160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

argumentative essay topics

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

  • Introduction
  • Supporting body paragraphs
  • Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

  • Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
  • Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
  • Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
  • Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
  • Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
  • Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
  • Do the transitions flow smoothly?
  • Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
  • Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

  • Read your work aloud to yourself.
  • Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
  • Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
  • Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

  • Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
  • Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
  • Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
  • Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
  • Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
  • Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
  • Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
  • Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
  • Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
  • Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
  • Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
  • Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
  • Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
  • Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
  • Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
  • Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

  • Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
  • Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
  • To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
  • Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
  • Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
  • Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
  • What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
  • Should schools push to abolish homework?
  • Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
  • Should universities do away with Greek life?
  • Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
  • Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
  • Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
  • Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
  • Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
  • Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
  • Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
  • Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
  • Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
  • Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
  • Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
  • Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
  • Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
  • Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
  • Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
  • Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
  • Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
  • Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
  • Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
  • Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
  • Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
  • Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
  • Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
  • Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
  • Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
  • Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
  • Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
  • Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
  • Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
  • Should women be allowed into special forces units?
  • Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
  • Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
  • Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
  • Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
  • Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
  • Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
  • In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
  • Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
  • Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
  • Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
  • Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
  • Should organ donation be mandatory?
  • Is cloning animals ethical?
  • Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
  • Is surrogacy ethical?
  • Should birth control require a prescription?
  • Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
  • Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

  • Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
  • Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
  • Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
  • Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
  • Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
  • Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
  • Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
  • Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
  • Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
  • Should the United States ban TikTok?
  • Is social media harmful to children?
  • Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

  • Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
  • Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
  • Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
  • Should the government regulate religious practices?
  • Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
  • Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
  • Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
  • Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
  • Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
  • Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
  • Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
  • Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
  • Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
  • Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
  • Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

  • Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
  • Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
  • Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
  • Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
  • Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
  • What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
  • Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
  • Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
  • Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
  • Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
  • Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

  • Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
  • How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
  • Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
  • Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
  • Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
  • Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
  • Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
  • Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
  • Should sports teams be divided by gender?
  • Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
  • Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
  • Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
  • Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
  • Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
  • Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
  • Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
  • Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
  • Does computing harm the environment?
  • Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
  • Are electric cars really better for the environment?
  • Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
  • Should private jets be banned?
  • Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
  • Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
  • Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
  • Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
  • Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
  • Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
  • Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
  • Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
  • Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
  • Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
  • Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
  • Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
  • Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
  • Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
  • Should tipping practices be phased out?
  • Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
  • Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
  • Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

  • 125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
  • 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 7 Best Places to Study
  • Guide to the IB Extended Essay
  • How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
  • AP Lit Reading List
  • How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
  • 49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
  • High School Success

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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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level argumentative essay questions

52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

What’s covered:, how to pick a good argumentative essay topic, elements of a strong argumentative essay, argumentative essay idea example topics.

Are you having writer’s block? Coming up with an essay topic can be the hardest part of the process. You have very likely encountered argumentative essay writing in high school and have been asked to write your own. If you’re having trouble finding a topic, we’ve created a list of 52 essay ideas to help jumpstart your brainstorming process! In addition, this post will cover strategies for picking a topic and how to make your argument a strong one. Ultimately, the goal is to convince your reader. 

An argumentative essay tasks the writer with presenting an assertion and bolstering that assertion with proper research. You’ll present the claim’s authenticity. This means that whatever argument you’re making must be empirically true! Writing an argumentative essay without any evidence will leave you stranded without any facts to back up your claim. When choosing your essay topic, begin by thinking about themes that have been researched before. Readers will be more engaged with an argument that is supported by data.

This isn’t to say that your argumentative essay topic has to be as well-known, like “Gravity: Does it Exist?” but it shouldn’t be so obscure that there isn’t ample evidence. Finding a topic with multiple sources confirming its validity will help you support your thesis throughout your essay. If upon review of these articles you begin to doubt their worth due to small sample sizes, biased funding sources, or scientific disintegrity, don’t be afraid to move on to a different topic. Your ultimate goal should be proving to your audience that your argument is true because the data supports it.

The hardest essays to write are the ones that you don’t care about. If you don’t care about your topic, why should someone else? Topics that are more personal to the reader are immediately more thoughtful and meaningful because the author’s passion shines through. If you are free to choose an argumentative essay topic, find a topic where the papers you read and cite are fun to read. It’s much easier to write when the passion is already inside of you!

However, you won’t always have the choice to pick your topic. You may receive an assignment to write an argumentative essay that you feel is boring. There is still value in writing an argumentative essay on a topic that may not be of interest to you. It will push you to study a new topic, and broaden your ability to write on a variety of topics. Getting good at proving a point thoroughly and effectively will help you to both understand different fields more completely and increase your comfort with scientific writing.

Convincing Thesis Statement

It’s important to remember the general essay structure: an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A strong thesis statement will set your essay up for success. What is it? A succinct, concise, and pithy sentence found in your first paragraph that summarizes your main point. Pour over this statement to ensure that you can set up your reader to understand your essay. You should also restate your thesis throughout your essay to keep your reader focused on your point.

Ample Research

A typical argumentative essay prompt may look like this: “What has been the most important invention of the 21st century? Support your claim with evidence.” This question is open-ended and gives you flexibility. But that also means it requires research to prove your point convincingly. The strongest essays weave scientific quotes and results into your writing. You can use recent articles, primary sources, or news sources. Maybe you even cite your own research. Remember, this process takes time, so be sure you set aside enough time to dive deep into your topic.

Clear Structure

If the reader can’t follow your argument, all your research could be for nothing! Structure is key to persuading your audience. Below are two common argumentative essay structures that you can use to organize your essays.

The Toulmin argument and the Rogerian argument each contain the four sections mentioned above but executes them in different ways. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both essay structures so that your essay is the most effective it can be.

The Toulmin argument has a straightforward presentation. You begin with your assertion, your thesis statement. You then list the evidence that supports your point and why these are valid sources. The bulk of your essay should be explaining how your sources support your claim. You then end your essay by acknowledging and discussing the problems or flaws that readers may find in your presentation. Then, you should list the solutions to these and alternative perspectives and prove your argument is stronger.

The Rogerian argument has a more complex structure. You begin with a discussion of what opposing sides do right and the validity of their arguments. This is effective because it allows you to piece apart your opponent’s argument. The next section contains your position on the questions. In this section, it is important to list problems with your opponent’s argument that your argument fixes. This way, your position feels much stronger. Your essay ends with suggesting a possible compromise between the two sides. A combination of the two sides could be the most effective solution.

  • Is the death penalty effective?
  • Is our election process fair?
  • Is the electoral college outdated?
  • Should we have lower taxes?
  • How many Supreme Court Justices should there be?
  • Should there be different term limits for elected officials?
  • Should the drinking age be lowered?
  • Does religion cause war?
  • Should the country legalize marijuana?
  • Should the country have tighter gun control laws?
  • Should men get paternity leave?
  • Should maternity leave be longer?
  • Should smoking be banned?
  • Should the government have a say in our diet?
  • Should birth control be free?
  • Should we increase access to condoms for teens?
  • Should abortion be legal?
  • Do school uniforms help educational attainment?
  • Are kids better or worse students than they were ten years ago?
  • Should students be allowed to cheat?
  • Is school too long?
  • Does school start too early?
  • Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
  • Is summer break still relevant?
  • Is college too expensive?

Art / Culture

  • How can you reform copyright law?
  • What was the best decade for music?
  • Do video games cause students to be more violent?
  • Should content online be more harshly regulated?
  • Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
  • Should schools ban books?
  • How important is art education?
  • Should music be taught in school?
  • Are music-sharing services helpful to artists?
  • What is the best way to teach science in a religious school?
  • Should fracking be legal?
  • Should parents be allowed to modify their unborn children?
  • Should vaccinations be required for attending school?
  • Are GMOs helpful or harmful?
  • Are we too dependent on our phones?
  • Should everyone have internet access?
  • Should internet access be free?
  • Should the police force be required to wear body cams?
  • Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
  • How has the internet impacted human society?
  • Should self-driving cars be allowed on the streets?
  • Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
  • Are professional athletes paid too much?
  • Should the U.S. have more professional sports teams?
  • Should sports be separated by gender?
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • What are the best ways to increase safety in sports?

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original argumentative essay ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

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level argumentative essay questions

50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

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

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

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

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

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

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

Ideas for Argument Essays

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

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

50 Possible Topics

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

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

130 Argumentative Essay Topics: Tips on How Choose the Best One

level argumentative essay questions

Defining What Is an Argumentative Essay

Imagine the following scenario: You just got into an argument with your friend over climate change. You said that this is an actual issue that poses significant threats to our environment and world population. Your friend, on the other hand, argued that climate change is not real, saying that it's a natural occurrence that has happened several times during world history. You got home, had time to reflect on the debate, and came up with several good reasons for your position. Oh! The things you could have said to clearly express and defend your stance... Now you're annoyed with the constant monologue running through your mind, reflecting upon the previous debate.

What if you documented the arguments that came to you afterward? Much like jotting them down on a piece of paper and giving some direction to your ideas. We say it would have made a brilliant work with fresh ideas and fiery passion.

That's exactly why you should practice argumentative essay writing. It will enhance your reasoning skills while allowing you to become more quick-witted. By doing this, you won't have to listen to your friends defending their stance while you lack your own arguments to contribute to the debate.

To persuade the reader of their position in an argumentative essay, the author must choose a position on a certain subject or problem and provide evidence to support it. This kind of essay is frequently required in high school or college classes to sharpen students' analytical abilities and motivate them to engage in challenging discussions.

So, let's take on a mission of fully understanding how to write an argumentative essay with a clear structure and endless topic ideas. We promise that after reading this article, you'll become an unshakable debater!

Three models of argumentative writing

Three Common Argumentative Essay Models

First, let's start with the three most prevalent models of argumentative writing. Knowing this will guide you toward structuring your essay in your preferred style. The options are:

  • Toulmin model - Most commonly used model out of the three, the Toulmin model starts with an introduction, moves on to a thesis or claim, and then provides information and proof to back up that argument. This type of essay usually includes rebuttals of opposing points. This approach performs effectively when there is no undeniable truth or perfect answer to an issue.
  • Rogerian model - Created by Carl R. Rogers, the Rogerian model of argument assesses a debate and offers a compromise between opposing sides. This paradigm emphasizes cooperation and teamwork. It recognizes that an argument can be seen from a variety of angles. The Rogerian model starts with an introduction, moves to acknowledge opposing views, then states the author's main claims. Before the conclusion, it tries to provide a middle ground by carefully considering all sides of the argument.
  • Classical (Aristotelian) model- In the traditional paradigm, all sides of an argument are examined, and the side with the most convincing evidence is shown to be correct. This approach effectively convinces a listener to take a side in an argument by combining Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Proper Argumentative Essay Outline

This is not something new that you should be scared of - an essay outline that consists of classic five paragraphs and employs a sacred triangle of introduction, body, and conclusion. But still, in an argumentative essay outline, you should find something unique to this kind of paper. Let's examine these specifics more closely below with the help of our argumentative essay writing service :

Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction

Your first task while writing argumentative essays is to grab the reader's attention with an eye-catching fact, story, or quotation that will work as a hook. Then continue by giving background information and outlining the problem at hand while clearly articulating your case and your point of argument.

