Competition #7
31 March 2026One idea. One reason. Convince us.
Your final competition of the Festival is a little different. You should write a short persuasive paragraph in 100 words or less, to respond to this statement:
You can agree or disagree.
To enter the competition
- State your position clearly
- Use one real example from a lesson you completed during the Festival
- Include what someone who disagrees with you would say
Winners are those who show strong reasoning and clear structure, and meet the word limit.
This competition has now closed.
🥇 Well done to the competition winners for this week for your thoughtful and reflective answers!
Comments (133)
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I think that topical talk should not be compulsory for every school because there are many schools around the world and therefore it could be difficult to be managed globally. However I think that topical talk should be a choice schools can take and will be beneficial for them as it provides an insight into political viewpoints and allowing children to express their thoughts.
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I agree with the statement that topical talks should be compulsory in every school because it makes children able to discuss situations which can help into their future. It can allow them to make an impact in their life and be able to start advanced skills from a young age. Many might disagree because of starting at an young age, but it expands their education on important things they will need later in life.
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topical talks should be in every school as you can learn about the world. this would be clear to all kids as this teaches you skill with money what aid is and technology
during this topical talk festival i have learnt what aid is, what it does.
some people might say it bad but personaly i think its good -
I agree. Topical Talk helps students understand the world beyond their front door, learn new words, write compositions, work on their knowledge, listening, speaking, problem solving and creativity skills.
In NATO: friends forever lesson, I learned that security is a security dilemma, does joining alliance can make a country safer or a neigbouring country angry. This taught me even global problems don't have a simple yes or no answer.
Someone will argue that schools should just focus only on math or reading, however learning to disagree respectfully and think critically is very important for our future as solving an equation. -
I agree because Topical Talk gives students a voice, and mindset that help change the way they think, it is also a good way for students to learn and acquire different skills. In our lesson on lowering the voting age, I learned that 16 year old pay taxes and drive, yet can't vote on laws that affect them, this taught me being ready is about knowledge not just age. Some people say children are easily influenced by social media, I believe practicing these discussions in schools would help us sport fake, prepare us to be responsible and well informed citizens.
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I think every school should have Topical Talk. In our Festival lesson about climate change, we got to talk and listen to each other’s ideas, and it really opened my eyes. Some people might say it just wastes time or takes away from studying for exams. But honestly, learning to speak up, hear other opinions, and think for yourself is way more useful than memorizing stuff for a test. Topical Talk helps us understand the world, feel confident sharing our thoughts, and connect with people around us. Everyone should get that chance.
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I agree that topical talk should be in every school because it can help students to learn how to write essays or paragraphs and it can help with approving their choose of letters to improve their writing.
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I believe Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. In our lesson on misinformation, I learned how to check facts before believing news online. Some say it wastes time meant for other subjects. However, it builds critical thinking and confidence, which help in every area of learning
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I agree that Topical Talk should be a compulsory activity in all schools because it makes the student’s learning relevant to the real world. For example, in the Festival lesson on international aid, I learned about the positive and negative impacts of receiving aid. It actually helped me to look at the news more thoughtfully rather than blindly believing what I read.
It’s been said that Topical Talk takes time away from other subjects that students need to study for exams. But Topical Talk actually makes students better speakers, thinkers, and aware citizens. All these help students to be good students, but more importantly, good citizens. -
I think that it should be left to the schools to decide. Despite the importance of topical talk, some schools may not have the resources and capability of handling it. In essence, once a school has adequate funding, topical talk should be mandatory for the school.
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I believe that topical talks should not be a requirement. This is because some students might not understand or want to do topical talks meaning that adults should not force them to answer or respond to people all over the world. Forcing them could backfire and cause anxiety or chronic stress.One the other hand Some students need a a push to try at least one thing new helping them find something that they like. One lesson that I can relate to is the first lesson I did on topical talks It made me feel confused about it because I did not understand. Some people might not agree with me like teachers who say that it can help improve your writing skills which is true but some kids would start making their own decisions that's best for them.
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I think Topical Talk should be made compulsory because here, kids learn to be leaders. In the international aid lesson, Fayudatu talked about helping families with tiny preterm babies. It taught me that emotional care is a wonderful habit. If we learn this now when we grow up, we will always remember to help people in need.
Someone might disagree because students with special needs might find the reading or writing difficult. But I say we should not leave them out. We can just change the rules so that everyone has a voice. Topical Talk makes us a better team. -
I think that topical talk should be in every school 🏫 because children should learn about different things that they don’t know.so if they learn about things that they don’t know they will learn about it.However some people know about them all ready but they can still learn Moore
That all for today
Mirthful pineapple 🍍 -
Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it prepares students for the complexities of the modern world. By discussing current events and societal issues, students develop critical thinking skills, learn to analyze information, and become more informed about global challenges. These conversations encourage empathy, open-mindedness, and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives. Moreover, engaging in these discussions fosters responsible citizenship by teaching students to actively participate in social and political issues. Finally, Topical Talk improves communication and collaboration skills, which are essential for both academic success and future careers. It’s time to make Topical Talk a regular part of every school curriculum.
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I agree with you, Topical Talk makes students aware of what is happening around the world and the responsibilities of adulthood. In our lesson lowering the voting age I got to know about the debate around lowering the voting age, I was surprised to hear that countries like Austria and Brazil and now UK have already lowered the voting age. If it is made compulsory, schools can ensure that regardless of confidence, students gain evidence based reasoning required to cast an informed ballot. This will also provide a safe structure environment to practice before real world consequences of a ballot.
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As someone who enjoys public speaking and sharing my thoughts, making topical talk compulsory might seems like a good idea at first. After all, it gives students the opportunity to build confidence, improve critical thinking, and prepares students for real world discussions. In my experience, every week topical talk publishes a new question that is usually based on the problems that are happening around the world. For example, one of the topics discussed was weather there should be an age limit for voting, in places like Vatican City, where only cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote. Topics like this help students gain a better understanding of what is happening globally, and students can also read other thoughtful perspectives, which helps them become more open minded.
However, I understand why some students might choose not to participate the event. Not everyone feels comfortable speaking publicly, and for some it can cause anxiety or stress. I believe that quality matters more than an obligation so if the activity is compulsory but not well managed, students may not take it seriously. Therefore in my opinion, Topical talk should remain optional so students can participate when they feel ready and genuinely interested. -
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Topical talk should be compulsory because it teaches students how to defend their ideas respectfully, even when others disagree. During the lesson on international aid , my viewpoint was challenged by classmates and this showed that differences in opinion are natural because people think differently. Instead of feeling discouraged, I strengthened my reasoning. Some may argue that compulsory discussion pressures introverted students. However, it creates a space where everyone can think , participate and represent their group. Even the time limit sharpens our ability to form clear opinions quickly, preparing us for future decisions.
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I agree with you. Topical Talk helps improve skill acquisition, gain more knowledge and build confidence. Listening to different perspectives enables one to be well informed, and it builds critical literacy needed to navigate this complex world. During our lesson on international aid we were able to move beyond simple charity to debate on what can bring long term stability. Ii is true introverted students go through some anxiety periods while learning, but talk includes structured listening and small group analysis not only public speaking. Despite our different personalities, each person can gain tools to process global issues with logic.
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I agree with this statement, because it creates a new opportunity for students how to understand and solve a problem. Discussions give's students a chance to voice their opinions and understand other people's and how their's won't always be correct.
