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Consume less. Create more.

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The new words created because o Coronavirus

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The new words created because o Coronavirus

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The coronavirus pandemic has quickly expanded our vocabularies. We've learned new terms, like COVID-19, social distancing, and flatten the curve. We've learned important distinctions, such as epidemic vs. pandemic, quarantine vs. isolation, and respirator vs. ventilators.

New vocabulary has, to be sure, helped us stay safe and informed during these scary times. But in times of challenge, we need relief, too. And what better than some wordplay to bring some welcome humor, and humility, to cope with COVID-19 and quarantines.

Here's our ongoing roundup of some of the new slang terms born of this unique, unprecedented time in modern life-a time of upheaval that some more jokingly call the coronapocalypse ( corona apocalypse) or coronageddon ( corona armageddon).

rona

Rona-often in the phrase the rona-is an informal shortening of coronavirus. Coronavirus is popularly shortened to corona, which was apparently further clipped to rona.

Rona is often used as a playful or ironic way to refer to COVID-19, especially when commenting on more relatable, humorous challenges of social distancing during the pandemic.

It is generally not meant, however, to be flippant about the very serious loss and disruption COVID-19 has wreaked-nor diminish the life-saving service of so many essential workers, from grocery clerks to nurses. It's a bit of gallows humor.

Some people have personified the virus as Miss Rona or Aunt Rona. And la rona (meant as "the rona") has emerged in some Spanish-language contexts.

Example: Yeah, I don't know about you, but homeschooling my kids during the rona ends up in a lot of Frozen 2.

cornteen

Cornteen is an intentional misspelling of quarantine , often used in ironic commentary on what it's like to be at home during the coronavirus pandemic. It may have originated as an actual misspelling of quarantine . (Hey, quarantine wasn't exactly a word most of us used every day until COVID-19.)

Cornteen is occasionally used to joke about how quarantine is pronounced in various regional accents. Some people visually pun on cornteen by substituting the corn emoji, 🌽, for the corn- part of the word; others pun on the -teen to mean "teenager."

doom-scrolling

Life under the rona has meant that it's even harder to peel our eyes away from our phones and computers, constantly refreshing our feeds for the latest news about the pandemic.

Scrolling refers to scrolling down on our smartphones for the latest posts on social media. And doom ... well, a lot of the news we're seeing online feels full of gloom and doom.

Example: I was up to 2 a.m. last night doom-scrolling about coronavirus news in my state.

covidiot

A blend of COVID-19 and idiot, covidiot is a slang insult for someone who disregards healthy and safety guidelines about the novel coronavirus.

Some signs of covidiocy are: not washing your hands regularly, hanging out in groups of people, standing within six feet of a stranger at the grocery, hoarding items like toilet paper and hand sanitizer all to yourself.

Example: Don't be a covidiot by visiting the beach today! It's super crowded.

moronavirus

Example: My roommate is being such a moronavirus. He went down to the beach with a huge group of friends.

Calling someone a covidiot or moronavirus is a form of quarantine shaming. That's slang for publicly criticizing someone for now following health and safety guidelines ( quarantine being a shorthand for policies in place requiring people to stay at home except where necessary in many places across the country and world).

quarantini

How do you take your quarantini? Dirty, dry? Shaken, stirred? Vodka, gin?

Quarantini is a slang term for a cocktail people drink at home while under quarantine during-and because of-the coronavirus.

The original quarantini referred to a martini-like cocktail mixed with vitamin C-based dietary supplements-a concoction that predates the novel coronavirus.

Quarantini has spread as a more general term for alcoholic beverages consumed at home during the pandemic.

Example: Frozen pizza in the oven? Paw Patrol queued up? Think it's time for a quarantini.

coronarita

The margarita answer to a quarantini -served with, what else, a Corona-brand beer.

A margarita is a cocktail made of tequila, lime or lemon juice, and an orange-flavored liqueur, usually served in a salt-rimmed glass.

virtual happy hour

When someone might drink a quarantini or coronarita.

Because many people are working from home to help, they are letting off steam at the end of a long day of doom-scrolling by holding virtual happy hours over Zoom, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, and other video conferencing or chat applications.

Happy hour is a cocktail hour or longer period at a bar, during which drinks are served at reduced prices or with free snacks. It's also used as a shorthand for drinks, generally with colleagues or friends, at the end of the workday, especially near the end of the work week.

zoom-bombing

This one's a more serious entry. When using Zoom or similar services, be wary of zoom-bombing. This is when uninvited guests to a virtual meeting disrupt it with various obscene, violent, or offensive images or words.

quarantine and chill

Netflix and chill, but for the coronavirus era.

Quarantine and chill is used for various ways people are hunkering down and spending free time at home during the coronavirus, especially with a romantic partner while marathoning streaming services.

Be careful when you search for quarantine and chill on social media, though: some people use the phrase when posting revealing selfies.

Example: My hubby and I are in an epic tournament of Rummy 500. Winner each night gets to pick the movie. #Quarantineandchill

coronials, quaranteens, coronababies

When two people get really cozy while quarantine-and-chilling, they may, you know ...

Babies being conceived while people are cooped up at home during the coronavirus have been dubbed coronababies. And when these babies get older, they will become the quaranteens, a pun on quarantine and teen(ager).

The hypothetical new generation of children conceived during COVID-19 has cleverly been crowned the coronials, a play on corona(virus) and millennials.

covidivorce

The experience for other couples under COVID-19 quarantine may not be so snuggly. Being in extended isolation with loved ones can strain a relationship.

zumping

The experience of COVID-19 isn't just taxing on couples who live together. People who are dating are also reconsidering their relationships during the pandemic-and sometimes zumping each other.

A blend of dump and Zoom (the popular video service), zumping is when you break up with someone over a video conferencing service. At least they didn't just text? (Hey, you can do better, anyways).

COVID-10

For some, quarantining at home during COVID-19 may result in a less movement-and more snacking-than they are used to.

COVID-10, also referred to as the COVID-15 or even the COVID-19, is a riff on the numerals of COVID-19 and the freshman 15, an expression for the weight some people (are said to) gain during their first year of college. (Hey, gotta stock up on some supplies to help flatten the curve. And gotta take up delicious hobbies up to stay engaged!)

