debate speech example pdf

How to Write a Debate Speech in English | Format, and Examples

Every student has to write a debate at some point in school, college, or university and if you don’t know about the methods and steps to write a debate speech, you won’t write an effective debate speech to increase your chance of success. Following a proper structure and format in debate writing is essential for a good debate to convenience the audience. There are some tips and methods to write an effective debate speech and by setting a tone and correct words choice and sentences, you can grab the judge’s and the audience’s attention. So, are you searching for pro tips on how to write a debate speech in English? Let’s dive into this article and get complete knowledge about debate writing.

Before diving into the steps of debate writing, it’s necessary to understand debate speech definition and debate speech format.

Debate Speech Definition

A debate speech is a formal discussion on a specific topic between two opposing sides or groups. One side discusses in a favor of the given topic or title, while the other side speaks against it or disagrees with the first side. The main purpose of a debate speech is to convince the judges and audience that your opinion is right. In debate speech, you need to express your views in a specific format and make your opponents impress by good debate writing skills.

Debate Speech Format

You can follow the following pattern for a debate speech.

Opening Statements and Explanation

This section consists of the opening sentences by using three arguments with explaining questions.

• Pro Tema – Up to 5 minutes
• Con Team – Up to 2 minutes
• Con Team – Up to 5 minutes
• Pro Team – Up to 2 minutes

Rebuttals (No new Arguments Here)

In this section, the debaters repeat the deponent arguments and evaluate what is wrong with his/her position.

• Pro Team – Up to 3 minutes
• Con Team – Up to 3 minutes

Debate Summary

In the summary, debates summarize their positions after detailed arguments and discussions with the opponents. In addition, the debaters also say why their position is the best.

Finally, each group will be assumed to answer the questions up to 20 minutes long session. For instance, you can look at the following debate speech template to get an idea of the debate speech structure.

Debate Speech Format PDF

How to Write a Debate (6 Steps)

Structuring and writing your debate correctly will increase your chance of success. By following the 6 easy steps below will help you win the debate competition. Without further ado let’s dive into the following steps.

• Begin With a Strong Opening Lines
• Define the Topic
• Signposting

Step #1: Begin With a Strong Opening Lines

Every good speech and discussion starts with a strong sentence. Remember the first impression is the last impression, hence start your debate with a strong opening line that can help you impress the audience and the judge immediately. For example, you can start your debate by asking an open-ended question, tell a story, state an amazing fact or say a powerful quotation.

Step #2: Define the Topic

When you started your debate with a strong sentence and catch the audience’s attention, in the next step you need to make the subject clear to your listeners. You need to state the topic and your group’s position on the topic to help the audience comprehend the side you are going to argue about.

For Example:

“Ladies and gentlemen, today I would like to talk to you about the education system. The education system that we have followed in our country has been reformed many times. Computer literacy at the age of 13 can help in the child’s future studies. Here, I will argue that the problem is the pandemic, besides being stressful, are indecisive in assessing student learning.”

Step #3: Signposting

Signposting may seem irritating and avoidable. If you are word-addict it can even seem like it’s confusing the flow of your otherwise clear and lyrical speech. However, it’s totally important in the format of a good debate speech. You might think that you write a good debate speech, but remember the audience isn’t you to judge. They don’t how much idea about the topic as you have and they might get bored for a few moments in your introduction and then get completely lost. This is why signposting is necessary for debate.

This is a good way to remind your audience of what you are discussing and where you are up to in your speech. Hence, after your introduction add a few points that tell the audience that how many points you are going to deliver and in what order you are delivering them.

Also Read : Essential Transition Words and Phrases for Writing

Step #4: Rebuttal

Have you heard that sometimes the best offense is a good defense? In a professional debate, the most compelling part is usually when one side takes one of the arguments of the opponent and then cuts it to pieces. Indeed, it’s the most difficult part of any debate speech to finish correctly. In a debate speech Rebutting arguments forces you to think thoroughly on the spot. You have a little time like 30 to 40 seconds to take arguments that your opponent has spent a lot of time researching and edging and convincingly oppose it.

There are some approaches that you can use while rebutting in a debate speech and make the challenge a little less dismay. These include the following:

• Pre-research thoroughly
• What’s the point
• Economic Challanges
• Say your own arguments

Step #5: Arguments

The argument is the most significant part of a debate speech. To make it clear for you, we have divided this down into four simple subtopics.

