Interesting Debate Topics for Primary and Secondary Schools

Today in our series on Argumentative Essays, we would be exploring interesting debate topics for primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. But before then, we shall look at the definition of debate, why it’s so important for students and special considerations before choosing a debate topic. Continue reading…

What is a Debate?

A debate is an organized friendly argument where people talk about two opposing sides of a topic. So every debate topic has at least two opposing sides to it. Those who support or agree with the idea are called the proposing side while those who disagree with the idea are called the opposing side.

A debate is a way for participants to share their ideas and opinions with the audience in a convincing way. So one person from the proposing team says why they think something is true, and another person from the opposing team explains why they disagree.

At the end of the day, it is not about getting angry or upset, neither is it just about winning the competition. Rather, it is about listening and learning from each other as debate helps the participants to understand different points of view and learn how to better explain their own ideas.

Read Also: Topics for Debate Competition in English

Importance of Debate in Education

In education, debate plays a crucial role in helping students develop important skills they will need in life. Whether it is early in primary school or later in secondary school, debate helps students learn how to think critically, speak confidently and work together as a team. These skills are essential for success both inside and outside the classroom.

The following are the importance of debate in primary and secondary schools in Nigeria:

1. Debates foster the students’ cognitive development. This is because it challenges them to think critically, examine different perspectives and form their own opinions.
2. Debates enhance public speaking and research skills. The reason is because debate is not just about talking; it’s about communicating effectively. So in the course of participating in a debating competition, students learn how to articulate their thoughts clearly and persuasively, which helps to improve their public speaking skills. They also learn to research and gather information from different sources.
3. Debate promotes of teamwork and collaboration among students as they work together towards a common goal.
4. The skills gained through debate—critical thinking, public speaking, research and teamwork—are highly transferable.

Read Also: Teacher vs. Doctor: Teacher is Better than Doctor?

Debate Topics

A debate topic is a statement or question that people argue for or against during a debate. It is the main idea around which individuals or teams present arguments and counterarguments with the aim of persuading and convincing convince others of a particular viewpoint.

Types of Debate Topics

When we consider the subject matter, format or purpose of debate topics, we can conveniently group them into types. Some common types of debate topics include: policy debate topics, value debate topics, fact debate topics, comparative debate topic, hypothetical debate topics, and so on. Learn their meaning below so that you can know the type to introduce to your primary school pupils and secondary school students as an organizer.

Do bear in mind that it is possible for debate topics to combine elements from multiple types. Just feel free to choose the type of topic that fits the purpose of the debate and the interests of the participants.

1. Policy debate topics

Policy debate topics focus on proposals for action or changes in policies, laws or regulations. Examples of such debate topics include discussions on healthcare reform or environmental policies.

2. Value debate topics

These type of debate topics are centered around abstract value-related concepts such as morality, ethics and justice. Under value debate topics, debaters argue about what is right or wrong, just or unjust, moral or immoral. Examples include debates on the death penalty, freedom of speech and so on.

3. Fact debate topics

Fact debate topics have to do with empirical facts or events. Debaters argue about the accuracy or interpretation of data or evidence. Examples of this type of debate topics include debates on scientific theories or current affairs.

4. Comparative debate topics

Debating on these topics involve comparing and contrasting two or more things, for example: options, choices or approaches. Participants argue about which option is better or more effective as the case may be. Examples of comparative debate topics include those on different economic systems, education models and so on.

5. Hypothetical debate topics

As the name implies, these debate topics pose hypothetical scenarios or situations for argument. Debaters argue about what would or wouldn’t happen in a hypothetical context. Examples include debates on future technologies or alternative history scenarios.

Read Also: Male Child is More Important than Female Child Debate

Factors to Consider While Choosing Debate Topics for Primary and Secondary Schools in Nigeria

There are thousands of debate topics out there. When choosing debate topics for primary and secondary school students in Nigeria, it is important that the organizers take certain factors into consideration. This will help to ensure that the debate topics are engaging, relevant and aligned the organizer’s educational objectives.