See also the German Coronaspeck, weight gained during the coronavirus pandemic, a play on Kummerspeck, or weight gained as a result of emotional eating.

coronacation

Coronavirus-compelled staycations, due to cancelled classes, shifts, and the like. It's usually an ironic term-just ask parents working from home while teaching their kids.

Example: My teen thinks he's getting a coronacation since his school has moved online. Oh, wait until he sees how I am going to keep him busy with Dictionary.com's Learning At Home resources.

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The Coronavirus Slang Words That Are Defining This Outbreak

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The coronavirus pandemic has quickly expanded our vocabularies. We've learned new terms, like COVID-19 , social distancing , and flatten the curve. We've learned important distinctions, such as epidemic vs. pandemic , quarantine vs. isolation , and respirator vs. ventilators . New vocabulary has, to be sure, helped us stay safe and informed during these scary times.

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More Coronavirus Slang Words: There is too much to say!

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More Coronavirus Slang Words: There is too much to say!

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The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the world lives. Countries across the globe have restricted international travel, imposed lockdowns and set in place rules and regulations to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.

As millions stay indoors in quarantine, there has been a simultaneous surge in the popularity of video conferencing platforms like Zoom, home-cooking videos on YouTube and Do it yourself tutorials on how to cut your own hair or bake your own bread without yeast.

Stepping out, when absolutely necessary, is also done with the security of hand sanitisers and face masks.

Indeed, the coronavirus pandemic has changed our lives - it has even changed the way we speak.

Since the pandemic, several new coronavirus-related words have entered people's vocabulary.

A look at some of these words - from covidiot to zumping and more - will help you stay informed in these times of social distancing and self isolation.
WATCH: Social media influencer who licked toilet seat in 'coronavirus challenge' contracts disease
Here is your guide to some of the coronavirus-related slang words you may see frequently in news stories, tweets and social media posts nowadays:

Covidiot: A blend of Covid-19 and idiot, covidiot is a slang insult for a person who disregards safety measures or goes against public health advice amid the pandemic.

Covidient: The opposite of a covidiot is a covidient or a person who follows all government rules and regulations related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Quarantini: A quarantini is nothing more than a cocktail that people drink at home while under quarantine. A mix of the words quarantine and martini, quarantini is a general term for any beverage consumed at home during lockdown.

WFH: WFH stands for "Work for Home' - which has become the new normal in several countries.

Coronaspeck: A slang term for weight gained during the coronavirus lockdown.

Zumping: For break-ups in the time of social distancing, zumping is a slang for dumping someone over Zoom, or any video calling service.

Zoom-Bombing: Zoom-bombing is when an uninvited guest gate-crashes a virtual meeting and takes control of it, perhaps even sharing inappropriate content.

The article originally appeared on

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The coronavirus slang words you need to know | The Express Tribune

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The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the world lives. Countries across the globe have restricted international travel, imposed lockdowns and set in place rules and regulations to contain the spread of the highly infectious disease.

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Coronavirus slang is the new black!

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of By Kali Coleman Best Life |

The coronavirus pandemic was unexpected, but it has already had a dramatic impact worldwide. Given how different COVID-19 has made life for all of us, it's only fitting that people have created a new way to talk about it. This "coronaspeak" has introduced a multitude of new slang terms and phrases that wouldn't have made sense just a couple months ago. If you're enjoying coronacation in iso, check out all the coronavirus slang terms people are using during quarantine. And for more ways life has changed, here are 11 Lies You Used to Say That Don't Work in Quarantine.

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The Coronavirus Slang Words You Need to Know

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of By Kali Coleman Best Life | The coronavirus pandemic was unexpected, but it has already had a dramatic impact worldwide. Given how different COVID-19 has made life for all of us, it's only fitting that people have created a new way to talk about it.

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Read here about the benefits of debating

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Many parents who are considering the Classical homeschooling method will want to know if debating is worth teaching. What are the benefits of debating and why is it an integral part of many high school educations? In this article, we'll be learning about the importance of debate in education (and how much fun it can be!).

Specifically, we'll look at:

The Benefits of Debating

What is Debating

The Purpose of Debating

The Benefits of Debating in Detail and

Tips and Techniques to Help Debate

Let's get started!

What are the Benefits of Debating?

The benefits of debating are as follows:

1. Improved critical thinking skills

2. Acquire better poise, speech delivery, and public speaking skills

3. Increased student retention of information learned

4. Improved listening note-taking skills and increased self-confidence

5. Enhance teamwork skills and collaboration

6. More confidence to stand up for the truth when a discussion is promoting falsehoods or inaccuracies

7. Learning better ways to graciously state one's point with gentleness

8. Help students identify holes in their theories and concoct more balanced arguments

9. Help students better structure their thoughts

10. Debating is lots of fun!

But, before we look at these benefits in more detail, let's look at what debating is and the purpose of debating and why debating is a useful thing to practice.

What is Debating?

Debating literally means 'to fight'. Today, debating means a discussion between two parties aimed at forming a conclusion. This is because debating involves two parties (usually) holding different views about the same topic.

An example of debating is when you have one person who believes in God, while another person does not. They might be debating a topic on, 'Does God Exist'. One person will take the view that God does exist, while the other will take the view that God doesn't exist.

The 'winner' of the debate will be the person who has the most cogent argument as to whether God does or does not exist.

But, I Don't Agree With That Debating Topic...

Sometimes people are given topics they disagree with. When I was at college, we were given a slip of paper with the debate question. We were then told to debate the positive or negative side of that view. And this created an interesting debate when I was asked to argue for abortion even though I am vehemently against abortion.

This exercise was great for helping me think like a person who supports abortion thinks (it gave me empathy, but also strengthened my case against abortion as I could learn arguments that I would use later).

For homeschoolers, this helps broaden their worldview and understand the perspective of others (especially as many people think homeschoolers have a narrow worldview).

What is the Purpose of Debating

The purpose of debating is to succinctly express yourself in a way that is clear to those around you, using arguments that are persuasive. It aims to help you refine and hone your arguments so they are acceptable to those listening.

