controversial essay topics for high school students

101 Argument Essay Prompts for High School

Teaching argument writing can be very exciting, especially if you have great argument essay prompts for your students to choose from. It provides students with an opportunity to explore interesting topics. I give my students choices when I am teaching argument writing in my classroom. Students who select their argument essay prompts are more engaged with and connected to their writing.

When assigning a hot topic or controversial issue argumentative essay, I always let students select a topic. That way, they are more passionate about their writing. However, I also make it clear that their topic cannot be discriminatory or hateful in any way and that they must fund valid and credible evidence to back up their claims. When I do this in the classroom, I also like to make sure that only one student per class has the same topic.

If you are planning an argument or controversial issue essay assignment, here is a list of potential topics you can include in your classroom. If you need teaching materials, this argument writing teaching unit will help you walk your students through the process.

Here are 101 Argument Essay Prompts:

Argument essay topics teens love.

• Should teenagers be allowed to vote in elections?
• Is social media a positive or negative influence on teenagers’ mental health and well-being?
• Should schools have a dress code that is gender-neutral?
• Should teenage drivers be subject to stricter regulations, such as curfews and passenger limits, to reduce accidents and fatalities?
• Is it ethical for teenagers to participate in protests and other forms of civil disobedience?
• Should teenagers have access to birth control and sexual health services?
• Should schools provide more opportunities for creative expression and the arts, or is the focus on STEM subjects more important for future success?
• Should teenagers have their own credit card to establish credit history?
• Should teenagers be allowed to work part-time jobs while in school?
• How important is academic honesty for future success?

Argument Essay  Prompts About Technology

• Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of fake news?
• Are video games a harmful or beneficial form of entertainment for young people?
• Should schools replace textbooks with tablets and laptops?
• Is technology making us more or less productive in the workplace?
• Should there be stricter regulations on the collection and use of personal data by tech companies?
• Is artificial intelligence a threat to human jobs and job security?
• Should there be limitations on using facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies?
• Has the internet made us more connected or more isolated from each other?
• Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies?
• Is technology creating a more unequal society by widening the gap between the rich and the poor?

Argument Essay  Topics about the Environment

• Should governments impose stricter regulations on corporations to reduce their carbon footprint?
• Should government agencies regulate residential thermostats?
• Should plastic bags be banned to reduce pollution and protect wildlife?
• Is fracking a viable method of energy production, or does it pose significant risks to the environment and public health?
• Should individuals be encouraged to adopt a plant-based diet to reduce the carbon emissions caused by the meat industry?
• Should the use of pesticides be restricted to protect pollinators and other wildlife?
• Is nuclear energy a viable solution to the world’s energy needs, or does it pose too significant an environmental risk?
• Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power?
• Should individuals and companies be required to pay a carbon tax to encourage them to reduce their carbon emissions?
• Is deforestation a significant contributor to climate change?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Entrepreneurship

• Is entrepreneurship a viable path to economic success for individuals and communities?
• Should governments provide more support and incentives for small businesses and startups?
• Is social entrepreneurship a more effective way to address social and environmental challenges than traditional methods?
• Should entrepreneurs be required to consider the environmental impact of their business operations?
• Is it better for entrepreneurs to focus on creating a new product or service, or to improve upon an existing one?
• Should entrepreneurs be required to have a certain level of education or experience before starting a business?
• Is it ethical for entrepreneurs to use investor funding to support a luxurious lifestyle instead of reinvesting in their business?
• Should entrepreneurs be held accountable for the social and environmental impacts of their products or services?
• Should entrepreneurs be allowed to patent ideas and concepts, or should all innovations be open for public use?
• Is the current system of venture capital funding fair and equitable for all entrepreneurs?

Teaching Argument Essay: Instructional Unit

Help your students master the art of argumentative writing with this argument writing teaching unit!

I created this argumentative essay writing teaching unit with secondary ELA students in mind, and it includes step-by-step and engaging writing instructional materials. This argument essay writing unit includes everything you need for a complete argumentative writing instructional unit, including the print & digital materials.

This essay writing instructional unit includes an editable instructional presentation for direct instruction and student resources to help you and your students work through an argument essay.

With a focus on argument writing and informational text, this unit fuses together key ELA standards as it covers the differences between persuasive and argumentative writing. Thus unit also teaches purpose, audience, tone, diction, and the rhetorical triangle.

Argument Essay  Topics about Animals

• Should animals be used for scientific research, or are there alternative methods that can be used?
• Should exotic animals be kept as pets?
• Is hunting a legitimate way to control animal populations and manage ecosystems?
• Should animal agriculture be banned or significantly reduced to address concerns about animal welfare, environmental impact, and public health?
• Should circuses and other entertainment venues that feature animal acts be banned to prevent animal abuse and exploitation?
• Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment purposes such as horse racing, dog shows, or bullfighting?
• Should animals have legal rights and be granted personhood, or is that concept reserved only for humans?
• Should zoos and aquariums be banned or improved to better serve the welfare and conservation of the animals they hold?
• Should invasive species be removed from ecosystems?
• Is animal testing justified in developing cosmetic and personal care products?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Sports

• Should college athletes be paid for their participation in sports?
• Should high school athletes be excused from certain class assignments?
• Should high school sports be required to prioritize safety over competition, especially in contact sports like football and hockey?
• Is esports a legitimate form of competition?
• Should performance-enhancing drugs be legalized in professional sports?
• Should women’s sports receive the same funding and support as men’s sports?
• Should athletes be allowed to protest social and political issues during games, or should sports be kept separate from politics?
• Should athletes be held to higher standards of conduct and behavior, given their public profile and influence on young people?
• Is it ethical for cities to use taxpayer money to fund sports stadiums and arenas?
• Should high schools drop athletics and solely focus on academics?

Argument Essay Topics about School

• Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
• Is standardized testing an effective way to measure student achievement?
• Should schools offer more vocational training programs to prepare students for the workforce?
• Should schools ban cell phones and other electronic devices?
• Should schools offer more extracurricular activities and sports programs?
• Is it essential for schools to provide sex education to students?
• Should schools be required to offer courses on financial literacy and personal finance management?
• Should schools offer more mental health resources and support to students?
• Should schools offer more diversity and inclusion training for staff and students?
• Should private schools receive tax-payer funding?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Teens and Politics

• Should the voting age be lowered to 16 to allow teenagers to have a say in political decisions?
• Is it important for teenagers to be politically engaged and active?
• Should schools offer more civic education and government classes to prepare teenagers for their roles as future voters and leaders?
• Should teenagers be allowed to run for political office?
• Should political parties and candidates specifically target and appeal to teenage voters?
• Should teenagers be allowed to participate in political protests and rallies?
• Is it essential for teenagers to be knowledgeable about political issues and current events?
• Should teenagers be allowed to donate to political campaigns?
• Should schools be required to remain politically neutral and avoid any bias or preference towards certain parties or candidates?
• Should teenagers be encouraged to pursue careers in politics and public service?

Argument Essay  Topics about Vehicles

• Should governments promote and subsidize electric cars to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability?
• Should autonomous cars be allowed on public roads?
• Should car manufacturers be held responsible for the environmental impact of their products?
• Should speed limits be increased on highways and freeways?
• Should car ownership be discouraged in favor of public transportation and ride-sharing services?
• Should car insurance be mandatory for all drivers?
• Should older cars be banned from the road due to higher emissions and safety risks?
• Should governments invest more in developing and promoting alternative fuels and energy sources for cars?
• Should car manufacturers be required to disclose all safety and performance data about their products?
• Should car-sharing services like Zipcar and Car2Go be encouraged and subsidized by governments?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Space and Space Exploration

• Is space exploration worth the cost?
• Should governments fund space exploration and research?
• Is it ethical to mine resources and exploit the commercial potential of other planets?
• Should humans establish permanent settlements on other planets?
• Should space agencies prioritize manned missions to Mars?
• Is space exploration a necessary pursuit for scientific advancement and discovery?
• Should international cooperation be a priority in space exploration?
• Should space tourism be encouraged and expanded?
• Should space debris and junk be regulated and monitored more closely?
• Is space exploration an inherently human endeavor, or should we prioritize the development of AI and robotics to take on the challenges of space exploration and colonization

And lastly, here is my all-time favorite argument essay topic that I use to teach argument writing. I use this topic for all of my instruction, for all of my examples, and for modeling the process to students: who makes the best fast-food cheeseburger?

Need argument essay instructional materials?

My argument writing teaching unit has everything you need to teach your students all about argument writing! You can pair this unit with any of the argument essay prompts on this page, and you will be teaching argument writing in no time!

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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, the best controversial topics for debates and essays.

General Education

Controversial topics are a good choice for an essay or debate because they immediately draw in the reader or listener. The adage that “controversy sells” is so rooted in society that even the rapper Chamillionaire named his second album after it! Controversial issues are also a good topic because it’s easier to write a strong thesis and find sources to back up your argument . After all, when something is controversial, everybody wants to have their say over it. 

However, it’s also important that you address controversial issues with sensitivity and care. Because controversial topics tend to raise emotions, you must walk a thin line between opinion and fact in order to build trust between you and your reader/listener.

In this article, we’re going to give you the best controversial topics you can use for essays and debates—and we’ll explain the controversies for you, too! We’ll also discuss when to use controversial topics, the pros and cons of choosing a controversial issue, and tips for making sure you’re treating a controversial topic with sensitivity and respect. 

That’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started! 

Controversial topics are issues that can really get people up in arms. (Yes, it's a dad joke. No, we're not sorry.) 

What Are Controversial Topics?

If you’ve flipped on a television lately, you’ve probably seen people on the news arguing different sides of an issue. (Occasionally, these arguments can get pretty emotional!) When you see this happening, there’s a good chance that the people you’re watching are discussing a controversial topic. 

Controversial debate topics include subjects that create strong differences of opinion. They are issues that can affect politics, society as a whole, individuals on a personal level, the environment, or any other area of life that people feel strongly about. Additionally, controversial issues often have no clear answer because people’s feelings and personal beliefs are often strongly involved.

3 Pros and 3 Cons of Using Controversial Topics in Essays or Debates 

It might be tempting to pick any old controversial topic and run with it. Not so fast! While controversial topics definitely give you a lot to talk about in an essay or debate, there are some definite drawbacks to dealing with hot-button issues.

Here are the pros and cons you should consider before deciding to use a controversial topic in your work. 

Pro #1: It’s Usually Easy to Find Sources

Everyone wants to have their say on controversial topics, which is great when you need sources to include in your paper! A quick library or Google search will turn up tons of information. It can make that part of writing (or preparing for a debate) much easier. 

Con #1: It Can Be Hard to Find Good Sources

When you Google a controversial source, the results can be overwhelming. While you’re probably going to have tons of hits, they'll be from a wide range of sources like social media, personal blogs, podcasts, and message boards (like Reddit and Quora). Just because something appears high in a Google result doesn’t make it a good source that you can site in a paper or speech.

Good sources are ones that are written by credentialed authors (they are experts in their field) and include reliable, cited evidence. A good place to find good sources are scholarly databases, like JSTOR and ProQuest, since the articles on these databases have been vetted by other experts before they are published. Reputable news outlets can also be good resources, too. 

Pro #2: It’s Easier to Talk About Things That Interest You 

If you care about a topic you probably already know a little bit about it. This is especially true for many controversial issues. After all, they tend to be controversial because many people have opinions on them! If you pick a controversial issue that’s near and dear to your heart, you’ll find that you have a lot to say about it. 

Con #2: It’s Hard to Keep Your Emotions In Check 

If it is a topic you care about a lot, you probably already have strong opinions formed. But in order to build trust with your reader/listener and to be accurate, you need to use neutral language so that your reader/listener can draw their own conclusions based on your work. While it’s tempting to call people out or get heated, those are both pitfalls you should avoid . 

Pro #3: Controversial Issues Capture Attention 

Tackling a subject like mass incarceration, the death penalty, or abortion is a good way to get your audience to sit up and take notice. People want to hear your opinion to see how it does—or doesn’t—match their own. 

Con #3: You Open Yourself Up to Criticism 

On the flip side, if your argument doesn’t align with their beliefs, the people reading or listening to your argument may criticize your opinion or belief because it is not the same as theirs. You’ll have to spend extra time making sure you’ve created a strong argument since people have often spent more time thinking about a controversial topic and are better able to challenge your position. 

How to Pick Good Controversial Topics for Teens

When picking what topic to write about, it’s important that you pick a good strong topic that is relevant and that has an amount of easy to find good sources. When deciding on a topic, try to keep these tips in mind! 

Tip #1: Choose a Topic That Interests You 

It’s easier to work on a subject you enjoy. Don’t use a topic you find boring or have no interest in. Write about a topic you are passionate about, since your own interest will shine through in your writing or speech. Also, when you pick a topic you like, the assignment can actually be fun. Imagine that! 

Tip #2: Be Passionate...But Not Too Passionate

Stay away from topics where you might be too passionate about one side since it can be tough to distance yourself enough to see both sides of the argument. You’ll want to know what good arguments the other side has so that you can defend your position against them. If you're too passionate about a subject, you might miss key details that help you defend your position. Every side has good points—that’s why there’s an argument in the first place!

Tip #3: Make Sure There’s Hard Evidence

Pick a topic where there’s evidence, not just a “he said, she said” kind of thing. Avoid arguments that don’t have any facts or figures backing them up or they are entirely opinion based. Examples of topics that are controversial but lack compelling evidence include government conspiracies or theories that have been proven false, like the Earth being flat or that pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn’t).

Tip #4: Know Your Audience

If you are writing about controversial debate topics, ask yourself who it is you are trying to persuade. Is it your teacher? A certain segment of the population? If you know who your audience is, you can better tailor your argument to hit on the points they care about. 

For example, say you’re writing an essay about how teacher’s unions are unnecessary. If your audience is your teacher—who's probably in a union!—you’re going to have to work harder to prove your point since they’re more likely to be in favor of unions. (You’ll also need to make sure you’re being fair and respectful to avoid offending your teacher. We’ll talk more about how to do that in a minute.) 

In the example above, knowing your audience can (and should) change the way you write your argument in order to make it as persuasive and convincing as possible. 

Tip #5: Narrow Down Your Topic 

Make sure your topic is broad enough that you have plenty of information sources to choose from but narrow enough that you aren’t overwhelmed by the amount of information. An easy way to narrow a broad topic is to limit it to a time period or geographical location. For instance, let’s say that you want to write an argumentative essay about climate change. Climate change covers a lot of ground, so you could narrow it down to only writing about climate change in the last 15 years. You could narrow it down even more by writing about how climate change has affected a small geographical location, like California or your own city, in the last 15 years.

Gun control is a perennially controversial topic in the United States.

The Best Controversial Topics of 2019

Here are some of the most controversial topics discussed this year. Many of these issues are evergreen topics, which means you’ll be able to find plenty of information for them! 

These are topics related to current political subjects both in the US and abroad. 

Is Brexit a good or bad idea? 

In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to settle the question of whether or not they should leave the European Union. Proponents of Brexit argue that leaving the EU would save money for the nation as they would no longer need to pay a membership fee to the EU. Opponents argue that the UK will lose money due to new trade restrictions. 

Did Russia interfere with the 2016 Presidential Election? 

After Donald Trump won the 2016 Presidential Election , there were several investigative reports published that suggested that Russia used targeted Facebook ads to encourage people to vote for Trump , and Russia may have been the ones who hacked the Democratic National Convention. Trump supporters have been quick to rebuff this claim, arguing that the election results reflect the will of the American population. However, those who are anti-Trump argue that Trump did not legitimately win the election and that the results were due to Russian interference. They cite the fact that Hilary Clinton had a larger popular vote than Trump to support this. 

Should there be stricter gun control?

The United States has experienced more than 200 mass shootings in 2019, and each new incident brings up controversial questions about gun control. Those in favor of gun control argue that more gun laws would reduce gun deaths. Those against gun control argue that the Second Amendment protects their right to own guns and any legislation for stricter gun control would be unconstitutional. 

Should America allow illegal immigrants to become American citizens? 

As more and more immigrants arrive at America’s borders, the debate over immigration becomes even more heated. On the pro side, people argue that illegal immigrants help the economy by paying taxes and that most immigrants came here as asylum seekers, which is legal. Opponents argue that these immigrants have crossed the border illegally and that a large portion of these immigrants are violent criminals and should be sent back to protect American citizens. 

Should the death penalty still be allowed?  

Many states have done away with the death penalty, yet some states still support it. Many have questioned if the death penalty is a moral, ethical, and effective way to deal with crime. On the pro side, the argument is that the death penalty acts as a deterrent to crime and can help bring closure to families affected by heinous criminal activity. On the con side, the argument is that it violates the 8th amendment and that sometimes innocent people have been put to death. 

Should abortion be allowed? 

Recently, several states have enacted new legislation limiting access to abortion. The pro-choice/pro-abortion side argues that women should be allowed to control their bodies without any interference from the government or religious authority. The pro-life/anti-abortion side argues that abortion is murder and inflicts pain and suffering on the unborn fetus. They are also opposed to Roe vs. Wade , a court decision that made abortion legal in the United States.  

Should doctor-assisted suicide be allowed? 

In January of 2019, Hawaii will join six other states in enacting Death with Dignity laws for patients with terminal illnesses . However, unlike in countries like Belgium, Luxembourg, Canada, and the Netherlands, doctor-assisted euthanasia is still illegal according to US federal laws. Many believe it should also be legal on the federal level. Those for doctor-assisted suicide argue that allowing those with chronic pain or terminal illnesses to end their lives is a compassionate act that relieves their suffering. Those opposed argue that it violates the Hippocratic Oath to “do no harm,” and allowing euthanasia is a slippery slope that will lead to doctors deciding who is worthy of life and who is not. 

Should the government legalize recreational marijuana?

As of 2018, there are 11 states that have legalized recreational marijuana: Alaska (2014), California (2016), Colorado (2012), DC (2014), Maine (2016), Massachusetts (2016), Michigan (2018), Nevada (2016), Oregon (2014), Vermont (2018), and Washington (2012). Legal marijuana proponents argue that the War on Drugs was a failed initiative that unfairly affected minority communities,and that marijuana isn’t any worse for you than drinking alcohol. Those against legal marijuana argue that the drug is addictive and leads to a higher percentage of school dropouts, car accidents, and crime.

These are topics based on current controversies happening in the scientific field.

Are humans causing global warming?

As the polar ice caps continue to melt, people question whether or not human activity is responsible for raising the temperature of the Earth . Proponents of this idea argue that due to human-generated waste and carbon dioxide, we are responsible for this rise in temperature. Opponents argue that the earth has gone through many warming and cooling cycles and that human activity is not to blame.

Are GMOs good or bad?

  In recent years there has been an increase in the number of controversial questions raised by GMO, or genetically modified, crops. Those in favor of GMOs, which stands for genetically modified organisms, argue that without genetically modified crops and animals, there would be food shortages; they also argue that GMOs have been around for millennia. Those opposed to GMOs argue that GMOs could be the cause of the rise of cancers and that the pesticides needed to grow GMO crops contribute to pesticide-resistant pests. 

Will work done on artificial intelligence eventually lead to our demise? 

