50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

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

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

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

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

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

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

Ideas for Argument Essays

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

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

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

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topics for a argumentative essay

Argumentative Essay Topics and Ideas

topics for a argumentative essay

Did you know that according to our argumentative essay writing service , the average person makes about 35,000 decisions every day? With so many fascinating topics out there – from politics to technology – the right one can be a real adventure. 

In this article, we'll explore how to pick argumentative essay topics that get people talking and make your paper stand out.

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Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

It's crucial to ensure that you choose unique argumentative essay topics. While your school may occasionally offer a selection of subjects, there may be times when you find it difficult to settle on one. You can also try a persuasive essay writing service if your workload is too heavy on all fronts.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

  • Recycling in communities.
  • Outdoor activities for kids.
  • Student involvement in policies.
  • Year-round schooling.
  • Social media and teen mental health.
  • Zoos: Entertainment vs. welfare.
  • Peer tutoring's academic impact.
  • Sports in education.
  • School vouchers.
  • Technology in classrooms.
  • Student choice in classes.
  • Financial literacy for kids.
  • Homeschooling pros and cons.
  • Standardized testing debate.
  • Music education's impact.

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

  • Social media's impact on relationships.
  • Lowering the voting age.
  • Legalizing marijuana: Pros and cons.
  • Effectiveness of standardized testing.
  • Cyberbullying: Causes and effects.
  • Free college education debate.
  • Importance of financial literacy.
  • Technology in education.
  • School dress codes: Yes or no?
  • Gun control laws debate.
  • Drinking age: Lower or raise?
  • Climate change awareness.
  • Banning animal testing for cosmetics.
  • Online learning.
  • Ethics of genetic engineering.

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

  • Social media's impact on college students' mental health.
  • Paying college athletes.
  • Pros and cons of online learning
  • College education: Worth the cost?
  • Affirmative action in college admissions.
  • Free college tuition: Should it be universal?
  • Effects of climate change policies.
  • Technology's role in higher education.
  • Hate speech and the First Amendment.
  • Ethics of genetic engineering and cloning.
  • Diversity in the college curriculum.
  • Pass/fail grading: Should it be an option?
  • Student loan debt's impact on mental health and careers.
  • Trigger warnings in college.
  • Legalizing recreational substances: For or against?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should euthanasia be legalized?
  • The pros and cons of capital punishment.
  • Is gun control necessary in modern society?
  • Should abortion be legal or illegal?
  • The debate over same-sex marriage.
  • Are affirmative action policies fair or unfair?
  • The ethics of animal testing in scientific research.
  • Should prostitution be legalized?
  • Is climate change a hoax or a real threat?
  • The impact of immigration on society.
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • The role of religion in government and politics.
  • Is genetic engineering ethical?
  • The ethics of cloning humans.
  • The morality of military intervention in foreign countries.

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Cats vs. dogs: The ultimate debate.
  • Flat Earth theory: Myth or reality?
  • Pajamas: Fashion statement or fashion faux pas?
  • Pineapple pizza: Love it or hate it?
  • Procrastination: The art of delay.
  • Emojis: The new language.
  • Socks: More than just footwear.
  • The five-second rule.
  • Surviving boring meetings.
  • DIY zombie apocalypse survival.
  • Alien encounters: Fact or fiction?
  • Air guitar: Serious sport or silly hobby?
  • Deciphering cat communication.
  • The thrill of watching paint dry.
  • Laughing at your boss's jokes: A skill or survival tactic?

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Topics for Argumentative Speech

  • Importance of voting in a democracy.
  • Should college education be free for all?
  • Impact of social media on mental health.
  • Is climate change a real threat?
  • Ethics of animal testing in scientific research.
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
  • Pros and cons of legalizing marijuana.
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory?
  • Role of technology in shaping society.
  • Need for stricter gun control laws.
  • Benefits of renewable energy sources.
  • Is online learning as effective as traditional education?
  • Effects of fast food on public health.
  • Should genetic engineering of humans be allowed?

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Argument Topics on Social Media 

  • Should social media regulate hate speech?
  • Role of social media in spreading misinformation.
  • Is social media addiction real?
  • Should employers use social media for hiring?
  • Influence of social media on political views.
  • Should parents monitor children's social media?
  • Ethical implications of influencer marketing.
  • Effects of social media on relationships.
  • Should social media ban political ads?
  • Responsibility of social media companies against cyberbullying.
  • Impact of social media on self-esteem.
  • Should social media have age restrictions?
  • Privacy concerns with social media.
  • Role of social media in activism.

Argument Topics on Music

  • Impact of music education on academics.
  • Should explicit music lyrics be censored?
  • Influence of music on emotions.
  • Streaming music: Did it help musicians?
  • Is music piracy a crime?
  • Music's role in cultural identity.
  • Should music therapy be mainstream?
  • Effects of music on child development.
  • Autotune: Boon or bane for music?
  • Prioritizing funding for school music programs.
  • Ethics of sampling in music.
  • Relevance of classical music today.
  • Music's role in social movements.
  • Age restrictions at music venues.
  • Live music vs. recorded experiences: Which is better?

