What is the difference between "debate" and "discussion"?

[ursus]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #79 "GMAT Vocabulary", question 7

The ......... over the rights and wrongs of this issue has been a never- ending discussion inside parliament.

(a) chatter
(b) debate
(c) gossip
(d) rumour

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #79 "GMAT Vocabulary", answer 7

The debate over the rights and wrongs of this issue has been a never- ending discussion inside parliament.

Correct answer: (b) debate
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I think debat is the best answer because it involves agreeing and not agreeing on a specific point- the thing which is mentioned in the question "a never-ending discussion".

ursus

[Yankee]

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Yes, debate is the correct answer.
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