Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students- Middle school students need to learn two important things: how to think carefully and how to talk well. These skills are very important for doing well in school. One good way to learn them is by debating.
When you debate, you become better at talking and thinking. It makes you feel more sure of yourself. You also learn how to make a good argument. This helps you become a better communicator.
Ngschoolboard has put together a list of 125 great debate topics for middle school students. We’ve also included some tips to help you get ready for a debate. And if you want to get even better at debating, we have more resources for you to use.
Imagine this scene: Middle school students engaged in a lively debate, pouring their hearts into their arguments and counterarguments. It’s quite a spectacle!
During a recent middle school debate tournament, the topic at hand was school uniforms. These young debaters presented their cases with such passion and conviction that it left everyone in awe, including the judges. Their persuasive skills were so finely honed that even the judges had a tough time choosing a winner.
These debate skills aren’t just for show; they have practical applications in a student’s academic journey and future career.
How To Choose A Good Debate Topic
Picking the right debate topic might seem tricky, but these pointers can guide middle school students towards choosing topics that are not only interesting but also make for great debates:
1. Relevance Matters: Look for topics tied to current events or things that genuinely matter to students. When it’s something you care about, it makes debating more engaging.
2. The Battle of Ideas: A good topic should have strong arguments on both sides. That way, the debate becomes more exciting as both teams have a fighting chance.
3. Age-Appropriate Choices: Consider whether the topic is suitable for middle school students. It should be something they can relate to and understand.
Now, to make things even easier, we’ve compiled a list of 125 debate topics. These topics are sorted by subject and themes that middle schoolers can relate to, like social justice, technology, or the environment. So, finding the perfect debate topic should be a breeze!
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Here are some general debate topics and educational debate topics for middle school students to consider:
