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How to Write a Debate Speech

Last Updated: February 20, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz . Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,489,803 times.

So, you've joined debate, and it's time to write a debate speech. There are some tried and true methods to writing an effective debate speech. If you understand them, and the components that make up a standard debate speech, you will increase your chances of success.

Sample Speeches

Preparing for the Debate Speech

• You may be asked to stand affirmative or negative. In LD (Lincoln-Douglas debate), the first affirmative speech will be at most 7 minutes long, and the first negative speech will be at most 6 minutes. [1] X Research source
• The speakers then present arguments against the earlier affirmative or negative speech that was just read. Speakers must listen carefully and be able to counter arguments. There are two segments involving cross-examination (CX), in which the debaters are allowed to ask questions and openly debate the topic. This is most often called cross-examination, or cx for short, and occurs after the first affirmative speech, and the first negative speech.
• The best thing you can do to better understand LD/PF/Policy debate is practice and research.

• Brainstorm the topic, and research it before you sit down to write. Write out a list of key components for both sides of the issue. If you are on a debate team, do this together. Each member could discuss the key component list, in order to figure out which issues you want to cover in each speech.
• Spend some time at the library or on the Internet using credible sources to research the key reasons that seem strongest. Use books, scholarly journals, credible newspapers, and the like. Be very cautious about unverified information bandied about on the Internet.
• You will also want prepare to deal with the strongest arguments your opponent(s) might make. Ignoring the other side’s best arguments can weaken your rhetorical appeal.

• A basic debate outline should contain six parts: An attention-getter, your stated stance (aff or neg)/ restatement of the resolution, your definitions, your value, criterion, and contentions.
• You can break each of those six parts into subcategories. It’s often a good idea to write the contentions last, focusing on the value and criterion to hold it up first.

Writing the Debate Speech

• You should address the jury or audience with formal salutations. For example, you could say something like, “Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.” Debates are very formal in tone.
• Making a good first impression with the judges is very important. This leads judges to assume the debater is persuasive. One technique to write a strong introduction is to contextualize the topic, especially in relation to real world events. [6] X Trustworthy Source American Bar Association Leading professional organization of lawyers and law students Go to source
• Introductions can also focus on prominent examples, quotations, or on a personal anecdote that can help establish a rapport with the audience and judges. Be careful using humor; it involves risks and can lead to awkward silences if not done right. Find a relevant specific that illustrates the underlying point.

• Don’t muddle your position. It needs to be extremely clear whether you affirm or negate the resolution, so don’t hem and haw and contradict yourself. The audience also should not have to wait until the end to find out. Make your stance very clear, and do it early on
• For example, you could say, “my partner and I firmly negate (or affirm) the resolution which states that unilateral military force by the United States is justified to prevent nuclear proliferation.” [7] X Research source

• A good rule of thumb is to back up your position with 3-4 strong points of supporting argumentation. You definitely need to have more than 1 or 2 key points to back up the stance you have taken.
• The body of the speech – the key points and their development – should be, by far, the longest part of the debate speech (perhaps 3 ½ minutes to 30 seconds for an opening and for a conclusion, depending on the rules of the debate you are doing).

• Focus on the causes of the problem, the effects of the problem, expert opinion, examples, statistics, and present a solution. Try to use visual images, not just generic terms – show don’t tell, and illustrate a point with details.
• Appeal to the motives and emotions of the listener with a light touch. Appeal to their sense of fair play, desire to save, to be helpful, to care about community, etc. Ground examples in how people are affected.
• Try using rhetorical questions, which make your opponents consider the validity of their point; irony, which undermines their point and makes you seem more mature and intelligent; simile, which gives them something to relate to; humor, which gets the audience on your side when done well; and repetition, which reinforces your point.

• Aristotle believed that speakers were more persuasive if they combined elements of logos (persuasion by reasoning) with pathos (having an element of emotional appeal) and ethos (an appeal based on the character of the speaker) - for example, that they seem intelligent or of good will.
• There are two ways to use logic – inductive (which makes the case with measurable evidence like statistics or a specific anecdote or example) and deductive (which makes the case by outlining a general principle that is related to the specific topic to infer a conclusion from it - as in, I oppose all wars except those involving imminent self defense; thus, I must oppose this one because it's a war that was not in imminent self defense, and here's why). Or the reverse.
• You should use pathos sparingly. Emotional appeal on its own can be dangerous. Logos - the appeal to reason - should be at the core. However, logical appeal without any pathos at all can render a speech dry and dull. Consider what you are trying to make your audience feel. Explaining how a topic affects real people is one way to use pathos well.

Concluding the Debate Speech

• One strong way to conclude a debate speech is to bookend the conclusion with the opening, by referring back to the introduction and tying the conclusion into the same theme.
• Quotations can be a good way to end a speech. You can also end with a brief summation of the key arguments of the speech to ensure they remain fresh in judges’ minds.

• Use a clear, loud voice, and be careful to watch pacing. You don’t want to speak too loud or too slowly. Remember that confidence goes a long way toward persuasion.

Expert Q&A

• Never add new points in your speech because you still have time, as you might not present it in the best way. When you are nervous, you might even say an argument in favor of the other side and you don't want that. Thanks Helpful 31 Not Helpful 2
• Never degrade your topic. Thanks Helpful 32 Not Helpful 3
• Don't use all your points in your debate- in an actual debate, it is sometimes useful to have other information to cite if the argument starts going their way Thanks Helpful 29 Not Helpful 3

Tips from our Readers

• You can make a sample opening and closing speech beforehand so you can focus more time on developing your arguments during the actual debate.
• Make sure to include rebuttals in your speech, as they are just as important as your main arguments.
• Practice as much as possible — it will make you more confident and help you maintain eye contact.
• Imagine you're just practicing with a friend rather than performing in front of an audience.
• Take deep breaths before starting to ease nerves.

• Remember, just because you can write a debate speech, it doesn't mean you can say a debate speech effectively. Practice! Thanks Helpful 22 Not Helpful 5

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.learndebating.com/english/DEBATING.pdf
• ↑ https://guides.lib.uw.edu/research/faq/reliable
• ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
• ↑ https://www.hamilton.edu/academics/centers/oralcommunication/guides/how-to-outline-a-speech
• ↑ https://www.americanbar.org/groups/litigation/resources/newsletters/trial-evidence/five-tips-engaging-opening-statements/
• ↑ http://www.oxfordsd.org/Page/5582
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/argument/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/persuasive-speaking
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/speech-anxiety

About This Article

To write a debate speech, start by researching the topic thoroughly with credible and scholarly sources, and make an outline of your argument including an introduction, thesis argument, key points, and conclusion. Write the thesis argument and develop 3-4 strong points of argumentation. Be sure to clearly state your stance, and utilize expert opinions, statistics, and examples to support your opinion. To finish the speech, write an interesting introduction that incorporates your thesis and a brief conclusion that summarizes your main points. If you want to learn more, such as how to make your debate speech persuasive, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Debate Writing

Debate Examples

20+ Thought Provoking Debate Examples: Including Tips

Published on: Feb 13, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Many people struggle to find engaging and informative debate examples to enhance their understanding of various topics. Plus to improve their argumentation skills.

However, it can be challenging to find compelling examples that truly ignite intellectual discourse.

But worry no more! 

In this blog, we have curated over 20 captivating debate examples that will fuel your intellectual curiosity and stimulate meaningful conversations.

Whether you're a student, debater, or simply someone interested in the art of persuasion, this blog is for you.

Let’s get started!

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Debate Examples for Students

A detailed example is necessary to understand the proper format and structure for your debate. Likewise, written debate examples assist students in writing their own debates!

A perfect debate is an art that requires patience and dedication. These examples will help you master the skill.

Debate Examples for Primary School

Have a look at the examples for primary school to understand how debate questions are written. It allows you to see that even complex topics can be broken down in an easy-to-follow manner. 

Also, it will help you better grasp debate question writing and comprehension skills!

Debate Examples Ks2

Debate Examples Sentence

Debate Examples for Middle School

Check out these debate examples for middle school to get a better idea of the format.

Debate Examples for Class 8

Political Debate Examples

Debate Examples for High School

The following are good examples of debate for high school students. They can help you understand better and maybe even start a fiery political discussion with your friends!

Debate Examples for Class 11

Debate Examples for Class 12

Value Debate Example

Value debate is an argument that examines the values that drive decision-making. It usually pits debaters against each other to justify why their position should take precedence over others.

Take a look at the following example to know how to do it.

Value Debate Examples

Informal Debate Example

The goal of an informal debate is not to back up claims with evidence but instead assert or highlight something. For example:

A claim like ‘ I did the dishes last night ’ does not need any sort of logical reasoning.

This could be an argument to convince your siblings that they should do the dishes next time. 

Informal debates are more enjoyable than formal ones because they don't require the burden of proof. Instead, informal discussions aim to assert or point out something with little evidence.

