Speaking Through Argument: Analyzing EFL Learners’ Oral Performance in Classroom Debates

Abstract

Debate is a process that involves formal discourse, discussion or addresses on particular topic or collection of topics often with a moderator and audience with the aim of practicing finding arguments based on strong and accurate data. In addition, debates aim to foster speaking skills in expressing opinions well against conflicts that are pro and contra. Thus, this article will raise the theme of debate in a speaking performance conducted by second semester students of the English study program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Tangerang. The purpose of this article is to find out the extent of students' speaking development through the author's analysis. There are 4 debate groups that will be studied with 4 to 5 students. The method used in this research is descriptive quantitative, things that are examined such as students' linguistic intelligence, statements and arguments issued, and debating manners.