There is a real decision
Policy motions should identify who acts and what changes. Value motions should name the principle being compared.
Free debate topic generator
Find a debate worth having.
Generate balanced debate topics for class, a club meeting, tournament practice, or an argument with friends. Choose the audience and format, then take any motion straight into a live AI practice round.
- 57 handpicked motions
- Core clash for every topic
- Middle school through college
Your debate topics
Three balanced motions, ready to use.
How to choose
What makes a good debate topic?
A strong topic is specific enough to argue and open enough for both sides to win. Before assigning a motion, check three things.
Both sides have a burden
The proposition must defend the change. The opposition must defend a clear alternative, not only point out uncertainty.
The impacts can be weighed
Good rounds compare outcomes such as fairness, safety, freedom, cost, trust, and long-term effects.
Format guide
Match the motion to the room.
The same issue should be framed differently for a classroom discussion and a competitive round.
| Format | Best motion shape | Preparation tip |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom | A concrete choice with familiar stakes | Define one key term and let students prepare both sides. |
| Public Forum | A current policy with evidence on both sides | Research the mechanism, affected groups, and measurable impacts. |
| Lincoln-Douglas | A value conflict or question of justice | Choose a value and explain the standard used to evaluate the round. |
| World Schools | A broad policy or social judgment | Build a clear model, comparative world, and principled case. |
| British Parliamentary | A motion with several affected groups | Look for distinct perspectives that can support four unique team cases. |
Questions
Debate topic FAQ
What makes a good debate topic?
A good debate topic gives both sides a plausible path to victory. It names the actor or value at issue, creates a clear disagreement, and leaves room for evidence, rebuttal, and impact comparison.
Can I use these debate topics in class?
Yes. Choose the student age and classroom format, then assign sides or let students prepare both positions. Each generated topic includes the core clash to guide preparation.
What is the difference between a topic and a motion?
A topic is the broad issue, such as artificial intelligence in schools. A motion or resolution is the exact statement teams argue for and against, such as schools should prohibit students from using generative AI for homework.
How do I practice a generated debate topic?
Choose a generated motion and open it in Debatable. The motion is carried into a voice or typed practice round where an AI opponent takes the other side and an AI judge writes a ballot.
Already have a tournament topic?
Browse current PF, LD, Policy, Big Questions, Worlds, Congress, and parliamentary topic guides.