first round has the modern definition of IQ. It should have been clear that I was not referring to the old "mental age" formula.If Phi(x) is the cumulative distribution with mean 0 and standard deviation 1, then the fraction of the population with an IQ less or equal than y is z=Phi( (y-100)/15 ). For example, the fraction of people with an IQ <= 70 is Phi((70-100)/15)=Phi(-2)=0.02275.So about 2.275 % of the population has an IQ <=70. We can safely say that the IQ of a banana is probably less than 70.How smart is a banana compared to humans? On standardized tests, bananas score the same as people in a persistent vegetative state."In the United States, it is estimated that there may be between 15,000–40,000 patients who are in a persistent vegetative state, but due to poor nursing home records exact figures are hard to determine."http://en.wikipedia.org...As of January 6, 2014, the United States has a total resident population of 317,413,000.The fraction of the population with an IQ less or equal than a banana is roughly 15,000/300,000,000=1/20,000.We now solveIf y is the IQ of a banana, we get the equation Phi((y-100)/15)=0.00005.(y-100)/15=-3.89. Solving this yields y=15*(-3.89)+100=41.65.So the IQ of a banana is about 42, significantly higher than 0.Do banana's have brains?The computation of the IQ of a banana by my opponent using the wrong definition also relies on the assertion that bananas do not have brains. An image of the outside of a banana does not constitute a proof. For example, a walnut may not look very intelligent on the outside but if you crack open its skull you see that it does have a brain.
The IQ of a banana is more than 0

My primary argument will consist of this claim.It lies in how IQ is calculated. The formula for IQ is {IQ=(mental age/calendar age)x100}. The definition of 'mental', according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, is, "of or relating to the mind," and the definiton of 'mind' is, from the same source, "the conscious mental events and capabilities in an organism. " Now, since "consciousness arises as an emergent property of the... brain", it can be concluded that bananas do not have consciousness as they do not have brains (as seen in the image below), and thus do not have a mental age. Since a mental age is nonexistent, 0 can be substituted into the formula. Using the Zero Product Property of Multiplication, it can be deduced that the final IQ of a banana is equal to 0.http://www.sciencedaily.com...
The IQ of a banana is more than 0

First I would like to apologize for the delay. I didn't see the notification for the debate, and am now left with only thirty minutes to reply. However, that should not be perceived as anBrain of a bananaContrary to what my opponent pointed out, a brain is necessary for bananas to have an IQ. Several issues arise if it does not.For instance, if IQ measures cognitive ability or intelligence, the logical conclusion would be that a brain is required for any thought processes to occur. IQ stems from cognicence, and cognicence stems from the brain.http://en.wikipedia.org...Also, my opponent points out that a search for a banana's brain would indeed be fruitful. I overlooked this aspect, but still uphold that this means only that much 'fruit' will be found. Fruit =\= BrainMy opponent failed to provide any evidence for the existence of a brain, and instead relied on semantics to support his claim. Here is another image with higher resolution, of the inside of a banana. Note that there is, again, no brain in sight. Calculation of IQ Addtionally, my opponent provided arguments as to why bananas would still score a 5 on a modern IQ test. As a rebuttal, I offer the following scenario.The mean IQ is 100, as previously established. However, there have been people with an IQ of over 200, which is 100 more than 100. If IQ's are evenly distributed as thought to be, it can be concluded that an equal number of people/vegetables/fruits must exist on each variation from 100 (e.g. if there are 10 with an IQ of 195, there must be 10 with an IQ of 5).http://listcrown.com... In conclusion, I believe I have provided enough evidence to disprove the notion that a banana has an IQ greater than 0 by showing that it is a statistical possibility and that brains, which bananas don't have, are needed to have an IQ at all. (Plus I'm out of time).
Why Nice Guys Have Better Relationships Than Jerks!

There's this misconception that "nice guys" are doomed to have a harder time finding success in life than most. Thus, why the phrase "nice guys finish last" was born. I think that's a BS. From personal experience, I can attest to the idea that "being nice" is actually a benefit and essential to living a great life, if that's what you desire. Studies have shown women find men more attractive when they're doing something kind or generous. For example, ask yourself this. Whether the following is male or female, who would you rather date or be in a relationship with? Person A) Narcissistic, selfish, apathetic, dishonest, and completely rude in conversations; BUT makes six figures a year (over $100,000), owns his own car and house, high position in work, and has PACKED OUT parties. Persona B) Trustworthy, selfless, loyal, kind, understanding, good listener, compassionate, supportive, and of course a "nice guy"; BUT he lives an apartment, typically takes the bus the work because his car breaks down a lot, struggles to maintain a steady income, and most of the time doesn't go out much since he works so much. See, a lot of times, nice guys are able to hold relationships longer than jerks. Sure, girls may be attracted more to "bad boys" but that instant attraction will soon wear off and, when it does, the girl moves on. Before long, she'll get tired and want someone more substance. With nice guys, you have a ear to speak to, you'll have an unlimited amount of support, you'll have someone who's willing to give you all the attention you need, and even if he wants to be done with you he won't break up with you over text -- he'll tell you to your face. Also, nice guys make better fathers than jerks. Understandably so, most girls don't want a long term relationship at young ages and desire "flings" over being tied-down. But what's one thing you tend to hear about those women? "These men ain't crap." Why is that? Because, a lot of times, these girls are too young to know what they want and that's because, most of the time, they don't even know who THEY are. Eventually, when they get sick of getting their heart broken, they choose to settle down with who? That's right. A NICE guy.
Obama ist ein besserer Pr"sident als George W. Bush

