30 Engaging Books and Reading Debate Topics to Boost Speaking

If you are an ESL teacher, this post is for you. Here, you will find 30 books and reading debate topics for all CEFR levels. These topics help your students practice speaking in a fun and easy way. They are perfect for encouraging conversations in your classroom.

Using debate topics is a great way to teach. Your students will use simple questions and learn new vocabulary. They can also practice idioms and common expressions related to books and reading. This makes learning more interesting and helps students remember better.

These topics are not for serious debates. They are made to help your students speak more and feel confident. You can also use these topics for role-plays or group activities. This way, your class becomes lively and engaging.

By using this post, you will save time planning lessons. You get ready-made topics with useful words and question ideas. This helps you focus on teaching and supporting your students. Try these topics and see how your students enjoy learning about books and reading!

Why Books and Reading Debate Topics Are Important in ESL

Books and reading are very important for learning English. When students talk about books, they practice speaking in English. This helps them improve their language skills. Using books and reading debate topics encourages students to share ideas and opinions.

Talking about books also helps students learn new words. When they discuss stories or ideas, they use different vocabulary. This makes their English stronger and more interesting. It also helps them understand how to use words in real life.

Debating about books helps students think carefully and express themselves clearly. It builds their confidence to speak in front of others. This is very useful for everyday conversations and classroom activities.

Finally, these topics make learning English fun. Students enjoy talking about stories and books they like. This interest motivates them to practice more and improve faster. That is why books and reading debate topics are great for ESL learners.

A1-Level ESL Books and Reading Debate Topics

At the A1 level, students are just beginning to learn English. They use very simple words and short sentences. These books and reading debate topics help them practice basic speaking. The topics are easy and fun. Students learn useful words and simple ways to say their opinions.

1. Reading books is fun.

Useful Vocabulary: reading, books, fun, boring, like

Question Prompts:

• Do you like reading books?
• What kind of books do you like?
• Is reading fun or boring?

Sentence Frames:

• I like reading books because it is fun.
• Reading is boring for me.
• Books help me learn new words.

2. I like stories about animals.

Useful Vocabulary: stories, animals, like, interesting, friends

Question Prompts:

• Do you like stories about animals?
• What is your favorite animal story?
• Why do you like animals in stories?

Sentence Frames:

• I like stories about animals because they are interesting.
• Animals are my friends in stories.
• Stories about animals are fun to read.

3. Books are better than movies.

Useful Vocabulary: books, movies, better, watch, read

Question Prompts:

• Do you like books or movies more?
• Why do you think books are better?
• Do you like watching movies?

Sentence Frames:

• I think books are better than movies.
• Movies are fun, but I like books more.
• Reading books helps me imagine stories.

4. I like to read at night.

Useful Vocabulary: read, night, like, quiet, before sleep

Question Prompts:

• Do you read at night or daytime?
• Why do you like to read at night?
• What do you read before sleep?

Sentence Frames:

• I like to read at night because it is quiet.
• Reading before sleep helps me relax.
• I read books at night every day.

5. Books help me learn English.

Useful Vocabulary: books, help, learn, English, new words

Question Prompts:

• Do books help you learn English?
• What do you learn from books?
• How often do you read English books?

Sentence Frames:

• Books help me learn new words.
• I read books to practice English.
• Reading books makes learning fun.

A2-Level ESL Books and Reading Debate Topics

At A2 level, students can use simple sentences and talk about familiar topics. Books and reading debate topics at this level ask them to explain their ideas a bit more. They practice using questions and answers to share opinions clearly.

6. Reading books is better than watching TV.

Useful Vocabulary: reading, books, better, watching, TV

Question Prompts:

• Why do you think reading is better than TV?
• What do you like more, books or TV?
• How does reading help you?

Sentence Frames:

• I think reading books is better than watching TV.
• Books help me learn more than TV.
• TV is fun, but books are better for learning.

7. Everyone should read a book every month.

Useful Vocabulary: everyone, should, read, book, every month

Question Prompts:

• Do you agree everyone should read books?
• How many books do you read each month?
• Why is reading every month good?

Sentence Frames:

• I think everyone should read one book every month.
• Reading often helps improve English skills.
• Books give us knowledge and fun.

8. E-books are better than paper books.

Useful Vocabulary: e-books, paper books, better, read, computer

Question Prompts:

• Do you like e-books or paper books more?
• Why are e-books better?
• What do you like about paper books?

Sentence Frames:

• I like e-books because they are easy to carry.
• Paper books feel better to read.
• E-books are better for traveling.

9. Reading helps you understand the world.

Useful Vocabulary: reading, helps, understand, world, learn

Question Prompts:

• How does reading help you understand the world?
• What can you learn from books?
• Why is it important to read?

Sentence Frames:

• Reading helps me learn about new places and people.
• Books teach me about the world.
• I understand more when I read books.

10. Reading aloud is good for learning.

Useful Vocabulary: reading, aloud, good, learning, practice

Question Prompts:

• Do you like reading aloud?
• Why is reading aloud good?
• How often do you read aloud?

