fun argumentative essay topics for students

114 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2023

April 25, 2023

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. 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 this essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. A strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research, evidence, and logical reasoning skills.

Argumentative Essay Format

A strong argumentative essay will be based on facts, not feelings. Each of these facts 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, paragraphs addressing common counterarguments, and conclusion.

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. 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.

For more tips and tricks on formatting an argumentative essay, check out this useful guide from Khan Academy.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

• Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, the topic you choose will be meaningful to you.
• Once you’ve selected your topic, it’s time to sit down and get to work! 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. Remember to look for possible counterarguments.
• Outline . Using the argumentative essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put together the pieces of the essay, focusing on logical flow.
• Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a solid first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) For now, focus on getting the words down on paper.
• Edit . Be your own critical eye. Read what you’ve written back to yourself. Does it make sense? Where can you improve? What can you cut?

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 cellphones 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?

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?
• 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 comprehensive 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 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?

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.?

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?

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?

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 .)

Science Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the world eliminate nuclear weapons?
• Should scientists bring back extinct animals?
• Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
• Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
• Is it ethical to clone animals for scientific purposes?
• 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?
• Would the world be safe if we got rid of all nuclear weapons?
• Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?

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?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
• Is social media harmful to children?
• 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?
• Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
• Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?

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?
• 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?

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? Also check out our 85 Good Debate Topics for High School Students .

• High School Success

Lauren Green

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

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371 Fun Argumentative Essay Topics for 2024

Writing an argumentative essay is not the funniest thing to do. Even so, there are ways to ease this process and make it less strained – choose a catchy topic! Dive into the article and find some funny argumentative essay topics for your assignment.

Our team worked very hard to develop more than 200 funny essay topics for you. We hope you’ll enjoy these humor essay topics, but keep in mind that writing an essay is not all fun and games. It requires concentration and some analysis.

⚠️ BONUS: tips on the most efficient argumentative essay outlines ⚠️

🔝 Top 12 Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

• 🔖 Argumentative Topics 2024
• 🗂️ Essay Outline
• ⚔️ Topics to Debate on
• 🍂 Easy Topics
• 🪂 Chill Topics
• 🔥 Hot Topics
• 🤔 Thought-Provoking Topics
• 🗣 Argumentative Speech Topics
• 🔃 Topics on Argumentation
• 🙈 Persuasive Topics
• 📏 Discipline-Specific Topics

🌟 Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

🤪 silly argumentative essay topics, 🌞 light-hearted argumentative essay topics.

• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
• Are video games a good way to relieve stress and anxiety?
• Is it better to study alone or in a group?
• Is it important for everyone to learn a second language?
• Should celebrities be role models?
• Is fashion important in expressing individuality?
• Should people embrace the trend of minimalist living?
• Do virtual influencers benefit the marketing industry?
• Is it better to have a small family than a large one?
• Should parents be friends with their children on social media?
• Is it better to pursue multiple careers throughout one’s life?
• Is it better to be an early bird or a night owl?

🔖 Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

• Does vegetarianism help climate change?
• Are our lives better with the Internet?
• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Should we pay taxes to governments?
• Is providing free medical insurance a government’s responsibility?
• Euthanasia should be illegal because of its harm.
• Should political activism be compulsory?
• Are we on the edge of WW3?
• Why should public surveillance cameras be banned?
• Do we need more gender inclusivity?
• How far should we go with exploring space?
• Should people have a right to own a gun?
• Should marijuana be allowed in all countries?
• Is using a smartphone for hours dangerous for health?
• Should police officers have a college degree?

🗂️ Argumentative Essay Outline. Effective Organization

we will show you three main methods to organize an argumentative essay. Classical type, Rogerian type, and Toulmin type. You can pick one or just get ideas on how to build up your argumentation.

These were the three most prominent methods to organize your argumentative essay effectively. Here you can familiarize yourself with them in detail and find examples. However, it is still possible to use other strategies for building argumentation.

⚔️ Funny Argumentative Essay Topics to Debate on

The best questions for argumentative essays have no obvious answers and always produce conflicting options.

Here are a few examples:

• Does smoking help people make acquaintances?
• Dating apps made romance disappear.
• Freedom of expression should be guaranteed to everyone.
• Does DNA or upbringing define us?
• Can democracy work in the Middle East ?
• Fast food companies should not advertise to children.
• Is global warming overrated?
• Would the world be better without religion?
• Distracted driving: should talking & texting be banned?
• Is organic food anyhow better, or is it just a marketing trick?
• Are conflicts necessary for healthy relationships ?
• Should lecture attendance be optional?
• Should same-sex couples receive constitutional protection?
• Should sex education be a compulsory subject at school?
• Should the rich be taxed more?
• Why should we pay for music?
• Is the first impression of a person always right?
• Should students add their teachers as friends on Facebook?
• Should companies try to copy their competitors?
• Should governments censor material on the internet?
• Can businesses learn from their customers’ complaints?
• Should all energy drinks be banned?
• Should we limit our use of social media?
• Is China a new superpower ?
• Is policing in the US racially biased?
• Should the right to die be considered a right?
• Should terrorists be treated like criminals or like enemy combatants?
• Is the body or the mind primary?
• Juveniles should not be tried as adults .
• Will the redistribution of wealth eradicate poverty?

🍂 Easy and Fun Essay Topics

Forget that an argumentative essay topic requires discussing classic issues like abortion or euthanasia. A good debate subject can also be a funny topic to write about.

• Should employees be allowed to use social media at work?
• Should companies send “happy birthday” messages to clients?
• Do stay-at-home mothers exhibit more indicators of happiness than full-time working mothers?
• Would Shakespeare’s plays be more interesting if shortened?
• Should internet slang like “LOL” and “IMHO” be included in dictionaries?
• Full-day vs. half-day kindergarten: which is better?
• Does the English language need to be more straightforward?
• Should kids be allowed to draw on walls?
• Art, music, and dance in treatment.
• Do modern schools depend too much on technology?
• Are online classes valued less?
• Medical practices in Ancient Greece, Igbo Culture and Kikuyu Pre Colonial .
• Is the character of an individual prescribed or acquired?
• Should hospitals use placebo treatments ?
• Do innovations make us lazier?

🪂 Chill and Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

The easiest way to write an A+ persuasive essay is to choose a topic that genuinely interests you:

• Can college athletes be intelligent?
• Arguments for and against the fast food industry in the USA.
• Should students have profiles on all major social networks?
• Should people abandon cash and use plastic cards only ?
• Drug legalization: for and against .
• Should countries have “one-car-per-family” policies?
• Why is obesity not considered a disease?
• Should we preserve old buildings as historical monuments ?
• Are some TV ads objects of art ?
• How does the environment affect health, and why is this an essential global health policy concern?
• Is music in shopping malls harmful to employees’ well-being?
• Can listening to your favorite music heal?
• Argue for or against mandatory vaccination for all students of public schools.
• Should journalists who distort the truth to make the news more sensational be punished?
• Are hybrid cars friendly to the environment?
• Should all TV channels have censorship ?

🔥 Hot Argumentative Essay Topics

If you’re still here, then you’re probably looking for something special, like these argumentative essay topics:

• Is using animals for experiments justified?
• Do SOPA and PIPA make pirates more skilled?
• Is negative PR the secret behind Justin Bieber’s success?
• Smoking in public places: arguments for banning.
• Should Wikipedia give diplomas to its most faithful readers?
• Can diamonds be girls’ best friends?
• Dangers of spreading human immunodeficiency virus.
• Should couples live together before marriage?
• Should parents tell their kids about the birds and the bees ?
• Physician-assisted suicide is a basic right.
• Can virtual reality be dangerous for kids?
• Should condoms be distributed in high schools?
• Is too much political correctness making communication more confusing?
• Is it possible to get 100% clear and unbiased results from psychological research ?

🤔 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Essay Topics

Consider choosing one of these interesting argumentative essay topics for college:

• Can any behavior be predicted?
• Does a tattoo on a face spoil the first impression about a person?
• Should the modern voting system abolish the electoral college?
• How many Facebook friends is it healthy to have?
• Should we get rid of all euphemisms and say things as they are?
• Should we consider Trump a populist?
• What is the best use for duct tape other than taping things?
• Should the US government provide more public goods?
• What’s the real meaning of children’s fairy tales and nursery rhymes?
• Privacy and security of online networks.
• Should people be able to patent their ideas?
• Is there a lack of African American women in federal government positions?
• Is panda hugger a serious job?
• Is Esperanto a failed language?
• The problem of authorities’ corruption.
• Are millennials unhealthily addicted to social media?
• Problems of overcrowding in prisons.
• Is it possible to live your entire life without leaving a trace online ?

🗣️ Funny Argumentative Speech Topics

Are you looking for good persuasive speech topics? Here are some creative speech ideas:

• Should soccer players be allowed to fight on the field?
• Family values and needs conflict in nursing ethics.
• Should society have child-free restaurants?
• Is Coke better than Pepsi?
• Should the lottery be illegal?
• Should everyone climb Mount Everest at least once in their lives?
• Should the law prohibit taking selfies while driving?
• Are moist cookies better than dry cookies?
• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Should students be allowed to wear dreadlocks at school?
• Should you refuse to sign a prenuptial agreement?
• Health effects of high fructose-containing sugars.
• Should you create your own subculture ?
• Should students be graded on their computer literacy?
• Should marijuana be legalized around the world?
• Should meat lovers be more mindful of vegetarians?
• World Trade Organization membership impact.
• Should everyone abandon cars and ride bikes instead?
• Should airlines have a two-seat policy for heavier people?
• What role does China play in shaping the contemporary politics of the world?
• Should you add your parents as friends on Facebook?
• Is the sharing economy essentially the same thing as communism ?

🔃 Essay Topics on Argumentation

What about some quibble? You may try to speak about argumentation itself since there is a lot of dispute about its nature, structure, and models. For instance:

• Should students choose research and essay themes themselves?
• Can argumentative writing help in different life situations?
• Do good arguments resolve conflicts , or do they push you to contradict?
• Would famous persuasive speeches produce the same impact on the audience of today?
• Is an argumentative essay for college students an easier task than for school students?
• Persuasion techniques of politicians .
• Do some argumentative issues lack real problems to be discussed?
• Can a good discursive essay be composed without proper argumentation?
• Does an argumentative paper format impact its message and value ?
• Can argumentative essay exercises in school contribute to writing skills demonstrated in college and university?
• Mass media and propagation of political rhetoric .
• Can essay subjects be too simple to develop good argumentation?
• Are some controversial topics missing controversy ?
• Do argumentative essays with sources have higher persuasive power?
• Do short argumentative essays lack depth?
• Argumentative essay on global warming .
• Is an accepted college essay format assistance or limitation?
• Should students prepare debate arguments in advance or develop them during debates?
• Individual’s strengths and problem-solving skills.
• Does a formal argumentative essay lack personalization?
• Is writing a persuasive essay a skill or a talent?
• I Have a Dream speech by Martin Luther King .
• Should an argumentative style of writing be formalized?
• Do all persuasive speeches require personal charisma?
• Personal skills application in project management .
• Can an argumentative paper fail because of its neutral tone?
• Is there a difference between an argumentative and a persuasive essay?
• Mikhail Gorbachev’s 1988 UN speech .
• Is there a universal argumentative essay model?

🙈 Funny Persuasive Essay Topics

• Are early marriages more likely to end in divorce ?
• Do older people receive better care in retirement homes than with family members?
• Should hyperactive kids receive treatment?
• Social media: positive aspects for teenagers.
• Should mind reading during poker games be banned?
• Should parents pass tests before homeschooling their kids?
• Are humans addicted to technology?
• Should parents lie to their kids about Santa Claus?
• Standing on the feminist side in same-sex marriage.
• Is it fair to use the results of standardized tests to define schools’ budgets?
• Are optimism and success infectious?
• Impact of video games on students.
• Is the Bermuda triangle a creation of our imagination?

📏 Discipline-Specific Argumentative Essay Topics

If your task was to write an argumentative essay on a particular subject, try to find something in the lists below.

🌐 Argumentative Essay Topics on Social Media and the Internet

• Modern technologies make people lonelier and more depressive .
• Impact of globalization and technology on cross-cultural negotiations.
• The use of filthy language on the internet negatively affects the quality of vocabulary in daily life.
• The use of the Internet in police technology.
• Modern teenagers lack survival skills due to their reliance on technology .
• Live communication will soon minimize due to smartphones.
• The educational system gains more than it loses with the development of technologies.
• Technology and healthcare: a shortage of healthcare providers and the aging demographics.
• Facebook and other social networks pose a threat to your privacy.
• The internet violates intellectual property rights.
• The role of technology in the work of nurses and its analysis.
• Did school shootings increase due to the popularity of video games ?
• Politics and social movements: race, ethnicity, and the use of social media.
• Do gadgets limit children’s imagination?
• Will rapid technological development lead to a global crisis?
• Social media for law enforcement.
• The dependence of the world on the internet is excessive.
• Internet users need online censorship .
• Sites that promote aggressive or inadequate behaviors, violence, etc., must be banned.
• Computers and technology in law enforcement and investigations.
• Kids should be denied access to the internet .
• Virtual relationships cannot exist for a long time.

👩‍🎨 Argumentative Essay Topics on Culture

• Does conceptualism make art lose its value?
• Do the lyrics in today’s songs make any sense?
• How do logos change the perception of a brand?
• Does modern art require talent, or can one rely on ambition only?
• Is poetry relevant anymore?
• How do gangsta rap and rock music address violence, racism, and social issues?
• Is there a superior kind of art, or do they all have equal value?
• Does mainstream culture make people dull and limited?
• Impact of computer technology on architecture.
• Does free access to unlimited information on the Internet make us more knowledgeable?
• Violent music and its impacts on children.
• Should one be wealthy to be able to build a career in art?
• Is the art of professional criticism lost for good?
• Is American cinematography worse than European, or is it prejudice?
• Gender role in the music videos.

