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Debate Activity Generator

Generate a complete structured debate activity on any topic — the motion, arguments for and against, key vocabulary, roles, and discussion questions. Printable and ready to teach.

Set up your debate

Debate topic or motion

Give a clear topic or a specific motion (a statement to argue for or against).

Year group

Debate format

Subject link

Building your debate activity…

How to run a classroom debate

Print the activity sheet and divide the class into two groups before revealing which side they'll argue — this ensures both sides prepare with equal energy. Allow 10 minutes for preparation, then 15–20 minutes for the debate itself. Close with a class vote and a reflection: "Which argument did you find most convincing, regardless of which side you were on?"

Structured debate is excellent for oracy development, argument writing, and critical thinking across any subject. The same format works for history (should we pardon King Charles I?), science (should we gene-edit humans?), or geography (should we protect or develop the rainforest?).