Debate is the skill of presenting arguments, listening to others, and defending ideas with evidence. Through inquiry learning, students don’t just memorize points—they explore issues, ask questions, and test different perspectives. Debating teaches learners how to research, organize thoughts, and speak with confidence. It also helps them understand that every topic has more than one side. By practicing debates, students develop teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skills that prepare them for real-life discussions. In this way, Debate becomes not just a classroom exercise but a powerful tool for learning and leadership.
🟢 Starter
- List three topics you would like to debate about.
- Practice saying “I agree” and “I disagree” politely.
- Write down one reason why school uniforms are good.
- Write down one reason why school uniforms are bad.
- Role-play a short debate about favorite foods.
- Practice raising your hand before speaking in a debate.
- Write three sentences about why listening is important in a debate.
- Choose a book character and argue whether they made a good choice.
- Debate with a partner: cats vs dogs.
- Write down one rule you think debates need.
- Role-play a debate about “recess should be longer.”
- Write three questions to ask in a classroom debate.
- Practice giving a compliment after a debate.
- Write down a debate topic about the environment.
- Share one idea on how to prepare for a debate.
- Practice stating your opinion in one clear sentence.
- Debate with a partner: summer vs winter.
- Write down what it feels like to speak in front of others.
- Role-play a short debate about “pizza vs burgers.”
- Write three ways debates are different from arguments.
🟡 Practice
- Debate whether homework is helpful or harmful.
- Write down five phrases to use in a debate.
- Create a chart with pros and cons of social media.
- Debate whether technology helps students learn better.
- Write a paragraph about both sides of recycling.
- Research one fact to support your opinion in a debate.
- Debate whether schools should have longer holidays.
- Write a short opening statement for a debate.
- Compare two debate topics and decide which is stronger.
- Debate whether sports are more important than arts.
- Write a paragraph about why evidence is important in a debate.
- Practice asking respectful questions in a debate.
- Debate whether fast food should be banned at school.
- Write a closing statement for a debate.
- Research one example of a famous debate in history.
- Debate whether students should have more say in school rules.
- Write down five body language tips for debating.
- Debate whether video games are educational.
- Create a mini-debate with three classmates.
- Write a paragraph about how debating helps you think.
🔴 Challenge
- Debate whether money should be spent on space exploration or Earth’s problems.
- Write an essay about the value of debating in society.
- Research and debate whether the internet does more harm than good.
- Prepare arguments for and against school uniforms.
- Debate whether voting age should be lowered to 16.
- Write a persuasive opening for a debate on climate change.
- Compare formal debates and casual discussions.
- Debate whether sports stars are good role models.
- Write a critical review of a famous political debate.
- Debate whether books are better than movies.
- Write a closing speech for a debate about freedom of speech.
- Research how debates influence government decisions.
- Debate whether zoos should exist.
- Write an editorial about the role of debates in democracy.
- Debate whether technology makes people more isolated.
- Research and debate whether humans should colonize Mars.
- Write a plan for organizing a class debate.
- Debate whether school cafeterias should serve only healthy food.
- Write a reflection on what you learned from a debate.
- Debate whether students should decide their own curriculum.