What Are Some Pro/Con Debate Topics?

Some examples of good pro/con debate topics include:

The death penalty
Legal abortions
Legalizing marijuana or other drugs
The income tax system
Open or closed immigration policies
Increased globalization
Communism, socialism, capitalism or other political systems
Euthanasia
Animal testing
Stem cell research

These are just a few examples of pro/con debate topics. As you can see, many of the topics listed here are political issues about which reasonable people might disagree and about which there are possible arguments to be made on both the pro and the con side.

For example, for the death penalty pro/con debate, one possible pro could be the deterrent factor while one possible con could be the possible execution of an innocent person.

Choosing a Good Debate Topic

Technically, a pro/con debate topic can be any topic on which there are differing opinions. You could, for example, debate something as minor and silly as the pros and cons of not taking an umbrella when you go out for a walk (pro- you have nothing to carry to weigh you down; con- what if you get wet). However, there are a few guidelines you should think about when looking for good pro/con debate topics:

In most cases, a debate topic should be something that reasonable people could disagree upon. While you could have a pro/con debate about something that most people have a really one-sided opinion about, it might be hard for debaters to find good information or a strong argument on the pros of, say, human sacrifice.
The topic you choose for a pro/con debate should generally also be something that there is sufficient information about so that each side can do research to prepare sound arguments for the debate.
It should be a topic that is understood, or at least understandable, to the people debating. A team of middle school debaters, for example, probably aren't going to have a great debate about the pros and cons of an advanced physics or calculus theory.

Entering into a Pro/Con Debate

It is important to remember that when doing a formal debate or debating as part of a debate team or for a class, you may not be assigned on the side with which you you agree. You could, for example, be a strong proponent of the death penalty but be assigned to argue for the pros of it.

The key when preparing for any debate, whether you believe in what you are arguing or not, is to do your research and to find strong, solid evidence to support your arguments. Most often, successful debaters are not sharing their personal opinions or thoughts but are instead sharing legitimate pros or cons that are supported with detailed background information.

What Are Some Pro/Con Debate Topics?