57 Fun High School Debate Topics for Learning in 2024

Welcome to an exciting exploration of fun debate topics for high school! Debates are not only an educational tool but also a platform for students to unleash their creativity, engage in lively discussions, and sharpen their communication skills. When it comes to high school debates, injecting a dose of humor and creativity can make the experience not only enriching but also downright enjoyable.

In this article, we dive into a treasure trove of fun debate topics for high school students. These topics are not just thought-provoking; they’re designed to bring a smile to faces and ignite the spirit of healthy competition. We’ll delve into why choosing fun creative debate topics for high school is an excellent idea, offering insights into the advisable age for each topic, what it develops in students, its unique features, and why it’s the best choice for your next debate.

Whether you’re a teacher looking to spice up your classroom discussions or a student eager to tackle intriguing subjects, these fun debate topics for kids high school are bound to spark your interest and inspire engaging conversations. So, let’s embark on this journey of discovery, where wit meets wisdom and laughter blends seamlessly with learning.

Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. These debate topics for middle school students include light-hearted fun topics that are great for beginners.https://t.co/7HlFy8S3Gu
— MAXCases (@MAXCases) September 28, 2021

What you’ll find on this page:

Why Choose a Funny Debate Topic? →
Tips for Conducting a Fun Debate →
50+ Fun Debate Topics for High School →
Conclusion →

Why Choose a Funny Debate Topic?

Well, humor is an exceptional bridge to connect with others, and undoubtedly, it’s an absolute blast. Opting for humorous topics practically ensures that you’ll captivate both your audience and the participants in the debate.

Now, you might have reservations that a fun debate could veer into the realm of frivolity, devoid of substantive value or the opportunity to sharpen your rhetorical skills. However, it’s important to note that selecting a fun debate topic thoughtfully can yield significant benefits in any debating scenario. Presenting a humorous question doesn’t preclude the possibility of a spirited and substantial debate. In fact, humor serves as an added dimension to these debatable topics.

4 Tips for Conducting a Fun Debate

When it comes to fun debate topics for high school, the key to success lies in the preparation and execution of the debate itself. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure an engaging and enjoyable experience for fun debate topics for high school students.

1. Introduce The Fun Debate Topic

Before diving into the world of fun creative debate topics for high school, it’s crucial to lay the groundwork. Start by introducing the chosen topic to your students, especially if you’re conducting a debate in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class. Given that English may not be their native language, take the time to ensure they fully grasp the subject. Engage your students by initiating a discussion about the topic, encouraging them to share their initial thoughts and opinions.

Tips for Conducting a Fun Debate — Sharing thoughts and opinions allows you to elicit key vocabulary and expressions they might need to effectively present their arguments

2. Establish The Debate Rules

While the debate might revolve around lighthearted and fun debate topics for high school students, emotions can still run high during these exchanges.

To maintain a respectful and constructive atmosphere, it’s imperative to establish clear debate rules. These rules not only encourage active listening but also promote mutual respect for differing viewpoints. Here are some effective debate rules to implement:

No Interruptions: Encourage students to refrain from interrupting when others are speaking.
Concise Responses: Advise students to keep their answers succinct and to the point.
Attentive Listening: Stress the importance of actively listening to their opponents and waiting until they’ve finished speaking before asking questions.
Respect for Ideas: Remind students that, even in debates on fun creative debate topics for high school, no idea should be dismissed as “stupid.”
Calm Discourse: Emphasize the significance of maintaining a composed and polite tone when addressing their opponents.
Give Students Time To Research About the Debate Topic

To encourage well-informed discussions on fun debate topics for high school, provide students with the opportunity to research the chosen topic. This can be as straightforward as allowing them to use their cell phones in class or granting access to the school’s computer facilities for internet research.

3. Give Students Time To Prepare Their Arguments

After conducting research, it’s pivotal for students to meticulously prepare their arguments.

This practice, even within the context of lighthearted debates on fun creative debate topics for high school, significantly enhances the educational and enjoyable aspects of the debate. You can support this process by supplying students with a debate planning worksheet to aid in structuring their opening statements and arguments effectively.

4. Keep Track Of Time

To ensure fairness in the debate and that each side has an equal opportunity to present their case on fun debate topics for high school students, effective time management is essential.