  • Background information
  • Thesis statement

I. Introduction

The argumentative essay introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide background information. The introductory paragraph should also include a thesis statement, the main argument the essay will present, and support. For example:

  • Hook : Did you know that over 50% of Americans believe in aliens?
  • Background: UFO sightings and conspiracy theories have been around for decades.
  • Thesis: Despite the lack of concrete evidence, extraterrestrial life is a real possibility that should be explored further.

Body Paragraphs

The body section is where you confidently roll up your sleeves and give direction to your discussion. In the first paragraph, give your best argument in favor of your thesis, using examples, data, or expert opinions. Then, evaluate the data and describe how it backs up your claim. Remember to confront and disprove any potential opposing viewpoints. You might use the same strategy in the second body paragraph for a different argument supporting your thesis.

Consider the opposing position and offer arguments in the third and fourth paragraphs. Lastly, dispute the counterargument and explain why your argument is more powerful.

  • First supporting point
  • Explanation
  • Counterargument
  • Second supporting point

To wrap up, restate your major idea and summarize your supporting points. Explain why your point is important and what it means for the reader. To end on a strong note, encourage the reader to act or think more deeply about the subject.

  • Restate thesis
  • Significance
  • Call to action

Tips for Choosing Argumentative Essay Topics

Making a captivating and thought-provoking argumentative essay requires picking a strong topic. Here are six genuine suggestions to assist you through the process:

How to Choose Good Argumentative Essay Topics_ Tips

  • Keep your audience in mind - Consider the audience for your essay, and attempt to guess what they would think about the topic you wish to cover. Think about if your audience would find it fascinating.
  • Take a risk - Pick a highly debatable subject you think others would want to steer clear of. It will distinguish your topic from other ordinary argumentative essay topics. Make sure you can, however, present the reasoning for all sides of the controversy.
  • Consider your surroundings - Consider things that are either negative aspects or taboos in your environment. Dare to discuss and debate such problems.
  • Select an arguable topic - To avoid writing a dissertation; your topic should be in the middle of being both wide and narrow. Establish your paper's objectives. What point of view or hypothesis are you trying to support? Before you start writing, make an effort to clearly state your aim. If you cannot explain your goal effectively, try to free-write on your subject.
  • Provide logical and persuasive evidence - Ensure that your proof is appropriately documented. Be certain to introduce and explain the relevance of the evidence you use in an easy-to-understand way. Avoid assuming that your evidence will speak for itself and that your readers will draw the conclusions you want from it. Describe the significance of each piece of evidence, how it clarifies or supports your claim, and why it is relevant. Include evidence in your work and use it wisely to support your arguments.
  • Draft your essay - Make sure you include a lot of supporting material presented clearly and fairly, address the opposing viewpoint, and pay close attention to how your essay is organized. Ensure your argumentative essay structure is appropriate for your issue and audience, address and rectify any logical errors, and use appropriate transitions to make it easier for the reader to understand your argument.

Meanwhile, if you'd rather have a PRO craft your paper, you can always buy argumentative essay on our platform.

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

Choosing the proper topic for your argumentative essay might be a major difficulty. You should always ensure that your chosen topic is interesting and worthwhile. Your school may occasionally provide you with a selection of subjects, but sometimes you may struggle to choose the topic.

Consider your struggle to be over in the following sections; our persuasive essay writing service will help you find the best argument topics for your upcoming argumentative essay.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

Let's start with some easy argumentative essay topics for middle school students.

  • Explain whether or not students should have schoolwork on weekends.
  • Do you believe that the government should determine your school lunch?
  • Should students have to take gym classes?
  • Do you believe that children should have automatic screen time limits or should parents limit screen time manually?
  • Describe your position on whether or not school uniforms should be required.
  • Should violent video games be banned in the United States?
  • How unhealthy are hot dogs?
  • Why or why not should the electoral college be abolished?
  • Should the school day be prolonged to accommodate a long weekend?
  • Do you believe that prerequisite art classes should be mandatory for all college degrees?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

As you advance your education, you may also pick up more complex topics and open up a meaningful debate. So, here is a list of argumentative essay topics for students in high school.

  • Do you think the FDA is effectively policing what is put into our food?
  • What age do you consider the right age to start using social media?
  • Do you believe a civics test is required for 12th-grade students to pass to graduate?
  • Should professional athletes be permitted to use medications that improve performance?
  • Should high school students receive free breakfast?
  • At what point should children begin doing chores?
  • Do you believe using electronic voting machines makes the electoral process fair?
  • Do we have the power to affect climate change? Or is it far bigger and more powerful than we are?
  • Should the legal age to vote be reduced?
  • Should bottled water be prohibited if environmental protection is so important?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

College students have more freedom when it comes to choosing a topic of choice and freely expressing their opinions. Here are some interesting topics for an essay to delve right into:

  • Should the United States continue with daylight saving time, or should it be eliminated?
  • Should superior grades guarantee scholarship eligibility?
  • Has artificial intelligence overstepped its bounds?
  • Should there be no tuition fees for a public college education?
  • Do we need additional professional sports teams in the United States?
  • Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
  • Should there be a certain number of Supreme Court justices?
  • Are actors and sportsmen in the entertainment industry paid more than they deserve?
  • Should someone deny medical care due to their religious convictions?
  • Why is the Second Amendment part of the US Constitution that causes the greatest controversy?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Touching upon controversy makes the best argumentative essay topics for writing. To add a little spice to your paper, consider the following options:

  • Diversity Promotes Tolerance in Society
  • Electronic Voting Is Ineffective Because There Is Too Much Fraud
  • There is No More Free Journalism
  • People Getting Addicted Isn't Caused by Entertainment
  • Reality television fosters unrealistic expectations.
  • Serving in the military is dangerously romanticized
  • People's tax payments do not match the benefits they receive.
  • Given the effects of COVID, further funding for mental health services is necessary.
  • American Women Have the Same Chances as Men
  • Pollution Prevention Is Not Realistic Under the Present Circumstances

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

You may prefer to debate over funny topics. Here are some choices that will make humorous argumentative essay titles.

  • Which is preferable, the night owl or the morning person?
  • Do we have alien visitors, and if so, what do they want from us?
  • Should the employer impose strict nap requirements?
  • Is it OK to wear socks and flops together?
  • Should scooters take the place of all public transportation?
  • Can you eat pizza with a fork and knife?
  • Should we mandate dancing breaks during the working day?
  • Should we launch an initiative to promote cuddling as the new handshake?
  • Is it moral to routinely tease your loved ones?
  • Should we ban jeans and allow only pajamas to be worn in public?

If you want similar ideas for your next assignment, ask us - ' do my essay topics,' and we'll provide many more funny titles.

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Topics for Argumentative Speech

Here are some topics for argumentative speech from our speech writing service . With these options, you may as well confidently sign up for an inspirational TED talk!

  • What Opinions Do You Have About Cancel Culture?
  • Does being publicly shamed online prevent us from evolving and changing?
  • Phone etiquette: Do you ever feel awkward using your phone among other people?
  • How much, in your opinion, can we infer about our overall satisfaction from what is shared on social media?
  • Should Schools Need a Course in Media Literacy?
  • Does Teaching Happiness in Schools Make Sense?
  • Are there any books that shouldn't be found in public or school libraries?
  • What would you study if there was a unique school that taught you the things you truly wanted to learn?
  • Should Every Young Person Learn How to Trade Stocks?
  • Is Adversity a Prerequisite for Happiness?

Argument Topics on Social Media 

The most efficient argumentative essay title examples relate to social media and online trends. Try the following alternatives:

  • Describe and analyze some of the issues that social media brings to society.
  • Social media has gained increasing acceptance in classrooms over time. Discuss while pointing up positives and drawbacks.
  • Describe the role that social media has had in the radicalization of society.
  • Talk about some ethical issues that become moot when creating a social media account.
  • Discuss how employing social media may assist in increasing your brand's overall value.
  • The importance of social media in contemporary marketing and for kids and teens.
  • What does social media weaponization entail?
  • What are the psychological harms that social media causes?
  • What impact does comedy have on mental health in online forums?
  • What effects do social media have on how people communicate?

Argument Topics on Music

Maybe you'd enjoy an argumentative essay topic on music? Say no more! We have a special place for it in our hearts, and we couldn't wait to share them with you!

  • Why Should a Musician Hire Another Person to Compose Music for Them?
  • How the Making of Music Affects People's Thoughts
  • Should performers utilize their platforms to speak out on social and political issues?
  • Is live music more significant and true to its origins than recorded music?
  • Can one use music as a means of expression and free speech?
  • Is it morally required of musicians to utilize their platform to promote social and political change?
  • Why music education should be a mandatory topic in schools.
  • Why pursuing a profession in music is meaningful and beneficial.
  • Why it's important to acknowledge and encourage the achievements made by women in music.
  • Why it's important to promote and preserve vanishing musical traditions.

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

What about a health-related topic for argumentative essay? Choose one of the below and contribute to the meaningful conversation in medicine!

  • Who carries out the main work, doctors or nurses?
  • Oversleeping has no negative effects on the body.
  • There should be restrictions on human medical testing.
  • Physical and mental health demand different levels of care.
  • Should the use of antibiotics be systematically and carefully regulated?
  • Are health campaigns useful strategies for preventing and controlling disease?
  • Should only those with healthy lives be eligible for organ transplants?
  • Should the US proclaim obesity the biggest threat to the country's health?
  • Should there be any regulation of US healthcare costs to increase access?
  • Should genetic engineering be permitted as a kind of therapy for terminal illnesses?

