argumentative research papers

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Making a Case: Writing Argumentative Research Papers

Argumentative research papers present readers with an original perspective or argument on a topic. These papers require students to do more than simply provide facts and information; they must also explain how these elements of evidence support their claims. In this article, we will examine the fundamentals of writing argumentative research papers, from crafting a compelling thesis statement to organizing supporting evidence in logical ways that strengthen arguments. We will discuss methods for effectively responding to counterarguments and outlining a persuasive conclusion as well. By developing the skills necessary for creating powerful arguments through researching, reasoning, and utilizing sources correctly, student writers can make strong cases in any field of study.

I. Introduction

Ii. identifying the purpose of argumentative research papers, iii. developing a strong thesis statement, iv. organizing supporting evidence to strengthen your case, v. writing an engaging and persuasive argumentative essay, vi. incorporating counterarguments into your paper, vii. concluding with conviction: summarizing your arguments.

The introduction of any research paper is an essential component that provides readers with the context necessary to understand its content. In this section, we will explore how argumentative research papers can be structured and developed in order to effectively present a persuasive argument.

When writing an argumentative research paper, it’s important to maintain focus on your thesis statement. Every paragraph should support or provide evidence for your primary idea by providing facts and explanations that are relevant and convincing. Additionally, you must be able to construct logical arguments using a range of resources such as academic journals, credible websites, books and other materials related to the topic.

Argumentative research papers are a unique type of academic writing that require an in-depth examination and analysis of evidence. To effectively compose such papers, it is important to identify their purpose – which is twofold: firstly, to provide readers with convincing arguments supported by reliable sources; secondly, to persuade the reader into considering your point of view.

  • Inform : The primary goal when crafting argumentative research paper is for authors to inform and educate audiences on the particular issue being discussed. This often includes introducing the topic, examining any relevant literature or studies related to it, presenting facts and statistics as well as outlining potential courses of action.
  • Persuade : In addition to providing information about a subject matter, argumentative research papers also aim at persuading readers into accepting certain beliefs or opinions regarding an issue. Authors will utilize all available resources – including logic reasoning & appeals – in order sway opinion towards their perspective while attempting refute any counterarguments that could challenge its validity.

Creating an Impressive Thesis

When it comes to writing research papers, the development of a strong thesis statement is essential for success. An effective thesis captures the attention of readers and provides insight into what arguments will be made in the paper. Crafting such an impressive statement may seem daunting at first, but with some planning and practice any student can create a thought-provoking argument worth exploring.

  • Start by determining your goal as a writer; ask yourself why you are writing this paper.
  • Make sure that each sentence supports or refines your central idea.
  • Collect evidence from reliable sources that support your opinion on the topic.

A well-crafted thesis should also provide guidance to the reader throughout their experience with reading through one’s work. It helps them understand how each point fits into larger narrative as they progress further into the document – even if it does not match up directly with traditional structures used when crafting research papers (including whether said papers are argumentative). Ultimately, constructing meaningful and noteworthy statements is all about being creative while staying true to one’s position on matters related to their chosen subject matter.

When constructing an argument, it is essential to organize supporting evidence into a cohesive and logical structure. This helps to reinforce your thesis statement and provides the reader with a more convincing case. Here are some tips on how to effectively use supporting evidence in your writing.

  • Research Papers: Research papers are one of the best sources for persuasive support because they provide rigorous facts and data. When using research paper findings as evidence, be sure to cite them properly according to whatever citation style you choose (MLA, APA etc).
  • Personal Examples: Incorporating examples from personal experience can give weight to certain arguments that may otherwise seem unsupported or unconvincing. However, these should be used judiciously – make sure any stories you tell add value rather than distract from the main point of your essay.
  • Logical Arguments: For some topics there won’t always be reliable information available in published works; this is where logic comes in handy! Make valid assumptions about why something may or may not happen based on current trends or accepted knowledge- but remember that bias plays no part here – both sides must be given equal consideration when formulating an argument.

Crafting a Compelling Argumentative Essay The art of argumentative writing is not only essential for academic success but also integral to everyday life. A well-crafted essay must be written with the purpose of both engaging and persuading readers, ultimately strengthening your own stance on any given subject. Here are some tips for crafting an effective argumentative essay:

  • Gather Evidence: Do your research before you begin writing. Make sure that you have facts and statistics from reliable sources to back up any claims or statements.
  • Choose Your Topic Carefully: Pick something interesting and relatable while considering what kind of audience might read it.

Writing such an essay can present challenges due to its structure; there needs to be evidence presented in support of the main idea, yet without adding too much information so as not to detract from the power of your words. This balance allows readers time to comprehend each point being made – allowing them more clarity when forming their opinion on the matter at hand.

The Benefits of Including Counterarguments Incorporating counterarguments into your paper has numerous advantages. To start, it demonstrates that you are knowledgeable and informed about the topic at hand, as well as aware of any conflicting opinions that may exist on said issue. It also gives a more comprehensive picture for readers to consider when evaluating your claims; having different perspectives represented can help bolster an argument’s validity since it serves to further investigate the subject in question. Perhaps most importantly, including these opposing views encourages critical thinking – something essential for sound academic research papers.

When formulating an effective counterargument strategy within one’s paper, there is one main factor to keep in mind: Are research papers argumentative? . The answer is yes—they should be! This means being open-minded about potential flaws or weaknesses with regard to your own position while still being respectful towards those who disagree with you — even if their points are ultimately weak or uninformed. In this sense, presenting the strongest case possible comes down not just outlining arguments but countering them too–it shows how truly invested you are in defending each point made throughout the essay’s body paragraphs.

In this section, we have considered the value of a convincing argument in presenting our research. We have explored how to clearly present arguments that support and develop your points, as well as strategies for concluding with conviction. Argumentative Research Papers: An effective argumentative paper must contain an arguable thesis statement supported by evidence from multiple sources. When forming your arguments within the paper it is important to include logical reasoning and factual analysis while avoiding emotional appeals or personal anecdotes.

It is essential when crafting any kind of persuasive writing piece to effectively sum up your findings at the end so that you leave readers feeling compelled by what they have read. To achieve this goal, be sure to reference back often throughout all sections of your essay which will provide structure and formality while helping each element relate seamlessly together. Additionally make certain there are no loose ends lingering when drawing conclusions such as providing clear answers/solutions if applicable or transitioning into another topic if needed.

  • Reiterate key points.
  • Provide tangible solutions.

The ability to write effective argumentative research papers is a valuable skill that can be applied in many aspects of life. This article has provided an overview of the components necessary for constructing a well-crafted paper, as well as strategies and resources for developing and honing those skills further. With this knowledge, students will be able to compose persuasive arguments that present their ideas cogently and persuasively while being mindful of both structure and content considerations. In conclusion, writing clear, concise yet powerful argumentative research papers can become a true asset in any setting from educational pursuits to professional advancement opportunities.

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How to Write an Argumentative Research Paper

Last Updated: December 9, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 14 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 369,167 times.

An argumentative essay requires you to make an argument about something and support your point of view using evidence in the form of primary and secondary sources. The argumentative essay is a common assignment, but teachers may present it in a variety of different ways. You can learn how to write an argumentative essay by following some standard steps for writing an essay as well as by doing some things that are required for argumentative essays, such as citing your sources.

Sample Outlines

argumentative research papers

Getting Started

Step 1 Learn the basic features of an argumentative essay.

  • a thesis statement that makes a clear argument (provided in the first paragraph)
  • claims that help prove your overall argument
  • logical transitions that connect paragraphs and sentences
  • support for your claims from your sources
  • a conclusion that considers the evidence you have presented
  • in-text citations throughout your essay to indicate where you have used sources (ask your teacher about what citation style to use)
  • a works cited page with an entry for each of your sources (ask your teacher about what citation style to use)

Step 2 Ask for clarification.

  • Make sure that you understand how to cite your sources for the paper and how to use the documentation style your teacher prefers. If you’re not sure, just ask.
  • Don’t feel bad if you have questions. It is better to ask and make sure that you understand than to do the assignment wrong and get a bad grade.

Step 3 Generate ideas for your argumentative essay.

  • Listing List all of the ideas that you have for your essay (good or bad) and then look over the list you have made and group similar ideas together. Expand those lists by adding more ideas or by using another prewriting activity. [3] X Research source
  • Freewriting Write nonstop for about 10 minutes. Write whatever comes to mind and don’t edit yourself. When you are done, review what you have written and highlight or underline the most useful information. Repeat the freewriting exercise using the passages you underlined as a starting point. You can repeat this exercise multiple times to continue to refine and develop your ideas. [4] X Research source
  • Clustering Write a brief explanation (phrase or short sentence) of the subject of your argumentative essay on the center of a piece of paper and circle it. Then draw three or more lines extending from the circle. Write a corresponding idea at the end of each of these lines. Continue developing your cluster until you have explored as many connections as you can. [5] X Research source
  • Questioning On a piece of paper, write out “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” Space the questions about two or three lines apart on the paper so that you can write your answers on these lines. Respond to each question in as much detail as you can. [6] X Research source

Step 4 Think about how you will incorporate ethos, pathos, and logos.

  • Ethos refers to a writer’s credibility or trustworthiness. To convince your readers that your argument is valid, you need to convince them that you are trustworthy. You can accomplish this goal by presenting yourself as confident, fair, and approachable. You can achieve these objectives by avoiding wishy-washy statements, presenting information in an unbiased manner, and identifying common ground between yourself and your readers(including the ones that may disagree with you). You can also show your authority, another aspect of ethos, by demonstrating that you’ve done thorough research on the topic.
  • Pathos refers to your use of emotional appeals. Emotional appeals have a place in argumentative writing, but overuse of them may lead a reader to reject your argument. Make sure that your use of emotional appeals is minimal and appropriate. Some ways that you can incorporate pathos into your paper without turning off your readers includes using descriptive language that evokes the desired reaction (positive or negative) to your subject, especially when you use other people’s language—such as quotes—to do so (which avoids damaging your ethos with overly emotional language). You can also invoke pathos by providing relevant examples that evoke an emotional response in your readers and using figurative language (such as metaphors) to help your readers understand and sympathize with your point of view.
  • Logos refers to your use of logic, reasoning, and sequencing. This means setting up your argument in a way that uses logic to achieve your desired endpoint or reaction, often through inductive and deductive reasoning. For example, you can appeal to your readers’ desire for logic by organizing your examples in a way that shows your argument in the best light and is easy to follow, such as chronologically, by cause and effect, or by problem and solution.

Step 5 Develop your tentative thesis.

  • Place your thesis statement at the end of your first paragraph unless your instructor tells you to place it elsewhere. The end of the first paragraph is the traditional place to provide your thesis in an academic essay.

Step 6 Make sure your thesis is arguable.

  • For example, an arguable thesis statement might be something like, “The drinking age should be reduced to 18 in the United States.” This statement is arguable because it presents a position that others might debate by saying “The drinking age should not be reduced to 18 in the US.” Or, others might argue that the drinking age should be abolished altogether or even raised. There are many possibilities for a counter argument, which makes this topic arguable.

Step 7 Make sure your thesis provides enough detail.

  • For example, a detailed thesis statement might be something like, “Because youth are more drawn to drinking as a way to rebel, lowering the drinking age to 18 in the United States would help to reduce binge drinking among teenagers and college students.” This thesis still provides a position that could be debated, but it also explains the reasoning behind the position. Providing this detail gives readers a good sense of what the rest of the paper will discuss.
  • Your thesis should tell your reader why your argument matters, and for whom.

Step 8 Develop a rough...

  • Organize your outline by essay part and then break those parts into subsections. For example, part 1 might be your introduction, which could then be broken into three sub-parts: a)Opening sentence, b)context/background information c)thesis statement.

Research Your Topic

Step 1 Generate key terms and phrases to help you with your research.

  • For example, some relevant key terms and phrases for a paper on lowering the drinking age to 18 might be: “drinking”, “underage”, “minors”, “binge”, “rebellion”, “drinking age”, “binge drinking culture”, “countries with low drinking age”, “drinking and rebellion”, etc.