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Fast food's impact on health.
  • Junk food ban in schools?
  • Legalizing marijuana for medicine.
  • Universal healthcare: A right?
  • Vaccination: preventing diseases.
  • Smoking in public: should it be banned?
  • Genetics: Testing and editing ethics.
  • Mental health vs. physical health?
  • Exercise: Vital for health?
  • Taxing sugary drinks: Good idea?
  • Alternative medicine: Pros and cons.
  • Mandatory flu shots for healthcare?
  • Technology's mental health impact.
  • Organic food: Worth the cost?
  • GMOs: Safe for consumption?

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

  • Ethics of artificial intelligence.
  • Pros and cons of genetic engineering in humans.
  • Renewable energy: Benefits and drawbacks.
  • Nuclear energy: Sustainable solution?
  • Technology's impact on privacy.
  • Regulating facial recognition technology.
  • Manned missions vs. robotics in space exploration.
  • Ethics of CRISPR gene editing.
  • Technology and social connection.
  • Role of technology in climate change.
  • Autonomous vehicles on public roads: Yes or no?
  • Social media algorithms and information consumption.
  • Regulation of artificial intelligence development.
  • Biometric surveillance: Potential dangers.
  • Limits on military technology development.

Argument Topics on Sports

  • Impact of sports on youth development.
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Technology in sports officiating.
  • Benefits of competitive sports for children.
  • Performance-enhancing substances in sports.
  • Banning violent sports like boxing.
  • Ethics of gender segregation in sports.
  • Importance of sportsmanship in competition.
  • Changing racially insensitive sports team names.
  • Hosting major sporting events for cities.
  • Legitimacy of esports as sports.
  • Sports' impact on mental health.
  • Athlete protests during events.
  • Salary caps in professional sports.
  • Sports' role in promoting social change.

Argument Topics on Government

  • Government's role in healthcare.
  • Lowering or raising the voting age.
  • Is democracy the best system?
  • Term limits for politicians.
  • Abolishing the Electoral College.
  • Influence of lobbying on decisions.
  • Government's role in regulating the economy.
  • Stricter regulations on campaign finance.
  • Universal basic income debate.
  • Necessity of government surveillance.
  • Ethics of Government Censorship.
  • Limits on executive powers.
  • Government policies and climate change.
  • Government's role in addressing inequality.

Argument Topics on TV, Movies, Video Games

  • Impact of violent video games on behavior.
  • Should violent media be restricted?
  • Influence of celebrity culture.
  • Harmfulness of binge-watching.
  • Portrayal of gender and race in media.
  • Age restrictions on video game content.
  • Effects of advertising in children's shows.
  • Is piracy damaging to the industry?
  • Role of censorship in protecting audiences.
  • Regulation of video game loot boxes.
  • Social media's impact on entertainment.
  • Need for diversity in Hollywood.
  • Future of virtual reality in entertainment.
  • Streaming services vs. traditional TV.
  • Regulating children's screen time.

How to Choose Argumentative Essay Topics

To come up with engaging and thought-provoking argumentative essay topics for students, it’s crucial to choose a strong topic. Here are seven genuine suggestions to help you through the process:

How to Choose Argumentative Essay Topics

Explore Your Interests

Brainstorm interesting argumentative essay topics that genuinely interest you. A subject you're passionate about will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging.

Consider Controversy

Look for topics for argumentative essay that spark debate or have multiple perspectives. Controversial issues often make for compelling argumentative essays because they allow you to explore different sides of an issue and present your stance.

Assess Current Relevance

Select unique argumentative essay topics that are relevant to current events or ongoing discussions in society. This ensures your essay resonates with readers and contributes to meaningful dialogue on contemporary issues. Also, we recommend learning more about an argumentative essay structure before working on your first draft. 

Narrow Down Broad Topics

Once you've identified a general area of interest, narrow it down to a specific aspect or angle. This will help you focus your research and develop a clear thesis statement for your essay.

Evaluate Feasibility

Consider the availability of credible sources and data for your chosen topic. Ensure that you find enough evidence to support your arguments and counterarguments effectively. Just in case, we have an article with a cause and effect essay structure , so don’t forget to consult it.

Check for Personal Connection

Reflect on your experiences, beliefs, or values that may intersect with potential topics. A topic that is personally significant to you can add depth and authenticity to your arguments.

Seek Feedback

Discuss your topic ideas with peers, instructors, or mentors for their input and perspectives. They can offer valuable insights, suggest alternative angles, or help you refine your topic to make it more persuasive. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply buy argumentative essay and call it a day.

A quality topic should be relevant, timely, and debatable, offering multiple perspectives for examination. Moreover, it should align with the writer's interests and expertise, enabling them to present a well-reasoned and well-supported argument.

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What Is the Five-Paragraph Argumentative Essay?

What are good topics for an argumentative essay, what is an argumentative example.

