Using debates in your English class can be a fantastic way to strengthen your students language skills and improve their vocabulary and fluency. The problem is many students, especially kids and teenagers, may be reluctant to talk in class. A great way to get your students engaged and talking in a debate class is to choose a fun debate topic. Thats why we put together this list of funny debate topics that are guaranteed to get your students talking. Check out the bottom of the page for some practical tips on conducting your fun debate.
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List Of Funny Debate Topics
Here is a list of funny debate topics. These are great for kids, teenagers, and beginner English language learners.
- Which makes a better pet? Cats or dogs?
- Would you rather be really big or really small?
- What came first? The chicken or the egg?
- Homework should be banned. Agree or disagree?
- Mcdonalds is the best fast food restaurant. Agree or disagree?
- Summer is better than winter. Agree or disagree?
- Who are better teachers? Men or women?
- Would you like to live forever?
- Children under 16 should be allowed to vote. Agree or disagree?
- Children shouldnt be allowed cell phones until they are over 18. Agree or disagree?
- Smart phones make us stupid. Agree or disagree?
- Whats the best pizza toping?
- Whats more important? Being good looking or being smart?
- Playing video games is bad for health. Agree or disagree?
- No one should ever tell a lie. Agree or disagree?
- Which is a better dessert? Cake or ice cream?
- Humans are the most dangerous animals on the planet. Agree or disagree?
- Aliens may be living among us. Agree or disagree?
- Clowns are scary. Agree or disagree?
- Math is an important subject to learn. Agree or disagree?
- Would you rather be good at sports or good at exams?
- Kids are smarter than grown ups. Agree or disagree?
- Is it better to be rich with no friends or poor with many friends?
- It is important to wear a uniform at school. Agree or disagree?
- Should teachers have to wear a school uniform?
- Candy should be given as a reward in class. Agree or disagree?
- Are bad words bad?
- Students should be paid to go to school. Agree or disagree?
- Should students be allowed to use cell phones in class?
- Which is better? Tap water or bottled water?
Tips For Conducting A Fun Debate
Once youve chosen a funny debate topic, there are some important things you should do before starting the debate to make sure it runs smoothly.
Introduce The Fun Debate Topic
Before starting your classroom debate, be sure to introduce the topic to students an make sure they understand what they will be debating. This is especially important when you are conducting a debate in an ESL class where English is not the students native language. Introduce the topic and ask students about their initial thoughts. Elicit some key vocabulary and expressions that your students may need when arguing their case.
Establish The Debate Rules
Even though students will be discussing a funny debate topic, students can still get quite emotional when arguing their case with their classmates. Be sure to establish the debate rules to make sure that students listen to one another and respect each others opinions.
Some good debate rules to follow are:
- Do not interrupt when others are speaking.
- Keep your answers short and concise.
- Listen carefully to your opponent and ask questions once they have finished.
- No idea is a stupid idea.
- Do not raise your voice.
- Always speak calmly and politely to you opponent.
Give Students Time To Research About The Debate Topic
The best debates are ones in which students can back up their opinions with facts. If possible, give your students time to conduct some research about the debate topic. This can be as simple as letting students use their cell phones in class. Or, if you have a computer room in your school, students can use the internet to research.
Give Students Time To Prepare Their Argument
Once students have conducted some research its time for them to prepare their arguments. Have students write down their arguments. Then, encourage students to anticipate how their opponent will respond, and prepare an answer. Even when debating a funny debate topic, giving students time to prepare will make the debate much more fun and educational. Download this debate planning worksheet to help your students prepare their opening statements and arguments.
Keep Track Of Time
To make sure your debate is fair, and each side gets the same chance to lay out their argument, it is important to keep track of time. A great way to do this is to use a visual classroom timer so that both you and your students can see how much time they have. Using the classroom timer, give the first team 2 minutes to present their argument. Then give the other team 2 minutes to present their case. Then give both teams a few minutes to prepare their rebuttal. Next, give each team 2 minutes to present their rebuttal and their final summary of their argument.
MORE DEBATE TOPICS
For more debate topics and ideas for your next classroom debate, check out our sister site, TopicsForClass.com.
Thanks for reading. I hope you found some funny debate topics you can use in your next class.Before you go, dont forget to check out our FREE resources for teaching English, includingActivity Videos,Board Games,Flashcards,PowerPoint Games, andLesson Plans.