Step 2 Find appropriate secondary sources for your argumentative essay.

  • Use your library’s databases rather than a general internet search. University libraries subscribe to many databases, such as EBSCO and JSTOR. These databases provide you with free access to articles and other resources that you cannot usually gain access to by using a search engine. Schedule an appointment with a librarian at your school’s library if you are not sure about how to use the library databases.
  • If your university doesn’t subscribe to any databases, use Google Scholar.

Step 3 Evaluate your sources...

  • Author's credentials Choose sources that include an author’s name and that provide credentials for that author. The credentials should indicate something about why this person is qualified to speak as an authority on the subject. For example, an article about a medical condition will be more trustworthy if the author is a medical doctor. If you find a source where no author is listed or the author does not have any credentials, then this source may not be trustworthy.
  • Citations Think about whether or not this author has adequately researched the topic. Check the author’s bibliography or works cited page. If the author has provided few or no sources, then this source may not be trustworthy.
  • Bias Think about whether or not this author has presented an objective, well-reasoned account of the topic. How often does the tone indicate a strong preference for one side of the argument? How often does the argument dismiss or disregard the opposition’s concerns or valid arguments? If these are regular occurrences in the source, then it may not be a good choice.
  • Publication date Think about whether or not this source presents the most up to date information on the subject. Noting the publication date is especially important for scientific subjects, since new technologies and techniques have made some earlier findings irrelevant.
  • Information provided in the source If you are still questioning the trustworthiness of this source, cross check some of the information provided against a trustworthy source. If the information that this author presents contradicts one of your trustworthy sources, then it might not be a good source to use in your paper.

Step 4 Read your research.

  • To be certain that you understand your sources and that you are capable of responding to each of them, try writing a paragraph summary and response after you finish each one. Some people find keeping notecards on their sources to be a helpful way of organizing their ideas about each one. [15] X Research source
  • Misunderstanding and misrepresenting your sources can damage your credibility as an author and also have a negative effect on your grade. Give yourself plenty of time to read your sources and understand what they are saying.

Step 5 Take notes while you read your sources.

  • Be careful to properly cite your sources when taking notes. Even accidental plagiarism may result in a failing grade on a paper.

Drafting Your Essay

Step 1 Begin your essay with an engaging sentence that gets right into your topic.

  • For example, an argumentative essay about lowering the drinking age might begin with something like, “Binge drinking culture is killing teens in the United States, but it hasn’t always been this way.” This sentence offers a compelling statement and it also acts as a launch pad for you to provide some background on your topic.

Step 2 Provide background information to help guide your readers.

  • For example, if you are arguing that lowering the drinking age would help to counter binge drinking among teens and young adults, your introduction should talk about the damage that is being done by binge drinking. Tell your readers about this problem in more detail so that they will begin to see why something needs to change.
  • Keep in mind that your background information in the first paragraph should lead up to your thesis statement. Explain everything the reader needs to know to understand what your topic is about, then narrow it down until you reach the topic itself.

Step 3 Provide your thesis statement at the end of your first paragraph.

  • For example, a thesis statement for a paper on lowering the drinking age might look something like, “Because the current drinking age of 21 in the United States does more harm than good by proliferating binge drinking culture among teens, the drinking age should be lowered to 18.” This thesis provides a straightforward position and reason for that position that readers can easily identify as the author’s main argument.
  • In your thesis, you should also address how you’ll support your argument and why your argument matters.

Step 4 Use your body paragraphs to discuss specific parts of your argument.

  • For example, one of your body paragraphs might begin with something like, “Teens are more likely to engage in binge drinking in the United States than in countries where the drinking age is lower or non-existent.”
  • You might then follow up this claim with evidence from your sources. For example, you could provide statistics on teen drinking in other countries where the drinking age is lower, or you could summarize an interview with an authority of the subject, or cite an article that explains the psychological basis of this phenomenon. Whatever source(s) you choose, make sure that they are relevant that they offer convincing support for your claim.

Step 5 Develop a conclusion for your essay.

  • Rephrase your thesis. It is often helpful to remind your readers of the initial argument, but don’t simply restate your thesis if you do this. Rephrase it so that it sounds different but has the same meaning. Summarize some of the most important evidence you have offered in your essay and say remind readers of how that evidence has contributed to supporting your thesis.
  • Synthesize what you have discussed. Put everything together for your readers and explain what other lessons might be gained from your argument. How might this discussion change the way others view your subject?
  • Explain why your topic matters. Help your readers to see why this topic deserve their attention. How does this topic affect your readers? What are the broader implications of this topic? Why does your topic matter?
  • Return to your opening discussion. If you offered an anecdote or a quote early in your paper, it might be helpful to revisit that opening discussion and explore how the information you have gathered implicates that discussion.

Step 6 Make sure that you have cited all of your sources.

  • Ask your teacher what documentation style he or she prefers that you use if it is not mentioned in the assignment guidelines.
  • Visit your school’s writing center for additional help with your works cited page and in-text citations.

Revising Your Essay

Step 1 Put aside your paper for a few days before revising.

  • What is your main point? How might you clarify your main point?
  • Who is your audience? Have you considered their needs and expectations?
  • What is your purpose? Have you accomplished your purpose with this paper?
  • How effective is your evidence? How might your strengthen your evidence?
  • Does every part of your paper relate back to your thesis? How might you improve these connections?
  • Is anything confusing about your language or organization? How might your clarify your language or organization?
  • Have you made any errors with grammar, punctuation, or spelling? How can you correct these errors?
  • What might someone who disagrees with you say about your paper? How can you address these opposing arguments in your paper? [25] X Research source

Step 4 Proofread a printed version of your final draft.

Community Q&A

Craftsmart

  • If you're still stumped, ask your teacher for help. He or she will most likely be more than happy to help you AND you'll get on his or her good side for "taking the initiative." Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

argumentative research papers

  • Plagiarism is a serious offense in the academic world. If you plagiarize your paper you may fail the assignment and even the course altogether. Make sure that you fully understand what is and is not considered plagiarism before you write your paper. Ask your teacher if you have any concerns or questions about your school’s plagiarism policy. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/academic_writing/essay_writing/argumentative_essays.html
  • ↑ http://writing.ku.edu/prewriting-strategies
  • ↑ https://stlcc.edu/student-support/academic-success-and-tutoring/writing-center/writing-resources/pathos-logos-and-ethos.aspx
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/673/1/
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/thesis-statements/
  • ↑ https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/writingprocess/outlining
  • ↑ https://apus.libanswers.com/faq/2316
  • ↑ https://libguides.schoolcraft.edu/c.php?g=430555&p=3011200
  • ↑ http://guides.jwcc.edu/content.php?pid=65900&sid=538553
  • ↑ http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/reading-and-researching/notes-from-research
  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/argumentative-essay/
  • ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/process/revisingargument/
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/561/05/
  • ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/

About This Article

Christopher Taylor, PhD

To write an argumentative research paper, choose a topic that can be argued from one or more perspectives, then pick a side. Start your paper with a thesis statement summing up your position, then support your statement with facts and arguments gathered from reputable sources. Use background information or context to help guide your readers through your essay, telling them what they need to know to understand the rest of your argument. For different approaches you can use while revising your paper, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Writing an Argumentative Research Paper

  • Library Resources
  • Books & EBooks
  • What is an Argumentative Research Essay?
  • Choosing a Topic
  • How to Write a Thesis Statement Libguide
  • Structure & Outline
  • Types of Sources
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Evaluating sources video

The C.R.A.A.P Test by Wintec City Library

Ebooks in Galileo

Cover Art

Conducting Research for Argumentative Essays

Conducting research for argumentative essays involves finding credible facts or evidence to backup your stance on the topic you chose. Researching your topic helps you to provide supporting evidence for your thesis. Evidence to support your claim will contain facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions on the topic. Research both view points on the topic.

When conducting research look for the following sources:

  •  Find books from reliable publishers on your issue.
  •  Find articles in academic journals and well-respected magazines and newspapers on your issue.
  •  Find information from government or educational sites. The site domains end in .gov or .edu.
  •  Find information from reputable sources or people. Examples: specialist in field, scientist, or government documents
  •   Find information from reliable databases such as Galileo where all articles and journal are peer-reviewed.

Evaluating sources

When doing research, it is important to find information that is reliable, accurate, and appropriate for your assignment. Some assignments may require you to use or limit certain sources such as:

  • primary or secondary sources,
  • specific types of periodicals, and/or
  • Internet sources.

In all cases, you should evaluate the information before you use it in your assignments.

How to Evaluate sites

Evaluating sources involves recognizing that not all information you read is valid or credible especially when using online resources. The following links will give you a general breakdown of sources and the process of conducting research

  • Evaluating Internet Information- USG Online Learning Library   A brief introduction about websites  
  • Bare Bones 101: A Basic Tutorial on Searching the Web   Lessons plans discussing how to search the web by the University of South Carolina  
  • Strategies for conducting Research   Information on conducting research by Pressbooks   When looking online for credible websites look for sites ending in .Gov or .Edu, some .Org websites can be credible as well.

evaluate sources

When looking for accurate, reliable, credible sources use the  Acronym CRAAP to help you decide if the information you are given is right for your research: 

undefined

Check out the following handouts and links for further assistance:

CRAAP Test Worksheet  

CRAAP handout- Evaluating Resources 

Checklist For evaluating sources 

A teaching resource created by the MLA Style Center. Checklist for determining if sites are reliable.

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500+ Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

An argumentative research paper is a type of academic writing that requires students to investigate a topic, gather evidence, and present a position or argument on the issue. The goal of an argumentative research paper is to persuade the reader to adopt the author’s perspective on the topic by presenting strong evidence and logical reasoning. The topic for an argumentative research paper should be one that is controversial, debatable, and relevant to current societal issues. In this article, we will explore some potential and unique argumentative research paper topics that students can consider for their writing assignments, essays and Research Papers .

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Argumentative Research Paper Topics are as follows:

  • Should there be a limit to how much wealth a person can accumulate?
  • Should schools be required to teach sex education?
  • Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?
  • Should voting be mandatory in the United States?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should there be limits on how much money can be spent on political campaigns?
  • Should marijuana be legalized for recreational use?
  • Should the government regulate the use of social media?
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Should the United States adopt a universal healthcare system?
  • Should there be a tax on sugary drinks to combat obesity?
  • Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should the government invest more in renewable energy?
  • Should there be more restrictions on gun ownership in the United States?
  • Should there be limits on the amount of fast food that can be consumed?
  • Should there be a global minimum wage?
  • Should prisoners have the right to vote?
  • Should the United States adopt a shorter workweek?
  • Should the government regulate the use of plastic?
  • Should there be a limit to how much meat people can consume?
  • Should there be a limit to how much people can spend on luxury goods?
  • Should the government provide free internet access to everyone?
  • Should the use of fossil fuels be banned?
  • Should the government fund space exploration?
  • Should there be a limit to how much people can donate to political campaigns?
  • Should the government provide free public transportation?
  • Should there be a limit to how many children a person can have?
  • Should the United States adopt a carbon tax?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI and automation?
  • Should there be a global ban on single-use plastics?
  • Should there be a limit on how much people can work?
  • Should there be a global ban on tobacco?
  • Should the government provide a basic income to all citizens?
  • Should there be limits on how much people can borrow?
  • Should there be a limit to how much people can earn?
  • Should the United States adopt a nationalized education system?
  • Should there be more government oversight on big tech companies?
  • Should there be a global ban on offshore drilling?
  • Should there be a limit on how much people can invest in the stock market?
  • Should there be a global minimum age for marriage?
  • Should the United States adopt a nationalized healthcare system?
  • Should there be more government oversight on the pharmaceutical industry?
  • Should there be a limit on how much people can donate to charity?
  • Should there be a global ban on ivory trade?
  • Should there be more government oversight on the meat industry?
  • Should there be a limit on how much people can invest in real estate?
  • Should there be a global ban on fracking?
  • Should the United States adopt a universal basic income?
  • Was the American Revolution inevitable?
  • Should the US have entered World War II earlier?
  • Was the United States justified in dropping atomic bombs on Japan during World War II?
  • Should the United States have gone to war in Vietnam?
  • Should the United States have dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki?
  • Was the Cold War inevitable?
  • Was the Marshall Plan a successful strategy for rebuilding post-World War II Europe?
  • Was the Cuban Missile Crisis a turning point in the Cold War?
  • Was the civil rights movement successful?
  • Was the Vietnam War a just and necessary war?
  • Was the Watergate scandal a turning point in American politics?
  • Should the United States have intervened in the Rwandan genocide?
  • Was the Reagan presidency a success or a failure?
  • Was the fall of the Berlin Wall a result of Western diplomacy or Soviet weakness?
  • Was the collapse of the Soviet Union inevitable?
  • Was the Iraq War justified?
  • Was the War on Terror a successful strategy?
  • Should the United States have entered World War I?
  • Was the Treaty of Versailles a fair and effective way to end World War I?
  • Was the League of Nations doomed to fail?
  • Should the United States have annexed the Philippines?
  • Was the Mexican-American War a just war?
  • Should the United States have entered the Korean War?
  • Was the Great Depression inevitable?
  • Was the New Deal a successful response to the Great Depression?
  • Should the United States have entered World War I earlier?
  • Was the Holocaust inevitable?
  • Was the United States responsible for the overthrow of the Iranian government in 1953?
  • Was the Cuban Revolution a success or a failure?
  • Should the United States have entered the Spanish-American War?
  • Was the Chinese Revolution a success or a failure?
  • Was the French Revolution a success or a failure?
  • Was the Russian Revolution a success or a failure?
  • Should the United States have intervened in the Korean War?
  • Was the Bay of Pigs invasion a failure of American intelligence?
  • Was the Iranian Hostage Crisis a turning point in American foreign policy?
  • Was the Gulf War a just war?
  • Should the United States have intervened in the Rwandan genocide earlier?
  • Was the War on Drugs a successful strategy?
  • Should the United States have intervened in the Syrian Civil War?
  • Was the Berlin Airlift a successful response to the Soviet blockade?
  • Should the United States have recognized the Soviet Union earlier?
  • Was the French and Indian War a turning point in American history?
  • Should the United States have recognized Cuba earlier?
  • Was the Louisiana Purchase a good deal for the United States?
  • Was the War of 1812 a necessary war for American independence?
  • Should the United States have entered the First World War?
  • Was the Chinese Exclusion Act a just policy?
  • Was the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II a just policy?
  • Should the United States have recognized the state of Israel earlier?
  • Should social media platforms be held responsible for the spread of misinformation?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of drones for civilian purposes?
  • Should there be a right to internet privacy?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online gaming loot boxes?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by government agencies?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for political purposes?
  • Should there be a right to digital citizenship?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by financial institutions?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for healthcare?
  • Should there be a right to digital security?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online chat rooms and forums?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of automated decision-making algorithms in lending?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for education?
  • Should there be a right to digital consent?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for gambling?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for advertising purposes?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for employment?
  • Should there be a right to digital autonomy?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for dating apps?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by social media companies?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for travel?
  • Should there be a right to digital transparency?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for real estate?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for retail purposes?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for food and beverage?
  • Should there be a right to digital dignity?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for fashion?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for hotel check-ins?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for beauty products?
  • Should there be a right to digital freedom?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for entertainment?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for age verification?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for luxury goods?
  • Should there be a right to digital equality?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for consumer electronics?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for job interviews?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for automotive?
  • Should there be a right to digital inclusion?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for pet products?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for door access?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for fitness and wellness?
  • Should there be a right to digital literacy?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for sports and outdoors?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for healthcare?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for home and garden?
  • Should there be a right to digital accessibility?
  • Should governments regulate the development of artificial intelligence?
  • Should facial recognition technology be banned in public spaces?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of social media data for targeted advertising?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of deepfake technology?
  • Should companies be held responsible for the misuse of user data?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of algorithms in decision-making?
  • Should there be a right to internet access?
  • Should net neutrality be protected by law?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online tracking and surveillance?
  • Should cryptocurrencies be regulated by governments?
  • Should cyberbullying be treated as a criminal offense?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of biometric technology for security purposes?
  • Should there be a ban on the development of autonomous weapons?
  • Should the use of encryption be allowed in government investigations?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of chatbots in customer service?
  • Should the use of virtual reality in education be expanded?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of chatbots in political campaigns?
  • Should there be a right to digital privacy?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising to children?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of automated essay grading in education?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online dating apps?
  • Should there be a right to be forgotten online?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance for commercial purposes?
  • Should the use of blockchain technology be expanded in government and public services?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in hiring practices?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by employers?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of location tracking technology in smartphones?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of chatbots in healthcare?
  • Should the use of artificial intelligence in journalism be expanded?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising in politics?
  • Should there be a right to access government data?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in financial services?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance for political purposes?
  • Should the use of virtual reality in mental health treatment be expanded?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in criminal justice?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by schools?
  • Should there be a right to encryption?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of chatbots in legal services?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by healthcare providers?
  • Should the use of artificial intelligence in customer service be expanded?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of online targeted advertising for financial services?
  • Should there be a right to digital identity?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of chatbots in online gaming?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of facial recognition technology for public safety purposes?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by insurance companies?
  • Should the use of virtual reality in job training be expanded?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in marketing?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of online tracking and surveillance by landlords?
  • Should there be a right to digital ownership of personal data?
  • Should genetically modified organisms be banned?
  • Should nuclear energy be replaced by renewable energy sources?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on animal testing in scientific research?
  • Should there be a ban on human cloning?
  • Should embryonic stem cell research be allowed?
  • Should alternative medicine be used in conjunction with conventional medicine?
  • Should the use of pesticides be banned to protect pollinators?
  • Should the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology be allowed in human embryos?
  • Should the use of antibiotics in livestock be banned?
  • Should space exploration be a priority for governments?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in medical diagnosis and treatment?
  • Should climate engineering be pursued as a solution to climate change?
  • Should genetically modified crops be used to address world hunger?
  • Should the use of nanotechnology in food packaging be regulated?
  • Should animal research be replaced by computer simulations?
  • Should neuroenhancement drugs be allowed for use by healthy individuals?
  • Should the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) be allowed in scientific research?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of gene drive technology?
  • Should the use of geoengineering be explored as a solution to climate change?
  • Should the use of artificial intelligence in education be expanded?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of human enhancement technologies?
  • Should genetic testing be used to screen for hereditary diseases?
  • Should the use of genetically modified mosquitoes be used to control the spread of diseases like malaria?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology in non-human animals?
  • Should the use of biometric technology be allowed for personal identification?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of deep brain stimulation?
  • Should animal testing be used in the development of new medicines?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of stem cell research?
  • Should the use of gene editing technology be used to bring extinct species back to life?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of nanotechnology in medicine?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of virtual reality in scientific research?
  • Should the use of brain-computer interfaces be allowed for healthy individuals?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of genetically modified animals for food production?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in the military?
  • Should the use of cognitive enhancers be allowed in academia?
  • Should the use of gene editing technology be allowed to enhance athletic performance?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of autonomous vehicles in scientific research?
  • Should the use of robots be allowed in medical procedures?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of gene editing technology to enhance intelligence?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in finance?
  • Should the use of genetically modified organisms be explored as a solution to environmental pollution?
  • Should the use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology be allowed to enhance physical appearance?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of artificial intelligence in the legal system?
  • Should the use of stem cells be explored as a solution to age-related diseases?
  • Should the use of genetically modified animals be allowed for organ transplantation?
  • Should the use of robotic exoskeletons be allowed for physical enhancement?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of virtual reality in gaming?
  • Should the use of gene editing technology be allowed to enhance emotional intelligence?
  • Should the use of nanorobots be explored as a solution to cancer?
  • Should college education be free for all students?
  • Should standardized tests be used to evaluate students and schools?
  • Should gun control laws be stricter?
  • Should marijuana be legalized for medicinal or recreational purposes?
  • Should the government provide universal healthcare?
  • Should parents be held responsible for their children’s actions?
  • Should social media companies be held accountable for online hate speech?
  • Should the United States switch to a single-payer healthcare system?
  • Should the minimum wage be raised?
  • Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence?
  • Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory?
  • Should the United States switch to a flat tax system?
  • Should affirmative action policies be abolished?
  • Should the United States government provide reparations for slavery?
  • Should fracking be banned?
  • Should the government invest in renewable energy sources?
  • Should the United States implement a carbon tax?
  • Should the United States switch to a metric system of measurement?
  • Should schools teach sex education?
  • Should homeschooling be allowed?
  • Should cell phones be allowed in schools?
  • Should professional athletes be required to stand for the national anthem?
  • Should the United States implement term limits for members of Congress?
  • Should hate speech be protected under the First Amendment?
  • Should the government regulate social media companies to prevent the spread of fake news?
  • Should public schools require uniforms?
  • Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
  • Should the government regulate the use of drones?
  • Should the United States increase its military spending?
  • Should the government regulate the use of autonomous vehicles?
  • Should social media influencers be required to disclose sponsored content?
  • Should the United States increase its foreign aid to developing countries?
  • Should the government regulate the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?
  • Should the United States switch to a paperless voting system?
  • Should the government provide free internet access to all citizens?
  • Should the United States legalize prostitution?
  • Should schools ban junk food and soda from vending machines?
  • Should the government regulate the use of cryptocurrencies?
  • Should the United States implement a national service program?
  • Should the government regulate the use of facial recognition technology?
  • Should the United States withdraw from the United Nations?
  • Should the government regulate the use of personal data by tech companies?
  • Should the United States implement a ban on single-use plastics?
  • Should the government regulate the use of e-cigarettes?
  • Should hate crimes receive harsher punishments than other crimes?
  • Should the United States adopt a “Medicare for All” healthcare system?
  • Should the government provide financial incentives for businesses that adopt environmentally-friendly practices?
  • Should parents have the right to opt-out of vaccinating their children for personal or religious beliefs?
  • Should the government regulate the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces?
  • Should the government regulate the use of microplastics in personal care products?
  • Should there be limits on the amount of money that individuals and corporations can donate to political campaigns?
  • Should police officers be required to wear body cameras?
  • Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence in job recruitment?
  • Should the use of genetically modified crops be banned?
  • Should the United States increase funding for mental health treatment and support?
  • Should the government regulate the use of autonomous weapons in warfare?
  • Should the government provide free childcare for working parents?
  • Should the United States implement a ban on single-use plastics in restaurants and food service establishments?
  • Should the government regulate the use of drones for delivery services?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI-powered chatbots in customer service?
  • Should the United States implement a carbon tax on corporations?
  • Should the government provide financial assistance to businesses affected by natural disasters?
  • Should school curriculums include a mandatory course on climate change?
  • Should the government regulate the use of nanotechnology in consumer products?
  • Should the United States switch to a ranked-choice voting system?
  • Should the government regulate the use of virtual reality technology in video games and other entertainment media?
  • Should the United States provide free public transportation?
  • Should the government regulate the use of facial recognition technology in law enforcement?
  • Should college athletes be allowed to unionize?
  • Should the United States increase its funding for space exploration?
  • Should the government regulate the use of autonomous drones for package delivery?
  • Should schools ban the use of smartphones in classrooms?
  • Should the United States adopt a national recycling program?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI-powered chatbots in healthcare?
  • Should the United States implement a national service requirement for all young adults?
  • Should the government regulate the use of social media influencers to promote products and services?
  • Should the United States switch to a cashless society?
  • Should the government regulate the use of blockchain technology in financial transactions?
  • Should the United States increase funding for mental health research?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI-powered robots in manufacturing?
  • Should public schools provide free breakfast and lunch to students?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of ranked-choice voting for presidential elections?
  • Should the government regulate the use of facial recognition technology in public transportation?
  • Should the United States implement a ban on offshore drilling?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI-powered chatbots in legal services?
  • Should public schools provide free menstrual products to students?
  • Should the United States implement a national program to transition to renewable energy sources?
  • Should the government regulate the use of autonomous vehicles in public transportation?
  • Should the United States adopt a system of proportional representation in Congress?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI-powered chatbots in education?
  • Should public schools provide free feminine hygiene products to students?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of ranked-choice voting for all elections?
  • Should the government regulate the use of autonomous drones for surveillance purposes?
  • Should the use of facial recognition technology be banned in all public spaces?
  • Should the United States adopt a universal basic income system?
  • Should the government regulate the use of gene editing technology on human embryos?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the sale and ownership of firearms?
  • Should the government provide free college education to all citizens?
  • Should the use of performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in professional sports?
  • Should there be limits on the amount of sugar in processed foods and beverages?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of proportional representation in presidential elections?
  • Should animals have the same rights as humans?
  • Should the government regulate the use of plastic packaging in consumer products?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of terms a politician can serve in office?
  • Should the government regulate the use of autonomous vehicles for personal use?
  • Should there be a cap on executive pay in corporations?
  • Should the government regulate the use of microtransactions in video games?
  • Should the use of animals in medical research be banned?
  • Should there be a ban on the production and sale of cigarettes?
  • Should the United States adopt a national healthcare system?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of wealth an individual can accumulate?
  • Should the government regulate the use of drones for surveillance purposes?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of plastic straws in restaurants and other food establishments?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of direct democracy?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of hours employees can work per week?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for entertainment purposes?
  • Should the government provide free public Wi-Fi in all public spaces?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of non-renewable energy sources?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on the use of pesticides in farming?
  • Should the United States adopt a system of proportional representation in the Senate?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of money that can be spent on political advertising?
  • Should the use of animal testing for cosmetic products be banned?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI in hiring practices?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of waste that can be produced by corporations?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for scientific experiments?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of liquid democracy?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of genetically modified organisms in farming?
  • Should the government regulate the use of virtual reality in education?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of energy that can be consumed by households and businesses?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for product testing?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of e-democracy?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of cars that can be owned by an individual or household?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI in credit scoring?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for rodeos and bullfighting?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of digital democracy?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of water that can be used for agriculture?
  • Should the government regulate the use of augmented reality in advertising?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for circuses and other traveling shows?
  • Should social media platforms be held liable for cyberbullying?
  • Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence in the criminal justice system?
  • Should there be a ban on single-use plastics?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of online voting?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by corporations?
  • Should there be a ban on the sale of violent video games to minors?
  • Should the government regulate the use of drones for commercial purposes?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of land that can be owned by an individual or corporation?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of instant runoff voting?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for fur and leather production?
  • Should the government regulate the use of blockchain technology in finance?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of students in public school classrooms?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of non-biodegradable glitter?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of direct primary elections?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of money that can be donated to political campaigns?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for greyhound racing?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of sugar in children’s breakfast cereals?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for exotic pet trade?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of approval voting?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of passengers that ride-share drivers can transport at once?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for marine park entertainment?
  • Should the government regulate the use of virtual influencers in advertising?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of fast food restaurants in low-income neighborhoods?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for animal testing in the cosmetics industry?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of blockchain voting?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of hours children can spend playing video games?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for animal testing in the pharmaceutical industry?
  • Should the government regulate the use of drones for environmental monitoring?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of carbon emissions that can be produced by individuals or households?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for animal testing in the household cleaning industry?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of hybrid voting?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of flights a person can take per year?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for animal testing in the food industry?
  • Should the government regulate the use of facial recognition technology in schools?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of packaging used for consumer products?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for animal testing in the agricultural industry?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of citizen-initiated referendums?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of time children can spend on social media?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for animal testing in the medical industry?
  • Should the government regulate the use of AI in online content moderation?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of products that can be packaged in single-use plastic?
  • Should there be a ban on the use of animals for animal testing in the beauty industry?
  • Should the United States switch to a system of proportional representation in the House of Representatives?
  • Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
  • Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
  • Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?
  • Is climate change caused by human activity, or is it a natural phenomenon?
  • Should college athletes be paid for their performance?
  • Is social media harmful to our mental health?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Is animal testing necessary for scientific research?
  • Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
  • Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning?
  • Is the concept of race a social construct?
  • Should the government regulate the content of video games?
  • Is censorship ever justified?
  • Should the United States adopt a single-payer healthcare system?
  • Should the government provide universal basic income?
  • Should the United States continue to use the electoral college to elect its presidents?
  • Is the use of AI technology in the workforce beneficial or harmful?
  • Should women have the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system?
  • Should hate speech be protected by the First Amendment?
  • Should athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem?
  • Should affirmative action still be implemented in college admissions?
  • Should plastic bags be banned?
  • Is social media responsible for the rise of “cancel culture”?
  • Should there be a limit on how much money individuals can donate to political campaigns?
  • Should the United States have stricter immigration policies?
  • Is it ethical to use animals in entertainment?
  • Should the government provide free college tuition for all students?
  • Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous weapons?
  • Is there a correlation between violent video games and real-life violence?
  • Should the government provide subsidies for renewable energy?
  • Should the use of plastic straws be banned?
  • Should standardized testing be eliminated in schools?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for medical testing?
  • Should public schools require students to wear uniforms?
  • Should the United States government invest more in space exploration?
  • Should the government increase taxes on the wealthy to reduce income inequality?
  • Should the United States have a mandatory military draft?
  • Is homeschooling a form of child abuse?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their child?
  • Is it ethical for companies to use sweatshop labor in developing countries?
  • Should the government provide more funding for the arts?
  • Should the sale of sugary drinks be banned?
  • Should the United States switch to a universal healthcare system?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of hours individuals can work per week?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to receive an education?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for clothing and fashion?
  • Should the government provide more funding for scientific research?
  • Should the use of pesticides be banned?
  • Should the government provide more funding for mental health services?
  • Should there be a limit on the amount of carbon emissions companies can produce?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment, such as circuses and zoos?
  • Should the United States implement a flat tax system?
  • Should the government provide more funding for affordable housing?
  • Should the use of non-renewable energy sources be banned?
  • Is it ethical to use animals for beauty and cosmetic products?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of children individuals can have?
  • Should the government provide more funding for public education?

