- What makes a debate argument strong
- Debate topics about school life
- Technology debate topics
- Society and ethics debate topics
- Fun debate topics for beginners
- A simple format for a classroom or club debate
- Choosing the right topic for your group
- How to get better at debating
- My advice for running a debate
- Frequently asked questions
Here are 32 debate topics for students and adults, grouped into school life, technology, society and fun motions for beginners. Each one is a two-sided motion people can argue either way, which matters because the Common Core asks high school students to develop both claims and counterclaims fairly, not just their own side.
A good debate topic has three qualities: reasonable people disagree about it, there's evidence on both sides, and the debaters care about the answer. Topics that fail one test fall flat. 'Should bullying be allowed?' has no real second side. 'Is space exploration important?' is too vague to argue. The motions below are written to pass all three tests, and they're phrased the way formal debates usually are, as 'This house would' or a clear should question.
What makes a debate argument strong
Two frameworks help debaters of any age. The Common Core's argument standard for grades 9 and 10 asks students to introduce precise claims, distinguish them from opposing claims, and develop claims and counterclaims fairly, pointing out the strengths and limitations of both. Purdue OWL explains the older tools Aristotle used to describe persuasion:
| Tool | What it means | In a debate |
|---|---|---|
| Logos | The content and structure of the argument | Clear reasons and evidence in a logical order |
| Ethos | The character and credibility of the speaker | Fair rebuttals and sources the audience trusts |
| Pathos | The appeal to the audience's feelings and values | A real example that makes the issue matter |
| Counterclaim | The other side's best point, stated fairly | Name it, then answer it |
The move most new debaters skip is the counterclaim. Stating the other side's strongest point fairly, then answering it, is more persuasive than ignoring it, and judges notice.
Debate topics about school life
Familiar territory for students, which makes these ideal for first debates.
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Should school uniforms be compulsory?
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Should homework be banned in primary schools?
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Should schools switch to a four-day week?
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Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
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Should mobile phones be banned during the whole school day?
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Should every student learn a second language from age five?
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Should exams be replaced by coursework?
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Should school start later for teenagers?
Technology debate topics
Big questions with fresh evidence. Ask debaters to find one recent example for each side.
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Should social media platforms verify every user's age?
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Should artificial intelligence be allowed to write school essays?
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Should children under thirteen be allowed smartphones?
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Do video games do more good than harm?
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Should self-driving cars be allowed on all roads?
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Should people have the right to be forgotten online?
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Has the internet made us more connected or more isolated?
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Should screen time limits be set by law for young children?
Society and ethics debate topics
Harder motions for older students and adults. Agree on definitions before you start.
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Should voting be compulsory?
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Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Should the voting age be lowered to sixteen?
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Should zoos exist?
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Is it ever right to break the law to protest?
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Should national service be reintroduced for young people?
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Should famous people be held to higher moral standards?
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Should plastic packaging be banned in supermarkets?
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Should all museums return objects to their countries of origin?
Fun debate topics for beginners
Light motions to practise the format without the pressure. Great for clubs, classes and family dinners.
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Is a hot dog a sandwich?
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Are cats better pets than dogs?
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Should pineapple be allowed on pizza?
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Is it better to be able to fly or to be invisible?
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Are books better than their films?
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Should breakfast foods be eaten at any time of day?
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Is summer better than winter?
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Would you rather live in the past or the future?
A simple format for a classroom or club debate
You don't need formal rules to run a good debate. Split the group into two teams and give them ten minutes to prepare. Each side gets an opening speaker who sets out two or three reasons, then a rebuttal speaker who answers the other team's points, then a closing speaker who sums up. Keep each speech short, a couple of minutes at most, and let the audience ask one question to each team before the closing speeches. Finish with a vote, but here's the twist I'd recommend: ask the audience to vote on which team argued better, not which side they agreed with before they walked in. It rewards skill over popularity, and it teaches everyone to judge an argument on its merits.
Choosing the right topic for your group
Match the motion to the room. Younger students need topics drawn from their own lives, teenagers come alive on technology and fairness, and adults enjoy ethics as long as nobody feels personally attacked. If a topic touches something raw for someone in the group, swap it; there are always others.
How to get better at debating
- Define the key words first. Half of all debates are really arguments about definitions.
- Prepare both sides, even if you know which you'll argue. It's the best way to anticipate rebuttals.
- Use one strong example rather than five weak ones.
- State the other side's best point fairly before answering it, as the counterclaim standard asks.
- Finish with a summary that tells the audience exactly why your side won.
Debate builds the same skills as a job interview; my guide to answering interview questions with confidence uses the same claim and example structure, and teachers might enjoy my piece on why people choose to teach.
My advice for running a debate
For a first debate, choose a fun motion so people can focus on structure rather than nerves. Then move to school life topics, and keep the society and ethics motions for when debaters are comfortable with rebuttals. Whatever the topic, insist on one thing: every speaker must name the other side's best argument before answering it. It's the habit that turns arguing into debating.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good debate topic?
One where reasonable people disagree, there's evidence on both sides and the debaters care about the answer, such as whether voting should be compulsory.
What are good debate topics for students?
School life motions work well, such as compulsory uniforms, banning phones during the school day or starting school later for teenagers.
What is a counterclaim in a debate?
The opposing side's argument. The Common Core asks students to develop claims and counterclaims fairly, pointing out the strengths and limitations of both.
What are logos, ethos and pathos?
Terms Aristotle used to describe persuasion. Purdue OWL explains them as the content of an argument, the speaker's character and the appeal to the audience.
What are fun debate topics for beginners?
Light motions like 'Is a hot dog a sandwich?' or 'Are books better than their films?' let beginners practise the format without pressure.
