essay on debate topics

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?

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Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

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Death Penalty
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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

Introduction
Supporting body paragraphs
Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
Do the transitions flow smoothly?
Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

Read your work aloud to yourself.
Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
Should schools push to abolish homework?
Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
Should universities do away with Greek life?
Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
Should women be allowed into special forces units?
Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
Should organ donation be mandatory?
Is cloning animals ethical?
Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
Is surrogacy ethical?
Should birth control require a prescription?
Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
Should the United States ban TikTok?
Is social media harmful to children?
Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
Should the government regulate religious practices?
Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
Should sports teams be divided by gender?
Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
Does computing harm the environment?
Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
Are electric cars really better for the environment?
Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
Should private jets be banned?
Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
Should tipping practices be phased out?
Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
7 Best Places to Study
Guide to the IB Extended Essay
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
AP Lit Reading List
How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
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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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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?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

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.

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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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Dive right into a deep discussion with Topic Templates!

200+ Engaging Debate Topics for Students & How to Choose the Right One!

Table of contents

1 Interesting Debate Topics for College Students
2.1 15 Elementary School Debate Topics
2.2 Debate Topics for Middle Schoolers
2.3 High School Debate Topics
2.4 Debate Topics for University Students
3.1 Best Education Debate Topics in 2024
3.2 Best Science and Technology Debate Topics
3.3 Debate Topics on Health and Medicine
3.4 18 Psychology, Sociology, and Ethic Topics
3.5 Debate Topics about Policy and Finance
3.6 15 Leisure (Music, Games, Etc.) Topics
3.7 16 Environmental Debate Topics
3.8 Current Debate Topics in History
4 35 Funny Debate Topics
5 How to Choose a Debate Topic?
6.1 Persuasive Debate Topics
6.2 Controversial Debate Topics
6.3 Argumentative Debate Topics
7 How to Debate Using Pro and Con Arguments?

A debate is a common and powerful exercise in colleges. It is a crucial part of the academic program and an engaging activity for young people. However, many students find it challenging to prepare for debates.

One of the most common difficulties is choosing a debate topic. The topic should be interesting to you and relevant to your class or the audience you are addressing.

So, how do you find such a topic? Follow these simple tips:

Pick a Topic You Care About: Choose something you are passionate about. Your interest in the topic will make your preparation more enjoyable and your arguments more compelling.
Consider Your Audience: Make sure the topic is relevant and understandable to your audience. Think about what issues matter to them and what will keep them engaged.
Research Availability: Ensure there is enough information available on both sides of the topic. You’ll need solid evidence to support your arguments and counterarguments.

If you need to prepare an essay, we can help with that too using the custom essay writing service PapersOwl for students.

Interesting Debate Topics for College Students

Here is our best list of debate topics for college students that will spark passionate debates: Debating in school: does it help children get engaged in the classroom?

Would you rather be honest and poor or dishonest and rich?
Is there a valid justification for the American war on terror?
Should the death penalty exist in the modern world, and why?
How effective are alternative sources of energy?
Are social networking platforms useful for communication, or are they mainly tools for stalking?
Is it appropriate to use torture as a part of national security measures?
Is it justified to develop nuclear energy for commercial use?
How should we use stem cells in medicine?
Is there a real way to prolong a human’s life?
Is it more ethical to use humans for clinical trials than animals?
Is our behavior determined only by our genes, or do we have personal responsibility?

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

If you feel strongly about choosing the theme of your debate but have no time to prepare all arguments for speech, PapersOwl is here to help you. We offer a wide selection of argumentative essays that are written by professional writers, who are experienced in researching and crafting compelling arguments.

Debate Topics By Levels of Education

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

15 Elementary School Debate Topics

When searching for a perfect topic for elementary students, remember that kids of this level are not experienced and mature enough to handle complex controversial issues, so it’s a good idea to opt for something less complicated. Here you can see a few great ideas for debate topics for elementary students:

Should our class go on field trips every year?
Should elementary students be allowed to bring as many toys to school as they wish?
Is it a good idea for each class to have a pet?
Should students be allowed to watch cartoons during study hours?
Should students be able to wear whatever they want to school?
Should elementary students be required to participate in community service?
Are outdoor classrooms beneficial for elementary students?
Is learning to write by hand still important in today’s digital world?
Should storytelling be used more often in teaching?
Can board games be used effectively in education?
Should elementary schools include daily meditation in their schedules?
Is it important for students to learn basic cooking skills at school?
Should financial literacy be taught starting in elementary school?
Is learning a second language early beneficial for students?
Should schools focus more on physical fitness than academic performance?

