Educationise

11 Activities That Promote Critical Thinking In The Class

52 Critical Thinking Flashcards for Problem Solving

Critical thinking activities encourage individuals to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to develop informed opinions and make reasoned decisions. Engaging in such exercises cultivates intellectual agility, fostering a deeper understanding of complex issues and honing problem-solving skills for navigating an increasingly intricate world. Through critical thinking, individuals empower themselves to challenge assumptions, uncover biases, and constructively contribute to discourse, thereby enriching both personal growth and societal progress.

Critical thinking serves as the cornerstone of effective problem-solving, enabling individuals to dissect challenges, explore diverse perspectives, and devise innovative solutions grounded in logic and evidence. For engaging problem solving activities, read our article problem solving activities that enhance student’s interest.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is a 21st-century skill that enables a person to think rationally and logically in order to reach a plausible conclusion. A critical thinker assesses facts and figures and data objectively and determines what to believe and what not to believe. Critical thinking skills empower a person to decipher complex problems and make impartial and better decisions based on effective information.

More Articles from Educationise

  • 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom
  • How to Foster Critical Thinking Skills in Students? Creative Strategies and Real-World Examples
  • 9 Must-Have AI Tools for Teachers to Create Interactive Learning Materials
  • The Future of Education: 8 Predictions for the Next Decade
  • The Latest in EdTech: 5 Innovative Tools and Technologies for the Classroom
  • 8 Free Math Problem Solving Websites and Applications

Critical thinking skills cultivate habits of mind such as strategic thinking, skepticism, discerning fallacy from the facts, asking good questions and probing deep into the issues to find the truth.

Importance of Acquiring Critical Thinking Skills

Acquiring critical thinking skills was never as valuable as it is today because of the prevalence of the modern knowledge economy. Today, information and technology are the driving forces behind the global economy. To keep pace with ever-changing technology and new inventions, one has to be flexible enough to embrace changes swiftly.

Read our article: How to Foster Critical Thinking Skills in Students? Creative Strategies and Real-World Examples

Today critical thinking skills are one of the most sought-after skills by the companies. In fact, critical thinking skills are paramount not only for active learning and academic achievement but also for the professional career of the students. The lack of critical thinking skills catalyzes memorization of the topics without a deeper insight, egocentrism, closed-mindedness, reduced student interest in the classroom and not being able to make timely and better decisions.

Benefits of Critical Thinking Skills in Education

Certain strategies are more eloquent than others in teaching students how to think critically. Encouraging critical thinking in the class is indispensable for the learning and growth of the students. In this way, we can raise a generation of innovators and thinkers rather than followers. Some of the benefits offered by thinking critically in the classroom are given below:

  • It allows a student to decipher problems and think through the situations in a disciplined and systematic manner
  • Through a critical thinking ability, a student can comprehend the logical correlation between distinct ideas
  • The student is able to rethink and re-justify his beliefs and ideas based on facts and figures
  • Critical thinking skills make the students curious about things around them
  • A student who is a critical thinker is creative and always strives to come up with out of the box solutions to intricate problems
  • Critical thinking skills assist in the enhanced student learning experience in the classroom and prepares the students for lifelong learning and success
  • The critical thinking process is the foundation of new discoveries and inventions in the world of science and technology
  • The ability to think critically allows the students to think intellectually and enhances their presentation skills, hence they can convey their ideas and thoughts in a logical and convincing manner
  • Critical thinking skills make students a terrific communicator because they have logical reasons behind their ideas

Critical Thinking Lessons and Activities

11 Activities that Promote Critical Thinking in the Class

We have compiled a list of 11 activities that will facilitate you to promote critical thinking abilities in the students. We have also covered problem solving activities that enhance student’s interest in our another article. Click here to read it.

1. Worst Case Scenario

Divide students into teams and introduce each team with a hypothetical challenging scenario. Allocate minimum resources and time to each team and ask them to reach a viable conclusion using those resources. The scenarios can include situations like stranded on an island or stuck in a forest. Students will come up with creative solutions to come out from the imaginary problematic situation they are encountering. Besides encouraging students to think critically, this activity will enhance teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills of the students.

Read our article: 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom

2. If You Build It

It is a very flexible game that allows students to think creatively. To start this activity, divide students into groups. Give each group a limited amount of resources such as pipe cleaners, blocks, and marshmallows etc. Every group is supposed to use these resources and construct a certain item such as building, tower or a bridge in a limited time. You can use a variety of materials in the classroom to challenge the students. This activity is helpful in promoting teamwork and creative skills among the students.

It is also one of the classics which can be used in the classroom to encourage critical thinking. Print pictures of objects, animals or concepts and start by telling a unique story about the printed picture. The next student is supposed to continue the story and pass the picture to the other student and so on.

4. Keeping it Real

In this activity, you can ask students to identify a real-world problem in their schools, community or city. After the problem is recognized, students should work in teams to come up with the best possible outcome of that problem.

5. Save the Egg

Make groups of three or four in the class. Ask them to drop an egg from a certain height and think of creative ideas to save the egg from breaking. Students can come up with diverse ideas to conserve the egg like a soft-landing material or any other device. Remember that this activity can get chaotic, so select the area in the school that can be cleaned easily afterward and where there are no chances of damaging the school property.

6. Start a Debate

In this activity, the teacher can act as a facilitator and spark an interesting conversation in the class on any given topic. Give a small introductory speech on an open-ended topic. The topic can be related to current affairs, technological development or a new discovery in the field of science. Encourage students to participate in the debate by expressing their views and ideas on the topic. Conclude the debate with a viable solution or fresh ideas generated during the activity through brainstorming.

7. Create and Invent

This project-based learning activity is best for teaching in the engineering class. Divide students into groups. Present a problem to the students and ask them to build a model or simulate a product using computer animations or graphics that will solve the problem. After students are done with building models, each group is supposed to explain their proposed product to the rest of the class. The primary objective of this activity is to promote creative thinking and problem-solving skills among the students.

8. Select from Alternatives

This activity can be used in computer science, engineering or any of the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) classes. Introduce a variety of alternatives such as different formulas for solving the same problem, different computer codes, product designs or distinct explanations of the same topic.

Form groups in the class and ask them to select the best alternative. Each group will then explain its chosen alternative to the rest of the class with reasonable justification of its preference. During the process, the rest of the class can participate by asking questions from the group. This activity is very helpful in nurturing logical thinking and analytical skills among the students.

9. Reading and Critiquing

Present an article from a journal related to any topic that you are teaching. Ask the students to read the article critically and evaluate strengths and weaknesses in the article. Students can write about what they think about the article, any misleading statement or biases of the author and critique it by using their own judgments.

In this way, students can challenge the fallacies and rationality of judgments in the article. Hence, they can use their own thinking to come up with novel ideas pertaining to the topic.

10. Think Pair Share

In this activity, students will come up with their own questions. Make pairs or groups in the class and ask the students to discuss the questions together. The activity will be useful if the teacher gives students a topic on which the question should be based.

For example, if the teacher is teaching biology, the questions of the students can be based on reverse osmosis, human heart, respiratory system and so on. This activity drives student engagement and supports higher-order thinking skills among students.

11. Big Paper – Silent Conversation

Silence is a great way to slow down thinking and promote deep reflection on any subject. Present a driving question to the students and divide them into groups. The students will discuss the question with their teammates and brainstorm their ideas on a big paper. After reflection and discussion, students can write their findings in silence. This is a great learning activity for students who are introverts and love to ruminate silently rather than thinking aloud.

Read our next article: 10 Innovative Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom

Share this:

3 thoughts on “ 11 activities that promote critical thinking in the class ”.

  • Pingback: What is Growth Mindset? 50+ Motivational Quotes on Growth Mindset - Educationise
  • Pingback: 6 Steps To Implement Project-Based Learning In The Classroom - Educationise
  • Pingback: Engaging Problem-Solving Activities That Spark Student Interest - Educationise

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from educationise.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

75 Critical Thinking Essay Topics

Critical thinking requires students to think for themselves, question everything, and look at both sides of an issue before coming to a conclusion. In critical thinking essay writing, these same skills are applied to examine a topic more closely. In this type of essay, the writer must not only present their own opinion on the subject but must also back it up with evidence and reasoning.

Critical thinking essays can be challenging to write depending on the topic, course, and length of the assignment. However, there are some tips and tricks that can make the process a little bit easier. Take a look at our detailed guide breaking down the components of an excellent critical thinking essay, and consider using any of our 75 critical thinking essay topics at the end to get started.

Essential Things to Consider When Writing a Critical Thinking Essay

When writing a critical thinking essay, students must look past surface-level information and delve deeper into the subject matter. This requires a lot of research and analysis, which can be tough for some students. However, if you take the time to plan your essay and follow these tips, you should be able to write a great critical thinking essay that will impress your instructor.

1. Do Your Research

Before you can start writing your essay, you need to make sure that you have enough evidence to support your claims. This means doing a lot of research on your topic. Try to find reliable sources from experts in the field that you can use to back up your points. Once you have gathered all of your evidence, you can plan out your essay.

2. Create An Outline

An outline will help keep your thoughts organized and ensure that you don’t forget any vital information. Your outline should include a thesis, an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each part of your outline should also have a few key details that you want to discuss to help make the writing process go smoothly.

3. Write A Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement is the most essential part of your essay. It should be a clear and concise statement that presents your argument. Your thesis statement should be included in your introduction and reaffirmed in your conclusion.

It is important to note that because this is a critical thinking essay, your thesis should be more than just a statement of fact. Instead, it should be an arguable claim that you will be defending throughout your essay.

For example, if you are writing about the death penalty, your thesis statement needs to be more than, “The death penalty is wrong.” This thesis doesn’t leave room for discussion or debate. A better thesis statement would be, “The death penalty is a violation of human rights and it should be abolished.” This thesis statement presents an argument that can be debated and discussed.

4. Write The Introduction

Your introduction should start with a hook that grabs the reader’s attention. You can use a surprising statistic, a quote, or a rhetorical question. After the hook, you should provide some background information on your topic. This will help orient the reader and give them context for your argument. Finally, you should end your introduction with your thesis statement.

5. Write The Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should start with a topic sentence that introduces the paragraph’s main point. The rest of the paragraph should be used to support this point with evidence and reasoning. You should have at least three body paragraphs in your essay, but you can have more if needed.

Pro Tip: Critical thinking essays examine and analyze – they don’t just restate facts. When presenting your evidence, be sure to discuss it critically. What are the implications of this evidence? How does it support your argument?

6. Write The Conclusion

The conclusion of a critical thinking essay should be just as strong as the introduction. You should start by restating your thesis statement. Then, you should provide a brief summary of the main points of your essay. Finally, you should end with a strong closing statement that leaves the reader thinking about your argument long after they finish reading, such as a call to action or a final thought-provoking question.

Citing Sources in a Critical Thinking Essay

Since this type of essay will rely on evidence and reasoning, it is important to use credible sources. Be sure to only use reliable sources from experts in the field. When you do use sources, be sure to cite them properly. This will show that you are using other people’s work ethically, and it will also help strengthen your argument by showing that you have looked at the issue from multiple perspectives.

Citing sources has many different rules that you will need to follow depending on the formatting style that you are using. The most common formatting styles are MLA, APA, and Chicago. Be sure to check with your professor to see which style they prefer before you start writing your essay.

When citing in MLA format, you’ll need to use in-text citations. These are brief citations included in the body of your essay whenever you use a source. The full citation for each source is listed in the Works Cited section at the end of your paper.

When citing in APA format, you’ll need to use in-text citations and a reference list. The in-text citations are brief citations included in the body of your essay whenever you use a source. The reference list is a list of all the sources that you used – usually included at the end of your paper.

When citing in Chicago style, you’ll need to use footnotes or endnotes. These are brief citations at the bottom of each page (footnotes) or the end of your paper (endnotes).

Any of these 75 critical thinking essay topics will help students struggling to find an arguable and interesting topic.

Critical Thinking Essay Topics About Social Issues

  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is capitalism good or bad?
  • Is socialism a viable alternative to capitalism?
  • Does religion do more harm than good?
  • Should creationism be taught in schools?
  • Is the death penalty ethical?
  • Are zoos cruel?
  • Is it ethical to eat meat?
  • Is climate change real?
  • Who is responsible for climate change?
  • Should wealthy nations do more to help developing nations?
  • Is immigration a good or bad thing?
  • What are the root causes of terrorism?
  • Is terrorism ever justified?
  • Are gun laws too strict or not strict enough?
  • Is healthcare a human right?
  • Should abortion be legal?
  • What are the ethical implications of stem cell research?
  • What should be done about the global water crisis?
  • How can we best help refugees?

Critical Thinking Essay Topics About General Issues

  • Should people be judged by their looks?
  • Is it better to be single or in a relationship?
  • Are men and women equal?
  • Should parents be held responsible for their children’s actions?
  • Is it better to grow up with siblings or as an only child?
  • Should the drinking age be lowered?
  • Is drug legalization a good or bad idea?
  • What are the best ways to deal with stress?
  • How can we prevent bullying?
  • Are social media and technology making us more or less connected?
  • Should parents monitor their children’s internet use?
  • Should schools ban cell phones?
  • How can we reduce the number of teenage pregnancies?
  • What is the best way to deal with teenage rebellion?
  • Is homeschooling a good or bad idea?
  • Should all students be required to learn a foreign language?
  • Should schools start later in the morning?
  • Are there better alternatives to traditional schooling?
  • Is college tuition too high?
  • Should student loans be forgiven?
  • Should colleges be free to attend?
  • What are the best ways to prepare for a job interview?
  • How can we better retain employees?
  • What are the best ways to motivate employees?
  • How can we reduce workplace stress?
  • Should remote working be encouraged?
  • What are the pros and cons of globalization?
  • Is consumerism a good or bad thing?
  • How can we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels?

Critical Thinking Essay Topics About The Environment and Conservation

  • What are the best ways to reduce pollution?
  • Should we be doing more to conserve water?
  • How can we reduce food waste?
  • Is nuclear energy a good or bad thing?
  • What are the best ways to deal with climate change?
  • Is overpopulation a real problem?
  • What can we do to reduce our reliance on plastic?
  • Should we be doing more to protect endangered species?
  • How can we best preserve our natural resources?
  • What is the best way to deal with hazardous waste?
  • What are the best ways to reduce deforestation?

Critical Thinking Essay Topics About Technology

  • Should we be doing more to regulate the internet?
  • How can we best protect our privacy online?
  • What are the best ways to deal with cyberbullying?
  • Is social media a good or bad thing?
  • Are we too reliant on technology?
  • What are the best ways to deal with data breaches?
  • Should we be worried about artificial intelligence?
  • What are the best ways to deal with tech monopolies?

Critical Thinking Essay Topics About American Classics

  • Explore the theme of capitalism in Fight Club.
  • What is the significance of the title The Great Gatsby?
  • Is Atticus Finch a good father?
  • What is the significance of the title To Kill a Mockingbird?
  • Is Holden Caulfield a sympathetic character?
  • How does Steinbeck portray the American dream in The Grapes of Wrath?
  • How does Fitzgerald use symbolism in The Great Gatsby?

When writing on any of these 75 critical thinking essay topics, be sure to support your position with solid reasoning, examples, and evidence.

Related Posts

  • 125 Descriptive Essay Topics
  • 170 Ethics Essay Topics
  • 25 Excellent Topics for a Research Paper in Geography
  • 160 Process Analysis Essay Topics
  • 145 Classification Essay Topics

Categories:

  • Essay Samples
  • Essay Topics
  • Essay Writing Guides

Recent posts:

  • 160 Satire Essay Topics
  • 160 Rhetorical Essay Topics
  • 155 Criminal Justice Essay Topics
  • 150 Political Essay Topics
  • 140 Sociology Essay Topics
  • 140 Opinion Essay Topics
  • 140 Environmental Essay Topics
  • 135 Controversial Essay Topics
  • 125 Classification and Division Essay Topics
  • 120 Literary Essay Topics
  • 100 Profile Essay Topics
  • 90 Heart of Darkness Essay Topics
  • 80 Holocaust Essay Topics

Testimonials

Group 6

Want a daily email of lesson plans that span all subjects and age groups?

Subjects all subjects all subjects the arts all the arts visual arts performing arts value of the arts back business & economics all business & economics global economics macroeconomics microeconomics personal finance business back design, engineering & technology all design, engineering & technology design engineering technology back health all health growth & development medical conditions consumer health public health nutrition physical fitness emotional health sex education back literature & language all literature & language literature linguistics writing/composition speaking back mathematics all mathematics algebra data analysis & probability geometry measurement numbers & operations back philosophy & religion all philosophy & religion philosophy religion back psychology all psychology history, approaches and methods biological bases of behavior consciousness, sensation and perception cognition and learning motivation and emotion developmental psychology personality psychological disorders and treatment social psychology back science & technology all science & technology earth and space science life sciences physical science environmental science nature of science back social studies all social studies anthropology area studies civics geography history media and journalism sociology back teaching & education all teaching & education education leadership education policy structure and function of schools teaching strategies back thinking & learning all thinking & learning attention and engagement memory critical thinking problem solving creativity collaboration information literacy organization and time management back, filter by none.

  • Elementary/Primary
  • Middle School/Lower Secondary
  • High School/Upper Secondary
  • College/University
  • TED-Ed Animations
  • TED Talk Lessons
  • TED-Ed Best of Web
  • Under 3 minutes
  • Under 6 minutes
  • Under 9 minutes
  • Under 12 minutes
  • Under 18 minutes
  • Over 18 minutes
  • Algerian Arabic
  • Azerbaijani
  • Cantonese (Hong Kong)
  • Chinese (Hong Kong)
  • Chinese (Singapore)
  • Chinese (Taiwan)
  • Chinese Simplified
  • Chinese Traditional
  • Chinese Traditional (Taiwan)
  • Dutch (Belgium)
  • Dutch (Netherlands)
  • French (Canada)
  • French (France)
  • French (Switzerland)
  • Kurdish (Central)
  • Luxembourgish
  • Persian (Afghanistan)
  • Persian (Iran)
  • Portuguese (Brazil)
  • Portuguese (Portugal)
  • Spanish (Argentina)
  • Spanish (Latin America)
  • Spanish (Mexico)
  • Spanish (Spain)
  • Spanish (United States)
  • Western Frisian

sort by none

  • Longest video
  • Shortest video
  • Most video views
  • Least video views
  • Most questions answered
  • Least questions answered

critical thinking topics for students

Can you solve the magical maze riddle?

Lesson duration 04:51

326,009 Views

critical thinking topics for students

How to make smart decisions more easily

Lesson duration 05:16

1,056,476 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you solve a mystery before Sherlock Holmes?

Lesson duration 05:17

464,058 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you solve the secret assassin society riddle?

Lesson duration 05:01

672,681 Views

critical thinking topics for students

How to overcome your mistakes

Lesson duration 04:52

887,345 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you solve the cursed dice riddle?

Lesson duration 04:31

665,909 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Why some people don't have an inner monologue

Lesson duration 12:03

2,748,408 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Science vs. Pseudoscience

Lesson duration 05:48

348,223 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you solve the time traveling car riddle?

Lesson duration 05:18

618,962 Views

critical thinking topics for students

This one weird trick will get you infinite gold

Lesson duration 05:08

988,706 Views

critical thinking topics for students

How to quit your job — without ruining your career - Gala Jackson

Lesson duration 06:13

104,075 Views

critical thinking topics for students

What if you experienced every human life in history?

Lesson duration 05:21

2,762,498 Views

critical thinking topics for students

How to design climate-resilient buildings - Alyssa-Amor Gibbons

Lesson duration 14:12

42,915 Views

critical thinking topics for students

The case for free, universal basic services - Aaron Bastani

Lesson duration 19:09

80,078 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you steal the most powerful wand in the wizarding world?

Lesson duration 05:20

755,016 Views

critical thinking topics for students

History vs. Thomas Jefferson

449,592 Views

critical thinking topics for students

The best way to apologize (according to science)

Lesson duration 05:06

1,435,636 Views

critical thinking topics for students

How do we determine the value of a life?

Lesson duration 06:06

678,959 Views

critical thinking topics for students

What’s the smartest age?

Lesson duration 04:53

1,550,853 Views

critical thinking topics for students

The Boltzmann brain paradox

Lesson duration 05:40

1,103,584 Views

critical thinking topics for students

The 4 greatest threats to the survival of humanity

Lesson duration 05:24

484,976 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you outsmart the college admissions fallacy?

Lesson duration 06:17

812,475 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you solve the fortress riddle?

Lesson duration 05:23

1,195,458 Views

critical thinking topics for students

Can you solve the private eye riddle?

1,286,053 Views

41+ Critical Thinking Examples (Definition + Practices)

practical psychology logo

Critical thinking is an essential skill in our information-overloaded world, where figuring out what is fact and fiction has become increasingly challenging.

But why is critical thinking essential? Put, critical thinking empowers us to make better decisions, challenge and validate our beliefs and assumptions, and understand and interact with the world more effectively and meaningfully.

Critical thinking is like using your brain's "superpowers" to make smart choices. Whether it's picking the right insurance, deciding what to do in a job, or discussing topics in school, thinking deeply helps a lot. In the next parts, we'll share real-life examples of when this superpower comes in handy and give you some fun exercises to practice it.

Critical Thinking Process Outline

a woman thinking

Critical thinking means thinking clearly and fairly without letting personal feelings get in the way. It's like being a detective, trying to solve a mystery by using clues and thinking hard about them.

It isn't always easy to think critically, as it can take a pretty smart person to see some of the questions that aren't being answered in a certain situation. But, we can train our brains to think more like puzzle solvers, which can help develop our critical thinking skills.

Here's what it looks like step by step:

Spotting the Problem: It's like discovering a puzzle to solve. You see that there's something you need to figure out or decide.

Collecting Clues: Now, you need to gather information. Maybe you read about it, watch a video, talk to people, or do some research. It's like getting all the pieces to solve your puzzle.

Breaking It Down: This is where you look at all your clues and try to see how they fit together. You're asking questions like: Why did this happen? What could happen next?

Checking Your Clues: You want to make sure your information is good. This means seeing if what you found out is true and if you can trust where it came from.

Making a Guess: After looking at all your clues, you think about what they mean and come up with an answer. This answer is like your best guess based on what you know.

Explaining Your Thoughts: Now, you tell others how you solved the puzzle. You explain how you thought about it and how you answered. 

Checking Your Work: This is like looking back and seeing if you missed anything. Did you make any mistakes? Did you let any personal feelings get in the way? This step helps make sure your thinking is clear and fair.

And remember, you might sometimes need to go back and redo some steps if you discover something new. If you realize you missed an important clue, you might have to go back and collect more information.

Critical Thinking Methods

Just like doing push-ups or running helps our bodies get stronger, there are special exercises that help our brains think better. These brain workouts push us to think harder, look at things closely, and ask many questions.

It's not always about finding the "right" answer. Instead, it's about the journey of thinking and asking "why" or "how." Doing these exercises often helps us become better thinkers and makes us curious to know more about the world.

Now, let's look at some brain workouts to help us think better:

1. "What If" Scenarios

Imagine crazy things happening, like, "What if there was no internet for a month? What would we do?" These games help us think of new and different ideas.

Pick a hot topic. Argue one side of it and then try arguing the opposite. This makes us see different viewpoints and think deeply about a topic.

3. Analyze Visual Data

Check out charts or pictures with lots of numbers and info but no explanations. What story are they telling? This helps us get better at understanding information just by looking at it.

4. Mind Mapping

Write an idea in the center and then draw lines to related ideas. It's like making a map of your thoughts. This helps us see how everything is connected.

There's lots of mind-mapping software , but it's also nice to do this by hand.

5. Weekly Diary

Every week, write about what happened, the choices you made, and what you learned. Writing helps us think about our actions and how we can do better.

6. Evaluating Information Sources

Collect stories or articles about one topic from newspapers or blogs. Which ones are trustworthy? Which ones might be a little biased? This teaches us to be smart about where we get our info.

There are many resources to help you determine if information sources are factual or not.

7. Socratic Questioning

This way of thinking is called the Socrates Method, named after an old-time thinker from Greece. It's about asking lots of questions to understand a topic. You can do this by yourself or chat with a friend.

Start with a Big Question:

"What does 'success' mean?"

Dive Deeper with More Questions:

"Why do you think of success that way?" "Do TV shows, friends, or family make you think that?" "Does everyone think about success the same way?"

"Can someone be a winner even if they aren't rich or famous?" "Can someone feel like they didn't succeed, even if everyone else thinks they did?"

Look for Real-life Examples:

"Who is someone you think is successful? Why?" "Was there a time you felt like a winner? What happened?"

Think About Other People's Views:

"How might a person from another country think about success?" "Does the idea of success change as we grow up or as our life changes?"

Think About What It Means:

"How does your idea of success shape what you want in life?" "Are there problems with only wanting to be rich or famous?"

Look Back and Think:

"After talking about this, did your idea of success change? How?" "Did you learn something new about what success means?"

socratic dialogue statues

8. Six Thinking Hats 

Edward de Bono came up with a cool way to solve problems by thinking in six different ways, like wearing different colored hats. You can do this independently, but it might be more effective in a group so everyone can have a different hat color. Each color has its way of thinking:

White Hat (Facts): Just the facts! Ask, "What do we know? What do we need to find out?"

Red Hat (Feelings): Talk about feelings. Ask, "How do I feel about this?"

Black Hat (Careful Thinking): Be cautious. Ask, "What could go wrong?"

Yellow Hat (Positive Thinking): Look on the bright side. Ask, "What's good about this?"

Green Hat (Creative Thinking): Think of new ideas. Ask, "What's another way to look at this?"

Blue Hat (Planning): Organize the talk. Ask, "What should we do next?"

When using this method with a group:

  • Explain all the hats.
  • Decide which hat to wear first.
  • Make sure everyone switches hats at the same time.
  • Finish with the Blue Hat to plan the next steps.

9. SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis is like a game plan for businesses to know where they stand and where they should go. "SWOT" stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.

There are a lot of SWOT templates out there for how to do this visually, but you can also think it through. It doesn't just apply to businesses but can be a good way to decide if a project you're working on is working.

Strengths: What's working well? Ask, "What are we good at?"

Weaknesses: Where can we do better? Ask, "Where can we improve?"

Opportunities: What good things might come our way? Ask, "What chances can we grab?"

Threats: What challenges might we face? Ask, "What might make things tough for us?"

Steps to do a SWOT Analysis:

  • Goal: Decide what you want to find out.
  • Research: Learn about your business and the world around it.
  • Brainstorm: Get a group and think together. Talk about strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
  • Pick the Most Important Points: Some things might be more urgent or important than others.
  • Make a Plan: Decide what to do based on your SWOT list.
  • Check Again Later: Things change, so look at your SWOT again after a while to update it.

Now that you have a few tools for thinking critically, let’s get into some specific examples.

Everyday Examples

Life is a series of decisions. From the moment we wake up, we're faced with choices – some trivial, like choosing a breakfast cereal, and some more significant, like buying a home or confronting an ethical dilemma at work. While it might seem that these decisions are disparate, they all benefit from the application of critical thinking.

10. Deciding to buy something

Imagine you want a new phone. Don't just buy it because the ad looks cool. Think about what you need in a phone. Look up different phones and see what people say about them. Choose the one that's the best deal for what you want.

11. Deciding what is true

There's a lot of news everywhere. Don't believe everything right away. Think about why someone might be telling you this. Check if what you're reading or watching is true. Make up your mind after you've looked into it.

