Iowa State University
Speech Communication 322

Argumentation, Critical Thinking & Debate:
Final Debate Topics




National Service

 Basic idea: Everyone between ages 18 and 40 must give two years of their time to national service--either military or community service.

Everyone Serves is the online organization supporting this idea.

Here's a summary of some online debates about the idea.

Here is the current (volunteer) national service agency: The Corporation for National & Community Service

Note: ignore the alleged Constitutional/legal issues--they're too technical. Focus on what we have to gain or lose by the proposal.


Video Game Indecency

 Basic idea: Right now, the Entertainment Software Rating Board assigns ratings to video games. However, there is no law forcing retailers to respect the ratings. This proposal is to make such a law, imposing criminal penalties (fines) on retailers who sell games rated M to minors.

Parents Television Council is a major advocate for this proposal.

Here's an article on some of the recent, conflicting research results.

Note: ignore the Constitutional/legal issues--they're too technical. Focus on what we have to gain or lose by the proposal.



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Last updated August, 2007.
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