Effectively applying debate activities in teaching English speaking skills for university students

Abstract

This article aims to explore the utilization of debate on effectively improving the speaking ability of students in the English speaking class. Based on the findings of the research, it indicates that debate is a pedagogical tool to powerfully promote the students’ speaking skills since it helps not only teachers to create a motivating and exciting learning environment but also students to boost the interaction, proactivity, confidence, and fluency in speaking. At the end of the study, the author has made some suggestions for both students and teachers so as to implement debate activity constructively in the English speaking class.