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The World Scholars Cup (WSC) is one of the most prestigious competitions for children.  History  The World Scholars Cup, founded by Daniel Berdichevsky, started in Seoul, Korea. The competition aimed to be different from traditional competitions and conferences - a celebration of the joy of learning, a tournament that was as rewarding for the team that came in last as the team that came in first. It has grown to reach more than ten thousand students in multiple countries like Auckland, New York, Amsterdam, Bangalore, Rio de Janeiro, Hanoi, Abu Dhabi, and many more. It has partnered with multiple institutions like the Yale University International Relations Association and hosted the first World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions.  Events  Every World Scholar’s Cup features four exciting events testing participants' skills. The first is the Scholars Bowl, held in the event auditorium. Questions are flashed on the screen, and each question gets harder than the previous one. Participants work as a team to solve analytic questions and multimedia challenges. The aim is to answer faster than other teams and get more points.  The second event is the Collaborative Writing, where students showcase their skills in persuasive writing. The students will be given six prompts from six subject areas, ranging from creative scenarios to explore and persuasive arguments to make. The team is only required to write three out of the six prompts, but each team member must answer a different prompt. In this event, teams are not allowed to prepare their essay with their devices. The goal is to make a persuasive and exciting essay for the judges. The third event is the Scholar’s Challenge. This multiple-choice test evaluates the student’s knowledge of the six subjects. This event has an exciting alpaca-powered twist: You can mark more than one answer per question. The fewer you mark, the more points you can earn if you are right.   The last event is the Team Debate. Each team debates for three rounds on motions across all subjects in this event. Teams are given 15 minutes to plan their arguments and research and 4 minutes to deliver their speeches. The amazing feature of his event is that students receive team feedback after each round, whether they win or not.  Logic Bird teachers supporting their teams Benefits of WSC The World Scholars Cup is an event that strengthens students' debating skills, persuasive writing, and general knowledge. This competition exposes students to various analytical questions that enhance their critical thinking and speed of thought.  It teaches students confidence and grit from competing. This global event also allows students to make meaningful connections and explore other cultures. Students are exposed to a community of like-minded and driven individuals across the globe, which can mold their character and perspective. Joining WSC also allows students to travel across different countries for the regional and global rounds until they reach the Tournament of Champions hosted by Yale University.

This motion breakdown is to provide relevant arguments in this motion. This does not mean that running these arguments in this debate will guarantee a win, but it does increase your chances of winning and adapting in the debate round dynamics. This House believes that education systems should over-inflate children’s academic self-perception (e.g., providing overwhelmingly positive feedback, avoiding failing grades, etc.). This motion came from the first preliminary round of the Worlds University Debating Championship. The motion statistics for this British Parliamentary format are as follows: 1st for OG: 10.8%, 1st for OO: 29.7%,  1st for CG: 14.9%, 1st for CO: 44.6%. Motion statistics are a reflection of the win rate of houses in this particular motion for the entire tournament pool. The Case For Proposition The Set-Up In debate types that burden proposition to defend excess, the most important thing you must do is secure three important definitions. The first is to illustrate what inflation looks like. In this portion, you may say that the overinflation of academic self-perception will be in languages that are still believable for students. Example: You will unlikely say to a student that they are perfect and will be the next Nobel laureate, but you may say they are intelligent in math. Importance: This is strategically important because it prevents the opposition from arguing that overinflation is exaggerated and unrealistic. The second thing to do is to suggest that over-inflation does not mean that we remove other parts of criticism. In this portion, you can say that criticism can exist outside of the education system. Example: You can derive criticism from your peers and other members of your community. Importance: This prevents the opposition from claiming that the benefit of criticism can only be found exclusively on their side. This also burdens opposition to differentiate the quality of criticism that you derive from education and criticism that you derive from the community. If they are unable to do this, the opposition will have no strategic advantage. The last thing to do to complete the setup is to characterize strategically what a student's upbringing looks like. In this portion, you may suggest that a student's upbringing is largely affected by his childhood. During childhood, a lot of parents usually over-inflate the compliments that their child receives for various reasons. This means that students are inherently more receptive to compliments than criticism. Example: Even when a child