Debate Topics for Middle Schoolers

Topics for this level may be more complex and boost 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 should 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:

Do gadgets in the classroom improve or impair learning?
Which is more educational: books or movies?
Is participation in sports beneficial for students?
Should we increase or decrease the number of seasonal holidays?
What are the effective methods to enhance student participation in class?
Should schools enforce uniforms?
Is a vegetarian diet healthier for students?
Should schools ban the use of smartphones?
Is it necessary for all students to learn a second language?
Are annual standardized tests beneficial for students?
Should arts education be mandatory in schools?
Is year-round schooling more effective?
Should physical education be compulsory throughout schooling?
Are online courses a suitable alternative to traditional learning?
Should community service be a graduation requirement?

High School Debate Topics

In high school, debates are excellent tools for getting students involved in the class and helping them gain new knowledge and skills that would be important for their future education and life. Debate topics for high school have become more controversial and complex. Below are some good examples of good high school debate topics:

Do the risks of peer pressure in schools outweigh the benefits?
Should schools abolish final exams?
Is sex education necessary for high school students?
Are GPAs an outdated method of assessing student knowledge?
What are the best methods to combat bullying in schools?
Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Should smartphones be banned in schools?
Is it essential for students to learn a second language?
Should arts education be compulsory in schools?
Are online courses a viable alternative to traditional learning?
Is too much money harmful to society’s well-being?
Does a high income guarantee a successful future career?
Should the minimum wage be linked to the cost of living?
Are standardized tests failing today’s students?

Debate Topics for 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:

Does living in a dorm help students assimilate into the college community or hurt the educational process?
Does cheating get worse when students enroll in university or college
Does technology get in the way of studying, or does it help?
Should student ID cards come with a tracking device
Is face-to-face interaction with professors more effective than online sessions and lectures?
Alternative sources of energy: explain why they are effective or not
Should we take away the death penalty completely?
The impact of social networking on the development of our society
Single-sex schools: are they more effective than traditional ones? Why?
Should we use school vouchers?
Prescription drugs: explain why they should or shouldn’t be advertised to consumers
Beauty pageants: are they a way to objectify women
Drug testing: explain why we should or shouldn’t make it mandatory for all schools
Should parents have the possibility to ban certain books from libraries and schools?
Is setting special curfews an effective way to keep teenagers out of trouble?
Should financial incentives be offered to teachers in underperforming school districts?
Are financial incentives effective in improving student performance?
Should school districts receive more autonomy in curriculum design?
Is lowering the drinking age beneficial or harmful to society?
Should underage drinking be treated as a criminal offense?
Are current social security benefits adequate for today’s elderly?
Should changes to social security include a minimum guaranteed income?
Should birth control be made available to teenagers without parental consent?
Is making birth control accessible a solution to social issues?

List of Debate Topics by Field of Knowledge

It is not possible to become a great debater if you have no clue how to choose an engaging and relevant topic for your debates. Choosing topics can be hard. However, we have done all the hard work to give you a list of great ideas that can work for any purpose or level, so we hope each of you will find something suitable and interesting in the list below.

Best Education Debate Topics in 2024

Is home-schooling better than studying at school?
Should we ban homework, or is it an essential part of our studies that teaches us to work independently?
Do we consider a college education useful and essential?
Should schools allow the use of computer tablets?
Is it better for students to wear school uniforms, or should they have a choice?
In what ways do standardized tests improve education in America and around the world?
Should universities require students to know at least one foreign language?
Is it time to cancel the electoral college system?
Should universities and colleges pay athletes for playing on their teams?
Is it necessary for all students applying to college to complete a certain period of community service?
Should we require elementary school students to wear uniforms?
Is it beneficial for school to last all year long?
Should physical education be a compulsory part of the school curriculum?
How should we address the rising student loan debt crisis?
Are private schools better than public schools in providing quality education?
Should school districts receive more funding to improve educational resources?
Is secondary education adequately preparing students for the workforce?
Should we reform the electoral college to reflect the popular vote?

Best Science and Technology Debate Topics

Are cell phones and smartphones safe for us?
How can science and religion coexist?
Should children use smartphones?
Is online study more effective than traditional classroom learning?
Are people with a mathematical mindset more successful?
Is space travel worth the cost economically?
What are the hazards and benefits of genetically modified children?
Can science progress without animal testing?
What are the pros and cons of fully automated cars?
Can laws keep up with today’s internet technology?
Does technology harm our future?
Do violent video games lead to aggressive behavior in children?
Should we regulate artificial intelligence to prevent job loss?
How can artificial intelligence influence our career?