It encourages people who aren’t convinced by what you say until then; maybe your tone makes them change their minds.

Individuals with different opinions use them to start the conversation. These debates may end up in confrontation or disagreement depending on how well-argued your position is compared with others.

Informal Debate Examples

Nature Debate Example

The nature debate is a philosophical argument about the origins and development of human behavior. It says that the physical features of your face are determined biologically.

It examines how environmental factors influence who we are. Among the factors that can be influenced are:

• How we are brought up
• Surrounding culture
• Childhood memories
• Social relations

The following are examples of a nature debate to help you understand the concept.

Nature Debate Examples

Nurture Debate Examples pdf

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Nature vs. Nurture Debate

The nature vs. nurture debate is a long-standing and complex discussion. It explores the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) in shaping human traits, behaviors, and development. 

This debate has captivated researchers, psychologists, and philosophers for centuries. Refer to this example provided below for inspiration on how to write an outstanding nature vs. nurture debate.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate Examples

Rebuttal in Debate

A rebuttal is an attempt to refute, argue against, or deny while writing a debate. It mainly does so by introducing other evidence and reasoning to weaken opposing arguments.

To refute an argument, you need a clear idea of your side. A good starting point is to brainstorm ideas and come up with points that can change opposing side beliefs.

With the help of a given rebuttal example, you can get a clear idea.

Rebuttal In Debate Examples

Debate Examples Script

Given below are some more interesting debate examples. 

Criterion debate examples

Balloon debate example

How to Start a Debate 

Simply introduce yourself and your topic. Moreover, a captivating intro will make the listener pay attention and stay engaged for as long as possible.

The following characteristics must be present in an interesting debate introduction.

• Your stance on the subject, whether pro or con
• Tell an engaging story about the topic.
• Make use of a rhetorical question or a strong quote.
• Recognize the judges, audience members, and your counterpart.

This will surely create a sense of curiosity in the audience by making them want to know more.

Do you want to sound convincing? Check out this amazing opening statement debate example!

How to Start a Debate - Examples

How to End a Debate

The conclusion of a debate must contain the following elements in order not only to wrap up all arguments but also provide context for future discussions.

• Reiterate the most critical points.
• Close your concerns naturally.
• Give your judges something to think about after your debate.
• Make your final remarks about your case.
• Add a quotation to conclude the final argument.

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For more information, check out this video below.

Winning Strategies: Tips to Take Your Debating Skills to the Next Level

Mastering the art of debate requires more than just knowledge of the topic at hand. To truly take your debating skills to the next level, consider incorporating these winning strategies:

• Research, research, research

Thoroughly educate yourself on the topic you'll be debating. Gather reliable sources, study different perspectives, and familiarize yourself with key arguments and counterarguments.

• Construct A Strong Case

Develop a clear and logical structure for your arguments. Start with a compelling introduction, followed by well-reasoned points supported by evidence and examples. Anticipate potential rebuttals and prepare counterarguments.

• Listen Actively

Engage in active listening during the debate. Pay attention to your opponent's arguments and be prepared to respond effectively. Take notes to organize your thoughts and identify areas where you can challenge their points.

• Use Persuasive Language

Choose your words carefully to convey your ideas convincingly. Utilize rhetorical devices, such as analogies or powerful statistics, to strengthen your arguments and make them more memorable.

• Maintain Composure

Stay calm and composed throughout the debate, even when faced with opposing views or aggressive questioning. Maintain a respectful tone and avoid personal attacks. Focus on the merits of the arguments rather than the individuals presenting them.

• Rebut with Precision

When countering your opponent's arguments, address their main points directly. Clearly articulate why their reasoning is flawed or unsupported. Use evidence and logical reasoning to dismantle their claims.

Remember, debate is not only about winning but also about learning and gaining a deeper understanding of complex issues. 

In conclusion, debate can be an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience. But with these debate examples and winning strategies, you will be equipped to engage in meaningful discussions and make your voice heard.

If you're looking to take your academic journey to the next level, be sure to check out our AI essay generator .

CollegeEssay.org is the best essay writing service available for students. Our team of experts is committed to helping you achieve your academic and professional goals, offering expert guidance on essay writing, college applications, and more. 

Take the first step towards academic excellence and hire our writing service now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you write a debate example.

Here are seven steps to writing a debate:

• Intriguing introduction 
• Pre-speech note to draw the listener’s attention
• A formal address to the audience 
• The topic's development 
• Negative consequences 
• Conclusion 
• A formal thank you to the audience 

How do you start a debate speech?

Below are some steps that will help you start a debate speech.

• Start with a greeting
• Tell an amazing story
• Write facts
• Share your opinion
• State a problem

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Resources for Students

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Resources for Students FAQs

Basic Argument Construction

Everyone has made an argument before. If you’ve ever persuaded your parents to let you out of the house late, or convinced your teacher to raise your grade, you already know the basics of building an argument. In debate, argumentation is the foundation of every speech. In order to be successful at debate, developing the skills to make a persuasive, organized argument is key.

When constructing an argument for any case, it’s important to have organization not just in your speech as a whole, but in your argument as well. For younger debaters learning the basics of argumentation, we use an acronym to remember the structure of each argument. 

Before developing an argument you need to tell the judges what your argument is about. A label should clarify to your judges the main idea of your argument in less than a sentence. 

Once you’ve told the judges what your argument is about, you need to explain what exactly you meant. This section of your argument is also referred to as analysis . It is very important that as you explain your argument you walk your judge logically through the steps of your point. Your ultimate goal is to show the judges why your argument is true.

After explaining why your argument is true, it is very useful to provide an example or evidence t o support your claim. In a prepared motion, you might use statistics or a very specific example. But in an impromptu round, it is unlikely that you know tons about the topic. If you do, that’s great! Otherwise, using general examples or linking your argument to another idea can be just as useful. Make sure to explain why your example is relevant; if you don’t tie it to your argument, the example doesn’t serve a purpose. 

A tie back is a few sentences explaining what makes your argument so important to the round and why it belongs in your case. Think of it as the concluding sentence in a written paragraph. 

An example of LEET   (motion: THW install bike lanes in major cities)

Label: Bike lanes are safer for cyclists

Explain: Both being on sidewalks and unprotected roads can be dangerous for cyclists. If unknowing pedestrians or cars fail to see cyclists, it can be incredibly dangerous. Cyclists are threatened in both places making cycling an inaccessible option for people. 

Example: In New York city, the introduction of smart bike lanes led to a 56% reduction in injuries to all street users. This included large reductions for cyclists, pedestrians, and fewer collisions overall. 

Tieback: Because bike lanes provide a safer environment for all traffic it is critical that we form protected bike lanes on all major streets. 

How do I practice?

Pick a motion and a side. Think of one argument that you would want to make, then following the steps of LEET, try to fill out your argument. When it’s written ask yourself:

• Does my argument have an introduction that would tell the judges what I was going to say?
• Does my argument have several lines explaining my topic sentence? Would judges now think my argument was true?
• Does my argument have examples or evidence that I can link to the explanation?
• Did I explain why my evidence is important or directly related to my argument?
• Does my argument have a concluding sentence that explains why my argument matters?

Practicing with a partner also helps. Even if you think your argument makes sense, another person might not understand it. Deliver arguments to another person and ask them the questions. If your argument doesn’t meet all the elements of LEET, how could you improve it?

Kids Explain LEET

Resource Downloads

• LEET handout (docx)

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How to Write a Winning Debate Speech

What is a Debating Speech?

A classroom debate involves students delivering persuasive speeches to present and support their opinions on a given subject. This activity helps develop critical thinking and communication skills, enabling students to gain a more comprehensive grasp of various topics.

Debating speeches are written according to a set of rules so a moderator can assess their effectiveness and provide an opportunity for others to question or challenge their statements within a formal debate.

A classroom debate is not an unruly fight or pointless argument but a structured formal conversation on a chosen topic in which two teams argue for or against in an attempt to convince the neutral moderator that they hold the stronger position.

Debating is a form of persuasive communication, and while we will be sticking to the fundamentals of how to write a debating speech, we also have a great guide to persuasive essay writing that elaborates on specific persuasive techniques.

Complete Teaching Unit on Class Debating

This unit will guide your students to write excellent DEBATE SPEECHES and craft well-researched, constructed ARGU MENTS ready for critique from their classmates.

Furthermore, this EDITABLE UNIT will provide the TOOLS and STRATEGIES for running highly engaging CLASSROOM DEBATES.

How To Run A Classroom Debate

Before jumping in headfirst to write your debating speech, ensure you understand how a debate is run so that you can maximise your strategy and impact when it counts.

Debates occur in many different contexts, such as public meetings, election campaigns, legislative assemblies, and as entertainment on television shows. These contexts determine the specific structure the debate will follow.

This guide provides a basic step-by-step debate structure we can comfortably run with students in a classroom. By familiarizing students with this structure, they will effortlessly transition to other debate frameworks.

