Before you start researching and writing your paper, it's important that you brainstorm ideas of debatable topics that you may want to explore further. This means that you need to allocate some of your time to exploring news websites to learn more about current events, humanitarian issues, and controversial topics. To help you get started, check out the list of sites below, but please don't feel limited to these.
http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/recent-topics
Choosing an Argument Topic that Works:
DO
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Choose a topic you are interested in learning more about
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Choose a topic you’ve already made up your mind about
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Choose a topic with some urgency—something that needs to be argued now
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Choose a topic that is dated, unless it has pressing importance now
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Choose a topic where there is something at stake that has important
implications for people
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Choose a topic that is an either/or proposition, or that simply compares and contrasts
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Choose a topic that allows you to find
information from a variety of stakeholders
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Choose a topic for which you can only identify
pro/con positions
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Choose a topic that provides an opportunity
for primary research and analysis
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Choose a topic for which you can’t think of any site for primary research and analysis
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By the end of class, you should have educated yourself about the facts and background of three specific issues or conflicts. It's best to first read "objective" news articles. Remember, you don't want to formulate an opinion JUST YET. AVOID JUDGEMENT!!!
What's due by the end of class:
- Post your three issues/conflicts/controversies that you are interested in exploring further.
- For each issue, you need to include the sources you've looked at thus far.
- Lastly, write down questions you have about each topic. What are you most curious about? Of course, you are going to have many, many questions, but limit it to a few per topic. Your peers will read your questions and will help you out with suggestions. They may even know some of your answers and can therefore respond to your questions.
NOTE: Write your post on Google docs first so you don't lose your work!
Donna McAndrews
ReplyDeleteCommon Core Standards
http://www.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=2016
http://www.corestandards.org/
Are the common core standards developmentally appropriate?
Who developed the standards?
Why are the standards not accepted in certain states?
Were the standards based on research?
Why are people upset about the standards?
What tests are tied to the standards?
How has teacher evaluation been tied to the CC Standards?
Vaccines
http://vaccines.procon.org/
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/24/health/preserving-vaccines.html?_r=0
Should all children be required to be vaccinated?
If one child is not vaccinated, how does that hurt other children if they have all been vaccinated?
Do vaccinations lead to autism?
What kinds of adverse reactions happen for children who are vaccinated?
What are the risks to school children who have been vaccinated if they are exposed to someone who has not been vaccinated?
Genetically Modified food
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/12/02/are-genetically-engineered-salmon-too-fishy
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/science-technology/house-would-ban-development-genetically-modified-organisms
are genetically modified foods safe?
are genetically modified foods labeled?
do other countries allow genetically modified foods?
what are the most commonly genetically modified foods?
are most foods that are genetically modified plants or animals?
what does the FDA do to check on the safety of genetically modified foods?
Matt Ziegler
ReplyDeleteAre Daily Fantasy Sports Gambling?
http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/are-daily-fantasy-sports-gambling/daily-fantasy-sports-games-are-clearly-gambling
https://rotogrinders.com/articles/daily-fantasy-sports-legality-141
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-19/daily-fantasy-sports-are-gambling-but-it-s-cool-massachusetts-ag-says
How do you differentiate between a game of skill and a game of luck?
How does one technically define gambling?
Should sports gambling even be illegal?
Why is sports gambling illegal?
How would the government enforce a potential ban?
What sparked this sudden daily fantasy sports popularity outburst?
Why are people so worried about banning these games?
Should the Death Penalty be allowed?
http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001324
http://deathpenalty.org/section.php?id=13
http://lawstreetmedia.com/issues/law-and-politics/should-the-united-states-use-the-death-penalty/
http://www.balancedpolitics.org/death_penalty.htm
How much does this cost taxpayers?
Will this really prevent crimes, or will it actually encourage crime?
Is this a rule based on religion, or simply morality?
Are there federal laws that support/oppose the death penalty currently?
What other countries have the death penalty? Has it been successful?
Would these penalties be publicly staged? What would the reaction be?
Should performance enhancing drugs be accepted into sports?
http://bjsm.bmj.com/content/38/6/666.full
http://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/go-outside/debate-performance-enhancing-drugs-legalized/
http://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/sports-medicine-experts-debate-should-doping-be-allowed
http://www.foxsports.com/mlb/story/should-pro-sports-leagues-end-testing-for-performance-enhancing-drugs-PED-steroids-082912
How harmful are PEDs?
