Debate topics: 60 motions for students, the English to argue, and a 2-minute timer
A debate gives you a motion (“Homework should be banned”) and a side, and you must argue for it clearly. Here are 60 debate topics for students in six groups, the English phrases to make a point and answer the other side, the PEEL structure with a worked example for both sides, and a free 2-minute timer that records you.
By The YoFluent teamUpdated 10 min read
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Practise now: a 2-minute debate speech timer
You get a random motion, 20 seconds to plan, and 2 minutes to argue for it. Allow the microphone and it records you so you can listen back. Argue the side you get, even if you disagree. Press “New topic” for another motion.
Argue for this motion
Homework should be banned in primary schools.
Runs in your browser. Your recording stays on your device and is never uploaded.
How to build an argument: PEEL
| Letter | Meaning | Example: “Homework should be banned in primary schools” (for) |
|---|---|---|
| P | Point: one clear claim. | “Homework takes away children’s free time.” |
| E | Evidence: a fact, example or reason. | “After a full school day, young children need time to play, sleep and be with family.” |
| E | Explain: why the evidence supports your point. | “Play and rest help children’s development, and tired children learn less the next day.” |
| L | Link: connect back to the motion. | “That is why homework should be banned in primary schools.” |
Build two or three PEEL points for a 2-minute speech, with an opening and a closing sentence.
The same motion, both sides
| For (agree with the motion) | Against (disagree) |
|---|---|
| “Homework takes away children’s free time, and young children need play and rest.” | “Short homework builds good study habits early, and helps parents see what children are learning.” |
| “Many children get stress and not enough sleep because of homework.” | “A small amount, like 15 minutes, doesn’t cause stress, and it teaches responsibility.” |
| “Schools should give time for learning in class, not at home.” | “Class time is limited; practice at home helps children remember what they learned.” |
Notice that both sides use clear, simple sentences. You win debates with reasons, not with long words.
The English phrases a debater needs
| When you want to… | Say |
|---|---|
| Open | “Good morning, honourable judges and fellow debaters. Today I’ll argue that…” · “I strongly believe that…” |
| Signpost | “I have three points. Firstly… Secondly… Finally…” · “Let me now turn to…” |
| Give evidence | “For example…” · “Studies show that…” (only if you know the study) · “Consider the case of…” |
| Rebut | “My opponent said…, but this ignores…” · “That may be true, however…” · “This argument doesn’t work because…” |
| Concede a point | “I accept that…, but…” · “It’s true that…, nevertheless…” |
| Close | “In conclusion…” · “For these reasons, I urge you to support / oppose the motion.” · “Thank you.” |
60 debate topics for students
Choose a group and practise both sides. The first time, the other side feels uncomfortable, but that is the best practice for fast thinking.
School and education
- Homework should be banned in primary schools.
- School uniforms should be compulsory.
- Exams should be replaced by projects.
- Mobile phones should be allowed in classrooms.
- Students should be able to choose all their subjects.
- The school day should start later.
- Sports should be a compulsory subject.
- Students should be taught life skills such as money and cooking.
- Online classes are better than classroom lessons.
- Marks should not be shown publicly.
Technology
- Social media does more harm than good for teenagers.
- Artificial intelligence will make students lazy.
- Children under 13 should not have smartphones.
- Video games should be treated as a sport.
- Robots will replace most teachers.
- The internet should be censored for children.
- Everyone should learn to code.
- Online friends are as real as offline friends.
- Technology has made us less social.
- Smart watches should be banned in exams.
Environment
- Plastic bags should be banned.
- Governments should ban petrol cars by 2040.
- Individuals can do little about climate change.
- Zoos should be closed.
- Schools should plant a tree for every student.
- Fast fashion should be taxed.
- Cities should ban cars from the centre.
- Nuclear power is the answer to energy needs.
- Eating meat should be reduced.
- Recycling should be compulsory.
Society
- Voting should be compulsory.
- Celebrities are bad role models.
- Junk food adverts should be banned.
- Money is the key to happiness.
- Fame is more important than friendship.
- Boys and girls should study in separate schools.
- The legal driving age should be raised.
- Volunteering should be part of the school curriculum.
- Public transport should be free.
- Children should do household chores.
Health and lifestyle
- Junk food should be banned in schools.
- Everyone should sleep at least 8 hours.
- Gym membership should be free for students.
- Vegetarian food is healthier.
- Mental health should be taught in schools.
- Energy drinks should not be sold to teenagers.
- Schools should have daily exercise time.
- Screen time should be limited by law for children.
- Cooking should be taught to everyone.
- Competitive sport is bad for children.
Fun and light
- Cats are better pets than dogs.
- Summer is better than winter.
- Books are better than films.
- Breakfast is the most important meal.
- Mornings are better than evenings.
- Pineapple belongs on pizza.
- Social media influencers have easy jobs.
- It is better to be a leader than a follower.
- Living in the city is better than living in the countryside.
- Time travel would do more harm than good.
Common mistakes
- Only opinions, no reasons. “I think it is bad” is not an argument. Add a reason and an example.
- Ignoring the other side. Rebuttal is where debates are won.
- Making up facts or numbers. If you don’t know, use a real example or logic.
- Reading a script. Use short notes with keywords, and look at the audience.
- Attacking people instead of ideas. Be firm but polite: “I respectfully disagree”.
- Speaking too fast in English. Pause between points so the judges can follow.
How to practise
- Pick a motion each day and write three PEEL points for each side (10 minutes).
- Speak for 2 minutes with the timer above, and record it.
- Listen back and fix one thing: signposts, a missing example or filler words.
- Practise rebuttal with a partner or an AI tutor that takes the other side. See how an AI tutor call works.
For shorter speaking practice, see just a minute topics, and for team discussions, group discussion topics.
Frequently asked questions
What are good debate topics for students?
Good topics are close to students’ lives and have two reasonable sides, such as homework, school uniforms, social media, mobile phones in class, online learning, plastic bans and compulsory voting. This page lists 60 in six groups.
How do I structure an argument in a debate?
Use PEEL: make a Point, give Evidence, Explain why the evidence supports the point, and Link back to the motion. Use two or three PEEL arguments for a short speech, with an opening and a closing.
How do I rebut the other side?
Summarise their point fairly, then answer it: “My opponent said…, but this ignores…” or “That may be true, however…”. Show why their evidence is weak or why your point matters more.
How long should a debate speech be?
It depends on the format. Many school debates give 2 to 4 minutes per speaker. Practise with a timer so your best points come first.
What if I have to argue a side I disagree with?
It is common and useful. Think of the strongest reasons that someone who holds that view would give, and argue those. It also makes you better at answering that side when you hold the opposite view.
How can I practise debating in English?
Take a motion, plan three PEEL points, speak for two minutes with a timer, and record it. Listen for clear signposts, examples and pauses. Then practise with a partner or an AI tutor that argues the other side.
Practise arguing in English with an AI partner
Debate any topic out loud with an AI tutor that responds and disagrees, with feedback on your English. Free for 3 days.
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