Running a classroom debate can be an engaging and educational activity that helps students develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to organize and facilitate a successful classroom debate:

1. Choose a Topic For Your Debate.

Also called a resolution or a motion , the topic is sometimes chosen to debate. This is usually the case in a school activity to practice debating skills. 

The resolution or motion is usually centered around a true or false statement or a proposal to change the current situation. Often, the motion starts, ”This House believes that….”

Select a topic relevant to your curriculum and the students’ interests. Ensure that it is debatable and has multiple perspectives. Further down this article, you can find a list of popular classroom debating topics.

2. Form Two Debating Teams

Two teams of three speakers each are formed. These are referred to as ‘ The House for the Motion ’ or the ‘ Affirmative ’ team and ‘The House Against the Motion ’ or the ‘ Negative ’ team.

Preparation is an essential aspect of debating. The speech and debate team members will need time to research their arguments, collaborate, and organize themselves and their respective roles in the upcoming debate.

They’ll also need time to write and rehearse their speeches. The better prepared and coordinated they are as a team, the greater their chances of success in the debate.

3. Assign Roles to Students.

Each team member should have a specific role, such as speaker, researcher , or rebuttal specialist . This encourages teamwork and ensures that each student is actively involved.

4. Research and Preparation:

• Allocate time for teams to research and prepare their arguments. Encourage students to use multiple sources, including books, articles, and reputable websites. Make sure you read our complete guide to powerful student research strategies.

5. Set Debate Format:

• Define the debate format, including the structure of each round. Common formats include opening statements, cross-examination, rebuttals, and closing statements.

6. Establish Rules:

• Set ground rules for the debate, such as time limits for each speaker, etiquette, guidelines for respectful communication, and consequences for rule violations.

7. Conduct a Practice Debate:

• Before the actual debate, conduct a practice round. This helps students become familiar with the format and allows you to provide feedback on their arguments and presentation skills.
• On the day of the debate, set up the classroom to accommodate the format. Ensure that each round has a clear structure, and designate a timekeeper to keep the debate on schedule.

9. Facilitate Q&A Sessions:

• After each team presents their arguments, allow time for questions and cross-examination. This encourages critical thinking and engagement among the students.

10. Evaluate and Debrief:

• After the debate, provide constructive feedback to each team. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments, presentation skills, and teamwork. Also, encourage students to reflect on what they learned from the experience.
• Have a class discussion about the debate, exploring different perspectives and opinions. This can deepen students’ understanding of the topic and enhance their critical thinking skills.

Consider integrating the debate topic into future lessons or assignments. This reinforces the learning experience and allows students to delve deeper into the subject matter.

Remember to create a supportive and respectful environment throughout the debate, emphasizing the importance of listening to opposing views and engaging in constructive dialogue.

Each speaker takes a turn making their speech, alternating between the House for the Motion, who goes first, and the House Against the Motion. Each speaker speaks for a pre-agreed amount of time.

Ensure your debate is held in front of an audience (in this case, the class), and occasionally, the audience is given time to ask questions after all the speeches have been made.

Finally, the debate is judged either by moderators or by an audience vote. 

Download our Debate Organizer

Stay fousssed with this handy template to keep all your ideas organized.

How to Write a Debate Speech

In highly competitive speech and debate tournaments, students are only provided the topic on the day, and limited time is allowed for preparation, but this is not recommended for beginners.

Regardless of the stakes of your classroom debate the speech writing process always begins with research. Thorough research will provide students with both the arguments and the supporting evidence for their position on a topic and also generate forward-thinking about what their opponents might use against them.

Writing Your Introduction

The purpose of the introduction in a debate speech is to achieve several things:

• Grab the attention of the audience,
• Introduce the topic
• Provide a thesis statement
• Preview some of the main arguments.

Grab The Attention Of Your Audience With Strong Hooks

Securing the audience’s attention is crucial, and failure to do this will have a strong, negative impact on how the team’s efforts will be scored as a whole. Let’s explore three proven strategies to hook your audience and align their thinking to yours.

Introduce Your Topic With Efficiency and Effectiveness

Once the audience’s attention has been firmly grasped, it’s time to introduce the topic or the motion. This should be done straightforwardly and transparently to ensure the audience understands the topic of the debate and the position you are approaching it from.

For example, if the topic of the debate was school uniforms, the topic may be introduced with:

Provide Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a concise declaration summarizing the points and arguments of your debating speech.

• It presents a clear stance on a topic and guides the reader on what to expect in the content.
• A good thesis statement is debatable and allows for opposing viewpoints and discussion.
• It serves as a roadmap for the writer, ensuring coherence and focus in the piece.
• It helps the audience understand the purpose and direction of the work from the beginning.

The thesis statement should express the student’s or the team’s position on the motion. Clearly explaining the speaker’s side of the debate. An example can be seen here.

Provide A Preview Of Your Arguments

The final part of the introduction section of a debate speech involves previewing the main points of the speech for the audience.

There is no need to go into detail with each argument here; that’s what the body of the speech is for. It is enough to provide a general thesis statement for each argument or ‘claims’ – (more on this to follow).

Previewing the arguments in a speech is especially important as the audience and judges only get one listen to a speech – unlike a text which can be reread as frequently as the reader likes.

Examples of strong opening statements for a debate

Attention Grabbers Task

After explaining the different types of attention grabbers and the format for the rest of the introduction to your students, challenge them to write an example of each type of opening for a specific debate topic. 

When they’ve finished writing these speech openings, discuss with the students which one best fits their chosen topic. Then, they can continue by completing the rest of the introduction for their speech using the format described above.

You might like to try a simple topic like “Homework should be banned.” you can choose from our collection further in this article.

Writing T he Body of the Speech

The body paragraphs are the real meat of the speech. They contain the in-depth arguments that make up the substance of the debate, and How well these arguments are made will determine how the judges will assess each speaker’s performance, so it’s essential to get the structure of these arguments just right.

Let’s take a look at how to do that.

How to structure an Argument

With the introduction out of the way, it’s time for the student to get down to the nitty-gritty of the debate – that is, making compelling arguments to support their case.

There are three main aspects to an argument in a debate speech. They are:

• The Warrant

Following this structure carefully enables our students to build coherent and robust arguments. Ttake a look at these elements in action in the example below.

Brainstorming Arguments

Present your students with a topic and, as a class, brainstorm some arguments for and against the motion.

Then, ask students to choose one argument and, using the Claim-Warrant-Impact format, take a few moments to write down a well-structured argument that’s up to debate standard.

Students can then present their arguments to the class. 

Or, you could also divide the class along pro/con lines and host a mini-debate!

Concluding a Debate Speech

The conclusion of a speech or a debate is the final chance for the speaker to convey their message to the audience. In a formal debate that has a set time limit, the conclusion is crucial as it demonstrates the speaker’s ability to cover all their material within the given time frame.

Avoid introducing new information and focus on reinforcing the strength of your position for a compelling and memorable conclusion.

A good conclusion should refer back to the introduction and restate the main position of the speaker, followed by a summary of the key arguments presented. Finally, the speaker should end the speech with a powerful image that will leave a lasting impression on the audience and judges.

Examples of strong debate Conclusions

The Burden of the Rejoinder

In formal debates, the burden of the rejoinder means that any time an opponent makes a point for their side, it’s incumbent upon the student/team to address that point directly.

Failing to do so will automatically be seen as accepting the truth of the point made by the opponent.

For example, if the opposing side argues that all grass is pink, despite how ridiculous that statement is, failing to refute that point directly means that, for the debate, all grass is pink.

Our students must understand the burden of the rejoinder and ensure that any points the opposing team makes are fully addressed during the debate.

The Devils Advocate

When preparing to write their speech, students should spend a significant proportion of their team collaborating as a team. 

One good way to practice the burden of the rejoinder concept is to use the concept of Devil’s Advocate, whereby one team member acts as a member of the opposing team, posing arguments from the other side for the speaker to counter, sharpening up their refutation skills in the process.

20 Great Debating Topics for Students

• Should cell phones be allowed in schools?
• Is climate change primarily caused by human activities?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is social media more harmful than beneficial to society?
• Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be embraced or rejected?
• Is the death penalty an effective crime deterrent?
• Should schools implement mandatory drug testing for students?
• Is animal testing necessary for scientific and medical advancements?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Is censorship justified in certain circumstances?
• Should the use of performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
• Is homeschooling more beneficial than traditional schooling?
• Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
• Is nuclear energy a viable solution to the world’s energy needs?
• Should the government regulate the fast food industry?
• Is social inequality a result of systemic factors or individual choices?
• Should the consumption of meat be reduced for environmental reasons?
• Is online learning more effective than traditional classroom learning?
• Should the use of drones in warfare be banned?
• Is the legalization of marijuana beneficial for society?

These topics cover a range of subjects and offer students the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking debates on relevant and impactful issues.

