Though team debates are common, I prefer open class debates in which every student participates.  Before having your students debate, you might want to discuss logical fallacies and misleading statistics.

Debate topics are best if they’re topical and controversial.  An excellent list of topics and readings is maintained by John Kane on this website:  http://www.swcollege.com/bef/econ_debate.html.   

Here are some additional topics, with links to selected readings.

 

Resolved:  Gasoline price-gougers should be punished.

Pro:

Con: 

 

Resolved:  America should increase the gasoline tax.

Pro:

Con: 

 

Resolved:  America should privatize Social Security.

Pro:

Con:

 

Resolved:  We're recycling too much.

Pro:

Con:

 

Resolved:   The government should require motorcyclists to wear helmets.

Pro:

Con: 

 

Resolved:  Schools should require students to wear uniforms.

Pro:

Con:

 

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