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more sophisticated, which raises questions about the ethics and eventual outcome of creating artificial intelligence . Proponents believe artificial intelligence will keep us safer and solve many of the world’s problems; but opponents believe that developing AI might not be ethical, they ask whether or not robots programmed with AI count as  conscious beings and should be given rights, or if AI will eventually lead to humanity’s downfall. 

Should we allow gene editing on human beings? 

2017 saw exciting advances in the science of gene editing with the arrival of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing method. However, it’s also raised some controversial debate topics regarding the ethics of allowing gene editing. Gene editing proponents argue that gene editing will allow us to cure genetic diseases and prolong life. But opponents argue that the technology will create more social inequity because only the rich will be able to afford it. They also argue that editing the genes of human embryos is tantamount to playing God. 

Are self driving cars really safe?  

In 2018, a car accidentally ran over and killed a pedestrian as she was crossing the street in Tempe, AZ. Despite this, driverless car manufacturers like Tesla and transportation companies like Uber argue that driverless technology is ultimately safer than human piloted transportation. This is due to the fact that driverless cars would feature many sensors and safety features whereas human drivers have a tendency to get distracted or sleepy while driving, and some may be driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. There are many pro and con arguments about the controversial issues related to driverless technology , which makes this a great controversial topic for essays and debates! 

Should anti-vaxxers be forced to vaccinate their kids?

Recently a measles outbreak has spread throughout Europe. According to the World Health Organization, there have been at least 40 measles-related deaths associated with the outbreak. Many blame anti-vaxxers, or parents who believe vaccines cause autism and other illnesses, for the spread of this disease. Those who are pro-vaccine argue that vaccines save lives and by not vaccinating their children , anti-vaxxers are putting others at risk. Anti-vaxxers argue that vaccines can cause serious side effects like autism, seizures, or Guillain-Barre Syndrome. They also argue that getting vaccinated is a personal choice that should be respected by the government.

Do we really need a General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)? 

In April of 2016, the European Union enacted the General Data Protection Regulation, which is designed to protect EU citizens’ personal data. Proponents for the GDPR argue that it will prevent the number of wide-scale data breaches and hacking that occurs on a day to day basis. Opponents argue that the GDPR doesn’t do enough to protect data and that it will negatively impact the economy because of the fines that will be enforced if a company fails to comply with GDPR guidelines. 

Should we grow our meat in a lab? 

Recent advances in technology have allowed scientists to experiment with lab-grown, edible meat that doesn’t require animal slaughter. Supporters of lab grown meat claim it is better for the environment and does away with the moral issues surrounding animal husbandry, including animal abuse and inhumane farming practices. Opponents claim lab grown meat may have adverse health effects on people who eat lab-grown meat, especially since the technology is so new. Opponents also argue that lab-grown meat could end the farming industry and put thousands of people out of work. 

Uber is great when you need a lift...but does it treat its employees fairly?

Society & Culture

These are current topics that involve our day to day lives. 

Should transgendered people be allowed to use the bathroom of their choice? 

Earlier last year, North Carolina passed a law that prohibited transgender people from using the bathroom of their choice based on their expressed gender rather than their biologically assigned sex . The “bathroom bill” is the first of its kind to specifically address the issue of transgender public restroom access. Proponents for the bill argue that allowing biological males and females to use the same restroom will lead to a higher percentage of sexual assault and was a risk to public safety. Opponents argue that the bill is discriminatory.

Is it still okay to use UBER? 

In 2017, UBER was rocked by claims of sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, and false advertising. The hashtag #DeleteUber went viral in January 2017, and many users and drivers boycotted the company. This situation raises two controversial questions. First, what rights do contract workers have in this new, emerging gig economy ? And second, is UBER the victim of cancel culture , or do customers have an ethical obligation to boycott companies with shady practices? 

Cultural appropriation or cultural appreciation? What’s the difference?   

Katy Perry has been criticized for her 2017 music video "This Is How We Do” because the singer wore cornrows in her hair. Many have claimed the appearance of a Caucasian woman with a traditionally black hairstyle is cultural appropriation . These opponents argue that because people of color have been discriminated against for wearing traditionally black hairstyles, white women who sport the same hair styles profit from it. However, some argue that without cultural appropriation, many elements of minority cultures have become popularized, like rap music and R&B .  

Should we give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance? 

In 2017, comedian Louis CK was accused of sexually harassing his female colleagues . Since these accusations went public, Louis CK has tried to rehabilitate his image, and h e has since publicly apologized. But this raises the question of whether we should give men accused of sexual misconduct a second chance if they seem to have learned their lesson. 

Is social media ruining society? 

According to a 2018 survey, approximately 70% of Americans use at least one social media site including Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter . Those in favor of social media argue that it  promotes a sense of community and helps create social interactions. But social media detractors argue that sites like Facebook or Reddit waste time, trigger mental illnesses, and encourage dangerous bullying.

Should people get fired for what they say on social media?

Recently, James Gunn, the director of Guardians of the Galaxy , was fired by Disney because there were several tweets on his Twitter feed they believed were offensive. He is not the only one, either: Roseanne was fired by Netflix after she made an offensive tweet towards politician Valerie Jarrett. This has raised some controversial questions, like whether someone be held professionally accountable for what they say on social media . Proponents for social media accountability argue that what someone posts on social media is a reflection of who they are as a person. Opponents argue that posting on social media is protected by free speech and that the context of the posting should matter. 

Is the #MeToo movement helping or hurting women? 

The #MeToo movement began in 2017 with a series of articles that accused Harvey Weinstein of rape and sexual assault. These articles led to Weinstein’s ostracization from Hollywood and eventually led to criminal investigations into his behavior. The #MeToo movement has brought down several powerful men with accusations of sexual misconduct. But some argue the movement has set the feminist movement back by discouraging companies from hiring women due to their fear of lawsuits. 

Is Gen Z worse than previous generations? 

Someone is always complaining that the generation after them is worse than their generation. As members of Gen Z mature and reach adulthood, they face many criticisms from the preceding generations. For example, d etractors have accused Gen Z of being lazy and introverted. However, others think Gen Z might be the generation that saves the world.  

Arts & Entertainment

These are topics that are currently affecting sports, tv, Hollywood, literature, music, and art.

Should movies and television shows be forced to hire more diverse casts? 

Hollywood has come under fire for “whitewashing” or the act of casting a white actor when the role should have gone to a person of color. An example of this is when Rupert Sanders, director of Ghost in the Shell , cast Scarlett Johansson as the Asian protagonist Major . Opponents of this practice argue that “whitewashing” takes jobs away from deserving POC actors. However, others argue that art should be free of any restrictions or boundaries . 

Should the show 13 Reasons Why have removed its controversial scenes?  

In 2017, Netflix released an original show based on the young adult novel 13 Reasons Why , which focuses on the suicide of 17-year-old Hannah Baker. Parents and educators opposed the release of this show due to the fact that it involved several controversial topics for teens such as suicide and rape. But those that support the show have argued that it provided a way to start conversations with teens about these tough topics . Ultimately, Netflix went back and edited out the controversial scenes. This topic gives you the opportunity to talk about whether mature content like suicide and rape is appropriate in shows aimed toward teenagers. You can also discuss whether Netflix’s removal of the offending scenes is the right decision or not. 

Should male and female actors make the same amount of money? 

In 2018, Hollywood came under fire after the internet learned that Michelle Williams was paid substantially less for her role in “All The Money In The World” than her male co-star, Mark Wahlberg. Some argue that as the bigger star, Whalberg deserved to be compensated at a higher rat e. Others argue that Williams did the same amount of work as Wahlberg and should receive the same amount of pay. This issue plugs into the larger social issue of pay discrepancies based on race and gender.

Should athletes be allowed to kneel during the national anthem? 

People have started to boycott Nike for their commercial featuring Colin Kaepernick . Kaepernick is a San Francisco 49ers quarterback who has received a lot of press for being the first athlete to kneel during the national anthem in protest the treatment of African Americans and minorities in the United States. President Trump has publicly stated that any athlete who kneels during the national anthem is being disrespectful and should be fired. Yet others defend kneeling during the anthem, regarding it as an expression of free speech that’s protected under the First Amendment. 

The 5 Best Tips for Treating Controversial Topics With Sensitivity and Respect

In order to write a good argument and convince your reader/listener to agree with you, you will need to treat your controversial issue with sensitivity and respect. This helps the reader/listener to trust you. 

But that can be really hard when you feel passionately about your topic and your opinions! Here are the best tips for making sure you stick to the facts, not the feelings. 

Tip #1: Avoid Charged Language

An author is accused of using loaded language when they substitute words with positive or negative connotations instead of using more neutral language. Some examples of this are using the word “superior” instead of better, calling the opposition “stupid,” or using biased terminology (“infanticide” vs. “abortion”). While emotional appeals are a great tool to persuade people to your point of view, when they’re used in the wrong way, they come across as overly aggressive and biased. 

Tip #2 : Avoid Logical Fallacies

A logical fallacy is an error in your argument’s logic because it presents the topic’s information in a deceptive way. Below are some common logical fallacies to watch out for. 

Straw Man Fallacy: this is when you ignore your opponent’s real argument and instead argue that your opponent believes something easily ridiculed or proved false. 

Slippery Slope: this is when you argue that something seemingly benign will lead to an unlikely extreme. 

Generalizations: generalizations are statements about an idea that do not have any facts to support them. They tend to play into stereotypes and often rely on exaggerations or over the top statements.

For more information on logical fallacies and how to avoid them, check out this resource. 

Tip #3: Do Not Attack Your Opponent Personally

This is called an ad hominem fallacy, and is often referred to as “mud-slinging” or “bashing.” When you do this, it implies that the only way you can counter your opponents viewpoints is through personal attacks. (Also, it’s just not cool.) Instead, stick to using facts and figures to show why their argument is wrong.

Tip #4: Avoid Hyperbole, Stereotypes, and Clichés 

These are common issues that crop up in argumentative writing that ultimately weaken your position. 

Hyperbole happens when you exaggerate. When you use hyperbole, you risk misrepresenting the issue at hand—which is an argument killer. For example, take this statement: “If we don’t stop climate change now, we’ll all be dead in 10 years.” While climate change is definitely a huge risk to humanity, saying everyone on Earth will die in a decade if we don’t fix is a significant exaggeration. It would be better to say something like, “If we don’t start to solve climate change now, we’re risking the livelihoods and safety of future generations.” This is a more moderate statement that you can back up with facts, like scientists’ belief that climate change will put coastal cities underwater. 

Stereotypes are oversimplified, misinformed, or prejudiced assumptions held about other people or things. For example, a common stereotype is that all women love pink. (Spoiler alert: they don’t.) While stereotypes like this seem harmless, most are not. For example, a stereotype like the idea that all immigrants are criminals is extremely harmful. Stereotypes are not only false, they make you seem biased and ill-informed. 

Finally, clichés are overused or commonplace phrases, themes, or expressions . These are often phrases that have been said so much that they’ve lost all real meaning. For example, the idea that people can “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” is a textbook example of a cliché. Instead, it’s better to explain the idea behind the cliché in more detail. In this case, it would be better to say that people—no matter their station in life—can create opportunities for themselves through hard work.

Tip #5 : Don’t Beat a Dead Horse

Remember that your job is to present them with the facts in an open and honest way. If you have done a good job, your reader or listener will come away with the same opinion as you, or at least more informed. It’s okay to state your opinion in your paper as long as you use other sources to back your opinion up and are fair to the other side. (Also resist the urge to restate your opinion every other sentence—it’s monotonous and doesn’t do much to win your reader over!)  

5 Resources for Finding More Controversial Debate Topics

If you’re not inspired by the topics we’ve already mentioned, don’t worry. There are many other controversial topics out there! Here are some other places you can look to find a topic that’s perfect for your essay or debate. 

#1: ProCon.Org 

You probably noticed that we’ve included links in this article that take you to ProCon.org . That’s because this website is a treasure trove of controversial issues! The website has lists of ideas that they break down into general pro/con lists, and each topic links you research starters. 

#2: National & Local News 

Much of the modern news cycle is devoted to discussing hot-button topics of our time. If you’re looking for topics related to current events, news sources like The New York Times and The Washington Post will help! Also, don’t discount your local news resources, either. They’ll give you valuable information about what’s going on in your community and how larger, national issues are impacting where you live. 

#3: They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (Fourth Edition) by Cathy Birkenstein & Gerald Graff  

Writing argumentative papers where you have to pick (and defend) your perspective is a skill you’ll use throughout high school, college, and beyond. They Say/I Say walks you through everything you need to know to write an argument. Even better: the book uses controversial issues as a way to teach writing, so you’ll get expert instruction on how to use them to write an amazing paper. 

#4: Documentaries

Documentaries provide more in-depth perspectives on topics—both historical and contemporary—that have shaped the world. A great documentary can give you a thorough overview of an issue, and often they dig into different perspectives around an event, idea, or historical moment. The PBS series, Frontline , is a good place to start, but don’t be afraid to look at critically acclaimed films (like The Times of Harvey Milk or How to Survive a Plague ) for inspiration as well.  

#5: The Learning Network

The Learning Network , a blog run by The New York Times, is a great resource for students and teachers. They have lots of great resources, and their article on 200 prompts for argumentative writing is amazing for anyone looking for essay or debate topics. The article split into categories by topic and links to articles that can help explain each issue. It’s a great place to find a topic that interests you.

What’s Next?

Controversial topics are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things you can research and write about for class. Check out our list of 113 amazing research paper topics to put you on the path to an A+ paper grade! ( If you’re looking for speech topics or argumentative essay topics , we’ve got you covered, too.)

Researching a controversial topic is just the first step in the argumentative process. You also have to be able to persuade your reader or listener to believe in your point of view. Here are 3 killer tips to help you write an amazing argumentative essay.

Learning how to read critically, come up with an argument, and communicate it is one of the fundamental skills you’ll need to tackle the writing portions of the SAT and ACT. To make sure you’re prepared, check out our step-by-step guide to the essay portion of the SAT ( and the ACT ).

These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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60 Debate Topics for High Schoolers

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What’s Covered:

What makes a good debate topic, good debate topics for teens.

• Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Topics

Learning to view, think, and discuss ideas from contrasting viewpoints builds a host of skills that will benefit high schoolers both in and out of the classroom—including improving public speaking, reinforcing listening, and sharpening research. Good debate topics for high school students are key to lively discussion and an engaged classroom; they’re issues that students care about. 

A good debate topic for high school is one that inspires students to think and learn about both sides of the issue. There are a few factors to consider when searching for good debate topics for high school students.

• Clear Idea: A good debate topic clearly, simply, and specifically states an often complex idea that students can argue the affirmative (pro) side of and the negative (con) side of.
• Interest: The more interesting the topic is, the more engaged and excited students are to take positions and defend them. 
• Passion: Topics that students feel strongly about work well. If students are super-passionate about a particular issue, it can challenge them to see both sides of the argument. 
• Argument: Good debate topics do not have a clear “right” answer—rather, they have opposing views that participants can make persuasive arguments in favor of or against. 
• Evidence: The availability of evidence and data is key to a good debate topic; without them, participants are merely stating a personal position on a topic. 
• Avoid Cliches: There are a handful of topics that seem to always materialize for debates and can cause students to lose interest. 

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• Are the arts an important aspect of education? 
• Should we make financial education mandatory? 
• Should students attend school year-round? 
• Should schools punish students for bullying that occurs outside of school?
• Will computers replace teachers in the future?
• Should students grade their teachers?
• Should all high school sports become gender-neutral?
• Is a college education as valuable as it once was? 
• Are student loans exploitative? 
• Is it time to eliminate standardized tests? 

Science and Technology

• Is social media making us less social?
• Is Google the best search engine or just the one we’re accustomed to using? 
• Is Android better than iOS? 
• Will technology save the world or destroy it? 
• Can the law keep pace with technology?
• Is the future of school online?
• Will cryptocurrencies replace cash?   
• Is technology taking jobs or creating them? 
• Should every American have the right to access the internet? 
• Are electronic libraries more equitable than traditional ones? 

Government and Politics

• Should the government make vaccinations mandatory?
• Is it time for Supreme Court justices to have term limits? 
• Should we make voting mandatory?
• Should we make all drugs legal?
• Is it time to decriminalize sex work? 
• Is our privacy more important than national security?
• Is it fair to take the right to vote away from felons? 
• Should we raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour?
• Should the government provide universal basic income? 
• Is providing healthcare the job of the government?
• Can governments implement policies that will actually combat climate change?   
• Should we allow the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
• Should we remove racial epithets from books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ?
• Can the U.S. achieve gender equality?
• Is nationalism beneficial or dangerous? 
• Does religion do more harm than good?
• Should we bar police from using lethal force?
• Do we still need the institution of marriage? 
• Can the U.S. ever achieve racial equality?
• Are we living in a dystopian society?
• Should we punish or help drug addicts? 
• Is bad parenting responsible for the rise in childhood obesity?
• Should we sell birth control over the counter? 
• Is it time to ban cigarettes and vaping? 
• Are alternative medicines helpful or harmful?
• Should we ban businesses from advertising to children?
• Is the eight-hour workday outdated? 
• Should we treat corporations like people?
• Should corporations be involved in politics? 
• Is remote work the future of employment? 
• Is gaming a sport? 
• Are books a better entertainment option than television?
• Should social media companies censor content? 
• Is civil disobedience the most effective form of protest? 
• Should we ban football? 
• Should Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving Day?
• What better determines success: skill or will?
• Should you feel guilty for killing zombies during the zombie apocalypse? 
• Should you choose pizza toppings based on taste or nutrition? 
• Are hot dogs sandwiches?

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16 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

One of the best ways to make your persuasive essay engaging is to pick a controversial topic. But, of course, that’s just the start of the writing process. Students often get stuck at the very beginning as the page in front of them seems blank.

To help you overcome your writer’s block, we’ve compiled a list of several interesting topic ideas along with brief persuasive writing prompts. These can give you a headstart and guide you through the initial stages of your research and the actual writing.

In this article:

Is Global Warming Humanity’s Greatest Threat?

Is the death penalty effective, is the us criminal justice system fair, should the voting age in the usa be lowered to 16, should fast food be taxed at a higher rate, is social media increasing political polarization, do violent video games cause violent behavior, are cell phones addictive, should students be required to learn a foreign language, is college education worth the cost, are good grades a predictor of career success, is online learning an effective alternative to in-school classes, at what age should sex education start, should middle-school students be drug tested, should animal testing be banned, should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets, list of 16 good persuasive essay topics and writing prompts.

Below is a list of 16 interesting persuasive essay topics and a brief elaboration on the arguments you can make on them. There’s plenty of information online on each of these, so it’s not difficult to build a strong argument.

Keep in mind that our topics for essays and speeches are the same, and we have a huge list of these on our Essay Topics page if you’re looking for more ideas.

Many questions related to climate change are hotly debated (pun intended), but most of them are virtually settled by scientists, at least to the degree that scientific inquiry allows any issue to be conclusively established.

Is climate change real? That question is about as meaningful as asking, “Does the Earth revolve around the Sun?” Scientists have long ago verified that our planet goes through natural cycles of changes to the climate. Thus, the more pressing question is, “Is climate change accelerating?” Once again, the scientific consensus points to a resounding, “Yes.” 

