Tips to attempt a question on Debate writing

The first and the foremost step is to choose the side, whether you want to write for, or against the motion.
Always try to select the side you personally want to support and have more material information to write on.
It is preferable to make a choice during the reading time.
An ideal debate must consist of 4 paragraphs, namely-

 Introduction/Salutations,
 Problem,
 Solution and
 the conclusion.

Let us discuss each of them in detail.

1. Introduction- This includes salutations and the topic (including FOR/AGAINST the motion).
For Example:- Good morning everyone. Esteemed judges, honourable guests, respected teachers and my
fellow students. I, (name given in the question or else, XYZ) feel honoured to have been given the opportunity
to speak (FOR/AGAINST) the topic- (name of the topic).

2. Body (Problem)- This is the main paragraph or the body of your answer.

 Always begin with the meaning of the topic or the explanation of the topic in not more than a line.
 Then start quoting the issues. Now here, it is important you follow a sequence. It is possible that you
have too many points or very few points. When you have a lot of varied points, it is better you choose
a few best ones and write a line on each. In case you have very few already, explain them in at least
two lines each.
 Make sure you are clear with your thoughts, only then you'll be able to put them into words
unambiguously.

3. Solution- "For every problem, there is a solution."

This paragraph needs to be short and crisp whereby; you are supposed to give a rational and practical solution
for all the above problems.

 In case you are not able to figure one out, keep in mind a few general ones. It could involve spreading
awareness, campaigns, stringent laws and their strict implementation, education, etc.
 Using a quote never hurts. It can be general ones like, on working together. Every situation can be
faced and solved if there is unity. So here are a few handy ones.

"Wherever there is unity, there is always victory."

"Unity is strength."
"United we stand, divided we fall." And many more.

4. Conclusion- This part involves clarification of your statement and stance along with thanking the audience
for being such patient listeners. This paragraph needs to be short and precise.
Here also, you could add some glitter to your art piece with some quotes like "The word IMPOSSIBLE itself
says, I M POSSIBLE."
Marking scheme for debate writing in class 12 writing skills

Talking about marks, Debate writing comes as a 10 marks question. The breakup for which (as per CBSE
Marking scheme for 2018-19) is as follows:-

Format (opening address and conclusion) 01 mark

Content 04 marks
Expression 05 marks :-

 Grammatical accuracy, appropriate words and spellings. 2.5

 Coherence and relevance of ideas and style.
2.5
Total 10 marks

Things to remember while attempting a question on debate writing for class 12 English
writing skills

DO'S

1. Before you begin writing, write down all the points (one/two words per point) at the back of your
answer sheet (rough sheet) so that you do not forget relevant points while writing. This also helps you
in maintaining a sequence, which is very important.
2. Make sure you double check for grammatical accuracy and spellings. They carry marks.
3. Leave adequate number of lines between paragraphs to make it look clean.
4. Underlining the main points is very important. But it is advised to do it after finishing your exam. Use
a pencil and scale for underlining.
5. Always have a few general quotes in handy. They help in presentation and shows that you're prepared
6. Presentation is very important.
7. Read a lot of debates to get an idea.
8. Have information about all the major environmental, political, social issues that have taken place
during the entire year. The Sample Question Paper 2018-19 released by CBSE consists of a question
on "Social Media and its effects". It can be linked with a lot of problems we are facing today on
personal and on global level. Example- Spreading of fake information, Mob lynching, reduced
physical activities in children resulting in poor health, etc.
9. Practice previous year Question paper questions.

DON'Ts

1. Never mention any of your personal details, i.e., name, school name or address.
2. Never write in one go. Make sure you follow the right format and make paragraphs.
3. Don't use slangs or short forms.
4. Don't write wrong facts.
5. Try not to exceed the prescribed word limit of 150-200 words.
6. Do not invest too much time in just this question.

Debate Writing Solved questions

Below are a few samples for you to look at so that you get an idea as to how to write debates during exam.
Remember, the more you read and practice, the better it is. As per, CBSE guidelines, it should not exceed the
prescribed limit of 150-200 words.
Q1. You are Mukul / Mahima of Alps Public School. Your school has organized a debate on "Social Media
and It's Effects" and you will be participating from your school. Prepare your views against or in favour of
the motion. (150-200 words) (10)
(Source- CBSE Sample Question Paper 2018-19)
Answer:
SOCIAL MEDIA AND IT's EFFECTS
FOR THE MOTION:
"We are all now connected by the internet, like neurons in a giant brain"

Honourable judges, teachers and my worthy opponents, thank you for giving me the opportunity to join this
debate on the topic, "Social Media and It's Effects". I am Mukul/ Mahima and I would like to speak in favour
of the motion.

How many people do not have a smile on their faces on finding an old friend on facebook? Well, social media
has removed all the barriers and boundaries to communication by bringing the globe on a single platform.
While business opportunities have widened, marketer's reach has broadened. It keeps us updated about
everything going on in every nook and corner of the world on a real-time basis. From emergency alerts,
announcements and declarations to knowing how our friends are doing has all become so convenient. It
provides freedom of speech and thus, enables everyone to speak their mind. Not to forget the incalculable
access it provides to the extensive information.

