Introduction to Debate Topics

A debate is a crucial task in all colleges and an essential part of a student’s academic program. It’s a highly engaging activity that requires students to ask themselves a lot of controversial questions. However, it’s an area which many of them struggle a lot!

The major challenge is getting the best debate and discussion topic. Here, you not only need to choose the subject which interests you, but also one that’s practical and clearly for both your class and public audience.

So, how can you “get your hands’ on such a topic? Here, we have put together some quick tips on how you can pick out unique college debate topics. We have even gathered a few ideas to help you in narrowing down your search. Take a look!

How to Choose Good Debate Topics

Are you wondering where you can find some excellent controversial topics? Well, we know that while there are many issues to talk and discuss, getting a topic that’s interesting is not a simple task. Luckily, with these few guidelines, you can finally make the correct choice.

Think about the controversial debate topics which interest you – what kind of discussion do you love most? You are even free to pick out something from your school curriculum to help other students understand important learning material.

Your debate, discussion and controversial topics should fit the levels of the other students – Highly complex subjects should suit those students with a higher IQ. In the past, we have seen students coming up with arguments which rarely relate to their audience. Eventually, the debate becomes embarrassing and somewhat confusing.

Time – as a student, you should have enough time to prepare for the discussion, so choose a topic from a subject you’ve already studied or are currently studying. In doing so, you can come up with smart and strong arguments.

The Types of Debate Topics Based On Format

The type of debate topic you wish to present to your audience is also essential. Some formats, tend to convince the reader others develop their negotiating skills. While others like controversial debate topics go on to talk about ideas and concepts that are not popular with the public. That being said, here’s a simple break down of the three main formats of debate topics.

Persuasive Topics

The primary objective of these topics is to convince the audience. They have to cover a certain subject or problem that people care about plus it should be something that you are highly knowledgeable and interested in. If you’re going to go with these topics, you will have to create a strong foundation of facts and arguments.

Controversial Debate Topics

It’s true that controversial research topics are quite challenging for students. Why? Well, they usually cover powerful and significant issues and carry a lot of arguments. A good topic triggers a lot of controversial questions and arouses separate opinions among its audience.

Argumentative Debate Topics

Argumentative debate topics talk about specific problems, issues, subjects, phenomenon or subjects which you can smoothly deliberate. To get the right subject here, you’ll have to conduct a lot of research, come up with study materials and pick up arguments from reliable and time-tested resources to support all your ideas.

Now, although these formats are different in purpose and nature, they share some important characteristics. Regardless of what you’re searching for, to get interesting, educative or controversial debate topics, you’ll have to follow the following basic rules.

• The subject you choose should be relevant and fresh
• It should be something which you and your audience cares about
• Pick an interesting topic
• Your issue doesn’t have to be too narrow or broad
• The title of your debate should add value
• Can you get sufficient material on it?

List of Topics That You Could Use to Improve Your Arguments

It’s not easy being a good debater if you don’t know to pick a relevant and engaging topic for your readers. While choosing good themes can be hard, we have come up with a list of unusual, controversial questions that should work for any level or purpose.

Examples of Interesting Controversial Debate Topics

A lot of things have happened in 2018, right? Yes, and while some have been quite remarkable others have “raised eyebrows.’ These are some of the most controversial topics we’ve come across so far:

1. Are Smartphones And Devices In Schools Harming Or Helping The Educational System?
2. Are We Doing Enough To Get The Best Out Of Our Blue And Green Economies?
3. Football Has Been The Most Popular Sport In 2018 Beating Rugby And Athletics: Discuss!
4. Is China Over-Burdening “Lesser’ African States With Debt?
5. Do You Think That Schools Start Teaching Students Contraceptive Methods To Prevent Early Pregnancies?
6. Is Police Brutality Good Or Bad For The Society?
7. Should Performance Enhancing Substances Be Acceptable For All Sportsmen And Women?
8. How Has The Internet Influenced Our State Of Security In 2018?
9. Is The Mobile Banking System Safe Or Not?
10. Why Has Health Insurance Become A Hot Topic In 2018?

