30 Best ESL Money Debate Topics for Fun Engagement

Looking for fresh Money Debate Topics to spark lively discussions in your ESL class? You’re in the right place! Debates help students practice speaking, critical thinking, and vocabulary—all while exploring real-world issues.

Money is a topic everyone cares about, making it perfect for debates. Students of all levels can share opinions, whether they’re beginners or advanced speakers. These topics are designed to be simple, fun, and educational.

Struggling to find debate ideas that fit different CEFR levels? This list has you covered—from A1 (easy) to C2 (challenging). Each topic includes vocabulary, question prompts, and sentence frames to guide learners.

Why use money debates? They boost confidence, teach financial awareness, and make lessons interactive. Ready to get started? Pick a topic and watch your students debate with passion!

Why Debate About Money in ESL Class?

Money is a topic everyone understands—even ESL students. We use it every day to buy food, clothes, and fun things. But money isn’t just about shopping. It affects jobs, dreams, and even happiness.

Debating money topics helps students learn useful words and think critically. They practice speaking while sharing opinions. Some may argue saving is important, while others love spending. Both views are okay—the goal is to talk and learn.

These debates work for all levels. Beginners can discuss simple ideas like coins vs. bills. Advanced students can explore big questions like “Can money buy happiness?” Every topic includes helpful words and sentence starters.

Ready to start? Let’s dive into 30 money debate topics. Your students will improve English while talking about something real and interesting—money!

A1-Level ESL Money Debate Topics

A1 students need simple, personal topics about money (“Is saving good?”). These debates help them learn basic vocabulary while sharing opinions in short sentences. Sentence frames keep it easy and fun!

1. Saving money is better than spending money.

Useful Vocabulary: save, spend, money, better, buy

Question Prompts:

• Do you like saving money?
• What do you like to buy?
• Is it good to spend all your money?

Sentence Frames:

• I think saving money is good because I can buy big things later.
• Spending money is fun because I get new things.
• Money is important for food and clothes.

2. Coins are more useful than paper money.

Useful Vocabulary: coins, paper money, useful, small, heavy

Question Prompts:

• Do you like coins or paper money more?
• Are coins easy to carry?
• What can you buy with coins?

Sentence Frames:

• I think coins are better because they last longer.
• Paper money is easier to use in stores.
• Coins are good for small things like candy.

3. Parents should give children pocket money.

Useful Vocabulary: parents, children, pocket money, give, buy

Question Prompts:

• Do you get pocket money?
• What do you buy with pocket money?
• Should children work for money?

Sentence Frames:

• Parents should give money so children can learn.
• Children should earn money by helping at home.
• Pocket money teaches kids about saving.

4. It is good to have a piggy bank.

Useful Vocabulary: piggy bank, save, coins, break, full

Question Prompts:

• Do you have a piggy bank?
• What do you save money for?
• Is it fun to break a piggy bank?

Sentence Frames:

• A piggy bank helps me save money.
• When my piggy bank is full, I can buy something nice.
• Saving coins is easy with a piggy bank.

5. Rich people are happier than poor people.

Useful Vocabulary: rich, poor, happy, money, problems

Question Prompts:

• Can money make people happy?
• Do poor people have more problems?
• What makes you happy besides money?

Sentence Frames:

• Rich people can buy things they want.
• Poor people can still be happy with family.
• Money helps, but it is not everything.

A2-Level ESL Money Debate Topics

A2 learners can handle slightly harder money questions (“Are credit cards better than cash?”). They practice comparing ideas and giving reasons, but still need clear vocabulary support.

6. Credit cards are better than cash.

Useful Vocabulary: credit card, cash, safe, easy, lose

Question Prompts:

• Do you use a credit card?
• Is cash safer than credit cards?
• What happens if you lose your credit card?

Sentence Frames:

• Credit cards are easy to carry.
• Cash is better because you can’t overspend.
• Losing a credit card is dangerous.