Debate Topics on Health and Medicine

What are effective methods to quit smoking, and is smoking reasonable or not?
Is euthanasia justified?
Should recreational marijuana be legal or not?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be acceptable for athletes?
Is vaccination necessary for young children, or are there valid counterarguments?
How can the legalization of drugs decrease the level of organized crime?
How does the Internet influence our health?
What are the hazards of technology for human health?
Should health insurance be obligatory?
How does air pollution impact our health?
Should antibiotics be banned or not?
Why are some parents against vaccinations?
What are the pros and cons of alternative medicine?
Should animal testing be banned?
How should schools address mental health issues among students?
Is standardized testing an effective measure of student performance?
Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?

18 Psychology, Sociology, and Ethic Topics

Should adults have the right to carry guns and defend themselves?
What are the pros and cons of adoption, and why should people adopt children instead of having their own?
Should same-sex marriage be legal?
Should abortion be legal?
Can religious belief make you happy?
What if prostitution were legal?
Is there any true proof of God’s existence?
How has psychology as a science developed over the last decades?
What explains violent behavior among school students?
Should students study ethics in schools?
Is hunting ethical?
How do social groups influence child behavior?
Should society ban cigarettes?
How do we achieve gender equality in the workplace?
Should human cloning be allowed?
Should countries eliminate nuclear weapons?
Should birth control be available over the counter?
Is it necessary to regulate hate speech on social media platforms?

Debate Topics about Policy and Finance

Do our votes really matter?
Is it necessary to preserve rights for different types of intellectual property?
What are the main factors of a country’s financial stability?
Is taxation good or bad?
Is the repeal of anti-sodomy laws important for national development?
Will the USA soon have a woman President?
Is mobile banking secure?
Should we trust banks?
Can we have free education around the world?
Is it time to adopt a fee-only standard for financial advice?
Should children learn to manage finances in school?
Can financial problems destroy a country?
Should we lower the voting age?
Should certain minor offenses be decriminalized?
How should the government handle undocumented immigrants?
Do stricter laws lead to more crime?

15 Leisure (Music, Games, Etc.) Topics

Books and TV: which is more interesting and which is more useful?
Games and television. Which is better?
Social networking: discuss how social networks are useful or harmful to our society.
Social networking restrictions: explain why social networks should be available for children or why they should be restricted to those over 18.
Discuss how social media can make people more or less sociable and give a few examples that prove its usefulness for us.
Drinks: discuss what are the reasons alcoholic drinks should or should not be available for young people who are less than 21 years old
How can music help reduce stress?
Is art therapy a good tool for fighting mental illness?
Is listening to music good for pregnant women?
Should we use video games in education?
Are movies good tools for education?
Are scientific clubs in school good for students’ leisure time?
Are concerts good or bad for us?
Pros and cons of attending a circus with children
The role of games in early education

16 Environmental Debate Topics

Should animals be used for scientific achievements?
What are the best ways to protect nature and save the environment?
What causes global climate change, and what can people do about it?
How might future cities look in 200 years?
Why should we eliminate all plastic packages?
Should we ban plastic bags to protect the environment?
How can we prevent an environmental catastrophe?
Is solar energy more expensive than other energy sources?
Should people do more to protect wildlife?
Is reforestation a reasonable solution to global warming?
What are the risks, pros, and cons of vegetarianism?
Should we allow oil drilling in wildlife refuges?
Are zoos good or not?
Should countries impose special taxation on international aviation?
Is a carbon tax an effective way to combat climate change?
Should we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels?

Current Debate Topics in History

Does history matter?
How effective was Haig’s British generalship during the war?
Did King Arthur really exist?
Did Genghis Khan do more good than harm?
Did the Soviet Union instigate the Six-Day War?
What is the historical background of World War Two?
Should all immigrants pass a historical test, or is it unimportant?
What was Britain’s role in the First World War?
Who discovered the effect of gravitation first: Newton or Haitham?
Was the USA a provocateur for Japan in the war?
Did South Korean provocations spark the Korean War?
What are the alternative views of historians on World War Two?
What were the causes and outcomes of the Revolutionary War?
How should the international community address North Korea’s nuclear program?
Is it fair for other countries to impose sanctions on nations violating human rights?
Should other countries intervene in conflicts to prevent genocide?
How can other countries collaborate to combat climate change effectively?
Should there be a global agreement to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in warfare?
What are the global implications of the Ukraine-Russia war?
Should other countries provide military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia?

