good topics for speech and debate

150+ Unique Debate Topics That Will Spark Epic Discussions

Explore 150 fascinating debate topics, from politics to AI to silly banter. This list will provide engaging conversations and thought-provoking debates.

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Practicing debate is a personal growth powerhouse activity! It trains you to think deeply about a topic, communicate persuasively , and become flexible with your perspectives. It also trains your critical thinking and public speaking skills.

While two people could debate anything, finding the right topic can bring passion and inspiration to the conversation, where there is a fire in the room, and everyone is learning and expanding their worldview.

Below, you’ll find all the best debate topics for different situations.

Debate Topics for Friends

Debating with friends can be a fun and provocative way to connect. Try any of these prompts with a friend. Consider flipping a coin to see who gets which side.

Is it better to travel to a new place or revisit familiar destinations for vacations?
Is it more fun to watch a movie at home or in a movie theater?
Is it acceptable to double-dip chips in a communal dip?
Is it better to have a large circle of friends or a few close friends?
Is it more exciting to receive a surprise gift or choose your own present?
Is it better to be an optimist or a realist in life?
Is it acceptable to re-gift presents you received but don’t want?
What’s better, jeans or sweatpants?
Is it acceptable to break up with someone through a text message?
Is it acceptable to pick friends based on how attractive they are?
What’s worse, people who monopolize every conversation or people who only complain?
What’s more important, success or happiness?
Is suffering necessary for personal growth and development?
Should art have a higher purpose to help people and society?
Are AI-generated images considered art?
Is peer pressure predominantly negative, leading individuals to make harmful choices, or can it also have positive effects by encouraging personal growth and positive behavior changes?

Debate Topics for School

Statistics show that debate is super positive for students. One study 4 https://www.dropbox.com/s/qlfetvs9tmq9amx/Journal-of-Adolescence-Mezuk-et-al%20%281%29.pdf?dl=0 found that of the students with the highest risk factors, 72% of those who participated in high school debate successfully graduated, while only 43% of non-debaters graduated.

Not to mention, the more debate rounds a student participated in, the likelier they were to graduate.

Plus, the more students engaged in debate, the higher they scored on the ACT.

This section is for teachers who want to bring some debate topics into the classroom. The topics will be salient for your students to ensure they feel invested and inspired in their debate.

Should high schools implement mandatory financial literacy courses?
Is the use of cell phones in classrooms beneficial or distracting for students?
Should schools switch to year-round education with only 4 school days per week?
Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?
Should students have the freedom to choose their curriculum?
Is it ethical for schools to use surveillance cameras in classrooms?
Should the school day start later to accommodate teenagers’ sleep patterns?
Is the grading system an effective way to assess students’ abilities?
Should schools eliminate homework assignments?
Is it appropriate for teachers to use social media to communicate with students?
Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
Is it beneficial for schools to have a school uniform or dress code?
Is the use of corporal punishment in schools ever justified?
Should schools provide free breakfast and lunch for all students?
Is it necessary for high schools to teach courses on mental health?

Interesting Debate Topics

Here are some fascinating debate topics to get your brain turning.

If an AI could write a better novel than any human, would it ever be worth reading human creative works?
Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in art and music creation without human involvement?
Should all public transportation be free to reduce traffic congestion and emissions?
Should there be a limit on the number of terms a politician can serve in office?
Is art necessary for society?
Is it acceptable to have a universal basic income to address income inequality?
Should space exploration be a global collaborative effort?
Should there be stricter regulations on social media platforms to combat misinformation?
Can we prove the existence of other minds, or is solipsism a valid possibility?
Are humans inherently good, evil, or morally neutral?
Should there be a global ban on single-use plastics to reduce pollution?
Is there a direct link between playing violent video games and real-world aggressive behavior?
If something online is written with the help of AI, should it have a watermark to indicate this?
Should vaping be banned in public spaces to protect non-smokers from secondhand exposure and discourage youth from taking up this habit?
Should there be mandatory vaccinations for all children to prevent disease outbreaks?
Is it ethical to use AI to create deepfake videos and audio recordings?
Can we ever achieve true justice, or is it a utopian ideal?

If you liked those questions, here are 255 more philosophical questions .

Fun Debate Topics

Sometimes, it’s great to turn the practice of debate toward topics that are just fun! Here are some topics that won’t help change the world but are fun to debate for the sake of debate.

Is pineapple an acceptable pizza topping?
Should “Rock, Paper, Scissors” be considered a sport?
Is it better to be a night owl or an early bird?
Should emojis be used in formal communication?
Is it okay to recline your seat on an airplane?
Is the Oxford comma necessary in writing?
Is it better to binge-watch TV shows or watch them weekly?
Is it acceptable to wear pajamas in public?
Is it more fun to celebrate your birthday or someone else’s?
Should clapping be replaced with jazz hands to avoid noise?
Is it better to have a long or several short vacations throughout the year?
Should “ dad jokes ” be considered the highest form of humor?
Should adults have a designated nap time during the workday?
Is it better to have a superpower of invisibility or time travel?
Is it more fun to celebrate Halloween or Christmas?

Debate can be a super fun form of conversation. Though if you don’t just want to boost your debate skills but also your overall conversation skills so that you can build more meaningful relationships, you might enjoy this free training:

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Controversial American Debate Topics

For any US reader, the political climate is hot! Here are a few debate prompts that might stoke some lively debate.

They aren’t for the faint of heart and could hopefully result in some charged conversations—to create more understanding and insight.

Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

At what age can people make informed, intelligent decisions? Should we empower youth more? Plus, the earlier people start voting, the more likely they’ll vote later. Some juicy topics!

Should there be stricter gun control laws in the United States?

This is a huge one, especially with all the shootings over the past years. About 40% of Americans 5 https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/09/13/key-facts-about-americans-and-guns/ say there is a gun in their household. Gun control debates tackle public safety, the Second Amendment, and measures to reduce gun-related violence.

Is the death penalty an effective form of punishment?

About 60% of Americans 6 https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/06/02/most-americans-favor-the-death-penalty-despite-concerns-about-its-administration/ support the death penalty, even though nearly 80% agree that there is some risk that an innocent person will be unrightly put to death. If that’s not grounds for an interesting debate, I don’t know what is!

Here are more stats:

An infographic exploring stats around the death penalty as an effective form of punishment. This is one of many American debate topics.

Should the sale and use of recreational marijuana be legalized?
Is abortion a woman’s right to choose or a moral issue?
Should hate speech be protected as free speech?
Is affirmative action in college admissions fair or discriminatory?
Should euthanasia be legal for terminally ill patients?
Is the use of torture justified in extreme circumstances?
Should the United States abolish the Electoral College?
Should there be restrictions on immigration to the United States?
Should the United States provide foreign aid to countries in need?
Is the use of autonomous weapons in warfare ethical?
Should businesses be required to provide paid parental leave?
Is the surveillance of citizens by the government a violation of privacy?
Should sex work be legalized and regulated?
Should there be limits on the freedom of the press to prevent fake news?
How much of addiction is due to individual choices, and how much is biology and trauma-related?

American Political Debate Topics

Try out these topics for some hot political debates to explore your deeper philosophies around politics. These topics are specific to the US government system but might provide interesting debate to folks from any country.

Should gerrymandering be eliminated from the redistricting process?
Should the United States implement a national ID card system?
Should the United States transition to a parliamentary system of government?
Is it ethical for politicians to accept campaign contributions from corporations?
Is it acceptable to use blockchain technology for secure and transparent voting systems?
Should people be required to pass a basic knowledge test to be eligible to vote?
Is it important to implement term limits for members of Congress?
Should political parties be required to disclose their donors publicly?
Is it acceptable for the government to monitor citizens’ online activities for security purposes?
Is it ethical for politicians to use social media for campaign purposes?
Is establishing a third major political party in the United States important?
Should nations pursue disarmament and work towards a world without nuclear weapons, or should they maintain and modernize their nuclear arsenals for deterrence and security purposes?

Unique Debate Topics

Try out these debate topics to explore new domains of thought and conversation that you might not normally touch on.

Is it ethical to colonize other planets to ensure the survival of humanity?
Should governments provide a universal basic income for all citizens?
Should there be a legal limit on the number of hours people can work each week?
Is it justifiable to create a global language to promote unity and communication?
Should there be a tax on disposable plastic products to reduce waste?
Should there be a cap on the number of children a person can have to control overpopulation?
Should countries invest more in renewable energy sources, even if it leads to job losses in fossil fuel industries?
Is it appropriate to use AI algorithms to match people with potential life partners?
Is it ethical to use gene editing to eliminate hereditary diseases from the human gene pool?
Should voting in elections be mandatory for all eligible citizens?
Is it acceptable for companies to use AI to create personalized advertisements based on individuals’ online behavior?
Should a global ban exist on developing and using autonomous killer robots in warfare?
Is it justifiable to offer tax breaks to companies that implement environmentally friendly practices?
Are zoos ethical institutions that contribute to conservation and education, or should they be phased out in favor of alternative methods for wildlife protection and public education?
Is it ethical to use AI algorithms to predict and prevent crimes before they happen?
Should higher education be more affordable and accessible, with reduced reliance on student loans, or is the current system of student loans necessary to support educational opportunities and institutions?

If you liked those questions, here are 110 more mind-blowing questions to get you thinking about life.

Funny Debate Topics

These debate topics are sure to bring out some chuckles from you and your debate adversary.

Should ketchup be allowed on pizza?
Is cereal a soup, a breakfast food, or something else entirely?
Is a hotdog a sandwich, or is it in a category of its own?
Should toilet paper hang over or under?
Is water wet, or is it just a perception?
Does a straw have one hole or two?
Should adults be allowed to play with toys without being judged?
Was Darth Vader a tragic hero or a villain who ultimately redeemed himself?
Would an underwater life be more appealing than a life in space?
Should GIFs be pronounced with a hard “G” or a soft “G”?
Are cartoons more entertaining than documentaries?
Is it okay to talk to yourself out loud?
Should unicorns be considered mythical creatures or real animals that haven’t been discovered yet?
Is it okay to eat fries with a fork, or do you have to use your fingers?
Is it better to have a messy bedroom or a messy kitchen?

Easy Debate Topics

If you’re new to debate or want some starter topics, here are some topics everyone can relate to. These topics are especially good for kids, high schoolers, and students.

Is it better to have a dog or a cat as a pet?
Should students have homework every day?
Is it more fun to play indoor or outdoor games?
Should kids be allowed to have a later bedtime on weekends?
Is it better to read books or watch movies for entertainment?
Should schools have a longer summer break?
At what age should children be allowed to have their own cell phones?
Should kids be allowed to have a say in family decisions?
Is it important to have a regular exercise routine ?
Should kids be allowed to choose their bedtime?

Silly Debate Topics

If you want to get silly, goofy, and playful, then try out these debate topics.

Is it better to have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?
Is it acceptable to wear a superhero cape to work or school every day?
Should people walk backward instead of forward to see where they’ve been?
Should all food be served in the form of ice cream?
What’s better, a snowball fight in the summer or a hot water balloon fight in winter?
Is it acceptable to have a day dedicated to wearing mismatched shoes?
If everyone had to get 8 hours of sleep a night, would it help with world peace?
Is it better to have a pet dragon that breathes confetti or one that breathes fire?

Frequently Asked Questions About Debate Topics

Debate topics can include climate change, healthcare reform, education, and the impact of technology on society.

Good topics to debate about encompass subjects like social justice, privacy in the digital age, and the influence of media on society.

Fun debate topics may revolve around topics like the best movie genre, the existence of extraterrestrial life, and the merits of pizza toppings.

Popular debate topics often include gun control, immigration policy, climate change, and the role of technology in daily life.

Good debate topics for high school students can include issues like the importance of standardized testing, the impact of social media on mental health, and the relevance of classic literature in the modern curriculum.

Takeaways on Debate Topics

Best of luck setting up your debate!

If you hope to become a better debater, it can also help to invest in your oration skills. If you’re interested, here’s a great article to help boost your public speaking.

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Speech And Debate

Debate Topics

Last updated on: Dec 29, 2023

Debate Topics (2024) - Top 200+ Compelling Topics

By: Cordon J.

23 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Choosing an interesting topic for a debate can be a little tricky. There are several factors that are to be considered before you choose a topic.

Is the topic debatable?
Do you have content for it?
Is the content easily available for research?
Are you genuinely interested in the topic?
Is the topic good enough to impress your audience?

Get all the answers below and get some creative and great debate topics and ideas.

On this Page

What is the Debate?

A debate and speech writing is a process or an activity that involves presenting relevant arguments in support of a viewpoint. Normally, debates take place in academic institutes, public meetings, and legislative and lawmaking assemblies.

It is a common part of our lives, and we all have argued at some point in our lives. Through a debate, a participant tries to cancel the views and arguments of the opponent while safeguarding their own views with solid proof and arguments.

In an academic and scholarly environment, it is considered quite a fun and enlightening activity that engages the audience and adds to their knowledge.

What are the Types of Debate?

Debates can be of various types. Each type is used for a specific type of debate, and all of them are conducted differently and could take place for different purposes. Below are the six types of debate:

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: This type of debate is mostly used in formal debating societies. It is also known as a "value debate" and requires two individuals to argue against each other on moral and ethical issues.
Rebuttal Debate: A rebuttal debate is an argument that takes place between two participants. Each participant has to present their arguments and prepare a strong case against the opposition's point of view.
Cross-Examination Debate: In this type of debate, each speaker is given time to answer questions posed by the opposition while they are presenting their argument.
Public Forum Debate: This is a form of debate in which two teams compete against each other with their respective cases.
Oregon-Oxford Debate: This debate type also takes place between two participants, and each speaker has to present arguments while preparing a strong case against the opposition's point of view.
One-Rebuttal Debate: This type of debate is similar to the Cross-Examination Debate except that each speaker has only one chance to rebut the opposition's argument.

No matter what kind of debate you are planning or participating in, you will not need a unique or out-of-the-box type of topic for it. Your topic should be interesting and relatable for your audience, and this is enough to make your debate a winner.

How to Choose Good Debate Topics?

Some important factors need to be considered when it comes to choosing a good debate topic. A good debate topic will help the audience understand both sides of the issue and keep them engaged to make better and more informed decisions.

Here are a few tips that will help you choose a good topic for your debate.

Interest: It is necessary that you should be interested in your topic since you are the one who is going to write and deliver it to your audience. If you are not interested in the topic, there is no way that your debate will be convincing enough to persuade your audience.
Research: To debate effectively, you should be aware of the pros and cons of your topic. This will help you convince the audience by opposing the opponent’s viewpoints.
Target Audience: This is the essential factor to consider while choosing a debate topic. Your topic should be according to the intellectual level of your audience. Only this way, they will actually understand what you are trying to deliver in your debate.
Argument Potential: Pick a topic that has solid argument potential. If only one side is right or if there is limited information available, you will face a hard time crafting a good debate.

Are you ready to learn debating strategies and leave your opponent and audience amazed? Watch this video

Debate Topics on Different Subjects

Great speeches and debate topics are essential for memorable debates and speeches. This is why we suggest that you do your research properly before deciding on a specific topic. To help you get some memorable topic ideas, we have gathered lists of topics that could be used in any type of debate like Lincoln-Douglas debate topics, rebuttal debates, and others.

Here is a complete list of engaging debate competition topics and ideas.

Continue reading, and you will definitely find a great topic.

Should abortion be allowed in all cases?

Alternative Energy

Is alternative energy a better option than traditional sources of energy?

American Socialism

Should the U.S. move towards a socialist system?

Animal Testing

Is it ethical to use animals for testing?
Is it ethical to clone animals?
Is animal testing necessary?

Banned Books

Should books that contain offensive content be banned?

Binge-Watching

Is binge-watching television and movies a good way to spend time?

Bottled Water Ban

Should bottled water be banned in all cases?

Business Ethics

What role should ethical considerations play in business decisions?

Cyberbullying

How can cyberbullying be prevented?

Capital Punishment

Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime?
Should capital punishment be used as a form of punishment?
Should censorship of the internet be allowed?

Cancel Culture

Is cancel culture a valid form of protest?

Cell Phones

Should the use of cell phones be restricted in public places?

Climate Change

Is climate change real or man-made?
Should human cloning be allowed?
Should drugs be decriminalized or not?

Death Penalty

Is the death penalty effective as a punishment?

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School debate should be compulsory for all students
There should be no school uniforms or a dress code
Students should not be allowed to use Facebook.
Impact of social media on teenagers and high school students.
Junk food should not be banned in schools
Energy drinks should be banned from students.
Students should volunteer for community service.
Students should not be allowed gadgets in private school.
Mobile phones should not be allowed in schools
High school students should not be allowed cell phones in school.
Online learning vs. traditional learning. Which is better?
How can technology help to improve education?
The modern college education system is better than the traditional one.
How can we engage high school students in the class?
How is outdoor learning beneficial?
Homework should be banned in schools.
How can a college education help you get a good job?
Should public schools offer educational bonuses?
Why do kids need recess?
Traditional teaching methods should be replaced with AI-powered education.
Public speaking boosts the confidence of students.
Entertainment and Technology Debate Topics
Children should not be allowed to play violent video games.
Pros and cons of using social media.
Does technology intensify human communication skills?
Effects of violent cartoons on the mental development of children.
Playing video games should be banned for kids.
Environmental Issues
Global warming and its impacts on humanity.
Is global warming a real issue?

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Fun and Funny Debate Topics

Following fun debate topics are great if you are looking for topics that are light in mood and offer humorous matters.

Women are much more complicated than men.
Which one is better? Eat to live or live to eat?
Children should not be allowed to watch cartoons as they portray violence.
Why can men date younger women, but women can’t date younger men?
Are there some discrete messages in nursery rhymes?
Morals or money? Which one is necessary to survive?
Which gender is better? Male or female?
How does sunlight affect vampires?
Can vampires get AIDS?
How will life be after death?
Barbie is a good role model for young girls.
Do fairy tales affect children’s reality perception?
Has the #MeToo movement gone too far?
Which is the better pet? Dogs or cats.
What comes first? Chicken or eggs.
Winters are better than summer.
Do you want to live forever?
What is a better dessert? Cake or ice cream.
What is the best topping for pizza?
No one should ever tell a lie.

General Debate Topics

Zoos should be banned Why do kids need privacy? Importance of saving money. Every student should adopt a family pet. Why do most kids start smoking? Importance of reading books. Animals should have the same rights as humans. Fast-food chains are the major cause of the increase in the obesity rate.

Healthcare Debate Topics

Marijuana should be legal for its use in medicines.
Pharmacists should not be allowed to prescribe medicines.
Obese people should pay more for healthcare.
Healthcare should not be free for everyone.

Interesting Debate Topics

Is sex education necessary for middle school students?
Nuclear powers are the major cause of wars.
Same-sex marriage should not be allowed.
Gay relationships are against nature.
Students are becoming way too dependent on technology.
Money is a major source of motivation in the workplace.
Girls should be encouraged and supported to enter the STEM research field.
Is money a key factor in getting exoneration from crimes?
Alternative energy resources should be explored and used to preserve natural resources.
Censorship should be made less lenient for educational documentaries.
Gay couples should be allowed to adopt children.
The sale of fur must be banned.
Reality television is harming society.
Why is paintball a real sport?
Sports are more important than arts.
What are the differences between cricket and hockey?
Why is it important to ban late-night alcohol sales?
Unpaid internships should be made illegal.
Beauty contests should be banned.
Gay couples should not be allowed to adopt children.

