ESL DEBATE CLUB
100 CONTROVERSIAL OPINIONS
Teen & Adult Conversation Cards • B1–C1
ARGUE. LISTEN. THINK. REACT.
• 5 viral debate categories
• 100 classroom-safe spicy opinions
• Designed for pair & group speaking
• Teacher games + sentence starters
,TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS
1. Four Corners
Students move to AGREE, DISAGREE, UNSURE or IT DEPENDS. They must defend their
2. Speed Debate
Pairs get 60 seconds to prepare, then 90 seconds each to argue. Switch
3. Debate Battle
Two students take opposite sides. Classmates vote on the strongest argument,
4. Hot Seat
One student draws a card and speaks for 45 seconds. Classmates may challenge
5. Opinion Auction
Groups choose their three strongest opinions, then 'bid' points by explaining
Tip: Challenge ideas, not people. Reward clear reasons, examples and respectful disagreement.
,MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 1
Being rich is a better measure of success than being happy.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
In my opinion • On the contrary • That's valid, but...
MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 2
A high salary is not worth it if your job destroys your free time.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
I'd argue that • However • I see your point, but...
, MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 3
People who say money doesn't matter usually already have enough of it.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
From my perspective • That's debatable • Exactly!
MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 4
Going viral online can be a more realistic career path than getting a
traditional degree.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
I strongly believe • On the other hand • Fair point, but...
100 CONTROVERSIAL OPINIONS
Teen & Adult Conversation Cards • B1–C1
ARGUE. LISTEN. THINK. REACT.
• 5 viral debate categories
• 100 classroom-safe spicy opinions
• Designed for pair & group speaking
• Teacher games + sentence starters
,TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS
1. Four Corners
Students move to AGREE, DISAGREE, UNSURE or IT DEPENDS. They must defend their
2. Speed Debate
Pairs get 60 seconds to prepare, then 90 seconds each to argue. Switch
3. Debate Battle
Two students take opposite sides. Classmates vote on the strongest argument,
4. Hot Seat
One student draws a card and speaks for 45 seconds. Classmates may challenge
5. Opinion Auction
Groups choose their three strongest opinions, then 'bid' points by explaining
Tip: Challenge ideas, not people. Reward clear reasons, examples and respectful disagreement.
,MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 1
Being rich is a better measure of success than being happy.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
In my opinion • On the contrary • That's valid, but...
MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 2
A high salary is not worth it if your job destroys your free time.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
I'd argue that • However • I see your point, but...
, MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 3
People who say money doesn't matter usually already have enough of it.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
From my perspective • That's debatable • Exactly!
MONEY & SUCCESS $
CARD 4
Going viral online can be a more realistic career path than getting a
traditional degree.
FOLLOW-UP 1
Do you agree or disagree? Why?
FOLLOW-UP 2
Can you give a real example from your life/news?
VOCAB
I strongly believe • On the other hand • Fair point, but...