The discussion can help you talk about hot and interesting topics and learn other’s points 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.

35 Funny Debate Topics

Not every time you prepare for the 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 participate in a debate on funny or 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:

Art and music as tools for reducing stress in schools
Are celebrities good role models or not?
Can vampires get AIDS from sucking blood that is affected?
Which is better: daydreaming or nightdreaming?
Homework should be dismissed in elementary school
Importance of extracurricular activities and clubs in schools
Should we make cartoons and TV a part of the educational process in elementary school?
What is the best TV show of all time?
Should zoos be done away with?
What is the best pizza topping?
Can we call superheroes misleading role models?
Schools shouldn’t track students by academic level
Public prayers should be banned in schools
Should social networks be blocked in schools?
Students should have an opportunity to get an after-school job
It’s a good idea to allow high school students to leave school during lunch
Did God create our world, or did it just occur naturally?
Which of these are more real – pirates or ninjas?
Should juveniles be treated as adults?
Should people live together before they marry?
What are the perks of being a woman?
What are the perks of being a man?
The harm and benefits of peer pressure
Do nursery rhymes have secret interior meanings?
Fast food shouldn’t be on the school menu
Phones should be allowed in schools
Schools should have an option for online attendance
Do people depend on computers and other gadgets too much?
Animal dissections have to be prohibited in schools
Should parents not purchase war or destructive toys for their children?
Nuclear energy and its impact on our society and environment
Is human cloning a real thing, and should it be allowed?
Sex education: should it be started in middle school or later
How do books influence personality development?
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. By taking professional help from an assignment writing service , you can refine your debating skills even further and make sure you are well-equipped to tackle any debate.

How to Choose a Debate Topic?

Where does one find some easy debate topics? There are many things to debate, but choosing the right topic that will be interesting for most students is challenging. 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 the 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, remember that your discussion topics must fit the other students’ level – some of them can be unable to handle the topic with 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 modern art and literature theme 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 online .
Do not forget about the time! All students must have enough time to prepare for the debate, so it is reasonable to pick out a topic they are studying now or one 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 of 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: 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.

Types of Debate Topics by Format

Apart from the academic level, you should also consider the type of debate format to choose from 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 in negotiating, and a controversial format gets students accustomed to speaking about ideas that may not be comfortable or popular. Here is a breakdown 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 in and knowledgeable in. If you choose this type, you will have to carefully study the subject you have and prepare a powerful base of arguments and facts 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, phenomena, or subjects that you can deliberate on. 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:

It has to be fresh and relevant.
It has to be something that people and you personally care about.
It has to be interesting.
It doesn’t have to be too broad or too narrow.
It has to have value.
You have to be able to find enough supporting material on it.

How to Debate Using Pro and Con Arguments?

One of the most important things you should consider when going into a debate is that your opponent from the opposite side of the table, and your audience, will have controversial opinions on your topic. They will have some points against your position, and you must be ready. The best way to be prepared for such situations is to outline both pro and con arguments on your chosen topic. 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

We have already written some essays about social media. You can check it out here .

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. If you need help developing your debating skills, there are plenty of essay helpers online that you can use. Remember, practicing debating is the best way to gain and improve skills!

If this article was useful for you, why not share it with your friends? Writing your assignment can be tough, and having resources to help you out is great. By sharing this article, you can help your friends when it comes to tackling their own writing assignments. Consider saving it for reference if you think you might need it again in the future!

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Writing Tips

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

11th June 2022

The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you’re a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we’ve compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

● Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

● Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

● Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

● Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

● Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

● Is AI helping or hurting society?

● Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

● Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

● Is war always a political decision?

● Should people join a political party?

● Is capitalism ethical?

● Is the electoral college an effective system?

● Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

● Should the death penalty be legal?

● Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

● Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

● Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

● Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

● Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

● Should abortion be legal?

● Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

● Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

● Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

● What causes the stigma around mental health?

● Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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● Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

● Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

● Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

● Should sports be segregated by gender?

● Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

● Are professional athletes overpaid?

● Should college athletes be paid?

● Should sports betting be legal?

● Should online access to art such as music be free?

● Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

● Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

● Should schools be required to offer art courses?

● Is art necessary to society?

● Should schools require uniforms?

● Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

● Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

● Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

● Should higher education be free?

● Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

● Are children better off in two-parent households?

● Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

● Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

● Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

● Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

● Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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120 Interesting Debate Topics to Channel Your Inner Socrates

Every great orator used to be a student – even the most gifted ones had to learn. That is why you have to practice your rhetorical skills in building strong arguments and presenting them compellingly. Usually, you are given some time to prepare for a debate. Your topic is known beforehand, and you can research it to back your arguments with evidence, hone your loquacity, and embellish your speech with prosody, parallelism, and other expressive means.

However, if you haven’t been given a defined topic for your speech or you just want to practice, you can find some ideas on the list below. We have gathered the best debate topics and grouped them by categories:

Debatable Topics on Hot Issues

More controversial debate topics, easy and funny debate topics, engaging debate topics for middle school, though-provoking debate topics for high school, challenging debate topics for college students, top debating topics that never go out of fashion, casual topics to debate about.

In each category, you can choose topics to debate of varying complexity – from easy to challenging. Some of the issues are ambiguous and hard to navigate without knowledge of human psychology and high levels of emotional intelligence. As a studying aid, most topics are linked to our free essay database samples. Inspect them carefully and see what rhetoric devices are used to persuade the audience. Remember, wins not the one who shouts the loudest, but the one who speaks to the hearts of the audience.

What are the topics most fitting for debate? Of course, those related to current events: politics, technology, business, etc. Something that matters here and now. Relevance is the key. This is why these suggestions top debate topic list. Some of the topics below might even give you inspiration for research paper.

If you find an unlinked topic interesting, you can order a unique sample from our essay writing service . Just let us know if you need it written from a specific point of view or in a particular tone of voice. It will be created following your every instruction and delivered to you right on time!

Do media expose the inequality and class divide or contribute to them?
Should social media be regulated? Is it an infringement on the freedom of speech?
Artificial Intelligence: a boon or a bane?
Keeping cetaceans in captivity is unethical, even for research: yes or no?
Identity politics in the visible world: is your face your private property?
Are employee benefits distributed fairly to people who need help the most?
Should the minimum wage be raised?
Does affirmative action work?
Should all genetically modified food be banned?
Should medical workers disclose their HIV status to their patients?
Should the United States have mandatory military conscription?
Should the white majority join collective actions like “Blackout Tuesday” to show support, or is it more appropriate to leave room for minorities to raise their voices?
Should student debt be forgiven for everyone?
Should COVID-19 vaccination be made mandatory (with an exception for medical conditions preventing from a jab)?
Is colorblind casting for historical pieces empowering or harmful? Is it inclusion or erasure?

Now let’s get into really hot debatable topics. Current events are all fine and well, but some issues remain in the spotlight for years because they are highly polarizing and not easily resolved. They often dwell in the domain of criminal justice, ethics, and religion. Are you prepared to give some of these a try?

Is firing bad teachers the real solution to the de facto segregation in the U.S. education system?
Is it moral to buy and sell organs, or should they only be donated?
Is substance abuse a mental disorder?
Is the Hare Psychopathy Checklist effective for assessing offenders?
Should museums like Auschwitz be conserved or modernized?
European-Indigenous contact: was conflict inevitable or avoidable?
Should gay marriage be legal in your state?
Is it moral to supply teenagers with birth control?
Pro-life or pro-choice?
Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
Is workplace drug testing ethical?
Is it ethical to patent medical procedures?
Should marijuana be legal in your state?
Does the death penalty have a place in a civilized society?
Should incest between consenting adults be considered a felony?

Phew, that was intense. How about something less emotionally charged? Expressing your strong opinions on unimportant matters can be a great way to learn debating techniques – and entertaining! Some of the fun debate topics on this list might be suitable for students in elementary or middle school.

City life vs. small-town life
Is “seize the day” a realistic way of life?
Boredom: does it lead to trouble, or is it good?
Do pop stars have a moral obligation to perform and dance in a non-offensive way?
Should we rely on technology or use it less in everyday life?
Is paintball a violent game, and should we play it?
Online dating: to do or not to do?
Are embellished images of fast food false advertising?
Should children be able to sue parents for giving them weird/ugly names?
Are voice messages a future, or should they be banned?
Do animals have a sense of humor?
Fantasy or Sci-Fi?
Apple or Android?
Choosing the ultimate pet: cats or dogs?
Fireworks are hazardous, bad for the environment, and scare animals. We should replace them with drones and laser shows. Agree or disagree?

We loosely classify the suggestions below as middle school debate topics because students of that age should find them engaging and be able to discuss them with some confidence. However, they are suitable not only for pre-teens. Some of them can be explored on other academic levels and even be a basis for profound research.

