17 Best Debate Topics for English Language Students

Published on May 26, 2017 at 4:18 am by Alexandria I. in Lists

In 17 best debate topics for English language students, we thought we’d help the college teachers and students out a bit.

ESL can be a real drag at times. But some of the best parts about it might be the debates. Even if you have to write a paper about a certain debate topic. If you’re passionate enough about it, it can somehow turn out to be at least a little fun.

I mean, let’s face it, when is arguing not fun? Especially when it’s about causes you can fully get behind. These are certainly topics you can get passionate about. Yet at the same time, they’re not terribly challenging either- meaning you won’t have to do hours of research before you even know what the question means. Debaters who are uninformed about the issue never do well, and that’s why we picked topics that students are most likely to know at least a little bit about.

17 Best Debate Topics for English Language Students

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Some arguments just never get old. And it’s somehow always interesting to hear different sides of them, and why people believe different ideas. But when debating, remember to attack the issue rather than the person. The mantra “Debate ideas not people,” is always a helpful reminder. (Also good to remember when reading our list of 10 Best Debate Topics Related to Education and Money.)

We also considered foreign students when forming this list. After all, not everyone taking ESL already knows English (go figure). In which case, the whole class becomes a lot harder. A lighthearted debate on one of the below topics could really lighten the mood, as well as inform you a lot about, well, people who speak English. Additionally, foreigners can offer a fresh new perspective when it comes to hot-button issues like these.

We derived our topics from four sites: FluentU, ESL Library, Busy Teacher and English Club. If you haven’t noticed from their titles, they’re all resources that specifically cater to students taking English courses.

But even if you’re not a scholar or teacher hankering for a good debate, you’re sure to find this list of best debate topics for English language students interesting. You can pick a side for yourself and think about why you believe in it. It’s a great brain sharpening exercise, we promise.

17. Is breakfast the most important meal of the day?

Some people swear by this (maybe as an excuse to eat another meal?) While others haven’t eaten breakfast since their sugary cereal childhood days. But the question is, who’s right?

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16. What types of learning are most effective: visual, audio or hands on?

Of course, this one’s a matter of personal preference. However, other types of learning could be helpful to those who refuse to deviate from one of the categories. For instance, those who don’t think they’re audio learners might do well with audio books. It could produce a good discussion.

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15. Is reading English more difficult than writing English?

This is the debate when learning any new language, so why not add it to the list of best debate topics for English language students?

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14. Should driver’s licenses be revoked upon breaking the speed limit?

You’ve heard of how some foreign countries do it. The speed limits are sky high, but everyone watches their driving because they’re afraid of the consequences. What do you think?

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13. Should the government pay for college?

Most poor college students, especially the ones who eat Ramen noodles nightly, would probably say yes, but then there’s the argument for lower taxes, and the two just don’t go together.

12. Can you have a happy life and a successful career at the same time?

For college students who are about to plunge into the real world, this might be worthwhile to consider. Would you rather have happiness or success? Or, can you have both?

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11. Have we become too dependent on computers?

College students probably have. But will they admit it?

10. Is there a right to die?

Okay, all you Me Before You enthusiasts… do you agree with the handsome heartthrob hero in the story (that’s now both a book and a movie) or not?

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9. “Time is money.” Do you agree or disagree?

In other words, if you could, would you pay for a longer life? When you think about it that way… Yes, definitely one of the best debate topics for English language students.

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8. Do you consider artificial beauty (cosmetic surgery) to still be beauty?

This could become a very fiery debate. Just make sure the people arguing “yes” don’t actually have botox themselves.

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7. Are premonitions and prophesies real?

This delves into other tricky questions about the supernatural, like are ghosts real?

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6. Should we be eating fast food?

Or, how much do you love Big Macs?

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5. Online or in-person shopping?

It’s hard not to love the ever-growing Amazon, but do you love it more than a good mall trip with your friends?

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4. “Having no plan is a plan to fail.” Do you agree or disagree? (Spontaneity vs. Planning.)

This answer on our list of best debate topics for English language students could depend on the situation. But some people love planning almost as much as they love carrying out their plans. While others live for spontaneity.

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3. Is there life after death?

Even though death may be the farthest thing from a college student’s mind, having answers to questions like these can greatly ease a person’s mind no matter their age. It’s definitely something worth contemplating. (Not to be morbid.)