BP Debate Topics: What They Are and How to Prepare
The British Parliamentary debate format, also known as the BP debate format, is known for a wide range of topics which can range from social and economic issues to philosophical and ethical questions. If you need a refresher on what BP debate is and how it works, you can find a quick introduction here.
In this article, we'll explore some common BP debate topics and help you learn how to prepare for debates on any topic.
Types of BP Debate Motions
BP debate topics fall into a number of different categories, corresponding to the different types of motions you may encounter. There are three broad types of motions, being analysis motions, policy motions, and actor motions.
Let's start with analysis motions, which can also be described as value judgement debates. There are five subtypes of analysis motions with different statements being presented for debate.
- "This house believes that..." motions ask debaters to assess the truth of a statement from the perspective of a neutral observer.
"This house believes that social media does more harm than good." - Support motions ask debaters to describe and justify their support of a person, group, institution, idea, value, or cause.
"This house supports the implementation of universal basic income." - Oppose motions similarly ask debaters to express their dissatisfaction with a person, group, institution, idea, value, or cause.
"This house opposes the privatization of healthcare." - Regret motions ask whether the world would have been a better place without the existence of something. The key is to present a counterfactual and describe an alternative universe.
"This house regrets the rise of fast fashion." - Prefer motions ask debaters to compare two things or to compare a world with one thing to the status quo.
"This house prefers renewable energy sources over fossil fuels."
In addition to analysis motions, a BP debate may present policy motions, where the debating teams are proposing or opposing a new government policy. These motions are structured as "This house would..." or "This house will..."
"This house would legalize the use of cannabis."
Finally, actor motions focus on the perspective of a specific actor and ask whether they would do a specific action. These motions are structured as "This house, as X, would do Y."
"This house, as the United Nations, would intervene militarily in a sovereign country to prevent genocide."
BP Debate Topics
As you can see from the range of motions above, BP debates cover a wide variety of subject areas. Common debate topics include economics, education, and social issues. More complex debates may center around international relations, religion, or ethics in science or medicine. The most difficult debates may ask debaters to consider philosophical issues or hypothetical worlds.
Unlike other forms of debate like World Schools debate or Public Forum debate, where debating teams have time in advance to prepare for specific topics, BP debate topics can be harder to predict and prepare. Luckily, there are still a few reliable ways to ready yourself for whatever topics may appear in competitions.
How to Prepare for BP Debates
Read the news.
If not that, at least skim the headlines. BP debate tournaments are held frequently, and many new topics are needed each month. As such, many BP debate topics are informed by current events.
Research standard debate topics.
There are a few types of standard debate topics that tend to come up in classes and competitions including and beyond BP debate. You can find a list of topics commonly found in high school debate here.
Even if these specific motions don't appear, having done prior research on similar topics will give you a good foundation for future debates.
Practice.
Above all, practice makes perfect. The range of BP debate topics makes it impossible to prepare for every single one, so instead of trying to memorize every conceivable case, focus on honing your debating skills and familiarizing yourself with common motions.
If you're itching to compete, LearningLeaders is ready to put you on the path to success. Check out our BP competitions for upcoming BP debate opportunities.
You can also check out a variety of our competition programs linked below.