‍🤝 ‍Argumentative Essay Topics on Social Issues

• Freedom of speech is more important than the prevention of extremism.
• Combating drug abuse: public policy issue .
• Small talks are a very effective way to maintain lots of social connections.
• Immigrants should be treated and perceived the same way as other members of society.
• Public policies in the healthcare sector.
• Universities consider the individual characteristics of their students for a more efficient studying process.
• Compliance with COVID-19 measures is a personal choice of each individual.
• Major healthcare reforms in the US.
• Is it socially acceptable to remark to a stranger who is being very ill-mannered?
• Global health promotion and wellness.
• Is gender-specific etiquette a relic of society, or should it still be followed?
• Is social inequality a result of the market economy?
• Government response on growing inflation and unemployment rates.
• If each millionaire in the world donated $1 per day to needy people, there would not be poverty.
• US gun control policies should be stricter .

🦹 Argumentative Essay Topics on Gender In/Equality

• Does gender discrimination still exist?
• Gender differences in military negotiations.
• Male discrimination is not less relevant and important than female.
• Gender studies should be taught at school.
• Ethnic and gender diversity issues in policing.
• Gender oppression resulted in almost no female explorers, politicians , and other outstanding figures in different fields.
• Gender bias in child care and child health: global patterns.
• The level of gender equality positively correlates with the GDP of a state.
• Straight white men are to blame for female oppression.
• Gender issues faced by psychiatric-mental health nurses.
• Would a women-dominated society be much more sufficient?
• Objectification of women through female genital mutilation.
• Female persons are in greater danger of sexual exploitation.
• Highly religious communities could never achieve gender equality.
• Positive gender discrimination is as wrong as negative one.

💸 Argumentative Essay Topics on Business

• Testing products on animals is unacceptable in the modern world.
• Environmental economics issues and policies .
• How much do economic and political conditions determine the well-being of a business?
• Businesses’ obligations with respect to the environment .
• Focus on the market doesn’t result in much prosperity.
• International business and supply chain management.
• Studying business will not make you a successful businessman.
• Monetary benefits for employers are more effective than moral encouragement.
• Joe Biden’s Pressure to lift US-China supply chain tariffs.
• Corporate training is crucial for employees.
• Can a company succeed without a proper marketing strategy?
• Unemployment in the Gulf States.
• With the continually growing competitiveness, it is harder to enter the market than it used to be in earlier days.
• Motivating factors for women entrepreneurs.
• Do local businesses need more support than big companies?

📖 Argumentative Essay Topics on History

• History has no subjunctive mood.
• Elizabeth I’s leadership. English history.
• Should denying the Holocaust be criminalized?
• Should there be an opportunity to sue governments for historical crimes?
• Equal opportunities throughout American history.
• Is there any possibility of fair solutions for land conflicts?
• Russia and the US getting involved in the Middle East conflict worsened the situation.
• US military involvement in Mexico’s drug wars.
• Particular persons started the worst wars in history.
• Witch-hunt in Europe during the Middle Ages.
• Karl Marx might have had the biggest ever impact on society.

🕹️ Argumentative Essay Topics on Technologies

• Can artificial intelligence be dangerous for human civilization?
• Impact of information technology business outsourcing and off-shoring.
• Should developed countries invest more in space exploration than in social problems?
• Homeland security intelligence gaps in the US.
• Will driverless cars cause more problems, or is it a better choice?
• Automation of manufacturing not only jeopardizes related jobs but also organically creates new working places.
• How can information technology be used to gain a competitive advantage?
• Has Silicon Valley failed to solve the world’s technological revolution problems?
• Information technology in Saudi Arabia’ education.
• Will the rise of machines undermine democracy?
• Can cryptocurrency actually replace banks?
• Videogaming can make people smarter.
• Li-Fi technology: goals and significance.
• Individuals should have a right to erase all their personal information online .
• Cyberwars are overrated.
• Vehicle tracking technology project management.
• Smart gadgets make people lose their decision-making and practical thinking skills.

🤝 Argumentative Essay Topics on Politics

• Political presence in non-political events (Olympic Games, Eurovision Song Contest, the Oscars, etc.) should be eliminated.
• National security VS people’s privacy. What should be dominant?
• The American government’s ban on Tik-Tok .
• Should all the countries that have nuclear weapons destroy them?
• North Korea’s nuclear problem: impact and solutions.
• Do illegal migrants have to be deported provided help?
• African conflicts and critical problems.
• Should there be a universal basic income on a state level for everyone?
• The places in the parliament (or any other highest governing institution) should have equal gender division .
• Should patriotism be part of decision-making when it is about international relations?
• Felony disenfranchisement: serious problems.
• Would it be more efficient to make one government for all countries globally?
• Issue priorities in Biden’s budget.
• Voting has to be compulsory for everyone.
• Politics and economy in healthcare system.
• Robots should substitute presidents.

🤓 Argumentative Essay Topics on Education

• Should both the author and the person who copied be accused?
• How does government legislation impacts educational institutions?
• Should students hand over their gadgets before the class?
• Educational policies on internal and local populations.
• Does it improve the studying process if a teacher spends time with students outside of the classroom?
• Should a student be allowed to express their creativity if it deviates from the studying process?
• Professional goals for public health education .
• Bullying at school depends on how good the education is given in a school.
• Public education budget shortage analysis.
• A student’s success is influenced by their classmates more than by their parents .
• Nursing education systems in Kenya and Ireland .
• Boys and girls should attend different schools.
• Women’s rights movement impact on education.
• Students should be allowed to choose the courses they want to study.
• Should the legal drinking age be lowered to 18?
• What is the role of art in society, and how should it be supported?
• Should animals have the same rights as humans?
• Should parents have the right to make all decisions for their children, or should children have more autonomy?
• Should the use of plastic straws be banned globally?
• Is it ethical to use virtual influencers (AI-generated personas) for marketing purposes?
• Is it acceptable to use psychedelic drugs for spiritual or religious purposes?
• Should all countries switch to a four-day workweek?
• Is it ethical to use virtual reality technology for empathy training?
• Should the study of philosophy be a mandatory part of school curriculums?
• Should parents have the right to choose the gender of their child?
• Is technology making us more connected or more isolated?
• Should schools focus more on teaching practical life skills rather than academic subjects?
• Are mental health issues being taken seriously enough in society?
• Are professional athletes overpaid, or do they deserve their high salaries?
• Is it ethical to use mind-reading technology to prevent crime?
• Would it be justified to use time travel to change historical events?
• Is it reasonable to have a national holiday dedicated to celebrating socks?
• Should people be allowed to have pet dinosaurs?
• Is it practical to have a mandatory “silly walk” zone in every city?
• Is it reasonable to have a mandatory silly hat day every week?
• Is it acceptable to eat breakfast foods for every meal?
• Should the official language of the world be emoji-based?
• Is it practical to have a mandatory daily nap time for adults?
• Should all transportation be replaced with giant hamster balls?
• Should we have a mandatory “dance like nobody’s watching” hour every day?
• Should people be required to wear sunglasses at all times, even indoors?
• Should people be allowed to communicate exclusively through interpretive mime?
• Should all work meetings be conducted in the form of a talent show?
• Is it reasonable to have a mandatory “bring your pet to work” day every week?
• Is it better to have a dog or a cat as a pet?
• Everyone should read the book before watching the movie adaptation.
• Is it better to play board games or video games for family bonding?
• Listening to music on vinyl records vs. digital streaming platforms.
• Should hobbies be included as part of a school curriculum?
• Is it better to watch movies in the theater or at home?
• Should siblings share a bedroom or have their own rooms?
• Is it better to have a single favorite hobby or multiple hobbies?
• Is it better to listen to music while working or study in silence?
• Should pets be allowed in restaurants and cafes?
• Should pets have their own birthday parties?
• Should families eat dinner together at the table every night?
• Is it better to play classic board games or modern board games?
• Is it better to watch movies in 2D or 3D format?
• Should schools have a “Pajama Day” or “Crazy Hair Day”?

What’s next?

Having selected a good topic to argue about, you now need to create an argumentative essay outline . Read and analyze some persuasive essay examples to learn more about the structure and vocabulary used in this type of essay.

If you liked our good and easy argumentative essay topics, then take a look at our other helpful essay topic articles.

For more amazing essay ideas, check out:

• Best Psychology Persuasive Speech Topics & Essay Ideas
• Top 100 Research Topics for ABM Strand Students

Happy writing, dear friends! See you again!

🔎 References

• How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
• Argumentative Essays, Purdue University
• 50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics
• 401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing
• All Debates | IQ2US Debates

414 Proposal Essay Topics for Projects, Research, & Proposal Arguments

725 research proposal topics & title ideas in education, psychology, business, & more.

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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.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

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?
• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
• Controversial Speech Topics
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
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• 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
• Topic In Composition and Speech
• MBA Essay Tips
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• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
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• Middle School Debate Topics
• Topical Organization Essay
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• Writing Tips

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

• 11th June 2022

The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

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!

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

●  Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

●  Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

●  Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

●  Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

●  Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

●  Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

●  Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

●  Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

●  Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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●  Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

●  Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

●  Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

●  Should online access to art such as music be free?

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

●  Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

●  Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

●  Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

●  Should higher education be free?

●  Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

●  Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

●  Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

250+ Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas To Help You Out

17 min read

Published on: Feb 7, 2018

Last updated on: Jan 17, 2024

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Have you been assigned an argumentative essay? Are you wondering about which topic you should choose?

Choosing a good topic is the first step to writing your argumentative essay . But ideas and inspirations don’t come easily.

That’s why we've curated a list of 250+ captivating argumentative essay topics. Whether you’re in high school or college, we’ve got you covered. These topics will sharpen your critical thinking and also encourage you to delve into contentious issues.

So read on to find the best argumentative topic to write about!

• 1. Best Argumentative Essay Topics for Students
• 2. Argumentative Essay Topics For Kid
• 3. Argumentative Essay Topics for Different Fields
• 4. Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Debate
• 5. How to Choose an Interesting Argumentative Essay Topic?

Best Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

Below is a list of argumentative topics for students of all levels. With such varied topics available for exploration, you can easily find one that sparks your interest without difficulty.

Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School Students 

• Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
• Is homework necessary for students to succeed academically?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory for all students?
• Is video gaming harmful or beneficial for young people's development?
• Should pets be allowed in school to reduce stress and anxiety?
• Is it important for middle school students to learn a second language?
• Should junk food be banned from school cafeterias to promote healthier eating habits?
• Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning?
• Should students be required to participate in physical education classes every day?
• Is it fair for students to be graded on their participation in class discussions?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 6

These easy argumentative essay topics for 6th graders are perfect for sparking classroom debates.

• Should schools have a longer summer vacation?
• Is it important for students to have a say in the rules and policies of their school?
• Should students be allowed to choose their own books for reading assignments?
• Is it fair for students to have to wear school uniforms?
• Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?
• Should schools provide more opportunities for physical education and exercise?
• Is it important for students to learn a foreign language in school?
• Should students be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
• Should schools be required to offer art, music, and creative subjects?

Argumentative Essay Topics For 7th Graders 

• What rights, if any, should teenagers have to control their lives? 
• Do children learn more from rewards or punishments?
• Should physical education be mandatory in schools?
• Is the amount of homework given to students appropriate or excessive?
• Are standardized tests an effective measure of student performance?
• Should parents have access to their children's social media accounts?
• Do video games have a positive or negative effect on academic achievement?
• Should students be allowed to bring their own technology to school?
• Does the Internet create more opportunities for learning or less?
• Should schools teach values and morality as part of the curriculum?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 8 

• Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school, and what are the pros and cons of this policy?
• Is the use of social media by middle school students harmful or beneficial to their development?
• Should schools teach financial literacy and money management as part of the curriculum?
• Is it important for 8th graders to learn about climate change and its environmental impacts in school?
• Should standardized testing be the primary method of evaluating student achievement and teacher effectiveness?
• Is there a need for stricter gun control laws in the United States?
• Should students have the option to choose their own extracurricular activities, or should these activities be assigned by the school?
• Is it ethical for zoos to keep animals in captivity for educational purposes?
• Should the voting age be lowered?
• Should the government provide free public transportation for middle school students to reduce traffic congestion and pollution?

Argumentative Essay Topics For High School Students 

• Should the government regulate the sale and consumption of sugary drinks to combat obesity?
• Is it ethical for schools to use metal detectors and conduct random searches of students' belongings?
• Should high school students be required to perform community service as part of their graduation requirements?
• Is the use of technology in the classroom, such as laptops and tablets, more helpful or harmful to learning?
• Should schools teach comprehensive sex education to high school students, including topics like consent and contraception?
• Is the death penalty an effective and just punishment for serious crimes?
• Should high school athletes be required to maintain a certain GPA to participate in sports?
• Is homeschooling a better educational option than traditional public or private schools?
• Should schools have a mandatory course on digital literacy and internet safety?
• Is the use of surveillance cameras in public places a violation of privacy rights?

Argumentative Essay Topics For O Levels 

• Should religious education be mandatory in schools?
• Do children learn better through traditional teaching methods or the use of technology?
• Should the school curricula include more practical skills than theoretical knowledge?
• Is the internet a necessity or distraction for studying?
• Are violent video games responsible for violent behavior?
• Should school days be shorter to accommodate more activities?
• Does the availability of online resources improve educational standards?
• Is there enough emphasis on education in our society?
• Should schools provide healthier meal options for children?
• Are parents responsible for their child's educational outcomes?

Argumentative Essay Topics For College 

• Should college athletes be paid for their participation in sports?
• Is online education as effective as traditional classroom learning for college students?
• Should colleges and universities implement affirmative action policies to increase diversity among students and faculty?
• Should college education be free?
• Should colleges have stricter policies against plagiarism and academic dishonesty?
• Is there a need for stronger gun control laws in the United States to prevent mass shootings on college campuses?
• Should college students be required to take courses in ethics and morality as part of their core curriculum?
• Is it ethical for colleges and universities to invest their endowment funds in industries such as fossil fuels or tobacco?
• Should colleges and universities eliminate standardized testing (SAT and ACT) as a requirement for admissions?
• Should the curriculum in colleges and universities be more focused on practical skills and job readiness?

