BeIR/webis-touche2020 huggingface dataset:
we should ban beauty contests

Yes, I do intend on finishing this debate. I was having a bit of Internet problems yesterday and was having trouble posting my argument. My apologies, Pro. I ask any judges to please not hold the previous round against me. Thank you.Introduction:Beauty pageants and contests have garnered quite a bit of negative attention in recent years. They are seen as a source of pride, hightened egos, and unhealthy amounts of self consciousness. But are they really that bad?Many beauty pageants focus on far more than just a woman's, man's, or child's physical beauty. Some of the most famous pageants, like Miss America, Miss World, and Miss Universe, focus on far more than just physical beauty. These particular pageants require their contestants to have a voice and opinion in politics, to be skilled in various talents, and to be good at public speaking. Beauty is not everything, even when you're Miss Universe."...the Miss America program exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women and to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community."[1]"The Miss World contestants (with the help of their Miss World National Organisations) have set up Beauty with a Purpose projects in more than 100 countries. This gives tens of thousands of young women every year, the opportunity to use their abilities to make a real and lasting contribution to the lives of the sick and disadvantaged."[2]"I credit much of my quick thinking and ability to express myself to pageants."[3]Beauty pageants involve more than just 'good looks'. Self-confidence, public speaking skills, and community service are all major parts of these contests.Now, it is true that people have died trying to make themselves 'pretty enough' for a beauty competition or by trying to meet beauty standards. But is it logical to ban something simply because a few people took a little contest too far? Contestants are not required to engage in any dangerous practices. If a contestant in a beauty pageant decides to go on an extreme diet in order to appear thinner, is it the fault of the beauty pageant, or the fault of the contestant? In the case of children's pageants, we are often given a distorted view of what they are really like. Not all children are forced to engage in pageants, and not all children loathe them. Academic and social skills are often part of these contests.Conclusion: Beauty contests can be quite positive, and thus should not be banned. [1] http://www.missamerica.org...[2] http://www.beautywithapurpose.com...[3] Sabrina Nooruddin, University of Georgia, http://college.usatoday.com...
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

"Most students hate homework with a passion and agree it should be banned. Yet, There are ethical elements making people think twice about giving students assignments to complete at home. Even from a professional view there are reasons why banning homework would make sense. Parents, Students, And educators may agree to an extent that such assignments may not be as effective. Why so? There are school districts that already have a ban and claim things have gotten easier. " (https://www. Tcnjstudentactivities. Com/why-homework-should-be-banned-5-good-points-to-consider/) Even many teachers believe that homework should be banned because it"s a positive thing. Just think about it. If your child has 3 or 6 homework assignments, Then your child not only would they not get to spend time with their families, But will not have time to be a kid. Think about how homework could affect your child in the future when they grow up. Some people think that homework is necessary because children need more practice and it prepares them for college. Part of the reason from my parent"s point of view of why homework should not be banned is because parents (including my parents) need to know what is going on in the classroom. Parents feel like they need to be more involved in their child"s education. To other parents who want their children to have homework every day, Homework is a way that teachers, Parents, And students to communicate. Teachers need to be more accountability in the classroom. Not only does homework could improve your child"s handwriting and reading skills, But it is more of a bonding experience. Homework gives you extra practice until your child is becoming confident. But, There are some parents and/or children around the world in different countries and different races who are taking all or most of the fun, Positive things about homework and turning it into an actual, Physical, Negative, And realistic problem which can seriously cause more conflict with one family member to another and becomes less of a bonding experience. If this conflict goes on any longer, Parents and children around the world not only will children stay up all night working on homework, But will also become enemies when it comes to homework. Even though that some adults (including my parents) think that homework is needed for more practice and college preparation, I think that homework must be banned because children should spend more time with family, Be less stressed out, And have more time to explore other interests. Do you want to know why I ACTUALLY hate homework? I hate homework because it is a waste of talent. That's right, I HATE HOMEWORK BECAUSE IT'S A WASTE OF TALENT! To support my protest against homework, I wrote a very strong Haiku to express my contempt for homework. I for one called it, "Simon"s Beacon". I don't care if it's not an actual haiku. Whatever happened". . ". . . . To a happy family? (wildfire on Christmas eve) Homework is so bad for kids. GOOGLE IT!
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

Maybe you learn better without homework, But that does not mean that other's would learn better without it. This is especially the case because everybody has different learning styles. For example some people prefer lectures while other's prefer reading. Another example would be the fact that Active learners remember things better by doing something with the info while reflective learners would rather think it through first. Homework might stress kids out, But at least it provides them skills that they need for college, If they're going to college.
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