An example of this is when someone disagreed with my comment on the topic "No tax, no vote," my mindset changed, because it taught me that a disagreement didn't always mean bad. It can show other people's perspectives.
Some might say Topical Talk pressures student into joining disscussions, but i think that depends on our view. -
Topical talk should be compulsory in every school because it teaches students to think critically about real-world issues. In our Festival lesson on NATO, I learnt that alliances matter but must have clear boundaries, like Article 5 of NATO which highlights the importance of rules and responsibility in global cooperation. Some might argue that Topical Talk wastes time or that not all students can contribute equally, but discussing current issues helps everyone develop reasoning skill and confidence. By engaging meaningful topics, students learn to analyze, form opinions and understanding, something exam alone cannot provide.
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I think Topical talk should be a compulsory activity in all schools because it helps students prepare for the real world. Through discussions on current issues, students are able to develop critical thinking, confidence and communication skills. Topical talk helps students to develop critical thinking, confidence and communication skills, among other benefits, because it encourages them to be informed, tolerant of other people's opinions, and to be able to communicate their ideas effectively. Through discussions on current issues, students are able to make connections between what they are learning in class and real-life situations, thus making learning more relevant to their real lives. By engaging in topical talk, students become responsible, informed and active citizens in the future; thus, making it a compulsory activity in all schools will not only enhance academic development in students, but it will also shape confident and critical thinkers in the future.
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I believe Topical Talk should be compulsory because it builds real skills for our future. It is not about getting stars or having a teacher say our name, it is about learning to think for ourselves. For instance, in the lesson about international aid , I learned how to weigh the positive and negative impacts of countries helping each other. Someone who disagrees might say that students are already too busy with other lessons in school so they don't have enough time. However, learning to understand the world is a life skill that is just as important as math.
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I agree that topical talk should be for other schools around the world because we can learn about things all around the world.
You also understand how other people live and how they view the world. -
My opinion I believe in is that topical talks should not be compulsory. I stand on this view, because though it is very educational it would put stress on the moderation. My reasoning for this putting stress on moderators is due to the following scenario. "If globally the average school has 400 students." this means that even if there were just 10,000 schools in the world (leagues less than the actual amount) that would still be over 4 million kids to moderate. In conclusion I believe that topical talks should be optional, but not mandatory.
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In my opinion, Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps students develop important skills that are useful in life. When students participate in discussions on current issues, they learn to express their ideas clearly and confidently. It also improves public speaking, critical thinking, and listening skills, which are essential for success in school and later in life. Topical Talk encourages students to be aware of what is happening around them and to form their own opinions. Making it compulsory ensures that every student gets the opportunity to practice these skills and grow academically and socially.
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I believe that Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. This is because it has helped me understand the world around me better as I gained experience with issues that directly affect me such as voting. I also learned how to spot fake news and how to research for making a comment. However, I do understand that other people might believe that Topical Talk is far too niche a subject considering you want to put in every school.
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I agree, because learning about and being able to discuss events happening all over the world is a useful skill. Not only do we create our own opinions but we also connect with people with different traditions and beliefs. In our lesson on aid, we explored, - why countries give aid and what we think comes first aid or defence? - discussing this, helped us see both sides and think carefully about priorities. Some, may argue that these topics are too political and not relevant to us now. However, learning about them prepares us to make informed decisions in the future.
Thanks!!! -
I strongly believe Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. During the Festival, the lesson on global alliances challenged students to examine how cooperation between countries shapes stability, not just politics. My students moved beyond memorising facts and began questioning evidence, bias, and perspective — skills they rarely practise in traditional lessons. Some may argue that schools are already overloaded with content and cannot add another requirement. However, Topical Talk does not add pressure; it builds critical thinking, empathy, and confident communication. In a world shaped by fast-moving news, these are not optional skills — they are essential.
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I do agree that Tropical Talk should be compulsory in every school. it is a platform where students around the world are linked globally and who share their opinions on topics they are basically taught and able to realate with because it is n't just an organization but life changer and a eye opener for all students who are opportuned to participate in this plaform. it helps to improve critical thinking and creativity which helps to boost students mentally. it also gives way for students to explore their discoveries which enables them to transform their perspectives about a topic. it to discover new idea and abilities to imply it in their ways of lives. it gives better knowledge and understanding as students exhibits in different aspects of what the platform covers. in view of the topics winter games : technology and talent, which has mad it clear about sport,it nature, the use of VAR(video assistant referee) which has made it easy for referees to make decisions swiftly and prevent favoritism in sports, fair decisions by fans, it benefits to individuals and the passion to be motivated. I know others will like to disagree with me by saying; winter games are for fun and entertainment, and how do I Know if is favourism in winter games .remember sports are not just games but a career which one must be passionate . there are alot of attributes an individual must possess when going into sports, as it passion is the drive to success. experience is the best teacher.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory because when I first started writing comments, I realised that while everyone can have an opinion, not everyone can defend it. In one discussion, I thought my argument was clear until someone challenged it and I struggled to respond. Some might say making it compulsory would make students participate half-heartedly. But if our reasoning collapses so easily, isn’t Topical Talk the best forum to practise strengthening it?
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I agree that Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. It helps students understand real-world issues and think critically. For example, in the discussion “Can richer teams buy advantage?”, we explored how money and technology can affect fairness in sports. This helped me see different viewpoints and explain my opinion with reasons. Some people might say it takes time away from exam subjects, but I think it actually improves skills like speaking, listening and reasoning, which are important for all subjects. Topical Talk prepares students to be informed and confident citizens in the future.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it teaches students to think critically and express themselves clearly. In our Festival lesson on renewable energy, we discussed the pros and cons of solar power, which helped me learn how to support my ideas with evidence and respect different opinions. Some people say schools should focus only on exams and traditional subjects. However, without discussion skills, students struggle to apply knowledge in real life. Topical Talk prepares young people to understand current issues, make informed decisions, and communicate effectively, which are skills essential for success beyond school.
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I think Topical Talk should be made compulsory because of its influence over the lives of students, it helps to build a strong character in participating students. We debated whether expensive technology is actually cheating during our winter games lesson. This influenced me to think about what fairness truly mean in the real world. Someone might argue that the lesson take too much time away from the curriculum, but I believe learning how to speak up and make honest decisions is important. The confidence to debate and share our ideas respectfully also helps us prepare for the future.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory in schools because because it promotes the skill of critical thinking, not just memorising. In our lesson on International aid, we discussed whether our leaders should focus on their citizens or the world, allowing us to think nationally and globally, promoting critical thinking and speaking skills(expressing in class). Some people believe that schools should only focus on exams, but exams test our knowledge and memorisation, while Topical Talk promotes critical thinking, confidence, and awareness of the world, which is important in a complicated world.
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I believe Topical Talk should be compulsory because it teaches us how to be "Information Smart" in a complicated world. Through the Winter Games lesson, I learned how technology can create a "fairness gap," and the NATO debate showed me that global safety relies on keeping promises even when we disagree. While some say students are too young for these topics, our discussion on voting age proved that we can weigh risks and responsibilities just like adults. These lessons stop us from being "brain-tricked" and help us build balanced standpoints on real issues.
Signing off: fair minded elephant -
I partly agree with this statement because if only one specific school in an area has an opportunity to do Topical Talk, it will be unfair to other schools. Topical Talk is where students practice or learn their listening, critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity speaking skills. However if Topical Talk has too many participants and if too many students, there will be millions of comments each day. How will members of Topical Talk read all of those comments every day?