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Muhammad Hassan

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Introductions, Body Paragraphs, and Conclusions for an Argument Paper

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The following sections outline the generally accepted structure for an academic argument paper. Keep in mind that these are guidelines and that your structure needs to be flexible enough to meet the requirements of your purpose and audience.

You may also use the following Purdue OWL resources to help you with your argument paper:

  • Creating a Thesis Statement
  • Organizing Your Argument
  • Organizing Your Argument Slide Presentation
  • Logic in Argumentative Writing
  • Paragraphs and Paragraphing
  • Transitions and Transitional Devices

Introduction

The introduction is the broad beginning of the paper that answers three important questions:

  • What is this?
  • Why am I reading it?
  • What do you want me to do?

You should answer these questions by doing the following:

  • Set the context –provide general information about the main idea, explaining the situation so the reader can make sense of the topic and the claims you make and support
  • State why the main idea is important –tell the reader why he or she should care and keep reading. Your goal is to create a compelling, clear, and convincing essay people will want to read and act upon
  • State your thesis / claim –compose a sentence or two stating the position you will support with logos (sound reasoning: induction, deduction), pathos (balanced emotional appeal), and ethos (author credibility).

For exploratory essays, your primary research question would replace your thesis statement so that the audience understands why you began your inquiry. An overview of the types of sources you explored might follow your research question.

If your argument paper is long, you may want to forecast how you will support your thesis by outlining the structure of your paper, the sources you will consider, and the opposition to your position. You can forecast your paper in many different ways depending on the type of paper you are writing. Your forecast could read something like this:

First, I will define key terms for my argument, and then I will provide some background of the situation. Next, I will outline the important positions of the argument and explain why I support one of these positions. Lastly, I will consider opposing positions and discuss why these positions are outdated. I will conclude with some ideas for taking action and possible directions for future research.

When writing a research paper, you may need to use a more formal, less personal tone. Your forecast might read like this:

This paper begins by providing key terms for the argument before providing background of the situation. Next, important positions are outlined and supported. To provide a more thorough explanation of these important positions, opposing positions are discussed. The paper concludes with some ideas for taking action and possible directions for future research.

Ask your instructor about what tone you should use when providing a forecast for your paper.

These are very general examples, but by adding some details on your specific topic, a forecast will effectively outline the structure of your paper so your readers can more easily follow your ideas.

Thesis checklist

Your thesis is more than a general statement about your main idea. It needs to establish a clear position you will support with balanced proofs (logos, pathos, ethos). Use the checklist below to help you create a thesis.

This section is adapted from Writing with a Thesis: A Rhetoric Reader by David Skwire and Sarah Skwire:

Make sure you avoid the following when creating your thesis:

  • A thesis is not a title: Homes and schools (title) vs. Parents ought to participate more in the education of their children (good thesis).
  • A thesis is not an announcement of the subject: My subject is the incompetence of the Supreme Court vs. The Supreme Court made a mistake when it ruled in favor of George W. Bush in the 2000 election.
  • A thesis is not a statement of absolute fact: Jane Austen is the author of Pride and Prejudice.
  • A thesis is not the whole essay: A thesis is your main idea/claim/refutation/problem-solution expressed in a single sentence or a combination of sentences.
  • Please note that according to the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, Seventh Edition, "A thesis statement is a single sentence that formulates both your topic and your point of view" (Gibaldi 42). However, if your paper is more complex and requires a thesis statement, your thesis may require a combination of sentences.

Make sure you follow these guidelines when creating your thesis:

  • NOT: Detective stories are not a high form of literature, but people have always been fascinated by them, and many fine writers have experimented with them

(floppy). vs.

  • BETTER: Detective stories appeal to the basic human desire for thrills (concise).
  • NOT: James Joyce’s Ulysses is very good. vs.
  • BETTER: James Joyce’s Ulysses helped create a new way for writers to deal with the unconscious.
  • NOT: James Joyce’s Ulysses helped create a new way for writers to deal with the unconscious. vs.
  • BETTER: James Joyce’s Ulysses helped create a new way for writers to deal with the unconscious by utilizing the findings of Freudian psychology and introducing the techniques of literary stream-of-consciousness.

Quick Checklist:

_____ The thesis/claim follows the guidelines outlined above

_____ The thesis/claim matches the requirements and goals of the assignment

_____ The thesis/claim is clear and easily recognizable

_____ The thesis/claim seems supportable by good reasoning/data, emotional appeal

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

4-minute read

  • 30th April 2022

An argumentative essay is a structured, compelling piece of writing where an author clearly defines their stance on a specific topic. This is a very popular style of writing assigned to students at schools, colleges, and universities. Learn the steps to researching, structuring, and writing an effective argumentative essay below.

Requirements of an Argumentative Essay

To effectively achieve its purpose, an argumentative essay must contain:

●  A concise thesis statement that introduces readers to the central argument of the essay

●  A clear, logical, argument that engages readers

●  Ample research and evidence that supports your argument

Approaches to Use in Your Argumentative Essay

1.   classical.

●  Clearly present the central argument.

●  Outline your opinion.

●  Provide enough evidence to support your theory.

2.   Toulmin

●  State your claim.

●  Supply the evidence for your stance.

●  Explain how these findings support the argument.

●  Include and discuss any limitations of your belief.

3.   Rogerian

●  Explain the opposing stance of your argument.

●  Discuss the problems with adopting this viewpoint.

●  Offer your position on the matter.

●  Provide reasons for why yours is the more beneficial stance.

●  Include a potential compromise for the topic at hand.

Tips for Writing a Well-Written Argumentative Essay

●  Introduce your topic in a bold, direct, and engaging manner to captivate your readers and encourage them to keep reading.

●  Provide sufficient evidence to justify your argument and convince readers to adopt this point of view.

●  Consider, include, and fairly present all sides of the topic.

●  Structure your argument in a clear, logical manner that helps your readers to understand your thought process.

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●  Discuss any counterarguments that might be posed.

●  Use persuasive writing that’s appropriate for your target audience and motivates them to agree with you.

