Debating (or, in other words, speaking out in public) is a scary act. Nevertheless, it is a useful and necessary skill that benefits students of all ages in school and beyond.
More importantly, debates are a great way to encourage kids to speak up in controlled settings and thus be able to, in other parts of their life, stand up for their convictions. Plus, you can develop your argument structure and presentation skills through debate as well.
However, debating comes with several challenges. The top challenge is dealing with conflicts and arguments because only some people are going to agree with what you are trying to represent. In short, there will always be a difference in opinion.
In this modern age, choosing age-old essential topics that lack complexity and do not have any room for nuance will only spark a little debate. Nowadays, debates that run wild are the ones based on multifaceted and controversial topics.
While controversial topics for students might seem intimidating and challenging, they can be the secret weapon to not only fire up the classroom but also fuel everyone’s critical thinking skills.
So, why not spice up your debating session by going rogue?
In this article, we’ll share a list of some controversial debate ideas for students, including how you can research creating your topics. We’ll also go over some real-life debate examples and how you can take inspiration from them.
Part 1. Interesting Debate Topics for Students
When it comes to choosing interesting debate topics for students, the trick is to go with something that offers some relevance to the current situation of the world.
In simpler words, you need to find a subject that is complex enough to sustain a healthy or lively discussion. The following are some debate topic ideas you can use as a reference:
1.1 Education
Numerous issues with the current educational system could spark lively discussions in the classroom. Consider looking into the following debate issues related to schooling.
- Is a college degree a prerequisite for landing a good job?
- Is acquiring student loan debt worth pursuing a college degree?
- Can strategies for performance-based funding aid in addressing the issue of college dropouts?
- Do students who attend universities have anxiety or mental health issues?
- Must fast food be banned in schools?
- Is six years of high school appropriate?
- Why shouldscience and maths be prioritized over the arts and music in schools?
- Is inclusive sex education for LGBT+ students required in schools?
- Do educators deserve the same pay as physicians?
- Should religious education be taught in schools?
- Is it appropriate for pupils to evaluate their teachers?
1.2 Technology
Emerging technologies are among the most controversial topics in the world of technology. There are also a ton of interesting topics to discuss with others concerning the internet, such as productivity, cybersecurity, privacy, and so forth.
Here are some suggestions:
- Is it risky to use artificial intelligence?
- When evaluating a job applicant, should prospective employers take into account their social media accounts?
- Should we make technological investments to colonizeother planets?
- Are the cognitive benefits of video games overstated, or do they make us smarter?
- Is technology making humans more intelligent or less intelligent?
- Has social media made relationships better among people?
- Is net neutrality going to be reinstated?
- Is education gained online superior to that gained offline?
- Do robots have legal rights?
- Should businesses be allowed to gather data on us?
1.3 Science
Science discussion subjects range from exciting and philosophical questions like "Is there life on other planets?" to divisive ones like "Should human cloning be legalized?" or "Is it possible to reincarnate?" These topics are excellent because they have broad applicability.
- Is it appropriate to permit gene editing to ensure health?
- Should scientists attempt to bring extinct animals back to life?
- Does the world function better when genetically modified food is available or not?
- Should experiments on animals be permitted?
- Is a person's DNA their property?
- Is it appropriate to legalize human cloning?
- Do mental health conditions require distinct treatment modalities than do bodily illnesses?
1.4 Environment
When people think of good argument topics, the first subject that springs to mind is climate change, aside from discussion questions related to education.
- Is the theory of global warming true?
- Should governments outlaw plastic packaging and handbags?
- Does global warming stem from human activity?
- Should governments make investments in non-traditional energy sources?
- Is it still possible to stop climate change?
- Should the government tax businesses more for their carbon emissions?
- Canrenewable energy revive the US economy?
1.5 Society
It might be difficult to decide which of the thousands of societal concerns to raise for discussion. Many of these subjects also apply to politics, education, technology, and other fields.
