good subjects for argumentative essays

160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

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

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

Introduction
Supporting body paragraphs
Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

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

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

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

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argument Essay Topics

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

Sports Argument Essay Topics

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

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Business Argument Essay Topics

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

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

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

By The Learning Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology & Social Media

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

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

College & Career

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

Mental & Physical Health

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

Race & Gender

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

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

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

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

Parenting & Childhood

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

Ethics & Morality

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

Government & Politics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

18 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

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

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

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

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

So read on and make choosing a topic easier!

On this Page

Argumentative Essay Topics for students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 6

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for 7th Graders

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 8

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

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

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Argumentative Essay Topics for University Students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for O Levels

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

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Best Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Education

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

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Technology

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

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Social Issues Argumentative Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Animals

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

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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Argumentative Essay Topics 2022

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

Argumentative Essay Topics 2023

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

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

Choosing a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

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

But what are you going to write about?

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

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

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

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

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

Strong Introduction and Thesis

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

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

Good Research and Evidence

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

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

Organized Structure

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

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

Effective Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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Learn How to Write an Argumentative Essay

How to Create a Strong Argumentative Essay Outline?

Informative Argumentative Essay Examples by Experts

Know About Types of Argument with the Help of Examples

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:

How to Choose Good Argumentative Essay Topics_ Tips

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

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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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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

250+ Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas To Help You Out

17 min read

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!

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How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Argumentative writing at college level

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

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

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

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

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

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

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

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

Toulmin arguments

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

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

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

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

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

Rogerian arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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:

How to choose an argumentative essay topic

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.

Sources of strong argumentative essay topics

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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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

Download the guide to a great thesis statement and essay checklist

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.

a great essay presents nuanced arguments with deep thinking

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

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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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Writing Tips

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

5-minute read

19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics!

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

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

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

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

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

Science and the Environment

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

Crime and Politics

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

Health and Fitness

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

Lifestyle and Culture

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

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

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

Choose a Side

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

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

Do Your Research

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

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

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

Keep Your Audience in Mind

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

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

Outline Your Essay

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

You should break it down into the follow sections:

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

Get It Proofread

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

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

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100 Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Persuasive essays are a bit like argument essays and persuasive speeches , but they tend to be a little kinder and gentler. Argument essays require you to discuss and to attack an alternate view, while persuasive essays are attempts to convince the reader that you have a believable argument. In other words, you are an advocate, not an adversary.

A Persuasive Essay Has 3 Components

Introduction : This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook, which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis, or argument, which you'll explain in the next section.
Body : This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph examines one theme or issue used to support your thesis.
Conclusion : This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and connect them to your thesis. Persuasive essays often use the conclusion as a last appeal to the audience.

Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill that people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You're sure to find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.

Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics

Kids should get paid for good grades.
Students should have less homework.
Snow days are great for family time.
Penmanship is important.
Short hair is better than long hair.
We should all grow our own vegetables.
We need more holidays.
Aliens probably exist.
Gym class is more important than music class.
Kids should be able to vote.
Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
School should take place in the evenings.
Country life is better than city life.
City life is better than country life.
We can change the world.
Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
We should provide food for the poor.
Children should be paid for doing chores.
We should populate the moon .
Dogs make better pets than cats.

Intermediate

The government should impose household trash limits.
Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
We should teach etiquette in schools.
School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
All students should wear uniforms.
Too much money is a bad thing.
High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
Robocalling should be outlawed.
Age 12 is too young to babysit.
Children should be required to read more.
All students should be given the opportunity to study abroad.
Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
Cell phones should never be used while driving.
All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
Bullies should be kicked out of school.
Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
The school year should be longer.
School days should start later.
Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
Public transit should be privatized.
We should allow pets in school.
The voting age should be lowered to 16.
Beauty contests are bad for body image.
Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
Video games can be educational.
College athletes should be paid for their services.
We need a military draft .
Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
Year-round school is a bad idea.
High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
Standardized testing should be eliminated.
Teachers should be paid more.
There should be one world currency.
Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
Racial slurs should be illegal.
Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
Free speech should have limitations.
Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
Child support dodgers should go to jail.
Students should be allowed to pray in school.
All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
Internet access should be free for everyone.
Social Security should be privatized.
Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
We shouldn't use products made from animals.
Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
We need better sex education in schools.
School testing is not effective.
The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and with Canada.
Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
Eating meat is unethical.
A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
The Electoral College is outdated.
Medical testing on animals is necessary.
Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
Books should never be banned.
Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
Freedom of religion has limitations.
Nuclear power should be illegal.
Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.
Arizona State University Writing Center staff. " Persuasive Essay Structure ." ASU.edu, June 2012.
Collins, Jen, and Polak, Adam. " Persuasive Essays ." Hamilton.edu.
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Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 3 strong argumentative essay examples, analyzed.

General Education

Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.

After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.

A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the author’s thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.

The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.

Argumentative Essay Example 1

Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.

However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.

Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.

While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.

The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.

What this essay does well:

Although it’s a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the author’s argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, it’s important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the author’s own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.

Argumentative Essay Example 2

There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention haven’t seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHO’s Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.