So here are some of the key factors to consider while choosing a debate topic:

1. Age-appropriateness of the debate topics for Primary and Secondary School Students.

Debate topics should be suitable for the age and maturity level of the students. For primary school pupils, the topics should be easy to understand and not abstract. For example “Should students have homework?” or “Is it better to read books or watch movies?”

For secondary school students, the topics can be more complex and thought-provoking, and should challenge the students to think and research more. Examples include “Should school uniforms be mandatory?” or “Is social media beneficial or harmful to teenagers?”

2. Relevance of debate topics to Nigerian cultural, social and educational contexts.

Debate topics should resonate with Nigerian students’ experiences, values and interests. They should be relevant and meaningful to the students. Therefore, they ought to be related to Nigerian culture, history, politics and social issues. Examples of culturally relevant debate topics include “Should indigenous languages be mandatory in schools?” or “Should traditional rulers have a role in modern governance?”

3. Accessibility of data and information of the Debate topic.

When it comes to secondary school debates, organizers often try to get topics that are bit complex in order to challenge the students intellectually. But there’s a need for balance here. The organizer needs to strike a balance between intellectually challenging topics and those that are accessible and engaging. The debate topics do not have to be too difficult and participants should be able to access information about the topics with relative ease.

4. Alignment with Curriculum Objectives and Educational Goals.

Ensure that debate topics complement the curriculum objectives of primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. They should provide opportunities for students to either apply or extend their learning in various subject areas. Debate topics can be selected to reinforce concepts and skills taught in subjects such as Social Studies, Civic Education, History, Science, and so on. For example, a debate on “Should genetically modified foods be banned?” can integrate science and ethical concepts.

Best Debate Topics for Primary Schools in Nigeria

Here are 25 debate topics that are perfectly suitable for primary schools in Nigeria:

1. Should students have homework?
2. Is it better to read books or watch movies?
3. Should school uniforms be mandatory?
4. Is it important to eat breakfast every day?
5. Is it better to be an only child or have siblings?
6. Should children be allowed to use smartphones?
7. Is it better to play indoors or outdoors?
8. Should schools have longer holidays?
9. Is it important to recycle?
10. Should children be given pocket money?
11. Is it better to have a big family or a small family?
12. Should students have a say in school rules?
13. Is it important to save money?
14. Should junk food be banned in schools?
15. Is it better to walk or take the bus to school?
16. Should students wear school shoes or sandals?
17. Is it better to learn a musical instrument or a sport?
18. Should children be allowed to vote?
19. Is it important to brush your teeth twice a day?
20. Should school start later in the day?
21. Is it better to study alone or in a group?
22. Should children be allowed to choose their own bedtime?
23. Should children be allowed to play video games?

Read Also: Top 10 Best Apps for Toddlers Learning to Read

Debate Topics for Junior Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Here are 25 debate topics suitable for junior secondary schools in Nigeria:

1. Should school uniforms be abolished?
2. Is online learning better than traditional classroom learning?
3. Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school?
4. Is homework beneficial or stressful for students?
5. Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?
6. Should physical education be a mandatory subject in schools?
7. Is social media more harmful than beneficial for teenagers?
8. Is climate change the biggest threat to humanity?
9. Should corporal punishment be allowed in schools?
10. Is technology making us more or less connected?
11. Should schools teach more about mental health and well-being?
12. Is it important for teenagers to have part-time jobs?
13. Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
14. Is censorship necessary in the media?
15. Should schools teach more about financial literacy?
16. Is animal testing justified for scientific research?
17. Should schools have gender-neutral bathrooms?
18. Is it better to have year-round schooling with shorter breaks?
19. Ιs it important to learn a second language?
20. Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment purposes?
21. Should schools have stricter dress codes?
22. Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?