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Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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  • Oliver, E. (2023, May 18). Good Argumentative Essay Topics. Read Relevant. https://readrelevant.com/good-argumentative-essay-topics/
  • 52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting. (2021, April 19). CollegeVine Blog. https://blog.collegevine.com/argumentative-essays-ideas

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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Convincing Thesis Statement

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

Ample Research

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

Clear Structure

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

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

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

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

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

Art / Culture

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

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

  • 11th June 2022

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

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

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

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

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

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

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

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

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

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

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

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

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

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

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

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

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

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

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

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

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

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

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

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

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

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

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

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

●  Should higher education be free?

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

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

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

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

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

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

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300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

Recent Student Opinion and Picture Prompts, categorized by topic, to help students discover the issues that matter to them.

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Update: This list is available as a PDF .

If you’ve taught argument writing with our resources in the past, you already know we ask a fresh question every day as part of our long-running Student Opinion series . Teenagers around the world are invited to visit and post their thoughts on topics including politics, medical ethics, fashion, sports and entertainment.

We’ve rounded up lists of these prompts in the past, but this year we’re doing something new: Below you can find a categorized collection of all our recent, relevant Student Opinion questions, but alongside them we’re also including related Picture Prompts. These short, image-based forums are accessible to learners of all ages, but still provide engaging jumping-off points to help students make and support claims.

For instance, let’s say your class is interested in meme culture. A Student Opinion question asks, “ Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? ” and invites students to read and weigh in on a New York Times article that examines the role of memes in how teenagers process world events. Over 700 students have already submitted their thoughts .

But if you scan the “Technology and Social Media” category below, you’ll see we also have a Picture Prompt that asks a more direct, concrete question: “ What are your favorite memes? ” For many, that may be a fun, comfortable place to start.

So give your students both “voice and choice” by inviting them to find the questions and format that speak to them. All the prompts below are still open for comment. We look forward to seeing which ones inspire the most passionate arguments, and we invite your class to submit the results to our Eighth Annual Editorial Contest .

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  • How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

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

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

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Table of contents

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

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

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

Argumentative writing at college level

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

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

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

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

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

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

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topics for a argumentative essay

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.

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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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Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Bottled Water Ban – Should bottled water be banned?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits  – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA

Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

© 2023 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved

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  • Death Penalty
  • School Uniforms
  • Video Games
  • Animal Testing
  • Gun Control
  • Banned Books
  • Teachers’ Corner

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Good Argumentative Essay Topics

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

Having meaningful conversations and debates is important. Argumentative essays give us a way to do that. But figuring out what to argue about can be tricky. There are so many subjects out there, from big social issues to tricky ethical questions.

In this article, we will help you pick perfect argumentative essay topics that get people talking and make you think. So, let's dive in and find something worth debating!

By the way, if you’re pressed for time, hire an argumentative essay writer right now.

Characteristics of a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

A compelling argumentative essay topic possesses several key characteristics to engage readers and stimulate critical thinking. Here are some qualities to consider:

Characteristics Description
Relevance
Controversy
Complexity
Evidence
Feasibility
Audience Appeal
Ethical Considerations
Personal Interest
Originality
Scope for Argumentation

If you’d like to know more about how to write an argumentative essay , please review this guide.

How to Choose a Good Argumentative Essay Topic?

Choosing argumentative essay topics is a pivotal step in the writing process. Here's a structured approach in seven steps to help you select the right topic:

Identify Your Interests

Start by brainstorming points that genuinely interest you. Consider issues, controversies, or debates you're passionate about or curious to explore further. Your enthusiasm for the central idea will enhance your motivation and engagement throughout the writing process.

Research Current Events and Trends

Stay updated on current events, trends, societal issues, politics, technology, culture, and other relevant areas. Browse reputable news sources, journals, and online platforms to identify timely, relevant, and potentially controversial subjects.

where to find good argumentative essay topics

Consider Multiple Perspectives

Reflect on different viewpoints surrounding potential subjects. A good argumentative essay often involves exploring opposing arguments and presenting a balanced view. Choose a matter that allows for diverse opinions and encourages critical analysis.

Evaluate Feasibility and Scope

Assess the feasibility of researching and arguing your chosen topical matter within the scope of your essay assignment or word limit. Avoid overly broad themes that are difficult to cover comprehensively and overly narrow subjects that may lack depth or significance.

Check for Credible Sources and Evidence

Ensure that your chosen point is supported by credible evidence, data, research studies, or expert opinions. Conduct preliminary research to determine the availability of reliable sources and evidence to substantiate your arguments. A subject with ample supporting material will strengthen the persuasiveness of your essay.

Consider Audience Interest and Relevance

Analyze your target audience's interests, knowledge level, and values. Choose a point that is likely to resonate with your readers and provoke their interest or thought. Consider the idea's broader societal relevance and potential impact on your audience.

Refine and Narrow Down Your Topic

Once you've generated a list of potential themes, refine and narrow down your choices based on the above criteria. Consider each subject's uniqueness, complexity, controversy, and ethical considerations. Choose the one that best aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and essay assignment requirements.

topics for a argumentative essay

150 Argumentative Essay Topics

After checking out this collection of topics for an argumentative essay gathered by our essay writers , your creative juices will flow abundantly!