Are professional athletes a good or a poor choice for role modeling?
Should the school be taught all year-round instead of closing for summer?
Do comic books have positive or negative effects on children?
Who is to blame for World War 1?
Should government tax unhealthy foods?
Is Wikipedia a trustworthy source of information?
Do social media lead to narcissism?
Should children’s time be structures morning until evening, or should they have complete freedom?
Should homework be banned?
Is reporting rule-breaking to a teacher a snitching or a moral duty?
Should plastic bags and other one-use plastic items be banned completely?
Should we all become vegetarians?
Should all zoos be banned?
Is cybersport a real sport?
Should students be allowed to choose what they want to learn and refuse subjects they don’t like?

Older teens usually find discussions about changes, the future, and their plans for further education interesting. That is why we have included a good portion of these in our high-school debate topics. They might be a bit edgier than those for middle school but still manageable. For instance, we are sure you will have no problem with these.

Should uniforms be mandatory for high school students?
Is environmental protection a governmental or individual responsibility?
Is the council of your town efficient? Why or why not? Which problems have they successfully tackled/failed to address?
Should college education be state-financed and free for all students?
All high school and college students should be required to take at least two foreign languages: yes or no?
Should high school graduates take a gap year?
Do single-sex schools have enough merit to exist today?
Are humans and non-human species equal? Is non-speciesism or the unbiased treatment of other species possible?
Should teachers’ salaries be based on merit?
Should the breeding of animals with severe health conditions be stopped?
In the future, humanity will switch to lab-grown meat and meat substitutes. Agree or disagree?
Should we explore outer space or put the money and effort into sustainable living and preserving the Earth?
Should guns be more strictly regulated in your state?
Do biometric scans improve security or pose additional risks?
Is the legal age of 18 right for getting a tattoo? Should it be lowered or raised?

College debates topics might not have easy and readily available answers. They are more nuanced and complex, including pressing environmental, scientific, medical, and political issues. Will you be equal to these discussions?

Do internships benefit college students?
Should college athletes be paid?
Is studying abroad more beneficial than studying domestically?
Should we celebrate personalities with radical views and controversial legacies for the good things they did?
Should America adopt an educational system more like Europe?
Should juvenile offenders be tried and punished as adults?
Taking online courses versus going to college?
Should a cap be placed on “Pain and Suffering” in tort actions?
Are homeless people provided with sufficient support by the government?
Should illegal drug possession for personal use be decriminalized?
Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
Should campus police be armed?
Should universities only admit fully vaccinated people on campus?
Should free speech be unlimited in universities? How can this principle be balanced with issues of civility and respect?
Is borrowing styles from other cultures an appreciation or an appropriation?

Some philosophical, ethical, and historical issues always remain a popular debate topic. Can you and your classmates come to an agreement on these ones?

Is happiness achievable, or is it just an illusion?
Is crime violent by its very nature?
Is it okay to lie?
Settling a peaceful life in a tempestuous place is possible or not?
Stricter surveillance measures should be adopted to protect us from real threats: agree or disagree?
Do you believe that humanity is inherently evil?
Solitary confinement: humane or inhumane?
Can a refusal to vote be a democratic choice?
Are credits good or bad for consumers?
Is United Nations an ethical organization?
Should elderly people receive professional care at retirement homes or at their own place?
Do you believe that afterlife is merely a fable?
Is this reality a simulation? How can we tell?
Does free will exist, or is everything determined?
Can science and religion be reconciled?

You can try these topics for debate in class or with friends at a party. They concern all aspects of everyday life: relationship choices, behaviors, ethical decisions we make. Try these for a meaningful conversation with close friends or as icebreakers in a new company.

Does women’s choice to opt-in and out of work make them more privileged?
Are social networking services beneficial for our actual relationships?
What is better for society: collectivism or individualism?
Is materialism a positive or negative value?
Is plastic surgery an empowering or dangerous trend?
Are we as a society worshipping money too much?
“Ideas are more powerful than guns”: agree or disagree?
Can platonic friendship exist between men and women?
I would never have sex with someone on a first date: agree or disagree?
Internet censorship: yes or no?
Vacations: abroad or domestically?
Should people be allowed to marry objects?
Should bionics be used only to remedy the impairment or to enhance an able body as well?
Is it moral to kill insects if you are an ethical vegetarian?
Is romantic love necessary for a happy and fulfilling life?

Have any suggestions on how we could be more useful to you? Questions? Need help brainstorming more topics? Don’t hesitate to contact our customer support!