With so much advancement and innovation, it would be an unimaginable world without having social media
in it. Someone has rightly put it into words by saying,

"Social media is addictive precisely because it gives us something what the real world lacks: it gives us
immediacy, direction and a value as an individual."

Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

What a world it is, with everyone on their phones, all the time, faking their lives and keeping a count of their
likes?

Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen! I am Mukul/ Mahima and my topic for the day is, "Social media and it's
effects". I would like to speak against the motion.
It has now become doubtful to trust the saying that goes like "Technology was developed to save time and
make our lives easier", because people have become addicted and unproductive. It takes a lot of effort and
discipline to stay away from social media. Results have shown that it has had adverse effects on human minds
and their functioning. Outdoor activities among children have also reduced significantly.

No doubt it provides access to useful information, but, it is hard to ignore the quantum of fake news that
spreads like wildfire and the extent of impact it has on the society. In fact, fake whatsapp forwards was a clear
pattern that was observed behind the recent mob lynchings or rather, "Death by social media".

It is one of the reasons behind insecurities and depression among teenagers. It is right that technology was
introduced to save time, but we forgot to mention, "In the right amount". So, remember, you leave the
present moment every time you check the phone.

Thank you for your cooperation and patient hearing.

Q2. "Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career." Write a debate either for or
against the motion. (120 - 150 words) (Source- CBSE Question paper 2017-18) (10)

Answer:
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE IS THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR A SUCCESSFUL CAREER.

FOR THE MOTION:

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it from you."

Respected judges and my worthy opponents, I stand before you all to speak in favour of the motion:
"Academic excellence is the only requirement for a successful career".

Right to Education is the fundamental right of every child in the age group of six to fourteen years. The
education system in the primary years is designed so as to provide basic knowledge of each subject and help
the youth of today to choose their subject of interest for its deeper study that can only be provided effectively
through universities. It plays a key role in the development of society and nation. Information cannot be
converted into knowledge without education. Education makes us capable of interpreting things, among other
things.

It helps in raising future leaders by providing them clear understanding and developing decision making
abilities. It makes them resourceful and competent. Excellence in academics prepares children for the
competition ahead and teaches them to work hard as well.

Moreover, Excellency will ensure admission to the best universities for higher education that provide
exposure and a kick start to their career. To conclude, I would say that one who has it's academic future
choices sorted out, has it's career planned out.

"The goal of education is the advancement of knowledge and the dissemination of truth."

Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Academic excellence is the only requirement
for a successful career" and I choose to speak against the motion.

"The goal of education is to raise the leaders of tomorrow". But my question is, How is it that most of the
leaders of today happen to be college dropouts? This is because having degrees cannot ensure success. It fails
to impart the life skills and polish personality of an individual. They can surely give you an overview of a
subject but fail to provide an overview of how the world works. It does not ensure skills and competencies. It
tells people what to think instead of how to think and the end results is that, the society now has just robots
who have switched their minds off only to believe what is being taught.

One's attitude towards life is what brings success. Undoubtedly, academic Excellencies can provide you
degrees or may even land you at a job, but, your success depends upon how you think, behave, walk, talk and
present yourself. It has been rightly said,

"Education produces great employees in the market, not employers".

Thank you.
Q3. "ONLINE SMART CLASSES ARE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION STYLE". Write a debate
either for or against the motion. (150 – 200 words). (10)

Answer:
ONLINE SMART CLASSES ARE THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION STYLE
FOR THE MOTION:

Honourable judges and worthy listeners,

"If you are so old minded and think that computers will be distracting children from studies, with a sincere
sorry for you, let me tell you that the young generation has gone a long way with computers!"
Thus, I am here to talk about the endless possibilities of computer and internet based teaching methods.

When most parents think of learning from computers, socializing websites like facebook appear before their
eyes. It is the biggest cyber tragedy. There are definitely a large number of sites beyond just facebook.

Udemy, Coursera, Khan academy, Byju's teaching app, the list of online teaching platforms is endless and
ever growing. There are millions of students and teachers who use these websites and apps for their exam-
preparation. They are mostly free and it is what makes one turn away from traditional paper-guides. With a
smartphone in every hand, city and village alike, these online libraries are within everyone's reach.

Google has already replaced the word Guru to become the greatest knowledge-provider.

With seven hundred billion population and six hundred trees, it is the need of the century to go paperless. In
this context you can find no better solution than eLearning.

Rather than living the life of a consumer, let's be contributors. Instead of buying paper books, let's buy
eBooks. Instead of collecting a thousand books in our shelves, let's convert our phones or computers into
virtual libraries and learn.
Thank you.
AGAINST THE MOTION:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Online Classes are the Future of Education
Style" and I choose to speak against the motion.