12. Deciding when you’re wrong

Sometimes, friends can have disagreements. Don't just get mad right away. Try to see where they're coming from. Talk about what's going on. Find a way to fix the problem that's fair for everyone.

13. Deciding what to eat

There's always a new diet or exercise that's popular. Don't just follow it because it's trendy. Find out if it's good for you. Ask someone who knows, like a doctor. Make choices that make you feel good and stay healthy.

14. Deciding what to do today

Everyone is busy with school, chores, and hobbies. Make a list of things you need to do. Decide which ones are most important. Plan your day so you can get things done and still have fun.

15. Making Tough Choices

Sometimes, it's hard to know what's right. Think about how each choice will affect you and others. Talk to people you trust about it. Choose what feels right in your heart and is fair to others.

16. Planning for the Future

Big decisions, like where to go to school, can be tricky. Think about what you want in the future. Look at the good and bad of each choice. Talk to people who know about it. Pick what feels best for your dreams and goals.

choosing a house

Job Examples

17. solving problems.

Workers brainstorm ways to fix a machine quickly without making things worse when a machine breaks at a factory.

18. Decision Making

A store manager decides which products to order more of based on what's selling best.

19. Setting Goals

A team leader helps their team decide what tasks are most important to finish this month and which can wait.

20. Evaluating Ideas

At a team meeting, everyone shares ideas for a new project. The group discusses each idea's pros and cons before picking one.

21. Handling Conflict

Two workers disagree on how to do a job. Instead of arguing, they talk calmly, listen to each other, and find a solution they both like.

22. Improving Processes

A cashier thinks of a faster way to ring up items so customers don't have to wait as long.

23. Asking Questions

Before starting a big task, an employee asks for clear instructions and checks if they have the necessary tools.

24. Checking Facts

Before presenting a report, someone double-checks all their information to make sure there are no mistakes.

25. Planning for the Future

A business owner thinks about what might happen in the next few years, like new competitors or changes in what customers want, and makes plans based on those thoughts.

26. Understanding Perspectives

A team is designing a new toy. They think about what kids and parents would both like instead of just what they think is fun.

School Examples

27. researching a topic.

For a history project, a student looks up different sources to understand an event from multiple viewpoints.

28. Debating an Issue

In a class discussion, students pick sides on a topic, like school uniforms, and share reasons to support their views.

29. Evaluating Sources

While writing an essay, a student checks if the information from a website is trustworthy or might be biased.

30. Problem Solving in Math

When stuck on a tricky math problem, a student tries different methods to find the answer instead of giving up.

31. Analyzing Literature

In English class, students discuss why a character in a book made certain choices and what those decisions reveal about them.

32. Testing a Hypothesis

For a science experiment, students guess what will happen and then conduct tests to see if they're right or wrong.

33. Giving Peer Feedback

After reading a classmate's essay, a student offers suggestions for improving it.

34. Questioning Assumptions

In a geography lesson, students consider why certain countries are called "developed" and what that label means.

35. Designing a Study

For a psychology project, students plan an experiment to understand how people's memories work and think of ways to ensure accurate results.

36. Interpreting Data

In a science class, students look at charts and graphs from a study, then discuss what the information tells them and if there are any patterns.

Critical Thinking Puzzles

critical thinking tree

Not all scenarios will have a single correct answer that can be figured out by thinking critically. Sometimes we have to think critically about ethical choices or moral behaviors. 

Here are some mind games and scenarios you can solve using critical thinking. You can see the solution(s) at the end of the post.

37. The Farmer, Fox, Chicken, and Grain Problem

A farmer is at a riverbank with a fox, a chicken, and a grain bag. He needs to get all three items across the river. However, his boat can only carry himself and one of the three items at a time. 

Here's the challenge:

  • If the fox is left alone with the chicken, the fox will eat the chicken.
  • If the chicken is left alone with the grain, the chicken will eat the grain.

How can the farmer get all three items across the river without any item being eaten? 

38. The Rope, Jar, and Pebbles Problem

You are in a room with two long ropes hanging from the ceiling. Each rope is just out of arm's reach from the other, so you can't hold onto one rope and reach the other simultaneously. 

Your task is to tie the two rope ends together, but you can't move the position where they hang from the ceiling.

You are given a jar full of pebbles. How do you complete the task?

39. The Two Guards Problem

Imagine there are two doors. One door leads to certain doom, and the other leads to freedom. You don't know which is which.

In front of each door stands a guard. One guard always tells the truth. The other guard always lies. You don't know which guard is which.

You can ask only one question to one of the guards. What question should you ask to find the door that leads to freedom?

40. The Hourglass Problem

You have two hourglasses. One measures 7 minutes when turned over, and the other measures 4 minutes. Using just these hourglasses, how can you time exactly 9 minutes?

41. The Lifeboat Dilemma

Imagine you're on a ship that's sinking. You get on a lifeboat, but it's already too full and might flip over. 

Nearby in the water, five people are struggling: a scientist close to finding a cure for a sickness, an old couple who've been together for a long time, a mom with three kids waiting at home, and a tired teenager who helped save others but is now in danger. 

You can only save one person without making the boat flip. Who would you choose?

42. The Tech Dilemma

You work at a tech company and help make a computer program to help small businesses. You're almost ready to share it with everyone, but you find out there might be a small chance it has a problem that could show users' private info. 

If you decide to fix it, you must wait two more months before sharing it. But your bosses want you to share it now. What would you do?

43. The History Mystery

Dr. Amelia is a history expert. She's studying where a group of people traveled long ago. She reads old letters and documents to learn about it. But she finds some letters that tell a different story than what most people believe. 

If she says this new story is true, it could change what people learn in school and what they think about history. What should she do?

The Role of Bias in Critical Thinking

Have you ever decided you don’t like someone before you even know them? Or maybe someone shared an idea with you that you immediately loved without even knowing all the details. 

This experience is called bias, which occurs when you like or dislike something or someone without a good reason or knowing why. It can also take shape in certain reactions to situations, like a habit or instinct. 

Bias comes from our own experiences, what friends or family tell us, or even things we are born believing. Sometimes, bias can help us stay safe, but other times it stops us from seeing the truth.

Not all bias is bad. Bias can be a mechanism for assessing our potential safety in a new situation. If we are biased to think that anything long, thin, and curled up is a snake, we might assume the rope is something to be afraid of before we know it is just a rope.

While bias might serve us in some situations (like jumping out of the way of an actual snake before we have time to process that we need to be jumping out of the way), it often harms our ability to think critically.

How Bias Gets in the Way of Good Thinking

Selective Perception: We only notice things that match our ideas and ignore the rest. 

It's like only picking red candies from a mixed bowl because you think they taste the best, but they taste the same as every other candy in the bowl. It could also be when we see all the signs that our partner is cheating on us but choose to ignore them because we are happy the way we are (or at least, we think we are).

Agreeing with Yourself: This is called “ confirmation bias ” when we only listen to ideas that match our own and seek, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms what we already think we know or believe. 

An example is when someone wants to know if it is safe to vaccinate their children but already believes that vaccines are not safe, so they only look for information supporting the idea that vaccines are bad.

Thinking We Know It All: Similar to confirmation bias, this is called “overconfidence bias.” Sometimes we think our ideas are the best and don't listen to others. This can stop us from learning.

Have you ever met someone who you consider a “know it”? Probably, they have a lot of overconfidence bias because while they may know many things accurately, they can’t know everything. Still, if they act like they do, they show overconfidence bias.

There's a weird kind of bias similar to this called the Dunning Kruger Effect, and that is when someone is bad at what they do, but they believe and act like they are the best .

Following the Crowd: This is formally called “groupthink”. It's hard to speak up with a different idea if everyone agrees. But this can lead to mistakes.

An example of this we’ve all likely seen is the cool clique in primary school. There is usually one person that is the head of the group, the “coolest kid in school”, and everyone listens to them and does what they want, even if they don’t think it’s a good idea.

How to Overcome Biases

Here are a few ways to learn to think better, free from our biases (or at least aware of them!).

Know Your Biases: Realize that everyone has biases. If we know about them, we can think better.

Listen to Different People: Talking to different kinds of people can give us new ideas.

Ask Why: Always ask yourself why you believe something. Is it true, or is it just a bias?

Understand Others: Try to think about how others feel. It helps you see things in new ways.

Keep Learning: Always be curious and open to new information.

city in a globe connection

In today's world, everything changes fast, and there's so much information everywhere. This makes critical thinking super important. It helps us distinguish between what's real and what's made up. It also helps us make good choices. But thinking this way can be tough sometimes because of biases. These are like sneaky thoughts that can trick us. The good news is we can learn to see them and think better.

There are cool tools and ways we've talked about, like the "Socratic Questioning" method and the "Six Thinking Hats." These tools help us get better at thinking. These thinking skills can also help us in school, work, and everyday life.

We’ve also looked at specific scenarios where critical thinking would be helpful, such as deciding what diet to follow and checking facts.

Thinking isn't just a skill—it's a special talent we improve over time. Working on it lets us see things more clearly and understand the world better. So, keep practicing and asking questions! It'll make you a smarter thinker and help you see the world differently.

Critical Thinking Puzzles (Solutions)

The farmer, fox, chicken, and grain problem.

  • The farmer first takes the chicken across the river and leaves it on the other side.
  • He returns to the original side and takes the fox across the river.
  • After leaving the fox on the other side, he returns the chicken to the starting side.
  • He leaves the chicken on the starting side and takes the grain bag across the river.
  • He leaves the grain with the fox on the other side and returns to get the chicken.
  • The farmer takes the chicken across, and now all three items -- the fox, the chicken, and the grain -- are safely on the other side of the river.

The Rope, Jar, and Pebbles Problem

  • Take one rope and tie the jar of pebbles to its end.
  • Swing the rope with the jar in a pendulum motion.
  • While the rope is swinging, grab the other rope and wait.
  • As the swinging rope comes back within reach due to its pendulum motion, grab it.
  • With both ropes within reach, untie the jar and tie the rope ends together.

The Two Guards Problem

The question is, "What would the other guard say is the door to doom?" Then choose the opposite door.

The Hourglass Problem

  • Start both hourglasses. 
  • When the 4-minute hourglass runs out, turn it over.
  • When the 7-minute hourglass runs out, the 4-minute hourglass will have been running for 3 minutes. Turn the 7-minute hourglass over. 
  • When the 4-minute hourglass runs out for the second time (a total of 8 minutes have passed), the 7-minute hourglass will run for 1 minute. Turn the 7-minute hourglass again for 1 minute to empty the hourglass (a total of 9 minutes passed).

The Boat and Weights Problem

Take the cat over first and leave it on the other side. Then, return and take the fish across next. When you get there, take the cat back with you. Leave the cat on the starting side and take the cat food across. Lastly, return to get the cat and bring it to the other side.

The Lifeboat Dilemma

There isn’t one correct answer to this problem. Here are some elements to consider:

  • Moral Principles: What values guide your decision? Is it the potential greater good for humanity (the scientist)? What is the value of long-standing love and commitment (the elderly couple)? What is the future of young children who depend on their mothers? Or the selfless bravery of the teenager?
  • Future Implications: Consider the future consequences of each choice. Saving the scientist might benefit millions in the future, but what moral message does it send about the value of individual lives?
  • Emotional vs. Logical Thinking: While it's essential to engage empathy, it's also crucial not to let emotions cloud judgment entirely. For instance, while the teenager's bravery is commendable, does it make him more deserving of a spot on the boat than the others?
  • Acknowledging Uncertainty: The scientist claims to be close to a significant breakthrough, but there's no certainty. How does this uncertainty factor into your decision?
  • Personal Bias: Recognize and challenge any personal biases, such as biases towards age, profession, or familial status.

The Tech Dilemma

Again, there isn’t one correct answer to this problem. Here are some elements to consider:

  • Evaluate the Risk: How severe is the potential vulnerability? Can it be easily exploited, or would it require significant expertise? Even if the circumstances are rare, what would be the consequences if the vulnerability were exploited?
  • Stakeholder Considerations: Different stakeholders will have different priorities. Upper management might prioritize financial projections, the marketing team might be concerned about the product's reputation, and customers might prioritize the security of their data. How do you balance these competing interests?
  • Short-Term vs. Long-Term Implications: While launching on time could meet immediate financial goals, consider the potential long-term damage to the company's reputation if the vulnerability is exploited. Would the short-term gains be worth the potential long-term costs?
  • Ethical Implications : Beyond the financial and reputational aspects, there's an ethical dimension to consider. Is it right to release a product with a known vulnerability, even if the chances of it being exploited are low?
  • Seek External Input: Consulting with cybersecurity experts outside your company might be beneficial. They could provide a more objective risk assessment and potential mitigation strategies.
  • Communication: How will you communicate the decision, whatever it may be, both internally to your team and upper management and externally to your customers and potential users?

The History Mystery

Dr. Amelia should take the following steps:

  • Verify the Letters: Before making any claims, she should check if the letters are actual and not fake. She can do this by seeing when and where they were written and if they match with other things from that time.
  • Get a Second Opinion: It's always good to have someone else look at what you've found. Dr. Amelia could show the letters to other history experts and see their thoughts.
  • Research More: Maybe there are more documents or letters out there that support this new story. Dr. Amelia should keep looking to see if she can find more evidence.
  • Share the Findings: If Dr. Amelia believes the letters are true after all her checks, she should tell others. This can be through books, talks, or articles.
  • Stay Open to Feedback: Some people might agree with Dr. Amelia, and others might not. She should listen to everyone and be ready to learn more or change her mind if new information arises.

Ultimately, Dr. Amelia's job is to find out the truth about history and share it. It's okay if this new truth differs from what people used to believe. History is about learning from the past, no matter the story.

Related posts:

  • Experimenter Bias (Definition + Examples)
  • Hasty Generalization Fallacy (31 Examples + Similar Names)
  • Ad Hoc Fallacy (29 Examples + Other Names)
  • Confirmation Bias (Examples + Definition)
  • Equivocation Fallacy (26 Examples + Description)

Reference this article:

About The Author

Photo of author

Free Personality Test

Free Personality Quiz

Free Memory Test

Free Memory Test

Free IQ Test

Free IQ Test

PracticalPie.com is a participant in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Follow Us On:

Youtube Facebook Instagram X/Twitter

Psychology Resources

Developmental

Personality

Relationships

Psychologists

Serial Killers

Psychology Tests

Personality Quiz

Memory Test

Depression test

Type A/B Personality Test

© PracticalPsychology. All rights reserved

Privacy Policy | Terms of Use

SkillsYouNeed

  • LEARNING SKILLS
  • Study Skills
  • Critical Thinking

Search SkillsYouNeed:

Learning Skills:

  • A - Z List of Learning Skills
  • What is Learning?
  • Learning Approaches
  • Learning Styles
  • 8 Types of Learning Styles
  • Understanding Your Preferences to Aid Learning
  • Lifelong Learning
  • Decisions to Make Before Applying to University
  • Top Tips for Surviving Student Life
  • Living Online: Education and Learning
  • 8 Ways to Embrace Technology-Based Learning Approaches

Critical Thinking Skills

  • Critical Thinking and Fake News
  • Understanding and Addressing Conspiracy Theories
  • Critical Analysis
  • Top Tips for Study
  • Staying Motivated When Studying
  • Student Budgeting and Economic Skills
  • Getting Organised for Study
  • Finding Time to Study
  • Sources of Information
  • Assessing Internet Information
  • Using Apps to Support Study
  • What is Theory?
  • Styles of Writing
  • Effective Reading
  • Critical Reading
  • Note-Taking from Reading
  • Note-Taking for Verbal Exchanges
  • Planning an Essay
  • How to Write an Essay
  • The Do’s and Don’ts of Essay Writing
  • How to Write a Report
  • Academic Referencing
  • Assignment Finishing Touches
  • Reflecting on Marked Work
  • 6 Skills You Learn in School That You Use in Real Life
  • Top 10 Tips on How to Study While Working
  • Exam Skills
  • Writing a Dissertation or Thesis
  • Research Methods
  • Teaching, Coaching, Mentoring and Counselling
  • Employability Skills for Graduates

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.

You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.

We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas.  Critical thinking has been the subject of much debate and thought since the time of early Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates and has continued to be a subject of discussion into the modern age, for example the ability to recognise fake news .

Critical thinking might be described as the ability to engage in reflective and independent thinking.

In essence, critical thinking requires you to use your ability to reason. It is about being an active learner rather than a passive recipient of information.

Critical thinkers rigorously question ideas and assumptions rather than accepting them at face value. They will always seek to determine whether the ideas, arguments and findings represent the entire picture and are open to finding that they do not.

Critical thinkers will identify, analyse and solve problems systematically rather than by intuition or instinct.

Someone with critical thinking skills can:

Understand the links between ideas.

Determine the importance and relevance of arguments and ideas.

Recognise, build and appraise arguments.

Identify inconsistencies and errors in reasoning.

Approach problems in a consistent and systematic way.

Reflect on the justification of their own assumptions, beliefs and values.

Critical thinking is thinking about things in certain ways so as to arrive at the best possible solution in the circumstances that the thinker is aware of. In more everyday language, it is a way of thinking about whatever is presently occupying your mind so that you come to the best possible conclusion.

Critical Thinking is:

A way of thinking about particular things at a particular time; it is not the accumulation of facts and knowledge or something that you can learn once and then use in that form forever, such as the nine times table you learn and use in school.

The Skills We Need for Critical Thinking

The skills that we need in order to be able to think critically are varied and include observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making.

Specifically we need to be able to:

Think about a topic or issue in an objective and critical way.

Identify the different arguments there are in relation to a particular issue.

Evaluate a point of view to determine how strong or valid it is.

Recognise any weaknesses or negative points that there are in the evidence or argument.

Notice what implications there might be behind a statement or argument.

Provide structured reasoning and support for an argument that we wish to make.

The Critical Thinking Process

You should be aware that none of us think critically all the time.

Sometimes we think in almost any way but critically, for example when our self-control is affected by anger, grief or joy or when we are feeling just plain ‘bloody minded’.

On the other hand, the good news is that, since our critical thinking ability varies according to our current mindset, most of the time we can learn to improve our critical thinking ability by developing certain routine activities and applying them to all problems that present themselves.

Once you understand the theory of critical thinking, improving your critical thinking skills takes persistence and practice.

Try this simple exercise to help you to start thinking critically.

Think of something that someone has recently told you. Then ask yourself the following questions:

Who said it?

Someone you know? Someone in a position of authority or power? Does it matter who told you this?

What did they say?

Did they give facts or opinions? Did they provide all the facts? Did they leave anything out?

Where did they say it?

Was it in public or in private? Did other people have a chance to respond an provide an alternative account?

When did they say it?

Was it before, during or after an important event? Is timing important?

Why did they say it?

Did they explain the reasoning behind their opinion? Were they trying to make someone look good or bad?

How did they say it?

Were they happy or sad, angry or indifferent? Did they write it or say it? Could you understand what was said?

What are you Aiming to Achieve?

One of the most important aspects of critical thinking is to decide what you are aiming to achieve and then make a decision based on a range of possibilities.

Once you have clarified that aim for yourself you should use it as the starting point in all future situations requiring thought and, possibly, further decision making. Where needed, make your workmates, family or those around you aware of your intention to pursue this goal. You must then discipline yourself to keep on track until changing circumstances mean you have to revisit the start of the decision making process.

However, there are things that get in the way of simple decision making. We all carry with us a range of likes and dislikes, learnt behaviours and personal preferences developed throughout our lives; they are the hallmarks of being human. A major contribution to ensuring we think critically is to be aware of these personal characteristics, preferences and biases and make allowance for them when considering possible next steps, whether they are at the pre-action consideration stage or as part of a rethink caused by unexpected or unforeseen impediments to continued progress.

The more clearly we are aware of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, the more likely our critical thinking will be productive.

The Benefit of Foresight

Perhaps the most important element of thinking critically is foresight.

Almost all decisions we make and implement don’t prove disastrous if we find reasons to abandon them. However, our decision making will be infinitely better and more likely to lead to success if, when we reach a tentative conclusion, we pause and consider the impact on the people and activities around us.

The elements needing consideration are generally numerous and varied. In many cases, consideration of one element from a different perspective will reveal potential dangers in pursuing our decision.

For instance, moving a business activity to a new location may improve potential output considerably but it may also lead to the loss of skilled workers if the distance moved is too great. Which of these is the more important consideration? Is there some way of lessening the conflict?

These are the sort of problems that may arise from incomplete critical thinking, a demonstration perhaps of the critical importance of good critical thinking.

Further Reading from Skills You Need

The Skills You Need Guide for Students

The Skills You Need Guide for Students

Skills You Need

Develop the skills you need to make the most of your time as a student.

Our eBooks are ideal for students at all stages of education, school, college and university. They are full of easy-to-follow practical information that will help you to learn more effectively and get better grades.

In Summary:

Critical thinking is aimed at achieving the best possible outcomes in any situation. In order to achieve this it must involve gathering and evaluating information from as many different sources possible.

Critical thinking requires a clear, often uncomfortable, assessment of your personal strengths, weaknesses and preferences and their possible impact on decisions you may make.

Critical thinking requires the development and use of foresight as far as this is possible. As Doris Day sang, “the future’s not ours to see”.

Implementing the decisions made arising from critical thinking must take into account an assessment of possible outcomes and ways of avoiding potentially negative outcomes, or at least lessening their impact.

  • Critical thinking involves reviewing the results of the application of decisions made and implementing change where possible.

It might be thought that we are overextending our demands on critical thinking in expecting that it can help to construct focused meaning rather than examining the information given and the knowledge we have acquired to see if we can, if necessary, construct a meaning that will be acceptable and useful.

After all, almost no information we have available to us, either externally or internally, carries any guarantee of its life or appropriateness.  Neat step-by-step instructions may provide some sort of trellis on which our basic understanding of critical thinking can blossom but it doesn’t and cannot provide any assurance of certainty, utility or longevity.

Continue to: Critical Thinking and Fake News Critical Reading

See also: Analytical Skills Understanding and Addressing Conspiracy Theories Introduction to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)

Developing Critical Thinking

  • Posted January 10, 2018
  • By Iman Rastegari

Critical Thinking

In a time where deliberately false information is continually introduced into public discourse, and quickly spread through social media shares and likes, it is more important than ever for young people to develop their critical thinking. That skill, says Georgetown professor William T. Gormley, consists of three elements: a capacity to spot weakness in other arguments, a passion for good evidence, and a capacity to reflect on your own views and values with an eye to possibly change them. But are educators making the development of these skills a priority?

"Some teachers embrace critical thinking pedagogy with enthusiasm and they make it a high priority in their classrooms; other teachers do not," says Gormley, author of the recent Harvard Education Press release The Critical Advantage: Developing Critical Thinking Skills in School . "So if you are to assess the extent of critical-thinking instruction in U.S. classrooms, you’d find some very wide variations." Which is unfortunate, he says, since developing critical-thinking skills is vital not only to students' readiness for college and career, but to their civic readiness, as well.

"It's important to recognize that critical thinking is not just something that takes place in the classroom or in the workplace, it's something that takes place — and should take place — in our daily lives," says Gormley.

In this edition of the Harvard EdCast, Gormley looks at the value of teaching critical thinking, and explores how it can be an important solution to some of the problems that we face, including "fake news."

About the Harvard EdCast

The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iT unes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber and co-produced by Jill Anderson, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational discourse and openness, focusing on the myriad issues and current events related to the field.

EdCast logo

An education podcast that keeps the focus simple: what makes a difference for learners, educators, parents, and communities

Related Articles

HGSE shield on blue background

The Wisdom of Data

Notes from ferguson, the case for homework.

  • Our Mission

A Critical Thinking Framework for Elementary Students

Guiding young students to engage in critical thinking fosters their ability to create and engage with knowledge.

Photo of elementary students working together

Critical thinking is using analysis and evaluation to make a judgment. Analysis, evaluation, and judgment are not discrete skills; rather, they emerge from the accumulation of knowledge. The accumulation of knowledge does not mean students sit at desks mindlessly reciting memorized information, like in 19th century grammar schools. Our goal is not for learners to regurgitate facts by rote without demonstrating their understanding of the connections, structures, and deeper ideas embedded in the content they are learning. To foster critical thinking in school, especially for our youngest learners, we need a pedagogy that centers knowledge and also honors the ability of children to engage with knowledge.

This chapter outlines the Critical Thinking Framework: five instructional approaches educators can incorporate into their instruction to nurture deeper thinking. These approaches can also guide intellectual preparation protocols and unit unpackings to prepare rigorous, engaging instruction for elementary students. Some of these approaches, such as reason with evidence, will seem similar to other “contentless” programs professing to teach critical thinking skills. But others, such as say it in your own words or look for structure, are targeted at ensuring learners soundly understand content so that they can engage in complex thinking. You will likely notice that every single one of these approaches requires students to talk—to themselves, to a partner, or to the whole class. Dialogue, specifically in the context of teacher-led discussions, is essential for students to analyze, evaluate, and judge (i.e., do critical thinking ). 

The Critical Thinking Framework

book cover, Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom

Say it in your own words : Students articulate ideas in their own words. They use unique phrasing and do not parrot the explanations of others. When learning new material, students who pause to explain concepts in their own words (to themselves or others) demonstrate an overall better understanding than students who do not (Nokes-Malach et al., 2013). However, it’s not enough for us to pause frequently and ask students to explain, especially if they are only being asked to repeat procedures. Explanations should be effortful and require students to make connections to prior knowledge and concepts as well as to revise misconceptions (Richey & Nokes-Malach, 2015).

Break it down : Students break down the components, steps, or smaller ideas within a bigger idea or procedure. In addition to expressing concepts in their own words, students should look at new concepts in terms of parts and wholes. For instance, when learning a new type of problem or task, students can explain the steps another student took to arrive at their answer, which promotes an understanding that transfers to other tasks with a similar underlying structure. Asking students to explain the components and rationale behind procedural steps can also lead to more flexible problem solving overall (Rittle-Johnson, 2006). By breaking down ideas into component parts, students are also better equipped to monitor the soundness of their own understanding as well as to see similar patterns (i.e., regularity) among differing tasks. For example, in writing, lessons can help students see how varying subordinating conjunction phrases at the start of sentences can support the flow and readability of a paragraph. In math, a solution can be broken down into smaller steps.

Look for structure : Students look beyond shallow surface characteristics to see deep structures and underlying principles. Learners struggle to see regularity in similar problems that have small differences (Reed et al., 1985). Even when students are taught how to complete one kind of task, they struggle to transfer their understanding to a new task where some of the superficial characteristics have been changed. This is because students, especially students who are novices in a domain, tend to emphasize the surface structure of a task rather than deep structure (Chi & Van Lehn, 2012).

By prompting students to notice deep structures—such as the characteristics of a genre or the needs of animals—rather than surface structures, teachers foster the development of comprehensive schemata in students’ long-term memories, which they are more likely to then apply to novel situations. Teachers should monitor for student understanding of deep structures across several tasks and examples.

Notice gaps or inconsistencies in ideas : Students ask questions about gaps and inconsistencies in material, arguments, and their own thinking . When students engage in explanations of material, they are more likely to notice when they misunderstand material or to detect a conflict with their prior knowledge (Richey & Nokes-Malach, 2015). In a classroom, analyzing conflicting ideas and interpretations allows students to revise misconceptions and refine mental models. Noticing gaps and inconsistencies in information also helps students to evaluate the persuasiveness of arguments and to ask relevant questions.

