170 Exciting Debate Topics to Stimulate Students' Critical Thinking

General Debate Topics

Want to have a riveting debate on any topic? See the most popular general topics that can be used in any classroom or online setting.

• Should college tuition be free? – Analyze the pros and cons of removing tuition fees at universities
  
• Is censorship necessary? – Discuss how limitations on freedom of expression can help protect vulnerable members of society
  
• Should the voting age be lowered? – Evaluate how granting suffrage to younger individuals would impact democracy
  
• Is the death penalty an effective punishment? – Examine arguments in favor of capital punishment and analyze its effectiveness
  
• Should marijuana be legalized? – Look into potential benefits as well as drawbacks associated with legalizing cannabis
  
• Are robots taking over our jobs? – Explore how automation and artificial intelligence are changing the world of work
  
• Is the internet making us smarter or dumber?– Evaluate how advances in technology have impacted the way we think and process information
  
• Should government spending be increased? – Consider different arguments for and against increasing public expenditures
  
• Are genetically modified foods safe to eat? – Investigate the potential health risks and benefits associated with genetically modified organisms
  
• Is social media a force for good or evil? – Analyze how different platforms can be used to promote different agendas.
  

Debate Topics for Elementary Kids

If you're looking for easy debate topics for grade 5 kids, here are some great examples.

• Are looking for age-appropriate conversation starters? Here are some of the best debate topics for fifth graders.
  
• Should recess be mandatory in schools?– Evaluate the potential impact of introducing regular break times in school
  
• Should students get paid to do good deeds? – Discuss how incentivizing good behavior can encourage positive social outcomes
  
• Do video games have educational value? – Explore how digital games can be used to teach important skills and knowledge
  
• Should parents limit screen time for children? – Analyze the potential benefits of introducing restrictions on television and internet use
  
• Should the school day be longer or shorter?– Examine the arguments for and against increasing or decreasing class times
  
• Are zoos necessary? – Assess the importance of keeping wild animals in captivity
  
• Should schools have uniforms or dress codes?– Compare and contrast the differences between uniform requirements and dress code policy
  
• Are fast food restaurants responsible for childhood obesity? – Analyze how certain eating habits can lead to health complications later in life
  
• Do violent films and video games cause people to act out aggressively? – Investigate potential links between media consumption and real-world violence.
  

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Debate Topics for Middle School Kids

Looking for more engaging and thought-provoking debate topics for your middle schoolers? These great examples will help your kid improve communication skills.

• Should schools use metal detectors to keep students safe? – Debate the potential pros and cons of introducing security measures in educational settings
  
• Should there be a limit on homework assignments?– Weigh the arguments around setting limits on after-school assignments
  
• Are digital distractions making us less productive?– Analyze how technology can have both positive and negative effects on productivity
  
• Should single-use plastics be banned? – Examine the potential environmental benefits of phasing out plastic products
  
• Should social media accounts be monitored in school?– Debate the merits of imposing restrictions on students’ internet use during school hours
  
• Is homeschooling a viable option for kids? – Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of receiving education at home
  
• Do standardized tests accurately measure student achievement?– Debate the effectiveness of using standardized assessments to track progress
  
• Are schools doing enough to prevent bullying?– Examine different strategies that can be used to address bullying in schools
  
• Should parents be held responsible for their child’s behavior?– Debate the best ways to ensure children are acting responsibly in public spaces.
  
• Should animals be used for scientific research? – Debate the morality of using live animals for scientific testing
  

Good Debate Topics for High School Kids

Looking for more challenging topics for debates? Choose from the best debate topics that require deeper analysis.

• Should the voting age be lowered? – Debate whether it would be beneficial to reduce the legal voting age in certain countries
  
• Are religious holidays still relevant today? – Examine the importance of religious celebrations in contemporary society
  
• Should animal testing be banned?– Debate the ethical implications of using animals for scientific research
  
• Should schools provide free contraception to students? – Assess the potential benefits and risks associated with providing access to birth control
  
• Is economic inequality a major issue?– Discuss how different levels of wealth can shape the way people live
  
• Should nuclear energy be used as an alternative to fossil fuels? – Debate the potential advantages and disadvantages of using renewable sources of energy
  
• Should students receive money for good grades?– Debate how financial incentives can affect academic performance
  
• Are traditional gender roles still relevant today? – Analyze how cultural norms around gender are changing
  
• Should the death penalty be abolished? – Debate whether capital punishment is still a necessary form of punishment in modern society.
  