General Debate Topics
1. Is homework helpful for learning?
2. Is a college education necessary for success?
3. Should mobile devices be banned in schools?
4. Can students create their own curricula?
5. Is abortion considered murder?
6. Are violent video games suitable for teenagers?
7. Does social media contribute to teenage suicide?
8. Does modern social media make people less socially active?
9. How should society address teenage pregnancies?
10. Is higher education crucial for future financial success?
Educational Debate Topics
1. Are private schools better than public schools?
2. Should education be entirely privatized?
3. Are student loans exploitative?
4. Does the traditional classroom meet the needs of contemporary society?
5. Is allowing teachers to carry guns on campuses a good idea?
6. Does the current grading system work effectively?
7. Should college education be mandatory?
8. Is it appropriate to teach religion in schools?
9. Is homeschooling superior to public or private school education?
10. Is it fair to require all students to learn at least one foreign language?
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Social Debate Topics
1. Does current policing in the United States contribute to the criminalization of youth?
2. Should the death penalty be abolished in the United States?
3. Is it ethical to have an abortion in the early stages of pregnancy?
4. Does peer pressure absolve delinquent teens from culpability?
5. Will electronic databases fully replace brick-and-mortar libraries?
6. Is cloning ethically acceptable?
7. Is the legalization of marijuana a good idea?
8. Should euthanasia be legalized?
9. Is there a reason to raise minimum wages?
10. Should drug addicts receive help or punishment?
11. Is nationalism beneficial or dangerous in the context of globalization?
Environmental Issues
1. Is climate change already irreversible?
2. Should plastic bags and packaging be banned?
3. Are genetically modified foods a viable solution?
4. Should zoos be banned?
5. How does tourism affect the environment?
6. Should there be more national parks in the United States?
7. Is banning fracking a good idea?
8. Should everyone become vegetarian?
9. What role does organic farming play in the future of agriculture?
10. Are live animal exports ethically acceptable?
Political Debate Topics
1. Should political campaigns be prohibited from accepting money?
2. Is democracy the best form of government?
3. Is it appropriate for governments to limit citizens’ freedom of speech?
4. Are escalating tax rates fair?
5. Do term limits for U.S. senators and representatives do more harm than good?
6. Should former offenders retain their voting rights?
7. Do current incarceration patterns disproportionately affecting minorities contribute to racial inequality in the US?
8. Is it necessary for a political leader to be active on social media?
9. Is the US Constitution a living document?
10. Should Supreme Court judges be appointed for predetermined fixed periods?
Debate Topics Related to Parenting
1. Should children use smartphones without parental supervision?
2. Is it acceptable for teenage girls to access birth control without parental supervision?
3. Should parents determine their children’s careers?
4. Do parents always treat their children fairly?
5. Is it ethically permissible for parents to pick the genders of their future children?
6. Pros and cons of gay couples adopting children.
7. Should parents control their children’s activities on social media?
8. Is parental supervision the same as parental control?
9. Should teenage children have complete autonomy in decision-making?
10. Is parental support essential for the future success of children?
Technology Topics
1. Will technology make people smarter?
2. Is artificial intelligence dangerous?
3. Will robots enhance people’s quality of life?
4. How do technological advances influence society?
5. Will humans colonize another planet soon?
6. Can all cars become electric?
7. Does technology enhance or hinder human communication?
8. Do recent technological developments alter people’s interests?
9. Can technology be used to save or harm the environment?
10. Do laws effectively keep pace with technological changes?
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Healthcare Topics
1. Is the legalization of recreational marijuana justified?
2. Is mandatory vaccination constitutional?
3. The impact of alternative medicine on the future of healthcare.
4. Does technology promote better health?
5. Modern healthcare and antibiotics.
6. Is drug legalization a wise decision?
7. Does globalization promote universal healthcare?
8. Should healthcare services for all citizens be government-funded?
9. Should the government force parents to take their sick children to the hospital?
10. Can competition improve the quality of healthcare services?
Debate Topics Related to Leisure
1. Is a summer vacation better than a winter vacation?
2. Are teenagers encouraged to read books, and do the outcomes justify this encouragement?
3. How has technology changed the way young people spend their leisure time?
4. Has social media taken over our leisure time?
5. Can daily leisure time replace a yearly vacation?
6. Is leisure time essential for workplace effectiveness?
7. Pros and cons of playing video games during leisure time.
8. How has work-life balance evolved with technological advancements?
9. Has globalization and increased mobility changed the way we view vacations?
10. Do men and women spend their leisure time differently?
Debating Financial and Policy Matters
1. Can the U.S. government ensure the country’s financial stability?
2. How secure is mobile banking?
3. Does the credit industry promote or hinder economic development?
4. Is there economic justification for wars?
5. Should wealthy people pay higher taxes than the poor?
6. How would lowering the voting age impact America’s future?
7. Mass incarceration and its impact on U.S. politics.
8. Pros and cons of mandatory financial education.
9. Should online financial advice be available to every citizen?
10. Can high profitability justify environmentally hazardous practices?
Debate Topics Related to History
1. Should all students learn history as an important subject?
2. Is King Arthur a real historical figure or a myth?
3. Does knowledge of history enrich one’s worldview?
4. The role of Britain during World War I.
5. Interpretations of World War II by different historians.
6. Justification for the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the U.S.
7. Interpreting the Revolutionary War.
8. Comparing ancient Roman culture to contemporary culture.
9. History and its impact on the future.
10. Modern interracial conflicts from a historical perspective.
Fun-Filled Debate Topics
1. Are men stronger than women?
2. Is daydreaming better than dreaming at night?
3. Do men and women have different approaches to communication?
4. Choosing the best pizza topping: healthy vs. tasty.
5. Do fairy tales affect children’s perception of reality?
6. Is living together before marriage appropriate nowadays?
7. Should teenagers get after-school jobs?
8. Do gender and life expectancy factors explain life expectancy gaps?
9. Are women smarter than men from a historical perspective?
10. Violence comes from video games
Controversial Middle School Debate Topics
1. Should the death penalty be abolished?
2. Do stricter gun control laws help prevent mass shootings?
3. Is it necessary to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico?
4. Does segregation still exist in the United States?
5. Does religion do more harm than good?
These debate topics can provide middle school students with a wide array of subjects to explore and discuss, helping them develop critical thinking and communication skills.
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How To Prepare For A Debate
Certainly, here are some tips for preparing for a debate effectively:
1. Thorough Research: Start by researching the topic extensively. Use a variety of reliable sources such as books, articles, academic journals, and reputable websites to gather information.
2. Consider Both Sides: Understand the strongest arguments for both sides of the debate. This will help you anticipate counterarguments and strengthen your position.
3. Clear Thesis Statement: Develop a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates your position on the topic. Your thesis should be the foundation of your arguments.
4. Supporting Arguments: Develop supporting arguments that are well-structured and backed by evidence. Each argument should relate to your thesis and be supported by relevant facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions.
5. Rebuttal Preparation: Anticipate counterarguments and prepare rebuttals. Think about how to counter opposing arguments effectively. This demonstrates that you have considered both sides of the issue.
6. Evidence and Examples: Use strong and relevant evidence to support your arguments. Real-life examples, case studies, and expert quotes can add credibility to your position.
7. Practice Delivery: Practice delivering your arguments and rebuttals in a clear and concise manner. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language. Confidence in your delivery can enhance your persuasiveness.
8. Structured Format: Familiarize yourself with the standard format for a debate, which typically includes opening statements, cross-examination, and closing statements. Ensure you understand the rules and guidelines for the specific debate format you’ll be using.
9. Peer Feedback: Seek feedback from peers or mentors. Practice debates with others to get constructive feedback on your arguments and delivery.
10. Stay Informed: Stay up-to-date with any developments or new information related to the topic. Being well-informed will allow you to address current issues and respond to new arguments effectively.
11. Stay Organized: Keep your research and notes well-organized. Create an outline or note cards to help you structure your arguments during the debate.
12. Time Management: Manage your time effectively during the debate. Stick to allocated time limits for each stage of the debate to ensure a smooth and organized presentation.
13. Stay Calm: During the actual debate, stay calm and composed. Engage with your opponents respectfully and focus on the strength of your arguments.
By following these tips and putting in the effort to thoroughly research, prepare, and practice, you’ll be well-equipped to present your arguments effectively and persuasively in a debate.
Additional Resources For Middle School Debaters
These additional resources can indeed be valuable for students looking to enhance their debate skills and knowledge:
1. National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA): NSDA offers a wealth of resources, including guidelines, training programs, and access to speech and debate competitions. It’s a fantastic platform for students interested in honing their debate skills.
2. Debatepedia: This is a valuable resource for in-depth research on controversial topics. It provides well-structured arguments and counterarguments on a wide range of issues, helping students understand multiple perspectives.
3. ProCon.org: ProCon.org is an excellent source for gaining insights into the arguments on both sides of controversial issues. It can be a valuable starting point for students researching and preparing for debates.
4. Debate.org: This online platform allows students to engage in debates on various topics. It’s a practical way for students to put their skills to the test and receive feedback from others in a structured online environment.
These resources, combined with diligent research, practice, and preparation, can significantly contribute to a student’s growth as a skilled debater.
FAQS
What is a good example of a debate?
If you argue that schools should require students to wear uniforms, but your opponent argues that schools should not require students to wear shoes in class, you are having two different debates without clash!
How do I end a debate?
Reiterate the most important points.
Close your arguments naturally.
Provide your judges with something to remember about your debate.
Make final statements about your case.
Use a quotation to wrap up the final argument.