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I disagree with the statement 'Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school'.
I think this because some people might not want to do Topical Talks as it may not interest them to learn about the news and I believe that if someone doesn't want to have access to more options or learning then people shouldn't put the effort to try and teach them. No one should have to try to teach someone who doesn't want to be taught as it's a waste of effort and it could be used for those that actually want to try.
As well as this, some people may find some of the topics studied offensive or upsetting because of personal trauma, experience or family. For example, subjects concerning war- like International Aid- may trigger an emotional response or memory. I think that you should have a choice as to whether you do Topical Talks or not.
On top of this, some people may find some of the topics hard to wrap their head around as they might be really extensive or have many different sides. Subjects like, The Winter Sports, have many different aspects to them and might be to overwhelming to learn all at ounce- especially for those with learning disabilities like: Autism, ADHD or OCD.
However, the people/schools that may not have such an extensive curriculum may want Topical Talks as they would like to be able to learn something outside the small choice they have for reasons like: wanting to learn about the news, wanting to learn more or just in general to do something new. Some people may also have friends or family that have access to Topical Talks and want to be able to learn the same things. -
I believe that the Topical Talk must be compulsory in every school. Imagine gaining a new skill every day. Topical Talk helped me in improving my listening and speaking skills. Topical Talk makes me learn something new every day whether about politics, voting or technology. Some may argue with me because of starting at young age but actually it is really interesting and can it boost your performance.
Did you change your viewpoint? -
i do not think Topical talks should be compulsory i believe this as some topics may be uncomfortable for some people such as the situation in NATO as some people may have friends or family in those countries and may make them unnecessarily worried however i believe the subjects in topical talks should known by everyone for a suggestion at the end if topical talks someone could give a speech on the subjects of topical talks as the future of our country should be educated on the subjects that will shape their future.
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Topical Talks should be compulsory, because you learn to SUBSTANTIATE on your opinions...not just have them.
In one of my lessons, my teacher asked me to elaborate on something I'd said. I couldn't. So, I hushed...thought about it... and then came back ready to confidently explain my thoughts.
Some argue the competition involves too many "controversial topics". Guess what? THAT'S THE WHOLE POINT! I think it's CRUCIAL to expose young minds to situations where there isn't necessarily a right or wrong solution, because of how it draws you deeper into interesting topics and seeing what other people think. -
I think that topical talks shouldn’t be made mandatory in every school because it might not be something that every person has a passion for. Also many schools might not have access to topical talks or be able to provide things for the students for topical talks and also if it was for after school many people may be busy and cannot attend. Another thing some of the topics might be sensitive to some of the students and also some of the students might not be informed on the news and some of the subjects so they cannot be able to do topical talks but I definitely think that everyone should be able to have a chance to look into it as it definitely is interesting
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Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it trains students to question information before accepting it. In our lesson on lowering the voting age, we explored how misinformation spreads across generations and how easily opinions form without evidence. That discussion showed me how necessary it is to pause, examine sources, and defend ideas with facts. Some argue it wastes time meant for academic subjects, but the ability to evaluate news and construct reasoned arguments strengthens every subject. If schools prepare us for exams, they should also prepare us for the reality of living in an information-driven world.
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I agree that topical talk should be compulsory because it helps students open their minds and act as a source of exposure.Technology is making the world become a small village where students can interact and share knowledge wherever their located,this helps students learn many things beyond class work and beyond their boundaries.
Topical talk make students across the world feel valued and at the same level with the ones in other countries,this helps in building confidence,self esteem and courage within oneself. -
Topical Talk ISN'T an unnecessary competition which should be voluntary; it MUST be compulsory.
It's an international competition for students worldwide, not there for students commenting on topics, but for developing CREATIVITY SKILLS (thinking out-of-the-box and problem-solving), SPEAKING SKILLS (standpoints and writing comments) , LISTENING SKILLS (gathering information about topics, standpoints).
ALL skills are used in ALL festival topics, "Using AI in the Winter Games", required unconventional ideas, research, listening to others' memories, personal opinions, to turn them into comments and standpoints.
People might disagree, but making it compulsory prepares students for their future-life (mastering all skills is the best return). -
I believe that topical talk should be compulsory in every school, as it teaches vital life skills such as how to think critically, discuss views, keep arguments concise, and form educated opinions. These skills are crucial for an educated population (especially in the world of social media, where misinformation is common).
For example, I originally believed that there should be a maximum voting age. As I read other comments I realized that it diminishes democracy, thus changing my view.
Others could argue that not everyone is interested in politics, or that some schools might not have the resources. -
I agree with the statement. My reason for this lies in the difference I have seen in my school since we started the Festival, pupils have become more politically aware and the way in which they have expressed their opinions has improved drastically. I understand that people who disagree with me might say that we could achieve this without Topical Talk but I would argue that it is beneficial nonetheless and that we wouldn't reach this level of understanding without it.
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If topical talk was compulsory it would ruin the event.
Topical talk has a goal, and that goal is to help people learn how to think and teach them how to meaningfully argue with others.
If topical talk was made compulsory for every school, I think that would not have a great effect. Sure, there would be more students to share opinions and to learn with, but most of them would be forced by their teachers, as if it doesn't happen now, and the comment space woukd be poluted with ingenuine comments.
So lets keep it optional. -
Topical Talk is something that should be part of every school. It helps students learn how to think for themselves. They do not just learn what to think they learn how to think. We are living in a world that is changing fast. There is a lot of news and a lot of things on media. The world is facing a lot of challenges. So people need to know how to talk about things. They need to be able to talk about them with confidence.
When students talk about what's happening in the world they get better at thinking critically. -
I think that Topical Talk shouldn't be compulsory in every school.
Firstly, if you are forced to do something, you will sooner get bored of it. Also, there are many topics that Topical Talk doesn't talk about, but probably should. I don't say that this is bad project, but when it comes to compulsory, it can feel like pressure instead of enjoyment. Topical Talk is a great way of discovering themes around the world that we maybe wouldn't talk about in normal life, showing our creativity and improving our communication skills. We've learned a lot about amazing themes and important global issues. -
In my opinion the topical talk should not be mandatory because it would reduce the quality of the engagement. During the lessons we did have meaningful discussions because they weren't compulsory. If everyone had to participate the quality of the posts would go down significantly, students wouldn't actually take the time to participate in a meaningful discussion, they would just structure their posts to meet the teachers requirements.
Theoretically it could improve everyone's critical thinking skills, however a lot of students would resort to using AI or copying the work of other's to get a better grade. -
I don't agree because it only adds more work for teachers. Topical Talk is great, you can learn a lot of new things, improve your thinking and imagination, but it's just extra work that should be done alongside the already existing course material. For example, in the lesson about NATO, we learned a lot of things that we wouldn't have learned in class, but some things aren't understandable for all students . Topical Talk is a great place to develop your own opinions and listen to others, but if something is mandatory then students feel it is a burden.
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I think that Topical Talk should not be compulsory in every school. Firstly, sometimes it can cause stress because some students are to much overthinking about other opinions and they can lose their own. Secondly, some students may be forced to write comments even if they not understand the statement. However, it was a great experience to be one of the students on Topical Talk, because I had to think about some topics that I didn't even notice in my day to day life.