1. Decide what to argue:

If you have researched the topics and have good information, then a lot of arguments will come to your mind. It always requires good research to come up with talking points. Consider the issue. You can research online, read books and novels for good ideas. When you have good knowledge of the topic then the right arguments will come to your mind no matter how strong your position is.

2. The Layout :

Writing an argument is the same as writing a body paragraph for an essay. You can start each argument by signposting for instance, “Initially, I want to argue….” and then follow up with a sentence shortly. After this, you need to talk in detail about the topic by giving some facts and statics to constitute what you are saying, and then at the end link neatly back to the title of the debate to make clear to the audience that you are not only giving a passionate rant but instead making a carefully calculated point that related in with a general thesis statement.

3. Find Evidence:

Embedding the right evidence into your debate speech makes you more conceivable, but using the wrong and irrelevant evidence from a wrong source leaves you vulnerable to be attacked by the opposition. Hence, it’s necessary to search beforehand and find the right evidence.

4. Persuasive Strategies:

Remember you can be as persuasive and colorful in debate as you write a persuasive piece. Don’t use harsh words or insult your opponents and don’t use the sense of humor where it’s not important, but other than the obvious limitation you can use as many persuasive strategies as you can.

Step #6: How to Conclude

The conclusion is the result of your writing and is one of the most important parts of a debate speech. It should sum the points you have written in the whole parts of your writing, and by delivering the conclusion of your debate the listeners or readers should feel as if they have gained the result of whatever you have written in the body.

Writing a conclusion for a debate speech is the same as writing a conclusion for an essay. In the link below you can read more about how to conclude a debate.

• How to Write the Best Concluding Paragraph

Debate Speech Sample in English

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Debate Report Writing

People argue all the time. There’s no mistaking that. But do you know that arguing can also be a form of intellectual exchange? It may sound ridiculous and insane, but think about it like this: when you see two people engaging in a heated debate on which movie category is the best, either romantic-comedy or pure horror, you begin to notice on how much people are willing to speak up just to get their opinions through the other person. This kind of debate may be informal and improper, but in a manner of speaking, it makes good dinner table conversation and does stimulate your brain cells to become more curious and get more involved with the news as to what is happening in society at present.

• Debate Worksheet Examples
• English Report Writing Examples

But if you are looking to put your talents to good use as a public speaker and perhaps as a future lawyer, a good training ground would be to join the debate team. But take note that the topics that will be deliberated in the debate proper are not going to be those informal topics (e.g., movies, abstract feelings, etc.). The topics that will normally be discussed will normally pertain to today’s current issues. Here are some of the things that you may need to know beforehand when you are making your debate speech .

Preparing for the Debate Speech

• In a team, there are at least 3 speakers and a representative who is often the last one to speak to present a summary of the points that were being made earlier at the end of the debate round. Each speaker is given a minimum of 4 to 5 minutes as a first speaker to deliver his or her piece to the audience for that certain side.
• Each speaker then present arguments against the earlier pro or con speech that was just read. While either the affirmative side or the negative side speakers deliver their side, the opposing party’s speakers must listen carefully and attentively as to be able to deliver counter arguments. There are often segments involving crossfire, in which the debaters are allowed to ask questions and openly debate the topic. This may be called a Point of Information, and occurs when someone from the other team interrupts to ask a question or make a point.
• Since debate teams are normally in a team of three or four, it would be best if you actually worked hand in hand to help figure this out. Whether you are in the affirmative or negative side, you must consider all the possibilities that your opponent might use against you. Once you are prepared for that, you can be ready for anything. Try listing down the pros and cons of the said issue itself. There are some points of the issue that the opposing side might choose. Distinguish on what seems to be the strongest and most probable argument they might use and develop countermeasures.
• Research is everything. Without proper research, then you are screwed for reporting unverified information. As U.S. President Donald Trump would say, “Fake news!” Thanks to the Internet, any piece of information that you would wish to know can be immediately found within milliseconds. But make no mistake, do not believe everything that you read on the Internet, especially when you know it came from a random blog or just another opinion. When you claim something from the Internet, best make sure it came from a scholarly journal or at most from a legitimate government site when collecting and gathering data.
• You will also want to deal with the strongest arguments on the other side in your speech. Ignoring the other side’s best arguments can weaken your rhetorical appeal.
• Basic debate speech outline would normally contain four parts: an introduction, a thesis argument, your chosen key points to back your stance up, and a conclusion. Should there be a need to define some key words that are not clear for the judges, do so.
• You can break each of those four part into subcategories. It’s often a good idea to write the introduction and conclusion last, focusing on the thesis argument and the evidence to back it up first.