If homework makes kids easier to graduate high school, Then you tell me why they are having meltdowns about assignments. A, From this comment that one of the people out there who agrees with me typed: "Studies have proven that homework does not necessarily equal better grades/test scores. If anything, I feel homework overwhelms young people and puts unnecessary amounts of stress on young minds that don't need it. I've seen teenagers have legit mental breakdowns because of assignments, And that's not healthy, Nor is it, I'm sure, Helping them learn anything but how to deal with stress/deadlines. School is a full-time job to kids. Most jobs don't make you work once you're off the clock. Why should school? When you're done with work, You're done. You take time for yourself. We already spend so much time working in this life, Why are we going to deprive kids of the little free time they have left before adulthood? I also agree with your point about spending time with family. Kids already spend more time with their peers, So when they come home, They should be able to bond with their family, Or at least put in time to their actual interests. Parents can take their kids to fun places where they can learn *without* homework. Take them to science centres, Or museums, Hell, Even taking them on hikes/exploring is a great teaching lesson. Homework is mainly busy-work. I've actually learnt more in classes that *didn't* overwhelm me with work afterwards. I can't learn when I'm too busy just trying to finish an assignment. I learn better when I'm relaxed and can recharge my brain". B, From news and from papers I have read saying that kids are completely overwhelmed by some assignments and final exams they are assigned. And don't try to play "They are being dramatic, It should stop, And they don't get a choice" card. Because, This is serious. All I can say is: If you find out that you failed your assignments all because you stayed up all night working on it and have a negative attitude, Don't say I did not warn you. And I don't take "You're just a kid, You don't know anything about homework, And you don't have the god forsaken power to do anything about it" for a comment.
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

I agree with some of what you said, But there should still be higher level classes with lost's of homework. Because there are always people that do want to go to college. Plus homework is what cushions your grade, And in order to pass and graduate you have to not fail the class. So luckily kids have homework because it makes them easier to graduate high school. For example, If your grade only tests, And you bombed all of them, Your grade is probably going to be a D and an F. But if their homework to cushion your grade, Failing the tests is less likely to prevent you from graduating.
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

If you know homework is not important and should be banned, Then you know it has to happen. Yes, I don't want to go to college, But that does not mean that everybody has to not go to college. It's a free country. If they want to go to college, They can go to college. But, Let me tell you that there are some people out there who agree with me as well. People said things that support my protest like this: "I also agree with your point about spending time with family. Kids already spend more time with their peers, So when they come home, They should be able to bond with their family, Or at least put in time to their actual interests. Parents can take their kids to fun places where they can learn *without* homework. Take them to science centres, Or museums, Heck, Even taking them on hikes/exploring is a great teaching lesson". I honestly don't care about my grades. Let me ask you this: If teachers don't give children more outdoor experience and more family time, Then what's the point in learning and getting good grades? And don't even try to play "It makes children smarter and grow up more" card. Because, I've heard stuff like that before.
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

I know learning might not be important to everybody, But in order for students to learn and retain what they learned homework is a necessity. I know not everybody wants to go to college, But without homework, Students won't be prepared for what's to come to college. So yes, Homework is not important and should be banned if it's a school of kids that don't care about their education or going to college. But you have to think about the people that do want to learn or go to college.
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

Oh "reinforce what you learned". Do you actually think I give a baboon's red, Ugly carne asada for the term "reinforce what you learned"? Homework is THE most stressful event children has ever experienced. Plus, Not getting the whole prepares children for college and life outside of school vibe here. I don't even want homework OR go to college. And even if I do have homework, I only do it at school. All I see in homework is nothing but stress, Complaints, Parental conflicts, Doing things against their will, Willy nilly, I'm trying to help kids by banning homework. Because, I hate to see children go through more adult stuff rather than kids stuff. So, They can either decrease homework to one easy homework or don't give homework at all. My parents always tell me that I don't have a choice. Like: "Hey, You're doing homework. You don't get a choice. Let's go". So, Yeah. I hate homework, I want it done, Finished, Kaput, Etc, And if you think that homework makes kids healthier, Then you're crazy. Why? Because, It gives children lack of sleep. Hence they fail, Hence they don't have time to be a kid, Hence they will be cranky all the time, And hence the reason why I rebel against homework. Knowing that, You still don't want it to be banned?
Homework Should be Banned (Final)