paints a picture badly, a parent will not say that this painting is ugly. Instead, they will still compliment the child for painting. Importance: This will be the largest underlying premise of your claims and argumentation. This premise is important because it answers the question as to why overinflation of compliments is necessary but also that it will be perceived by the child better. This characterization also adds a burden for opposition to prove that criticism is preferred by the students more, but secondly, criticisms are perceived well by students. Argument 1: Criticisms harm students This argument relies on the proving of the setup. This argument will not be effective and strong if the setup is unproven. This argument relies on the premise that students accustomed to compliments outside of schooling do not perceive criticism well. In this portion, the speaker must highlight how students engage with criticism. Example: Speakers may suggest that students often see criticism as an attack on their ability and their confidence; thus, it is not perceived well. You may also add that students do not understand how to deal with criticism, especially when it comes from a person of authority they fear and respect. Importance: This argument places a burden on the opposition to respond about how criticisms harm students and their learning. Multiple impacts can be derived from this argument, such as lowering of self-esteem, pressure to become better, and fear of receiving more criticism in the future. All of these harm the learning process and mental health status of the students. Argument 2: Overinflation improves the learning process This argument relies on the premise that education is challenging, and overinflation makes the perception of a child towards education better. To elaborate on this point, it is important to show that education is often overbearing. Example: The education system requires a student to learn multiple subjects in one day while giving them multiple requirements to take home. This takes away precious time for them to have fun, relax, and rest. Additionally, it's also important to note that a student’s intelligence is subjective, and often, a lot of kids do not do well in the standardized learning that education gives them. Importance: This argument is important because it shows that children usually have inherent characteristics that make it harder for them to do well in school. Which means that they are more likely to make mistakes. This burdens opposition to show that mistakes are going to be fixed by overinflation. The second part of this argument is to show that overinflation of academic performance allows children to appreciate the education they receive from school more. In this portion of the argument, it is important to highlight that there are alternatives to the education system and that if parents do not see their children performing well in school, they are likely to pull them out. This second portion will only be strong if Argument 1 is proven sufficiently. Example: Parents can also evaluate the performance of their children in school, using report cards, parent-teacher conferences, and even talking to their child. Since we prove that criticism negatively affects the student’s learning, the impacts of lowered confidence and self-esteem are likely to be seen by parents as well. In most instances, they are likely to pull the child out of school and bring them to alternative schooling like homeschooling. Importance: This argument is important as it shows that the education system will have fewer students and less influence on learning once the negative effects of criticism are seen by parents. This argument is important because it burdens the Opposition to respond. Argument 3: Teachers practice criticism poorly The premise of this argument is to suggest that teachers even after undergoing training from the educational department, often have inherent biases that fuel harmful criticisms. This is especially true for old and tenured teachers with generational biases who can escape accountability due to tenured positions. Example: A teacher coming from a strict household and growing up in a strict and competitive environment will expect the same things from their students. When students do not meet these expectations, the teacher will likely criticize them like how she was criticized when she grew up. They often justify this by saying things like, “Back in my days, mistakes like these are not tolerated.” Importance: This argument burdens opposition to prove why teachers use criticisms in a manner that promotes learning. This argument is good because it doesn’t rely on the generic argument that teachers are abusive. After all, they are bad, despite it showing that even if teachers may be good and trained, they have inherent characteristics that bring harm. The Case for Opposition The Set Up In this debate, the opposition has to show how criticisms are given in the status quo. Criticism is proportional to the performance and age of a student Example: Here, you have to point out that teachers have always been trained to gauge the aptitude and sensitivities of their students. What this means is that they can moderate their criticism to an appropriate level that does not hurt the child. Importance: This directly engages with the set up of Affirmative and shows that the giving out of criticism is done in a healthy way that does not harm the child. This is important because it undercuts a lot of the underlying arguments that the Affirmative brings. The second thing to point out here is how teachers, even if they may be bad, often are motivated to make sure