Online learning or e-learning refers to learning conducted via electronic media, typically on the Internet.
There is no face-to-face interaction between the teacher and the student. It decreases the scope of adjusting
and modifying the language or the concept according to various audiences. Moreover, humans are known to
be social animals and are thus, more interested in direct tuition than virtual tuition. There is lack of proper
guidance and self-assessment mechanisms. Not only this, it would also reduce employment among teachers.

Since it involves only brain work and not physical work, they tend to get lethargic resulting in altered
physiology. Also, it leads to lack of discipline. Attending a school makes one have a time schedule in a day.
This helps them learn some good habits like, bathing, breakfast, going to bed at the right time etc. Physical
school help children adopt a discipline.

Not to forget the excellent interactions involved in physical learning. People tend to make friends who support
them and mentors who guide them. Thus, no matter how fast technological developments are taking place, the
traditional way of learning should not be displaced.

Thank you.
Q4. 'Homes for the aged is a necessity in India '. Write a debate in 150- 200 words either for or against
the motion. You are Shivam/ Shivani.
(CBSE Sample Question Paper 2018)

Answer:
HOMES FOR THE AGED IS A NECESSITY IN INDIA

FOR THE MOTION:

Old age is often referred to as the crown of life, as it is our play's last act. Honourable judges, teachers and my
worthy opponents, I thank you all for providing me the opportunity to highlight the importance of Old Age
Homes in India.

An old age home is a place, a home for old people who have no one to look after them or those whose
children have left them on the streets. The place, of course, is like home where the inmates get all the facilities
for a routine living, like food, clothing, medicine and shelter. Old age brings with it physical weakness. In
case they are alone at home while you're away, it would be almost impossible to tackle any medical
emergency. These centres will take care of them and cater to all such emergencies

Also, burglars usually attempt to break into a house where a lonely aged person lives, murder them without
hesitating and loot the house. That's why it is safer to keep your parents in a senior-care-home when you have
to stay away from them for your earning and are unable to keep them there with you.

Thus, it is crucial to have Old age homes in the country because old age needs so little but needs that little
very much. Nothing is more important than a smile that has struggled through tears and many years.

Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! My topic for the day is "Home for the aged is a necessity in India"
and I choose to speak against the motion.

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with the whole idea of Old age homes, but just like there are two sides
of the same coin, it also has some disadvantages and problems associated to it. Services attract costs. Better
the services, higher the costs. Most of the aged population are pensioners or dependent on children which
makes it difficult for them to afford good quality care. There is lack of privacy too. The environment is
impersonal, which may give rise to feeling of loneliness, which may further lead to depression. They lose the
right to decide what to eat and cannot spend time with grandchildren. Also, there have been many incidents of
neglect and poor treatment.

They are those people who made us capable and created a world for us. How can we leave them in the cold,
that too when they require the warmth of our love the most? Our parents have sacrificed so much for us
without asking for anything in return. This makes it our sole responsibility to take care of them when they
need it the most, because, in the end, the ultimate luxury is being at home and able to relax with the family.

Thank you.
Q5. Are celebs responsible for the products they endorse? Taking a cue from the headlines given below
and using your own ideas, write a debate for or against the topic. (about 150-200 words)

 Amitabh Bachchan steps back from promoting Pepsi after a school girl questions the health impact of
the drink.
 Brief ban on Maggi noodles causes trouble for its celebrity Brand ambassadors. (CBSE Sample
Question Paper 2017)
Answer:
ARE CELEBS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRODUCTS THEY ENDORSE?
FOR THE MOTION:

Respected judges and my worthy opponents, today, I stand before you all to accentuate why celebrities are
responsible for the products they endorse.

Advertising agencies often pick celebrities because their fan following ensures more eyeballs. The celebrities
are the present-day gods. They are adored, venerated, and worshipped by many. Given the fan base and the
celebrity power of influence, many questions come up. Are they accountable for what the endorser does? Do
they at least have the moral responsibility to understand the product better?

It becomes a misleading advertisement if it is found that the product does not have the attributes that the
manufacturer professed. And if the brand ambassador has promoted that product and said specifically that the
product has those attributes, they are also certainly liable for action.

The brief ban on Maggi noodles had an implication for its celebrity endorsers. Not so long ago, Amitabh
Bachchan stepped back from promoting Pepsi after a school girl questioned the health impact of the drink.
Celebrities vouch for the performance of a product; they should first use it before endorsing it.

Public figures have an ethical obligation towards those who follow them and this necessitates a framework
that guides them to take responsibility for their public image, which includes the products they endorse.
Moving in and out of paid contracts might be a solution for the celebrity endorser but it doesn't erase the
impact of their previously branded image.

Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Respected judges and my worthy opponents, today, I stand before you all to accentuate why celebs should not
be held responsible for the products they endorse.

Advertising agencies often pick celebrities because their fan following ensures more eyeballs. No doubt the
advertisement will attract you, but it's unlikely that you will buy the product unless you have seen it and tested
it. Buying financial products and real estate is more nuanced and, hence, advertisements alone shouldn't be
your guiding light. Consumers need to be more discerning in such cases.