Reason with evidence : Students construct arguments with evidence and evaluate the evidence in others’ reasoning. Reasoning with evidence matters in every subject, but what counts for evidence in a mathematical proof differs from what is required in an English essay. Students should learn the rules and conventions for evidence across a wide range of disciplines in school. The habits of looking for and weighing evidence also intersect with some of the other critical thinking approaches discussed above. Noticing regularity in reasoning and structure helps learners find evidence efficiently, while attending to gaps and inconsistencies in information encourages caution before reaching hasty conclusions.

Countering Two Critiques

Some readers may be wondering how the Critical Thinking Framework differs from other general skills curricula. The framework differs in that it demands application in the context of students’ content knowledge, rather than in isolation. It is a pedagogical tool to help students make sense of the content they are learning. Students should never sit through a lesson where they are told to “say things in their own words” when there is nothing to say anything about. While a contentless lesson could help on the margins, it will not be as relevant or transferable. Specific content matters. A checklist of “critical thinking skills” cannot replace deep subject knowledge. The framework should not be blindly applied to all subjects without context because results will look quite different in an ELA or science class.

Other readers may be thinking about high-stakes tests: how does the Critical Thinking Framework fit in with an overwhelming emphasis on assessments aligned to national or state standards? This is a valid concern and an important point to address. For teachers, schools, and districts locked into an accountability system that values performance on state tests but does not communicate content expectations beyond general standards, the arguments I make may seem beside the point. Sure, knowledge matters, but the curriculum demands that students know how to quickly identify the main idea of a paragraph, even if they don’t have any background knowledge about the topic of the paragraph.

It is crucial that elementary practitioners be connected to both evolving research on learning and the limiting realities we teach within. Unfortunately, I can provide no easy answers beyond saying that teaching is a balancing act. The tension, while real and relevant to teachers’ daily lives, should not cloud our vision for what children need from their school experiences.

I also argue it is easier to incorporate the demands of our current standardized testing environment into a curriculum rich with history, science, art, geography, languages, and novels than the reverse. The Critical Thinking Framework presents ways to approach all kinds of knowledge in a way that presses students toward deeper processing of the content they are learning. If we can raise the bar for student work and thinking in our classrooms, the question of how students perform on standardized tests will become secondary to helping them achieve much loftier and important goals. The choice of whether to emphasize excellent curriculum or high-stakes tests, insofar as it is a choice at all, should never be existential or a zero-sum game.

From Critical Thinking in the Elementary Classroom: Engaging Young Minds with Meaningful Content (pp. 25–29) by Erin Shadowens, Arlington, VA: ASCD. Copyright © 2023 by ASCD. All rights reserved.

  • Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

critical thinking topics for students

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

84. What Does Your Unique Style Say About You? 85. How Do You Spend Your Downtime? 86. Would You Want to Live to 200? 87. How Do You Connect to Your Heritage? 88. What Do You Think Are the Secrets to Happiness? 89. Are You a Sneakerhead? 90. What Role Have Mentors Played in Your Life? 91. If You Could Make Your Own Podcast, What Would It Be About? 92. Have You Ever Felt Pressure to ‘Sell Your Pain’? 93. Do You Think You Make Good Climate Choices? 94. What Does TikTok Mean to You? 95. Do Your Parents Overpraise You? 96. Do You Want to Travel in Space? 97. Do You Feel You’re Friends With Celebrities or Influencers You Follow Online? 98. Would You Eat Food Grown in a Lab? 99. What Makes You Cringe? 100. What Volunteer Work Would You Most Like to Do? 101. How Do You Respond When People Ask, ‘Where Are You From?’ 102. Has a School Assignment or Activity Ever Made You Uncomfortable? 103. How Does Your Identity Inform Your Political Beliefs and Values? 104. Are You an Orchid, a Tulip or a Dandelion? 105. Are You Having a Tough Time Maintaining Friendships These Days? 106. How Is Your Mental Health These Days? 107. Do You Love Writing or Receiving Letters? 108. What Has Television Taught You About Social Class? 109. Are You Easily Distracted? 110. What Objects Bring You Comfort? 111. What Is Your Favorite Memory of PBS? 112. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Your Parents? 113. What Are You Doing to Combat Pandemic Fatigue? 114. Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression? 115. What Do You Want Your Parents to Know About What It’s Like to Be a Teenager During the Pandemic? 116. How Have You Collaborated From a Distance During the Pandemic? 117. How Important Is It to You to Have Similar Political Beliefs to Your Family and Friends? 118. How Are You Feeling About Winter This Year? 119. Which Celebrity Performer Would You Like to Challenge to a Friendly Battle? 120. How Mentally Tough Are You? 121. What Smells Trigger Powerful Memories for You? 122. What Are You Thankful for This Year? 123. Do You Miss Hugs? 124. Are You a Good Conversationalist? 125. What Habits Have You Started or Left Behind in 2020? 126. What Was the Best Art and Culture You Experienced in 2020? 127. What’s Your Relationship With Masks? 128. What Role Does Religion Play in Your Life? 129. How Will You Be Celebrating the Holidays This Year? 130. What Is Something Good That Happened in 2020? 131. What New Flavor Ideas Do You Have for Your Favorite Foods? 132. What Are Your Hopes and Concerns for the New School Year? 133. How Has 2020 Challenged or Changed You? 134. What Do You Hope for Most in 2021? 135. How Do You View Death? 136. What Is Your Favorite Fact You Learned in 2020? 137. What Are the Places in the World That You Love Most? 138. Have You Ever Experienced ‘Impostor Syndrome’? 139. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 140. Do You Talk to Your Family About the Cost of College? 141. Do You Have a Healthy Diet? 142. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping? 143. Do You Believe in Manifesting? 144. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 145. What Are Your Family’s House Rules During the Covid Crisis? 146. What Online Communities Do You Participate In? 147. Have You Experienced Any Embarrassing Zoom Mishaps? 148. What Does Your Country’s National Anthem Mean to You? 149. Are Sports Just Not the Same Without Spectators in the Stands? 150. Would You Volunteer for a Covid-19 Vaccine Trial? 151. What ‘Old’ Technology Do You Think Is Cool? 152. Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something? 153. How Has the Pandemic Changed Your Relationship to Your Body? 154. How Do You Find New Books, Music, Movies or Television Shows? 155. Are You Nervous About Returning to Normal Life? 156. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 157. How Do You Talk With People Who Don’t Share Your Views? 158. Would You Want to Be a Teacher Someday? 159. What Would You Recommend That Is ‘Overlooked and Underappreciated’? 160. What Children’s Books Have Had the Biggest Impact on You? 161. What Is Your Gender Identity? 162. Have You Hit a Wall? 163. What Is the Code You Live By? 164. Do You Think You Have Experienced ‘Learning Loss’ During the Pandemic? 165. What Are the Most Memorable Things You’ve Seen or Experienced in Nature? 166. Do You Want to Have Children Someday? 167. What Have You Learned About Friendship This Year? 168. What Seemingly Mundane Feats Have You Accomplished? 169. Has a Celebrity Ever Convinced You to Do Something? 170. How Have You Commemorated Milestones During the Pandemic? 171. How Often Do You Read, Watch or Listen to Things Outside of Your Comfort Zone? 172. Do You Think You Live in a Political Bubble? 173. What Is Your Relationship With the Weight-Loss Industry? 174. What Have You Made This Year? 175. How Are You Right Now? 176. What Are You Grateful For?

Want more writing prompts?

You can find even more Student Opinion questions in our 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing , 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing and 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing . We also publish daily Picture Prompts , which are image-centered posts that provide space for many different kinds of writing. You can find all of our writing prompts, added as they publish, here .

The Tech Edvocate

  • Advertisement
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Write For Us
  • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
  • The Edvocate Podcast
  • Assistive Technology
  • Child Development Tech
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
  • EdTech Futures
  • EdTech News
  • EdTech Policy & Reform
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses
  • Higher Education EdTech
  • Online Learning & eLearning
  • Parent & Family Tech
  • Personalized Learning
  • Product Reviews
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • School Ratings

Phonological Awareness: Everything You Need to Know

Product review of kate spade’s bloom: the perfect mother’s day gift, learning to read: everything you need to know, product review of the arzopa z1c portable monitor, how to teach phonics: everything you need to know, reading groups: everything you need to know, product review of the ultenic p30 grooming kit, reading anxiety in children: everything you need to know, iep meetings and parent-teacher conferences: everything you need to know, college disability services and accommodations: everything you need to know, 16 critical thinking questions for students.

critical thinking topics for students

Introduction:

Critical thinking is an essential skill for students to develop, as it enables them to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. To enhance critical thinking abilities, students can engage with thought-provoking questions that challenge assumptions and encourage deeper reflection. In this article, we present sixteen critical thinking questions that will stimulate their cognitive abilities and foster intellectual growth.

1. What evidence supports this argument?

Assessing the evidence behind an argument encourages students to analyze whether it is sufficient, credible, and logically sound. This question teaches them to question the basis of statements and seek supporting evidence.

2. How can you apply this concept in real-life situations?

Connecting abstract concepts to practical scenarios helps students understand the relevance and applicability of what they learn. This question encourages them to think beyond classroom discussions and consider real-world implications.

3. What are the underlying assumptions in this statement?

Identifying assumptions allows students to recognize hidden biases or prejudices in arguments. By questioning underlying assumptions, they can develop a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

4. Can you think of alternative explanations?

Encouraging students to consider alternative explanations fosters their ability to think critically and challenge initial conclusions. This question helps them explore different perspectives and understand that there can be multiple plausible interpretations.

5. How might different cultural perspectives influence this situation?

Recognizing the impact of cultural perspectives on opinions and decisions develops students’ cultural sensitivity and empathy. By considering diverse viewpoints, they broaden their understanding of complex issues.

6. What are the ethical implications of this decision?

Evaluating ethical consequences encourages students to consider the wider implications of their choices. This question enables them to develop ethical reasoning and become responsible decision-makers.

7. Can you identify any logical fallacies in this argument?

Recognizing logical fallacies helps students evaluate the validity of arguments and avoid common errors in their own reasoning. This question hones their critical thinking skills by identifying flaws in reasoning.

8. How might this situation change if key variables were altered?

By altering key variables, students can explore the potential impact of different factors on a given situation. This question enhances their ability to anticipate and evaluate different scenarios.

9. What are the potential biases in this research study?

Assessing biases in research studies equips students with the skills to critically evaluate scientific literature. This question prompts them to consider possible biases and influences on research outcomes.

10. What are the counterarguments to this position?

Encouraging students to examine counterarguments encourages them to think beyond their initial beliefs and consider opposing viewpoints. This question develops their ability to engage in respectful and constructive debates.

11. How does this information relate to your prior knowledge on the subject?

Connecting new information to existing knowledge aids student comprehension and reinforces critical thinking. This question prompts them to reflect on the relevance of new knowledge in relation to what they already know.

12. What are the short-term and long-term consequences of this decision?

Considering the short-term and long-term consequences helps students make more informed decisions. This question encourages them to think beyond immediate outcomes and consider broader impacts.

13. What are the potential biases in this news article?

Examining biases in news articles helps students distinguish between objective and subjective information. This question fosters media literacy skills and enables them to critically analyze news sources.

14. Can you identify any logical inconsistencies in this theory?

Identifying logical inconsistencies enables students to evaluate the coherence and validity of theories. This question promotes critical thinking by challenging the logical structure of theories.

15. How does this information challenge or confirm your existing beliefs?

Engaging with information that challenges personal beliefs helps students develop intellectual flexibility and open-mindedness. This question encourages them to critically evaluate their own perspectives.

16. What are the implications of this historical event in today’s society?

Connecting historical events to contemporary issues fosters students’ ability to recognize patterns and understand the relevance of the past. This question prompts critical analysis of history’s impact on the present.

Conclusion:

Engaging with these sixteen critical thinking questions will empower students to become active learners, capable of analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information effectively. By consistently challenging their assumptions, seeking evidence, and considering diverse perspectives, students will develop robust critical thinking skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and professional journeys.

How to Make a Fake Rock: 13 ...

14 times star wars pretty much summed ....

' src=

Matthew Lynch

Related articles more from author.

critical thinking topics for students

Just 19 Magical Harry Potter Bulletin Boards Even Muggles Can Pull Off

critical thinking topics for students

10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

critical thinking topics for students

The Big List of Student Contests and Competitions

critical thinking topics for students

20 Tips and Tricks for High School Classroom Management

critical thinking topics for students

12 Terribly Rotten Things Teachers Do to Ruin Students’ Lives

critical thinking topics for students

20 Clever and Colorful Pipe Cleaner Crafts and Learning Activities

critical thinking topics for students

Home » Tips for Teachers » Critical Thinking Strategies for Elementary Students: 7 Exercises and 5 Activities to Help

Critical Thinking Strategies for Elementary Students: 7 Exercises and 5 Activities to Help

Teaching students to think critically from an early age is essential. In order to excel in school and beyond, students need to learn and practice critical thinking skills.Being a critical thinker will aid students in making good decisions, both related to learning and to their personal lives. It will also be extremely helpful in helping them solve problems and overcome the various challenges that they are faced with.

Use these tips for your lessons

As teachers, we always hear a lot about how important it is to help our students learn to think critically. What I’ve noticed, however, is that teachers don’t get enough support with the “how” of actually teaching their students to become critical thinkers.

I would like to help you learn more about what you can do to help impart these essential skills on your students. Continue reading, and I’ll share:

  • Critical thinking games and activities you can play with your students →
  • Why critical thinking is important →
  • Critical thinking strategies for elementary student →
  • Critical thinking exercises to use with elementary school students →

5 Critical Thinking Games and Activities

The games and activities shared below are great for helping your students develop and fine tune their critical thinking skills.

1. The Barometer

This activity can help students see that there are more than simply two opinions for any given topic. For this activity, come up with a list of semi-controversial issues appropriate for the grade you teach. Some examples include giving students no homework, setting limits on screen time, removing specials or recess, etc.

Playing games is fun!

Then, label each side of the classroom with one of the two most extreme opinions related to the topic. Tell students that they need to place themselves on the continuum to designate where their opinion falls.In order for students to decide exactly where they should be standing, they’ll need to have discussions with other students to compare their opinions. This process will help expose them to the logic and reasoning that others are using to form their own opinions, even if they are different from those held by the student.

This could be an interesting lesson to record and reflect back on. You can discuss the different conversations students had with one another and how those conversations helped them decide where to stand.

2. Debating the Accuracy of a Globe vs a Map

This activity is ideal for older elementary school students studying geography. For the lesson, you can have students compare the relative sizes of Australia and Greenland on a map vs a globe. Then, discuss how one representation makes Greenland appear to be larger, and how the other makes Australia appear larger.

Debating sometimes helpful

Encourage students to think about why this difference in representation may occur. Then, have a classroom debate about which geography tool is more accurate and why.You may want to project a world map using your document camera and have a few different globes available for students to examine.

This video shows a teacher leading his students through this critical thinking exercise. Watch it to see the lesson in action and see one teacher’s approach to using it with his students.

Do you think your students could benefit from this lesson? How do you see using it in your classroom?

3. Media Bias Scavenger Hunt

This activity can be especially beneficial in today’s world. Students will need to identify media bias in news stories and separate fact from fictionFor this activity, provide students with a few different news stories and hoaxes. Students will need to conduct research and determine which of the stories are real news and which are simply made-up hoaxes.

Encourage students to find at least two legitimate sources to back up the stories they classify as real news. After students have completed their work, you can have them share the sources they found to back up each true story on your interactive whiteboard.

This video shares more about this critical thinking activity. You can also learn more about a few additional activities you may want to try with your students.

4. Brain Teasers

Brain teasers are an excellent way to help students improve their critical thinking skills. In order to solve a brain teaser, students need to combine information from multiple sources, consider their background knowledge, and think outside of the box.

You can use this video with a brain teaser about a rooster laying an egg on the roof of a barn with your students. It sets up the scenario and even helps explain the correct solution and why such a ‘simple’ solution is overlooked by many.

Were you able to come up with the correct solution to the brain teaser? Or, did the misdirection with all the unnecessary key details take your focus off the fact that roosters can’t lay eggs?

5. Take a Side

For this activity, students will need to choose one of two sides representing opposing views to a question. For example, you can ask students to agree or disagree to a statement about a text they have read.Students should stand on one side of the room to show their opinion. Then, you can call on different students to share their reasoning for selecting whether they agreed or disagreed with the question.

Can you prove your opinion?

After each student shares their rationale, provide an opportunity for students to switch to the other side of the room if they have changed their opinion.

Why Critical Thinking is Important

Critical thinking is important well beyond the school years. Students need to learn how to think critically and evaluate different options in order to make the right decision.Of course, these decisions could be related to academics, as with choosing the most logical answer to a question. However, critical thinking skills will also serve your students well as they grow older and need to decide about a future career, how to treat a friend, or even whether they should drink and drive.

Let's make our brain work

Everyone has inherent biases. Teaching critical thinking to your students will allow them to identify these biases and try to focus on the facts of a situation. It also helps remove some of the emotions from a decision and allows students to clearly see the different points of views of others.Of course, part of your job as a teacher is to prepare your students for the real world and life after school. This includes helping them gain the skills they’ll need to be a successful candidate.

Monarch Elementary teachers have so many great ideas for inquiry instructional strategies and how that increases student engagement, rigor, and critical thinking! @voverman2 @markloach @MeganHoefe pic.twitter.com/z3AItMHnGQ — Katie Delloso (@Katie_Delloso) March 24, 2021

TheHighSchooler

40 Critical Thinking Questions for High School Students

How is electricity being produced from rainwater or do aliens exist if there are so many discoveries about them? High school students are certain to come across queries that question reality, everyday rules, general human existence, or anything out of nowhere! 

Young minds are filled with an amazing potential to explore beyond their capabilities and hidden qualities. While high school students might question the existing realities of life, some students might not be aware of their imagination and thinking capacities. That is why it is important to nurture these growing minds with opportunities to question, understand, analyze, find evidence, and arrive at solutions. 

In this case, critical thinking questions act as a helpful way to offer an opportunity to broaden their minds to unlimited knowledge and endless possibilities. When students are given a chance to think beyond the ordinary, they experience a sense of freedom in thinking and expressing their views.

Through critical thinking questions, they receive a wonderful chance to analyze, decode the information, and present their views without being right or wrong. Hence, the below-mentioned questions are drafted in a way to initiate abstract and informative conversations thereby boosting critical thinking.

Brain teasing critical thinking questions for high schoolers

Critical thinking skills are essential for measuring the imagination and creativity of students. High school students are likely to use the new age information and influence of others when processing their thoughts. Hence, the below-mentioned questions are a great way to channel their thoughts in a more positively empowered learning environment.

  • Do you think it is okay to give up your life if you had to save someone?
  • If you could go to your past, what would you change?
  • What is the joy of giving for you?
  • What is better – giving or receiving? Why?
  • If you can change some rules of the school, which ones would you change and why?
  • What if you know your future? What does it look like from your perspective?
  • What if you are dragged into a situation where you disagree with others?
  • What would you do if you are given a task against your willingness to complete it?
  • Would you like to do – go to your past or get to know your future? Why?
  • What would you choose, 1 million dollars or a lifetime free education? Why?
  • What is more important to you, knowledge or money?
  • How can you leverage the benefits of social media and how?
  • Do you think animals should be free or kept in a zoo?
  • What does life look like on the Earth 100 years from now?
  • Imagine a world without mobile phones. What would you do?
  • If you could choose any profession in the world, what would you choose? Why?
  • Would you rather devote your life to helping others through social activities or invest in building a business?
  • What is the most important matter of concern that the world needs to address?
  • Do you think the voting of high school students matters in Government concerns? Why?
  • Which aspect plays a major role in the success of individuals?
  • If you could change any one habit of your parents, what would it be?
  • If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go? Why?
  • Imagine the world is facing a major power cut issue. What would you do and how would you face the situation?
  • What is more important, offering a home to the needy or offering food to the needy on an everyday basis?
  • How does the number 0 change life?
  • Should teenagers be allowed to make major life decisions?
  • Are friendships real in today’s world? 
  • Does an influential person always influence others with actions and words?
  • If animals could talk to you, who would you choose to talk to?
  • What is the difference between happiness and achievements?
  • Do you think success is the same as happiness? 
  • Imagine you have only 24 hours left on Earth. How would you spend it?
  • What if you are given the option to reside on another planet? What would you do and how?
  • Would you forgive your best friend if he/she commits a crime and is found guilty?
  • If your mother and best friend are sinking in two different boats and you have the opportunity to save anyone, who would you choose? Why?
  • Imagine you are stranded on an island and have access to 5 things. Which 5 things would you choose?
  • Which 3 elements make a stronger nation? Why?
  • What are the disadvantages of growing up? How would you tackle them?
  • Would you be blind or deaf? Why?
  • What if you could donate 50% of your wealth and have free food for life? What would you do? 

Critical thinking in students: Why is it crucial?

High schoolers are on their way to exploring various subjects and acquiring knowledge from around the world. In such a phase, students must have the ability to think through things and make the right decision. Critical thinking empowers the brain to analyze and understand situations with complete evidence before concluding. Here’s how critical thinking shapes the life of high schoolers.

1. Develops Problem-Solving Skills

Students are sure to come across everyday problems and issues in their academic journey or personal life. While some students may develop stress, others might ignore it. However, the essence of critical thinking helps students solve these issues with intelligence. Whether it is figuring out about the project or solving an issue between friends, thinking and analyzing the possible solutions makes it easy to tackle situations. 

2. Enhances Creativity

The advertisements you see every day often talk about the problem and how a product solves it. That’s exactly why you need to develop critical thinking skills. When you can identify the core issue and arrive at solutions only then can you think out of the box. Critical thinking helps students be creative with their solutions and find a way out amidst challenges. 

3. Boosts Decision-Making Skills

With every project, assignment, or topic of your thesis , you need to take many decisions in the learning process. Here, critical thinking skills play a crucial role in helping you analyze, decode and disseminate information before making any decision. 

4. Builds Open-mindedness 

As growing individuals, it is important to be open-minded towards various problems and their suggestions. People who think critically are more likely to understand situations from different points of view. Hence, developing critical thinking skills helps you accept different perspectives and respect the opinions of others. The skill helps a long way when you need to work in a group on your projects. It is because you become capable of thinking from various perspectives. 

5. Goal Setting

Success comes with proper planning and execution of tasks. However, you cannot study history if you are weak at math. Similarly, you cannot aim for a 60% growth in your academics if you have been growing at a pace of 30% in each examination. Critical thinking enables you to think practically and map your way out to reach your goals. When you think critically and practically, you can analyze your strengths and weaknesses thereby setting goals accurately.

Critical thinking indeed plays an essential role in shaping the mindset of students and exposing them to different skills simply by developing this one. As you take advantage of the critical thinking questions, know that it is important to keep questioning students to initiate conversations.

Whether it is reflective questions or would you rather-questions , these questions enable them to think beyond their imagination and dive into a world of possibilities. Apart from this, you may also involve students in interactive discussions that boost critical thinking skills.

critical thinking topics for students

Sananda Bhattacharya, Chief Editor of TheHighSchooler, is dedicated to enhancing operations and growth. With degrees in Literature and Asian Studies from Presidency University, Kolkata, she leverages her educational and innovative background to shape TheHighSchooler into a pivotal resource hub. Providing valuable insights, practical activities, and guidance on school life, graduation, scholarships, and more, Sananda’s leadership enriches the journey of high school students.

Explore a plethora of invaluable resources and insights tailored for high schoolers at TheHighSchooler, under the guidance of Sananda Bhattacharya’s expertise. You can follow her on Linkedin

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best critical thinking topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on critical thinking, 🥇 most interesting critical thinking topics to write about, ✅ simple & easy critical thinking essay titles, ❓ critical thinking essay questions.