that they retain their jobs by not having parents complaining or students dropping out Example: Teachers are subject to different accountability measures such as parent-teacher meetings, student complaints, and even performance evaluations. What this means is that when a teacher gives out demoralizing criticisms that hurt the student’s performance in school, teachers also suffer from this because it is a direct reflection of their performance as workers. Importance: This engages with the third argument of Affirmative about teachers. In this point, speakers can show that teachers have financial incentives to do well in their jobs, which means that they are unlikely to give out harmful criticisms. This is important because not only does this establish an inherent motivation that clashes with the Affirmative, but it also responds to their claims. Argument: Criticism is Key to Learning The premise of this argument is that students only become receptive to learning once they understand that they can also make mistakes. Here, the opposition will agree with the characterization of the Proposition that students are always exposed to compliments. This means that students often have no motivation to learn and get better in school because of their self-belief that they are already smart and good. Example: A student that has been coddled by their parents and complimented for everything that they do are likely to build a self-belief and ego that they are the best. This means that they believe that they are unable to make any mistakes and that their choices are always the best. Importance: This argument is good because it can stem from multiple impacts, such as growing ignorant of their mistakes and even denying that they can make mistakes. This is important because this burdens Affirmative to engage with the problem of coddling and overinflation. Argument 2: Criticism is a powerful learning instrument This argument relies on the setup of Opposition. If the setup is not done correctly, this argument is easily defeated by the Affirmative. This argument relies on the premise that criticism becomes valuable because it opens the understanding of a student that there are things that they can still improve on and that mistakes are steps to learning. Example: When you always get a perfect score in your exams, you’re likely to become more complacent in the next exams to follow. However, if you make some mistakes, you are more motivated to study harder. Importance: This argument shows that criticism allows students to become accepting of their mistakes, which makes them improve in their studies. Argument 3: Criticism prepares for adulthood The premise of this argument shows that adulthood is challenging, and students who graduate are bound to make mistakes. This premise can be proven in many ways Example: Adulthood does not have a roadmap; often, individuals compete with each other for opportunities, and the standards of the workplace that you enter after graduating are different. All of this means that students are bound to make mistakes in the first years as they enter adulthood and the workplace. However, since the education system already gave them the proper attitude Importance: This is important because it establishes that education also has a long-term effect on students as they graduate. This also establishes that mistakes will permanently exist in people’s lives; therefore, having the right attitude to face your mistakes becomes important as well.

The aspiration for any debater is to break on to the world stage. Steps In Making Your Major Tournament Worth It Step 1: Preparation for World Championships Six months before the actual tournament, the fight begins. After my partner and I registered for the Vietnam Worlds University Debating Championships (WUDC 2024), we knew that each day leading up to the competition was important. For the first two months, we spent our time re-mastering the fundamentals of debating and learning about advanced strategies. We did this repeatedly. Taking comments and criticism from each debater we came up against and the judge adjudicating our training. The next four months were spent going to multiple tournaments in different regions like Zagreb Pre-WUDC and India Pre-WUDC for us to train our minds to think and analyze on high-level debating platforms. This training also served to train our body; debate is exhausting, and making sure that your body is trained to compete lessens the exhaustion you feel. Preparation is the hardest part of going to WUDC. It requires intense effort and discipline to train until you improve your debating quality on the world stage. Adding to competing in multiple tournaments before majors, you also have to put additional effort into reading and watching important current events throughout the world to familiarize yourself with different contexts that may appear in the tournament. Step 2: Debating at WUDC Even after rigorous preparation, the nervousness you feel an hour before round 1 of the tournament gets the better of you.  