Well, the summer is here and I hope everyone has some plans for fun. To all of you students who have had your entire "vacation" scheduled at hagwons to memorize words and re-take tests, please remember that such skills only advance knowledge. Critically thinking about issues, such as the debate topics mentioned here, helps advance real intelligence. Since this column started several months ago I have received a couple of emails asking for topics. With those requests and the desire to help along critical thinking, today I offer a dozen topics about school to keep your debate-loving mind engaged through the summer.

* Should the government subsidize education?

* Would a competitive voucher system improve education?

* Should sex education be taught in schools?

* Does society place too much emphasis on college?

* Should schools require uniforms?

* Should the government fund religious schools?

* Should schools teach creationism alongside evolution?

* Should homeschooling be banned?

* Is boarding school beneficial to students?

* Are single-sex schools better for students than co-ed schools?

* Should schools go year-round?

* Is a liberal arts education necessary?

I hope you enjoy these topics and look forward to hearing more from readers of this column.

______________
If you are interested in debate or have any debate-related questions, email Roger Hatridge at hatridge@gmail.com.