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The next logical step is to ask, “Is the acceleration of climate change caused by humans?” Here, we are faced with another question that experts answer affirmatively. All evidence points to the fact that we produce a large amount of heat-trapping gases, such as carbon dioxide, which are proven to cause our atmosphere to get warmer.

So we come to the question in the title of this section. Humanity faces many existential threats, such as nuclear war, rogue biotechnological attacks, or artificial intelligence. Likewise, global warming is undoubtedly on this list, so it’s an interesting topic to examine in your academic paper.

This is a question that we’ve tried to answer for ages—and for a good reason. It encapsulates many issues from different spheres. For one thing, you can look at it as a question of whether governments should have the power to determine who has the right to live. It also touches on the purpose of sentencing in general—is it primarily meant to protect society from violence or punish perpetrators for wrongdoing?

Besides the ethical issues, we also have purely practical ones. Is capital punishment effective in deterring violent crime, or is it just a remnant of a crueler past? To date, there have been no credible studies establishing a connection between the death penalty and crime deterrence, so we can safely say that it’s ineffective in this respect.

As for the moral side, there’s a strong argument against the use of lethal force in the name of justice. Amnesty International is just one global NGO that strongly condemns capital punishment. The organization argues that state-sanctioned executions violate two of our fundamental human rights established by the United Nations—the right to life and the right to live free of torture or inhumane treatment.

Amnesty International also cites the many examples of corrupt governments using the death penalty to eliminate enemies, wrongfully sentenced individuals on death row, and its disproportionate effect on minorities.

Although it’s an age-old debate, it’s far from over, so it’s a great chance for you to pitch in and practice persuasive essay writing.

This is a multifaceted question that you can explore from more than one side or pick an aspect you want to look at. There is a movement in the USA that’s in favor of a complete justice overhaul, but most groups focus on specific issues and call for reforms of certain parts of the system.

Two of the most controversial issues that often come up in relation to this debate are drug possession charges and institutional racism. These two come together in one of the most salient examples of injustice—the disparity between sentences for powder cocaine and crack cocaine possession.

Although the two drugs are, in essence, one and the same, possession of crack, which is stereotypically associated with Black people, comes with one hundred times longer sentences than powder cocaine on average. This leads many to blame the disparity on racism. A group of bipartisan lawmakers has recently introduced a bill to reform this discriminatory sentencing trend, so the debate is ongoing.

This is just one example of a good persuasive essay topic related to justice system reform. Since fairness is something we all seek, it’s an issue that’s worth exploring.

Did you know that the voting age in the USA used to be 21 until 1971? That was when a long campaign that transcended partisan lines achieved its goal of convincing lawmakers to introduce the 26th Amendment to the Constitution, reducing the voting age to 18.

This movement began during World War II when President Franklin D. Roosevelt lowered the draft age to 18, and suddenly young people were going to war to protect America but couldn’t vote in its elections.

Some argue the USA is currently at a similar crossroads. There’s a growing movement among progressives to lower the voting age to 16. According to supporters of the reform, teenagers 16 and above have the right to work and have to pay income taxes, so they should have a say in the policies that affect them. Proponents also cite research that says there’s little difference between the knowledge and cognitive abilities of 16- and 18-year-olds.

Whether you agree or not, this topic provides a great chance to develop your persuasive writing skills.

This has become a topic of discussion in many countries in recent years, as developed and developing nations alike face an obesity epidemic. Colloquially referred to as a “fat tax,” this measure is intended to disincentivize consumers from buying unhealthy foods, such as those high in sugar or fat.

However, the effectiveness of the “fat tax” is far from established. Opponents claim that imposing such a tax does little to curb obesity and promote a healthier diet. Instead, it disproportionately affects poorer communities that live in so-called food deserts—urban regions where healthy food options are lacking and the only available options are processed foods with a long shelf life.

Supporters of such a measure cite success stories from countries that have given this tax a try and have seen positive results. A recent study from New York University and Tufts University looked at several places where such a tax was imposed, such as Mexico, Hungary, and several US regions, and found some benefits for public health after the measure was implemented.

Since this is an issue with a lot of solid evidence on both sides of the argument, it’s a great topic for a persuasive research paper.

Few would deny that social media has a massive effect on our lives. Studies show that we spend more than two hours on various social media sites every day. How does that exposure affect our political views?

Many blame social networks for the increased political polarization we see around the world. The algorithms these platforms use are believed to create “echo chambers” in which every person is exposed to information that only confirms their preexisting views. This can cause near-total dismissal of opposing perspectives and pushes a person’s opinions to the extreme of the political spectrum.

Social media companies have faced a lot of scrutiny from the public lately, and some have tried to take measures to amend the adverse effects of this polarization. To address concerns, some platforms made changes to their algorithms so that people would get more opposing views in their feeds. However, that effort backfired.

It turned out that this only makes things worse. Why? It is because of these platforms’ tendency to amplify radical opinions . It turns out being exposed to extreme views from the other side of the spectrum only strengthens one’s existing beliefs.

That’s just one aspect of the huge debate around social media’s role in the shape of today’s politics, so writing an argumentative essay on this topic is sure to be engaging.

The question of video games’ effects on the psyche of children and adults alike is more pressing than ever. As the COVID-19 pandemic forced many students around the world to stay home, screen time has surged. A significant part of that time is dedicated to video games, as evidenced by the double-digit increase in the global game company revenue in 2020.

Likewise, can this pastime be blamed for violent behavior in the real world? Some US politicians have tried to pin tragic events, such as school shootings on shooter-type video games. However, scientists are yet to find a link between engaging in virtual killing sprees and real-life ones. As one researcher put it, “The data on bananas causing suicide is about as conclusive. Literally. The numbers work out about the same.”

It’s worth noting that recent research pointed to a connection between violent video games and aggression, but these studies were retracted, and their authors were accused of manipulating data.

Is this controversy even warranted? Most probably not, but, unfortunately, public sphere debates are usually as tied to scientific evidence as bananas are to suicide. That’s why exploring this in your persuasive essay is a great effort to bring awareness to this issue and nail your assignment at the same time!

The large majority of people own smartphones nowadays and use them for much more than calls. As comedian Gary Gulman puts it, “To me, the phone is this seldom-used app on my phone.”

We’re so used to having this multifunctional device at our disposal 24/7 that most of us shudder at the idea of going out without it. In fact, there’s a condition called nomophobia that describes the fear of being without your phone.

So are we addicted to those things? That’s a difficult question to answer definitively, because we first need to define addiction. Most experts agree that excessive cell-phone use has some detrimental effect on our mental health, but there is some disagreement on whether it fits the description of addiction or if it’s just an issue of poor impulse control.

Whatever the formal definition is, there’s growing concern about cell-phone use among teenagers and its effect on their development, so this is definitely a strong topic for a persuasive speech or essay.

There’s little doubt that gaining fluency in a second language has benefits, some more palpable than others. Learning another language usually comes with an increased knowledge of other cultures and an appreciation for different communication styles. It helps students gain perspective and understand the value of diversity.

Fortunately, there are also practical benefits. A 2005 study published in The Review of Economics and Statistics found that being fluent in a second language is associated with a higher salary. This makes sense since knowing a foreign language opens doors in areas related to international business relations.

However, the question in the title of this section still stands: should learning a second language be required? That’s where some disagreements emerge. Opponents argue that although having foreign language requirements has its benefits, the time spent on it could be better used if students are given the option to focus on more relevant skills for the current job market, such as computer programming or statistics.

This is just one of many good persuasive topics related to education.

According to a report by the Institute for College Access & Success, the average graduate in the USA leaves college with a student debt of almost $30,000. This cost prompts many young people to wonder if attending university is even worth it.

A survey by Merrill Lynch and Age Wave asked recent graduates who took out a student loan if they think the degree was worth going into debt for. Thirty-six percent said it wasn’t. On top of that, a growing number of people, including successful entrepreneurs who dropped out of college, are joining the chorus of those calling for a reassessment of college degrees and their usefulness.

Is that the whole story? Most probably not. The majority of experts still agree that a college education is worth the cost, even if you have to take out a student debt. They urge people to think of it as a long-term, low-interest investment in their future, as a degree pays off more and more as time goes by.

Personal finance advisor Ramit Sethi argues college is definitely worth it: “I want to encourage everyone here to not just take advice from a bunch of people on Twitter who are telling you, ‘Drop out of college—student loans are bad.’”

This is an important question for young adults and a great persuasive essay idea, especially for college-level assignments.

It seems like common sense that a successful academic career leads to a similarly successful professional one. After all, why else do we need to put in the effort to get high marks? It turns out the relationship between a high GPA and future success is more complicated than that.

Good grades throughout school and college do have a predictive quality in some respects. That’s because GPA encompasses more than just obtained knowledge—attendance and on-time homework submission are just some of the factors that usually go into an evaluation. These components give an indication of a student’s personality traits, such as discipline and motivation, which are actually a good predictor of future success.

However,it gets even more complicated when we introduce the element of creativity. Research shows that successful entrepreneurs who are innovators in their field often did poorly in school, especially in classes where their imagination could not flourish. So standardized testing is probably not a good way to measure innovation potential.

High grades are, of course, still preferable, and writing a good persuasive essay on this topic can get you one.

As the COVID-19 pandemic prompted school closures, many are asking if online schools can replace traditional learning. Some argue that the time out of school is causing irreversible damage to a whole generation, while others maintain it’s the lesser of two evils and say Internet-based learning is a viable alternative to in-school instruction.

There’s supporting evidence for both camps. Traditional school is more than just a place to learn—it’s where young people connect with their peers, improve social skills, and develop a sense of purpose. Studies show that the isolation caused by the pandemic is taking a toll on teenager’s mental health. Anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts are on the rise among teens, as they are physically removed from part of their social support network.

Experts also argue that Internet-based schools present purely academic challenges. Professor of education Susanna Loeb from Brown University says online learning can demotivate students: “In the online setting, students may have more distractions and less oversight, which can reduce their motivation.”

This issue touches on economic inequality as well. Many are concerned that students from poorer families are at a disadvantage because of their limited access to computers or the Internet and online learning only exacerbates existing inequality.

Proponents of online learning note that it’s a temporary and necessary measure or argue that its shortcomings are the wrinkles that will be ironed out as we get used to the new reality.

Whichever side you pick to base your thesis statement on, you’re bound to find more than one good argument and counterargument.

The topic of sex education usually conjures up an image of “the talk”—the conversation between a parent and a child (usually at the start of puberty) that takes the form of a lecture on the biological aspects of sex. However, it’s a lot more than that.

Sex education is concerned with relationships, boundaries, respect, and identity, among other things. It’s an opportunity to instill values in your child that set them up to become a healthy and functioning adult.

So how young is too young for sex education? Some experts argue it’s never too soon to start the conversation and that puberty is already too late. As Dr. Eva Goldfarb of Montclair State University puts it, “When your child starts talking, you can start talking.” When parents establish a rapport with their child on topics that are often considered taboo, the child is more likely to turn to the parents for answers instead of seeking them elsewhere.

There’s more than one angle you can approach this from for your persuasive essay. You can explore the school’s role in sex education or focus on the topics that parents should discuss with kids of different ages.

This question stirs up a lot of emotions in both parents and children. There are two separate campaigns related to drug testing and middle-school students.

One is trying to push the introduction of testing for steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs for students involved in competitive sports, arguing that it shouldn’t be any different from what large sports organizations do, such as the Olympics or Tour de France.

The other campaign calls for introducing random drug testing in middle school to prevent drug abuse. Supporters say this could help address addiction among young people at the roots.

However, opponents of both drives claim this is not only unnecessary but invasive, going as far as to call it a civil liberties violation. Many students argue it’s also humiliating and overbearing, while some parents say it shouldn’t be the school’s responsibility to deal with such issues.

Whichever side you want to persuade readers of, you’ll find enough ideas to build a strong argument.

This is another moral dilemma that’s nearly impossible to answer conclusively because it depends on what value we place on animal welfare. 

Surely, few would argue that animal experimentation is harmful to the creatures involved. Proponents usually frame it as a necessary evil that allows the development of new medical technologies that save human lives. However, who’s to say that human lives are more valuable than those of animals? As people, we take this to be true at face value.

What’s more, we now know for a fact that other creatures have emotions—an idea that was not widely accepted in the past. In previous centuries, philosophers such as Descartes argued that animals are little more than automatons that react in predictable ways and don’t have a consciousness of their own.

Calls for the ban on lab testing on animals also cite evidence that drugs that cured diseases such as Alzheimer’s and diabetes in mice proved ineffective in humans, questioning the usefulness of such experiments. Whichever side you pick, you’ll have the chance to make a strong case.

There’s a certain allure to owning an exotic animal such as a possum, a squirrel monkey, or even an eagle. That’s especially true after the wildly popular Netflix show Tiger King pulled back the curtain on the bizarre world of the illegal exotic animal trade. Some conservationists and animal rights activists insist the show brought awareness to a serious issue, while others argue it downplayed the animal abuse involved in this trade.

Whatever the case, we now know that there’s a huge demand for exotic animals as pets worldwide. Many are asking, though, if most of these creatures can function in a domestic environment or bring up other legal, ethical, and even health concerns.

For one thing, large mammals such as apes and big cats are often resistant to training and can seriously hurt or even kill humans. The exotic animal trade is also blamed for driving some species close to extinction or promoting the spread of zoonotic diseases—infectious pathogens that jump from wild animals to humans.

Whatever you choose to focus on, this issue is a great way to improve your persuasive essay writing skills.

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100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to make a case for their own point of view without relying on emotion or passion. These argumentative essay topics provide options for kids of all ages, including controversial subjects and some that are just for fun.

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Science and history argumentative essay topics, life and ethics argumentative essay topics, social justice and civics argumentative essay topics, more argumentative essay topics, what’s the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays.

These two types of essays are similar, but there are some subtle and important differences .

• Author’s purpose: In an argumentative essay, your job is to simply convince the reader that the point of view you’re presenting is valid, even if it doesn’t change their mind. Persuasive essays seek to sway the reader to adopt your point of view over any others.
• Method: Argumentative essays rely heavily on well-researched facts and logical assertions. In a persuasive essay, the writer may use a blend of emotion and facts to win over the reader.
• Audience: Persuasive essays require a specific audience, since the writer must acknowledge and attempt to overcome their potential objections. The writer of an argumentative essay is simply making a statement, so knowing their audience is less important.
• Viewpoint: A persuasive essay writer should believe their point of view is the only correct one, and try to persuade the reader to agree. Argumentative essays acknowledge other points of view, but use reason and logic to argue that the writer’s point of view is best.

Persuasive and argumentative essay topics often overlap. The difference is in how the writer approaches the topic. When you assign one of the topics below as an argumentative essay, remind students to use research, reason, and logic to make a strong but dispassionate argument.

• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Are computers making teachers obsolete?
• Students who fail a test should be given a chance to take it again.
• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

• It’s important to spend tax dollars exploring space, instead of on other things.
• Is there life on other planets?
• Who was the best/worst American president?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
• Is animal cloning ethical?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
• Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

• Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?
• Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
• Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
• Was life really better “back in the day”?
• Choose a foreign conflict (e.g., Vietnam or Afghanistan) and argue whether or not the United States was justified in getting involved.
• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• The best country in the world is …
• Are men and women treated equally?
• Is it better to be vegetarian/vegan than to eat meat?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
• Playing violent video games is bad for kids and teens.
• Parents should track their kids using their cell phones.
• Are paper books better than e-books?
• All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
• All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
• Is conflict necessary for change?
• Is war ever justified?
• A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

• Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
• Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
• Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol and cigarettes) instead of banning them?
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?
• School-age children should be allowed to vote.
• We should/should not abolish the electoral college.
• Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
• Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

• Does segregation still exist in the United States?
• We should/should not continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
• Will stricter gun control laws help control mass shootings?
• Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?
• Is the American justice system inherently racist?
• Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
• Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.
• Is video gaming a sport?
• Are beauty pageants sexist?
• Should kids get participation trophies for sports?
• Are stereotypes ever right?
• Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
• All teenagers should have part-time jobs.
• Should kids have limits on screen time?
• Is it better to read fiction or nonfiction?
• Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don’t like something?

• Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or exercising?
• Is graffiti an act of vandalism or an art form?
• Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?

What are your favorite argumentative writing prompts? Come share your thoughts in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Also check out 100 intriguing cause and effect essay topics for students ..

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65 Argumentative Research Topics For High School Students [PDF Included]

In today’s world, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it’s becoming increasingly important to teach students how to think critically, evaluate sources, and develop persuasive arguments. And one of the best ways to do this is through argumentative research topics.

In high school, students are often encouraged to learn and analyze factual information. However, much like other English and biology research topics , argumentative research topics offer a different kind of challenge. Instead of simply presenting facts, these topics require students to delve into complex issues, think critically, and present their opinions in a clear and convincing manner.

In this article, we will provide a list of compelling argumentative research topics for high school students. From education and politics to social issues and environmental concerns, these topics will challenge students to think deeply, evaluate sources critically, and develop and challenge their skills!

Argumentative research topics: Persuading the student to think and reason harder

Argumentative research topics are a fascinating and exciting way for students to engage in critical thinking and persuasive writing. This type of research topic encourages students to take a stance on a controversial issue and defend it using well-reasoned arguments and evidence. By doing so, students are not only honing their analytical skills and persuasive writing skills, but they are also developing a deeper understanding of their own beliefs and assumptions.

Unlike other research topics that may simply require students to regurgitate facts or summarize existing research, argumentative topics require students to develop and defend their own ideas.

Through argumentative research, students are encouraged to question their own biases and consider alternative perspectives. This type of critical thinking is a vital skill that is essential for success in any academic or professional context. Being able to analyze and evaluate information from different perspectives is an invaluable tool that will serve students well in their future careers.

Furthermore, argumentative research topics, are like writing prompts , which are meant to encourage students to engage in civil discourse and debate. These topics often involve controversial issues that can elicit strong emotions and passionate opinions from individuals with differing viewpoints.