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I think that topical talk is a perfect exercise for young people, because it helps us develop critical thinking, meet new people and learn about new cultures, and also it helped us build our friendship in class and with our teacher. However, it shouldn't be compulsory because it can be challenging and it requires next level thinking. If it was compulsory it would be difficult for some students.It helped me develop some new skills like speaking freely, writing, debating, creativity and that everything can be fun if we want to.
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I do not think that Topical Talk should be made compulsory for all schools. When people are made to do something, they do it without any effort, and it doesn’t go well. If we consider the real world, when people are made to participate in activities they do not like, they end up participating without any interest. Those who disagree with this would probably say that it helps them develop confidence and critical thinking skills. However, these skills develop better when participation is voluntary.
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I disagree, because it would be too much for us students, our teachers and the people that run Topical Talk. Firstly, when something is compulsory, with time we start to hate it because it could be something difficult, or it could take away more of our free time. Secondly, not all schols have enough money and technology, and it would be hard to organize. Finally, some students don't believe they can accomplish or change anything so they might not want to participate. I really like Topical Talk, but it would be very hard to make it work for all schols.
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I think it should be compulsory in every school because you would spend a very fun time, at the same time you learn speaking, meeting and debating with other people of others schools with different opinions or with the same.
In the lessons, especially in the first one, I learnt a lot hearing other people and speaking with people of my school.
Although efficient_nectarine doesn't agree with my opinion I think my opinion is greater because is a different form of learning in a different and funniest way -
Topical Talk should be made compulsory because it helps students make good decisions and build their imagination. We used our imagination in the NATO: Friends Forever lesson to figure out how different countries stay loyal and protect each other when things get tough. We are not just learning politics but we are learning the art of leadership, this can help us make huge decisions that really matters, some people might argue and say we can build our imagination doing other academic related activities, but i believe knowing how to be a fair leader and a good friend is very important.
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In my opinion,I believe that Topical talk shall be compulsory in every school.I believe this because,Topical talk helps you with writing and the skills you need.It helps you know how to debate and reason correctly on that debate or question.It also helps you engage with other people from around the world.That's why we have a reply option.In addition if you they like your reasoning you may get a star that means that you did well and understood it correctly.For example:In the topic NATO friends forever,it states Neutral or Alliance,this helps you debate on whether a country should stay Neutral or join an alliance. Others may state”Well what that school doesn't want to do is topical talk.” If they don't want to do it they can even do it on there free time when they don't have anything else to do.So this is why I think Topical talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps with life skills.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps students learn about the world and share their ideas. In the lesson about international aid, we discussed whether richer countries should help others during emergencies. This made us think about fairness and kindness. Someone who disagrees might say that schools are already too busy for extra lessons. But Topical Talk doesn’t make work harder, it helps students like us learn to listen, speak confidently and understand big issues. Every student should have that chance.
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topical talk should be involved in every school, in the time that i have had this competition my class has spoken more and has gotten involved more with each other. topical talk has broadened our view points on the world and has encouraged us to speak out to each other and the world. Thank you topical talk for a wonderful and enjoyable time
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I believe Topical talk should take place at all schools as it is a fundamental skill to be able to discus, but not only this I have learned a lot of things participating each week in the talk and I believe this will be a really good opportunity for many students therefore I believe it should be compulsory.
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I disagree that topical talk should be made compulsory as there is not enough time within the current education system for extra lessons to be spent on topical talk, although a format where topical talk is taken place once per month could be desirable due to the benefits in communication, political understanding, and listening that it brings about. I think it is a great idea but compulsory learning could be unrealistic in the current state of education with maths and english gcse pass rates declining nationally.
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I disagree with tropical talk being compulsory in schools curriculum, mainly because It could be time consuming. I know it may have positive impacts on students like clear expressions on their viewpoints on key world problems, but The curriculum as it is , is already packed adding it could reduce the time period for learning a more core subject, but i believe it should be encouraged for students to participate sometimes.
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I agree that Topic Talk should be compulsory in every school because it builds confidence and communication skills. Many successful people feared public speaking. An example of this Warren Buffett he was extremely afraid of speaking in public when he was young. After taking a public speaking course, he gained confidence and later said it changed his life. If students practise topic talks in school, they can overcome fear early and express their ideas clearly. These skills are important for interviews, careers and leadership in the future.
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Agree. Because it teaches students how to think, no just what to think and can let students share their ideas in here. During the Festival, I took part in a lesson about human right, where we debated whether should young people have the right to vote for nation. That discussion change how I see my own choices-and that kind of critical thinking stays with you.
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I think Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school due to it improving young peoples skills, attitude to learning, and quick thinking. My personal experience doing Topical Talks in school, it has expanded my knowledge on economics and has encouraged me to work efficiently. Some would disagree due to the limited time provided a day in the school system for extra lessons like Topical Talk, however they still see the benefits of doing it and would lean towards doing Topical Talk, for example, once a month. There are nothing but benefits from doing Topical Talk for anyone completing each festival so why not elevate your wisdom.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory for schools because young people are rarely allowed to voice their opinions, while the main point of this event is to do so. Having an opinion nowadays is seen as talking back, when really, it's a symbol of growth. In our lesson about lowering the voting age, many adults argued teenagers are too "immature", easily influenced by social media due to a FOMO. However, adults are also vulnerable to misinformation, especially by AI related content. This proves that young people deserve to speak without fear. Topical Talk teaches us to express our beliefs freely.
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That is a great question. In my opinion, TopicalTalk should be in every school in the world, because it would give the opportunity to many students to get informed about some things and make themselves to think about certain topics. As a result, many youngsters would be educated and this action would help the world as a whole. So, I believe that, with the help of the organisers, this exceptional invention would go even higher.
Thank you for hearing me 😊, -
I think topical talk should be compulsory in every school. My reasons are that it teaches or increases students' habits and students' knowledge of a lot of things, like reading, listening, observing, and making you stay firm on your point. It helps in broadening learning, making students become interactive, and it also makes essay writing easier because they have learnt from this platform; they are able to get to practise what they have learnt with a level of understanding.
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I actually think that topical talk should not be compulsory in every school, firstly because so many teens or children nowadays are kinda lazy and do not like to take part in educational activities or extra curricular activities even when they know that it will benefit them. Also, if they are lazy they will comment very little things that most times might not make sense and it will be more stressful for the judges because reading boring comments for a long time is very stressful. Secondly, If there are a lot of people doing topical talk, there will be repetition of a lot of comments and there will be a lot of use of AI because as few as we are right now, people are still using AI and okay lets try and say that so many people think alike, repetition is still kinda annoying. For example, in the topic lowering the voting age, many comments were almost alike and people started using AI just to get stars and did not want to take the "RISK" of using their minds to comment and not getting a star. Everyone is saying they agree but me personally I go even when all odds are against me.
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Topical Talk should be made compulsory because young students get introduced to the effects of global issues on the world. Students are transformed from passive consumers of news to active critical thinkers. When we engage with the platform, we learn to spot biases, check evidences and realise that most global issues don't have a simple right and wrong answer. When students are forced to step outside their comfort zones and analyse real world issues, they end up having a change in perspective. Someone might say the curriculum is already overcrowded, but I would like to add that integrating Topical Talk enhances other subjects.
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Topical Talk should be made compulsory as it has really helped us in our school. I can tell you that we look forward to reading and making comments, everyone can attest to the fact that there is a significant difference in how we now tackle issues. Students that are naturally shy are coming out of their shells as we now interact with one another and answer questions on the hub, I have noticed that we are actually getting better. I see how eager we are to make our comments and work on our listening and speaking skills. Checking for more information and interpreting the information is actually getting easier.