What if certain PEDs were allowed, and others weren’t?
How much cheating currently goes on?
What would the fan reaction be if these were allowed?
Would players use PEDs if they were allowed into sports?
How would this new rule be implemented?
Euthanasia/Assisted Suicide
ReplyDelete-http://euthanasia.procon.org/
-http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/182951.php
What is active euthanasia?
What is passive euthanasia?
What is the difference between the two?
Is euthanasia considered murder?
Who has the right to determine when to use it?
Is it violation of the Hippocratic Oath of doctors?
Music Containing Lyrics that Glorify Violent and Criminal Lifestyles
-http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/freespeechdebate/house-would-ban-music-containing-lyrics-glorify-violent-and-criminal-activity
-http://www.crazyengineers.com/threads/ban-music-containing-lyrics-that-glorify-violent-and-criminal-lifestyle.56071/
How much is too much in a song?
Can the same artist keep recording music if convicted?
Are there not too many artists already who depict violence in their lyrics?
Shouldn’t the artists be protected under the constitution?
If the music is not hip-hop or rap, would it still be banned?
Is everyone who listens to this music affected negatively by it?
Size of McDonalds’ Drinks
-http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/27/mcdonalds-cup-size-video_n_6052906.html
-http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2809810/Just-large-large-soda-McDonald-s-cup-sizes-vary-globe-biggest-U-S-30oz.html
How big should the standard and limited drink size be?
Are the largest drink sizes always or most commonly ordered?
Do enormous soft drinks contribute largely to obesity?
What is the average drink size ordered at fast food restaurants outside of McDonald’s?
Why is it not a waste of money to make them so big?
Is golf a sport?
ReplyDeletehttp://golf.procon.org/
http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-golf-a-sport
Do sports need to require perspiration?
Can a professional athlete be overweight or injured?
Can you wear nice comfy clothing while playing a sport?
Is gold a strategic game?
Alternative Energy
http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/
http://www.energy.gov/science-innovation/energy-sources/renewable-energy
Will alternative energy replace fossil fuels?
Will the government subsidize alternative energy?
Would there be any use for fossil fuels?
What are alternative energy sources?
Medical Marijuana
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
Is this a healthy medical option?
Is it a gateway drug?
Are there risks to adolescents?
What limitations will there be?
Is it addictive?
Lower Drinking age
ReplyDeletehttp://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/health/house-would-lower-drinking-age
http://drinkingage.procon.org/
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/10/you-must-be-21-to-drink/lower-the-drinking-age-to-19
Would this cause less alcohol related diseases/ conditions
why can you have the responsibility to help form this nation (vote), defend this nation and register a weapon in your name but not be able to control what you put into your body?
should drinking wine/beer be differentiated from hard liquor
Vaccines
http://vaccines.procon.org/
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/03/23/making-vaccination-mandatory-for-all-children
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/03/23/making-vaccination-mandatory-for-all-children/eliminate-vaccine-exemptions
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/18/upshot/not-up-for-debate-the-science-behind-vaccination.html?_r=0
are side affects legitimate
do we think many of the diseases we prevent against are gone because so many people vaccinate against them
are there any proven cases of disorders or death related to vaccinations?
Prison voting rights
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/law/house-would-allow-prisoners-vote
http://felonvoting.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000283
http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-prisoners-be-allowed-to-vote
would this encourage people to be active in their government and informed?
how would they be processed? absentee ballot?
where is their place of residence
Medical Marijuana
ReplyDeletehttp://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
http://www.debate.org/medical-marijuana/
Should all uses marijuana be legal?
Should there be an age limit for young children?
Could prescribed pain killers be more addictive and dangerous than marijuana?
Should the way you in take medical marijuana be specified?
What conditions can it help treat?
Would the medical use send young children the wrong message?
Could open a door for all uses of marijuana?
Corporal Punishment in schools
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/education/house-would-reintroduce-corporal-punishment-schools
http://debatewise.org/debates/2994-corporal-punishment-in-schools/
Is this legal?
What do parents think?
Is there a grade limit or up until 12th grade?
Does this actually make students learn better and more effectively?
Would this cause the students to lash out more or be more angry?
Transgender Students in High School Locker Rooms
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/11/05/transgender-students-in-high-school-locker-rooms
Would this make others in the locker room comfortable?
Do adolescents really know by such a young age?
Should the school be so involved?
What if the transgender wants to stay in their originally locker room?
Should locker rooms be more private all around?
