I would actually prefer to write a debate than write an essay
Essays tend to be more bland and less interesting/enjoyable to read+write than transcripts of lively debates
Sorry, but would you rather watch, back in the day (don't know if this happened or it was a dream of mine) John Howard and Kevin Rudd have a debate (Johnny was so unpopular with 'the worm'!
)
or
write an essay in which you "explore the concept of belonging - what does it mean to belong and how important is this 'need'? Analyse with reference to the prescribed text and one supplementary text"
?
P.S. To me reading a debate transcript is almost just as good as watching it, but not quite... what do you think/do you agree? :/