Captivating and Good Debate Topics on Education

There are a lot of good debate topics that touch on the educational sector. From elementary, high school to college level, there are a lot of issues available for you. Here are a few of them:

1. Do You Think You Should Go For Field Trips Each Year
2. Should Students From Elementary Schools Carry Their Toys To School If They Want?
3. Should Elementary Schools Keep Pets In The Class Or Not?
4. Are Cartoons Harmful Or Useful For Elementary Students?
5. Movies Versus Books: Which Are More Educative?
6. Advantages Of Taking Part In Sports Activities In Schools
7. Should Institutions Cancel Final Exams?
8. Do You Feel That Sex Education Is Useful For College Students?
9. Are We Doing Enough To Stop Bullying In High Schools?
10. Is Social Networking Helping In Developing The Society?

Some Controversial Topics on Science and Technology

Several things have happened over the past couple of years in the science and technology industry. We’ve seen substantial tech milestones and unexpected failures. So, if you’re looking for the most controversial topics, pick any from these few unique ideas:

1. Is Google The Fastest And Most Efficient Search Engine Or Should We Look For Another One?
2. Smartphones And Cell Phones: Which Ones Are Safe For Us?
3. How Can Religion And Science Coexist?
4. Is It Okay To Study Online Nowadays?
5. Pros And Cons Of Electric Cars
6. Should Allow Our Young Children To Use Smartphones?
7. Benefits And Hazards Of Genetically Modified Children
8. People With An Improved Mathematical Mindset Are More Successful: Discuss!
9. Have TVs Degraded Or Improved The Cultures Of Our Different Societies?
10. Can The Law Keep Up With The Internet Technologies And Innovations Of Today?

Controversial Topics 2018 on Sports, Music and Leisure

This year, we’ve seen a lot of activities in the sports and music industry. From new musical hits from famous artists to record-breaking sporting milestones, there are several controversial topics 2018 that you could talk about. However, if you’re stuck, feel free to draw some inspiration from the following ideas:

1. Did France Deserve To Win The 2018 World Cup Final?
2. Is African Pop Music Currently The Best In The World?
3. Cristiano Ronaldo Vs. Lionel Messi: Who Do You Think Had The Best 2018?
4. Is Hip Hop Music The Major Mainstream Music In The USA?
5. Are Musical Concerts Good Or Bad For The Young Generation?

Wrap Up!

Are you looking for some argumentative, persuasive or controversial topics 2018? With these ideas and tips, you can quickly nail down an issue that’s informative, engaging and interesting for your audience. All in all, remember that the most effective method of improving your overall debating skills is through constant practice!

Debate allows us to see different perspectives on specific issues on which there are divergent opinions. It makes it possible for us to exchange points of view and build a more complete vision of reality. It also favors critical thinking, thanks among other aspects to the need to exercise certain mental flexibility and the use of persuasion and different discursive strategies in order to defend one’s position.

That is why the gatherings and debates are such a valuable resource in education and training centers, both in schools and in institutes and universities.

But finding a topic to discuss and talk about can be complicated. Therefore, in this article you can find a series of 23 discussion topics to propose class discussions.

Different topics to discuss in class

Below you will find a selection of topics of interest to discuss in class (trying to reach a conclusion) or to talk (basically share ideas in an informal way without pretending to reach a conclusion).

These subjects are designed for people with a maturational level corresponding to at least the secondary level and even at the university level, although many of them can be adjusted to the needs of other life stages such as infant, which corresponds to primary education.

1. The stigmatization of people with mental and neurological disorders

Mental health and the existence of alterations and disorders is a topic that is not usually discussed in society. Why is there so little talk about it, what should someone with a disorder feel, the social stigma that a diagnosis had in the past and the way in which this prejudice still exists today, how it can affect them and how they are visualized by society are some of the debate topics that are proposed. This is a topic of debate that includes a clear ethical component.