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

For more up-to-date examples of argumentative essay topics, here are some ideas on science and technology:

  • Do children's IQs differ depending on their socioeconomic status?
  • Are humans becoming more or less lazy as a result of technology?
  • Can we ever settle on Mars?
  • Do technological advances imply a weakening of the force of nature?
  • Can physicians ever be replaced by computers or robots?
  • Should people work on AI development?
  • Is the digitization of healthcare beneficial?
  • Should people be allowed to own their own DNA?
  • Will the use of robots improve our quality of life?
  • What potential advancements in cloud storage are there?

Argument Topics on Sports

We couldn't possibly miss the argumentative essay example topics on sports. Sports are a huge part of our everyday life no matter nation or gender. Examine the topic ideas below; we're sure you'll find something inspiring:

  • Why cheerleading belongs in the Olympic Games.
  • Colleges should prioritize wellness initiatives above athletics.
  • Are amateurs the only ones who practice non-contact versions of American football?
  • What character traits are important in professional football?
  • Could there be a place for women in the NFL?
  • Is it appropriate for national teams to hire players from other nations?
  • Why is women's soccer less well-liked than that played by men?
  • Are the wages of soccer players too high?
  • Is coordination more important in soccer than stamina?
  • Is the current FIFA ranking system accurate?

Argument Topics on Government

As the government is a crucial part of our society, we believe exploring, criticizing, or favoring some political policies, figures, or systems can make the best topic for an essay:

  • How should the government oversee online safety and privacy?
  • Are protests and strikes effective ways to affect how the government works?
  • Should more be done by the government to control and combat the rising issue of wealth inequality?
  • Is choosing the president of the United States through the electoral college a successful process?
  • Should the government be able to control and restrict access to weapons?
  • Should more be done by the government to advance and defend the rights of underrepresented groups?
  • Which political party do you favor in your nation and why?
  • Offer advice on the finest and most efficient strategy to deal with corruption.
  • Which political development or circumstance in the past year most affected you?
  • Should the amount of money given to political campaigns be capped to prevent rich people from exerting too much influence?

Argument Topics on TV, Movies, Video Games

Last but not least, mainstream mediums of entertainment, TV, movies, or video games can also make some effective arguable topics:

  • Do aggressive behavior and violence in society rise due to violent video games?
  • Is it damaging when mental illness is portrayed in TV and film?
  • Is the movie business doing enough to combat whitewashing?
  • Is binge-watching television programs a safe pastime?
  • Indie films: A subgenre or a way of thinking?
  • The Ethics of Making Documentary Films
  • Documentary Films: The Potential to Influence Humanity
  • The Psychosocial Effects of Walt Disney's Heroes
  • Are augmented reality and video games getting too immersive?
  • Should parents be held accountable for watching their kids' graphic or violent media exposure?

Final Words

After researching a variety of excellent essay themes, you might wish to write a well-researched paper on your favorite. Don't forget that we are always ready to help you with all types of writing projects, from selecting an argumentative essay topic to perfecting the cause and effect essay structure . Contact us with your ' write a research paper for me ' request and let us take some of the pressure off your shoulders!

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Student Opinion

401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

level argumentative essay questions

By Michael Gonchar

  • March 1, 2017

Note: We have 310 new argumentative writing prompts to add to this list.

Of all the resources we publish on The Learning Network, perhaps it’s our vast collection of writing prompts that is our most widely used resource for teaching and learning with The Times.

This list of 401 prompts ( available here in PDF ) is now our third iteration of what originally started as 200 prompts for argumentative writing, and it’s intended as a companion resource to help teachers and students participate in our annual Student Editorial Contest .

So scroll through the hundreds of prompts below that touch on every aspect of contemporary life — from social media to sports, politics, gender issues and school — and see which ones most inspire you to take a stand. Each question comes from our daily Student Opinion feature, and each provides links to free Times resources for finding more information. And for even more in-depth student discussions on pressing issues like immigration , guns , climate change and race , please visit our fall 2016 Civil Conversation Challenge .

What’s your favorite question on this list? What questions should we ask, but haven’t yet? Tell us in the comments.

And visit our related list as well: 650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing .

Social Media and Smartphones

1. Does Technology Make Us More Alone? 2. Is Social Media Making Us More Narcissistic? 3. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 4. Would You Consider Deleting Your Facebook Account? 5. Does Facebook Need a ‘Dislike’ Button? 6. Has Facebook Lost Its Edge? 7. Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired? 8. Would You Be Willing to Pay for Facebook or Google in Exchange for Your Privacy? 9. Are Anonymous Social Media Networks Dangerous? 10. Should People Be Allowed to Obscure Their Identities Online? 11. Is Our Culture of Online Shaming Out of Control? 12. Is Snapchat a Revolutionary Form of Social Media? 13. Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time? 14. Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smartphones Playing ‘Stupid Games’? 15. Is Pokémon Go a Positive Cultural Force? Or Is it Just Another Excuse for People to Stare at Their Phones? 16. Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful? 17. Do You Worry We Are Filming Too Much? 18. How Many Text Messages Are Too Many? 19. Does Punctuation in Text Messages Matter? 20. Can a GIF Work Better Than Words?

Technology in Schools and the Future

21. Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive? 22. Does Technology in the Classroom Ever Get in the Way of Learning? 23. Should Tablet Computers Become the Primary Way Students Learn in Class? 24. Can Cellphones Be Educational Tools? 25. Should There Be More Educational Video Games in School? 26. Is Online Learning as Good as Face-to-Face Learning? 27. How Would You Feel About a Computer Grading Your Essays? 28. Do Machines Represent a Threat to Humans? 29. Are Self-Driving Vehicles the Wave of the Future? 30. Do You Think Recreational Drones Are Safe? 31. What Role Will Robots Play in Our Future? 32. Will Wearable Technology Ever Really Catch On?

Gender Issues

33. Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters? 34. Is School Designed More for Girls Than Boys? 35. Is Single-Sex Education Still Useful? 36. Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies? 37. How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body? 38. What Does it Mean to Be ‘a Real Man’? 39. Do We Need to Teach Boys and Men to Be More Emotionally Honest? 40. Is It O.K. for Men and Boys to Comment on Women and Girls on the Street? 41. What Should We Do to Fight Sexual Violence Against Young Women? 42. Why Aren’t There More Girls in Leadership Roles? 43. Do Professional Women Need a ‘Girls’ Lounge’? 44. Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing to Pursue Careers in Math and Science? 45. Why Aren’t More Girls Pursuing Careers in Computing and Tech Fields? 46. Should Women Be Allowed to Fight on the Front Lines Alongside Men? 47. Now That Women Can Serve in All Combat Roles in the U.S. Military, Should They Also Be Required to Register for the Draft? 48. Do Female Athletes Get Short Shrift? 49. Should Sports Be Coed? 50. Do You Believe in Equal Rights for Women and Men? 51. Is It Harder Being a Girl? 52. Do We Need New Ways to Identify Gender and Sexuality? 53. Should Toys Be More Gender-Neutral? 54. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 55. Should Transgender People Be Allowed to Use the Bathroom of Their Choice? 56. What Rules Should Apply to Transgender Athletes When They Compete? 57. Is It O.K. to Refuse to Serve Same-Sex Couples Based on Religious Beliefs? 58. Are Women Better at Compromising and Collaborating? 59. Do Boys Have Less Intense Friendships Than Girls? 60. Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?

Dating and Sex

61. Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage? 62. Is Dating a Thing of the Past? 63. Is Hookup Culture Leaving Your Generation Unhappy and Unprepared for Love? 64. Could Following These Directions Make You Fall in Love With a Stranger? 65. How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex? 66. Are Affirmative Consent Rules a Good Idea? 67. Should Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls Without a Prescription? 68. Should the Morning-After Pill Be Sold Over the Counter to People Under 17? 69. How Big of a Problem Is Sexting? 70. How Should Educators and Legislators Deal With Minors Who ‘Sext’? 71. How Should Parents Address Internet Pornography?

72. Should High Schools Drop Football Because Too Many Players Are Getting Injured? 73. Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football? 74. If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It? 75. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 76. Should There Be Stricter Rules About How Coaches Treat Their Players? 77. Is Cheerleading a Sport? 78. Should Cheerleading Be an Olympic Sport? 79. Has Baseball Lost Its Cool? 80. Do Sports Teams Have a Responsibility to Hold Players to a Standard for Their Personal Conduct? 81. Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals? 82. How Big a Deal Is It That an N.B.A. Player Came Out as Gay? 83. Should Women’s Basketball Lower the Rims? 84. Should College Football Players Get Paid? 85. Is ‘Redskins’ an Offensive Name for a Team? 86. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots? 87. Do Fans Put Too Much Pressure on Their Favorite Professional Athletes? 88. How Much Should Fans Be Allowed to Distract Opposing Teams? 89. Does a Championship Game Always Need to Have a Winner (and a Loser)? 90. Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere? 91. Are Some Extreme Sports Too Extreme? 92. How Young Is Too Young to Climb Mount Everest? 93. Should Colleges Fund Wellness Programs Instead of Sports? 94. Where Should Colleges and Sports Teams Draw the Line in Selling Naming Rights?

TV, Movies and Video Games

95. Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes? 96. Do TV Shows Like ‘16 and Pregnant’ Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy? 97. Does TV Capture the Diversity of America Yet? 98. Is TV Too White? 99. What Makes a Good TV Show Finale? 100. Why Do We Like to Watch Rich People on TV and in the Movies? 101. Does Live Theater Offer Something You Just Can’t Get Watching Movies or TV? 102. What — if Anything — Does the Current Hollywood Film Industry Lack? 103. What Makes a Good Commercial? 104. Why Did a Cheerios Ad Attract So Many Angry Comments Online? 105. Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport? 106. Should Stores Sell Violent Video Games to Minors? 107. Do Violent Video Games Make People More Violent in Real Life? 108. When Should You Feel Guilty for Killing Zombies? 109. Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art? 110. What Game Would You Like to Redesign? 111. How Sexist Is the Gaming World?