Science Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Genetic engineering ethics.
  • Vaccination effectiveness.
  • Climate change biodiversity.
  • GMO safety.
  • Nuclear energy debate.
  • Space exploration importance.
  • Tech and climate.
  • Stem cells in medicine.
  • Alternative medicine efficacy.
  • Animal testing ethics.
  • Plastic pollution impact.
  • Fracking controversy.
  • Renewable energy.
  • Biodiversity conservation.

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Social media's impact on relationships.
  • Cell phone use in schools.
  • Ethics of digital surveillance.
  • AI's threat to employment.
  • Tech's role in fighting climate change.
  • Video games' mental health effects.
  • Internet access as a human right.
  • Tech's influence on education.
  • Online vs. traditional learning effectiveness.
  • Regulating algorithms' societal impact.
  • Remote work pros and cons.
  • Government regulation of facial recognition.
  • Tech addiction's mental health impact.
  • Necessity of online censorship.
  • Tech's role in democracy.

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Universal healthcare pros/cons.
  • Mandatory child vaccination.
  • Fast food's health impact.
  • GMO safety in food.
  • Organ transplantation ethics.
  • Gov't junk food regulation.
  • Medical marijuana legalization.
  • Traditional vs. modern medicine.
  • Mental health in schools.
  • Healthcare as a human right.
  • Antibiotic resistance.
  • Social media and mental health.
  • Mental illness stigma.
  • Healthcare: Privilege or right?
  • Pharma and public health.

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Democracy's effectiveness.
  • Electoral college vs. popular vote.
  • Government's role in inequality.
  • Term limits for officials.
  • Campaign finance reform.
  • Political polarization.
  • Government surveillance.
  • Mandatory voting.
  • Stricter weaponry control.
  • Money in politics.
  • Freedom of speech.
  • Regulating social media.
  • Gov't action on climate change.
  • Globalization vs. sovereignty.
  • Voting age.

Education Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Standardized testing effectiveness.
  • Free college education.
  • Technology in education.
  • School dress codes.
  • Homeschooling's impact.
  • Teaching financial literacy.
  • Online vs. traditional learning.
  • Mandatory intercourse education.
  • Importance of arts education.
  • Teaching critical thinking.
  • Year-round schooling pros/cons.
  • Fairness of grading system.
  • Standardized curriculums' impact.
  • Free school meals.
  • Extracurricular importance.

Environmental Argumentative Essay Topics

  • The urgency of climate action.
  • Stricter carbon regulations.
  • Renewable energy's role.
  • Deforestation impact.
  • Single-use plastics ban.
  • Ethics of animal agriculture.
  • Preserving natural habitats.
  • Conservation vs. development.
  • Recycling program effectiveness.
  • Eco-friendly consumerism.
  • Urbanization's environmental impact.
  • Implementing carbon pricing.
  • Geoengineering ethics.
  • Corporate environmental responsibility.

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Paying college athletes.
  • Ethics of performance-enhancing substances.
  • Youth sports' impact on development.
  • Concussions in sports.
  • Transgender athletes' participation.
  • Technology in sports officiating.
  • Athletes' moral standards.
  • Sports and gender equality.
  • Commercialization of sports.
  • Safety of contact sports.
  • Racially insensitive team names.
  • Sports endorsements' influence.
  • Sports and academic success.
  • Sports-related gambling.
  • Legitimacy of esports.

Ethics Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Capital punishment.
  • Physician-assisted suicide.
  • Genetic embryo modification.
  • Cloning morality.
  • Abortion debate.
  • Autonomous vehicles ethics.
  • Business ethics.
  • Lying morality.
  • Animal entertainment.
  • Firearms control debate.
  • Charity donation ethics.
  • Whistleblowing.
  • Sweatshop labor.
  • Government morality.

Religion Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Prayer in public schools.
  • Ethics of religious conversion.
  • Religion's impact on society.
  • Religion and gender equality.
  • Displaying religious symbols.
  • Science vs. religion compatibility.
  • Creationism vs. evolution in schools.
  • Legitimacy of atheism.
  • Religion in politics.
  • Religious extremism ethics.
  • Taxation of religious institutions.
  • Religion and LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Limits on religious freedom.
  • Existence of a higher power.
  • Religious teachings in schools.

Social Issues Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Increasing the minimum wage.
  • Bias in the criminal justice system.
  • Affirmative action policies.
  • Immigration ethics.
  • Stricter arms control.
  • Same-gender marriage debate.
  • Universal healthcare.
  • Combatting racism.
  • Free childcare services.
  • Taxation for income redistribution.
  • Poverty's impact on education.
  • Gender pay gap.
  • Social programs and homelessness.
  • Freedom of speech vs. hate speech.

topics for a argumentative essay

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

  • Green, L., Green, L., Green, L., & Green, L. (2024, April 3). 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024 . College Transitions - College Admissions Counseling & Consulting. https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/good-argumentative-essay-topics/
  • Argumentative Writing Prompts . (n.d.). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/spotlight/learning-network-argumentative-prompts

topics for a argumentative essay

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

18 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

So read on and make choosing a topic easier!