7. Children should learn about money in school.

Useful Vocabulary: learn, school, save, spend, important

Question Prompts:

• Did you learn about money in school?
• Why is money important to learn?
• Should children have money classes?

Sentence Frames:

• Schools should teach kids how to save.
• Money lessons help in real life.
• Parents can also teach about money.

8. Shopping online is better than shopping in stores.

Useful Vocabulary: online, stores, cheap, easy, wait

Question Prompts:

• Do you like online shopping?
• Is shopping in stores more fun?
• What are the problems with online shopping?

Sentence Frames:

• Online shopping is fast and cheap.
• Stores let you see things before buying.
• Waiting for deliveries is annoying.

9. People should not borrow money from friends.

Useful Vocabulary: borrow, friends, problems, pay back, trust

Question Prompts:

• Have you ever borrowed money?
• Can borrowing money ruin friendships?
• What if a friend doesn’t pay you back?

Sentence Frames:

• Borrowing money can cause fights.
• Friends should help without money.
• It’s better to say no sometimes.

10. Everyone should have a job in high school.

Useful Vocabulary: job, high school, work, money, experience

Question Prompts:

• Did you work in high school?
• Is studying more important than working?
• What jobs can teenagers do?

Sentence Frames:

• A job teaches responsibility.
• Students should focus on school first.
• Part-time jobs are good for extra money.

B1-Level ESL Money Debate Topics

B1 students debate real-world money issues (“Should university be free?”). They can express longer opinions, agree/disagree politely, and discuss pros and cons with guidance.

11. Money can buy happiness.

Useful Vocabulary: happiness, problems, security, stress, freedom

Question Prompts:

• Can money solve most problems?
• What can’t money buy?
• Does money reduce stress?

Sentence Frames:

• Money provides security and freedom.
• Happiness comes from relationships, not money.
• Rich people still have problems.

12. Governments should give free money to everyone.

Useful Vocabulary: government, free money, basic needs, work, fair

Question Prompts:

• Would free money make people lazy?
• Who should get free money?
• Is this idea possible in real life?

Sentence Frames:

• Free money helps poor families survive.
• People might stop working if money is free.
• Taxes would increase to pay for this.

13. Buying expensive brands is a waste of money.

Useful Vocabulary: brands, expensive, quality, fashion, cheap

Question Prompts:

• Do you buy expensive brands?
• Are cheap clothes just as good?
• Why do people like luxury brands?

Sentence Frames:

• Expensive brands last longer.
• Cheap clothes are just as stylish.
• People buy brands to show off.

14. Students should not have to pay for university.

Useful Vocabulary: university, pay, loans, education, debt

Question Prompts:

• Is education a right or a privilege?
• How can students afford university?
• Should the government pay for education?

Sentence Frames:

• Education should be free for everyone.
• Students with degrees earn more money later.
• Free education would increase taxes.

15. Tipping in restaurants should be mandatory.

Useful Vocabulary: tipping, waiters, salary, service, fair

Question Prompts:

• Do you always tip in restaurants?
• Should workers earn more instead of tips?
• Is tipping unfair to customers?

Sentence Frames:

• Tipping rewards good service.
• Workers should get a fair wage without tips.
• Some people can’t afford to tip.

B2-Level ESL Money Debate Topics

B2 learners tackle complex topics like cryptocurrency or inheritance. They analyze abstract ideas, support arguments with examples, and debate more naturally.

16. Cryptocurrency will replace traditional money.

Useful Vocabulary: cryptocurrency, digital, banks, future, risky

Question Prompts:

• Do you trust cryptocurrency?
• What are the risks of digital money?
• Will cash disappear in the future?

Sentence Frames:

• Cryptocurrency is the money of the future.
• Digital money is too unstable to replace cash.
• Banks will never lose control over money.