Justice Debate Topics

The death penalty should be abolished.
Mental illness should not be grounds for criminal justice exemption.
The legal age for voting should be lowered.
Juveniles who commit crimes should not be tried as adults.
Should police officers wear body cameras?
Are plea bargains fair to defendants?

Knowledge Debate Topics

Do humans learn better by reading or listening?
Should universities offer free tuition to all students?
Is knowledge more important than experience?
What is the best way to acquire knowledge?
Are tests a good indication of student learning?
Do grades accurately measure intellectual abilities?

Life and Ethics Debate Topics

Beauty pageants are another way to objectify women.
Beauty pageants are setting ridiculous standards in society.
Social networking sites are used for stalking instead of communicating.
Torture is never justified, no matter what the situation is.
Celebrities have the leverage to get away with crimes more than any non-celebrity.
Cigarettes should not be allowed in public places.

Moral Debate Topics

Is it ever right to lie?
Should animals be used for scientific research?
Is abortion wrong in all cases?
Capital punishment is morally wrong.
The death penalty should not exist.
Should prostitution be legalized?
What is the moral responsibility of corporations?

Nature Debate Topics

Are humans responsible for global warming?
Should plastic bags be banned in all countries?
Why are bees important to our environment?
How can deforestation be stopped or slowed down?
What is the best way to preserve wildlife habitats?
What steps should be taken to reduce air pollution?

Opinion Debate Topics

Should teachers be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
Do violent video games lead to aggressive behavior?
Are organic foods really better for you than non-organic foods?
Does the internet make people more productive?
Is it ethical to clone animals and humans?

Political Debate Topics

There should be a monarchical system in the United States
Causes of increasing racism in the United States.
Nuclear weapons should be banned across the globe.
Police should be allowed to use lethal force.
Are men stronger than women?
Religion does more harm than good.
Why can it be done to stop wars?
Is the Paris Agreement relevant anymore?
Monarchy should end worldwide.
Everyone should be allowed to keep weapons.
Free speech is an individual right.
Religious schools and churches should also be charged with taxes.
Is freedom of speech necessary for a nation to grow?
What should be the penalty for illegal immigrants?
There should be more members of the jury.
Refugees should not be allowed to acquire any sort of nationality.
Is it ethical to carry an automatic weapon?
Is patriotism a good or a bad thing?
Is the US Constitution a living document?
Political campaigns must be organized on money borrowed by corporations.
Limiting terms for US senators and representatives brings more harm than benefit.
Why should churches pay more taxes?
Police should use deadly force. Discuss why.
Why must the royal family be abolished?
People should own guns. Why?
Why are automatic weapons legalized?
Voting should be made mandatory for everyone.
Importance of freedom of speech.
Public Forum Debate Topics
Abortion is the right of every woman.
Genetic engineering is not a natural process and should not be legalized.
Birth control pills should be accessible to teenagers.
There should be an equal ratio of male and female employees in the workplace.
Barbie is not a practical example of a role model.
Feminism is causing more harm than good.
Marijuana has its advantages.
The MeToo movement is being misused, forgetting its real purpose.
The media should be free to express their opinions and criticism.
Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
Smoking should be banned worldwide.
The form of government should provide free birth control.
Can we trust banks?
Financial issues destroy a nation.
Is taxation good or bad?
How can humans affect animals?
Discuss the importance of financial stability.
We should lower the voting age for everyone.
Mobile banking is not a safe procedure. Why?
How badly can peer pressure affect an innocent soul?
Models are setting the wrong standards of beauty.
We are living in a dystopian society.

Questions Debate Topics

Does technology have the potential to do more harm than good?

Religion Debate Topics

What is the importance of religion in society?
Should religious education be mandatory in all schools?
Sports should be an essential part of middle school.

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Television Debate Topics

Should parents be more mindful of the television programs their children watch?
Are reality shows detrimental to our society?

Urbanization Debate Topics

What are the effects of rapid urbanization on the environment?

Veganism Debate Topics

Is veganism a more ethical lifestyle choice than eating meat?
Should veganism be promoted as an ethical diet choice?
Women's Rights Debate Topics
Are women still discriminated against in the workplace?
Xenophobia Debate Topic
What can be done to tackle the rising xenophobia in many parts of the world?
Youth Empowerment Debate Topics
Should youth empowerment programs be adopted at a global level?

Zero Waste Debate Topics

Can zero-waste policies help protect our environment?

Best Debate Topics for Students

Crafting an argumentative essay or preparing for a debate? Below we have compiled some great topics for debate competition;

Debate Topics for Kids

The curriculum should be designed according to the individual needs of the children.
Physical activities and real-life teaching skills should be mandatory in schools.
Visits to zoological and botanical gardens are great fun and educational activities for kids.
Sports should be encouraged at the school level.
Children should be given the right to vote.
School hours should be revised.
School lunches should be properly planned by a dedicated dietician.
Parents should give a weekly allowance to the kids.
Parents should be held responsible for their kids' mistakes.
Dance can be considered a sport.
Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
Why should we encourage students to read books?
How can we replace teachers with computers?
Why are the Olympics important?
Are zoos beneficial to animals?
Why is it important to explore space?
Do children really need privacy in their lives?
Why should children save their pocket money?
Parents should be punished if their child makes a mistake.

Debate Topics for Teens

The minimum wage for all countries should be the same.
Parents should not hit children in front of others.
Censorship is necessary for the media.
Passion or patriotism can be harmful in certain situations.
How social media affects teenagers?
Social media is a cause of increasing depression among the youth.
The use of drugs should be considered a mental issue.
How is peer pressure different from bullying?
How are humans destroying the habitat of animals?
Being too religious can be dangerous.
Can people save nature by using technology?
Are student loans exploitative?
Alcohol should not be sold on weekends.
How secure is mobile banking?
Does homework really promote learning?
Is abortion murder?
Should students be allowed to create their own curriculum?
Why is a college and university education necessary?
Teachers should be allowed to carry guns on campuses.
How should modern society respond to teenage pregnancies?
All students must learn at least one foreign language.

Debate Topics for Middle School

Following middle school debate topics are added to give you some good debate topics for middle school.
Peer pressure is a major influence on teenage behavior.
Should parents be held responsible for their children’s actions?
Cell phone usage should be banned in schools.
Teachers should use more technology in the classroom.
Students should not have to wear uniforms.
Schools should teach about financial literacy and budgeting.
Violence in video games leads to increased aggression.
The legal drinking age should be lowered from 21.
Juvenile offenders should serve their sentences in adult prisons.
Sexting should carry criminal penalties for minors.
Schools need more money for extracurricular activities.
Is it okay to criticize your teacher in public?

Debate Topics for High School

High school debate topics are less profound than what you get in college and graduation. The following topics will give you an idea of how to come up with interesting debate topics for your debate.

In high school, should all students have to pass a basic math proficiency test?
Should parents be held liable if their children commit crimes?
Should violent video games be banned?
Do the benefits of religious teachings outweigh their disadvantages?
Are single-parent homes better than dual-parent homes?
Should students participate in sports activities during school hours?
Should schools provide free sanitary supplies in bathrooms?
Are standardized tests a valid measure of student performance?
Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom?
Should students be graded on attendance alone?
Is it right to limit free speech on college campuses?
Are video games taking away from social activities or helping to build them?
Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Should the death penalty be abolished in all countries?
Is it ethical to use animals for testing medical treatments?
Should students be paid for their academic performance?
Should plastic straws and other single-use items be banned?

Debate Topics for College Students

How can homework help to abolish learning skills?
Why should religion be avoided to discuss in schools?
Is history an important subject area?
Why is it important for students to play sports regularly?
Boarding school is harmful to the mental health of the students.
Obesity in children is increasing because of parents’ lack of control over their children.
Children should not be allowed to use gadgets.
There should be no advertisements on kids’ channels.
People should be fined according to their income.
Can drug addicts deal through help or punishment?
Rich people should pay more taxes.
Women should be paid less than men,
Wars are never justified.
Marriage is no longer necessary.
Celebrities should earn less.

Are you a high school student seeking the best possible debating format ? This blog will provide you with all of the information to make an informed decision.

Latest Debate Topics 2023

Here are some current debate topics for your next debate;

Education is becoming costlier with every passing day while the quality is not improving.
Children and teens in underprivileged neighborhoods should be given free education.
The rise of augmented reality in contemporary Hollywood and its results.
Video games and animated movies are promoting violence and sexism.
Google is transforming into an online patrol. Discuss.
Orwell’s novel 1984 is becoming a quick reality. Discuss and explain with examples.
Dating in the workplace should be discouraged.
Parents should monitor their kid’s computer and phone usage.
Racial profiling is a new form of discrimination.
Reasons for substance abuse in high school and college-going children.
Values or wealth? Which one is necessary to survive?
There is no third gender.
Homosexual relationships are against nature.
Do drug addicts need help or punishment?
Are animal supports acceptable?
Parental support is essential for the future success of children.
Technology makes people smarter. How?
How can all cars become electric?
A robot can increase people’s quality of life.
Discuss the recent development in the technological field.
The public electoral college should be tuition-free.
All teachers should get tenure.
All school districts should offer school vouchers.
The sale of human organs should be legalized.
Birth control should be for sale over the counter.
Net neutrality should be restored.
Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.
Euthanasia should be banned.
The drinking age should be 18.
Vaping should be banned.
All high school athletes should be drug tested.
Detention should be abolished.
How can we improve the quality of healthcare services?
How should parents handle a bad report card?
Our privacy is more important than national security.
Why is football so dangerous for players?

Dos and Don'ts for Debating

When taking part in debate, it is important to keep the following helpful do’s and dont’s in mind.

Here are several best practices to keep in mind when debating:
Prepare in advance and research the topic.
Consider both sides of the argument and present a balanced view.
Use evidence and facts to support your opinions.
Listen carefully to the opponent’s point of view.
Respectfully disagree with what you don’t agree with.
Be prepared to compromise.

Here are several things to avoid when debating:

Argue for the sake of arguing without any concrete evidence.
Get personal or use offensive language.
Monopolize the conversation or interrupt others.
Be too emotional about the topic.
Ignore what the other person is saying.
Make assumptions or jump to conclusions.

By keeping these dos and don'ts in mind, one can have an effective debate on any given topic.

To wrap it up, Hopefully, you would have found interesting topics for your debate by now.

Once you have chosen a topic, you will have to prepare a strong debate by researching every aspect of the topic. Is that too much work for you?

Don’t panic; we have a good idea. Choose a topic from the given list and hire a professional writer from an essay writing service to do the rest for you.

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5StarEssays.com is the place for you. All you have to do is provide your topic along with the instructions, and the expert writers will do the job for you. Or you an add your topic to our AI essay generator , and it will do the rest.

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Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Single-use Plastics Ban – Should single-use plastics be banned?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA

Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

Social Media
Death Penalty
School Uniforms
Video Games
Animal Testing
Gun Control
Banned Books
Teachers’ Corner

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125 Good Debate Topics for High and Middle Schoolers in 2024

April 2, 2024

What’s the most common phobia in the US? Snakes? Planes? Insects? Public speaking? Ding, ding, ding! If you chose the latter, you’re right on the money. According to an article from The Washington Post , 28% of responders fear public speaking above all else . While public speaking may be scary, it is a necessary and useful skill that benefits students in high school and beyond. Accordingly, one way for high school students to develop their public speaking skills is through the age-old activity of public forum debate, tackling hot-button debate topics from the use of ChatGPT on schoolwork to whether TikTok should be banned. (Fun fact: the art of debating dates back to the lessons of Socrates ! How’s that for time-tested?)

Debate provides the perfect opportunity for all students to practice essential life skills such as conducting research, structuring logical and persuasive arguments, and learning how to grapple with complex current issues. Additionally, debate can help build confidence, foster collaboration with peers, and enable students to become well-informed members of society. And who knows? A successful high school career on the debate team might just inspire a future career in public policy , international relations , or law .

What is the best topic for a debate?

Great question! The ideal debate topic should have relevance to students’ lives , be complex enough to sustain a lively discussion , and have a wealth of supporting “pro” and “con” evidence and data for students to draw upon to support their claims.

Before you choose a topic, you might want to do some preliminary research to see what is available. Remember, you can get creative! For example, if your topic is “Students should be allowed to wear pajamas to class,” you may have a hard time finding studies on that exact subject. Howevever, by researching similar topics, such as “ effect of clothing on productivity ” or “ effect of clothing on mental state,” you’d find a wealth of information to start building your argument.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get into some great debate topics for high schoolers (and some debate topics for middle schoolers, as well!).

Education Debate Topics for High School

Colleges should eliminate the use of standardized tests like the ACT and SAT for determining admissions.
Schools should allow students to use ChatGPT when writing essays and completing assignments.
All public schools should adopt a universal pass/fail grading system.
School districts should allow their libraries to ban certain books.
All students should have free access to higher education.
Students should be allowed to wear pajamas to class.
Students would benefit from a shorter school day.
Schools should eliminate physical education requirements.
All students should take a financial literacy course prior to graduating.
Schools should permit teachers to carry firearms for self-defense.
Teachers should prohibit the use of cell phones during school hours.
High school classes should start later in the morning.
Health classes should be eliminated and left up to parents.
Schools should teach basic survival skills.
Schools should downsize humanities and arts departments in favor of STEM departments.
The Pledge of Allegiance is a form of propaganda.
Period products should be available for free in school bathrooms.

Government Debate Topics for High School

The government should lower the voting age to 16.
The US should adopt a universal healthcare system.
Censorship is sometimes justified in a democratic society.
Hate speech should be protected under freedom of speech laws.
The government should provide reparations for slavery and systemic racism.
The US should implement a carbon tax to help combat climate change.
The United States should take steps to disarm its nuclear arsenal.
The US should abolish the electoral college and move to a popular vote system.
The government should allow prisoners to vote.
We should revise our penal system to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Everyone should be required to serve in the military.
Every state should have a sanctuary city.
Prisoners should only be allowed to stay on death row for one year.
We should abolish public access to the sex offender registry.
Parenting education should be mandatory.
The government should abolish religion-based federal holidays.
State and federal investigators should not be allowed to use DNA from genealogy databases.
Stay-at-home parents should receive compensation from the government.
Undocumented immigrants should have a clear path to amnesty.

Science and Technology Debate Topics for High School

It is the responsibility of social media companies to regulate hate speech on their platforms.
The government should ban the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces.
The government should hold social media companies responsible for overseeing the spread of misinformation on their platforms.
The government should regulate the use of social media to protect user privacy.
All social media companies should disclose what user data they’re collecting, and how it’s being used.
Social media is hindering our ability to form meaningful connections with others.
There should be an age restriction on using social media sites.
The government should create guidelines for AI regulation to prevent widespread job loss in the workplace.
The government should have the power to regulate the content of online platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
Sites like Twitter and Reddit should do away with anonymous posting.
We should require social media influencers to disclose sponsored content.
Artists who use AI to create their pieces should be banned from art contests and competitions.
Car companies are responsible for self-driving car accidents.
Electric cars are not sustainable.
Parents shouldn’t be allowed to post photographs of their children online without their consent.
You should be allowed to record anyone at any time, with or without their knowledge.

Health and Bioethics Debate Topics for High School

The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports is never ethical.
The use of GMOs should be banned from all agriculture.
The cloning of humans is ethical.
The government should legalize all drugs, and tax them as it does cigarettes and alcohol.
Pharmacies should sell birth control over the counter.
We should ban animal testing for medical research.
Authorities should prohibit doctors from prescribing placebos to patients.
The US should legalize physician-assisted suicide.
We should require genetic testing for all newborns.
Patients should have the right to refuse medical treatments.
The government should regulate the use of pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture.
The government should mandate vaccines.
The US should invest more in renewable energy resources to combat climate change.
Mail-order abortion pills should be available in every state.
All restaurants should be required to print calorie counts on their menus.
IVF embryos should be considered children.
Embalming bodies should be banned.
We should resurrect extinct species.

Business Debate Topics for High School

The government should increase the minimum wage.
Universal basic income is necessary for a fair society.
The government should ban unpaid internships.
The government should regulate cryptocurrencies as they do other monies.
The government should provide incentives for companies to hire more women and minorities.
Companies should be required to disclose their gender pay gap.
The U.S. should adopt a flat tax system.
Companies’ boards should meet a set diversity quota.
All companies that are able should transition to a work-from-home model.
The government should provide financial incentives for companies to go green.
We should require companies to provide at least three months of paid parental leave to their employees, regardless of gender.
The government should force companies to disclose their carbon footprint.
Everyone should tip 20% at food service establishments.
Those who choose not to have children should be awarded an equivalent amount of paid leave.
Millionaires should be required to donate a certain amount of money per year to charitable organizations.
Commercial fishing should be banned.
Fashion companies should not be allowed to manufacture clothing overseas.

Pop Culture Debate Topics for High School

Reality TV portrays a distorted version of reality.
Binge-watching TV shows is harmful to our mental health.
Video games should have restrictions on the content they portray.
Cosplay is a form of cultural appropriation.
It is unethical for actors to play characters of different races and ethnicities.
Award shows like the Oscars should have a diversity quota they must meet.
Cancel culture is doing more harm than good.
Celebrities should be held to a higher standard of behavior than the general population.
Rap music is a positive influence on society.
The paparazzi is harmful to celebrities’ well-being.
Graphic novels are not literature.
Genre fiction is less valuable than literary fiction.

Fun Debate Topics

It is better to be well-versed in multiple topics than a specialist in one.
Emojis should be allowed in formal correspondence.
It is better to have the power of teleportation than that of invisibility.
Exclamation points have become overused in text and email.
Fast food restaurants should have a mandatory vegan option.
Natural talent is more important for success than hard work.
Cereal is technically a kind of soup.
Pineapples belong on pizza.
Marvel is a better superhero franchise than DC.
Toilet paper should be rolled over, rather than under.
Retired fashion trends should not return.
Hot dogs are sandwiches.

Debate Topics for Middle School

USDA regulators should ban junk food from school cafeterias.
School should take place year-round.
Schools should permit students to select classes based on their individual interests, rather than require all students to take the same classes.
Schools should require students to complete a set number of volunteer hours in order to graduate.
Single-gender schools are better than co-ed ones.
The US should raise the driving age to 18.
Children should earn a fixed amount for doing chores.
Students should grade their teachers, too.
Video games are a useful learning tool.
Schools should not have a dress code.
Teachers should not be allowed to give homework.
Pageants and beauty contests are harmful.
Pets should not be allowed at restaurants.
Recess should be required at all middle schools.

I’ve got my topic, now what?

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, it’s time to prepare. Preparation for a debate involves some key steps, all of which are necessary to ensuring your argument is as sound and convincing as possible.

Putting Together a Successful Debate Argument, Step by Step

1) conduct your research ..

Read widely and smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking down the sources of each—these will be pivotal later, when you’re building your argument and require points of reference. Research the counterarguments you find as well.

2) Organize your thoughts in a coherent manner .