Sentence Frames:

• Reading aloud helps me speak better English.
• I like to read aloud with my friends.
• Reading aloud is good practice.

B1-Level ESL Books and Reading Debate Topics

At B1 level, students can give reasons and explain their opinions in more detail. Books and reading debate topics encourage them to talk about their experiences and ideas with more confidence.

11. Reading fiction is better than non-fiction.

Useful Vocabulary: reading, fiction, non-fiction, better, interesting

Question Prompts:

• Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction books?
• Why is fiction better or worse than non-fiction?
• What kind of books do you like?

Sentence Frames:

• I prefer fiction because it is more interesting.
• Non-fiction books help me learn facts.
• Fiction allows me to imagine new worlds.

12. Libraries are important for communities.

Useful Vocabulary: libraries, important, communities, books, help

Question Prompts:

• Why are libraries important?
• How do libraries help people?
• Do you visit libraries often?

Sentence Frames:

• Libraries provide free books for everyone.
• They help people learn and read.
• Libraries are good places to study.

13. People should read more than watch social media.

Useful Vocabulary: people, read, watch, social media, better

Question Prompts:

• Why should people read more?
• How is reading better than watching social media?
• What do you do in your free time?

Sentence Frames:

• Reading is better than watching social media.
• Social media can waste time.
• Books teach me more useful things.

14. Books are better gifts than toys.

Useful Vocabulary: books, gifts, toys, better, give

Question Prompts:

• Do you like giving books as gifts?
• Why are books better gifts than toys?
• What gifts do you like?

Sentence Frames:

• I think books are better gifts than toys.
• Books last longer than toys.
• Gifts should be useful, so books are good.

15. Reading helps reduce stress.

Useful Vocabulary: reading, helps, reduce, stress, relax

Question Prompts:

• How does reading help reduce stress?
• Do you read when you are stressed?
• What do you do to relax?

Sentence Frames:

• Reading helps me relax after work or school.
• Books make me feel calm and happy.
• I like reading when I feel stressed.

B2-Level ESL Books and Reading Debate Topics

At B2 level, students can discuss complex ideas and support their opinions clearly. Books and reading debate topics challenge them to explain the advantages and disadvantages and use more advanced vocabulary.

16. Digital books will replace paper books in the future.

Useful Vocabulary: digital books, paper books, replace, future, technology

Question Prompts:

• Do you think digital books will replace paper books?
• What are the advantages of digital books?
• What do you like about paper books?

Sentence Frames:

• Digital books are easy to carry and access.
• Paper books have a special feeling that digital books cannot replace.
• I think both digital and paper books will exist in the future.

17. Reading classic literature is important.

Useful Vocabulary: classic literature, important, reading, culture, history

Question Prompts:

• Why is reading classic literature important?
• Do you like classic books?
• How do classic books teach us about culture?

Sentence Frames:

• Classic literature helps us understand history and culture.
• I enjoy reading classic books because they have deep meanings.
• Reading classics improves my language skills.

18. Books can change people’s lives.

Useful Vocabulary: books, change, people, lives, inspire

Question Prompts:

• How can books change people’s lives?
• Have you ever read a book that changed you?
• What kind of books inspire you?

Sentence Frames:

• Books can inspire people to think differently.
• A good book can change my life by teaching important lessons.
• I believe reading helps people grow and change.

19. Audiobooks are as good as reading books.

Useful Vocabulary: audiobooks, good, reading, listen, learning

Question Prompts:

• Do you like audiobooks or reading more?
• Are audiobooks helpful for learning?
• What do you do while listening to audiobooks?

Sentence Frames:

• Audiobooks are good because I can listen anywhere.
• Reading helps me focus better than listening.
• I enjoy both audiobooks and reading books.

20. Schools should spend more money on libraries.

Useful Vocabulary: schools, spend, money, libraries, important

Question Prompts:

• Should schools spend more money on libraries?
• How do good libraries help students?
• What would you add to a school library?

Sentence Frames:

• Libraries need money for more books and computers.
• A good library helps students study and learn better.
• I think schools should improve their libraries.

C1-Level ESL Books and Reading Debate Topics

At C1 level, students can discuss abstract topics and give detailed arguments. Books and reading debate topics for this level encourage critical thinking and advanced language use.

21. The rise of digital reading changes how we think.

Useful Vocabulary: digital reading, changes, think, impact, technology

Question Prompts:

• How does digital reading affect our thinking?
• Is technology changing reading habits?
• Do you prefer digital or traditional reading?

Sentence Frames:

• Digital reading changes how we process information.
• Technology influences our attention and memory when reading.
• I believe traditional reading develops deeper understanding.

22. Censorship in books limits freedom of thought.

Useful Vocabulary: censorship, books, limits, freedom, thought

Question Prompts:

• What is censorship in books?
• How does censorship affect readers?
• Should books be censored?

Sentence Frames:

• Censorship restricts readers’ freedom to explore ideas.
• Some books are banned because of their content.
• I think readers should decide what to read.