Jana Rooheart

Jana Rooheart came to WOWESSAYS™ with a mission to put together and then slice and dice our vast practical experience in crafting all kinds of academic papers. Jana is an aspired blogger with rich expertise in psychology, digital learning tools, and creative writing. In this blog, she willingly shares tricks of pencraft and mind-altering ideas about academic writing any student will find utterly beneficial.

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50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment

General Education

At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important.

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic. Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

Should fracking be legal?
Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
Do GMOs help or harm people?
Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
Should self-driving cars be legal?
Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
Should sports be segregated by gender?
Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
Should religion be taught in schools?
Should clergy be allowed to marry?
Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
Should assisted suicide be legal?
Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
Should Puerto Rico become a state?
Should voter registration be automatic?
Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
Should sex work be legalized?
Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Should the death penalty be legal?
Should animal testing be allowed?
Should drug possession be decriminalized?

Should unpaid internships be legal?
Should minimum wage be increased?
Should monopolies be allowed?
Is universal basic income a good idea?
Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
Are school uniforms a good idea?
Should PE affect a student’s grades?
Should college be free?
Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
Should books with objectionable words be banned?
Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
Is art education important?
Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

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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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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.

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.

Editorial Staff

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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125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student

Learn how to argue with logic instead of emotion.

Some teachers shy away from debate in the classroom, afraid it will become too adversarial. But learning to discuss and defend various points of view is an important life skill. Debates teach students to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. You’ll find plenty of engaging high school debate topics in this list for inspiration. 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

Life and ethics debate topics, entertainment and technology debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

Students should be required to wear school uniforms.

It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
Final exams should be abolished.
Students should be required to wear school uniforms.
Private schools are better than public schools.
Year-round school is better for students.
Standardized tests are effective.
Every student should have to participate in athletics.
All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
Junk food should be banned in school cafeterias.
Single-gender schools are better for students.
Schools should be allowed to teach critical race theory.
Math is the most important school subject.
Schools should teach sex ed instead of abstinence only.
Letter grades should be abolished.
Teachers should be replaced by computers.
People 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.
Outdoor recess is important at every grade level.
Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
Everyone should be able to bring their pets to school.
Shorter school days are better for students.
Schools should eliminate dress codes.
Everyone should be required to go to college.
College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
Schools should install safe rooms in case of mass shootings or natural disasters.
Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
Book smarts are better than street smarts.
Schools should provide free mental health services to students and teachers.
Schools should teach life skills like cooking and personal finance.
School vouchers benefit students and schools.
Religion has no place in schools.
In-person school is better than online school.
Traditional school is better than homeschooling.
Charter schools should receive public school funds.

Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.

Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
The voting age should be lowered to 16.
Humans should not eat animals.
Democracy is the best form of government.
All Americans should be required to vote.
Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
Giving is better than receiving.
Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
Animals should not be kept in zoos.
Happiness is more important than success.
The driving age should be raised to 18.
The drinking age should be lowered to 18.
Plastic bottles should be banned.
People 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.
Learning about history can stop us from repeating past mistakes.
It’s important to spend money exploring space.
White-collar jobs are better than blue-collar jobs.
The death penalty should be abolished.
Drug addicts should receive help instead of punishment.
Euthanasia should be legal.
GMOs are more helpful than harmful.
Human cloning should be legal.
A progressive income tax is better than a flat tax.
Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.
Vaccines should be mandatory.
We should ban fossil fuels.
Marijuana should be legal everywhere.
All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed, like alcohol.
Nuclear weapons should be banned worldwide.
Police funding should be redirected to social services.
Religion does more harm than good.
Testing on animals should be illegal.
We will never achieve world peace.
The United States should implement a universal basic income.
We should require people of all genders to register for the draft.
Healthcare should be universal.
Gun safety laws infringe on the Second Amendment.
Anyone over 12 should be tried as an adult in court.

Reality television depicts real life.
Schools should allow students to use phones in class.
Macs are better than PCs.
Androids are better than iPhones.
Social media is making us less social.
Social media does more harm than good.
Video games are better than board games.
Video gaming is a sport.
Reading books is better than watching TV.
We should replace all paper documents with electronic versions.
The book is always better than the movie.
Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track them.
Playing video games makes you smarter.
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.
All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
There is intelligent life on other planets.
People rely too much on technology.
Everyone should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
Net neutrality should be mandatory for internet service providers.
Expanded use of artificial intelligence will be good for humanity.
Technology is creating more jobs than it eliminates.
The United States should provide free internet access for everyone.
Cryptocurrencies should replace cash.