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO DEBATING

The Ultimate Guide to Opinion Writing for Students and Teachers

Top 5 Persuasive Writing Techniques for Students

5 Top Persuasive Writing Lesson Plans for Students and Teachers

23 Persuasive writing Topics for High School students

How to Write Perfect Persuasive Essays in 5 Simple Steps

Debating strategies for students.

Research and preparation are essential to ensure good performance in a debate. Students should spend as much time as possible drafting and redrafting their speeches to maximize their chances of winning. However, a debate is a dynamic activity, and victory cannot be assured by pre-writing alone.

Students must understand that the key to securing victory lies in also being able to think, write (often in the form of notes), and respond instantly amid the turmoil of the verbal battle. To do this, students must understand the following keys to victory.

When we think of winning a debate, we often think of blinding the enemy with the brilliance of our verbal eloquence. We think of impressing the audience and the judges alike with our outstanding oratory.

What we don’t often picture when we imagine what a debate winner looks like is a quiet figure sitting and listening intently. But being a good listener is one of our students’ most critical debating skills.

If students don’t listen to the other side, whether by researching opposing arguments or during the thrust of the actual debate, they won’t know the arguments the other side is making. Without this knowledge, they cannot effectively refute the opposition’s claims.

Read the Audience

In terms of the writing that happens before the debate takes place, this means knowing your audience. 

Students should learn that how they present their arguments may change according to the demographics of the audience and/or judges to whom they will be making their speech. 

An audience of retired school teachers and an audience of teen students may have very different responses to the same arguments.

This applies during the actual debate itself too. If the student making their speech reads resistance in the faces of the listeners, they should be prepared to adapt their approach accordingly in mid-speech.

Practice, Practice, Practice

The student must practice their speech before the debate. There’s no need to learn it entirely by heart. There isn’t usually an expectation to memorize a speech entirely, and doing so can lead to the speaker losing some of their spontaneity and power in their delivery. At the same time, students shouldn’t spend the whole speech bent over a sheet of paper reading word by word.

Ideally, students should familiarize themselves with the content and be prepared to deliver their speech using flashcards as prompts when necessary.

Another important element for students to focus on when practising their speech is making their body language, facial expressions, and hand gestures coherent with the verbal content of their speech. One excellent way to achieve this is for the student to practice delivering their speech in a mirror.

And Finally…

Debating is a lot of fun to teach and partake in, but it also offers students a valuable opportunity to pick up some powerful life skills.

It helps students develop a knack for distinguishing fact from opinion and an ability to assess whether a source is credible or not. It also helps to encourage them to think about the other side of the argument. 

Debating helps our students understand others, even when disagreeing with them. An important skill in these challenging times, without a doubt.

Debating Teaching Strategies

Clearly Define Debate Roles and Structure when running speech and debate events: Clearly define the roles of speakers, timekeepers, moderators, and audience members. Establish a structured format with specific time limits for speeches, rebuttals, and audience participation. This ensures a well-organized and engaging debate.

• Provide Topic Selection and Preparation Time: Offer students a range of debate topics, allowing them to select a subject they are passionate about. Allocate ample time for research and preparation, encouraging students to gather evidence, develop strong arguments, and anticipate counterarguments.
• Incorporate Scaffolded Debating Skills Practice: Before the actual debate, engage students in scaffolded activities that build their debating skills. This can include small group discussions, mock debates, or persuasive writing exercises. Provide feedback and guidance to help students refine their arguments and delivery.
• Encourage Active Listening and Note-taking during speech and debate competitions: Emphasize the importance of active listening during the debate. Encourage students to take notes on key points, supporting evidence, and persuasive techniques used by speakers. This cultivates critical thinking skills and prepares them for thoughtful responses during rebuttals.
• Facilitate Post-Debate Reflection and Discussion: After the debate, facilitate a reflection session where students can share their thoughts, lessons learned, and insights gained. Encourage them to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of their arguments and engage in constructive dialogue. This promotes metacognitive skills and encourages continuous improvement.

By following these tips, teachers can create a vibrant and educational debate experience for their students. Through structured preparation, active engagement, and reflective discussions, students develop valuable literacy and critical thinking skills that extend beyond the boundaries of the debate itself.

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Classroom Debates

Using debates in the classroom provide students the opportunity to work in a collaborative and cooperative group setting. By having students discuss and organize their points of view for one side of an argument they are able to discover new information and put knowledge into action. Classroom debates help students learn through friendly competition, examine controversial topics and “strengthen skills in the areas of leadership, interpersonal influence, teambuilding, group problem solving, and oral presentation” (Leuser, n.d., para. 1).

By having students discuss and organize their points of view for one side of an argument they are able to discover new information and put knowledge into action.

Debates can be used in all disciplines on a wide range of topics. Here are some examples of subject matter topics for debate which can easily be adapted for a variety of subject areas.

• Arts - There should no restrictions upon artistic expression
• Business - Corporations should be abolished
• Education - Intelligence testing is without value
• Engineering - Only bridges over waterways need to be routinely inspected
• Sociology - It is morally okay to break laws you don't agree with
• English - Language is not a skill
• Geology - Mountain top mining is good for the economy
• Health - There is nothing morally wrong with doing drugs
• Mathematics - Elementary school mathematics should be confined largely to arithmetic
• Science - The theory of evolution is based on both science and faith

Debate Format

Teams work well for classroom debates but two students can be paired as well. Adapt the following format to fit your specific goals and objectives. Adding a third, shorter round will allow teams to further defend their arguments.

Alternatively, have all students prepare both a pro and con position for a designated class session. During this class period two teams are randomly selected who will then state their arguments. The other students will contribute differing remarks and suggestions for a more active and well-prepared class discussion.

. . . two teams are randomly selected who will then state their arguments.

• Team One - 10 Minutes - Presentation of "Pro/positive" or "Arguments for" 
• Team Two - 10 Minutes - Presentation of "Con/negative" or "Arguments against"

Team Discussion Period

5 Minutes This period is used for teams to prepare their responses

• Team One - 5 Minutes - Response or rebuttal of "Pro/positive" or "Arguments for" 
• Team Two - 5 Minutes - Response or rebuttal of "Con/negative" or "Arguments against" 

Whole Class Discussion          

To determine which team provided the most convincing arguments. A vote can be taken or a more detailed evaluation form can be used to assess each team. (10-15 minutes)

Note: Explain to the students that the success behind using debates in the classroom is not in winning and losing but rather how well teams prepared for and delivered their arguments and get potential buy-in from those who help the opposite point-of view.

. . . the success behind using debates in the classroom is not in winning and losing but rather how well team prepared for and delivered their arguments . . .

• Include a time frame in which they have to prepare for the debate and how they are to present their material.
• Allow non-debate students to be adjudicators to help them learn how to be objective in rating their peers’ performance.
• Determine if non-debating students will be allowed to vote.
• Provide resources which will help students learn about debates and their structure.
• Consider holding a practice debate to help students understand the process.
• Select the format you plan to use: teams, individual students, all students (see format above).Consider having students prepare brief “position papers” which also includes their reaction to the debate process and how they were able to reach consensus in their team’s arguments.
• Research controversial, news-breaking and stimulating topics to encourage dynamic and energized classroom discussion. Students are more likely to be authentic when they debate a subject to which they can relate.
• Review the debate process previously established and ask for questions and clarifications on the day of the debate.

Students are more likely to be authentic when they debate a subject to which they can relate.

• Prepare rating rubrics and distribute to adjudicators before the debate begins.
• Begin the debate, giving students as much autonomy as possible.
• Distribute both student and instructor evaluations to the teams.Facilitate classroom discussion and debrief the process at the end of the debate.
• Have a plan in place if the debate gets “hot” and students argue instead of debate. Review guidelines before the debate begins to minimize inappropriate discussion and behavior. Also, getting to know your students through observation and actively listening to their classroom conversations can provide helpful information when selecting topics for debate.

Have a plan in place if the debate gets “hot” and students argue instead of debate.

Using debates in the classroom provides students the opportunity to explore real-world topics and issues. Debates also engage students through self reflection and encourage them to learn from their peers. Finally, debates prepare students to be more comfortable engaging in dialogue related to their beliefs as well as their areas of study.

Leuser, D. (n.d.). Classroom debates. https://oz.plymouth.edu/~davidl/bu342/Debates.DOC

Selected Resources

Classroom debates: A one page tutorial. (n.d.). http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/strats/debates/tutorial.pdf

University of California - Berkley. (1983). Using classroom debates. http://teaching.berkeley.edu/compendium/suggestions/file181.html

Suggested citation

Northern Illinois University Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. (2012). Classroom debates. In Instructional guide for university faculty and teaching assistants. Retrieved from https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide

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Leaders That Listen Public Speaking Curriculum

Debate guide.