• Is social media helpful or harmful to teenagers?– Debate the impact that platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have on young people’s mental health.
  

Debate Topics for College Students

When it comes to finding the best debate topics, adults have a lot to consider.

See the most controversial and thought-provoking debate topics for adults below.

• Should college education be free? – Debate the potential benefits of providing access to higher education without tuition fees
  
• Should there be limits on immigration?– Analyze the consequences of enforcing strict immigration policies around the world
  
• Is it ethical to test products on animals? – Debate the morality of using animals for medical testing
  
• Should sex education be mandatory?– Discuss the importance of providing comprehensive sex education in schools
  
• Should prisons be privatized?– Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of having private companies operate correctional facilities
  
• Should the death penalty be reinstated?– Debate whether or not capital punishment should be allowed in modern society
  
• Are GMOs safe for human consumption? – Debate the potential health risks associated with genetically modified food products
  
• Is censorship of the media necessary?– Debate how freedom of speech can conflict with national security interests
  
• Should same-sex marriage be legal?– Debate the ethical implications of allowing same-sex couples to get married
  
• Should the government regulate the media?– Debate how much control governments should have over the content produced by news outlets.
  

English Debate Topics

Looking for school and education debate topics for students in English?

Below are some great ideas to get the conversation flowing.

• Should standardized testing be banned in schools? – Discuss both sides of this argument, including the pros and cons
  
• Is online learning better than traditional learning? – Explore the advantages as well as disadvantages associated with each type of learning
  
• Do textbooks still have a place in today's classrooms?– Analyze how technology has changed education over time
  
• Are cell phones a distraction or a valuable resource for students? – Evaluate how smartphones can be used to enhance student engagement
  
• Should school uniforms be mandatory? – Examine potential benefits that come with enforcing uniform policies at school
  
• Should students learn about religious education in school? – Look into arguments for and against teaching religion in public schools
  
• Should schools offer foreign language classes? – Discuss the merits of introducing students to different languages
  
• Are “Zero Tolerance” policies effective in school settings? – Evaluate the effectiveness of punitive measures applied within educational settings
  
• Should physical education be mandatory?– Analyze the benefits of introducing physical activities in private schools
  
• Should students have to do community service? – Examine the potential impact of encouraging students to give back to their communities.
  

Life and Ethics Debate Topics

When it comes to discussing ethics, some of the best debate topics related to life and morality are:

• Should abortion be legal? – Debate the ethical implications of allowing women to terminate their pregnancies
  
• Is euthanasia moral or immoral?– Debate whether end-of-life decisions should be left to individuals or medical professional
  
• Is there such a thing as “just war”? – Debate the morality of using violence in certain international conflicts
  
• Are genetically modified organisms ethical?– Debate whether genetic engineering is an appropriate technology to use
  
• Should religious beliefs be taught in schools?– Debate the potential benefits and risks associated with teaching religion in public schools
  
• Should medical marijuana be legalized? – Debate the pros and cons of making marijuana available for medical use
  
• Is capital punishment justified in any circumstance?– Debate whether or not there are any situations where it is acceptable to execute someone as a form of punishment
  
• Should assisted suicide to be allowed?– Debate the ethical implications of allowing individuals to end their own lives
  
• Should surrogacy be allowed?– Debate the moral implications of using a surrogate mother to carry a child for another couple.
  
• What are a person’s responsibilities to their community?– Debate the various obligations that individuals have to the groups they belong to.
  

Parenting Debate Topics

When it comes to raising children, these most thought-provoking debate topics are related to parenting.

• Should parents monitor their child’s internet activity? – Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of monitoring a child's online behavior
  
• Should parents set rules for their children? – Debate whether or not it is beneficial to have strict rules for children
  
• Should schools require uniforms? – Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of making school uniforms mandatory
  
• Should parents be held accountable for their child’s actions?– Debate whether or not parents should be responsible for their child’s behavior
  
• Should parents limit their child’s screen time?– Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of limiting a child’s access
  
• Should children be allowed to participate in competitive sports?– Debate the potential benefits and risks associated with allowing children to compete in organized sports
  
• Should single parents receive more support from the government?– Debate whether or not single parents should receive additional assistance from government programs
  
• Should children be allowed to vote? – Debate the pros and cons of giving children the right to vote
  
• Should parents be required to attend parenting classes? – Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of requiring parents to take classes on child-rearing
  
• What is the best way to discipline a child? – Debate different methods of disciplining children and which one is most effective.
  