Music, Literature and Art

112. What Current Musicians Do You Think Will Stand the Test of Time? 113. What Artists or Bands of Today Are Destined for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? 114. What Musician, Actor or Author Should Be a Superstar, but Hasn’t Quite Made It Yet? 115. What Artists Do You Consider ‘Sellouts’? 116. How Much Can an Artist Borrow From Earlier Musicians Before It Becomes Stealing? 117. Who Does Hip-Hop Belong To? 118. What Can You Predict About the Future of the Music Industry? 119. Will Musical Training Make You More Successful? 120. Are Paper Books Better Than E-Books? 121. Does Reading a Book Count More Than Listening to One? 122. To What Writer Would You Award a Prize? 123. Who Are the Characters That Authors Should Be Writing About? 124. Are Shortened Versions of Classic Adult Literature Right for Young Children? 125. Do You Prefer Your Children’s Book Characters Obedient or Contrary? 126. Do We Still Need Libraries? 127. Do We Need More Diverse Superheroes? 128. What Is a Hero? 129. Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art? 130. Do We Need Art in Our Lives? 131. Is It Possible to Separate Art From the Artist Who Created It? 132. Should Society Support Artists and Others Pursuing Creative Works? 133. Should Displays of Art Be Welcome in All Public Spaces? 134. Does Pop Culture Deserve Serious Study?

Parenting and Childhood

135. At What Age Should Children Be Allowed to Go Places Without Adult Supervision? 136. How Much Freedom Should Parents Give Their Children? 137. Should Children Be Allowed to Wear Whatever They Want? 138. How Should Parents Discipline Their Kids? 139. When Does Discipline Become Child Abuse? 140. Should Parents Bribe Their Children? 141. Should Parents Make Their Children Clean Their Room? 142. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 143. Is Modern Culture Ruining Childhood? 144. Are Adults Hurting Young Children by Pushing Them to Achieve? 145. How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior? 146. Are ‘Dark’ Movies O.K. for Kids? 147. When Does a Halloween Costume Cross the Line? 148. Should Halloween Costumes Portray Only ‘Positive Images’? 149. Are Parents Violating Their Children’s Privacy When They Share Photos and Videos of Them Online? 150. Should Children Be Allowed to Compete on TV? 151. How Young Is Too Young for an iPhone? 152. Should Parents Limit How Much Time Children Spend on Tech Devices? 153. Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records?

Being a Teenager

154. When Do You Become an Adult? 155. When Should You Be Able to Buy Cigarettes, Drink Alcohol, Vote, Drive and Fight in Wars? 156. When You Are Old Enough to Vote, Will You? 157. If Teenagers Are Such Bad Drivers, Should They Be Allowed to Drive? 158. What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation? 159. Does Your Generation Have Too Much Self-Esteem? 160. Is Your Generation More Self-Centered Than Earlier Generations? 161. Is Your Generation Really ‘Postracial’? 162. Do ‘Shame and Blame’ Work to Change Teenage Behavior? 163. Do ‘Saggy Pants’ Mean Disrespect? 164. Do You Think Teenagers Can Make a Difference in the World? 165. Is Teenage ‘Voluntourism’ Wrong? 166. Is Prom Worth It? 167. Is Prom Just an Excuse to Drink?

168. Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework? 169. Are High School Students Being Worked Too Hard? 170. Does Your Homework Help You Learn? 171. What Are You Really Learning at School? 172. Does Class Size Matter? 173. What Makes a Good Teacher? 174. Should Schools Strive for Racial Diversity Among Teachers? 175. Do We Need a Better Way to Teach Math? 176. Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes? 177. Should Reading and Math Be Taught in Gym Class Too? 178. Should Kindergarten Be More About Play or Literacy? 179. What Are the Best Ways to Learn About History? 180. What Is the Right Amount of Group Work in School? 181. What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools? 182. How Important Is Arts Education? 183. Should Schools Be Teaching, and Evaluating, Social-Emotional Skills Like ‘Grit’? 184. Should Schools Teach Children How to Cook? 185. Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative? 186. Is Shakespeare Too Hard? 187. Should High Schools Do More to Prepare You for Careers? 188. How Much Does It Matter to You Which High School You Attend? 189. Would You Rather Attend a Public or a Private High School? 190. Are Small Schools More Effective Than Large Schools? 191. Would You Want to Be Home-Schooled? 192. Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports? 193. Does the Way Your Classroom Is Decorated Affect Your Learning? 194. Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool? 195. Should All Students Get Equal Space in a Yearbook? 196. Should School Newspapers Be Subject to Prior Review?

School Rules, Discipline and Bullying

197. Are School Dress Codes a Good Idea? 198. How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave? 199. What Role Should the Police Have in Schools? 200. What Are the Best Teaching Methods for Getting Students to Behave Well in Class? 201. Should Schools Be Allowed to Use Corporal Punishment? 202. Is Cheating Getting Worse? 203. Should Schools Put Tracking Devices in Students’ ID Cards? 204. Should Middle School Students Be Drug Tested? 205. Should Students Be Barred From Taking Cellphones to School? 206. How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community? 207. How Should Schools Address Bullying? 208. How Should Schools Address Cyberbullying? 209. What Should the Punishment Be for Acts of Cyberbullying? 210. When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying? 211. How Should Schools Respond to Hazing Incidents?

Grading and Testing

212. Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers? 213. How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities? 214. How Seriously Should We Take Standardized Tests? 215. Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests? 216. Should Schools Offer Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores? 217. How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences? 218. Should Students Be Present at Parent-Teacher Conferences? 219. How Should Parents Handle a Bad Report Card? 220. Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s? 221. Do Girls Get Better Grades Than Boys in Your School? 222. Does Separating Boys and Girls Help Students Perform Better in School? 223. Why Do Boys Lag Behind Girls in Reading? 224. Should Discomfort Excuse Students From Having to Complete an Assignment? 225. Should Schools Give Students ‘Body’ Report Cards?

Time in School

226. Should Schools Cancel Summer Vacation? 227. Do Kids Need Recess? 228. Should the School Day Start Later? 229. Is Your School Day Too Short? 230. Do You Think a Longer School Calendar Is a Good Idea? 231. Should the Dropout Age Be Raised? 232. Should We Rethink How Long Students Spend in High School? 233. Should Students Be Allowed to Skip Senior Year of High School? 234. Should Kids Head to College Early? 235. Class Time + Substitute = Waste? 236. A Short Fall Break, but What Should We Call It?

College and Career

237. Should a College Education be Free? 238. Is College Overrated? 239. How Necessary Is a College Education? 240. Should Colleges Find a Better Way to Admit Students? 241. Should Colleges Use Admissions Criteria Other Than SAT Scores and Grades? 242. Do You Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 243. Are Early-Decision Programs Unfair? Should Colleges Do Away With Them? 244. What Criteria Should Be Used in Awarding Scholarships for College? 245. Should Engineers Pay Less for College Than English Majors? 246. Does It Matter Where You Go to College? 247. Do College Rankings Really Matter? 248. What Is the Perfect Number of College Applications to Send? 249. Do Fraternities Promote Misogyny? 250. Should Colleges Ban Fraternities? 251. Is a Sorority a Good Place for a Feminist? 252. Should Colleges Offer Degrees in Sports? 253. What Do You Want More From a Career: Happiness or Wealth? 254. Would You Quit if Your Values Did Not Match Your Employer’s? 255. Should Employers Be Able to Review Job Applicants’ SAT Scores? 256. Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday? 257. Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office? 258. Is ‘Doing Nothing’ a Good Use of Your Time? 259. Should All High School Students Be Able to Get a Summer Job if They Want One?

Health and Nutrition

260. Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered? 261. Is Drinking and Driving Still a Problem for Teenagers? 262. Should the Legal Age to Purchase Tobacco Be Raised From 18 to 21? 263. Should E-Cigarettes Be Banned for Teenagers? 264. Is Smoking Still a Problem Among Teenagers? 265. Are Antismoking Ads Effective? 266. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 267. Should Students Be Required to Take Drug Tests? 268. Why Is Binge Drinking So Common Among Young People in the United States? 269. Should Universities Work to Curtail Student Drinking? 270. Should Distracted Driving Be Punished Like Drinking and Driving? 271. Should Texting While Driving Be Illegal in Every State? 272. How Should Schools Handle Unvaccinated Students? 273. Should Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal in Every State? 274. Should Terminally Ill Patients Be Allowed to Die on Their Own Terms? 275. Is School Lunch Really All That Bad? 276. Do You Think a Healthier School Lunch Program Is a Lost Cause? 277. Should French Fries and Pizza Sauce Count as Vegetables? 278. How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From? 279. Is It Ethical to Eat Meat? 280. Is Breakfast Really the Most Important Meal of the Day? 281. Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’? 282. Should Sugary Drinks Be Taxed? 283. Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks? 284. Should Teenagers Think Twice Before Downing Energy Drinks? 285. How Important Is It to Be Attractive in Our Society? 286. Are Models Too Skinny? 287. What Are Your Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery? 288. Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? 289. Doctored Photos: O.K. or Not? 290. Should You Care About the Health and Safety of Those Making Your Clothing?

Animals and Science

291. Should Farm Animals Have More Legal Protections? 292. Is It Ethical to Genetically Engineer Animals? 293. When Is Animal Testing Justified? 294. Should Certain Animals Have Some of the Same Legal Rights As People? 295. Do Gorillas Belong in Zoos? 296. Is It Unethical for a Zoo to Kill a Healthy Giraffe? 297. Should Circuses Be Animal Free? 298. Should You Go to Jail for Kicking a Cat? 299. Should You Feel Guilty About Killing Spiders, Ants or Other Bugs? 300. Should Emotional Support Animals Be Allowed on College Campuses? 301. How Concerned Are You About Climate Change? 302. How Should Nations and Individuals Address Climate Change? 303. If You Were President, What Would You Do About Climate Change? 304. Should Developers Be Allowed to Build in and Near the Grand Canyon? 305. Should Scientists Try to Help People Beat Old Age So We Can Live Longer Lives? 306. Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate? 307. When Is It O.K. to Replace Human Limbs With Technology? 308. Should Fertilized Eggs Be Given Legal ‘Personhood’? 309. How Do You Think Dinosaurs Went Extinct? 310. Do You Think Life Exists — or Has Ever Existed — Somewhere Besides Earth? 311. Do You Believe in Intelligent Alien Life? 312. Will Humans Live on Mars Someday? 313. Would You Want to Be a Space Tourist?