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I believe, like some other comments that it should be the schools who pick whether their school would like to enter the world of topical talk or they could have a democratic vote in assembly depending on whether they want the whole school to do it or maybe even a whole class. I do still believe though that in my opinion Topical talk will help children like me improve their writing to intrigue someone to possibly change their opinion for the worlds decisions.
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I strongly agree that Topical Talk should be a compulsory part of every school curriculum. In our Festival lessons we didn’t just learn facts we learned how one young person’s voice can change the world this discussion encouraged us to be critical thinkers,good listeners,and to form our own opinions on issues such as climate change. Some people might say that " Topical Talk wastes time in the academic curriculum and causes arguments" , but how often has learning to disagree respectfully not been useful? Topical Talk equips students not only to pass exams but to become active members of society.
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I strongly agree that Topical Talk should be a compulsory part of every school curriculum. In our Festival lessons we didn’t just learn facts we learned how one young person’s voice can change the world this discussion encouraged us to be critical thinkers,good listeners,and to form our own opinions on issues such as climate change. Some people might say that " Topical Talk wastes time in the academic curriculum and causes arguments" , but how often has learning to disagree respectfully not been useful? Topical Talk equips students not only to pass exams but to become active members of society.
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I strongly agree that Topical Talk should be a compulsory part of every school curriculum. In our Festival lessons we didn’t just learn facts we learned how one young person’s voice can change the world this discussion encouraged us to be critical thinkers,good listeners,and to form our own opinions on issues such as climate change. Some people might say that " Topical Talk wastes time in the academic curriculum and causes arguments" , but how often has learning to disagree respectfully not been useful? Topical Talk equips students not only to pass exams but to become active members of society.
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I strongly agree that Topical Talk should be a compulsory part of every school curriculum. In our Festival lessons we didn’t just learn facts we learned how one young person’s voice can change the world this discussion encouraged us to be critical thinkers,good listeners,and to form our own opinions on issues such as climate change. Some people might say that " Topical Talk wastes time in the academic curriculum and causes arguments" , but how often has learning to disagree respectfully not been useful? Topical Talk equips students not only to pass exams but to become active members of society.
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I strongly agree that Topical Talk should be a compulsory part of every school curriculum. In our Festival lessons we didn’t just learn facts we learned how one young person’s voice can change the world this discussion encouraged us to be critical thinkers,good listeners,and to form our own opinions on issues such as climate change. Some people might say that " Topical Talk wastes time in the academic curriculum and causes arguments" , but how often has learning to disagree respectfully not been useful? Topical Talk equips students not only to pass exams but to become active members of society.
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I think topical talk should be made compulsory in all schools because it promotes critical thinking and good citizenship. During the festival Topical Talk on fairness in sports technology, I leaned that it is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages before making a conclusion. This debate encourages one to base arguments on evidence rather than making assumptions. It is also argued that making it compulsory will be pressurizing and will leave little time for core subjects. However, Topical Talk promotes critical thinking, communication skills, and broad-mindedness.
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I think topical talk should be compulsory in every school as it can help younger kids to understand things they wouldn't really cover in their usual curriculum. It also boosts children's confidence to speak up about their own opinions and respect the ones around them. For example during the lesson on the winter games I got to acknowledge other peoples opinions about the matter instead of thinking about my own. This helped me challenge my view and add more points to it. Some may disagree saying that it may not be for everyone but I think it is more important to try something before saying no.
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I think that Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because, young people are constantly surrounded by lots of news , social media , and global events . From lots of political decisions to environmental crises, including more students here about important issues every day in school . For this reason , Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps every student increase there leaning of critical thinking skills , it improves communication, and prepares them to become informed and responsible citizens.
Firstly Topical Talk encourages critical thinking, when students discuss all of the current issues they learn to analyse all of the information, question source,and consider different types of viewpoints. At this age misinformation spreads really easily online and these skills are essential to be able to understand. By debating real world topics students learn how to form balance opinions based on facts that create rumours that turn into emotions.
Secondly, making Topical talk compulsory would improve students communication and be able to tell others what you think including communication skills. Students learn how to express themselves and there ideas clearly and how to disagree politely. These are valuable life skills to learn earlier than later and it will benefit them into future careers and personal relationships. In addition Topical Talk helps students stay informed in the world around them . It also encourages active citizenship , as students become more aware of how decisions made by governments and organisations can affect them. -
I strongly believe topical talk should be allowed in school because they make learning real, exciting,and meaningful. During the festival we discuss about voting age exploring how people below 18 should also be voting. Sharing ideas on solutions made the lesson memorable and showed the power of student voices. Critic might say such talk can spark argument of distract from core subject. While that risks exists, careful teacher guidance, ensures discussion, stay respectful and focused. Topical talk teach critical thinking, communication,and awareness, preparing student not just for exam, but for life and school must embrace them.
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In my personal opinion, I believe that both topical talk should and shouldn’t be compulsory in every school around the world.
Topical Talk was made by The Economist foundation and is originally organised to let children from a young age explore beyond their imagination about life itself. Topical Talk is raising young leaders that will ,in the future, be able to make tough decisions and choices for their country. I know that after this year’s competition, I will feel empowered with strength and determination through the challenges in my next chapter of my life. I wish to share that feeling with others so that they can be just as confident in themselves as I am. Topical Talk has a way of making children eager to learn and be ready and active for the next challenge by letting children earn stars.⭐️ . And this is why Topical Talk should be available for everyone worldwide.
Moving on to the other hand, a reason why Topical Talk shouldn’t have access for every school is because lots of schools would enter competitions and suddenly the whole point of Topical Talk will come out of hand.Even the program itself won’t have control over the way children use it!(No hate to you Topical Talk).I predict it will end up as a way of children to text messages to each other instead of typing out knowledge and thought to the question that is given by Topical Talk.
Overall, I think that both sides of the debate are equally important.
I would just like to say to Topical Talk that I am honoured to be apart of such a great experience with you guys.You have taught me so much.Thank you :-|) -
I agree because topical talk helps understand different situations going on around the world. During one of our lessons we learnt about international aid; we got to choose an answer on a multiple choice questionnaire and gained a point if our answer was believed to be good for the country. Someone might disagree by saying that we should only learn the basic subjects like math or english. But, I think students should explore learning through various courses and festivals like Topical Talk because it deepens our knowledge and understanding about various topics.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. Over the course of this Festival, I have developed my listening, creativity, and speaking skills, but also learned to interact with others and respond to criticism. These developments prove necessary in post-secondary spaces and competitive workforces. However, someone may say that requiring students to engage can foster hostility and negative emotions. In my opinion, Topical Talk does the opposite, as guidelines prevent negative comments from being approved, and students are warned of the consequences ahead of time. Thus, because of its benefits, Topical Talk should be mandatory in all schools.
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I think topical Talk should compulsory in every school. For example the lesson about aid. I shows the importance of the aid, but also that many countries can‘t effort it. So it‘s also a lesson about fairness. In general topical talk shows problems and different ways to think about important news and topics. But I also get it, if people are not into this type of lessons. Because some topics are maybe not intressting for us. And also often people don‘t pay attention to the lesson. So in General I get both sides, but personally I like topical talk
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I think that Topical Talk offers an opportunity to listen and expose yourself to different viewpoints from people not only around you, but from people around the world. For example, Topical Talk helped me understand so many different diverse opinions and arguments on International Aid, which helped me shape the way I responded to questions. So I think that Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school, as it helps young people develop transferable skills such as listening and communication by discussing different topics we have done so far.