One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldn’t be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continent’s spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply can’t rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.

Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.

Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who don’t even own bed nets. Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, there’s the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.

Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. It’s estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.

This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.

The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
There’s lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author’s argument.
The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure they’re being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.

Argumentative Essay Example 3

There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.

Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldn’t exist, college coaches wouldn’t receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldn’t profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don’t receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating they’ll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.

Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasn’t worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasn’t paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them “strongly consider” remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.

Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.

People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, they’d turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.

They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from men’s football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.

Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.

People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its members’ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.

While both sides have good points, it’s clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.

This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldn’t be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldn’t be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.

Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you don’t explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesn’t appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesn’t give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.

3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.

#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear

The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isn’t clear or readers can’t find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesn’t fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.

Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument you’re on. After you’ve written it, it’s a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point you’ll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.

#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak

When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but don’t do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldn’t believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why they’re incorrect/weak arguments. That’ll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.

#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side

Remember, an essay can’t be an argumentative essay if it doesn’t support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample

Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.

What's Next?

Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!

You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.

Your college admissions essay may end up being one of the most important essays you write. Follow our step-by-step guide on writing a personal statement to have an essay that'll impress colleges.

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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100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

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

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

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

Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

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

Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

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

Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

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

Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

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

A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

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

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

Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

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

Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

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

Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don't like something?

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

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

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

Use these thought-provoking argumentative essay topics to teach students to write well-researched and convincing compositions.

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112 Persuasive Speech Topics That Are Actually Engaging

What’s covered:, how to pick an awesome persuasive speech topic, 112 engaging persuasive speech topics, tips for preparing your persuasive speech.

Writing a stellar persuasive speech requires a carefully crafted argument that will resonate with your audience to sway them to your side. This feat can be challenging to accomplish, but an engaging, thought-provoking speech topic is an excellent place to start.

When it comes time to select a topic for your persuasive speech, you may feel overwhelmed by all the options to choose from—or your brain may be drawing a completely blank slate. If you’re having trouble thinking of the perfect topic, don’t worry. We’re here to help!

In this post, we’re sharing how to choose the perfect persuasive speech topic and tips to prepare for your speech. Plus, you’ll find 112 persuasive speech topics that you can take directly from us or use as creative inspiration for your own ideas!

Choose Something You’re Passionate About

It’s much easier to write, research, and deliver a speech about a cause you care about. Even if it’s challenging to find a topic that completely sparks your interest, try to choose a topic that aligns with your passions.

However, keep in mind that not everyone has the same interests as you. Try to choose a general topic to grab the attention of the majority of your audience, but one that’s specific enough to keep them engaged.

For example, suppose you’re giving a persuasive speech about book censorship. In that case, it’s probably too niche to talk about why “To Kill a Mockingbird” shouldn’t be censored (even if it’s your favorite book), and it’s too broad to talk about media censorship in general.

Steer Clear of Cliches

Have you already heard a persuasive speech topic presented dozens of times? If so, it’s probably not an excellent choice for your speech—even if it’s an issue you’re incredibly passionate about.

Although polarizing topics like abortion and climate control are important to discuss, they aren’t great persuasive speech topics. Most people have already formed an opinion on these topics, which will either cause them to tune out or have a negative impression of your speech.

Instead, choose topics that are fresh, unique, and new. If your audience has never heard your idea presented before, they will be more open to your argument and engaged in your speech.

Have a Clear Side of Opposition

For a persuasive speech to be engaging, there must be a clear side of opposition. To help determine the arguability of your topic, ask yourself: “If I presented my viewpoint on this topic to a group of peers, would someone disagree with me?” If the answer is yes, then you’ve chosen a great topic!

Now that we’ve laid the groundwork for what it takes to choose a great persuasive speech topic, here are over one hundred options for you to choose from.

Should high school athletes get tested for steroids?
Should schools be required to have physical education courses?
Should sports grades in school depend on things like athletic ability?
What sport should be added to or removed from the Olympics?
Should college athletes be able to make money off of their merchandise?
Should sports teams be able to recruit young athletes without a college degree?
Should we consider video gamers as professional athletes?
Is cheerleading considered a sport?
Should parents allow their kids to play contact sports?
Should professional female athletes be paid the same as professional male athletes?
Should college be free at the undergraduate level?
Is the traditional college experience obsolete?
Should you choose a major based on your interests or your potential salary?
Should high school students have to meet a required number of service hours before graduating?
Should teachers earn more or less based on how their students perform on standardized tests?
Are private high schools more effective than public high schools?
Should there be a minimum number of attendance days required to graduate?
Are GPAs harmful or helpful?
Should schools be required to teach about standardized testing?
Should Greek Life be banned in the United States?
Should schools offer science classes explicitly about mental health?
Should students be able to bring their cell phones to school?
Should all public restrooms be all-gender?
Should undocumented immigrants have the same employment and education opportunities as citizens?
Should everyone be paid a living wage regardless of their employment status?
Should supremacist groups be able to hold public events?
Should guns be allowed in public places?
Should the national drinking age be lowered?
Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
Should the government raise or lower the retirement age?
Should the government be able to control the population?
Is the death penalty ethical?