Take the case of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He did end his contract with the real estate firm but how would he
have known that the company would fail to honour its commitment? If it was so easy to determine the
intention of the company then the first to exit the deal would have been the home buyers. Or take the case of
celebrity tourism mascots for states. Would you blame a celebrity if the state government ends up doing
something ridiculous?

Many celebrities endorse multiple brands and it is not possible for them to use all. Celebs endorse brands for
money. Don't make them responsible for the efficacy of the product. There are government agencies to ensure
quality for the products sold in their countries and it is justified to make only those people accountable whose
job is to certify products.
Thank you.

Q6. 'Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India.' Write a debate in 150 - 200 words
either for or against the motion.
(CBSE)

Answer:

BRAIN DRAIN IS NOT A BANE FOR A DEVELOPING COUNTRY LIKE INDIA

FOR THE MOTION:

Respected judges and my worthy opponents, today, I stand before you all to bring into light why Brain drain
is not a bane for a developing country like India.

Brain drain is a situation in which large numbers of educated and skilled professionals leave their own country
to live and work in another country where pay and conditions are better. In a developing country like India,
the population is growing at a rate faster than the increase in job opportunities. In such a case, immigration to
other countries can be seen to be providing sunshine to dispel the gloom of the unemployed youth.

Moreover, income from the emigrated people comes back to the native country as overseas remittances. India
is recipient of the highest amount of foreign currency coming in as remittances from NRIs.

Reverse brain drain, on the other hand, if given attention, can make it a win-win situation. It is a situation in
which such people come back to India after acquiring knowledge, skills and abilities, thus adding value to
India.

The need of the hour is to encourage reverse brain drain so that India can make use of their tremendous
potential, experience and expertise for building a stronger nation. This helps India becoming a developed
country very soon and also a global Super Power in the long run.

Thank you.

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Respected judges and my worthy opponents, today, I stand before you all to express my views on the topic
"Brain drain is not a bane for a developing country like India". I choose to speak against the motion.

Brain drain is referred to a situation in which large numbers of educated and skilled professionals leave their
own country to live and work in another country where pay and conditions are better. The majority of
migration is from developing to developed countries. This is of growing concern worldwide because of its
impact on the developing countries. These countries have invested in the education and training of young
health professionals. This translates into a loss of considerable resources when these people migrate, with the
direct benefit accruing to the recipient states who have not forked out the cost of educating them.

It drains a developing country of expertise at a time when it requires it the most. If the number of skilled
people leaving is higher than that of people entering (the so-called brain gain), brain drain can become a
challenge, especially if it hits the sensitive spots of a nation's economy in sectors such as science, health care,
or technology.

It is the need of the hour to be in control of the situation. It can be done by providing better opportunity,
security, better standard of living and if need be, tax concessions. It's time to end brain drain and move to
brain gain.

Thank you.
“We have Indian Body but European Psyche and Soul’.
FOR THE MOTION

Today I stand before you to express my views on the topic: “We have Indian Body but European Psyche and
Soul’. I will speak for the motion. I totally agree that we Indians are so much influenced by the Western
culture that by birth we are Indians and we possess an Indian body but we think and psychology has been
changed and we are more driven towards the European culture. We consider it behave like Europeans. We
have a mindset of copying their style and culture to become famous. Our matter of pride to use the goods that
have been manufactured abroad. We consider the education and lifestyle of theirs much better than ours and
some of us leave our own country to settle down there only. We don’t take pride in being an Indian and that is
what doesn’t keep us grounded to our Mother country. We talk about flows of India but why don’t we take
pride in our culture, religions. Beauty, etc.

There are certain things in India which we think are outdated so we should try to change that instead of hating
our own culture all the time. Our thinking, earning, living and travelling habits are becoming more like
Europeans. Thus we need to understand that possessing the psyche and soul of European culture is not good
for us.

Against The Motion

Good morning everyone. Today I am here to debate on the topic: “We have Indian body but European psyche
and soul’. And I will speak against the motion.

What is the benefit that one gets by having a soul and psyche inside an Indian body? It is not true that all
Indians think like that. We Indians are so much connected and related to our own culture that we don’t need to
copy other cultures. Indians have an amazing sense of patriotic and faithful feeling towards the country. We
value the things our country’s culture teaches us. We take pride in being an Indian. Campaigns, like Incredible
India, illustrate how much we love our country.

The traditions, culture and festivals, in India, exemplify our image in the world. It is a matter of pride that we
are Indians and we don’t copy European culture all the time. We are Indians in the true sense and it’s not fair
to say that our soul and psychology is of Europeans. Each culture and country has its own greatness and
prestige which no other can change. The love that we Indians possess for our own country is so much that
there is no need for us to blindly follow Western culture and ethics.