Argumentative Essay Topics

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Argumentative Essay Topics for students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 6 

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for 7th Graders 

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 8

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

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

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Argumentative Essay Topics for University Students 

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for O Levels 

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

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Best Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Education

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

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Technology

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

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics 

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

Social Issues Argumentative Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Animals

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

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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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.

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

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

Jared P.

Masters Essay, Literature

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

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101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

An argumentative essay is just what it sounds like: an essay where you argue. You pick a topic, take a stance, research information to support your opinion, state your claims, and voilà! You’ve got your essay.

Choose a topic that is debatable. You need to present your own personal stance but also discuss an opposing point of view. If the topic is too universally agreed upon, it won’t work.

As simple as that may sound, writing a persuasive essay can be quite difficult for even very experienced writers. It takes excellent organization and planning to clearly address your thoughts and requires stellar research skills to find valid arguments that support your claim.

But before you can state your case, you first need to come up with the topic you’re going to argue about.

How to Choose a Topic for an Argumentative Essay

When you choose a topic for an argumentative essay, it’s important to keep these tips in mind:

  • Your topic must be debatable. Duh... this seems obvious, but it’s worth stating. You need a topic that has (at least) two sides. Choosing a topic such as Puerto Rico is My Favorite Place is not really debatable. However, picking a topic like Puerto Rico Should Become the 51st State to Join the United States is something arguable. Some people agree with this statement, and others do not. There are pros and cons that can be discussed. ‍
  • Write about what people are talking about. Watch the news. Browse the internet. It’s more engaging to write about something that’s relevant right now. For example, if you keep hearing a lot about immigration, you might choose a topic such as America Should Close Its Borders . Or if you read a lot about standardized testing in schools, you can create a topic like Colleges Should Eliminate Standardized Testing From Their Application Process . When a topic is current and intriguing, it makes for a more interesting essay. ‍
  • Reflect on your interests. It’s always better to write about something for which you have a passion. If you love video games, you could write a persuasive essay such as Video Gaming is Healthy for Teens . If you’re passionate about sports, you could cover something like College Athletes Deserve to Be Paid . Researching and writing an argumentative essay takes quite a bit of time, so you should pick a topic you’re fascinated by to make the process a little less painless.

Forming General Arguments

To test whether or not the prompt you have in mind is up to snuff for an entire essay, you can test it out by putting it in a general argument.

Pick the topic you’re thinking about and see if it works as a two-sided debate in any of the following formats:

  • Is…effective? Productive? Helpful? Worth it? (i.e. Is school choice effective?)
  • Is…hurtful? Harmful? Wasteful? (i.e. Is fracking harmful to the environment?)
  • …should be allowed for… (i.e. Alcohol should be allowed for all people who are 18 and older. )
  • …should be forbidden for… (i.e. Football should be forbidden for children under the age of ten .)

If you can make a topic from any of these, you’re ready at this point to start outlining your essay . If not, you need to find a more specific starting point.

To see if your topic has enough depth to fill up a full essay assignment, try putting it into a general argument. This will help you determine if the prompt you have in mind is truly debatable.

Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Need some ideas to help you choose a topic? This list will get you started.

Note that these are listed as questions so you can take your own stance. For example, Should everyone have free healthcare? gives you at least two possible topics depending on your point of view: Everyone is Entitled to Free Healthcare vs. It is Not the Government’s Responsibility to Provide Healthcare for Everyone .

Laws & Policies

  • Should the drinking age be lowered/raised?
  • Should military participation be mandatory for all citizens?
  • Should all Americans be required to speak English fluently?
  • Should Americans be required to speak Spanish?
  • Should teachers be armed?
  • Should gun control laws be stricter?
  • Should the military age be lowered/raised?
  • Should there be limits to free speech?
  • Should marijuana be legal?
  • Should the internet be censored?
  • Are gun control laws too strict?
  • Should people of the same sex be allowed to marry each other?
  • Should abortion be legal?
  • Should laws be grounded in religion?
  • Should churches be tax-free institutions?
  • Should the voting age be lowered/raised?
  • Should felons have the right to vote?
  • Should the electoral college still exist?
  • Should Puerto Rico become a state?
  • Should all politicians have term limits?
  • Should everyone have free healthcare?
  • Should social security be privatized?
  • Should the United States build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico?
  • Should the minimum wage be raised?
  • Should wealthier citizens pay more taxes?
  • Should the use of the penny be eliminated?
  • Should every citizen be required to vote?
  • Is life better now than it was X years ago?
  • Who is the greatest president of all time?
  • Who is the most ethical/moral politician that has ever served?
  • Is globalization a good thing?
  • How can governments prevent World War 3?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Are teenagers now smarter than teenagers of past generations?
  • Does revolution result in real change?
  • Should the U.S. get involved with other countries’ wars?
  • Should cursive writing be taught in schools?
  • Should students have to wear school uniforms?
  • Should all students have free college tuition?
  • Should teachers be paid more?
  • Should K–12 school selection be based on where you live?
  • Should all students be required to study abroad?
  • Should year-round schooling be mandatory?
  • Should high school start times be later?
  • Should everyone be required to learn a foreign language?
  • Should schools have mandatory metal detectors and security guards?
  • Is standardized testing fair?
  • Should prayer be allowed in school?
  • Should sex education be required for all students?
  • Are single-sex schools more effective?
  • Should students be required to take a year off before starting college?

