Current Debate Topics from the National Speech and Debate Association

Policy Debate
2017-2018 Topic
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its funding and/or regulation of elementary and/or secondary education in the United States.
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Lincoln-Douglas Debate--2018 Nationals
Resolved: The United States’ use of targeted killing in foreign countries is unjust.

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PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
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​PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE

Public Forum Debate--2018 Nationals
On balance, the benefits of United States participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement outweigh the consequences.

BIG QUESTIONS DEBATE 2017-18

Resolved: Humans are fundamentally different from other animals.

World Schools Debate Motions(listed in round order)
Prelims:

• Round 1: This House would not allow corporations to donate to political candidates, campaigns, or parties.
• Round 2: This House regrets protectionist trade policies.
• Round 3: (Impromptu Motion)
• Round 4: This House would ban further development of Artificial Intelligence.
• Round 5: (Impromptu Motion)
• Round 6: (Impromptu Motion)

Elims:

• Triple Octafinals: This House supports China increasing its investment in Africa.
• Double Octafinals: This House believes that states should not celebrate nationally important historical figures involved in deeply immoral actions.
• Octafinals: (Impromptu Motion)
• Quarterfinals: (Impromptu Motion)
• Semifinals: (Impromptu Motion)
• Finals: This House believes that private gun ownership does more harm than good to personal security.

International Extemp Topic Areas(listed alphabetically)

• The Americas
• Disruptive Technologies and the World Order
• East Asia
• Energy and the Environment
• Europe
• Global Health and Poverty
• International Economics
• The Liberal International Order in Crisis
• Middle East/North Africa
• Russia’s Resurgence
• South and Central Asia
• Sub-Saharan Africa
• The World Next Week

United States Extemp Topic Areas(listed alphabetically)

• American Foreign Policy
• The Courts and The Constitution
• Education
• Election 2018
• Energy and the Environment
• Healthcare and Entitlements
• Immigration and Social Issues
• The Internet, Technology and Privacy
• National Security and Defense
• President Trump’s Second Year
• The U.S. Congress
• U.S. Economic Issues
• The U.S. Next Week

Extemp Commentary Topic Areas(listed alphabetically)

• 1968 – 50 Years Later (The Legacy of Events from 1968 in 2018)
• And Oh My Golly!!! (Great Sports Moments through the Ages)
• For Those We Miss (People Who Died Since Nationals 2017)
• Goodnight the Party is Over (Secession Movements Around The World)
• I’m Conflicted (Significant Conflicts Around the World)
• I’m Just a Bill (About Legislation in Congress)
• It’s Getting Hot in Here (Global Warming and Other Environmental Issues)
• Let’s Celebrate! (Significant Holidays of the Year Other Than Christmas, New Year, etc.)
• Old City Made New (Cities with Significance in Historical Instances)
• Space: The Final Frontier (State of Our Space Exploration)