Even though that some adults (including my parents) think that homework is needed for more practice and college preparation, I think that homework should be banned because children can spend more time with family, Be less stressed out, And have more time to explore other interests. I see children cry, I see children complain, I see parents and/or teachers yell, And I see everyone cranky, Tired, Upset, Grumpy, And all those words that means unhappy. What causes this negativity you ask? The answer is HOMEWORK! Children can spend more time with family if they did not have homework at night. For example, The family could go places, Ride bikes, And explore nature. "Banning homework effectively allows children to spend whatever little time they have before bed talking with their parents about their day in school and other topics. " (http://greengarageblog. Org/5-homework-should-be-banned-pros-and-cons) When it comes to family vacation time, Me and my family feel a lot closer together. If I have a ton of homework, I would spend less time bonding with my family. Homework causes stress because sometimes it takes you a long time to finish. Homework also causes lack of sleep meaning that you will stay up late at night working on homework and getting less sleep. Then the next day you can be tired and grumpy and you fall asleep in class. You could get in trouble by your teacher if you fall asleep in class. You can also be too tired to participate in school activities and class then you may get very bad grades. "Homework causes stress in many students. Homework takes time, And it keeps students up late at night getting the work done. The loss of sleep makes it hard to concentrate during class because students are so tired. I once stayed up until midnight and wound up very tired when morning arrived. It was hard to focus on my lessons. As a student, I think sleep is more important than doing homework. Students study during the day at schools and academies, So there is no reason that we have to get homework. Many schools have a one-hour rule, But with multiple classes and each teacher assigning one hour of homework, You end up with hours of work to do at home. Students in advanced levels get even more work than the students in basic classes. " (http://www. Debate. Org/opinions/should-homework-be-banned) If you have too much homework you do not have enough time for hobbies or other interests like, Playing sports or art classes. Having other interests are pretty important. Why? Because, If you have an interest, Like pottery for example, And you want to have that job when you grow up, You can get an after school class there and when you grow up, You got the job. Even many teachers believe that homework should be banned because it"s a positive thing. Just think about it. If your child has 3 or 6 homework assignments, Then your child not only would they not get to spend time with their families, But will not have time to be a kid. Is it normal not to be a kid anymore?
Fat Catholics are miserable SINNERS and those who refuse to fast are doomed to burn in HELL

I"m not a Catholic myself but I do know that both GLUTTONY and SLOTH are two of the SEVEN DEADLY SINS (1). Neither am I a doctor I but I also know that the primary causes of obesity are also GLUTTONY and SLOTH (2). However, fat Catholics can make a gesture of penitence to the LORD by regularly fasting. As it is written in the Bible "And they gathered together to Mizpeh, and drew water, and poured it out before the LORD, and fasted on that day, and said there, we have sinned against the LORD" (1 Samuel 7:6) As well as pleasing the LORD, fasting will also help obese SINNERS lose weight, which would be good for their health and thus enable them to live longer lives, "for the wages of sin is DEATH." (Romans 6:23). I believe priests have the religious duty to guide their flocks by determining how long and how often fat Catholics should fast. The Bible gives examples of one-day, three-day, seven-day and forty-day fasts (Judges 20:26, Esther 4:16, 1 Samuel 31:13 and Matthew 4 respectively) so priests might determine that a fat SINNER who had let themselves go a bit by scoffing a few too many curries and supping a too much beer, and who had failed to renew their gym membership, might be compelled to complete a one-day fast every month, while longer and more frequent fasts would be allocated to the even more greedy and lazy members of their congregations. Catholics believe that when they die they are interviewed by the LORD (or one of his officially appointed representatives such as Saint Peter) and that, during that meeting, they are challenged to account for their lives and prove that they have duly repented of their all their SINS. That means that, no matter what good deeds an overweight Catholic may have performed during his life, if some big fat pile of sweating blubber who died of a self-inflicted, obesity-related illness turns up at the Pearly Gates and takes his place in the line behind some poor little African kid who died of starvation because the grossly overweight guy behind him had consumed far more than his fair share of the planet's finite food resources, there is no way the obese bloke is going to convince anyone that he deserves a place in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN, for in addition the GLUTTONY and SLOTH, GREED is another of the SEVEN DEADLY SINS. It may seem harsh, but woe betide fat Catholics for they are miserable SINNERS and those who refuse to fast are doomed to burn in HELL for all eternity. Thank you. (1) http://deadlysins.com... (2) http://www.nhs.uk...
Social networks are beneficial to our society!

