60 Engaging Health Debate Topics for ESL Classes

Health debate topics are a great way to get your ESL students excited about learning. Since health is something everyone can relate to, these topics are easy for students to connect with. They make lessons fun and engaging, helping students use health vocabulary and common expressions about health in conversation.

In this post, you’ll find debate topics for all levels, from A1 to C2. Each topic includes useful health vocabulary, question prompts, sentence frames, and even health idioms. You can also use health role-plays to make the debates more interactive and help students practice speaking.

Debating health issues encourages students to think critically and express their opinions clearly. Health conversations allow them to improve their speaking skills and become more confident in English, while exploring different cultural views on health.

These topics offer a chance for students to practice real-life health conversations. They’ll learn health idioms, engage in role-plays, and improve their overall language skills. Keep reading for these fun and interactive health debate topics!

Why Health Is a Good Debate Topic for ESL Class

Health is a great ESL debate topic because everyone can relate to it. Students can talk about things like exercise, food, or feelings. This makes the topic interesting and easy for them to join in on.

Talking about health helps students learn new words. They can practice words about eating, fitness, and medical care. These are useful words they can use in real life.

Health debates also help students think more clearly. They will need to explain their ideas and give reasons for their opinions. This helps them improve their speaking skills.

Another reason health is a good topic is that it helps students understand different cultures. People from different countries have different health habits. Discussing this helps students learn about other cultures and improves their communication.

Overall, health debates are fun and help students learn English in an easy way. They also get to think about important topics and share their own ideas.

A1-Level ESL Health Debate Topics

1. Fruit is better than chocolate.

Useful Vocabulary: fruit, chocolate, sweet, healthy, better

Question Prompts:

• Why do you like chocolates?
• Do you like fruit or chocolate more?
• Which is healthier?
• Do you eat chocolate every day?

Sentence Frames:

• I think fruit is better because it is healthy.
• I like chocolate more because it tastes better.
• Fruit is good for our body.
• Chocolate has too much sugar.

2. People should brush their teeth twice a day.

Useful Vocabulary: brush, teeth, morning, night, clean

Question Prompts:

• Do you brush your teeth every day?
• When do you brush your teeth?
• Why is brushing important?
• Do you go to the dentist?

Sentence Frames:

• I brush my teeth in the morning and at night.
• Brushing helps keep my teeth clean.
• I think it is good for health.
• We should not forget to brush.

3. Playing outside is good for your health.

Useful Vocabulary: play, outside, healthy, fun, fresh air

Question Prompts:

• Do you like to play outside?
• What do you do outside?
• Is it good to get fresh air?
• Do you play inside or outside more?

Sentence Frames:

• I like playing outside because it is fun.
• Outside games are good for our body.
• I feel happy when I play in the park.
• I think staying inside too much is not good.

4. We should drink milk every day.

Useful Vocabulary: milk, drink, strong, bones, healthy

Question Prompts:

• Do you like milk?
• How often do you drink milk?
• Is milk good for your body?
• What do you like to drink every day?

Sentence Frames:

• Milk makes our bones strong.
• I drink milk every day at breakfast.
• I don’t like milk, I drink juice.
• I think milk is healthy.

5. It is important to wash your hands before eating.

Useful Vocabulary: wash, hands, clean, germs, before

Question Prompts:

• Do you wash your hands before meals?
• Why do we wash our hands?
• What happens if we don’t wash?
• Do you use soap when washing?

Sentence Frames:

• I wash my hands before lunch and dinner.
• Clean hands help stop sickness.
• Washing with soap is important.
• I think it keeps us healthy.

6. Vegetables are better than fast food.

Useful Vocabulary: vegetables, fast food, better, healthy, eat

Question Prompts:

• Do you eat vegetables every day?
• What vegetables do you like?
• Do you eat fast food?
• Which is better for your health?

Sentence Frames:

• I think vegetables are better than fast food.
• Fast food tastes good but is not healthy.
• I eat carrots, potatoes, and spinach.
• I eat burgers, but not too much.

7. It’s good to sleep 8 hours every night.

Useful Vocabulary: sleep, hours, night, tired, rest

Question Prompts:

• What time do you go to bed?
• How many hours do you sleep?
• Do you feel tired in the morning?
• Do you sleep early or late?

Sentence Frames:

• I sleep 8 hours every night.
• I feel good when I sleep early.
• I think sleep is important for health.
• I go to bed late and feel tired.