Look over the data you’ve collected and decide your stance. Firstly, you should be able to articulate your position in a single, simple sentence. Then, create an argument that progresses logically. What do you feel are the strongest arguments for your position? You might consider placing your strongest or most thought-provoking argument last so that it is freshest in your listener’s mind.

Additionally, to help your listeners follow along, use signposts to indicate the direction of your claim. (Think of this as building your thesis. “In this argument, I will cover points A, B, and C.”)

3) Write out what you want to say .

Outline the main points of your stance. Under each section, bullet point key pieces of evidence that support your claim. Once you have that, see if you can summarize the bullet point using a single word or phrase. This way, when you’re in the heat of the moment, you can glance down and use that phrase to spark your memory.

4) Anticipate what your opponents might say .

This is essential to crafting a foolproof argument. Firstly, try to look at the debate from the opposing team’s side. Then, ask yourself: If you were arguing from their side, what points would you make? What is the rational counterargument to your claim, and how can you refute it? Where possible, you want to preclude any chance your opponent might have of catching you off-guard.

5) Practice !

Run through what you want to say, and run through it again. Get out the recorder and listen to a recording of yourself. Does your argument make sense? Practice for speed, clarity, and flow. In addition, memorization will help you get rid of any jitters you might have in the moment.

Good Debate Topics—Final Thoughts

In conclusion, debate is an excellent way for high schoolers to hone their communication skills. Moreover, by implementing the strategies outlined here, students will be better prepared to tackle debates with confidence, assured that they’ve put in the work to convey their ideas effectively and with success.

High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook A Great Dark House (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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150+ Debate Topics To Spark Conversations & Conquer Minds

Debating has long been a vital part of human culture, helping us sharpen our critical thinking and shaping our beliefs. Regardless of your skills, engaging in debates is a great way to learn and grow.

However, the success of a debate depends on the right topic. Choosing the perfect debate topics is super important to make the conversation exciting. Finding a strong topic for your debate can be tricky.

Dive into this article where we have compiled a diverse list of debate topics for you. We also explore the art of topic selection, the purpose of debate, and tips for a winning performance.

Table of Contents

Interesting Debate Topics for College Students

Can a college degree assist with better employment opportunities?
Incorporating more AI-powered education is better for the future generation.
Is online paper writing service necessary to respond to the increasing academic workload and pressure college students face?
Mandatory nature education for all students, regardless of their major
Should colleges invest in developing online assignment help platforms to ensure quality and academic integrity?
Is it justified to impose a tuition fee for college education?
Should we compensate college athletes for their participation in sports?
Is affirmative action in college admissions necessary to promote diversity and equality?
Should colleges offer free mental health services to all students?
Is it fair for colleges to consider an applicant’s social media presence in the admissions process?
Should colleges prioritize vocational and trade programs over traditional academic degrees?
Should colleges implement stricter speech codes and restrictions to create a more inclusive and respectful campus environment?
Is a liberal arts education still relevant and valuable in today’s job market?

Interesting and Controversial Debate Topics

Should we permit abortion as a regular medical practice?
Should human cloning be allowed?
Is Animal testing ethical?
Should society grant animals the same rights as humans?
Should people give up their privacy rights to protect their nation?
Is animal testing necessary?
Is animal cloning ethical?
Is it justified to ban books under any circumstances?
Can we actively prevent cyberbullying?
Is the MeToo movement currently stirring controversy?
Why do students actively engage in smoking initiation?
Are fast-food chains the main cause behind the growing rate of obesity?
Should terminally ill patients have the right to request and receive assistance in ending their lives?
Should governments have the authority to regulate social media platforms to address issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and privacy concerns?
Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime?
Has “Censorship” benefited society in any way?

Debate Topics For High-School Students

Can schools prohibit their students from using certain social media platforms?
Impact of social media on high-school Students’ mental health
More students should volunteer for community work
Schools should prohibit the use of personal gadget in class
Is the prevalence of cheap essay writing services a reflection of flaws in the education system?
Which is a better learning experience for students: online classes vs. traditional
Which is more beneficial for high schoolers: outdoor learning or indoor learning
Do homeworks contribute to a student’s learning experience?
Should students have a lunch break and a separate recess to relax?
Students excel more when allowed to attend more subject-oriented fairs and expos.
Are high school students more frequently subjected to online stalking?
Is it easy for most students to open up to their parents about any harassment cases?
Do students need proper training from school professionals and parents to identify predators online?

Unique Topics for University Students

Does APA heading structure have any special impact on the academic writing quality?
Free speech vs. safe speech on university campus
The value of liberal art education in today’s job market
The importance of sustainability and environmental awareness in university policies
Role of extracurricular activities in university education
Et al. meaning in academic writing: is it necessary or redundant?
The effectiveness of affirmative action in university admission
The necessity of student loan forgiveness programs

Political Debate Topics

Should the United States transition to a socialist system collectively?
The government still neglects minor disabilities.
Are current government policies and actions sufficient to combat the effects of climate change?
How to approach the global refugee crisis: including issues of border control, asylum policies, and international cooperation
Can governments address the growing wealth gap?
Rise of populist movements and growing political polarization, and how can societies address the resulting divisions and strengthen democratic institutions?
The imposition of the same-sex marriage agenda upon individuals should be avoided.
Rise of authoritarian governments and their impact on human rights, democracy, and global stability
The feminist movement no longer talks about women’s rights
Gay couples should be able to adopt children

Topics to Debate on Environment

Alternative energy: Is it a better option than traditional courses of energy?
Should we ban bottled water to minimize the Plastic waste?
Does Climate change pose a real threat to human existence?
Does climate change impact humans in a negative way?
Should people fund animal research institutes?

Debate Topics on Ethics

Should ethical considerations play a role in business decisions?
Should we encourage the use of cell phones in public places?
Is it ethical to use AI in the decision-making process?
Is it unethical to have different viewpoints from your teachers?
Why has the use of Facebook not been prohibited despite the revelation of user exploitation?

Easy Debate Topics on Education

Should schools make it compulsory for every student to contribute in debate contests?
Should schools invite professionals for informative speeches more often?
Should schools arrange for more motivational speakers to visit schools?
Should schools provide a separate class for public speaking for students to combat social or stage anxiety
Should educational curriculums have religious subjects in them?
Do student dress codes help achieve anything in a student’s overall upbringing?
School cafeterias should not have junk food in them
There should be monthly wellness and cleanliness checks of school cafes from higher authorities or the government
Should schools allow students to use mobile phones within school premises?
The perceived value of virtual degrees in comparison to traditional degrees
Should victims of school violence and bullying sue their educational institutes for physical and mental damages?
Should schools provide educational bonuses?
Schools should make monthly psychological evaluations necessary
Schools should encourage AI-powered education for all subjects
Educational institutes should invest more in subject-oriented fairs and expos
Schools need to take students on more sight trips for a better learning experience
More educational institutes should offer educational bonuses.

Conversational Debate Topics

Should society decriminalize the usage of drugs?
Video games induce violent behavior in children
Does the television series “Euphoria” idealize or glorify self-destructive behavior?
Should CPS get involved in cases of school violence?
Is Barbie a good role model for impressionable girls?
Has society benefited more from social media?
Should society ban Zoos?
Do Netizens really assist authorities in solving true crime cases?
Has technology intensified human communication?
Does reading books hold significant importance?
Does violence in cartoons affect the upbringing of children
Should governments implement a universal basic income to address income inequality and poverty?
Should we ban games like “IGI”, “Grand Theft Auto”, “Call of Duty”, or “Delta Force”?
Do shows like “ The Glory ” and “13 Reasons Why” make any impact against the physical and mental turmoils students face?
What is the most effective method to attain financial literacy?
Should society lower the official voting age to 16?
Should minimum wages be increased in accordance with inflation?
Public speaking can give you a boost of confidence
Cons of using social media
Does global warming have serious effects on humanity
Does financial wealth yield greater benefits than moral values?
What transpires after the occurrence of death?

What is a Debate?

A debate is a structured discussion between individuals or teams with contrasting viewpoints on a specific issue. Most debates aim to persuade an audience to support one side.

They explore various subjects, including philosophy, politics, social sciences etc. Usually, debate contests occur in academic settings. But it may also occur in legislative assemblies, public meetings, and law-making assemblies.

Debate is a contest of ideas, often occurring in academic institutes, legislative assemblies, public meetings, and lawmaking assemblies. It involves defending a viewpoint that one agrees with.

Types of Debates:

Debates come in various formats, each with its unique structure and style. Understanding these types of debates will help you choose the right debate topics. And navigate the world of intellectual discussions with ease. Let’s explore some popular debate formats:

Rebuttal Debate

In rebuttal debates, participants present their arguments and then have the opportunity to respond directly to the opposing side’s points. These debates encourage quick thinking and sharp analytical skills.

Example of a rebuttal debate:

The 1960 Kennedy-Nixon presidential debate, both candidates had the chance to refute each other’s arguments.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Named after the historic debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, this format typically focuses on values and philosophical issues. In Lincoln-Douglas debates, participants emphasize logic, ethics, and philosophy when discussing debate topics.

The original Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, centered around the issue of slavery, are prime examples of this format.

One-Rebuttal Debate

In one-rebuttal debates, each speaker has only one chance to refute the opposing side’s arguments. This format demands strong initial arguments and strategic thinking.

Example of one-rebuttal debate:

The 2012 U.S. vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan. In this debate both debaters had limited opportunities to counter each other’s points.

Public Forum Debate

Public forum debates focus on current events and involve teams of two speakers. These debates aim to engage the audience and make complex issues accessible to a broader audience.

For example: A 2014 Intelligence Squared U.S. debate showcases a public forum debate. The subject was contemporary on whether “Snowden was justified”.

Cross-Examination Debate

Also known as policy debate, cross-examination debates involve two teams that propose and oppose a specific policy. Participants must research and prepare extensively, as they need to defend their stance and question their opponents effectively.

The annual National Debate Tournament showcases the best cross-examination debate topics and performances.

Oregon-Oxford Debate

The Oregon-Oxford debate format features two teams with two to three speakers each. Debaters present their arguments in alternating speeches, followed by cross-examination.

A prominent example of Oregon-Oxford debate is the 2015 Munk Debate on the global refugee crisis

Understanding these different debate formats will help you choose good debate topics. These topics will best suit the structure and style of your desired intellectual exchange.

Significance of the Right Debate Topics.

Picking the right debate topics is essential because it sets the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation. A strong topic captures everyone’s interest, sparks lively discussions, and challenges debaters to think deeply and present persuasive arguments.

You should analyze several factors about a topic before preparing for a debate.

Is the chosen topic worthy of debate?
Is there enough research material available for you to organize an argument?
Are you interested in the topic?
Will the topic impact your audience?

So, the next time you’re picking a topic consider checking all these boxes.

How to Choose Good Debate Topics? A Quick Guide

Here is a quick guide on how to pick your next debate topic for an epic win. These simple steps will help you find one that’s engaging and thought-provoking:

Your Interest: Choose debate topics that genuinely interest you. Your passion for the subject will make your arguments more compelling and motivate you throughout the debate.
Proper Research: Explore various debate topics and gather information on them. Look for topics with abundant resources, making building strong arguments easier and staying well-informed.
Your Target Audience : Consider the interests and preferences of your audience. Select debate topics that will resonate with them and spark their curiosity.
Argument Potential: Pick debate topics allowing diverse perspectives and strong arguments. This will ensure a lively and engaging debate, encouraging critical thinking and intellectual growth.
Controversy and Relevance : Opt for debate topics that address current or controversial issues. These topics generate more interest and provoke deeper discussions, as they often have real-world implications and affect people’s lives.
Balance and Fairness: Ensure that the debate topics you choose allow for a fair and balanced debate. Both sides should have equal opportunities to present strong arguments and valid points, making the debate more engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Tips and Techniques to SpellBound Your Audience

In this blog’s last part, we will touch on some tips for delivering a strong debate. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a winning debate on various topics.

Prepare thoroughly: Confidence and believability come from being well-prepared. Research your debate topics and anticipate your and your opponent’s arguments.
Stay on topic: Time is limited, so focus on your points and allocate appropriate time for each.
Speak slowly and clearly: Avoid rushing through your speech. Engage your audience by being charismatic and amicable.
Exude confidence: Even if you feel nervous, maintain confidence to appear credible and knowledgeable about your debate topics.
Mind your body language: Use gestures, maintain eye contact, and adopt a relaxed posture to convey confidence and credibility.
Engage your audience: Observe your audience’s reactions and adjust your tone or content accordingly to keep them interested.
Take notes during the debate: Jot down your opponent’s points and potential rebuttals to stay organized and focused.
Anticipate your opponent’s arguments: Try to understand your opponent’s perspective and show your audience why your stance matters more.
Use stories and illustrations: Humor and anecdotes can help break the ice and make your debate topics more relatable.
Conclude strongly: Summarize your points and tie everything together in a memorable closing statement.
Be graceful: Refrain from resorting to low tactics. Like derogatory remarks or disruptive behavior. Ensure that you treat your opponent with the utmost respect.
Keep it interesting: Adapt your delivery based on audience feedback. Add anecdotes, and maintain a light tone to keep your debate topics engaging.

Conclusion:

We’re confident that our diverse selection of debate topics will leave you spoilt for choice. With so many options, you can find the perfect topic that ticks all your boxes. Our seasoned professionals are ready to lend a helping hand in crafting the most compelling debates out there. Elevate your debating game with our expert guidance. Rest assured that we’re committed to delivering nothing but the best for our valued customers. So, dive into these debate topics and let the engaging conversations begin!

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The Most Powerful Debate Speech Strategy And Topic Ideas

Hrideep barot.

Speech Topics

Welcome to the exciting world of debate speech and topics! Forget the fancy jargon; let’s talk about how debates aren’t just about winning arguments. Picture it as a journey where we explore ideas and connect. We’re not just tossing words around; we’re diving into the core of what makes us tick.

Think of debates as more than just convincing speeches. They’re like a doorway to understanding and connecting with people. It all begins with a strong start – our introduction. It’s not just about capturing attention; it’s about inviting everyone into a space where ideas clash and minds expand.

In this space, words aren’t just tools; they’re the architects of who we are becoming. Our journey is more than winning debates; it’s about developing critical thinking, becoming great communicators, and understanding each other better. So, let’s kick off this adventure together, where the magic of debate isn’t just in the words we say but in how they shape us along the way.

11 Greatest Debate Topics Of All Time.

How To Write a Debate Speech?

Ways In which Debate Helps Shape Overall Personality.

10 powerful debate strategies which can never go wrong. .

Conclusion.

1. The Existence of a Higher Power: God vs. Atheism

Theological Arguments: Explore philosophical and theological arguments for the existence of God, such as the cosmological, teleological, and moral arguments.

Scientific Perspectives: Consider scientific perspectives that challenge traditional religious beliefs, including evolutionary theory and the Big Bang theory.

Personal Beliefs: Discuss the role of personal experiences and beliefs in shaping one’s stance on the existence of a higher power.

2. Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech Laws

Importance of Free Expression: Discuss the fundamental value of free expression in a democratic society and its role in fostering diversity of thought.

Harm Principle: Explore the harm principle as a criterion for limiting speech and the ethical considerations in regulating hate speech.

Balancing Rights: Consider the challenges in striking a balance between protecting individual rights and preventing harm to marginalized communities.

3. Legalization of Recreational Drugs: Pros and Cons

Individual Liberty: Discuss the argument for individual liberty, asserting that adults should have the autonomy to make choices about their bodies.

Public Health Concerns: Explore the potential negative impacts of drug legalization on public health and societal well-being.

Economic Implications: Consider the economic implications, including potential tax revenue and job creation, associated with the legalization of recreational drugs.

4. Climate Change: Human-Made vs. Natural Causes

Scientific Consensus: Examine the overwhelming scientific consensus supporting the idea that human activities contribute significantly to climate change.

Skeptic Perspectives: Discuss skeptical views that challenge the extent of human impact on climate change, considering natural climate variations.

Policy Implications: Explore the policy implications of different perspectives, including the urgency for mitigation and adaptation measures.

5. Capital Punishment: Morality and Deterrence

Retribution and Justice: Discuss the concept of retribution and whether capital punishment serves as a just response to heinous crimes.

Deterrence Effect: Examine the debate over the deterrent effect of capital punishment on potential criminals.

Risk of Wrongful Execution: Consider the ethical implications of the potential for wrongful executions and the irreversible nature of the death penalty.

6. Immigration Policies: Open Borders vs. Strict Control

Economic Contributions: Discuss the economic benefits of immigration, including contributions to the labor force and entrepreneurship.

National Security Concerns: Explore concerns related to national security, public resources, and the potential strain on social services.

Humanitarian Considerations: Consider the moral and humanitarian aspects of providing refuge to those fleeing violence or seeking a better life.

7. Assisted Suicide: Right to Die vs. Sanctity of Life

Autonomy and Dignity: Discuss the principle of autonomy and an individual’s right to make decisions about their own life, including the choice of assisted suicide.

Ethical and Religious Perspectives: Examine ethical and religious perspectives that emphasize the sanctity of life and the moral implications of assisted suicide.

Legal Implications: Consider the legal frameworks and ethical guidelines surrounding assisted suicide in different jurisdictions.

8. Privacy in the Digital Age: Security vs. Individual Rights

Surveillance Technologies: Explore the capabilities and implications of modern surveillance technologies, including mass data collection and facial recognition.

National Security Justifications: Discuss arguments that support increased surveillance for national security purposes, especially in the context of preventing terrorism.

Individual Privacy Concerns: Examine concerns related to the erosion of individual privacy rights, data breaches, and the potential for abuse of surveillance powers.

9. Universal Basic Income: Reducing Inequality vs. Economic Sustainability

Poverty Alleviation: Discuss the potential of a universal basic income (UBI) to alleviate poverty and provide financial stability to all citizens.

Economic Viability: Explore concerns about the economic feasibility and sustainability of implementing UBI, including potential impacts on workforce participation.

Social and Economic Equity: Consider how UBI might address systemic inequalities and contribute to a more equitable distribution of resources.

10. Censorship in the Arts: Protecting Morality vs. Freedom of Expression

Artistic Freedom: Discuss the importance of artistic freedom as a form of expression and creativity.

Moral and Cultural Sensitivities: Explore the need for censorship to protect societal values, moral standards, and cultural sensitivities.

Role of Cultural Context: Consider how cultural context and shifting societal norms influence the boundaries of artistic expression.

11. Animal Testing: Scientific Advancement vs. Animal Rights

Scientific Progress: Discuss the contributions of animal testing to scientific and medical advancements, including the development of new treatments and pharmaceuticals.

Ethical Treatment of Animals: Examine the ethical considerations surrounding the use of animals in research, focusing on animal rights, welfare, and alternatives to testing.

Balancing Interests: Explore the challenge of balancing scientific progress with the ethical treatment of animals, seeking common ground that respects both human and animal interests.

These elaborations provide a more in-depth understanding of each controversial debate topic, touching on various perspectives, considerations, and implications associated with each issue. Each topic reflects a complex interplay of values, ethics, and practical considerations that make them enduring subjects of discussion and debate.

How To Write A Debate Speech ?

Introduction: grabbing attention.

Begin your debate speech with a captivating introduction to immediately capture the audience’s interest. Consider using a powerful quote, a relevant anecdote, or a surprising fact related to your topic. The goal is to create an immediate connection with your listeners and set the stage for the discussion that follows. Make it clear why the topic is important and worthy of their attention. You might also include a brief overview of the main points you will cover to provide a roadmap for your audience.