  • What Is Critical Thinking? A critical thinker makes his decisions based on broad and in-depth analysis of the evidence and thereafter communicates the beliefs accurately and clearly. Ennis in his book “The Cornell Critical Thinking Tests” defines critical thinking […]
  • Critical Thinking: Reason, Emotion, Communication Sally’s example shows that a lack of critical thinking may result in emotional distress and the individual’s inability to take weighed decisions. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
  • Critical Thinking in Everyday Life The conception of free will is based on the question of whether it is possible for a person to have absolutely objective thinking, or we are always under the influence of many hindrances preventing us […]
  • Critical Thinking Role in the Clinical Psychology These activities and conducts may lead a psychologist to identify the mental activities in the brain of the individual. Clinical psychologists specialization is founded on the framework the individual takes in training to become a […]
  • The Importance of Critical Thinking in Education These characteristics of critical thinking are valuable for the teaching profession and their development and improvement can help to considerably increase the quality of teaching.
  • Examples of Critical Thinking in Law Enforcement The eight elements of thought in critical thinking will outline the model and provide a blueprint to the development of new policies and strategies.
  • The Role of Technology in Enhancing Critical Thinking Skills Modern technologies are effective in enhancing critical thinking skills because they expose teachers and students to valuable information and allow them to develop their research competencies.
  • Death Penalty: Critical Thinking and Arguments The execution sermons of the early colonies were full of warnings against following in the footsteps of the condemned, and executions were public events designed to instill fear and reverence for the law in the […]
  • Critical Thinking in Nursing Practice The necessary improvement can be made by prioritizing critical thinking in the training process and providing the students with tools to develop this ability during everyday life activities. Critical thinking relates to the processes of […]
  • Critical Thinking in Junot Diaz’s “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” Noteworthy, the relationship between Oscar and Ybon is used as an example of the relationships that occur between members of the South American immigrants in the US. Yet, he holds to the stereotypic belief that […]
  • Whistleblowing as a Critical Thinking Skill Whistleblowing is defined as “having four component parts: 1) an individual acts with the intention of making information public; 2) the information is conveyed to parties outside the organization who make it public and a […]
  • Disadvantages of Modern Technology for Critical Thinking Due to the ubiquity of the Internet, people have access to all sources of information, libraries, research, etc. Modern technologies open access to knowledge to everyone, but at the same time, they do not provide […]
  • Critical Thinking in Law Enforcement Critical thinking is a unique approach to a situation that allows a to analyze the available information to come to conclusions. Therefore, it is essential to include the development of critical thinking skills in the […]
  • Critical Thinking and Decision Making In the first journal entry, the heart of the matter or the core issue in a situation was noted to be the most essential in ensuring that it is solved properly.
  • The Importance of Critical Thinking at Work I have a strong ability to learn the most from all situations and recall similar situations that I have been in before in an attempt to decide what to do.
  • Assumptions and Critical Thinking Assumptions refer to the things that a researcher might take for granted in the research process, yet they are very important, as far as the success of the research is concerned. An individual is encouraged […]
  • Perception and Critical Thinking: The Relations Between the Cognitive Processes Critical thinking is possible if different parts of the brain adequately assess the relevance of various external stimuli.
  • Political Sciences: Nelson Mandela as a Critical Thinker One of the aspects that make Mandela a critical thinker is his ability to reflect on ideas, beliefs, arguments, and conclusions.
  • Using CTQs and CTDs to Develop Critical Thinking CTQ and CTD can help a person develop critical thinking, as it is an algorithm of actions and a set of questions, the study of which directs the brain to the process of critical thinking.
  • The Importance of Critical Thinking Consequently, a manager may rely on the CT technique of using ISs to aid in DM by examining the nature of information exchange and generating a sound stance toward resolving an issue.
  • Critical Thinking: Definition and Characteristics One of the concept’s definitions is “the ability to analyze information objectively and make a reasoned judgment”. Ryan proposes a similar explanation, “Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment”.
  • Critical Thinking: Immigrants’ Experiences The present paper analyzes the experiences of immigrants from Japan, China, and Mexico, as well as the history of Black Americans in the North.
  • Critical Thinking on the Border Crossings Argument Since both of these factors are morally unimportant, they should not constitute restrictions on the movement of people across borders. Therefore: Morally unimportant factors are not a valid argument for prohibiting the suppression of states’ […]
  • International Drug Trafficking: Critical Thinking Moreover, it is of concern that the power of drug traffickers is constantly growing and that they are influencing the economic and political affairs of cities.
  • Learning Strategies for Critical Thinking It improves the students’ comprehension skills of the acquired material, as they learn to obtain the necessary information. Finally, it encourages teamwork, as they cooperate to achieve the goals.
  • Importance of Encouraging Critical Thinking Moreover, the method of forward-thinking, which contributes to improving critical thinking by developing optimism and logic in students, will be implemented.
  • Instructional Strategies for Critical Thinking The most notable strategies include the use of other points of view, reading a lot, and analyzing things as they are seen.
  • Media Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills Media literacy implies an understanding by the audience of the basic principles of the work of the media, including the search for the necessary information, understanding the principles of the formation of messages by different […]
  • Decision Making, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking Because there is a low retention rate in the profession. Why is there a low retention rate in the profession?
  • Assumptions and Critical Thinking: Overview Implicitness, as the ability to contain information that is not explicitly expressed, is a category of text that is complex, integral, and has various ways of manifestation. The difference is that in the first case, […]
  • Perception and Critical Thinking Critical thinking is an essential ability that helps people investigate the environment, find information, and make decisions. The scenario above is an example of critical thinking that is essential for individuals.
  • Importance of Critical Thinking As for the heart of the matter, it is essential to define three types of thinking here: comparative, ideological, and empirical. Empirical thinking is the thinking of facts and the conclusions that are possible from […]
  • The Role in Education in Critical Thinking Development I try to walk the audience through my research process using critical thinking, and I see improved results in their response.
  • Teamwork and Critical Thinking The analyst role is essential to team thinking in nursing practice because it enables the nurses to realize all the aspects of the situation, providing a wider view.
  • Critical Thinking in Diagnosing Sepsis Most likely, this is a generalized nonspecific infectious and inflammatory process caused by the penetration of uroinfectious pathogens and their toxins into the bloodstream. The abdomen of the patient is soft, flat and non-tender, with […]
  • Critical Thinking in the Medical Field The strengths that can contribute to my success as a critical thinker are empathy, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. Critical thinking is correlated with an entire set of different skills as it can be […]
  • Critical Thinking Incident in Clinical Nursing The confusion resulting in the outcomes is caused by the continuous and demanding activities undertaken by the providers and the failure to inquire about the effects of the action taken.
  • Critical Thinking Elements in Nursing The ability to introduce the elements of critical thinking into problem management and address patients’ needs is one of the principal skills that students will have to develop to have a proper clinical practice.
  • Critical Thinking in a Personal Decision However, the anticipated outcome of the solution is to create a way to reflect on my past while reevaluating the decisions I made back then and starting afresh, and therefore, this decision will give me […]
  • How to Teach Your Child to Be a Critical Thinker The use of particular methods, tactics, and strategies of encouragement is the key to the development of a unique system of judgments and certain abilities, skills, and talents in solving difficult moments.
  • Critical Thinking and What Constitutes This Ability One, a critical thinker must have the ability to engage in both independent and reflective thinking. The other standard blocks associated with critical thinking are that a person must be willing to reflect on the […]
  • Creative and Critical Thinking in Case of Lack of Water In order to identify the significance of creative and critical thinking in the situation presented, it is necessary to dwell on the definition of the process of creative thinking.
  • Discussion of Critical Thinking I believe this study qualifies to be the primary data source for the investigation of the relationship between the reputation of the seller and their performance in the market.
  • Critical Thinking. Start-Up Success and Growth Vic Ahmed, the founder of Innovation Pavilion, can be considered a successful entrepreneur as he can take risks, which is one of a businessman’s essential qualities. The factor determining their progress is based on a […]
  • The Nature of Arguments and Critical Thinking An example is: Alaska is one of the states of the United States of America. This is the reasoning to which the standard of validity or logical correctness can be applied.
  • Critical Thinking: Multinational Strategic Management At some point in the management of this organization, the policies that have been formulated to ensure that the operations of the firm are smooth and efficient have failed in application. This is because they […]
  • Critical Thinking in the Writing Process The academic writing process can be summarized by five distinctive stages. First, the discovery and investigation stages require writers to engage with sources.
  • “Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to Teach Critical Thinking…” by Nentl Information should be synthesized during the academic writing process. The first part of the process is knowledge, a type of category that involves remembering information.
  • Critical Thinking: Examining the Claims About Salespeople The third claim to be examined is the assertion that salespeople are not doing a great job and, therefore, have to be kicked out from the organization in order to help the management improve sales.
  • Critical Thinking Activity Overview For this critical thinking activity, I decided to watch the episodes of a Reality TV show and a News show whose the main purposes are entertainment and the provocation of emotions.
  • Ethical Understandings and Critical Thinking in Education The success of the paradigm reflects the dramatic change in the perception of education goals that has happened throughout the last century.
  • Critical Thinking and Practice of the Registered Nurse There is a lot of proficiency that can be gained in relation to reasoning and this is where critical thinking comes in.
  • Use of Critical Thinking in the Diagnostic Process With the realization that the responses provided by patients are foundational in diagnoses, it is emphasized that nurses need to encompass CT during nursing diagnoses as this helps in unraveling the complexity and uniqueness of […]
  • Applying Critical Thinking Processes to Professional Practice The 8 phases of clinical reasoning helped the team understand and analyse the contextual factors contributing to Jenny’s health and identify roles of health professionals involved in the case management.
  • Critical Thinking of Palestine For instance, the levels of suffering and poverty have increased in the region due to the problem of desertification. Learners should consider such issues and be ready to be part of the problem.
  • The Issue of Traffic Congestion in Atlanta: Composition and Critical Thinking In the following paper, the issue of traffic congestion in Atlanta will be addressed in terms of its possible solutions that could be implemented with the aim of solving it.
  • Warnick’s “Critical Thinking and Communication” Book’s Marketing Analysis The book “Critical Thinking and Communication: The Use of Reason in Argument ” by Edward Inch and Barbara Warnick can be evaluated as one of the best textbooks on the art of rhetoric, developing arguments, […]
  • Biodiesel: Statistical Fallacy and Critical Thinking In this article, the author quotes a world bank report that argued that Bio fuels in American and Europe has pushed food prices up by more than 75 % contradicting another White House report that […]
  • Critical Thinking: Mindsets and Biases Most of the perceptions that people have about most of the things in this world are shaped by mindsets and biases.
  • Critical Thinking: Thought and Intellectual Standard Elements of thoughts and intellectual standards are very vital parts of the critical thinking process and this essay will look at some of the elements of thoughts and intellectual standards in details.
  • Critical Thinking in a Work-Related Decision It was at that instance that Larry paid a lot of attention and told Scott that his uncle owned a condo in the exact region Scott intended to visit.
  • Steve Williams on Critical Thinking Review The following are the processes that he recommends to be taken; The first step in making a good decision is defining the challenge that calls for a decision to be made.
  • Whistleblowing Is an Act Representative of Critical Thinkers Analyzing the definitions of “whistleblowing” and “critical thinking”, it is possible to make a conclusion that these concepts have similar meanings.
  • Problem-Solving Simulation and Critical Thinking There are three animals in question and a man who needs to cross the animals to the other side of the river; the dog, the mouse and the cat.
  • Ethics and Critical Thinking in Business It entails weighing of the pros and cons of using the devices in the context in which they are used. It is imperative for casinos to deter any form of cheat to be fair in […]
  • Whistleblowing and Representation of Critical Thinkers In Allegory of the Cave, the Plato presents the idea that a person who has seen the fire or “the light” is able to see the reality and the truth.
  • Critical Thinking. Asking the Right Questions Questions are the essence of study and cognition, consequently, the ability to ask questions is at the center of any thinking process, especially critical thinking, which is aimed at reviewing and analyzing.
  • Obesity Tackling on Critical Thinking Standards It is impossible to stop the implementation of technology and invention in daily life. The solutions of the reasoning are accurate in the way that it is dealt with in this paper.
  • Critical Thinking in the Medical Care Delivery System Issues pertaining to truth or mission of truth is a frustrating, discouraging, tiring, and long journey because most of the individuals who have industries or organizations ties may attempt to mislead other people.
  • How to Become a Critical Thinker: Discussion Critical thinking is not low order thinking which basically involves processing of information that enables one to know where to cross the road, when to go to bed and or go for lunch but a […]
  • Critical Thinking With Obesity Technically, obesity is a condition of the human body in which the bodyweight of an individual is much higher than the normal prescribed weight and is measured by checking the Body Mass Index of the […]
  • How to Become an Accomplished Critical Thinker Critical thinking is a way of thinking that must be taught and practiced before it becomes a habit of mind because critical thinking involves the exercise of a great many skills at the same time.
  • Critical Thinking Applied to Theory, Concepts and Variables To effect reintegration and maximize restorative justice, Braithwaite’s theory suggested, the shaming approaches needed to: Emphasize a “moralizing approach” rather than punitive social control in order to be relevant to the postmodern American social context; […]
  • What Critical Thinking Is and How to Become an Accomplished Critical Thinker? In that regard, a definition that covers all the concepts of critical thinking might be considered as follows: Critical thinking is the use of those cognitive skills or strategies that increase the probability of a […]
  • Rap Culture and Music: Critical Thinking Thanks mainly to the champions of the folk revival of the 1960s and the dynamic African-American musicians leading the Civil Rights Movement, serious – and highly volatile – problems such as social injustice, hypocrisy, war-mongering, […]
  • Reasoning and Critical Thinking in Daily Life As a counterpoint to the idea that expert behavior is the best place to look for generally useful strategies, The goal of producing descriptive theories of how people go about solving problems and the development […]
  • The Critical Thinking GEN 480: The CEO of AcuScan The purpose of the paper is to present an executive summary of the case for the CEO of AcuScan. It would preview the main points of the document, enabling readers to build a mental framework […]
  • The Socratic Method: Fostering Critical Thinking The Socratic Method is a philosophical mode of questioning that involves the investigation of connotations of other situations that are related to the topic of inquiry itself.
  • Influence and Application of Critical Thinking The information processing and critical thinking had been regarded above, and it is directly linked with reading the same factors of critical thinking influence both: reading and information processing.
  • Presidents Misdeeds: Ethics and Critical Thinking The same applies to what is right and what is wrong that is what is right or wrong differs from individual to individual, group to group, society to society.
  • Online Social Networking and Critical Thinking The purpose of this paper is to assess whether this technology has helped to enhance the critical thinking ability and the effective writing skills of a person.”A social networking site is an online place where […]
  • Critical Thinking and Decision Making in Professional and Personal Life The critical thinking and decision-making procedures are very important and essential in dispensation the amount of order that is pushed on us daylight hours the following day.
  • Mobile Technology Impact on Critical Thinking Abilities in Nurses The issue of the research is absent from the abstract, but the point is that it is not clearly declared in the main body.
  • Leaders’ Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills At the same time, the main barriers to effective decision-making are perceptual and emotional biases, as well as such phenomena as groupthink or collective thinking, referring to the tendency to agree with the opinion of […]
  • Multinational Enterprise in Critical Thinking The wave of globalization has led to the establishment of many corporations that operate in different countries or regions. According to this concept, they produce goods that are marketed in different parts of the world.
  • Critical Thinking in Business Management In order to prevent the development of confirmation bias, managers must be aware of it and ready to learn and accept new information.
  • Critical Thinking Skills for Postgraduate Study 1 However, to be able to explore a certain area and converse with others effectively, critical thinking is not enough, In addition to the ability to discern between the sensible and the nonsensical, one also […]
  • Critical Thinking Development in Students It is necessary to note that people who are able to think critically can actually make a difference and contribute to development of the entire humanity.
  • Critical Thinking and Society Exercise For instance, using fossil fuels as the main source of energy has led to the degradation of the environment through toxic emissions. Opinion can be used to redirect the process of thinking by weighing the […]
  • The Eleven Steps in the Critical Thinking Method It was also pointed out the certainty that the members of the union will lose their jobs because of the government’s drive to achieve efficiency although there is nothing in the proposal that can compel […]
  • Decision Making and Critical Thinking When making a certain decision, it is important to consider all the involved elements in order to achieve the desired results and avoid consequences that would affect either party in a negative manner.
  • Critical Thinking Skills for Company’s Communication It is therefore important that the company introduces a new product in the market to regain its position as the leader in the market.
  • Best Practices in Critical Thinking and Decision Making Thus, it is the role of the critical thinker to make sure that the evaluation drawn from such a breakdown is defensible.
  • Critical Thinking and Writing Skills Reflection I have gained so much academically from studying this writing course, and I believe that the skills and knowledge gained from Clouse and Grevstad’s The Student Writer: Editor and Critic will go a long way […]
  • Critical Thinking in the Decision-Making Processes According to Ennis, one can view “critical thinking as a way of becoming aware of and taking control of one’s thinking processes to think more effectively”.
  • Critical Thinking, Mission and Leadership Statement This is because it consists of a detailed guideline that takes into consideration all the factors in the environment that may influence the goals, missions, and leadership statements. The position of a leader that I […]
  • Critical Thinking for University Students Critical thinking refers to the process of skillful and active conceptualization, synthesis, application, evaluation, and analysis of information gathered from various sources and in various ways to guide one’s actions and beliefs. Examinations and tests […]
  • Believing Game as Critical Thinking Approach The doubting game is considered to be an essential approach to this process. Moreover, this approach helps to evaluate the personal position and to see its possible drawbacks and weak spots.
  • Critical Thinking in Business & Life Decision-Making Such a method is beneficial for its practical application to determine and make tradeoffs within the context of set objectives as well as the range of alternatives to them.
  • Does Group Discussion Improve Critical Thinking Skills? And a divisive question among psychologists and educators is the use of group work and discussion as a means to develop critical thinking.
  • Students’ Critical Thinking Skills Development If Tsui only states the perspectives according to which it is possible to reform the existing approach to enhance the students’ critical thinking abilities with references to the conducted research, Payne and Gainey provide the […]
  • Doctoral Demeanor, Responsibility, Critical Thinking It has been demonstrated that the outward expression of an individual greatly determines how he or she is perceived by other persons. If the demeanor attributes are not pleasing other people, the individual could be […]
  • Critical Thinking: Developing Skills At that time, the ability to think critically and recognize the deeper meaning of information coming from the outside world became more attractive due to the pressure of the totalitarian governments that were operating in […]
  • Critical Thinking vs. Scientific Authority Even before Painter carried out the experiment on human chromosomes, previous studies on the same had already confirmed a total of 23 pairs of chromosomes.
  • Breach of a Law: Critical Thinking The case discussed in this paper is an excellent example of an ethical challenge in which one participating company must decide on a course of action including whether to continue as one of the parties […]
  • Critical Thinking Benefits in Decision-Making Processes It is the purpose of this paper to provide an example of critical thinking application at the personal level in addition to critically discussing the importance and benefits of critical thinking in decision-making processes.
  • Critical Thinking and Paraphrasing: The Word “War” The writer’s opinion brings out the negative side of the word’s interpretation or significance and portrays lack of enough objectives and more productive terms of the language.
  • Public Speaking: Ethics and Critical Thinking The audience should be able to trust the speaker. The speaker will also use valid arguments and facts before presenting his or her findings to the audience.
  • Critical Thinking Tools in Decision Making Process The authors suggest that critical thinking will aid individuals in dealing with the qualms of the contemporary society and become secure in the choices they make.
  • Homeland Security’s Critical Thinking Model The ‘best’ critical thinking model that is established in this essay consists of a combination of other critical thinking models that have been employed in the past.
  • Congress’ Work in Critical Thinking: A User’s Manual As the matter of fact, the argument of the statement is centered on that fact that the only opportunity to pass the bill is to be flexible and use sweet-talking as the approach to influence […]
  • Critical Thinking Skills in Emergency Management Therefore, critical thinking plays a crucial role in the success of the response to emergencies. This aspect requires all the involved parties to understand the nature of the crisis that they are handling.
  • Education: Critical Thinking Process Critical thinking refers to the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information or a situation. It entails the practice of engaging in independent and reflective thinking to identify and evaluate ideas to make informed decisions.
  • Critical Thinking and Decisions Making in Business, Management and Relationships Critical thinking is one of the most important skills required in making various decisions that pertain to business, management, relationships, and every other aspect of life.
  • Critical Thinking and Development of the Writer’s Reflection Techniques The view of the previous research is assessed and a decision is reached by the writer. Analysis is persuasive and the theory of critical writing will support the writer’s analysis.
  • The Steps of Critical Thinking: Memo She rejects the governor’s offer of privatizing the management function of the DMV information systems of the state, and says that the plight of the workers should have been considered.
  • Critical Thinking Paper: Executive Compensation Although most advocates of the high levels of executive compensation, especially for CEOs, argue that the suitability of compensation is determined through the market process of wage negotiation rather than a simple process of introspection, […]
  • Critical Thinking in Health Care Compared to Fero et al.’s key CT skills of autonomous interventions, clinical judgment, and analysis and interpretation of problems, Robert and Petersen identify risk estimation, and analysis and evaluation of diagnosis as the key aspects […]
  • Instructional Design, Constructivism, and Learning Sciences In the context of the gaming theory discussed before, the outer aspect of the game involves the interaction of the external stimuli through enhancement of the thinking process to determine the best possible strategies of […]
  • Bloom’s Taxonomy and Critical Thinking As of the strong sides of this approach, these are the clear definition of the stages of cognitive operations and the distinction that is made between them.
  • “The Development of Lexical Fluency in a Second Language” by Kroll et al. Methodology is a broader term that encompasses the theories and perspectives that underlies the research as well as the methods that are used in conducting the research.
  • Critical Thinking and Intelligence Analysis On the other hand, when speaking about the scientists who predicted war in various parts of the Earth, one can make a conclusion that biases in evaluating evidence as well as diagnostic techniques were used […]
  • What Is Critical Thinking? It seems that critical thinking can be defined as a cognitive process which involves unbiased evaluation and analysis of information as well the generation of new ideas or arguments. This is one of the points […]
  • Two Definitions of Critical Thinking Second, critical thinking is knowledge of the methods of logical inquiry and reasoning. Components of critical thinking seek and treat information in their ways, involve continual use of skills, and acknowledge the outcomes of the […]
  • HR Critical Thinking: Where Do You Find the Bodies? In order to maintain the employees, they should be treated well in that there should better working conditions and terms. The mechanics should be hired on better working conditions and terms in order to maintain […]
  • The Development of Ability to Critical Thinking That is why it is necessary to find new approaches to the analysis of many aspects of our everyday life. One more important aspect or objective for improving of your critical thinking is the necessity […]
  • Communication Systems, Ethical Issues, and Organizational Processes in the Hospital The meeting revolves around this and it is towards the end that Chris realizes that he was being briefed on the challenges affecting the hospital and that he is to use this information in coming […]
  • Critical Thinking: Level of Reasoning and Making Judgments This is because such offices are important in that they hold the keys to either the success or the failure of the corporations.
  • Critical Thinking and the Concept of Utility Taking into account that the search and satisfaction of customers needs are the fundaments in the profitability and overall effectiveness of the business, the efforts should be made by the firm to find the market […]
  • Corporate External and Internal Communication Argenti has discussed how a business’ corporate communication of internal and external communication to its constituencies should be, in the third and the seventh chapter his book Corporate Communication.
  • Critical Thinking: Knowledge and Understanding In spite of the fact that knowledge enhances the intellectual capacity of the people, it deprives them of the ability to think critically about the information that they have amassed.
  • Natural Science, Ethics, and Critical Thinking The consequences of the results of stem cell research have been under greater scrutiny and the rightness or wrongness of the practice is very unclear.
  • Critical Thinking and Worldview The purpose of life in Christianity’s view is to serve God. This is a big contrast to the Buddhism view on destiny.
  • The Importance and Relevance of Critical Thinking in Both the Classroom and the Outside World By use of type of critical thinking, the student has the ability to analyze and evaluate different concepts to come up with the best solution.
  • Critical Thinking and Its Role in Real Life Situations There are other instances in our lives that will always need critical thinking and this is a fact that we have to live with.
  • Critical Thinking About the Vietnam Conflict This forced the U.S.into supporting the establishment of an adversarial Vietnamese Republic in the south while arming, advising, and training the newly formed Army of the Republic of Vietnam.
  • What Is Critical Thinking, and How Is It Important in Our Lives? A critical thinker is one with the ability to solve a problem intellectually and skillfully by identifying the problem, conceptualizing on the same, analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information gathered and to exercise their best judgment […]
  • Critical Thinking as the Most Effective Learned Skill These are the features of critical thinking that we shall compare to the three commonly applied approaches of critical thinking to determine the approach that is most ideal.
  • The Importance of Being a Good Critical Thinker According to the article, there are a growing number of social networks that can be adopted to sell or dispense information; the networks include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Yahoo Chat.
  • Critical Thinking Application Paper The evaluation critical thinking paper gives an example that required critical thinking as well as the importance and benefits of critical thinking in decision making process.
  • Critical Thinking and Actively and Skillfully Conceptualizing A problem can come from any part of the organization and being able to identify the specific problem is the most important thing in the process of critical thinking.
  • Critical Thinking in Problem Solving The common practice disorients the attention of the driver and endangers the lives of other individuals using the road. Thus, the technique has been employed to increase the production of food so as to meet […]
  • How Can Teachers Teach Critical Thinking? Despite the fact that, as we have mentioned earlier, the growing number of educators come to realize the indispensability of providing students with a stimulus to develop critical thinking, only few of them seem to […]
  • Critical Thinking and What Really Constitutes Critical Thinking This essay is going to apply the elements of critical thinking to the report of September 11, 2001 concerning the attacks on the United States.
  • What Is Critical Thinking?
  • How Does Critical Thinking Help Students?
  • What Does a Critical Thinking Essay Refer To?
  • Does Mindfulness Enhance Critical Think?
  • What Is the Role of Critical Thinking in the World Today?
  • What is the Difference Between the Critical Thinking and the Nonconscious Thinking? This paper states that critical thinking skills and nonconscious thinking are not mutually exclusive phenomena. They occur in parallel but are interconnected.
  • How Can Critical Thinking and Ethics Affect One’s Life?
  • What Are the Scope of Fallacies as They Relate to Creative and Critical Thinking?
  • Does Simulation Have Any Effect on the Self Confidence or Critical Thinking?
  • What Is the Importance of Individuality, Self-Knowledge, and Self-Worth in Critical Thinking?
  • How Will Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Techniques Assist in Duties as a Field Grade Officer?
  • What Is the Meaning of Critical Thinking to Our World Today?
  • Should Teach Critical Thinking in High School?
  • How Can Critical Thinking Be Used in Everyday Life?
  • What Effect Does Simulation Lab Have on Critical Thinking and Confidence?
  • How Does Critical Thinking and Ethics Affect Therapeutic Communication in the Treatment of Mental Health Patients?
  • What Role Does Language and Language Diversity Play in the Critical Thinking?
  • How Do Reading, Critical Thinking, and Writing Relate to One Another?
  • What Is the Connection Between Communication and Critical Thinking Skills?
  • How Can Critical Thinking Be Enhanced Among Students?
  • Is There a Link Between Critical Thinking and Money?
  • What Is Link Between Reflective Analysis and Critical Thinking?
  • Is There a Link Between Critical Thinking, Reflective Analysis, and Ethics in the World Today?
  • What Are the Benefits of Applied Critical Thinking to Organizations and Businesses Today?
  • How Well Are Our Schools Influencing Our Critical Thinking and Promoting Imagination in Students?
  • What Are the Arguments in Critical Thinking?
  • How Can I Improve My Critical Thinking Skills?
  • Are There Any Trends in Critical Thinking?
  • What Is the Scope of Creative Thinking About Critical Thinking?
  • How Important Is Critical Thinking to Your Problem-Solving Process?
  • What Are the Benefits of Learning Critical Thinking Skills?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2024, March 2). 175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/critical-thinking-essay-topics/

"175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 2 Mar. 2024, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/critical-thinking-essay-topics/.

IvyPanda . (2024) '175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 2 March.

IvyPanda . 2024. "175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/critical-thinking-essay-topics/.

1. IvyPanda . "175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/critical-thinking-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/critical-thinking-essay-topics/.

  • Systems Thinking Essay Ideas
  • Brain Titles
  • Literary Criticism Research Ideas
  • Mind Research Ideas
  • Problem Solving Essay Ideas
  • Logic Topics
  • International Studies Ideas
  • Personal Ethics Titles
  • Cultural Psychology Ideas
  • Economic Topics
  • Learning Styles Essay Topics
  • Forensic Accounting Paper Topics
  • Employee Engagement Essay Topics
  • Pedagogy Topics
  • Self-Reflection Research Topics

30 Controversial But Good Debate Topics For High School Students

Are you searching for thought-provoking and engaging debate topics for your students? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 159 very good debate topics that will challenge and stimulate discussions in your classroom. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, these topics will surely pique your interest and inspire critical thinking.

Debate Topics For Students

In this section, we will explore a variety of controversial debate topics that are perfect for students to discuss and analyze. These topics range from issues within schools such as cell phone usage and dress codes, to larger societal issues like social media’s impact and the death penalty.

Each sub-section will provide thought-provoking debate questions and keywords to help guide the discussion. So whether you’re looking for an ESL activity or a stimulating classroom debate, these topics are sure to engage and challenge your students.

1. Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In Schools?

  • Research the Policy: Investigate the cell phone policy in both public and private schools to understand the current regulations.
  • Evaluate the Pros and Cons: Consider the impact of cell phone usage on student learning, safety, and social interactions.
  • Collect Data: Gather statistics and studies about cell phone usage in schools to support your arguments.
  • Consider Alternative Perspectives: Explore the viewpoints of parents, teachers, and students through debate questions on platforms like Kialo Edu .

Pro-tip: Use this topic as an engaging ESL activity by encouraging students to debate the issue using their English language skills and critical thinking abilities.

2. Is Social Media More Harmful Than Beneficial?

Social media’s impact on mental health is a topic of concern, particularly among younger individuals. The debate on whether social media is more harmful than beneficial raises significant points.

Users, including white people and individuals of other races , are affected by cyberbullying and negative self-comparison. On the other hand, it provides connectivity and a platform for activism. Balancing these aspects is crucial.

3. Should Schools Implement Dress Codes?

  • Public schools: Assess the existing dress code, gather feedback, and involve students in the decision-making process.
  • Private schools: Research the rationale behind dress codes, evaluate the impact on students, and consider alternative approaches.

When debating this topic, students can explore the impact of dress codes on self-expression, examine cultural and gender implications, and discuss the balance between individual freedom and school discipline.

For ESL activities, encourage students to articulate their viewpoints, use debate questions from educational platforms like Kialo Edu, and foster critical thinking skills.

4. Is Homework Necessary?

For the debate topic ‘Is Homework Necessary?’ considering teens’ daily leisure time is crucial. College Vine suggests that homework should be meaningful, original, and not just busy work. Public libraries are excellent resources for teens to conduct research and gather evidence to support their arguments on this topic. Understanding how homework affects teens’ lives is essential, as it sparks interest and impacts their academic performance.

