11 Debate Topics Perfect for an English Speaking Club

Many colleges and universities have their own English speaking clubs, where English learners and native speakers come together to have conversations. The idea is that speaking aloud and having conversations naturally helps you practice a language and become fluent. It is a great way to learn English and also meet other students that do not speak English as a first language.

Sometimes holding a conversation or discussion for a long time is difficult because you run out of things to say. Debate topics are a great way to keep a discussion going, and they can include several people at a time. They also help you get to know someone else better by learning about their views and opinions.

Below are 11 debate topics that you can use in an English speaking club to help practice your English and conversation skills.

 

1. Should cell phones be used during class?

Nowadays almost everyone has a smartphone. Phones can be a useful learning tool, but can also be a distraction. This is a good topic to discuss with other students. Do they think cell phones are a positive or negative thing in the classroom?

 

2. Do you agree with animal testing?

People have many different opinions when about animals. Some people think they should be respected, while others think that they aren’t as important as humans. Many times, scientists will do tests on animals to see how well a product (such as shampoo) works, so they don’t have to harm humans. Do you think this is needed or that it is unnecessary?

 

3. Is it okay for teenagers or young adults to be sentenced to life without parole?

There have been cases where a young person has committed a crime and has been put in jail without parole. “Without parole” means they can never leave prison, even if they behave well. Many disagree with this because the young person won’t be able to live their life fully. What do you think?

 

4. Are school uniforms needed?

Some schools in American and many schools around the world (like ones in Japan) require students to wear matching uniforms. Some educators say that uniforms keep students from being distracted. However, others think it takes away a student’s individuality. Different cultures have different views on uniforms. This would make an interesting debate in an English speaking club with people from different countries.

5. Who is better: Batman and Superman?

This debate has been going on for a long time among comic book fans. Both super heroes are very famous and have a lot of fans. This could make a very interesting debate. If you aren’t familiar with these two super heroes (or if you have other favorite ones) you can debate other super heroes or characters that you like from any comic book or movie.

 

6. What is the best sport or sports team?

In many cultures around the world, sports are very popular. There are all kinds of different sports and sports teams. Some fans get really into their particular sport. This could make a very heated debate in an English club, and you can also show pride for your country or favorite team

 

7. Do aliens or other life forms exist in the universe?

Scientists have been asking this question for centuries. There are some who strongly believe that aliens or living creatures exist on other planets. Other do not believe in it at all. It is a great scientific debate to have with your friends.

 

8. What came first, the chicken or the egg?

This question may sound silly, but it actually makes for a very interesting debate. Do you believe that God or some other force (such as evolution) created a chicken and then the chicken began to lay eggs? Or do you think the egg came first and the first chicken hatched from that egg?

 

9. Should daycare services be free?

In America and other countries, children attend preschool or daycare centers after they begin elementary school. Daycare is important for working families and for helping children learn. However, daycare services can be very expensive. Do you think daycare should cost money or be free?

 

10. Are violent video games okay for young children to play?

There are some video games with blood, violence, or other mature content that are made for adults to play. However, there has been a trend where young children play these games and see inappropriate material. Some people think kids playing these games is harmless, but some scientists think it can make children more violent. Do you think young children should be allowed to play these violent games?

 

11. Politics

Recently, politics have been controversial in countries all over the world. There many different political beliefs and parties that have contrasting views. With the recent presidential election in the United States and other political events around the world, there is an endless amount of things you can debate.

 

Now you have some topics to debate with an English speaking club, or with your English-speaking friends. If you do not have many friends that speak English fluently, visit Spoken English Practice, where you can find a spoken English tutor. They can help you learn English through everyday conversation and you can practice your speaking using these debate topics.