> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://info.argutopia.co/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://info.argutopia.co/instructors-guide/start-here/topic-or-assignment-first.md).

# Topic or assignment first?

Some instructors come to Argutopia for help administering a debate without much concern for the topic their students will argue.  Others come to us with a topic they'd like to "debatify," but need help setting up a successful debate experience for their students.  You're welcome to start from either point.

You can begin with your own topic or use one of our [debate kits](/instructors-guide/start-here/debate-kits.md) to kick off your assignment.  If you choose to use a debate kit, you'll benefit from curated topics, customized issues and--in many cases--links to resources that your students can use to prepare.  Any kit you choose will be automatically imported into your assignment

If you'd prefer to create a debate using your own topic, check out our guide to [writing topics and issues](/instructors-guide/start-here/writing-topics-and-issues.md).