Ethanol subsidies in the US have caused controversy, with some arguing that subsidies are unnecessary and divert funding from other sustainable energy sources. Ethanol production may also contribute to higher food prices and shortages, and the fuel itself has questionable merits. Critics argue that government funds should be focused on promoting truly renewable and innovative […]
Arguments for and against lowering the legal drinking age in the US include the military argument, reduced drink-driving deaths and accidents, and potential dangers of drinking in private. The US government is unlikely to change the age limit due to concerns about underage drinking. There are a number of arguments as to why the legal […]
Determining the winner of a presidential debate can be subjective and influenced by factors such as media bias and personal opinion. Instant polls and expert analysis may provide insight, but it’s important to also consider a candidate’s plans and truthfulness. Good public speaking skills do not always equate to good leadership. It can be hard […]
Smoking in public places is frowned upon due to health risks of secondhand smoke. Comprehensive smoking bans have been implemented in many public places across the United States and other countries. Smoking is a personal choice, but smoking in public places has a shared impact. Smoking has become a controversial topic in recent years. This […]
The creation vs. evolution debate is about how life was created and what should be taught to children. Creationists believe in God’s creation as described in the Bible, while proponents of Darwin’s theory of evolution believe in incremental evolution over millions of years. The controversy is mostly a U.S. phenomenon, with Christians and Jews in […]
Debates are structured verbal arguments that allow participants to present and defend their opinions on controversial topics. They can be one-on-one or team formats with various time limits and order of speeches. Evidence and personal quotes are used to justify positions, and debates can be affirmative or negative. Good speakers appeal to both logic and […]
Lincoln-Douglas debates are a popular style of debate format used in competitions and occasionally in politics. They focus on moral or ethical issues, and are named after the famous debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858. Today’s variation is divided into seven sections, strictly governed by time allowed. The format is most often […]