1. President Obama introduced a healthcare bill that forces Americans to buy a service. despite the fact that more than half the population thought the bill was in violation of the constitution. 2. *The president has doubled our national debt in just 4 years, something that has never happened in American history. We've accumulated more debt in the past 42 months than all of the previous 232 years of this republic. That's impossible to overlook. Sarah Palin: *Obama lies, freedom dies.
Obama ist ein besserer Pr"sident als George W. Bush

Before George W. bush i will admit the country was on a very slight slope into recession , but george bush made the slight slope a free fall. When george bush took office in the 90's many thought do to the internet improve the economy. Productivity gains were up 1.5% During bill Clinton second term productivity gains were past 6%. Depending more on the internet began to lose jobs. The nasdaq fell 15 percent in the single month of April 2000 making the hope for the internet being the economies new frontier stop. The 2.2 trillion dollar budget. Bush ran the thing into the ground. The country could have used that money in areas to make this recession short lived. The first major economic initiative pursued by the president was a massive tax cut for the rich, enacted in June of 2001. Another obvious issue that most people know is the money we had to spend on the iraq war. (support for this is found at the end) his lacking in ability to get other world leaders to support us. Him representing us is one of the major contributions to every country hatting america. http://www.youtube.com... http://youtu.be... Saudi Arabia had been asking the US for a long time to leave their country, but the U.S. did not leave. That made one particular man named Osama bin Laden angry and he hatched several terrorist attack plans against the U.S, the most devastating being the attack on the World Trade Centers and the Pentagon. Then he went into hiding. President Bush vowed to hunt down bin Laden, and the U.S. declared war on Iraq. The reason given to the public was originally that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction; however, no weapons were found. The public was later told that the U.S. Was in Iraq to instill democracy. Unfortunately, not finding any weapons of mass destruction left doubts in many people's minds about the "real" the U.S. went to war with Iraq. It also came to light that bin Laden was trained by the C.I.A and that the bin Ladens were visitors to the White House on several occasions, In addition, during the time when all planes were grounded on 911, it was alleged that President Bush flew bin Laden's brother out of the U.S. Since 911, there have also been doubts raised about the events that occurred that day and whether bin Laden was really responsible for it, along with allegations that the U.S. Made billions of dollars from the sale of weapons to Iraq.
Cod schools are better than schools with only one gender.

😊 Co-education promotes diversity and allows children if adults to be exposed to an environment in which they can grow from experience. Growing is a learning experience and can only be unlocked when one is given the chance to be around all genders. Coeducation is a different learning tool in which students can prepare themselves in the outside world. It is very important for kids to know how the gender acts so they aren't completely stunned when they grow up. School is all about dealing with problems and being exposed to the other gender teaches boys and girls to be used to the opposite gender, it will stimulate a source of maturity between these two genders and as they become an adult they have the people's skills for all kind of people coeducational schools also make sure that there is no sexism between communities. Keeping two genders apart creates tension and makes one feel superior to the other because of being kept apart too long. I know that these people can see each other outside of school but it is still really awkward because everyone knows kids spend a lot of time at school and most of their learning happens there so do we really want society's children suffer this way? Sexism keeps society from growing, Everyone knows that in the outside world both of these genders will meet and clash not being able to live in workplaces or stuff and limit growth in economy and stuff because of people's incapability to successfully socialize with the other gender. Thank you all and please vote for me! a86;A039;
Existence of God

Hello. This is my first debate on this website; thanks to all who participate (opponent, voters, commenters). I will be arguing for the existence of God. My beginning arguments: I. laws of logic: I ask my opponent, where did the laws of logic come from (e.g. the law of non-contradiction)? In a materialistic/naturalistic worldview, they cannot exist; for the laws of logic are immaterial and universal and, therefore, not compatible with a worldview that only believes that material/physical nature exists (i.e. denying the existence of the immaterial). In the Christian worldview, the laws of logic stem off from the Sovereign; he is the logical Creator, and the universe reflects this, as it was made in a logical, orderly way. The universe must obey these laws. Sure, contradictions are not possible because they are illogical - but we must dig deeper; *why* are they illogical? How did these laws come about by materialistic, naturalistic, non-intelligent processes?
Gay Marriage

