You are a speaker in an inter-school debate on the topic: "It is better to attend a school near your home than one outside your neighborhood". Write your sp...

Answer Details

Mr Chairman, accurate timekeeper, panel of judges, my co-debaters, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I stand before you this morning to speak in support of the motion, that it is better to attend a school near your home than one outside your neighbourhood.

My first and strongest point is the saving of time and energy. A student who attends a nearby school rises at a reasonable hour, walks a short distance and arrives fresh and ready to learn. His counterpart who travels far must leave home before dawn, endure long, tiring journeys and often reaches school already worn out. Time wasted on the road is time stolen from study, rest and family.

Secondly, a school near home is far safer. The distant traveller is exposed daily to the dangers of reckless drivers, accidents and the many hazards of the highway. Parents of a child schooling nearby can breathe easily, knowing their child is only a short distance away should any emergency arise.

Thirdly, nearness saves money. Transport fares consume a large part of many family budgets. The money spent on daily commuting to a far-away school could instead buy textbooks, uniforms and proper meals for the child.

Fourthly, a local school keeps the child under the watchful eyes of both parents and neighbours. Such supervision guards young people against bad company and truancy, since there is little room to loiter unnoticed.

My opponents may argue that famous schools far away offer better facilities. Yet a brilliant mind, well rested, well fed and well supervised, will excel anywhere, while a tired, endangered and poorly supervised child will struggle even in the finest of buildings.

On the strength of time saved, safety assured, money conserved and supervision guaranteed, I urge this house to agree with me that it is indeed better to attend a school near your home. Thank you.