If you’ve ever watched a World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) debate, you’ll know that it’s anything but ordinary. A motion can be wild, unexpected, or even comical. In one moment, students must argue whether pineapple belongs on pizza, and in the next, they’re defending philosophical ideas from literature or ethics. And through it all, two skills stand at odds — or do they? Flawless grammar and dynamic debate delivery often seem to pull students in different directions. But for Coach Devi, an expert WSC trainer based in Surabaya, these two skills don’t compete — they complement.

In this article, we explore how Coach Devi helps students master both structure and spontaneity, building confident scholars who can argue on the fly — without leaving their grammar behind.

The Classic WSC Dilemma: Speak Fast or Speak Right?

Many students preparing for WSC ask the same question: “Should I focus more on speaking fluently or using perfect grammar?” The answer isn’t simple. On one hand, debate scoring rewards confident delivery, strong points, and team synergy. On the other, collaborative writing and formal arguments demand clarity and grammatical precision.

Coach Devi breaks it down: “WSC is not about being perfect in one area. It’s about balance. You need to be sharp, structured, and spontaneous — all at once.”

Why Grammar Still Matters in Debate

It’s easy to assume that in a high-speed debate, grammar takes a backseat. But Coach Devi teaches her students that grammar is not a luxury — it’s a tool for clarity. Poor grammar can distort arguments, weaken impact, or even confuse judges. That’s why she includes grammar coaching in every debate session.

• Practice correcting sentence structure in real-time rebuttals
• Use transition words naturally: “However,” “Moreover,” “On the other hand”
• Avoid filler words and repetition through targeted drills

“Grammar gives your argument a spine,” Coach Devi says. “It makes your ideas easier to follow and your speech more persuasive.”

But Spontaneity Can’t Be Taught… Or Can It?

On the other end of the spectrum, some students are grammar nerds who freeze up when asked to debate spontaneously. Coach Devi tackles this by breaking the fear of improvisation. Her classes include:

1. 1-Minute Lightning Debates — Students draw random topics and must argue without preparation.
2. Storytelling Sessions — Turning facts into persuasive narratives builds natural flow.
3. Roleplay and Humor — Debating as fictional characters loosens mental blocks and encourages creativity.

This combination transforms hesitant speakers into confident performers. “It’s not about speaking fast,” she reminds them. “It’s about thinking clearly while speaking naturally.”

Coach Devi’s Signature Training Approach

What makes Coach Devi’s method effective is her ability to weave grammar instruction into high-energy debate sessions, making both elements feel seamless. Here's how she does it:

1. Grammar-Warmup, Debate-Main
   Every class begins with a 10-minute grammar activity — sentence correction, clause usage, or modal verbs. This primes students’ language awareness. Then, they move straight into structured debate practice, where they’re expected to apply the rules they just reviewed.
2. Grammar Flags in Feedback
   After each speech or writing exercise, Coach Devi gives targeted feedback, not just on argument strength, but also on grammar slips. This real-time correction keeps language quality high without disrupting spontaneity.
3. Structured Improvisation
   Students are taught to prepare flexible “idea skeletons” — templates for common argument types — so they can improvise confidently without rambling or going off-track.

Real-Life Impact: What Students Say

Many students say Coach Devi’s balance of structure and spontaneity helped them unlock new levels of confidence. Here are some quotes:

“Before training, I either spoke too slowly trying to get grammar right or rushed and made errors. Coach Devi helped me find my rhythm.”

“Grammar lessons in debate class? I thought it would be boring, but it was fun and super useful during writing rounds!”

“Her drills taught me how to think on my feet AND sound smart.”

Grammar in Collaborative Writing: A Secret Advantage

While many WSC students focus heavily on debate, Coach Devi makes sure her students treat collaborative writing with equal respect. This is where grammar truly shines. Her students learn how to:

• Craft strong topic sentences and logical paragraph flow
• Use varied sentence structures for impact
• Edit each other’s work for clarity and grammar

In timed writing rounds, even small grammatical errors can cost valuable points. Coach Devi turns grammar into a team asset, encouraging peer editing and mutual correction.

Why Balance Is the Winning Formula

WSC champions aren’t just fast talkers or perfect writers — they’re well-rounded thinkers who can adapt to different formats. Coach Devi’s coaching philosophy reflects that reality. She doesn’t train students to fit into one box. Instead, she empowers them to:

• Speak clearly, with confidence and correct language
• Write persuasively, with solid grammar and logical flow
• Debate creatively, without fear of errors or judgment
• Support each other as teammates, editors, and friends

“In WSC, success isn’t about choosing between grammar and debate,” Coach Devi concludes. “It’s about making both work together.”

Want to Learn from Coach Devi?

Coach Devi offers private and group coaching sessions for World Scholar’s Cup preparation, including online classes for students across Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Whether you’re preparing for Regionals, Global Rounds, or the Tournament of Champions, her method is designed to help you excel in every aspect — debate, writing, and Scholar’s Challenge.

You can contact her via: Hubungi Coach Devi via WhatsApp (Klik tulisan biru untuk Konsultasi)

Final Words

In a world where academic competitions are growing more complex and competitive, students need coaches who understand both the technical and the human side of learning. Coach Devi is that coach — someone who teaches not just grammar or debate, but the powerful harmony between them.

So the next time someone asks: “Grammar or Debate?” — you’ll know the answer: With the right coach, you don’t have to choose.