Jason Cropsey
ReplyDeleteLowering The Drinking Age:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/17/opinion/17wed3.html?_r=0
http://drinkingage.procon.org/#background
Why is the drinking age 21?
If you’re an “adult” at 18, why do you have to be 21 to drink?
Would lowering the drinking age help with underaged drinking?
Would the economy be helped if the drinking age was lowered?
If the brain is still developing at 30, why is it okay to drink at 21 and not 18?
Is changing the legal drinking age going to negatively impact the population?
Concealed Guns:
http://idebate.org/discussions/law-governance-and-constitutions/would-americans-be-safer-without-constitutional-right-c
http://concealedguns.procon.org/
Should a permit be required to carry a concealed gun?
How do you regulate who can get a gun?
How can you be sure that someone crazy isn’t carrying a gun?
Can carrying a gun help in everyday situations?
Does carrying concealed guns lead to school/ public shootings?
Social Networks:
http://socialnetworking.procon.org/
https://theteachingfactor.wordpress.com/tag/social-media/
Does using social networks affect grades in school?
Can using social networks affect someone’s social life?
Can social media spread false information?
Is social networking a waste of time?
Can social networking lead to diseases like depression?
Should the use of social media's be allowed in school?
Drinking Age:
ReplyDeletehttp://drinkingage.procon.org/#background
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/10/you-must-be-21-to-drink
-When does the brain stop developing?
-What is the thrill of drinking underage?
-Does underqage drinking lead to alcoholism or other alcohol related diseases?
-Why do other countries have a lower drinking age?
-Why was the drinking age raised?
Death Penalty:
http://deathpenalty.procon.org/
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/04/06/what-it-means-if-the-death-penalty-is-dying
-How many people are killed each year?
-What crimes qualify for the death penalty?
-How many states have the death penalty?
-How would an individual get out of the death penalty?
School Uniforms:
http://school-uniforms.procon.org/
http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/school-uniforms/
-How many schools across the country require school uniforms?
-How many schools do not require school uniforms?
-What is the typical school uniform?
-Do girls need to wear skirts or can they wear pants?
-Can transgenders choose their own uniform?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteUnder God in the Pledge of Allegiance:
ReplyDeleteLinks:
http://undergod.procon.org/
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-man-who-wrote-the-pledge-of-allegiance-93907224/?no-ist
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/religion/church/house-would-remove-words-under-god-american-pledge-allegiance
Questions:
Who wants it in the pledge/who doesn’t?
Why was it added so many years after the original pledge was made?
How recently has this become a controversial phrase?
Does this go against the Constitution?
Obesity-A Disease:
Links:
http://obesity.procon.org/#Background
http://idebate.org/discussions/social-policy/obesity-disease
http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/should-the-american-medical-association-have-classified-obesity-as-a-disease
Questions:
What qualifies as a disease?
What do medical professionals have to say on this topic?
If you are incapable of exercise what would you do?
Do the people affected by obesity believe it’s a disease?
Why have people been allowed to make money off being obese (TLC shows)?
Vaccinations:
Links:
http://vaccines.procon.org/
http://www.parents.com/health/vaccines/controversy/vaccines-the-reality-behind-the-debate/
http://www.wired.com/2009/10/ff_waronscience/
Questions:
What ethical reasons are there for and against vaccinations?
Why are parents choosing not to vaccinate?
What would happen if schools did not mandate certain vaccinations?
Can your body really protect itself from all diseases?
How do people who don’t support vaccination view the use of prescription drugs? Over the counter drugs?
Topic: The N word
ReplyDeletehttp://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-40-fall-2011/feature/straight-talk-about-n-word
Why is it seen as okay if black people use the n-word but not white people?
Why is the n-word so popular with many young black kids today?
Is the word okay if it is being used in a friendly greeting rather than introduction?
Why do people assume that having black friends or family gives them permission to use the n-word?
Topic: Cosmetic Surgery (Teens)
http://www.people.com/article/teen-plastic-surgery-back-to-school
Why do teens get cosmetic surgery at such a young age?
What’s the statistics between cosmetic surgery and gender?
What percentages of teens have gotten cosmetic plastic surgery throughout the years?
What are the doctor’s opinions on applying plastic surgery to teens?
Topic: Should Marijuana become legal?
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
What’s a teen view on this topic vs. an older adult’s view?
Would people be okay with Marijuana being legal if you needed a prescription to get it?