It also aims to pick holes in your theories and point out your inconsistencies so you eventually develop a more well-rounded argument that is persuasive to listeners.

Improved critical thinking skills

The importance of debate in education centers around its ability to teach children critical thinking. In a world where children are spoon fed information in a passive way, critical thinking is lacking as learning is no longer interest-based.

However, debating can sharpen student's critical thinking skills and let them examine the topic they've been given. Instead of passively accepting information, they're forced to hone that material and throw out concepts and theories that don't make sense and adopt ones that do.

It helps them to question beliefs they hold and justify why they think a certain way.

Acquire better poise, speech delivery, and public speaking skills

When debating, you learn to have confidence in the things you're saying as you've prepared well for your topic and know it. As such, you learn to hold yourself well with poise.

After you've debated for a while you also learn to deliver your speech confidently in a persuasive manner.

Having better poise and speech delivery means your public speaking skills will be greatly improved. This is because bad public speaking is often largely a result of poor topic preparation and practice. Poor preparation and practice also means you will be more likely to get nervous as you're more likely to fail because you're not prepared. (It's a vicious circle!)

Increased student retention of information learned

In comparison with traditional education, debating can massively increase a learners retention of the topics studied as it is active, interest-based learning that engages the mind thoroughly.

Subjects that make students actively learn help to increase information retention. Therefore, debating helps students to remember what they've learned for a longer time than passive learning or rote learning.

Improved listening and note-taking skills

One of the other benefits of debating is that it improves students note-taking while listening to others. When students start, they can struggle to take notes effectively and discern what are the main points.

When you're new to debating, you might start by trying to frantically write down large portions of what the opponent is saying. Then you lose track of the main argument.

However, if you've been debating for a while, you'll know to try to listen for the main points and try to think how you're going to defend that point more generally. This teaches you to sift information at the same time as you listen to your opponent.

In essence, debating improves your listening and note-taking skills.

Increased self-confidence

As previously mentioned, knowing your topic helps you to have more confidence when you're talking about a subject.

If you know what you're talking about and you're confident you have your topics in hand, your self-confidence will naturally increase.

This can be really helpful for teens who can (particularly) struggle with self-esteem in their high school years.

In the video that's further down this page, one of the students said he suffered from social anxiety. However, since debating a lot of this had completely disappeared.

Enhance teamwork skills and collaboration

You can really see the importance of debate in education when you see how much debaters have to naturally collaborate with each other to make a debate go well.

Collaboration isn't boring when you're debating. Rather, it's a lot of fun and when you're in a team you feel like you have each other's back in an argument as you're on the same team as them.

This can lead to great team bonding and fun collaboration work.

More confidence to stand up for the truth when a discussion is promoting falsehoods or inaccuracies

The importance of debate in education comes into its own when you step into the real world.

If you've studied a lot of controversial topics in detail, you can confidently stand up for the truth when pushed. For me, this is the most important benefit of debating.

I want to teach my children to graciously, but unwaveringly, stand up for the truth when a discussion in their workplace or family/friend life is promoting falsehoods or inaccuracies.

I want them to gently suggest the falsehood or inaccuracy is untrue and then to suggest the truth of the matter and the evidence they have to support the view they are holding.

Unfortunately, many Christians don't know their Bible, and they don't know how to stand up for what they believe (1 Peter 3:15), even though the Bible offers many answers. Children who learn to debate, on the other hand, can easily learn to defend their beliefs in a winsome manner - when the truth is on your side, a defense is easy.

Learning better ways to graciously state one's point with gentleness

If taught well (and this is the caveat of this point being true), students can learn to state their point in a winsome manner that is not just intended to 'win' the argument but is intended to also persuade the hearer.

This will mean judging whether it is the right time to state certain information or wait until the recipient is more open to hearing the information.

In this way, debating can also be about reading the emotions on the other person's face.

When it comes to evangelism, this is the name of the game. Those who have verbal diarrhea in this department will soon find they meet vacant stares or (even worse) increasingly hostile countenances.

The wise debater is the one who assesses the countenance of his opponent and argues gently accordingly.

It's wise to do this as we see in Proverbs 15:

A soft answer turneth away wrath:
but grievous words stir up anger.

The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright:
but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. (Prov 15: 1-2 AKJV)

This may not be the purpose of a debate competition, but it is where debate can be used practically in life.

Help students identify holes in their theories and concoct more balanced arguments

The role of debate is to help us identify bad arguments and refine good arguments.

When we start arguing, we might believe we have a balanced view without any holes.

However, putting our theories on the table to be poked and prodded makes them prove whether they can hold water.

When our theories are tested and found wanting in certain areas, it forces us to refine our theories and make our arguments more balanced and more easily understandable. This is a really great benefit of debating that students experience as they actively learn through trial and error.

Help students better structure their thoughts

We can also see the importance of debate in education when we see how much it helps students structure their thoughts from the bits and pieces they've learned throughout their lives to a more cogent argument as they're forced to look up new information.

In many cases, students structure their thoughts proficiently by finding one or more reasons for their beliefs.

They then have that belief tested as their opponent stands up and tries to make mincemeat of their argument.

This then forces them to further structure their argument to have rebuttals for the questions and objections that were put forward in the first round of debate.

All up, new debating students learn to develop a well-rounded viewpoint. Experienced debaters learn to start their arguments already anticipating their opponent's objections.

This makes for a brilliant debate that is lots of fun...which leads me to my last point!

Oh, and Debating is Lots of Fun!

I almost forgot to say that the best thing about debating is that it is plenty of fun! In the video that's further up this page, one of the students remarked that debating had made school a lot more fun. I felt the same way about my debate team in college!

I loved debating at college - indeed, debating night was one of my favorite nights of the week! It was a great way to connect with other students and bond with them when they were on your own team.

You also get a great thrill when you've done your best on a debate and you've made points in a succinct way (so it doesn't even matter if you don't win - so long as you've tried, it will be fun.)