Steps to Write an Argumentative Essay

Follow these basic steps to write a powerful and meaningful argumentative essay :

Step 1: Choose a topic that you’re passionate about

If you’ve already been given a topic to write about, pick a stance that resonates deeply with you. This will shine through in your writing, make the research process easier, and positively influence the outcome of your argument.

Step 2: Conduct ample research to prove the validity of your argument

To write an emotive argumentative essay , finding enough research to support your theory is a must. You’ll need solid evidence to convince readers to agree with your take on the matter. You’ll also need to logically organize the research so that it naturally convinces readers of your viewpoint and leaves no room for questioning.

Step 3: Follow a simple, easy-to-follow structure and compile your essay

A good structure to ensure a well-written and effective argumentative essay includes:

Introduction

●  Introduce your topic.

●  Offer background information on the claim.

●  Discuss the evidence you’ll present to support your argument.

●  State your thesis statement, a one-to-two sentence summary of your claim.

●  This is the section where you’ll develop and expand on your argument.

●  It should be split into three or four coherent paragraphs, with each one presenting its own idea.

●  Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that indicates why readers should adopt your belief or stance.

●  Include your research, statistics, citations, and other supporting evidence.

●  Discuss opposing viewpoints and why they’re invalid.

●  This part typically consists of one paragraph.

●  Summarize your research and the findings that were presented.

●  Emphasize your initial thesis statement.

●  Persuade readers to agree with your stance.

We certainly hope that you feel inspired to use these tips when writing your next argumentative essay . And, if you’re currently elbow-deep in writing one, consider submitting a free sample to us once it’s completed. Our expert team of editors can help ensure that it’s concise, error-free, and effective!

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Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

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Table of contents

  • 1 Let’s Understand an Argumentative Essay
  • 2 9 Helpful Tips for Choosing an Argumentative Topic
  • 3 Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture
  • 4 Controversial Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 5 Great Argumentative Essay Topics about History
  • 6 Argumentative Essay Topics about Family Relations
  • 7 Argumentative Essay Topics about Education
  • 8 Technology & Computer Science Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 9 Government Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 10 Criminal Justice & Criminology Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 11 Social Studies Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 12 Debatable Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 13 Psychology Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 14 Medical Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 15 American History Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 16 Philosophy Argumentative Research Paper Topics
  • 17 Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media
  • 18 Creative Argumentative Essay Topics about Art
  • 19 Argumentative Essay Topics about Politics
  • 20 Sports Argumentative Essay Topics to Research
  • 21 Argumentative Essay Topics about Economics
  • 22 Argumentative Essay Topics about Health
  • 23 Your Take Away

The unique argumentative essay topics can spark readers’ interest and provide ample room for persuasion. This is because argumentative essays turn theories into facts and give a valid argument based on evidence.

They show that the writer has spent a considerable amount of time developing the argument position. People experienced in writing these essays often develop their own rules to follow.

In the end, readers form their own opinions or arguments. These essays can help students understand different subjects through research.

The validity relies heavily on the material. Hence, simple issues need a much more straightforward approach. Nevertheless, you’re dealing with a more controversial topic. You have to use many resources to back up your arguments and claims.

This brief guide will discuss an argumentative essay and share some important tips for writing such essays effectively. At  Papers Owl , we understand the importance of compiling a compelling argumentative essay, so we are here to provide you with some useful advice. We will also share a host of different topics you can write about with us to create a compelling essay easily. Let’s begin with our discussion and get started on creating a great argumentative essay.

Let’s Understand an Argumentative Essay

An essay is a kind of academic paper that can introduce different claims regarding both sides of a particular topic. Both sides can balance one if they can dominate. In contrast, the tone of the content will be based on the writer’s authority on that particular subject.

The objective here is to convince the readers to change their opinion if they have a different one than the writers. So, you can always hire an  argumentative essay writing service .

Now, there are three different models that you can follow when writing these argumentative essays.

  • Toulmin model This essay will contain an introduction featuring the thesis statement, followed by background info fully backed up with evidence from different resources. The essay writer has to list the reasons for supporting the main argument and rebuttals.
  • Rogerian model This argumentative essay model has to weigh both sides of the topic and list down the pros and cons of each. Then, it provides some advice after evaluating each side and in-depth assessment.
  • Classical model In this model, the writer has to introduce a topic and provide a personal solution. It is to be done with your persuasive writing to inform readers that this solution is the best. The objective is to make the readers think and spark inspiration about the topic.

How to pick a good topic for your argumentative essay is critical. It might seem that finding the best topic for the essay is something like finding a needle in a haystack, but that is not the case. You can easily  choose the right topic for your essay . However, you have to make an outline based on credible sources and follow some core principles. You can also buy an argumentative essay of your choice on any topic.

Most controversial topics here are highly prone to prejudice. And in most cases, they have some unconscious aim to prove some pre-assumed facts.

So, when writing an essay, it is always critical to truly understand both sides of a topic. The best way is to pick a basic and neutral topic to which the writer has an indifferent opinion. For extra help, one can consult an academic advisor or get online  essay assistance for guidance and support.

9 Helpful Tips for Choosing an Argumentative Topic

Here you can find plenty of  argumentative essay tips that you can follow while choosing easy argumentative essay topics that you want to discuss in your writing:

  • First, you must think about the subject matter that interests you. You need to have in-depth knowledge about the topic and whether you can develop an opinion about the topic.
  • Consider your experience and how well you know a particular topic. You can always present your personal touch to the readers in your essay.
  • You need to follow any recent trends regarding the topic. Type some keywords associated with your unique argumentative essay title in Google Trends and see what frequently discussed issues related to your topic.
  • Make sure to avoid any themes with a more general or broader perspective. It is important because you have to stay on topic while writing, as it can be pretty easy to discuss some off-topic points. But it generally depends on how lengthy you want your essay to be.
  • You can check your primary and secondary resources related to the topic. You can search the internet and see if you can find enough authentic resources for your essay.
  • And stay away from emotionally driven topics because argumentative writing is about staying sober and calm with judgments.
  • Don’t forget about your target audience. Will they accept your opinion, or will your essay spark another debate?
  • Make sure to find a fun topic, brainstorm, and finalize your list of ideas. You can discuss the list of final topics with your mentors and choose the argument that the majority will vote for.
  • Choosing a debatable subject can be risky, but it will work best if you can prove your authority on it with related articles and homework.

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

One of the best subjects for your argumentative writing is society and culture. Most people spend their lives based on their moral code. It can be based on individual interests, philosophy, religion, experiences, etc. But everyone has a moral value.

Here is a list of unique argumentative essay topics for college that you can choose based on the subject of society and culture.

  • Racial discrimination: analyzing ethnicity and racism
  • Career path
  • Age limit to teen driving
  • Disobedience
  • Discrimination against the LGBTQ community
  • Healthcare: Is it a fundamental human right?
  • Television programmers must produce popular family-friendly content as an obligation; should any explicit content be censored?
  • Social media has the power to get us together and can pull us apart; do the pros outweigh the cons, or is it the other way around?
  • Gap years are they a precious time to explore and reflect, or are they a vacation period to get some good rest from the hectic life?
  • Some states are decriminalizing marijuana and some other drugs; is it a good decision?
  • Equality for all is essential to lawmaking, but is it a part of practice?
  • The US Gun Law: The right to self-defense and the right to be exploited.
  • Terminal illness: Can someone request medically assisted suicide?
  • Smoking: Should it be banned entirely?
  • The best ways to encourage productive conversions on contentious issues.

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Controversial Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Here are some research paper topics that are controversial. What this means, in general, is that there are a lot of readers who have a stand on the topic. For instance, some will approve of it, while others will believe that things should be banned. These are also the most interesting issues of them all, and you can see countless topics and related papers that are very popular and appealing.

  • Sexism in the workplace among minority women
  • Homeschooling is a disadvantage for students
  • Understanding gun violence
  • Donald Trump’s impact on the US economy
  • Is Holocaust denial real?
  • Should we accept and approve human cloning and use it for research or to help humankind?
  • Can soldiers use torture during interrogation?
  • Is free speech something that has rules and exemptions?
  • Is capitalism the only effective and desirable system?
  • Is increased gun control mandatory these days?
  • Are electric cars the only reliable future?
  • Should we allow gay couples to adopt children?
  • Should people remove the death penalty completely?
  • Are PC games dangerous and cause violent behavior?
  • Should the law control abortion or not?

Great Argumentative Essay Topics about History

If you enjoy studying history, there are tons of different history argumentative essay topics that you can write on. Here are a few to get you started.

  • The Civil War is central
  • Olaudah Equiano’s argument against slavery was his life experience
  • Does the Civil Rights Movement have an effect on the way minorities are treated by authorities?
  • One of the most important events
  • Julius Caesar in history
  • “You should learn from the”past”—sometimes there are home patterns in history; do you think history does repeat itself?
  • Did the US Civil War bring the country together or pull it apart?
  • Thomas Jefferson did make some significant contributions to the founding of the US, but he didn’t live a perfect life – was he a hero?
  • Do our modern perspectives and opinions alter the truth of what went down during the significant historical event?
  • Did immigrants and other lower socio-economic groups and classes have opportunities in the US during that period (choose the past decade for the topic)?
  • World War I & the US – The US was reluctant to join, and when they did, many US soldiers lost their lives – was it a necessary war for us?
  • Native Americans & their treatment: How does it leave a moral stain on the US?
  • Slavery was fundamental for American colonies and the US; How did this injustice alter the country?
  • Reasons behind the rise of Nazism in Germany & the Holocaust: How can these horrors be avoided in the future?
  • The European plague & the decimation of the continent’s population: How did it alter history, and what was its greatest impact?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Family Relations

Here are some interesting argumentative topics associated with the subject of family relations.

  • The impact of divorce on children
  • Traditional gender roles in the family
  • Same-sex parenting
  • The role of extended family in child development
  • Discussing the challenges and resolution strategies for conflicts
  • Should mothers stay at home with their children for their best upbringing?
  • Do distance relationships work?
  • How can bullying and divorce be prevented?
  • Can kids recover from the divorce of their parents?
  • Is teenage marriage a good idea?
  • Should a pregnant teenager keep the baby?
  • Domestic violence and teenagers.
  • House chores and their distribution in the family.
  • Should family members do sports together?
  • Are mature and older people better parents?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Education

When it comes to education, you need to write a lot about it. There are countless examples. These papers are some of the most commonly used and have a huge role. The goal here is to help students and teachers understand a specific idea better and even try to improve education. We have countless examples that are specially designed for high school. Others are only ideal for college. If you ever wrote a  sociology research paper you may have touched on some of these ideas, and you probably know more about them than you may believe. Anyway, here are 10 examples that we like, are very appealing, and can help you more than you can imagine.

  • Creativity is a skill that is necessary for education
  • Ways  of improving our education system in its entirety
  • Advantages of digital textbooks
  • Equality and segregation in the Los Angeles School District
  • Should parents actively participate in child education?
  • Grading systems shouldn’t be used for judging any student’s abilities.
  • Should students wear a uniform while attending high school?
  • The role of technology in the educational system.
  • Should programming be compulsory for all students?
  • Pros & cons of studying in a single-sex class vs. mixed one.
  • Should all students learn a foreign language?
  • Should students be allowed sex education at school?
  • Girls should be given an equal opportunity to participate in school sports.
  • Should schools possess the right to drug test their students?

Technology & Computer Science Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Here are some technology argumentative essay topics that are related to computers and technology. Whether exploring the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence, the societal impacts of emerging technologies, or the practical challenges in cybersecurity, these topics aim to stimulate critical thinking and inspire innovative solutions in the world of technology and computer science.

  • Artificial intelligence and job automation
  • The influence of technology on education
  • Online privacy and data security
  • Virtual reality and its impact on society
  • Smartphones – a blessing or a menace?
  • Has technology facilitated us or made us lazier?
  • Do millennials overly depend on computers compared to baby boomers?
  • Should students learn coding from middle school?
  • Is Watson the cognitive computer and the like unethical?
  • Microwave tech – how does it facilitate our lives, and how does it impact our biology?
  • Should the candidates’ social media profiles also be considered during the hiring process?
  • Should children have their mobile phones?
  • Self-driving cars – a blessing or a curse in the future of transportation?
  • Is our future in the hands of AI?