Science & Technology

  • Should we invest in space travel?
  • Are nuclear weapons helping make the world safe?
  • Are video games harmful?
  • Do video games cause children to be violent?
  • Does screen time have an effect on a child’s social behavior?
  • Should animals be used to test new products?
  • Has technology helped or hurt society?
  • Does technology make life easier?
  • Are online relationships legitimate?
  • Is cloning ethical?
  • How can we best fight against the obesity epidemic?
  • Should smoking be illegal?
  • Should energy drinks be banned?
  • Are diets helpful?
  • Is technology making healthcare more/less personal?
  • Should schools offer healthier food choices?
  • Should doctor-assisted suicide exist?
  • Should unhealthy foods and beverages be taxed at a higher rate?
  • Should physical education be mandatory for everyone?
  • Should recycling be mandatory?
  • Should every household have a trash limit?
  • Should people eat vegan to help save the environment?
  • Should tax money be used to save endangered species?
  • Should cars be outlawed in cities?
  • Should plastic straws and bags be banned worldwide?
  • Should there be limits on water usage?
  • Should solar and wind power be used more often than other energies?
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Should players have to stand for the National Anthem?
  • Do athletes have a responsibility to be role models?
  • Who is the greatest athlete of all time?
  • Is football too dangerous for young athletes?
  • Should sports betting be illegal?
  • Does playing a sport help build character in young children?
  • Should professional sports have cheerleaders?

Pop Culture & the Arts

  • Should beauty contests be terminated?
  • Should artwork be censored?
  • Do celebrities have responsibilities to be role models?
  • Is social media helpful or hurtful?
  • Do television shows accurately represent current American lifestyles?
  • Should music be censored?
  • Should people live together before marriage?
  • Should children be put in the spotlight at a young age?
  • Does money lead to happiness?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Is there any time when breaking the law is okay?
  • Is money the root of all evil?
  • Are we responsible for other people or only for ourselves?
  • Do the ends justify the means of any action?
  • Can people ever change who they are?

Once you have chosen a topic that is relevant, debatable, and worth discussing, you are free to begin organizing your argumentative essay. Outline your opinion, do some research, and get started!

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

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Good Argumentative Essay Topics For Beginners - 270+ Ideas

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argumentative essay topics

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

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

That’s why we've compiled a list of 280 argumentative essay ideas. Whether you’re in high school or college, we’ve got you covered. These topics will sharpen your critical thinking and also encourage you to look into contentious issues.

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

Arrow Down

  • 1. Argumentative Essay Topics for Students of Different Academic Level 
  • 2. Argumentative Essay Topics For Kids
  • 3. Subject-Specific Argumentative Essay Topics 
  • 4. Religion Argument Essay Topics
  • 5. Family Argumentative Essay Topics 
  • 6. Government Argumentative Essay Topics 
  • 7. Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics 
  • 8. Miscellaneous Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 9. Argumentative Essay Topics for Debate
  • 10. How to Choose an Interesting Argumentative Essay Topic?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Students of Different Academic Level 

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 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 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 the Electoral College be reformed or abolished?
  • 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 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 Teenagers

  • Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
  • Are school uniforms beneficial?
  • Should kids be social media influencers?
  • Should kids have homework on weekends?
  • Should schools abolish homework?
  • Is stricter immigration and border control necessary?
  • Should teachers get paid more?
  • Should your school day start later?
  • Are violent video games harmful to teenagers?
  • Has the internet made society better?

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?
  • Is technology too isolating for individuals?
  • 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 Class 7

  • 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 5

  • Should schools have a longer summer vacation?
  • Should every student go to college?
  • Should gym class be required for all students?
  • 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 Kids

  • 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.

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Subject-Specific Argumentative Essay Topics 

Here are some argumentative topic ideas categorized by different disciplines:

  • The effectiveness of inclusive education in mainstream schools.
  • Should standardized testing be eliminated in favor of alternative assessment methods?
  • How does socioeconomic status impact educational opportunities?
  • Should homeschooling be regulated more strictly?
  • The role of arts education in fostering creativity and critical thinking.
  • Should computer coding be a mandatory subject in schools?
  • Examining the benefits and drawbacks of year-round schooling.
  • The impact of digital textbooks versus traditional textbooks on learning outcomes.
  • Should schools provide free meals to all students, regardless of income?
  • How can schools better support students with mental health challenges?
  • Analyzing the portrayal of gender roles in classic literature versus contemporary literature.
  • Should schools focus more on teaching practical writing skills over literary analysis?
  • Is censorship ever justified in literature taught in schools?
  • The influence of Shakespeare on modern literature and drama.
  • Should creative writing be a mandatory subject in high school?
  • Examining the role of satire in literature and its impact on society.
  • Should students be allowed to choose their own books for assigned reading?
  • The portrayal of diversity and multiculturalism in children's literature.
  • How does digital publishing affect the future of the book industry?
  • Analyzing the evolution of language in the digital age.