Debating Tips and Techniques

In our article, 10 Debating Tips and Techniques: Discover Classical Debating Skills, we discuss the following debate tactics:

1. Preparing your debate topic

2. Staying on topic

3. Speaking slowly, clearly, and charismatically

4. Being confident with your topic

5. Think about your body language and what it's telling your audience

6. Listening and take good notes

7. Anticipating your opponent's questions before they're spoken

8. Telling a story or giving an illustration with an example to make your point

9. Using a strong conclusion and

10. Not taking cheap shots at your opponents.

Click here to read more about classical debating skills.

Conclusion

The value of debate is easily seen when we consider these ten benefits of debating. Debating can give students more confidence to speak to people in their lives because they've observed and analyzed the arguments in debates. During high school years, students have time to think carefully about these issues which they will encounter constantly through their life. The importance of debate in education is clearly seen when we consider the many advantages of debate.

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10 Benefits of Debating in Classrooms: Importance of Debate in Education

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Many parents who are considering the Classical homeschooling method will want to know if debating is worth teaching. What are the benefits of debating and why is it an integral part of many high school educations? In this article, we'll be learning about the importance of debate in education (and how much fun it can be!).

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A debate is a usual and powerful task in colleges which is an essential part of the academic program and also quite an engaging activity for young people despite the fact that many students have problems while they are preparing to debate.

The most common difficulty is to choose a debate topic for students. It should be a topic you are interested in and at the same time, it should be practical for your class or another public audience you are speaking to.

So how does one find this kind of topic? We have prepared some tips on how to choose college debate topics for college students. If you have to prepare an essay, we can also help you do it using the custom essay writing service PapersOwl for students.

How To Debate Using Pro And Con Arguments?

One of the most important things you should consider when going into a debate is your opponent from the opposite side of the table, as well as your audience, are going to have controversial opinions on your topic. They will have some points against your position and you have to be ready for this. The best way to be prepared for such situations is to outline both pro and con arguments on the topic you've chosen. This will help you see the whole picture. After all, providing pro and con arguments on a specific topic is a popular practice in debates, so you should understand how to do it right. For this reason, we have prepared an example of how you can do it with the topic "How social media can make people more or less sociable":

Pro: The popularity of social media has helped us meet new people and communicate easier

Con: With the appearance of social networks, people started to interact less in the real-life

Pro: Social media helps less sociable people develop their communication skills without discomfort

Con: Social media takes almost all our free time, making us too busy to connect with each other in the real world

We have already wrote some essays about social media. You can check it here.

Best List Of Interesting Debate Topics 2019

Here is our best list of interesting debate topics 2019 which will generate more passion for a debate:

1. Debating in school: does it help children get engaged in the classroom?

2. Which would you choose: to be honest and poor or dishonest and rich?

3. Is there a plausible reason for the American war on terror?

4. Do you think the death penalty should take place in the modern world and why? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Death Penalty)

5. Alternative sources of energy: how are they effective

6. Social networking platforms: are they an effective tool for quick and convenient communication, or are they just a sophisticated means for stalking people

7. Is it still appropriate to use torture as a part of national security measures?

8. Is it justified to develop nuclear energy for commercial use?

9. Credit cards versus debit cards

10. The most intense presidential debate in the history of the USA

11. Use of stem cells in medicine

12. Definitions of death in relation to terminating life

13. Is there a real way of prolonging a human's life?

14. Is using humans for clinical trials more ethical than animal testing? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Animal Testing)

15. Personal responsibility and genetic determinism: is our behavior determined only by our genes?

All these topics can be a good match, but in this article, we have prepared even more interesting topics. Continue reading to find your perfect debate topic!
If you feel strong in choosing the theme of your debate but have no time to prepare all arguments for speech - PapersOwl is here to help you.
How To Choose A Debate Topic?

Where does one find some easy debate topics? There are many things to debate about but it is not very easy to choose the right topic that will be interesting for most students. Here are a few tips on how to make the right choice:

Think about some topics that interest you - what sort of discussions do you like the most? You can pick something from the curriculum also. This way, you will be able to help other students learn the material they will have on their tests and the topics they may face in the future. It is possible to work with this the way you work with your essay topic ideas.

Also, keep in mind that your discussion topics must fit the other students' level - some of them can be unable to handle the topic that has too many aspects to consider. Highly complex issues should fit the students with a great standard of reasoning. But most students usually come up with a few arguments and these arguments rarely relate to the opposing parties' points. In this situation, the debate can become confusing or embarrassing. Make a list of suitable debate questions.

Consider your students' access to research all necessary materials - if other students have to conduct significant research while preparing for the debate, it can't be a good debate. This is something you have to keep in mind. For example, when you pick a theme in modern art and literature with many specific terms and present it to a math class, your debate won't have good results. Do not forget to prepare your personal speech or buy one from a reliable speech writing services online.

Do not forget about the time! All students must have enough time to prepare for the debate, so it is reasonable to pick out a topic that the students are studying now or one that they have already studied. This way, they will be able to come up with strong and clever arguments.

While debating, assume that you are right - in order to succeed, you have to be completely sure in your position and have some strong supporting facts.

Do not insult the opposition. Be polite in every situation that could happen.

When choosing the best debate topic ideas, we considered several criteria as level of education, type of debate, and subject or sphere of knowledge. We've divided the best ideas into categories to make your search simpler.

Debate Topics By Levels Of Education

Going to debate, students have to consider their level of education to pick a relevant topic that suits both your needs and your level. How to choose a topic that suits you? Below, we have prepared a few tips and examples for different levels.