The facilities in India have developed manifold and the best is yet to come. Every Indian contributes to the
wellbeing of the nation and thus makes the India culture unique and outshine others.
Question 3:
You are chosen for representing your school at the regional level inter-school debate contest. Prepare a debate
for the same on the topic given below:
‘Newspapers ought to contain more news and fewer advertisements’.
Answer:

Newspapers Ought to Contain More News

and Fewer Advertisements
(by Prachi)

Respected Chairperson, August faculty and dear friends,

It is painful to see that journalists have lost all ethics and professionalism today. Like all other professionals,
the pressmen are also attracted by the lure of the lucrae. They adopt diverse techniques to increase the revenue
of their paper. They try to sensationalise the news to win more readers. However, even the newspaper having
the largest circulation is not self-dependent. It must have plenty of commercial advertisements to meet its
running costs. In fact, it is these ads which provide the owners the requisite funds. Thus, advertisements
cannot be ruled out. They are a necessary evil and must stay.
The owners and editors of the newspapers must also realise their responsibility to the nation. The press is the
strongest pillar of democracy. It creates sensible public opinion in favour of good policies and criticises the
wrong policies. The newspapers must maintain a balance between news and advertisements. A common man
buys a newspaper for news. It would be better that the editors publish a classified advertisement supplement
twice or thrice a week and save the general reader from the proliferation of advertisements while scanning the
pages for views and news.

Question 4:
Meenu has to speak in a debate supporting the motion that, ‘Teaching Profession is Better than Medical
Profession’. Write out her speech in not more than 200 words.
Answer:

Teaching Profession is Better than the Medical Profession

(by Meenu – in favour of the motion)

Respected teachers and dear friends

I stand before you to support the motion that, teaching profession is better than medical profession.
You can be the candle that spreads its fight and you can fight up millions of tiny lamps as you pass through
fife as a teacher.’ Teaching has always been and continues to be a noble profession. Commercialisation has
touched it but not seeped right through it. The medical profession has been transformed today. Doctors take
the oath but a large number seem to transform their conscience into a commercial money spinning machine.
Doctors’ shops have mushroomed at every nook and comer in our cities. Teaching involves interactive
sharing process which can transform the fives and outlook of an individual. The destiny and character of
many a leading personality has been shaped in the classrooms. The future of the nation and the future of entire
mankind is based on the values imbibed in the early impressionable years of life.
If illiteracy is removed from our country a major problem for us will get solved. Even today an ordinary
teacher has basic values and lives a simple life. Doctors on the other hand run after the luxuries of life. All in
all it can easily be said that teaching profession is better than the medical profession.
Debate Topics

A debate is a usual and powerful task in colleges which is an essential part of the academic program and also
quite an engaging activity for young people despite the fact that many students have problems while they are
preparing to debate.

How To Debate Using Pro And Con Arguments?

One of the most important things you should consider when going into a debate is your opponent from the
opposite side of the table, as well as your audience, are going to have controversial opinions on your topic.
They will have some points against your position and you have to be ready for this. The best way to be
prepared for such situations is to outline both pro and con arguments on the topic you’ve chosen. This will
help you see the whole picture. After all, providing pro and con arguments on a specific topic is a popular
practice in debates, so you should understand how to do it right. For this reason, we have prepared an example
of how you can do it with the topic “How social media can make people more or less sociable”:

 Pro: The popularity of social media has helped us meet new people and communicate easier
 Con: With the appearance of social networks, people started to interact less in the real life
 Pro: Social media helps less sociable people develop their communication skills without discomfort
 Con: Social media takes almost all our free time, making us too busy to connect with each other in the real
world

Best List Of Interesting Debate Topics 2019

Here is our best list of interesting debate topics 2019 which will generate more passion for a debate:

1. Debating in school: does it help children get engaged in the classroom?

2. Which would you choose: to be honest and poor or dishonest and rich?
3. Is there a plausible reason for the American war on terror?
4. Do you think the death penalty should take place in the modern world and why?
5. Alternative sources of energy: how are they effective
6. Social networking platforms: are they an effective tool for quick and convenient communication, or are they
just a sophisticated means for stalking people
7. Is it still appropriate to use torture as a part of national security measures?
8. Is it justified to develop nuclear energy for commercial use?
9. Credit cards versus debit cards
10. The most intense presidential debate in the history of the USA
11. Use of stem cells in medicine
12. Definitions of death in relation to terminating life
13. Is there a real way of prolonging a human’s life?
14. Is using humans for clinical trials more ethical than animal testing?
15. Personal responsibility and genetic determinism: is our behavior determined only by our genes?

All these topics can be a good match, but in this article, we have prepared even more interesting topics.
Continue reading to find your perfect debate topic!

If you feel strong in choosing the theme of your debate but have no time to prepare all arguments for speech -
PapersOwl is here to help you.
How To Choose A Debate Topic?