The anxiety that you will deliver a bad speech in the first round is distressing. This is especially true when you see your team name in the draws for the tournament. You often cannot help but imagine your opponents are giving stellar speeches and outranking your team. WUDC had nine grueling preliminary rounds. These preliminary rounds are a set of intense matches where teams rack up points to qualify for out rounds, which are the octofinals, quarterfinals, semifinals, and grand finals rounds. During these preliminary rounds, where you battle against different teams from prestigious universities, your mindset is the most important thing that defines success. While there may be debaters in your room whom you believe are better than you, the mindset that you have to carry is that you will win. While keeping this mindset is easy to say, it is incredibly hard to do. During these preliminary rounds, I also had a moment where I felt that I would lose before the round even started. However, this is not the mindset that a world competitor should carry. In times of hopelessness, I recall the effort and time that my partner and I sacrificed to prepare for this tournament, I recall the help that my friends extended to pursue my goal of winning. This recollection was the only line of hope that I held firm as I stood above my anxiety and fear. It may be seen as unrealistic, but it works. Convincing yourself that you can win means that you become more punitive of their arguments, create better arguments and strategies for your team, and improve your overall debating sense. This is what we did for all nine preliminary rounds of WUDC. We went against various debaters, from the University of Sydney, Monash University, Belgrade, Tokyo University, and even from our very own country. It's this mindset and thirst to be victorious that allowed us to secure enough points to break. Step 3: What to do After a Major Competition? WUDC may be difficult, but it is also one of my most enjoyable experiences. The comments we received from internationally renowned adjudicators and the speeches we heard from our great opponents aided my growth. To which I am incredibly grateful. Apart from debating, meeting debaters you have faced in multiple tournaments is incredibly fun. Experiencing their culture and language while building friendships and connections is a gift I will cherish forever. My Takeaways WUDC ended on January 7, 2024. It was one of the most competitive tournaments that I experienced throughout my 3 years of collegiate debating. My team ended our run at the ESL Semifinals. We did not meet our goal of ending with a championship. This outcome has fueled my motivation to improve my skills in debating. I am preparing to perform well and hopefully attain the championship for Asia's British Parliamentary and United Asian Debating Championship in 2024. I know that my performance will be a lot better this time around because WUDC opened my eyes to the fact that I am capable of standing on the world stage.

Exploring the art of debate shows its critical role in the development of effective communication and persuasion skills. Within the realm of public speaking, debate distinguishes itself as a unique platform where individuals gather information and confidence to convince others. This process is not only about presenting arguments but involves a sophisticated mix of logic, critical thinking, and persuasive tactics under the scrutiny of opposing views. The essence of debate lies in its ability to foster an environment where disagreement serves as the foundation for constructive dialogue, encouraging participants to engage with diverse perspectives and refine their argumentative skills. The Unique Value of Debate In almost every public form of speaking, debate is the only stage where speakers accumulate all their information, and confidence to persuade judges that the other side and their values are less important. Debate’s uniqueness comes with the fact that speakers often become exposed to attacks from the other side while trying to persuade the judge that they should win. This inherent level of disagreement often pushes speakers to become critical, more logical, and persuasive, which you cannot find in other forms of public speaking. The presence of disagreement in debates is inherent in forming discussions. This is good because it instills in children and students who participate in debates, that disagreement is a part of the discussion. Therefore the value of debate transcends from its tournaments and classrooms. Because students are no longer deterred in voicing their disagreement, and differing opinions. They become more confident in creating conversations with people who might not believe the same thing as they do. The Practical Benefits of Debate Debate is a valuable activity for students in the most obvious sense that it builds confidence and allows them to express ideas persuasively. These skills are incredibly valuable in many areas of life, from school work to college interviews and presentations. Apart from speaking, debate teaches critical thinking and research skills. Debate builds the mental ability of students to understand both sides of world-relevant issues. From topics such as AI, economics, geopolitics, philosophy, and even culture, students are trained to explain their opinions and assess different points of view in each round. But most importantly, debate often develops in students' ability to research their ideas, and support them with strong evidence. The ability to research and assess resources is important to build the analytical skills needed for a 21st-century citizen. All these skills equip students with the capacity to express their thoughts better in their school work, discussions among peers, and even college or work applications more so because students in debate are often used to responding to unfamiliar arguments in urgency. Why Enroll in a Debate Course For those who are interested in partaking in debate, it offers vast amounts of benefits, from building confidence and self-esteem to having the courage to partake in conversations, building friendship and teamwork, and training critical thinking. Debate is a stage that would equip you with the power to change your life.