By engaging in respectful, fact-based discussions and debates, students can learn how to engage with people who have different beliefs and opinions

Argumentative Research Topics

• The boundaries of free speech: where should the line be drawn?
• Internet privacy: Should websites and apps be restricted in collecting and utilizing user data?
• Has the internet been a force for progress or a hindrance?
• The role of public surveillance in modern society: is it necessary or invasive?
• Climate change and global warming: Are human activities solely responsible?
• Mandating physical education in schools to combat childhood obesity: Is it effective?
• The ethics of mandatory vaccination for high school students for public health reasons
• The ethics of wearing fur and leather: Is it always unethical?
• Keeping exotic pets: is it acceptable or inhumane?
• The impact of social media on mental health: Is it more positive or negative?
• Wildlife preserves: Are they suitable habitats for all species that reside there?
• Animal fashion: Should it be prohibited?
• Mental health services in schools: Should they be free or reduced-cost for students?
• Quality of high school education: Should teachers undergo regular assessments to ensure it?
• Healthy eating habits in schools: Should schools offer healthier food options in their cafeteria or allow students to bring food from home?
• Social media addiction: Is it a significant health concern for kids?
• Technology use and mental health problems: Is there a connection among high school students?
• Junk food in schools: Should schools ban it from vending machines and school stores to promote healthy eating habits?
• Dress codes in schools: Are they necessary or outdated
• Regulating social media: Should the government regulate it to prevent cyberbullying?
• Politicians and standardized testing: Should politicians be subject to standardized testing?
• Art vs Science: Are they equally challenging fields?
• School uniform and discrimination: Does it really reduce discrimination in schools?
• Teachers and poor academic performance: Are teachers the cause of poor academic performance?
• Physical discipline: Should teachers and parents be allowed to physically discipline their children?
• Telling white lies: Is it acceptable to tell a white lie to spare someone’s feelings?
• Sports in college: Should colleges promote sports as a career path?
• Gender and education: How does gender affect education?
• Refusing medical treatment: Is it acceptable to refuse medical treatment based on personal beliefs?
• Children’s rights and medical treatment: Do doctors violate children’s rights if they do not provide treatment when the parents refuse to treat the child?
• Parental influence on gender stereotypes: Do parents encourage gender stereotypes?
• Dating in schools: Should dating be permitted in schools with supervision?
• Human nature: Are people inherently good or evil by nature?
• Immigration and national economy: Can immigration benefit the national economy?
• Keeping animals in zoos: Is it appropriate?
• Cell phone use in schools: Should cell phone use be permitted in schools?
• Veganism: Should humans only consume vegan food?
• Animal testing: Should it be outlawed?
• Waste segregation: Should the government mandate waste segregation at home?
• Technology integration in schools: Is it beneficial for traditional learning?
• Homeschooling vs traditional schooling: Is homeschooling as effective as traditional schooling?
• Prohibition of smoking and drinking: Should it be permanently prohibited?
• Banning violent and aggressive video games: Should they be banned?
• Harmful effects of beauty standards on society: Are beauty standards harmful to society?
• The impact of advertising on consumer behavior
• The ethical considerations of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on society
• The impact of globalization on cultural diversity
• The effectiveness of alternative medicine in treating various illnesses
• The benefits and drawbacks of online learning compared to traditional classroom education
• The role of mass media in shaping public opinion and political discourse
• The impact of artificial intelligence on job automation and employment rates
• The impact of fast fashion on the environment and human rights
• The ethical considerations of using animals for entertainment purposes
• Parents are solely responsible for their child’s behavior.
• Is space exploration worth it or not?
•   stricter regulations on the use of plastic and single-use products to reduce waste
• Is capitalism the best economic system
• Should there be limits on the amount of wealth individuals can accumulate?
• Is it ethical to use animals for food production?
• Is the concept of national borders outdated in the modern era?
• Should the use of nuclear power be expanded or phased out?
• Self-driving cars: Convenience or threat?
• The implications of allowing influencers to advertise dietary supplements and weight loss products.
•  Faults in the education system: need change or modification?
• Are the intentions of “big pharma” genuinely aligned with the well-being of the public?

Argumentative research topics are an important tool for promoting critical thinking, and persuasive communication skills and preparing high school students for active engagement in society. These topics challenge students to think deeply and develop persuasive arguments by engaging with complex issues and evaluating sources. Through this process, students can become informed, engaged, and empathetic citizens who are equipped to participate actively in a democratic society.

Furthermore, argumentative research topics teach students how to engage in respectful, fact-based discussions and debates, and how to communicate effectively with people who have different beliefs and opinions. By fostering civil discourse, argumentative research topics can help bridge social, cultural, and political divides, and promote a more united and equitable society.

Overall, argumentative research topics are a crucial component of high school education, as they provide students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in college, career, and life.

Having a 10+ years of experience in teaching little budding learners, I am now working as a soft skills and IELTS trainers. Having spent my share of time with high schoolers, I understand their fears about the future. At the same time, my experience has helped me foster plenty of strategies that can make their 4 years of high school blissful. Furthermore, I have worked intensely on helping these young adults bloom into successful adults by training them for their dream colleges. Through my blogs, I intend to help parents, educators and students in making these years joyful and prosperous.

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100 Engaging Controversial Essay Topics

When students are asked to write an argumentative paper, they start with looking for controversial argumentative essay topics. It’s a good decision: if you succeed in finding something great to write about, you stand more chances at getting a satisfying grade. But despite knowing this, making a choice is not easy. For one thing, you should have a clear idea of what a controversial essay even is. It is a genre of writing where you present an opinion others could dispute and prove its validity as well as accuracy. In other words, you pick a subject that causes arguments among society members, voice your point of view, and work hard to prove it by relying on scientific evidence.

In the long run, you’ll benefit from completing a fair number of similar essays: you’ll understand what it takes to participate in debates and how to defend your position. The choice of topic is tough since while there are many potentially interesting things to discuss, only some of them will be to your liking, and even fewer will be something you understand well enough to argue about. We’ll be glad to show you how to approach the choosing process and how to settle on the best theme possible.

How to Pick Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for College

At times, students are given a list from which they should pick their essay topics. This is a frustrating experience since they don’t get a right to really choose the topic they like. But fortunately, it doesn’t happen often, so if you are studying at college, you can expect to be given a free reign. Four tips below will show you how to go about picking an essay topic for a controversial paper.

• Go through things you find engaging.  Good controversial topics for essays are the ones that evoke some intense feelings in you. They could be positive or negative, but in any way, they should be something that makes you want to speak up. Recall the arguments you had online or with your friends and family recently. Maybe you saw something in the news and got angry? Did you read an article that got you passionate about the discussed topic? It could be anything, so think carefully.
• Play a choosing game.  If you have some essay ideas in mind but cannot settle on any of them, try a choosing game. This could also work in case you haven’t decided on anything at all yet. Pick a place, sit there, and note down everything you see or hear. Assign numbers to these things, and then ask a friend to choose one. Such an approach is fun, and it’s an easy way to arrive at a decision regarding your topic.
• Check sources.  When preparing for essay tasks, your first question should be, what are some controversial topics to write about? The second question should concern sources. Whatever subject you selected, it should be supported by credible resources that are peer-reviewed and have a DOI. Having an opposing position could be great, but if you are the only person who shares it, it’ll create some difficulties. Academic essays should be supported with some evidence, so your analysis cannot be performed merely based on your opinions. If you cannot locate trustworthy sources, better choose another topic.
• Discuss with the supervisor.  Once you made a decision, consult with your professor. They could give you valuable advice or warn you against some topics. If you are moving in the wrong direction, they will let you know in advance so that you wouldn’t waste your time for no reason.

100 Top Controversial Topics to Write About

There are many classical ways of choosing between topics on debatable issues, but with the evolution of the Internet, things have become much easier. You can search for online lists with suggestions, and they’ll give you the inspiration you need. We prepared this kind of list just below. There are ten popular topic categories there, with ten diverse themes in each. Take whichever you like best!

Controversial Essay Ideas on Education

Here are some traditional controversial argument topics related to education. All students will likely find them relatable!

• Education Gained in the US Has Lost Its Prestige
• The Importance of Doing Homework Diligently Is Overestimated
• Education Has become Redundant Today Because You Can Find a Job Anyway
• Governments & Universities Should Pay Full Tuition For All Their Students
• Physical Punishments for Children and Animals Should Be Made a Crime
• Minors Should Have the Right for Purchasing Condoms
• Children Should Be Taught About Different Kinds of Sexuality From Early Age
• Parents Should Never Supervise Their Children’s Online Actions
• No Student Should Ever Be Expelled From Educational Establishments
• Competitions Among Students Encourage Hurt and Feeling of Inadequacy

Controversial Essay Prompts on Technology

Technological progress has changed our lives to a profound extent. These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this.

• iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone
• Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families
• Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights
• Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care
• Youth Depend on Technology Too Much & Become Helpless in the Process
• No One Should Be Punished for Saying Anything Online
• GPS Poses Serious Threats to Privacy & Safety
• Most Surveillance Cameras Should Have Better Level of Quality
• Internet Helped Queer Community Meet New People
• Cancer Rates Have Increased Due to Technological Developments

Controversial Topics for Philosophy Essay

Philosophy is a dreamy but also precise science, so you could find some good controversial topics to write about here.

• Some Universal Truths Are Actually Falsehoods
• We Underestimate Philosophy Because We’re Scared of Its Truth
• Existentialism Is Caused By Flawed Social Expectations
• Feminism Has Turned Into a Movement of Violence & Bigotry
• Some Problems Do Not Have Any Resolution
• Not All Mysteries Should Be Solved by Humans
• Every Person Should Be Allowed to Rebel Against Government
• Being Loved Is More Important Than Loving
• Emotions Could Be Hindrance to Having Successful Life
• Animals Do Not Differ From Human Beings In Any Relevant Aspects

Controversial Essays Ideas About Environment

Environment is a sphere that always fuels fierce debates. There is a big number of great controversial arguments topics here.

• Humans Should Be Forbidden to Eat Animals
• Recycling Must Be an Obligatory Part Of Every Person’s Life
• No Country Could Be Allowed to Have Nuclear Weapon
• People Who Actively Work to Protect Environment Should Receive Money For It
• Companies Who Break Environmental Laws Should Be Stopped from Operating
• Current Air Quality in Big Cities Is Unacceptably Bad & This Issue Must Be Resolved
• Alternative Fuels In Their Current State Are Not Effective
• Deserts Should Be Forcefully Turned Green Areas
• Global Warming Is More Dangerous Than We Believe
• Preventing Pollution Under Current Conditions Is Not Realistic

Science, Biology, and Health Topics

When writing controversial topics essay, these days, scientific and medical spheres are definitely among the most popular ones.

• Assisted Suicide Must Be Officially Permitted in All Countries
• Deadliness of COVID Is Overstated
• Food Created With Science Is More Useful Than Natural Food
• Some Illnesses Will Never Be Cured
• People Producing & Selling Alcoholic Beverages Must Be Imprisoned
• Biology Should Be Taught in All Schools From the First Year
• Eugenics Should Not Exist for Perfecting People
• GMO Is Not As Dangerous as We’re Led to Believe
• Fish Can Feel Emotional Attachment to Their Owners
• Science Is Not as Precise as We Think

Religious environment is relevant for many people, so it has plenty of controversial argumentative essay ideas.

• The Fact of Life Existing After Death Could Be Proven Scientifically
• Idea of Humans Evolving From Animals Is Not Sustainable
• Religion Kills More People Than It Saves
• Bible Has Been Written by Multiple Individuals
• People Should Be Allowed to Pray to Whichever God They Believe In
• Religion Is Not Based on Science
• Faith Is the Most Important Part of Life
• Violence Promoted by Religions Should Partly Discredit Them
• Words of Prayers Do Not Matter: Only Feelings Behind Them Do
• Stereotypes About Religions Unleash Violence Among People

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Controversial Essays Topics for Law and Politics

Controversial writing topics about justice and politics never end, considering how passionate everyone feels about them. Everyone wants the best for their country, so why not explore ways of achieving this in an essay?

• Death Penalty In Its Present Form Is Useless
• Death Penalty Is a Useful Method of Fight Against Human Monsters
• Multiculturalism Fuels Tolerance in the Society
• American Women Have Equal Opportunities with Men
• Electronic Voting Is Ineffective: Too Much Cheating
• Gun Control Is Not as Relevant as It Is Presented
• Free Journalism No Longer Exists
• Racist Allegations Are Often Exaggerated
• Hate Crimes Should Automatically Receive Death Penalty
• Presidents Who Allow Wars to Break Out Must Be Removed from Power

Current Events

The world is constantly undergoing changes, so unique controversial essay topics about it are in perpetual supply.

• Amount of Taxes People Pay Does Not Correspond to Benefits They Get
• Concept of Fashion Is Invented Solely by People
• Trump Should Have Never Been a President in US
• Trump Brought Positive Changes to Some Parts of the World
• World Has Become Too Demanding & Unfair to Still Live in It
• Mental Health Therapy Should Receive Additional Funding Due to COVID Impacts
• Quarantine Measures Should Be the Same in All Parts of the World
• People Should Be More Caring In These Difficult Times
• Food Should Be Made Free During COVID
• Rich & Poor People Should Be Treated in Equal Conditions

Prompts on Entertainment

How about some fun and easy controversial topics about things that work as distractions from everyday worries?

• Violent Games Do Not Affect People Playing Them Negatively
• Modern Ads Could Be a Form of Art
• Fiction Is the Best Way to Distract Yourself From Troubles
• Media Should Be Regulated More Strictly
• Having Fun Is Essential for Mental Health
• Modern Entertainments Are Dangerous & Should Be Modified
• Nobody Falls In Love at the First Sight
• Entertainment Is Not to Blame For People Becoming Addicted
• Reality Shows Create Impossible Expectations
• Home Alone Is Still an Excellent Movie

Controversial Essay Ideas For College Students

College essays are more complex than those in high school, but they are also easier than those at universities. If you are a college student, take a look at these good controversial essay topics.

• Teenagers Should Be Allowed to Work Whenever They Want
• Teens Should Not Be the Ones Paying for Their Education
• College Students Do Not Need Cars Because They Are Not Prepared to Drive Them
• Internet Addiction Is a Myth in Most Cases
• Students Should Not Expect That They Will Find Love in College
• Gender Expectations Among Students Are Not Equal
• Serving the Military Is Romanticized to a Dangerous Degree
• Sororities and Fraternities Must Be Forbidden in the US
• Polygamy Is Vastly Misunderstood in Modern Society
• Love is Portrayed in Harmful Ways in Fiction

Controversial Essay Topic Ideas to Transform Your Writing

As you can see, topics are vital. You should pay extra attention when choosing them because your final success depends on it. Take your time and think carefully. In case nothing comes to your mind right away, try utilizing the tips we offered above. Still, we understand that writing is a tricky process that could be frustratingly difficult. If you have any questions, contact our support team via our website. They’ll be happy to help you with your problems! Whether you’d like us to guide you or write an essay in its entirety, we can do that. Drop a message and tell us what needs to be done. Your unique controversial essay on an original topic will be delivered on time.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

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• 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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• Supporting Detail in Composition and Speech
• Writing an Opinion Essay

85 Good Debate Topics for High and Middle Schoolers in 2023

March 29, 2023

What’s the most common phobia in the US? Snakes? Planes? Insects? Public speaking? Ding, ding, ding! If you chose the latter, you’re right on the money. According to this article from The Washington Post , 28% of responders fear public speaking above all else. While public speaking may be scary, it is a necessary and useful skill that benefits students in high school and beyond. One essential way for high schoolers to develop their public speaking skills is through the age-old activity of public forum debate, tackling hot-button debate topics from the use of ChatGPT on schoolwork to whether TikTok should be banned. (Fun fact: the art of debating dates back to the lessons of Socrates ! How’s that for time-tested?)

Debate provides the perfect opportunity for all students to practice essential life skills such as conducting research, structuring logical and persuasive arguments, and learning how to grapple with complex current issues. Additionally, debate can help build confidence, foster collaboration with peers, and enable students to become well-informed members of society. And who knows? A successful high school career on the debate team might just inspire a future career in public policy , international relations , or law .

So, what does the ideal debate topic for a high school student look like? Great question! The ideal debate topic should have relevance to students’ lives , be complex enough to sustain a lively discussion , and have a wealth of supporting evidence and data for students to draw upon to support their claims.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s get into some great debate topics for high schoolers (and some debate topics for middle schoolers, as well!).

Education Debate Topics for High School

• Colleges should eliminate the use of standardized tests like the ACT and SAT for determining admissions.
• Schools should allow students to use ChatGPT when writing essays and completing assignments.
• All public schools should adopt a universal pass/fail grading system.
• School districts should allow their libraries to ban certain books.
• All students should have free access to higher education.
• Students should be allowed to wear pajamas to class.
• Students would benefit from a shorter school day.
• Schools should eliminate physical education requirements.
• The government should mandate that all students be required to take a financial literacy course prior to graduating.
• Schools should permit teachers to carry firearms for self-defense.
• Teachers should prohibit the use of cell phones during school hours.

Government Debate Topics for High School

• The government should lower the voting age to 16.
• The US should adopt a universal healthcare system.
• Censorship is sometimes justified in a democratic society.
• Hate speech should be protected under freedom of speech laws.
• The government should provide reparations for slavery and systemic racism.
• The US should implement a carbon tax to help combat climate change.
• The United States should take steps to disarm its nuclear arsenal.
• The US should abolish the electoral college and move to a popular vote system.
• The government should allow prisoners to vote.
• We should revise our penal system to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

Science and Technology Debate Topics for High School

• It is the responsibility of social media companies to regulate hate speech on their platforms.
• The government should ban the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces.
• The government should hold social media companies responsible for overseeing the spread of misinformation on their platforms.
• The government should regulate the use of social media to protect user privacy.
• All social media companies should be required to disclose what user data they’re collecting, and how it’s being used.
• Social media is hindering our ability to form meaningful connections with others.
• There should be an age restriction on using social media sites.
• The government should create guidelines for AI regulation to prevent widespread job loss in the workplace.
• The government should have the power to regulate the content of online platforms such as TikTok and YouTube.
• Sites like Twitter and Reddit should do away with anonymous posting.
• Social media influencers should be required to disclose when the content they are promoting is sponsored.

Health and Bioethics Debate Topics for High School

• The use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports is never ethical.
• The use of GMOs should be banned from all agriculture.
• The cloning of humans is ethical.
• The government should legalize all drugs, and tax them as it does cigarettes and alcohol.
• Pharmacies should sell birth control over the counter.
• We should ban animal testing for medical research.
• Authorities should prohibit doctors from prescribing placebos to patients.
• The US should legalize physician-assisted suicide.
• We should require genetic testing for all newborns.
• Patients should have the right to refuse medical treatments.
• The government should regulate the use of pesticides and other chemicals in agriculture.
• The government should mandate vaccines.
• The US should invest more in renewable energy resources to combat climate change.                                                                                          

Business Debate Topics for High School

• The government should increase the minimum wage.
• Universal basic income is necessary for a fair society.
• The government should ban unpaid internships.
• The government should regulate cryptocurrencies as they do other monies.
• The government should provide incentives for companies to hire more women and minorities.
• Companies should be required to disclose their gender pay gap.
• The U.S. should adopt a flat tax system.
• Companies’ boards should meet a set diversity quota.
• All companies that are able should transition to a work-from-home model.
• The government should provide financial incentives for companies to go green.
• We should require companies to provide at least three months of paid parental leave to their employees, regardless of gender.
• The government should force companies to disclose their carbon footprint.

Pop Culture Debate Topics for High School

• Reality TV portrays a distorted version of reality.
• Binge-watching TV shows is harmful to our mental health.
• Video games should have restrictions on the content they portray.
• Cosplay is a form of cultural appropriation.
• It is unethical for actors to play characters of different races and ethnicities.
• Award shows like the Oscars should have a diversity quota they must meet.
• Cancel culture is doing more harm than good.
• Celebrities should be held to a higher standard of behavior than the general population.
• Rap music is a positive influence on society.

Fun Debate Topics

• It is better to be well-versed in multiple topics than a specialist in one.
• Emojis should be allowed in formal correspondence.
• It is better to have the power of teleportation than that of invisibility.
• Exclamation points have become overused in text and email.
• Fast food restaurants should have a mandatory vegan option.
• Natural talent is more important for success than hard work.
• Cereal is technically a kind of soup.
• Pineapples belong on pizza.
• Marvel is a better superhero franchise than DC.
• Toilet paper should be rolled over, rather than under.