2. The death penalty

A subject of debate something more typical than the previous one. The death penalty continues to be applied in many countries of the world. Some people consider it necessary and just, others little more than a crime committed in the search for revenge. Should it still be valid? Is your application ethical? Because some countries apply it and others do not? What happens if an innocent person is convicted?

3. Illegal immigration

Another issue of debate and typical gathering is that of illegal immigration. In this aspect you can argue and discuss what produces it, what should be done about it, how it should be regulated, the different measures that have been taken throughout history in this aspect, the risks and advantages that the entry may imply. regulated by people in the country or the treatment that is given socially and legally to illegal immigrants, for example.

4. Equality

For decades, society has been advancing in the search for tolerance and acceptance of interpersonal differences. Little by little, it has been looking for and achieving the integration and equality of rights of different groups previously discriminated against (women, ethnic differences and races or the LGBT community). But we can ask ourselves: have we reached true equality or is there still a long way to go? Does the same thing happen in all parts of the world? This topic can be extended to different areas, such as women in the workplace, same-sex marriage or racism.

5. Partner and gender violence

Gender violence is an issue that, unfortunately, remains a relatively present element in society. What exactly it is and what it includes, where it comes from, its legal treatment, what role education and society play in its prevention, how to detect it and what to do in case of doing it or how it could be avoided are issues that can make it possible to talk at length and share points of view

6. Euthanasia

The fact that a person or their relatives can decide to die in certain circumstances that the person will not get out, such as irreversible coma or diseases that cause great pain and suffering. Its use to avoid the suffering of the patient, the ethics and / or legitimacy of such practice, who should make the decision in case the patient does not have and cannot express their opinion and the limits that should be imposed on their use are highly controversial even today.

7. Animal experimentation

Medicines, cosmetics and other elements must be tested before they can be marketed in order to check their effects. Traditionally, various animals have been used in the laboratory to verify these effects, and even if today we have synthetic skins to test elements such as cosmetics, other living beings continue to be used in experimentation and research. Is animal experimentation necessary? Is it carried out with ethics? What is the use if, after all, they are tested on a type of being that does not share all of our characteristics?

8. The evolution of technology

Technology advances at an incredible speed. What seemed impossible a few centuries ago can now be achieved with a simple click. Ask ourselves where we will come with it, discuss whether this evolution is always positive or hide a negative part or whether we should put some kind of brake or caution about it are issues to be discussed.

9. Ethics in daily life and at a professional level

Ethics and morals this topic is complex, but in spite of this it can adapt to different evolutionary levels. What is it and what is not admissible? Should we cause suffering to someone if, thanks to him, they could improve their situation or achieve a common good? Should everything be allowed? The end justifies the means? What aspects should be taken into account at professional level to exercise correctly? What limits should not be crossed? Is ethics proper? These and other aspects allow to realize gatherings and deep debates in which to emphasize values and beliefs.

10. The image in society

We are in a society in which the image is highly valued. The physical appearance and the reputation of each one can mark to a large extent how others see you and even how you see yourself. It can help us get a job or get closer to our dreamed partner, but it can also cause us great frustrations, insecurity and even generate various disorders. Discuss its importance and the changes that may have arisen over time regarding what is considered good image can be interesting.

11. Censorship

The thoughts, beliefs and even the perception of some concrete facts are frequently censored by different people and organisms. In some countries, tendencies and thoughts contrary to the power or interests of the population are censured and repressed openly.

In other places it is applied in a more concealed way, omitting part of reality or even modifying it. And it is not necessary that it occurs between different people: even oneself can censor part of one’s own being or thought due to social pressure or the existence of beliefs and contrary thoughts. Does it have any kind of meaning or utility? Why is it carried out? How to avoid it? Are there limits on freedom of expression?

