Choosing A Winning High School Debate Topic Debates offer a forum where two or more people can state perspectives and facts on a given topic and argue the validity of certain premises. The point of a debate is to exchange ideas and persuade listeners to your point of view or position on the topic. Your facts must be accurate, but it is equally important to be persuasive in your use of words. You cannot rely on inflammatory remarks, badgering tactics or misinformation. You'll lose both credibility and points. There must, of course, exist a conflict between the points of view presented. This template for a high school debate topic leaves the subject matter wide open. What characteristics describe a lively debate topic? Let's take a look. 1. Controversial topics concerning current events are a good choice. High school debate topics should be chosen for their interest value to your peers. For example, at your school Federal funding cuts to schools has resulted in fewer classes in the arts. Those who support the arts in education can defend that position to students who feel the sciences must be funded first. If the debate teams do their research well, the outcome should educate both sides in lively discussion. 2. Social issues also fit well in the high school debate topic choices. One example might be a debate which seeks to determine if cell phones should be used while driving. You'll find adherents on both sides. Again, the outcome should serve to educate listeners and perhaps reach a consensus. 3. Historical perspectives on a world leader's influence in shaping world events can unearth obscure facts which color the arguments in ways your listeners were previously unaware. For example, what influence has Fidel Castro had from both a political and economic perspective? There's a long history of influence, plenty of facts and widely opposite perspectives. 4. Scientific theory also makes for animated debate. For example, should stem cell research be allowed? Recent research has resulted in a team's success in growing a new, functioning heart from adult stem cells. This changes the complexion of the question considerably, since no embryonic stem cells were used. This is a more sophisticated high school debate topic, as the subject is complex and will require much research to defend either position. 5. Local issues sometimes spark the most energetic debates, because everyone can directly relate to the issue and has an opinion, at least in most cases. For example, the school is thinking of adopting a dress code requiring that all students wear a school uniform. The question of the debate is whether this is a good move or not. As you can see, high school debate topics need not be simplistic or uninteresting. The more complex and thought-provoking, the better. The best result for the audience is to have learned something new. Summary High school debate topics need to be controversial in order to have a great debate. Politics, health matters such as stem cell research, and local issues are all good candidates. Pick a topic that you feel strongly about and you'll have a great start. Related Articles High School Curriculum High School Debate Topic Related Sites