Debate is an engaging and rigorous way to explore issues that directly impact society -- it also trains your brain to listen carefully, which is important for leaders! When done well, debate can be used to develop empathy, perspective-taking, and productive conflict by teaching people how to navigate difference and interrogate ideas (as opposed to personal attacks). This toolkit is an introduction to debate protocols and argumentation skills, as well as how to judge debate, how to run a debate practice, and even how to start a debate team. Whether you are involved in formal debate, these resources can help you improve your spontaneous speaking and ability to persuade an audience!

Categories legend.

Resource 1: Debate: Listening Like a Leader

This essay discusses how debate can be used to develop empathy and promote listening.

Resource 2: Using Debate to Navigate Difference

This essay discusses why debate can be exclusionary and inaccessible, unless taught using inclusive methods to navigate difference.

Resource 3: Debate Team Stories: Memories from the Author

The author shares experiences helping a middle school student create a debate team to address issues of diversity and equity.

Resource 4: Getting Debate Started: For Educators and Facilitators

This one-pager contains 6 personal checkpoints for helping people improve their debate skills.

Resource 5: Getting Debate Started: For Speakers

This one-pager contains 6 personal checkpoints to help speakers prioritize key skills to develop in debate.

Resource 6: Getting Debate Started: For Listeners

This one-pager contains 6 personal checkpoints to help people provide better feedback to help debaters improve.

Resource 7: Designing Debates

Use this resource to create different debate formats utilizing six common protocol elements.

Resource 8: Structuring Arguments on the Spot

These tips guide how to analyze topics, outline arguments, diversify arguments, and generate sufficient offense and defense.

Resource 9: Tips for Anticipating and Responding to Arguments

Use this resource to respond to arguments in a debate in a clear, well-organized manner.

Resource 10: The Art of Synthesis and Summary

Use these tips to practice strong closing speeches that summarize key points in a passionate, compelling way.

Resource 11: Parliamentary Debate Format

This resource covers the basics of a spontaneous debate format modeled after British parliamentary procedure.

Resource 12: Moral Judgment Debate Format

This resource covers a classroom method for discussing and debating philosophical questions.

Resource 13: Debate Skill Drills and Warm-Ups

These 8 short activities can be used as drills and warm-ups to focus on specific skills used in debate.

Resource 14: Activity Examples: SPAR and Extemporaneous Panels

Practice argumentation skills through standards-based activities using these protocols for panels and mini-debates.

Resource 15: Class Project: Debate Scrimmages Assignment Sheet

This assignment sheet describes how to run a culminating debate “tournament” to assess debate skills.

Resource 16: Debate Rubric for Outside Judges

This instruction sheet and example ballot can be used for guest judges for a debate tournament.

Resource 17: Community Change Idea: Creating a Debate Team

This extensive checklist outlines what is required to start a debate team.

Resource 18: Project Sketcher

This planning tool and calendar help organize public speaking project goals and prioritize specific skills and milestones.

4 Fast Debate Formats for the Secondary Classroom

Quick Debates for Grades 7 Through 12

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While debate is an adversarial activity, it provides numerous positive benefits for students. Debate increases opportunities for speaking and listening in the classroom. During a debate, students take turns speaking in response to the arguments made by their opponents. At the same time, other students participating in the debate, or in the audience, must listen carefully for arguments made or evidence used in supporting a position.

The cornerstone of classroom debate is the ability of students to present their positions and to convince others of those positions. Particular forms of debate are well-suited to first-time debaters as they focus less on the quality of speaking and more on the evidence presented in arguments. 

Debate topics of interest to high school students range from human cloning and animal testing to changing the legal voting age. For middle school students , debate topics may include the abolishment of statewide testing or whether school uniforms should be required. To prep students for their first debate, review debate formats , show students how debaters organize their arguments, watch videos of actual debates, and go over the scoring rubrics for each form of debate.

The debate formats presented can be adapted to the length of a class period.

Abbreviated Lincoln-Douglas Debate

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The Lincoln-Douglas debate is dedicated to questions that are of a deep moral or philosophical nature.

The debate format for a Lincoln-Douglas debate is one-on-one. While some students may prefer one-to-one debate, others may not want the pressure or spotlight. This debate format allows a student to win or lose based solely on an individual argument rather than relying on a partner or group.

An abbreviated version of a Lincoln-Douglas debate runs about 15 minutes, including time for transitions and claims to be made during each stage of the process:

• First Affirmative Speaker: Two minutes to introduce the topic
• Example: "It is often said" or "Many people assume that my esteemed opponent believes that" 
• Example: "On the contrary" or "On the other hand" 
• Example: "For example" or "This is why" 
• Break for Rebuttal Speech Preparation: Two minutes to transition
• Example: "Therefore" or "As a result" or "Thus it can be seen" 
•  Example: "Therefore" or "As a result" or "Thus it can be seen" 

Role-Play Debate

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In the  role-play  format of debate, students examine different points of view or perspectives related to an issue by playing a role. A debate about the question "Should English class be required for four years?" might yield a variety of opinions.

The points of view expressed in a role-play debate might include opinions that would be expressed by a student (or two students) representing one side of an issue. This type of debate could feature other roles such as a parent, a school principal, a college professor, a teacher, a textbook sales representative, or an author.

To role-play, ask students to help identify all stakeholders in the debate. Create three index cards for each role. Write the role of one stakeholder on each index card.

Students choose an index card at random, and those holding matching stakeholder cards gather together. Each group formulates the arguments for its assigned stakeholder role.

During the debate, each stakeholder presents her point of view.

In the end, the students decide which stakeholder presented the strongest argument.

Tag-Team Debate

In a tag-team debate, students work in small groups, and there are opportunities for every student to participate. The teacher organizes two teams of no more than five students to represent two sides of a debatable question. Each team has a set amount of time (three to five minutes) to present its point of view.

The teacher reads aloud the issue to be debated and then gives each team the opportunity to discuss its argument as a group. One speaker from each team takes the floor and speaks for no more than one minute. That speaker must "tag" another member of the team to pick up the argument at the end of his time or before his minute is up. A team member who is eager to pick up a point or add to the team's argument can raise his hand to be tagged.

No member of a team can be tagged twice until all members have had an opportunity to speak. After all teams have presented, students vote on which team made the best argument.

Inner Circle-Outer Circle Debate

In the inner circle-outer circle debate, the teacher arranges students into two groups of equal size who take opposing sides in the debate. Each group has an opportunity to listen to the other group discuss an issue and formulate conclusions, as well as discuss and formulate its own conclusions.

The students in Group 1 sit in a circle of chairs facing out, away from the center, while the students in Group 2 sit in a circle of chairs around Group 1, facing the center of the circle as well as the students in Group 1. Once the students are seated, the teacher reads aloud the issue to be discussed.

The students in the inner circle have 10 to 15 minutes to discuss the topic. During that time, all other students focus their attention on the students in the inner circle. No one else is allowed to speak during the inner circle's discussion time.

As the outer circle group observes the inner circle group and listens to the discussion, members of the outer circle group create a list of the arguments made by each member of the inner circle group. The outer circle students also prepare their own notes about these arguments.

After 10 to 15 minutes, the groups switch roles and the process is repeated. After the second round, all students share their outer circle observations. The notes from both rounds may be used in a follow-up classroom discussion and/or as an editorial writing assignment for students to express their positions on the issue at hand.

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 55 great debate topics for any project.

General Education

A debate is a formal discussion about a topic where two sides present opposing viewpoints. Debates follow a specific structure: each side is given time to speak either for or against the topic at hand.

Many students study debate in high school to improve their speaking skills. As a debater, you learn how to clearly structure and present an argument. The skills you develop as a debater will help you on everything from a college admissions interview to a job presentation.

Selecting debate topics is one of the most important parts of debating. In this article, we’ll explain how to select a good debate topic and give suggestions for debate topics you can use.

How to Select Good Debate Topics

A good debate topic is one that lets the participants and the audience learn about both sides of an issue. Consider the following factors when selecting a debate topic:

Interest: Are you interested in the topic? Would the topic be interesting to your fellow classmates, as well as to the audience listening to the debate? Selecting a topic that you’re interested in makes the preparation part of the debate more exciting , as well as the debate more lively.

Argument Potential: You want to choose a debate topic that has solid argument potential. If one side is clearly right, or if there isn’t a lot of available information, you’ll have a hard time crafting a solid debate.

Availability of Data: Data points make an argument more robust. You’ll want to select a topic with lots of empirical data that you can pull from to bolster your argument.

Now that we know how to select a debate topic, let’s look at a list of good debate topics.

Debate Topics Master List

If you’re searching for your next debate topic, here are some suggestions.

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

• All people should have the right to own guns.
• The death penalty should be abolished.
• Human cloning should be legalized.
• All drugs should be legalized.
• Animal testing should be banned.
• Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults.
• Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
• Violent video games should be banned.
• The minimum wage should be $15 per hour.
• All people should have Universal Basic Income.
• Sex work should be legal.
• Countries should be isolationist.
• Abortion should be banned.
• Every citizen should be mandated to perform national public service.
• Bottled water should be banned.
• Plastic bags should be banned.