Where does one find some easy debate topics? There are many things to debate about but it is not very easy to
choose the right topic that will be interesting for most students. Here are a few tips on how to make the right
choice:

 Think about some topics that interest you – what sort of discussions do you like the most? You can pick
something from the curriculum also. This way, you will be able to help other students learn material they will
have on their tests and the topics they may face in the future. It is possible to work with this the way you work
with your essay topic ideas.
 Also, keep in mind that your discussion topics must fit the other students’ level – some of them can be unable
to handle the topic that has too many aspects to consider. Highly complex issues should fit the students with a
great standard of reasoning. But most students usually come up with a few arguments and these arguments
rarely relate to the opposing parties points. In this situation, the debate can become confusing or
embarrassing. Make a list of suitable debate questions.
 Consider your students’ access to research all necessary materials – if other students have to conduct
significant research while preparing for the debate, it can’t be a good debate. This is something you have to
keep in mind. For example, when you pick a theme in modern art and literature with many specific terms and
present it to a math class, your debate won’t have good results. Do not forget to prepare your personal speech
or buy one from a reliable speech writing service.
 Do not forget about time! All students must have enough time to prepare for the debate, so it is reasonable to
pick out a topic that the students are studying now or one that they have already studied. This way, they will
be able to come up with strong and clever arguments.
 While debating, assume that you are right – in order to succeed, you have to be completely sure in your
position and have some strong supporting facts.
 Do not insult the opposition. Be polite in every situation that could happen.

When choosing the best debate topic ideas, we considered several criteria as level of education, type of
debate, and subject or sphere of knowledge. We’ve divided the best ideas into categories to make your search
simpler.

Debate Topics By Levels Of Education

Going to a debate, students have to consider their level of education to pick a relevant topic that suits both
your needs and your level. How to choose a topic that suits you? Below, we have prepared a few tips and
examples for different levels.

Elementary School Debate Topics

Searching for a perfect topic for elementary students, keep in mind that kids of this level are not experienced
and mature enough to be able to handle complex controversial issues, so it’s a good idea to opt for something
less complicated. These students also lack knowledge and skills for researching topics. Therefore, it is
important to choose a topic that wouldn’t be hard to study. Finally, the best ideas for elementary school debate
topics have to be easy to understand and engaging to boost students’ participation and here you can see a few
great ideas of debate topics for elementary students:

1. Should your class go on field trips each year?

2. Should elementary students be allowed to bring as many toys to school as they want?
3. Should each class be allowed to have a pet in the classroom?
4. Should students watch cartoons during the study hours?
5. Should you be allowed to wear anything you want to the school?
6.
Middle School Debate Topics

Topics for this level may be more complex and give a boost to students’ analytical and critical thinking skills.
For this level, you can opt for slightly controversial topics. Debate topics for middle school still shouldn’t
require too much from a student but have to give some information to think about for a student to develop an
individual position on a specific issue. Here are a few ideas to opt for:

1. Are gadgets in the classroom helping or harming the educational process?

2. Books versus movies: which is better and more educating
3. Benefits of doing sports in school
4. Seasonal holidays: do we need to have more or less of them?
5. What are the best ways to increase student engagement in the classroom?

High School Debate Topics

In the high school, debates are excellent tools not only for getting students involved in the class but also for
helping them gain new knowledge and skills that would be important for their future education and life.
Debate topics for high school become more controversial and complex. Below are some good examples of
good high school debate topics:

1. Hazards of peer pressure in schools

2. Should final exams in schools be cancelled? Why?
3. Is sex education useful for high school students?
4. GPA’s: is it an outdated way of evaluating student knowledge?
5. What are the most effective ways for fighting bullying in schools?

Debate Topics For College Or University Students

When it comes to choosing debate topics for college or university, there are many things to keep in mind – it
has to be controversial, relevant, have significance, and clearly demonstrate a student’s knowledge and skills.
Choosing a good topic can be hard. However, in our article, you will find many good examples and here are a
few of them:

1. Does living in a dorm help students assimilate into the college community or does it hurt the educational
process?
2. Does cheating get worse when students enroll into university or college
3. Does technology get in the way of studying or does it help?
4. Should student ID cards come with a tracking device
5. Is face-to-face interaction with professors more effective than online sessions and lectures?

Debatable Topics For Undergraduates In 2019

Choosing a great debate topic is half the success of a performance. We have already given you a few tips on
how to choose the right topic and here are some topics that great college debaters can use:

1. Alternative sources of energy: explain why they are effective or not

2. Should we take away the death penalty completely?
3. The impact of social networking on the development of our society
4. Single-sex schools: are they more effective than traditional ones? Why?
5. Should we use school vouchers?
6. Prescription drugs: explain why they should or shouldn’t be advertised to consumers
7. Beauty pageants: are they a way to objectify women
8. Drug testing: explain why we should or shouldn’t make it mandatory for all schools
9. Should parents have the possibility to ban certain books from libraries and schools?
10. Is setting special curfews an effective way to keep teenagers out of trouble?
Types Of Debate Topics By Format
Apart from academic level, you should also consider the type of debate format to choose and an appropriate
topic. When choosing the format, consider the audience and the course objectives. Some formats, such as a
persuasive format will develop a student’s ability to give presentations where they need to convince the
audience of an idea. On the other hand, an argumentative topic develops skills of negotiating and a
controversial format gets student’s accustomed to speaking about ideas that may not be comfortable or
popular. Here is a break down of the primary three formats:

Persuasive Debate Topics

The main goal of such topics is to persuade the audience. Persuasive debate topics have to cover a problem or
subject that people care about and it also has to be something you are personally interested and knowledgeable
in. If you are going to choose this type, you will have to carefully study the subject you have and prepare a
powerful base of arguments and facts to be able to prove the validity of your opinion.
Controversial Debate Topics

The main characteristic of such topics is they are always challenging for a student – controversial debate
topics usually cover significant and powerful issues and have lots of space for arguments. Such issues may
have two or more absolutely different public opinions. Therefore, they also assume prolonged and intensive
public discussion. A good controversial theme arouses different opinions among the people and makes them
come up with questions that can’t have one specific answer.