Dogs are better pets than cats.
A taco is a sandwich.
Summer is better than winter.
Coke is better than Pepsi.
Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
Fruit counts as dessert.
The number 13 is not unlucky.
People should eat to live, not live to eat.
Monday is the worst day of the week.
Clowns are more scary than funny.
Modern music is better than classical music.
Aliens live among us here on Earth.
It’s OK to put ketchup on a hot dog.
Was Robin Hood a thief or a rebel hero?
It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
Pluto should still be considered a planet.
It’s better to be too hot than too cold.
We should allow people to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
Fiction is better than non-fiction.
Using profanity is good for your mental health.
Leftover pizza is better cold than reheated.
It’s OK to wear socks with sandals.
Being famous is actually not all that great.
GIF should be pronounced “JIFF” not “GIFF.”
People shouldn’t have to go to school or work on their birthdays.

Did we miss one of your favorite high school debate topics? Then come share on the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook !

Plus, how to use fishbowl discussions to engage every student ..

These high school debate topics range from fun and funny to complex and ethical, with links to reliable pro/con sources for each.

Image of the debate graphic organizer and debate rules

Debate Graphic Organizer (Free Printables)

Help students keep track of their ideas during argumentative writing or debate lessons. Continue Reading

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Published: 07 August 2024

Climate change debates

Nature Climate Change volume 14 , page 769 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Climate change
Climate-change adaptation
Climate-change ecology
Climate-change mitigation

From a scientific standpoint, the causes of current ongoing climate change are well established. But in the context of rapid change, and real-world consequences, there is still room — and need — for scientific discussion in climate change fields.

Science, while ultimately grounded on the concept of knowledge, has always been a rich and often controversial stage for debate. While many scientific debates have been effectively ‘solved’ by further acquisition of knowledge (for example, heliocentrism versus geocentrism), others remain ripe for discussion. Examples include big questions about the origins of life on Earth, the potential for life outside this planet, or the ultimate impacts of artificial intelligence.

In the climate change field, the big questions have historically been those related to the recognition and acceptance of anthropogenic climate change. While the intensity of climate change debates has been partly fuelled by personal and political desires, the field remains wide open for debate even within more purely scientific realms due to its strong focus on future events. Past debates have now evolved into discussions on the details of what will happen when (and where), as well as weighing up the potential and pitfalls of different modes of action or inaction.

For example, in this issue of Nature Climate Change , we feature several pieces related to the complicated debate of how to best prioritize the conservation of species and their ecosystem functions in the context of rapid change, including discussion on the role of active human intervention. Among these, three independently written pieces on the conservation of corals highlight different, and sometimes opposing, priorities for future action.

In a Comment , Timothy McClanahan stresses that a focus on broad narratives of global coral loss, rather than acknowledging heterogeneities, caveats and uncertainty, will hinder management and muddy public communication. In their Comment , Robert Streit and colleagues argue for a minimal intervention approach in managing corals, questioning whether a human desire to ‘act heroically’ might hinder decision-making and be counterproductive. By contrast, Michael Webster and Daniel Schindler suggest in another Comment that ecological replacement — whereby corals lost to global change are replaced with species providing similar ecosystem functions — should be considered, urging that the potential risks of such actions are weighed against the risks of not intervening.

In a separate research Article , Silvio Schueler and colleagues focus on just one part of this ‘risk of inaction’ in a forest context, to demonstrate that while assisted migration (moving species and populations in response to climate change) can maintain or improve carbon stocks, failing to do so could result in large future carbon sink losses. Discussions related to active manipulation and movement of species have been historically more open when plants rather than animals (even relatively sessile animals, such as coral) are involved, particularly in artificial contexts such as crop or forestry plantations. Nonetheless, the wider debate remains in its infancy. In highlighting the potential, Schueler and colleagues call for more research to quantify the trade-offs between the opportunities and risks of implementation.

The topics here represent just a fraction of the ongoing debates in climate change circles. Recent examples range from questions related to the feasibility of large-scale carbon dioxide removal deployment ( Nat. Clim. Change 14 , 549; 2024 ), different opinions on geoengineering research and implementation , or altering the chemistry of the atmosphere to degrade methane ( Q. Li et al. Nat. Commun. 14 , 4045; 2023 ). Beyond that, many climate change debates have a common theme at their core — that regardless of the findings, any future possibilities should not be considered as an alternative for active mitigation.

Many of these are likely to be debated for some time to come as both science and time progress. We look forward to these debates, and hope that active discussion can help push science forward.

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