Argumentative Essay Topics For University Students 

• Is there a need for stricter regulations on social media platforms to protect user privacy and combat misinformation?
• Should universities implement quotas to increase diversity among students and faculty?
• Is artificial intelligence a threat to employment and job security for university graduates?
• Should universities adopt a pass/fail grading system instead of traditional letter grades?
• Is it ethical for universities to accept funding from industries with questionable environmental or ethical practices?
• Should universities require students to take courses on global citizenship and cultural competency?
• Is the use of animals in scientific research morally justifiable, and should it be allowed in universities?
• Should universities offer courses on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology?
• Should universities lower tuition fees to make education more accessible?
• Should universities be allowed to use affirmative action policies for admissions?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Kid

• Should students have a longer summer break?
• Should students be allowed to have a pet in their classroom?
• Is it better to read books in print or on a digital device?
• Should schools have a dress code?
• Is it important for kids to eat their vegetables every day?
• Is it better to have a longer or shorter school day?
• Should kids be allowed to have a TV or computer in their bedrooms?
• Is it important for kids to learn to play a musical instrument?
• Lunch break should be 1 hour long.
• Argue in favor of your favorite TV show or cartoon series.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Different Fields

Argumentative skills come in handy in almost every field or subject of study. Here are some good topics for a variety of subjects.

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

• The Efficacy of Medication vs. Therapy in Treating Mental Health Disorders
• Is Involuntary Hospitalization Justified for Individuals with Severe Mental Illness?
• Should Mental Health Days Be Incorporated into Employment Benefits?
• The Influence of Genetics vs. Environment on Mental Health Disorders
• The Stigma of Mental Health: Should It Be Legally Addressed?
• Are Trigger Warnings in Educational Settings Helpful or Harmful for Mental Health?
• The Impact of Exercise and Nutrition on Mental Well-being
• Mandatory Reporting of Mental Health Issues: Protecting Society or Violating Privacy?
• The Legalization and Regulation of Psychedelics for Mental Health Treatment
• The Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) in Severe Cases of Mental Illness. 

Medical Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should Vaccinations Be Mandatory for All Children to Prevent Disease Outbreaks?
• The Ethics of Organ Transplants: Should Organs Be Sold to the Highest Bidder?
• Is Access to Healthcare a Fundamental Right or a Privilege?
• The Legalization and Regulation of Assisted Suicide for Terminally Ill Patients.
• The Impact of Fast Food and Junk Food Advertising on Childhood Obesity.
• Is Animal Testing Necessary for Medical Research or Should It Be Banned?
• Should Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies Be Allowed for Preventing Genetic Diseases?
• The Role of Alternative Medicine in Conventional Healthcare: Complementary or Controversial?
• Mental Health Parity: Should Insurance Companies Cover Mental Health Treatment Equally as Physical Health Treatment?
• The Use of Medical Marijuana for Pain Management and Treatment of Chronic Illnesses. 

Argumentative Essay Topics On Technology

• Is Technology Making Us More or Less Socially Connected?
• Should Parents Limit Screen Time for Children to Prevent Digital Addiction?
• Is Artificial Intelligence (AI) a Threat to Human Employment?
• The Ethics of Data Privacy: Are Tech Companies Responsible for Protecting User Data?
• Should Schools Implement a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policy?
• The Impact of Technology on Healthcare: Is Telemedicine an Effective Alternative to In-Person Care?
• Is Online Learning as Effective as Traditional Classroom Learning?
• The Role of Social Media in Influencing Political Opinion: Does It Promote Polarization?
• Should Autonomous Vehicles Be Allowed on the Roads, and What Are the Ethical Implications?
• Is Technology Making Us More Productive or More Distracted?

Argumentative Essay Topics On Social Media

• Is Social Media a Positive or Negative Influence on Society?
• The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Does It Lead to More Harm than Good?
• Should Parents Have the Right to Monitor Their Children's Social Media Activity?
• Is Social Media Responsible for the Spread of Fake News and Misinformation?
• Social Media and Free Speech: Should Platforms Regulate Content More Strictly?
• The Influence of Social Media on Political Engagement and Activism.
• Is Social Media Contributing to a Culture of Narcissism and Self-Obsession?
• The Role of Social Media in Cyberbullying: Should There Be Stricter Laws to Combat Online Harassment?
• The Ethics of Data Privacy: How Should Social Media Companies Handle User Information?
• Is Social Media Addiction a Real Concern, and What Measures Can Be Taken to Address It?

Political Argumentative Essay Topics

• Is Democracy the Best Form of Government, or Are There Alternatives?
• The Role of Money in Politics: Should There Be Stricter Campaign Finance Laws?
• Should the Electoral College System Be Reformed or Abolished in the United States?
• Is Voter ID Legislation Necessary to Prevent Election Fraud, or Does It Suppress Voting Rights?
• The Ethics of Lobbying: Is It a Vital Part of the Political Process or a Corrupting Influence?
• Immigration Policy: Should There Be a Pathway to Citizenship for Undocumented Immigrants?
• Universal Healthcare: Is It a Right, a Privilege, or Economically Infeasible?
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Political Decisions and Public Opinion.
• Political Parties: Is two-party system better than a multi-party system?
• Environmental Policy: Should Governments Take More Aggressive Measures to Combat Climate Change?

Argumentative Essay Topics on International Relations & Foreign Policy 

• The Role of the United Nations in Maintaining Global Peace and Security: Is It Effective or Ineffective?
• Should the United States Maintain Its Military Presence in Foreign Countries?
• Nuclear Proliferation: How Should the International Community Address the Threat of Nuclear Weapons?
• The Ethics of Humanitarian Interventions: Is Military Intervention in Cases of Genocide Justified?
• Global Trade and Tariffs: Are Protectionist Policies Harmful to the Global Economy?
• Refugee Crisis: Should Wealthy Countries Be Obligated to Accept More Refugees?
• Climate Change and International Cooperation: Can Nations Achieve Meaningful Agreements to Combat Climate Change?
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Shaping International Policy and Aid.
• Cybersecurity and International Relations: How Should Nations Respond to Cyber Attacks?
• Should International Sanctions Be Used as a Tool to Influence the Behavior of Rogue States?

History Argumentative Essay Topics

• The Significance of Christopher Columbus's Voyages: Celebratory Hero or Colonial Conqueror?
• The Justifiability of Dropping Atomic Bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
• Was the American Revolution a Justified War for Independence or an Act of Rebellion?
• The Legacy of Colonialism: Should Nations That Engaged in Colonialism Offer Reparations?
• The Role of Women in the Suffrage Movement: Were Militant Tactics Justified or Counterproductive?
• The Historical Accuracy of the Founding Fathers' Intentions in Writing the U.S. Constitution.
• The Impact of the Vietnam War on U.S. Society and Politics: Was It Justifiable or a Grave Mistake?
• The Crusades: Holy Wars or Imperialistic Aggression?
• The Legacy of Slavery: Should the U.S. Government Offer Reparations to Descendants of Enslaved People?
• The Influence of Ancient Philosophers like Plato and Aristotle on Modern Political Thought: Beneficial or Outdated?

Social Argumentative Essay Topics

• Universal Healthcare: Is It a Basic Right or a Financial Burden?
• The Impact of Income Inequality on Society: Should There Be Wealth Redistribution Policies?
• Affirmative Action: Does It Promote Equality or Discrimination?
• Should Same-Sex Marriage Be Legalized Worldwide?
• The Criminal Justice System and Mass Incarceration: Does It Promote Rehabilitation or Recidivism?
• The Legalization of Drugs: Should All Drugs Be Decriminalized or Legalized?
• Education Inequality: How Can We Bridge the Achievement Gap?
• The Role of Social Media in Shaping Body Image and Self-Esteem: Is It Harmful or Empowering?
• Animal Rights: Should Animals Have the Same Legal Protections as Humans?
• The Impact of Technology on Social Isolation: Is It Bringing People Closer Together or Further Apart?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Education 

• Standardized Testing: Is It an Effective Measure of Student Learning or an Overused Practice?
• Should Higher Education Be Free for All Eligible Students?
• The Role of Technology in the Classroom: Is It Enhancing or Distracting from Learning?
• The Value of Homework: Is It Beneficial or Detrimental to Student Achievement?
• School Vouchers: Should Parents Have the Option to Choose Their Child's School?
• The Importance of Arts and Music Education in Schools: Should It Be Prioritized or Reduced?
• Should Sex Education Be Taught in Schools, and If So, What Should It Include?
• The Impact of School Uniforms: Does It Improve Discipline and Academic Performance?
• Homeschooling vs. Traditional Schooling: Which Is More Effective?
• The Role of Critical Thinking and Creativity in Education: Are They Being Neglected in Modern Curriculum?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Debate

• The use of marijuana should be illegal. Yes or No?
• YouTube channel owners should edit foul language in the comments.
• Does freedom of speech give people the license to say hateful things?
• Can competitive behavior lead to issues in the long run?
• Should criminals get second chances?
• Ignorance is a blessing. Debate.
• Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished?
• Gun Control Laws: Should They Be Stricter or More Lenient?
• The Ethics of Cloning and Genetic Engineering.
• Is Censorship of Art and Media Ever Justified?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should Abortion Be Legalized?
• The Legalization of Recreational Marijuana: Pros and Cons.
• Should Physician-Assisted Suicide Be a Legal Option for Terminally Ill Patients?
• Capital Punishment: Is It a Justifiable Form of Punishment or Inhumane?
• Is Affirmative Action Necessary to Address Historical Discrimination, or Does It Promote Reverse Discrimination?
• The Ethics of Animal Testing in Scientific Research.
• Should Hate Speech and Offensive Language Be Protected as Free Speech, or Should It Be Regulated?
• The Role of Religion in Public Schools: Should Prayer and Religious Symbols Be Allowed?
• The Right to Bear Arms: Should There Be Stricter Gun Control Laws?
• Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies: Is It Ethical to Manipulate Human DNA?

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport?
• Are hot dogs better than burgers?
• The Influence of Memes on Modern Culture: Harmless Fun or Cultural Phenomenon?
• The Best Superpower: Flight vs. Invisibility.
• Cats vs. Dogs: Which Makes a Better Pet?
• Are Sneakers More Comfortable Than Sandals?
• Is Instagram a Valid Form of Artistic Expression?
• The Great Debate: Does Pineapple Belong on Pizza?
• Is Reading a Book Better Than Watching Its Movie Adaptation?
• The Impact of Reality TV Shows on Society: Entertainment or Trashy Distraction?

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics 

• Should Performance-Enhancing Drugs in Professional Sports be Banned or Simply Regulated?
• Is American Football Too Dangerous for Youth Participation?
• The Ethics of Celebratory Gestures in Sports: Should Players Be Penalized for Excessive Celebrations?
• Should Women's and Men’s Sports Receive Equal Media Coverage and Funding?
• The Impact of Sports on Mental Health: Does Participation Improve Well-being?
• The Debate Over the Use of Instant Replay in Sports: Does It Enhance or Hinder Fair Play?
• Youth Sports: Are Parents and Coaches Putting Too Much Pressure on Young Professional Athletes?
• The Role of Sports in Promoting Social Change and Activism.
• Should Contact Sports Like Boxing and MMA Be Banned Due to Health Risks?
• Should Student-Athletes be Paid More?

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics 

• Is Time Travel Theoretically Possible, and What Would Be Its Implications on Society?
• The Morality of Colonizing Mars: Should We Be Exploring Other Planets?
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Human Creativity: Is AI a Threat to Art and Innovation?
• Should Governments Implement a Universal Basic Income to Combat Poverty?
• The Role of Virtual Reality in Education: Will It Replace Traditional Classrooms?
• The Ethics of Editing Human DNA: Should We Be Pursuing Genetic Enhancement?
• The Existence of Parallel Universes: Scientific Theory or Science Fiction?
• Should Countries Consider Implementing a Four-Day Workweek for Better Work-Life Balance?
• The Consequences of Legalizing Psychedelics for Therapeutic and Recreational Use.
• The Influence of Internet Algorithms on Personalization vs. Polarization: Is It Dangerous?

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

• Is there a possibility of someone being above the law? 
• Capital punishment should be abolished for juvenile prisoners.
• Is climate change a man-made disaster or a natural cycle?
• Should Smoking Be Banned in All Public Places?
• Should Parents Be Held Legally Responsible for Their Child's Bullying Behavior?
• The Pros and Cons of Video Games for Children's Development.
• Are International Borders a Hindrance to Human Development?
• Is It Better to Shop Online or In-Person?
• Is It Ethical to Keep Animals in Zoos?
• Are Corporations Responsible for Environmental Damage?

Argumentative Persuasive Essay Topics 

• Parents should have no control over the lives of their adult kids.
• Parents should not give smartphones to their kids.
• Religion and politics should be kept separate.
• Should the Legal Drinking Age Be Lowered to 18?
• The Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources: Why We Should Transition to Clean Energy.
• Is Mandatory Voting a Good Way to Improve Civic Participation?
• Is Online Dating a Better Way to Find Love Than Traditional Dating Methods?
• The Impacts of Volunteering: Why Everyone Should Give Back to Their Community.
• Should Plastic Bags Be Banned to Reduce Environmental Pollution?
• Is Financial Literacy More Important Now than Ever?

Check out these argumentative essay examples to get an idea of what kind of topics make strong argumentative essays.

How to Choose an Interesting Argumentative Essay Topic?

Argumentative essays require the writer to evaluate a topic, collect and generate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Finding a topic for an argumentative essay can be challenging for students. 

When choosing your topic, consider the following: 

• Your interest: Selecting an argumentative essay topic that interests you can make the writing process much easier. 
• Relevance: Choose a topic that is relevant to your course material and fits into the context of your assignment. 
• Research Potential: Consider topics with enough research material available for you to support your argument. 
• Debate Potential: Look for topics that have the potential to generate a lively debate. These topics will stir readers’ emotions and invoke discussion. 
• Uniqueness: Choose topics that are unique and interesting to make your essay stand out from others. 

Selecting a compelling argumentative essay topic is the first step toward crafting a persuasive and thought-provoking essay. The topic you choose should be debatable, inviting readers to engage in meaningful discussions and consider diverse viewpoints. 

So, whenever you’re about to write an argumentative essay, take your time to choose the best topic.

Moreover, you can get exceptional essay writing help online from professional writers at MyPerfectWords.com.

Our expert writers tailor your essays to your specific needs and ensure that your paper is well-structured, backed by credible evidence, and adheres to academic standards. So contact our argumentative essay writing service now!

Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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Argumentative Essay Outline: How to Structure Your Argumentative Essay

Argumentative Essay Examples: Samples & Tips

Learn the 3 Different Types of Argument and Multiple Argument Claims

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

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 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 :

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:

• 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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30 Super Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics To Write About

Choosing the best topic for an argumentative essay can be challenging for middle school students, high school students, and even college students. Deciding what topic to write about is one of the hardest parts of argumentative writing.

When choosing a topic for an argumentative essay, it helps to believe in the topic being written about. If students are passionate about a particular topic their argumentative essay is much more likely to be persuasive.

The writer, however, does not have to agree with the stance taken; he / she just has to be able to write their argument in a persuasive way that proves why their point of view is more valid than the opposing view.

There are so many interesting and controversial subjects and topics that a student can write about for their essay.

In this post we have put together a list of 30 great argumentative essay topics to help you or your students decide what to write about. These topics are all suitable for middle school, high school, and college students to write about.

Below you’ll also find some advice and tips on how to choose an argumentative essay topic and how to go about writing a great argumentative essay.

You May Also Like: 30 Funny Debate Topics / 30 Controversial Debate Topics

List Of Great Argumentative Essay Topics

Here is a list of 30 great and interesting topics for an argumentative essay.

• Is Recycling an Effective Way to Preserve the Earth?
• Healthcare: a Right or a Privilege?
• Are Straws an Environmental Hazard?
• Should Cigarette Smoking Be Legal?
• Is Spanking Your Child a Form of Abuse?
• Should Gay Marriage Be Legal?
• Prisoners’ Rights: Should They Be Allowed to Vote?
• How a Vegan Diet Leads to a Longer Life
• Abortion: Should it Be a Choice?
• Video Games and Teen Violence: Is There a Correlation?
• Are Parents Doing More Harm Than Good by Vaccinating Their Children?
• Students who Study Abroad are Better Prepared for Successful Careers
• Are People Born into Poverty Doomed to Remain Poor?
• Should Men Be Given Paternity Leave?
• Can the Government Be Trusted with our Tax Dollars?
• Athletes Should Be Allowed to Kneel During the National Anthem
• Should Bartenders Face Consequences For Serving Too Much Alcohol To Guests.
• Is it Ethical for Credit Card Companies to Solicit Eighteen-Year-Olds?
• Should the Legal Driving Age Be Increased?
• Is Social Media Good For Society?
• Should Boys and Girls Be Taught Separately?
• Should We Have to Pay for an Education?
• Should Entering the Military Be a Choice?
• Can People Change Their Personalities?
• Without Religion, There Would Not Be War
• Should Men Pay for Dinner on the First Date?
• What Can Be Done About Human Trafficking?
• Should Parents Pay Their Children for Good Grades?
• Why Girls Can Compete Alongside Boys in Sports
• Should People Be Allowed to Own Exotic Pets?

How To Choose An Argumentative Essay Topic?

Choosing a topic to write about can be difficult at first. A student’s first step to choosing a topic to write about should be to think of something that is interesting to them and that they are passionate about. If a student is interested in and passionate about a particular subject then this passion is likely to show in their argument, which will make their essay much more persuasive.

The next step should be to check whether that topic is suitable for an argumentative essay. Students should try to answer the following questions about the topic:

• Do people disagree often about this subject?
• Why do people disagree?
• What causes the disagreement?
• Is it significant, and why?
• What can be done to solve the disagreement?
• Which side of the disagreement can I defend in a logical and factual way?

Answering these questions should help your students to think through the particular topic and will help them to begin to form their argument.

Tips For Writing An Argumentative Essay

Research the topic thoroughly.

Researching the topic and finding sufficient evidence to support the argument is vital for constructing an effective argumentative essay. So, before writing anything it is essential to first research the topic thoroughly .

Keep in mind that “argumentative,” in this case, is not the same as fighting. The essay contents must be well-thought-out and avoid becoming emotional.

The goal of the essay is to provide its readers with a resolution to the conflict being presented. The writer must educate the audience as to why the chosen topic is an issue and elaborate on the differing perspectives of the issue. Then, the writer must choose a side and prove to the audience how and why his view of the issue is more beneficial than the other.

For example, the topic titled, “Athletes Should Be Allowed to Kneel During the National Anthem,” allows the writer to state whether or not athletes should be allowed to kneel during the national anthem.

Some Americans would say that their constitutional right to freedom of expression allows it, while others would say that it is disrespectful to the country.

Writing this essay would require the author to extensively research the topic and determine the two sides: should it be allowed or should it not be allowed?

After researching the topic, the writer would then take a side – let’s say it should be allowed – and then educate the readers as to why this is the most beneficial answer. How can choosing this side provide a solution to the divide? Additionally, the writer must provide examples as to why athletes kneeling during the national anthem should be allowed.

Supporting evidence is essential in an argumentative essay and so researching a topic thoroughly is essential.

Outline The Essay Structure

To begin writing an argumentative essay, the writer should use an outline to plan the essay, then structure it with an introduction, thesis, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The introduction should explain the conflict and include a thesis that clearly states the writer’s stance.

The body paragraphs should then be used to explain why the reader has chosen that particular stance and provide evidence in a way that convinces the reader of its validity.

Once the writer has stated all points of evidence within the body, a conclusion that wraps up his main points and final take on the matter should close the essay.

An argumentative essay has been completed successfully when it persuades its readers to agree with its argument or, at the very least, consider it.

Benefits Of Writing Argumentative Essays

In addition to honing their writing and researching skills, writing argumentative essays is a great exercise for students in an English class to learn how to examine both sides of an issue, consider the relevancy of both sides, and then choose a side and effectively defend it.

The skills learned in writing argumentative essays are easily transferable. In real life situations, students who have learned how to write persuasively can use this skill to notice false or faulty logic in other people’s arguments.

Students can also use these skills when they enter the workforce. For example, when presenting an important sales pitch students can use their skills of persuasion to make the sale. Or, when communicating with colleagues through email, writing persuasively can help settle small work place disputes.

When done correctly, this type of essay provides opportunities for students to explore different solutions to real-world issues and learn how to handle conflict in a civil way. There have even been cases where students have changed the world with the results of their argumentative essays!

Thanks for reading. I hope you found an interesting topic for your next argumentative essay.

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99 Great Handpicked Ideas for Argumentative Essays

99 argumentative essay ideas.

Bonus Material: 5-step thesis machine and essay checklist

If you want to write a great argumentative essay, then these are the foolproof steps to do it.

Grab this guide to help you craft a strong thesis statement and check that you haven’t forgotten a crucial part of your essay.

Or skip to the bottom for a list of fantastic argumentative essay ideas that have been vetted by a Princeton grad and professional editor who has taught writing at Notre Dame. 

Keep reading to learn more about what an argumentative essay is, and how is it different from other types of academic writing? What are the most important features of an effective argumentative essay? How do you write this kind of essay—where should you start, how do you make sure that you have an argument, and what are the most common pitfalls?

In this post we’ll cover:

• What is an academic argumentative essay?
• What are the elements of a good argumentative essay? What are the most common mistakes?
• How do you create an effective thesis for an argumentative essay?
• How do you present your evidence for an academic argumentative essay?
• What are good topics for an argumentative essay? 
• Bonus: essential essay checklist + 5-step thesis machine

Bonus: download our 5-step guide to creating a great thesis statement and essential essay checklist .

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a common assignment in many high school and college classes. But many students don’t know how to write a great argumentative essay!

In order to avoid some of the most common pitfalls, it’s important to know what this kind of essay is not . 

We can divide academic writing into three broad categories:

• Analytical: analyze the tools an author uses to make their point
• Research: delve deeply into a research topic and share your findings
• Persuasive: argue a specific and nuanced position backed by evidence

An argumentative essay falls into the third category.  It’s crucial that your essay presents an argument , not just a series of facts or observations!

In elementary or middle school, you may have been assigned a version of this assignment—something like “write a persuasive essay arguing for a bigger allowance from your parents.” 

Maybe you wrote a five-paragraph essay explaining why you deserved an allowance for completing your weekly chores, the ways in which your current allowance limited your ability to join your friends in social activities, and examples of some of the educational things you’d spend your increased allowance on.

This is the more mature version of that assignment. The goal is to present a nuanced argument with deep thinking . Often the essay explores an ethical question.

Keep reading to learn our foolproof way of confirming that you have something that’s arguable . Our hand-picked list of 99 essay topics below gives a great starting place!

For example, you might start with the question “is animal testing ethical?” 

The idea is not to give a simple yes or no answer, but dig into the complexities of the question. Are there circumstances where it would be okay, but not other circumstances? 

Maybe you draw a distinction between animal testing that is part of efforts to find cures for serious human illnesses versus animal testing to develop cosmetics. So instead of just answering yes or no, you give a more nuanced answer.

In this example, you might even further qualify your position. Maybe you think that animal testing for medical research should be subject to careful regulations.

Or maybe you think that only certain animals should be involved in testing. Are tests using fruitflies okay? How about horseshoe crabs? Mice? Dogs? Primates? 

How about genetically modifying the animals as part of the testing?

Is animal testing for certain kinds of medical research more ethical than others?

See how there are a lot of different directions you can take this in beyond just “yes” or “no”? This is what will make your writing more mature and interesting!

For an academic argumentative essay, you will then need to support all of your points with evidence from reputable sources (we’ll explore this more below ). Remember, your opinion is a component of the essay, but it’s also supported by evidence.

The skills that you build when you’re writing an academic argumentative essay will be incredibly useful throughout your life. They’re applicable in nearly any job that you can imagine! 

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers , 73.4% of employers want a candidate with strong written communication skills. Writing skills are in high demand for employers in every industry and can be crucial to your future success, even if you’re in a STEM-based career.

Download our 5-step guide to creating a great thesis statement and essential essay checklist .

Download now

Elements of a good argumentative essay

What makes a good academic argumentative essay?

A good argumentative essay should open with an engaging introduction. 

A well-crafted introduction makes a smooth funnel that starts more broadly and smoothly zeroes in on the specific argument:

• It begins with some kind of “hook”: this can be an anecdote, quote, statistic, provocative statement, question, etc.
• It gives some background information that is relevant to understand the ethical dilemma or debate
• It has a lead-up to the thesis
• At the end of the introduction, the thesis is clearly stated

Check out examples of great introductions here.

Crucially, a good argumentative essay has a strong, clear thesis.

The thesis should be:

• Arguable: it’s not just the facts—someone could disagree with this position
• Narrow & specific: don’t pick a position that’s so broad you could never back it up
• Complex: show that you are thinking deeply—one way to do this is to consider objections/qualifiers in your thesis

We’ll talk more about how to craft a good thesis below , and you can download our 5-step worksheet to make a great thesis statement. 

The body of the essay should have at least three paragraphs.

These be clearly organized, and each paragraph should have a distinct idea. Together, the paragraphs cover all the points raised in the thesis. They should be in a logical order that best supports the argument. 

Each paragraph contains:

• Transition from the previous sentence: this can be just a word or phrase, or it can be 1–2 whole sentences
• Topic sentence: the main idea of the paragraph, taken from one “chunk” of your thesis
• Context: introduce your piece of evidence and any relevant background info
• Explanation: explain what the quote/paraphrase means in your own words
• Analysis: analyze how this piece of evidence proves your thesis
• Relate it back to the thesis: don’t forget to relate this point back to your overarching thesis!
• Summarizing sentence: restate topic sentence

Keep reading for more tips on how to use evidence effectively in your essay.

Your essay should also have a conclusion.

The conclusion should summarize your entire argument without being redundant. It should also point to the larger significance of the issue.

So to recap, your essay needs:

• An engaging introduction
• A great thesis statement
• Organized paragraphs with evidence from reputable sources
• A conclusion

Make sure your essay has all of these parts! Download our detailed checklist to make sure your essay avoids the most common mistakes.

To see how all these parts work together, check out our examples of great argumentative essays. 

5 steps to develop a great thesis for an argumentative essay

Having a great thesis statement is a make-or-break component of an argumentative essay.

In order to write a great thesis statement for an argumentative essay, use these five steps :

• State the topic ( check out our list of great topics below !)
• Turn it into a debatable issue
• Provide a rationale for your position
• Add qualifier(s) to refine your position
• Reverse your statement to confirm it’s arguable and to anticipate possible counterarguments

(Adapted from Sheridan Baker, The Practical Stylist .)

Using this method with our example of animal testing, we might write:

• The idea: Animal testing
• Your position: Animal testing should only be used in certain circumstances. 
• Give a reason for your position: Animal testing causes suffering or injury to animals, which we should avoid as much as possible—but this is outweighed by the enormous potential for scientific discoveries.
• Add nuance and detail to your position: The ethical problems with animal testing are outweighed by the potential to advance cures for both animal and human diseases, but animal testing should be carefully limited to only applications that reduce suffering and disease, not for cosmetic or recreational applications.
• Check that it’s arguable and someone could argue the opposite side: Animal testing causes suffering to animals, which is unethical, and can often be misused for profit.

Download our 5-step worksheet to help guide you through these steps to write a great thesis statement!

How to use evidence in an argumentative essay

Using evidence to support your points is key to making an academic argument. 

When you were in elementary or middle school, perhaps you did a version of this assignment with just your own observations and opinions. 

When you’re writing a more advanced essay, however, you want to support your ideas with evidence from reputable sources.

One of the big differences between a research paper and an argumentative essay is that you don’t need to do your own original research with primary sources. Original research would be things like running experiments, administering surveys, deciphering ancient inscriptions, interviewing people, or reading archival material.

Instead, you can rely on secondary sources . These are publications of other people’s research or analysis . 

For an academic essay, you want to make sure that your secondary sources are reputable .

How do you know a source is reputable? One good indication is that it’s published in a book by a major publisher (like Penguin), especially an academic publisher (like Princeton University Press, Harvard University Press, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press. . . basically anything with “university press” in the name!).

Another good kind of source is articles published in major academic journals . Some famous journals are Nature (all science), The Lancet (medicine), and The American Historical Review (history).

More accessible sources might be in other national magazines or newspapers , like The Atlantic, The Economist, or The New York Times.

How do you gather evidence for your essay? When you’re reading sources and taking notes, think:

• What is the author’s main argument? Supporting arguments?
• What specific evidence does the author use to support that argument?
• How does this argument relate to the argument in other sources? Does it agree/disagree or complicate the argument in other sources?