Uncover the critical points of a debate on whether technology is making us smarter or dumber by watching its highlights!

Sports Debate Topics

Sports are a huge part of our culture, so it's no surprise that there are many debates related to sports.

Here are some of the most popular debate topics related to sports.

• Should athletes be paid? – Debate whether or not athletes should receive compensation for their participation in sports
  
• Should college athletes be paid? – Debate whether or not college athletes should receive pay for their athletic performance
  
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport? – Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of recognizing cheerleading as an official sport
  
• Should sports betting be legalized?– Debate the pros and cons of legalizing betting on sporting events
  
• Is doping in sports ever justified? – Debate whether or not using performance-enhancing drugs is ever an appropriate action
  
• Should players be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs?– Debate the potential benefits and risks of allowing athletes to use supplements or steroids
  
• Should professional athletes be held to a higher standard? – Debate whether or not professional athletes should be held accountable for their actions both on and off the field
  
• Should athletes receive special treatment in the justice system? – Debate whether or not athletes should receive preferential treatment when facing criminal charges
  
• Should sports specialization be encouraged for young athletes?– Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of encouraging young athletes to specialize in one sport
  
• Should gender parity be required in professional sports leagues? – Debate whether or not all professional sports leagues should require an equal number of male and female athletes
  

Entertainment and Technology Debate Topics

From the latest blockbuster movie to the newest gadget on the market, there are always hot topics.

The most popular debate topics in this category include:

• Should violent movies be banned? – Debate whether or not graphic and violent movies should be banned
  
• Is too much emphasis placed on celebrities? – Debate whether or not the public places too much importance on the lives of celebrities
  
• Do social media sites do more harm than good? – Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of social media sites
  
• Is technology making us more antisocial? – Debate whether or not technology is causing people to interact less with each other
  
• Are video games a form of art? – Debate whether or not video games can be considered a form of art
  
• Do video games promote violence? – Debate whether or not playing violent video games leads to more aggressive behavior
  
• Should the government regulate the Internet? – Debate the pros and cons of government regulation of the Internet
  
• Should there be limits on freedom of speech online? – Debate whether or not there should be limits on what people can say on the Internet
  
• Should all forms of piracy be illegal? – Debate whether or not all forms of digital piracy should be illegal
  
• Are Smartphones making us smarter or dumber? – Debate whether or not smartphones are helping or hindering our ability to think and learn
  

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Fun and Funny Debate Topics

Having a debate doesn't have to be serious all the time.

Some fun and interesting debate topics that you can use to add fun to your next discussion are given below:

• Should chocolate be considered its own food group? – Debate whether or not chocolate should be classified as an official food group
  
• Do aliens exist? – Debate the pros and cons of the existence of aliens
  
• Is a hotdog a sandwich? – Debate whether or not a hotdog is classified as a sandwich
  
• Should napping be considered a national pastime? – Debate whether or not napping should be considered an official national pastime
  
• Are unicorns real? – Debate whether or not unicorns are real
  
• Should Mobile Phones be banned in public places? – Debate whether or not Mobile Phones should be banned from public places
  
• Should Human Cloning be allowed? – Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of allowing Human Cloning.
  
• Do all jokes have to be funny?– Debate whether some jokes can still have value even if they aren't funny
  
• Should there be a limit on the number of selfies someone can take? – Debate whether or not people should be limited in how many selfies they post online
  
• Would it be better if everyone had wings? – Debate the potential benefits and drawbacks of having wings.
  

Controversial Debate Topics

Sometimes a great debate can get heated. So, it's important to pick topics that won't create too much animosity between the debaters.

You can use these most popular controversial debate topics in your next discussion.