Environment

Should stores charge customers for plastic bags?
Should breeding animals (dogs, cats, etc.) be illegal?
Is it okay to have exotic animals as pets?
Should people be fined for not recycling?
Should compost bins become mandatory for restaurants?
Should electric vehicles have their own transportation infrastructure?
Would heavier fining policies reduce corporations’ emissions?
Should hunting be encouraged or illegal?
Should reusable diapers replace disposable diapers?

Science & Technology

Is paper media more reliable than digital news sources?
Should automated/self-driving cars be legalized?
Should schools be required to provide laptops to all students?
Should software companies be able to have pre-downloaded programs and applications on devices?
Should drones be allowed in military warfare?
Should scientists invest more or less money into cancer research?
Should cloning be illegal?
Should societies colonize other planets?
Should there be legal oversight over the development of technology?

Social Media

Should there be an age limit on social media?
Should cyberbullying have the same repercussions as in-person bullying?
Are online relationships as valuable as in-person relationships?
Does “cancel culture” have a positive or negative impact on societies?
Are social media platforms reliable information or news sources?
Should social media be censored?
Does social media create an unrealistic standard of beauty?
Is regular social media usage damaging to real-life interactions?
Is social media distorting democracy?
How many branches of government should there be?
Who is the best/worst president of all time?
How long should judges serve in the U.S. Supreme Court?
Should a more significant portion of the U.S. budget be contributed towards education?
Should the government invest in rapid transcontinental transportation infrastructure?
Should airport screening be more or less stringent?
Should the electoral college be dismantled?
Should the U.S. have open borders?
Should the government spend more or less money on space exploration?
Should students sing Christmas carols, say the pledge of allegiance, or perform other tangentially religious activities?
Should nuns and priests become genderless roles?
Should schools and other public buildings have prayer rooms?
Should animal sacrifice be legal if it occurs in a religious context?
Should countries be allowed to impose a national religion on their citizens?
Should the church be separated from the state?
Does freedom of religion positively or negatively affect societies?

Parenting & Family

Is it better to have children at a younger or older age?
Is it better for children to go to daycare or stay home with their parents?
Does birth order affect personality?
Should parents or the school system teach their kids about sex?
Are family traditions important?
Should parents smoke or drink around young children?
Should “spanking” children be illegal?
Should parents use swear words in front of their children?
Should parents allow their children to play violent video games?

Entertainment

Should all actors be paid the same regardless of gender or ethnicity?
Should all award shows be based on popular vote?
Who should be responsible for paying taxes on prize money, the game show staff or the contestants?
Should movies and television shows have ethnicity and gender quotas?
Should newspapers and magazines move to a completely online format?
Should streaming services like Netflix and Hulu be free for students?
Is the movie rating system still effective?
Should celebrities have more privacy rights?

Arts & Humanities

Are libraries becoming obsolete?
Should all schools have mandatory art or music courses in their curriculum?
Should offensive language be censored from classic literary works?
Is it ethical for museums to keep indigenous artifacts?
Should digital designs be considered an art form?
Should abstract art be considered an art form?
Is music therapy effective?
Should tattoos be regarded as “professional dress” for work?
Should schools place greater emphasis on the arts programs?
Should euthanasia be allowed in hospitals and other clinical settings?
Should the government support and implement universal healthcare?
Would obesity rates lower if the government intervened to make healthy foods more affordable?
Should teenagers be given access to birth control pills without parental consent?
Should food allergies be considered a disease?
Should health insurance cover homeopathic medicine?
Is using painkillers healthy?
Should genetically modified foods be banned?
Should there be a tax on unhealthy foods?
Should tobacco products be banned from the country?
Should the birth control pill be free for everyone?

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 persuasive speech ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Do Your Research

A great persuasive speech is supported with plenty of well-researched facts and evidence. So before you begin the writing process, research both sides of the topic you’re presenting in-depth to gain a well-rounded perspective of the topic.

Understand Your Audience

It’s critical to understand your audience to deliver a great persuasive speech. After all, you are trying to convince them that your viewpoint is correct. Before writing your speech, consider the facts and information that your audience may already know, and think about the beliefs and concerns they may have about your topic. Then, address these concerns in your speech, and be mindful to include fresh, new information.

Have Someone Read Your Speech

Once you have finished writing your speech, have someone read it to check for areas of strength and improvement. You can use CollegeVine’s free essay review tool to get feedback on your speech from a peer!

Practice Makes Perfect

After completing your final draft, the key to success is to practice. Present your speech out loud in front of a mirror, your family, friends, and basically, anyone who will listen. Not only will the feedback of others help you to make your speech better, but you’ll become more confident in your presentation skills and may even be able to commit your speech to memory.

Hopefully, these ideas have inspired you to write a powerful, unique persuasive speech. With the perfect topic, plenty of practice, and a boost of self-confidence, we know you’ll impress your audience with a remarkable speech!

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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