Thesis Statement: Clearly State Your Position

Craft a concise and compelling thesis statement that communicates your stance on the topic. This statement should serve as the central point around which your entire speech revolves. Take the opportunity to highlight the significance of your position and why it is the most rational or ethical perspective. Additionally, consider briefly acknowledging the existence of opposing views to demonstrate your awareness of the complexity of the issue.

Main Arguments: Develop Strong Points

For each main argument, delve into detailed explanations supported by robust evidence. This evidence could include relevant research findings, real-life examples, or historical precedents. Be sure to explain the logical connections between your points and the overall thesis. Use persuasive language to underscore the importance of each argument, making it clear why the audience should find your perspective compelling.

Addressing Counter Arguments: Anticipate and Refute

Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the opposing viewpoint by anticipating counterarguments. Acknowledge these counterarguments respectfully before providing well-reasoned and persuasive refutations. This not only strengthens your position but also shows intellectual honesty and a willingness to engage with diverse perspectives. Use facts, logic, and reasoning to effectively dismantle counterarguments, leaving your audience with a sense of the robustness of your position.

Emphasize Impact: Appeal to Emotions and Values

While presenting your arguments, strategically incorporate emotional appeals to resonate with your audience. Share relatable stories, connect your points to shared values, and use language that evokes an emotional response. This not only adds depth to your speech but also helps create a memorable and impactful impression. A balance between logic and emotion can make your arguments more persuasive and relatable.

Use Persuasive Language: Enhance Convincing Power

Employ a variety of rhetorical devices and persuasive language techniques to enhance the power of your speech. Metaphors, analogies, and vivid language can make complex ideas more accessible and memorable. Consider using repetition to emphasize key points and create a rhythmic flow in your speech. Aim for clarity and precision in your language to ensure that your audience easily grasps the nuances of your arguments.

Maintain Clarity and Organization: Structured Delivery

Organize your speech in a clear and logical structure to facilitate easy comprehension. Begin with a strong introduction, followed by a clear progression of main points. Use transitions between ideas to maintain coherence and guide your audience through the flow of your arguments. A well-structured speech not only aids understanding but also enhances the overall impact of your message.

Engage the Audience: Foster Connection

Encourage active engagement by incorporating rhetorical questions, interactive elements, or moments of audience participation. Foster a sense of connection by speaking directly to the concerns and interests of your listeners. Consider using relatable examples of anecdotes that resonate with the experiences of your audience. Engaging your listeners in this way can create a more dynamic and memorable speech.

Conclusion: Reinforce Your Message

In your conclusion, re-emphasize the key points of your speech and restate your thesis with conviction. Summarize the main arguments in a way that reinforces your overall message. Conclude with a powerful and memorable statement that leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Avoid introducing new information in the conclusion; instead, focus on leaving a strong and final impact that reinforces the significance of your position.

Q&A Preparation: Be Ready for Questions

Anticipate potential questions that may arise from your audience and prepare thoughtful and well-reasoned responses. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of your topic and the ability to address inquiries with confidence adds credibility to your overall presentation. Consider practicing responses to common questions to refine your ability to articulate your position effectively. During the Q&A session, maintain composure and be open to constructive dialogue, further showcasing your expertise and conviction.

Remember, the key to a successful debate speech lies not only in the strength of your arguments but also in your ability to connect with and persuade your audience. Regular practice, feedback, and a genuine passion for your topic will contribute to a compelling and influential presentation.

Check this out to learn about public speaking and debate differences.

Critical Thinking Skills:

Engaging in debates cultivates critical thinking by training individuals to analyze information rigorously. Debaters learn to identify key arguments, evaluate evidence, and discern logical connections. This process enhances their ability to approach complex issues with a discerning and analytical mindset.

Effective Communication:

Debate serves as a powerful platform for honing effective communication skills. Participants develop the art of articulation, mastering the ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively. Regular exposure to public speaking opportunities not only boosts confidence but also refines the delivery of compelling messages.

Check this out to learn how to deliver a memorable speech:

Research and Information Retrieval:

Debates foster strong research skills as individuals delve into diverse topics, evaluate sources, and synthesize information effectively. This process not only enhances information literacy but also teaches valuable skills in data analysis and interpretation.

Empathy and Understanding:

The nature of debates, where participants engage with a variety of viewpoints, promotes empathy and a deeper understanding of different perspectives. Exposure to diverse opinions encourages individuals to appreciate cultural nuances and fosters a more inclusive worldview.

Conflict Resolution Skills:

Debates contribute to the development of conflict resolution skills by emphasizing constructive dialogue and negotiation. Participants learn to navigate differences of opinion, seek common ground, and work towards resolutions collaboratively.

Leadership Qualities:

Active participation in debates fosters leadership qualities such as confidence and initiative. Debaters often take charge of researching, organizing arguments, and leading team efforts, contributing to the development of effective leadership skills.

Time Management:

The time constraints inherent in debates teach individuals to prioritize information effectively. Participants learn to cover multiple points within a structured timeframe, enhancing their ability to manage time efficiently.

Check this out to learn how to ace a 2-minute speech:

Teamwork and Collaboration:

Debating frequently occurs in team settings, fostering teamwork and collaboration. Participants develop skills in effective communication within teams, resolving conflicts, and achieving collective goals.

Debate, as a structured and disciplined form of discourse, provides a platform for personal growth and the development of a well-rounded personality. It not only enhances cognitive and communication skills but also nurtures qualities such as empathy, adaptability, and ethical decision-making, contributing to the holistic development of individuals.

1. Solid Research And Preparation: The Foundation Of Success

In-Depth Understanding: Devote time to thoroughly understand the nuances of your chosen topic. Conduct extensive research to be well-informed on various aspects of the issue.

Counterargument Anticipation: Anticipate potential counterarguments that opponents might present. This allows you to proactively address opposing views and strengthen your position.

Factual Support: Arm yourself with concrete evidence, facts, and statistics. This not only bolsters your credibility but also adds weight to your arguments.

2. Clear And Concise Communication: Precision Matters

Clarity of Expression: Express your ideas in a straightforward and easy-to-understand manner. Avoid unnecessary complexity that might confuse the audience and dilute your message.

Key Message Emphasis: Emphasize key points with precision. Clearly articulate your thesis and ensure that each supporting argument aligns with and reinforces your central message.

Memorable Language: Use language that is both concise and memorable. Craft statements that leave a lasting impression, making it easier for the audience to recall your key arguments.

3. Active Listening: Addressing Counterarguments Effectively

Attentiveness: Actively listen to your opponents during the debate. Paying close attention allows you to respond effectively and demonstrate respect for differing viewpoints.

Acknowledgment of Valid Points: Acknowledge valid points made by the opposition. This not only showcases your fairness but also allows you to engage in a more constructive and nuanced debate.

Strategic Response: Respond thoughtfully to counterarguments. Be prepared to address opposing views with well-reasoned and compelling rebuttals.

4. Adaptability: Flexibility In The Face Of Challenges

Responsive Approach: Be prepared to adapt your strategy based on the flow of the debate. Flexibility allows you to navigate unexpected turns and respond effectively to evolving circumstances.

Open-Mindedness: Demonstrate an open-minded approach to new information. If presented with compelling evidence, be willing to adjust your stance accordingly.

Strategic Agility: Develop the ability to think on your feet and adjust your arguments and responses as the debate unfolds.

5. Emotional Intelligence: Connecting With Your Audience

Understanding Audience Emotions: Consider the emotions and values of your audience. Tailor your arguments to resonate with the experiences and concerns of the people you are addressing.

Emotional Appeals: Incorporate emotional appeals strategically. Connecting with the audience on an emotional level makes your arguments more relatable and persuasive.

Empathy in Communication: Use empathy to establish a genuine connection. Demonstrate an understanding of the perspectives and emotions of your audience.

6. Confidence And Body Language: Projecting Authority

Confident Posture: Maintain a confident and upright posture throughout the debate. Projecting confidence through body language contributes to your perceived authority.

Eye Contact: Make deliberate and consistent eye contact with the audience and opponents. This not only conveys confidence but also fosters a sense of connection.

Vocal Presence: Ensure a strong and clear vocal presence. Speak with conviction and avoid vocal patterns that may suggest uncertainty.

7. Strategic Use of Time: Maximize Impact

Time Allocation: Strategically allocate your time to cover all key points without rushing. Prioritize high-impact arguments and allocate sufficient time for their presentation.

Strategic Pauses: Use strategic pauses for emphasis. Pauses allow the audience to absorb your points and can add weight to your arguments.

Time Management Skills: Develop effective time management skills to ensure that your speech is well-paced and impactful.

8. Consistency in Messaging: Reinforce Your Core Points

Unified Message: Maintain consistency in your messaging throughout the debate. Reinforce your core arguments and thesis to create a cohesive and unified presentation.

Avoiding Contradictions: Be vigilant about avoiding contradictions in your arguments. Inconsistencies can weaken your overall position and undermine your credibility.

Repetition for Emphasis: Repetition can be used strategically to emphasize key points and ensure that your central message is reinforced.

9. Engage the Audience: Foster Connection and Interest

Relatable Examples: Connect with the audience by using relatable examples and anecdotes. Grounding your arguments in real-life situations makes your message more accessible.

Interactive Elements: Encourage audience engagement through rhetorical questions or interactive elements. Active participation fosters a sense of involvement and interest.

Addressing Audience Concerns: Speak directly to the concerns and interests of your audience. Tailor your arguments to resonate with the experiences and values of those you are addressing.

10. Grace Under Pressure: Navigate Challenges with Composure

Calm Demeanor: Remain calm and composed, especially when faced with challenging questions or counterarguments. A composed demeanor enhances your perceived competence and confidence.

Professionalism: Handle pressure with grace and professionalism. Maintain focus on the substance of your arguments rather than getting derailed by external pressures.

Effective Problem-Solving: Develop effective problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges. Navigating pressure with composure demonstrates resilience and adaptability.

By incorporating these elaborated strategies into your debating approach, you can enhance your effectiveness, build credibility, and leave a lasting impression on your audience. Continuous practice and refinement will contribute to your growth as a skilled and persuasive debater.

In summary, the world of debate is a transformative journey that extends beyond the exchange of arguments. Crafting a debate speech is more than an exercise in persuasion; it’s an opportunity to refine our ability to connect with others. Exploring profound topics in debates prompts introspection and broadens our understanding of the world.

Powerful debate strategies go beyond winning; they teach us adaptability and the importance of emotional intelligence. It’s not just about presenting arguments; it’s about becoming individuals who can navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace. Debate shapes our personality in multifaceted ways. It cultivates critical thinking, enhances communication skills, and instills empathy. Engaging with diverse perspectives fosters a more nuanced worldview, contributing to a well-rounded personality.

In essence, the debate is a dynamic and evolving process that leaves an unerasable mark on our character. It’s a journey that molds us into individuals capable of not only articulating ideas persuasively but also of connecting with others on a deeper level. Through debate, we become architects of our growth, equipped with the skills and perspectives needed to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of life.

Dive into this captivating resource! Uncover secrets, gain insights, and embark on a knowledge-packed journey. Your gateway to discovery awaits!

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60 Debate Topics for High Schoolers

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What’s Covered:

What makes a good debate topic, good debate topics for teens.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Topics

Learning to view, think, and discuss ideas from contrasting viewpoints builds a host of skills that will benefit high schoolers both in and out of the classroom—including improving public speaking, reinforcing listening, and sharpening research. Good debate topics for high school students are key to lively discussion and an engaged classroom; they’re issues that students care about.

A good debate topic for high school is one that inspires students to think and learn about both sides of the issue. There are a few factors to consider when searching for good debate topics for high school students.

Clear Idea: A good debate topic clearly, simply, and specifically states an often complex idea that students can argue the affirmative (pro) side of and the negative (con) side of.
Interest: The more interesting the topic is, the more engaged and excited students are to take positions and defend them.
Passion: Topics that students feel strongly about work well. If students are super-passionate about a particular issue, it can challenge them to see both sides of the argument.
Argument: Good debate topics do not have a clear “right” answer—rather, they have opposing views that participants can make persuasive arguments in favor of or against.
Evidence: The availability of evidence and data is key to a good debate topic; without them, participants are merely stating a personal position on a topic.
Avoid Cliches: There are a handful of topics that seem to always materialize for debates and can cause students to lose interest.

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Are the arts an important aspect of education?
Should we make financial education mandatory?
Should students attend school year-round?
Should schools punish students for bullying that occurs outside of school?
Will computers replace teachers in the future?
Should students grade their teachers?
Should all high school sports become gender-neutral?
Is a college education as valuable as it once was?
Are student loans exploitative?
Is it time to eliminate standardized tests?

Science and Technology

Is social media making us less social?
Is Google the best search engine or just the one we’re accustomed to using?
Is Android better than iOS?
Will technology save the world or destroy it?
Can the law keep pace with technology?
Is the future of school online?
Will cryptocurrencies replace cash?
Is technology taking jobs or creating them?
Should every American have the right to access the internet?
Are electronic libraries more equitable than traditional ones?

Government and Politics

Should the government make vaccinations mandatory?
Is it time for Supreme Court justices to have term limits?
Should we make voting mandatory?
Should we make all drugs legal?
Is it time to decriminalize sex work?
Is our privacy more important than national security?
Is it fair to take the right to vote away from felons?
Should we raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour?
Should the government provide universal basic income?
Is providing healthcare the job of the government?
Can governments implement policies that will actually combat climate change?
Should we allow the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
Should we remove racial epithets from books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ?
Can the U.S. achieve gender equality?
Is nationalism beneficial or dangerous?
Does religion do more harm than good?
Should we bar police from using lethal force?
Do we still need the institution of marriage?
Can the U.S. ever achieve racial equality?
Are we living in a dystopian society?
Should we punish or help drug addicts?
Is bad parenting responsible for the rise in childhood obesity?
Should we sell birth control over the counter?
Is it time to ban cigarettes and vaping?
Are alternative medicines helpful or harmful?
Should we ban businesses from advertising to children?
Is the eight-hour workday outdated?
Should we treat corporations like people?
Should corporations be involved in politics?
Is remote work the future of employment?
Is gaming a sport?
Are books a better entertainment option than television?
Should social media companies censor content?
Is civil disobedience the most effective form of protest?
Should we ban football?
Should Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving Day?
What better determines success: skill or will?
Should you feel guilty for killing zombies during the zombie apocalypse?
Should you choose pizza toppings based on taste or nutrition?
Are hot dogs sandwiches?

Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Arguments

A vital part of debate preparation is to test your arguments to ensure they specifically address the topic and collectively form a cohesive point. Make sure you consider both sides of the argument to better be prepared for a rebuttal.

Before stepping up to argue your side of the issue, test your argument on CollegeVine’s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free from a peer!

As you get ready for college, it is important to understand how your extracurriculars, like debate, factor into your chances of acceptance. Check out our free chancing calculator to find the best-fit school for you.

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105 Interesting Persuasive Speech Topics for Any Project

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Are you struggling to find good persuasive speech topics? It can be hard to find a topic that interests both you and your audience, but in this guide we've done the hard work and created a list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. They're organized into ten categories and cover a variety of topics, so you're sure to find one that interests you.

In addition to our list, we also go over which factors make good persuasive speech topics and three tips you should follow when researching and writing your persuasive speech.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Speech Topic?

What makes certain persuasive speech topics better than others? There are numerous reasons, but in this section we discuss three of the most important factors of great topics for a persuasive speech.

It's Something You Know About or Are Interested in Learning About

The most important factor in choosing and creating a great persuasive speech is picking a topic you care about and are interested in. You'll need to do a lot of research on this topic, and if it's something you like learning about, that'll make the process much easier and more enjoyable. It'll also help you sound passionate and informed when you talk, both important factors in giving an excellent persuasive speech.

It's a Topic People Care About

In fourth grade, after being told I could give a persuasive speech on any topic I wanted to , I chose to discuss why the Saguaro cactus should be the United State's national plant. Even though I gave an impassioned talk and drew a life-size Saguaro cactus on butcher paper to hang behind me, I doubt anyone enjoyed the speech much.

I'd recently returned from a family vacation to Arizona where I'd seen Saguaro cacti for the first time and decided they were the coolest thing ever. However, most people don't care that much about Saguaro cacti, and most people don't care what our national plant is or if we even have one (for the record, the US has a national flower, and it's the rose).

Spare yourself the smattering of bored applause my nine-old self got at the end of my speech and choose something you think people will be interested in hearing about. This also ties into knowing your audience, which we discuss more in the final section.

It Isn't Overdone

When I was in high school, nearly every persuasive speech my classmates and I were assigned was the exact same topic: should the drinking age be lowered to 18? I got this prompt in English class, on standardized tests, in speech and debate class, etc. I've written and presented about it so often I could probably still rattle off all the main points of my old speeches word-for-word.

You can imagine that everyone's eyes glazed over whenever classmates gave their speeches on this topic. We'd heard about it so many times that, even if it was a topic we cared about, speeches on it just didn't interest us anymore.

The are many potential topics for a persuasive speech. Be wary of choosing one that's cliche or overdone. Even if you give a great speech, it'll be harder to keep your audience interested if they feel like they already know what you're going to say.

An exception to this rule is that if you feel you have a new viewpoint or facts about the topic that currently aren't common knowledge. Including them can make an overdone topic interesting. If you do this, be sure to make it clear early on in your speech that you have unique info or opinions on the topic so your audience knows to expect something new.

105 Topics for a Persuasive Speech

Here's our list of 105 great persuasive speech ideas. We made sure to choose topics that aren't overdone, yet that many people will have an interest in, and we also made a point of choosing topics with multiple viewpoints rather than simplistic topics that have a more obvious right answer (i.e. Is bullying bad?). The topics are organized into ten categories.

Arts/Culture

Should art and music therapy be covered by health insurance?
Should all students be required to learn an instrument in school?
Should all national museums be free to citizens?
Should graffiti be considered art?
Should offensive language be removed from works of classic literature?
Are paper books better than e-books?
Should all interns be paid for their work?
Should employees receive bonuses for walking or biking to work?
Will Brexit hurt or help the UK's economy?
Should all people over the age of 65 be able to ride the bus for free?
Should the federal minimum wage be increased?
Should tipping in restaurants be mandatory?
Should Black Friday sales be allowed to start on Thanksgiving?
Should students who bully others be expelled?
Should all schools require students wear uniforms?
Should boys and girls be taught in separate classrooms?
Should students be allowed to listen to music during study hall?
Should all elementary schools be required to teach a foreign language?
Should schools include meditation or relaxation breaks during the day?
Should grades in gym class affect students' GPAs?
Should teachers get a bonus when their students score well on standardized tests?
Should children of undocumented immigrants be allowed to attend public schools?
Should students get paid for getting a certain GPA?
Should students be allowed to have their cell phones with them during school?
Should high school students be allowed to leave school during lunch breaks?
Should Greek life at colleges be abolished?
Should high school students be required to volunteer a certain number of hours before they can graduate?
Should schools still teach cursive handwriting?
What are the best ways for schools to stop bullying?
Should prostitution be legalized?
Should people with more than one DUI lose their driver's license?
Should people be required to shovel snow from the sidewalks in front of their house?
Should minors be able to drink alcohol in their home if they have their parent's consent?
Should guns be allowed on college campuses?
Should flag burning as a form of protest be illegal?
Should welfare recipients be required to pass a drug test?
Should white supremacist groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
Should assault weapons be illegal?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Should beauty pageants for children be banned?
Is it OK to refuse to serve same-sex couples based on religious beliefs?
Should transgender people be allowed to serve in the military?
Is it better to live together before marriage or to wait?
Should affirmative action be allowed?
Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples' Day?

