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Speech & Debate
Contact Info

Speech & Debate Director:
Jana Riggins

Email:
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Department Phone:
512-471-5883

Department Fax:
512-232-1499

State Champions

October Practice Extemp Topics

Informative Speaking

  1. A year after the start of the #MeToo Movement: Where are we now?
  2. What does Pakistan's new prime minister Imran Khan mean for the future of the country’s foreign policy?
  3. What is the significance of the return of Pastor Andrew Brunson?
  4. Why are medical experts currently baffled by acute flaccid myelitis?
  5. How is the U.S. economy being impacted by President Trump’s tariffs?
  6. What have been the latest developments between North Korea and East Asian nations?
  7. What is the speculation about the resignation of Nikki Haley?
  8. Why is Cape Town's murder rate rising?
  9. Why are more high schools supporting vocational training?
  10. What is the current state of relations between Syria and Israel?
  11. In what ways can Texas improve voter turnout in the upcoming midterm elections?
  12. How are the actions of the Justice Department impacting  free speech on America’s college campuses?
  13. What can be done to improve the South African economy?
  14. What are the causes for the increase in investment in the marijuana industry?
  15. Why have global markets been declining recently?
  16. How are major universities approaching the challenge of artificial intelligence with their students?
  17. What are the issues currently facing Medicare?
  18. Why has Beto O’Rouke found success in the Texas Senate polls?
  19. What are the proposed solutions to successfully decreasing emissions worldwide?
  20. How has the Supreme Court become more politicized?
  21. Why is Jair Bolsonaro controversial in Brazil?
  22. How have recent natural disasters affected the U.S. economy?
  23. What have been the recent developments in Gaza?
  24. What problems currently face U.S. national security?
  25. Why have Brexit talks been unsuccessful?
  26. What does the bankruptcy of SEARS mean for the future of American business?
  27. What are the latest developments in journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance?
  28. What are the lasting contributions by Paul Allen?
  29. What are Catholic officials doing to address sexual abuse and its coverup in the Church?
  30. Why are African nations beginning to reject Chinese aid?

Persuasive Speaking

  1. Has President Trump's fluctuating cabinet affected America's position in international politics?
  2. Will the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi hurt relations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey?
  3. Has President Trump fulfilled his major campaign promises?
  4. Will Aminu Tambuwal win the upcoming Nigerian presidential election?
  5. Who should replace Nikki Haley for American ambassador to the United Nations?
  6. Is the popularity of Jair Bolsonaro a threat to Brazilian stability?
  7. How should policymakers respond to the recent IPCC report on climate change?
  8. Should NATO allies increase defense spending to deter Russian aggression?
  9. Will the CVS merger with Aetna transform the health care industry?
  10. Guatemala: Is democracy there in danger?
  11. Has the appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court hurt the GOP?
  12. Does the arrest of Chinese Interpol president Meng Hongwei threaten Chinese credibility?
  13. Is Texas likely to become a Democratic state?
  14. Has U.S. aid to South Sudan been successful in promoting democracy?
  15. Will Democrats recapture control of the U.S. Congress?
  16. Will  Italy's new anti-migrant security bill make its country safer?
  17. Space Force: Does the U.S. need a 6th branch of the military?
  18. Have U.S. tax cuts had a positive effect on the middle class?
  19. Is the global economy trending towards recession?
  20. Will the decline in American unions affect wages nationwide?
  21. Should the Texas State Board of Education remove certain figures from the state’s history curriculum?
  22. Will the rise of ethno-nationalist groups prevent Bosnia from joining the European Union?
  23. Is the United States prepared for a cyberattack?
  24. How should the international community respond to extrajudicial killings in the Philippines?
  25. How should the international community respond to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela?
  26. Are tech companies doing enough to protect private data?
  27. Is the United States losing influence in the Middle East?
  28. Should the United States adopt a single-payer healthcare system?
  29. Should policymakers place restrictions on for-profit colleges?
  30. Are schools doing enough to ensure the safety of student athletes?