12. Climate change

Although today it does not seem as much in vogue as it was a few years ago, climate change and its existence has been a frequent topic in debates and discussions. What it is, how it affects us, the environment or the rest of the world, what should be done, who has the responsibility or aspects derived from the fight against it such as recycling or the use of fossil or natural fuels are aspects that allow reflection about the world in which we live.

13. The legalization of prostitution

Prostitution is illegal in many countries, being punishable by law. However, it is a type of activity with a high level of demand. The fact that it is illegal supposes a high level of insecurity for the people who dedicate themselves to it, besides that being a demanded activity facilitates the creation of mafias and networks of sexual exploitation that pretend to benefit from it. Whether or not it should be legal or that would imply such legalization for sex professionals, clients and society in general are aspects to be discussed.

14. Drugs in society

The consumption of psychoactive substances is relatively common in today’s society. Many of them cause severe addictions and harmful effects in both the short and long term. Some aspects to discuss can be the following: why are they consumed? What effects do they have? How is your consumption viewed socially?

15. Fidelity and infidelity in the couple

The couple is another of the big issues to debate. And within it, the maintenance of fidelity or its non-compliance is a subject that is widely debatable. What does it mean to be faithful? Is being unfaithful only having sex with third parties? Because some people are infidels and others are not? Is the human being unfaithful by nature? Would you forgive an infidelity? Would you commit one if you knew that no one was going to find out? What happens with open couples? How does an infidelity affect life as a couple? These and other questions are usually discussed in different gatherings.

16. Social stereotypes

Stereotypes are a set of predetermined ideas and beliefs regarding the characteristics of certain themes or groups. Stereotypes can lead us to prejudge others and maintain attitudes that imply undeserved unequal treatment, and because of that we sometimes act as if we knew someone we do not know based on characteristics they have not demonstrated. Where they come from, because they are produced and how to fight them are aspects to be discussed.

17. Privacy and the right to privacy

With the presence of elements such as social networks or new technologies we can keep in touch with people from all over the world at any time and place. While this may be positive, on the other hand it also means a loss of privacy by allowing our information to be shared with a large number of people. These people can come to judge our life both public and private and cause us various types of damage, or even obtain benefits through the use of our information.

18. Globalization

We are in a globalized world, which allows the communication and expression of feelings and ways of seeing the world. It is something that helps us share and understand each other better. However, it also causes different ethnic groups and peoples to see their cultural identity, traditions and customs eliminated and forgotten, being absorbed by an increasingly standardized society.

19. Employment today

Obtaining a job today can be complicated, as can be seen in the high number of unemployed. In addition, temporary hiring abounds, which in practice supposes a high level of insecurity regarding future economic possibilities and makes it difficult to establish future plans. The situation of the labor market today is a frequent reason for various gatherings.

20. Abortion

It is a typical theme in different debates and gatherings. The fact of abortion and what it supposes, the decision making and the possible psychic effects that it can have, the legal limitations to abort, until what stage of development of the fetus it is possible to do it, ethical aspects discussed in relation to this topic and how the different sectors of society see the fact are aspects to be discussed.

21. Religion and spirituality

The spiritual and religious beliefs have been present in the human being since ancient times. Rites, traditions and ways of seeing the world have emerged from them and have been a frequent source of debate. The usefulness of religious beliefs, their use for various purposes, why some people believe and others not and the effects that different religious confessions have had throughout history can give rise to intense debates.

22. Social pressure

Most people have ever done something they did not want simply because they expected it or because of social or group pressure. The opinion of others or what we think others think of us matters to a greater or lesser extent. Aspects to comment can be: Why? What do we do or what can we do if we are subject to pressure from society or the group? What is expected of us?

23. Superstitions

Opening an umbrella under cover, throwing salt or wine on the table, that you break a mirror that you see a one-eyed or cross with a black cat have been for some people a sign of bad luck. Other people have small rituals or even talismans that are supposed to give good luck. Do these superstitions have any meaning? Where do they come from? Do we have any? These are questions that we can ask ourselves and that are an interesting topic of discussion and debate.