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Writing the Debate Speech

• Do not forget that debates are formal and are meant to be serious. So make sure that your introduction must show the same level of professionalism. You can always start with “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.”
• First impressions matter. That is a fact. And when your good impressions manage to get the attention of the judges, you are then off to a good start as it will often lead them to assume the debater is persuasive. One technique to write a strong introduction is to contextualize the topic, especially in relation to real world events.
• Introductions can also focus on prominent examples, quotations, or on a personal anecdote that can help establish a rapport with the audience and judges.
• When stating your stance, make sure that you do it early on. Do not wait for the judges and the audience to find out which side you belong to at the very end. It needs to be extremely clear whether you affirm or negate the resolution, so don’t try to confuse and eventually contradict yourself in the middle of the debate.
• In every speech, the body or the “meat” of the speech is always the most important part. But keep in mind that you will only be given a short span of time for you to say your piece before time runs out (give or take, you have at least 3 ½ minutes and 30 seconds for an opening and for a conclusion, depending on the given rules of the debate).

Another tip would also be to focus on the roots of the issue, the effects of the problem, some expert’s opinion, examples, and statistics. Afterward, present a simple solution. In a debate, you are not given the opportunity to use a PowerPoint presentation, so as you continue discussing the points of your stance, allow your audience to visualize on what you are saying.

Not only must you attempt to appeal to the motives and emotions of the listener, but also try to their sense of fair play, desire to save, to be helpful, to care about the community, and others with a light touch. Make use of rhetorical questions that can make your opponents consider the validity of their point.

Understand the art of persuasion.  Finally, what is a debate with persuasion? Ancient philosophers such as Aristotle studied the art of persuasion, and by understanding their techniques will further help your debate speech.

Aristotle believed that speakers are more persuasive in writing if they combined elements of logos (persuasion by reasoning) with pathos (having an element of emotional appeal) and ethos (an appeal based on the character of the speaker)—for example, that they seem intelligent or of good will.

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Concluding the Debate Speech

• Another good way to close a speech is through the use of quotations as well. Going back to the summation of the key arguments that was presented earlier is also recommended.
• Although you want to memorize the speech, and may use notes or your outline when giving it, it needs to sound natural and not too rehearsed. The key to giving a good debate speech is research. You will need to think on your feet to counter opposing arguments.
• Use a clear, loud voice, and be careful to watch pacing. You don’t want to speak too loud or too slowly. Remember that confidence goes a long way toward persuasion.

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Creating Your Basic Outline

• Try not to keep relying on the Internet as it is not a guarantee that all the sources you find are legitimate. Go visit libraries or use whatever educational resources that you can utilize from documentaries to e-books even.
• For every supporting piece of evidence you find for your case, try to find another piece of evidence to counter it. This will help you build your argument later.
• If you think you already have enough points on your side of the argument, limit them at that. Because the more spread out your key points are, the likelihood of not finding enough evidence or supporting facts of those key points increases.
• First thing you have to learn is subdividing your information. The main headings will probably consist of arguments, while subheadings will most likely contain different pieces of supporting evidence.
• Use correct symbols. Each level of the outline has a particular symbol to use. The main headings will use Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV). Subheadings use capital letters (A, B, C). Sub-sub headings use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3). Keep these consistent throughout your outline.
• Indent each level. Indentation helps you follow the line of argument and keeps your outline organized.
• If you have a fairly lengthy debate planned, break up your case evidence into categorical sections. For example, you could have legal, moral, and economic support for your case.
• Aim to have a minimum of three supporting facts or pieces of evidence in your case outline.
• In debates in particular, quality is better than quantity.
• Look to find rebuttals for both the individual parts of their argument in addition to the whole of it. This will fortify your position in the debate.
• Many times their argument will be the opposite of yours, so while your argument lists the pros, theirs is listing the cons of a particular value. If you pay attention to this, you will be able to not only prove their side of the argument invalid, but also help to further promote your own.
• Add detail to your outline. When you have made a bare bones outline of your case and rebuttals, begin adding a bit more detail that will benefit either essay writing or debating on the subject. Keep the outline form of headers, sections, and bulleted lists, but write in complete sentences, add in helpful questions and evidence, and make your argument more well rounded than just a list of a few words.

