Debate motions that work in class
The debate topic picker gives teachers and debate clubs a ready supply of motions students can argue without hours of research: Should homework be banned in elementary school? Should the voting age be lowered to 16? Is space exploration worth the cost? Should AI be used to grade schoolwork? A few lighter classics — is pineapple acceptable on pizza? — make great warm-ups.
To run a quick classroom debate, spin a topic, then use the random team generator to split the class into “for” and “against”, and give each side five minutes to prepare three arguments. Spinning publicly makes the process feel fair, and assigning sides at random helps students practise arguing positions they don’t personally hold — a core critical-thinking skill.
How to use the Debate Topic Picker
- Press Spin the wheel to choose the motion.
- Split the class into two sides with the random team generator.
- Give each side 5 minutes to prepare three arguments.
- Alternate speakers, then hold a quick vote.
Frequently asked questions
Are the debate topics suitable for middle school?
Yes. They avoid graphic or highly sensitive subjects and work well from about age 11 upward.
How do I assign debate sides fairly?
Use the random team generator with two teams, or spin a For/Against wheel for each student.
Can I add topics from my curriculum?
Yes. Add motions in the editor and save a wheel for each unit.
Published · Last updated by the WhimWheel team.