8. Too much TV is bad for your eyes.

Useful Vocabulary: TV, eyes, screen, long time, bad

Question Prompts:

• How many hours do you watch TV?
• Do your eyes hurt sometimes?
• What do you watch on TV?
• What else can you do instead of TV?

Sentence Frames:

• I think too much TV is not good for the eyes.
• I watch one hour every day.
• I play outside instead of watching TV.
• My eyes feel tired after long screen time.

9. Running is better than sitting.

Useful Vocabulary: run, sit, better, move, body

Question Prompts:

• Do you like running?
• Do you sit for many hours?
• What do you do to move your body?
• Is sitting good for a long time?

Sentence Frames:

• Running is good for my body.
• I sit in class but run after school.
• I think moving is better than sitting.
• I like walking more than running.

10. We should not eat too many sweets.

Useful Vocabulary: sweets, candy, sugar, teeth, too many

Question Prompts:

• Do you like sweets?
• How many sweets do you eat a day?
• Are sweets bad for teeth?
• What is your favorite candy?

Sentence Frames:

• I think too many sweets are not good for health.
• I eat sweets, but only sometimes.
• Candy has a lot of sugar.
• I like sweets but try to eat less.

A2-Level ESL Health Debate Topics

1. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Useful Vocabulary: breakfast, meal, energy, important, healthy

Question Prompts:

• What do you eat for breakfast?
• Do you eat breakfast every day?
• Is breakfast good for your health?
• Can you work well without breakfast?

Sentence Frames:

• I think breakfast is very important.
• I feel weak when I skip breakfast.
• A good breakfast gives me energy.
• We should not miss breakfast.

2. Water is better than soda.

Useful Vocabulary: water, soda, drink, sugar, better

Question Prompts:

• What do you drink more: water or soda?
• Is soda good for health?
• How much water do you drink every day?
• Do you drink soda with your meals?

Sentence Frames:

• I drink water because it is healthy.
• Soda is tasty but has too much sugar.
• I think water is better than soda.
• We should drink more water.

3. Going to bed early is good for your health.

Useful Vocabulary: bed, early, late, sleep, healthy

Question Prompts:

• What time do you go to bed?
• Do you feel good when you sleep early?
• Is it bad to sleep very late?
• How many hours do you sleep at night?

Sentence Frames:

• I sleep early and feel fresh in the morning.
• I think going to bed early is healthy.
• I don’t like staying up too late.
• Good sleep helps our body and mind.

4. Everyone should exercise regularly.

Useful Vocabulary: exercise, regular, body, health, strong

Question Prompts:

• Do you exercise every day?
• What kind of exercise do you do?
• Why is exercise important?
• Do you like sports or walking?

Sentence Frames:

• I think regular exercise is good for health.
• I go for a walk every morning.
• Exercise helps me stay active.
• We should move our body every day.

5. Healthy food is more important than tasty food.

Useful Vocabulary: healthy, tasty, food, important, good

Question Prompts:

• What food do you enjoy most?
• Is your favorite food healthy?
• Do you eat more for taste or health?
• What is a healthy and tasty food you like?

Sentence Frames:

• I think healthy food is better in the long run.
• Tasty food is not always good for us.
• I try to choose healthy meals.
• We should care about what we eat.

6. It is okay to eat junk food sometimes.

Useful Vocabulary: junk food, okay, sometimes, health, eat

Question Prompts:

• Do you eat junk food?
• How often do you eat it?
• Is it okay to eat it sometimes?
• What junk food do you like most?

Sentence Frames:

• I think it is okay if we don’t eat it often.
• Junk food is tasty but not healthy.
• I eat junk food once a week.
• Too much junk food is bad for our health.

7. Walking is better than using a car.

Useful Vocabulary: walk, car, better, health, move

Question Prompts:

• Do you walk or use a car to go to school/work?
• Is walking good for your body?
• When do you choose to walk?
• Do you like walking?

Sentence Frames:

• I like walking because it helps me stay fit.
• Using a car is easy, but walking is healthier.
• I think walking is better than driving short distances.
• I try to walk more to stay active.

8. It’s important to take a break from screens.

Useful Vocabulary: screen, break, eyes, phone, computer

Question Prompts:

• How much time do you spend on your phone or computer?
• Do your eyes feel tired after screen time?
• Do you take breaks?
• What do you do during screen-free time?