Debate Topics for Middle School

• USDA regulators should ban junk food from school cafeterias.
• School should take place year-round.
• Schools should permit students to select classes based on their individual interests, rather than require all students to take the same classes.
• Schools should require students to complete a set number of volunteer hours in order to graduate.
• Single-gender schools are better than co-ed ones.
• The US should raise the driving age to 18.
• Children should earn a fixed amount for doing chores.
• Students should grade their teachers, too.
• Video games are a useful learning tool.

I’ve got my topic, now what?

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, it’s time to prepare. Preparation for a debate involves some key steps, all of which are necessary to ensuring your argument is as sound and convincing as possible.

Putting Together a Successful Debate Argument, Step by Step

1) conduct your research ..

Read widely and smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking down the sources of each—these will be pivotal later, when you’re building your argument and require points of reference.

2) Organize your thoughts in a coherent manner .

Using the data you’ve collected, create an argument that progresses logically. To help your listeners follow along, use signposts to indicate the direction your claim is headed. (Think of this as building your hypothesis. “In this argument, I will cover points A, B, and C.”) You should be able to articulate your position in a single, simple sentence.

3) Write out what you want to say .

Make a bullet point list that outlines the main points of your stance. For each bullet point, try to include the key pieces of evidence that support your claim. Once you have that, see if you can summarize the bullet point using a single word or phrase. This way, when you’re in the heat of the moment, you can glance down and use that phrase to spark your memory.

4) Anticipate what your opponents might say .

This is essential to crafting a foolproof argument. Try to look at the debate from the opposing team’s side. If you were arguing from their side, what points would you make? What is the rational counterargument to your claim, and how can you refute it? Where possible, you want to preclude any chance your opponent might have of catching you off-guard.

5) Practice !

Run through what you want to say, and run through it again. Get out the tape recorder if it helps, and listen to yourself back. Does your argument make sense? Practice for speed, clarity, and flow. Memorization will help you get rid of any jitters you might have in the moment.

Good Debate Topics—Final Thoughts

In conclusion, debate is an excellent way for high schoolers to hone their communication skills. By implementing the strategies outlined here, students will be better prepared to tackle debates with confidence, assured that they’ve put in the work to convey their ideas effectively and with success.

• High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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30 Controversial But Good Debate Topics For High School Students

Are you searching for thought-provoking and engaging debate topics for your students? Look no further! In this article, we have compiled a list of 159 very good debate topics that will challenge and stimulate discussions in your classroom. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or parent, these topics will surely pique your interest and inspire critical thinking.

Debate Topics For Students

In this section, we will explore a variety of controversial debate topics that are perfect for students to discuss and analyze. These topics range from issues within schools such as cell phone usage and dress codes, to larger societal issues like social media’s impact and the death penalty.

Each sub-section will provide thought-provoking debate questions and keywords to help guide the discussion. So whether you’re looking for an ESL activity or a stimulating classroom debate, these topics are sure to engage and challenge your students.

1. Should Cell Phones Be Allowed In Schools?

• Research the Policy: Investigate the cell phone policy in both public and private schools to understand the current regulations.
• Evaluate the Pros and Cons: Consider the impact of cell phone usage on student learning, safety, and social interactions.
• Collect Data: Gather statistics and studies about cell phone usage in schools to support your arguments.
• Consider Alternative Perspectives: Explore the viewpoints of parents, teachers, and students through debate questions on platforms like Kialo Edu .

Pro-tip: Use this topic as an engaging ESL activity by encouraging students to debate the issue using their English language skills and critical thinking abilities.

2. Is Social Media More Harmful Than Beneficial?

Social media’s impact on mental health is a topic of concern, particularly among younger individuals. The debate on whether social media is more harmful than beneficial raises significant points.

Users, including white people and individuals of other races , are affected by cyberbullying and negative self-comparison. On the other hand, it provides connectivity and a platform for activism. Balancing these aspects is crucial.

3. Should Schools Implement Dress Codes?

• Public schools: Assess the existing dress code, gather feedback, and involve students in the decision-making process.
• Private schools: Research the rationale behind dress codes, evaluate the impact on students, and consider alternative approaches.

When debating this topic, students can explore the impact of dress codes on self-expression, examine cultural and gender implications, and discuss the balance between individual freedom and school discipline.

For ESL activities, encourage students to articulate their viewpoints, use debate questions from educational platforms like Kialo Edu, and foster critical thinking skills.

4. Is Homework Necessary?

For the debate topic ‘Is Homework Necessary?’ considering teens’ daily leisure time is crucial. College Vine suggests that homework should be meaningful, original, and not just busy work. Public libraries are excellent resources for teens to conduct research and gather evidence to support their arguments on this topic. Understanding how homework affects teens’ lives is essential, as it sparks interest and impacts their academic performance.

5. Should The Voting Age Be Lowered To 16?

In Scotland, the voting age for Scottish Parliament and local council elections was lowered to 16 in 2015. It allowed 16 and 17-year-olds to vote in the Scottish independence referendum, marking a historic democratic expansion. Should other countries model after this?

• Research the current voting age laws in your country.
• Understand the impact of lowering the voting age on government structure and policies.
• Consider the maturity and responsibility levels of 16-year-olds in making informed decisions concerning national matters.
• Analyze the potential implications of the voting age on other age-restricted activities, such as same-sex marriage and drug legalization.
• Review case studies from countries where the voting age has been lowered to 16.

6. Is Climate Change A Hoax?

Climate change is not a hoax, evidenced by scientific consensus and observable phenomena. In the United States, government structures have implemented policies to mitigate its impact. This topic sparks intense debate, reflecting the relevance of environmental issues. Just as same-sex marriage, drug legalization, and other controversial topics, the urgency of climate change demands attention.

The relevance of the topic is crucial, influencing its significance in modern discourse.

7. Should The Death Penalty Be Abolished?

• Research the history and impact of the death penalty on society.
• Evaluate the ethical and moral implications of capital punishment.
• Analyze the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent for crime.
• Consider the financial and social implications, such as the cost of legal proceedings and the impact on families.
• Examine the societal impact, including potential biases in sentencing and the concept of rehabilitation.
• Explore the concept of a livable wage and its implications for society.

8. Is Gun Control Necessary?

Yes, gun control is essential for public safety and crime prevention. It’s a hotly debated issue in the United States due to its government structure and constitutional rights. Finding a balanced approach is crucial, similar to the deliberation on same-sex marriage or the legalization of drugs.

One true story that aligns with this discourse is the advocacy for stricter gun regulations following tragic mass shootings, reflecting the ongoing debate on this pivotal topic.

9. Should College Education Be Free?

Whether college education should be free is an engaging debate topic for students. Considering College Vine data, 79% of teens love to know they can access higher education without financial constraints. It’s a pertinent topic, given that students spend their daily leisure time at public libraries , and original sources indicate the rising cost of tuition. To encourage critical thinking, students can research and organize arguments, preparing for an insightful discussion.

10. Is Online Learning As Effective As Traditional Classroom Learning? (Keywords

The effectiveness of online learning compared to traditional classroom learning has been a topic of debate. Both methods have their own advantages, with online learning offering flexibility, accessibility, and a wide range of resources.

Traditional classroom learning , however, allows for face-to-face interaction and immediate feedback. The effectiveness of each method may vary depending on individual learning styles, subjects, and teaching approaches.

11. Universal Basic Income (UBI)

The debate over Universal Basic Income (UBI) centers on whether providing a fixed income to all citizens, regardless of employment status, is an effective strategy to alleviate poverty and reduce income inequality. Proponents argue that UBI can offer financial security and address economic disparities, while opponents express concerns about feasibility, economic sustainability, and potential disincentives to work.

12. Climate Change Policies

This debate delves into the adequacy of current global initiatives to combat climate change. Advocates argue for more ambitious policies, emphasizing the urgent need to address environmental issues, while skeptics may question the feasibility, economic impact, and effectiveness of proposed measures.

13. Is the trade-off between convenience and online privacy justified in the digital age?

The debate on online privacy revolves around the balance between the convenience of digital services and the protection of individuals’ privacy.

Supporters of a more permissive approach argue that convenience is essential for technological advancements, while privacy advocates stress the importance of safeguarding personal data in an era of increasing digital connectivity.

14. School Uniforms need to be enforced for students benefits

Supporters argue that uniforms promote equality and reduce distractions, while opponents emphasize the importance of students’ freedom to express themselves through clothing.

15. Censorship in the Arts

Should there be limits on artistic expression, and to what extent should art and media be censored Advocates for censorship may emphasize societal values and protecting audiences, while opponents argue for artistic freedom and the importance of diverse perspectives in creative works.

16. Social Media Regulation

Should governments regulate social media platforms to prevent the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy? Supporters of regulation highlight the need to curb the spread of misinformation and protect user privacy, while opponents may express concerns about potential infringements on free speech and innovation.

17. Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Are genetically modified foods safe for consumption, and should they be more widely embraced to address global food security? The discussion on GMOs focuses on the safety of genetically modified foods and their role in addressing global food security. Advocates argue that GMOs offer solutions to food scarcity and agricultural challenges, while critics raise concerns about potential health risks, environmental impact, and ethical considerations.

18. Mandatory Voting

Proponents argue that mandatory voting ensures broader representation and a more engaged electorate, while opponents may express concerns about individual freedoms and the potential for uninformed voting.

19. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Should there be ethical guidelines and regulations for the development and use of artificial intelligence The discussion on artificial intelligence delves into the ethical implications of AI development and use.

Advocates for regulation stress the need to address potential risks, biases, and accountability issues, while proponents of a less restrictive approach may emphasize the benefits of technological advancement and innovation.

20. Affirmative Action

Is affirmative action in college admissions a fair and effective way to address historical inequalities?

Affirmative action is a contentious policy that seeks to redress historical disadvantages faced by certain groups. The debate centers on whether this approach is justifiable and successful in promoting diversity in educational institutions or if alternative methods should be considered to address inequality.

21. Space Exploration Funding

Should governments invest more in space exploration, or should those funds be allocated to address pressing issues on Earth?

The allocation of resources for space exploration is a perennial debate. Advocates argue that space exploration drives scientific innovation, while opponents question the prioritization of these endeavors over more immediate and pressing concerns on Earth. This debate delves into the balance between advancing human knowledge and addressing critical issues on our planet.

22. Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

Should individuals have the right to choose euthanasia or assisted suicide when facing terminal illnesses?The ethical dilemma surrounding euthanasia and assisted suicide revolves around individual autonomy, the sanctity of life, and medical ethics.

This debate explores the extent to which individuals should have the right to make end-of-life decisions, considering the implications for personal autonomy, medical ethics, and societal values.

23. Animal Testing

Using animals in scientific research raises ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the necessity of such practices. Advocates argue that animal testing is crucial for medical advancements, while opponents advocate for developing and implementing alternative methods.

This debate delves into the balance between scientific progress and the ethical treatment of animals. Is animal testing justified for scientific and medical research, or should alternative methods be prioritized?

24. What level of gun control is appropriate to balance public safety with individual rights?

Gun control debates revolve around finding a balance between individual rights to bear arms and the need to ensure public safety. Advocates for stricter gun control measures argue that they are necessary to reduce gun violence, while opponents emphasize the importance of protecting individual liberties. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between personal freedoms and societal safety.

25. How should the education system be reformed to better prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century?

The ongoing debate on education reform centers on the need to adapt traditional educational models to meet the demands of the 21st century. Discussions often revolve around curriculum changes, the integration of technology, and the fostering of critical thinking skills. This debate explores how educational systems can evolve to prepare students for an ever-changing world.

26. Should countries have more open or restrictive immigration policies, and how should they address the refugee crisis?

Immigration policies are a global issue, with debates surrounding national security, economic impact, and humanitarian considerations. Advocates for more open policies emphasize cultural diversity and economic benefits, while those favoring restrictions focus on cesources and national identity. This debate delves into the complex balance between humanitarian efforts and national interests.

27. To what extent does the use of social media contribute to or alleviate mental health issues among young people?

The pervasive use of social media among young people has sparked discussions about its impact on mental health. Advocates argue that social media provides a platform for connection and support, while critics highlight its potential adverse effects, such as cyberbullying and unrealistic body image standards. This debate explores the nuanced relationship between social media use and mental well-being.

28. Is nuclear energy a viable and safe alternative to fossil fuels, or should we focus more on renewable energy sources?

The debate on nuclear energy centers on its potential as a clean energy source and concerns about safety and environmental impact.

Advocates argue that atomic energy can significantly reduce carbon emissions, while opponents express reservations about the potential for accidents and the long-term effects of nuclear waste. This debate explores the trade-offs between addressing climate change and ensuring energy production safety.

29. Should the start times of high schools be adjusted to better align with students’ sleep patterns and well-being 

The debate on school start times revolves around the impact of early start times on students’ sleep patterns and overall well-being. Advocates for later start times argue that they contribute to improved academic performance and mental health, while opponents question the logistical challenges and potential disruptions to family schedules. This debate explores the intersection of education and student health.

30. Privacy vs. Security – What should be our focus?

Balancing individual privacy rights with national security measures in the age of technology. Advocates tend to argue that privacy is a fundamental human right that should be protected against unwarranted intrusion.

Proponents emphasize the necessity of robust security measures to safeguard citizens from various threats, including terrorism and cyberattacks.

Where can I find varied viewpoints on controversial issues?

Websites like 5 Star Essays and The Top Tens offer lists of debate topics with varied viewpoints. You can also look for articles and resources from reputable sources to gather different perspectives on an issue.

Can students participate in group discussions on controversial issues?

Yes, group discussions can be a great way for students to explore controversial issues and hear different perspectives. You can facilitate a respectful and productive discussion by setting ground rules and actively listening to others’ viewpoints.

Key Takeaways:

• Debate allows students to explore varied viewpoints and engage in ongoing discussions, providing a valuable learning experience for both public and private school students.
• Debate helps students develop critical thinking skills, gain new perspectives, and engage in important discussions on social topics such as drug tests and government assistance.
• Preparation is key for a successful debate – from choosing a topic and conducting research to organizing arguments and practicing delivery. Debate topics range from controversial issues to everyday concerns like cell phones in schools and homework.

That’s it for our guide on broad, controversial debate topics that are good for students. You can delve into each topic in more detail and of course adjust each debate topic for relevance and appropriateness depending on the maturity and age of your students.

Editorial Staff

200+ Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for 2023

If you are looking for a good topic to write your next argumentative essay on, look no further. These controversial topics will get the conversation started.

When assigned to write an argumentative paper, most students research controversial issues on which to base their thesis. It is a smart choice: if you can come up with a prominent topic, you will have a much better shot at earning a passing mark. However, settling on a path forward can be challenging despite this knowledge. 

Topics for a controversial essay could be personal essay ideas or controversial issues your audience can relate to. These issues could be,

• Ethical conflicts, 
• Going against traditional values (for example, LGBTQ rights and gender roles), 
• Tackling societal taboos, 
• Concentrating on sensitive or distressing issues/collective memories, 
• The occurrence of divided social groupings with opposing viewpoints.

These are often the root causes of controversial argumentative essay topics.

Writing a good number of essays similar to these will benefit you in the long run since it will teach you what it takes to take part in conversations and defend your stance. 

It is challenging to settle on a topic for conversation since there are so many potential directions. Still, only some of those directions will appeal to you, and even fewer will be within your area of competence, so you can have an informed discussion about them. This article will walk you through narrowing down your alternatives and deciding on a single topic if you need help with either of those tasks.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Definition

An argumentative essay is an academic piece that aims to persuade the reader to accept the author's point of view. The complexity of an argumentative essay can range from a basic comparison, such as "home-cooked food is better than fast food," to a more involved argument, such as "the argument for morality over religion." 

Writing an argumentative essay, no matter the subject, requires extensive research with supporting evidence. You take a controversial topic, express your opinion, and then back it up with facts and evidence.

An excellent topic for a controversial argumentative essay is one you and your audience can get excited about. The more controversial and emotionally charged the issue, the more attention it will receive, and the more strongly people will feel compelled to take a position. People will read your work with a fresh appreciation for your ability to argue persuasively on controversial themes.

Types of Controversial Argumentative Essay 

Argumentative essays give both sides of a concept or subject and argue for one. Different argumentative essays communicate information differently, but all should discuss all sides.

Many controversial argumentative essay ideas exist; however, they all fall into four categories. An argumentative essay can be persuasive, research-based, analysis-based, or personal.

• Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays argue and strive to convince the reader of one viewpoint. Argumentative essays should begin with the author's position and use evidence to support it. The writer should refute opposing viewpoints to convince the reader of his position. 

• Research Papers

Argumentative research papers use a lot of outside sources. Although many resources are available on controversial argumentative essay topics, finding reliable and up-to-date information requires time and effort. Authors should mention as many sources for opposing views as for the main argument.

• Analysis Essays

Argumentative analysis essays examine other arguments and analyze another author's reasoning. The analysis includes persuasiveness, evidence, writing clarity, presentation, and style. In this argumentative analysis essay, the author must argue the article's quality and persuasiveness.

• Personal essays

Personal argumentative essays can argue without research. In this essay style, the author must persuade with personal opinion and taste. This form of argumentative essay requires persuasion and subjectivity. All sides should be considered in proving the author's thesis to the reader.

How to Choose Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

What is the best way to create an excellent topic for my controversial argumentative writings? The most controversial debates often center on deeply personal issues. They must get under your skin, strike a chord with the listener, prompt you to move forward, stir your feelings, and inspire your thoughts. It must capture your interest and hold it. The core problem must be significant and pressing.

A solid argument, a well-developed thesis, and extensive research are the three pillars of a successful argumentative essay.

A concise statement, or a thesis, is closely related to making a compelling argument. Your thesis statement should briefly explain your entire argument. Your argument needs to be well-supported by evidence and sound reasoning. Every piece of evidence and piece of speculation in your essay must point back to this one central claim.

An argumentative essay's credibility increases when it is supported by substantial evidence. Use your argument to find supporting evidence in credible sources such as scholarly articles, studies, and newspapers before settling on a thesis statement.

If, after extensive study, you still lack sufficient evidence to support your topic or argument, you may look elsewhere for inspiration.

• Solid Argument

Writing an essay that successfully convinces the reader requires the development of a persuasive argument. Find a subject you find intriguing and build your case around that. Your argument must be adequately thought out and researched to persuade your reader. There needs to be a central argument and multiple supporting details.

There are dozens of sources online these days that you can get ideas from, and this article is one of those sources. Finding good topics for controversial argumentative essays takes work, but it is easier than you think.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Unless it is assigned beforehand, choosing good controversial argumentative essay topics is one of the most challenging parts of writing an essay. Students often feel compelled to write on subjects they are enthusiastic about or have a genuine interest in. 

It is important to note that there is no single, definitive method for selecting the most fruitful topic for a paper. However, there are methods for narrowing down the possible topics. 

Since different essays require different points of discussion and sentence structures, you must know what essay you will write before deciding on the point of discussion.

It is important to remember that writing about controversial issues differs from the norm. Speaking, rather than writing, is the focal point. Therefore, you will need to approach preparation and execution slightly differently. Making a rough outline would be impressive. Digging into the issue is necessary to prevail in the conversation. You must work on a list of reasons people should agree with you. You should know the possible rebuttals to your case.

Mapping out a straightforward plan for any controversial subject is crucial. It makes no difference whether your task is written or oral. A solid outline gives you a bird's-eye view of the case and allows you to construct a well-organized story. To get the most out of your essay with minimal work, follow the outline, and you will find developing controversial argumentative essay topics easier.

