Debate topics for beginner English learners

1. The performing and visual arts should receive government funding

2. There are too many TV shows being made these days

3. Movies and TV shows depict too much violence

4. Movies and TV shows depict too much sex

5. Access to the internet should be a basic human right and available to everyone,
regardless of ability to pay

6. Reading a physical book is better than using an e-reader (Kindle, etc.)

7. Professional athletes are paid too much and their salaries should be reduced

8. Cell phones should be banned from all movie theatres

9. The speed limit on highways should be increased to (choose a number that is

higher than the current standard where you are)

10. The driving age should be increased to (choose an age that is higher than the
current standard where you are)

11. It should be harder to obtain a driver’s license

12. Having a pet is good for kids and families

13. Cats make better pets than dogs

14. Kids should not play any competitive sports

15. Kids should spend more time playing outside (not in organized activities)

16. People should read more books and watch less TV

17. After-school activities should be limited to allow more time for rest and study

18. It should be mandatory for students to study abroad for at least one year

19. Students should learn about basic financial skills like saving and investing

20. Advertising aimed at children should be banned

21. Kids should not get a cellphone until high school

22. The voting age should be lowered (to 18, or 16, or whatever is a few years lower
than the current norm where you are)
23. Voting should be mandatory and penalties should be imposed on eligible voters
who do not vote

24. Politicians should be required to disclose the names of all financial supporters
and donors

25. School uniforms are a good idea and should be required

26. Young people should begin working at a part-time job as early as possible in life

27. University tuition should be funded entirely by the government with no cost to
students

28. The drinking age should be raised/lowered (pick one and argue for and against)

29. Homework should be banned for all students in elementary and high school

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

2. Swimming in the ocean is better than swimming in a public pool.
3. Alcohol should be illegal.
4. Children should provide room and board for their aging parents.
5. Studying grammar is more important than practising conversation skills.
6. Television is the leading cause of violence in today's society.
7. Dogs make better companions than cats.
8. Smoking should be permitted in public places.
9. Females are better students than males.
10. A parent shouldn't pierce a baby's ears.
11. Women should be allowed to go topless in public.
12. Lawyers should make a higher salary than nurses.
13. Everyone should plan their own funeral.
14. Reading English is more difficult than writing English.
15. Summer is the best season of the year.
16. Children under 13 should not be allowed to babysit.
17. High school students should wear uniforms.
18. 21 should be the legal driving age around the world.
19. Rock and Roll is the best kind of music.
20. The government should pay for post secondary education.