Sentence Frames:

• I think screen breaks are good for the eyes.
• Too much screen time makes me tired.
• I take a break every hour.
• I feel better after resting my eyes.

9. Being happy helps you stay healthy.

Useful Vocabulary: happy, healthy, feel, good, stress

Question Prompts:

• Do you think happy people are healthier?
• What makes you feel happy?
• Does stress make people sick?
• How do you stay positive?

Sentence Frames:

• I feel better when I’m happy.
• I think being happy helps my health.
• I smile and laugh to feel good.
• Happiness is good for the heart.

10. People should not skip meals.

Useful Vocabulary: skip, meals, breakfast, lunch, dinner

Question Prompts:

• Do you ever skip meals?
• How do you feel when you don’t eat?
• Why do some people skip meals?
• Is skipping meals good or bad for your body?

Sentence Frames:

• I think skipping meals is not healthy.
• I feel tired when I don’t eat lunch.
• We need food to get energy.
• Eating on time helps me feel good.

B1-Level ESL Health Debate Topics

1. People should cook at home instead of eating out.

Useful Vocabulary: cook, home, restaurant, healthy, control

Question Prompts:

• Do you cook at home or eat out more often?
• Is home-cooked food healthier?
• Why do people prefer restaurants?
• What do you usually cook at home?

Sentence Frames:

• I prefer cooking at home because I can choose healthy ingredients.
• Eating out is convenient but not always healthy.
• I think home-cooked meals are better for our health.
• Cooking at home saves money and is more nutritious.

2. Everyone should learn basic first aid.

Useful Vocabulary: first aid, emergency, help, learn, important

Question Prompts:

• Do you know how to give first aid?
• Why is it important to learn first aid?
• Have you ever used first aid in real life?
• Should schools teach first aid to students?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe basic first aid knowledge can save lives.
• Everyone should know how to help in emergencies.
• First aid is an important life skill.
• Learning it makes us more prepared.

3. Mental health is just as important as physical health.

Useful Vocabulary: mental, physical, stress, healthy, important

Question Prompts:

• How do you take care of your mental health?
• Is mental health discussed enough in your country?
• Why do people hide mental health problems?
• Can stress affect your body?

Sentence Frames:

• I think mental and physical health are equally important.
• When I feel stressed, I try to rest or talk to someone.
• Mental health problems should be taken seriously.
• We need more awareness about mental well-being.

4. People should limit how much sugar they eat.

Useful Vocabulary: sugar, limit, healthy, diet, sweets

Question Prompts:

• Do you check how much sugar is in your food?
• How does sugar affect your body?
• Do you think people eat too much sugar today?
• What are healthy alternatives to sugar?

Sentence Frames:

• I try to avoid too much sugar in my diet.
• Sugar tastes good, but it’s harmful in large amounts.
• I think people should read food labels more carefully.
• Cutting sugar can improve your health.

5. Technology is making people less active.

Useful Vocabulary: technology, active, exercise, screen, lazy

Question Prompts:

• How much time do you spend using technology?
• Do you think people exercise less now?
• How can we balance tech use and movement?
• Does your phone or computer make you less active?

Sentence Frames:

• I think technology is useful but makes people move less.
• We should take breaks and go for walks.
• Too much screen time can make us lazy.
• I use apps to remind me to exercise.

6. Schools should teach students how to eat healthily.

Useful Vocabulary: school, students, healthy, food, education

Question Prompts:

• Did your school teach about healthy eating?
• Should children learn about food and nutrition early?
• What should schools do to promote health?
• Is it enough to just tell students what to eat?

Sentence Frames:

• I think schools should include nutrition in the curriculum.
• Teaching healthy habits early is important.
• Students need to understand how food affects health.
• Healthy eating can improve focus and energy.

7. People should walk or cycle instead of driving short distances.

Useful Vocabulary: walk, cycle, drive, short, environment

Question Prompts:

• Do you walk or cycle for short trips?
• Why do people use cars even for short distances?
• Is walking better for the environment and health?
• Should cities make it easier to walk or bike?

Sentence Frames:

• I walk when I can because it’s good exercise.
• Cycling is a healthy and eco-friendly option.
• We should reduce car use when possible.
• Short drives can be replaced by walking.

8. Everyone should have a regular health check-up.

Useful Vocabulary: check-up, regular, health, doctor, prevent

Question Prompts:

• How often do you go for a health check-up?
• Why are check-ups important?
• Do you go only when you feel sick?
• Can check-ups prevent serious problems?