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I don't think Topical Talk should be compulsory because it can be stressful and tricky to use. When I first started, it was hard to navigate and now that I am finally figuring it out, the program is almost over. Even though I asked my parent to sign me up, some topics like NATO: Friends Forever lesson was actually pretty tough to understand. Someone might argue that it helps us do better in class, but if a student only does it once and then graduates, they will forget what they learned anyway. Plus it is not fair for schools that don't have good internet.
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I believe Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. During the Festival, our session on climate change taught me how to discuss complex issues respectfully and clearly with peers. Supporters argue that these skills prepare students for real-world debates and teamwork. Critics might say schools already have enough subjects and that discussion lessons take time from core academics. However, the ability to communicate ideas effectively is essential in every career and community. Making Topical Talk compulsory ensures all students gain confidence, empathy, and critical thinkingskills no traditional exam alone can teach.
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Would giving 16-year-olds the vote improve democracy or just change the way campaigns are run?
In my opinion, giving 16-year-olds the vote is just a recipe for disaster. The world is already corrupt, let’s not add to that; if anything, they should set the bar higher.
Parties will adapt to teenagers’ likings, and they will try to manipulate them. Also, they can be bribed and/or blackmailed into voting for a specific party by peers or the general public. I agree that some teenagers are adequately developed, but they are still at risk. Even adults fall into the trap of manipulation, how can 16-year-olds cope with this
Furthermore, children don’t know the consequences of voting; they might just classify all of the information given as true without doing any research on trusted websites. Voting is a privilege, though it can also be a burden; it is hard to decide which person will give you the best future.
Some people may argue that adults are as vulnerable to manipulation as children. While this is true, adults will attempt to make the correct decision, unlike some children which might just vote with the little information they are given by parties.
Again, people might think that children deserve democracy. While I do nit contradict this, we need to think about the consequences. We are currently in a geopolitical crisis. With the Israel-Iran war and the Ukraine-Russia war, children are the last thing we need.
In conclusion, the hint of democracy that comes with children voting is just an illusion; allowing children to vote is just a recipe for disaster. -
Not every good idea works for everyone. Topical Talk should not be compulsory in every school. While it encourages awareness, some topics are too complex for younger students. For example, during the Festival we studied NATO, and many students struggled to understand alliances and international politics, which caused confusion instead of meaningful discussion. Someone who disagrees might argue that compulsory Topical Talk prepares students for the real world. However, forcing complex global issues on all age groups can overwhelm learners. Wouldn’t it be better to improve the Hub with informational posters, articles and simpler resources instead?
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Hello we are going to be talking about how we should not use AI as much. Because people are getting carried away with AI and AI is mostly taking over human's are mostly . And people are passing tests by cheating by using AI.
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I think that it should be required in every school because it helps students, like myself, understand and learn about what is currently going on inside the world, it also gives us an independent mindset and makes us aware about the topics that are currently being discussed by numerous people around the globe, not just those who are participating in this competition. In addition, it gives students the opportunity to present their voices and share their opinions. This kind of experience helps us build important skills such as critical thinking and respectful discussion. By listening and reading multiple perspectives, we learn how to support our ideas with evidence and understand viewpoints that may be different from our own. These are valuable skills
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Topical talk should be compulsory in every school. It sparks curiosity, sharpens reasoning, and connects students globally. in the festival I debated whether technology or talent leads success, and discovered how evidence metaphors, and diverse voices transform arguments into power. critics may say debate clubs already exist, but topical talk is different: it's international, real, and rooted in issues that matter. Making it compulsory ensures every student not just a few gains these skills. like roots anchoring a tree, topical talk grounds learning in dialogue, exchange, and perspectives, preparing classrooms for challenges far beyond textbooks
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Hi topical talkers, I'm fierce computer! I want topical talk to be compulsory in all schools.
Debating is crucial for convincing others, handling pressure and leadership. It practices critical thinking, research literacy and empathy. Topical talk helps children stay aware of news (like NATO) and helps classes work as a group. As I am going into grammar school, I'd love to learn about people and thier decisoins it's already helped me make friends with unepected groups! If anyone says "subject educatoin only" remember, students who participate make seven times more progress then there peers in soft-skills. -
I believe Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps students learn how to share their opinions and listen to others respectfully. During the Festival, we had a lesson about the influence of social media, and it was interesting to hear different viewpoints from other students. It helped us think more deeply about the topic. Some people might say schools should only focus on subjects like maths or science. However, learning how to discuss real issues and think critically is also very important. Topical Talk helps students understand the world better and prepares them to express their ideas with confidence.
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I don't think that Topical Talk should be compulsory because it is a great opportunity that should be used wisely and some students may not be interested to express their opinions globally. Therefore, it should be available for the schools who requested only because their request shows they are truly passionate.
For example, in the live lessons, some students were excited to participate while others were not.
Others might say, " Topical Talk should be compulsory because it lets everyone speak and helps us to develop our skills."
I disagree because some of the students may "waste" the comments because they aren't interested. -
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Topical talk should not be compulsory in every school; a lesson on the USAID taught me how important it actually was to America. The festival taught me that talking about things can be helpful, but not all students learn best that way. Some people say that it helps people feel "more confident" and aware of problems in the real world. But actually making students talk can make them stressed and stop them from deep thinking. Schools ought to provide topical talk as an option, enabling students to participate in ways that align with their own perspective.
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It so important to consider students wellbeing when talking about the news. Are there ways everyone could have safe discussions about the news without feeling too stressed?
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I don’t agree that Topical Talk should be made compulsory for every school because every child should have a choice to make a decision on their own about whether they want to take part in debates on global issues or not. For example, during one of our lessons, we were asked to discuss whether 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote, and it was an interesting topic, but not everyone wants to discuss politics. Some people may say that by making it compulsory, children can learn how to discuss things properly. But they can still learn how to discuss things properly without having to make it compulsory for every child to take part in Topical Talk.
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I believe Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps students understand global issues and develop critical thinking skills.
During the Festival, one lesson discussed whether 16-year-olds should be allowed to vote. The discussion helped students learn about democracy, responsibility, and why countries set voting ages. For example, in the United Kingdom, most national elections require voters to be 18, which shows how governments create clear rules for participation. This kind of discussion helps students better understand real-world political decisions.
Someone who disagrees might say Topical Talk should not be compulsory because schools already have many subjects and students may have different opinions on sensitive issues. However, learning to discuss and understand different viewpoints is an important skill, and Topical Talk helps prepare students to become informed and responsible citizens. -
I think topical talk should be compulsory for every school. Topical talk is where we can learn other peoples POV from all over the world. Maybe by reading these insites we could learn some new things. By doing the topical talk topics alone can also add new ideas or more ways of thinking. But if topical talk is compulsory for every school, well there will be some difficulties in the prosses,so there is a positive and a negative output.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. When students aren't aware about real world issues, those issues don't go away, they just never recognized. During the Festival, I discussed how technology in the Winter Games is actually widening the gap between competitors because wealthier countries can afford better equipment and training while poorer ones just cant. That's the kind of thing you never think about until someone brings it up. Some people say Math and English gets you better jobs. But understanding the world you're actually living in matters much more.
