Updated: 23 October 2026

Practise a debate against an AI opponent

This prompt makes the AI your opponent for a motion you choose. You say which side you argue, and it takes the opposite in three one-minute rounds, arguing strongly, then scores each round.

text-debate-practice — chatgpt — 55 words

Be my debate opponent.

Motion: [MOTION]
I argue: [FOR / AGAINST]
Format: 3 rounds, one minute each

Argue the opposite side with strong, realistic points. After each round, score me out of 10 on argument, evidence and delivery, and tell me the best rebuttal I missed. In the last round, give me an overall verdict.

Edit in the builder Copy & open ChatGPT ↗Copy & open Gemini ↗Copy & open Claude ↗

Switch sides in the second session. It builds much stronger arguments.

Get a better result

What you will get

A three-round debate where the AI argues the opposite side, scores you out of 10 after each round on argument, evidence and delivery, and names the best rebuttal you missed.

Common mistake

The opponent makes weak points that are easy to beat.

Fix: Add “use the strongest arguments a skilled debater on this side would use” next to the motion. A soft opponent teaches you nothing.

Also watch for

Every score comes back as 7 or 8 out of 10. Add “be strict: 5 is average, and quote the exact sentence that cost me points”. A score with a reason is worth more than a high number.
It comments on delivery even though you typed your answers. Text cannot show pacing, so say “judge delivery by structure and clarity only”, or practise by voice if your tool has a voice mode.

Try a variation: swap sides

After round three send “now we switch: you argue my side and I argue yours, same three rounds”. Arguing the other side is the fastest way to find the holes in your own case.

Still not right? Reply with this

Be stricter. Give me a score out of 10 with one sentence on the exact line that lost points, and name the best rebuttal I missed.

FAQ

About this prompt

Can AI help me practise for a school or college debate?

Yes. Give it the motion and your side, answer in writing or by voice, and it argues back and scores you. Treat it as practice only: check any facts or figures it quotes before you use them in a real debate.