Sentence Frames:

• I think regular check-ups can help find problems early.
• People often wait too long to see a doctor.
• I feel better when I know I’m healthy.
• Preventing illness is better than curing it.

9. Social media can harm our mental health.

Useful Vocabulary: social media, mental health, compare, stress, time

Question Prompts:

• How much time do you spend on social media?
• Do you feel better or worse after using it?
• Can social media affect your mood or self-esteem?
• How can people use it in a healthier way?

Sentence Frames:

• I think social media can sometimes cause stress.
• Seeing others’ perfect lives can make us feel bad.
• We should limit our time on these platforms.
• It’s good to take breaks from social media.

10. People should avoid eating late at night.

Useful Vocabulary: avoid, late, night, food, sleep

Question Prompts:

• Do you eat late at night?
• How does eating late affect your sleep?
• Why do people eat late?
• What are better habits for nighttime?

Sentence Frames:

• I feel heavy when I eat right before bed.
• Eating late is not good for digestion.
• I try to finish dinner early.
• We should let our body rest at night.

B2-Level ESL Health Debate Topics

1. Junk food advertising should be banned during children’s TV programs.

Useful Vocabulary: junk food, advertising, children, ban, influence

Question Prompts:

• Do you think junk food ads influence children?
• Should there be restrictions on advertising to young people?
• How does advertising affect food choices?
• Can parents control what their children watch?

Sentence Frames:

• I think banning junk food ads could reduce unhealthy eating.
• Children are more likely to buy unhealthy snacks after seeing ads.
• Restricting ads could promote better health for kids.
• Parents should teach children to make healthy food choices.

2. All workplaces should have a wellness program.

Useful Vocabulary: wellness, workplace, program, fitness, health

Question Prompts:

• Should companies offer wellness programs?
• What kinds of activities should be included in a wellness program?
• Do you think these programs actually improve employee health?
• How can work culture affect our health?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe wellness programs can help reduce stress at work.
• Offering fitness classes or healthy meals could improve productivity.
• A healthier workplace can lead to happier employees.
• Workplaces should care more about their employees’ well-being.

3. People should be required to take physical education in school.

Useful Vocabulary: required, physical education, school, exercise, compulsory

Question Prompts:

• Should physical education be a mandatory subject?
• How does exercise benefit students in school?
• What are the reasons people dislike PE classes?
• Should schools focus more on physical health?

Sentence Frames:

• I think physical education is important for students’ health.
• Exercise helps improve focus and concentration in class.
• Everyone should stay active, and school is a good place to start.
• It teaches students lifelong habits that are healthy.

4. Healthcare should be free for all citizens.

Useful Vocabulary: healthcare, free, citizens, access, equality

Question Prompts:

• Should healthcare be a universal right?
• How does the cost of healthcare affect people’s health?
• What are the advantages of free healthcare?
• Can countries afford to offer free healthcare to everyone?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of income.
• Free healthcare would ensure no one is left without treatment.
• People shouldn’t worry about medical bills when they need care.
• Access to healthcare is essential for a fair society.

5. Smoking should be banned in all public places.

Useful Vocabulary: smoking, banned, public places, health, second-hand smoke

Question Prompts:

• Should smoking be completely banned in public areas?
• How does second-hand smoke affect non-smokers?
• Are there places where smoking should still be allowed?
• How can we encourage people to quit smoking?

Sentence Frames:

• I think banning smoking in public is necessary for the health of everyone.
• Second-hand smoke is harmful, especially to children.
• Smokers should be given support to quit.
• Public spaces should be safe and healthy for everyone.

6. People should exercise at least 30 minutes every day.

Useful Vocabulary: exercise, daily, 30 minutes, routine, active

Question Prompts:

• How much exercise do you think is enough?
• Should everyone make exercise a daily habit?
• What are the benefits of regular exercise?
• What prevents people from exercising every day?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe 30 minutes of exercise is achievable for most people.
• Regular physical activity can improve both mental and physical health.
• Exercise doesn’t have to be hard; even a walk is good for you.
• We should encourage others to stay active every day.

7. Technology should be used more in healthcare.

Useful Vocabulary: technology, healthcare, tools, improve, access

Question Prompts:

• How can technology improve healthcare?
• Should medical services be more digitized?
• Are there any risks to using technology in healthcare?
• Can technology help reduce medical errors?