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I think Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it teaches students how to accept different ideas and that there is no right or wrong answer. In my class, before we make our own comments in Topical Talk, we tend to discuss our opinions so that we make sure we are able to understand other people's perspective. In the topic about International Aids, my classmates really changed my opinion and showed me that it can be both good and bad. Topical Talk expands younger kid's knowledge and allows them to think outside the box making them creative and a critical thinker.
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I think that topical talk shouldn't be mandatory or compulsory in schools as I think it would be forcing a student to learn a subject that they do not enjoy studying, and sure you could argue that some students don't like studying science or math, but we need to take into consideration that there are core subjects like language arts, mathematics, science, history or geography, even though Topical Talk goes under the category of Global Perspective some students might not enjoy learning global perspectives, you could argue that from the festival activities like NATO: Friends Forever, can help students open their eyes and help them see things from different perspective, but some students aren't able to adapt to these learning concepts as students have different ways that they learn and some students may not be able to understand the concept of global perspective, therefore I think that topical talk or global perspectives should be offered as a optional subject instead of a mandatory subject
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I agree topical talks should be compulsory. Many of my classmates share this view too. Topical talks works as more than an education website. Students share ideas and reasons with people across the world. This step builds strong thinking for young people. During my research on “ NATO: friends forever?”. I read different opinions and arguments. Those views helped my understanding of the topic a lot. Some people argue management across millions of schools creates difficulty. This issue holds small weight compared with the learning value topical talks gives students. Students gain voice, debate skills, and knowledge here.
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I think that Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. It’s something that can develop the student’s skill and mindset about complicated situations. During my lesson about international aid I usually just respond without research, until I researched about the positives and negatives to structure my answer better and it made a big difference. The response was well written and there was evidence and facts in it that made it better. Some might say that the topics are too complicated for students, but that’s the point, it’s to help develop the student’s mind and how they respond to things.
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I think that topical talk should be compulsory because it helps students understand current current global events, improve their communication skills, and feel confidence in sharing their opinions. One example is a discussion about International Aid. In that discussion, it helped us understand the complexity of global problems and listen to different viewpoints. However, some people might disagree with this idea because they state that students already have packed schedules but I think it will support academic performance and skills. In conclusion, topical talk should be compulsory in schools because it teaches students about global issues, strengthens their communication skills, and feeling confident in contributing ideas.
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Based on my perspective, Tropical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it teaches students how to think critically and discuss real issues that can impact a lot in the future. For example, we had a lesson discussing about international aids and we got to share different opinions respectfully. This helped me understand other perspectives and support my ideas with evidence. Some people might argue that it takes time away from subjects like math or science. However, learning how to communicate, debate and analyze information is just as important for the real world.
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Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it reveals the hidden forces shaping our worlds. In the "Winter Games: Talent or technology?" lesson I was shocked to learn that advance suits can decide races, making athlete with fewer resources unable to compete fairly. This taught me that success isn't just about hard work. A skeptic might argue that schools should stick to traditional subjects. Yet, if we do not discuss real-world inequalities in class, how will we ever learn to fix them? That is a conversation no textbook can replace.
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I think topical talk should be compulsory for every school because, having it can teach young children on how to work on current skills like creativity, speaking and listening skills, plus adding new words to their vocabulary, and improving on decision making skills. For example: I learned that you can still have alliances to help you while still being an independent country in the "should a country have a bunch of alliances or one powerful relationship". Others might disagree because they don't want children into politics a young age, but it can expand on their knowledge about the modern world.
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I think schools should make Topical Talk compulsory because it allows students to learn about the current world situations, for example, the lesson about the Winter Games where I was able to come to the conclusion that new tech advancements improve the skills of players. Although, it would be hard to manage with millions of schools, it would be great for the students because they get to cover interesting topics and learn how to share their thoughts and opinions.
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For me, I believe that Topical Talk should DEFINITELY be compulsory in every school because it enhances skills that are mandatory for your future and help guide you through your journey towards success. Like when we were learning about NATO and international aides we had to think deeply, listen & try to find out which solution is the best for not only yourself but your country. You might disagree with me and say but there are too many schools around the world! We all need education for these different types of skills for our future but also for guidance towards success.
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I think that Topical talk should be compulsory in every school. Topical talk is one of the many platforms that could help children challenge themselves, express their thoughts and opinions, deep dive into the real world, discuss world matters and help them become creative, critical and problem solving thinkers.
In the topic of International AIDS, I've learnt and come to the realisation that although helping people is good, you still have to think about yourself and what it causes you and how they could repay you back in the future. You can't just give things away like it's nothing, things comes with a price. -
I think that Topical talk should be compulsory for every school because it helps students understand that happening i the world and share their opinions about it. It also allows students to share and express their opinions about what is happening now. For example when we where using Topical talk i learned about international aid and how they could help a country or ruin a country. Someone people say it would be hard to manage because there are so many schools but i think that it would be beneficial because it allows more students to share their ideas and perspectives.
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I think that Topical talk should be compulsory for every school because it helps students understand that happening i the world and share their opinions about it. It also allows students to share and express their opinions about what is happening now. For example when we where using Topical talk i learned about international aid and how they could help a country or ruin a country. Someone people say it would be hard to manage because there are so many schools but i think that it would be beneficial because it allows more students to share their ideas and perspectives.
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I agree with this statement! Every school all around the world should let their students use Topical Talk because it can help them with other children in other countries, sharing their thoughts or ideas, without criticism. By doing this, students can gain more confidence in their ideas and to not be afraid to showcase themselves or discuss things with others. In Topical Talk, students can increase their critical thinking, thoughts, and creativity, without using modern technology to help them such as AI or Chatgpt. It helps them to prepare for future responsibilities, and understand more about topics they are unsure of by discussing with their classmates, teachers, or students from other schools/countries.
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I think Topical talk should be complusory because it helps student's learn about problems that most people overlook such as the making of dams ,poverty ...Topical talk helps the school make fun and interesting problems for the students to think and discuss with eachother, which helps them become a problem solver.Topical talks also helps the students improve there knowledge in finding real or fake news,which will help them in the future.Topical talk will also help the teacher explore diffrent topics more easy as they have topical talk to use as a tool to help the students understanding of the topic improve.
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I think topical talk should not be compulsory, because children think differently and we discuss topics that could be difficult to comprehend. However it should be a choice and I would recommend it to anyone who asked me about it.
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I would personally think that topical talks should not be compulsory for every school. While it is helpful and helps students to grasp composition and articulate their thoughts, it is difficult to manage. Not every child has access to technology and parental guidance, and without these, it would be hard for anyone to fully participate. It is not every school that has the supplies and resources to build the labs or laptops. Some schools may also have labs, but may lack electricity to power the gadgets. Some may have electricity but lack adequate laptops to serve everyone.
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Do you think young people have a right to technology and digital access?
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I think that Topical Talk should not be compulsory because it is not all year round. Also, The economist would have to put in a new subject every week, and soon they would run out. When the NATO subject came out, it was half term in the UK and the next week was standpoints so we never got to do the NATO lesson. Different countries have different holidays. Stars. If the stars never end, In a few months, some schools may already have over 100 stars but no-one would win. In conclusion, Topical talk should not be compulsory.
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I agree, Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school, because every student should have the same chance to join or try this festival even from different schools. If Topical Talk is only for some schools, it won't be fair to other students whos school doesn't give this chance to them. This Topical Talk can be a great experience to try something new. It can also benefit stidents to share their mine or opinion on different things. For example, the first competition that asked our opinion on a festival, it makes students have to think and can share their opinions on this competition to other people. The students can also learn or study from other students comments. They can learn to try a different perspective on other persons opinion on something and not just theirs. This competition can help us, students, learn to share our opinion, see different perspectives, and be more confident on our own opinion.