Education Debate Topics

• Homework should be banned.
• Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
• Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
• School uniforms should be required.
• Standardized testing should be abolished.
• All students should have an after-school job or internship.
• School should be in session year-round.
• All high school athletes should be drug tested.
• Detention should be abolished.
• All student loan debt should be eliminated.
• Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
• All schools should have armed security guards.
• Religion should be taught in schools.
• All schools should be private schools.
• All students should go to boarding schools.
• Sexual education should be mandatory in schools.
• Public college should be tuition free.
• All teachers should get tenure.
• All school districts should offer school vouchers.

Health Debate Topics

• Healthcare should be universal.
• Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance.
• All people should be vegetarians.
• Euthanasia should be banned.
• The drinking age should be 18.
• Vaping should be banned.
• Smoking should be banned in all public places.
• People should be legally required to get vaccines.
• Obesity should be labeled a disease.
• Sexual orientation is determined at birth.
• The sale of human organs should be legalized.
• Birth control should be for sale over the counter.

Technology Debate Topics

• Social media has improved human communication.
• The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity.
• Individuals should own their own DNA.
• Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.
• Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.
• Net neutrality should be restored.
• Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be encouraged or banned.
• Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
• Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.

How to Prepare for a Debate

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, the next step is to prepare for your debate. Follow these steps as you get ready to take the podium.

Read Your Evidence

The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.

The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.

Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments

As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.

Plan to Fill Your Speech Time

Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.

Practice to Build Confidence

It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.

Final Thoughts

Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.

What's Next?

Looking for ways to keep the debate going in non-academic life? Then you'll love our list of 101 "this or that" questions to argue over with your friends.

Thinking about how you can use your argumentative skills in a future career? Read up on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to see if that's a path you want to pursue.

Getting ready to take an AP test? Here’s a list of practice tests for every AP exam, including the AP literature exam .

It can be hard to schedule time to study for an AP test on top of your extracurriculars and normal classwork. Check out this article on when you need to start studying for your AP tests to make sure you’re staying on track.

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Engaging Strategies for Teaching Persuasion, Argument, and Debate

Year after year, I love teaching persuasion. I love persuading my students that persuasion is a life skill worth learning. (Because isn’t all teaching just persuading kids to listen and learn?!) Luckily, with the right mix of ethos, pathos, and logos, this is usually an easy sell to my audience of adolescents.

After all, teens love to argue…with their peers, their parents, and *gasp* their teachers. They have plenty of practice with real-life persuasion, whether it’s convincing their parents to stay out past their curfew or proposing just one extra day to work on that project. And they’re always dying to debate: which sports team is superior, why they deserve more freedom, and what’s wrong with school, society, and this world! If you’ve ever taught teenagers, you know that they have no shortage of opinions. So suffice it to say: your students are already arguers.

The challenge, of course, is helping students channel their opinions and energy into structured, academic argumentation. To do this, you’ll need high-engagement activities that match your students’ energy… not the ancient 5-paragraph persuasive essay over a subject on that random list of 100 debatable topics you found online. If we want to move students to a more sophisticated level of debate, we need to offer them student-centered, authentic, and relevant tasks to practice their persuasion.

Ready to ditch the 5-paragraph persuasive essay and engage your students in meaningful persuasion? Here are dozen different strategies for your ELA classroom.

MOCK TRIALS

Want to teach students how important it is to support your argument with evidence (and what happens when you don’t)? Ready to watch your class eagerly annotate a text and cite said evidence *without* complaints?

I wasn’t sure my students would ever see citing evidence as more than a chore until I dressed up as “Judge G,” borrowed a gavel, and facilitated my first mock trial!

A mock trial is the perfect way to practice persuasion and argumentation because it’s student-centered, inherently engaging, and 100% authentic. You’ll watch students become intrigued, take ownership, and get competitive real quick! Because students know they’ll be arguing in front of a jury of their peers, the standards become strategy. Citing textual evidence is no longer a chore, but a competition! The stakes are higher than a grade from the teacher because the real prize is bragging rights. 

To structure a mock trial in your ELA classroom, you’ll need a murder, crime, ethical dilemma, or essential question. In other words: literature! From there, you’ll want to divide students into teams of prosecution, defense, and jury. After that, students will get to work within their groups. In my classroom, this is what it looks like:

The prosecution and defense teams prepare evidence-based claims and rebuttals. Each student is responsible for a section, whether that’s the opening, a claim, a rebuttal, or the closing. Meanwhile, the jury works together to create a rubric and anticipate the arguments they may hear during the trial.

You can read more about mock trials HERE or find everything you need to facilitate a virtual or in-person trial HERE.

RHETORICAL BAR GRAPHS

Bar graphs in ELA? Oh yes you can! Getting a gold star from her math cohorts, Ashley Bible at Building Book Love has her students create rhetorical bar graphs to analyze persuasion.

This digital or tactile strategy is simple yet highly effective!  All you do is assign each appeal a color before taking students on a color-coded text hunt.  (In her rhetoric lesson plan , Ashley uses: Pink Pathos, Light Blue Logos, and Emerald Green Ethos). 

Once students have each appeal coded, they arrange the rhetorical devices into a bar graph and analyze which appeal the speaker relies most heavily on and how they could make their argument stronger. This visualization technique always generates important insights about the topic at hand!

From analyzing speeches in Julius Caesar , to recognizing propaganda in Animal Farm , to tackling social justice in Dolly Parton’s America , this strategy is a gift that keeps on giving! Tag her @BuildingBookLove if you give it a try! 

ANALYZING COMMERCIALS & ADVERTISEMENTS

To help students identify persuasive appeals and techniques in action, Shana Ramin from Hello, Teacher Lady suggests deconstructing commercials and advertisements.

When teaching in person, Shana enjoys facilitating this type of analysis with the tried-and-true “chalk talk” approach. After gathering a series of printed advertisements, Shana glues each one in the center of large chart paper and places them at various points around the room. Students rotate through each station with a small group, annotating each ad silently with an eye for purpose, audience, tone, etc. At the end of the activity, students return to their original stations and share out their final observations with the class. 

To mimic this activity in a hybrid or digital environment, Shana recommends using Jamboard, an easy-to-use, digital whiteboard app by Google. The setup process is pretty much the same, but replace the printed ads with image screenshots and the white chart paper with a digital Jamboard slide. Students can then use the sticky note and marker features on Jamboard to annotate the images in breakout rooms. 

Click here to learn more about the collaborative features of Google Jamboard .

ARGUMENT OLYMPICS

The Argument Olympics are Emily Aierstok’s favorite way to teach middle and high school students evidence based writing. Emily, from Read it. Write it. Learn it. , uses an Olympic theme to deconstruct arguments, write outlines, and compete in the “strongest evidence” game complete with gold medals! Kids LOVE it and quickly understand the qualities of strong evidence in their writing. 

To really create an Olympic games feel, Emily creates a very simple (and free!) classroom transformation. She strings red, yellow, and blue streamers around the room, plays the Olympic theme song from YouTube, and prints gold medals to hand out for gold-medal-level deconstructed essays, strongest outlines, and strongest evidence. 

Next, Emily introduces the “Olympic events.” For example, the first Olympic Event she introduces to students is The Strongest Evidence Competition. Students are given two sides of an argument topic and asked to find three pieces of evidence to support each argument. After finding their evidence, students are tasked with identifying the evidence that’s the strongest. Students become so motivated to find the strongest evidence, and they’re practicing essential analysis skills. The quality of evidence students find is amazing. 

You can read more about implementing the Argument Olympics in your classroom here . 

SILENT DISCUSSIONS

Jenna, @DrJennaCopper , loves using silent discussions for students to debate the impact of articles and artifacts. The rules are simple: students are only allowed to write. This type of stipulation helps students really think about their responses since they can’t talk.

Here’s how it works:

• Choose an artifact or article.
• Get a big piece of poster board or a big paper and paste the article or artifact in the center.
• Tell students to read the article and then, discuss with the stipulation that they are only allowed to write. No talking! It helps if students color-code their writing.
• As students “discuss,” walk around the room and comment (in writing, of course!) to generate more debate.
• When the discussion is over, place the posters on the walls and give students a chance to walk around and view.
• Facilitate a talking classroom discussion to discuss insights and observations.

That’s it! Not only will your students be highly engaged, but you’ll also enjoy the few short minutes of precious silence!

As a bonus, this activity works great for a remote lesson as well. Just paste your article or artifact in a Google Doc and share it so they all have editing access. They can complete their silent discussions right in the document. 

STUDYING FAMOUS SPEECHES

Lauralee from the Language Arts Classroom frequently uses famous speeches and commercials to teach persuasion. By bringing in authentic examples to the classroom, this strategy offers history and media lessons, too.

When students realize that they see strategies every day in social media, on their phones, and within stores, they engage and are excited to apply those concepts to their public speaking endeavors.