Government/Politics

Should the government spend more money on developing high-speed rail lines and less on building new roads?
Should the government be allowed to censor internet content deemed inappropriate?
Should Puerto Rico become the 51st state?
Should Scotland declare independence from the United Kingdom?
Whose face should be on the next new currency printed by the US?
Should people convicted of drug possession be sent to recovery programs instead of jail?
Should voting be made compulsory?
Who was the best American president?
Should the military budget be reduced?
Should the President be allowed to serve more than two terms?
Should a border fence be built between the United States and Mexico?
Should countries pay ransom to terrorist groups in order to free hostages?
Should minors be able to purchase birth control without their parent's consent?
Should hiding or lying about your HIV status with someone you're sleeping with be illegal?
Should governments tax soda and other sugary drinks and use the revenue for public health?
Should high schools provide free condoms to students?
Should the US switch to single-payer health care?
Should healthy people be required to regularly donate blood?
Should assisted suicide be legal?
Should religious organizations be required to pay taxes?
Should priests be allowed to get married?
Should the religious slaughter of animals be banned?
Should the Church of Scientology be exempt from paying taxes?
Should women be allowed to be priests?
Should countries be allowed to only accept refugees with certain religious beliefs?
Should public prayer be allowed in schools?

Science/Environment

Should human cloning be allowed?
Should people be allowed to own exotic animals like tigers and monkeys?
Should "animal selfies" in tourist locations with well-known animal species (like koalas and tigers) be allowed?
Should genetically modified foods be sold in grocery stores?
Should people be allowed to own pit bulls?
Should parents be allowed to choose the sex of their unborn children?
Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
What is the best type of renewable energy?
Should plastic bags be banned in grocery stores?
Should the United States rejoin the Paris Agreement?
Should puppy mills be banned?
Should fracking be legal?
Should animal testing be illegal?
Should offshore drilling be allowed in protected marine areas?
Should the US government increase NASA's budget?
Should Pluto still be considered a planet?
Should college athletes be paid for being on a sports team?
Should all athletes be required to pass regular drug tests?
Should professional female athletes be paid the same as male athletes in the same sport?
Are there any cases when athletes should be allowed to use steroids?
Should college sports teams receive less funding?
Should boxing be illegal?
Should schools be required to teach all students how to swim?
Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
Should parents let their children play tackle football?
Will robots reduce or increase human employment opportunities?
What age should children be allowed to have a cell phone?
Should libraries be replaced with unlimited access to e-books?
Overall, has technology helped connect people or isolate them?
Should self-driving cars be legal?
Should all new buildings be energy efficient?
Is Net Neutrality a good thing or a bad thing?
Do violent video games encourage players to become violent in real life?

3 Bonus Tips for Crafting Your Persuasive Speech

Of course, giving a great persuasive speech requires more than just choosing a good topic. Follow the three tips below to create an outstanding speech that'll interest and impress your audience.

Do Your Research

For a persuasive speech, there's nothing worse than getting an audience question that shows you misunderstood the issue or left an important piece out. It makes your entire speech look weak and unconvincing.

Before you start writing a single word of your speech, be sure to do lots of research on all sides of the topic. Look at different sources and points of view to be sure you're getting the full picture, and if you know any experts on the topic, be sure to ask their opinion too.

Consider All the Angles

Persuasive speech topics are rarely black and white, which means there will be multiple sides and viewpoints on the topic. For example, for the topic "Should people be allowed to own pit bulls?" there are two obvious viewpoints: everyone should be allowed to own a pit bull if they want to, and no one should be allowed to own a pit bull. But there are other options you should also consider: people should only own a pit bull if they pass a dog training class, people should be able to own pit bulls, but only if it's the only dog they own, people should be able to own pi tbulls but only if they live a certain distance from schools, people should be able to own pit bulls only if the dog passes an obedience class, etc.

Thinking about all these angles and including them in your speech will make you seem well-informed on the topic, and it'll increase the quality of your speech by looking at difference nuances of the issue.

Know Your Audience

Whenever you give a speech, it's important to consider your audience, and this is especially true for persuasive speeches when you're trying to convince people to believe a certain viewpoint. When writing your speech, think about what your audience likely already knows about the topic, what they probably need explained, and what aspects of the topic they care about most. Also consider what the audience will be most concerned about for a certain topic, and be sure to address those concerns.

For example, if you're giving a speech to a Catholic organization on why you think priests should be allowed to marry, you don't need to go over the history of Catholicism or its core beliefs (which they probably already know), but you should mention any research or prominent opinions that support your view (which they likely don't know about). They may be concerned that priests who marry won't be as committed to God or their congregations, so be sure to address those concerns and why they shouldn't worry about them as much as they may think. Discussing your topic with people (ideally those with viewpoints similar to those of your future audience) before you give your speech is a good way to get a better understanding of how your audience thinks.

More Resources for Writing Persuasive Speeches

If you need more guidance or just want to check out some examples of great persuasive writing, consider checking out the following books:

Lend Me Your Ears: Great Speeches in History by William Safire—This collection of great speeches throughout history will help you decide how to style your own argument.
The Essentials of Persuasive Public Speaking by Sims Wyeth—For quick direct tips on public speaking, try this all-purpose guide.
Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World's Top Minds by Carmine Gallo—This popular book breaks down what makes TED talks work and how you can employ those skills in your own presentations.
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and Make Good Art by Neil Gaiman—These two recent speeches by contemporary writers offer stellar examples of how to craft a compelling (and engaging) argument.

Conclusion: Persuasive Speech Ideas

Good persuasive speech topics can be difficult to think of, but in this guide we've compiled a list of 105 interesting persuasive speech topics for you to look through.

The best persuasive speech ideas will be on a topic you're interested in, aren't overdone, and will be about something your audience cares about.

After you've chosen your topic, keep these three tips in mind when writing your persuasive speech:

Do your research
Consider all the angles
Know your audience

What's Next?

Now that you have persuasive speech topics, it's time to hone your persuasive speech techniques. Find out what ethos, pathos, logos, and kairos are and how to use them here .

Looking to take your persuasive technique from speech to sheets (of paper)? Get our three key tips on how to write an argumentative essay , or learn by reading through our thorough breakdown of how to build an essay, step by step .

Want a great GPA? Check out our step-by-step guide to getting good grades in high school so you can have a stellar transcript.

Interested in learning about other great extracurricular opportunities? Learn more about job shadowing , community service , and volunteer abroad programs.

Still trying to figure out your courses? Check out our expert guide on which classes you should take in high school.

Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download them for free now:

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

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High School Debate Topics

Illustration: Hugo Lin. ThoughtCo.

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Debates tend to instantly engage students, but they can also sharpen their research and public speaking skills. No matter your reasons for using them, having debates in your classroom is a sure way to get your students thinking and talking.

You may require your students to research topics before debating them or even prepare speeches to state their point of view. Learning how to productively debate will improve your students' communication skills as they practice speaking and listening. These skills will serve them in college and the diverse career world beyond.

Debate Topics

The following 50 debate topics can be used in high school or advanced middle school classrooms. They are organized by genre and some can be modified for use in different subjects. Each item is listed in the form of a question to propose to your students that has at least two points of view.

Watch Now: Ideas for Great Classroom Debate Topics

Science and technology.

Should human cloning be banned?
Should renewable forms of energy be subsidized by the government?
Should the U.S. government fund a space mission to Mars?
Should social media comments be protected by free speech?
Should parents be allowed to choose their baby's gender?
Should animal testing be banned?
Should the U.S. government provide internet service to every citizen?
Are video games too violent for children?
Should the manufacturing of nuclear weapons be permitted?

Laws and Politics

Is it ever appropriate for the government to restrict freedom of speech?
Is democracy the best form of government?
Should citizens who do not vote be fined?
Is the right to bear arms a necessary constitutional amendment today?
Should the legal voting/driving/drinking age be lowered or raised?
Should a border fence be constructed between the U.S. and Mexico?
Should America give foreign aid to other countries?
Should drone attacks against specific targets be used for modern warfare?
Should affirmative action be abolished?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Should microaggressions be punishable by law?
Should the cruel treatment of animals be illegal?

Social Justice

Should partial-birth abortion be illegal?
Should all parents be required to attend parenting classes before having a child?
Should parents be required to vaccinate their children?
Should mixed martial arts be banned?
Should celebrities be required to be positive role models?
Should people be fined for not recycling?
Are progressive tax rates just?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
Should marijuana use be considered a crime?
Should every student be required to take a performing arts course?
Should homework be banned?
Should school uniforms be required?
Is year-round education is a good idea?
Should physical education be required of all high school students?
Should all students be required to perform community service?
Should schools block YouTube?
Should students be able to leave school grounds for lunch?
Are single-sex schools better for student learning and mental health?
Should schools punish cyberbullying that occurs outside of school?
Should teachers not be allowed to contact students through social media?
Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
Should high-stakes state testing be abolished?
Should poetry units be removed from the curriculum?
Is History (or another subject) actually an important subject in school?
Should schools be allowed to track students by academic level?
Should students be required to pass algebra to graduate?
Should students be graded on their handwriting?
Should all students be required to co-op?
Should the theory of creation be taught in schools?
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30 Controversial But Good Debate Topics For High School Students

Are you searching for thought-provoking and engaging debate topics for your students? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 159 very good debate topics that will challenge and stimulate discussions in your classroom. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, these topics will surely pique your interest and inspire critical thinking.

Debate Topics For Students

In this section, we will explore a variety of controversial debate topics that are perfect for students to discuss and analyze. These topics range from issues within schools such as cell phone usage and dress codes, to larger societal issues like social media’s impact and the death penalty.

Each sub-section will provide thought-provoking debate questions and keywords to help guide the discussion. So whether you’re looking for an ESL activity or a stimulating classroom debate, these topics are sure to engage and challenge your students.

1. Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In Schools?

Research the Policy: Investigate the cell phone policy in both public and private schools to understand the current regulations.
Evaluate the Pros and Cons: Consider the impact of cell phone usage on student learning, safety, and social interactions.
Collect Data: Gather statistics and studies about cell phone usage in schools to support your arguments.
Consider Alternative Perspectives: Explore the viewpoints of parents, teachers, and students through debate questions on platforms like Kialo Edu .

Pro-tip: Use this topic as an engaging ESL activity by encouraging students to debate the issue using their English language skills and critical thinking abilities.

2. Is Social Media More Harmful Than Beneficial?

Social media’s impact on mental health is a topic of concern, particularly among younger individuals. The debate on whether social media is more harmful than beneficial raises significant points.

Users, including white people and individuals of other races , are affected by cyberbullying and negative self-comparison. On the other hand, it provides connectivity and a platform for activism. Balancing these aspects is crucial.

3. Should Schools Implement Dress Codes?

Public schools: Assess the existing dress code, gather feedback, and involve students in the decision-making process.
Private schools: Research the rationale behind dress codes, evaluate the impact on students, and consider alternative approaches.

When debating this topic, students can explore the impact of dress codes on self-expression, examine cultural and gender implications, and discuss the balance between individual freedom and school discipline.

For ESL activities, encourage students to articulate their viewpoints, use debate questions from educational platforms like Kialo Edu, and foster critical thinking skills.

4. Is Homework Necessary?

For the debate topic ‘Is Homework Necessary?’ considering teens’ daily leisure time is crucial. College Vine suggests that homework should be meaningful, original, and not just busy work. Public libraries are excellent resources for teens to conduct research and gather evidence to support their arguments on this topic. Understanding how homework affects teens’ lives is essential, as it sparks interest and impacts their academic performance.

5. Should The Voting Age Be Lowered To 16?

In Scotland, the voting age for Scottish Parliament and local council elections was lowered to 16 in 2015. It allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the Scottish independence referendum, marking a historic democratic expansion. Should other countries model after this?

Research the current voting age laws in your country.
Understand the impact of lowering the voting age on government structure and policies.
Consider the maturity and responsibility levels of 16-year-olds in making informed decisions concerning national matters.
Analyze the potential implications of the voting age on other age-restricted activities, such as same-sex marriage and drug legalization.
Review case studies from countries where the voting age has been lowered to 16.

6. Is Climate Change A Hoax?

Climate change is not a hoax, evidenced by scientific consensus and observable phenomena. In the United States, government structures have implemented policies to mitigate its impact. This topic sparks intense debate, reflecting the relevance of environmental issues. Just as same-sex marriage, drug legalization, and other controversial topics, the urgency of climate change demands attention.

The relevance of the topic is crucial, influencing its significance in modern discourse.

7. Should The Death Penalty Be Abolished?

Research the history and impact of the death penalty on society.
Evaluate the ethical and moral implications of capital punishment.
Analyze the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent for crime.
Consider the financial and social implications, such as the cost of legal proceedings and the impact on families.
Examine the societal impact, including potential biases in sentencing and the concept of rehabilitation.
Explore the concept of a livable wage and its implications for society.

8. Is Gun Control Necessary?

Yes, gun control is essential for public safety and crime prevention. It’s a hotly debated issue in the United States due to its government structure and constitutional rights. Finding a balanced approach is crucial, similar to the deliberation on same-sex marriage or the legalization of drugs.

One true story that aligns with this discourse is the advocacy for stricter gun regulations following tragic mass shootings, reflecting the ongoing debate on this pivotal topic.

9. Should College Education Be Free?

Whether college education should be free is an engaging debate topic for students. Considering College Vine data, 79% of teens love to know they can access higher education without financial constraints. It’s a pertinent topic, given that students spend their daily leisure time at public libraries , and original sources indicate the rising cost of tuition. To encourage critical thinking, students can research and organize arguments, preparing for an insightful discussion.

10. Is Online Learning As Effective As Traditional Classroom Learning? (Keywords

The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning has been a topic of debate. Both methods have their own advantages, with online learning offering flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of resources.

Traditional classroom learning , however, allows for face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback. The effectiveness of each method may vary depending on individual learning styles, subjects, and teaching approaches.

11. Universal Basic Income (UBI)

The debate over Universal Basic Income (UBI) centers on whether providing a fixed income to all citizens, regardless of employment status, is an effective strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce income inequality. Proponents argue that UBI can offer financial security and address economic disparities, while opponents express concerns about feasibility, economic sustainability, and potential disincentives to work.

12. Climate Change Policies

This debate delves into the adequacy of current global initiatives to combat climate change. Advocates argue for more ambitious policies, emphasizing the urgent need to address environmental issues, while skeptics may question the feasibility, economic impact, and effectiveness of proposed measures.

13. Is the trade-off between convenience and online privacy justified in the digital age?

The debate on online privacy revolves around the balance between the convenience of digital services and the protection of individuals’ privacy.

Supporters of a more permissive approach argue that convenience is essential for technological advancements, while privacy advocates stress the importance of safeguarding personal data in an era of increasing digital connectivity.

14. School Uniforms need to be enforced for students benefits

Supporters argue that uniforms promote equality and reduce distractions, while opponents emphasize the importance of students’ freedom to express themselves through clothing.

15. Censorship in the Arts

Should there be limits on artistic expression, and to what extent should art and media be censored Advocates for censorship may emphasize societal values and protecting audiences, while opponents argue for artistic freedom and the importance of diverse perspectives in creative works.

16. Social Media Regulation

Should governments regulate social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy? Supporters of regulation highlight the need to curb the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy, while opponents may express concerns about potential infringements on free speech and innovation.

17. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Are genetically modified foods safe for consumption, and should they be more widely embraced to address global food security? The discussion on GMOs focuses on the safety of genetically modified foods and their role in addressing global food security. Advocates argue that GMOs offer solutions to food scarcity and agricultural challenges, while critics raise concerns about potential health risks, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

18. Mandatory Voting

Proponents argue that mandatory voting ensures broader representation and a more engaged electorate, while opponents may express concerns about individual freedoms and the potential for uninformed voting.

19. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Should there be ethical guidelines and regulations for the development and use of artificial intelligence The discussion on artificial intelligence delves into the ethical implications of AI development and use.

Advocates for regulation stress the need to address potential risks, biases, and accountability issues, while proponents of a less restrictive approach may emphasize the benefits of technological advancement and innovation.

20. Affirmative Action

Is affirmative action in college admissions a fair and effective way to address historical inequalities?

Affirmative action is a contentious policy that seeks to redress historical disadvantages faced by certain groups. The debate centers on whether this approach is justifiable and successful in promoting diversity in educational institutions or if alternative methods should be considered to address inequality.

21. Space Exploration Funding

Should governments invest more in space exploration, or should those funds be allocated to address pressing issues on Earth?

The allocation of resources for space exploration is a perennial debate. Advocates argue that space exploration drives scientific innovation, while opponents question the prioritization of these endeavors over more immediate and pressing concerns on Earth. This debate delves into the balance between advancing human knowledge and addressing critical issues on our planet.

22. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Should individuals have the right to choose euthanasia or assisted suicide when facing terminal illnesses?The ethical dilemma surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide revolves around individual autonomy, the sanctity of life, and medical ethics.

This debate explores the extent to which individuals should have the right to make end-of-life decisions, considering the implications for personal autonomy, medical ethics, and societal values.

23. Animal Testing

Using animals in scientific research raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the necessity of such practices. Advocates argue that animal testing is crucial for medical advancements, while opponents advocate for developing and implementing alternative methods.

This debate delves into the balance between scientific progress and the ethical treatment of animals. Is animal testing justified for scientific and medical research, or should alternative methods be prioritized?

24. What level of gun control is appropriate to balance public safety with individual rights?

Gun control debates revolve around finding a balance between individual rights to bear arms and the need to ensure public safety. Advocates for stricter gun control measures argue that they are necessary to reduce gun violence, while opponents emphasize the importance of protecting individual liberties. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between personal freedoms and societal safety.

25. How should the education system be reformed to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century?

The ongoing debate on education reform centers on the need to adapt traditional educational models to meet the demands of the 21st century. Discussions often revolve around curriculum changes, the integration of technology, and the fostering of critical thinking skills. This debate explores how educational systems can evolve to prepare students for an ever-changing world.

26. Should countries have more open or restrictive immigration policies, and how should they address the refugee crisis?

Immigration policies are a global issue, with debates surrounding national security, economic impact, and humanitarian considerations. Advocates for more open policies emphasize cultural diversity and economic benefits, while those favoring restrictions focus on cesources and national identity. This debate delves into the complex balance between humanitarian efforts and national interests.

27. To what extent does the use of social media contribute to or alleviate mental health issues among young people?

The pervasive use of social media among young people has sparked discussions about its impact on mental health. Advocates argue that social media provides a platform for connection and support, while critics highlight its potential adverse effects, such as cyberbullying and unrealistic body image standards. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between social media use and mental well-being.

28. Is nuclear energy a viable and safe alternative to fossil fuels, or should we focus more on renewable energy sources?