Elementary School Debate Topics

Searching for a perfect topic for elementary students, keep in mind that kids of this level are not experienced and mature enough to be able to handle complex controversial issues, so it's a good idea to opt for something less complicated. These students also lack knowledge and skills for researching topics. Therefore, it is important to choose a topic that wouldn't be hard to study. Finally, the best ideas for elementary school debate topics have to be easy to understand and engaging to boost students' participation and here you can see a few great ideas of debate topics for elementary students:

1. Should your class go on field trips each year?

2. Should elementary students be allowed to bring as many toys to school as they want?

3. Should each class be allowed to have a pet in the classroom?

4. Should students watch cartoons during the study hours?

5. Should you be allowed to wear anything you want to the school?

Middle School Debate Topics

Topics for this level may be more complex and give a boost to students' analytical and critical thinking skills. For this level, you can opt for slightly controversial topics. Debate topics for middle school still shouldn't require too much from a student but have to give some information to think about for a student to develop an individual position on a specific issue. Here are a few ideas to opt for:

1. Are gadgets in the classroom helping or harming the educational process?

2. Books versus movies: which is better and more educating

3. Benefits of doing sports in school

4. Seasonal holidays: do we need to have more or less of them?

5. What are the best ways to increase student engagement in the classroom?

High School Debate Topics

In high school, debates are excellent tools not only for getting students involved in the class but also for helping them gain new knowledge and skills that would be important for their future education and life. Debate topics for high school become more controversial and complex. Below are some good examples of good high school debate topics:

1. Hazards of peer pressure in schools

2. Should final exams in schools be canceled? Why?

3. Is sex education useful for high school students? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Sex Education)

4. GPA's: is it an outdated way of evaluating student knowledge?

5. What are the most effective ways of fighting bullying in schools? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Bullying)

Debate Topics For College Or University Students

When it comes to choosing debate topics for college or university, there are many things to keep in mind - it has to be controversial, relevant, have significance, and clearly demonstrate a student's knowledge and skills. Choosing a good topic can be hard. However, in our article, you will find many good examples and here are a few of them:

1. Does living in a dorm help students assimilate into the college community or does it hurt the educational process?

2. Does cheating get worse when students enroll in university or college

3. Does technology get in the way of studying or does it help?

4. Should student ID cards come with a tracking device

5. Is face-to-face interaction with professors more effective than online sessions and lectures?

Debatable Topics For Undergraduates In 2019

Choosing a great debate topic is half the success of a performance. We have already given you a few tips on how to choose the right topic and here are some topics that great college debaters can use:

1. Alternative sources of energy: explain why they are effective or not

2. Should we take away the death penalty completely?

3. The impact of social networking on the development of our society

4. Single-sex schools: are they more effective than traditional ones? Why?

5. Should we use school vouchers?

6. Prescription drugs: explain why they should or shouldn't be advertised to consumers

7. Beauty pageants: are they a way to objectify women

8. Drug testing: explain why we should or shouldn't make it mandatory for all schools

9. Should parents have the possibility to ban certain books from libraries and schools?

10. Is setting special curfews an effective way to keep teenagers out of trouble?

Any of these topics can help you succeed in debates. However, keep in mind that if you want to perform well, it is not enough to just pick a good topic, you also need to know how to prepare for a debate.

Types Of Debate Topics By Format

Apart from the academic level, you should also consider the type of debate format to choose from and an appropriate topic. When choosing the format, consider the audience and the course objectives. Some formats, such as a persuasive format will develop a student's ability to give presentations where they need to convince the audience of an idea. On the other hand, an argumentative topic develops skills of negotiating and a controversial format gets students accustomed to speaking about ideas that may not be comfortable or popular. Here is a break down of the primary three formats:

Persuasive Debate Topics

The main goal of such topics is to persuade the audience. Persuasive debate topics have to cover a problem or subject that people care about and it also has to be something you are personally interested in and knowledgeable in. If you are going to choose this type, you will have to carefully study the subject you have and prepare a powerful base of arguments and facts to be able to prove the validity of your opinion.

Controversial Debate Topics

The main characteristic of such topics is they are always challenging for a student - controversial debate topics usually cover significant and powerful issues and have lots of space for arguments. Such issues may have two or more absolutely different public opinions. Therefore, they also assume prolonged and intensive public discussion. A good controversial theme arouses different opinions among the people and makes them come up with questions that can't have one specific answer.

Argumentative Debate Topics

Argumentative debate topics cover specific issues, problems, phenomenon or subjects that you can deliberate. Selecting such topics you have to be ready to do in-depth research, study materials, and pick arguments from time-tested and reliable sources to support your ideas.

These three formats are different in nature and purpose. However, regardless of what type you are looking for, to choose a good topic, you have to follow these basic rules:

1. It has to be fresh and relevant.

2. It has to be something that people and you personally care about.

3. It has to be interesting.

4. It doesn't have to be too broad or too narrow.

5. It has to have value.

6. You have to be able to find enough supporting material on it.

List Of Debate Topics By Field Of Knowledge

It is not possible to become a great debater if you have no clue how to choose an engaging and relevant topic for your debates. Choosing topics can be hard. However, we have done all the hard work to give you a list of great ideas that can work for any purpose or level, so we hope each of you will find something suitable and interesting in the list below.

Education

1. Home-schooling: is it better than studying at school? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Home-schooling)

2. Homework at school: give your opinion on why homework should be banned or whether it is an essential part of our studies that teaches us to work independently.

3. Is a college education useful and essential? (Also, we have some examples of papers about the question of "Is college worth the cost?")

4. Computer tablets. Should they be allowed at school?

5. School uniforms: explain why students should wear school uniforms or why they should have a choice (Also, we have some examples of debate essays answering the question: "Should Students have to Wear School Uniforms?")

6. Standardized tests: explain how they are improving education in America and all over the world.

7. The harm and benefit of early admissions policies in modern colleges and universities

8. Knowledge of at least one foreign language should be required in the universities

9. Electoral colleges have to be canceled (Also, we have some examples of essays about Electoral College)

10. Athletes should be paid for playing on university and college teams (Also, we have some examples of debate essays answering the question: "Should College Athletes Be Paid?")