When you’re selecting your evidence, make sure that it directly supports the argument of that paragraph and the essay in general. 

Once you have your evidence gathered, you need to analyze it! You can’t just dump evidence on your readers without explaining its significance to your sub-point and your overall argument.

If you’re representing an author’s perspective, or if the quote is especially strong, quote it directly with quote marks: “  ”. As much as you can, try and quote only part of a sentence, and interweave it with your own writing.

The rest of the time, paraphrase the evidence in your own words. 

Make sure to cite your sources ! There are lots of different citation styles. Which style is most appropriate will depend on which field you’re working in. Usually your teacher/professor will tell you which one to use. If it’s not clear, it’s always a good question to ask your instructor.

(You still cite when you paraphrase, unless it’s common knowledge that you find in virtually all the sources you read.)

How to write analysis

A balanced essay will have at least two sentences of analysis for every one sentence of direct quotation. For our essay about animal testing, this might look like:

“Whenever possible, animal testing should be avoided. Fortunately, advances in technology have made many alternatives to animal testing possible. For example, the polio vaccine, which has saved millions of human lives, used to be made in the kidney cells of monkeys, which meant that tens of thousands of monkeys died each year to produce the vaccine. However, by the 1970s the live monkeys had been replaced by cells in culture, which meant that many monkey lives were saved (Bookchin and Schumacher, 2005). An added benefit of this newer technique is that it also eliminated the risk of contamination with animal viruses (Taylor, 2019). Similarly, the vaccine against yellow fever used to be checked on live animals, but in the 1970s this was replaced with a cell culture test (World Health Organization, 2007). Scientists have also been able to avoid using animals for testing because our understanding of the diseases themselves has improved. For example, scientists used to perform a “particularly unpleasant” test using mice to check batches of insulin which involved sending mice into convulsions (Taylor, 2019). Since every batch of insulin needed to be tested on 600 mice, tens of thousands of mice were involved in the testing every year in the UK alone. Now, however, scientists know how to measure the components of insulin directly, and the mice are no longer needed (Taylor, 2019). Through these advances in scientific understanding and techniques, researchers have been able to reduce the amount of animal testing without compromising important work for human health.”

You should introduce your evidence by providing some context. Next, present your evidence. Then explain what it means and how it supports your argument. 

For a really great paper, you can also show how different sources relate to one another! Use transition words or phrases throughout your paragraphs to guide the reader along your thought process.

Your analysis should be:

• Nuanced and specific
• Takes into account multiple perspectives and ideas; draws distinctions and connections among them
• Backed by evidence all relating back to the argument

For more mature writing, avoid clunky phrases like “On page 12, McKitterick states that. . . ” or “This evidence reveals that. . . ” Instead, try to weave the evidence into your writing seamlessly.

Wondering what this looks like when you put it all together? Check out our examples of great student essays.

Download our 5-step thesis guide

99 great topic ideas for argumentative essays

All of these essay ideas have been vetted by a Princeton grad to confirm that they’re actually arguable . That means that they all would make great starting points for argumentative essays!

Use our foolproof 5-step guide to turn one of these ideas into a great thesis statement!

Student issues

• Should sodas or other unhealthy food be banned at schools?
• Should students hold jobs?
• Should gym class be required?
• Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
• Should schools require uniforms?
• Should schools have tracking (honors classes, AP classes) or should classes be the same for all students in the same grade?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• Should children be allowed to play sports that have been proven to have a high risk of permanent brain damage from concussions? Is it ethical for adult athletes to be paid to play these sports?
• How much should parents get involved in their child’s physical education? Is it ethical for young athletes to compete at the highest levels? (e.g. Olympic athletes who are under 18 years of age.)
• If social media has been demonstrated to have harmful effects on mental health, should minors have unregulated access to it?
• Should media for children and teens be regulated?
• Should college be free of cost? Should future income be tied to the cost of a college degree?
• Should public preschool be a right for all children?
• Should all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school?
• Should the school day start after 9am?
• Should school libraries ban certain books?
• Is marketing designed for children ethical?
• Should the legal drinking age in the US be lowered to 18?

Animal rights

• Should animal testing be banned?
• Should animals be kept in zoos?
• Is having pets ethical?
• Should wild animals be allowed to be kept as pets?
• Should you adopt a pet from a shelter or buy a specific breed from a breeder? 
• Can eating meat be justified?
• Is animal hunting ethical? 

Politics and human relations

• Should smoking be illegal? Smoking in public? Smoking around children?
• Should drug possession be decriminalized?
• Should some items be taxed more than others? Is there anything that should be exempt from sales tax?
• Are knock-off fashion “dupes” unethical?
• Should museum items be returned (repatriated) to the country where they were created?
• Should charities and humanitarian aid organizations use images of graphic suffering in their advertising campaigns?
• Is it acceptable to risk harming others in order to benefit one who is clearly in need? For example, is it okay to drive over the speed limit because you need to help someone get to the hospital who is in urgent crisis? What if you cause a crash on the way to the hospital because of dangerous driving? 
• Should there be any limits to lawyer-client confidentiality?
• Is the death penalty ever warranted? Should the death penalty exist?
• Is torture ever justified?
• Is it ever right to steal, even if you have a great need?
• Is it unethical to be extremely rich?
• Should unpaid internships be legal?
• Should companies be required to meet diversity quotes for their hiring practices?
• Should parental leave be equal for all parents, regardless of who gives birth?
• Should the minimum wage be raised?
• Can war be ethical?
• Should nuclear weapons be banned globally?
• Should all new cars be electric?
• Should we impose population controls? Should people have children, if that greatly increases one’s carbon footprint?
• Should countries that produce disproportionate carbon emissions and other environmental damage have to help other countries with the effects of climate change?
• Should individuals be able to sue the government when the government has failed to provide a basic standard of living?
• Should we invest in military weapons development? 
• Should we land machines, or humans, on planets, comets or other extraterrestrial bodies in order to study them?
• Should we explore space colonization?
• If people engage in risky behaviors, should they be charged a fine if they need to be rescued? (For example, swimming in the ocean at night while drunk.)
• Should we distribute universal income?
• How much control should the state have on the press?
• Should law enforcement be able to work undercover? Is working undercover deception?
• Should law enforcement be able to use tracking data from phones?
• Should people serving prison sentences be allowed to vote?
• Should gender quotas be used in government elections?
• Can modern societies still be held accountable for what their nation did in the past?
• Should public transit be free?
• Should social media companies be regulated?
• Should everyone have access to the internet for free?
• Should elections be decided by popular vote? Should citizens over age 18 be legally required to vote?
• Should certain kinds of speech on social media be banned?

Tech, AI, and data

• Should tech devices come with an addiction warning label?
• Will AI help the world or hurt it?
• Should there be financial penalties for buying soda or other unhealthy foods?
• Do people have a right to privacy online?
• Should our data be used to determine insurance policies or legal consequences? For example, should we create a diabetic insulin implant that could notify your doctor or insurance company when you make poor diet choices, and should that decision make you ineligible for certain types of medical treatment? Should cars be equipped to monitor speed and other measures of good driving, and should this data be subpoenaed by authorities following a crash? 
• Should law enforcement be able to access someone’s online data or phone with a warrant?
• Can hacking ever be morally justified?

Medical ethics

• Is healthcare a fundamental human right? Should universal healthcare be free?
• In cases of terminal illness, do you think that a patient should be able to request medically assisted suicide?
• Should terminally ill patients who have exhausted all approved drug therapies be able to access drugs that have not been approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (commonly called “ Right to Try ”)?  
• Under what conditions should people be kept artificially alive?
• How should we decide who receives organ transplants? Is it ethical to de-prioritize a transplant candidate who smokes cigarettes, for example? 
• Should there be any limits to doctor-patient confidentiality?
• Is it ethical for medical study participants to be financially compensated?
• Is it ethical for blood, plasma, or bone marrow donors to be financially compensated?
• Should uninsured patients be offered free clinical trials ?
• Is it ethical for individuals who donate genetic material for fertility purposes (e.g. egg or sperm donors) to be financially compensated?
• Should vaccines and medications be patented? Should individuals or corporations be able to profit from vaccines and medications? 
• Should individuals or corporations be able to profit from healthcare?
• Is plastic surgery ethical?
• Should vaccinations be mandatory for everyone?
• Should medical personnel collect healthy tissues of a deceased person without their consent?
• What are the ethics of extremely expensive medical treatments? What if the treatment is not curative, but only extends life for a few more months?
• As medical data becomes increasingly less “non-identifiable”—i.e. with AI, bigger data, and increasing knowledge of genetics it is less possible to guarantee that research study participants will remain anonymous—what are the ethical implications? 
• Now that whole genome sequencing allows prospective parents to check the risks of conceiving children, what are the ethical obligations for the best interests of future possible children on the part of the prospective parents? If you know that your children will inherit a serious disease, should you have biological children? Should social policies govern such decisions? Should those policies protect parental procreative liberty or enhance social responsibility for the best interests of those future possible children?
• Is it ethical to collect extra samples from a patient (for example, an extra vial of blood) before obtaining consent to be enrolled in a study? (Assume that in this scenario the sample would be discarded if the patient declines to enroll in the study.)
• If, in the course of an unrelated medical or scientific study, a genetic predisposition to a certain illness or condition is discovered, should the study participant be notified? Does it matter if the findings are medically actionable or not? For example, “In a specific study, researchers were performing NGS on tissue banked samples of healthy controls and colon cancer patients to validate an assay. The use of healthy controls in a study like this is not uncommon; however, what happens if one of the healthy controls tests positive for a mutation that predisposes to colon cancer using an unvalidated research assay? The samples were obtained from a tissue bank and the researchers were unclear about what the informed consent stated about returning incidental findings, raising the question whether to contact the subject and if contact is attempted, how to do it.” 
• Should parents decide medical treatment for their children? Should parents be allowed to opt out of medically-advised treatment because of personal beliefs?
• Should parents who are researchers be able to enroll their own children in their research study ?
• Should DNA be used for genealogical research?
• Should we create synthetic forms of life ? Should we let them loose in the world?
• Should we use geo-engineering to attempt to combat global warming?
• Should we create genetically-modified organisms (like food crops)?
• Should we resurrect extinct species?
• If we had the ability to eliminate aberrant thought patterns and enforce social conformity through technological or pharmacological means, would it be the right thing to do? Or do people have an inalienable right to be themselves, provided they pose no immediate risk to themselves or others?
• Are human enhancements ethical? Pharmaceutical, surgical, mechanical and neurological enhancements are already available for therapeutic purposes. But these same enhancements can be used to magnify human biological function beyond the societal norm. Where do we draw the line between therapy and enhancement? How do we justify enhancing human bodies when so many individuals still lack access to basic therapeutic medicine? Should neuro-enhancing drugs be legal? Is it ethical to improve memory functions with brain stimulation?

Bonus: download the essential essay checklist + 5-step thesis machine

Working on writing your own essay?

Grab our handy checklist to make sure that your essay has everything it needs! It also comes with our foolproof 5-step worksheet for creating great thesis statements every time.

Emily graduated  summa cum laude  from Princeton University and holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame. She was a National Merit Scholar and has won numerous academic prizes and fellowships. A veteran of the publishing industry, she has helped professors at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton revise their books and articles. Over the last decade, Emily has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay. 

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

General Education

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.

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?

• 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?

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 .

Need more help with this topic? Check out Tutorbase!

Our vetted tutor database includes a range of experienced educators who can help you polish an essay for English or explain how derivatives work for Calculus. You can use dozens of filters and search criteria to find the perfect person for your needs.

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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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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Ultimate Argumentative Essay Topics List

26 July, 2020

18 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

One of the most difficult assignments is one where you are given total freedom over the topic and subject. Where do you even begin looking for topics for an argumentative essay? Truly, the possibilities are endless – and usually, a little overwhelming. Doubts start to pour in. Is the topic right, good enough or even argumentative? Here is some advice on how to find the ultimate argumentative essay topic.

First of all, the best place to start is with the assignment and type of essay – remind yourself what the purpose of an argumentative essay is.

The purpose of this specific essay is to pose a question and answer it with compelling evidence. At its core, this essay type works to champion a specific viewpoint. The key, however, is that the topic of the argumentative essay has multiple sides. The audience can explain, weigh and judge these sides using relevant sources.

And secondly, choose something that you care about. Still, need some help to get those creative juices flowing? Here are some prompts to help you find that awesome title for an argumentative essay.

What makes a good topic for an argumentative essay

The key to choose a good topic for an argumentative essay is to pick a subject where there is a lot of debates on topics or stances. Selecting a debatable topic where there are no clear answers or even perspectives that are hundred percent correct gives you a lot of grey areas to work in, and a lot of sources to juxtapose against each to create your own viewpoint.

So, here is a short checklist on how to choose interesting argumentative topics:

If you can answer yes to all of these questions , then you have a great topic to write about.

If you’re having hard times choosing this topic yourself, consider our custom essay writing service. Surely, we guarantee quality and transparency of the process!

Need an explanation of how to write an argumentative essay and just find a topic for it? Check out our complete guide to this subject. We’ve got it all covered!

How to choose academic argumentative essay topics

There are three easy ways to create an argumentative essay title (if argumentative essay topics for gun control is juicy but not quite what you are looking for here):

Where to find argumentative essay topics

Argumentative essay topics are easy to find. They are happening around us every day in every walk of life.

If you turn on the television, you’ll find topics on the news as politicians argue about amendments to Medicare Bills, Space exploration, Video games, Pop culture, or the Death penalty.

• Local newspapers. First of all, local newspaper papers can be a good place to find interesting argumentative essay topics. They will have smaller stories on how the overdevelopment of small town to combat homelessness is putting a strain on local infrastructure, whether local law enforcement is doing enough to tackle crime, and whether the government does enough to support the development of the arts programs for local youths.
• Television. Secondly, television programs themselves will content argumentative subjects around issues like feminism, ethnicity, and poverty. Even more, by just watching the Discovery channel you can find great argumentative paper topics about animals. Various TV programs can be the subject of debate. Thus, you can talk about issues around Netflix’s Iron-Fist, the death of Lexa on 100, or the hotly debated topic of whether James Bond has to be white?
• Internet. Finally, the Internet is a good source to find psychology argumentative topics. Websites, where there are debates between people, are also a good place to pick up some interesting argumentative topics. Besides, Quora holds some surprising questions that turn academic quickly. A thread on whether the Hulk was scared in Avengers: Infinity War turned into a debate on French Theory surrounding Roland Barthes essay ‘The Death of the Author’ and the Russo brother’s statement that the Hulk was not scared but annoyed since Bruce Banner used him. It involved a lot of different perspectives the most interesting was whether Barthes viewpoint is still relevant in Tweet-savvy society. So, forums and message boards can be an excellent way to find good argumentative paper topics presented in a new light and debates that you won’t encounter in academic circles.