Here are some unique debate topics for students based on human society:
- Is there a better religion than atheism?
- Is access to abortion necessary for all women? Is it appropriate for homosexuals to adopt children?
- Is it possible for graffiti to gain the same respect as traditional paintings?
- Is the #MeToo movement getting too big for its hands?
- Do people rely too much on their computers and smartphones?
- Is it appropriate to enable alcoholics to get liver transplants?
- Is it better for feminism to prioritizemen's rights?
- Do cosmetic operations need to be covered by insurance?
- Is there a downside to Botox?
- Do altered images lead to distorted perceptions and ideals of beauty?
Part 2. Debate Ideas for Students – Tips & Tricks for Doing Your Research
Researching is, without a doubt, the most time-consuming and challenging aspect of debating. But it is very crucial. Fortunately, there are ways for you to perfect this technique, which will further allow you to stay one step ahead of the competition.
As you read on, bear in mind that the advice we provide below applies to both the debating arena and the classroom.
2.1 Begin by using broad search terms.
Become increasingly focused as you read the literature and discover the common language used in the various topics. This is a crucial tool for quickly and successfully accessing databases or Google Scholar.
2.2 Read the articles after compiling them.
Place them in a folder, and remember to indicate in the names of your documents why you want to examine that particular article.
2.3 Avoid taking a stance when conducting research, at least in the beginning.
This builds on Tip #1, but the likelihood of success increases with the degree of ambiguity in your first search. This advice is supported by clear evidence. Consider the way you cut cards.
Debaters hardly ever use more than two or three sentences to present their case. Instead, they briskly hop around emphasizing the words within a lengthy paragraph that, when considered collectively, support their intended thesis.
Therefore, you won't come across a writer who makes a highly detailed statement to disparage a position. Instead, you'll discover yourself repeating essential phrases and concepts that, when broken down, can assist you in blocking out a location.
Additionally, you are more likely to locate broad articles using this strategy that will assist you in blocking out many viewpoints on a specific topic. You can identify proof that covers every aspect of the subject.
However, this kind of magic bullet can only be discovered using general terms and without bias.
2.4 Keep your research current.
Keeping your research up to date is crucial, even if you only sometimes use the proof you find.
As the season goes on, expanding your expertise on a particular subject will always offer you an advantage over your rivals. Why? You simply have a larger pool of ideas to work with when coming up with spontaneous arguments.
2.5 Conduct brief research projects.
Avoid conducting an hour's worth of research at once. You may experience tunnel vision or frustration, which can negatively impact your productivity and general state of mind. The secret to success is to sustain a positive outlook since it helps you stay focused.
Anger impairs your ability to make decisions. Therefore, when conducting research, if you become frustrated, you can disregard a gold-mine article or exaggerate the caliber of your proof to conclude the process quickly. Since these are negative behaviors, it's critical to maintain your composure and optimism!
2.6 Acquire confidence in graphs, tables, and data.
The explanation of the data's meaning about the article's conclusion can serve as excellent argument evidence, even though it can occasionally be challenging to incorporate this kind of analysis into an argument case or brief.
When conducting your research, make sure to read the paragraphs before and after any graphs, tables, or statistics.
2.7 Make a template and use it.
Formatting all the evidence you collect is significantly easier when you use a template. Additionally, it usually looks better on both you and your judge.
If you don't already have a tool to help you organize your findings, build a template, and edit it, then consider the Afirstsoft PDF. It has a decent number of features to help you edit and revamp your work on a PDF.
Part 3. Argument Topics for Students – Practice Can Make You Perfect
Every high school and college student should have a firm grasp of the art of writing an exceptional persuasive essay. Argumentative essays instruct pupils on how to arrange their ideas and persuasively communicate them rationally.
In this part, we’ll cover what makes a good argument and offer some argument topics for students.