17. People should not inherit large amounts of money.

Useful Vocabulary: inherit, rich, work, fair, privilege

Question Prompts:

• Is inheritance unfair to others?
• Should rich families keep their wealth?
• What’s a better way to distribute money?

Sentence Frames:

• Inherited wealth creates inequality.
• Families have the right to pass on money.
• High inheritance taxes could help society.

18. Globalization makes rich countries richer and poor countries poorer.

Useful Vocabulary: globalization, economy, trade, inequality, jobs

Question Prompts:

• Does globalization help or hurt poor countries?
• Who benefits the most from globalization?
• Should countries protect their local businesses?

Sentence Frames:

• Globalization exploits cheap labor in poor countries.
• Free trade helps economies grow.
• Rich countries control global markets unfairly.

19. Advertising makes people spend too much money.

Useful Vocabulary: advertising, influence, buy, needs, tricks

Question Prompts:

• Do ads make you want to buy things?
• Should there be limits on advertising?
• How can people resist impulse buying?

Sentence Frames:

• Ads create false needs in consumers.
• Advertising is necessary for a strong economy.
• Smart shoppers ignore manipulative ads.

20. Universal basic income will solve poverty.

Useful Vocabulary: basic income, poverty, work, taxes, experiment

Question Prompts:

• Would free money reduce motivation to work?
• How would governments pay for this?
• Have any countries tried this successfully?

Sentence Frames:

• Basic income ensures everyone’s survival.
• People will still work for extra money.
• This system is too expensive to implement.

C1-Level ESL Money Debate Topics

C1 students discuss advanced money concepts (capitalism, wealth ethics). They argue nuanced positions, use formal language, and evaluate different perspectives critically.

21. Capitalism is the best economic system for society.

Useful Vocabulary: capitalism, competition, inequality, innovation, greed

Question Prompts:

• Does capitalism create more opportunities or more inequality?
• What are the alternatives to capitalism?
• Can capitalism be reformed to be fairer?

Sentence Frames:

• Capitalism drives innovation and growth.
• The wealth gap proves capitalism is flawed.
• A mixed economy balances freedom and fairness.

22. Student loan debt should be forgiven.

Useful Vocabulary: student loans, debt, education, economy, burden

Question Prompts:

• Who should pay for student loan forgiveness?
• Would this help or hurt the economy?
• Is it fair to people who already paid their loans?

Sentence Frames:

• Student debt cripples young people’s futures.
• Forgiveness would boost spending and growth.
• Taxpayers shouldn’t pay for personal choices.

23. Extreme wealth is unethical.

Useful Vocabulary: billionaires, inequality, morality, philanthropy, greed

Question Prompts:

• Should there be a maximum income limit?
• Do billionaires deserve their wealth?
• Can philanthropy justify extreme wealth?

Sentence Frames:

• No one needs billions while others starve.
• Wealth is a reward for hard work and innovation.
• Billionaires create jobs and donate to causes.

24. The gig economy exploits workers.

Useful Vocabulary: gig economy, freelancers, benefits, unstable, flexible

Question Prompts:

• Do gig workers have enough protections?
• Is flexibility worth the lack of security?
• Should gig companies provide benefits?

Sentence Frames:

• Gig work leaves people without healthcare or pensions.
• Freelancing offers freedom traditional jobs don’t.
• Regulations must adapt to new work models.

25. Taxes should be much higher for the rich.

Useful Vocabulary: taxes, rich, inequality, public services, fairness

Question Prompts:

• Would higher taxes discourage success?
• How should governments spend tax money?
• Is it fair to punish people for being successful?

Sentence Frames:

• The rich must contribute more to society.
• High taxes reduce motivation to innovate.
• Tax money should fund education and healthcare.

C2-Level ESL Money Debate Topics

C2 debates challenge students with global money systems and futuristic concepts. They speak fluently, debate hypotheticals, and refine persuasive speaking skills.