For instance, students can study the techniques in a Susan B. Anthony speech and then apply those techniques to their own speeches. Teachers can even pair her speech with a narrative speech assignment. Students can then employ sentence structure, tone, and logos into their speeches. Although ELA teachers often use persuasive techniques during public speaking lessons, many of the same activities work well with argumentative writing.

NAILED IT! & SHARK TANK

Staci Lamb from The Engaging Station loves switching up her creative lessons on ethos, logos, and pathos every year. She has had students watch Shark Tank and sell their own products, but last year, she was inspired to try something new by making a connection to the Netflix show Nailed It .

Right before winter break, she went to Walmart to buy graham crackers, icing, candies, and more. Dollar Tree also had a great selection of inexpensive candy. Students had to create a gingerbread masterpiece and then use ethos, logos, and pathos to justify why their house was the best. The kids had a lot of fun, and it was an engaging activity to end the calendar year.

You can see this idea and more with free resources on her blog post Creative Ways to Teach Persuasive Appeals .

REAL WORLD TOPICS + CHOICE

Today, students have access to more information than ever at their fingertips. Tanesha from Tanesha B. Forman leverages real world topics – that students want to debate in the classroom – with argu mentative writing lessons. Choice is the bedrock of Tanesha’s approach to lit eracy and she offers students a choice on a topic (e.g. should college athletes be paid?), and tells them the format (e.g. speech, letter). 

Next, students research their topic. Tanesha always warns students to think about their position, but be open to changing based on what the research from credible sources reveals. Students spend a day or two gathering information for their writing assignment. For students who need support with this, Tanesha has 3-4 sources readily available. Once students have their evidence, they enter the writing process that Tanesha creates mini-lessons aligned to their needs and they present their work. Throughout the year, Tanesha encourages students to share topics they want to “argue” and she repeats the cycle.

THE ELEVATOR PITCH

No matter what you’re reading or learning about, adding a persuasive pitch to “sell” an idea, is a great way to include elements of persuasion beyond a persuasive unit.

For example, if students are creating something to aid a character , rather than just explain it, challenge your students to create a short elevator pitch! It can even be used with literary analysis by asking a question such as: Which character is the most (insert character trait here)?  Staci from Donut Lovin’ Teacher finds that when students have to pitch their ideas, they really begin to reflect on their work and what makes it great, and also where it can grow. 

Staci likes starting with a graphic organizer to get students thinking and then begins layering in mini-lessons that consider the audience, point of view, tone, and rhetorical appeals, depending on how much time you have. Students can then begin crafting their pitch on a guided template and practice saying it aloud. If you’re able to incorporate this multiple times throughout the year, your students will really grow confidence in their speaking skills, too!

MUSICAL DEBATES

Middle and high school students can at times feel intimidated by debate and persuasion. That’s why Melissa from Reading and Writing Haven recommends a mini debate activity that engages all students and makes debate relaxed and approachable.

Musical debates amplify the energy, creativity, and social interaction in the physical classroom and online. By adding a simple twist of music, it lightens the mood and provides natural brain breaks so students have time to collect their thoughts. 

Here are Melissa’s simple steps for using this debate-style discussion strategy in your classroom:

• Give students a thought-provoking or humorous prompt.
• Play music as students think, research, jot notes, and (if possible) walk around the room. 
• Stop the music and have students get into groups of two or three.
• Students quickly choose roles. Two of the students need to take one of the sides (pro / con or for / against). The third person is a neutral judge who can build on what the speakers say, offer a different perspective, or make connections between ideas.
• After a set amount of time, follow up with a question that digs deeper into the topic or provides another angle. Play music, and allow students to brainstorm again, or take some notes.
• Students then pair up again with different peers. 
• After as many rounds as you would like to run, bring the whole class together and use a Jamboard, Mentimeter, or Padlet as a common visual location to share ideas as a whole group.

To make this strategy work online, you can use breakout rooms to group students together randomly. 

Of course, you can run the same type of mini debates without the music. And, that’s fun, too! But, for students, the music adds energy and connectedness. Plus, it reduces the anxiety for students who are more reluctant to engage in debates. 

Musical debates create a warm, relaxed environment conducive to critical thinking and dialogue. And, students have multiple short opportunities to hone their skills and hear a variety of perspectives. Melissa wrote about engaging variations, prompts for musical discussions, and how to prepare students on her blog. Click here to read the post .

PSA PASSION PROJECTS

One way that Christina, The Daring English Teacher , likes to incorporate persuasion, argument, and debate into the classroom is by assigning a PSA Passion Project to students.

After learning about rhetorical appeals and argument writing , Christina assigns her students a PSA Passion Project. Her students select an important social issue and create a public service announcement campaign to raise awareness for their chosen issue.

The public service campaign usually includes a variety of items. To place students in charge of their learning, they choose several products to produce from a list of items: a speech, a persuasive letter, a graphic essay , a poster, an infographic, an informational video, a narrative video, a social media campaign, and more. It is important to make sure that students choose at least two items, and that their combination includes a writing component and a media literacy component.

To make the class project more fun, no two students can choose the same topic. To share their projects with the class, Christina likes to use Padlet.

ANALYZING MUSIC

Amanda from Mud and Ink Teaching likes to head the Disney direction when it comes to learning the ins and outs of argumentation. 

So many great Disney songs offer an argumentative core, and their popularity and familiarity help build engagement with students.  Take “Under the Sea” for example:  Sebastian has quite the task in front of him.  Somehow, he must convince an uninterested Ariel to curb her curiosity about the human world and appreciate her home under ‘de water.  Reversely, Moana sings of the importance of heeding the call to the ocean in “How Far I’ll Go” as she debates within herself how far she is actually willing to go.  Each of these speakers has an important message to impart, and these are things that students are comfortable wrestling with.

Amanda’s favorite song to teach, however, is the well-loved classic “Be Our Guest” from Beauty and the Beast .  In this lesson that she outlines in her blog post and provides a free Google Slide lesson download , Amanda teaches students the importance of understanding the rhetorical situation (the rhetorical triangle) as well as the devices and techniques that the speaker uses to communicate his message.  Through practice and discussion with familiar texts and characters, students begin to embrace the fundamental ideas of argumentation.

I hope this post helps you make persuasion more engaging, authentic, and student-centered! What are your other favorite activities to teach persuasion? Let me know in the comments!

If you like any of these ideas, don’t forget to pin them! 🙂

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Debate Writing

Debate Examples

Free Debate Examples for All Academic Levels

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Are you tired of the endless academic debates, struggling to find compelling arguments and examples? 

Do you often find yourself in an intellectual tug-of-war, desperately seeking the right words to win your debates? We understand the difficulties students face when crafting persuasive arguments. 

In this guide, we provide free examples of debate writing tailored for all academic levels. From primary school to college, we've got you covered with a wide range of topics and well-researched examples. 

Get ready to sharpen your debating skills and ace your next debate challenge with ease!

• 1. What is Debate?
• 2. Debate Examples for Students
• 3. Value Debate Example
• 4. Informal Debate Example
• 5. Nature Debate Example
• 6. Nurture Debate Example
• 7. Nature vs. Nurture Debate Example
• 8. Rebuttal in Debate
• 9. How to Greet in a Debate - Brief Example
• 10. How to End a Debate - Short Example
• 11. Other Debate Examples
• 12. Debate Topics For Students
• 13. Tips for Creating Effective Debate

What is Debate?

Before diving into examples let’s recall what debate is. 

The debate is a contest between two speakers to show their abilities in an argument. Speakers who agree with the topic are known as “affirmatives.” While those who disagree are referred to as “negatives.” Similarly, it is also essential to follow a proper format in debate writing.

On the other hand, debating builds greater confidence among people. Indeed, examples are the best way to learn about the appropriate types of debate . Moreover, they help you get the right direction by avoiding potential pitfalls.

Debate Examples for Students

Examples are invaluable for gaining a thorough understanding of the proper format and structure. Here are some debate examples for students in school and college to get you inspired!

Debate Examples for Primary School

Have a look at the examples for primary school to understand the writing process. It allows you to understand debate question examples.

Debate Examples for Ks2

Debate Example Sentences

Examples for Debate

Debate Examples for Middle School

Check out these examples for middle school to get a better idea of the format.

Debate Examples Middle School

Debate Examples Class 8

Political Debate Examples

Debate Examples for High School

Here are some good examples of debate for high school students. Having a look at them will help you get a better idea of the structure.

Debate Examples High School

Debate Examples Class 11

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Value Debate Example

Value debate is a type of debate that examines the values which drive decision-making. It usually challenges the debaters to justify why their value is more important than others.

Refer to the example below to understand the complete nature of the value debate.

Value Debate Examples

Informal Debate Example

Informal debates lack a burden of proof as they contain little or no evidence to support the claims. Instead, the main aim is to assert or point out something

For Example, ‘I did the dishes last night.’