Here’s a recommended time allocation:

First team: 2 minutes for presenting their argument.
Second team: 2 minutes for presenting their case.
Both teams: A few minutes to prepare their rebuttals.
Each team: 2 minutes for presenting their rebuttals and final summary of their argument.

By diligently following these steps and adhering to these guidelines, you can create an engaging and constructive environment for your students to relish the experience of debating on fun debate topics for high school. Not only will they enjoy themselves, but they will also develop essential communication and critical thinking skills along the way.

Prior to delving into our debate topics, take a moment to watch the instructional video on debate rules. It’s a helpful guide for students preparing to engage in lively and structured debates.

Now that you’re well-versed in debate conduct, let’s explore our exciting list of high school-friendly fun topics. In the table below, you’ll find these engaging subjects along with concise descriptions for each.

50+ Fun Debate Topics for High School
Topic	Description
1. Would you like to live forever?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Ethical reasoning, philosophical thinking Features: Provocative, sparks deep contemplation Best for: Encouraging philosophical discussions on the value of mortality
2. Homework should be banned. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Critical thinking, time management Features: Relevant to students, promotes critical analysis Best for: Encouraging students to think about the educational system and its demands
3. McDonald’s is the best fast food restaurant. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Persuasive skills, research abilities Features: Pop culture relevance, sparks lively discussions Best for: Fostering persuasive communication and the art of argumentation
4. Summer is better than winter. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Comparative analysis, subjective reasoning Features: Seasonal relevance, invites personal opinions Best for: Exploring individual preferences and the art of persuasion
5. Who are better teachers? Men or women?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Gender studies, research skills Features: Gender-related debate, encourages research and analysis Best for: Exploring gender dynamics in education and promoting research skills
6. Children under 16 should be allowed to vote. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Civic awareness, ethical reasoning Features: Provocative, encourages critical thinking Best for: Promoting civic engagement and ethical discussions among students
7. Children shouldn’t be allowed cell phones until they are over 18. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Technology ethics, argumentation skills Features: Technology-related debate, sparks discussions on parenting and technology use Best for: Encouraging critical discussions on responsible technology use
8. Clowns are scary. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Emotional intelligence, persuasive skills Features: Unconventional topic, encourages exploring emotions Best for: Promoting emotional intelligence and the ability to express fears and preferences
9. Math is an important subject to learn. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Logical reasoning, academic importance Features: Educational relevance, sparks discussions on the value of math Best for: Encouraging logical reasoning and discussions on the importance of math education
10. Would you rather be good at sports or good at exams?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Value judgments, personal preferences Features: Personal choice debate, encourages self-reflection Best for: Exploring personal values and preferences in sports and academics
11. Kids are smarter than grown-ups. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Perspective analysis, argumentation skills Features: Controversial, sparks discussions on intelligence Best for: Encouraging students to think critically about intelligence and age-related perspectives
12. Is it better to be rich with no friends or poor with many friends?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Value judgments, ethical reasoning Features: Ethical dilemma debate, encourages moral discussions Best for: Promoting ethical reasoning and discussions on the value of wealth and friendship
13. It is important to wear a uniform at school. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Uniform policy analysis, persuasive skills Features: School-related debate, sparks discussions on dress codes Best for: Encouraging discussions on uniform policies and individual expression
14. Should teachers have to wear a school uniform?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: School policy analysis, argumentation skills Features: Education-related debate, encourages discussions on teacher dress codes Best for: Promoting critical analysis of teacher dress code policies
15. Candy should be given as a reward in class. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Behavior incentives, persuasive skills Features: Classroom policy debate, sparks discussions on rewards Best for: Encouraging discussions on behavior management and classroom incentives
16. Are bad words bad?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Language ethics, argumentation skills Features: Language-related debate, encourages discussions on profanity Best for: Promoting language ethics and exploring the impact of words
17. Students should be paid to go to school. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Economic analysis, argumentation skills Features: Education-related debate, sparks discussions on incentives Best for: Encouraging discussions on education incentives and economics
18. Which makes a better pet? Cats or dogs?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Comparative analysis, personal preferences Features: Pet preference debate, invites personal opinions Best for: Exploring individual pet preferences and persuasive communication
19. What came first? The chicken or the egg?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Philosophical reasoning, logical thinking Features: Philosophical debate, sparks discussions on origins Best for: Encouraging philosophical thinking and logical analysis