Why can you buy alcohol/cigarettes but not Marijuana if Marijuana can help you but alcohol/cigarettes only harm you?
What’s the risk of using Marijuana?
Are single sex schools good for education?
ReplyDeletehttp://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/class/house-believes-single-sex-schools-are-good-education
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2011/10/17/single-sex-schools-separate-but-equal
Is it productive?
Does it show that students advance at a faster pace without being co-ed?
Does it cost more money?
Is it better socially and mentally?
Should people become vegetarian?
http://vegetarian.procon.org/
http://www.optimumchoices.com/Vegetarian_Diet.htm
http://paleoleap.com/vegetarianism-bad-environment/
Is it better healthwise?
Would it cost less?
What are the risks of being vegetarian?
Is eating meat causing problems or diseases?
Is homework good?
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/education/homework-waste-time-junior
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/children/house-would-ban-homework
Is homework necessary to learn?
Is homework harmful to student’s mental health?
Does it show progress or is it just a waste of time?
How would teachers grade without homework?
Should we only rely on homework and tests to grade and put a value on the ability to learning?
Sarah Smith
ReplyDelete1. Video games and Violence
http://videogames.procon.org/#Background
http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2015/08/violent-video-games.aspx
Do violent video games lead to increased aggression in the players?
Do violent video games lead to criminal behavior or delinquency?
Are these violent games a good way to release angry or aggressive feelings?
Does someone regulate the amount of violence in certain games? If so, how?
Why are these games so popular?
2. Abortion
http://abortion.procon.org/#Background
http://www.lifenews.com/2014/04/01/three-legal-reasons-why-abortion-should-be-banned/
http://www.listland.com/top-10-arguments-in-support-of-abortion/
Should abortion be legal?
Is it murder to have an abortion?
Is it to be considered a matter of controlling one's own body?
Do the unborn have rights?
What if carrying the child physically harms the mother?
Does religion play a role in people’s beliefs on the matter?
3. Death Penalty
http://deathpenalty.procon.org/
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/
Should the death penalty be allowed?
At one stage in an investigation would someone deem the death penalty fit?
Should the death penalty apply to/ be the same for all prisoners? What about the mentally unstable?
Who should determine whether to have the death penalty or not? The state or national government?
Is it too costly to keep all prisoners alive?
How would the death sentence be dealt out?
Are fantasy sports considered gambling?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-11-19/daily-fantasy-sports-are-gambling-but-it-s-cool-massachusetts-ag-says
http://www.usnews.com/debate-club/are-daily-fantasy-sports-gambling/daily-fantasy-sports-games-are-clearly-gambling
Would this be the government's main concern?
What sparked this sudden daily fantasy sports popularity outburst?
Is fantasy sports a game of luck or skill?
How much money are people getting from gambling?
Should the Death Penalty be allowed?
http://www.balancedpolitics.org/death_penalty.htm
http://www.balancedpolitics.org/death_penalty.hthttp://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001324
http://deathpenalty.org/section.php?id=13
How much does it cost?
Is the main problem religion or morals?
Should it be state law or federal law?
Which crimes get the death penatly?
How much do taxpayers pay?
Should the US continue its usage of drones?
http://drones.procon.org/
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/04/24/should-a-court-approve-all-drone-strikes
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2012/09/25/do-drone-attacks-do-more-harm-than-good
How much do drone strikes cost?
Does it concern people at AMERICA that its civilians will use drones?
Any other countries use drone strikes?
How does one defend against drones?
Are drones worth the innocent lives and controversy?
Anna Barsh 11/3
ReplyDelete1)Study finds 300 active isis supporters in us.
(http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/12/02/study-finds-300-active-isis-supporters-online-in-us/)
-Are they American or originate from arabic descents?
-Will this cause more supporters to up rise in America?
2) Warm weather to dominate u.s.
(http://www.weather.com/forecast/national/news/warm-united-states-december-2015)
-Global warming to blame?
-Will this continue even if change is made to environment?
3) Washinton fear of cyber attack
(http://www.cnn.com/videos/politics/2014/12/18/orig-bw-cyberattacks.cnn)
-Could this affect our national safety?
-If Washington can be breached any company can be.
-What is being done to prevent this?
Nicole Davidson
ReplyDeleteWild Animals Kept in Captivity
http://www.bornfreeusa.org/facts.php?p=436&more=1
http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/world/asia/jenni-watts-animals-in-captivity/
Is keeping animals in small cages harmful to their health?