Sentence Frames:

• Technology can make healthcare more efficient and accessible.
• Using apps to track health data could help prevent diseases.
• Digital tools could reduce waiting times and improve diagnosis.
• However, privacy issues must be considered with medical technology.

8. People should spend more time in nature for better mental health.

Useful Vocabulary: nature, mental health, outdoors, relax, stress

Question Prompts:

• How does spending time in nature improve mental health?
• Do you spend time outdoors regularly?
• What are the benefits of nature walks or hikes?
• Can urban areas offer access to nature for relaxation?

Sentence Frames:

• I find that being outside helps me clear my mind and feel less stressed.
• Nature provides a peaceful environment that promotes mental well-being.
• Spending time outdoors reduces feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Parks and green spaces should be more available in cities.

9. Fast food chains should be required to provide healthier options.

Useful Vocabulary: fast food, chains, healthier, menu, choices

Question Prompts:

• Should fast food restaurants offer more healthy options?
• Are fast food meals usually unhealthy?
• How can restaurants improve their menu for better health?
• Do you think people would choose healthier options if offered?

Sentence Frames:

• I think fast food restaurants should offer healthier meals as alternatives.
• People might choose healthier options if they were available and tasty.
• More fruit and vegetables should be included in fast food menus.
• Fast food is convenient, but it shouldn’t always be unhealthy.

10. There should be stricter rules about food labeling.

Useful Vocabulary: food labeling, rules, ingredients, healthy, information

Question Prompts:

• Do you check food labels before buying something?
• How can food labels help people make better health choices?
• Are current food labels easy to understand?
• Should there be clearer information about calories and ingredients?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe food labels should be easier to read and understand.
• Labels should show the full ingredients to help people avoid unhealthy items.
• People would make better choices if labels clearly explained the nutritional value.
• Stricter rules could lead to healthier food choices overall.

C1-Level ESL Health Debate Topics

1. Governments should impose a sugar tax to reduce health problems.

Useful Vocabulary: government, sugar tax, health problems, obesity, regulation

Question Prompts:

• Do you think a sugar tax would reduce health issues?
• How could a tax on sugar affect people’s eating habits?
• Should governments regulate the amount of sugar in food?
• Are there any negative effects of a sugar tax on the economy?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe a sugar tax could reduce the consumption of unhealthy foods.
• Governments should take more responsibility in tackling obesity.
• A sugar tax could motivate people to choose healthier alternatives.
• However, some people argue that it’s unfair to tax food products.

2. Mental health should be given equal importance as physical health in healthcare systems.

Useful Vocabulary: mental health, physical health, healthcare, importance, well-being

Question Prompts:

• Why is mental health often overlooked in healthcare systems?
• Should mental health services be funded equally as physical health services?
• How can societies change their view on mental health?
• What impact does neglecting mental health have on individuals?

Sentence Frames:

• Mental health is just as important as physical health, and both should be prioritized.
• Ignoring mental health can lead to long-term social and economic consequences.
• I believe we need more awareness and support for mental health.
• Equal funding would improve access to mental health services for everyone.

3. The government should regulate the use of social media to protect users’ mental health.

Useful Vocabulary: government, regulate, social media, mental health, impact

Question Prompts:

• Should the government control how social media platforms operate?
• How does social media negatively impact mental health?
• Can regulation help reduce harmful content on social media?
• Should there be more awareness about social media addiction?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe that regulation could limit harmful effects like cyberbullying and anxiety.
• Social media can sometimes cause depression or isolation in young people.
• Governments should implement policies to protect mental health online.
• Encouraging digital literacy can help people manage their social media usage.

4. Health education should be mandatory in schools to promote lifelong wellness.

Useful Vocabulary: health education, mandatory, schools, wellness, lifestyle

Question Prompts:

• Should schools include more health education in their curriculum?
• How can health education affect students’ long-term health habits?
• Should health education focus more on nutrition or mental health?
• What could be the consequences of not teaching health in schools?

Sentence Frames:

• Health education can teach students the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
• I believe that learning about health at a young age can promote lifelong wellness.
• Schools should also teach emotional health alongside physical wellness.
• By educating students, we can reduce future healthcare costs.

