They debate the question openly.

他们公开辩论这个问题。

We debated for an hour on the advantages and disadvantages of his plan.

我们讨论了一个小时他的计划的利与弊。

This Christmas I was debating what to give my father.

我在考虑这个圣诞节送给父亲什么礼物。

open / close a debate

开始/终止辩论

under debate

在讨论/辩论中

There is a fierce / heated debate about / on / over the question whether the experiment should be allowed.

在是否进行这个实验的问题上展开了激烈的争论。