Fun Debate Topics
These are some ideas for silly debate topics that are fun for young or older students to debate as a warm-up, or to finish the class. Each student must think of one reason of WHY they agree or disagree with the topic. This is great to push kids to think creatively, and to use the vocab they know to try and get a decent argument across. (Depending on the age and maturity of the class; I have students sit on the floor, or stand up, and once they have given their opinion they may return to their seat. This is to ensure each student takes part and also, they visually see that they must take part in order to return to their seat... in which case the class can move on). The first time I tried this some students found it difficult to think outside the box, but if we got lost on ideas, then as the teacher, I would start making up crazy arguments for both sides, as examples.
After I explained the topic, I would ask the class WHY do you think YES, or Why do you think NO? (To keep it simple for young classes) My students responses in the simplest fashion would be Yes, Because... or No, Because... With older classes obviously we would use higher level English, But for my classes of 8 - 9 year old children this worked quickly. When all students complete one well expressed argument then I would reward the class with a fun game.
***After a student makes an argument, be sure to repeat the students thoughts in correct English, and also follow his or her thoughts to a further conclusion if possible. This exercise is to push creative thinking and to inspire free speech and listening skills. (No need to correct or criticize poor English as this is not an easy exercise and you don't want to discourage students from trying when starting this exercise)
*Other starting points to teach:
I think ...
I think________ is right, because...
I think________is wrong, because...
In my opinion...
I agree with ________ because...
I disagree with ________ because...
Sunday Funday: People across the nation are not allowed to work on Sundays! It is a day of fun with family and friends only... No Homework, No school, No work for restaurants, No work for police... NO ONE WORKS ON SUNDAYS!!!
Great specific answers from students on what would happen if specific professions were not always working! Or why they loved it haha
I Phones For People in Jail: People in Jail are always fighting and angry. They fight each other, and also the police (correctional officers). Therefore the solution is to give all inmates IPHONES! This will make all inmates much happier and less destructive and angry.
**I'm unsure if this topic hit really well with students, or that we have worked on debates once every 2 weeks and now they are really getting into the idea of proving ANY point, but I was very Impressed with the VERY abstract and well thought out ideas children had on this topic.
Boys And Girls Schools: There are no longer girls and boys in the same schools. Schools are All Boys, or All Girls schools for all grades up until College.
Alien Secret: Aliens have been discovered on the moon by the President. It is unsure if they are a threat or not, But there is a 3 mile long gun on the moon pointed at Earth. Should the President tell the Nation?
Credit Cards for Kids: If students don't pay the end balance each month, students must work off the debt by being street cleaners, or public bathroom cleaner.
School is Work: Students get paid money for the grades they get on homework, quizzes, tests, and being on time. Flip Side... Students must pay for everything.
Optional School: Children have the option to choose if they want to attend school, or Not.
Animals Have Same Rights as People: All animals of the world are given the same rights as people. If an animal breaks the law they are put in jail as people would. If people break a law against an animal, they are put in jail...
No More Shoes: All people must not wear shoes, only roller blades or roller skates, all the time.
Free Chocolate and Ice cream for All: Your country must provide free chocolate and ice cream for all people at all times.
Death Penalty for Homework: If students don't do their homework 3 times in a year, teachers should kill them.
After I explained the topic, I would ask the class WHY do you think YES, or Why do you think NO? (To keep it simple for young classes) My students responses in the simplest fashion would be Yes, Because... or No, Because... With older classes obviously we would use higher level English, But for my classes of 8 - 9 year old children this worked quickly. When all students complete one well expressed argument then I would reward the class with a fun game.
***After a student makes an argument, be sure to repeat the students thoughts in correct English, and also follow his or her thoughts to a further conclusion if possible. This exercise is to push creative thinking and to inspire free speech and listening skills. (No need to correct or criticize poor English as this is not an easy exercise and you don't want to discourage students from trying when starting this exercise)
*Other starting points to teach:
I think ...
I think________ is right, because...
I think________is wrong, because...
In my opinion...
I agree with ________ because...
I disagree with ________ because...
Sunday Funday: People across the nation are not allowed to work on Sundays! It is a day of fun with family and friends only... No Homework, No school, No work for restaurants, No work for police... NO ONE WORKS ON SUNDAYS!!!
Great specific answers from students on what would happen if specific professions were not always working! Or why they loved it haha
I Phones For People in Jail: People in Jail are always fighting and angry. They fight each other, and also the police (correctional officers). Therefore the solution is to give all inmates IPHONES! This will make all inmates much happier and less destructive and angry.
**I'm unsure if this topic hit really well with students, or that we have worked on debates once every 2 weeks and now they are really getting into the idea of proving ANY point, but I was very Impressed with the VERY abstract and well thought out ideas children had on this topic.
Boys And Girls Schools: There are no longer girls and boys in the same schools. Schools are All Boys, or All Girls schools for all grades up until College.
Alien Secret: Aliens have been discovered on the moon by the President. It is unsure if they are a threat or not, But there is a 3 mile long gun on the moon pointed at Earth. Should the President tell the Nation?
Credit Cards for Kids: If students don't pay the end balance each month, students must work off the debt by being street cleaners, or public bathroom cleaner.
School is Work: Students get paid money for the grades they get on homework, quizzes, tests, and being on time. Flip Side... Students must pay for everything.
Optional School: Children have the option to choose if they want to attend school, or Not.
Animals Have Same Rights as People: All animals of the world are given the same rights as people. If an animal breaks the law they are put in jail as people would. If people break a law against an animal, they are put in jail...
No More Shoes: All people must not wear shoes, only roller blades or roller skates, all the time.
Free Chocolate and Ice cream for All: Your country must provide free chocolate and ice cream for all people at all times.
Death Penalty for Homework: If students don't do their homework 3 times in a year, teachers should kill them.