You are the chief speaker in a debate on the topic: Parents should allow their children to choose their own careers' write your speech for or against the to...

Answer Details

Format note: A debate speech requires the vocative opening (chairman, panel of judges, accurate timekeeper, co-debaters, audience), a clear statement of the side taken, well-reasoned arguments with examples, and a strong concluding appeal. This model argues for the motion.

Mr. Chairman, distinguished panel of judges, accurate and unbiased timekeeper, my able co-debaters, ladies and gentlemen. I stand before you today to speak in support of the motion which states that parents should allow their children to choose their own careers.

Mr. Chairman, a career is not a garment that one person can comfortably tailor for another. It is a lifelong path on which a person must walk with passion, energy and conviction. My first point, therefore, is that interest breeds excellence. When a child pursues a career he loves, he works with joy and rarely tires. A boy who dreams of becoming a musician or an engineer will pour his whole heart into it, while one forced into medicine merely to please his parents may drift through life joyless and unproductive.

Secondly, times have changed. In today's world, success is no longer limited to the so-called prestigious professions of law, medicine and engineering. Fashion designers, sportsmen, information technology experts and entrepreneurs are earning respect and fortunes. If parents insist on choosing only the old, familiar paths, they may deny their children golden opportunities that suit the modern age.

Thirdly, Mr. Chairman, allowing children to choose their careers builds responsibility and confidence. A person who makes his own choice takes ownership of it and works hard to prove himself. On the other hand, a child forced into an unwanted career often blames the parents for every failure, breeding resentment and regret.

My opponents may argue that children are too young and inexperienced to decide wisely. I concede that children need guidance, and I do not say parents should keep silent. Rather, parents should advise, counsel and support, but the final decision should rest with the child who must live the career for the rest of his life.

In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, since it is the child, and not the parent, who will practise the career, endure its demands and enjoy its rewards, it is only fair and wise that the child be allowed to choose it. On these grounds, I strongly urge this house to support the motion. Thank you.