11. Should a certain period of community service be required for all students, who apply to college?

12. Should elementary school students wear uniforms?

13. Should school last all year long?

14. Physical education has to be compulsory in school

15. How music and art classes are useful in school?

Science And Technology

1. Is Google the best search engine or should we use another one?

2. Cell phones and smartphones. Are they safe for us?

3. Explain how science and religion can coexist (

4. Should children use smartphones?

5. Is online study more effective than traditional?

6. How has TV brought cultural decadence in our country?

7. Are people with a mathematical mindset more successful?

8. Do you believe that economically, space travel is worth the cost

9. Genetically modified children: hazards and benefits

10. How can science do without animal testing? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Animal Testing)

11. Should people go to Mars?

12. Fully automated cars: pros and cons

13. Can the laws keep up with today's internet technology?

14. Technology harms our future

15. Should technology fuse with the human body resulting in a mechanized biological hybrid?

Health And Medicine

1. Smoking: describe effective methods to quit smoking and explain why smoking is reasonable or not.

2. Euthanasia: is it justified? (Also, we have some examples of essays about Euthanasia)

3. Marijuana: explain why recreational marijuana should or should not be legal. (Also, we have some examples of essays about Legalizing Marijuana)

4. Sports and drugs. Should performance-enhancing drugs be acceptable for sportsmen?

5. Discuss the necessity of vaccination for young children or give counter-arguments against it

6. Legalization of drugs: describe how can it decrease the level of organized crime.

7. Medical phenomenon: discuss one or several

8. How the Internet influences our health?

9. What are the hazards of technology for human health?

10. Should health insurance be obligatory?

11. The impact of air pollution on our health (Also, we have some examples of essays about Air Pollution)

12. Drinking - is it really that harmful

13. Why antibiotics should or shouldn't be banned?

14. Why are parents against vaccinations?

15. Alternative medicine: pros and cons

Psychology, Sociology, And Ethic

1. Guns: should adults have the right to carry them and be able to defend themselves?

2. Adoption: the pros and cons of adopting and reasons why people should adopt children instead of having their own children. (Also, we have some examples of essays about Adoption)

3. Same-sex marriage. Should it be legal?

4. Abortion. Should it be legal?

5. Religion. Can religious belief make you happy?

6. Prostitution: what if prostitution were legal?

7. God: is there any true proof of his existence?

8. How far has psychology as science developed over the last decades?

9. How to explain violent behavior among school students?

10. Kids' mental disorders are caused only by wrong role models in the family

11. Explain how moral values differ in various social groups

12. Should students study ethics in schools?

13. Is hunting ethical?

14. How do social groups influence child behavior?

15. Should cigarettes be banned from society?

Policy And Finance

1. Our votes: do they really matter?

2. Intellectual property: discuss whether it is necessary to preserve rights for different types of intellectual property

3. What are the main factors of the country's financial stability?

4. Taxation: is it good or bad

5. Is the repeal of anti-sodomy laws important for national development?

6. Do you think the USA will soon have a woman President?

7. Is mobile banking secure?

8. Should we trust banks?

9. Can we have free education around the world?

10. Will we still use credit cards in five years?

11. Is it time to adopt a fee-only standard for financial advice?

12. Should children be taught to manage finances in school?

13. Can financial problems destroy a country?

14. Are wars economically profitable?

15. Should the voting age be lowered?

Get your debate speech from a qualified writer

Leisure (Music, Games, Etc.)

1. Books and TV: which is more interesting and which is more useful?

2. Games and television. Which is better?

3. Social networking: discuss how social networks are useful or harmful to our society.

4. Social networking restrictions: explain why social networks should be available for children or why they should be restricted to over 18.

5. Discuss how social media can make people more or less sociable and give a few examples that prove its usefulness for us.

6. Drinks: discuss what are the reasons alcoholic drinks should or should not be available for young people who are less than 21 years old

7. How can music help reduce stress?

8. Is art therapy a good tool for fighting mental illness?

9. Is listening to music good for pregnant women?

10. Should we use video games in education?

11. Are movies good tools for education?

12. Are scientific clubs in school good for student's leisure time?

13. Are concerts good or bad for us?

14. Pros and cons of attending a circus with children

15. The role of games in early education

Environment

1. Tests on animals: should animals be used for scientific achievements?

2. Ecology: the best ways to protect nature and ideas on how to save the environment

3. Discuss climate change and the reasons or human activity that cause global climate change, what can people do about this (Also, we have some examples of essays about Global Warming)

4. Future cities: how would they look in 200 years?

5. Explain why all plastic packages should be out of use

6. How can we prevent an environmental catastrophe?

7. Is solar energy more expensive?

8. People should do more to protect wildlife

9. Reforestation as a reasonable solution to the potential problem of global warming

10. Vegetarianism: risks, pros, and cons (Also, we have some examples of essays about Vegetarianism)

11. Vehicle fuel economy standards

12. Oil drilling in wildlife refuges

13. Zoos: are they good or not

14. Should countries have special taxation for international aviation

15. Should people get paid for not cutting down trees?

History

1. Does history matter?

2. Haig and British generalship during the war

3. Did King Arthur really exist?

4. Genghis Khan did more good than harm

5. The Soviet Union instigated the six-day war

6. Historical background of World War Two (Also, we have some examples of essays about World War 2)

7. Should all immigrants be asked to pass a historical test or is it unimportant?

8. Role of Britain in the First World War (Also, we have some examples of essays about World War 1)

9. Presentism versus Historicism

10. Who was the first to find the effect of gravitation? Newton or Haitham?

11. Ancient Romans were Prudes

12. Was the USA a provocateur for Japan in the war?

13. South Korean provocations sparked the Korean War

14. Alternative views of historians on World War Two

15. The Revolutionary War

The discussion can help you talk about hot and interesting topics and learn other's points of view. It can also allow you to overcome stage fright. While performing at such an event, students learn to think spontaneously and defend their points of view politely.

Funny And Interesting Debate Topics

Not every time you prepare for debate you will have to be serious. Sometimes you will get an opportunity to set your creativity free and just enjoy the process as you are participating in a debate on funny or just interesting debate topics. However, this does not mean you won't have to prepare. To not lose face, you will still have to choose a topic and prepare arguments, so here are some fun topics to debate on we have prepared for you:

1. Art and music as tools for reducing stress in schools

2. Are celebrities good role models or not?

3. Can vampires get AIDS from sucking blood that is affected?

4. Which is better: daydreaming or night dreaming?

5. Homework should be dismissed in elementary school

6. Importance of extracurricular activities and clubs in schools

7. Should we make cartoons and TV a part of the educational process in elementary school?

8. What is the best TV show of all time?

9. Should zoos be done away with?

10. What is the best pizza topping?

11. Can we call superheroes misleading role models?

12. Schools shouldn't track students by academic level

13. Public prayers should be banned in schools

14. Should social networks be blocked in schools?

15. Students should have an opportunity to get an after-school job

16. It's a good idea to allow high school students to leave school during lunch

17. Did God create our world or did it just occur naturally?

18. Which of these are more real - pirates or ninjas?

19. Should juveniles be treated as adults? (Also, we have some examples of essays on this topic)

20. Should people live together before they marry?

21. What are the perks of being a woman?

22. What are the perks of being a man?

23. The harm and benefits of peer pressure (Also, we have some examples of essays about Peer Pressure)

24. Do nursery rhymes have secret interior meanings?

25. Fast food shouldn't be on the school menu

26. Phones should be allowed in schools

27. Schools should have an option for online attendance

28. Do people depend on computers and other gadgets too much?

29. Animal dissections have to be prohibited in schools

30. Should parents not purchase war or destructive toys for their children?

31. Nuclear energy and its impact on our society and environment

32. Is human cloning a real thing and should it be allowed?

33. Sex education: should it be started in middle school or later

34. How do books influence personality development?

35. Is there life after death?

Debating is a useful practice for all people thanks to the experience and skills it gives you. Preparing for a debate, you gain more knowledge on a specific topic. In addition, you get the possibility to develop your problem-solving and communication skills, which are the most in-demand skills for modern employers.

Debating helps enhance rigorous critical thinking and higher-order skills. It teaches people to organize and structure their thoughts well. If you participate in debates, you can also develop your research, note-taking, and analytical skills, as well as gain the ability to create balanced, informed arguments and use evidence and reasoning. All the skills mentioned above are vital for every successful student. Remember, the best way to gain and improve skills is to practice debating!

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200 Best Debate Topics For College Students 2020

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A debate is a usual and powerful task in colleges which is an essential part of the academic program and also quite an engaging activity for young people despite the fact that many students have problems while they are preparing to debate. The most common difficulty is to choose a debate topic for students.

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There they go!

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Debate Topics

The 75+ main debate topics at ProCon.org are listed below along with their respective core questions. Topics normally consist of pro/con questions, arguments, quotes from experts, historical backgrounds, readers' comments, videos, photos, and more. ProCon.org is nonpartisan, nonprofit, and used by more than 25 million people every year, including educators in more than 12,000 schools.

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Debate Topics The 75+ main debate topics at ProCon.org are listed below along with their respective core questions. Topics normally consist of pro/con questions, arguments, quotes from experts, historical backgrounds, readers' comments, videos, photos, and more. ProCon.org is nonpartisan, nonprofit, and used by more than 25 million people every year, including educators in more than 12,000 schools.

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What do young people think are the biggest world problems in 2019?

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What do young people think are the biggest world problems in 2019?

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Biggest challenges facing the World in 2019 | World Issues | World Problems

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Taking turns.

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Don't be!

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9 simple and effective public speaking tips for scientists

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The most important part of a successful presentation happens before you even start talking. Once you do begin speaking, you will be thankful for your fastidious preparation and practice.

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Would you like to try the thrilling of being in a high school debate? How does it feel like?

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Would you like to try the thrilling of being in a high school debate? How does it feel like?

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Here you have essential guidelines for conducting a debate. Don't skip them!

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Here you have essential guidelines for conducting a debate. Don't skip them!

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Guidelines for Conducting a Debate

Debate can be an effective instructional method for helping participants to present and evaluate positions clearly and logically. Debate begins with the debaters having developed or been assigned a position on an issue. The intention is to persuade others that their position is the proper one. In this way debate differs from discussion, which often calls for the cooperative thinking of members of a group in search of a solution or approach to a problem or issue. A specific example of a way in which debate might be a useful method is as a follow-up to a policy-making exercise. Participants who do not agree with the adopted policy might use the debate as an effective means of trying to change public opinion, which might in turn lead to a change in policy.

How to Proceed

1. Decide, or help participants decide upon a subject for debate.

2. Formulate the subject into a resolution, e.g., "Resolved that capital punishment should be abolished by the United States Supreme Court. "

3. Make certain that those participating in the debate are familiar with the procedures to be followed. (The form of debate described here is widely used but rather formalized. The purpose for the debate may make it desirable to use a less formal procedure, or to use some other form of debate.)

4. Select participants to take part in the debate and divide debaters into two teams, one team in support of the resolution (pro) and one team in opposition to the resolution (con). The most common number of members per team is two, but more than two may be used.

5. Select a chairperson and a timekeeper.

6. Allow sufficient time for participants in the debate to prepare "constructive arguments." Constructive arguments should be based upon three to five major points which are logically developed and substantiated by factual evidence in support of a particular position.

7. Conduct the debate according to the following procedures:
a. The chairperson and the debaters are seated at the front of the class, usually with the team in favor of the resolution to the rjght of the chairperson and the team in opposition to the resolution to the left of the chairperson.
b. The chairperson briefly introduces the subject and states the resolution that is to be debated.
c. The chairperson introduces the first speaker from the team in support of the resolution. Each speaker is introduced when (s)he is given the floor.
d. The first speaker from the team in support of the resolution is allowed a set amount of time to present the constructive argument (s)he has prepared. The timekeeper, seated with the class, indicates when the time limit has been reached.
e. The first speaker from the team in opposition to the resolution is introduced and asked to give his/her constructive argument. This procedure of presenting pro and con speakers alternately is continued until each debater has given his/her constructive argument. After the first speaker, those who follow will probably need to adjust their prepared speeches to allow for what has been said by preceding speakers.
f. "Rebuttal arguments" follow the series of constructive arguments given by both teams. The team in opposition to the resolution always begins the rebuttal argument series. Each debater is given an opportunity to speak extemporaneously for a set amount of time, attempting to weaken the position presented by the opposing team. Rebuttal arguments also provide an opportunity to answer attacks that have been made by the opposing team. While rebuttal arguments are presented extemporaneously, debaters should anticipate possible positions the opposition might take and be prepared with appropriate counter arguments. No new issues may be introduced during rebuttal arguments.
g. Debrief and/or evaluate the debate and the performance of the debate teams by informally polling the class to determine how many agree with the team in support of the resolution and how many agree with the team in opposition to the resolution. Class members should be asked to explain whether or not their own positions were strengthened or changed as a result of hearing the debate and to explain why. Class members should also be asked to make statements which they feel could have been used as effective arguments by the debaters.