5. Should The Voting Age Be Lowered To 16?

In Scotland, the voting age for Scottish Parliament and local council elections was lowered to 16 in 2015. It allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the Scottish independence referendum, marking a historic democratic expansion. Should other countries model after this?

  • Research the current voting age laws in your country.
  • Understand the impact of lowering the voting age on government structure and policies.
  • Consider the maturity and responsibility levels of 16-year-olds in making informed decisions concerning national matters.
  • Analyze the potential implications of the voting age on other age-restricted activities, such as same-sex marriage and drug legalization.
  • Review case studies from countries where the voting age has been lowered to 16.

6. Is Climate Change A Hoax?

Climate change is not a hoax, evidenced by scientific consensus and observable phenomena. In the United States, government structures have implemented policies to mitigate its impact. This topic sparks intense debate, reflecting the relevance of environmental issues. Just as same-sex marriage, drug legalization, and other controversial topics, the urgency of climate change demands attention.

The relevance of the topic is crucial, influencing its significance in modern discourse.

7. Should The Death Penalty Be Abolished?

  • Research the history and impact of the death penalty on society.
  • Evaluate the ethical and moral implications of capital punishment.
  • Analyze the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent for crime.
  • Consider the financial and social implications, such as the cost of legal proceedings and the impact on families.
  • Examine the societal impact, including potential biases in sentencing and the concept of rehabilitation.
  • Explore the concept of a livable wage and its implications for society.

8. Is Gun Control Necessary?

Yes, gun control is essential for public safety and crime prevention. It’s a hotly debated issue in the United States due to its government structure and constitutional rights. Finding a balanced approach is crucial, similar to the deliberation on same-sex marriage or the legalization of drugs.

One true story that aligns with this discourse is the advocacy for stricter gun regulations following tragic mass shootings, reflecting the ongoing debate on this pivotal topic.

9. Should College Education Be Free?

Whether college education should be free is an engaging debate topic for students. Considering College Vine data, 79% of teens love to know they can access higher education without financial constraints. It’s a pertinent topic, given that students spend their daily leisure time at public libraries , and original sources indicate the rising cost of tuition. To encourage critical thinking, students can research and organize arguments, preparing for an insightful discussion.

10. Is Online Learning As Effective As Traditional Classroom Learning? (Keywords

The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning has been a topic of debate. Both methods have their own advantages, with online learning offering flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of resources.

Traditional classroom learning , however, allows for face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback. The effectiveness of each method may vary depending on individual learning styles, subjects, and teaching approaches.

11. Universal Basic Income (UBI)

The debate over Universal Basic Income (UBI) centers on whether providing a fixed income to all citizens, regardless of employment status, is an effective strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce income inequality. Proponents argue that UBI can offer financial security and address economic disparities, while opponents express concerns about feasibility, economic sustainability, and potential disincentives to work.

12. Climate Change Policies

This debate delves into the adequacy of current global initiatives to combat climate change. Advocates argue for more ambitious policies, emphasizing the urgent need to address environmental issues, while skeptics may question the feasibility, economic impact, and effectiveness of proposed measures.

13. Is the trade-off between convenience and online privacy justified in the digital age?

The debate on online privacy revolves around the balance between the convenience of digital services and the protection of individuals’ privacy.

Supporters of a more permissive approach argue that convenience is essential for technological advancements, while privacy advocates stress the importance of safeguarding personal data in an era of increasing digital connectivity.

14. School Uniforms need to be enforced for students benefits

Supporters argue that uniforms promote equality and reduce distractions, while opponents emphasize the importance of students’ freedom to express themselves through clothing.

15. Censorship in the Arts

Should there be limits on artistic expression, and to what extent should art and media be censored Advocates for censorship may emphasize societal values and protecting audiences, while opponents argue for artistic freedom and the importance of diverse perspectives in creative works.

16. Social Media Regulation

Should governments regulate social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy? Supporters of regulation highlight the need to curb the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy, while opponents may express concerns about potential infringements on free speech and innovation.

17. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Are genetically modified foods safe for consumption, and should they be more widely embraced to address global food security? The discussion on GMOs focuses on the safety of genetically modified foods and their role in addressing global food security. Advocates argue that GMOs offer solutions to food scarcity and agricultural challenges, while critics raise concerns about potential health risks, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

18. Mandatory Voting

Proponents argue that mandatory voting ensures broader representation and a more engaged electorate, while opponents may express concerns about individual freedoms and the potential for uninformed voting.

19. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Should there be ethical guidelines and regulations for the development and use of artificial intelligence The discussion on artificial intelligence delves into the ethical implications of AI development and use.

Advocates for regulation stress the need to address potential risks, biases, and accountability issues, while proponents of a less restrictive approach may emphasize the benefits of technological advancement and innovation.

20. Affirmative Action

Is affirmative action in college admissions a fair and effective way to address historical inequalities?

Affirmative action is a contentious policy that seeks to redress historical disadvantages faced by certain groups. The debate centers on whether this approach is justifiable and successful in promoting diversity in educational institutions or if alternative methods should be considered to address inequality.

21. Space Exploration Funding

Should governments invest more in space exploration, or should those funds be allocated to address pressing issues on Earth?

The allocation of resources for space exploration is a perennial debate. Advocates argue that space exploration drives scientific innovation, while opponents question the prioritization of these endeavors over more immediate and pressing concerns on Earth. This debate delves into the balance between advancing human knowledge and addressing critical issues on our planet.

22. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Should individuals have the right to choose euthanasia or assisted suicide when facing terminal illnesses?The ethical dilemma surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide revolves around individual autonomy, the sanctity of life, and medical ethics.

This debate explores the extent to which individuals should have the right to make end-of-life decisions, considering the implications for personal autonomy, medical ethics, and societal values.

23. Animal Testing

Using animals in scientific research raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the necessity of such practices. Advocates argue that animal testing is crucial for medical advancements, while opponents advocate for developing and implementing alternative methods.

This debate delves into the balance between scientific progress and the ethical treatment of animals. Is animal testing justified for scientific and medical research, or should alternative methods be prioritized?

24. What level of gun control is appropriate to balance public safety with individual rights?

Gun control debates revolve around finding a balance between individual rights to bear arms and the need to ensure public safety. Advocates for stricter gun control measures argue that they are necessary to reduce gun violence, while opponents emphasize the importance of protecting individual liberties. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between personal freedoms and societal safety.

25. How should the education system be reformed to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century?

The ongoing debate on education reform centers on the need to adapt traditional educational models to meet the demands of the 21st century. Discussions often revolve around curriculum changes, the integration of technology, and the fostering of critical thinking skills. This debate explores how educational systems can evolve to prepare students for an ever-changing world.

26. Should countries have more open or restrictive immigration policies, and how should they address the refugee crisis?

Immigration policies are a global issue, with debates surrounding national security, economic impact, and humanitarian considerations. Advocates for more open policies emphasize cultural diversity and economic benefits, while those favoring restrictions focus on cesources and national identity. This debate delves into the complex balance between humanitarian efforts and national interests.

27. To what extent does the use of social media contribute to or alleviate mental health issues among young people?

The pervasive use of social media among young people has sparked discussions about its impact on mental health. Advocates argue that social media provides a platform for connection and support, while critics highlight its potential adverse effects, such as cyberbullying and unrealistic body image standards. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between social media use and mental well-being.

28. Is nuclear energy a viable and safe alternative to fossil fuels, or should we focus more on renewable energy sources?

The debate on nuclear energy centers on its potential as a clean energy source and concerns about safety and environmental impact.

Advocates argue that atomic energy can significantly reduce carbon emissions, while opponents express reservations about the potential for accidents and the long-term effects of nuclear waste. This debate explores the trade-offs between addressing climate change and ensuring energy production safety.

29. Should the start times of high schools be adjusted to better align with students’ sleep patterns and well-being 

The debate on school start times revolves around the impact of early start times on students’ sleep patterns and overall well-being. Advocates for later start times argue that they contribute to improved academic performance and mental health, while opponents question the logistical challenges and potential disruptions to family schedules. This debate explores the intersection of education and student health.

30. Privacy vs. Security – What should be our focus?

Balancing individual privacy rights with national security measures in the age of technology. Advocates tend to argue that privacy is a fundamental human right that should be protected against unwarranted intrusion.

Proponents emphasize the necessity of robust security measures to safeguard citizens from various threats, including terrorism and cyberattacks.

Where can I find varied viewpoints on controversial issues?

Websites like 5 Star Essays and The Top Tens offer lists of debate topics with varied viewpoints. You can also look for articles and resources from reputable sources to gather different perspectives on an issue.

Can students participate in group discussions on controversial issues?

Yes, group discussions can be a great way for students to explore controversial issues and hear different perspectives. You can facilitate a respectful and productive discussion by setting ground rules and actively listening to others’ viewpoints.

Key Takeaways:

  • Debate allows students to explore varied viewpoints and engage in ongoing discussions, providing a valuable learning experience for both public and private school students.
  • Debate helps students develop critical thinking skills, gain new perspectives, and engage in important discussions on social topics such as drug tests and government assistance.
  • Preparation is key for a successful debate – from choosing a topic and conducting research to organizing arguments and practicing delivery. Debate topics range from controversial issues to everyday concerns like cell phones in schools and homework.

That’s it for our guide on broad, controversial debate topics that are good for students. You can delve into each topic in more detail and of course adjust each debate topic for relevance and appropriateness depending on the maturity and age of your students.

critical thinking topics for students

Editorial Staff

Critical Essay

Critical Essay Topics

Barbara P

Best Critical Essay Topics & Ideas to Choose from

12 min read

Published on: Sep 15, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

Critical Essay Topics

People also read

Critical Essay Writing - An Ultimate Guide

Critical Essay Outline -Step by Step Guide & Samples

Share this article

Are you struggling to find a critical essay topic that captures your interest and engages your readers?

The process of finding the perfect topic can be overwhelming, especially when the pressure is on to deliver a compelling argument. But fear not! 

In this blog, we have compiled a list of critical essay topics that are sure to get your critical thinking skills flowing. Whether you are interested in literature, sociology, or any other subject, we have a variety of topics for you.

So, let's explore the world of critical essays and find the perfect topic for your next assignment!

On This Page On This Page -->

Good Critical Essay Topics

To develop your creative skills, here are some essay topics and ideas to choose from and craft a well-written essay.

Critical Essay Topics for College Students

  • Fictional portrayal of mental illness and public perception
  • Ethics of artificial intelligence: implications of ai
  • Balancing appreciation and exploitation of cultures in fashion.
  • Social media's impact on political discourse
  • Addressing mental health stigma in society through literature
  • Pop culture's role in gender stereotypes
  • Climate change and indigenous communities: vulnerability and resilience
  • Ethics of genetic engineering: dilemmas in gene editing
  • Exploring real-world effects of video games and violence
  • Marginalized voices in mainstream media: inclusion and representation

Are you in search of an ultimate guide on critical essays? Check out this guide on critical essays to get comprehensive information and valuable insights!

Critical Essay Topics for High School Students

  • The role of social media in shaping teenage behavior and attitudes
  • The portrayal of racial and ethnic minorities in film and television
  • The impact of technology on modern dating and relationships
  • The effects of bullying on mental health and well-being
  • The influence of music on youth culture and identity
  • The ethics of genetic engineering and its impact on society
  • The representation of gender and sexuality in popular media
  • The effects of video games on cognitive development and behavior
  • The impact of fast food on public health and the environment
  • The portrayal of mental illness in young adult literature and media.

Critical Thinking Essay Topics Examples

  • The impact of gender roles on career opportunities and income equality in the United States.
  • The role of diversity in promoting economic development and social progress.
  • The impact of partisan politics on the United States' response to climate change.
  • The effects of cultural differences in communication and decision-making processes.
  • The ethics of drone warfare and its impact on international relations.
  • The role of public education in promoting critical thinking and intellectual development.
  • The portrayal of women in advertising and its effects on body image and self-esteem.
  • The impact of technology on the job market and employment opportunities for men and women.
  • The effects of immigration policy on economic growth and diversity in the United States.
  • The point of view of animal rights activists and its impact on the use of animals in scientific research.

Order Essay

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Advanced Critical Thinking Topics 

  • The pros and cons of using social media for political activism and social justice movements.
  • The ethics of using virtual reality technology in medical training and treatment.
  • Writing a critical analysis of the role of satire in modern political discourse.
  • An interesting critical analysis of the effects of mindfulness meditation on
  • mental health.
  • Critique essay topics exploring the impact of globalization on local cultures and economies.
  • The effects of violent video games on aggression and empathy in young adults.
  • The role of social media in perpetuating stereotypes and biases in society.
  • An interesting critical analysis of the effects of music on memory and cognitive function.
  • The impact of gender and sexuality on mental health treatment and stigma.
  • Critique essay topics exploring the role of art and literature in promoting empathy and social awareness.

Critical Essay Topics about Movies

  • The portrayal of mental illness in popular films.
  • A critical analysis of the representation of race in Oscar-winning movies.
  • The role of music in enhancing the emotional impact of the film. An examination of the themes of love and relationships in romantic comedies.
  • A critique of the representation of gender and sexuality in action movies.
  • An analysis of the use of symbolism and imagery in a specific film.
  • The portrayal of social and political issues in documentary films.
  • A comparison of the book and movie versions of a classic story.
  • An examination of the use of color and lighting in a specific film.
  • A critical analysis of the impact of film adaptations on the literary world.

Critical Essay Topics about Literature

  • An analysis of the use of symbolism in a specific literary work.
  • A critique of the representation of gender roles in a classic novel.
  • The use of foreshadowing and irony in a particular short story.
  • A critical analysis of the themes of power and authority in a specific play.
  • The portrayal of mental illness in a contemporary novel.
  • The role of setting in a particular novel or story.
  • An examination of the use of metaphor and simile in a specific poem.
  • A comparison of the writing styles of two contemporary authors.
  • The representation of race and ethnicity in a specific literary work.
  • An analysis of the use of narrative point of view in a particular work.

Critical Essay Topics on Social Issues and Society

  • The impact of technology on social interactions and relationships.
  • An analysis of the effects of income inequality on health and wellbeing.
  • A critique of the representation of women in the media.
  • The impact of environmental degradation on human health.
  • A critical analysis of the effects of capitalism on global development.
  • The role of education in promoting social mobility and reducing poverty.
  • An examination of the ethics of using genetic engineering to enhance human traits.
  • The effects of mass incarceration on individuals and communities.
  • A comparison of the healthcare systems of two different countries.

Critical Essay Topics about Health

  • An analysis of the effects of stress on mental and physical health.
  • The impact of food additives and preservatives on human health.
  • A critique of the representation of mental illness in the media.
  • An examination of the ethics of genetic testing and counseling.
  • A critical analysis of the effectiveness of vaccination programs.
  • The impact of climate change on global health and disease patterns.
  • The effects of the pharmaceutical industry on healthcare access and affordability.
  • An analysis of the effectiveness of alternative medicine in treating chronic illnesses.
  • The impact of social determinants of health on healthcare outcomes.

Critical Essay Topics about Environment

  • An analysis of the impact of plastic waste on marine ecosystems.
  • The effects of deforestation on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  • A critique of the role of corporations in promoting sustainability and environmental protection.
  • An examination of the ethics of animal testing in environmental research.
  • The impact of climate change on global food systems and food security.
  • A critical analysis of the effectiveness of renewable energy policies and programs.
  • The effects of air pollution on human health and environmental quality.
  • An analysis of the environmental justice movement and its impact on policy and activism.
  • The impact of agricultural practices on soil health and ecosystem resilience.
  • A comparison of the environmental policies and practices of two different countries.

Provocative Critical Analysis Essay Topics

  • A critical analysis of the effects of mass media on public opinion and political discourse.
  • An examination of the ethics of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society.
  • The impact of cultural appropriation on minority cultures and identities.
  • A critique of the representation of marginalized communities in popular media.
  • An analysis of the effects of political polarization on democratic institutions.
  • A critical analysis of the ethics of genetic engineering and its potential consequences.
  • The impact of globalization on local economies and cultural identities.
  • A comparison of the effectiveness of democracy and authoritarianism in promoting social welfare and prosperity.
  • An examination of the ethics of using technology to enhance human intelligence and cognitive abilities.
  • The impact of celebrity culture on social norms and values.

Critical Response Essay Topics

  • An analysis of the effects of social media on interpersonal communication and relationships.
  • The impact of globalization on cultural diversity and identity.
  • A critical analysis of the ethics of animal experimentation in medical research.
  • An examination of the role of education in promoting social and economic mobility.
  • The effects of income inequality on social and political stability.
  • A critique of the representation of women in leadership positions in the media and politics.
  • An analysis of the effectiveness of restorative justice programs in reducing recidivism rates.
  • The impact of gentrification on urban communities and social cohesion.
  • A critical analysis of the ethics of capital punishment and its use in the criminal justice system.
  • The effects of climate change on global security and conflict.

Personality Critical Essays Topics

Personality is a multifaceted construct that has long been a subject of interest for teachers and students alike. Here are some personality-critical essay topics to inspire your essay.

  • The role of personality traits in predicting academic and career success.
  • A critical analysis of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and its accuracy in assessing personality.
  • The impact of childhood experiences on the development of personality.
  • A comparison of the Big Five personality traits across cultures.
  • An examination of the relationship between personality and mental health.
  • A critique of the social construction of gender and its impact on personality development.
  • The effects of personality disorders on interpersonal relationships and social functioning.
  • An analysis of the impact of cultural values on personality development.
  • A critical assessment of the validity of projective tests in measuring personality.
  • The relationship between personality and political attitudes and behavior.

Critical Thinking Topics for Presentation

  • How technology is changing the way we communicate and interact with others.
  • The importance of critical thinking skills in the age of information overload.
  • Tips and strategies for becoming a better writer: insights from professional writers.
  • The impact of social media on mental health and well-being.
  • The role of critical thinking in problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Overcoming writer's block: effective techniques for getting started with writing.
  • The dangers of fake news and misinformation in the digital age.
  • The benefits and drawbacks of using technology in the classroom.
  • How to write an effective argumentative essay: tips and tricks from expert writers.
  • A critical analysis of the ethics of using artificial intelligence in decision-making processes.

Cultural Criticism Essay Topics

  • A critique of social media's impact on culture and society.
  • The effects of technology on our understanding of privacy in the digital age.
  • A critical analysis of the representation of race and ethnicity in popular culture.
  • The commodification of culture and its impact on society.
  • The impact of globalization on cultural identity and diversity.
  • An examination of the role of gender in shaping cultural norms and values.
  • The effects of consumerism on cultural practices and traditions.
  • A critical assessment of the portrayal of mental health issues in popular culture.
  • The impact of cultural appropriation on marginalized communities.
  • An analysis of the relationship between popular culture and political discourse.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Critical Essay

Let's highlight some of the most common pitfalls to avoid when writing a critical essay:

  • Failing to understand the assignment requirements.
  • Using unsupported opinions instead of evidence to support arguments.
  • Ignoring or misinterpreting the author's intended message or purpose.
  • Being too subjective or biased in your analysis.
  • Focusing too much on summary instead of analysis.
  • Using overly complicated or technical language that can confuse the reader.
  • Not proofreading and editing for grammar and spelling errors.
  • Failing to properly cite sources and giving credit to the authors of the information used.
  • Being too repetitive or including irrelevant information that detracts from the main argument.
  • Submitting the essay without proper formatting or following the assignment guidelines.

How to Choose a Topic for a Critical Essay

Choosing a topic for a critical essay is challenging, but with a few tips, it can be made much easier. Here are some guidelines to help you select the perfect topic for your critical essay.

  • Choose a Topic that Interests You This will make the writing process more enjoyable and engaging. Think about what you are passionate about or what topics you have a lot of knowledge about. You can also consider current events or controversial issues that you have an opinion on.
  • Consider the Audience Your topic should appeal to your audience and be relevant to their interests. Consider the age, education level, and background of your audience when selecting a topic. 
  • Research the Topic Once you have chosen a topic, do some research. Look for reliable sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites. Make sure that the sources you use are current and up-to-date.
  • Narrow the Focus It is important to narrow the focus of your essay to make it more manageable. Instead of choosing a broad topic, try to focus on a specific aspect or issue within that topic. 
  • Take a Stance A critical essay requires you to take a stance on a topic and support it with evidence. Make sure that your stance is clear and concise. Your thesis statement should reflect your opinion and the main argument of your essay.

In conclusion, choosing a critical essay topic can be a challenging task, but it can also be a rewarding experience. A well-written critical essay can impress your professor and earn you high marks in your course. 

If you're still struggling to decide which topic to choose, get help from our AI essay writer . Enter your shortlisted topics one-by-one and read the essays it generates, and finally choose the topic to you find most interesting. 

Also, if you need a 100% original essay crafted by expert writers, reach out to us at CollegeEssay.org . Our critical essay writing service provides professional assistance with team of experienced writers. 

Contact our essay writing company today and let our professional writers take care of your essay needs!

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Get Help

Keep reading

Critical Essay Topics

Legal & Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Refunds & Cancellations
  • Our Writers
  • Success Stories
  • Our Guarantees
  • Affiliate Program
  • Referral Program
  • AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

critical thinking topics for students

Grow Your Business

1,400+ easy topics for group discussion with your students, share this article.

Get over 1,000 group discussion topic ideas, and understand the key ways to have productive discussions with your students.

Are you searching for new ways to keep your students on their toes? Sometimes it can feel overwhelming always looking for new, fun, and upbeat ways to keep your students engaged and entertained in your group discussions. 

Helping your students feel compelled to participate in group discussions has proven to be beneficial in more ways than one – besides the fact that it can help strengthen the bonds of your community (whether it be online or in-person), group discussions are an important part of the learning process for students. 

Group discussions facilitate student interactions, helping them learn how to communicate effectively with others. They promote a deeper understanding and help increase long-term information retention. Group discussions can also help increase students’ attention and help maintain their focus by involving them in the learning process. 

In this article, we will discuss why group discussions are so beneficial to the learning environment. We’ve also included some templates with a ton of easy topics for group discussions that can help you build a strong learning environment for your students! 

Related: What Are Learning Communities?

If you know what you are looking for right away, feel free to jump around and explore right away: 

Skip ahead here:

  • Benefits of Group Discussion in Online Courses & Communities

Easy Topics for Group Discussion

Gd topics to avoid, how to have a successful group discussion.

  • 1400 Group Discussion Topics Categorized

Benefits of Group Discussion in Online Courses & Learning Communities

While we already mentioned some of the major benefits of group discussions, we just want to highlight the importance of group discussions in online courses and communities.

The purpose of having interesting discussion topics in an online course is to provide opportunities for students to interact with each other, the content, and the instructor. 

There are already certain barriers to learning in an online community – such as self-motivation, distractions, and isolation to name a few – which is why it is even more crucial to engage your students in a fun and meaningful way! 

Sometimes it’s hard for more traditional classroom experiences to translate nicely to engaging online learning experiences. Introducing new topics to discuss in a group at the beginning of each class could be the key to making your online course effective. This is because social interactions (especially in the online learning community) foster meaningful connections and involvement between your students. 

Social elements like incorporating interesting topics to discuss in a group complement online courses because they enable social learning , peer-to-peer support, and student-to-instructor support. They also enable students to hold each other accountable for learning goals while creating a sense of community and belonging.

Adding different topics for group discussion in online learning communities is another great and effective way for students to collaborate and connect with one another. A learning community is a shared place for discussion, so why not spice up your interactions by throwing in some thought-provoking and interesting topics to discuss in a group? 

Online vs. in-person group discussion

Now that we’ve covered some of the benefits of group discussions in online courses and communities, let’s discuss whether it is better to have online or in-person group discussions. 

We find purpose and accountability in learning communities, regardless if they are from online or in-person group discussions. The style of traditionally learning in a classroom is currently being sidelined as the online classroom learning style has gained popularity in recent years. However, there are some upsides and downsides to each option, which we will cover. 

Online group discussion

  • 27% said they have trust in the knowledge of their peers in an online community.
  • 45% said they value diverse opinions. Online communities allow space for a respectful way to learn, and can change the way students see the world. 
  • 37% said they appreciate a non-intimidating/judgemental space in an online community. 
  • 37% said they value the shared collective experience/pursuit. 
  • 52% agree that it’s easier to find others who share interests and passions in a community online vs in-person.
  • People can participate from the comfort of their homes or offices – they don’t need to travel to a classroom, meaning there are also no travel costs or facility rental costs.
  • Students can join in no matter where they are in the world.
  • Participants need to have the correct technology – a computer with a webcam, and typically certain browser configurations. This can limit the population to only people who have this equipment, which narrows down the participant range.
  • It is sometimes difficult with the virtual format to capture the richness of people together in a room, reading each other’s body cues and participating in exercises that require more than just speaking back and forth.

In-person group discussion

  • Non-verbal cues are a rich data source and contribute to how others may respond when people are in the room together. 
  • Can incorporate a wider variety of written and brainstorming exercises such as having students team up and sketch out concepts together. 
  • The course instructor can pick up on non-verbal cues and facilitate the conversation more personally.
  • There may not be very diverse populations, as people are limited to which area and city the course is being held in.
  • Cost is a prohibitive factor to assembling a group – either because of moderator travel costs or facility rental costs.

Ultimately, the structure of the course – whether it is online or in-person – will depend on the nature of the course itself and the environment that the course instructor thinks will be the most beneficial for their students. 

If you are looking for some easy topics, here are a few ideas to get you started.

Favorite Online Resources

The first topic on our list is “What are your favorite online resources?”. This is a great question to get people talking about the different websites and tools that they use on a daily basis. It can also be a great way to find new resources that people may not be aware of. It’s an easy conversation started that can lead to more in-depth topics along the way.

  • What is your favorite website or app for travel planning?
  • What is your favorite website or app for finding new recipes to try?
  • What is your favorite website or app for productivity and organization?
  • What is your favorite website for learning new skills or information?

Thoughts On The Internet

If you’re looking for a topic that will get people thinking, then you might want to try “What are your thoughts on the current state of the internet?”. This is a great way to get people to share their thoughts and opinions on the current state of the internet, and it can also be a great way to start a discussion about how the internet can be improved.

  • The role of the internet in promoting freedom of speech and censorship
  • The funniest memes and internet trends
  • How has the internet changed the music industry?
  • The role of the internet in creating and fostering online communities
  • The role of the internet in education and the future of traditional learning methods

The Impact of Social Media On Our Lives

This is another great topic that can get people thinking and talking. Social media has had a huge impact on our lives, and it’s definitely something worth discussing. It’s a topic that tends to have differing opinions, so the conversation may include many talking points with opportunities to share real-life examples of the impact. You can ask questions referring to what others may have seen on social media like Facebook groups . These groups often have a growing discussion board that can influence opinions. 

  • The impact of social media on our communication skills and real-life relationships
  • The use of social media for cyberbullying and harassment
  • The impact of social media on the economy and job market
  • The most absurd social media and internet trends and phenomena

The Pros and Cons of Technology

This is a great topic for discussion, particularly because it’s something that we all use on a daily basis. We rely heavily on technology, so understanding how people view it, both the negative and positive sides, can be quite interesting. It’s also a great way to start a conversation about how we can use technology more effectively, and how we can avoid its negative effects.

  • The effects of technology on job security and employment opportunities
  • The impact of technology on our ability to communicate and form relationships
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing privacy and data security
  • The effects of technology on our attention spans and memory retention
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing entrepreneurship and innovation

The Changing Landscape of Education

This is a great topic for discussion, especially if you have an online community full of students or educators. Education is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends. This discussion can help people learn about new changes in education, and it can also be a great way to get different perspectives on the issue.

