highly debated
A subject or issue that is discussed controversially with strong opposing opinions.
readingwriting-task-2speakingScience and researchGovernment and society
IELTS use
Useful in reading to describe academic topics, in Task 2 to present both sides of an argument, and in Speaking Part 3 to discuss controversial issues.
Examples
- The effectiveness of mandatory vaccination is a highly debated topic.
- Fossil fuel subsidies remain a highly debated policy in many countries.
Collocations
- highly debated
- The role of genetics in intelligence is a highly debated area.
Paraphrases
- contentious issue: More formal synonym for better lexical variety in essays.
Common mistakes
- high debatable to highly debated. 'Highly debate' is not a standard phrase; the correct form is 'highly debated'.