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Aboslutely yes it enhances your debating skills and is all factual it is a great way to help your understanding of the world also it is not a negative talk and alows every body to give their ideas .However some people dont enjoy debating and thats another thing to consider some people dont like listening to the news some people In the class room some of my points were challenged but that just enhanced my debating skills and made me come back with a good response . some argue that it pressures students and makes them upset but I dont think so.
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Why do you think that some people argue it pressures students?
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As much as I enjoy topical talk, and it’s very educational, it should not be compulsory because some schools might feel excluded if they don’t have internet access or the money. It should be inclusive and available for everyone, and whilst it is very good for learning about politics, some schools just can’t afford it. I would love for it to be compulsory so we have more people’s opinions, but it’s not possible. It is also kind of unfair as maybe other schools will see it on something and will want to be included with all the games and comments.
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I agree topical talk should be compulsory for every school cause it helps children know more then they did before. This also helps them In there vocabulary and can also help them understand the value of technology and that aid is important. in this festival I’ve also learnt more vocabulary and learnt how helpful technology is in sports and teaches kids the skill of using money topical talk is a good learning website to use and should be used in every school bye!
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Can you share some vocabulary you have learnt with us?
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A lively debate can only succeed when everyone understands the topic. Although Topical Talk is valuable, it should not automatically be compulsory in every school without further improvement. In one lesson about NATO and international alliances, some younger students struggled to follow the discussion because the topic included unfamiliar terms and complex global relationships. Supporters might argue that making Topical Talk compulsory strengthens confidence and global awareness. However, discussion cannot be meaningful if students feel confused by the subject. Instead, Topical Talk could improve the hub by adding clearer explanations and information posters, while schools could teach these lessons during GP sessions, as my school did.
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I strongly agree that Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. It transforms students from passive learners into active citizens. For example, during our lesson on lowering the voting age, I practiced Problem Solving by weighing the legal responsibilities of young people against their rights.
Critics might argue that the school day is already too crowded with traditional subjects. However, without these discussions, students miss out on the vital ability to Speak confidently about global issues. Making this program mandatory ensures every student, regardless of their background, develops the reasoning skills needed for the real world. -
Topical Talk should be made compulsory in school because i believe the best way to train us for the future is by doing. We learned to be loyal and make big decisions in NATO: Friends Forever not only by reading history but also by practice which is way better sitting at a desk. Some schools do not have internet services or computers as someone might argue. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to grow their imagination, so here is another opportunity for the government to help these schools get what they need so no one is left behind.
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As a student, I do think it should be compulsory as it rebuilds an interest in our mind that was destroyed years ago.
In multiple quizzes of topical talk, a repeated question <<do you feel confident talking about politics at schools>> most of us have a simple answer that, to us, feels normal. No. Just no, nothing big. But to them this actually means a lot and improves our lessons based on our answers.
Not being introduced to such topics can shape our community as simple and easy to live in. When a student is introduced to the real world, he accepts working in jobs that pay a minimum wage just to pass by. Having topical talk prevent that.
Another side might believe that it reshapes your subconscious into believing that it's hard to live, leaving you to take harsh decisions. -
Topical Talk should be compulsory in schools around the world because it helps students understand the real issues shaping our lives today. When learners discuss topics like climate change, conflict, technology, and education, learning becomes more meaningful than simply reading textbooks. In places like Samburu in Kenya, many students grow up in remote areas, yet these conversations help them connect their daily experiences such as drought and pastoral life to challenges people face in other parts of the world. I have seen shy students slowly gain confidence as they share ideas and listen to others respectfully. It prepares them well.
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I agree that Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps students understand what is happening in the world. For example, during the Festival, we had a lesson about climate change and how it affects our city. It was really interesting to see how science connects to real-life problems, and talking about it made me more aware of what we can do. These discussions also give us as students a chance to share their ideas, listen to others, and feel more confident speaking in front of people.
At the same time, I understand why some people might disagree. They might say that us as students already have too much homework, and adding more discussions could feel like extra pressure. Others might worry that teachers could accidentally show their own opinions and influence students. Even so, I think that if Topical Talk is done in a fair and careful way, it can really help us students stay informed and think more about the world around them. -
Topical talk should be compulsory in every school.
During the festival, or AI lesson proved that technology is advancing faster than students can react- and that raw talent isn't enough unless we learn to question debate and understand the forces shaping our future. Critics say schools are already overloaded, but avoiding real world discussions doesn't save time; it creates unprepared students. Making topical talk compulsory would ensure every young person develops the critical thinking communication and judgement that no machine can replace. -
Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps students develop important life skills. First, it improves communication skills since students learn how to speak clearly and express their ideas confidently. Second, it develops critical thinking because students discuss different issues and learn to form their own opinions. Third, it increases general knowledge by helping students understand current events happening in society and the world. In addition, it teaches students to respect other people’s views during discussions. This promotes tolerance and good relationships among learners. Therefore, making Topical Talk compulsory in schools would help students become informed, confident, responsible, and active citizens in society.
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I believe Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it helps students grow into thoughtful and confident individuals. When learners regularly discuss current issues, they become more aware of what is happening in the world around them and learn how to form their own opinions. It also improves important skills like communication, critical thinking, and listening to different perspectives. In a classroom where Topical Talk is encouraged, students learn to respect other people’s views while expressing their own ideas clearly. For these reasons, making Topical Talk compulsory in schools would play an important role in preparing young people to become informed and responsible members of society.
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I disagree with the statement. As topical talk is a fun competition where you can share your opinion but that doesn't mean every school HAS to take it.
First of all, some schools are busy as some have other competitions going on at the same time or some type of thing that requires the full attention of the students during the topical talk duration.
Some students just wouldn't want to join in because either they are lazy or busy or maybe just not feeling like it.
Topical talk should stay a competition where you willingly share your opinion not be forced to. -
I agree, because with this lessons and the everyday coments, I think that I have improved my english, but ALSO I have improved my debating skills, I have seen a lot of different opinions in this topics and I think that in my coments I have defended my opinion pretty good.
And to the people that argue that this shouldn't be compulsory, I think that nowadays, debating skills are one of the most important skills that you can have. Not only for the tropical talk but, for other things like arguing with your fathers to buy something or other things.
mirthful_cloudberry | Krishnakumari City Corporation Girls' High School A | Bangladesh 03 Mar 2026
Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school because it trains students to question information before accepting it. In our lesson on lowering the voting age, we explored how misinformation spreads across generations and how easily opinions form without evidence. That discussion showed me how necessary it is to pause, examine sources, and defend ideas with facts. Some argue it wastes time meant for academic subjects, but the ability to evaluate news and construct reasoned arguments strengthens every subject. If schools prepare us for exams, they should also prepare us for the reality of living in an information-driven world.
dynamic_reindeer | East West International School - Phnom Penh B | Cambodia 06 Mar 2026
Topical Talk should be compulsory in every school. When students aren't aware about real world issues, those issues don't go away, they just never recognized. During the Festival, I discussed how technology in the Winter Games is actually widening the gap between competitors because wealthier countries can afford better equipment and training while poorer ones just cant. That's the kind of thing you never think about until someone brings it up. Some people say Math and English gets you better jobs. But understanding the world you're actually living in matters much more.