Related Post: How to write a Persuasive essay

Besides, music and literature are also a good way to find argument essay topics. Moreover, topics to write an argumentative essay on exist in every kind of industry possible – law, medicine, politics, religion, history, etc . The list is truly endless.  Trust us, everything that happens around you has a different perspective, a deeper and different viewpoint. So, just discover those – and you’ll find a debatable topic.

However, if you don’t feel like spending a sleepless night working on an essay, you can buy argumentative essay tasks here.

Argumentative essay topics list

Luckily, we’ve prepared an extensive list of good ideas. So, here are a few lists of some argumentative essay topics ideas to help get those creative juices flowing.

Easy Argumentative Essay topics

These topics for argumentative essays are easy to debate as there is a lot of information and sources available to support a stance on the issue:

• Do violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Do the media put too much pressure on girls to have the perfect body?
• Should marijuana be more diverse in their casting?
• Should people be allowed to hunt purely for entertainment?
• Should governments legalize prostitution?
• How important is the education in the arts?
• Should the state provide healthcare?
• Is testing on animals really necessary?
• Should the government control TV Shows and Movies?

Argumentative essay topics on relationships

We can’t but mention these topics as well:

• Does the increase in social media make us lonelier?
• Should women wear less revealing clothing to curb unwanted attention from men?
• Traditional families, with high moral standards, never raise children that are criminals.
• ‘Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to over the economic and political barriers.’ Paulo Coelho. Discuss this quote in relation to cultural appropriation.

Pop culture argumentative essay topics

• Does television have an impact on intelligence level?
• Video games are replacing literature movies as the new cultural forum for debate.
• Should the government regulate the media?
• Does the government need to introduce greater restriction and penalties on companies like Facebook that misuse our personal data?
• Do the paparazzi violate the privacy of celebrities?

Related Post: Compare&Contrast Essay topics | Research Paper topics

Animal rights argumentative essay topics

• How ethical is it to eat meat?
• Fox hunting is good for the environment.
• Horse / Greyhound racing treat the animals unethically and should be illegal. Discuss.

Cell phone argumentative essay topics

• Do cell phones make families closer?
• Should cell phones be prohibited at schools?
• What laws will prevent drivers from using cell phones while driving?
• Which is better – a smartphone or a smartwatch?
• Cell phones are an important tool for education.

Nutrition argumentative essay topics

• Schools should provide healthier food for children.
• Should vegetarian parents give their children meat?
• Can GMO food help prevent world hunger?
• Would a sugar tax help tackle obesity?
• ‘Steroids, when used correctly, will not only make you stronger and sexier, they will also make you healthier.’ – Jose Canseco. Should doping be allowed in professional sports?

Argumentative essay topics for college

These are great topics for college students:

• Are all documentaries biased and have an agenda?
• How is the #metoo campaign affecting the relationship between genders in the workplace?
• What does it mean to be a feminist? What are the best ways to be a feminist?
• Is caffeine more addictive than cannabis? Should it be banned?
• Do the news media create moral panics for ratings? Should there be greater control over the media?
• Is the increasing amount of student debts deterring people from further education? Is a free college education program the best solution?
• How does the gender segregation in chess highlight gender equality in society?
• Is the monetization of random loot caches in mobile games gambling?
• Do humans have the right to colonize other planets considering the current condition of the Earth?

Meanwhile, finding interesting essay topics is not enough. You should also know how to craft a compelling piece. If you are looking for examples of argumentative essays, here is a sample to help you out!

Argumentative essay topics for middle school

Some ideas for argumentative topics for middle school students could be:

• Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?
• Should school sports be mandatory?
• Newspapers aren’t needed anymore.
• The world should have one language.
• The media shouldn’t depict violent scenes.
• Are athletes being paid too much?
• Video games can be considered a piece of art.
• Should space exploration receive more funding?
• School uniforms improve students’ achievement.
• Should recycle become mandatory?

Argumentative essay topics for high school

Here are some argumentative topic prompts for high school students:

• Is prison the best way to reform criminal behavior?
• Should we legalize human cloning?
• Do social media have a positive or negative impact on teenagers?
• Should public schools teach religion?
• Restriction of the Internet policies in high school impact grades.
• It is ethically wrong to keep exotic animals as pets.
• Learning to write with a pen from a young age is impotent.
• A minimum wage boost would be detrimental to the economy.
• iPads and online resources should replace textbooks at schools.

Controversial argumentative essay topics

Some topics that are controversial to debate and evoke strong opinions:

• Should prostitution be legalized?
• Would greater gun control lower the violent crime rate in the U.S?
• Are there greater benefits from legalizing controlled substances as opposed to outlawing them and creating a black market?
• Do terminally ill patients have the right to euthanasia treatments?
• Should the government give more rights to immigrants?
• Is religion the cause of all wars?
• Should the state impose limits on family sizes to stop overpopulation?
• Should hate speeches be protected under the freedom of speech?

By the way, you should also take a look at our complete essay format guide. You don’t want to lose grades due to incorrect essay format. So, learn how to do it right with us!

Funny argumentative essay topics

These are funny and fun essays to write on:

• Should students be allowed to grade their peers?
• Can graffiti ever be considered art?
• Should we classify video games as a sport?
• Infomercials are a great source for facts.
• What goes on in the mind of a cat?
• Does smoking pot make you a better essay writer ?
• Scientists should use plain English.
• Cute cat videos are the secret to world peace.
• Is Hell endothermic or exothermic?
• Should police officers provide rewards to safe drivers?

Social argumentative essay topics

While still on the subject, these argumentative titles revolve around social issues in society:

• The police force should reflect the community they serve both racially and culturally.
• Are beauty contests for young girls a positive or negative issue?
• The Internet is destroying art and creativity as it impinges on the rights of artists.
• How important is it that we encourage minority groups to join law enforcement?
• Are teenagers being pressured into college?
• How is the increasing amount of camera used by the police creating a society where privacy has been eroded?
• Is teenage pregnancy really a problem for society?
• What role does creationism play in education? Should any educational institute be governed by religion?
• Is humanity good or evil by its nature?

Moral social argumentative topics

These are some argumentative essay topics based on ethical questions:

• When, if ever, is it morally right to tell lies?
• ‘Killing someone is the ultimate crime, while on the other hand, killing someone in uniform is the fulfillment of duty.’ – Ramman Kenoun. Is killing someone every justified? Discuss in relation to Euthanasia, the Death Penalty, and War.
• Drug use is a product of society’s ills and not an individual’s weakness.
• The main impact of society becoming more secular is the decrease in moral fiber and integrity of its populace.
• Torture is a necessary evil for the protection of the state. Discuss.
• Is there any justification for war?
• By buying products for countries that endorse child labor are we supporting the process?
• Are nude photographs and portraits appropriate artwork for museums?
• Does the preservation of a country’s culture take precedence over the rights of its new immigrants to conserve their old way of life on new soil?

Argumentative essays based on quotes

Quotes are a great way to give an argumentative essay title a great kick and focus:

• ‘ The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between.’ – Mother Teresa. Does abortion really destroy peace?
• ‘So what if I’m smokin’ weed onstage and doing what I gotta do? It’s not me shooting nobody, stabbing nobody, killing nobody. It’s a peaceful gesture, and they have to respect that and appreciate that.’ – Snoop Dogg. Discuss the relationship between drugs and violent crime in relation to the quote.
• ‘Peace is not made at the council table or by treaties, but in the hearts of men.’ – Herbert Hoover. Discuss this quote in line with US international politics.
• ‘So you think that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever asked what is the root of all money?’ Is money a source of evil in society?
• ‘Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.’ – Mahatma Gandhi
• ‘Do countries with strong gun control laws have lower murder rates? Only if you cherry-pick the data.’ If argumentative and persuasive essays cherry pick the data to strengthen their position, does research obscure the facts rather than inform? Discuss.
• ‘We have our own culture, our own community. A lot of people don’t realize that. They just assume that deaf people are very unfortunate, very disabled, but no.’ – Nyle DiMarco. Media and society often stigmatize groups through stereotypical and general presentations which have the detrimental impact on their identity. Should the media remain silent on disabilities? Discuss.
• ‘ You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture just get people to stop reading them.’ – Ray Bradbury. Has the invention Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube lead to a cultural decline?
• ‘We seldom realize, for example, that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but which were given to us by society.’ – Alan W Watts. Discuss.
• ‘I always felt the ‘X-Men,’ in a subtle way, often touched upon the subject of racism and inequality, and I believe that subject has come up in other titles, too.’ – Stan Lee. Comic books are always striving to be at the forefront of equality often changing the ethnicity, and sexuality of their characters. Do these changes suggest that ethnicity, gender, and sexuality have no impact on personal identity only social perception?

Sports argumentative essay topics

Meanwhile, sports are popular choices for discussion:

• We should ban boxing and violent sports.
• Performance enhancing drugs are becoming more prevalent in sports. What can we do to combat the problem?
• Is cheerleading a sport too?
• Football is too dangerous for the player, especially children, and schools should ban it.
• Controlled substances should not be advertised at sports events.
• Sports involving cars should use more environmentally friendly biofuel.
• Schools focus too much of their budget on sports and not enough on arts.
• There is no advantage in going first in chess.
• There is no need to separate sports by gender.

Finally, now that you’re ready to work on your paper, we want to remind you of t he importance of proper essay structure . Remember to compose an essay that consists of an introduction with a strong thesis statement, at least three main body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The correct structure will only make your essay more compelling. So, choose one of our argumentative essay topics, and get down to business!

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Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 200 Social Justice Essay Topics for Students

200 Social Justice Essay Topics for Students

Crafting essays on social justice empowers students to articulate their perspectives on the vast spectrum of challenges that confront our societies. It encourages a deep dive into the complexities of societal structures and the mechanisms of oppression and privilege that define our lived realities. By engaging with social justice topics for students, young scholars are prompted to critically analyze the status quo, envision alternatives, and contribute to the ongoing dialogues that shape our aspirations for a more equitable world.

Before we dive into the diverse array of social justice topics, let's establish a shared understanding of what social justice entails. It's a concept deeply rooted in the idea that everyone deserves equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources, regardless of their background, identity, or socioeconomic status. This section will unravel the complexities of social justice, setting a solid foundation for the topics that follow.

Essays on social justice emerge as a powerful medium of expression and advocacy. They serve not just as academic exercises, but as profound declarations of our awareness and engagement with the pressing issues that sculpt the contours of contemporary society. Delving into social justice topics for students provides a unique opportunity to explore the intricate web of equity, rights, and fairness that underpins our shared human experience. These essays invite us on a journey to understand and confront the myriad forms of social injustice topics that mar our world, from systemic racism and gender inequality to economic disparity and environmental degradation.

Moreover, these essays play a crucial role in illuminating the path towards understanding and action, serving as catalysts for change by fostering empathy, raising awareness, and galvanizing community engagement. They provide a platform for the voices of the marginalized and the advocates alike, weaving together narratives that underscore the urgency of our collective pursuit of justice.

In sum, essays on social justice are not merely assignments; they are reflections of a deeper commitment to grappling with the complexities of human rights and dignity. They challenge us to think critically, act compassionately, and engage constructively in the quest for a society where justice is not merely an ideal, but a lived reality for all. As we delve into social justice topics for students and explore the realms of social injustice topics, we embark on an intellectual and moral voyage that holds the promise of transformation—both personal and societal.

Moving from theory to practice, we transition into the heart of our discussion—social justice topics to write about, tailored for various educational levels. This segment is meticulously crafted, ensuring that the topics resonate with students from elementary to college levels, fostering an environment of learning and growth that transcends academic boundaries.

For those seeking to enrich their exploration of social justice , resources such as GradesFixer offer a reservoir of essays and studies, serving as a wellspring of inspiration and knowledge to augment your scholarly journey.

🥇 The Best 10 Social Justice Topics to Write About in 2024

In an ever-evolving world, the pursuit of equity and justice remains a cornerstone of societal progress. The following social justice topics list for 2024 reflects the current pulse of discussions aiming to address and rectify the inequalities that permeate our global community. From environmental concerns to the nuances of digital accessibility: these top 10 essay topics are curated to inspire thoughtful exploration and insightful discourse among those passionate about forging a fairer world.