I understand Pro feels strongly about this issue.I have a facepage account myself and I can tell you that they are not beneficial. For example:i) I experience psychological and mental stress every time it says I have a notification and it turns out to be someone inviting me to play Farmville. I estimate a 90% collapse in my mental well being (non-recovery) every time this happens ii) The people I hate keep bugging me !!iii) I am addictediv) Some nutters get to go on them.v) The Labour party have a fakebook page.VI) FACEBOOK is a social networkVII) FACEBOOK creates barriers in the way of genuine social interaction [1].VIII) FACEBOOK encourages bragging. Every post you do is "look at me, I did this" "look at me, I discovered that if you turn the camera the other way, you can take pictures of yourself" etc etc etc [2]IX) FACEBOOK is the cause of our loss of identity. We constantly feel the need to impress others through our pictures, our statuses, the pages we like, etc. The problem comes when we wear this mask so much that we lose who we really are [3]. Then people only know us for the mask, and to not surprise them, we continue it.End of argument.Source[1] (The first video)[2] ibid[3] ibid
The Existence of a "Supreme Being," "Creator," or "God" is not Debatable

First, I would like to say thank you for your detailed and well-reasoned argument. I enjoy debating intelligent opponents. On the topic of your argument, I agree with many of the points you make. People most certainly have a right (and I believe, to some degree, a responsibility) to inquire into the nature of their or others' religions. When such inquiry reaches the ultimate question of the existence of their deity, however, the debate is no longer valid simply because of either side's ability to solve for any question. Let me present an argument that I myself have had with a friend which I believe perfectly demonstrates this conclusion. I attend a Catholic highschool, and, as such, am required to take 4 years of theology. In one Theology class, my teacher presented a slideshow on "the incorruptibles," bodies of saints that have not decayed over the years. Later, a close friend and I argued over whether these preserved corpses were acts of God, proof of His existence. The argument on the religious side was that such phenomena, seemingly applying only to those the Catholic Church have declared saints, could be none other than divine. The scientific argument against their divinity was that Catholic saints were some of the only people whose bodies were exhumed hundreds of years after their deaths, and thus the sample was skewed. It was argued that had such large numbers of people from other religions been examined, it would be entirely possible for them to include more non-Catholic incorruptibles. The religious side countered by saying that scientists had found no reasonable explanation. The scientific side replied with the argument that just because it was not yet explained did not mean that it couldn't be. As you can see, the argument went nowhere, for all the logical and reasonable statements on both sides. Any new point for science was dismissed through the argument that it was "God's will," and any new point for religion was thrown out because it could not be proven. Furthermore, because God is said to be ineffable, his designs and presence outside our plane of human intellect and comprehension, it logically follows that we cannot debate the matter of his existence/non-existence. Any arguments against the presence of such a Being can be made inconsequential with a simple "well, we just don't know what it means yet. That's what He wants, and we can't understand." Science is based on the proposal that we can and will understand everything if we work hard enough. Religion calls for an acceptance of non-understanding. Neither side can garner adequate proof for the other. So, to respond to your argument; yes, people should inquire into religion and question its precepts, but the essence of belief cannot be debated. Debate requires that questions have concrete answers, no matter how shaped by opinion and experience. There is an underlying proof and evidence that may be relied upon. In matters of religion, all such proof can be dismissed.
The Existence of a "Supreme Being," "Creator," or "God" is not Debatable

And here I am, debating whether or not something is debatable . . . oh well. Here goes. There quite simply cannot and never will be a resolution to the debate over God. This is true because of the nature of religion. Religion depends on faith, or unquestioning acceptance of powers and motives deemed "too big" for us. Thus, whenever evidence is presented supporting scientific theory, a religious person can simply respond that yes, that's right, but it exists/is true/works because it is God's will that it does. And there is no way to PROVE them wrong. Conversely, while scientific theories can be disproven, the basic belief structure behind them cannot. If someone disproved the Theory of Relativity, then that would not be proof against science, but simply against one manifestation of science's nearly infinite possibilities. To sum up my argument, the basic precepts of a religious debate (e.g. there is a God vs. there isn't) cannot be proven or disproven. For those of the religious inclination, faith solves every problem, and for those swayed by science, there is always another theory. I would like to end by stating that this should not become a debate over the existence of God, and I will not declare my feelings one way or another. Please respond only to the thesis of my argument.