Environmental Science

  • The role of government policies versus individual actions in combating climate change.
  • Should plastic bags be banned globally to protect the environment?
  • Is nuclear energy a sustainable solution for the future?
  • The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate regulation.
  • Should ecotourism be promoted as a means of environmental conservation?
  • Analyzing the ethics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
  • The effectiveness of wildlife conservation efforts in preserving endangered species.
  • Should countries prioritize renewable energy sources over fossil fuels?
  • How can urban planning contribute to environmental sustainability?
  • The role of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation and management.
  • Should businesses prioritize social responsibility over profit?
  • The impact of globalization on local economies and cultures.
  • Is ethical consumerism a viable solution to promote sustainable business practices?
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of corporate diversity and inclusion programs.
  • Should CEOs' salaries be capped to reduce income inequality?
  • How does technology innovation impact small businesses versus large corporations?
  • Should governments regulate the gig economy to protect workers' rights?
  • The role of business incubators and accelerators in fostering entrepreneurship.
  • Is a four-day workweek beneficial for employee productivity and well-being?
  • Should businesses be held accountable for their environmental impact?

Science and Ethics

  • Should animal testing be banned for scientific research?
  • The ethical implications of gene editing and designer babies.
  • Is there a moral obligation to preserve endangered species?
  • Should scientific research funding prioritize medical advancements over space exploration?
  • The ethical considerations of cloning for agricultural purposes.
  • Should scientists have the right to patent their discoveries?
  • Analyzing the ethics of using artificial intelligence in healthcare diagnosis.
  • Is geoengineering a viable solution to combat climate change?
  • Should governments regulate the use of CRISPR technology in humans?
  • The ethical dilemmas of conducting research involving human subjects.
  • Should minimum wage laws be standardized globally?
  • The impact of automation on job creation and unemployment rates.
  • Is there a correlation between economic growth and income inequality?
  • Should governments implement a universal basic income?
  • Analyzing the economic consequences of immigration policies.
  • The role of cryptocurrency in the future of global finance.
  • Should antitrust laws be strengthened to prevent monopolies?
  • How does globalization affect developing economies?
  • The economic benefits and drawbacks of free trade agreements.
  • Should financial literacy education be mandatory in schools?

Gender and Sexuality

  • Should gender-neutral language be adopted in official documents and institutions?
  • The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in media and its impact on social attitudes.
  • Is affirmative action necessary to promote gender equality in the workplace?
  • The impact of gender stereotypes on mental health and self-esteem.
  • Should sex education be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ issues?
  • Analyzing the representation of women in leadership positions in politics and business.
  • Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
  • The intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality in social justice movements.
  • Is there a double standard in societal expectations of masculinity and femininity?
  • Should healthcare policies cover gender-affirming treatments for transgender individuals?

Healthcare Policy

  • Should healthcare be a fundamental human right?
  • The impact of pharmaceutical advertising on healthcare costs and patient outcomes.
  • Should governments regulate the pricing of essential medicines?
  • Is universal healthcare economically feasible in all countries?
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of preventative healthcare programs.
  • The ethical considerations of organ donation and transplantation.
  • Should alternative medicine be integrated into mainstream healthcare systems?
  • How does access to healthcare differ between urban and rural populations?
  • Should vaccinations be mandatory to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases?
  • The role of technology in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence

  • Should there be regulations on the development and use of artificial intelligence?
  • The ethical implications of autonomous vehicles and their impact on society.
  • Is artificial intelligence a threat to human employment?
  • Analyzing the role of AI in personalized medicine and healthcare diagnostics.
  • Should AI algorithms be transparent and accountable for their decisions?
  • The potential risks and benefits of AI in military applications.
  • How can AI contribute to environmental sustainability and conservation efforts?
  • Should there be international treaties to govern the use of AI in warfare?
  • The ethical dilemmas of AI in privacy and data security.
  • Is AI-enhanced education beneficial for students' learning outcomes?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in professional sports?
  • The impact of sports on youth development and academic performance.
  • Is there gender equality in sports media coverage and sponsorship?
  • Analyzing the role of sports in promoting social inclusion and diversity.
  • The ethics of hosting mega-events like the Olympics and World Cup.
  • Should there be stricter regulations on sports concussions and player safety?
  • The impact of sports fandom on community identity and social cohesion.
  • Should sports leagues implement stricter policies on athlete behavior off the field?
  • Is there a correlation between sports participation and mental health benefits?
  • Should social media platforms be held accountable for misinformation and hate speech?
  • The ethical implications of facial recognition technology in public surveillance.
  • Is digital privacy a fundamental right in the age of big data?
  • Analyzing the impact of 5G technology on global connectivity and communication.
  • Should there be regulations on the use of drones for civilian and commercial purposes?
  • The role of virtual reality in education and training programs.
  • How does technology contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation?
  • Should artificial intelligence have legal personhood and rights?
  • The impact of cybersecurity threats on global economies and national security.
  • Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies to combat climate change?

Read our blog on argumentative essay examples to get an idea of what kind of topics make strong argumentative essays.

