Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Debate Topic Cards for Kids: Free Printable Card Set for Year 5
- ForYear 5
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Debate Topic Cards for Kids is a free printable card set for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10). Children cut out a card, then argue for or against the topic. Topics include pets, homework, seasons and bedtimes, so every child already has something to say. It needs only paper, scissors and a timer, and page 2 gives the grown-up notes, help and a stretch idea.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to the children and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children cut out the topic cards and take turns to pick one. Each card is a short statement, such as a view about pets, school or food. The player says whether they agree or disagree and gives reasons. Then the other player answers with their own view. Players listen, reply politely and decide whether anything changed their mind.
- Cats make better pets than dogs
- Homework should be banned
- Summer is better than winter
- Everyone should learn to cook
- Breakfast is the best meal
- Books are better than films
- Children should choose their bedtime
- Every school should have a pet
- Pizza is the best food
How to run a round
Pick a card
One player turns over a card and reads it aloud. Everyone says quietly whether they agree or disagree. There is no wrong side.
Speak in turn
Each speaker uses the timer for one minute. They give their opinion first, then their reasons. Everyone else listens without interrupting.
Reply to the other side
The next speaker starts by saying one thing the last speaker said. Then they agree with part of it or give a different reason.
Vote and reflect
The group votes. Each person says whether they changed their mind, and which reason made them think.
Why practise debating at this age?
A debate is a structured way of disagreeing. One side gives reasons for an idea and the other side gives reasons against. Children aged 9 to 10 often state an opinion very firmly but find it harder to explain why. Light topics help. When nobody minds whether cats or dogs win, children can focus on the skill of giving reasons.
Debating is also a listening task. To reply well, a child has to hear what the other person actually said. That means noticing the reason, not just the side. Over time, children learn that people can disagree and still be polite. They also learn that a good reason matters more than a loud voice.
Skills and curriculum link
- Speaking clearly
- Listening carefully
- Giving reasons
- Disagreeing politely
- Changing your mind with good reasons
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Curriculum (England) | English | Spoken language | Year 5 |
What children will be able to do
- I can give reasons for my opinion.
- I can listen to the other side.
- I can disagree politely.
Ideas to help children argue well
- Opinion and factAn opinion is what someone thinks. A fact can be checked. Strong arguments often use both, with a fact to back up an opinion.
- BecauseThe word because turns an opinion into an argument. Ask children to finish the sentence every time.
- ExamplesA real example makes a reason stronger. Ask, "Can you think of a time when that happened?"
- Both sidesGood debaters can say what the other side might argue. Thinking of it first helps them reply.
Key words
- DebateAn organised discussion where people give reasons for and against an idea.
- OpinionWhat you think or feel about something. Different people can have different opinions.
- ReasonThe because part of an argument. It explains why you think something.
- PersuadeTo try to get someone to agree with you by giving good reasons.
- CounterargumentA reason given by the other side.
- Point of viewThe way one person sees a topic.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for the children. Keep page 2, which has the notes for you.
- Cut out the cards and place them face down. Choose a timer and agree that each speaker gets one minute.
- Work through the first card together. Show how to give an opinion and a reason with the word because.
- Let each player pick a card, speak, then listen to a reply. Ask the group to say what the best reason was.
- Come back another day with new cards. Repeating a familiar game builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Give a sentence starter such as "I think this because". Let the child plan with two quick notes before speaking. Start with one reason only. When that feels easy, ask for a second reason and an example.
To stretch confident children
Ask each player to argue the side they disagree with. They must give at least two reasons and may not use the word "just". Then the group says which reason was the hardest to answer.
Make it a game
Let the group vote at the end and say why they changed their mind, or did not. Give a point for each good reason, and one extra point to anyone who changes their mind because of a reason.
Talk about it
- Which reason did you find hardest to answer?
- Is it easier to argue for something you believe or something you do not?
- What is the difference between a reason and just saying it again louder?
- How can you disagree without being rude?
- Did hearing the other side change how you feel? Why?
- Which topic would you add to the cards?
Take it off the page
Make your own cards
Write three new topic cards about things in your own home or school. Swap them with a friend and use them for the next round.
Dinner table debate
Pick one card at a meal. Everyone gives one reason. Then swap sides and try again.
Letter to persuade
Choose a card and write a short note to a family member or teacher to persuade them. Use because in every sentence.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit in for the first round and join in on one side. Model a short reason with because. Then step back and let your child lead. Praise good listening as well as good arguments.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task or a table activity in English lessons. It supports the spoken language strand with no preparation beyond printing and cutting. Mix pairs so children meet different views.
Home educators
Cards work well alongside reading and everyday talk. Siblings can debate each other, or a tutor can model both sides. Reuse the cards later and let children invent topics from their own interests.
Where this fits
Before this, children practise saying what they think in simple sentences and adding a reason. In earlier years, activities such as fronted adverbial cards help them build longer, more varied sentences for writing and speaking.
After this, children can plan longer arguments, use evidence and organise points in order. Written work such as bullet points and lists helps them plan before they speak. Over time, the same skills support persuasive writing and formal discussion.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What reason best supports your view?
- What did the other side say that made you think?
- Did anything change your mind?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Debate Topic Cards for Kids for?
It is written for Year 5 (ages 9 to 10), in Key Stage 2. Older or younger children can join in too. Simply make the topics lighter or ask for fewer reasons.
- What will children practise?
They practise giving a clear opinion with reasons and listening to the other side. They also practise replying politely and thinking about whether a reason has changed their mind.
- How do I use it?
Print both pages and cut out the cards. Two or more players take turns to pick a card and speak. Use a timer of one minute per speaker. Then the others reply.
- What if a child finds it hard?
Give a sentence starter such as "I think this because". Let them jot two quick notes first. Ask for one reason at the start, then build up to more.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers, sisters or another class.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing and cutting.
- Do I need colour printing or a screen?
No to both. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. It is a screen free activity that needs only paper, scissors, a timer and a pencil.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.