Does it benefit their health?
Can keeping certain animals in captivity improve their chances of survival?
Are animals in captivity treated well?
Should zoos be shut down?
Do some animals prefer captivity?
Is it wrong to keep animals in captivity solely for human entertainment?
Abortion Legalized
http://abortion.procon.org/
https://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/gpr/12/4/gpr120402.html
Would making abortion greatly impact women?
Should the government be making laws that limit the freedom of women to make their own choices?
How will this affect our population size if abortion is illegal?
Could an increase in population create a negative outcome?
Is it justified to force a women to have a baby if she is raped?
Gun Control
http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/01/opinions/opinion-roundup-gun-control-2015/
http://www.debate.org/opinions/is-gun-control-bad-yes-or-good-no
Can control over guns prevent terrorism?
Does it limit the rights of people?
Would it truly prevent a criminal from getting a gun?
Would it do more harm than good?
Would it leave law abiding citizens unprotected?
Is it safer for people to carry guns for self defense?
1). Lowering the legal drinking age
ReplyDeletehttp://drinkingage.procon.org/
Should the legal drinking age be lowered from 21 years old?
Should all states have the same legal drinking age?
What are some pros and cons to lowering the legal drinking age?
2). Medical Marijuana
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
Should marijuana be legal?
Should marijuana be used for medicinal purposes?
What are the pros and cons of medical marijuana use?
3). Obama care
http://healthcarereform.procon.org/
Is it being proactive for America?
Should we get rid of it?
What are the pros and cons of this form of health care?
banning hw- http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/children/house-would-ban-homework
ReplyDeleteWeekend is break from school, not a time to do extra work?
Does homework cause stress?
Does homework negatively impact students?
Are there any benefits from doing homework?
2) gun control- http://gun-control.procon.org/
What is the original law?
Who wants to change it and why?
Why haven’t stricter rules been implemented?
Consequences from not being stricter?
What are their ideas to change gun control laws?
3) school uniforms- http://school-uniforms.procon.org/
Why do schools require them?
Whose idea was uniforms?
Do uniforms help kids in any way?
Freedom of expression?
Sports and drugs
ReplyDeletehttp://sportsanddrugs.procon.org/
What drug is being used the most?
What should the consequence be if caught?
What sport uses them the most?
Is there a specific drug being used?
School uniforms
http://school-uniforms.procon.org/
Should they be mandatory?
Why do some schools require them?
Why is it only private schools that made them mandatory?
Why isn’t there more than one outfit that you can wear?
What is the purpose?
Obesity
http://obesity.procon.org/
What age is obesity most common in?
What is the main cause for obesity? Unhealthy eating? Genetic?
How can it be fixed/changed?
Male or female?
Is there a “cure”?
Milk being unhealthy to drink
http://milk.procon.org/
How would it be unhealthy?
What else is put in milk?
Is there a specific kind that is more unhealthy than another?
Are diet Companies more harmful than good?
ReplyDeletehttps://theteachingfactor.wordpress.com/2013/01/10/50-persuasive-speech-debate-topics-relevant-today/
Are Diet Companies in the Business to Help People or to Make a Profit?
How do they affect the United States population?
Do they actually benefit the people?
How do diet companies oppose other companies that promote unhealthy foods?
Why do people people continue to purchase from diet companies if they do not work?
Are Asian-Americans a Model Minority?
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/10/16/the-effects-of-seeing-asian-americans-as-a-model-minority/model-minority-seems-like-a-compliment-but-it-does-great-harm
Are Asian-Americans at an advantage?
Are Asian-Americans a “model minority,” free of the burdens of discrimination?
Do they also face obstacles as other nonwhite groups do?
Are they superior in society when it comes to education and success?
Are all Asian students driven only by parental pressure or resume building?
Should the media perpetuate these biases?
Are they viewed positively or negatively in society?
Should Beauty Contests be banned?
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/culture/house-would-ban-beauty-contests
Do they set standards for women across the world?
Do they create unrealistic expectations or desires?
Are the younger generation influenced by them?
What is the purpose of beauty contests?
Why do people enjoy participating or watching beauty contests?
Do they affect people mentally and/or physically?
Death Penalty:
ReplyDeletehttp://deathpenalty.procon.org/
http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/capital-punishment/house-supports-death-penalty
Does the death penalty deter crime?
What degree of a crime will constitute the Death Penalty?
Does it help the families achieve closure?