Personal Character and Morality

314. Does Achieving Success Always Include Being Happy? 315. Can Money Buy You Happiness? 316. Does Buying and Accumulating More and More Stuff Make Us Happier? 317. Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work? 318. How Important Is Keeping Your Cool? 319. When Should You Compromise? 320. Are We Losing the Art of Listening? 321. Do People Complain Too Much? 322. Is ‘Be Yourself’ Bad Advice? 323. How Important Is Keeping a Clean House? 324. Does Keeping a Messy Desk Make People More Creative? 325. Do You Believe That Everything Happens for a Reason? 326. How Much Control Do You Think You Have Over Your Fate? 327. Can You Be Good Without God? 328. How Important Do You Think It Is to Marry Someone With the Same Religion? 329. Does Suffering Make Us Stronger and Lead to Success? 330. Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble? 331. When Is Looting Morally O.K.? 332. Can Kindness Become Cool? 333. Are Manners Important? 334. Have Curse Words Become So Common They Have Lost Their Shock Value?

Government and Leadership

335. How Strong Is Your Faith in American Democracy? 336. Is America Headed in the Right Direction? 337. Is It Possible to Start Out Poor in This Country, Work Hard and Become Well-Off? 338. Should the United States Care That It’s Not No. 1? 339. How Should Opponents Receive the New President — With an Open Mind and Honor for the Office, or With Defiance and Rejection? 340. What Do You Think the Role of the First Lady — or First Spouse — Should Be Today? 341. Should Voting Be Mandatory? 342. Does Voting for a Third-Party Candidate Mean Throwing Away Your Vote? 343. If You Were Governor of Your State, How Would You Spend a Budget Surplus? 344. What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve? 345. Should Rich People Have to Pay More Taxes? 346. What Is More Important: Our Privacy or National Security? 347. When Is the Use of Military Force Justified? 348. When Should Countries Negotiate With Their Traditional Enemies? 349. Should the U.S. Be Spying on Its Friends? 350. What Responsibility Do We Have to Take In Refugees From Global Humanitarian Crises? 351. Should Countries Pay Ransoms to Free Hostages Held by Terrorists? 352. Should Millions of Undocumented Immigrants Be Allowed to Live in the U.S. Without Fear of Getting Deported? 353. Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a Public Education? 354. Do We Need a Higher Minimum Wage? 355. What Do We Owe Our Veterans? 356. Do Leaders Have Moral Obligations? 357. Do Great Leaders Have to Be Outgoing?

Guns, Prisons and the Justice System

358. What Are Some Answers to America’s Gun Violence? 359. How Should We Prevent Future Mass Shootings? 360. Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School? 361. What Is Your Relationship With Guns? 362. Where Do You Stand on Unconcealed Handguns? 363. Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses? 364. Would Arming College Students Help Prevent Sexual Assaults on Campus? 365. What Should Be the Purpose of Prison? 366. Should Prisoners Be Given the Opportunity to Get an Education? 367. Should Felons Be Allowed to Vote After They Have Served Their Time? 368. Should the United States Stop Using the Death Penalty? 369. What Do You Think of the Police Tactic of Stop-and-Frisk? 370. When Should Juvenile Offenders Receive Life Sentences? 371. Do Rich People Get Off Easier When They Break the Law? 372. Should All Police Officers Wear Body Cameras? 373. Should Prostitution Be Legal?

Other Questions

374. Should the Private Lives of Famous People Be Off Limits? 375. Should We Be Privy to the Lives of Celebrities’ Children? 376. Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough? 377. What Causes Should Philanthropic Groups Finance? 378. Should Charities Focus More on America? 379. Do Poor People ‘Have It Easy’? 380. Should We Think Twice Before Buying Online? 381. Is Amazon Becoming Too Powerful? 382. How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews? 383. Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses? 384. Would You Want a Bike Share Program for Your Community? 385. How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are? 386. Should Companies Collect Information About You? 387. What Time Should Black Friday Sales Start? 388. How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant? 389. Should Restaurants Do Away With Tipping? 390. Should Single-Use Plastic Shopping Bags Be Banned? 391. Do We Crank Up the A.C. Too High? 392. Should Everyone Learn at Least One Other Language? 393. What Are the Five Greatest Inventions of All Time? 394. Dressing Up Like Creepy Clowns: Freedom of Expression or Public Nuisance? 395. Would Life Be Better Without Time Zones? 396. What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused? 397. What Words or Phrases Should Be Retired? 398. Do Laws That Ban Offensive Words Make the World a Better Place? 399. Should Newspapers Reprint Cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad That Some Deem Offensive? 400. Is It Wrong for a Newspaper to Publish a Front-Page Photo of a Man About to Die? 401. Are There Topics That Should Be Off Limits to Comedy?

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  • How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

  • Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
  • Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
  • Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
  • Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
  • Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
  • Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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level argumentative essay questions

An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

  • Make a claim
  • Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
  • Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
  • Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

  • Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
  • Cite data to support your claim
  • Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
  • Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

  • Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
  • Highlight the problems with this position
  • Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
  • Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

  • Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
  • Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
  • Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
  • Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

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Table of contents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s Understand an Argumentative Essay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 Helpful Tips for Choosing an Argumentative Topic

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

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

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

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

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Controversial Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

Great Argumentative Essay Topics about History

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics about Family Relations

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics about Education

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

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

Technology & Computer Science Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

Government Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

Criminal Justice & Criminology Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

Social Studies Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

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Debatable Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

Psychology Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

Medical Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

American History Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

Philosophy Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

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

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Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

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

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

Creative Argumentative Essay Topics about Art

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics about Politics

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

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

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics to Research

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics about Economics

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics about Health

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

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

Your Take Away

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

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

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

18 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

Argumentative Essay Topics

Are you about to write an argumentative essay but still confused about the topic?

Argumentative essays help students learn more about the subject matter of a particular course. This kind of writing is a genuine key to learning argumentative skills. You must pay attention to your subject while choosing a strong topic for your essay.

But what if you don’t even know what to write about? 

Don’t worry! Here is a list of topics and tips to help you decide on the perfect topic for your argumentative paper. 

So read on and make choosing a topic easier!

Argumentative Essay Topics

On this Page

Argumentative Essay Topics for students

Argumentative essay writing is one common academic assignment that almost every student will get to draft. In order to help the students, we have prepared a list of argumentative topic ideas. Pick a topic that works the best for you.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

  • What age is suitable for kids to start schooling?
  • Should students be allowed to evaluate their teachers?
  • Metal music should be banned due to its violent lyrics.
  • What are the pros and cons of making friends virtually?
  • Can we conserve energy as a society?
  • Does playing violent video games contribute to making a person violent in real life too?
  • How close is reality TV to real life?
  • Do girls face more societal pressure than guys?
  • What is the biggest challenge faced by students today?
  • Should there be cash rewards for getting a good score on standardized tests?
  • The rich should pay more taxes than the poor.
  • Cartoons are better than movies.
  • Teachers Vs. Parents: who plays a bigger role in shaping a child?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 6 

Here are some argumentative essay topics for 6th-grade students:

  • Should schools start later in the morning?
  • Is confining wild animals within zoos a cruel practice?
  • Should there be stricter laws for texting and driving?
  • Are social media sites like Facebook and Twitter bad for our society?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to allow young people a voice in democracy?
  • Should the school year be longer or shorter? 
  • Is it okay for children to play violent video games?
  • Should cell phones be banned from schools?
  • Should recycling become a mandatory practice in all households?

Argumentative Essay Topics for 7th Graders 

  • Should schools provide free meals to all students?
  • Are uniforms necessary for student success?
  • Does standardized testing accurately measure student progress?
  • Are after-school activities important for student development?
  • Is there too much emphasis on social media in education today?
  • Should schools place a stronger emphasis on physical education?
  • Are required classes in high school helpful or harmful to students?
  • Should all students have access to laptops and tablets in the classroom?
  • Is technology taking away from traditional learning methods in the classroom?
  • Should gym classes be mandatory for students?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 8

Looking for argumentative essay topics for teenagers? Check out the ideas below: 

  • Should the drinking age be lowered? Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Is it necessary for governments to fund childcare?
  • Is there too much emphasis on standardized testing in schools?
  • Are schools doing enough to prevent bullying from happening?
  • Do adolescents need more sleep than adults?
  • Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
  • Is social media affecting the way we interact with each other?
  • What should be done about the student loan crisis?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

  • Is homeschooling better than the public school educational system?
  • Smartphones help the learning process.
  • Is co-education more advantageous than single-sex education?
  • Are GMOs safe for human consumption?
  • Is fast food healthy or a serious threat to physical health?
  • Teenagers feel more comfortable talking on social media rather than face to face.
  • Should it be legal to get a tattoo for kids younger than 18?
  • Are standardized tests beneficial for school students?
  • A negative high school experience you believe is important when it comes to personality.
  • Does the education system prepare a student for the real world?
  • Is there life after death?
  • Our society works on gender equality.
  • Subjects that should be removed from the high school program.
  • Is hate crime growing in high school?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

  • Is the current taxation system effective or not?
  • Are men paid more than women in our corporate sector?
  • Should Shakespeare still be studied as part of the college curriculum?
  • Is college tuition becoming way too expensive?
  • Are test scores the only way to judge the competency of a student?
  • Getting a College degree is worth the cost.
  • Is the system of the electoral college still viable in the US?
  • Youngsters on social networks don’t realize the significance of privacy on these online sites.
  • Life is incomplete without faith.
  • Students nowadays face greater social pressures compared to the past.
  • Your past does not define you.
  • What can be done about gun control in the United States?
  • Is it ethical to genetically modify children to protect against diseases?
  • Do we need more gender diversity in STEM programs?

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Argumentative Essay Topics for University Students 

  • Should mental health services be made available for free?
  • Is income inequality a necessary part of capitalism?
  • Should the minimum wage be raised in all countries?
  • Does technology have a positive or negative impact on mental health?
  • Should universities be allowed to charge students for taking classes?
  • Is it necessary for governments to fund space exploration?
  • Should religion be taught in public schools?
  • Are animal experiments necessary for medical progress?
  • Should young students join a political party to enhance the democratic process?
  • Does free speech help promote extremism in society?

Argumentative Essay Topics for O Levels 

  • Should the government regulate the use of social media?
  • Is the death penalty an effective way to prevent crime?
  • Are online classes replacing traditional courses in schools?
  • Do standardized tests accurately measure academic achievement?
  • Should abortion be legalized in all countries?
  • Do celebrity role models have a positive or negative influence on young people?
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory in all schools?
  • Should the Internet be censored by governments around the world?
  • Should GMO foods be allowed in supermarkets?
  • Does free trade help or harm developing economies?

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Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Just as important as it is to create compelling content, choosing a great topic is equally important. If you want to score well in academics, you will have to impress your instructor with the best argumentative essay topics.