Government Argumentative Research Paper Topics

These ideas can be very confusing and complicated. This is because they touch the government, the way of life, institutions, and politics in general. You need to have a strong point of view when writing these argumentative essays. Your argumentative paper needs to be written from your perspective and answer the main question. In a nutshell, you will discuss something related to how the country works and whether we are going forward or backward.

  • The turning point of public education for African Americans
  • Were Andrew Jackson’s policies “good for the economy”?
  • Despite legislation for equal opportunities
  • People’s lives have become increasingly reliant on digital media
  • Are leaders taking us in the right direction?
  • Should the minimum wage be increased?
  • Why do many people consider the US to be the best country in the world?
  • Are veterans being paid sufficiently?
  • Why is the first lady so important these days?
  • Are immigrants causing a lot of problems for the country?
  • Why voting system we use now is failing?
  • Is it moral to spy on other countries?
  • How to spend a budget for one city well?
  • Why is national security more important than our privacy?

Criminal Justice & Criminology Argumentative Research Paper Topics

These are special research topics and some that will help you if you want to study law. Let’s just say that if you are studying law, you will have to write a lot about this. Keep in mind that criminology will investigate why a crime happens, the cost, effects, and similar aspects. On the other hand, criminal justice is developed to deal with criminals. Your paper structure must be advanced and must provide all the latest and issue-related data you can find. Here are 10 ideas that we really like.

  • Police brutality and racial stereotypes
  • Police brutality – prevalent problem in American society
  • Racial profiling and policing
  • Prison overcrowding
  • Gun control laws and public safety
  • Using culture to explain crime
  • Crime rates and criminal advancement in a city
  • Dawn data collection: how does it work?
  • Convict criminology benefits
  • Postmodern criminology: main issues
  • Which role does media have in criminology?
  • Social media as a new place for criminals
  • History of the criminal justice
  • The nature of criminal behavior explained
  • Ages and crime links explained

Social Studies Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Without a better word, here we can see topics and issues based on society and the world in general. You will have to explain something related to society and try to prove that it is beneficial or you are against that. The topics here are all fun and can be simple if you have the ability to choose the one you like. The research topic should include as much data and actual research if possible.

  • Unauthorized immigrants in the United States
  • American population and illegal immigration
  • Massive influx of Illegal immigrants in the USA
  • Is illegal immigration good for our country?
  • Prejudice towards illegal immigrants
  • Is monarchy beneficial?
  • Is democracy the only system we need?
  • Pros and cons of capitalism
  • Major resources of the United States
  • Personal identity elements
  • Americanization or globalization
  • What causes mass consumption?
  • Should voting be mandatory?
  • Communication technologies and politics link
  • Why is cultural diversity so important in the workplace?

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Debatable Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Yes, we also have great debatable topics for research papers that you will like. These ones are a bit special. For the lack of a better word, they can have two sides. You can be for or against a specific thing. You can also see that some of these are complicated to explain and have severe complexity. You need to have a strong argument and keep it strong as long as possible. Hopefully, these 10 ideas will help you and can even direct you in the right direction.

  • Jehovah’s witnesses during the holocaust
  • The role of nationalism in modern history
  • Abraham Lincoln as the great emancipator
  • T o what extent did Adolf Hitler change the course of history
  • Is euthanasia something we need to approve?
  • Why unpaid internships are a huge problem for humankind
  • Should we use the death penalty all over the country?
  • Is true gender equality something that we can make it work?
  • Should we allow older people to vote still?
  • Is universal healthcare something that should be mandatory?
  • How will increased salary be more beneficial for the country?
  • Cancel culture: pros and cons
  • Who caused global poverty?
  • Should we grow human organs in the lab?

Psychology Argumentative Research Paper Topics

These essays are all about two things. They are usually about the things that affect our minds and our mental health. Secondly, they are about psychology and are more focused on what we can do to prevent or sort them out. For some of you, there are countless issues, and we will try to give you a few very appealing examples today.

  • Nature vs. nurture
  • The effects of violent video games on aggression
  • Mental health stigma
  • The role of childhood trauma in adult mental health
  • The validity and reliability of personality tests
  • How social media affects our mental health?
  • Is screen time causing depression?
  • Are lie detectors accurate?
  • Is positive thinking that important?
  • Can anxiety help us?
  • Is hypnosis an effective method?
  • Why more and more people are depressed?
  • Is this world causing too much stress for us?
  • Meaning of dreams explained
  • Should therapists call the police if they are planning or you broke the law?

Medical Argumentative Research Paper Topics

As you can assume here, you will need to write about health, medicine in general, and all the related things. The goal is to stay focused on the medicine or the overall health while writing and providing facts that approve your claim. It is very interesting and can be the best topic for some of you.

  • Ethical considerations in organ transplantation
  • Mental health care accessibility
  • The ethics of human cloning
  • Genetic testing and privacy
  • Physician-assisted suicide
  • GMO: bad or good?
  • Should we limit the sugar level in all beverages?
  • Is the nursing profession in the US more suitable for women than men?
  • Do nurses have a low salary today?
  • How should we fight obesity?
  • Should we allow nurses to prescribe drugs to patients?
  • Can parents deny treatment their child needs?
  • Is healthcare something we all need?
  • Should we ban doctors from promoting medications?
  • Is assisted suicide something we should legalize?

American History Argumentative Research Paper Topics

If you like these ideas, you are a lucky person. They are very common, and you will probably have to complete countless of them during your education. Keep in mind that here we are referring to the history that occurred or affects the US in some way. We are not referring to global history, as you can see.

  • Abraham Lincoln and his opponent
  • The deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group
  • Civil War was the westward
  • African American distress and misery in the beginning
  • Who was the best president in US history, and why?
  • How does the assassination of Abraham Lincoln affect reconstruction?
  • Is the Constitution a proslavery document?
  • Were we able to avoid the Civil War?
  • Do nuclear weapons make the world safer or not?
  • Should the US join World War II sooner?
  • Was the Declaration of Independence a true declaration of war?
  • Who were the founding fathers of the US?
  • The cost of WWII to the us economy
  • Origin of the United States

Philosophy Argumentative Research Paper Topics

If you like philosophers, you are going to like these ideas. There are many of them, but these are common and ideal for most of you. You will explore something invisible that affects humans and humankind more than you can imagine. You can explain some topics in detail and use your own opinion to do that.

  • The existence of god
  • Ethics of animal rights
  • Free will vs. determinism
  • The mind-body problem
  • Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
  • Are people bad or good?
  • Is freedom a myth?
  • Will faith in God change you?
  • Ethical egoism: for and against
  • Are moral facts real?
  • The link between science and faith
  • Should we allow personal drug use?
  • Is cloning an ethical thing to do?
  • Should we all be honest all the time?
  • Are zoos and circuses ethical?

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Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

Social media, a cornerstone of modern communication, presents rich ground for argumentative essays. The influence of these platforms extends beyond personal interactions, deeply impacting societal norms, politics, business strategies, and individual psychology. This collection of interesting argumentative essay topics about social media is designed to spark insightful debates and critical analyses.

  • Influence of social media on youth
  • Examining the impact of social media use on psychological well-being
  • Fake news and disinformation on social media
  • Assessing the role and influence of influencers in shaping consumer behavior
  • Social media and political manipulation
  • Does LinkedIn help people land jobs?
  • Celebrity endorsements – are they unethical?
  • Has social media devastated real-life communication?
  • Has social media made doing business easier?
  • Blogging is not a profession, or is it?
  • Social media and how it depicts beauty standards?
  • Social media and the inferiority complex among teenagers?
  • Privacy concerns in the digital age
  • Social media and political activism
  • Is love via Instagram possible?
  • Do social platforms cause anxiety?
  • The role of Twitter in education
  • Should the police have access to your Instagram account?

Creative Argumentative Essay Topics about Art

Here is a list of creative argumentative essay topics on art.

  • Disney World accommodation tips and tricks
  • The Renaissance period during the 1400s in Florence, Italy
  • Race and public art
  • Disney’s acquisition of marvel
  • The Value of Street Art
  • Is music a real art?
  • Most of the artists of modern times are 1-hit wonders.
  • Should schools need to have art courses?
  • Is graffiti a kind of art?
  • Should Banksy be considered an artist?
  • Is it okay to display art in public places?
  • Should modern art be considered timeless?
  • Should society support aspiring artists?
  • How important is arts education?
  • Can commercials be considered good works of art?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Politics

Some of the best political science argumentative essay topics for argumentative writing on politics are as follows.

  • Isolationism in the United States
  • Should the US Constitution be amended to state that corporations are not persons?
  • The Role of Money in Politics
  • Electoral College vs. Popular Vote
  • The Role of Media in Politics
  • Political leaders and their moral obligations.
  • Which US political party has the right ideology? (the country can be changed).
  • Income inequality – what can be done to reduce it?
  • The Current US Deficit – Is paying it down the essential matter of modern times?
  • Does printing more money create an unsustainable bubble?
  • Pros and cons of capitalism.
  • Pros and cons of socialism.
  • Is the US ready for a female president?
  • What modern political decision has been the most significant social-economic catalyst?
  • Does campaign finance reform work?

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics to Research

For some of you, these are the best papers in the world. You all like sports, so writing about one is probably something you will want to do. There are countless issues you can cover here, and as such, we can see a lot of topics. For lack of a better word, you will write about sports or something that is related to sports. There are countless examples, and most students will write a paper or two on this topic at some point. Keep in mind that you must have a main point, and you must justify the claim using data and facts. You can’t use your opinion only in this type of paper. Here are 10 topics that you will enjoy writing on.

  • The impact of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports
  • Pay gap in professional sports
  • The role of sports in promoting youth development
  • The effects of contact sports on brain health
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Should all coaches make as much money as athletes?
  • Are pro athletes role models?
  • Should athletes be punished for not standing still during the national anthem?
  • Is rugby an extremely dangerous sport?
  • How does sports betting differ from online casino gambling?
  • Are sports too much affected by computer prediction?
  • Should we allow the use of drugs that can boost the performance of athletes?
  • Should sports events be allowed during the pandemic?
  • Are cheerleaders athletes as well?
  • Should humans invent new Olympic sports?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Economics

Following is a list of some of the best real-life argumentative essay topics.

  • Arguments arise when discussing international trade
  • Recycling should be mandatory
  • Divergent marxism
  • Government Intervention in the Economy
  • Universal basic income
  • Is free trade beneficial for developing countries?
  • Is it economically justified to set a minimum wage?
  • Economic sanctions on other countries, and how do they benefit local companies?
  • Pros and cons of immigration and the country’s economy.
  • Social benefits and their true efficacy in poverty eradication.
  • Should the prices of necessities be regulated?
  • The impact of high obesity rates on the national economy.
  • Should unemployed people be financed for their businesses?
  • Market regulation in the 21st century.
  • Does climate change positively impact an economy?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Health

Following are some healthcare argumentative essay topics for high school students.

  • Abortion: Exploring both sides of the debate
  • The arguments against euthanasia
  • Drug abuse – destructive pattern
  • Arguments for legalizing euthanasia
  • Children vaccination
  • Should females over 40 be eligible to receive IVF treatment?
  • Is there a link between child obesity and processed foods?
  • Is there a connection between fashion and teenage girl anorexia?
  • Are low-carb diets healthy?
  • Is stress related to cancer in any way?
  • Vegetarianism – Is it healthy?
  • Can type-2 diabetes be cured with lifestyle changes?
  • Can increasing the prices of unhealthy foods helps in reducing obesity?
  • If smoking is unhealthy, why is it still legal?
  • How effective is Intrinsic motivation in addiction treatment?

Your Take Away

There are many topics for argumentative essays on different subjects. But no matter what you do, you have to present your views in favor of and against the topic. Otherwise, your argumentative essay will lose its true essence.