Argumentative Debate Topics

Argumentative debate topics cover specific issues, problems, phenomenon or subjects that you can deliberate.
Selecting such topics you have to be ready to do in-depth research, study materials, and pick arguments from
time-tested and reliable sources to support your ideas.

These three formats are different in nature and purpose. However, regardless of what type you are looking for,
to choose a good topic you have to follow these basic rules:

1. It has to be fresh and relevant;

2. It has to be something that people and you personally care about;
3. It has to be interesting;
4. It doesn’t have to be too broad or too narrow;
5. It has to have value;
6. You have to be able to find enough supporting material on it.

List Of Debate Topics By Field Of Knowledge

Education
1. Home-schooling: is it better than studying at school?
2. Homework at school: give your opinion on why homework should be banned or whether it is an essential part
of our studies that teaches us to work independently.
3. Is a college education useful and essential?
4. Computer tablets. Should they be allowed at school?
5. School uniforms: explain why students should wear school uniforms or why they should have a choice
6. Standardized tests: explain how they are improving education in America and all over the world.
7. The harm and benefit of early admissions policies in modern colleges and universities
8. Knowledge of at least one foreign language should be required in the universities
9. Electoral colleges have to be cancelled
10. Athletes should be paid for playing on university and college teams
11. Should a certain period of community service be required for all students, who apply to college?
12. Should elementary school students wear uniforms?
13. Should school last all year long?
14. Physical education has to be compulsory in school
15. How music and art classes are useful in school?
Science And Technology

1. Is Google the best search engine or should we use another one?

2. Cell phones and smartphones. Are they safe for us?
3. Explain how science and religion can coexist
4. Should children use smartphones?
5. Is online study more effective than traditional?
6. How has TV brought culture decadence in our country?
7. Are people with a mathematical mindset more successful?
8. Do you believe that economically, space travel is worth the cost
9. Genetically modified children: hazards and benefits
10. How can science do without animal testing?
11. Should people go to Mars?
12. Fully automated cars: pros and cons
13. Can the laws keep up with today’s internet technology?
14. Technology harms our future
15. Should technology fuse with the human body resulting in a mechanized biological hybrid?

Health And Medicine

1. Smoking: describe effective methods to quit smoking and explain why smoking is reasonable or not.
2. Euthanasia: is it justified?
3. Marijuana: explain why recreational marijuana should or should not be legal.
4. Sports and drugs. Should performance enhancing drugs be acceptable for sportsmen?
5. Discuss the necessity of vaccination for young children or give counter-arguments against it
6. Legalization of drugs: describe how can it decrease the level of organized crime.
7. Medical phenomenon: discuss one or several
8. How the Internet influences our health?
9. What are the hazards of technology for human health?
10. Should health insurance be obligatory?
11. The impact of air pollution on our health
12. Drinking – is it really that harmful
13. Why antibiotics should or shouldn’t be banned?
14. Why are parents against vaccinations?
15. Alternative medicine: pros and cons