20. ‘Smart phones’ make us stupid. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Technology impact analysis, argumentation skills Features: Technology-related debate, encourages discussions on smartphone use Best for: Promoting critical analysis of technology’s impact on intelligence
21. What’s the best pizza topping?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Culinary preferences, persuasive skills Features: Food-related debate, sparks discussions on culinary tastes Best for: Encouraging discussions on food preferences and persuasive communication
22. What’s more important? Being good-looking or being smart?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Value judgments, personal preferences Features: Personal choice debate, encourages self-reflection Best for: Exploring personal values and preferences in appearance and intelligence
23. Playing video games is bad for health. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Health impact analysis, argumentation skills Features: Health-related debate, encourages discussions on gaming habits Best for: Promoting critical analysis of video game effects on health
24. No one should ever tell a lie. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Ethics analysis, moral reasoning Features: Ethical debate, sparks discussions on honesty Best for: Encouraging moral discussions and exploring the concept of honesty
25. Which is a better dessert? Cake or ice cream?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Culinary preferences, persuasive skills Features: Dessert preference debate, invites personal opinions Best for: Exploring individual dessert preferences and persuasive communication
26. Humans are the most dangerous animals on the planet. Agree or disagree?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Environmental ethics, argumentation skills Features: Environmental debate, encourages discussions on human impact Best for: Promoting critical analysis of human impact on the environment
27. Should students be allowed to use cell phones in class?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Technology policy analysis, argumentation skills Features: Education-related debate, sparks discussions on cellphone use Best for: Encouraging discussions on technology policies in schools
28. Which is better? Tap water or bottled water?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Environmental analysis, argumentation skills Features: Environmental debate, encourages discussions on water sources Best for: Promoting critical analysis of water choices and environmental impact
29. Would you rather be poor and honest or rich and dishonest?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Value judgments, ethical reasoning Features: Ethical dilemma debate, encourages moral discussions Best for: Encouraging ethical reasoning and exploring the concept of wealth and integrity
30. Would you rather be the main superhero or the sidekick?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Role analysis, personal preferences Features: Superhero debate, invites personal opinions Best for: Exploring individual preferences in hero roles and persuasive communication
31. Would you rather travel 100 years forward or back in time?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Temporal reasoning, value judgments Features: Time travel debate, sparks discussions on historical perspectives Best for: Encouraging discussions on time travel choices and exploring historical eras
32. Would you rather be able to fly or read people’s minds?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Superpower analysis, personal preferences Features: Superpower debate, encourages self-reflection Best for: Exploring individual preferences in superhuman abilities and persuasive communication
33. If you could have one superpower, which one would you choose?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Superpower analysis, personal preferences Features: Superpower preference debate, invites personal opinions Best for: Encouraging discussions on the appeal of superhuman abilities and persuasive communication
34. Is it possible for a boss and a subordinate to be good friends?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Relationship analysis, ethical reasoning Features: Workplace ethics debate, sparks discussions on professional relationships Best for: Promoting ethical discussions and exploring professional dynamics
35. Are humans meant to eat to live or live to eat?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Philosophical reasoning, cultural analysis Features: Philosophical debate, encourages discussions on food and culture Best for: Encouraging philosophical thinking and exploring the cultural significance of food
36. Is social media making us more connected or just making it easier for people to stalk each other?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Social media analysis, argumentation skills Features: Technology debate, sparks discussions on social media’s impact Best for: Promoting critical analysis of social media’s influence on connectivity and privacy
37. Is Twitter creating a toxic culture or helping us stay connected?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Social media analysis, argumentation skills Features: Technology debate, encourages discussions on Twitter’s role Best for: Encouraging critical analysis of Twitter’s influence on online culture and connectivity
38. Is it better to be TikTok famous or Instagram famous?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Social media analysis, personal preferences Features: Social media preference debate, invites personal opinions Best for: Exploring individual preferences in social media platforms and persuasive communication
39. Should Facebook add a ‘dislike’ button?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Social media policy analysis, argumentation skills Features: Technology debate, sparks discussions on user interactions Best for: Promoting discussions on social media policies and user experience
40. Is iOS better than Android?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Technology preference analysis, persuasive skills Features: Technology preference debate, encourages debates on operating systems Best for: Exploring individual preferences in mobile operating systems and persuasive communication