Writing with your personal authority on a topic makes you an expert. Still, you can do some research to identify plenty of authentic platforms in favor and opposition of the topic to write on the best argumentative essay topics. By assessing these resources, you can present your views and opinions. Writing an essay can be daunting, especially when you have a lot of other obligations on your plate. It can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge. Fortunately, there are now services available online that allow you to pay for your essay. With these services, you can be sure that your essay will be of the highest quality, and you can focus on other tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

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By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

Please note: Many of these prompts are still open to comment by students 13 and up.

Technology & Social Media

1. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 2. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 5. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 6. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 7. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 8. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 9. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

10. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 11. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 12. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 13. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 14. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 15. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 16. Should Your School Day Start Later? 17. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 18. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 19. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 20. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 21. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 22. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 23. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 24. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 25. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 26. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 27. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 28. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 29. Does Your School Need More Money? 30. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 31. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 32. Do Kids Need Recess?

College & Career

33. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 34. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 35. Should Everyone Go to College? 36. Should College Be Free? 37. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 38. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 39. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 40. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 41. Is Student Debt Worth It?

Mental & Physical Health

42. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 43. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 44. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 45. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 46. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 47. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 48. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 49. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 50. Do You Think Porn Influences the Way Teenagers Think About Sex?

Race & Gender

51. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 52. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 53. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 54. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 55. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 56. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 57. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 58. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

59. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 60. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 61. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 62. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 63. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 64. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 65. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 66. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 67. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 68. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 69. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 70. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 71. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 72. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

73. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 74. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 75. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 76. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 77. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 78. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 79. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 80. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

81. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 82. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 83. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 84. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 85. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 86. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art?

Parenting & Childhood

87. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 88. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 89. Should Parents Track Their Teenager’s Location? 90. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 91. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 92. What Should We Call Your Generation? 93. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 94. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 95. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 96. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 97. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 98. When Do You Become an Adult?

Ethics & Morality

99. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 100. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 101. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 102. Is It O.K. to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 103. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 104. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 105. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 106. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 107. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

Government & Politics

108. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 109. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 110. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 111. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 112. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 113. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 114. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 115. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 116. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 117. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 118. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 119. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 120. Should We Abolish the Death Penalty? 121. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 122. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 123. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 124. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 125. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other?

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 50 great argumentative essay topics for any assignment.

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General Education

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At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

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What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

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How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

  • Should fracking be legal?
  • Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
  • Do GMOs help or harm people?
  • Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
  • Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
  • Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
  • Should self-driving cars be legal?
  • Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
  • Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
  • Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

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  • Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
  • Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
  • Should sports be segregated by gender?
  • Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
  • Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
  • Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
  • Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
  • Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
  • Should religion be taught in schools?
  • Should clergy be allowed to marry?
  • Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
  • Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
  • Should assisted suicide be legal?
  • Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
  • Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

  • Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
  • Should Puerto Rico become a state?
  • Should voter registration be automatic?
  • Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
  • Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
  • Should sex work be legalized?
  • Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
  • Should the death penalty be legal?
  • Should animal testing be allowed?
  • Should drug possession be decriminalized?

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  • Should unpaid internships be legal?
  • Should minimum wage be increased?
  • Should monopolies be allowed?
  • Is universal basic income a good idea?
  • Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
  • Are school uniforms a good idea?
  • Should PE affect a student’s grades?
  • Should college be free?
  • Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
  • Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

  • Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
  • Should books with objectionable words be banned?
  • Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
  • Is art education important?
  • Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

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How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

Argumentative research paper topics are a lot easier to find than to come up with. We always try to make your life easier. That’s why you should feel free to check out this list of the hottest and most controversial argumentative essay topics for 2024. In the article prepared by custom writing experts, you’ll find unique ideas for college, high school, and middle school. You might want to take your favorite topic as it is, or use it as an example and formulate one by yourself. Another option would be to tale the main keywords and try them on a research paper topic generator in order to get more choices.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

OK, let’s cut to the chase, and continue with our suggested argumentative topics for 2024!

🔝 Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics

  • ⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 📱 Topics on Social Media
  • 👪 Topics on Family
  • 👨‍⚕️ Topics on Health and Nutrition
  • 🗳️ Topics on Government
  • 💡 Other Topic Ideas
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Choosing a Topic
  • 🧱 Writing Rules
  • 📑 Organizing Your Paper

🔍 References

  • The benefits of GMOs
  • Is online dating dangerous?
  • Ways to reduce college tuitions
  • Should school athletes get paid?
  • Alternatives to the death penalty
  • Why is passive smoking dangerous?
  • How can we regulate YouTube content?
  • Should junk food advertisements be banned?
  • Should parents answer for children’s misbehavior?
  • How do wildfires contribute to global warming?

⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

📱 argumentative research paper topics on social media.

  • Hiding identities online: should it be allowed? Anonymous surveys are not an unusual thing anymore. However, people can leave pretty offensive comments without naming themselves. It all leads to them feeling invincible. Should this function be removed for the sake of equality and justice?
  • Will GIFs become a new way of communication? People are getting more used to exchanging emoji and GIFs as a reaction to something. But is it a good idea? Can it affect our behavior patterns and the way we express our emotions in real life?
  • Online shaming and bullying : where is the limit? Since practically anyone can be active online these days, shaming has become an enormous problem. No one watches it, and only turning off the comment option is a way out. But other than that, who is in control of the unstopping flow of abusive comments?
  • Punctuation and spelling mistakes in texting. We all know someone who goes crazy when they see the slightest mistake in the text message. They may get pretty annoying, that’s true. But does it really matter? Or should we take it easy on spelling mistakes in the text messages?
  • Social media : helping us connect or contributing to loneliness? They say social media connects people from all over the world. But despite having thousands of friends online and hundreds of likes under photos, we can still feel lonely. Why is it happening?
  • How has Snapchat changed the social media industry?
  • Should there be a limit for sending text messages?
  • The impact of social media on the phenomenon of narcissism.
  • The issue of missing real life while filming?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of social media for college students .
  • What is the value of digital photos compared to those taken by film cameras?
  • What would make people delete their Facebook account?
  • Are new popular game apps a part of the culture?
  • Should social media consider adding a “dislike” function?
  • Screen time matters: what makes people stare at their phones so much?
  • The decline of Facebook’s popularity and its reasons.
  • How to only choose useful apps for your smartphone.
  • Employers on Facebook : why should you be careful with your content?
  • They are watching you: how to keep your privacy online ?
  • The issue of fake profiles online.
  • Is there still a deep meaning in digital photography?
  • Do influencers have fun spending hours taking a perfect shot?
  • Mental health and social media : is there anyone to help?
  • The optimal age restriction for new social media users.
  • Manipulating people’s feelings online: dangers.

👪 Family Argumentative Topics 2024

  • How traumatic is the divorce of the parents for a child? There is no doubt that children are sensitive in terms of the relationship between their parents. Usually, kids blame themselves for the split of the family. As it often happens, they also go through a divorce in their adulthood.
  • Kids’ rooms: why privacy matters? Parents don’t usually think about the privacy of their children. They rush to invade in their rooms without permission and go through their stuff. How does it affect the perception of trust in kids?
  • Should we reconsider the age restrictions for starting a family? The age when young couples decide to get married and start a family varies from culture to culture. However, sometimes it appears that they are not ready for that. Should we think about implementing some restrictions to protect their mental and physical health?
  • What is the optimal age for children to travel without supervision? It is also a matter of personal preference. However, there must be some limits. Up until a specific age, parents are fully responsible for the safety of their children. But kids need some freedom. What should be a solution?
  • Where is the line between discipline and child abuse ? Unfortunately, some parents don’t know when to stop. It is normal to practice some disciplinary methods, but crossing the line is dangerous. A child’s mental health is on stake. What parents see as a light punishment, may look like an act of hate and abuse for a child.
  • Should fathers spend as much time with their kids as mothers do?
  • Choosing the teenagers’ outfits or letting them do it?
  • Sharing the records of the students with parents: is it the right decision?
  • Limiting the screen time of children and the benefits.
  • Who should teach kids how to behave ?
  • The community approach to building families and raising kids.
  • Traveling around as a family: benefits for the relationship between the family members.
  • Are parents violating children’s rights by posting pictures of them online?
  • Pursuing parents’ dreams: do children have a choice?
  • Bribing kids: is it for their sake or to spare a minute of peace for parents?
  • The effect of modern culture on childhood.
  • No punishment: what is the effect on children?
  • Teaching children responsibility without pushing them to do chores.
  • Buying your kids expensive technology: is it worth it?
  • A life without store-bought toys: the benefits.
  • Pros and cons of moving outside the city as a family.
  • Is it appropriate for kids to watch horror movies ?
  • Are there restrictions for Halloween costumes, and what are they?
  • Encouraging children without giving them too many trophies.
  • How are parents shaping the children’s behavior unconsciously?

👨‍⚕️ Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Health and Nutrition

  • What is the role of nutrition in professional sports (e.g., soccer)? We all know professional athletes train a lot. But how important is nutrition in that process? Why do they follow different diets and still get pretty much the same results? Are there specific foods that help them win?
  • Are French fries considered a part of your vegetable intake? Most of us probably wish it was true. Well, potatoes are vegetables, frying oils are made of plants as well. What’s the problem? It appears it is not that simple.
  • Why are school diets not as healthy as we wish they were? Parents all over the world would surely like to see some nutritious and healthy lunches at schools. But the reality is far from that, especially in the US. Why do only some schools implement healthy diets for school lunches?
  • Why is reading the lists of ingredients on the products so important? Unfortunately, most people don’t have a clue about what they eat and where it comes from. The worst part is that it may contribute to their health issues in the future. Reading the labels can save people from consuming harmful foods.
  • E-cigarettes and under-aged: should teenagers use them? Maybe e-cigarettes are not as harmful as the usual smoke, but they still carry some risks. Moreover, they increase the chance that people would start smoking tobacco later. So why do we allow teens to use them?
  • The age restrictions on alcohol: should the limits be lowered?
  • What is the effectiveness of the pictures on the tobacco packs?
  • The health risks connected with cosmetic surgeries .
  • Are the diets that models follow healthy enough?
  • Marijuana and science: what are the effects of this drug on our health?
  • Why do looks matter more in our society than being healthy?
  • Implementing required drug tests for school students: pros and cons.
  • The hidden harm of the regular consumption of energy drinks .
  • The phenomenon of binge drinking in the US.
  • What are the restrictions on the amount of sugar in soft drinks?
  • The methods colleges can implement to reduce the drinking problem among students .
  • Distracted driving : is it as serious and drunk driving?
  • What is the real importance of not skipping breakfast?
  • The issue of texting while driving from the perspective of being illegal.
  • The best and healthiest variation of the school lunch .
  • Do schools have the right to ban unvaccinated students?
  • Legal suicides from the perspective of ethics.
  • Terminal diseases: should patients decide how they end their lives?
  • Is there a way to prevent teenagers from smoking ?
  • Why do people keep eating chips even when they know it’s not healthy?

🗳️ Government Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

  • Authorities and values: what moral obligations should people with power have? Power doesn’t mean permission to do anything they want. Political leaders are obligated to use it wisely. But what are the standards? Should it be just a common sense of morality or something more?
  • Do our political leaders lead us in the right direction? Everybody must have wondered about it at least once. It is undoubtedly hard to trust our leaders without any doubts. They set the course of our lives. But how do we know whether they do it for the good of each and every citizen without exceptions?
  • To raise or not to raise: the question of the minimum wage . Many people are struggling with finances, and the rise of the minimum wage would help them out. This research can focus on supporting this idea by presenting strong arguments.
  • How achievable is the American dream when you start in the US from scratch? We all heard successful stories about the poor becoming millionaires in the US. But how far is it from reality? What are the real chances of people with low income to become self-made wealthy business owners?
  • Global crisis: who is responsible for refugees ? It’s not the refugees’ fault that wars have come to their home countries. Just like any other human being, they need our help. But who decides which country should take them? Who is responsible?
  • American democracy : how strongly citizens believe in it?
  • Politics becoming more friendly and outgoing: pros and cons.
  • Are we paying back enough to the veterans ?
  • Why is the US considered to be the best country?
  • Illegal immigrants and education : the rights and responsibilities.
  • The new authorities: should the opposition still deny it or become open-minded?
  • Immigrants with no documentation : what are the consequences of leaving them in peace?
  • The importance of the first lady nowadays.
  • Pay-offs: should we just pay terrorists to free the hostages?
  • Why is the current voting system failing?
  • Some of the most effective ways to encourage people to vote.
  • The morality of spying on fellow countries.
  • The most beneficial way to spend the city’s extra budget.
  • Knowing the right time: negotiating with opponent countries.
  • The most common issues city mayors should address immediately.
  • In what situations the military is allowed to use force without doubts?
  • How much taxes should millionaires pay?
  • Why do governments prefer national safety over our privacy?
  • Should all governments allow same-sex marriages ?
  • Young leaders: at what age should people start pursuing politics?