50 Best Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

To write an excellent essay, you must have a list of good topics for controversial argumentative essays

The following is a list of potential topics for controversial argumentative writing:

• Do racial undertones contribute to police brutality?
• Should we enforce recycling?
• Is there any benefit to having rivals?
• With employment, is blogging a viable option?
• Do you think people will ever be able to survive without the Internet?
• Should everyone give back to their communities?
• Does the media intrude into the personal lives of celebrities?
• Should it be acceptable to use animals in experiments?
• Should contraception and other forms of family planning be made available to all women?
• Is there fairness in our tax system?
• Vaping is just as dangerous as smoking cigarettes.
• Is consumerism a major threat to international stability?
• Do social media sites invade our personal space?
• Should everyone get vaccinated?
• Do big corporations regulate our food intake?
• Is the way we teach appropriate for the modern world?
• When, if ever, is it okay to execute someone?
• Does human activity play a role in causing global warming?
• Should fathers be entitled to paternity leave?
• Do you think our tax system is fair?
• In practice, animal protection laws are useless.
• Our minds are harmed by watching TV shows.
• Electronics are not appropriate for children.
• Democracy vs. totalitarianism: a contrast and comparison.
• Young people are not adequately prepared for their futures by the educational system.
• Bullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed by educators.
• Is there a gender gap in productivity at work?
• As the world moves toward complete digitization, humanity suffers.
• Can your vote make a difference?
• Those who are fixated on extreme sports likely have some mental illness.
• Studying abroad: what you need to know.
• Spending money on lottery tickets is a complete waste of time and effort.
• Self-care is preferable to medical professional attention.
• Evidence shows that consuming large amounts of water can lead to weight gain.
• In a healthy relationship, age disparity makes no difference.
• Should birthplace be used to determine citizenship?
• Must there be movies about the end of the world?
• Competitions based on physical attractiveness are degrading and should be outlawed.
• Will we eventually do away with paper currency?
• Young adults need access to individual online counselors.
• Gender equality will never be achieved. 
•  Animal Consumption Ought to be banned as a Human Right
• Those who take precautions to preserve the planet's natural resources should be financially rewarded for their efforts.
• Those businesses that violate environmental regulations ought to be shut down.
• Until this problem is fixed, the air quality in major cities will remain unacceptable.
• The Current Form of Alternative Fuels Does Not Work
• Everyone should be required to make recycling a regular habit.
• Deserts need to be converted into green areas by all means necessary.
• Under the current circumstances, it is unrealistic to expect pollution prevention efforts to be successful.
• Do you think kids should read books that are right for their age, or is it OK for them to read books for adults?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

Middle school students are encouraged to participate in the discussion to gain experience writing at the high school level. Controversial argumentative essay topics for middle school students typically center on issues like the justness of school rules and the acceptance of alternative curricula.

Lists of good controversial argumentative essay topics for middle school students: 

• Must Students Adhere to Dress Policies at School?
• Do You Think Teachers Should Give Less Homework?
• What Is the Point of Taking Music Lessons?
• The appeal of romantic films and why female audiences favor them.
• Problems with making virtual buddies. 
• Compare and contrast traditional schooling with homeschooling.
• How Significant Is It to Have Access to the Arts?
• When and how should children be disciplined?
• Is there a "right" age to date? Are violent video games bad?
• Should parents be able to tell kids whether they can dye their hair?
• Do you think social media hurts more than it helps?
• Is there too much homework for middle school students?
• Do kids learn from their homework?
• Is life harder for your parents or your generation?
• Is cyberbullying just as bad as bullying in person?
• Should all cars run on electric power?
• Why do you think your favorite musician is the best?
• Should kids have to go to gym class?
• Do you think kids get money for doing well in school?
• Is it better to have classes in person or online?
• Should music be censored because of its explicit lyrics?
• Is cyberbullying the same as traditional bullying?
• Can you recommend a sport that has the lowest risk of injury?
• Should schoolchildren be allowed to provide feedback on their teachers?
• Why do you think it is a good idea for pupils to wear uniforms to school?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for High School 

Do you need help finding topics for controversial argumentative writings?

Listed below are some good topics for controversial argumentative essays for high school students:

• Is the current system of public education antiquated and in need of modernization?
• Should kids be exposed to technology at a young age?
• The iPhone is overpriced and Overrated.
• Does gender pay disparity exist?
• Should people of different sexual orientations use the same public restrooms?
• How does climate change matter?
• All reasonable efforts must be made to make cloning available to bereaved families at affordable costs.
• Modern youth is helpless without their electronics.
• Everyone has the right to freedom of speech on the internet.
• Surveillance cameras should be high quality.
• Does education quality differ between public and private schools?
• Does homeschooling provide good results?
• What do you think about banning junk food from classrooms?
• Which country do students have the best chance of receiving a quality education in?
• For what reasons would you recommend a one-sex institution for education?
• Could graffiti be considered art, or is it just vandalism?
• Exactly what steps may be taken to stop bullying from happening?
• Should children be allowed to use social media while in school?
• Rapid technological advancement is linked to rising cancer rates.
• Is there any public behavior that ought to be criminalized?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for College 

Are you trying to find controversial argumentative essay topics for your essay?  If so, we've got you covered. A list of good controversial argumentative essay topics is provided below.

• Should student-athletes get paid by colleges and universities?
• Is it appropriate for schools to mandate that kids recite the Pledge of Allegiance?
• Why should students be required to wear school uniforms?
• Is grading necessary in PE courses?
• Should tuition be required for colleges, or should it be free? 
• Wars may soon be fought without soldiers if drones are used.
• Many significant risks are associated with Wi-Fi use, and users should proceed cautiously.
• Should students form religious groups in public schools?
• Should all internships be paid?
• Would degree cost affect income?
• Is climate change the world's biggest threat?
• Is requiring students to buy a professor's book a conflict of interest?
• Slavery reparations: have they been made?
• Should popular votes decide elections?
• Should everyone get free healthcare?
• Do anti-discrimination laws protect disabled students?
• Is an online degree as valid as a college degree?
• Can any conclusions be drawn about the outcomes of sexual education programs?
• How does migration benefit the United States?
• A Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Must be established in the world

101 Great Essay Writing Topics for Students

Before you sit down to write, you need a topic, and these essay writing topics can help you get started.

Writing an essay is an important skill for high school and college students. Essays show a writer’s ability to think through a topic, explore their point of view and persuade or inform others of that. Yet, finding essay writing topics can feel vague. 

This list will help students find the right topic for a descriptive essay or argumentative essay. It outlines a number of hot topics that students can delve into in order to express their opinions and showcase their writing skills. You can use these to practice your essay writing skills or as prompts for you or students.

1. Is Climate Change Real?

2. the benefits (or drawbacks) of homework , 3. a funny childhood memory, 4. video game addiction, 5. the role of pets in our lives, 6. my summer vacation, 7. a personal victory or success, 8. what will life be like in 2050, 9. a trip to the museum, 10. describe meeting a famous person, 11. the impact of social media on tweens, 12. importance of school uniforms, 13. extracurricular activities: essential or optional, 14. favorite book and its impact, 15. the influence of celebrities on youth, 16. the significance of recreational activities, 17. if i were the principal of my school, 18. why the sale and production of tobacco should get banned, 19. should every country have the death sentence, 20. is homeschooling better or worse than public school, 21. is the us election process fair, 22. how can we reduce climate change, 23. your responsibility in climate change, 24. are you politically influenced by media, 25. feminism then and now, 26. the impact of immigration on host countries, 27. are environmentalist groups doing the wrong protests, 28. should we cancel cancel culture, 29. is artificial intelligence a boon or bane to society, 30. is genetic engineering ethical, 31. the role of social movements in social change, 32. censorship in media: necessary or suppressive, 33. is technology making education lazy, 34. are we supposed to share culture, 35. why soda should not be on fast food kids meals, 36. illegal immigrants should not be jailed, 37. breastfeeding in public should be considered normal, 38. why gun control is needed, 39. a turning point in your life, 40. should religion be taught in schools, 41. recycling should be compulsory, 42. colleges are becoming business driven, 43. the necessity of art in education, 44. the importance of space exploration, 45. the future of renewable energy, 46. fast fashion’s environmental impact, 47. social media and its influence on body image, 48. the role of social media in interpersonal relationships, 49. the consequences of cyberbullying, 50. the relevance of standardized testing today, 51. the influence of video games on youth behavior, 52. homework vs. class assignments, 53. social media vs. in-person interaction, 54. physical education vs. nutritional education, 55. life before and after the internet, 56. right side vs left side of the brian thinkers, 57. tea vs coffee, 58. fashion today vs 20 years ago, 59. ebooks vs. physical books, 60. urban vs. rural living, 61. traditional vs. digital art, 62. freelance vs. full-time employment, 63. western vs. eastern philosophies, 64. democracy vs. dictatorship, 65. introverts vs. extroverts, 66. working in your country vs. working abroad, 67. science fiction vs. fantasy, 68. public vs. private healthcare, 69. first day of school memories, 70. a memorable act of kindness, 71. your best or worst holiday, 72. an experience with peer pressure, 73. a surprising event or change of fortune., 74. your first teacher, 75. your idea of the perfect day, 76. imagine a week without the internet or technology, 77. a day you overcame rejection, 78. overcoming my fear, 79. the day i lost my first pet, 80. that someone who influenced me, 81. the most embarrassing moment, 82. the time i stood up for what i believe, 83. the invention i wish i had thought of, 84. an unexpected friendship, 85. the day that defined my future, 86. how is global warming changing the environment, 87. the causes of world war ii, 88. what is racism, and how are people sometimes unaware of it, 89. does free will exist, 90. what reading means to me, 91. the role of journalists and the media, 92. animal testing should be banned, 93. why do teenagers commit suicide, 94. the role of the united nations, 95. the history and impact of the internet, 96. why is financial literacy crucial today, 97. the importance of technology in healthcare, 98. the rise of electric vehicles, 99. an analysis of a popular tv show, 100. the value of learning a second language, 101. the stigma around mental health, a final word on the best essay writing topics, what are some topics for a persuasive essay, what are some good topics for an essay, essay writing resources, best essay writing topics for middle school students.

If you are picking an essay for a 7th or 8th-grade student, the topic needs to be something that students in that age range are interested in. This will help them want to do the research and explore their ideas. This age range will often write expository essays or narrative essays, rather than persuasive ones.

Here are some essay topics to consider:

Climate change is a hot topic with middle schoolers, and this essay topic idea lets them explore it. This essay topic can work well for a persuasive, informative, or cause-and-effect essay.

Few middle school students enjoy homework, but this can be a great way to get them to dig into why the education system relies on homework. Students can give their opinions about the need for homework or why homework should be eliminated.

Middle school students who are not ready to write on argumentative essay topics can practice their English essay writing skills by writing about a funny thing that happened as a child. This topic should focus on entertaining, engaging storytelling. 

Many young students spend a lot of time playing video games, and this can translate into an essay topic. Exploring the mental health effects of too much video gameplay is a good option. Ask them to write about games they live or spend too much time playing.

Do you have a pet at home that you can’t imagine not being there when you return? How do you treat it, and do you think of your pet as a best friend? Opt for a cause-and-effect essay on the role of pets in our lives to showcase this bond. Then, include the positive effects of owning a pet. Don’t forget to talk about the responsibilities that come with it.

This is a staple choice of teachers everywhere, particularly after the summer break. All younger students can write essays easily enough about how they spent a few weeks off school and where they went. Perhaps it was time with a family member or a best friend? There is a good reason that many elementary and middle school teachers assign this as a writing assignment at the start of school.

A student could start writing this essay by writing about when they felt like all was lost. Then, they could describe how they picked themselves up off the dirt and achieved a victory.

Will we find solutions to the problems we face today, like poverty and homelessness? Will technology enrich our lives further or be the cause of new issues?

Many young students often think about the future, and this topic allows them to let their imaginations run loose.

This way, they can express their ideas on how the world will look like in a few decades. It also gives you insight into the child’s personality. Do they see the positives in everything, or are they a bit more realistic?

As children, we loved going to the museum. Even today, it’s interesting to look at historical art, sculptures, and old vehicles. 

This essay topic works exceptionally well right after a school holiday. Maybe the young student just witnessed some of the best historical pieces. Writing about this topic allows them to reconnect with the emotions they felt.

In this essay, ask students what they liked most about visiting the museum, what important lessons they learned, and how they felt in the moment.

We all have favorite celebrities that we’d love to meet. This could be an actor, musician, or athlete.

In this essay topic, ask students to describe what it’s like to meet a famous person. How would they feel, what questions would the student ask them, and what activities would they do together?

By asking your student to write the essay as descriptively as possible, they’ll experience the positive emotions associated with meeting their idol.

For this prompt, your goal is to explore the balance between the good, the bad, and the unknown in social media platforms. As a middle schooler, you know better than anyone how integral social media is in your daily life. Think about it – how many people your age don’t have a phone connected to the internet?

A cause-and-effect essay on this subject will allow you to investigate how social networking systems influence people. Self-reflect and analyze how social media sites affect your feelings, friendships, and even schoolwork.

Have you ever wondered why some schools insist on their students having uniforms? This is despite other schools being more lenient and letting their students wear whatever they want. If you are, then satiate your curiosity via this prompt.

An argumentative essay will help you understand both sides of the debate. You can discuss why schools make uniforms mandatory or optional and investigate how uniforms affect students’ behavior, academic performance, and school pride.

Are you a part of your school’s sports team or another club, or do you prefer to focus your time on academics only? If you have ever wondered what extracurricular activities are for, use this prompt to write an informative essay on the importance of extracurricular activities.

Write about the exact details of the role of extracurricular activities in a student’s overall development. Explore and add the benefits and drawbacks of these activities as well. Through your essay, other students can make informed choices about how they spend their time at school.

Books are all about exploration. When you use books for school, they aim to make you more knowledgeable. But they are also doors to fantasy lands and help you learn more about yourself.

Do you have a favorite book that left a mark on you? For this prompt, write a personal narrative essay sharing that experience. Analyze why the book matters, then add how it has changed or defined you. Your essay might sway others to read your favorite book.

Celebrities and influences are everywhere – so much so that you can’t avoid them no matter how hard you try. They’re in the music you listen to, the streets you drive through, and even the boxes of your favorite cereals. For this prompt, write an argumentative essay about these celebrities and their critical influence on younger people.

Focus on celebrities’ sway on youth’s behavior, values, and aspirations. Argue whether they are positive role models or if they set unrealistic expectations. It’s best to choose celebrities everyone knows, like the Kardashians or the Bangtan Boys.

What do you do when you have time off from school? Aside from the instances you attend family events, do you like swimming, biking, or drawing? This prompt is perfect for a descriptive essay where you can detail your favored recreational activity.

Start with how you discovered the activity and why you got hooked on it. Include its significance to your life. Does it help you relax, meet new people, etc.? You can also talk about the skills you gained by doing this recreational activity regularly.

Have you ever dreamt of calling the shots at school? What about imagining being the principal? In this essay, share ideas on what parts of your school you want to keep or change. Analyze each critically and propose the improvements the school needs. Via this prompt, you can showcase your leadership skills. Remember to express your thoughts respectfully and constructively, and don’t forget to offer rational explanations for each proposed change. 

Controversial Essay Writing Topics for Older Students

As they enter high school and college, students should start transitioning from informative essays to persuasive ones. Controversial essay topics are a good way to do this. They help students develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to reason an argument. The below topics the bill well:

Few people would argue about the health benefits of tobacco, yet it remains a top-selling product. This essay will explore the benefits of banning the sale of the product altogether.

The death sentence is a controversial ethical and social issue. This essay will explore whether or not it is a suitable method of punishment and deterrent for serious crimes and the benefits or drawbacks of adding it to every country across the globe.

Homeschooling is growing in popularity, and this school essay topic will explore the benefits or drawbacks of this particular school choice. It may be pulled from personal experience if the student is homeschooled. 

Elections are an essential part of our lives. It gives us the power to determine who will govern our country. However, is the election process fair?

In the essay, your student will get an opportunity to voice their ideas, describe what changes they’d like to see, and how those changes will positively impact the nation.

This essay topic requires more research, and students walk away with knowledge that can help them in the long term.

Climate change is a serious topic that impacts everyone’s life. Sea levels are rising, which makes it difficult for animals like polar bears to survive.

When writing about this essay topic, students will have to research the effect of climate change, what causes it, and how to reduce its impact.

This requires logical thinking and creativity. It’ll encourage students to come up with a plan of action. Maybe they’ll limit the number of carbon emissions released by companies, promote solar power, or decrease the price of energy-efficient appliances.

Climate change has always been a controversial topic. There are many protests about it, but despite the protests, there are still no proper solutions. For this prompt, focus on what you, as a student, can do to help stop or slow down climate change. Identify your personal role in this phenomenon. Examine both your positive and negative contributions. As you write this essay, you can also discover sustainable life changes to add to your life. You can even encourage your future readers to follow your example.

Keeping up to date with world news is easy because we’re connected to the media 24/7. With this in mind, create a cause-and-effect essay and inspect the power of media in shaping your political views.

For instance, have you sided with a viewpoint because of a convincing social media post? For sure, many have experienced this once or twice. Dig deeper via your essay, analyze the media’s role and motivations, and present your findings.

If you plan to create a compare-and-contrast essay, go for this prompt. Analyze the evolution of feminist movements. Then, examine their origins, goals, and the changes they’ve brought about.

Have you ever wondered how the feminism of your grandma’s era differed from today’s? By researching this topic, you’ll not only increase your knowledge – you’ll also be able to educate others.

Are you looking at writing about globally relevant issues? If so, immigration is a complex subject you can explore—research immigration in the news, books, or even movies. You can even ask your teacher for help if you need to. For this prompt, connect your findings to the issues of the countries receiving immigrants. Make sure to differentiate the legal from illegal immigrants to relay your points better.

The environment is a sacred and essential part of our lives. And so it’s easy to understand the movements and the organizations that want to protect it. But do you think their actions will make others appreciate their cause in the long run?

This is why this controversial prompt is perfect for a persuasive essay. Talk about the recent protests. It can be the protestor’s destruction of paintings of legendary artists , glueing their hands on airport runways, or stopping people on the streets. Critique the strategies of environmental activist groups. Are they properly raising awareness? Or are their methods causing more harm than good?

Cancel culture is often based on limited evidence and incites blind hate. As an older student, you’re likely familiar with the term and its implications. In your essay, list cancel culture’s pros and cons and analyze each in depth.

Is cancel culture helpful? Is it only spreading misinformation? Is the hive mentality it encourages good? Share your thoughts on this recent societal development. Then, offer ways on how to better interact with cancel culture. For instance, you can recommend holding off judgment and thoroughly researching the issue first to make up your own mind.

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, but how helpful is it? For this prompt, create an expository essay that analyzes how AI is both a boon and a bane. For example, AI can make companies’ systems more efficient. But at the same time, it takes jobs away from writers, artists, and even tech devs.

Cite recent happenings, like the Texas A&M Commerce professor who failed his entire class to show the issue’s relevancy. As a student, you’re pretty familiar with AI developments. You might even have experienced it first-hand. Stop and think about AI’s broader implications via your essay.