Below are some great topic ideas for you related to different fields. Choose the right topic for your essay and start the process.

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Can video gamers be counted as true athletes?
  • By participating in sports, can children be kept out of trouble?
  • Should girls be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys?
  • Should alternatives to steroids be legalized for professional athletes?
  • Do you consider cheerleading a sport?
  • Does your College spend a lot of money in the name of sports programs?
  • Student-athletes should get money for playing.
  • Betting on sports should be illegal.
  • Sports events shouldn’t broadcast alcohol and tobacco ads.
  • Are female athletes looked upon as sexual objects by the media?
  • All athletes should be tested for drugs before their performance.
  • Females should not be allowed to take part in extreme sports.
  • Impact of bodybuilding on a woman’s body in old age.

Argumentative Essay Topics Education

  • Parents should have an active role in their child's education.
  • The grading system shouldn’t exist to judge a student’s abilities.
  • Standardized tests should be abolished in schools.
  • All students must wear a uniform in high school.
  • Does technology benefit the educational system?
  • Studying in a single-sex class is better than studying in a mixed one?
  • All students must be made to learn a foreign language?
  • Programming should be made compulsory for all students.
  • Should students have sex education classes at school?
  • Should schools have the right to test students for drugs?
  • Girls should be equally encouraged to take part in sports in school.
  • The world should have a uniform language.
  • Hard work isn’t enough for being successful in a student’s life.
  • Should teachers be allowed to physically discipline their students?
  • How to bring change in the education system of the United States?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Are social networks an effective platform for communication?
  • Do people really get a job through LinkedIn?
  • Is Facebook legally allowed to leak the private information of its users?
  • Is it possible to earn a good amount of money from YouTube?
  • Should Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter be banned permanently?
  • Social media has successfully increased employment rates.
  • Celebrity endorsements are unethical.
  • Social media has destroyed real-life communication.
  • Social media has made doing business easier.
  • Blogging is an irrelevant profession.
  • How is social media depicting beauty standards?
  • How has social media become a major source of inferiority complex among teenagers?
  • Is it possible to have a life without social media at this time?
  • Should underaged children be allowed to own social media accounts?
  • Pros and cons of social media.

Argumentative Essay Topics Technology

  • Are cell phones harmful to the human race?
  • Are spy applications invading the privacy of users?
  • Are Millennials more dependent on computers than Baby Boomers?
  • Is Typescript the future of front-end development?
  • The impact of microwave tech on our biology.Technology has made us lazier.
  • Should coding be taught from middle school?
  • Cognitive Computers like Watson are unethical.
  • Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?
  • Children shouldn’t be given personal mobile phones.
  • Self-driving cars and the future of transportation.
  • Has technology made people less efficient?
  • Technological advancements in the field of psychology.
  • Is the future in the hands of Artificial Intelligence?
  • Pros and cons of depending a lot on technology.

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

  • What was the impact of European colonization on Native Americans?
  • What was the role of women in the movement toward revolution?
  • What were the key causes of the American Revolution?
  • The key issues that caused conflict between North and South and led to the civil war?
  • The effects of the Great Depression on the banking industry in America.
  • Did the Civil Rights Movement reduce or lead to racial violence?
  • Post World War II, how did America grow?
  • 21st-century American foreign policy.
  • Is Barack Obama the first American president who made history?
  • Was slavery an inevitable part of the development of American society?
  • Should the Indian Removal Act be considered an act of genocide?

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics 

  • Are antidepressants overprescribed in modern society?
  • Should mental health services be made free for all?
  • Is social media affecting mental health negatively?
  • Is there a stigma attached to seeking out mental health help?
  • What role do genetics and environment play in determining mental illness?
  • Can art and music therapy be effective treatments for mental illness?
  • How can we tackle the stigma associated with mental illness?
  • What can be done to reduce the prevalence of anxiety in young people?
  • Should there be mandatory mental health education in schools?

Social Issues Argumentative Topics

  • Should male workers receive paternity leave too?
  • Is age a major factor in relationship success or failure?
  • Is torture acceptable under any circumstance?
  • What are the primary causes of down syndrome?
  • What should the punishments be for failed parenting?
  • A candidate’s appearance shouldn’t be considered in a job hiring process.
  • Some common stereotypes in your society.
  • Cheating is increasing every day.
  • We are way too dependent on computers and technology.
  • Is boredom the cause of getting into trouble?
  • Beauty magazines should stop photoshopping models.
  • Capitalism vs. socialism. What would benefit society more?
  • Is the women’s rights movement justified?
  • The real objectives of Feminism.
  • Impact of homosexuality on society.

Argumentative Essay Topics Animals

  • Hunting for fun and sports is unethical and must get banned.
  • Aggressive dog breeds such as pit bulls should not be allowed as pets.
  • Testing beauty products on animals is justifiable.
  • Using monkeys for research in labs is a necessary evil.
  • Wearing fur and leather shouldn’t be unethical.
  • Is genetic modification of livestock beneficial?
  • Animal dissection in medical school is a good way to learn.
  • Owning pets reduces the risk of getting diseases. Do you agree?
  • Emotional support animals can truly help lonely people.
  • Keeping exotic animals as pets is inhumane.
  • Stronger laws must be enforced against animal cruelty.
  • Pros and cons of animal testing.
  • How can the emotional support of animals help in treating mental problems?
  • Significance of microchipping the pets.
  • Rights enjoyed by the ESA owners.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

  • Ways to decrease childcare costs in the United States.
  • Are literate people better parents?
  • Challenges faced by female politicians.
  • Is rehab effective for sex offenders?
  • Is music a form of real art?
  • Spanish is a simple language to learn.
  • Schools should ban vending machines on-campus.
  • Are teachers to blame when a student performs poorly?
  • Are gender stereotypes encouraged by parents?
  • Illegal immigrants and terrorism: is it related?
  • Can imposing a tax on sugar help fight obesity.
  • Should age be a factor in relationships?
  • Do dreams have a symbolic meaning?
  • Should South and North Korea become one?
  • Can depression be cured using natural ways?

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

Looking for some general argumentative essay topic ideas? Here is an ultimate list of great topics that can make your essay writing fun for you and your readers.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should same-sex marriage be legal in all 50 states within the United States of America?
  • Is the feminist movement ruining the minds of young girls?
  • Corruption and its effects on increasing wages.
  • Hunting should be banned globally. Do you agree?
  • Which is more beneficial for society, Communism or Capitalism?
  • Should human cloning be allowed or not?
  • Abortion – A pro-life or a pro-choice?
  • Do anti-discrimination laws reinforce discrimination?
  • Should patients be entitled to request medically-assisted suicide in cases of terminal illness?
  • Can beauty standards be more inclusive?
  • Workplace dating should not be allowed, and here’s why.
  • Displaced immigrants and refugees should be given shelter by every country.
  • Is vegan or vegetarian life good for health?
  • Online dating has ruined the essence of old-school romance.
  • Chocolate can help improve our bad mood.
  • Is it ethical to eat meat?
  • Mothers make better parents naturally.
  • Politics can never be clean and fair.
  • Should the drinking age be lowered?

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Are girls more intelligent than boys?
  • Parents of middle schoolers should control their internet.
  • Was Johnny Depp the best choice for Burton’s Ed Wood?
  • Do religious movements cause the outbreak of war?
  • Are human beings the major source of global climate change?
  • Is it ethical to have kids perform chores?
  • Is using LEDs making a difference?
  • How does being a vegan help the environment?
  • Should teenage marriages be allowed?
  • Social media has brought families closer. Is there any truth to this statement?
  • If the House of Lords had veto power over the House of Commons, Britain would’ve been better off.
  • It’s okay to date multiple people at the same time.
  • HIV is falsely associated with homosexuals. Why?
  • Why are the laws neglecting tobacco and alcohol?
  • Most of the modern-time artists are one-hit wonders.

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Is panda hugging a viable career option?
  • Does Justin Bieber owe his success to negative PR?
  • Is it true that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?
  • Is the Bermuda Triangle a real thing?
  • Is it okay for parents to lie to their children about Santa Claus?
  • Did the feminist movement ever help you?
  • How did the feminist movement ever help you?
  • There is no such thing as organic food.
  • How to make your roommate believe that moving out is the best option.
  • Why should I join a different family?
  • Fans should not judge players after losses or failures.
  • Is social promotion a helpful practice?
  • Is racism a natural condition of human society?
  • Dieting must not be practiced by schoolers.
  • Should tattoos be perceived as a social deviation?

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Argumentative Essay Topics 2022

  • Are US elections always fair?
  • Is the death penalty an effective punishment for criminals?
  • Is it wise to replace soldiers with machines and artificial intelligence on battlefields?
  • Should animals be used for performing experiments?
  • Effects of terrorism on the foreign policy of the United States of America's cosmetic surgery worth the risks?
  • What is your point of view on a terminally ill person having the right to assisted suicide?
  • Life 100 years ago was much easier than it is today.
  • Is religion a factor that contributes to war?
  • A woman who doesn’t have enough resources to raise a child to be allowed to abort?
  • Physical activities are the most convenient way to relax.
  • The best way to enhance education is to decrease the number of classes.
  • Sports classes should become mandatory for everybody.
  • The pros and cons of using gadgets for studying purposes.
  • What is the most important socio-political movement of the modern era?

Argumentative Essay Topics 2023

The following are some amazing topics for argumentative essays. Have a look at them to get a better idea.

  • Fast food is responsible for childhood obesity in the US.
  • Is the United States ready for a female president?
  • Parents need to be very friendly with their kids.
  • Are smartphones harmful to our health?
  • Education needs to be free for all.
  • Is single-sex education still a good idea in 2020?
  • Should all people pursue a university degree worldwide?
  • Internet access must be unlimited and free.
  • Modern education has to eliminate grading systems.
  • Capitalism should acquire more socially significant policies.
  • Tourist tax is mandatory to save cultural heritage.
  • Kindergartens must introduce foreign language instruction.
  • Is hunting good for environmental well-being?
  • Using animals for research must be banned.
  • Women perform better than men in official positions and occupations.

Choosing a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

So you know the importance of choosing the right topic when writing an argumentative essay.

But what are you going to write about?

You sure don’t want to pick an argumentative essay topic that everyone else is working on. And you don’t want to research an argumentative topic where information and data are impossible to find.