  • The impact of technology on the education system and traditional learning methods
  • The impact of big data and personalization in education on student privacy and autonomy
  • The role of online education and distance learning in the future of education
  • The role of education in shaping the future
  • The future of virtual reality education

The Importance of Connection

This is a great topic for discussion, particularly in online communities. It can be easy to feel isolated when we’re spending so much time online, so it’s important to find ways to connect with others. This discussion can help people find ways to connect with others, and it can also be a great way to get different perspectives on the issue.

  • How can we create a sense of community in our neighborhood?
  • How can we support and connect with people who are going through difficult times?
  • How can we connect with people with different communication styles?
  • How do shared interests foster connections between people?

Things That Inspire Your Creativity

This is a great topic for discussion, particularly in online communities. It can be easy to feel uninspired when we’re spending so much time online, so it’s important to find ways to get our creative juices flowing. This discussion can help people find inspiration, and it can also be a great way to get different perspectives on the issue.

Whatever the context, it is helpful to structure the discussions in a way that defines boundaries for the process and provides some degree of closure within the classroom. Be sure the topics you choose are relevant to your community and that they will promote critical thinking and analysis among your members. With some thoughtful planning, you can use group discussion to build a strong online community .

  • The role of positive emotions and happiness in inspiring creativity
  • How does culture and diversity influence creativity?
  • What is the role of creativity in education?
  • What are some common myths about creativity?
  • How can creativity be used to solve real-world problems?

“Would you rather” questions

These always make for a great discussion, and sometimes the answers will surprise you.

  • Would you rather travel to the past or future?
  • Would you rather speak every language or communicate with animals?
  • Would you rather go on a beach vacation or a ski vacation?
  • Would you rather be invisible or be able to fly?

There are a few topics that you may decide to avoid when having a group discussion. These topics can be controversial, and they can often lead to arguments. Some examples of these topics include:

If you’re not sure whether or not a topic is appropriate for discussion, then it’s always best to err on the side of caution.

Before you start using these topics in your course, how you can approach the group discussion to ensure its success, whether online or in person. Here are a few tips:

Create an inclusive environment

The effective facilitation of a group discussion involves recognizing that there will be many different perspectives and different skills needed to create an inclusive environment. 

In order to do so, it’s important to consider the components of effective group discussions and the conditions that promote small group interactions and engagement. Discussion is a powerful technique for active learning, and a well-facilitated discussion allows students to explore new ideas while recognizing and valuing the contributions of others.

To create an inclusive environment…

  • Allow participants to introduce themselves (you can even set up an ice breaker to have pairs of students introduce each other)
  • Be clear about group expectations and intentions 
  • Use inclusive language 
  • Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if a question or comment is unclear 
  • Treat every student with respect and consideration
  • Develop an awareness of barriers to learning (cultural, social, personal) 
  • Provide sufficient time and space for students to gather their thoughts and contribute to group discussions
  • Provide opportunities for participants to get into pairs to share their ideas in a one-on-one setting (some students may be more comfortable with this initially)

Create a process to begin and end the group discussion

To ensure that your group discussion is off to a great start, it’s important to have a plan for the conversation. Think about possibly creating an introduction process. This can be as simple as having everyone introduce themselves and their thoughts on the topic at the beginning of class. 

Have an idea of how you want to wrap up the discussion, especially if there are time constraints. It may be a good idea to summarize the solid points that were brought up throughout the discussion, and praise everyone for participating. This will help to keep the momentum going for the next group discussion, ensuring that your learning community continues to connect with each other.

Make sure everyone has a chance to speak

When leading a group discussion, the one thing you don’t want happening is for one student to monopolize the conversation completely – the benefit of having a group discussion is to listen and hear everyone’s unique perspective on the topic!

One of the most important aspects of a successful group discussion is making sure that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts and opinions. If certain parties are dominating the discussion, actively call on others as you moderate the discussion to give them the floor. You could even go alphabetically. This is especially useful to help engage students who are more shy and would rather not say anything at all. 

Encourage people to ask questions 

A great way to get people talking is to encourage student participation. This helps keep the flow of the conversation steady, as well as actively engaging people to listen and think critically. 

Getting students to ask or write down follow-up questions to share allows them to voice their own thoughts and opinions. It may also be beneficial for the instructor to initiate some questions to help bring out their students’ ideas further.

Have an open mind

In good group discussions, conflicts will sometimes arise. It’s important to remember that not everyone is going to have the same exact opinion as you, and that’s okay. What’s important is that you’re able to listen to other people’s thoughts and perspectives, and have an open mind. 

Keep discussions constructive and positive

At the beginning of each group discussion, clarify the goals of each discussion and establish some of the ground rules for the group.

This can include:

  • Allowing all students time to speak
  • Sharing personal experiences rather than making general statements about groups of people (stereotyping)
  • Encouraging others to add their reactions or ideas to build on someone’s comment
  • Keeping discussions on track by listing the questions to cover on the board or in the chat, and summarizing the discussion as it proceeds 

Plan topics for group discussions that will resonate with your students 

When you’re planning your group discussion, make sure to choose topics that will resonate with your community to ensure that the discussion will be engaging and beneficial for everyone involved.

Perhaps at the end of class, you can ask everyone to leave a question that they would like to discuss the next time you all meet together. 

Identify potential problems in group discussions

It’s probable that not all group discussions will go smoothly, depending on the group and the nature of the topic. 

Some potential problems in group discussions include:

  • Disengaged students. If you have members who are no longer active in your community, try to engage them by sending them private messages or starting a discussion on a topic that they’re interested in. Also provide opportunities for smaller group discussions. 
  • Students who talk too much. Try redirecting the discussion to another person or another topic. Alternatively, you may wish to reframe their comments, making them viable additions to the discussion.
  • A discussion that turns into an argument. The course instructor may need to take a strong position as moderator, preventing students from interrupting each other or speaking simultaneously. Also, they could list both sides of the argument, allowing for respectful rebuttals.

Give students feedback 

Let your students know how they did in the group discussion. Offering individual constructive feedback can help your students feel more included and motivated to participate even more during the next group discussion. 

Create discussion forums

Discussion forums are essential to learning communities because they give students a place to keep the conversation going and generate more ideas on the topic. Discussion forums also help foster connection and engagement between your students. 

Related: It’s Time to Tap Into Togetherness with Communities

Creating an Engaging Online Community with Group Discussions

Online communities can be a great way to bring your students together in one place where they can discuss course content, apply their learnings, and ask questions. This also helps you get a pulse check on what your audience wants to learn from you.

When building an online community, it’s important to outline community guidelines —helping to improve communication, avoid conflict, and prevent chaos in your community.

Group discussion can be a great way to build an online community if you can get students talking and thinking about different topics. Just remember to keep an open mind, be respectful, and make sure that everyone has a chance to speak. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to having a successful group discussion.

If you’re still looking for more ideas for GD topics, keep scrolling! Or try one of our Group Discussion Topic Generators:

  • Current Latest Trending Topics for Group Discussion
  • Topics for Discussion in English for Esl Students
  • Discussion Questions for Students
  • Technology Discussion Question Topics
  • Globalization Discussion Questions
  • Self Esteem Discussion Questions
  • Gender Discussion Questions
  • Work Life Balance Discussion Questions
  • Diversity Discussion Questions
  • Self Care Discussion Questions
  • Discussion Questions for Middle Schoolers
  • Discussion Questions about Identity
  • Discussion Questions about Entrepreneurship
  • Discussion Questions about Womens Rights
  • Group Discussion for Mba Students
  • Group Discussion Topics for Mba Hr Students
  • Group Discussion Topics for Mba Finance Students

1400+ Group Discussion Topics Categorized

Animal welfare, diversity and inclusion, easy topics.

  • Elementary school students (age-related)

English literature

Favorite online resources, fostering good relationships, funny group discussion ideas.

  • Health and Fitness
  • High school students (age-related)

Interesting

  • Kindergarten group discussion topics (age-related)

Personal hygiene

Solving disputes, the changing landscape of education, the impact of social media on our lives, the pros and cons of technology.

  • Thoughts on the Internet

Would you rather

Young adult discussion topics.

  • What is animal welfare and why is it important?
  • How can we promote awareness about animal welfare issues in our communities?
  • What role should governments play in protecting animal welfare?
  • Should animals have legal rights and protections?
  • How can we reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture while still ensuring animal welfare?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • What is the impact of animal entertainment, such as circuses and zoos, on animal welfare?
  • How can we reduce the number of animals used for food, clothing, and other products?
  • How can we ensure that animals in research labs are treated ethically and with respect?
  • Should we prioritize animal welfare over economic interests in industries such as agriculture and tourism?
  • How can we encourage responsible pet ownership and prevent animal neglect and abuse?
  • How can we ensure that animals used for human consumption are raised and slaughtered in humane conditions?
  • Should we prohibit the breeding of certain breeds of animals for cosmetic purposes?
  • How can we reduce the impact of human activity on wildlife habitats?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in sports and other entertainment activities?
  • How can we prevent the spread of diseases between animals and humans?
  • What is the impact of climate change on animal welfare?
  • Should we prohibit the use of animals in military operations and experiments?
  • How can we ensure that animals used in educational and scientific exhibits are treated humanely?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in fashion and beauty industries?
  • What is the impact of animal trafficking and poaching on animal welfare?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in rodeos and other similar events?
  • How can we ensure that animals used for therapy and service purposes are treated ethically?
  • Should we ban the use of animals in circuses and other traveling shows?
  • How can we prevent animal cruelty and abuse in the food industry?
  • What is the impact of animal overpopulation on animal welfare?
  • Should we restrict the breeding and sale of exotic animals as pets?
  • How can we prevent animal cruelty in the entertainment industry, such as in films and television shows?
  • Should we prohibit the use of animals in product testing for cosmetics and personal care products?
  • How can we ensure that animals used for transportation are treated humanely?
  • Should we restrict the breeding and sale of animals for sport hunting?
  • How can we prevent animal cruelty in puppy mills and other large-scale breeding operations?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in scientific research and testing?
  • How can we prevent animal cruelty in the fur and leather industries?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in tourism and entertainment activities, such as elephant rides and swimming with dolphins?
  • How can we ensure that animals used for religious practices are treated humanely?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in pest control?
  • How can we prevent animal cruelty and abuse in the entertainment industry, such as in theme parks and water parks?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in hunting and fishing for sport?
  • How can we ensure that animals used for food are raised and slaughtered humanely in small-scale farming operations?
  • What is the impact of factory farming on animal welfare?
  • Should we restrict the breeding and sale of animals for use in laboratory testing?
  • How can we prevent animal cruelty and abuse in the pet industry, such as in pet stores and breeding operations?
  • Should we restrict the use of animals in traditional medicine practices?
  • How can we ensure that animals used for wool and silk production are treated humanely?
  • What is the impact of deforestation on animal welfare?
  • What is marketing and why is it important?
  • How can marketing help businesses connect with customers?
  • What are some common marketing strategies used by businesses today?
  • How can businesses effectively use social media for marketing?
  • Should businesses focus more on digital marketing or traditional marketing methods?
  • How can businesses effectively use email marketing to reach customers?
  • What is the role of customer research in marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use influencer marketing?
  • Should businesses focus more on B2B or B2C marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use content marketing to build their brand?
  • How can businesses effectively use search engine optimization (SEO) to improve their online visibility?
  • How can businesses measure the success of their marketing campaigns?
  • What is the impact of customer reviews on marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use video marketing to engage with customers?
  • Should businesses focus more on inbound marketing or outbound marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use paid advertising, such as Google Ads and Facebook Ads?
  • What is the role of storytelling in marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use mobile marketing to reach customers on-the-go?
  • How can businesses use gamification in their marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use location-based marketing?
  • Should businesses focus more on direct marketing or indirect marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer feedback to improve their marketing efforts?
  • What is the impact of influencer fraud on influencer marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use affiliate marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer segmentation in their marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use referral marketing to grow their customer base?
  • What is the role of experiential marketing in today’s business world?
  • How can businesses effectively use chatbots in their marketing strategies?
  • Should businesses focus more on global or local marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer retention strategies in their marketing efforts?
  • What is the impact of customer data privacy on marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use loyalty programs in their marketing efforts?
  • How can businesses effectively use augmented reality in their marketing strategies?
  • What is the impact of customer experience on marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer service as a marketing tool?
  • How can businesses use user-generated content in their marketing efforts?
  • What is the role of personalization in marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use chat marketing in their strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use artificial intelligence in their marketing efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on brand awareness or lead generation in their marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use native advertising in their marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use retargeting in their marketing efforts?
  • What is the role of video ads in marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer advocacy in their marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses use data analytics to improve their marketing efforts?
  • How can businesses effectively use social listening to improve their marketing strategies?
  • Should businesses focus more on emotional marketing or rational marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use chatbots for customer service and support?
  • What is the role of mobile apps in marketing?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer reviews in their marketing efforts?
  • How can businesses use memes and viral marketing in their strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use podcast marketing to reach new audiences?
  • Should businesses focus more on omnichannel or multichannel marketing strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use direct mail marketing in the digital age?
  • What is the impact of customer experience on brand loyalty?
  • What is sales and why is it important for businesses?
  • What are some common sales techniques used by sales professionals today?
  • How can businesses effectively train their sales teams?
  • What is the role of customer relationship management (CRM) in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use data analytics to improve their sales efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on inbound or outbound sales strategies?
  • What is the role of customer service in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales automation tools?
  • How can businesses effectively use social selling to connect with customers?
  • What is the impact of customer retention on sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use referral selling to grow their customer base?
  • Should businesses focus more on product knowledge or customer knowledge in their sales efforts?
  • What is the role of storytelling in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use video selling to engage with customers?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales forecasting to plan for the future?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales enablement tools?
  • Should businesses focus more on B2B or B2C sales strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use account-based selling to target specific customers?
  • What is the impact of customer experience on sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use upselling and cross-selling techniques?
  • Should businesses focus more on inbound or outbound prospecting strategies?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer feedback to improve their sales efforts?
  • What is the role of emotional intelligence in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use value-based selling techniques?
  • How can businesses effectively use objection handling techniques in their sales efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on relationship selling or transactional selling?
  • How can businesses effectively use storytelling in their sales pitches?
  • What is the impact of social proof on sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer personas in their sales efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on inside sales or outside sales strategies?
  • What is the role of empathy in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use competitive analysis in their sales efforts?
  • How can businesses effectively use social media for sales?
  • Should businesses focus more on product selling or solution selling?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer advocacy in their sales strategies?
  • What is the role of sales coaching in developing sales professionals?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer success stories in their sales pitches?
  • Should businesses focus more on consultative selling or transactional selling?
  • What is the impact of sales process optimization on sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer segmentation in their sales efforts?
  • How can businesses effectively use persuasive language in their sales pitches?
  • Should businesses focus more on inbound or outbound lead generation strategies?
  • What is the role of social listening in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales funnels to guide customers through the sales process?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer data to personalize their sales pitches?
  • Should businesses focus more on account management or new business development in their sales efforts?
  • What is the impact of sales productivity on overall business success?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales promotions to drive sales?
  • Should businesses focus more on online sales or offline sales strategies?
  • What is the role of customer experience in post-sales support?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales contests to motivate sales teams?
  • Should businesses focus more on sales specialization or generalization?
  • What is the impact of sales pipeline management on sales success?
  • How can businesses effectively use email marketing for sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use virtual selling in the digital age?
  • Should businesses focus more on lead qualification or lead generation in their sales efforts?
  • What is the role of market research in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use account-based marketing to support their sales efforts?
  • How can businesses effectively use storytelling in their sales follow-up efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on price-based selling or value-based selling?
  • What is the impact of sales forecasting accuracy on overall business success?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer surveys to improve their sales efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on product differentiation or brand differentiation in their sales strategies?
  • What is the role of networking in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales collateral to support their sales efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on lead nurturing or lead conversion in their sales strategies?
  • What is the impact of sales culture on sales success?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer testimonials to support their sales efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on sales specialization or cross-functional collaboration?
  • What is the role of sales performance metrics in sales management?
  • How can businesses effectively use online advertising for sales?
  • Should businesses focus more on inbound or outbound account-based marketing strategies?
  • What is the impact of product packaging on sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales incentives to motivate their sales teams?
  • Should businesses focus more on inside sales or field sales strategies?
  • What is the role of product demos in sales?
  • How can businesses effectively use content marketing for sales?
  • Should businesses focus more on product features or customer benefits in their sales pitches?
  • What is the impact of sales coaching on sales performance?
  • How can businesses effectively use lead scoring to prioritize their sales efforts?
  • Should businesses focus more on sales specialization or sales generalization?
  • What is the role of sales territories in sales management?
  • Should businesses focus more on referral selling or cold calling in their sales strategies?
  • What is the impact of sales technology on sales productivity?
  • How can businesses effectively use chatbots for sales?
  • Should businesses focus more on relationship building or closing techniques in their sales efforts?
  • What is the role of sales incentives in improving customer loyalty?
  • How can businesses effectively use sales gamification to engage their sales teams?
  • Should businesses focus more on customer acquisition or customer retention in their sales strategies?
  • What is the impact of sales training on sales performance?
  • How can businesses effectively use customer success stories to support their sales efforts?
  • The role of art in society
  • The impact of technology on contemporary art
  • The evolution of art throughout history
  • The future of art and technology
  • The Influence of culture on Art
  • The importance of art education
  • The impact of public art on communities
  • The power of public art in creating social change
  • The value of art in mental health and wellbeing
  • The role of Museums in preserving art history
  • The relationship between art and politics
  • The impact of globalization on art
  • The Influence of religion on Art
  • The role of the artist in society
  • The ethics of art censorship
  • The power of art to create empathy
  • The impact of art on social justice movements
  • The relationship between art and science
  • The role of art in personal expression
  • The evolution of street art and graffiti
  • The impact of art on urban spaces
  • The influence of art on popular culture
  • The role of art in healing trauma
  • The importance of art therapy
  • The role of art in preserving cultural heritage
  • The impact of art on the economy
  • The future of virtual reality art
  • The ethics of art forgery and plagiarism
  • The power of art to bring people together
  • The role of art in environmental activism
  • The impact of art on tourism
  • The influence of art on fashion
  • The role of art in education
  • The impact of art on advertising
  • The relationship between art and literature
  • The evolution of art movements throughout history
  • The impact of color theory on art
  • The power of art to convey emotions
  • The role of art in documenting history
  • The influence of art on interior design
  • The impact of art on cultural identity
  • The role of art in social media
  • The ethics of cultural appropriation in art
  • The role of art in protest movements
  • The power of art to promote diversity and inclusion
  • The impact of art on fashion photography
  • The role of art in community development
  • The influence of architecture on art
  • The impact of art on fashion design
  • The role of art in marketing and advertising
  • The ethics of graffiti art and vandalism
  • The power of art to tell personal stories
  • The influence of art on theater and performance
  • The role of art in the digital age
  • The impact of art on video game design
  • The future of augmented reality in art
  • The role of art in political propaganda
  • The ethics of art ownership and copyright
  • The power of art to challenge societal norms
  • The impact of art on fashion illustration
  • The role of art in branding and identity
  • The influence of music on art
  • The impact of art on graphic design
  • The role of art in public speaking and presentations
  • The ethics of public art and community engagement
  • The power of art to inspire creativity
  • The impact of art on product design
  • The role of art in the beauty industry
  • The influence of nature on art
  • The impact of art on animation and film
  • The role of art in spiritual and religious expression
  • The ethics of art as a commodity
  • The power of art to promote self-reflection
  • The influence of art on product packaging
  • The role of art in branding and marketing
  • The impact of art on fashion advertising
  • The future of art in artificial intelligence
  • The role of art in video production
  • The influence of art on industrial design
  • The impact of art on public relations
  • The role of art in visual storytelling
  • The ethics of street art and property rights
  • The power of art to promote cultural understanding
  • The impact of art on web design
  • The role of art in event planning
  • The influence of art on packaging design
  • The impact of art on interior decorating
  • The role of art in journalism and news reporting
  • The ethics of cultural heritage preservation and restoration
  • The power of art to convey social commentary
  • The influence of art on fashion accessories
  • The impact of art on architecture and building design
  • The role of art in fashion styling and image consulting
  • The future of art in virtual and augmented reality
  • The ethics of art and cultural sensitivity
  • The power of art to promote social change and activism
  • The impact of art on product branding and marketing
  • The role of art in international diplomacy and relations.
  • What are some ways to overcome shyness or social anxiety and connect with others?
  • How can we build stronger relationships with our family members?
  • What are some effective ways to communicate and connect with coworkers?
  • How can we create a sense of community in our neighborhoods?
  • What are some ways to connect with people who have different cultural backgrounds?
  • How can we use social media to connect with others in a meaningful way?
  • How can we deepen our friendships and maintain strong connections with people?
  • What are some ways to connect with people who share our interests or passions?
  • What are some ways to build trust and create a safe space for sharing with others?
  • How can we be more empathetic and understanding in our interactions with others?
  • What are some ways to connect with people who have different political views?
  • How can we create a sense of belonging in groups or organizations?
  • What are some ways to connect with people in our local community?
  • How can we be more vulnerable and open in our relationships with others?
  • What are some ways to connect with people in different age groups?
  • How can we create a supportive environment for sharing personal experiences?
  • What are some ways to connect with people in different professions or industries?
  • How can we connect with people who have different lifestyles or values?
  • How can we practice active listening and show genuine interest in others?
  • What are some ways to connect with people through volunteering or community service?
  • How can we connect with people through shared hobbies or activities?
  • How can we connect with people who are geographically distant?
  • What are some ways to build positive relationships with our coworkers?
  • How can we connect with people who have different communication styles?
  • What are some ways to connect with people from different socioeconomic backgrounds?
  • How can we connect with people who have different religious or spiritual beliefs?
  • How can we connect with people who are experiencing loneliness or isolation?
  • What are some ways to connect with people who speak a different language?
  • How can we connect with people who are part of marginalized communities?
  • What are some ways to connect with people through acts of kindness or generosity?
  • How can we connect with people who have different personality types?
  • How can we build stronger relationships with our romantic partners?
  • What are some ways to connect with people who have different learning styles?
  • How can we connect with people through shared goals or aspirations?
  • How can we connect with people who have different abilities or disabilities?
  • What are some ways to connect with people who have different life experiences?
  • How can we build stronger relationships with our children or parents?
  • How can we connect with people who have different communication barriers?
  • What are some ways to connect with people through shared values or beliefs?
  • How can we build stronger relationships with our friends?
  • How can we connect with people who have different senses of humor?
  • How can we connect with people who have different dietary preferences?
  • What are some ways to connect with people through shared music or art?
  • How can we connect with people who have different opinions on controversial issues?
  • How can we build stronger relationships with our mentors or mentees?
  • How can we connect with people who have different relationship styles?
  • How can we connect with people who have different career goals or aspirations?
  • What are some ways to connect with people through shared travel experiences?
  • The role of cooking in cultural identity and tradition
  • The impact of technology and innovation on cooking techniques and recipes
  • The importance of using fresh, whole ingredients in cooking and meal preparation
  • The benefits and challenges of cooking with different diets, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
  • The role of cooking in building community and relationships
  • The history and evolution of cooking methods and cuisine
  • The benefits of cooking with family and friends, and the role of cooking in bringing people together
  • The impact of food waste and sustainability on cooking and meal planning
  • The importance of cooking skills and meal planning for healthy eating and living
  • The role of cooking in stress relief and self-care
  • The benefits and challenges of cooking with limited time and resources
  • The impact of social media and popular culture on cooking trends and styles
  • The importance of food presentation and plating in cooking and meal presentation
  • The benefits of cooking with seasonal and local ingredients
  • The role of cooking in economic and financial well-being, including meal planning and budgeting
  • The impact of cultural exchange and fusion in cooking and cuisine
  • The importance of knife skills and kitchen safety in cooking
  • The benefits and challenges of cooking for large groups and events
  • The role of cooking in exploring and understanding other cultures through food
  • The impact of food allergies and intolerances on cooking and meal planning
  • The importance of experimentation and creativity in cooking and recipe development
  • The benefits and challenges of cooking for one or cooking solo
  • The role of cooking in maintaining and improving mental and physical health
  • The impact of cooking and food education in schools and communities
  • The importance of cooking as a lifelong skill for personal and professional development.
  • The role of nature and the great outdoors in inspiring creativity
  • The impact of travel and new experiences on creativity and imagination
  • The effects of music, art, and literature on the imagination and creative expression
  • The impact of play and unstructured time on imaginative thinking and creative problem solving
  • The effects of mindfulness and meditation on creative thought and inspiration
  • The role of curiosity and exploration in stimulating creative ideas and solutions
  • The impact of social and cultural diversity on creative expression and innovation
  • The effects of collaboration and teamwork in inspiring creative solutions and ideas
  • The role of failure and setbacks in fostering creative growth and resilience
  • The impact of quiet time and solitude on the creative process and imaginative thinking
  • The effects of playfulness and humor on creative expression and problem solving
  • The role of storytelling and oral traditions in inspiring imaginative thinking and creative expression
  • The impact of physical activity and exercise on the imagination and creative thinking
  • The effects of mindfulness and being present in the moment on the imagination and creative thinking
  • The role of sleep and rest in fostering creative ideas and inspiration
  • The impact of surrounding oneself with positive and supportive people on creative expression and problem solving
  • The effects of taking breaks and allowing the mind to wander on the imagination and creative process
  • The role of creating a supportive and stimulating physical environment for creativity
  • The impact of taking on new challenges and learning new skills on imaginative thinking and creative expression
  • The effects of connecting with one’s passions and personal interests on creative expression and problem solving
  • The role of dreaming and the subconscious mind in inspiring creative ideas and solutions
  • The impact of overcoming obstacles and challenges on creative growth and resilience
  • The effects of nature and exposure to the elements on creative inspiration and problem solving
  • The role of experimentation and trying new things in fostering creative expression and innovative thinking.
  • What is creativity and how can we define it?
  • What are the benefits of creativity in our personal and professional lives?
  • How can we encourage creativity in the workplace or in school?
  • How can we overcome creative blocks and generate new ideas?
  • What role does environment play in fostering creativity?
  • How can technology be used to enhance creativity?
  • How can we balance structure and freedom to encourage creativity?
  • How can different forms of art inspire creativity in other areas of our lives?
  • How can collaboration lead to more creative ideas?
  • How can we measure creativity and its impact?
  • How can we use creativity to improve mental health and well-being?
  • What are some examples of innovative and creative companies?
  • How can we use creativity to promote sustainability and environmentalism?
  • How can we use creativity to improve communication and empathy?
  • How can we incorporate creativity into our daily routines?
  • What are some creative ways to approach problem-solving?
  • How can we overcome fear and take risks in our creative pursuits?
  • How can we use creativity to challenge and disrupt the status quo?
  • How can we use creativity to build community and bring people together?
  • What are some common obstacles to creativity and how can we overcome them?
  • How can we use creativity to express ourselves and our identities?
  • How can we use creativity to foster innovation and entrepreneurship?
  • How can we use creativity to improve our physical health and fitness?
  • How can we use creativity to bridge cultural and social divides?
  • How can we use creativity to explore and understand complex ideas?
  • What are some examples of successful creative projects or initiatives?
  • How can we use creativity to drive social and political change?
  • How can we use creativity to improve our relationships with others?
  • How can we use creativity to create memorable and impactful experiences?
  • How can we use creativity to inspire and motivate ourselves and others?
  • How can we use creativity to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions?
  • How can we use creativity to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills?
  • How can we use creativity to create a better future for ourselves and others?
  • How can we use creativity to explore and express our emotions?
  • How can we use creativity to promote empathy and understanding?
  • How can we use creativity to create more inclusive and equitable societies?
  • How can we use creativity to improve our cognitive and intellectual abilities?
  • How can we use creativity to promote self-discovery and personal growth?
  • How can we use creativity to create more meaningful and fulfilling lives?
  • How can we use creativity to connect with nature and the environment?
  • How can we use creativity to promote positive social and cultural change?
  • How can we use creativity to promote innovation and progress in different fields?
  • How can we use creativity to improve our ability to adapt to change?
  • How can we use creativity to create new opportunities and possibilities?
  • How can we use creativity to overcome adversity and difficult circumstances?
  • How can we use creativity to promote healing and recovery from trauma?
  • The impact of implicit biases and stereotypes on diversity and inclusion
  • The importance of allyship and solidarity in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The benefits and challenges of workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives
  • The role of education and awareness in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The impact of historical and systemic discrimination on diversity and inclusion
  • The benefits and challenges of actively seeking out diverse perspectives and experiences
  • The importance of embracing and celebrating cultural differences in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The role of diversity and inclusion in personal and professional development
  • The impact of media representation and media literacy on diversity and inclusion
  • The benefits and challenges of actively addressing privilege and power dynamics in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The importance of open-mindedness and empathy in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The role of language and communication in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The impact of intersectionality on diversity and inclusion
  • The benefits and challenges of diversity and inclusion in community organizations and activism
  • The importance of actively promoting and advocating for diversity and inclusion in all areas of life
  • The role of technology and innovation in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The impact of globalization and cultural exchange on diversity and inclusion
  • The benefits and challenges of promoting diversity and inclusion in education
  • The importance of encouraging diverse leadership and representation in all industries
  • The role of diverse representation in politics and government in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The impact of personal experiences and narratives on diversity and inclusion
  • The benefits and challenges of creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for all individuals
  • The importance of examining and addressing personal biases in promoting diversity and inclusion
  • The role of diversity and inclusion in promoting overall equality and justice
  • The impact of individual actions and choices on promoting diversity and inclusion in communities and society.
  • The benefits of daily exercise
  • Ways to reduce stress
  • The importance of good sleep
  • The impact of social media on relationships
  • Budgeting and saving money
  • The benefits of volunteering
  • The effects of technology on work-life balance
  • Healthy eating habits
  • The benefits of traveling
  • The importance of hydration
  • The impact of the internet on communication
  • The benefits of mindfulness and meditation
  • Time management strategies
  • The importance of setting goals
  • The impact of technology on education
  • The benefits of reading
  • The importance of self-care
  • The effects of social media on self-esteem
  • The benefits of spending time in nature
  • The importance of emotional intelligence
  • The impact of social media on politics
  • The benefits of team sports
  • The importance of friendships
  • The effects of technology on personal relationships
  • The benefits of public speaking
  • The importance of positive thinking
  • The impact of social media on mental health
  • The benefits of community service
  • The importance of good leadership
  • The effects of technology on privacy
  • The benefits of networking
  • The importance of good communication skills
  • The impact of social media on body image
  • The benefits of continuous learning
  • The importance of time with family
  • The effects of technology on relationships with others
  • The benefits of having a support system
  • The importance of forgiveness
  • The impact of social media on personal branding
  • The benefits of creativity and innovation
  • The importance of public speaking skills
  • The effects of technology on productivity
  • The benefits of being organized
  • The importance of taking breaks
  • The impact of social media on personal relationships
  • The benefits of spending time alone
  • The importance of resilience
  • The effects of technology on memory retention
  • The benefits of public speaking and presentation skills
  • The importance of work-life balance

