Are you a high school student interested in joining the debate scene but not sure where to start? If so, you've landed in the right place! Choosing debate topics can be intimidating with all of the complexities and nuances involved. Fortunately, there are some easy to understand topics that are perfect for those just beginning their journey into parliamentary debate. In this blog post we’ll go over several simple yet effective topics which will provide a great stepping stone and help get you off on the right foot. So pull up a comfy chair and let's dive into some of these easy debate topics!
Parliamentary Debate is an exciting form of public speaking where teams exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and compete intellectually. In this fascinating format, the Proposition and Opposition present their arguments in timed speeches. Each side also has the chance to respond to the opposing arguments through a series of Points of information. Debate is not only a test of wits but also an opportunity to expand your knowledge and sharpen your critical thinking. One of the best elements of Parliamentary Debate is that you will encounter different topics every time you debate. Let's look at three fun debate topics that middle school students and high school students can try for themselves.
The ongoing tussle about the pros and cons of social media never fails to spark lively and engaging debates. On one hand, social media platforms have undoubtedly served as powerful tools for human communication with friends and family members near and far, while also providing a breeding ground for new and creative ideas. In addition, these platforms have democratized the spread of information, giving every user a voice and allowing for important social movements to take root. However, on the flip side, critics argue that the ubiquity of social media has led to increased feelings of FOMO, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, privacy concerns and the spread of fake news cannot be ignored. Since social media is so familiar to middle school students and high school students alike, it's a simple debate topic to get started with.
Imagine a world where every student in the US could attend public schools without the crippling burden of tuition fees. Currently, the debate on whether college tuition should be free for all students is a hot debate topic in the United States, sparking passion as only political debate topics can. Advocates for free tuition believe that it will not only level the playing field for marginalized communities and increase the future success of minority students, but also increase the overall educational accomplishments of the nation. On the other hand, there are those who argue that the funding required for this proposal would mean hefty taxes, and raise questions on the quality of education that can be provided with a free system. This might force private schools in particular to cut corners or struggle to maintain their current standards. The conversation surrounding the possibility of tuition-free college education for all is a well balanced debate topic with solid argument potential.
When it comes to our next debate around the pros and cons of banning violent video games, a few key points emerge. On one hand, proponents of a ban highlight concerns about the potential for these games to incite real-world aggression, desensitize players to violence, and possibly even create harmful addiction patterns. On the other hand, opponents argue that video games can serve as a healthy outlet for controlled aggression, provide opportunities for social connection, enable skill development, and offer entertainment value. Our modern society and its ongoing effort to strike a balance between freedom of expression and the safeguard of public welfare is a really interesting and simple debate topic to get started with.
In conclusion, parliamentary debate is an invaluable tool for students, providing an interesting and challenging platform for exercising critical thinking and public speaking. When participating in a debate, always remember that preparation and practice is the key to success. The topics discussed in this blog post are just some of the vast possibilities available to those interested in debating. Social media has become an intricate part of our society, offering both positive and negative effects on individuals; public college tuition continues to remain expensive for college students who wish to pursue higher education; and video games can provide a form of escapism for teenagers but may also have undesirable side effects if not monitored properly. Debate topics such as these offer an excellent opportunity to explore issues from all sides so that you can come out of it more informed than when you began––and have a great time doing it!
Keep reading for some more tips on highschool debate topics here!