What if a person is wrongly accused and given the Death penalty?
Standardized Tests:
http://standardizedtests.procon.org/
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2014/07/09/36jouriles.h33.html
Do Standardized tests accurately display intelligence?
Should testing be used to rate a teacher?
How is standardized testing implemented throughout the country?
Do we really need this kind of testing?
Vaccines:
http://vaccines.procon.org/
http://www.today.com/health/should-vaccines-be-mandatory-new-california-law-sparks-debate-t29441
Do vaccines cause autism?
Should they be required to go to school and do activities?
How do vaccines affect kids?
How does a non-vaccinated kid effect vaccinated kids?
How safe is the “If everyone else does it I don’t have to” thinking?
Why wouldn’t someone get vaccinated?
Lloyd Pearson
ReplyDeleteDrinking Age
Does the drinking of 21 prevent teens from drinking?
How does alcohol affect the teen brain?
Will alcohol be more abused if the age requirement is decreased?
http://drinkingage.procon.org/
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/02/10/you-must-be-21-to-drink/return-the-drinking-age-to-18-and-enforce-it
Standardized Tests
Do standard tests improve children's knowledge?
Are standardized tests a reliable measure of student achievement?
Are tests related to real life experiences?
http://standardizedtests.procon.org/
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar99/vol56/num06/Why-Standardized-Tests-Don't-Measure-Educational-Quality.aspx
Gun Control
If more people have guns will there be less crime?
What is the major source of gun related crimes?
What types of gun should be legal?
http://gun-control.procon.org/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/volokh-conspiracy/wp/2015/12/01/the-costs-and-consequences-of-gun-control/
Rose Alois
ReplyDeletePlanned Parenthood
Should it be funded or not?
Should it be taken out of place completely?
Were they involved with a scandal where they sold baby part?
Should abortion be allowed?
What other services do they offer?
Is the public informed correctly about what they do?
http://www.newsweek.com/after-video-accuses-planned-parenthood-selling-body-parts-bobby-jindal-353828
Obesity
Should there be a fat tax?
What should be done?
Is it the food industry's fault or the consumers?
Should we let it be?
Why has obesity increased in recent years?
Is it because of the proportions or the actual food?
http://time.com/4131078/anti-obesity-coke-group/
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/Wellness/fat-tax-lower-obesity/story?id=16353067
Reverse racism
Is it real?
can white culture be appropriated?
Is affirmative action fair?
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/reverse-racism-isnt-a-thing_55d60a91e4b07addcb45da97
Nia Saunders
ReplyDeleteLowering the drinking age from 21
Does the drinking age of 21 deter teens and children from drinking?
Is the drinking age limitation a catalyst to teens drinking in unsafe environments
By lowering the drinking age, will it allow parents and authorities to control how much and where students drink?
If you are considered an adult at 18, why does the government still make decisions on what age you can drink?
Is it dangerous to allow younger teens to drink? Are they responsible enough?
http://drinkingage.procon.org/
Abortion
Is it the government's place to interfere in a family matter like abortion?
Should government fund abortions?
What are the pros and cons to allowing parents to be Pro-choice or Pro-Life
Does banning abortions take away or natural born rights
Are Abortion clinics making it safe for its parents and the unborn babies
http://abortion.procon.org/
Black lives matter
Do the recent killings of African Americans deal with an issue of racism, or proper execution of the justice system
Do the recent issues in America prove an issue of equal opportunity and rights for people
Will the “black lives matter” movement cause a division between different races in America
http://2016election.procon.org/view.answers.election.php?questionID=002038
Jon Hyatt
ReplyDelete-Is the use of standardized tests improving education in America?
http://standardizedtests.procon.org/
http://parentsacrossamerica.org/why-more-standardized-tests-wont-improve-education/
Does standardized testing improve student achievement?
Are standardized tests a reliable measure of student performance?
Are standardized tests fair to non english speakers and students with special needs?
Do standardized tests only measure only a small portion of what makes education meaningful?
-Should Marijuana be a medical option?
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/more-doctors-than-consumers-say-medical-marijuana-should-be-legal-survey/
Does medical Marijuana really have any medical benefits?
How many doctors actually believe Marijuana should be legal for medical purposes?
What are the health risks when using Marijuana?
-Do Violent Video Games Contribute to Youth Violence?
http://videogames.procon.org/
http://www.pbs.org/kcts/videogamerevolution/impact/myths.html
Has crime rate gone up since violent video games became more popular?