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As mentioned before, debates do not always have to be so formal. It can sometimes be as informal and the topics can go as far as the mind can think of. Here are some of the topics that can be discussed among yourselves or in the formal debate proper:

• Is the death penalty appropriate? Or should it be banned?
• Should cell phones be used during class?
• Should laptops be allowed in classrooms?
• Is global warming an issue?
• Is there good reason for the American war on terrorism?
• Does school detention do any good in high schools?
• Are video games containing violence appropriate for children?
• Is television an effective tool in building the minds of children?
• Is the grading system used in high school effective?
• Do celebrities get away with more crime than non-celebrities?
• Is it effective to censor parts of the media?
• Are alternative energy sources effective and justified?
• Is drug testing athletes justified?

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Generate a report on the impact of technology in the classroom on student learning outcomes

Prepare a report analyzing the trends in student participation in sports and arts programs over the last five years at your school.

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Debate Writing: Format, Techniques, Examples & Practice Questions in PDF

Browsing through channels might have landed you in a heated argument between two or more people talking in favor/against a discussion topic or schools if you have participated in debate competitions, after being given a topic, the participant either spoke in favor or against. The above debate speech example might have given you an idea of what this article’s topic is going to be.

This writing piece will cover what debate and debate writing CBSE class 11 is along with its structure, and some examples with practice questions.

What is Debate Writing?

When two speakers oppose each other’s points with counter statements in a public setting making it a public discussion is known as debate. The speaker can speak in favor of the topic if they agree with it or otherwise against the topic if they have opposing views.

CBSE Class 11 English Debate Writing is a way of preparing and presenting one’s perspective regarding a topic or an issue that can convince the audience regarding the validity of their statements. Debate writing is usually written in a persuasive and structured manner and involves two or more people countering each other’s statements. 

Students can download this PDF for several debate writing samples and practice questions.

<cta2> Download <cta2>

Importance of Debate Writing

Debate writing offers several reasons making it vital both in academic life and in society. Below are mentioned a few of the several reasons regarding it.

• It helps in improving communication skills by allowing a person to present their views clearly and persuasively. It will help improve verbal and written communication skills and help in effective communication in both personal and professional environments.
• One can’t speak for or against something if they have no idea regarding what they have to talk about. Debate writing in CBSE Class 11 English will help in improving research and analytical skills. The person had to research deeply about the topic or issue to decide if they stood on the agreeing side or the opposing side.
• Fear of public speaking is what the majority possess and debate writing plays a significant role in overcoming the fear. Public speaking skills will help throughout life especially when someone is going for a job interview, presentations, as a representative, and many more.
• On the academic level, it will help in gaining analytical, research, and writing skills. It will also help boost confidence to speak and present one’s views.

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Debate Writing Format

This is the debate writing format CBSE Class 11 students can use in the exams.

Debate Introduction Examples for Students

There is a significant need to learn how to initiate a debate even if a person is not in favor of the said statement to showcase respect and acknowledgment to every individual including the judges present there. Below are some Introduction debate writing examples for Students examples that students can use.

• Greet every individual present at the debate setting.
• Thankful expression
• Clarify if you are going to speak in favor or against the motions i.e. you stand.

Here are debate introduction examples for students 

• Good morning everyone present here! Today I will speak about the motion ‘ Mobile phones are a growing health hazard’.
• Good morning, everyone present here! Today, I, xyz, stand before you to speak against the motion ‘No detention policy for classes sixth to eight is academically very unsound.’
• Good day honorable Chairman, Panel of Judges, Co-debaters, and distinguished Ladies and gentlemen"

Debate Writing Example

The section below will provide you with some debate writing examples to help you get a clear idea.

Write a debate in 150 – 200 words either for or against the motion: ‘Social Media and Its Effects’.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND ITS EFFECTS

**In Favour**

Without a doubt, social media has altered the way we connect and communicate with one another. It has enhanced communication between individuals, increased access to information, and given everyone a voice. Social media's capacity to cross borders and unite people from all over the world is one of its advantages. It has made it possible to network, work together, and exchange cultures. Additionally, social media platforms have been crucial in raising public awareness of social concerns, rallying support for campaigns, and giving voice to underrepresented groups.