First off, you spelled acknowledge wrong. It isn't spelled with an 'a'. You also spelled government wrong. There is no 'o' between the 'r' and 'n'. Second, I've read the 10th amendment. Over and over. Still won't put out my fire. I fight for what I believe in. Now why wouldn't the government acknowledge marriage? Most people, out of the people I know at least, would say marriage is an important thing. Therefore, important for the government to acknowledge its existence in general. It supports a theme of finding one person instead of hopping from person to person, which resolves a conflict in itself. If there were no marriage and no acknowledgement of the subject at all, we would have people wanting to be together forever, and people hopping from partner to partner. That would create chaos. There's also the fact that marriage isn't a permanent thing. The two can get a divorce if they please. The joining of two lives is beautiful, no matter what the genders. I think I'm going to close this one off here though. My final point is that marriage is something that has to be acknowledged to avoid certain forms of chaos. The government would have a fit. Not saying they won't anyway, it's the government. That's just how that works. They fuss about everything.
Rap battle

(I appologize as my Spacing doesn't appear to be working) In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, You want me in a rap battle then so be it. Unlike Jesus, you won't have a Resurrection. How could I lose to a guy who can't get an errection? My opponent here doesn't even know how to rap. We can all see that his skills are cr@p. You better watch out Dark_Debator_007, I'm going to rain down on you like it's Armaggedon. Like the 4 Horsemen I bring forth Death and Destruction, I believe it's time for me to give you a proper introduction, I'm gonna be the winner of this match, Lannan13, Time for you to head to the guillotine. I'm handing out so many raps like my name is St. Nick, There's a reason that my bars are so sick. Time for me to banish you to the Shadow Realm, As I'm the king of the World, Yeah, I'm at the helm. Call me Goku Cuz here comes the Spirit Bomb. Hell I'm smoking you like Cheech and Cong. My opponent has left like a hommer from Babe Ruth, I'm going to win this battle and that's the truth.
Rap battle

thank you for accepting here is my rap: these days when I lie and go to sleep in these empty night These doubts of mine would amplify as they try to testify to convince me and make me wonder if I even truly do love her Since the first day, it hurts to think about but it hurts more to sink this cloud cause I am now on level 9, in heaven as I endeavour to spend our time together for better but in this same petal we find, thorns we have to handle storms we have to weather, from which we will learn to never be separated, these are the steps to makin' something special from two first loves it's magic and we see through the doves No tricks, no playin' games, so go on, claim to hate even My brain's aim's to break, my will and my feelings I'm too sane to make, a decision, too many dictions and my need for assurance shifts my sense of direction A lack of any traction, between my thoughts and my actions, it's wayward So I'mma cast aside my fear and questions, and play near the edge and hopefully you'll see our rings if we're ever your neigbours Here a link to my beat : www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p6nMnypEoo#t=45
Rap battle

We fly militant, brilliant thinkers, tanks, On the mic I'm swift so give thanks, As a child I asked Jesus why, You be like damn his vibe, damn this guy. Girls out front can't wait to touch me. So when you roll up to smoke you better be. My world was a stepmother three years older then me. I watch from a distance so I can see, Work out in the yard up North, tryin' to burst out, so come on baby let me see what you about, Medina warriors, when we came they fucked it up. USA edges France 3-2 in Fed Cup. Just a plain one, tryin' to shed a little light, Now how many MC's must I stomp tonight, The sentencing, would of made the average crook happy. But the rap game to me seems shady. 'Bout to be the Lockness Monster, Gimme dat three fitty. Double homicide, they keep the fear in the city One by one I'm knockin' you out, Show the world what I'm about You lost out in this battle your gone, Just look, I won. You rapping against me is a fvckin' joke, And just like Porky Pig said, "That's all folks."
Rap battle

My, my, my, so many misspelled words,I think this guy must be high as a kite, as he flies with the birdsBye, bye, bye, he hears in his mind as he comes back to earthTime to die Hunger Games style, you'll "Rue" your birthThis man's flow is downright degradable,His loss'll be found more than slightly undebatable,I won't call him "sir", but I'll call him a lady, thoughThis crappy little girl gets thumbs down in the stadiumYou're the "Creator"? Of what? Only crappy raps came from youThe only way I'd call you "Tyler" is if you drowned at Tippecanoe *C'mon and step up, you can't fill my damn shoesI wear a size eleven, you only measure a size twoSo watch out DDO, Phoenix comes back with the flowThis man's in De"Nile" **, he pretends that he don't knowI can't tell if he's trying, or if he's just a trollCuz his lines are dying, and like Rick, I'm on a rollNaw, this ain't Halloween, it's Nightmare on Elm Street,Forget Freddy, your scariest Nightmare is meCall me Jason, I'll come on Friday the 13thAnd I'll smash your head so hard it'll knock out your teethAnd I'll leave you on the street as you slowly but surely bleedAnd the Marines will be fewer and prouder once you leave