• Climate Change and Environmental Justice : Exploring the Impact on Vulnerable Communities
• Digital Divide and Access to Technology : Bridging the Gap in Education
• Racial Equality and Police Reform : Strategies for Building Trust in Communities
• Gender Identity and Inclusivity in Schools : Supporting LGBTQ+ Rights and Awareness
• Income Inequality and Economic Mobility : Examining the Barriers to Financial Stability
• Immigration and Refugee Rights : Understanding the Humanitarian Perspective
• Mental Health Awareness and Stigma Reduction : Promoting Wellness in All Sectors of Society
• Educational Equity for Marginalized Groups : Addressing Systemic Barriers in Schools
• Voting Rights and Electoral Reform : Ensuring Fair Representation for All Citizens
• Food Security and Nutrition : Tackling Hunger and Access to Healthy Food

✊ Successful Social Justice Topics for College Students

• The Intersectionality of Race, Gender, and Sexuality in Modern Society
• Climate Change Activism: A Social Justice Perspective
• The Role of Social Media in Advocating for Human Rights
• Police Brutality and Criminal Justice Reform in the United States
• The Impact of Gender Wage Gaps on Economic Inequality
• Mental Health Stigma and Accessibility to Care
• Immigration Policy Reform and the Rights of Refugees
• Indigenous Rights and Land Reclamation Movements
• The Educational Divide: Addressing Inequity in Public Schools
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Legal Recognition Worldwide
• Food Insecurity and Urban Poverty Solutions
• Racial Profiling and its Effects on Communities of Color
• The Fight for Disability Rights and Inclusion in the Workplace
• Women's Reproductive Rights and Healthcare Access
• The Influence of Art and Culture in Social Justice Movements
• Environmental Racism and Health Disparities in Minority Communities
• Affordable Housing and the Fight Against Homelessness
• Child Labor and Exploitation in the Global Economy
• Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Business Practices
• The Digital Divide: Internet Access as a Human Right
• Voter Suppression and Democracy in the 21st Century
• The Role of Education in Social Mobility
• Fast Fashion and the Ethics of Consumption
• Gun Control and Violence Prevention Strategies
• Prison Reform and the Abolition Movement
• The Stigmatization of Substance Abuse and Recovery
• Body Positivity and Media Representation
• Animal Rights and the Ethical Treatment of Livestock
• Age Discrimination in Employment and Media
• Social Justice in Sports: Taking a Knee
• Gender Fluidity and the Spectrum of Identity
• The Economics of Healthcare and Universal Coverage
• The Right to Privacy in the Digital Age
• Free Speech and Hate Speech: Drawing the Line
• Student Loan Debt and the Crisis of Higher Education
• The Global Impact of Western Consumerism
• Black Lives Matter: Past, Present, and Future
• The War on Drugs and Racial Disparities in Incarceration
• Climate Refugees and International Law
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations in Social Change
• Toxic Masculinity and Gender Norms
• Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Exchange
• Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development
• The Rise of Populism and its Impact on Minority Rights
• Accessibility in Technology: Bridging the Gap for the Disabled
• The Ethical Implications of AI and Automation on Labor
• The Fight for Net Neutrality and Open Internet
• Youth Activism and the Role of Young People in Social Justice
• Globalization and its Effects on Indigenous Cultures
• The Opioid Crisis and Public Health Policy

🍎 Easy Social Justice Topics for High School Students

• Understanding Racism and Its Impact on Society
• Gender Equality: Breaking Down Stereotypes
• The Importance of Cultural Diversity in Schools
• Climate Change: Simple Steps to Make a Difference
• Bullying: Recognizing and Preventing It
• Mental Health Awareness Among Teens
• LGBTQ+ Rights and Acceptance
• The Effects of Social Media on Body Image
• Homelessness: Causes and Community Solutions
• Animal Rights and Ethical Treatment
• Food Insecurity: Addressing Hunger in Our Communities
• Disability Rights and Inclusion
• Education Equity for All Students
• Child Labor and Ethical Consumerism
• Digital Literacy and Online Safety
• Water Conservation and Access to Clean Water
• Youth Activism and Social Change
• The Role of Art in Social Justice Movements
• Reducing Waste and Sustainable Living
• Fair Trade Products and Practices
• Immigrant Rights and Integration Challenges
• Public Transportation and Accessibility
• The Importance of Voting and Civic Participation
• Cyberbullying and How to Combat It
• Supporting Local Businesses and Economies
• Gun Control and School Safety
• The History and Impact of Civil Rights Movements
• Peer Pressure and Making Positive Choices
• Sports and Gender Equality
• The Role of Technology in Education
• Understanding and Preventing Hate Crimes
• The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
• The Impact of Fast Fashion on the Environment
• Affordable Healthcare Access
• Raising Awareness about Global Poverty
• Censorship and Freedom of Speech
• Recycling and Environmental Responsibility
• The Power of Nonviolent Protest
• Media Literacy and Identifying Fake News
• Cultural Appropriation vs. Appreciation
• The Benefits of Bilingual Education
• Supporting Veterans and Military Families
• The Dangers of Texting and Driving
• Privacy Rights in the Digital Age
• Dealing with Loneliness and Isolation
• The Importance of Community Service
• Tackling Ageism and Respecting Elders
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
• Renewable Energy and Its Benefits
• Understanding Economic Inequality

🎒 Simple Social Justice Topics for Elementary Students

• Celebrating Differences: Understanding Diversity
• Friendship Across Cultures: Making Friends from Different Backgrounds
• Why Kindness Matters: Being Kind to Everyone
• The Planet Earth: Why We Should Take Care of It
• Sharing is Caring: The Importance of Sharing with Others
• All Families Are Special: Understanding Different Family Structures
• Everyone is Unique: Celebrating Individual Talents
• Bullying is Wrong: How to Stand Up and Speak Out
• Helping Others: The Joy of Giving
• Respect for All: Learning to Respect Differences
• Animals are Friends: Treating Animals with Kindness
• Recycling: How We Can Help the Earth
• Healthy Eating: Understanding Nutrition and Food Justice
• Water is Precious: Conserving Water for Everyone
• Clean Up Our World: Participating in Community Clean-Ups
• Playing Fair: The Importance of Fairness in Games and Life
• Listening to Each Other: The Value of Communication
• Everyone Belongs: Creating Inclusive Spaces
• Saying Sorry: The Power of Apologies
• Gratitude: Being Thankful for What We Have
• Helping at Home: Understanding Responsibilities
• Teamwork: Working Together to Achieve Goals
• The Golden Rule: Treating Others How You Want to Be Treated
• Our Community Helpers: Appreciating Those Who Help Us
• Protecting Our Planet: Simple Acts to Save the Environment
• Being Brave: Standing Up for What is Right
• The Beauty of Languages: Exploring Different Languages and Cultures
• History Heroes: Learning About Leaders Who Fought for Justice
• Planting Trees: How Trees Benefit Our World
• Saving Energy: Ways to Conserve Energy at Home
• Understanding Disabilities: Embracing All Abilities
• Cyber Safety: Being Safe and Kind Online
• The Importance of Exercise: Staying Active for Health
• The World of Books: Exploring Stories from Around the Globe
• Sharing Cultures: Celebrating Cultural Festivals
• Being a Good Listener: The Importance of Listening to Others
• Acts of Kindness: Small Acts That Make a Big Difference
• Equal Play: Everyone Has the Right to Play
• The Joy of Music: Exploring Music from Different Cultures
• Respecting Elders: Learning from the Wisdom of Older Generations
• Friendship without Borders: Making Friends Without Judging
• Caring for Plants: Understanding the Role of Plants in Our Ecosystem
• The Importance of Patience: Learning to Wait
• Smiling: The Universal Language of Kindness
• The Story of Food: From Farm to Table
• Walking in Someone Else's Shoes: Understanding Empathy
• The Magic of Art: Expressing Yourself Through Art
• Water Worlds: Learning About the Importance of Oceans and Rivers
• Dream Big: Everyone Has the Right to Dream
• Stars and Beyond: Understanding Our Place in the Universe

👍 More Good Social Justice Topics for Elementary Students

• Friendship Benches: Creating Spaces for Inclusion
• The Power of Words: Using Kind Language
• Celebrating All Abilities: Understanding Special Needs
• Why We Recycle: The Journey of a Recyclable Item
• Acts of Courage: Standing Up for Friends
• The World's Water: Why Some People Don't Have Clean Water
• Learning About Homelessness: How We Can Help
• Understanding Feelings: Talking About Emotions
• Everyone's a Scientist: Girls and Boys in Science
• Our Green Earth: Why Plants Are Important
• Sharing Stories: Listening to Each Other's Experiences
• The Art of Sharing: Why Sharing is Important in Cultures
• Respect for Nature: Learning to Love the Outdoors
• The Rainbow of People: Understanding Skin Color
• Food for Everyone: Why Some People Are Hungry
• My Body, My Rights: Understanding Personal Boundaries
• The World of Insects: Their Role in Our World
• Kindness to Animals: Why All Animals Deserve Respect
• The Clothes We Wear: Talking About Fashion and Ethics
• Our Actions Matter: How Small Actions Affect Others
• Celebrate Differences: Learning About Different Holidays
• The Gift of Giving: How Donating Makes a Difference
• Walking Together: Unity in Diversity
• Our Planet, Our Home: Actions to Protect Earth
• Everyone Can Lead: Leadership for Boys and Girls
• Music Makes Us One: Exploring Music from Around the World
• Our Ancestors' Stories: Learning From History
• The Magic of Movies: Understanding Representation in Film
• Playing Without Winning: The Joy of Play
• The Library: A World of Knowledge for Everyone
• The Right to Rest: Understanding the Importance of Leisure
• The Joy of Discovery: Encouraging Curiosity
• Growing Together: The Importance of Community Gardens
• The History of Toys: Toys From Around the World
• The Colors of the World: Exploring Art from Different Cultures
• We All Need Help: Understanding Dependency and Support
• Learning from Animals: Lessons in Compassion and Care
• The Value of Work: Appreciating All Jobs
• Everyone's Voice Counts: Encouraging Participation
• The Beauty of Dance: Dance Forms from Around the World
• Saving Our Friends: Endangered Animals and Conservation
• Sun, Moon, and Stars: Learning About Astronomy and Cultures
• The World of Comics: Exploring Stories and Messages
• Our Digital World: The Importance of Being Kind Online
• Let's Move: The Benefits of Different Sports
• Understanding Weather: The Science and Its Impact
• Crafting for a Cause: Making Things to Help Others
• The Power of Patience: Waiting Can Be Rewarding
• Our Earthly Treasures: Conserving Natural Resources
• The Stories We Tell: The Importance of Narratives in Culture

🌍 The World Through Social Justice Topics

Exploring the vast landscape of social justice topics for students offers a unique opportunity to engage with the pressing issues shaping our world today. Each social justice topic serves as a window into the experiences and challenges faced by diverse communities, fostering empathy, understanding, and a deepened sense of global citizenship among students. From the elementary classrooms where the seeds of awareness are planted to the rigorous debates of college seminars, topics of social justice play a pivotal role in shaping the minds and hearts of the next generation. By delving into these topics, students embark on a journey of growth, equipped with the knowledge and compassion necessary to navigate the complexities of social justice with grace and determination. Let us continue to curate and engage with social justice topics that not only inform but inspire action and change, ensuring that every student can find their voice in the chorus calling for equity and justice in our shared world.

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Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

84. What Does Your Unique Style Say About You? 85. How Do You Spend Your Downtime? 86. Would You Want to Live to 200? 87. How Do You Connect to Your Heritage? 88. What Do You Think Are the Secrets to Happiness? 89. Are You a Sneakerhead? 90. What Role Have Mentors Played in Your Life? 91. If You Could Make Your Own Podcast, What Would It Be About? 92. Have You Ever Felt Pressure to ‘Sell Your Pain’? 93. Do You Think You Make Good Climate Choices? 94. What Does TikTok Mean to You? 95. Do Your Parents Overpraise You? 96. Do You Want to Travel in Space? 97. Do You Feel You’re Friends With Celebrities or Influencers You Follow Online? 98. Would You Eat Food Grown in a Lab? 99. What Makes You Cringe? 100. What Volunteer Work Would You Most Like to Do? 101. How Do You Respond When People Ask, ‘Where Are You From?’ 102. Has a School Assignment or Activity Ever Made You Uncomfortable? 103. How Does Your Identity Inform Your Political Beliefs and Values? 104. Are You an Orchid, a Tulip or a Dandelion? 105. Are You Having a Tough Time Maintaining Friendships These Days? 106. How Is Your Mental Health These Days? 107. Do You Love Writing or Receiving Letters? 108. What Has Television Taught You About Social Class? 109. Are You Easily Distracted? 110. What Objects Bring You Comfort? 111. What Is Your Favorite Memory of PBS? 112. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Your Parents? 113. What Are You Doing to Combat Pandemic Fatigue? 114. Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression? 115. What Do You Want Your Parents to Know About What It’s Like to Be a Teenager During the Pandemic? 116. How Have You Collaborated From a Distance During the Pandemic? 117. How Important Is It to You to Have Similar Political Beliefs to Your Family and Friends? 118. How Are You Feeling About Winter This Year? 119. Which Celebrity Performer Would You Like to Challenge to a Friendly Battle? 120. How Mentally Tough Are You? 121. What Smells Trigger Powerful Memories for You? 122. What Are You Thankful for This Year? 123. Do You Miss Hugs? 124. Are You a Good Conversationalist? 125. What Habits Have You Started or Left Behind in 2020? 126. What Was the Best Art and Culture You Experienced in 2020? 127. What’s Your Relationship With Masks? 128. What Role Does Religion Play in Your Life? 129. How Will You Be Celebrating the Holidays This Year? 130. What Is Something Good That Happened in 2020? 131. What New Flavor Ideas Do You Have for Your Favorite Foods? 132. What Are Your Hopes and Concerns for the New School Year? 133. How Has 2020 Challenged or Changed You? 134. What Do You Hope for Most in 2021? 135. How Do You View Death? 136. What Is Your Favorite Fact You Learned in 2020? 137. What Are the Places in the World That You Love Most? 138. Have You Ever Experienced ‘Impostor Syndrome’? 139. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 140. Do You Talk to Your Family About the Cost of College? 141. Do You Have a Healthy Diet? 142. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping? 143. Do You Believe in Manifesting? 144. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 145. What Are Your Family’s House Rules During the Covid Crisis? 146. What Online Communities Do You Participate In? 147. Have You Experienced Any Embarrassing Zoom Mishaps? 148. What Does Your Country’s National Anthem Mean to You? 149. Are Sports Just Not the Same Without Spectators in the Stands? 150. Would You Volunteer for a Covid-19 Vaccine Trial? 151. What ‘Old’ Technology Do You Think Is Cool? 152. Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something? 153. How Has the Pandemic Changed Your Relationship to Your Body? 154. How Do You Find New Books, Music, Movies or Television Shows? 155. Are You Nervous About Returning to Normal Life? 156. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 157. How Do You Talk With People Who Don’t Share Your Views? 158. Would You Want to Be a Teacher Someday? 159. What Would You Recommend That Is ‘Overlooked and Underappreciated’? 160. What Children’s Books Have Had the Biggest Impact on You? 161. What Is Your Gender Identity? 162. Have You Hit a Wall? 163. What Is the Code You Live By? 164. Do You Think You Have Experienced ‘Learning Loss’ During the Pandemic? 165. What Are the Most Memorable Things You’ve Seen or Experienced in Nature? 166. Do You Want to Have Children Someday? 167. What Have You Learned About Friendship This Year? 168. What Seemingly Mundane Feats Have You Accomplished? 169. Has a Celebrity Ever Convinced You to Do Something? 170. How Have You Commemorated Milestones During the Pandemic? 171. How Often Do You Read, Watch or Listen to Things Outside of Your Comfort Zone? 172. Do You Think You Live in a Political Bubble? 173. What Is Your Relationship With the Weight-Loss Industry? 174. What Have You Made This Year? 175. How Are You Right Now? 176. What Are You Grateful For?