This may encourage other siblings to do the dishes tonight. However, it is not an argument that can convince or persuade others.

Such debates are used to start a discussion among individuals with different opinions. Thus, they most often end up in a confrontation or disagreement as there are fewer chances of a consensus or a reasonable conclusion.

The following is an example of an informal debate.

Informal Debate Examples

Nature Debate Example

The nature debate explains that behavior is a product of biological or genetic factors. It also argues that physical features like eye color, diseases, and skin pigmentation are biologically determined.

Below is an example of a nature debate to get a comprehensive understanding of the concept.

Nurture Debate Example

The nurture debate discusses how environmental variables impact who we are. The factors that can be influenced include:

• Childhood experiences
• How we are raised
• Social relationships
• Surrounding culture

The following is an example of a nurture debate.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate Example

The nature vs. nurture debate argues that genetic or environmental factors have a greater effect on behavior. However, it also identifies that inherited traits or life experiences play a significant role in shaping the personality.

Most philosophers share different opinions on this concept. Check out our debate topics blog for a selection of impressive topic ideas.

Read the example below to get an idea of how to write an amazing nature vs. nurture debate.

Rebuttal in Debate

A rebuttal is an attempt to disapprove, argue, or contradict while writing a debate. It is mainly done to weaken an opposing argument by introducing other evidence or reasoning. Here, the primary purpose is to negate or prove another argument as false.

Get a clear idea with the help of the given rebuttal example below.

Rebuttal In Debate Examples

Debate Example Script

Want to learn about debate techniques? Check out our ‘ Debating Techniques ’ blog to learn in detail!

How to Greet in a Debate - Brief Example

Greeting in a debate is much more than a simple introduction to you and your topic. It gives the audience an idea of what your debate is going to be about. Moreover, a compelling greeting will influence listeners to pay maximum attention.

An interesting greeting in a debate must have the following aspects.

• Your stand for or against the topic
• Tell a captivating story relevant to the topic
• Use a rhetorical question or a powerful quote
• Acknowledge the judges, the members of the audience, and your counterpart

Here is an example of how to greet in a debate speech, check it out: 

Example for How to Greet in a Debate

Let’s see how to start a debate in general: 

How to End a Debate - Short Example

Just like the introduction, the conclusion of the debate is equally important. Similarly, a good conclusion paragraph of a debate must include the following elements.

• Reiterate the most important points
• Close your arguments naturally
• Provide your judges something to remember about your debate
• Make final statements about your case
• Use a quotation to wrap up the final argument

Have a look at the example to explore the sample conclusions of a debate.

Example for How to End a Debate

Other Debate Examples

Here are some other popular debate examples, take a look: 

Affirmative And Negative Debate Example

Criterion Debate Example

Opening Statement Debate Example

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Debate Topics For Students

Here are some most trending debate topics for you: 

• Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
• Is remote learning a viable alternative to traditional in-person education?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory in all educational institutions?
• Is the use of AI in healthcare ethical and safe?
• Are standardized tests an accurate measure of a student's abilities?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is climate change an existential threat to humanity?
• Should professional athletes be role models for young people?
• Is the space exploration budget worth the investment?
• Should there be stricter regulations on the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture?

Tips for Creating Effective Debate

To ensure your debates pack a punch, follow these tips:

• Research Thoroughly: Before crafting your arguments, delve deep into your topic. Solid research equips you with valuable facts, statistics, and evidence, reinforcing the credibility of your arguments.
• Define Clear Objectives: Determine what you aim to achieve in the debate. Are you persuading, informing, or entertaining? Your objectives shape the tone and content of your debate.
• Craft Strong Arguments: Your arguments are the backbone of your debate. Make them clear, concise, and logically sound. Use the power of persuasion with well-structured points and compelling evidence.
• Know Your Audience: Understanding your audience allows you to tailor your debate to their interests and concerns. This connection enhances engagement and persuasiveness.
• Practice Effective Communication: Articulate your arguments with confidence and clarity. Pay attention to tone, body language, and vocal delivery. Engaging communication makes your points more compelling.
• Anticipate Counterarguments: A great debater foresees opposing viewpoints and prepares to counter them. Acknowledging counterarguments demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Organize Your Content: Structure your debate logically, with a clear introduction, well-defined arguments, and a compelling conclusion. This organization aids both your delivery and your audience's comprehension.
• Engage in Rebuttal: Respond to opponents' arguments with grace and precision. Effective rebuttals strengthen your position and demonstrate your debating prowess.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Rehearse your debate multiple times. Practice hones your delivery, helps you remember key points, and reduces nervousness.
• Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback from peers or mentors can be invaluable for improvement. Use it to refine your debating skills.

By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to create and deliver a persuasive debate. If you are looking for more tips, check out our blog on Debate Tips .

To Sum it Up! We have provided a handful of examples to help you understand the structure and format of debate writing. Now, with these examples as your guide, you are well-equipped on your way to writing a great debate. 

However, debate writing is a challenging task for most students. If you find it time-consuming and challenging, you can always seek professional help online. 

We have expert debate writers at MyPerfectWords.com ready to help you with your writing tasks. We provide the best online writing service for crafting the perfect debate for you. 

So do not hesitate to get in touch with our speech writing service today and place your order!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you debate for beginners.

Here are ten steps that every beginner should follow: 

• Know the debate before it begins 
• Conduct open and thorough research 
• Think relatively 
• Understand the debate through experiences 
• Relate the content with evidence 
• Consider the judge's perspective 
• Make your case 
• Do not always disagree with everything 
• After refuting the opponent's case, rebuild your case 
• Final thoughts 

How can someone improve their debate skills?

Practice is key. Regularly participate in debates, seek feedback, and work on refining your research, argumentation, and public speaking skills. Learning from experienced debaters can also be valuable

What is the role of the affirmative and negative sides in a debate?

The affirmative side supports the resolution or proposition, while the negative side opposes it. This duality creates a clash of ideas, leading to a more thorough exploration of the topic.

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Key Takeaways:

• For middle school students, acquiring the critical-thinking and communication skills they need to evaluate both sides of a debate and write persuasive essays isn’t always easy.
• With Junior Scholastic ’s free Social Studies Debate Kit, learning how to debate and craft an effective argument essay will be an exciting and inspiring experience for your students.
• Featuring teacher-approved stories, middle school teaching resources, and engaging activities, Junior Scholastic makes teaching your students the essential skills they need for success not only fun, but easy too!

Looking for a fun, yet effective, way to teach your students the art of debating and how to craft the perfect argument essay? With this free Social Studies Debate Kit from Junior Scholastic , you’ll help your students acquire the essential critical-thinking and communication skills they need to ensure their success inside and outside the classroom. Featuring teacher-approved articles, free middle school teaching resources, and engaging activities, Junior Scholastic is the perfect teaching tool for helping middle school students evaluate both sides of a debate and write a powerful and persuasive essay.

Try print and digital resources from Junior Scholastic , the social studies magazine for grades 6–8, for free in your classroom!

A Reheated Argument

The argument surrounding the food dished out to your students has certainly been heated over the years. In our story, “ Food Fight! ,” your teens will learn how the debate has been reheated after the government recently changed school lunch requirements. With engaging infographics, informative photos showing school lunches from around the world, and a “Pick a Side” persuasive writing activity, this lesson is the perfect way to kick off debate season in your classroom.

Tossing a Ball vs. Saving Lives

“Someone who tosses a ball shouldn’t earn 700 times as much as someone who saves lives.”

In this lesson, we present students two compelling arguments related to how much professional athletes earn . Of course, after reading the article your students will have to choose a side and back up their own arguments on why or why not they believe pro athletes are overpaid. Follow our step-by-step lesson plan, including close-reading questions and differentiation tips. Then extend the lesson with our “What’s Your Opinion?” writing activity.

In our story, “ Should We Try to Send Humans to Mars? ,” your students will have to decide whether sending humans to Mars will help us learn more about Earth or if it’s just a waste of time and money. With compelling arguments on both sides, an informative video, an “Analyzing Authors’ Claims” activity, and more, your students will have all the supporting evidence they need to craft a persuasive and informed response that could alter the future of space exploration.

Staying on Track

Privacy is always a hot topic for debate. With this engaging story and lesson , your students will take on tracking apps that allow parents to follow their teens’ movements in real time. Is it a matter of safety? Or are kids unwillingly giving up their right to privacy? Follow our step-by-step lesson plan and accompanying teaching resources to help your students decide where to draw the line when it comes to privacy. 

Try Junior Scholastic for Free

Once your students master the art of debating and writing argument essays, you’ll know why so many teachers use Junior Scholastic in their middle school classrooms. With each issue, we help create learning excitement about curricular topics from history to civics, geography, science, social-emotional learning, and more. Plus, every issue comes with flexible, timesaving print and digital teaching tools to help you meet your instructional goals. Try Junior Scholastic in your classroom and make history relevant to today’s teens. Start a FREE 30-Day Trial !