5. Access to healthcare should not depend on one’s socioeconomic status.

Useful Vocabulary: access, healthcare, socioeconomic status, equality, treatment

Question Prompts:

• Should healthcare be a universal right for everyone?
• How does socioeconomic status affect access to healthcare services?
• What are the advantages of providing equal healthcare to all?
• How can we ensure that everyone receives fair treatment?

Sentence Frames:

• Healthcare should not be a privilege, but a right for all citizens.
• Inequality in healthcare can lead to major health disparities in society.
• Everyone should have equal access to the treatment they need, regardless of their income.
• Universal healthcare can contribute to a healthier society overall.

6. The rise of artificial intelligence could revolutionize healthcare for the better.

Useful Vocabulary: artificial intelligence, healthcare, revolutionize, technology, diagnosis

Question Prompts:

• How could artificial intelligence improve healthcare systems?
• What are the potential benefits of using AI in diagnosing diseases?
• Are there risks in relying too much on AI in healthcare?
• Should doctors rely on AI or trust their professional judgment more?

Sentence Frames:

• Artificial intelligence could speed up diagnoses and reduce human error in healthcare.
• AI can analyze vast amounts of data, which could lead to better treatment options.
• While AI offers many benefits, it should be used in collaboration with medical professionals.
• AI can help make healthcare more accessible by providing remote consultations.

7. The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food should be banned due to health risks.

Useful Vocabulary: genetically modified organisms, GMOs, health risks, food, regulation

Question Prompts:

• Should GMOs be banned or strictly regulated in food production?
• How do GMOs potentially affect human health?
• Are the benefits of GMOs in food production worth the potential health risks?
• Should consumers be given the choice to buy GMO-free products?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe GMOs can pose long-term health risks that we don’t fully understand yet.
• If we ban GMOs, it would promote a more natural and healthier food supply.
• More research is needed to fully understand the impact of GMOs on human health.
• Banning GMOs could encourage a return to more traditional farming methods.

8. Exercise should be incorporated into every working day for a healthier society.

Useful Vocabulary: exercise, incorporated, working day, productivity, society

Question Prompts:

• Should employers encourage daily exercise breaks during work hours?
• How can regular exercise improve productivity in the workplace?
• Should companies offer gym memberships or fitness programs for employees?
• How does a sedentary lifestyle impact health?

Sentence Frames:

• I believe that regular exercise could improve both mental and physical well-being.
• Incorporating exercise into the workday can reduce stress and increase productivity.
• Employees would benefit from more active work environments.
• A healthier workforce could lead to long-term economic benefits.

9. Public health campaigns should focus more on mental health rather than physical health.

Useful Vocabulary: public health, mental health, physical health, campaigns, focus

Question Prompts:

• Should public health campaigns prioritize mental health?
• How can mental health awareness reduce stigma in society?
• Should more resources be allocated to mental health services?
• Can focusing on mental health improve overall public health outcomes?

Sentence Frames:

• Mental health issues are just as serious as physical health problems, and both should be addressed equally.
• Public health campaigns could help raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental illness.
• Mental health services are underfunded and need more attention.
• Focusing on mental health could prevent many serious conditions in the future.

10. People should be more responsible for their own health instead of relying on healthcare systems.

Useful Vocabulary: responsibility, healthcare systems, health, prevention, lifestyle

Question Prompts:

• Should individuals take more responsibility for their health?
• What role does personal lifestyle play in health outcomes?
• How can people improve their health without relying solely on healthcare systems?
• What could be the consequences of neglecting personal health?

Sentence Frames:

• People should take responsibility for their health by adopting healthy habits.
• Preventative care is just as important as treatment, and individuals should focus on it.
• Personal choices like diet, exercise, and stress management can reduce the need for healthcare interventions.
• If people take care of their health, it could ease the burden on healthcare systems.

C2-Level ESL Health Debate Topics

1. The over-medicalization of society is a growing threat to public health.

Useful Vocabulary: over-medicalization, public health, treatment, health risks, medical intervention

Question Prompts:

• How has the medicalization of everyday life affected public health?
• Is it beneficial to medicalize conditions like aging or normal life experiences?
• How do you feel about the increasing reliance on medication for non-severe health issues?
• What are the potential dangers of over-medicalizing societal issues?

Sentence Frames:

• The over-medicalization of normal life stages can lead to unnecessary treatments and interventions.
• When every minor health issue is treated with medication, it can have long-term consequences.
• I believe that society should focus more on preventative measures rather than over-medicalizing every aspect of life.
• Over-medicalization might ignore the deeper causes of health problems, such as lifestyle or environmental factors.