26. Money in politics corrupts democracy.

Useful Vocabulary: lobbying, donations, influence, elections, reform

Question Prompts:

• Should corporations be allowed to fund campaigns?
• How can governments reduce political corruption?
• Does money equal free speech in politics?

Sentence Frames:

• Wealthy donors control policy decisions.
• Campaign funding is a form of free expression.
• Strict limits are needed to protect democracy.

27. The global financial system is designed to keep poor nations poor.

Useful Vocabulary: debt, IMF, colonialism, trade, exploitation

Question Prompts:

• Do rich countries control global finance unfairly?
• How can poor countries escape debt traps?
• Is foreign aid helpful or harmful?

Sentence Frames:

• International banks enforce oppressive policies.
• Free trade allows poor countries to develop.
• Aid creates dependency instead of growth.

28. Automation will cause a permanent unemployment crisis.

Useful Vocabulary: robots, jobs, retraining, universal income, future

Question Prompts:

• Will new jobs replace the ones lost to machines?
• How should societies prepare for mass automation?
• Is a jobless future inevitable?

Sentence Frames:

• Automation will eliminate more jobs than it creates.
• Humans will adapt with new types of work.
• Governments must plan for economic disruption.

29. Consumerism is destroying the planet.

Useful Vocabulary: overconsumption, waste, sustainability, advertising, greed

Question Prompts:

• Can capitalism become environmentally friendly?
• Should governments limit unnecessary consumption?
• Are humans naturally greedy or taught to consume?

Sentence Frames:

• Infinite growth on a finite planet is impossible.
• Green technology can decouple growth from pollution.
• Consumer choices drive environmental destruction.

30. The concept of money will disappear in the future.

Useful Vocabulary: cashless, barter, resource-based economy, technology

Question Prompts:

• Could societies function without money?
• What would replace monetary systems?
• Is human nature compatible with moneyless systems?

Sentence Frames:

• Advanced technology could manage resources without money.
• Money is a necessary tool for complex economies.
• Human greed makes moneyless systems unrealistic.

Wrap-Up

These Money Debate Topics give your ESL students a fun way to practice English while discussing real-life issues. From simple beginner questions to complex advanced debates, there’s something for every learner.

Debating about money helps students build vocabulary, boost confidence, and think critically. They’ll learn to express opinions, agree or disagree politely, and see different perspectives.

Try different topics each week to keep lessons fresh. Encourage shy students to participate by using the sentence frames. Most importantly—let the discussions be lively and engaging!

Now it’s your turn! Which money debate will you try first? Happy teaching, and may your classroom be full of great conversations! 

FAQs About These Money Debate Topics

1. How do I choose the right debate topic for my class?

Match the topic to your students’ CEFR level (A1-C2). Beginners need simple, personal questions (“Is saving money good?”), while advanced learners can discuss complex issues (“Should rich people pay higher taxes?”).

2. What if my students don’t know much about money topics?

Pre-teach key vocabulary (e.g., save, spend, debt) and use the provided sentence frames. For abstract topics (e.g., capitalism), give real-world examples.

3. How can I make debates fun for shy students?

• Use small groups instead of whole-class debates.
• Start with lighthearted topics (“Is chocolate worth the money?”).
• Let students write opinions first, then share.

4. Should I correct grammar during debates?

Focus on fluency first. Note common errors to review later, but don’t interrupt. Praise effort to build confidence!

5. Can I use these for writing practice too?

Absolutely! Assign a topic as a paragraph prompt or essay. Use the sentence frames as scaffolding.

6. How long should debates last?

• A1-A2: 5–10 minutes (simple opinions).
• B1-C2: 15–30 minutes (include rebuttals/research).

7. What if students disagree too strongly?

Set rules: “No interrupting. Use ‘I think…’ not ‘You’re wrong!’” Redirect heated debates to hypotheticals (“Imagine if…”).

Need a twist? Try a role-play (e.g., “You’re a billionaire—defend your wealth!”). Happy debating!