Elementary school students (age related)

  • The importance of kindness and empathy
  • The benefits of outdoor play
  • The role of imagination in creativity
  • The importance of eating healthy food
  • The benefits of having a positive attitude
  • The role of teamwork in solving problems
  • The importance of good hygiene
  • The benefits of physical activity
  • The role of honesty in building trust
  • The importance of helping others
  • The benefits of being grateful
  • The role of perseverance in achieving goals
  • The importance of being environmentally responsible
  • The benefits of creativity and self-expression
  • The role of cooperation in friendships
  • The importance of good manners and etiquette
  • The benefits of reading and learning
  • The role of positive self-talk in building confidence
  • The importance of empathy and understanding towards others
  • The benefits of kindness and compassion
  • The role of friendship in building strong relationships
  • The importance of being safe in daily life
  • The benefits of laughter and humor
  • The role of respect in building strong relationships
  • The importance of taking care of one’s body
  • The role of teamwork in group activities
  • The importance of being responsible and reliable
  • The benefits of practicing gratitude
  • The role of patience in achieving success
  • The importance of using one’s imagination
  • The benefits of creative problem solving
  • The role of resilience in overcoming challenges
  • The benefits of expressing oneself through art and music
  • The role of empathy in developing strong relationships
  • The importance of positive self-image
  • The benefits of practicing forgiveness
  • The role of trust in building strong relationships
  • The importance of healthy sleep habits
  • The benefits of teamwork and cooperation
  • The role of responsibility in daily life
  • The importance of positive role models
  • The benefits of physical activity and exercise
  • The role of goal setting in personal development
  • The importance of being environmentally conscious
  • The benefits of helping others and giving back
  • The role of good communication in resolving conflicts
  • The importance of healthy boundaries in relationships
  • The benefits of practicing empathy and compassion.
  • Who is your favorite English author and why?
  • Can literature influence society and culture?
  • How has English literature evolved over the years?
  • Is it necessary to have a degree in English literature to appreciate it?
  • Is the study of English literature relevant in today’s world?
  • Should English literature be taught in schools?
  • What is your favorite English novel and why?
  • Can literature be used as a form of escapism?
  • Is it important for authors to have personal experiences to write good literature?
  • Is it necessary for authors to write in a particular style?
  • Can literature be used to understand different cultures and perspectives?
  • Is it important for literature to have a moral message?
  • Is it necessary for literature to be entertaining?
  • Should literature be judged on its literary merit or popularity?
  • Can literature be used to promote social change?
  • Is it necessary for literature to reflect real-life issues?
  • Is the literary canon too focused on white male authors?
  • Can literature be considered a reflection of society?
  • Is it necessary for authors to have a particular writing process?
  • Can literature be used to improve empathy and emotional intelligence?
  • Should literature be used in therapy?
  • Is it important for literature to be historically accurate?
  • Is it necessary for literature to be timeless?
  • Is it important for literature to be relatable?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a plot?
  • Can literature be considered a form of art?
  • Is it important for literature to be accessible to all?
  • Is the use of symbolism in literature important?
  • Can literature be used to improve language skills?
  • Should literature be free from censorship?
  • Is it important for literature to be culturally diverse?
  • Can literature be used to understand human nature?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a moral lesson?
  • Is it important for literature to be optimistic?
  • Can literature be used to explore human emotions and relationships?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a happy ending?
  • Should literature be used to inspire social activism?
  • Can literature be used to educate people about historical events?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a protagonist and antagonist?
  • Should literature be used to teach critical thinking?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a clear message?
  • Should authors be held responsible for the messages in their literature?
  • Can literature be used to explore political ideologies?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a realistic portrayal of characters?
  • Can literature be used to explore the meaning of life?
  • Is it important for literature to be unique and original?
  • Can literature be used to explore the human psyche?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a specific genre?
  • Should literature be used to explore controversial topics?
  • Can literature be used to understand the past and predict the future?
  • Can literature be used to promote tolerance and understanding?
  • Should literature be used to challenge societal norms?
  • Can literature be used to teach empathy and compassion?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a specific structure?
  • Can literature be used to explore philosophical ideas?
  • Should literature be used to explore the supernatural?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a resolution?
  • Can literature be used to explore the mysteries of the universe?
  • Should literature be used to explore the absurdities of life?
  • Can literature be used to explore the human condition?
  • Is it necessary for literature to have a hero’s journey?
  • The most useful online resources for students
  • The best online resources for learning a new skill
  • Online resources for remote work and collaboration
  • Online resources for mental health and wellness
  • The most helpful online resources for cooking and recipe ideas
  • The most informative online resources for current events and news
  • Online resources for budgeting and personal finance management
  • The most entertaining online resources for movies and TV shows
  • The best online resources for fitness and exercise inspiration
  • The most helpful online resources for travel and adventure planning
  • The most useful online resources for job search and career development
  • The most informative online resources for science and technology news
  • Online resources for self-improvement and personal growth
  • The most entertaining online resources for music and concerts
  • The most helpful online resources for shopping and fashion tips
  • The most informative online resources for sports news and analysis
  • The most useful online resources for language learning
  • The best online resources for art and design inspiration
  • The most helpful online resources for home improvement and DIY projects
  • The most informative online resources for political news and analysis
  • Online resources for spiritual growth and wellness
  • The most entertaining online resources for comedy and humor
  • The most useful online resources for car and vehicle maintenance
  • The best online resources for gardening and horticulture tips
  • The most helpful online resources for pet care and animal welfare
  • What is your go-to website for news and current events?
  • What is your favorite social media platform and why?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for productivity or organization? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for entertainment?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for staying healthy or fit? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for online shopping?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for travel planning? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for booking events or activities?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for language learning? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for music streaming?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for discovering new books to read? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for watching movies or TV shows?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for connecting with friends or family online? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for creating and sharing videos?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for discovering new podcasts? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for finding and booking local services, such as haircuts or massages?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for finding and booking travel accommodations? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for online banking?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for finding and booking flights? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for finding and booking rental cars?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for managing your finances or investments? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for job searching and career development?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for learning about new technology or gadgets? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for discovering new podcasts? If so, what is it?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for discovering and booking local events, such as concerts or festivals? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for finding and booking fitness classes or workouts?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for finding and booking beauty services, such as manicures or facials? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for staying up-to-date on pop culture?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for finding and booking outdoor activities, such as hiking or kayaking? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for learning about mental health and wellness?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for finding and booking volunteer opportunities? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for discovering and booking travel experiences, such as tours or cultural activities?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for finding and booking pet services, such as dog walking or pet grooming? If so, what is it?
  • What is your favorite website or app for finding and booking home services, such as cleaning or repairs?
  • Do you have a favorite website or app for finding and booking outdoor adventure experiences
  • The importance of effective communication in fostering good relationships
  • The benefits and challenges of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships
  • The role of trust and honesty in fostering good relationships
  • The impact of emotional intelligence on fostering good relationships
  • The benefits and challenges of active listening and empathy in relationships
  • The importance of mutual respect and understanding in fostering good relationships
  • The role of shared values and interests in fostering good relationships
  • The impact of past experiences and traumas on fostering good relationships
  • The benefits and challenges of overcoming conflicts and resolving disputes in relationships
  • The importance of maintaining individual autonomy and independence in relationships
  • The role of compromise and negotiation in fostering good relationships
  • The impact of effective time management and prioritization on fostering good relationships
  • The benefits and challenges of managing expectations and setting realistic goals in relationships
  • The importance of forgiveness and letting go in fostering good relationships
  • The role of self-awareness and self-reflection in fostering good relationships
  • The impact of social and cultural norms on fostering good relationships
  • The benefits and challenges of actively expressing gratitude and appreciation in relationships
  • The importance of physical and emotional intimacy in fostering good relationships
  • The role of transparency and open-mindedness in fostering good relationships
  • The impact of personal growth and development on fostering good relationships
  • The benefits and challenges of fostering good relationships with in-laws and extended family members
  • The importance of supporting and encouraging personal growth and success in relationships
  • The role of compromise and compromise in fostering good relationships
  • The impact of technology and social media on fostering good relationships
  • The benefits and challenges of promoting honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity in fostering good relationships.
  • The funniest movies and TV shows of all time
  • The most ridiculous fashion trends in history
  • The funniest jokes and puns you’ve ever heard
  • The most embarrassing moments you’ve experienced
  • The funniest pranks you’ve played or seen
  • The most ridiculous celebrity gossip and rumors
  • The funniest accents and impressions you can do
  • The most ridiculous names you’ve heard
  • The funniest autocorrect and typo fails
  • The most bizarre conspiracy theories you’ve heard
  • The most ridiculous superstitions and beliefs
  • The funniest quotes from comedians and celebrities
  • The most embarrassing personal habits you’ve noticed in others
  • The funniest animals and their antics
  • The most ridiculous trends and fads from your childhood
  • The funniest bloopers and outtakes from movies and TV shows
  • The most absurd laws and regulations you’ve heard of
  • The funniest jokes about different countries and cultures
  • The most ridiculous tech fails and glitches
  • The funniest nicknames and pet names you’ve heard
  • The most absurd celebrity interviews and appearances
  • The funniest parodies and mock commercials
  • The most ridiculous new year’s resolutions you’ve heard
  • The funniest pick-up lines and one-liners you’ve heard.
  • The most absurd internet challenges and trends
  • The funniest celebrity impressions and parodies
  • The most ridiculous product inventions and infomercials
  • The funniest jokes about different professions
  • The most absurd news headlines and articles
  • The funniest jokes about different languages and accents
  • The most ridiculous tourist attractions and roadside attractions
  • The funniest jokes about different cultures and customs
  • The most absurd fashion and beauty trends and products
  • The funniest jokes about different types of food
  • The most ridiculous wedding and baby shower trends
  • The funniest jokes about different types of sports
  • The most absurd reality TV shows and competitions
  • The funniest jokes about different types of hobbies and interests
  • The most ridiculous historical events and figures
  • The funniest jokes about different types of music and musicians
  • The most absurd TV and movie spin-off shows and sequels
  • The funniest jokes about different types of relationships and dating
  • The most ridiculous beauty and grooming products and rituals
  • The funniest jokes about different types of transportation
  • The most absurd urban legends and ghost stories
  • The funniest jokes about different types of weather and natural disasters
  • The most ridiculous fashion and beauty mishaps and fails
  • The funniest jokes about different types of pets and animals
  • The most absurd holiday and seasonal traditions and customs
  • The funniest jokes about different types of technology and gadgets
  • The most ridiculous business and marketing strategies and campaigns
  • The funniest jokes about different types of health and wellness practices
  • The most absurd historical and scientific discoveries and theories
  • The funniest jokes about different types of entertainment and media
  • The most ridiculous personal and lifestyle trends and fads
  • The funniest jokes about different types of fashion and beauty
  • The most absurd political and social movements and issues
  • The funniest jokes about different types of art and creativity
  • The most ridiculous environmental and sustainability efforts and causes
  • The funniest jokes about different types of travel and tourism
  • The funniest jokes about different types of education and learning
  • The most ridiculous personal and social norms and expectations
  • The funniest jokes about different types of work and careers
  • The most absurd philosophical and spiritual beliefs and practices
  • The funniest jokes about different types of history and heritage
  • The most ridiculous conspiracy theories and mysteries
  • The funniest jokes about different types of food and drink
  • The most absurd personal and social quirks and idiosyncrasies
  • The funniest jokes about different types of nature and the outdoors
  • The most ridiculous personal and social insecurities and anxieties

Health and fitness

  • The impact of technology and innovation on health and fitness practices
  • The importance of a balanced diet and nutrition for overall health and well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of incorporating physical activity into a busy lifestyle
  • The role of genetics and family history in health and fitness
  • The impact of stress and mental health on physical health and well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of mindfulness and meditation in promoting health and fitness
  • The importance of sleep for overall health and fitness
  • The role of community and social support in health and fitness practices
  • The impact of technology and screen time on physical and mental health
  • The benefits and challenges of outdoor and environmental fitness
  • The importance of injury prevention and recovery in fitness and physical activity
  • The role of fitness and physical activity in managing and preventing chronic conditions
  • The impact of cultural and societal influences on health and fitness practices and beliefs
  • The benefits and challenges of strength training and weightlifting for health and fitness
  • The importance of individualized and customized fitness plans for personal health goals
  • The role of health and fitness in personal and professional development
  • The impact of climate change and the environment on health and fitness
  • The benefits and challenges of group fitness classes and training programs
  • The importance of mental health and body image in overall health and fitness
  • The role of health and fitness in disease prevention and management
  • The impact of food culture and food industry on health and fitness
  • The benefits and challenges of performance-enhancing drugs and supplements in fitness
  • The importance of hydration and fluid intake for health and fitness
  • The role of health and fitness in promoting overall happiness and well-being
  • The impact of international travel and relocation on health and fitness practices and habits.

High school students (age related)

  • The impact of social media on society
  • The importance of diversity and inclusion
  • The benefits of college education
  • The role of technology in shaping the future
  • The impact of climate change
  • The importance of self-care and mental health
  • The benefits of volunteering and community service
  • The role of critical thinking in problem solving
  • The impact of politics on society
  • The importance of good time management
  • The role of teamwork in achieving success
  • The impact of fake news and misinformation
  • The importance of healthy relationships
  • The benefits of effective communication skills
  • The role of leadership in community development
  • The impact of social media on self-esteem
  • The importance of goal setting and personal development
  • The role of creativity and innovation in problem solving
  • The importance of stress management
  • The benefits of financial literacy and budgeting
  • The role of self-reflection in personal growth
  • The impact of technology on work-life balance
  • The importance of a healthy work-life balance
  • The benefits of civic engagement and community involvement
  • The role of perseverance in achieving success
  • The impact of the media on body image
  • The importance of a positive self-image
  • The benefits of community service and volunteerism
  • The impact of social media on privacy
  • The importance of self-expression and creativity
  • The role of positive thinking in personal development
  • The impact of technology on the environment
  • The importance of mental and emotional intelligence
  • The benefits of physical and mental well-being
  • The importance of setting and achieving personal goals
  • The benefits of continuous learning and self-improvement
  • The role of diversity and cultural understanding in a global society
  • The importance of strong personal relationships
  • The benefits of taking risks and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone
  • The role of accountability in personal development
  • The impact of the internet on privacy and security
  • The importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  • What is your favorite historical era and why?
  • Can we learn from history and prevent past mistakes?
  • How has history been taught and remembered differently in different cultures and countries?
  • Should history be rewritten to correct past inaccuracies and injustices?
  • How has technology changed the way we study and understand history?
  • How has historical fiction influenced our understanding of history?
  • Can historical events and figures be seen in shades of gray rather than black and white?
  • How has globalization impacted the study and understanding of history?
  • Should controversial historical figures and events be celebrated or condemned?
  • What role does propaganda play in shaping our understanding of historical events?
  • How has imperialism impacted the world’s history and current state of affairs?
  • Can history be used to predict the future?
  • What is the importance of preserving historical artifacts and landmarks?
  • How has the interpretation of history changed over time?
  • What can we learn from the study of history that can be applied to the present day?
  • How have historical events impacted social and cultural movements?
  • Should history be used to justify present-day actions and policies?
  • Can history be a source of inspiration?
  • How has the history of colonization impacted indigenous cultures and communities?
  • Should the study of history be mandatory in schools?
  • How has historical revisionism impacted our understanding of events and figures?
  • Can history be used to challenge present-day prejudices and biases?
  • How have gender and race influenced our understanding of history?
  • Should history be taught in a more objective or subjective manner?
  • How have historical events influenced art, literature, and culture?
  • How has the study of history impacted scientific and technological advancements?
  • How have historical events shaped the current political landscape?
  • Should history be taught in a global or regional context?
  • How have wars and conflicts impacted the world’s history and current state of affairs?
  • Can we learn from the mistakes of past leaders and societies?
  • How have historical events impacted international relations and diplomacy?
  • Should historical figures who committed atrocities be remembered and celebrated?
  • How has the study of history impacted our understanding of human nature?
  • Can we ever truly understand the motives and actions of historical figures?
  • How has the study of history influenced our understanding of religion and spirituality?
  • Should history be used to inspire activism and social change?
  • How have historical events impacted the natural environment and conservation efforts?
  • Can we learn from the successes and achievements of historical figures?
  • How has the study of history influenced our understanding of economics and trade?
  • Should history be used to inform policy decisions?
  • How has the history of medicine and healthcare impacted our current understanding and practices?
  • How have historical events shaped our understanding and treatment of mental health?
  • Can we learn from the mistakes of past civilizations and prevent their downfall?
  • How has the history of education impacted current systems and practices?
  • Should we prioritize the study of global or national histories?
  • How have historical events impacted human migration and displacement?
  • Can we learn from the successes and failures of past social movements?
  • How has the history of science and technology impacted our current understanding and practices?
  • Should historical events and figures be judged by present-day standards and values?
  • How has the study of history impacted our understanding and treatment of human rights and social justice?
  • Artificial intelligence and its impact on society
  • Climate change and global warming
  • The future of space exploration
  • The effects of social media on human interaction
  • The history and evolution of the internet
  • Ethical issues in biotechnology
  • Alternative energy sources
  • The impact of technology on job market
  • Privacy concerns in the digital age
  • The role of government in education
  • The importance of mental health
  • The role of media in shaping public opinion
  • The impact of the gig economy
  • The history of civil rights movements
  • The impact of globalization on local cultures
  • The effects of income inequality
  • The role of technology in healthcare
  • The future of transportation
  • The influence of advertising on consumer behavior
  • The impact of COVID-19 on the global economy
  • The role of social media in politics
  • The history and future of virtual reality
  • The effects of climate change on wildlife
  • The ethics of animal testing
  • The impact of automation on employment
  • The history of the feminist movement
  • The effects of economic sanctions
  • The role of technology in agriculture
  • The influence of peer pressure on young people
  • The impact of the music industry on society
  • The history and future of renewable energy
  • The ethics of genetic engineering
  • The impact of the digital divide on society
  • The role of technology in urbanization
  • The effects of fast fashion on the environment
  • The history and future of cybersecurity
  • The impact of political correctness on free speech
  • The role of social media in activism
  • The influence of artificial intelligence on human creativity
  • The impact of economic globalization on local businesses
  • The ethics of drones and autonomous weapons
  • The history and future of space tourism
  • The effects of online education on traditional education
  • The role of technology in disaster response and recovery
  • The influence of technology on interpersonal communication
  • The impact of gentrification on urban communities
  • The ethics of surveillance in a digital age
  • The history and future of renewable energy storage
  • The effects of income tax policies on the economy
  • The role of technology in solving global problems.
  • The impact of technology on society and daily life
  • The changing landscape of education and its effects on students and society
  • The pros and cons of social media and its impact on communication and relationships
  • The ethics and moral implications of new advancements in science and technology
  • The role of government and politics in shaping society and individual freedoms
  • Environmental concerns and sustainability efforts in the face of global climate change
  • The meaning and purpose of life and personal fulfillment
  • The effects of globalization and cultural exchange on society and identity
  • Mental health and wellness in the modern world
  • The impact of media and pop culture on attitudes and beliefs.

Kindergarden group discussion topics (age related)