2. The rise of non-communicable diseases is more dangerous than emerging infectious diseases.

Useful Vocabulary: non-communicable diseases, emerging diseases, health crisis, prevention, lifestyle diseases

Question Prompts:

• Why are non-communicable diseases (NCDs) considered more dangerous than infectious diseases?
• How does the global lifestyle contribute to the rise of NCDs?
• Can we ever truly prevent NCDs, or are they a natural consequence of modern life?
• Should governments focus more on the prevention of NCDs than on combating infectious diseases?

Sentence Frames:

• NCDs like diabetes and heart disease are killing more people than infectious diseases.
• The rise in NCDs can be linked to modern, unhealthy lifestyles.
• While infectious diseases can be controlled with vaccines and hygiene, NCDs are harder to prevent.
• Preventing NCDs could have a far greater impact on public health than combating emerging infectious diseases.

3. There is a conflict between personal freedom and public health measures during a health crisis.

Useful Vocabulary: personal freedom, public health, health crisis, regulation, freedom of choice

Question Prompts:

• How much should personal freedom be compromised in the name of public health?
• What are the ethical implications of forcing people to follow health guidelines?
• Can the government infringe on personal rights during health emergencies like pandemics?
• Should public health measures prioritize individual autonomy or societal well-being?

Sentence Frames:

• During a health crisis, governments must balance personal freedoms with the need to protect public health.
• Ethical dilemmas arise when public health policies impose restrictions on individual freedoms.
• While the government has a responsibility to protect citizens, personal rights cannot be completely ignored.
• Public health measures must be well-justified to avoid unnecessary infringement on freedom.

4. Advances in genetic engineering will solve the world’s most pressing health issues.

Useful Vocabulary: genetic engineering, health issues, medical advancements, ethical concerns, biotechnology

Question Prompts:

• How might genetic engineering revolutionize the treatment of diseases?
• What are the ethical boundaries of genetic modification in humans?
• Can we rely on genetic engineering as a solution to widespread health issues?
• Should there be limits to how much we interfere with human genetics?

Sentence Frames:

• Genetic engineering offers the potential to eliminate hereditary diseases and improve health outcomes.
• While the technology is promising, there are ethical concerns about how far we should go in altering human genes.
• Advances in genetic engineering could solve many health problems, but the technology must be regulated.
• Genetic modifications could potentially lead to unforeseen consequences in future generations.

5. The healthcare industry is driven more by profit than patient care.

Useful Vocabulary: healthcare industry, profit, patient care, medical costs, health insurance

Question Prompts:

• How much influence does profit have over healthcare policies and practices?
• Does the focus on profit in healthcare systems compromise patient well-being?
• What can be done to make healthcare more patient-centered rather than profit-driven?
• How do insurance companies affect healthcare quality and access?

Sentence Frames:

• The focus on profit in healthcare often leads to inflated costs and reduced quality of care.
• Healthcare should prioritize patient needs, but often profit margins influence decision-making.
• If healthcare systems were not driven by profit, more people would have access to quality care.
• Insurance companies sometimes prioritize financial gain over ensuring the best care for patients.

6. The global food system is a major contributor to the world’s health problems.

Useful Vocabulary: global food system, health problems, nutrition, sustainability, food production

Question Prompts:

• How does the global food system contribute to chronic health problems?
• Should governments take responsibility for regulating unhealthy food production?
• Is there a way to make the global food system healthier without affecting economies?
• Can we change global eating habits to improve public health?

Sentence Frames:

• The global food system prioritizes mass production over nutritional value, contributing to obesity and related diseases.
• Governments should regulate unhealthy foods more strictly to combat health issues worldwide.
• The production of cheap, processed foods has made it harder for people to maintain a healthy diet.
• By shifting towards more sustainable and nutritious food production, we can tackle global health problems.

7. Technological advancements in healthcare lead to greater inequality in health outcomes.

Useful Vocabulary: technological advancements, inequality, healthcare, access, outcomes

Question Prompts:

• How do advancements in technology create a divide in access to healthcare?
• Are the benefits of new healthcare technologies equally available to all social classes?
• How can we bridge the gap between those with access to technology and those without?
• Can technology actually worsen health inequality in some parts of the world?