The debate on nuclear energy centers on its potential as a clean energy source and concerns about safety and environmental impact.

Advocates argue that atomic energy can significantly reduce carbon emissions, while opponents express reservations about the potential for accidents and the long-term effects of nuclear waste. This debate explores the trade-offs between addressing climate change and ensuring energy production safety.

29. Should the start times of high schools be adjusted to better align with students’ sleep patterns and well-being

The debate on school start times revolves around the impact of early start times on students’ sleep patterns and overall well-being. Advocates for later start times argue that they contribute to improved academic performance and mental health, while opponents question the logistical challenges and potential disruptions to family schedules. This debate explores the intersection of education and student health.

30. Privacy vs. Security – What should be our focus?

Balancing individual privacy rights with national security measures in the age of technology. Advocates tend to argue that privacy is a fundamental human right that should be protected against unwarranted intrusion.

Proponents emphasize the necessity of robust security measures to safeguard citizens from various threats, including terrorism and cyberattacks.

Where can I find varied viewpoints on controversial issues?

Websites like 5 Star Essays and The Top Tens offer lists of debate topics with varied viewpoints. You can also look for articles and resources from reputable sources to gather different perspectives on an issue.

Can students participate in group discussions on controversial issues?

Yes, group discussions can be a great way for students to explore controversial issues and hear different perspectives. You can facilitate a respectful and productive discussion by setting ground rules and actively listening to others’ viewpoints.

Key Takeaways:

Debate allows students to explore varied viewpoints and engage in ongoing discussions, providing a valuable learning experience for both public and private school students.
Debate helps students develop critical thinking skills, gain new perspectives, and engage in important discussions on social topics such as drug tests and government assistance.
Preparation is key for a successful debate – from choosing a topic and conducting research to organizing arguments and practicing delivery. Debate topics range from controversial issues to everyday concerns like cell phones in schools and homework.

That’s it for our guide on broad, controversial debate topics that are good for students. You can delve into each topic in more detail and of course adjust each debate topic for relevance and appropriateness depending on the maturity and age of your students.

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What are controversial debate topics, good controversial debate topics, fun controversial debate topics, controversial debate topics for teens , social controversial debate topics, controversial debate topics on current events .

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the simple definition of debate?	A discussion between people in which they express different opinions about something.
What words describe debate?	Argument, deliberation, controversy, dispute, contest, and match.
What is the main target of the debate?	To convince that your side is right.

Controversial debate topics are subjects - that can spark strong opinions and disagreements among people with different beliefs and values. These topics can cover various subjects, such as social issues, politics, ethics, and culture, and may challenge traditional beliefs or established norms.

One thing that makes these topics controversial is that there is often no clear consensus or agreement among people, which can lead to debates and disagreements. Each person may have their own interpretation of the facts or values that influence their perspective. It's difficult for all to reach a resolution or agreement.

Despite the potential for heated discussions, controversial debate topics can be a great way to explore different viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and promote critical thinking and open dialogue.

However, it is crucial to distinguish controversial topics from controversial opinions - statements or actions that cause disagreement or conflict.

For example, climate change can be controversial, but a politician's comment denying the existence of climate change can be controversial.
Is social media harming society more than it helps?
Is it appropriate to make marijuana legal for recreational use?
Should college be provided for free?
Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research?
Does human activity account for the majority of climate change?
Should beauty pageants be stopped?
Are credit cards doing more harm than good?
Should diet pills be banned?
Should human cloning be permitted?
Should there be stricter laws on gun ownership or fewer restrictions?
Is climate change a serious issue that requires urgent action, or is it overblown and exaggerated?
Should individuals have the right to end their own lives in certain circumstances?
Should certain types of speech or expression be censored or restricted?
Is eating animal meat unethical?
Should there be more or less strict regulations on immigration and refugee policies?
Is job security the biggest motivation rather than money?
Are zoos doing more harm than good?
Are parents legally responsible for their children's actions?
Does peer pressure have a net positive or negative impact?

Is it better to have a small group of close friends or a large group of acquaintances?
Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?
Should you put mayo or ketchup on the fries?
Is it acceptable to dip fries in a milkshake?
Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?
Is it better to use a bar of soap or liquid soap?
Is waking early or staying up late better?
Should you make your bed every day?
Should you wear a mask in public places?
Should teenagers access birth control without parental consent?
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
Should parents have access to their children's social media accounts?
Should cell phone use be allowed during school hours?
Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?
Should the school day start later to allow for more sleep for students?
Is studying should be voluntary?
Should schools be allowed to discipline students for social media use outside of school?
Should school hours be reduced?
Should drivers be banned from using mobile phones while driving?
Should the legal driving age be raised to 19 in some countries?
Should students take classes on parenting?
Should teenagers be allowed to work part-time jobs during the school year?
Should social media platforms be held responsible for the spread of misinformation?
Should schools make drug testing mandatory for students?
Should cyberbullying be considered to be an offense?
Should teens be allowed to have relationships with significant age differences?
Should schools allow students to carry concealed weapons for self-defense?
Should teens be allowed to get tattoos and piercings without parental consent?
Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?

Should hate speech be protected under freedom of speech laws?
Should the government provide a guaranteed basic income for all citizens?
Is affirmative action necessary to address systemic inequalities in society?
Should Violence/Sex on TV be abolished?
Should illegal immigrants be allowed to receive social welfare benefits?
Is the pay discrepancy between men and women the result of discrimination?
Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence?
Should healthcare be a universal human right?
Should the assault weapons ban be extended?
Should billionaires be taxed at a higher rate than the average citizen?
Is it necessary to legalize and regulate prostitution?
Who is more important in the family, father or mother?
Is GPA an outdated way of assessing a student's knowledge?
Is the war on drugs a failure?
Should vaccinations be mandatory for all children?
Is the use of social media algorithms to spread misinformation a threat to democracy?
Should COVID-19 vaccine mandates be implemented?
Is the use of artificial intelligence ethical in the workplace?
Should AI be used instead of humans?
Should companies be required to provide advance notice of lay-offs to employees?
Is it ethical for companies to lay off employees while CEOs and other executives receive large bonuses?

Key Takeaways

Hopefully, with 70 controversial debate topics, you can expand your knowledge and gain new perspectives.

However, it is essential to approach these topics with respect, an open mind, and a willingness to listen and learn from others. Engaging in respectful and meaningful debates on controversial topics with AhaSlides' template library and interactive features can help us broaden our understanding of the world and each other, and possibly even lead to progress in finding solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time.

1/ What are good topics to debate about?

Good topics to debate can vary widely depending on the interests and perspectives of the individuals involved. Here are some examples of good debate topics:

2/ What are some controversial debates?

Controversial debates are those that involve topics that can generate strong and opposing viewpoints and opinions. These topics are often contentious and can provoke heated arguments and debates among individuals or groups who hold different beliefs and values.

Here are some examples:

Should schools allow students to carry concealed weapons for self-defence?

3/ What is an emotional and controversial topic in 2024?

An emotional and controversial topic can provoke strong emotional reactions and divide people based on their personal experiences, values, and beliefs.

For example:

Do you still want to be more explicit about an excellent debater portrait? Here, we'll give a practical and convincing example of a good debater for you to learn and hone your debate skills.

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It seems that nowadays, everything is open to debate. In the era of mostly uncensored social media reign, it has become easy to express opinions on any topic you may come across on your Facebook or Instagram feed.

Teenagers may find it hard to agree with this statement. Finding themselves on the crossroad between childhood and maturity, high school and middle-school students want to be heard on a series of relevant topics. However, they often feel adults undermine their attempts to express their views when they are not taken seriously. The perfect way for teenagers to develop critical thinking, learn to use relevant arguments in discussions, and boost self-esteem is to join their school debate teams. Not only will they develop valuable social skills through debating, but teenagers may also increase their chances to enroll at prestigious US universities, according to the National Speech & Debate Association statistic.

While you can find an extensive list of general debate topics in our separate article, here we will focus on the teenage population, high school, and middle-school students, listing debate topics teens may find the most intriguing.

Let’s start with listing general debate questions that tackle issues which may affect their everyday life. For this reason, teenagers may find these topics interesting enough to form and express their opinions about it.

In this article:

General Debate Topics for Grades 6 to 8

General debate topics for grades 9 to 12, education debate topics, parenting and family debate topics, social debate topics, politics and legislation-related debate topics, environmental debate topics, technology debate topics, science debate topics, general history topics, us history topics, funny debate topics, simple debate topics, gender-related topics, dating- and sex-related debatetopics, debate topics about books, film, art, and other media, debate topics about sports, health- and medicine-related topics, character and morality, miscellaneous debate topics appropriate for teens.

The following list of topics will provide an insight into the broad range of different questions middle-school students may be eager to discuss. Apart from school-related topics that directly affect their everyday life, middle-school students are also interested in discussing various topics related to technology, health, or politics, provided that debate questions are age-appropriate. Many middle-school debate topics may also be regarded as controversial, tackling race, religion, or other sensitive questions. These will be addressed in a separate article.

All students should have daily chores.
Every home should have a pet.
Every student should play a musical instrument.
Homework should be banned.
School uniforms should be required.
Year-round education is better for students.
Children should not be allowed to drink soda.
PE should be required for all students throughout middle- and high school.
All students should be required to volunteer in the community.
The Internet should be banned from schools.
Junk food should be banned from schools.
All students should learn a foreign language in middle school.
All students should take a cooking class.
All students should take a shop or practical arts class.
All students should take a performing arts class.
All students should learn sewing.
All museums should be free to the public.
Students should be held legally responsible for bullying in schools.
Children under 14 should not be allowed on social media sites.
Prayer of any form should be prohibited in schools.
Statewide tests should be abolished.
Solar energy should replace all traditional forms of energy.
Zoos should be abolished.
Science fiction is the best form of fiction.
Macs are better than PCs.
Androids are better than iPhones.
Democracy is the best form of government.
America should have a king and not a president.
All citizens should be required to vote.
The death penalty is an appropriate penalty for certain crimes.
Students should never be forced to repeat a year at school.
Grades should be abolished.
All individuals should pay the same tax rate.
Teachers should be replaced by computers.
Students should be allowed to skip grades in school.
The voting age should be lowered.
Individuals who illegally share music online should be put in jail.
Video games are too violent.
Students should be required to learn about poetry.
History is an important subject in school.
Students should not be required to show their work in math.
Students should not be graded on their handwriting.
America should give more money to other countries.
Every home should have a robot.
The government should provide wireless service for everyone.
Recycling should be required.
Children should not watch television on school nights.
Performance-enhancing drugs should be allowed in sports.
Education is the key to future success.

Miscellaneous Debate Topics Appropriate for Teens

As expected, high school debates will take discussions to the advanced level, presenting students with an array of burning issues that are often the public’s focus. This list aimed at high school students will require in-depth research and argumentation, trying to provide answers to the questions of interest for this age group. Simultaneously, high school students will have the opportunity to tackle more controversial general topics. This said, the list can also be a useful resource for advanced middle-school debates. Let’s see what debate topics may draw the attention of the US high school population:

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Should laptops be allowed in classrooms?
Should students use cell phones during classes?
Should schools provide daycare services for students who have children?
Does a school uniform make learning more effective at school?
Should high school grading systems be improved?
Does detention do much good in high schools?
Should school attendance be voluntary in high school?
Should education be entirely privatized?
Are private schools better than public ones?
Should school buses have an option of assigned seats?
Should high school students not be allowed to use cellphones in school?
How does global warming impact humanity?
What are the causes of increasing racism in the United States?
Should marijuana be medically legal?
What is the impact of social media on teenagers and high school students?
What are the effects of violent cartoons on children’s mental development?
Is it ethical to clone animals?
Do celebrities have the leverage to get away with crimes, more than any noncelebrity?
Should nuclear weapons be banned across the globe?
Should police be allowed to use lethal force?
Does technology intensify human communication skills?
Does religion do more harm than good?

Educational topics are among the most intriguing ones when it comes to the teenage population. Being middle-and high school students, teenagers will be eager to share their opinions about burning topics related to teaching, grading, bullying, and other significant parts of school life they face daily. By discussing the following topics, Generation Z will offer their ideas of the educational system that will meet their interests and needs best, keeping up with the technological development.

Various education topics will allow middle- and high school students to share different opinions related to numerous aspects and challenges of their school life.

Do teachers assign too much homework?
Doesyour homework help you learn?
Are you really learning at school?
Does class size affect productivity?
Do we need a new way to teach math?
What are the best ways to learn about history?
What is the right amount of group work in school?
How important is arts education?
Do schools provide students with enough opportunities to be creative?
What are the best teaching methods for getting students to behave well in class?
What is the best way to deal with students who misbehave?
Should schools be allowed to use corporal punishment?
Should schools put tracking devices in students’ ID cards?
Should middle- and high school students be drug tested?
How should schools address bullying and cyberbullying?
What should the punishment be for acts of cyberbullying?
Do you think a longer school calendar is a good idea?
Should the dropout age be raised?
When do pranks cross the line to become bullying?
Would you rather attend a public or private high school?
How much does it matter to you which high school you attend?
Are small schools more effective than large schools?

Teenage years are turbulent, and they bring numerous changes. Wanting to build an independent personality outside family homes, teenagers demand their voices be heard and appreciated. Thus, they tend to challenge their parents’ opinions and defy decisions, wanting more freedom to make their own choices. This list of debate topics regarding family and parenting will offer the opportunity to middle- and high school students to address numerous family issues and share their points of view.

How should parents discipline their children?
When does discipline become child abuse?
Do “shame and blame” work to change teenage behavior?
Do we give children too many trophies?
Are parents harming teenagers by pushing them to become achievers?
Is modern culture ruining childhood?
Should children be taught appropriate behavior only by parents?
Are “dark” movies OK for kids?
Should Halloween costumes portray only “positive images”?
Are parents violating their children’s privacy when they share photos and videos of them online?
Should children be allowed to compete on TV?
What is the right age for children to have smartphones?
Should parents limit how much time children spend on tech devices?
How should parents handle a bad report card?
How important are parent–teacher conferences?
Who should be able to see students’ records?
Would you want to be homeschooled?
How important is keeping a house clean?
Does keeping a messy desk make people more creative?
What can older people learn from your generation?
Does your generation have too much self-esteem?

Here is a list of topics that may provoke strong emotions and divided opinions. This is why numerous teenagers will enjoy leading fiery debates about issues from this list. As the fresh voice of the new generation, teenagers may offer a new perspective on some controversial social topics. Some of the social topics that teenagers may find interesting to discuss refer to gender equality and stereotypes, substance abuse issues, or police brutality. Through debating these often controversial issues, middle- and high school students will have the opportunity to freely share their opinions without fear of being taken for granted.

Should abortion be available to all women?
Is Barbie a good role model for young girls?
Should burning a national flag be treated as a criminal offense?
Can censorship ever be justified?
Can censorship on the Internet be justified in specific cases?
Should companies be required to encourage gender equality when hiring?
Drug addicts should be helped rather than punished.
Should drug use be treated as a mental health issue rather than a criminal offense?
Should feminism focus more on men’s rights?
Should gay marriage be legalized?
Should gay people be allowed to adopt children?
Has the #MeToo movement gone too far?
Should healthcare be free and universal?
Is feminism irrelevant in the twenty-first century?
Is graffiti art equally significant as classical paintings?
Is privacy important?
Should marijuana be legalized?
Can peer pressure be a good thing?
Should police be allowed to use deadly force?
Should genetic engineering be legal?
Should human cloning be legalized?
Should insurance cover cosmetic procedures?
Should smoking be banned?
Do the negative effects of social media outweigh the positive ones?
Should the government provide free birth control?
Do the harms of patriotism outweigh the benefits?

Politics and Legislation-Related Debate Topics

Many may believe that debate topics related to current political issues may be overwhelming for teenage debaters because they require extensive research and strong argumentation. However, middle- and high school students may enjoy exchanging opinions about burning political issues. In reality, we are living in turbulent times with the US administration failing to face all the challenges COVID-19 has brought. There are also serious immigration and gun policy issues that may directly affect young peoples’ lives.

For this reason, it is essential to hear the opinion of the teenage population on various political and legislation topics.

Would you spend a budget surplus to fight the COVID-19 pandemic?
What local problems should mayors try to solve?
Should rich people have to pay increased taxes?
What is more important: our privacy or national security?
Do leaders have moral obligations?
Is it principled, or irresponsible, for politicians to threaten a lockdown?
When is the use of military force justified?
When should juvenile offenders receive life sentences?
Should all police officers wear body cameras?
Should convicted criminals be allowed to vote after they have served their time?
How should we prevent future mass school shootings?
Would you feel safer with armed guards patrolling your school?
What is your attitude toward guns?
Should millions of Illegal immigrants be allowed to live in the United States without fear of deportation?
Are children of illegal immigrants entitled to public education?

Same as the topics tackling current political and legislative issues, debate questions about the environment may present an intriguing challenge to middle- and high school students. Young generations show a high level of concern for the current environmental problems. With that said, they are not afraid to take action, ask difficult questions, and seek plausible solutions to raise awareness of the dire situation our planet is in. Thus, we offer a number of exciting environmental debate topics that may appeal to teenage students.

Should selective breeding of animals be prohibited?
Should the government pay citizens not to cut down trees?
Is climate change human-caused?
Is there a universal solution to climate change?
Is it better to have a real Christmas tree than a fake one?
Should animals be kept in zoos?
Should animals be banned in circuses?
Should Antarctica be conserved or exploited?
Should Antarctica be open to tourism?
Should whaling be allowed?
Should fish farming be banned?
Should ecocide be a crime?
Is pet ownership ethical?
Should disposable plastic items be banned?
Should lawns be replaced with edible landscapes?
Should animal products be banned?
Should humans be blamed for animal extinction?
Are organic foods healthier and more sustainable than nonorganic foods?
Does fishing threaten the makeup of the marine ecosystem?
Is pedigree breeding an unethical practice?

For generations that grew up with the expansion of social media and advanced technology, it becomes natural to be widely interested in discussing technology-related topics. As technology consumes the majority of their time and creates desirable images via social media, teenagers are faced with a number of issues they will try to solve through peer-to-peer discussions. Some of the topics on this list will tackle loneliness, the impact of social media on self-image and self-esteem, and other technology-related issues important to middle- and high school students.

Does technology make teenagers more alone?
Does technology distract students?
Do apps help teens or just waste their time?
Do teenagers spend too much time on smartphones playing games?
Will robots play a significant role in the future?
How many text messages are too many?
How can social media affect self-image and self-esteem?
When should students consider deleting their social media accounts?
Should students be expelled for posting inappropriate content on social media?
Should people be allowed to hide their identities online?
Should people trust online reviews?
Are the web filters at schools too restrictive?
Do teachers use technology well?
Should students learn primarily by using tablets in class?
Can smartphones be educational tools?
Is online learning as good as face-to-face learning?
How would students feel about computerized grading systems?
Is artificial intelligence a threat to humans?
Is artificial intelligence the next stage in evolution?
Can Bitcoin replace government-issued money?
Hacking: good sides vs. bad sides?