You hopefully want to write on a debatable topic that will interest both you and your reader. Here are the criteria we use to choose a topic for argumentative essays:

  • It has to be interesting to the writer. You’ll be outlining, researching, and writing in-depth, so pick an engaging topic for your argument.
  • Have some information to begin with. The more familiar you are with the subject area, the easier it will be for both you and the reader.
  • The best argumentative essay topics are mostly controversial. If there’s no conflict and everyone agrees on everything, it won’t qualify as an argumentative essay.
  • An arguable thesis statement can be created according to the topic.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

A good argumentative essay is one that presents a well-reasoned and logical argument. It should be supported by facts and evidence, not just speculation or opinion. To create an effective argumentative essay, the writer must provide a strong case for their position on any given topic.

Strong Introduction and Thesis 

The first element of a good argumentative essay is an interesting and clear introduction. This should introduce the topic in a way that engages readers and makes them want to learn more. 

It should also provide an overview of the writer's position on the issue, as well as any evidence they will be using to support their argument.

Good Research and Evidence 

Good argumentation requires good evidence. So a good argumentative essay should be backed up by research and evidence. 

If a writer is making an assertion, they must provide evidence to back it up. This could include physical evidence such as statistics or quotes from experts in the field, as well as logical arguments that support their position.

Organized Structure 

The structure of an argumentative essay is also important. It should be structured in a way that makes it easy to follow and understand. 

This could include using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up the text into more manageable pieces. In addition, it should have a clear flow of ideas, with each paragraph logically leading to the next.

Effective Conclusion 

Finally, a good argumentative essay should have an effective conclusion. This should provide a summary of the writer's main points and reiterate their position on the issue.  The conclusion should also leave readers with something to think about, leaving them informed and with new insight.

After reading our list, don’t be surprised if your mind starts coming up with additional topics for an argumentative essay. We recommend that you keep a notebook or journal handy to record these topic ideas for later.

These were some of the most interesting essay topics . Did you find a topic to write on?

Now, before you overwhelm yourself by jumping straight to the writing process, we have a helpful tip for you. Go through this detailed article to learn how to craft an argumentative essay effectively.

Seeking help from professionals is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when your grades are at stake. It is quite common for some students not to have a knack for writing. Also, some might not have the time to complete assignments.

If you can relate to such students, you should consider taking help from a reliable essay writing service such as 5StarEssays.com . You can simply request ‘ write my essay '. And we will have an expert essay writer to provide you with high-quality assignments regardless of type and field.

Or, use our AI Essay Generator , for AI powered writing help to guide your way!

Jared P.

Masters Essay, Literature

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

  • 5-minute read
  • 19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics! 

In this post, we’ll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. 

We’ll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you’re a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay that encourage the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action.

They typically open with a question, followed by a series of arguments intended to persuade the reader to take the same side as the author.

In a persuasive essay, the author will usually appeal to the readers’ emotions in order to prove that their opinion is the correct one. But this doesn’t mean that persuasive essays ignore evidence , facts, and figures; an effective persuasive essay makes use of a combination of logical argument and emotive language to sway the audience.

A persuasive essay can cover just about anything from pop culture to politics. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 50 persuasive essay topics to inspire your next assignment!

Top 50 Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Should the government censor the internet?
  • Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games?
  • Should self-driving cars be banned?
  • Is facial recognition software unethical?
  • Should mental health apps collect users’ personal data?
  • Should children under 13 have cell phones?
  • Should internet access be treated as a human right?
  • Should all paperwork be digitized?

Science and the Environment

  • Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
  • Should genetically modified organisms be labeled?
  • Should we clone human beings?
  • Should animal testing be allowed?
  • Should the government fund space exploration?
  • Should the government regulate the use of pesticides in farming?
  • Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
  • Should the government fine people who drive gas-powered vehicles?
  • Should climate change be declared a national emergency?

Crime and Politics

  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should all American citizens have to serve a year of community service?
  • Should the US voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should the government adopt a tougher immigration policy?
  • Should the government cut its military spending?
  • Should the government introduce a national living wage?
  • Should politicians be banned from social media?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?

Health and Fitness

  • Should the government provide universal healthcare?
  • Should the government ban the use of certain chemicals in cosmetics?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
  • Should physical exercise be mandatory at work?
  • Should employees have to disclose health conditions to their employers?
  • Should fast food commercials be banned?
  • Should herbal medicines be better regulated?
  • Should regular mental health checkups be mandatory?
  • Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
  • Should students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Should the government provide free college education?
  • Should schools offer comprehensive sex education?
  • Are high school students given too much homework?
  • Should humanities and arts subjects receive more funding?
  • Should military recruiters be allowed on school grounds?
  • Is the school day too long?
  • Should every US citizen be required to learn another language?

Lifestyle and Culture

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  • Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should the use of tobacco be banned?
  • Should marijuana be legalized?
  • Should all museums and art galleries be free?
  • Should kids be encouraged to read more?
  • Should public spaces provide unisex bathrooms?
  • Is pet ownership a human right?
  • Should extreme sports be banned?

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to start writing your persuasive essay. Here are our tips:

Choose a Side

When you’ve picked the question you’re going to address in your essay, you also need to choose one side – or answer – that you’re going to write in favor of.

It helps if you’re passionate about the topic, as this will enable you to write from an emotional perspective.

Do Your Research

In order to write persuasively , you need to understand the topic you’re writing about. 

Make sure you know the details of your subject matter, and can provide facts and figures to back up your appeal to your readers’ emotions.

You should also read up about different points of view on the topic, so that you can bring them up in the form of counterarguments and rebuttals .

Keep Your Audience in Mind

When you’re writing your essay, think about who it is you’re trying to persuade. The way you speak to a student, for example, will be different to how you address a parent.

Consider what your potential audience will value, and how you can reach them on an emotional level. 

Outline Your Essay

Now you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to plan and write your essay.

You should break it down into the follow sections:

  • An introduction, which sets up the question you’re going to answer and what side of the argument you are aiming to persuade the reader of.
  • The body of the essay, with a paragraph for each of the points you want to make.
  • A conclusion, where you summarize your points and main arguments.

Get It Proofread

As with any essay, your finished persuasive essay will need proofreading to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Our academic proofreading team here at Proofed can help with that. You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

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Argumentative Essay | The Ultimate Guide | O Level (1123)

If you want to know how to write a perfect argumentative essay , you will love this complete step-by-step guide I am about to share with you.

In fact, these are the exact strategies I used to ace this question in my English exam.

So keep reading.

But first of all, let me give you a brief introduction to the topic.

We'll take a look at:

What is an Argumentative essay?

You have heard of an argument, right? In simple words, it is the opposition or disagreement over something.

Argumentative writing is a genre (category) of writing in which you either speak in favour of a topic or against it. Plus, you use facts and examples to support your point of view.

Pretty simple, isn’t it?

argumentative essay o level

In short, a well-written essay will:

  • Have a compelling topic introduction to engage the readers
  • Have a fair analysis of both sides of the argument
  • Persuade the reader to consider a (new) different perspective

Do not worry! We will take a look at each of them in detail.

But first of all, let me tell you how to properly select a topic before writing.

How to select the “right” topic?

If you want to know, how to properly select a topic, this is for you.

Look, selecting a topic can be crucial . Here is a simple example for you:

Question 1 : ‘Sport is not just good for exercise – it teaches us lessons about values and behaviour.’ Do agree? Give reasons and examples to support your view.

Question 2 : ‘We should always obey rules, both inside and outside school: there is never an excuse for breaking them.’ What is your opinion? Give reasons and examples to support your opinion.

Let’s suppose that these were the topics you were to choose one from. What would you do? Here is a simple step-by-step guide for you.

  • First of all, read both the questions twice and underline the keywords.
  • Then, make a brief (but quick) mind-map . This will show you how much information you have for the particular topic.
  • Select the topic that you find more interesting (and of course, for which you have better arguments).

Note : During the exam, MANY students just skim through the question (because they think they are running out of time). You DO Not have to do this. Take your time and decide which topic you will attempt.

When you know which topic to write on, it is time to move straight on to the next topic.

Format of Argumentative Writing:

Here is the format that you are going to use in your writing, “ the five-paragraph structure “.

format of argumentative essay

Let’s take a look at each of them in detail now:

  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraphs (for arguments and counter-arguments)

Before moving ahead, let me tell you that each of these three sections has a unique structure . Let me show you how.

Introduction:

What do you know about an introductory paragraph already? The first part of your essay explaining what you are going to cover?

But here is a catch.

The introductory paragraph for an argumentative essay is divided into three parts :

Part 1 : Hooking your reader (grabbing the attention)

Part 2 : Background information

Part 3 : Thesis statement

Let me explain each part to you in detail.

The first thing you are going to do is to engage your reader (grabbing the attention). Look, a good introduction is the one that entices (attracts) the reader.

But, how can you hook your reader? Here are the three things you can do:

  • Throw up questions :

Sometimes, a couple of questions straight away can be enough to grab your readers attention (as you will see in the example below ).

When you put questions in front of your readers at the start, chances are that they will go through the entire passage (essay) to find answers to those questions.

  • State a fact:

Think of this: Will you be engaged by the passage that mentions a fact or an interesting finding straight away?

argumentative essay writing

I would! And good chances are that you would also be.

So if you know a fact about a topic , you can simply start off with that as well. For example, the first line for the topic “Is a university degree enough to get a good job?” can be:

“Do you know that graduates still out-earn people without degrees…”

Now, let’s move on.

The second thing you have to do is to give some background information .

Here’s why.

This will help your reader understand what the topic is all about . Plus, this information will also explain the main keyword as well.

So after grabbing your readers attention, give some background information so that your reader understands the main context and the problem.

When you are done with these two parts, move on to the third and the most important part of the introduction, the thesis statement .

In simple words, this statement lets your reader know about your viewpoint (opinion) about the topic.

And if I say that this one-to-two sentence statement presents the main idea of your essay, I will not be wrong. Plus, your thesis is the MOST important part of your introduction.

Note : Your thesis should be “crystal clear”. This means that you should clearly give your opinion about the topic.

Further Reading:

How to get an A* in O Level English | 7 Best Tips

Narrative Writing Made Simple | Format and Sample

Account Writing | Directed Writing

Now, here is a simple example of an introduction for you:

The Question says:

“The students who study abroad achieve greater success”. Do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer.