Sentence Frames:

• New healthcare technologies often benefit the wealthy more than the poor, leading to greater inequality.
• Access to healthcare technology should be a fundamental right, not a luxury.
• While technological advancements have improved healthcare, they have also exacerbated the gap between rich and poor.
• Bridging the technology gap is crucial for ensuring equal health outcomes for all.

8. Governments should impose a universal healthy eating standard to combat global health crises.

Useful Vocabulary: healthy eating, universal standard, government, nutrition, public health

Question Prompts:

• Should governments regulate what people eat to ensure a healthier population?
• How can a universal healthy eating standard help reduce global health crises?
• What are the challenges of implementing such a standard worldwide?
• Should people be responsible for their own eating habits, or should governments intervene?

Sentence Frames:

• A universal healthy eating standard would promote better global health and reduce preventable diseases.
• Governments have a responsibility to guide citizens toward healthier dietary choices.
• While it might be difficult to enforce, a global standard could reduce food-related health issues.
• Public health would improve if there were clear, regulated guidelines for healthy eating worldwide.

9. The impact of climate change on health will surpass the effects of current diseases.

Useful Vocabulary: climate change, health impact, diseases, environmental factors, future risks

Question Prompts:

• How is climate change affecting public health today?
• Can the effects of climate change lead to health crises greater than current diseases?
• What can be done to mitigate the health effects of climate change?
• Should health systems prepare for the consequences of climate change in future planning?

Sentence Frames:

• Climate change is already influencing the spread of diseases, and its impact could surpass current health challenges.
• Rising temperatures and changing ecosystems create new health risks, such as heatstroke and vector-borne diseases.
• Governments must prepare their healthcare systems to handle the future consequences of climate change.
• Climate change is a silent threat to public health that must be addressed urgently.

10. The pharmaceutical industry holds too much power over global health policies.

Useful Vocabulary: pharmaceutical industry, power, global health, policies, influence

Question Prompts:

• Should the pharmaceutical industry have such a strong influence on global health policies?
• How do pharmaceutical companies affect drug prices and accessibility?
• Can governments regain control over public health away from the pharmaceutical industry?
• Are there ethical concerns with the way the pharmaceutical industry operates in the global health system?

Sentence Frames:

• The pharmaceutical industry often prioritizes profit over patient care, influencing global health policies.
• Governments should regulate the pharmaceutical industry more strictly to ensure fair pricing and accessibility.
• The influence of pharmaceutical companies on healthcare can sometimes lead to unethical practices.
• A balance must be struck between industry profit and public health priorities to ensure fair access to medications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, health debate topics are an excellent tool to make your ESL lessons more engaging and interactive.

They offer students the chance to practice important health vocabulary, idioms, and common expressions while developing their speaking skills. With health role-plays and conversations, students can gain confidence and fluency in real-life situations.

These topics also introduce students to diverse cultural perspectives, making learning English even more rewarding.

So, dive in and explore these health debates—your students will love the challenge and you’ll see their language skills grow!

FAQs about ESL Health Debate Topics

What are health debate topics?
Health debate topics are subjects related to health, such as exercise, food, and well-being, that students can discuss to practice their English skills.

Why are health debate topics good for ESL classes?
They are great because health is a universal topic. Students can connect with it easily, and it helps them practice vocabulary and improve speaking skills.

How do health debates help students?
Health debates help students think critically, improve their speaking and listening skills, and learn new vocabulary and expressions related to health.

What kind of vocabulary will students learn?
Students will learn health vocabulary related to food, exercise, emotions, illnesses, and more. They’ll also practice common expressions and health idioms.

Can I use health role-plays in debates?
Yes, health role-plays are a fun way to make debates more interactive. They allow students to practice real-life health conversations and improve their speaking skills.

Are the topics for all levels?
Yes, the topics are designed for all levels, from beginners (A1) to advanced students (C2), with different vocabulary and prompts for each level.

How do I get students to speak more during debates?
Encourage students to use sentence frames, ask follow-up questions, and express their opinions clearly. Health topics are great for sparking interest and conversation.

Can these topics help with listening skills?
Yes, students will also practice listening by hearing different opinions and arguments from their classmates, which helps improve their listening comprehension.

Do health debates work in group activities?
Absolutely! Health debates can be done in pairs or small groups, which makes the activity more interactive and allows students to engage with each other.

How do these topics help with cultural understanding?
Health debates often involve different cultural views on wellness, food, and lifestyle. This gives students the chance to learn about other cultures while improving their English.