23. Literature reflects society and culture.

Useful Vocabulary: literature, reflects, society, culture, values

Question Prompts:

• How does literature reflect society?
• Can books change cultural values?
• What literature from your country shows culture well?

Sentence Frames:

• Literature mirrors social values and issues.
• Books can challenge or reinforce cultural beliefs.
• I learn about my culture through reading literature.

24. Reading fiction improves empathy and understanding.

Useful Vocabulary: fiction, improves, empathy, understanding, feelings

Question Prompts:

• How does fiction improve empathy?
• Do you feel more understanding after reading stories?
• What book made you feel empathy?

Sentence Frames:

• Reading fiction helps me understand other people’s feelings.
• Stories put me in someone else’s shoes.
• I think fiction makes people more empathetic.

25. The quality of writing is more important than the quantity of books read.

Useful Vocabulary: quality, writing, important, quantity, books

Question Prompts:

• Is quality more important than quantity in reading?
• How do you judge good writing?
• Should people read fewer but better books?

Sentence Frames:

• Quality writing gives deeper meaning than many books.
• I prefer reading good books even if I read fewer.
• Quantity is less important than understanding the content.

C2-Level ESL Books and Reading Debate Topics

At C2 level, students have near-native proficiency. They can analyze, criticize, and discuss abstract and nuanced ideas on books and reading, using rich vocabulary and complex structures.

26. The decline of physical bookstores affects literary culture.

Useful Vocabulary: decline, physical bookstores, affects, literary culture, community

Question Prompts:

• How does the decline of bookstores affect culture?
• Why do physical bookstores matter?
• Can online stores replace bookstores?

Sentence Frames:

• The decline of physical bookstores diminishes community interaction around books.
• Bookstores are cultural hubs that support local authors.
• I believe online stores cannot fully replace physical bookstores.

27. Postmodern literature challenges traditional storytelling.

Useful Vocabulary: postmodern literature, challenges, traditional, storytelling, narrative

Question Prompts:

• What is postmodern literature?
• How does it challenge traditional storytelling?
• Do you enjoy postmodern books?

Sentence Frames:

• Postmodern literature breaks conventional narrative structures.
• It questions reality and authorship in storytelling.
• I find postmodern books intellectually stimulating.

28. The role of literature in shaping political thought is significant.

Useful Vocabulary: literature, shaping, political thought, influence, power

Question Prompts:

• How does literature influence politics?
• Can books change political opinions?
• What book influenced your political thinking?

Sentence Frames:

• Literature has the power to inspire political movements.
• Books can shape how people think about power and justice.
• I believe literature plays a crucial role in political awareness.

29. The digital age creates challenges for deep reading and concentration.

Useful Vocabulary: digital age, challenges, deep reading, concentration, distraction

Question Prompts:

• How does the digital age affect reading habits?
• Is deep reading harder now?
• What can readers do to focus better?

Sentence Frames:

• The digital age brings many distractions that harm deep reading.
• Concentration is more difficult with so much online information.
• I try to limit digital use to improve my reading focus.

30. Book awards influence public reading choices and literary trends.

Useful Vocabulary: book awards, influence, public, choices, trends

Question Prompts:

• How do book awards affect readers?
• Do awards improve the quality of literature?
• What is your opinion about literary prizes?

Sentence Frames:

• Book awards guide public reading and increase sales.
• Awards can shape literary trends and author popularity.
• I think awards are important but not the only measure of quality.

Conclusion

Using books and reading debate topics in ESL classes is a great way to help students practice speaking and learn new vocabulary. These topics are simple and fun, so students feel confident to share their ideas.

They also improve important skills like thinking clearly and expressing opinions. By including these topics in your lessons, you make learning English more interesting and effective for your students.

FAQs about using Books and Reading debate topics in ESL class

1. How can I start a debate using Books and Reading topics?
You can begin by asking simple questions related to the topic. Encourage students to share their opinions using sentence frames.

2. Are these topics suitable for all ESL levels?
Yes, the topics are designed for different levels from A1 to C2, so you can choose based on your students’ abilities.

3. How long should a debate last in class?
Debates can be short, about 5 to 10 minutes, especially for lower levels. You can extend time for advanced students.

4. Can I use these topics for group activities?
Definitely! Group debates or role-plays work well to get more students involved and practicing speaking.

5. What if students don’t know the vocabulary?
You can introduce the useful vocabulary before starting the debate and practice it with your students.

6. How do debates help improve reading skills?
Debates encourage students to talk about what they have read or learned, which reinforces comprehension and vocabulary.

7. Should I correct students’ mistakes during debates?
Try to focus on communication first. You can gently correct common mistakes after the debate to keep students confident.

8. Can I combine debates with other activities?
Yes, you can use debates along with reading exercises, writing tasks, or listening activities to create a full lesson.

9. How often should I use debate topics in class?
Using debates once or twice a week can keep students engaged and regularly practicing speaking skills.

10. Are debate topics helpful for exam preparation?
Yes, debates help students organize their thoughts and speak clearly, which is useful for speaking exams and presentations.