• Should prisoners have the right to vote? – Debate whether or not felons should be allowed to vote
  
• Are human rights more important than national security? – Debate the importance of human rights versus national security
  
• Do people have the right to own guns? – Debate whether or not individuals should be allowed to own firearms
  
• Should gay marriage be legal in all countries? – Debate whether or not same-sex marriage should be legalized around the world
  
• Should convicted criminals be allowed to work again? – Debate whether or not felons should be given the chance to re-enter the workforce
  
• Should abortion be legal? – Debate whether or not women should have the right to terminate their pregnancies
  
• Do racial stereotypes exist? – Debate the existence of racial stereotypes and how they affect society
  
• Should religion be taught in schools? – Debate whether or not religious instruction should be part of school curriculums
  
• Should the death penalty be abolished? – Debate whether or not capital punishment is an appropriate form of justice
  
• Should animal testing be banned?– Debate the pros and cons of using animals in medical research.
  

Debate Topics Related to Leisure

Topics related to leisure and entertainment can lead to some interesting debates.

Check few of the most popular topics that can be used in your next discussion.

• Should video games be considered art? – Debate whether or not video games should be respected as legitimate pieces of art
  
• Should violent movies be banned? – Debate whether or not films with violent content should be restricted
  
• Should there be a limit on how much TV people can watch? – Debate whether or not individuals should be limited in their viewing habits
  
• Is online dating making us picky? – Debate the impact of online dating and apps on our ability to form relationships
  
• Are sports teams getting too commercialized? – Debate whether or not professional sports teams are becoming too focused on generating revenue
  
• Should movie theaters have age restrictions? – Debate whether or not some films should be limited to certain audiences
  
• Are beauty pageants harmful? – Debate the potential harm that beauty pageants can have on participants and viewers.
  
• Do people rely too much on technology? – Debate the impact of technology on our lives and whether it has become a crutch
  
• Does music really help us relax? – Debate the effectiveness of music in helping people relax and unwind
  
• Should there be more focus on mental health?– Debate the importance of mental health awareness and why it should be taken more seriously.
  

Debating Financial and Policy Matters

Financial and policy-related debates can often spark some interesting discussions. 

These are the most popular topics that can be used for your next debate.

• Should taxes be increased for wealthy individuals? – Debate whether or not those who earn more should pay higher taxes
  
• Should the minimum wage be raised? – Debate whether or not the minimum wage should be increased
  
• Should government regulations on businesses be tightened? – Debate the need for stricter regulations in certain industries
  
• Should public transportation be free? – Debate whether or not public transportation should be made available at no cost
  
• Is privatization of services beneficial? – Debate the pros and cons of privatization and its potential impact on society 
  
• Should student loans be forgiven? – Debate whether or not individuals should be allowed to have their student loan debt forgiven
  
• Do schools need more funding? – Debate whether or not education systems should receive more financial support
  
• Should government subsidies for businesses end? – Debate the impact of government-funded subsidies and whether they are beneficial
  
• Should social security be increased? – Debate the need for an increase in social security benefits and whether it should be done
  
• Should consumer protection laws be strengthened? – Debate whether or not consumer protection laws should be tightened to protect citizens from unethical business practices.
  

Debating Historical Matters

Historical debates can often lead to some interesting perspectives and insights. See the topics given below.

• Was the French Revolution justified? – Debate whether or not the historic uprising was necessary
  
• Should Christopher Columbus be celebrated or condemned? – Debate the legacy of Christopher Columbus and its implications for society
  
• Was the American Civil War inevitable? – Debate whether or not the war was avoidable
  
• Should the atomic bombs have been dropped on Japan? – Debate the necessity of this historic event and its long-term implications
  
• Did Nazi Germany deserve defeat? – Debate whether or not Hitler and the Third Reich deserved to be stopped
  
• Did colonialism benefit or harm colonized countries? – Debate the long-term implications of colonialism and its effects on developing nations
  
• Was slavery in America justified? – Debate whether or not this practice was ethically acceptable
  
• Should women have had the right to vote earlier? – Debate why women were denied the right to vote for so long
  
• Was the industrial revolution beneficial or detrimental? – Debate the impact of this major economic shift and its effects on societies around the world
  
• Is America still a superpower? – Debate the current position of the United States in terms of global influence and power.
  

Controversial Debate Topics

Often the most passionate debates come from discussing controversial issues. 