💡 Other Research Paper Topic Ideas

  • Fallacies of Afrocentrism. 
  • Antisemitism in the world today. 
  • Controversy over children being made into models. 
  • Money is the root of all evil. 
  • Corporal punishment . 
  • The right age for drinking . 
  • Doping and sports : possible misunderstandings 
  • Extended breastfeeding: pros and cons. 
  • Do we have to talk about feminism that much ? 
  • Food safety training and its outcomes. 
  • U.S. border control : the insights. 
  • Incest: why is this love forbidden ? 
  • Child advocacy : is it effective enough? 
  • Child adoption by a gay family.  
  • DADT repeal and its importance. 
  • The minimum wage in your state. 
  • The impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native communities. 
  • Native American sovereignty issues. 
  • The Pledge of Allegiance: was adding “under God” in 1954 to it the right choice? 
  • The effectiveness of military action against terrorism . 
  • What isn’t worth going to war for? 
  • War tax: to pay or to resist? 
  • You’re allowed to be cast in pornographic movies when you’re 18. But it’s not OK for you to buy alcohol until you’re 21? Where’s the logic? 
  • Homelessness : whose fault is it? 
  • Premarital sex : is it a problem in American society? 
  • Legalized prostitution . 
  • Tolerance for nudism and naturism. 
  • Shorter work weeks.  
  • Video games : leisure, or abuse ? 
  • What’s happening at the zoo? Animal abuse and problems of animals living in captivity . 

Research paper writing is not the most complicated academic assignment; and still, it does take a lot of time! Our argumentative essay topic ideas are meant to save your time when you need to choose what to write about.

Also be sure to check out our great article with 50 more argumentative research paper topics – it has a lot of useful ideas for your next amazing essay.

🕵️‍♂️ Choosing an Argumentative Paper Topic

Writing a college argumentative research paper is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. In fact, the difficulties start right from the beginning—choosing the right topic. We may have handed you a great list of argumentative topics, but still it takes a careful eye to pick a topic to write about. If you choose the wrong topic, you might get stuck with your writing and have a hard time moving forward.

But don’t worry! Soon you will have no more questions about how to write an argumentative essay.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Why is that?

There are several essential criteria to be considered when choosing easy topics to write on. And you will discover them right now.

Argumentative Essay: Writing Rules

Here are the basic rules:

  • Write about what you know. Although this may seem obvious to some students, you need to have some basic knowledge about the chosen topic. You probably already have some topics you are familiar with, so opting for one of them will save you time and effort. Even research won’t frighten you away because you will know where to start.
  • Find things that you’re passionate about and write about them. Essentially, this is a recommendation rather than a rule. The more you like your essay topic, the easier it will be to generate solid and engaging content that your audience will like.
  • Don’t choose anything too broad; stay specific. It’s okay to think of some general topics at first, but then you should gradually narrow your topics down to just a few. The last remaining ones will be the ones you feel most comfortable with.
  • Make sure your thesis has enough defense. Choosing a wonderful topic that is not protected against potential counterarguments is a common mistake among students. So think twice before making your final choice, and consider the evidence you have available.
  • Opt for an argument that will appeal to your audience’s emotions. By making your readers emotionally relate to your words and position, you’ll connect them with what you’re trying to express. You’ll certainly have to include rational arguments in your paper, but choosing a topic that doesn’t trigger any feeling isn’t the best choice.
  • Choose a topic that is directly related to your assignment. Before starting to research and write, you’ll need to get closely acquainted with your task instead of just scanning it. Carefully check all the keywords to understand the essence of the assignment. Missing even minor details or instructions can break your paper!
  • Stay away from topics that don’t have two sides of the problem. Don’t forget that an argumentative essay is all about the argument. No argument means no argumentative essay. Before you start writing, take some notes: write down your thesis and an opposing thesis or an argument with its counterargument. Thinking carefully and writing it all down will save you time!

📑 Organizing Your Argumentative Paper

Here we’ll explain how to organize your argumentative essay. Keep in mind that your paper structure still has to stay flexible to meet the needs of your purpose and your readers. Our recommendation? Create an argumentative essay outline to make the writing process faster and easier.

Introduction

This part lays a solid foundation for your argumentative paper by providing answers to the reader’s questions:

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  • What is in front of me?
  • Why should I read it?
  • What do you want me to do?

Let’s see how these three questions can be answered in the basic steps for how to write an essay introduction:

  • Give some background information about the main idea and provide an explanation of the issue and the situation. Your reader should understand the topic, as well as your claims and their support.
  • Explain the importance of the main idea. This step will convince the reader to keep reading and really care about the content.
  • Describe your thesis/claim with logos, pathos, and ethos . Compose a few sentences that support your position with writer’s logic (logos), emotional appeals (pathos), and author’s trustworthiness/credibility (ethos).

Body paragraphs

Your argumentative essay should have body paragraphs that each look like an inverted pyramid: moving from general to specific. The broadest idea is located at the top, and as you continue writing, you become more concentrated on the main point, eventually coming to specific evidence to support your claim.

Good Argumentative Essay Paragraph

The following four elements are present in a good argumentative essay paragraph (also called TTEB ):

  • A transition sentence assures smooth reading by leading from one paragraph to the next.
  • A topic sentence explains to the reader what will be discussed in a paragraph.
  • Specific evidence and analysis support your claim. They provide more detail than a topic sentence.
  • A brief wrap-up (or a warrant) explains to the reader why and in what way this information supports the thesis. Basically, it connects your evidence to your main argument. It also demonstrates how the paragraph is connected to your thesis and assists in defending it.

This part of your essay concludes the discussion in your paper. The conclusion is a generalization and restating of the argument’s main points. It may also include a call to action or suggest further research. Here’s what any conclusion should do:

  • Restate the topic.
  • Tell why the chosen topic is important.
  • Restate the specific thesis/claim.
  • Cover opposing points of view.
  • Make readers align with the writer’s position.
  • Call readers to action or propose further research.

These core elements are the critical final steps in writing an argumentative essay.

Get an originally-written paper according to your instructions!

Our advice is to discover more tips and ideas for choosing argumentative essay samples to know what exactly argumentative essays look like. You can also get professional help from qualified essay writers from Custom-Writing.org.

Learn more on this topic:

  • Top Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
  • 97 Inspirational & Motivational Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Great Persuasive & Argumentative Essay on Divorce
  • Gun Control Essay: How-to Guide + Argumentative Topics
  • Proposal Essay Topics and Ideas – Easy and Interesting
  • Free Exemplification Essay Examples

✏️ Argumentative Research Paper FAQ

An argumentative research paper is a piece of writing you work on when you need to defend your position. You have an issue, and you have your point of view. All you need to do is to write an essay strong enough to persuade your opponents. There are specific writing steps, too.

Some good argumentative research paper topics would always be related to the theme you feel passionate about. For example, if you think that every life is precious, consider writing about the death penalty. Or if you enjoy promoting a healthy lifestyle, you can write a persuasive statement on youth alcoholism.

A debatable question is such a question that can encourage the start of a debate. Some people would support the issue, while others would disagree because they have doubts. It means that the opposition would try to persuade others. Mostly, such questions are related to moral issues, politics, and gender equality.

Today, the most debated topics are controversial and related to human rights, environmental issues, gender equality, as well as women’s rights. For instance, some people insist that climate change is not the most important problem now. Others would disagree and argue that we need to take action immediately to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem.

  • Research Papers | KU Writing Center
  • Purdue OWL: Research Papers–Choosing a Topic
  • What is a Research Paper? | Online Writing Center
  • Project Topics Research Papers – Academia.edu
  • 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing – The New York Times
  • Thesis Generator | Ashford Writing Center
  • Social Media Studies | SAGE Publications Inc
  • List of issues Journal of Family Studies – Taylor & Francis Online
  • Journal of Child and Family Studies | Home – Springer
  • Nutrition | Nutrition Studies Research Group | Stanford Medicine
  • American Society for Nutrition – Nutrition Research & Practice
  • List of issues Local Government Studies
  • Argumentative Paper Format. University of Washington
  • Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays. UC Berkeley
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Research topic about TVL, please

Custom Writing

John Paul, you can use our essay topic generator https://custom-writing.org/writing-tools/topic-generator or ask our experts here . Thanks!

The best one!

Julia Reed

Thanks for such kind words 🙂 Be sure to come back for more helpful posts!

Hi guys, I’m stuck in the mind of blankness. I have to do a term paper by Monday on Corporate social responsibilities on Shell Corrib Gas and can’t think off my heading or argument. I have a lot of information. Just don’t know where to begin. Please help 🙁

Hi Emma, We’d be happy to help you. You’re welcome to place an order with our writing service and we’ll find the most experienced expert for you. Looking forward to serve your needs.

Thank you so much for providing these topics! I have been searching and searching for topics for the English course, which I will be taking for the third time! I am most definitely sure that one of these topics will be suitable! I appreciate it very much! Again, thank you!

:)This is so helpful! I will use this again for sure.

Oh my God, I was searching for all of these. Thank you so… must. Best argumentative topics!

Thank you for your feedback, Katherine! 🙂 We’re glad to be useful:)

What about the rainforest? I know people have arguments about the trees getting cut down. Why don’t kids have a say in this all too?

Well, you certainly can use that topic – as long as you feel the most comfortable and confident about it. It’s essential to be able to prove your point of view. The ideas which we are offering are just suggestions for possible topics:) We wish you good luck with your argumentative research paper:)

This is amazing! Thank you very much for this list of topics!

50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject, otherwise you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. (You don't need to know everything, though.) Part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one that you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter and controversy is based on opinions, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

  • Is global climate change  caused by humans?
  • Is the death penalty effective?
  • Is our election process fair?
  • Is torture ever acceptable?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Are school uniforms beneficial?
  • Do we have a fair tax system?
  • Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  • Is cheating out of control?
  • Are we too dependent on computers?
  • Should animals be used for research?
  • Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  • Are cell phones dangerous?
  • Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
  • Do we have a throwaway society?
  • Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
  • Should companies market to children?
  • Should the government have a say in our diets?
  • Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
  • Should members of Congress have term limits?
  • Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
  • Are CEOs paid too much?
  • Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
  • Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
  • Should creationism be taught in public schools?
  • Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
  • Should English be the official language of the United States?
  • Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
  • Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
  • Should everyone be required to recycle?
  • Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
  • Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
  • Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
  • Does boredom lead to trouble?
  • Should schools be in session year-round ?
  • Does religion cause war?
  • Should the government provide health care?
  • Should abortion be illegal?
  • Are girls too mean to each other?
  • Is homework harmful or helpful?
  • Is the cost of college too high?
  • Is college admission too competitive?
  • Should euthanasia be illegal?
  • Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
  • Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
  • Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
  • Is affirmative action fair?
  • Is public prayer okay in schools?
  • Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
  • Is greater gun control a good idea?
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Research Paper

Category: argumentative research paper examples.

Argumentative Research Paper Examples

These example papers are to help you understanding how to write this type of written assignments. The argumentative research paper requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Argumentative papers allow writers to express their opinion on a topic and support that opinion with strong logic and evidence.

Browse argumentative research paper examples below.

Criminal Justice Research Paper

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  6. Thesis statement and body paragraph of an argumentative research essay