Do kids actually show signs of more violence when playing violent video games?
How many studies prove that these games cause more violence?
Violent video games article:
Deletehttp://www.npr.org/2013/02/11/171698919/video-game-violence-why-do-we-like-it-and-whats-it-doing-to-us
But as far as I know, video games have been proven not to contribute to actual violent acts. In my opinion, this is because video games merely reflect the culture of the target audience. As the target audience gets more violent, so will the games; as their definition of inappropriate violence changes rapidly, the games will be made to match their expectations. The most commonly perceived causation implied by the correlation is the inverse of the actual causation. (Video game violence --> Real Violence) is an urban legend.
Programming
ReplyDeleteShould we teach programming in school?
Why not?
Is there a gender imbalance in the field of computer science, and if so, why? https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/04/21/study-measures-causes-gender-gap-computer-science
Education
Is It necessary? (duh)
Could students learn more from the internet than from school? (only the ones that want to learn)
Homeschool advantage?
Advertising
Is it meant to brainwash people? (undoubtedly)
Is it harmful? (only if you let it)
Does it help the economy? (yes) http://idebate.org/debatabase/debates/culture/house-believes-advertising-harmful
2022 World Cup Held in Qatar?
ReplyDeletehttp://theodysseyonline.com/liu-post/should-the-2022-soccer-world-cup-still-be-held-in-qatar/147474
http://fifathinkagain.com/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2022_FIFA_World_Cup_controversies
http://worldsoccertalk.com/2015/06/03/if-not-qatar-then-where-where-should-the-2022-world-cup-go/
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/sportsnews/article-3113870/Qatar-stripped-2022-World-Cup-according-country-s-whistleblower.html
Question:
What problems does this cause?
Will it be played under unsafe conditions?
Why shouldn't gay people be admitted to the game?
How did this cause FIFA to go corrupt?
How did Qatar win the majority of votes (corruption)?
Legalization of Recreational Use of Marijuana in all 50 States
http://www.bizjournals.com/bizjournals/how-to/growth-strategies/2014/07/3-reasons-recreational-marijuana-should-be-legal.html?page=all
http://www.debate.org/opinions/should-marijuana-be-legalized-in-the-united-states
http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/
Questions:
Are their actually pros?
What would be the legal age?
Is it a gateway drug?
Will it open new doors for more people to do hardcore drugs?
Is it safe?
Gambling be Illegal
http://gambling.addictionblog.org/gambling-should-be-illegal-top-5-reasons-why/
http://www.teenink.com/opinion/current_events_politics/article/534635/Why-Gambling-Should-be-Illegal/
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/reasons-why-gambling-should-be-illegal.html
Questions:
Will it lead to less people/families in poverty?
Is it a mental illness to be addicted?
Should their be a money limit instead?
Will it cause an increase or decrease for the incomes of the gamblers?
The media’s coverage of mass shootings?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/10/09/how-should-the-news-media-cover-mass-shooters
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/10/09/how-should-the-news-media-cover-mass-shooters/information-is-light-in-understanding-mass-shootings
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/10/09/how-should-the-news-media-cover-mass-shooters/taking-a-different-ethical-approach-in-the-media-coverage-of-mass-shooters
How should media cover these events?
What issues have occurred because of the media?
Are there any rules of what the media can and cannot do
Should the Death Penalty be allowed?
http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001324
http://deathpenalty.org/section.php?id=13
http://lawstreetmedia.com/issues/law-and-politics/should-the-united-states-use-the-death-penalty/
http://www.balancedpolitics.org/death_penalty.htm
What are each state's laws about the death penalty
Why was this originally instilled?
Should Genetically modified food be legal?
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/12/02/are-genetically-engineered-salmon-too-fishy/the-fdas-decision-on-the-aquabounty-salmon-is-an-abuse-of-consumer-trust
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/12/02/are-genetically-engineered-salmon-too-fishy/salmon-farming-doesnt-need-genetic-modification
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2015/12/02/are-genetically-engineered-salmon-too-fishy/a-thorough-environmental-impact-statement-is-needed
Are these foods labeled?
Are there any health issues with these foods?
What are the pros and cons of GMOs?
I am very curious about the death penalty
DeleteTopic- Legal drinking age
ReplyDeleteControversy: The drinking age should not be lowered because the teenage brain is not developed until the age of 25. People think that drinking at a young age leads to binge drinking and later on alcoholism.