**Against**

However, it's crucial to consider how social media has affected our culture. On the other hand, it is impossible to ignore social media's detrimental effects. Addiction's potential and its consequences on mental health are two worrying effects. Increased feelings of loneliness, despair, and anxiety have been associated with excessive social media use. Furthermore, exposure to meticulously maintained online personas daily might result in low self-esteem and irrational comparisons. The proliferation of false information and the impact of fake news are further negatives. Social media platforms have developed into a haven for misleading information, which can harm politics, public opinion, and interpersonal harmony. Concerns about privacy invasion, online security hazards, and cyberbullying are also quite important.

In conclusion, social media has an impact on our society that is both positive and detrimental. Utilizing its advantages while being mindful of its possible drawbacks must be balanced. We can use social media for good while reducing its negative consequences by encouraging digital literacy, responsible online behavior, and maintaining a secure and inclusive digital world.

Write a debate in 150 – 200 words either for or against the motion: ‘Academic Excellence Is The Only Requirement For A Successful Career’.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER

**In Favour **

While academic excellence is undoubtedly important in building a foundation of knowledge and skills, it is not the sole requirement for a successful career. Success in a career is often determined by a combination of factors such as practical experience, soft skills, adaptability, and networking abilities. Real-world application of knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills are essential for thriving in any professional environment. Furthermore, success is often influenced by factors such as creativity, innovation, and the ability to think outside the box. These qualities cannot be solely acquired through academic pursuits but are developed through exposure to diverse experiences and a willingness to take risks.

**Against **

Additionally, a successful career often requires a strong work ethic, resilience, and the ability to collaborate with others. These interpersonal skills are nurtured through experiences like internships, extracurricular activities, and community involvement, which extend beyond academic achievements. While academic excellence is not the sole determinant of success, it still plays a significant role in opening doors to opportunities and providing individuals with a solid foundation on which to build their careers.

In conclusion, while academic excellence is undoubtedly valuable, it is not the only requirement for a successful career. Practical experience, soft skills, adaptability, creativity, and networking abilities are equally crucial. Emphasizing holistic development and a well-rounded skill set will better equip individuals for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their careers.

Some Techniques to Follow for Debate Writing 

There are a few things one needs to keep in mind in class 11 CBSE debate writing in English.

• Research the topic carefully before you start writing. Researching will help you in choosing a side and will give you an insight into the topic.
• Don’t repeat points especially when you are speaking in public speaking. It showcases the individual’s lack of awareness and confidence.
• Regardless of the side you are writing/speaking for, ensure the points presented are thought-provoking and valuable.
• The tone must be persuasive and clear, don’t make any illogical points.

How many steps are there in Debate writing?

There are five major steps in class 11 debate writing. Start debate writing with the a. Introduction , followed by the b. Statement of Fact where the writer expresses the empirical phenomenon in small pieces, then backs it up with some c. Evidence , and d. Refutation expressing strong agreement or disagreement with the topic and ending the debate writing by the conclusion.

What are the different Debate introductions with Examples?

Below are some debate introduction examples that students can use.

• Good day, honorable Chairman, Panel of Judges, Co-debaters, and distinguished Ladies and gentlemen"

Is there any standard structure of Debate writing in Class 12 & Class 11?

Yes, there is a debate writing format used in Class 12 and Class 11 divided into Introduction, Middle Statement (Statement of Fact, Evidence, and Refutation), and Conclusion.

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The Debate Over Free Speech, Disinformation and Censorship

More from our inbox:, senator ted cruz responds, talking to children about cancer, why we keep our landlines, internet access.

To the Editor:

Re “ Trump Allies Are Winning War Over Disinformation ” (front page, March 17):

The U.S. Supreme Court put limits on free speech, saying you can’t falsely shout “fire” in a crowded theater. Fundamental to our democracy is an informed electorate. Yet our courts seem to be OK with a flood of lies and propaganda masquerading as news and aimed at burning down our democracy.

This should concern every American for several reasons, including the surge of social media sites that contain much misinformation, the closure of many local newspapers, a decline in the number of real journalists, and an increase in the amount of misinformation spread by adversaries like Russia and China in an attempt to affect the outcome of our elections.

Richard Dickinson Richmond Hill, Ga.

In the same way that semiautomatic guns and bump stocks were never foreseen by the founding fathers when establishing the Second Amendment, social media and A.I. escaped their prescience when it came to issues of free speech.

The commerce of ideas as they addressed it consisted primarily of public discourse via the printed or spoken word at social, political and religious gatherings. The idea that citizens would someday own portable electronic devices that facilitated both the easy manufacture and distribution of subjective realities certainly surpassed anything imagined in the Sedition Act.