3.1 An Argumentative Debate: What Is It?
An argumentative debate presents a well-reasoned case on a specific topic using research. Like one focused on persuasion, its goal is to convince the reader to say yes to your viewpoint.
However, a successful argumentative debate should be grounded in facts, not sentiments; a powerful persuasive argument, on the other hand, makes its point through thorough emotions and feelings.
3.2 The Structure of an Argumentative Debate
Let's start with the beginning. In the introduction, you must present the position and research statement—a sentence that conveys the essence of the debate.
Then, with each continuing section – or paragraph, if you’re translating your argument into an essay – concentrating on a distinct subject, supporting details can be used to bolster this opening assertion.
Generally speaking, you'll need two or three examples, since they tend to support your argument and create a basis. You should also provide as many precise details as you can in your examples, including case studies, data, anecdotes, and specific research.
Next, you can follow with a counter argument to fill any gaps while still recognizing the opposing research, and then dispute those competing theories to strengthen your own position.
3.3 Argument Topic Suggestions
Here are 12 of the most controversial and thought-provoking debate questions for students to ignite their writing passion:
- Can Social Media Companies Be Held Responsible for the Disseminating of False Information?
- Is the Universal Basic Income a Heaven for the Lazy or a Salvation for Society?
- Will Artificial Intelligence Be Your Enemy?
- Is Gene Editing a Game of God or the Start of a New Chapter in Human Potential?
- Can We Have Both Security and Privacy?
- Is e-sports a glorified fad or the future of competitive gaming?
- College Athletes: Underpaid Professionals or Deserving of Scholarships?
- Space Exploration: An Exotic Interest or Vital Investment for the Future of Humanity?
- Is a Four-Day Work Week a Way to Increase Productivity or Increase Chaos?
- Automation's Rise: A Job Creator or a Job Killer?
- Is Universal Healthcare a Right or a Surefire Way to Destroy the Economy?
- Is Mars Colonisation a Risky Venture or a Careless Bet?
Part 4. Real-Life Debate Examples for Students
Ever wondered what an honest debate even looks like? Then buckle up, because in this section, we will share some real-life debate examples with students.
4.1 Example 1: The Free Marketers vs. The Green Warriors
The subject? "Should governments mandate a switch to electric vehicles?" The Green Warriors stress the need for swift action on climate change while arguing for the advantages to the environment.
They highlight breakthroughs in electric car technology and provide pollution figures. In response, proponents of free markets argue that consumer choice is crucial and that government interference stifles innovation.
They draw attention to the necessity for reasonably priced electric solutions as well as possible job losses in the conventional vehicle industry. This back-and-forth demonstrates reasoning, inquiry, and the capacity to foresee and respond to opposing views.
4.2 Example 2: Privacy Protectors vs. Tech Experts
The most popular topic was "Should social media businesses be held liable for the spread of deception?" The Tech Gurus discussed the value of free speech and the challenges of content moderation.
They suggest remedies, including incentivizing people to double-check information and fostering media literacy.
Privacy advocates argue that social media companies should be held accountable for preventing dangerous content and safeguarding user information. They support more stringent laws and procedures for fact-checking.
This discussion emphasizes the value of moral argumentation, comprehending the possible outcomes of both positions and developing solid reasons for one's position.
4.3 What can you, therefore, learn from these actual debaters?
- A substantial body of data and proof supports a powerful argument.
- Be ready to modify your positions and address novel points raised by your opponent.
- A practical discussion pits ideas against personality.
- Even if you disagree with your opponent, show respect for their opinions.
Part 5. Conclusion
Debating. It might sound scary, but trust us, it's a superpower waiting to be unleashed.
It hones your critical thinking and communication skills and lets you fight for what you believe in – all while learning a ton in the process. Plus, debates can be a heck of a lot of fun!
With the help of the tips and information shared in this blog, you can turn into a debating genius. All in all, the more you debate, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. Join your school's debate club or find a debate group in your community.