“Do you know that US students studying abroad during 2018-2019 increased by 1.6% (from 341,751 to 357,099)? But, does that mean studying abroad promises greater achievements? (Hooking the readers) For years, many students are interested in studying abroad as it helps them to have an understanding of the world, learn new languages, overcome challenges of living in another place and appreciate other cultures. To be precise, America’s first study abroad program (started by the University of Delaware ) was launched in 1923. (Background information) In my opinion, the students who study abroad achieve greater success because they develop their skills in a better way than those who study do not study abroad.” (Thesis statement)

With this, it is time to move on and talk about the body paragraphs.

Body Paragraphs:

An argumentative essay contains three body paragraphs (can be more) that give reasons and explanations on why you support your thesis.

Plus, you also give one or two counter-arguments (the arguments that oppose your thesis) to create a balance.

You should know that a typical paragraph contains a topic sentence (telling why your reader should agree with your opinion), examples and studies etc.

Note : You will apply the inverted pyramid technique over here. This simply means that you will give your strongest argument first (followed by the relatively weaker one).

argumentative essay format

Let’s take a look at this example:

Here is a paragraph in favour of the topic: “ Skills are more important than knowledge “.

Einstein said: “Imagination is more important than knowledge…” He further explained that knowledge is limited, while imagination encircles the world. All the information in this world is useless unless it is used in creative ways. For example, if a person knows a lot of facts, it is impressive. But, it is not useful. On the other hand, skills make information management and innovation (the most desired in the business world). In short, skills are what bring about development because they are practically applicable.

Now, here is a counter-argument paragraph for the same topic.

However, some people say that knowledge is more impotent than skills. The reason being is that skill is the end product of knowledge. If you have good knowledge about how to set a camera for a shoot, then you can practice that knowledge and the practice over time will make you skilful for that work. And since knowledge is an accumulation of experiences, it is more important.

In short, you support your thesis (that you made in the introduction) in the body paragraphs.

This takes us straight to the next part, the conclusion.

The Concluding Paragraph:

I have a question from you: What do you know about a conclusion, apart from that it is the last paragraph of your essay?

Let me tell you.

This is the paragraph where you re-state your thesis . Plus, you also give a brief summary of the arguments you made in the essay above.

Remember that conclusion is NOT the place to introduce new points. In fact, to write a good conclusion, you will have to appeal to your reader’s emotions.

We will take a look at all this with the help of an example.

Here is the concluding paragraph for the topic: “Skills are more important than knowledge.”

“In short, yes skills are more important than knowledge because skills can be practically applied. Moreover, skills lead towards development and birth innovation. But, knowledge is also important if it is practically applied.”

With this, let me share some amazing tips for you if you want to ace this topic in your exam.

Tips for Argumentative Writing:

  • Make your thesis crystal clear .

As I said above as well, you HAVE to state your thesis clearly.

For example, if you agree that “money can’t buy you happiness”, then state clearly : In my opinion, Yes! money cannot buy you happiness.

As just a quick reminder for you, the thesis will be mentioned in the introduction as well as the conclusion.

  • Be convincing .

Here’s a deal.

If you want your essay to stand out, you have to be persuasive (convincing). But, how can you do so?

Firstly, remember that people are easily persuaded by logic. Therefore, you have to give strong arguments in favour of your claim.

Quick Tip : Before writing anything, make a rough draft where you write all the arguments you have. Then, shortlist the MOST convincing arguments.

The second thing you can do is to use plenty of facts , examples and anecdotes (your personal story or experience) to support your claim.

tips for argumentative writing

Let’s suppose that you are writing on the topic: “University degree is more important than skill.”

In support of this argument, you could have stated that the 2016/17 HESA survey shows that 81% of people who finished their undergraduate degree three years ago are in full or part-time work.

In short, try to use case studies, facts and examples to support your opinion. Do not JUST give your opinion, but back it up as well.

  • Use effective transitions .

Now you might be wondering, what are effective transitions. These are the words (or phrases) that connect your ideas and paragraphs , effectively.

Simple isn’t it.

Effective transitions are essential if you want to create coherence (logic and unity).

Here is a list of transition words that you can use in your writing.

For similarity : In addition, In the same way, similarly, identically etc.

For Opposition : Besides, in contrast, on the contrary, unlike and above all etc.

For examples and support : For instance, specifically, to illustrate, undoubtedly and especially etc.

So, create unity and link between your arguments, as they help the reader to (better) understand your claim.

  • Avoid repetition :

Let’s be honest.

This is the biggest issue in argumentative writing. And, this problem can really impact your grade.

In simple words, repetition is talking about the same ideas (point) multiple times. This usually happens when you run out of unique ideas .

Remember that repetition makes your response unconvincing . Here is how can you deal with it:

First of all, make a rough draft before writing and write down all the points that come to your mind. When you will have all points in front of you, good chances are that you will not repeat any argument.

The second thing you can do is to read your writing aloud . Look, it is easy to lose track of what you are writing.

So when you read your work aloud, you will remember what you are writing . As a result, you will not repeat the same point.

Wrapping Up:

With this, our topic of how to write an argumentative essay has come to an end.

Now I turn it over to you.

Which part of this topic do you find the most challenging? Is it writing relevant facts or writing strong arguments. Do let me know.

Remember that this topic is very important from an examination point of view for GCE O Level English (1123). So, do practise a couple of past paper questions as well.

Thank you for reading and staying with me till the end. Stay tuned for more.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

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General Education

feature_essaytopics

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

  • Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
  • Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
  • Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
  • Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
  • Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

feature_argumentativeessay-1

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

  • Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
  • Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
  • Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
  • With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
  • Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
  • Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
  • What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
  • Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
  • Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
  • Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
  • Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
  • Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
  • Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
  • Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
  • Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
  • Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
  • Should students learn cursive writing in school?
  • Which is more important: PE class or music class?
  • Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
  • Should class rank be abolished in schools?
  • Should students be taught sex education in school?
  • Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
  • What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
  • Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
  • Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
  • Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
  • Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
  • Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
  • Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
  • What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
  • Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
  • Should there be limits to free speech?
  • Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
  • Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
  • Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
  • Should recycling be made mandatory?
  • Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
  • Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
  • Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
  • Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
  • Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
  • Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
  • Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
  • Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

  • Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
  • Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
  • Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
  • Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
  • Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
  • Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
  • Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
  • Is national security more important than individual privacy?
  • What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?
  • Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
  • Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
  • Who was the most/least effective US president?
  • Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

body-sparkler-us-flag

  • What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
  • Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
  • Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
  • Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
  • Is eating genetically modified food safe?
  • What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
  • What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
  • Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
  • Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
  • Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
  • Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
  • Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
  • What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
  • Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
  • Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
  • What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
  • What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
  • Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
  • What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
  • Should nuclear power be banned?
  • Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
  • Do zoos help or harm animals?
  • Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
  • Should animals in circuses be banned?
  • Should fracking be legal?
  • Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
  • What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
  • What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
  • Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
  • Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
  • Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
  • Is solar energy worth the cost?
  • Should stem cells be used in medicine?
  • Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
  • Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
  • Should college athletes receive a salary?
  • Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
  • Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
  • Should horse racing be banned?
  • Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
  • Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
  • Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
  • Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
  • Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
  • Should facial recognition technology be banned?
  • Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
  • Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
  • Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
  • Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
  • Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
  • Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
  • Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
  • Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

feature_information_technology

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

  • Do your research
  • Make your thesis perfect
  • Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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    50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 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 ...

  7. 130 Unique Argumentative Essay Topics: How to Pick Out One

    Keep your audience in mind - Consider the audience for your essay, and attempt to guess what they would think about the topic you wish to cover. Think about if your audience would find it fascinating. Take a risk - Pick a highly debatable subject you think others would want to steer clear of.

  8. 401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

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  9. How to Write an Argumentative Essay

    An argumentative essay presents a complete argument backed up by evidence and analysis. It is the most common essay type at university. ... Examples of argumentative essay prompts. At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response. ... Frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

  10. 50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

    These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you're a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we've compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

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    8 Technology & Computer Science Argumentative Research Paper Topics. 9 Government Argumentative Research Paper Topics. 10 Criminal Justice & Criminology Argumentative Research Paper Topics. 11 Social Studies Argumentative Research Paper Topics. 12 Debatable Argumentative Research Paper Topics.

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    Argumentative Essay Topics Education. Parents should have an active role in their child's education. The grading system shouldn't exist to judge a student's abilities. Standardized tests should be abolished in schools. All students must wear a uniform in high school.

  13. 120+ Strong Argumentative Essay Topics

    Choosing between argumentative essay topics can be hard; especially when you don't know where to start looking. Luckily, you can find over 120 topic ideas here, including our top 10 hot topics.

  14. 125 Strong Argumentative Essay Topics For Your Next Paper

    The format of an argumentative essay typically consists of three basic elements: An introductory paragraph, stating topic and thesis. Supporting paragraphs, presenting arguments and unique facts. The final paragraph, restating supporting evidence and thesis. The length and complexity of the essay will vary depending on the level of the student ...

  15. How to Write an A+ Argumentative Essay

    An argumentative essay attempts to convince a reader to agree with a particular argument (the writer's thesis statement). The writer takes a firm stand one way or another on a topic and then uses hard evidence to support that stance. An argumentative essay seeks to prove to the reader that one argument —the writer's argument— is the ...

  16. 50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

    In this post, we'll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. We'll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you're a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

  17. How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

    1. Introductory paragraph. The first paragraph of your essay should outline the topic, provide background information necessary to understand your argument, outline the evidence you will present and states your thesis. 2. The thesis statement. This is part of your first paragraph.

  18. 3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed

    Check out our full analysis of 3 argumentative essay samples to help you write your own. Call Direct: 1 (866) 811-5546 ... Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible. ... Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics ...

  19. Argumentative Essay

    In simple words, it is the opposition or disagreement over something. Argumentative writing is a genre (category) of writing in which you either speak in favour of a topic or against it. Plus, you use facts and examples to support your point of view. Pretty simple, isn't it? In short, a well-written essay will:

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  21. 20+ Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

    20+ Argumentative Essay Topics for High School. by Antony W. May 31, 2023. The first step to writing a high school-level argumentative essay is to determine what topics interest and singling out an idea that would be worth exploring. In our experience, choosing arguable and educational topics tends to be challenging for most students than ...

  22. 113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment

    List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics. Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you'll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, "should fracking be legal?" you'd decide whether you believe fracking should ...

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    ESSAY QUESTIONS. YEAR. 1. Some people enjoy being in a crowded place, while others prefer somewhere quieter with fewer people. Describe your perfect place when you want to relax. 2022. 2. "I realised that I was much stronger than I had previously thought.". Write about a time when you felt like this.