America must now address two pressing questions that Madison, Hamilton and others were spared. How do we prevent the yelling of “fire” in a crowded theater when there is neither an actual theater nor an assembled crowd? And how do we stop domestic and foreign profiteers who would embrace the resultant turmoil?

Anthony Nannetti Philadelphia

There is a difference between supporting the First Amendment and hiding behind it. A presidential campaign that uses disinformation to subvert a fair and legal election is undermining the very democracy for which free speech is a bulwark.

Louis Greenstein Pleasantville, N.J.

A Supreme Court decision preventing the Biden administration from deciding what can and cannot be said on social media would also prevent a potential future Trump administration from deciding what can and cannot be said on social media.

Ronald J. DeFelice Irvine, Calif.

Re “ An Islamophobic Smear Campaign Is Dividing Democrats ,” by Lydia Polgreen (column, March 21):

Ms. Polgreen blames Islamophobia for Adeel Abdullah Mangi’s difficulty in getting confirmed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and she accuses me of conducting “bad faith ambushes” because I asked Mr. Mangi during a Senate Judiciary hearing if he condemns Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

The reason I asked Mr. Mangi this question — which Ms. Polgreen fails to mention — is that Mr. Mangi has refused to denounce statements by the director of Rutgers’s Law School Center for Security, Race and Rights in which the director referred to Israel as an “occupying force” and accused Israel of engaging in “settler colonialism.” Mr. Mangi donated to the center and served for years on its board of advisers.

Ms. Polgreen also fails to note that the Senate confirmed another nominee, Zahid Quraishi, who, like Mr. Mangi, is Muslim and Pakistani American, with 81 votes — one of the highest vote totals for any judicial nominee of the Biden presidency.

The White House and Senate Democrats don’t want to defend Mr. Mangi on the merits of his record, so they instead accuse his critics of Islamophobia. That is a shameful attack.

Ted Cruz Houston The writer is a Republican senator from Texas.

Re “ How to Talk to Children About Cancer ,” by Talya Minsberg (Live, nytimes.com, March 22):

We were saddened to learn that Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer. Our thoughts as therapists immediately turned to her children and the challenge of having difficult conversations. We agree with Ms. Minsberg’s recommendations.

No one can provide better care than a parent as their child experiences emotional trials. Illness is inevitable, and caring for a child through a family illness is an inevitable part of parenting. This affects the parent, too, but they can be most effective in helping a child by attending to their own feelings first; then they can fully focus on their child’s needs.

We believe that being honest with a child is always best. Tell the truth, but only the amount that a child can hear and digest at any given moment. Take the lead from what a child asks, making sure the tone and the answer align with where a child is. This conversation is an ongoing one that will be elaborated on over time.

We believe that the best antidote to the fear and pain of loss is togetherness. As Catherine said : “Please do not lose faith or hope. You are not alone.”

Elena Lister Michael Schwartzman New York The writers, a psychiatrist and a psychologist, respectively, are co-authors of “Giving Hope: Conversations With Children About Illness, Death and Loss.”

Re “ Speaking Out for Landlines in Digital Age ” (front page, March 17):

My wife and I are on the high side of 65, and we pay for a landline only as a lifeline as we deal with the never-ending onslaught of power outages wrought by National Grid in Massachusetts, some as long as 10 days in our years here.

We also live in a mobile phone dead zone. So our mobile phones must depend on internet Wi-Fi for all calls. When the electricity goes out, so does the internet, hence our lifeline to the outside world in times of crisis.

We plug in two touch-tone phones to replace cordless phones when there is no juice from National Grid. Whether AT&T, Verizon and others like it or not, plain old telephone service (POTS) is as close to 100 percent reliable as you can get. But now they want to tear out the copper, forcing us to unreliable telephone service.

Ben Myers Harvard, Mass.

You’ll have to pry my landline phone from my cold, dead hands.

I find it absolutely ridiculous and user-unfriendly to hold a screen to my ear, as well as to then hold the phone back where I can see the screen in order to find the keypad, while missing the spoken conversation.

Claire Albahae Brewster, N.Y.

Re “ Millions Are Set to Lose Internet Access Subsidies ” (news article, March 24):

During our history, Americans brought mail service, electrification and telephone service to all corners of the country. Why the lessons learned from these experiences can’t be used to solve the challenge of similarly providing residential internet access coast to coast as well is a damning indictment of our broken national politics.

Gary Rucinski Newton, Mass.