Current Debate Topics from the National Speech and Debate Association

Policy Debate – 2019-20 Topic

Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce Direct Commercial Sales and/or Foreign Military Sales of arms from the United States.

​

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER TOPIC
Resolved: In the United States, colleges and universities ought not consider standardized tests in undergraduate admissions decisions.

LINCOLN-DOUGLAS NOVICE TOPIC AREA-September/October
Resolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified.
Establishing a resolution for the first two months of the novice season enables the Association to create educational materials that can be updated and improved year-to-year, and allows educators to have a consistent topic geared toward novices that will enhance and streamline their novice LD curriculum, particularly after the first year of implementation. Coaches are encouraged to check with tournament hosts in their area before exclusively prepping for one topic over another.

Public Forum Debate – September/October
Resolved: The European Union should join the Belt and Road Initiative.
​​

Big Question – 2019-2020 Topic

Resolved: Objective morality exists.