Topic 34: Debating Skills and Argumentation

A1 - A2 (Beginner - Elementary)

1. Do you like discussing different opinions with people? Why or why not?

2. What is a debate?

3. Have you ever had a friendly argument with a friend? What was it about?

4. Do you think it is important to listen to others’ opinions? Why?

5. What do you do when you disagree with someone?

6. Do you think people should always agree with their friends? Why or why not?

7. What topics do you like to talk about?

8. What are some topics people argue about often?

9. How do you feel when someone does not agree with you?

10. Do you like watching debates on TV? Why or why not?

11. What do you do if someone interrupts you while talking?

12. Do you think debating is useful in daily life? Why or why not?

13. How do you stay calm during a disagreement?

14. Do you think people should argue or try to compromise? Why?

15. Have you ever convinced someone to change their opinion? What happened?

16. What is one debate topic you would like to discuss?

B1 - B2 (Intermediate - Upper-Intermediate)

17. What makes a good argument?

18. How can people improve their debating skills?

19. Why is it important to consider both sides of an argument?

20. How do body language and tone of voice affect a debate?

21. What are some common mistakes people make when arguing?

22. Should schools teach debating as a skill? Why or why not?

23. How can emotions affect an argument?

24. What is the difference between a debate and a discussion?

25. How do politicians use debating skills?

26. What is the role of facts and evidence in a debate?

27. Why do people sometimes avoid arguments?

28. What are the challenges of debating controversial topics?

29. How can someone defend their opinion without being rude?

30. Why do some people enjoy debating more than others?

31. How do debates help people think critically?

32. What is the best way to win an argument?

C1 - C2 (Advanced - Proficient)

33. How do rhetorical techniques influence the outcome of a debate?

34. What is the role of logical fallacies in weak arguments?

35. How does persuasion differ from argumentation?

36. What are the ethical concerns in competitive debating?

37. How does media influence public debates?

38. What strategies are most effective in high-stakes debates?

39. Should debates always have a winner and a loser? Why or why not?

40. How does debating prepare people for leadership roles?

41. What is the role of emotional intelligence in argumentation?

42. How do cultural differences affect debating styles?

43. What is the impact of social media on modern debates?

44. Should people always express their true opinions in debates? Why or why not?

45. How does debating help people become better problem-solvers?

46. What is the role of storytelling in making arguments persuasive?

47. Can debates change people’s minds, or do they just reinforce existing beliefs?

48. If you could debate one famous person, who would it be and why?