• Should public discourse include hate speech? – Debate whether or not public discourse should permit hateful language and its implications
  
• Is capital punishment an effective deterrent to crime? – Debate the effectiveness of capital punishment and its implications
  
• Should the death penalty be abolished? – Debate whether or not this punishment should remain in practice
  
• Should abortion be legal? – Debate the morality and legality of abortion
  
• What is an acceptable level of gun control? – Debate what restrictions should exist on gun ownership and usage
  
• Should public schools require uniforms? – Debate the potential benefits or drawbacks of requiring school uniforms
  
• Are laws addressing online hate speech adequate? – Debate whether or not existing laws are sufficient to protect citizens against online hate speech
  
• Should affirmative action be allowed? – Debate the morality and effectiveness of affirmative action policies.
  
• Can public figures be held accountable for their words? – Debate whether public figures should be held liable and punished for offensive language or statements they make in public.
  
• Is gun control effective? – Debate the effectiveness of gun control laws and the public safety they provide
  

Current Debate Topics

Wondering, what are the latest debate topics? Staying on top of current events is important for engaging in educated debates.

See the popular topics in this category that can be used for your next debate:

• Should the US withdraw troops from overseas? – Debate whether or not American forces should pull out of foreign nations
  
• Should the US raise taxes on the wealthy? – Debate whether or  not increasing taxes on the wealthy would benefit society
  
• Should international trade agreements be renegotiated? – Debate the advantages and disadvantages of renegotiating existing trade agreements
  
• Is the US Healthcare system fair? – Debate whether or not citizens have access to affordable healthcare
  
• Are social media platforms censoring opinions? – Debate the implications of censorship on these platforms and its impact on society
  
• Should the US shift its foreign policy? – Debate potential changes in US foreign policy and their implications
  
• Should the US choose renewable energy sources over fossil fuels? – Debate the benefits of renewable energy and whether it should be prioritized over traditional energy sources.
  
• Should voting be mandatory for all eligible citizens? – Debate whether or not voting should be compulsory and the implications this would have on democracy.
  
• Should gun ownership be restricted? – Debate the gun control debate and whether or not gun ownership should be limited.
  
• Can renewable energy sources replace fossil fuels? – Debate the feasibility of fully transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energies, and their potential effects on the economy.
  

To gain a deeper understanding of the US Healthcare debate, take a look at this illustrative example.

How to Select Good Debate Topics?

Once you have chosen your audience and purpose, it is time to select a topic for debate. When selecting a topic, it is important to keep in mind the level of expertise of your audience.

These tips will help you choose good debate topics:

• Select Something Relevant – Choose a topical issue that is timely and important to your audience.
  
• Define a Specific Argument – Focus the debate on a specific argument about the issue. So there will be no room for misinterpretation or confusion.
  
• Consider All Perspectives – Make sure all sides of the argument are represented fairly. This will make for a more balanced and interesting debate.
  
• Think About Your Audience – Pick a topic that interests your audience. Allow them to participate in the discussion, making it more interactive.
  
• Make It Memorable – Choose a topic that will be memorable and interesting. So your audience takes away something from the experience after the debate is over.
  

Selecting a good debate topic can be challenging, but with some careful thought and planning you can create an engaging discussion. 

Use the tips above to help ensure your debate is successful!

Do’s and Don’t for Debating

Do’s:

• Research your topic inside and out.
  
• Be prepared to back up your points with evidence.
  
• Practice, practice, practice. The more you debate, the better you’ll become at thinking on your feet and articulating your points.
  
• Listen to your opponent. This will help you anticipate their arguments and rebuttals.
  
• Stay focused and on-topic.
  

Don’ts:

• Don’t use overly aggressive language or ad hominem attacks. Stick to debating the facts and not attacking people personally.
  
• Don’t introduce new arguments in the middle of a debate.
  
• Don’t try to dominate the conversation or interrupt your opponent.
  
• Avoid making long, emotional speeches that do not contribute any substance to the discussion.
  
• Don’t lie or make false claims. The truth should always be your primary tool when debating.
  
• Don’t be afraid to admit when you’re wrong.
  
• Finally, don’t be afraid to step back and take a breath if you feel overwhelmed or frustrated.
  

To wrap it all up,

The goal of this blog was to provide some interesting debate topics for you to consider. We hope we were able to help you narrow down a topic that meets your interests.

With the tips provided, you can select a captivating debate topic that will make for an engaging discussion.

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