In Indonesia debate competitions are popular activities for developing speaking skills in English. Debate competitions are held at both high school and university level. The scope of these competitions range from those held within the same organisation to events where universities and high schools from all over the country and abroad are invited to participate. It is often the case that success in such a competition renders prestige and credibility to the winning institution. The writers of this paper begin by considering the skills require to speak in a second language. This section is needed in order to put into context the difficulties involved for a speaker of English as a second language. The second part of the paper considers the transcript of two participants in two different debates, and analyses how English is used in this context. Finally, the paper closes with possible teaching applications.

English, Debate, School

• Wishnoebroto, S.Pd., M.Hum., MA.

• David Michael Bourne, B.A., M.Sc.

• Paramita Ayuningtyas, S.Hum., M.Hum.