41. Is the law too easy on celebrities?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Legal ethics analysis, argumentation skills Features: Celebrity ethics debate, sparks discussions on legal systems Best for: Encouraging discussions on the legal treatment of celebrities and ethical considerations
42. Are books better than movies?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Media comparison analysis, persuasive skills Features: Media preference debate, encourages debates on storytelling mediums Best for: Exploring individual preferences in storytelling mediums and persuasive communication
43. Does intelligent alien life exist?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Extraterrestrial analysis, critical thinking Features: Extraterrestrial debate, sparks discussions on the possibility of life beyond Earth Best for: Encouraging critical analysis of the potential existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life
44. Are introverts too quiet, or are extroverts too loud?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Personality analysis, argumentation skills Features: Personality debate, encourages discussions on introversion and extroversion Best for: Promoting discussions on personality traits and societal perceptions
45. Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Ethical reasoning, personal choices Features: Tattoo ethics debate, sparks discussions on body modification Best for: Encouraging ethical discussions on body art and personal choices
46. Is cheating on a test ever justifiable?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Ethics analysis, moral reasoning Features: Academic ethics debate, encourages discussions on integrity Best for: Promoting ethical discussions and exploring the concept of academic honesty
47. Is peer pressure doing more harm than good?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Social influence analysis, argumentation skills Features: Peer pressure debate, sparks discussions on social dynamics Best for: Encouraging critical analysis of peer pressure’s impact on individuals
48. Should yearbook quotes be funny or serious?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Yearbook quote analysis, persuasive skills Features: Yearbook quote debate, invites discussions on yearbook traditions Best for: Exploring the purpose of yearbook quotes and persuasive communication
49. Should high school students wear whatever they want to school?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Dress code analysis, argumentation skills Features: School dress code debate, encourages discussions on self-expression Best for: Promoting discussions on dress code policies and individuality
50. Are movies creating an unrealistic idea of what high school is like?	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Media analysis, critical thinking Features: High school portrayal debate, sparks discussions on media influence Best for: Encouraging critical analysis of how media represents high school experiences
51. Is there too much pressure on high school students to pick a career path?	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Career pressure analysis, argumentation skills Features: Career choice debate, encourages discussions on educational expectations Best for: Promoting discussions on the pressures students face when selecting career paths
52. Pluto should still be considered a planet.	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Astronomical analysis, critical thinking Features: Planetary debate, sparks discussions on astronomical classifications Best for: Encouraging critical analysis of astronomical classifications and Pluto’s status
53. We should allow people to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Social norms analysis, argumentation skills Features: Barefoot freedom debate, encourages discussions on societal norms Best for: Promoting discussions on personal freedom and societal expectations
54. People shouldn’t have to go to school or work on their birthdays.	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Birthday celebration analysis, ethical reasoning Features: Birthday debate, sparks discussions on special occasions Best for: Encouraging ethical discussions on birthdays and personal time
55. Expanded use of artificial intelligence will be good for humanity.	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: AI analysis, critical thinking Features: AI impact debate, encourages discussions on technology advancements Best for: Promoting critical analysis of the potential benefits of artificial intelligence
56. Technology is creating more jobs than it eliminates.	Advisable Age: High school and above What it Develops: Job market analysis, argumentation skills Features: Tech job debate, sparks discussions on automation and employment Best for: Encouraging discussions on the impact of technology on the job market
57. Video games are better than board games.	Advisable Age: Middle school and above What it Develops: Gaming preference analysis, persuasive skills Features: Gaming preference debate, invites discussions on gaming mediums Best for: Exploring individual preferences in gaming and persuasive communication

Incorporating these fun and thought-provoking fun debate topics for high school into your classroom debates can inspire students, encourage critical thinking, and foster engaging discussions on a wide range of subjects. Whether they’re tackling lighthearted topics or delving into more serious debates, students will have the opportunity to enhance their communication skills while enjoying the process. So, get ready to ignite passionate discussions and let the debates begin!

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Conclusion

These fun debate topics for high school offer a delightful blend of learning and entertainment. They empower students to express themselves, enhance their communication skills, and think critically while having fun. Whether tackling homework, ethics, or the mysteries of life, these topics enrich education with laughter and lively discussions. As you embrace these fun creative debate topics for high school, remember that the joy of learning and growth through debate are priceless rewards. Keep the curiosity alive, and may your future debates be both enlightening and enjoyable.

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