Psychology, Sociology And Ethic

1. Guns: should adults have the right to carry them and be able to defend themselves?
2. Adoption: the pros and cons of adopting and reasons why people should adopt children instead of having their
own children.
3. Same-sex marriage. Should it be legal?
4. Abortion. Should it be legal?
5. Religion. Can religious belief make you happy?
6. Prostitution: what if prostitution were legal?
7. God: is there any true proof of his existence?
8. How far has psychology as a science developed over the last decades?
9. How to explain violent behavior among school students?
10. Kids’ mental disorders are caused only by wrong role models in the family
11. Explain how moral values differ in various social groups
12. Should students study ethics in schools?
13. Is hunting ethical?
14. How do social groups influence child behavior?
15. Should cigarettes be banned from society?
Policy And Finance
1. Our votes: do they really matter?
2. Intellectual property: discuss whether it is necessary to preserve rights for different types of intellectual
property
3. What are the main factors of the country’s financial stability?
4. Taxation: is it good or bad
5. Is the repeal of anti-sodomy laws important for national development?
6. Do you think the USA will soon have a woman President?
7. Is mobile banking secure?
8. Should we trust banks?
9. Can we have free education around the world?
10. Will we still use credit cards in five years?
11. Is it time to adopt a fee-only standard for financial advice?
12. Should children be taught to manage finances in school?
13. Can financial problems destroy a country?
14. Are wars economically profitable?
15. Should the voting age be lowered?
Leisure (Music, Games, Etc.)
1. Books and TV: which is more interesting and which is more useful?
2. Games and television. Which is better?
3. Social networking: discuss how social networks are useful or harmful to our society.
4. Social networking restrictions: explain why social networks should be available for children or why they should
be restricted to over 18.
5. Discuss how social media can make people more or less sociable and give a few examples that prove its
usefulness for us.
6. Drinks: discuss what are the reasons alcoholic drinks should or should not be available for young people who
are less than 21 years old
7. How can music help reduce stress?
8. Is art therapy a good tool for fighting mental illness?
9. Is listening to music good for pregnant women?
10. Should we use video games in education?
11. Are movies good tools for education?
12. Are scientific clubs in school good for student’s leisure time?
13. Are concerts good or bad for us?
14. Pros and cons of attending a circus with children
15. The role of games in early education
Environment
1. Tests on animals: should animals be used for scientific achievements?
2. Ecology: the best ways to protect nature and ideas on how to save the environment
3. Discuss climate change and the reasons or human activity that cause global climate change, what can people
do about this
4. Future cities: how would they look in 200 years?
5. Explain why all plastic packages should be out of use
6. How can we prevent an environmental catastrophe?
7. Is solar energy more expensive?
8. People should do more to protect wildlife
9. Reforestation as a reasonable solution to the potential problem of global warming
10. Vegetarianism: risks, pros and cons
11. Vehicle fuel economy standards
12. Oil drilling in wildlife refuges
13. Zoos: are they good or not
14. Should countries have special taxation for international aviation
15. Should people get paid for not cutting down trees?
History

1. Does history matter?

2. Haig and British generalship during the war
3. Did King Arthur really exist?
4. Genghis Khan did more good than harm
5. The Soviet Union instigated the six-day war
6. Historical background of World War Two
7. Should all immigrants be asked to pass a historical test or is it unimportant?
8. Role of Britain in the First World War
9. Presentism versus Historicism
10. Who was the first to find the effect of gravitation? Newton or Haitham?
11. Ancient Romans were Prudes
12. Was the USA a provocateur for Japan in the war?
13. South Korean provocations sparked the Korean War
14. Alternative views of historians on World War Two
15. The Revolutionary War

The discussion can help you talk about hot and interesting topics and learn others point of view. It can also
allow you to overcome stage fright. While performing at such an event, students learn to think spontaneously
and defend their points of view politely.

Funny And Interesting Debate Topics

Not every time you prepare for debate you will have to be serious. Sometimes you will get an opportunity to
set your creativity free and just enjoy the process as you are participating in a debate on funny or just
interesting debate topics. However, this does not mean you won’t have to prepare. To not lose face, you will
still have to choose a topic and prepare arguments, so here are some fun topics to debate on we have prepared
for you:

1. Art and music as tools for reducing stress in schools

2. Are celebrities good role models or not?
3. Can vampires get AIDS from sucking blood that is affected?
4. Which is better: daydreaming or night dreaming?
5. Homework should be dismissed in elementary school
6. Importance of extracurricular activities and clubs in schools
7. Should we make cartoons and TV a part of the educational process in the elementary school?
8. What is the best TV show of all time?
9. Should zoos be done away with?
10. What is the best pizza topping?
11. Can we call superheroes misleading role models?
12. Schools shouldn’t track students by academic level
13. Public prayers should be banned in schools
14. Should social networks be blocked in schools?
15. Students should have an opportunity to get an after-school job
16. It’s a good idea to allow high school students leave school during lunch
17. Did God create our world or did it just occur naturally?
18. Which of these are more real – pirates or ninjas?
19. Should juveniles be treated as adults?
20. Should people live together before they marry?
21. What are the perks of being a woman?
22. What are the perks of being a man?
23. The harm and benefits of peer pressure
24. Do nursery rhymes have secret interior meanings?
 25. Fast food shouldn’t be on the school menu
26. Phones should be allowed in schools
27. Schools should have an option for online attendance
28. Do people depend on computers and other gadgets too much?
29. Animal dissections have to be prohibited in schools
30. Should parents not purchase war or destructive toys for their children?
31. Nuclear energy and its impact on our society and environment
32. Is human cloning a real thing and should it be allowed?
33. Sex education: should it be started in middle school or later

33. How do books influence personality development?

34. Is there life after death?

Debating is a useful practice for all people thanks to the experience and skills it gives you. Preparing for a
debate, you gain more knowledge on a specific topic. In addition, you get the possibility to develop your
problem-solving and communication skills, which are the most in-demand skills for modern employers.

Debating helps enhance rigorous critical thinking and higher order skills. It teaches people to organize and
structure their thoughts well. If you participate in debates, you can also develop your research, note-taking,
and analytical skills, as well as gain the ability to create balanced, informed arguments and use evidence and
reasoning. All the skills mentioned above are vital for every successful student. Remember, the best way to
gain and improve skills is to practice debating!

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