Debating is an important skill for any person to have. It helps you form your own opinions, argue your side clearly and listen to other points of view. In this special bookazine from The Week Junior, we have put together many exciting subjects that will be sure to stir the inner debater within you. From environmental issues to technological topics and beyond, we are sure you’ll find something within these pages that you feel passionate about. On each debate, we argue both sides of the argument and provide space to write down your own opinions on the matter, which you can then share with your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Grab a pen, get your voice warmed up and let’s start debating!
Welcome
The Week Junior: The Big Debate
Start debating • Research a subject, present your point of view, and be prepared to fight your corner…
Animals and the environment
Do dogs make better pets than cats? • A surge in pet ownership has reignited this age-old debate.
Are tourists causing more harm than good? • Lots of visitors to famous locations could put these places in danger.
Should we give up half of the planet to wildlife? • Animals are threatened today more than ever.
Should selfies with wild animals be banned? • Some say taking photos with wildlife can cause them harm.
Should film crews step in to save animals? • BBC teams have been criticised for trying to save animals in trouble.
Should more people eat insects to save the planet? • Billions of people eat insects, but some don’t want to include them in their diet.
Should all pets be microchipped? • Should it be up to the owner, or a legal requirement?
Should stone stacking be banned? • Some people say piles of pebbles are causing damage.
Should people stop taking flights? • Some people say that fewer trips by plane will help save the planet.
Should people walk where they want? • In most of England, walkers are restricted to footpaths.
Is reducing waste better than recycling? • Some say we could try harder to make less waste in the first place.
Should products be made to last longer? • Some people say goods should be easier to repair, too.
Would you use snail slime soap? • Some people say washing in snail mucus is good for the skin.
Is it right for humans to hunt animals? • Hunting is an ancient tradition, but some people think it is wrong.
Should people pay more for red meat? • Some say that adding a tax to red meat will encourage people to eat less of it.
Should people use reusable toilet roll? • Some people say it is great idea, but others think it’s gross.
Is extreme dog grooming cruel? • Sending pets to have their fur dyed crazy colours has become a popular trend.
Education and wellbeing
Should children be taught about swearing? • Academics are undecided whether children should learn about bad language.
Does a world leader’s age matter? • Some people say that with age comes wisdom but not everyone agrees.
Should people always forgive each other? • Learning to forgive and forget isn’t always as easy as it sounds.
Should museums always be serious? • New and unusual exhibits have divided opinions.
Should all adults be given free money? • Universal basic income has become a hot topic after the pandemic.
Should people spend less time at work? • Working fewer days and having a longer weekend is a popular idea.
Should you have to study comic books? • Some people say that comics aren’t taken seriously enough.
Should schools welcome parents for lunch? • It’s common in the US to invite a parent or guardian for lunch.
Should there only ever be one winner? •...