Read Also: How to Write a Debate to Win Any Competition

Debate Topics for Secondary Schools in Nigeria

Here are debate topics suitable for senior secondary schools in Nigeria:

1. Should the government provide free tertiary education for all citizens?
2. Is democracy the best form of government?
3. Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
4. Is globalization beneficial for developing countries?
5. Is capitalism the best economic system?
6. Should the death penalty be abolished?
7. Is social media a force for good or evil?
8. Should the government regulate the internet?
9. Is affirmative action necessary for achieving gender equality?
10. Should religious education be mandatory in schools?
11. Is there life after death?
12. Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
13. Is euthanasia morally acceptable?
14. Should the use of animals in scientific research be banned?
15. Is climate change the biggest threat to humanity?
16. Should the use of nuclear weapons be prohibited?
17. Is privacy more important than security?
18. Should drug testing be mandatory for all high school students?
19. Is the use of renewable energy sources the solution to climate change?
20. Should schools teach more about mental health and well-being?
21. Is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity?
22. Should the international community intervene in conflicts between nations?

Read Also: Is Sex Good for Students at Any Level? Get Practical Answers

How to Prepare and Excel in Any Debate Topic you are Given

We are gradually coming to the end of this article. In this concluding section, we will show you how to prepare for and excel in any debate topic you are given to participate. So without further ado, let’s delve in.

Step-by-step guide to help you prepare and excel in any debate topic you are given:

1. Understand the Topic:

This is the first and most important step. You need to thoroughly understand the debate topic assigned to you. You can break it down into its key components and try to identify the main arguments for and against it. Also endeavor to come to terms with the scope and context of the topic and ensure that you clarify any ambiguous terms or concepts.

2. Research:

Do your personal research to gather information related to the debate topic. The information you should seek include: evidence, facts, statistics, and expert opinions. You can source these information from books, academic journals, news papers and reputable websites. Take comprehensive notes and organize your research findings to support your arguments effectively.

3. Analyze Different Arguments:

Whether you are assigned to be in the proposing or opposing team, don’t just focus on gathering information to support your argument. You need to go a step further by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of different arguments for and against the debate topic. That way, nothing will take you by surprise during the debate because you already know what to expect from your opponents and how to puncture their arguments.

4. Develop Your Own Arguments:

From the research results, formulate clear and persuasive arguments to support your position on the debate topic. Ensure that your arguments are logical and coherent, by using facts, evidence, reasoning and examples to back up your case.

Remember to be concise and straight-to-the-point, and don’t use high-sounding language or jargon that may confuse your audience.

5. Practice Delivery:

This is very important because a poor delivery will make a complete mess of well-researched debate. So you need to practice delivering your arguments aloud to improve your public speaking skills and build confidence. As you do that, pay attention to the tone of your voice, speed of delivery and body language. Also seek feedback from friends and teachers, and make adjustments as needed to enhance your delivery.

6. Rehearse Rebuttals:

Before the actual debate, you must anticipate obvious potential counterarguments that the opposing side may raise during the debate. Come up with strong rebuttals by addressing the main points of contention and presenting compelling evidence to refute opposing arguments.

7. Engage in Mock Debates:

Still on rehearsals, take part in mock debates or practice sessions with friends. During the sessions, try to simulate all the dynamics of a real debate. Then use the opportunity to refine your arguments, test your rebuttals and your ability to think on your feet. Ask for feedback from your friends and welcome their suggestions to improve your performance.

Read Also: Online Jobs for Students and Young People

Final Thoughts

Selecting exciting debate topics for Nigerian primary and secondary schools is important for fostering critical thinking and communication skills among students. By choosing topics that match students’ age, culture and curriculum, we can create debates that inspire students to explore different ideas. This will also make them to become active participants in discussions about important issues. Let’s keep embracing debate as a valuable tool for empowering students and fostering a culture of thoughtful engagement in Nigerian schools.

If you got value from this post, you can help us to spread it. Share with friends on Social Media. Just scroll down to see the Facebook and Twitter and WhatsApp buttons. Thank you so much!

For information WAEC as an examination body, visit the Board’s Official Website