The Power of Persuasion: Logic Bird's Public Speaking Classes Public speaking is a skill that can open doors and create opportunities in various aspects of life. Whether you're presenting in front of a class, delivering a speech at a conference, or even just expressing your thoughts in a group setting, being able to communicate effectively and persuasively is crucial. At Logic Bird, we understand the power of persuasion, and our public speaking classes are designed to help students develop this essential skill. In our public speaking classes, students learn not only how to speak confidently in front of an audience but also how to structure their thoughts, organize their ideas, and deliver a compelling message. We believe that effective public speaking goes beyond just speaking loudly or memorizing a script. It's about connecting with your audience, engaging their emotions, and leaving a lasting impact. One of the key aspects we focus on in our public speaking classes is the art of storytelling. We believe that stories have the power to captivate an audience and make a message more memorable. Our students learn how to craft compelling narratives, use vivid language, and incorporate personal anecdotes to make their speeches more relatable and impactful. Another important skill we teach in our public speaking classes is the ability to think on your feet. We understand that not every speaking opportunity comes with the luxury of time for preparation. That's why we train our students to be quick thinkers and adapt their speeches to different situations. Through impromptu speaking exercises, students learn how to organize their thoughts on the spot and deliver a coherent and persuasive message. In addition to these practical skills, our public speaking classes also foster confidence and self-expression. We create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions. We encourage them to embrace their unique voices and use public speaking as a platform to share their perspectives with the world. At Logic Bird, we believe that public speaking is not just a skill but a tool for empowerment. It gives students the confidence to speak up, the ability to influence others, and the opportunity to make a difference. Our public speaking classes are designed to unlock the potential within each student and equip them with the skills they need to succeed in any field. Join us in creating a generation of confident and persuasive communicators who can make a positive impact on the world.

Expanding Horizons: Logic Bird's Multicultural Approach to Education At Logic Bird, we believe that education should go beyond the confines of a classroom and embrace the richness of multicultural experiences. Our mission is to provide a supportive and inclusive environment for students to expand their horizons and develop their critical thinking skills. Through our personalized and multicultural approach to education, we aim to empower students to become global citizens who are equipped to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. One of the key aspects of our approach is the diverse range of subjects we offer. From critical thinking and public speaking to competitive debate and argumentative writing, our classes are designed to challenge students and foster their intellectual growth. By exposing students to a wide range of topics, we aim to broaden their knowledge scope and enhance their humanistic and critical thinking competency. In our debate classes, students are exposed to different perspectives and learn to construct arguments based on evidence and logic. By engaging in debates on topics that touch upon cultural, social, and political issues, students develop a deeper understanding of diverse viewpoints and learn to appreciate the complexity of the world around them. In our writing classes, students are encouraged to explore their own identities and express their thoughts and ideas through argumentative and creative writing. This not only helps students develop their writing skills but also encourages self-reflection and cultural exploration. To further enhance the multicultural aspect of our education, we also organize virtual cultural exchange programs, where students from different countries can interact and learn from each other. These programs provide a unique opportunity for students to develop cross-cultural communication skills and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultures. At Logic Bird, we believe that a multicultural approach to education is essential for preparing students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and diverse world. By expanding their horizons and developing their critical thinking skills, we empower students to become global citizens who can navigate complex global challenges with empathy, understanding, and respect. Join us on this exciting journey of multicultural learning and personal growth. Together, let's soar to new heights!