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100 Engaging Debate Topics for ESL Students: From Beginner to Advanced

Debating is a fantastic way to improve English speaking skills, develop critical thinking, and build confidence in communication. Whether you’re a beginner (A1) practicing simple opinions or an advanced learner (C2) tackling complex global issues, debates can help you expand your vocabulary and express your thoughts clearly.



A1 Level (Beginner)


  1. Is it better to have a pet or no pet?

  2. Should we eat fast food or homemade food?

  3. Is it better to live in the countryside or in the city?

  4. Is it better to walk or take public transport?

  5. Should you always tell the truth or sometimes tell a lie?

  6. Is it better to read books or watch movies?

  7. Is it better to sleep early or stay up late?

  8. Is it better to spend money or save money?

  9. Should people travel by car or by bike?

  10. Is it better to go to a small school or a big school?

  11. Is it better to eat at home or in a restaurant?

  12. Is it better to exercise in the morning or at night?

  13. Should you stay inside or go outside on a rainy day?

  14. Should we use a phone to call or text?

  15. Should you drink tea or coffee in the morning?

  16. Is it better to have one best friend or many friends?

  17. Should we go to the beach or the mountains for a holiday?

  18. Is it better to take pictures or make memories in your mind?

  19. Should you stay in a hotel or rent an apartment on vacation?

  20. Is it better to watch sports live or on TV?


    PRACTICE WITH THIS LINK


A2 Level (Elementary)


  1. Should people use social media or avoid it?

  2. Is it better to be rich or happy?

  3. Should students wear uniforms at school?

  4. Is it better to have a few close friends or many acquaintances?

  5. Should we spend money on clothes or on experiences?

  6. Is it better to do your homework in the morning or at night?

  7. Should you stay at home or go out during the weekend?

  8. Is it better to have a big house or a small, cozy house?

  9. Should schools have longer holidays?

  10. Is it better to live in a hot country or a cold country?

  11. Should everyone learn how to cook?

  12. Is it better to travel by plane or by train?

  13. Should children play video games?

  14. Is it better to do online shopping or visit a store?

  15. Should everyone learn a second language?

  16. Is it better to stay in your hometown or move to a new city?

  17. Should we use plastic or paper bags?

  18. Is it better to be a morning person or a night owl?

  19. Should we buy new clothes or recycle old ones?

  20. Is it better to have a quiet life or an exciting life?



B1 Level (Intermediate)


  1. Is it better to study alone or with a group?

  2. Should people live in big cities or small towns?

  3. Is it better to be an early riser or a night owl?

  4. Should everyone have a job after school or college?

  5. Is it better to travel by car or by train?

  6. Should we work hard or work smart?

  7. Is it better to eat breakfast or skip it?

  8. Should people focus on saving money or spending money?

  9. Is it better to watch the news or not watch it?

  10. Should we help people even if it costs us?

  11. Is it better to go out with friends or stay home alone?

  12. Should we exercise every day or only on weekends?

  13. Is it better to live close to work or far away for peace?

  14. Should people have many hobbies or focus on just one?

  15. Is it better to have a busy life or a relaxed life?

  16. Should you always be on time or is it okay to be a little late?

  17. Is it better to have a lot of free time or a busy schedule?

  18. Should people travel for work or stay in their own country?

  19. Is it better to be rich or have more free time?

  20. Should we keep working when we're tired or rest and relax?



    PRACTICE WITH THIS LINK


B2 Level (Upper-Intermediate)


  1. Should we spend more on entertainment or saving for the future?

  2. Is it better to live in a modern apartment or an old house?

  3. Should people avoid using plastic altogether?

  4. Is it better to study in a classroom or online?

  5. Should people always follow rules or sometimes break them?

  6. Is it better to travel to many countries or explore one country deeply?

  7. Should we value individual achievement or teamwork more?

  8. Is it better to work for a big company or a small company?

  9. Should we put limits on technology use in schools?

  10. Is it better to plan your future carefully or live in the moment?

  11. Should people be allowed to live anywhere they want in a country?

  12. Is it better to live in a multicultural society or a homogenous society?

  13. Should all jobs pay the same amount of money?

  14. Is it better to have a few close friends or many acquaintances?

  15. Should countries do more to protect the environment or focus on economic growth?

  16. Is it better to work hard and retire early or work less and enjoy life more?

  17. Should people care more about their physical health or mental health?

  18. Is it better to live without technology or to have all the latest gadgets?

  19. Should the government provide free healthcare for everyone?

  20. Is it better to be self-employed or work for a company?




C1 Level (Advanced)


  1. Should education be free for everyone?

  2. Is technology making our lives better or worse?

  3. Should there be limits to freedom of speech?

  4. Is it better to invest in stocks or in real estate?

  5. Should governments invest more in space exploration or in solving problems on Earth?

  6. Is it better to live in a democracy or in a dictatorship?

  7. Should people be allowed to work from home permanently?

  8. Is it better to have a work-life balance or focus on career growth?

  9. Should wealthy people pay more taxes to help the less fortunate?

  10. Should the government regulate social media?

  11. Is it better to have a universal basic income or create more jobs?

  12. Should people be allowed to clone animals or humans?

  13. Is it better to have public transport or personal vehicles?

  14. Should the use of artificial intelligence be regulated?

  15. Is it better to focus on individual success or collective progress?

  16. Should countries ban or regulate fast food?

  17. Is it better to have universal healthcare or private healthcare?

  18. Should companies be required to have diversity in their workforce?

  19. Is it better to have a small, close-knit family or a large extended family?

  20. Should schools focus more on practical skills or academic knowledge?


C2 Level (Proficient)


  1. Should artificial intelligence be given rights?

  2. Is it better to have a global government or separate national governments?

  3. Should governments fund research on climate change or focus on other issues?

  4. Is capitalism or socialism a better economic system?

  5. Should we prioritize short-term goals or long-term goals?

  6. Is it better to privatize or nationalize industries?

  7. Should governments enforce policies to reduce carbon emissions?

  8. Is it better to rely on renewable energy or nuclear power?

  9. Should we adopt a four-day workweek?

  10. Is it better to use surveillance technology to reduce crime or protect privacy?

  11. Should intellectual property laws be stricter or more relaxed?

  12. Is it better to legalize all drugs or keep them illegal?

  13. Should countries accept refugees regardless of the risks?

  14. Is it better to focus on free market solutions or state-controlled solutions?

  15. Should countries abolish military spending or increase defense budgets?

  16. Is it better to support democracy or authoritarianism for global stability?

  17. Should people be allowed to express controversial opinions publicly?

  18. Is it better to focus on global trade or self-sufficiency for countries?

  19. Should wealth be redistributed more equally among citizens?

  20. Is it better to invest in education or healthcare as a national priority?


    PRACTICE WITH THIS LINK





Debating is more than just arguing—it’s about expressing ideas, listening actively, and thinking critically in English. By practicing with these topics, ESL learners can improve their fluency, expand their vocabulary, and gain confidence in real-world conversations. Whether you're just starting out or refining advanced skills, debating is a fun and interactive way to master the English language. So, pick a topic, start debating, and watch your English improve!










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