  • The importance of sharing and taking turns
  • My favorite animals and why
  • The colors of the rainbow and how to mix them
  • My favorite foods and why
  • My family and where I live
  • The different seasons and what I like about each
  • My favorite toys and games
  • My favorite shapes and how to draw them
  • The different types of weather and how it affects us
  • My favorite books and stories
  • The importance of being polite and using kind words
  • My favorite numbers and how to count
  • The different types of transportation and how they work
  • My favorite fruits and vegetables and why they are good for us
  • My favorite things to do outside
  • My favorite songs and why
  • The importance of following rules and staying safe
  • My favorite animals and their habitats
  • My favorite art materials and how to use them
  • The different types of buildings and their functions
  • My favorite TV shows and movies
  • The importance of being active and moving our bodies
  • My favorite holidays and celebrations
  • The different types of plants and how they grow
  • The importance of good hygiene and keeping our bodies clean.
  • The role of math in everyday life and real-world applications
  • The challenges and benefits of learning and understanding higher-level math concepts
  • The impact of technology on the teaching and learning of math
  • The history and evolution of mathematical concepts and theories
  • The use of real-world problems and examples to enhance understanding of math
  • The importance of critical thinking and problem solving skills in mathematics
  • The role of math in fields such as science, engineering, finance, and economics
  • The benefits and limitations of using calculators and other technology in math education
  • The impact of cultural and societal attitudes on the perception and study of math
  • The relationship between math and creativity, including the use of visual and imaginative thinking in solving mathematical problems
  • The use of manipulatives and hands-on learning in math education
  • The role of group work and collaboration in enhancing understanding of math concepts
  • The impact of individual learning styles and preferences on the study and understanding of math
  • The benefits and challenges of teaching and learning math in a multilingual and multicultural classroom
  • The role of failure and persistence in enhancing math skills and understanding
  • The impact of math on society and advancements in areas such as medicine, transportation, and space exploration
  • The relationship between math and art, including the use of mathematical principles in artistic expression
  • The benefits of learning and using multiple methods and strategies in solving mathematical problems
  • The role of assessment and feedback in improving math skills and understanding
  • The impact of incorporating real-world data and statistics in math education
  • The importance of understanding the connections between math concepts and their applications
  • The role of prior knowledge and experiences in shaping math skills and understanding
  • The impact of parental and community involvement in math education and success
  • The benefits and challenges of integrating technology and digital resources in math education
  • The importance of ongoing professional development for math teachers to enhance their teaching practices and student outcomes.
  • Is music a universal language?
  • How has music evolved over the years?
  • Should music be considered an art form?
  • Can music influence your mood?
  • Is there a particular genre of music that you prefer?
  • How important is music in your life?
  • Is it possible for music to bring people together?
  • What role does music play in society?
  • Is it necessary to have a good voice to be a successful musician?
  • Is music becoming too commercialized?
  • Can music be used as a form of therapy?
  • Is the music industry too focused on looks and image?
  • Is it necessary for musicians to write their own songs?
  • Should music be taught in schools?
  • Is autotune ruining music?
  • Can music be used as a political tool?
  • Is the music industry inclusive enough?
  • Is it ethical to use samples in music?
  • Is streaming killing the music industry?
  • Should musicians be role models?
  • Is it important for a musician to be able to play an instrument?
  • Is classical music relevant in today’s world?
  • Should music be free?
  • Does music have a positive impact on mental health?
  • Should music be censored?
  • Is music becoming too explicit?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a gimmick?
  • Is music becoming too formulaic?
  • Can music be used to bring about social change?
  • Is it important for a musician to have formal training?
  • Is the Grammys the ultimate recognition of a musician’s talent?
  • Is it necessary for musicians to tour?
  • Is music becoming too digitized?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a good stage presence?
  • Can music be considered a form of self-expression?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a unique sound?
  • Should music videos be considered an art form?
  • Can music be used to promote peace?
  • Should musicians collaborate with artists from other genres?
  • Is it necessary for musicians to have a manager?
  • Is the music industry sexist?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to be a good performer?
  • Should musicians be involved in politics?
  • Is it necessary for musicians to be good songwriters?
  • Is it ethical for musicians to sell merchandise at their concerts?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a distinct look?
  • Should music critics be taken seriously?
  • Can music be used to bridge cultural divides?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to be able to read sheet music?
  • Should musicians be paid more for their work?
  • Is music becoming too repetitive?
  • Should musicians be judged on their personal lives?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a message in their music?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a good personality?
  • Should musicians be involved in charity work?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a strong social media presence?
  • Should music be used in advertising?
  • Is music becoming too focused on technology?
  • Should music festivals have more diverse lineups?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a brand?
  • Should musicians have a say in how their music is used?
  • Can music be used to raise awareness about social issues?
  • Is it necessary for a musician to have a certain image?
  • Should musicians be involved in fashion?
  • Is music becoming too political?
  • Should musicians have more control over their music?
  • The importance of hand washing in promoting personal hygiene
  • The benefits and challenges of maintaining a regular grooming routine
  • The role of dental hygiene in overall health and well-being
  • The impact of diet and nutrition on personal hygiene
  • The benefits and challenges of maintaining personal hygiene while traveling
  • The importance of showering and bathing in promoting personal hygiene
  • The role of hygiene in preventing the spread of illnesses and diseases
  • The impact of personal hygiene on social and professional interactions
  • The benefits and challenges of maintaining personal hygiene in communal living spaces
  • The importance of regular grooming of hair and nails in promoting personal hygiene
  • The role of personal hygiene in preventing body odor and bad breath
  • The impact of personal hygiene on self-esteem and confidence
  • The benefits and challenges of promoting personal hygiene for children and teenagers
  • The importance of personal hygiene in promoting mental and emotional well-being
  • The role of hygiene in preventing skin irritation and infections
  • The impact of environmental factors on personal hygiene
  • The benefits and challenges of promoting personal hygiene for individuals with disabilities
  • The importance of personal hygiene in promoting a healthy and clean living environment
  • The impact of hygiene habits on the longevity and health of personal items, such as clothing and bedding
  • The benefits and challenges of promoting personal hygiene in public spaces
  • The importance of personal hygiene in promoting a positive body image
  • The role of hygiene in maintaining a healthy vaginal and genital area for women
  • The impact of hygiene on overall hygiene and hygiene on the environment
  • The benefits and challenges of promoting personal hygiene for individuals with limited resources and access to personal care products.
  • The impact of scientific advancements on society and daily life
  • The ethics and morality of scientific research and experimentation
  • The role of science in understanding and solving global problems such as climate change and disease
  • The history and evolution of scientific theories and discoveries
  • The importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research
  • The role of technology and innovation in advancing scientific understanding
  • The benefits and challenges of science education and outreach to the public
  • The relationship between science and religion, and the perception of science in different cultures
  • The role of experimentation and observation in scientific inquiry
  • The impact of funding and resources on scientific research and discovery
  • The importance of critical thinking and skepticism in evaluating scientific claims
  • The benefits and limitations of computer modeling and simulation in scientific research
  • The role of science in shaping public policy and decision-making
  • The impact of science on industry and commerce, including the development of new products and technologies
  • The role of diversity and representation in science and scientific research
  • The relationship between science and art, including the use of scientific principles in artistic expression
  • The importance of communication and presentation skills in sharing and promoting scientific discoveries
  • The impact of science on global health and medicine, including the development of new treatments and vaccines
  • The role of science in exploring and understanding the natural world, including astronomy and geology
  • The benefits of cross-cultural exchange and collaboration in scientific research
  • The impact of science on energy and the environment, including alternative and sustainable energy sources
  • The role of science in understanding and exploring the human mind and behavior
  • The importance of science literacy and understanding among the general public
  • The impact of science on communication and information technology, including the development of the internet
  • The role of science in advancing our understanding of the universe and the origins of life.
  • The importance of effective communication in solving disputes
  • The benefits and challenges of using active listening and empathy in dispute resolution
  • The role of compromise and negotiation in solving disputes
  • The impact of emotions and biases on the resolution of disputes
  • The benefits and challenges of using mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods
  • The importance of understanding the root causes of disputes in finding a resolution
  • The role of power dynamics and fairness in solving disputes
  • The impact of cultural and social norms on resolving disputes
  • The benefits and challenges of using humor and levity in resolving disputes
  • The importance of identifying and managing expectations in solving disputes
  • The role of trust and transparency in solving disputes
  • The impact of past experiences and traumas on resolving disputes
  • The benefits and challenges of using data and facts in solving disputes
  • The importance of considering multiple perspectives in resolving disputes
  • The role of laws, regulations, and policies in resolving disputes
  • The impact of online and digital communication in resolving disputes
  • The benefits and challenges of seeking outside help and support in resolving disputes
  • The importance of taking responsibility and accountability in resolving disputes
  • The role of forgiveness and letting go in resolving disputes
  • The impact of personal beliefs and values on resolving disputes
  • The benefits and challenges of using positive reinforcement in resolving disputes
  • The importance of maintaining relationships and avoiding retaliation after resolving disputes
  • The role of patience and persistence in resolving disputes
  • The impact of personal growth and development on resolving disputes
  • The benefits and challenges of promoting long-term solutions and preventative measures in resolving disputes.
  • The impact of technology on traditional education methods and the classroom experience
  • The effects of standardized testing and high-stakes exams on student learning and motivation
  • The impact of budget cuts and decreased funding on the quality of education
  • The role of educators and schools in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and social justice
  • The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education system and students’ learning experiences
  • The impact of the achievement gap and educational inequities on student outcomes and opportunities
  • The role of parents and families in supporting and participating in their children’s education
  • The effects of the increasing cost of higher education on student debt and access to opportunities
  • The impact of the growing emphasis on STEM education and the devaluation of the arts and humanities
  • The role of schools and educators in addressing and preventing bullying and harassment
  • The effects of the political climate and political debates on the education system and curriculum
  • The impact of the use of big data and personalization in education on student privacy and autonomy
  • The role of schools and educators in fostering critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning
  • The effects of the growing use of technology in education on student attention spans and focus
  • The impact of the growing push for vocational and trade schools on traditional four-year colleges and universities
  • The role of schools and educators in promoting mental health and wellness in students
  • The effects of the achievement gap and education disparities on the workforce and economic opportunities
  • The impact of the changing job market and workforce demands on the education system and curriculum
  • The role of schools and educators in promoting and supporting student engagement and activism
  • The effects of the growing emphasis on high-stakes testing and data-driven decision making on teaching quality and creativity
  • The impact of the use of standardized assessments and national standards on local control and autonomy of schools
  • The role of schools and educators in addressing the digital divide and unequal access to technology
  • The effects of the growing use of online resources and digital materials on the preservation of traditional knowledge and skills
  • The impact of the changing political climate and immigration policies on access to education for all students.
  • The effects of social media on self-esteem and body image
  • The role of social media in promoting and suppressing diversity and inclusivity
  • The effects of social media on our political beliefs and activism
  • The impact of social media on privacy and personal data security
  • The role of social media in promoting and suppressing mental health and wellness
  • The effects of social media on the traditional news media and journalism
  • The impact of social media on our ability to focus and concentrate
  • The role of social media in fostering online communities and support groups
  • The effects of social media on our understanding of the world and current events
  • The role of social media in promoting and suppressing entrepreneurship and innovation
  • The effects of social media on our attention spans and memory retention
  • The impact of social media on the entertainment industry and the distribution of creative content
  • The role of social media in promoting and suppressing freedom of speech and censorship
  • The effects of social media on the education system and traditional learning methods
  • The impact of social media on advertising and consumer behavior
  • The role of social media in promoting and suppressing political discourse and activism
  • The effects of social media on our ability to form and maintain romantic relationships
  • The impact of social media on the healthcare industry and access to medical information
  • The role of social media in promoting and suppressing environmental sustainability and eco-consciousness
  • The effects of social media on our sense of humor and comedic taste
  • The impact of social media on the criminal justice system and law enforcement
  • The role of social media in promoting and suppressing democracy and human rights.
  • The impact of technology on our ability to communicate and form real-life relationships
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing privacy and personal data security
  • The effects of technology on mental health and well-being
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing freedom of speech and censorship
  • The impact of technology on the entertainment industry and the distribution of creative content
  • The effects of technology on our physical health and fitness
  • The impact of technology on the economy and job market
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing environmental sustainability and eco-consciousness
  • The effects of technology on our political beliefs and activism
  • The impact of technology on the healthcare industry and access to medical information
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing diversity and inclusivity
  • The effects of technology on self-esteem and body image
  • The impact of technology on advertising and consumer behavior
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing democracy and human rights
  • The effects of technology on the traditional news media and journalism
  • The impact of technology on our understanding of the world and current events
  • The role of technology in promoting and suppressing mental health and wellness
  • The effects of technology on our ability to form and maintain romantic relationships
  • The impact of technology on the criminal justice system and law enforcement
  • The role of technology in fostering online communities and support groups
  • The effects of technology on our sense of humor and comedic taste.

Thoughts on the internet

  • The impact of social media on society and relationships
  • The role of the internet in shaping political discourse and activism
  • The effects of internet addiction and technology overuse on mental health
  • The role of the internet in spreading false information and misinformation
  • The impact of e-commerce and online shopping on brick and mortar businesses
  • The use of the internet for privacy invasion and government surveillance
  • The impact of the internet on traditional forms of media, such as newspapers and television
  • The effects of the internet on employment and job opportunities
  • The impact of the internet on relationships and dating
  • The use of the internet for cybercrime and hacking
  • The impact of the internet on cultural exchange and global interconnectedness
  • The effects of the internet on language and communication
  • The role of the internet in promoting and suppressing diversity and inclusivity
  • The impact of the internet on the economy and job market
  • The use of the internet for virtual reality and augmented reality experiences
  • The role of the internet in promoting and suppressing entrepreneurship and innovation
  • The impact of the internet on healthcare and access to medical information
  • The effects of the internet on environmental sustainability and eco-consciousness
  • The role of the internet in promoting and suppressing democracy and human rights
  • The impact of the internet on the entertainment industry and the distribution of creative content
  • The use of the internet for telemedicine and remote healthcare services
  • The role of the internet in the future of work and the impact on job security.
  • The impact of technology on personal well-being
  • The importance of self-care and self-compassion in promoting well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of mindfulness and meditation practices
  • The role of social connections and community in promoting well-being
  • The impact of stress and anxiety on personal well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of exercise and physical activity for well-being
  • The importance of sleep for overall well-being
  • The role of nature and the environment in promoting well-being
  • The impact of work-life balance on personal well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of spiritual practices and beliefs for well-being
  • The importance of relationships and communication skills in promoting well-being
  • The role of creative expression in promoting well-being
  • The impact of financial stability and financial planning on personal well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of volunteering and giving back for well-being
  • The importance of play and leisure activities for overall well-being
  • The role of personal values and purpose in promoting well-being
  • The impact of cultural and societal norms on personal well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of therapy and mental health support for well-being
  • The importance of self-reflection and personal growth for overall well-being
  • The role of humor and laughter in promoting well-being
  • The impact of travel and new experiences on personal well-being
  • The benefits and challenges of community involvement and activism for well-being
  • The importance of healthy boundaries and personal space for overall well-being
  • The role of gratitude and positive thinking in promoting well-being
  • The impact of media consumption and social media on personal well-being.
  • Would you rather have a superpower that allows you to read minds or one that allows you to become invisible?
  • Would you rather have a guaranteed job offer after graduation or have the opportunity to travel for a year before starting your career?
  • Would you rather have a job where you work with your hands or one where you work with your mind?
  • Would you rather have a job where you work independently or one where you work closely with others?
  • Would you rather have a job that is physically demanding or one that is mentally demanding?
  • Would you rather have a job with a lot of responsibility or one where you have less responsibility?
  • Would you rather have a job that allows you to be creative or one that is more structured?
  • Would you rather have a job with a set schedule or one that is flexible?
  • Would you rather have a job that is fast-paced or one that is more relaxed?
  • Would you rather work in an environment that is quiet or one that is more lively and social?
  • Would you rather have a job where you have to learn new things constantly or one that is more routine?
  • Would you rather work for a small company or a large corporation?
  • Would you rather have a job with a set salary or one where you get paid based on performance?
  • Would you rather have a job where you can work from home or one where you have to go into the office?
  • Would you rather have a job that involves a lot of travel or one where you can stay close to home?
  • Would you rather work in a job that allows you to help others or one that primarily benefits yourself?
  • Would you rather have a job where you work outdoors or one where you are indoors all day?
  • Would you rather have a job where you have to use your creativity or one where you have to use your analytical skills?
  • Would you rather work in a job that involves a lot of public speaking or one where you can avoid it?
  • Would you rather have a job that involves a lot of physical activity or one where you can sit at a desk?
  • Would you rather work in a job that allows you to dress casually or one where you have to dress professionally?
  • Would you rather have a job where you work with children or one where you work with adults?
  • Would you rather work in a job that involves a lot of math or one where you don’t have to use math?
  • Would you rather have a job that is challenging but rewarding or one that is easy but less fulfilling?
  • Would you rather work in a job where you have a lot of autonomy or one where you have to follow strict guidelines?
  • Would you rather have a job that involves a lot of creativity or one that is more analytical?
  • Would you rather have a job where you have a lot of interactions with people or one where you work more independently?
  • Would you rather have a job where you work during traditional business hours or one where you work during non-traditional hours?
  • Would you rather work in a job where you have to make a lot of decisions or one where you don’t have to make many decisions?
  • Would you rather work in a job where you have a set schedule or one where the schedule is more flexible?
  • Would you rather have a job where you get to work with animals or one where you don’t?
  • Would you rather work in a job where you have a lot of physical contact with others or one where you have less physical contact?
  • Would you rather travel to the past or the future?
  • Would you rather live without internet or live without air conditioning/heating?
  • Would you rather be a superhero or a villain?
  • Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?
  • Would you rather have the power to read minds or the power to teleport?
  • Would you rather always be 10 minutes late or always be 20 minutes early?
  • Would you rather have a photographic memory or have the ability to forget anything you want?
  • Would you rather be a famous musician or a famous actor/actress?
  • Would you rather live in a world without music or a world without movies?
  • Would you rather have a personal chef or a personal assistant?
  • Would you rather have the ability to speak any language fluently or be a master of every musical instrument?
  • Would you rather have the power of super strength or the power of telekinesis?
  • Would you rather have a personal chauffeur or a personal trainer?
  • Would you rather have the ability to talk to animals or the ability to speak any human language fluently?
  • Would you rather be a professional athlete or a successful business owner?
  • Would you rather live in a world where everyone can read minds or a world where everyone can fly?
  • Would you rather always have to speak in rhyme or always have to sing everything you say?
  • Would you rather have the ability to breathe underwater or the ability to fly underwater?
  • Would you rather be a character in a romantic comedy or a horror movie?
  • Would you rather live in a world where it never stops raining or a world where it never stops snowing?
  • Would you rather have a job that pays well but you hate, or a job that pays poorly but you love?
  • Would you rather be able to time travel but never come back to the present or be stuck in the present forever?
  • Would you rather have the power to heal any illness or have the power to bring the dead back to life?
  • Would you rather have the power to control the weather or have the power to control time?
  • Would you rather be able to speak every language in the world or be able to communicate with animals?
  • Would you rather be able to teleport anywhere in the world or be able to create any object with your mind?
  • Would you rather have the power to fly or have the power to become invisible?
  • Would you rather be able to travel to any fictional world or be able to bring fictional characters to life?
  • Would you rather live in a world with no technology or a world with no nature?
  • Would you rather be able to breathe fire or be able to breathe ice?
  • Would you rather be a famous author or a famous painter?
  • Would you rather have the ability to turn invisible or have the ability to walk through walls?
  • Would you rather be able to communicate with the dead or have the ability to see the future?
  • Would you rather be able to transform into any animal or have the power to control any animal’s mind?
  • Would you rather have a photographic memory or be able to instantly learn anything?
  • Would you rather be able to talk to plants or be able to talk to machines?
  • Would you rather be a famous scientist or a famous musician?
  • Would you rather be able to travel to any point in history or be able to travel to any point in the future?
  • Would you rather have the ability to breathe underwater or have the ability to swim as fast as a dolphin?
  • Would you rather be able to understand and speak all languages or be able to read minds?
  • Would you rather be able to move objects with your mind or have the power of super speed?
  • Would you rather be able to create illusions or have the ability to shape shift?
  • Would you rather be able to control fire or control water?
  • Would you rather have a flying car or a submarine car?
  • Would you rather be able to see in the dark or have night vision?
  • Would you rather be a famous athlete or a famous chef?
  • Would you rather be able to control the internet or control the media?
  • Would you rather live in a world with no books or a world with no movies?
  • The impact of social media on modern communication
  • The importance of mental health awareness
  • The benefits and drawbacks of remote work
  • The ethics of genetic engineering and gene editing
  • The future of renewable energy
  • The impact of technology on personal relationships
  • The influence of pop culture on society
  • The rise of entrepreneurship and the gig economy
  • The effect of music on mental health
  • The challenges and benefits of multiculturalism
  • The impact of climate change on the world
  • The ethics of artificial intelligence
  • The benefits and drawbacks of virtual reality
  • The future of healthcare technology
  • The impact of immigration on society
  • The role of religion in modern society
  • The effect of the internet on democracy
  • The ethics of space exploration
  • The future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology
  • The impact of video games on mental health
  • The benefits and drawbacks of social welfare programs
  • The role of the media in shaping public opinion
  • The impact of aging populations on society
  • The ethics of genetically modified foods
  • The future of artificial organs and transplants
  • The influence of fashion on culture
  • The role of the family in modern society
  • The impact of automation on the job market
  • The benefits and drawbacks of a cashless society
  • The future of augmented reality
  • The ethics of human cloning
  • The influence of celebrities on society
  • The role of sports in society
  • The impact of poverty on education
  • The benefits and drawbacks of nuclear power
  • The future of self-driving cars
  • The ethics of assisted suicide and euthanasia
  • The impact of urbanization on the environment
  • The influence of social class on opportunities
  • The role of government in shaping society
  • The impact of income inequality on society
  • The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy subsidies
  • The future of 3D printing
  • The ethics of animal rights and animal welfare
  • The influence of social norms on behavior
  • The role of community service in society
  • The impact of cyberbullying on mental health
  • The benefits and drawbacks of universal basic income
  • The future of smart homes and the internet of things
  • The ethics of censorship and free speech
  • The influence of the beauty industry on self-esteem
  • The role of volunteerism in society
  • The impact of natural disasters on communities
  • The benefits and drawbacks of gun control
  • The future of space tourism
  • The ethics of organ donation
  • The influence of technology on physical fitness
  • The role of charity in society
  • The impact of sexual harassment on mental health
  • The benefits and drawbacks of mandatory voting
  • The future of sustainable agriculture
  • The ethics of privacy in the age of social media
  • The influence of stereotypes on behavior
  • The role of philanthropy in society
  • The impact of substance abuse on society
  • The benefits and drawbacks of open borders
  • The future of space colonization
  • The ethics of embryonic stem cell research
  • The influence of peer pressure on decision-making
  • The role of activism in society
  • The impact of human trafficking on communities
  • The benefits and drawbacks of mandatory military service
  • The ethics of animal captivity in zoos and aquariums
  • The influence of gender roles on society
  • The role of social support networks in mental health
  • The impact of addiction on families
  • The benefits and drawbacks of free college education
  • The future of renewable materials and sustainable fashion
  • The ethics of surrogacy and reproductive technology
  • The influence of cultural appropriation on society
  • The role of forgiveness in healing relationships
  • The impact of cyberstalking and online harassment
  • The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy storage solutions
  • The future of space debris management
  • The ethics of animal research and testing
  • The influence of beauty standards on body image
  • The role of mindfulness and meditation in mental health
  • The impact of homelessness on communities
  • The benefits and drawbacks of mandatory vaccination policies
  • The future of smart cities and urban planning
  • The ethics of biohacking and DIY biology
  • The influence of language on culture and identity.

This article was originally written August 2022, and was updated July 2023 to be even more helpful.

Colin is a Content Marketer at Thinkific, writing about everything from online entrepreneurship & course creation to digital marketing strategy.

  • 11 Best Community Management Courses
  • 12+ Online Community Statistics to Shape Your Community Strategy
  • 7 Ways to Monetize Your Online Community
  • 7 Steps To Building An Online Community (With Examples)
  • 875+ Online Community Name Ideas for Any Niche

Related Articles

Getting interviewed on podcasts to increase your authority (heather havenwood in....

Teach Online TV interview with sales and marketing expert Heather Havenwood on how to get interviewed on podcasts to increase your exposure and authority.

The Top 25 Business Books (Update for 2020)

Here are the top 25 classic business books recommended by our community of marketers and entrepreneurs. Check them out.

How to Start a Life Coaching Business

Ready to embark on your journey to become a life coach and start your own business? This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step tips and valuable insights to help you kickstart your life coaching venture successfully.

Try Thinkific for yourself!

Accomplish your course creation and student success goals faster with thinkific..

Download this guide and start building your online program!

It is on its way to your inbox

IMAGES

  1. Critical Thinking Essay Sample

    critical thinking topics for students

  2. Develop Critical Thinking in Students

    critical thinking topics for students

  3. QuickTips: Promoting Critical Thinking Skills in Young Learners

    critical thinking topics for students

  4. Educational Classroom Posters And Resources

    critical thinking topics for students

  5. Critical Thinking Topics for the Classroom Book, English: Teacher's

    critical thinking topics for students

  6. Critical Thinking

    critical thinking topics for students

VIDEO

  1. Critical Thinking 1 Units 1-4 Review Questions

  2. Inculcating Critical Thinking at School Level

  3. Empowering Future Leaders: Developing Critical Thinking at Wisdom High Group of School" #bestschool

  4. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

  5. Teacher De-Wokefies Student By Teaching Critical Thinking

  6. Top 10 Ways to Encourage Critical Thinking in Education

COMMENTS

  1. 11 Activities That Promote Critical Thinking In The Class

    6. Start a Debate. In this activity, the teacher can act as a facilitator and spark an interesting conversation in the class on any given topic. Give a small introductory speech on an open-ended topic. The topic can be related to current affairs, technological development or a new discovery in the field of science.

  2. 75 Critical Thinking Essay Topics

    75 Critical Thinking Essay Topics. Critical thinking requires students to think for themselves, question everything, and look at both sides of an issue before coming to a conclusion. In critical thinking essay writing, these same skills are applied to examine a topic more closely. In this type of essay, the writer must not only present their ...

  3. Critical Thinking Lessons

    4. 5. TED-Ed lessons on the subject Critical Thinking. TED-Ed celebrates the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Discover hundreds of animated lessons, create customized lessons, and share your big ideas.

  4. Helping Students Hone Their Critical Thinking Skills

    Teach Reasoning Skills. Reasoning skills are another key component of critical thinking, involving the abilities to think logically, evaluate evidence, identify assumptions, and analyze arguments. Students who learn how to use reasoning skills will be better equipped to make informed decisions, form and defend opinions, and solve problems.

  5. Critical Thinking Questions: The Big List for Your Classroom

    In an age of "fake news" claims and constant argument about pretty much any issue, critical thinking skills are key. Teach your students that it's vital to ask questions about everything, but that it's also important to ask the right sorts of questions. Students can use these critical thinking questions with fiction or nonfiction texts.

  6. 41+ Critical Thinking Examples (Definition + Practices)

    Put, critical thinking empowers us to make better decisions, challenge and validate our beliefs and assumptions, and understand and interact with the world more effectively and meaningfully. ... Researching a Topic. For a history project, a student looks up different sources to understand an event from multiple viewpoints. 28. Debating an Issue.

  7. 85 Fun Critical Thinking Questions for Kids & Teens

    Humor is a natural icebreaker that can make critical thinking questions more lighthearted and enjoyable. Of course, most younger kids just like to be silly, so playing upon that can keep them active and engaged. With that said, here are some great questions to get you started: 1. Someone gives you a penguin.

  8. Critical Thinking Skills for Kids (& How to Teach Them)

    Debates. This is one of those classic critical thinking activities that really prepares kids for the real world. Assign a topic (or let them choose one). Then give kids time to do some research to find good sources that support their point of view. Finally, let the debate begin!

  9. Critical Thinking

    Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas. Critical thinking has been the subject of much debate and thought since the time of early Greek philosophers such as Plato and Socrates and has continued to be a subject of discussion into the modern age, for example the ability ...

  10. Critical Thinking Activities That Get Students Moving

    Check out these critical thinking activities, adapted from Critical Thinking in the Classroom , a book with over 100 practical tools and strategies for teaching critical thinking in K-12 classrooms. Four Corners. In this activity, students move to a corner of the classroom based on their responses to a question with four answer choices.

  11. 10 Great Critical Thinking Activities That Engage Your Learners

    Other Critical Thinking Activities. Jigsaw—Developing Community and Disseminating Knowledge: Learners take on the role of "experts" or "specialists" of a particular topic. Then a panel of experts is assembled to get the larger picture. K-W-L Charts—Assessing What We Know/What We Still Want to Learn: Charts to document "What I Know ...

  12. Developing Critical Thinking

    The Harvard EdCast is a weekly series of podcasts, available on the Harvard University iT unes U page, that features a 15-20 minute conversation with thought leaders in the field of education from across the country and around the world. Hosted by Matt Weber and co-produced by Jill Anderson, the Harvard EdCast is a space for educational ...

  13. A Critical Thinking Framework for Elementary Students

    Maskot Images / Shutterstock. Critical thinking is using analysis and evaluation to make a judgment. Analysis, evaluation, and judgment are not discrete skills; rather, they emerge from the accumulation of knowledge. The accumulation of knowledge does not mean students sit at desks mindlessly reciting memorized information, like in 19th century ...

  14. Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

    During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF. The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for ...

  15. 115 Critical Thinking Questions For Adults and Students

    6. What do you think would have happened if…? 7. What are your conclusions about…? 8. What do you think would have been a better ending to…? 9. What could have been a big twist in the story? 10.

  16. 16 Critical Thinking Questions For Students

    Spread the loveIntroduction: Critical thinking is an essential skill for students to develop, as it enables them to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions. To enhance critical thinking abilities, students can engage with thought-provoking questions that challenge assumptions and encourage deeper reflection. In this article, we present sixteen critical thinking ...

  17. 9 Critical Thinking Strategies for Elementary Students to Succed

    6. Brainstorming. Brainstorming different ideas, answers, and solutions can also help develop critical thinking skills. Students will need to come up with different approaches and ideas and think outside the box. 7. Using Creativity. Providing students with time for creativity is also important.

  18. What Is Critical Thinking?

    Critical thinking is the ability to effectively analyze information and form a judgment. To think critically, you must be aware of your own biases and assumptions when encountering information, and apply consistent standards when evaluating sources. Critical thinking skills help you to: Identify credible sources. Evaluate and respond to arguments.

  19. 40 Critical Thinking Questions for High School Students

    Here's how critical thinking shapes the life of high schoolers. 1. Develops Problem-Solving Skills. Students are sure to come across everyday problems and issues in their academic journey or personal life. While some students may develop stress, others might ignore it. However, the essence of critical thinking helps students solve these ...

  20. 175 Critical Thinking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    Critical thinking is possible if different parts of the brain adequately assess the relevance of various external stimuli. Political Sciences: Nelson Mandela as a Critical Thinker. One of the aspects that make Mandela a critical thinker is his ability to reflect on ideas, beliefs, arguments, and conclusions.

  21. 30 Controversial But Good Debate Topics for Students

    Debate helps students develop critical thinking skills, gain new perspectives, and engage in important discussions on social topics such as drug tests and government assistance. Preparation is key for a successful debate - from choosing a topic and conducting research to organizing arguments and practicing delivery.

  22. 120+ Top Critical Essay Topics for Students

    Critical Thinking Topics for Presentation. How technology is changing the way we communicate and interact with others. The importance of critical thinking skills in the age of information overload. Tips and strategies for becoming a better writer: insights from professional writers. The impact of social media on mental health and well-being.

  23. 1,400+ Easy Topics for Group Discussion With Your Students

    Social elements like incorporating interesting topics to discuss in a group complement online courses because they enable social learning, peer-to-peer support, and student-to-instructor support. They also enable students to hold each other accountable for learning goals while creating a sense of community and belonging.