Genetic engineering has always been a controversial subject. Since you’re an older student, you’ve probably had debates about this in class or with friends. To better understand the issue, construct a well-researched, argumentative essay on genetic engineering and the ethics that surround it.

As a student and a general public member, you are not just an observer of what happens in society. You are an active participant in social dynamics. So, for this prompt, opt for a cause-and-effect essay where you analyze how collective actions and thinking shape societies. Support your thoughts with evidence and share your realizations.

For this prompt, start by defining freedom of expression and comparing it with censorship. Then, present cases (preferably recent ones) to explain why censorship is necessary or repressive. This will help you create an informative essay that educates your readers.

In your essay, answer the question: “Is technology helpful or detrimental to education?” As a student, you’re at the center of this revolution. For instance, online classes are more prevalent now than some years ago. Submitting soft copies of papers online wasn’t even a thing then. Write an expository essay about whether technology aids or hampers your learning process.

If you want to write a thought-provoking descriptive essay, consider this prompt: There are unique cultures. But should these cultures remain exclusive? Think about your own culture and what it means to you. Would you like to share your culture? It’s time to share your thoughts and experiences.

In the same essay, you can also mention cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation. Talk about these ideas’ differences and similarities.

Persuasive Essay Topics for Older Students

Persuasive essays work to convince a reader of the writer’s point of view. These topics lend themselves well to a great essay that focuses on persuasion.

Fast food kids meals target young consumers, and soda is often included. Making junk food a way of life contributes to childhood obesity, and this topic could explore alternatives to soda for these kid-centered meals.

When people enter a country illegally, putting them in jail does not solve the problem. Instead, alternative punishments or even help with attaining legal immigrant status can reduce the strain on an overloaded system while also helping these individuals become part of society. 

Babies need breast milk to survive, yet many places in society frown on women feeding their babies in public. This essay  will  explore why this is an outdated and unhealthy idea.

The best topics for persuasive essays are ones that are a little controversial. Gun control fits the bill well, and it can be a good topic for an essay. Other topics include alcohol, drugs and, in some cases, religion. That said, it depends on the nature of your students and school.

All the students can typically point to an occasion or life event when their worldview or concept changed. Ask them to write about a defining life experience.

This essay topic is for older students and adult learners who can take a thoughtful but critical stance on the role of religion in schools today. Should it be taught or removed from schools, and why?

The average American produces 1,704 pounds of garbage per year. Most of this is thrown in landfills, which can be equally as damaging to the environment as littering. Oceans are also filled with plastic that negatively affects the lives of marine life.

However, if we can recycle all that waste, we won’t damage the environment. This essay topic encourages older students to research recycling and the pros and cons of making it mandatory. 

Getting a tertiary education is essential. It allows you to learn a marketable skill that other people pay you for. 

However, private colleges are becoming more common, leading people to think that these institutions are more focused on making money.

When writing about this topic, students need to research the cost of college tuition, how this high price negatively impacts their adult lives, and how the government can fix it.

Through this prompt, explore and express the value of creativity and aesthetics in one’s learning. Explain why art is essential. How does it influence your learning and perception of the world? Consider this: art is a medium of expression and critical thinking. To write this essay effectively, identify, describe, and reflect on different art forms. You can also focus on art forms that you’ve experienced.

Have you ever looked at the night sky and wondered what’s out there? Space exploration is all about the curiosity to discover the unknown. In your essay, go beyond rockets or astronauts and highlight man’s thirst for knowledge.

Start with the historical record of space exploration. Mention how it started and how it became possible. You can even include its milestone achievements. Then, move on to experts’ predictions on the future of space exploration. Discuss its benefits to humans, common challenges, and implications for our future.

Let’s now jump to another vital global discourse. Are you aware of the environmental and economic connotations of renewable energy? You may be young now, but you’re not a stranger to the problems of this planet. Through this prompt, you can become a part of the solution. In your essay, define and discuss different types of renewable energy. Underscore their potential, pros, and cons versus traditional energy sources.

Have you ever wondered where your clothes come from and where they end up? Sadly, most of us consume fast fashion. But have you considered fast fashion’s environmental consequences?

In your essay, identify facts about fast fashion. Credible sources should support these facts so readers can realize how detrimental it is to the environment. Review the lifecycle of a typical fast fashion item. Include the environmental cost at each stage. Then, look for ways to promote sustainable fashion choices.

Today, social media dominates our lives. But have you thought about how it affects how you view your body image? This is a sensitive issue, but timely nonetheless.

For this prompt, voice your experiences and insights about social media and the unrealistic body standards it presents. By doing so, you can help others navigate through the maze of internet likes and shares. Talk about how social networking services impact how people view themselves, including their self-esteem. Then, offer ways on how to circumvent these problems.

It’s a fact today that most of our relationships start and are maintained online. But does this virtual connection hamper real-life relationships?

Through your essay, explore the link between social media and interpersonal relationships. You can tell it from your perspective. How have your relationships evolved in the age of social media? Review the dynamics of online friendships, mentioning the blurred lines between the virtual and real world. It would be useful to talk to someone you know who remembers a time before mobile phones and social media, which only became prevalent in recent decades.

Sadly, the rise of social networks also gives bullies more channels to hurt others. Now, they can also hide behind screens. In your essay, define cyberbullying and its effects on the victim’s mental health. You can even include real-life cases for illustration. End your paper by presenting measures to prevent cyberbullying.  

The education system needs some updating. If you want to delve into this issue, use a prompt that critiques its current methods. One of the most timely is standardized testing. What’s your take on it? Does it measure intelligence, or is it merely rote learning? List the pros and cons of standardized testing from your perspective as a student. Write as if you want to spark a conversation about educational reform.

At your age, you’ve probably experienced the evolution of video games first-hand. If you’re a gamer, have you ever questioned how it influenced your behavior? What about your peers?

For this prompt, focus on the psychological aspects of gaming. Mention the impact of different gaming genres on mental health and behavior. Don’t just talk about the adverse effects. It’s best to also consider the potential benefits of gaming as a learning tool.

Compare and Contrast Essays for Older Students

This type of essay compares two like or unlike things, drawing ways they are the same or different. It’s useful as it provides a structure for aspiring essayists that they can use to outline a longer work. Some ideas include:

Which has more value, homework or assignments completed in class? This essay topic will explore the contrast between these two types of school assignments. For fun, give it to students to complete in class… and then ask them to revise it at home.

Social media can keep people connected, but the increased push for social media connection can detract from in-person communication. This essay will explore the contrast between the two types of communication.

Both exercise and diet play a role in health. This essay  will  explore the impact of both through the education system.

Older students and adult learners can remember a time before we spend so much time. Is life any better now that we spend so much time connected to the Internet? This essay explores what it means to be constantly connected.

Right side of the brain thinkers are typically more creative and artistic. The left side of the brain thinkers are analytical and mathematical. What’s more valuable in today’s society? What can each type learn from its counterpart? And are you truly one type exclusively?

Caffeine is a staple for many students and workers. It gives you a boost of energy in the morning, which allows you to get more done. It also helps if you have a test coming up and need to study hard.

However, larger amounts of caffeine are known to cause heart palpitations, anxiety, and increased stress.

In this essay, students look at the benefits and drawbacks of tea and coffee. It empowers them with knowledge on when to limit their consumption.

Fashion is constantly changing. What looked cool 20 years ago might look weird today. Older students will also notice how their fashion choices changed from middle school to high school and from high school to college.

In this essay, students talk about what causes this change and how long it takes for the public to accept a specific style.

You’ve likely used ebooks and physical books for your studies and hobbies. In your essay, use your experience to analyze these different reading mediums. Are you an avid Kindle user? Or do you thrive on the feel of a physical book? Write about relevant aspects like convenience, feel, accessibility, and cost. Always support your arguments with personal anecdotes and factual data.

Do you live in the city or the outskirts? Both have pros and cons. If you’ve always been a city student, maybe you’ve wondered what life is like on the other side. If so, then this prompt lets you delve into these contrasting lifestyles.

Feel free to discuss factors such as access to amenities, social interactions, and lifestyle choices. Try to visualize and put yourself in both scenarios to offer an authentic perspective.

There’s been a divide between traditional and digital art for a long time. In this prompt, uncover the why . Consider aspects like skill set, accessibility, impact, and audience reach. Then, add your thoughts on the issue. Are you drawn to the authenticity of traditional art? Or do you admire the versatility of digital art? Bring in your observations and experiences to make your essay stand out.

You might still be a student, but you’ve thought about what your job will be like in the future, right? Then, have you ever wondered about the benefits of being your boss versus the security of a full-time job? Explore these contrasting work styles. By the end of your essay, you will also better understand what awaits you after graduation.

Talk about job stability, work-life balance, income potential, and personal growth. You can draw on real-life examples from people you know.

For a more intriguing essay, explore different philosophical frameworks. Are you drawn to Western philosophy’s empirical approach? Or do you prefer Eastern thought’s spiritual aspects? Explore themes such as the self, ethics, knowledge, and reality. Then, compare how these philosophies approach these ideas differently. This is your chance to show off your critical thinking skills.

Another complicated but interesting prompt is analyzing two contrasting political systems, democracy and dictatorship. Inspect how each system impacts citizens’ rights, economic development, social equality, and international relations. Don’t shy away from using historical and current examples to solidify your arguments.

Are you an introvert, extrovert, or something in between? Picking this topic will not only give you an exciting essay. You will also learn more about yourself. This encourages you to delve into the psychological aspects of these personality types.

In your essay, analyze how these traits affect one’s social interactions, career choices, and personal well-being. Be critical of stereotypes and delve into the potential benefits and challenges of both.

Have you ever dreamed of living and working abroad? Or do you want to stay where you are now, close to home? Here, you can explore the pros and cons of working or leaving your home country. Mention cultural exposure, career opportunities, and personal growth. Contrast it with the challenges of adapting to a new environment.

Science fiction and fantasy are both popular, even today. Why not when it opens doors to various imaginations? For your essay, dive into why these genres are favored and highlight their unique characteristics. Include their societal implications and why they appeal to certain readers.

Debate has been raging on the implications of public and private healthcare systems. These debates often concern a country’s economy and its citizens’ lives. When writing this essay, you can use your personal experience or rely on secondary research. Discuss aspects like accessibility, cost, quality of care, and efficiency. For this prompt, add real-world examples and facts to strengthen your arguments.

Narrative Essay Topics for Older Students

Sometimes, an everyday life experience can make great essay material, and writing about your own life means less risk of plagiarism. Here are some ideas:

The first day of school in a new school can be the fodder for a number of personal stories about school life and the social aspects of it. Writers can capture those emotions in this type of essay. It’s also a suitable type of essay to write as it can serve as a gateway into other types of writing, like a memoir.

If someone did something for you once that really stood out, transform that into an essay topic. You will enjoy remembering the action while creating your essay.

What you did or didn’t do on your summer vacation as a child can be a great starting point for a narrative essay. Older students can use this essay prompt to write about past experiences and reflect on them beyond simply reporting.

Peer pressure can be positive or negative, but everyone has experienced it. This essay will explore a time when peer pressure made you do something or not do something and what the effect of that decision was.

Was this change in your life for the best or the worst, and how did you respond? Describe in detail.

When you first met your mentor, teacher or guide. How did you respond to them, and what did they have to show you? Similarly, a student could also write an essay about a teacher they shunned or turned away from.

When waking up in the morning, we all strive to have the perfect day. Ask students what their perfect day will look like, what activities they’d do, and with whom.

By being as descriptive as possible, students picture the perfect day in their minds. This improves students’ storytelling skills and helps them structure events in chronological order.

This fun experiment gives students insight into how reliant they are on technology and how their lives will look without it.

By imagining this week in their heads, it’ll give them an idea of what other activities they’ll engage in. This could be working out, socializing, or learning a new skill.

Rejection is something everyone must face at some point. Few things are scarier than rejection. But when you overcome it, you get a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

For example, this could be asking that cute guy or girl out on a date or applying for a job at your dream company.

Are you interested in writing an essay while also self-reflecting? When you use this prompt, you also demonstrate your tenacity to overcome obstacles. Think back to any fear you have had. It doesn’t matter if they’re big or small as long as they shape your character.

Begin your essay by describing the fear you had and why. Then, narrate what you did to overcome it. Remember to discuss the aftermath and the personal growth you experienced.

Losing a pet is a personal experience. How you handled your emotions at that time shows your nature. When you write your essay, paint a vivid picture of your pet by describing quirks and traits. Explain how losing a pet changed you; don’t avoid the pain. Then, talk about your grieving process and eventual acceptance.

Did someone come to mind when you read the prompt? It’s unsurprising if they did, considering that every person has that one person who left a significant impact on their life. 

For your essay, choose and write about that individual who helps you appreciate life. Give specific details, such as when they made you realize something, and then connect them to how their teachings shaped you. This prompt also allows students to reflect on their character description and development. 

For a fun narrative essay, share the moment you felt the most embarrassed. You don’t have to be specific about it; you can instead focus on what you felt then and how you cope during that awkward situation. You can also mention what you think of the memory now that you’re looking back at it. Is it as embarrassing as you’ve thought back then?

Here is a medium to exhibit your ethics and the strength of your convictions. For this prompt, narrate the situation and explain why you must stand up. What were your thoughts during that moment? Talk about your emotions then and the consequences you’ve faced, if any. Mention how the experience shaped your approach to similar situations.

Is there any invention that made you go, “Ah, I wish I thought of that before!” It can be because of the fame that came with it, the profit, or just the sheer genius of its inventor. Select an invention that fascinates you and explain why it interests you. Think of why you wish you’d come up with it. Talk about its impact on the world and how it aligns with your interests or passions.

Friendships often form in the most unexpected places and situations. For this prompt, highlight your openness to diverse experiences and people.

In your essay, describe the circumstances that led to this unexpected friendship. Add why you found it so surprising. Speak about the qualities you appreciate in your friend and include how this relationship has affected your life. Your objective is to encourage others to broaden their social circles.

For this prompt, share a turning point in your life that set your future course. Present a comprehensive account of the event or decision that significantly impacted your future by mentioning factors that influenced it. Add your thoughts and feelings then and how things have unfolded since then.

Informative Essay Topics for Older Students

Sometimes, the goal of an essay is not to persuade but to inform. Informative or expository essay topics need to have a lot of information behind them so students have something to write about. These topics lend themselves well to that:

Global warming has many effects, and this essay  will  explore those thoroughly. The goal is to inform, not persuade or create change.

Exploring the causes behind a global war, like World War II, can create a long essay. You can spin this essay topic easily enough by picking other historical events.

Racism is a hot topic today, and this essay will explore how it can often hide in someone’s way of thinking. 

A popular essay topic in many philosophy and art classes, this is an open-ended subject. A student can use it to explore their personal philosophy and develop their critical thinking skills.

Check out this list for other philosophy questions .

Becoming a better writer means spending a lot of time reading great books. One of the best ways to encourage reading is asking readers and students to reflect on why they love reading what they learned from previous books. It’s good subject matter for an essay too.

Many people are skeptical and or don’t trust news produced by journalists. But are they right? Surely there is a bar between trustworthy and untrustworthy sources? In this essay, explore how to tell good journalism apart from bad journalism.

When testing products to see if it’s safe for humans, scientists will run tests on animals. However, this testing isn’t only cruel but ineffective. Animals don’t get certain diseases that humans do. This includes HIV, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and certain types of cancers.

In this essay, students must conduct research and present a case for why animal testing is unethical.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 to 24. This is a complex topic since there could be several different factors at play. Some of these include bullying, abuse, and traumatic stress.

When writing this essay, students will be encouraged to dig deeper into the main reasons why teenagers commit suicide and how we can help them as a community. This spreads awareness and gets people to take positive action.

How much do you know about the United Nations? This prompt will test your knowledge of international relations and politics as you have to pen a paper that’s easy to understand. Include the intricacies of global leadership and peacekeeping by explaining the critical functions of the UN. Then, add how it helps society and how its efforts benefit you as a student.

Where did the internet come from? How did it develop to be what it is today? In your essay, recall the history of the World Wide Web and its profound impact on our daily lives. As an older student, you’ve lived through some of the internet’s transformative phases. How has that shaped the way you live, work, or study? Answer all of these in your paper.

Many people still get confused about handling their incomes, budgets, and expenses. In your essay, explain why many fumble their finances. Include how understanding one’s finances matters now more than ever.

For a more relatable paper, you can narrate your personal journey towards financial literacy. You can also analyze current financial trends and their implications for the average person.

Technology has revolutionized healthcare, so it’ll always be a timely topic. For this prompt, delve into the impact of technological advancements on health and medicine. It’s a brilliant way to explore subjects like telemedicine or electronic health records. You can even include the role of AI in disease diagnosis.

Have you noticed more electric vehicles on the road recently? In your essay, analyze the surge in popularity of electric vehicles. Add their environmental impact and the technological advances that have made them viable. Don’t forget to include your thoughts on a future dominated by electric vehicles.

If you have a TV show you’re fond of, then you can talk about it in your essay. Explore the show’s central themes, character developments, and narrative techniques. It might even give you an excuse to rewatch your favorite series!

Parlez-vous Français? If you have a second language or are interested in learning one someday, this prompt is for you. Remember to focus your essay on the benefits of bilingualism or multilingualism. If you have any, include your memories of learning a new language. You can also ask others who speak more than one language about their experiences. Add the challenges, triumphs, and doors it has opened for you.

Today, there is the question of whether we’re doing enough to address mental health. In your paper, be open and talk about the stigma around mental health issues. You can opt to share your personal experiences or observations. Then, don’t forget to add the consequences of ignoring mental health. It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and promote empathy.

Whether you are a high school student writing an essay for homework or you are sitting down to write a college essay as you apply for school, procrastination often occurs because you do not know what to write about. Having a list of topics  handy will help. 

To choose a topic, first, decide what type of essay you need to write. Then, browse this list of writing topics to find one that is interesting to you, or use the list to think of a different, similar topic. Soon, you will have an essay that is engaging and informative and can showcase your writing abilities well. 

If you need more inspiration, check out our guide to the 101+ best writing prompts .

FAQs About the Best Essay Writing Topics

Persuasive essays require a controversial topic in order to give the writer the freedom to write in a persuasive manner. Some good topics for these essays include: Soda in fast food meals Breastfeeding in public Using jail to deter illegal immigrants Banning cell phones for young children

Some good topics for an essay include: Gun control Social media Personal experiences Health Social issues A life event

What is a Personal Essay?

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Maria Caballero is a freelance writer who has been writing since high school. She believes that to be a writer doesn't only refer to excellent syntax and semantics but also knowing how to weave words together to communicate to any reader effectively.

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Interesting High School Argumentative Essay Topics

September 21, 2022

Argumentative essays are meant to convince the readers concerning the facts, value conclusions, and arguments shared by the writer. The main elements that should be considered when writing good argumentative essays include establishing facts that support the main arguments.

The Second element is to clarify the values relevant to the intended audience.

There is also a need to ensure that the values and facts are placed coherently and cohesively; this requires students to prioritize their ideas and edit them in the right sequence. Many high school students find argumentative essay writing a major challenge.

They do not know how to ensure that their points are persuasive enough.

