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Topics to Debate about With Friends | Debate Topics for Friends

If you’re looking for some interesting topics to chat about with friends, then you’re in the right place. Check out these things to debate with friends to keep that conversation going! Your next dinner party certainly won’t be boring if you have a few of these debate topics for friends in the back of your mind.

debate topics for friends

Topics to debate about among friends

Debate Topics for Friends

Here are some of the topics for a good debate among friends

  • Cats or dogs: Which is the better pet?
  • Homework in school is a waste of time.
  • People waste too much time on their phones.
  • Would you rather be very short or very tall?
  • Burgers are better than pizza.
  • People shouldn’t eat sushi (raw fish).
  • Living forever would be terrible.
  • Video games are a waste of time.
  • Sex education should be mandatory in schools.
  • People should be required to use all of their vacation time.
  • The book is usually better than the movie.
  • Professional athletes get paid way too much money.
  • It would be terrible to be famous.
  • Which way should the toilet paper roll go?
  • What does it mean to “turn up” the AC?
  • Eating meat is destroying the environment.
  • Italian food is the most delicious!
  • All kids should do chores.
  • Do aliens exist?
  • What happens after death?
  • Should there be capital punishment for murderers?
  • Should drugs like marijuana be legalized?
  • Smoking should be banned completely.
  • Chewing gum is a gross habit.

You may also want to check out these hot topics to debate.

Need even more ideas?

Have a look here for even more questions you could talk about with friends:

Pointless Things to Talk About

Funny Controversial Topics

500+ Would You Rather Questions for Teens: Questions about Sports, Food, The Human Body, Gross...
500+ Would You Rather Questions for Teens: Questions about Sports, Food, The Human Body, Gross...
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Bolen, Jackie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 81 Pages - 12/19/2022 (Publication Date)
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Tips for Debates with Friends

There are a few informal ground rules you should keep in mind when talking about these kinds of questions with friends.

Keep it Fun

Remember that you’re hanging out with friends, which means that you should keep it fun! There’s no point in losing a friend over a ridiculous debate that doesn’t actually matter.

Don’t Get Personal

The best debates stick to reason, facts, and examples. Don’t get too personal with it. Basing an argument entirely on your own experience isn’t a great argument and essentially, it has no legs to stand on. Keep it general.

Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners and Teachers (Teaching...
Great Debates for ESL/EFL: 39 Important Debating Topics for English Learners and Teachers (Teaching...
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Bolen, Jackie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 154 Pages - 01/03/2023 (Publication Date)
Check Price on Amazon

Change the Subject if Necessary

Sometimes things can get heated and of course, you don’t want to lose a friend. For this reason, be prepared to let it go and change the subject. Get another drink or excuse yourself to go the bathroom if you find yourself getting angry.

Back up your Argument with Examples or Facts

The best debates use concrete examples and facts, even among friends. Use them liberally!

Get that Smartphone Out!

Don’t be afraid to do a little bit of research if there’s a basic fact that you can’t agree to.

things to debate with friends

Things to debate about with friends

Topics to Debate About With Friends: Join the Conversation 

Do you have any questions to debate with friends? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think about it. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2025-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 20 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults, Great Debates for ESL/EFL, and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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