Want more writing prompts?

You can find even more Student Opinion questions in our 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing , 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing and 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing . We also publish daily Picture Prompts , which are image-centered posts that provide space for many different kinds of writing. You can find all of our writing prompts, added as they publish, here .

The Philippines economy in 2024: Stronger for longer?

The Philippines ended 2023 on a high note, being the fastest growing economy across Southeast Asia with a growth rate of 5.6 percent—just shy of the government's target of 6.0 to 7.0 percent. 1 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024; "Philippine economic updates,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, November 16, 2023. Should projections hold, the Philippines is expected to, once again, show significant growth in 2024, demonstrating its resilience despite various global economic pressures (Exhibit 1). 2 “Economic forecast 2024,” International Monetary Fund, November 1, 2023; McKinsey analysis.

The growth in the Philippine economy in 2023 was driven by a resumption in commercial activities, public infrastructure spending, and growth in digital financial services. Most sectors grew, with transportation and storage (13 percent), construction (9 percent), and financial services (9 percent), performing the best (Exhibit 2). 3 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024. While the country's trade deficit narrowed in 2023, it remains elevated at $52 billion due to slowing global demand and geopolitical uncertainties. 4 “Highlights of the Philippine export and import statistics,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 28, 2024. Looking ahead to 2024, the current economic forecast for the Philippines projects a GDP growth of between 5 and 6 percent.

Inflation rates are expected to temper between 3.2 and 3.6 percent in 2024 after ending 2023 at 6.0 percent, above the 2.0 to 4.0 percent target range set by the government. 5 “Nomura downgrades Philippine 2024 growth forecast,” Nomura, September 11, 2023; “IMF raises Philippine growth rate forecast,” International Monetary Fund, July 16, 2023.

For the purposes of this article, most of the statistics used for our analysis have come from a common thread of sources. These include the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas); the Department of Energy Philippines; the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP); and the Philippines Statistics Authority.

The state of the Philippine economy across seven major sectors and themes

In the article, we explore the 2024 outlook for seven key sectors and themes, what may affect each of them in the coming year, and what could potentially unlock continued growth.

Financial services

The recovery of the financial services sector appears on track as year-on-year growth rates stabilize. 6 Philippines Statistics Authority, November 2023; McKinsey in partnership with Oxford Economics, November 2023. In 2024, this sector will likely continue to grow, though at a slower pace of about 5 percent.

Financial inclusion and digitalization are contributing to growth in this sector in 2024, even if new challenges emerge. Various factors are expected to impact this sector:

• Inclusive finance: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas continues to invest in financial inclusion initiatives. For example, basic deposit accounts (BDAs) reached $22 million in 2023 and banking penetration improved, with the proportion of adults with formal bank accounts increasing from 29 percent in 2019 to 56 percent in 2021. 7 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024.
• Digital adoption: Digital channels are expected to continue to grow, with data showing that 60 percent of adults who have a mobile phone and internet access have done a digital financial transaction. 8 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024. Businesses in this sector, however, will need to remain vigilant in navigating cybersecurity and fraud risks.
• Unsecured lending growth: Growth in unsecured lending is expected to continue, but at a slower pace than the past two to three years. For example, unsecured retail lending for the banking system alone grew by 27 percent annually from 2020 to 2022. 9 “Loan accounts: As of first quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024; "Global banking pools,” McKinsey, November 2023. Businesses in this field are, however, expected to recalibrate their risk profiling models as segments with high nonperforming loans emerge.
• High interest rates: Key interest rates are expected to decline in the second half of 2024, creating more accommodating borrowing conditions that could boost wholesale and corporate loans.

Supportive frameworks have a pivotal role to play in unlocking growth in this sector to meet the ever-increasing demand from the financially underserved. For example, financial literacy programs and easier-to-access accounts—such as BDAs—are some measures that can help widen market access to financial services. Continued efforts are being made to build an open finance framework that could serve the needs of the unbanked population, as well as a unified credit scoring mechanism to increase the ability of historically under-financed segments, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access formal credit. 10 “BSP launches credit scoring model,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, April 26, 2023.

Energy and Power

The outlook for the energy sector seems positive, with the potential to grow by 7 percent in 2024 as the country focuses on renewable energy generation. 11 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts. Currently, stakeholders are focused on increasing energy security, particularly on importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet power plants’ requirements as production in one of the country’s main sources of natural gas, the Malampaya gas field, declines. 12 Myrna M. Velasco, “Malampaya gas field prod’n declines steeply in 2021,” Manila Bulletin , July 9, 2022. High global inflation and the fact that the Philippines is a net fuel importer are impacting electricity prices and the build-out of planned renewable energy projects. Recent regulatory moves to remove foreign ownership limits on exploration, development, and utilization of renewable energy resources could possibly accelerate growth in the country’s energy and power sector. 13 “RA 11659,” Department of Energy Philippines, June 8, 2023.

Gas, renewables, and transmission are potential growth drivers for the sector. Upgrading power grids so that they become more flexible and better able to cope with the intermittent electricity supply that comes with renewables will be critical as the sector pivots toward renewable energy. A recent coal moratorium may position natural gas as a transition fuel—this could stimulate exploration and production investments for new, indigenous natural gas fields, gas pipeline infrastructure, and LNG import terminal projects. 14 Philippine energy plan 2020–2040, Department of Energy Philippines, June 10, 2022; Power development plan 2020–2040 , Department of Energy Philippines, 2021. The increasing momentum of green energy auctions could facilitate the development of renewables at scale, as the country targets 35 percent share of renewables by 2030. 15 Power development plan 2020–2040 , 2022.

Growth in the healthcare industry may slow to 2.8 percent in 2024, while pharmaceuticals manufacturing is expected to rebound with 5.2 percent growth in 2024. 16 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Healthcare demand could grow, although the quality of care may be strained as the health worker shortage is projected to increase over the next five years. 17 McKinsey analysis. The supply-and-demand gap in nursing alone is forecast to reach a shortage of approximately 90,000 nurses by 2028. 18 McKinsey analysis. Another compounding factor straining healthcare is the higher than anticipated benefit utilization and rising healthcare costs, which, while helping to meet people's healthcare budgets, may continue to drive down profitability for health insurers.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are feeling varying effects of people becoming increasingly health conscious. Consumers are using more over the counter (OTC) medication and placing more beneficial value on organic health products, such as vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients, which could impact demand for prescription drugs. 19 “Consumer health in the Philippines 2023,” Euromonitor, October 2023.

Businesses operating in this field may end up benefiting from universal healthcare policies. If initiatives are implemented that integrate healthcare systems, rationalize copayments, attract and retain talent, and incentivize investments, they could potentially help to strengthen healthcare provision and quality.

Businesses may also need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of diverse health needs, digitization, and price controls. Digital and data transformations are being seen to facilitate improvements in healthcare delivery and access, with leading digital health apps getting more than one million downloads. 20 Google Play Store, September 27, 2023. Digitization may create an opportunity to develop healthcare ecosystems that unify touchpoints along the patient journey and provide offline-to-online care, as well as potentially realizing cost efficiencies.

Consumer and retail

Growth in the retail and wholesale trade and consumer goods sectors is projected to remain stable in 2024, at 4 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

Inflation, however, continues to put consumers under pressure. While inflation rates may fall—predicted to reach 4 percent in 2024—commodity prices may still remain elevated in the near term, a top concern for Filipinos. 21 “IMF raises Philippine growth forecast,” July 26, 2023; “Nomura downgrades Philippines 2024 growth forecast,” September 11, 2023. In response to challenging economic conditions, 92 percent of consumers have changed their shopping behaviors, and approximately 50 percent indicate that they are switching brands or retail providers in seek of promotions and better prices. 22 “Philippines consumer pulse survey, 2023,” McKinsey, November 2023.

Online shopping has become entrenched in Filipino consumers, as they find that they get access to a wider range of products, can compare prices more easily, and can shop with more convenience. For example, a McKinsey Philippines consumer sentiment survey in 2023 found that 80 percent of respondents, on average, use online and omnichannel to purchase footwear, toys, baby supplies, apparel, and accessories. To capture the opportunity that this shift in Filipino consumer preferences brings and to unlock growth in this sector, retail organizations could turn to omnichannel strategies to seamlessly integrate online and offline channels. Businesses may need to explore investments that increase resilience across the supply chain, alongside researching and developing new products that serve emerging consumer preferences, such as that for natural ingredients and sustainable sources.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a key contributor to the Philippine economy, contributing approximately 19 percent of GDP in 2022, employing about 7 percent of the country’s labor force, and growing in line with GDP at approximately 6 percent between 2023 and 2024. 23 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

Some changes could be seen in 2024 that might affect the sector moving forward. The focus toward building resilient supply chains and increasing self-sufficiency is growing. The Philippines also is likely to benefit from increasing regional trade, as well as the emerging trend of nearshoring or onshoring as countries seek to make their supply chains more resilient. With semiconductors driving approximately 45 percent of Philippine exports, the transfer of knowledge and technology, as well as the development of STEM capabilities, could help attract investments into the sector and increase the relevance of the country as a manufacturing hub. 24 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

To secure growth, public and private sector support could bolster investments in R&D and upskill the labor force. In addition, strategies to attract investment may be integral to the further development of supply chain infrastructure and manufacturing bases. Government programs to enable digital transformation and R&D, along with a strategic approach to upskilling the labor force, could help boost industry innovation in line with Industry 4.0 demand. 25 Industry 4.0 is also referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Priority products to which manufacturing industries could pivot include more complex, higher value chain electronic components in the semiconductor segment; generic OTC drugs and nature-based pharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical sector; and, for green industries, products such as EVs, batteries, solar panels, and biomass production.

Information technology business process outsourcing

The information technology business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector is on track to reach its long-term targets, with $38 billion in forecast revenues in 2024. 26 Khriscielle Yalao, “WHF flexibility key to achieving growth targets—IBPAP,” Manila Bulletin , January 23, 2024. Emerging innovations in service delivery and work models are being observed, which could drive further growth in the sector.

The industry continues to outperform headcount and revenue targets, shaping its position as a country leader for employment and services. 27 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. Demand from global companies for offshoring is expected to increase, due to cost containment strategies and preference for Philippine IT-BPO providers. New work setups continue to emerge, ranging from remote-first to office-first, which could translate to potential net benefits. These include a 10 to 30 percent increase in employee retention; a three- to four-hour reduction in commute times; an increase in enabled talent of 350,000; and a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 1.4 to 1.5 million tons of CO 2 per year. 28 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. It is becoming increasingly more important that the IT-BPO sector adapts to new technologies as businesses begin to harness automation and generative AI (gen AI) to unlock productivity.

Talent and technology are clear areas where growth in this sector can be unlocked. The growing complexity of offshoring requirements necessitates building a proper talent hub to help bridge employee gaps and better match local talent to employers’ needs. Businesses in the industry could explore developing facilities and digital infrastructure to enable industry expansion outside the metros, especially in future “digital cities” nationwide. Introducing new service areas could capture latent demand from existing clients with evolving needs as well as unserved clients. BPO centers could explore the potential of offering higher-value services by cultivating technology-focused capabilities, such as using gen AI to unlock revenue, deliver sales excellence, and reduce general administrative costs.

Sustainability

The Philippines is considered to be the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change in the world as, due to its geographic location, the country has a higher risk of exposure to natural disasters, such as rising sea levels. 29 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021. Approximately $3.2 billion, on average, in economic loss could occur annually because of natural disasters over the next five decades, translating to up to 7 to 8 percent of the country’s nominal GDP. 30 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021.

The Philippines could capitalize on five green growth opportunities to operate in global value chains and catalyze growth for the nation:

• Renewable energy: The country could aim to generate 50 percent of its energy from renewables by 2040, building on its high renewable energy potential and the declining cost of producing renewable energy.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing: More than a twofold increase in annual output from 2023 to 2030 could be achieved, enabled by lower production costs.
• Battery production: The Philippines could aim for a $1.5 billion domestic market by 2030, capitalizing on its vast nickel reserves (the second largest globally). 31 “MineSpans,” McKinsey, November 2023.
• Electric mobility: Electric vehicles could account for 15 percent of the country’s vehicle sales by 2030 (from less than 1 percent currently), driven by incentives, local distribution, and charging infrastructure. 32 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.
• Nature-based solutions: The country’s largely untapped total abatement potential could reach up to 200 to 300 metric tons of CO 2 , enabled by its biodiversity and strong demand.

The Philippine economy: Three scenarios for growth

Having grown faster than other economies in Southeast Asia in 2023 to end the year with 5.6 percent growth, the Philippines can expect a similarly healthy growth outlook for 2024. Based on our analysis, there are three potential scenarios for the country’s growth. 33 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Slower growth: The first scenario projects GDP growth of 4.8 percent if there are challenging conditions—such as declining trade and accelerated inflation—which could keep key policy rates high at about 6.5 percent and dampen private consumption, leading to slower long-term growth.

Soft landing: The second scenario projects GDP growth of 5.2 percent if inflation moderates and global conditions turn out to be largely favorable due to a stable investment environment and regional trade demand.

Accelerated growth: In the third scenario, GDP growth is projected to reach 6.1 percent if inflation slows and public policies accommodate aspects such as loosening key policy rates and offering incentive programs to boost productivity.

Focusing on factors that could unlock growth in its seven critical sectors and themes, while adapting to the macro-economic scenario that plays out, would allow the Philippines to materialize its growth potential in 2024 and take steps towards achieving longer-term, sustainable economic growth.

Jon Canto is a partner in McKinsey’s Manila office, where Frauke Renz is an associate partner, and Vicah Villanueva is a consultant.

The authors wish to thank Charlene Chua, Charlie del Rosario, Ryan delos Reyes, Debadrita Dhara, Evelyn C. Fong, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Frances Lee, Aaron Ong, and Liane Tan for their contributions to this article.

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