Argumentative Essay Writing

It is important to know that writing essays should not be a matter of informing the readers of what they know, ensuring that they believe and be convinced of the issues being presented. For one to write argumentative essays, a student needs to present the objectives of their analysis by presenting the topic’s key ideas, concepts, and issues.

This is the introduction part that will help the reader know the controversial issues of the subject. The opening section will also give the readers a clue about the position the writer is supporting; this is possible by writing a thesis statement.

Waste a Lot of Time

Essay writing is challenging, but the other most important thing is the topics you select for your essays. Many students can usually write their essays and term papers effectively. Still, they waste a lot of time on the title, thinking that it makes their deadlines closer which can cost their academic lives difficult in the long term.

It would help if you found some interesting high school argumentative essay topics before writing your essays and term papers.

Here is a high school argumentative essay topic list:

Essay Topics for High School Students:

• Is there life after demise?
• How much is too much homework?
• Are school uniforms good or bad idea?
• Does television influence your intellect?
• Is our society male-dominated, or do we practice equal sharing?
• Should fathers get paid paternity leave from work as well?
• Is there any dissimilarity between illegal drugs and cigarettes?
• Is keeping newspaper reporters’ sources a secret ethical?
• Is global warming real? And Global warming, fact or fiction.
• Since some religious groups are not resistant to atheists, should nonbelievers be large-minded of such religious communities?
• Is cloning good or bad?
• Should abortion be legal?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Do we follow a fair taxation system?
• Arguments for and against euthanasia.
• Should cell phones be allowed in schools?
• Are prisons the only way to eliminate crime?
• Can curfews help keep teenagers out of trouble?

Thus, to write some top-drawer essays and term papers, you must select or note down some of the topics mentioned above for the essays and term papers. This way, you would be able to make the best out of your skills. Also, a complete revision is necessary at the end of the task.

It helps to rectify the mistakes committed.

Elevate your essay writing experience with our advanced essay generator . It’s designed to provide insightful and well-crafted arguments on a wide range of high school topics.

It should also include a separate page with proper references and citations at the end.

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117 Great Persuasive Essay Topics for High School Level Students

When working on any essay, the first thing you’ll have to figure out is your topic. In high school, you are supposed to pick the kind of topic you will be able to dig into — that is, you have to make sure you can find enough info on the subject. Sure, today it seems that getting your hands on any kind of information is simple and question how long is a thesis isn't on the table yet. Still, you have to remember that apart from being available, the info you discuss should be engaging. So, that’s something to think about.

Argumentative and persuasive essays are most commonly assigned to high school students. So, there are plenty of papers in public domains that are written in one of these styles — and you can take a look at those if you need some inspiration. When working on an argumentative paper, for example, a student is supposed to present two polar different opinions on the subject and present enough evidence to support each point of view. But simply discussing two sides of the argument is not enough — a writer should also come up with a comprehensible conclusion. The same goes for persuasive essays — after all, the student’s primary goal here is to persuade the reader in his/her point of view.

In fact, a lot of argumentative essays are actually persuasive papers. So, if you’ve written at least one of those, you'll know how to write the other one. If you haven’t, here is a tip for you: choose a topic you feel strongly about. This is the certain way to make sure you will have enough ideas for a truly engaging paper; and, since you feel strongly about the subject, it will be way easier to prove your point of view to the reader.

Another word of advice while choosing a persuasive essay topic is to pick something that would be neither too broad, nor too narrow. Remember that most high school papers are no longer than five pages (often, even shorter than that), so it’s best to choose just one question and focus on it in your work. Also, remember that you will have to provide some factual evidence for your opinion (after all, any academic paper should be supported by academically recognized sources), so do not go for subjects that are purely opinionated and do not have any chance of justification.

Now that we’ve highlighted how important choosing a persuasive topic is for a student, let’s give you some great topic ideas to get you started.

50 Simple Essay Topics for High School

• How can a person overcome fear?
• Describe a piece of art (book, painting, poem) that changed your life.
• Should students evaluate their teachers?
• Do standardized tests really reveal student knowledge?
• Should there be extra incentives for good grades at school?
• Should Gym classes be obligatory?
• Should we make our school calendar longer?
• Can a class size influence student performance?
• Should schools punish inappropriate student behavior?
• Is there a connection between real-life violence and video games?
• Should illegal immigrants’ children get an education?
• Is there a way to deal with bullies in schools?
• How reality TV is enforcing dangerous stereotypes
• Is pop culture encouraging students not to pursue education?
• White lies: what are they and should we really believe them to be innocent?
• Should violent video games be sold to minors?
• Using cell phones for education: the pros and cons
• Should we conceal our real identities on the web?
• Technology: distraction or a bonus?
• Educational apps: how helpful are they?
• Should everyone go for a college education?
• The role of affirmative action in the modern world
• College admission criteria: is there anything else apart from SAT?
• The skinny model stereotype and its pressure on average girls
• Do we really have equal rights for men and women?
• Why so few girls pursue careers in exact sciences?
• Stopping sexual abuse against young women
• Should sports bets be legalized?
• Can cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Homosexual rights for sportsmen
• The role of sports in our world
• Are sports in the US too commercialized?
• The benefits of local sports franchises
• Should colleges pay their baseball players?
• The debate of the naming rights
• How should we treat juvenile offenders?
• Pros and cons of death penalty
• Leadership and the moral obligations that come with it
• A cure against mass shootings
• Should we change our gun control policy?
• Is there too much digital censorship these days?
• Should rich people pay higher taxes?
• Government and the confidence we place in it
• Privacy Vs. Security: which one comes first?
• Should the US monitor its allies and citizens?
• Should students be able to pick their teachers?
• Is it reasonable to lower the voting age?
• How important is fashion?
• The appropriate dating age
• Can older generation learn from the new one?

50 Persuasive topic ideas for high school

• The pros and cons of allowing cell phones in schools
• Free state college attendance for the state residents
• The pros and cons of marijuana treatment
• Is death penalty justifiable for violent offenders?
• Should illegal immigrants be granted same rights as citizens?
• Airport security: do we really need that many screenings?
• Should we allow birth control for minors?
• Free condoms at schools: atrocity or necessity?
• Should schools separate gym grades from the grade list?
• Free wi-fi in the cities: pros and cons
• How often should teachers pass qualification tests?
• Universal wealthy: how reasonable it is in the US realia?
• Animal product testing: ethical vs. practical
• Civil unions: should the government recognize them?
• Is it reasonable to keep suspected terrorists under custody?
• Should students be allowed to bring their music players to school?
• Can we charge plus size citizens double ticket fair?
• Corporate lobbyists and political campaigns: is their support legal?
• Should school dedicate more attention to world religions?
• Introducing obligatory community service in schools
• Is it safe to keep exotic pets?
• Cellphones in the classroom: should the teachers have them?
• Violent crimes and minors: should the government treat them as adults?
• Should we legalize euthanasia?
• Should federal government control and restrict certain content on the Internet?
• Sexual education as an obligatory subject in high schools
• Should ESL students pass state tests in their native languages?
• Can digital devices replace traditional textbooks?
• Is it reasonable to test professional sportsmen for drugs?
• Should corporate advertising be allowed in schools?
• Can students and over be friends on social media?
• How ethical it is to use stem cells from aborted children for the research?
• Should the USA spend more time on internal affairs and less on overseas issues?
• Drunk driving: should we enforce stricter punishment?
• Is it ethical for a rape victim to go for an abortion?
• Driving without a seat-belt: should it be considered a crime?
• Is it necessary for high school sportsmen to take drug tests?
• Should schools increase their budgets by selling food and drinks to students?
• Is it ethical to advertise alcohol on TV?
• Should foreign goods be taxed higher than internal products?
• Free bus rides for seniors: do we need them?
• Should the government ban sports betting?
• Should the government lower the budget for schools that show weak results on SAT?
• Would it be reasonable to euthanize dogs that have shown aggressive behavior towards people?
• Should we introduce government censorship on certain online content?
• Should we lower the minimal working age to 14 years old?
• The pros and cons of wearing uniforms in schools
• Should we allow getting a driving permit starting the age of 21?
• Should schools introduce fast food in their menus?
• Should booster seats for children be made obligatory?

12 Controversial Topics for School

• Are there any moral grounds that can justify torture?
• Should we consider police cameras an invasion of our privacy?
• Should we ban tobacco once and for all?
• Is the access to condoms affecting teenage irresponsible behavior?
• Is the mankind really responsible for global warming?
• Is it reasonable to teach creationism in schools?
• How fair is our election process?
• Should fathers get a paternity leave just as mothers do?
• Are parents disrupting their children’s privacy by posting photos online?
• Is advertising to children ethical?
• Is average CEO salary justifiable?
• Should the army promote their programs to high school students?

Best Topics for high school that are interesting and fun to read

• The positive aspects of rivalry
• The matter of age in a relationship
• Is boredom is the surest way to trouble?
• Should we increase or lower the drinking age?
• Are the college tuition fees too high?

Those are some of the most interesting, opinionated essay topics for high school level. The biggest perk of the above examples is that most of them are based on a student’s opinion. At the same time, most of these topics presuppose some research — so any idea you’re proving will not be without confirmation. If you want to get more inspiration check out exploratory essay topics as well.

The final word of advice would be to pay your attention not only to the topic you choose but also to the way you present and organize your ideas. Do not forget that any essay should have an intro, main body and conclusion. The main body should be divided into a series of logically connected paragraphs, each presenting a certain point.

Finally, if you are to write and essay but have little knowledge or interest in the subject, do not forget that there are plenty of custom essay writers that will gladly do the job for you. Perhaps, the toughest thing to do when looking for an essay writing service or lab report example is determining which of them are reliable and which are not. But, with a little bit of time and patience (and attention to detail, of course), you will have no problem figuring out which service is worth a shot. A tip: these companies usually have a great number of positive customer reviews, are available through multiple support channels and have no problem sharing useful information for free.

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Teenagers on Saying ‘Like’

Do filler words — “like,” “um,” “you know” — improve our communication or get in the way of it? Here’s what students think.

By The Learning Network

In “ Where Did Our Strange Use of ‘Like’ Come From? ” the Opinion columnist John McWhorter explores the evolution of the word “like,” a filler word that he says took “its confident perch in American English” in the late 1970s. Before then, people simply paused between thoughts.

We invited students to reflect on their use of filler words — “like,” “um,” “you know,” “sort of” — and discuss whether these verbal tics improve our communication or get in the way of it. Some jumped to the defense of “like”; others said there was power in silence; and some argued for a healthy level of restraint.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the conversation on our writing prompts this week, including students from Concordia Christian Academy in Tacoma, Wash. , and W.T. Clarke High School in Westbury, N.Y.

Please note: Student comments have been lightly edited for length, but otherwise appear as they were originally submitted.

Some teenagers defended the use of filler words.

Most people in this generation don’t notice when filler words are used. They serve as a tool to communicate that someone might not be done speaking their thoughts. The space that older generations were used to might’ve been normal then and not meant someone was done speaking but that’s different now. If you were to leave a space now it would mean you’re done even if you’re not. That’s why filler words are useful, it gives you time to think about what you’re saying without being interrupted. It makes the conversation less awkward and helps with the flow of it; sometimes you need a “like” to remind you of an important point in your argument.

— Aline, Concordia Christian Academy

I feel as though filler words are used so it can make conversations less awkward and let the other person know you’re thinking about what to say next instead of sitting in silence. I feel like the less filler words you use, the better you sound as a speaker, however, in some conversations they are hard to avoid.

— Nora, Valley Stream North High School

I use filler words when speaking, especially “like.” I didn’t realize how much I used it until someone pointed out that I say “like” almost every other word. Fillers allow us to convey our thoughts and put them into words. They show whoever we are talking to that we are slightly struggling to describe what we mean, and I think that when I know someone is struggling to describe something, I actually understand what they mean better. I do not necessarily think that filler words are a negative thing, I think they are just part of our language.

— Angelina, Franklin Square, NY

Going to a highly competitive high school, sometimes using informal jargon in a class situation helps alleviate tension when talking to an unfamiliar classmate. I really do love to use my soundbites and I don’t see a reason for giving them up. Using discretion with when to insert a soundbite is important. The more often I use the word, the quicker it becomes annoying to me and the people around me. I feel that using filler words is just a way to personalize my conversations. I want the people around me to feel comfortable and removing formality from small moments can help me build closer bonds and foster greater connections.

— K.T., Fountain Valley High School

English speakers have actually evolved to use filler words in order to soften the delivery of their speech. For example, in recorded conversations from the 1960s and before, English speakers often paused between their words, rather than using filler words, which causes their speech to sound jerky to today’s generation of English speakers. Given that many English speaking countries are known for their people-pleasing tendencies, it makes sense that speakers would use filler words to increase fluidity and decrease dramatic effect. While over 50% of the boomer generation consider younger groups to be unintelligent and “slow” for using filler words, the new way of speaking actually demonstrates a different type of intelligence: social intelligence. As nice as it would be to be capable of speaking quickly and fluidly without using filler words, not many people have that ability. Though some may consider not using filler words as the more intelligent way to speak, it actually comes across as slow and lacking fluidity — which is much worse than a cohesive, effective sentence that has a couple “likes” or “sort-ofs” in it.

— Miller, Hartselle High School

I find myself constantly using filler words and it disrupts and pauses a conversation. My mom always mentions it but I think it is because I have so many responses I want to respond to, that I can’t even finish one so I use filler words to try and stop myself from just spilling out everything all at once. I also use a lot of filler words when presenting something, even when I have the words right in front of me. This is probably because of nerves …

— Lukas, Abington

Others cautioned against them.

Think about the greatest speeches you can think of. Is it by JFK, MLK, or maybe FDR? Apart from all of these names being acronyms, there is one thing you may notice that is similar with all of them. Their speeches rely on the power of silence. To be able to withstand the tension in the air as nothing is said, to be able to let the yourself form the sentence before you say it, to be able speak with intention.

What you say becomes more important and how you say it becomes more clear. It may seem like a small thing to remove these umm’s and uhh’s but in reality, it makes a world of difference.

— Sean, Fountain Valley High School

Although individuals such as myself have the tendency to unconsciously use filler words, many should note that pausing quietly until one is able to gather their thoughts and speak again, especially in a formal setting, seems to be a much more deferential way to hold conversations rather than showing restlessness even if it may relieve some pressure from the conversation.

— Dann, Glenbard West High School

As I’ve been trying to deal with speech fillers, I’ve realized there’s more to it than just the usual suspects like “um” and “like.” I tend to rely on phrases like “I believe,” “essentially” and “maybe.” It’s like I’ve picked up a unique version of this problem, less obvious but still potentially troublesome in important moments. I have a feeling I might’ve picked up this habit from a friend who talks similarly. While some might think fillers are no big deal, this version sometimes makes me doubt myself when I’m speaking in more serious/professional occasions. But, I’ve also noticed times when I use such phrases they help me explain things better or ensure that others understand what I’m saying.

Maybe with some self-reflection and practice, I can kick this habit and speak more confidently and clearly.

— Adaobi, Valley Stream North

To me filler words are just like any other word. They have meaning when you deliberately place meaning in them but when you use them to fill natural silence in your conversation they become superficial and hinder communication. In the end the reason we speak is to communicate our ideas. When the words we use get in the way of that clearly something needs to change. To some extent filler words can be a part of your identity as a communicator but I think they have become overused in the teenage repertoire. It’s better to say few meaningful words than a lot of filler ones.

— Daisy, Independent Hill

One group of students debated how filler words make us sound.

I think filler words serve as a pausing moment for people to gather their thoughts and formulate their next words. I think they can help in conversations by emphasizing what you are trying to say but can also hinder meaningful conversations because it makes the speaker sound hesitant.

— Nia, Valley stream north

@Nia It is also hard for me to stop using the word “like.” I think this is because we typically use “like” in informal conversations, and it helps us convey our ideas more clearly, while providing comfort to the person you are talking to. If I don’t use words such as “like” in a conversation, sometimes I fear I sound unfriendly or robotic. So, I think using filler words occasionally doesn’t hurt anyone. — Harnoor, Valley Stream North High School @Nia I totally agree. I feel that using filler words makes the conversation flow more smoothly. However, in a more professional setting such as when one is giving a presentation, I think pausing between thoughts is better. Overall, the presenter could better convey their confidence and understanding of the topic that way. Although, in this situation, one has most likely reviewed and practiced what they should say. So, it may be easier to avoid filler words than it would be in a conversation. — Sumaiyah, Yilmaz

Several urged healthy restraint when it comes to these verbal tics.

The right amount of filler words can allow for better comprehension and add subtle breaks in communication. However, the overuse of filler words can make the communication a little confusing and hard to follow. This is when it poses negative effects to communication, and it requires further explanation.

— Jazmyn, Valley Stream, NY

In discussions of filler words, one controversial issue has been the formality of using them. On one hand, some might argue that they allow for people to think of what they are going to say next and use them to fill in the time they use to think. On the other hand, others would argue that they are disruptive and are not needed to fill in for pauses in conversations. My own view is that the use of filler words are okay if they are not constantly being repeated. I personally think I use filler words too much, but in moderation, it is okay.

— Emily, Glen Ellyn

And a few suggested ways to reduce our use of “like” and “um.”

Like most people, I use filler words throughout my speaking because I immediately start trying to respond to a question or a previous comment and I haven’t fully thought through my response. That leads me to stop mid-sentence to think about what else I am going to say. It is not bad to do it every so often, but everyone should take the time to formulate their idea in their head more in order to minimize the filler words. I noticed when I prepare a presentation or speech for school, I use little to no filler words, as I am way more prepared on what I am saying. The same goes for many others when they give speeches and it enhances it, making it stronger. To get that time, I think I will be using phrases like “give me a second to think about that” or “I need a moment to think about that more,” which will give me more time to process my thoughts. Others should use tactics like this as those tactics will lead to less likes and ums.

— Nik, Mclean

I’ve noticed that filler words, such as “um,” “like,” and “you know,” tend to slip into my speech quite frequently. It often happens when I’m pausing to collect my thoughts or transitioning between ideas. While they serve as convenient placeholders, they make my speech sound broken if I use too many. I’ve started paying closer attention to their presence in my speech and try not to use “like” as much. I like to try and think about what to say before speaking to avoid using filler words. When writing an assignment or doing a presentation I avoid filler words altogether to appear more professional.

— Navrosedip, Valley Stream North High School

In the end, the topic of how language evolves struck some students as, like, really interesting. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.)

I would say that Mr. McWhorter’s essay makes a persuasive argument. He counters the argument that “like” represents uncertainty among young people by underlining the fact that previous generations have been using the same filler word. He also makes a strong point about our tendency to speak with restraint; filler words can help reduce the “drama level” of a conversation. The essay does spark my curiosity about the development of language. I think an interesting aspect of human communication to learn about would be colloquialism; I think it’d be interesting to learn the origins of everyday terms or phrases.

— Noa, Valley Stream North HS

I found it interesting how the initial use was not intended to be a pause. It was more likely used as a quirk to define a character in a film. However, it has become so engraved in society that many people use that word instead of just pausing their sentence like how they did in the 1960’s. This also brings me to another interesting topic: the evolution of language. If a whole generation of people were impacted by a single word in such a short span of time (about forty years), how much will language change in the future? And how much has it changed since the past?

— LS, Fountain Valley High School

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