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Kazley Montgomery
Professor Shelley McEuen
English 102
30 September 2016
Debates and Agreements
Have you ever been in that situation where you don't agree with the person you are
communicating with and you just feel plain awkward? Im sure that we all have been in that
situation and we have felt that hot sensation in our face because we don't agree, we may be
getting angry, frustrated, or even embarrassed. In that moment you think to yourself, What do I
do? or How do I get myself out of this situation? A lot of times as we find ourselves in these
types of situations. If we are respectful to others we can find a way out. The best way is to be
taught by the other person. You can explain your opinions or ideas in a more positive and
respectful manner, where in the end, you may not necessarily agree with the concept, but come
to the conclusion to agree to disagree.
Often times when conversations arise, we begin to hear and share opinions with those
around us. Conversations happen on a daily basis and are a way for us as humans to
communicate. This is what keeps the real world going. There are conversations that happen
within businesses, friends, family, and sometimes between complete strangers. Although all of
these conversations happen, not all are agreed with and some may turn contentious.
A good example of a contentious conversation is a debate. According to the Oxford
English Dictionary, A debate is a form of public discourse; it is a formal direct oral contest or
competition in argumentation between two or more people on a defined proposition at a specific

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time (What) As it is the year for the political elections, we often hear many debates about what
the candidate is going to do to help change society, country, and who they will be working with,
and so forth. People often have conversations that turn into debates. At times people do not
agree with one another person and they are there to win the conversation and express their
opinion. So how are debates helpful? For those that are listening and trying to make a decision
or conclusion you have to be willing to listen and then form your own opinion. Most people
participate in these debates to see what actions the candidate will take and then decide what they
will be doing in the near future? A debate shows both sides of the story and usually to a certain
degree of brutal honesty. Those that are participating in the debate are there to not be taught by
one another but to state strong opinion and to see who is going to come out on top. As we listen
to a political debate, the candidates dont listen to find an agreement, they want to win.
Reflecting on the debates that we see in our everyday lives, such as being in a school and
hearing a conversation between a student and a teacher. Often times there are students that dont
agree with what the teacher is explaining to them as they look at that D on their paper. The
student feels like they worked the hardest they could on that and that they deserve a better grade.
The teacher goes on to tell the student that its because the student had made a few errors that
caused them to miss the whole problem which then caused them to get the grade they did. The
student begins to get angry and doesnt want to hear what the teacher has to say and doesnt want
to learn about it. As this debate begins between these two, the teacher is explaining very
precisely what the student can do to become better and to improve, because both sides have been
heard and now the decision can be made.

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Although both sides are seen and heard, it doesnt necessarily mean that everyone agrees
in the end. So should one just come to an agreement so that the debate ends, or should one agree
to disagree? An agreement is harmony and accordance in opinion or feeling. (Merriam) Before
making an agreement, it is extremely important to share one's ideas and opinions, and also
listening to others, making a decision and then making an agreement between the two. Although
it may be difficult to accept it all. As we know in this century, facebook is something that is very
popular and part of society. It is proven that more than one billion people use facebook.
(Facebook) Every time one posts a photo there are millions of people that can see that photo or
video and post what they think about it. It can be from someone that one knows, but also from a
stranger. Therefore it is important that what is said on the internet is appropriate and that the
person uploading remembers who their audience is going to be. That is going to determine what
agreements are going to be made.
The time comes when even though one disagrees, people have to remember that even
though there are disagreements, an agreement is there to learn from and to be able to work
together. Many times it wont come easy and it may not end or begin the way that we may want
to. It may not be easy but it is worth it.
So when the time comes to make an agreement, it is extremely important to be attentive,
listen, learn, and apply. The agreement will make it be to where both can learn, and change their
way on seeing things, and being able to agree with those that disagree with you. So therefore,
remember the next time you are in an awkward situation, remember to listen, learn, and act.

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Work Cited:
"Facebook Users Worldwide 2016." Statista. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.
Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.
"What Is Debate?" Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Sept. 2016.