Debate Activities for English Classes — Topics and Rules
March 2026 · Activities
Debates are among the most effective speaking activities for intermediate and advanced ESL students. They develop critical thinking, argumentation skills, active listening, and the ability to express and defend opinions — all while practicing English in a meaningful, engaging context.
Debate Formats for ESL
Format
Structure
Best Level
Opinion Line
Students stand on a line from "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree" and explain their position
B1
Balloon Debate
Characters in a sinking balloon argue why they should stay. Class votes who to "throw out"
B1–B2
Fishbowl
Inner circle debates, outer circle observes and takes notes, then switch
B2
Formal Debate
Two teams, structured speeches, rebuttals, audience vote
B2–C1
Parliamentary
Government vs opposition, motions, points of order
C1
Debate Topics by Level
B1 Topics (Accessible, personal)
Social media does more harm than good
Schools should ban homework
Remote work is better than office work
Fast food should have warning labels
Everyone should learn a second language
B2 Topics (Abstract, societal)
AI will create more jobs than it destroys
University education should be free
Privacy is more important than security
Voting should be compulsory
Zoos should be abolished
C1 Topics (Complex, nuanced)
Cancel culture is a form of accountability / mob justice
Space exploration funding is justified despite poverty on Earth
Genetic engineering of humans should be permitted
The death penalty can never be justified
Globalization benefits developing countries more than it harms them
Language of Argumentation
Function
Useful Phrases
Stating opinion
In my opinion... / I firmly believe... / From my perspective...
Giving reasons
This is because... / The main reason is... / One key factor is...
Adding points
Furthermore... / In addition... / Moreover... / What's more...
Conceding
While I understand that... / Although it's true that... / I accept that, however...
Disagreeing
I see your point, but... / With respect, I disagree because... / That's a valid argument, however...
Concluding
In conclusion... / To sum up... / Taking everything into account...
Running a Debate: Step by Step
Introduce the topic and language (10 min): Present the motion, pre-teach argumentation phrases
Preparation (10–15 min): Teams brainstorm arguments, assign speakers, prepare rebuttals
Opening statements (5 min): Each side presents their main argument
Rebuttals (5–10 min): Each side responds to the other's arguments
Open floor / Questions (5 min): Audience asks questions
Closing statements (3 min): Final summary from each side
Vote and feedback (5 min): Class votes, teacher provides language feedback
Tips for Effective Debates
Assign positions randomly: Students may need to argue AGAINST their real opinion — this builds empathy and forces them to consider other perspectives
Provide language frames: Give students cards with useful phrases so they can focus on ideas rather than struggling for words
Use preparation time wisely: Monitor groups during prep and suggest arguments they might have missed
Focus feedback on communication: "You made a strong argument when you said..." before addressing language errors
Frequently Asked Questions
What if students get too emotional during debates?
Establish ground rules: attack arguments, not people. Use phrases like "I disagree with that point" not "You're wrong." Assign positions randomly so students don't feel personally attacked. If things get heated, pause and remind everyone it's a language exercise.
How do I handle students who dominate the debate?
Use structured formats with timed speaking slots. Assign specific roles (speaker 1, speaker 2, questioner). Use a "talking token" — you can only speak when holding it, then pass it to someone else.