Principal Responsibilities of the Instructor

1. Select, or help participants select, a subject or question for debate.

2. Insure that participants are familiar with the procedures for conducting a debate.

3. Help participants see the dimensions of the problem and develop clear, logical, and supportable arguments for the position they present during the debate.

4. Help participants gain an understanding of some of the educational objectives which can be achieved by debate. These objectives include learning to make convincing arguments from another frame of reference than one's own, as might be the case if one is debating a position that does not correspond with one's true position. This experience may further develop participants' abilities to understand and respect the rights of individuals to hold opinions and beliefs that are different from theirs.

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Debate can be an effective instructional method for helping participants to present and evaluate positions clearly and logically. Debate begins with the debaters having developed or been assigned a position on an issue. The intention is to persuade others that their position is the proper one.

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Did you know there is a debate league in the USA?
Check on their definition for what a debate is!

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A debate is an organized argument or contest of ideas in which the participants discuss a topic from two opposing sides. Those who agree with this statement or idea are the "Pro" side. Those who will not agree with this statement or idea are the "Con" side. Each side will show in an organized and clever way why they believe to have the right answers. They will use examples and evidence to support their ideas while working towards a conclusion.

The aim of a debate is to convince the opposition that you are right. When the two sides agree on the subject or when one side's arguments are more convincing than the other side that is when the debate comes to a close. In a formal debate, a mediator (a person that has not agreed with the Pro or the Con) will decide who the winner should be. In an informal debate the argument can continue until the time when one side gives up :)

Pro: Example arguments

1. School uniforms make all students look alike. Poor and rich students look alike. This makes it easier for all to get along together and concentrate on their studies.

2. Uniforms give students a sense of belonging to a certain school.

3. Uniforms are easy and cheap to clean.

Con: Example arguments

1. School uniforms don't allow students to be individuals. They restrict students from expressing themselves. They are also hot in the summer and they don't protect against the cold in the winter; therefore it is not easy to get along together or concentrate on studying.

2. Students don't need uniforms to feel like they belong.

3. Uniforms are expensive to buy and they wear out fast.

Debate is like an intellectual sport where you have to learn the skills to win. For example, in order to win a debate round, you need to have a full understanding of the topic you are debating about. You must also be able to answer the following questions:

(1) Who are the people the debate is about and who is presenting the argument?
(2) What is the debate about?
(3) Where did the incident discussed take place?
(4) When did the incident discussed take place?
(5) Why did the incident happen and why are you debating about it?
(6)How did the incident happen?

Once you understand these questions, then you will be able to build your argument in a logical way to win a debate round.

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afterschool program for middle school students

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A debate is an organized argument or contest of ideas in which the participants discuss a topic from two opposing sides. Those who agree with this statement or idea are the "Pro" side. Those who will not agree with this statement or idea are the "Con" side.

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Types of Debates and Tips for Holding Them

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Types of Debates and Tips for Holding Them

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Read this article on different types of debates and tips on how to run them!

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Debates are popular in part because they tackle complex issues with conflicting sides, and the format is a visceral one, which adds flavor and nuance to the points being made. Additionally, speakers can't afford to be boring in a debate because the purpose is to persuade people, and they need to be engaging in order to do that.

There are different kinds of debates, each with a different format. Most people are familiar with debates because they've watched the presidential debates, where the format rotates. Here, we take a look at moderated debates, town hall debates, and Lincoln-Douglas debates.

Moderated Debates

In moderated debates, hosts negotiate the ground rules ahead of time with the debate participants. This is usually the case with presidential debates that typically are hosted by major TV networks or universities.

Typically, each participant makes an opening statement in a prescribed period of time. A moderator then asks a question of one of the debaters, who is allocated a certain amount of time to respond. Other participants then can respond. This is called a "rebuttal." Some moderators allow for a good back-and-forth among candidates. Other formats are stricter and allow for a question, followed by 90 seconds for a response and 90 seconds for a rebuttal before moving on to the next question.

In some versions of this debate format, questions are suggested by the audience ahead of time. If this is the case, the moderator usually asks an audience question near the end of the debate. Other formats have the moderator generate all of the questions and follow-ups.

Town Hall Debates

This format often is popular with politicians whether they are running for the highest office in the land or for a seat on a city council. The town hall format calls for a moderator to take a microphone and walk around the audience, letting attendees ask debaters questions live. In some cases. the moderator will also ask questions that people pose via social media or other digital platforms.

Usually, each debate participant has a set amount of time to respond to each question, and the moderator has a set amount of time after that to facilitate follow-up discussion. The audience is actively involved and has the benefit of asking interesting questions. The main caveat is that this format is unpredictable and can trip up debaters.

The Lincoln-Douglas Format

This is an open style of debate, named for the famous series of debates between U.S. Senate candidates Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858. Participants typically agree on time limits and topics ahead of time. In presidential debates, for example, you might see one debate devoted entirely to domestic policy, while another debate is devoted to foreign policy.

Many high school and college debaters are familiar with this format because it is very structured, yet it allows for people to openly express their viewpoints and rebuttals. A typical Lincoln-Douglas format lasts about 40 to 45 minutes with a structure as follows:

Speaker A: Making the case-6 minutes

Speaker B: Cross-examination of speaker A-3 minutes

Speaker B: First rebuttal-7 minutes

Speaker A: Cross-examination of speaker B-3 minutes

Speaker A: First rebuttal-4 minutes

Speaker B: Final rebuttal

Speaker A: Closing rebuttal

Preparing to Hold a Debate

Watch a few debates before you host one to get a sense of what works and what can go wrong. Television networks, local newspapers, and organizations like the League of Women Voters are known for hosting debates, as are universities and colleges. If you can, take the time to attend one or two in-person to get firsthand experience.

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Types of Debates and Tips for Holding Them

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Debates are popular in part because they tackle complex issues with conflicting sides, and the format is a visceral one, which adds flavor and nuance to the points being made. Additionally, speakers can't afford to be boring in a debate because the purpose is to persuade people, and they need to be engaging in order to do that.