Numerous middle- or high school students will enjoy discussing various science topics with like-minded people. Science covers numerous issues ranging from nutrition to genetic modification and space exploration. Thus, students who are into science will have the opportunity to lead engaging and informative debates, expressing their standpoint and offering hypothetical solutions for current science-related issues like obesity, vaccines, and overpopulation and mental issues. These debates may provide an opportunity for teenagers to share their opinions on burning questions without being undermined by adults, which is often the case when they try to comment on some of these topics online. Here is a list of inspiring science debate topics for teenage students.

Can aging be slowed down or reversed?
Can urban upbringing change the way genes influence one’s brain?
Does socioeconomic status affect a child’s intelligence?
Should people be encouraged to opt for homeopathic medicine?
Is corn ethanol helpful in fighting against global warming?
Should a nutrition class be included in middle- and high school curriculums?
Does mental pain change one’s character?
Should people be encouraged to purchase generic medicines?
Should the government regulate fast-food chains?
Is there life on other planets?
Can mental pain be fatal?
Is marijuana medicine?
Should science in high school be optional?
Should genetic engineering of humans be considered ethical?
Can genetic modification of livestock be harmful in the long term?
Are antidepressants a good solution for mental issues?
Medical research should be focused on increasing the health span and not the lifespan.
Evolution: a theory or a fact?
Is abiogenesis falsifiable?
Should trans fats be banned?
Do controversies in science make it irrational?
What has more side effects, herbs or modern medicines?
Are humans the main cause of global warming?
Human overpopulation is a threat to the planet.
Are vaccines safe or risky for children?
Should obesity be regarded as a disease?
Should we depend on fossil fuels or renewable energy?
Is botox more harmful than useful?
Should steroid users be allowed to play basketball?
Is there a link between poverty and poor health?
Should fast food be blamed for obesity?
Should there be educational programs for the use of over-the-counter medicines?
How important is nutrition for health?
Living water or dead water: myth or a fact?
Should genetically engineered food be allowed by the government?
Can vegetarianism save the Earth?
Can eating meat and consuming animal-based products be morally justified?
Do psychiatric disorders need a different treatment approach as compared to physical diseases?
Intelligence is gained from genes and not the surroundings.
Is animal experimentation justifiable with humans’ progress in medicine?
Should humans be blamed for animal extinctions, or it is a part of evolution?
How will the world end?
Earth curvature: fact or fiction?
Alternate remedies do more harm than good.
Is it possible to create the COVID-19 virus in a lab?
Will humans colonize Mars in the future?
Is colonization of Mars a feasible solution to overpopulation?

History-Related Debate Topics

Some may say that teenagers interested in debate may not put history-related topics on their top ten list. They are right to some extent. Living in the whirlwind world of advanced technology and the Internet as the main source of information, future-oriented teenagers may find history topics outdated and irrelevant compared to an array of current issues that affect their daily life. For this reason, the debate can be a great educational method that will bring some significant history questions closer to middle- and high school students. We have compiled a list of exciting history-related debate topics that may encourage teenage students to start researching historic events and make logical connections with the present state of things.

History is written by winners: true or false?
Was colonialism harmful or beneficial to Third world countries?
Do you think that Adolf Hitler’s policies were justified?
Did the Soviet Union do the right thing by occupying European countries after World War II?
Can Europeans say they “discovered” an inhabited area?
Has the world learned its lesson from the effects of past wars and conflicts?
What were the major causes of the Indo-Pak following the collapse of British India?
Was Winston Churchill the greatest leader of his generation?
The United States did the correct thing in expelling the Native Americans from areas previously belonging to white settlers: true or false?
Was President Abraham Lincoln Right to allow the southern states to leave the union peacefully?
Was the American Civil War a success or a failure?
Should the United States have stayed neutral during the world wars?
Was the United States right to drop atomic bombs so quickly on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
Could World War II have been avoided?
Did President George W. Bush make a mistake when he left Sadam Husein in power in 1991?
Was the United States’ occupation of the Hawaiian Islands justified?
Was the US involvement in the Vietnam War justified?
Should the United States consider returning the Panama Canal to Panama?

Debate doesn’t always have to revolve around serious or actual topics. Teachers can use light-hearted topics to bring some fun in debate classes and warm up the atmosphere. Besides being amusing, this debate section is always open for additions and changes. The topics do not require extensive research, and people can add a new one off the hand. This flexibility is appealing to those teenagers who tend to look on the bright side of life and avoid serious talks.

Would you rather be a pirate or a ninja?
McDonald’s is the best fast food restaurant. True or false?
Smartphones make us stupid. Agree or disagree?
Which are better pets? Cats or dogs?
Would you rather be good at sports or good at tests?
Math is an important subject to learn. Agree or disagree?
Can you be best buds with your boss?
Is social media just making it easier for people to stalk others?
Kids are smarter than adults. Agree or disagree?
Clowns are scary. Agree or disagree?
Why is Coke better than Pepsi?
Oatmeal cookies vs. Oreos.
Bon Jovi vs. The Rock for president.
Going out or Netflix and chill?
Would you like to live forever?
Children shouldn’t be allowed to have cellphones until they are over 18. Agree or disagree?
Santa Claus vs. the Easter Bunny.
Students should get a salary for going to school. Agree or disagree?
Twilight vs. The Vampire Diaries.
What pizza toppings are the best?
What do women really want in a man?
American Idol vs. The X Factor.
Does playing video games actually increase IQ levels?
Pineapple on pizza: yes or no?
Best Game of Thrones character.
Instagram famous vs. Twitter famous?
Which is a better dessert? Cake or ice cream?
Medicine vs. engineering.
Boys gossip more than girls. Do you agree or disagree?
Why are nursery rhymes actually quite twisted?
Who are better teachers? Men or women?
Does Batman make a good male role model?
Should humans eat to live or live to eat?
Children under 16 should be allowed to vote. Agree or disagree?
Homework should be banned. Agree or disagree?
What’s more important: beauty or brains?
Aliens may be living among us. Agree or disagree?
Are bad words bad?
Summer is better than winter. Agree or disagree?
No one should ever tell a lie. Agree or disagree?
Would you rather be really tall or really short?
Why fish make the ultimate pets
Which is better? Tap water or bottled water?
Would you rather be the hero or the sidekick?
Rock ‘n roll music or hip-hop?
Who is likely to be more successful: introverts or extroverts?
Is everything fair in love and war?
Is Friends sitcom better than How I Met Your Mother ?
What came first? The chicken or the egg?
Would you prefer fifteen minutes of fame or staying behind the scenes?
American accent vs. British accent.
What’s more important? Being good-looking or being smart?
Why homework should be abolished from the school system.
Candy should be given as a reward in class. Agree or disagree?
Why students should receive their letter from Hogwarts.
It is important to wear a uniform at school. Agree or disagree?
Humans are the most dangerous animals on the planet. Agree or disagree?
Is it better to be rich with no friends or poor with many friends?
Bottled water vs. regular water: what’s the fuss?
Which is better: night dreaming or daydreaming?

This section comes as a logical addition to silly debate topics because it is aimed at younger students who are making the first steps in the world of debating. This list will make it easier for teachers to break the ice with new members of school debate clubs by starting with the following topics that do not require research and students can derive arguments from personal experience

Should all kids over ten have a cellphone?
Do you think that being an only child is better than having siblings?
Should children play outside more?
All schools should teach another language. Agree or disagree?
Most parents are too strict.
Do you think that students don’t need to learn cursive?
Should the government give all kids an allowance?
Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?
Should the working age be lowered to twelve?
Should middle-school students be allowed to get a driver’s license?

Relationships and Gender Debate Topics

Teenage years are the most formative and sensitive years, which bring an array of questions about sexual identity and relationships that are often confusing and overwhelming to young people. For this reason, middle- and high school students will eagerly engage themselves in discussions about gender and relationship issues attempting to find answers and share their opinions. Here is a list of debate questions about gender and relationships that middle- and high school students may find engaging.

Is the school designed more to meet boys’ needs rather than the needs of female students?
Are girls under too much pressure to have “perfect” bodies?
How much pressure do boys face when it comes to physical appearance?
Do Photoshopped images make teenagers feel ashamed about their looks?
Doctored photos: OK or not?
Is It OK for men and boys to comment on women and girls on the street?
Do we need innovative ways to identify gender and sexuality?
What are effective ways to fight sexual violence against young women?
How do you feel about girls going back to abusive partners?
Why aren’t there more girls in leadership roles?
Why aren’t more girls choosing to pursue careers in math and science?
Should women fight on the front lines alongside men?
Do you believe in gender equality?
Are women better at making compromises and collaborating?
Do boys have less demanding friendships than girls?
Can a boy wear a skirt to school?
Do parents have different hopes and standards for their sons than for their daughters?
Should birth control pills be available to teenage girls “over the counter?”
Should the “morning-after” pill be sold over the counter to people under seventeen?
How should children be taught about puberty and sex?
Is dating a thing of the past?
Is “hookup” culture leaving your generation unhappy and unprepared for committed love relationships?
Should couples live together before marriage?
How should teachers and legislators deal with underaged people who “sext”?
How should parents tackle the issue of Internet pornography?

Debate Topics About Books, Film, Art, and Other Media

Although teenagers usually use the Internet as the essential means of communication and a source of information, more than other media like literature, film, art, TV, and video games, they certainly have formed opinions regarding these media. They like to identify with others by sharing the same taste in books, films, and video games. Teenagers seem to be interested in current topics related to showbusiness, art, and the music scene. Simultaneously, young people also enjoy discussing the future of the arts and entertainment industry. Therefore, the topics from this list may be included in any middle-or high school debate and may draw the attention of numerous young debaters.

Is TV becoming obsolete and outdated?
Do TV shows like 16 and Pregnant promote or discourage teenage pregnancy?
Does reality TV promote dangerous misconceptions and stereotypes?
Will TV ever capture American diversity?
Is TV too white?
Why are we so interested in watching rich people on TV and in films?
What makes a good TV show finale?
Have TV commercials become an outdated marketing concept?
What were the best films you have seen recently?
Does the theater offer an extraordinary experience people can’t get when watching films or TV?
How do you see the future of the music industry?
Which current musicians will stand the test of time?
What artists or bands are paving their way to the rock ‘n roll hall of fame?
Which artists do you consider “sellouts”?
Which musician, actor, or author should be a superstar but hasn’t made it yet?
Who owns hip-hop?
Will musical education make you more successful?
Should video games be considered a sport?
Should stores sell violent video games to minors?
When should you feel guilty for killing zombies?
Can a video game be a work of art?
What game would you like to redesign?
Is the gaming world sexist?
Would you replace paper books with digital ones?
Does reading a book leave deeper impressions than listening to one?
Which writer is the next in line for the Nobel prize?
Who are the characters that authors should write about?
Can street art ever be valued as classical art?
Why do people need art in their lives?
Can pop culture be a subject of serious study?
Where is the line between truth and fiction?

Besides books, films, and video games, sports play a significant role in the life of a teenager. Whether they are members of school teams or fervent baseball or basketball fans, middle- and high school students love discussing sports-related topics. These questions are often related to ethical or controversial issues involving players’ conduct, ethics, and even sexual orientation, For this reason, including sports topics into debate lists may be a desirable decision. In this way, students will get the chance to address some burning issues by discussing their favorite sports and athletes.

Should people watch football even if it is too dangerous for players?
Should parents let their children play football if it is considered to be a dangerous sport?
Should college football players get a salary?
Do you find it offensive when sports teams use Native American names and mascots?
Are youth sports too intense?
Should the rules about how coaches treat players be stricter?
Should sports teams have a responsibility to hold players accountable for their personal conduct?
Should athletes who have failed doping tests have to forfeit their titles and medals?
Do fans put too much pressure on their favorite sports teams and athletes?
Why should there always be a winner in a championship game?
Should sports betting become legal across the United States?
Should high schools fund wellness programs instead of sports?
Has baseball lost its cool compared to other sports?
Should cheerleading be regarded as a sport?
How significant is the fact that anNBA player came out as gay?
Would you like to have a bike-share program for your community?
What is the appropriate age for climbing Mt. Everest?

Nourishing a healthy lifestyle seems to be among the top priorities for teenagers. They are well aware of numerous health risks they have to face daily. As a generation that deeply cares about wellness and healthy choices, middle- and high school students will be eager to discuss numerous health- and medicine-related topics regarding their lifestyle. Also, teenagers will be eager to tackle some important general medical issues and express their opinions on alternative medicines, vaccination, and public healthcare. Here is a short list of topics about health and medicine that teenage students may find exciting.

Is smoking becoming a major problem among the teenage population?
Do anti-smoking ads have any effect?
How big is the problem of drinking and driving for teenagers?
Should marijuana be legal?
Should schools require students to take drug tests?
Why is binge drinking so commonplace among American teenagers?
Do you think a healthier school lunch program would be a lost cause?
Should french fries and pizza sauce count as vegetables?
Is it important to know your food comes from?
Is eating meat an ethical issue?
Is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?
Should there be a tax on sugary drinks?
Should the size of sugary drinks be limited by the government?
How should schools deal with unvaccinated students?
Should texting while driving be banned across the United States?
Does the alternative medicine market need to be regulated the same way as the modern medicine market?
What is your opinion on direct-to-consumer prescription drug commercials?
The quality of generic drugs should be regulated by the state. Agree or disagree?
Should society be forced to accept LGBTQ?
Should online pharmacies be legal?
Mandatory health insurance: yes or no?
What is your opinion on single-payer healthcare?
What is your opinion on cosmetic surgery?
Should doctors be allowed to promote healthcare products?
Should the surrogacy option be used only if there is a health issue?
Should alcohol and drug use in the movies be restricted?
Is drug testing on animals unethical?
Should people with mental health illness be treated outside of the community?
Should the government provide free medical care to people below the poverty line?
Should the government fund research of alternative medicines?
Quality of treatment in public hospitals should be equal to the one in private hospitals.
Should developed countries hire healthcare workers from developing countries?
Should the government regulate medical and nutrition supplements?
Have homeopathic medicines done more harm than good?
Can we say that depression is a disease?
Is it ethical for doctors to use brand names when prescribing?
Is vaping less harmful than smoking?
Does breastfeeding have numerous benefits compared to formula feeding?
Should health organizations be funded by governments?
Junk food should be taxed. Agree or disagree?

On their way to adulthood, teenagers are seeking answers to numerous confusing questions regarding character and morality. They are trying to build their independent identities and find a place in the fast-paced world that often sends mixed messages about what is right or wrong. Thus, debate topics related to character and morality may help the teenage population form their opinions on numerous exciting questions and find out more about their personalities

Should adults learn from the teenage generation?
Do younger generations have too much self-esteem?
Is Generation X “post-acial’?
When should you be able to drink alcohol, vote, and join the army?
When you get the right to vote, will you?
Can money buy happiness?
Can consumerism culture make people happier?
Have we lost the art of listening?
Never complain, never explain. Agree or disagree?
Which is more important for success: talent or hard work?
How important is it to stay cool and collected?
Should you ever make compromises?
Are teenagers more self-absorbed than before?
Everything happens for a reason. True or false?
Can you control your fate?
Do hardships make people stronger and lead to personal growth?
Do bystanders have an obligation to intervene in problematic situations?
In which cases can looting be morally justified?
It is cool to be kind. Agree or disagree?

Teenagers nowadays are curious about the world they live in and are eager to seek ways to make things better. For this reason, many of them will enthusiastically engage themselves in discussions about various current issues. Here are some versatile topics that middle- and high school students may find appealing which didn’t fit into previous sections.

Should the private lives of celebrities be off limits to the media?
Do you think child stars cannot cope well with fame?
Should people in the United States be aware that America is not no. 1?
Is American dream just a myth?
Do poor people “have it easy?”
In what way does someone’s neighborhood define their social status and personality?
Should charities founded in the United States focus more on America?
What causes should be financed by philanthropic groups?
What is your opinion on teenage “voluntourism”?
Do you shop at local stores or at malls?
Is Amazon becoming too powerful?
Should companies collect customers’ personal information?
What time should Black Friday sales start?
How long is it appropriate to stay in a cafe or restaurant?
Should children wear whatever they want?
What are your opinions on beauty pageants for toddlers?
Wearing saggy pants at school is disrespectful. Agree or disagree?
Should you care about the health and safety of those who make the clothes you buy?

Need more ideas for essay topics? Check out our page that includes over 200 essay topic ideas for your next writing assignment.

172 Controversial Debate Topics for Teens

16 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues

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125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

Teach students to make effective arguments.

When students learn to debate, they gain valuable life skills. Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. This list of middle school debate topics encompasses both serious and lighthearted ideas for kids ages 10 to 14. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Technology and entertainment debate topics, life and ethics debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

Controversial Debate Topics
It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
Homework should be banned.
Schools should require all students to wear uniforms.
We should punish students for using curse words.
Year-round school is better for students.

Year-round school is better for students.- middle school debate topics

Schools should require physical education (gym class) through 12th grade.
All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
Junk food should be banned in schools.
All middle school students should learn a foreign language.
Single-gender schools are better for students.
Math is the most important school subject.
Letter grades should be abolished.
Teachers should be replaced by computers.
Students should be graded on their handwriting.
Kids who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
Kids should be able to bring their pets to school.
Schools should give middle school students more recess time.

Schools should give middle school students more recess time.- middle school debate topics

The school day should be shorter.
Schools should eliminate dress codes.
College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
Book smarts are better than street smarts.
All people should have free internet access.
Playing violent video games makes people more likely to be violent in real life.
Reality television depicts real life.
The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

Students should be allowed to use phones in class.
Macs are better than PCs.
Androids are better than iPhones.
Kids under 13 should be allowed to use social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
Students should not be allowed to watch TV on school nights.
Social media does more harm than good.
Video games are better than board games.
Reading books is better than watching TV.
All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
Books are always better than the movies that are made from them.
Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are.
Playing video games makes you smarter.

Playing video games makes you smarter.- middle school debate topics

Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
Paper books are better than e-books.
Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, and R) should be done away with.
Professional athletes and celebrities deserve to make more money than the average person.
People have a responsibility to help one another out.
No one should ever tell a lie.
Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
We should lower the voting age to 12.
Every member of a family should have daily chores.
All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
All people should be vegetarians.

Democracy is the best form of government.
All Americans should be required to vote.
Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
Parents should be allowed to read their children’s private diaries.
Giving is better than receiving.
Receiving a regular allowance is good for kids.
Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
Real Christmas trees are better than artificial ones.
We should not keep animals in zoos.
All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
It is better to save some of your allowance than to spend it all.
Kids should be allowed to stay up as late as they want.
Happiness is more important than success.
The driving age should be lowered to 14.

The driving age should be lowered to 14.- middle school debate topics

We should completely ban plastic bottles.
Parents should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
All kids should have a playground or park within walking distance of their home.
Kids should be allowed to have credit cards.
It’s important to spend money exploring space.
All families should have a pet.
Dogs are better pets than cats.
Summer is better than winter.
Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
Teachers shouldn’t give rewards and prizes in the classroom.
Clowns are more scary than funny.
Every home should have a robot.
There is intelligent life on other planets.

There is intelligent life on other planets.

The egg came before the chicken.
Pop music is better than classical music.
Xbox is better than PlayStation.
Peanut butter is better than Nutella.
Football is better than soccer.
Everyone should make their bed every day.
It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
Harry Potter is better than The Lord of the Rings .
Pluto should still be considered a planet.
Santa Claus’ elves should be paid minimum wage.
Hot chocolate is better than a chocolate milkshake.
Fruit counts as dessert.
People should be allowed to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
Fiction is better than nonfiction.

Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
Werewolves are more dangerous than vampires.
Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.

Controversial Middle School Debate Topics

These middle school debate topics are pretty contentious and might not be appropriate for all students or every classroom. But if your middle schoolers are ready to take on more serious debates, try these important questions.

We should abolish the death penalty.
Stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings.
It’s necessary to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
Segregation still exist in the United States.
Religion does more harm than good.
We will never achieve world peace.
We shouldn’t allow young children to play contact sports like football.

We shouldn't allow young children to play contact sports like football.

Parents shouldn’t be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears.
Beauty pageants are sexist.
Kids shouldn’t get participation trophies for sports.
It’s possible to be an ethical hunter.
Some stereotypes are accurate.
People have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action.
War is sometimes necessary.
There are times when we must limit freedom of speech.
Security is more important than freedom.
We should do away with gender-specific public bathrooms.
Anyone over age 12 should be tried as an adult in court.
Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

Our society has a harmful “diet culture.”
All countries should have to give up their nuclear weapons.
We should ban testing on animals.
We should ban the use of fossil fuels.
Human cloning should be legal.
Vaccines should be mandatory.

What are your favorite middle school debate topics? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 75 funny debate topics for kids of all ages ..

Looking for debate topics for middle school and junior high students? This roundup ranges from lighthearted to serious, ideal for any class.

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As the national authority on public speaking and debate, the National Speech & Debate Association provides the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world. We create a platform for youth voices to be heard and celebrated, which culminates with an annual National Tournament , the pinnacle of public speaking.

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40 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids of All Ages & Grades

10 Debate Topics for Kids in Preschool

10 debate topics for elementary kids, 10 debate topics for middle school kids, 10 debate topics for high school kids.

Do you want your child to have a strong opinion about everything? Do you want your child to express those thoughts freely and appropriately? Debate topics for kids are a great place to start!

Debate is one of the best strategies to make your child opinionative and a good communicator. A debate is a well-structured discussion on a topic between two parties based on evidence and statistics.

It allows your kids to think, process information, and come up with a quick reply. In addition, debates are organized so that both parties get equal time to share their thoughts.

In addition, school debates are organized under the supervision of teachers; this ensures that your child gets a good environment to discuss. So, if your child’s school is hosting a debate competition, you should motivate your child to participate in it. This will help to improve their intellectual and communication skills.

If your child is ready to participate in the debate, we have some great debate topics for kids that you can practice at home.

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40 Interesting Debate Topics for Kids

To make your child good at debating, you should talk daily with them on a new topic. It will help if you use different topics to expand your child’s knowledge base and form their opinion about everything. Here are some exciting debate topics based on your child’s age:

Students sitting on bean bags in break room discussing debate topics for kids

1. Are pets useful or helpful?

2. What is better for learning; teachers or the internet?

3. Is junk food suitable for children or not?

4. Should students wear uniforms to school?

5. What is the right time to watch television for children?

6. Is virtual learning suitable for young children?

7. Should preschool students bring their toys to class?

8. What are the appropriate school activities for preschoolers?

9. What is the right time to sleep for students?

10. How long should a lunch break be?

11. Should students go on field trips?

12. Are outdoor classrooms helpful for learning?

13. Are aliens real or fake?

14. Should schools teach advanced math to elementary students?

15. Should schools allow students to bring pets to the class?

16. Is homeschooling better than the traditional education system?

17. Do students need recess?

18. Should mobile phones be allowed in the classrooms?

19. Should teachers use interactive learning models in the classroom?

20. Will computers replace teachers in the future?

21. Should junk food need to be banned from school cafeterias?

22. Should the internet be banned from the school premises?

23. Is it compulsory to have PE lectures for all students?

24. Are video games helpful or harmful for children?

25. What is the appropriate amount of screen time for a child?

26. Does your generation have sufficient role models?

27. What is better – private or public schools?

28. Should middle school students volunteer for community welfare?

29. Is it important to teach coding and computer programming in middle school?

30. Is virtual learning the new way of learning?

31. How to stop bullying in school?

32. Is sex education important for high school students?

33. What is the impact of artificial intelligence on humanity?

34. Is cyber security a threat to students?

35. Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?

36. Are video games too violent for young minds?

37. Is cooking class important for all students?

38. Should high school students be allowed to study from home?

39. Is history a critical learning subject?

40 Is it good to be bilingual?

How Can Debates Help Your Child?

Participating in school or inter-school debate competitions can help your child in many ways, such as:

Schoolgirls having a discussion and debate topics for kids

1. Analytical skills

When your child gets a topic for debate, they get a chance to explore it with their thought process. As a result, they can analyze situations and come up with adequate replies based on points given by their opponent. In addition, they learn to formulate innovative answers when they are stuck somewhere spontaneously.

2. Public speaking skills

Debates give your children the confidence to stand on a stage and speak in front of a large audience. The earlier you introduce the debate to your child, the better you can help them overcome their stage fright. Your children learn to handle different audiences and engage with them.

3. Make them listen

Listening is a very crucial skill that your child can learn from debates. They learn to listen to every word spoken by their opponent carefully. After that, they analyze their remarks and use them to formulate adequate replies. This life skill will help your child become a better emotional and understanding person.

4. Clear thoughts

Debates help your child channel their thoughts and turn them into the right words that other people can easily understand. Multiple thoughts are swirling around your child’s mind. But how to present them properly is something that they don’t know. Thanks to debates, your child can better focus on their thought process and organize it.

Debate Away!

Children talking on the street debate topics for kids

Debates are essential for the academic and analytical brain development of your child. With regular debate participation, you can build a confident and opinionative personality in your child.

Before taking your child to public debate platforms, you should host a small debate competition at your home. You can use different debate topics for kids mentioned in this blog to prepare your child for school debate competitions.

Explore more online educational resources for kids that will help with their learning experience and make them smarter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to turn your child into a better debater.

Here are some quick tips to turn your child into a good debate conductor:

Start when they are young
Spike your child’s interest in the debates by showing them different debate competitions
Ask your child to learn about new things
Help your child form an opinion
Fix your child’s posture
Allow your child to express their thoughts freely

How long should a debate speech be?

A debate speech duration depends upon the level of debate. For example, a middle school debate can be around for five minutes or more. On the contrary, high school and college can go beyond 10 minutes.

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Kamala Harris Isn’t Giving Interviews. Any Questions?

Critics say the vice president has been too cautious with the press. Her supporters think it’s the right strategy at the right time.

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Kamala Harris entering a room, with a crowd of photographers and reporters waiting for her.

By Michael M. Grynbaum

Michael Grynbaum has covered the interactions between presidential candidates and the news media since 2016.

Follow live updates on the 2024 election .

The press has questions for Vice President Kamala Harris. She isn’t giving a whole lot of answers.

In the nearly three weeks since President Biden withdrew his candidacy, catapulting Ms. Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket, the vice president has shown little eagerness to meet journalists in unscripted settings. She has not granted an interview or held a news conference. On Thursday, after a rally in Michigan, she held her first “gaggle” — an impromptu Q.-and-A. session — with reporters covering her campaign.

It lasted 70 seconds.

Ms. Harris replaced a Democratic nominee who has hosted fewer White House news conferences than any president since Ronald Reagan. Now she is taking a similarly cautious approach, relying on televised rallies and prepared statements amid a tightly controlled rollout of her candidacy.

Asked on Thursday if she might sit for an interview anytime soon, Ms. Harris suggested that she would get through the convention first. “I want us to get an interview scheduled before the end of the month,” she said, as aides signaled to the scrum of journalists that question time was over.

Ms. Harris’s lack of engagement with the media has become a constant rallying cry on the political right, with Republican critics and Fox News stars accusing the vice president of ducking scrutiny. The Harris campaign says it is being thoughtful about how best to deploy its message, and to introduce a new candidate to crucial voters in battleground states.

David Axelrod, the architect of former President Barack Obama’s winning campaigns, believes that Ms. Harris — who on Thursday said she had agreed to a prime-time debate on Sept. 10 with her opponent, former President Donald J. Trump — was trying to strike a balance.

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Trump's press conference was not good. But he's still better for America than Harris.

A donald trump press conference is a fact-checker's nightmare. he speaks without notes, without pausing − and much of what he says seems off-base, if not blatantly fabricated..

A Donald Trump press conference is like a ride on the fastest rollercoaster at an amusement park. It's simultaneously thrilling and boring, fast and slow, fun and terrifying. There are ups and downs, smears and self-congratulations, facts and myths all packed into one dizzying ride.

The former president's question-and-answer session with reporters on Thursday at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida was classic Trumpian stream of consciousness. The Republican presidential nominee smeared his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, and her new running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz . He repeatedly slammed the state of the country, citing myriad issues, including inflation, the cost of electric vehicles and the chaos at the border.

It wasn't great; it wasn't terrible. But a few things stood out.

Trump did show up. He should get credit for that. Harris has been on the campaign trail for nearly three weeks and has yet to hold a similar news conference, complete with questions from reporters. She also has refused interview requests since late June .

Trump on Thursday showed some chutzpah, which Harris has yet to show.

During the news conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said a few things that made sense − and a lot of things that didn't quite make sense.

He also said he has agreed to debate Harris on Sept. 10 on ABC News. The network released a statement saying that Harris also has agreed to the debate .

Trump smears Kamala Harris' intelligence

A Trump press conference is a fact-checker's nightmare. He speaks without notes, without pausing − and much of what he says seems off-base, if not blatantly fabricated. However, every now and then, he throws in a few incisive comments to keep Republicans smiling.

Trump took umbrage, as he should, at the fact that Democratic primary voters supported President Joe Biden for a second term and now Harris is running for president without facing the primary gauntlet . It's not unconstitutional, but it's not exactly democratic, either.

Trump is correct that we have all witnessed a historic turn of events, and that it's not how the election process is supposed to work. A lot of conservatives have struggled with how Harris captured the nomination. The fact that Biden was pushed aside and Democrats embraced Harris with glee, and with little scrutiny, still seems strange.

" The presidency was taken away from Joe Biden − and I'm no Biden fan," Trump said.

Opinion newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter on conservative values, family and religion from columnist Nicole Russell. Get it delievered to your inbox .

Trump also said that when it comes to leftist policies, Harris " is worse than Biden ."

" If she becomes president , our country is going to be a giant fail," he said. "Kamala's record is horrible; she's a radical left person."

Republicans agree on those charges for sure.

With Walz as her VP, Harris doubles down on her far-left plans. Republicans must use this.

However, Trump couldn't resist predictable and superficial attacks.

"I'm not a big fan of his brain," Trump said about Walz, "but I think that (Harris is) actually not as smart as he is ."

Trump also said Harris isn't " smart enough to do a news conference ." If she is smart, she'll take him up on that challenge.

Trump says the country is in a 'dangerous position'

Trump led off his remarks with concern about the country, specifically the economy. He's right to do that. It's the issue at the forefront of most Americans' minds .

"Our country is right now in the most dangerous position it's ever been," Trump said , when it comes to our economic position. "We have leadership that has no clue."

Are we heading to a recession? As stock markets plummet, ask yourself: Do you really want Harris running the economy?

While Trump didn't go into detail on what his fiscal policy would look like in a second presidential term, he did tout the idea of eliminating the federal income tax on tips.

The proposal, a regular part of his campaign messaging, might actually gain bipartisan support . Texas Sen. Ted Cruz has already introduced the proposed tax cut in Congress.

Trump's style isn't improving

In typical Trump fashion, the news conference gave him a platform to praise himself. Donald Trump's praise for Donald Trump is often effusive, superficial and wrong.

On Thursday, he claimed that he had drawn a larger crowd than the one that gathered to hear Martin Luther King Jr.'s historic " I Have a Dream " speech in 1963. In reality, an estimated 250,000 people attended the March on Washington, where King spoke.

That's Trump. He's narcissistic and full of braggadocio, heavy on innuendo and false claims, light on facts and details.

Trump is not a great politician, a gifted speaker, a kind man or a compelling candidate. Yet, he is who the Republican Party has chosen. His press conference Thursday was further proof that he is not the best choice to represent the GOP, conservatives or America.

But is he better than Harris? I believe conservative policies are better for the country, so if he can implement those, then yes.

Harris is a more conventional politician, but she's also to the left of Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. Trump is a stranger to facts, but he does hold some conservative ideas.

The bar for the presidency is so low it's been buried. This is America 2024.

Nicole Russell is an opinion columnist with USA TODAY. She lives in Texas with her four kids. Sign up for her newsletter, The Right Track , and get it delivered to your inbox .

You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page , on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter .

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FACT FOCUS: A look at claims made by Trump at news conference

Trump lashes out at Harris, recommits to a Sept. 10 debate at hourlong news conference

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks to reporters during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

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FILE - Crowds are shown in front of the Washington Monument during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Aug. 28, 1963, in Washington. (AP Photo, File)

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump talks about his ear as he speaks to reporters during a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

In his first news conference since Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee for president, former President Donald Trump said he would debate her on Sept. 10 and pushed for two more debates. The Republican presidential nominee spoke for more than an hour, discussing a number of issues facing the country and then taking questions from reporters. He made a number of false and misleading claims. Many of them have been made before.

Here’s a look at some of those claims.

CROWD SIZES

CLAIM: “The biggest crowd I’ve ever spoken — I’ve spoken to the biggest crowds. Nobody’s spoken to crowds bigger than me. If you look at Martin Luther King when he did his speech, his great speech, and you look at ours, same real estate, same everything, same number of people, if not we had more. And they said he had a million people, but I had 25,000 people.”

THE FACTS: Trump was comparing the crowd at his speech in front of the White House on Jan. 6, 2021, to the crowd that attended Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial.

But far more people are estimated to have been at the latter than the former.

Approximately 250,000 people attended the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, at which King gave his speech, according to the National Park Service . The Associated Press reported in 2021 that there were at least 10,000 people at Trump’s address.

Moreover, Trump and King did not speak in the same location. King spoke from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial , which looks east toward the Washington Monument. Trump spoke at the Ellipse , a grassy area just south of the White House.

CLAIM: “Nobody was killed on Jan. 6.”

THE FACTS: That’s false. Five people died in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot and its immediate aftermath. Pro-Trump rioters breached the U.S. Capitol that day amid Congress’ effort to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

Among the deceased are Ashli Babbitt, a Trump supporter shot and killed by police, and Brian Sicknick, a police officer who died the day after battling the mob. Four additional officers who responded to the riot killed themselves in the following weeks and months.

Babbitt, a 35-year-old Air Force veteran from San Diego, was shot and killed by a police officer as she climbed through a broken part of a Capitol door during the violent riot. Trump has often cited Babbitt’s death while lamenting the treatment of those who attended a rally outside the White House that day and then marched to the Capitol, many of whom fought with police.

DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION

CLAIM: “The presidency was taken away from Joe Biden, and I’m no Biden fan, but I tell you what, from a constitutional standpoint, from any standpoint you look at, they took the presidency away.”

THE FACTS: There is nothing in the Constitution that prevents the Democratic Party from making Vice President Kamala Harris its nominee. That process is determined by the Democratic National Committee.

Harris officially claimed the nomination Monday following a five-day online voting process, receiving 4,563 delegate votes out of 4,615 cast, or about 99% of participating delegates. A total of 52 delegates in 18 states cast their votes for “present,” the only other option on the ballot.

The vice president was the only candidate eligible to receive votes after no other candidate qualified by the party’s deadline following President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the race on July 21.

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THE ECONOMY

CLAIM: Suggesting things would be different if he had been in office rather than Biden: “You wouldn’t have had inflation. You wouldn’t have had any inflation because inflation was caused by their bad energy problems. Now they’ve gone back to the Trump thing because they need the votes. They’re drilling now because they had to go back because gasoline was going up to 7, 8, 9 dollars a barrel.”

THE FACTS: There would have been at least some inflation if Trump had been reelected in 2020 because many of the factors causing inflation were outside a president’s control. Prices spiked in 2021 after cooped-up Americans ramped up their spending on goods such as exercise bikes and home office furniture, overwhelming disrupted supply chains. U.S. auto companies, for example, couldn’t get enough semiconductors and had to sharply reduce production, causing new and used car prices to shoot higher. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in March 2022 also sent gas and food prices soaring around the world, as Ukraine’s wheat exports were disrupted and many nations boycotted Russian oil and gas.

Still, under Biden, U.S. oil production reached a worldwide record level earlier this year .

Many economists, including some Democrats, say Biden’s $1.9 trillion financial support package, approved in March 2021, which provided a $1,400 stimulus check to most Americans, helped fuel inflation by ramping up demand. But it didn’t cause inflation all by itself. And Trump supported $2,000 stimulus checks in December 2020, rather than the $600 checks included in a package he signed into law in December 2020.

Prices still spiked in countries with different policies than Biden’s, such as France , Germany and the U.K. , though mostly because of the sharp increase in energy costs stemming from Russia’s invasion.

IMMIGRATION

CLAIM: “Twenty million people came over the border during the Biden-Harris administration — 20 million people — and it could be very much higher than that. Nobody really knows.”

THE FACTS: Trump’s 20 million figure is unsubstantiated at best, and he didn’t provide sources.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports 7.1 million arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico from January 2021 through June 2024. That’s arrests, not people. Under pandemic-era asylum restrictions, many people crossed more than once until they succeeded because there were no legal consequences for getting turned back to Mexico. So the number of people is lower than the number of arrests.

In addition, CBP says it stopped migrants 1.1 million times at official land crossings with Mexico from January 2021 through June 2024, largely under an online appointment system to claim asylum called CBP One.

U.S. authorities also admitted nearly 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela under presidential authority if they had financial sponsors and arrived at an airport.

All told, that’s nearly 8.7 million encounters. Again, the number of people is lower due to multiple encounters for some.

There are an unknown number of people who eluded capture, known as “got-aways” in Border Patrol parlance. The Border Patrol estimates how many but doesn’t publish that number.

CLAIM: Vice President Kamala Harris “was the border czar 100% and all of a sudden for the last few weeks she’s not the border czar anymore.”

THE FACTS: Harris was appointed to address “root causes” of migration in Central America. That migration manifests itself in illegal crossings to the U.S., but she was not assigned to the border.

NEW YORK CASES

CLAIM: “The New York cases are totally controlled out of the Department of Justice.”

THE FACTS: Trump was referring to two cases brought against him in New York — one civil and the other criminal.

Neither has anything to do with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The civil case was initiated by a lawsuit from New York Attorney General Letitia James. In that case, Trump was ordered in February to pay a $454 million penalty for lying about his wealth for years as he built the real estate empire that vaulted him to stardom and the White House.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a state-level prosecutor, brought the criminal case . In May, a jury found Trump guilty on 34 felony counts in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through a hush money payment to a porn actor who said the two had sex.

___ Associated Press writers Melissa Goldin and Elliot Spagat and economics writer Christopher Rugaber contributed to this article. ___

Find AP Fact Checks here: https://apnews.com/APFactCheck .

An earlier version of this story mixed up “latter” and “former” in the third paragraph. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech on Aug. 28, 1963, drew a far larger crowd than Donald Trump’s speech near the White House on Jan. 6, 2021.

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