Specific question(s) that will guide your research:
How many car accidents yearly linked to alcohol use?
About how many kids underage drink?
Does drinking at a young age lead to alcoholism?
Topic: Medical Marijuana
ReplyDeleteControversy: Marijuana has been made illegal by the federal government, but 23 states have gone against federal law and legalized marijuana use either medically or for recreational use or both. There is a large debate on whether or not the drug has negative effects or if the benefits for recovering cancer patients are worth the risks.
Specific Question: Are there more medical uses than negative effects?
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine
DeleteMany scientists and humanitarian are protesting Global warming in Paris. Due to large amounts of Fossil Fuels emissions, Paris is suffering from smog, climate change, and a decrease in animal population. BY wearing whit polar bear costumes and protesting these people hope to aware the citizens of Paris about Global warming and bring it to an end. (http://cnsnews.com/blog/penny-starr/scientists-who-back-paris-agreement-say-end-global-warming-world-must-abandon)
ReplyDeleteMany people disagree with underage drinking for various reasons, the main one being that alcohol effects the development of your brain in your teen years and early 20's. Although, in this article it talks about some parents who supervise underage drinking and parties, which most are facing charges for doing so. Underage drinking is becoming a huge problem world wide and effecting the growth and development on these teens.
ReplyDeleteShapiro, Michael. "Supervised Underage Drinking in the Home Should Not Be Legal." Issues That Concern You Detroit. Green Haven Press, 2009. Web. 2015.
Free Tuition:
ReplyDeletehttps://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj5r-qK_ZrMAhUEdz4KHX-DBOwQFggdMAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2Froomfordebate%2F2016%2F01%2F20%2Fshould-college-be-free&usg=AFQjCNFsNbS9UijRto_9C1BjDYpYJxAp0A&sig2=ckk2Szx6cWlCk_fg-WsAhQ
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj5r-qK_ZrMAhUEdz4KHX-DBOwQFggkMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.collegerank.net%2Ftuition-free-college%2F&usg=AFQjCNHyzaAW9ca7w-zGP8eyXa8NOND8Ew&sig2=4FZ3y29eg8KE8uIsAsWRHA
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwj5r-qK_ZrMAhUEdz4KHX-DBOwQFghBMAY&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.latimes.com%2Fopinion%2Freadersreact%2Fla-le-0304-friday-free-tuition-20160304-story.html&usg=AFQjCNG7dRGD6xPo9RpVPF-4k9b_dz_iiA&sig2=n3lFajsmK4bwLNHgaU8nqQ
Medical Marijuana:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRptXS_ZrMAhWJ8z4KHSdWCBwQvIgBCBswAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Fhow-medical-marijuana-works-and-its-complicated-legal-1770540749&usg=AFQjCNGle1vdhUsyFT0lBdbhhbGG4oNQHw&sig2=pyC_Cdpa001XiVmXUYPb4w&bvm=bv.119745492,d.cWw
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRptXS_ZrMAhWJ8z4KHSdWCBwQvIgBCB4wAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftime.com%2F4298905%2Fjimmy-kimmel-medical-marijuana-card-video%2F&usg=AFQjCNEIDJiRclIGhcIdSSOG9FjwMnfGHQ&sig2=umHNLaq-MBgMawbipkq28w&bvm=bv.119745492,d.cWw
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=6&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjRptXS_ZrMAhWJ8z4KHSdWCBwQvIgBCC4wBQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Flifehacker.com%2Fask-an-expert-all-about-medical-marijuana-1771581458&usg=AFQjCNHlqIjsAeTNQTNOx6UDQblsaIf87A&sig2=9VWKLTjjgCgEQbbCoATHpA&bvm=bv.119745492,d.cWw
Gay MArriage Rights:
http://www.ncsl.org/research/human-services/same-sex-marriage-laws.aspx
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjHycnr_ZrMAhWKWj4KHTKMDyIQFggvMAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaymarriage.procon.org%2F&usg=AFQjCNGjj4gYV6AFK5giYWyIRgF7YReUfA&sig2=4J6NCY5v8bT_4JIT5GR1Cg
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjHycnr_ZrMAhWKWj4KHTKMDyIQFgg7MAI&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgaymarriage.procon.org%2Fview.resource.php%3FresourceID%3D004857&usg=AFQjCNF6txTg979txRzAgvdgC-va--62-w&sig2=rekueF6KHibHNjmJtlRo5Q