Looking for a meaningful way to spark purposeful writing in your classroom? Holding a class debate is one of the most effective (and enjoyable) ways to do it. A well-run debate does more than prepare pupils to write persuasively. It builds critical thinking, active listening, confidence and respectful discussion skills too.
And best of all? It gives your pupils something worth writing about.
Whether you're working on discussion texts, balanced arguments or persuasive writing, introducing a classroom debate provides a real audience and a clear purpose. With the right support, pupils can go from a lively discussion to well-structured, thoughtful writing that they are genuinely proud of.
Class debates help pupils to:
Explore a topic in depth and understand multiple viewpoints
Organise and structure their ideas clearly
Learn how to back up opinions with evidence
Develop empathy and respectful disagreement
Rehearse arguments orally before writing them down
In essence, a debate allows children to talk their way into writing. This process is especially effective for reluctant writers, EAL learners and children with additional needs who benefit from rehearsing language aloud.
You do not need a formal debating set-up to get started. Here are some simple ways to run a debate in your primary classroom:
1. Choose a topic they care about
Select a topic that is relevant, age-appropriate and emotionally engaging. If pupils feel connected to the issue, they will be more invested in the discussion and the writing that follows.
2. Set ground rules together
Agree on how to take turns, listen actively and disagree respectfully. Use sentence starters like “I believe...” or “On the other hand...” to structure their responses.
3. Use small groups before whole-class discussion
Let pupils discuss in pairs or small groups first. This gives them time to gather ideas and increases confidence before speaking to the class.
4. Assign viewpoints to explore both sides
Encourage balanced thinking by assigning or rotating roles. Even those who feel strongly one way can practise understanding an opposing perspective.
5. Follow up with focused writing
After the debate, give pupils time to turn their ideas into writing. Pobble’s structured prompts, sentence starters and word banks make it easy to move from speaking to writing with purpose.
Here are some lively debate topics, along with real writing examples from Pobble classrooms:
1. Should pupils have to wear school uniforms?
Can they defend their opinion and challenge the other side?
💬 Read some writing examples.
2. Should animals be kept in captivity?
Explore animal rights, safety and ethics.
💬 Here are some great writing examples.
3. Should the government help people who are homeless?
Perfect for linking to texts like Mr Stink by David Walliams.
💬 Read a writing example.
4. Robin Hood: Should he be captured or celebrated?
Debate inspired by Outlaw by Michael Morpurgo.
💬 Here’s an example.
5. The Highwayman: hero or villain?
Link to the classic poem and encourage literary debate.
💬 Read writing based on The Highway Man here.
6. Should parents take children out of school during term time?
Pupils can explore consequences, family needs and school policies.
💬 See some examples.
7. Should school playtime be longer?
Popular with pupils, but can they argue the opposite too?
💬 See an example.
8. Titanic - Should Rose have let Jack on the door?
A lighter, film-based prompt that encourages reasoning and empathy.
💬 Here are some great writing examples.
9. Should mobile phones be allowed in school?
Let pupils explore safety, learning and screen time.
💬 Read a persuasive example.
10. Should we play video games?
Encourage discussion around health, learning and entertainment.
💬 Here’s an example of a great persuasive piece.
11. Should homework be banned?
Classic topic for persuasive writing with plenty of classroom relevance.
💬 Read a great example of the pros and cons.
After your debate, support pupils in capturing their thoughts on paper. Pobble’s daily writing prompts provide the structure and inspiration to help them succeed; simply choose one that links to your debate topic. Each prompt includes:
A powerful image to inspire ideas
A story starter
Sentence starters and word banks
A sentence and punctuation challenge
Comprehension questions to deepen understanding
Three levels of differentiation to support every learner
Debating helps pupils become more confident thinkers. Writing helps them become more effective communicators. Together, they are a powerful combination for purposeful, inclusive learning.
Try it this week. Run a short debate, follow it with writing, and see what your class can create.
Pobble Education Ltd,
Rosehay,
Tremorvah Wood Lane,
Truro, TR1 1PZ,
Cornwall, UK