Religion Argument Essay Topics

  • Should religious education be mandatory in schools?
  • Is religious tolerance achievable in a diverse society?
  • Should religious institutions be taxed like other businesses?
  • The impact of religious beliefs on healthcare decisions.
  • Should blasphemy laws exist in modern societies?
  • Is there a place for prayer in public schools?
  • Should religious symbols be allowed in government buildings?
  • The role of religion in shaping historical conflicts.
  • Is religious extremism a threat to global security?
  • Should religious leaders be involved in political decision-making?

Family Argumentative Essay Topics 

  • Should parents be legally responsible for their children's actions?
  • Is it ethical to use corporal punishment to discipline children?
  • The impact of divorce on children's mental health and development.
  • Should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt children?
  • Should there be a limit on the number of children a family can have?
  • Is helicopter parenting beneficial or harmful to children?
  • Should parents be held accountable for their children's cyberbullying behavior?
  • The role of grandparents in modern family dynamics.
  • Should parenting classes be mandatory for new parents?
  • Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children's development?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics 

  • Should the electoral college system be abolished in favor of a popular vote?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Should there be term limits for politicians?
  • The impact of lobbying and special interest groups on government decisions.
  • Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Is government surveillance justified in the name of national security?
  • Should there be stricter regulations on campaign finance?
  • The role of government in regulating social media platforms.
  • Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
  • Is there a need for a global government to address international issues?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics 

  • Should social media platforms regulate hate speech and misinformation?
  • The impact of social media on mental health among teenagers.
  • Should employers have the right to check employees' social media profiles?
  • Is social media addiction a real problem?
  • Should social media influencers be considered role models?
  • The ethics of using social media data for targeted advertising.
  • Should there be age restrictions on social media usage?
  • The impact of social media on political activism and social movements.
  • Should schools teach digital citizenship and online etiquette?
  • Is social media bridging or widening the generation gap?

Miscellaneous Argumentative Essay Topics

Let's examine a range of unique miscellaneous argumentative essay topics to broaden our perspectives and stimulate critical thinking.

Argumentative Essay Topics About The Internet

  • Should internet access be considered a basic human right?
  • The impact of internet censorship on freedom of expression.
  • Should there be stricter regulations on data privacy for internet users?
  • Is the internet making people more socially isolated?
  • Should governments have the power to shut down the internet during protests?
  • The role of the internet in spreading fake news and misinformation.
  • Should online anonymity be protected or restricted?
  • The impact of internet piracy on the entertainment industry.
  • Is the internet contributing to the decline of traditional media?
  • Should internet service providers be allowed to implement data caps?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Climate Change 

  • Should governments enforce stricter regulations on carbon emissions?
  • The effectiveness of renewable energy sources in combating climate change.
  • Should climate change education be mandatory in schools?
  • The impact of deforestation on global climate patterns.
  • Should developed countries be more responsible for addressing climate change?
  • The role of individual actions versus government policies in reducing carbon footprints.
  • Should climate change deniers be given a platform in public discourse?
  • The impact of climate change on global food security.
  • Should companies be required to disclose their carbon footprint?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Animal Testing 

  • Should animal testing be banned for cosmetic products?
  • The ethical implications of using animals for medical research.
  • Are there viable alternatives to animal testing in scientific research?
  • Should stricter regulations be implemented to protect animals in laboratories?
  • The impact of animal testing bans on scientific progress.
  • Should animal testing be allowed for the development of life-saving medications?
  • The role of animal rights organizations in influencing public policy on animal testing.
  • Should universities be required to reduce their reliance on animal testing?
  • The effectiveness of animal testing in predicting human reactions.
  • Is it ethical to use genetically modified animals in research?

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?

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?

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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. Make sure your essay title maintains focus and relevance throughout your writing.
  • 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. 
  • Consider Outlining: Before choosing your topic, create an argumentative essay outline to clarify your approach. Identify key points and supporting evidence to ensure there's enough material for a coherent argument.

Also, take a moment to explore our blog on argumentative research paper topics for additional ideas.

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.

However, if you're still having a hard time, you can get help from our online essay service !

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an argumentative essay a story.

FAQ Icon

No, an argumentative essay is not a story. Unlike a narrative essay , which tells a sequence of events or a personal experience, an argumentative essay presents a logical argument supported by evidence and analysis. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action based on the presented arguments.

What is an argumentative essay format?

An argumentative essay typically follows a basic essay format , such as:

  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Counterargument Paragraph (optional)

How can I find credible sources to support my argumentative essay?

Here are 4 ways to find credible sources to support your argument:

  • Use Academic Databases (JSTOR, PubMed, or Google Scholar).
  • Utilize Library Resources (books, journals, and databases).
  • Government and Organizational Websites
  • Evaluate Sources (author's credentials, publication date).

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topics for a argumentative essay

Are you a student looking for argumentative essay topics? If so, we have you covered. Below you will find a list of the best argumentative essay topics.

Argumentative Essay Topics (General)

  • Do you think that abortion should be made illegal?
  • Do you think that animal testing should be banned?
  • Is the #metoo movement a great thing?
  • Do you think that manufacturers are responsible for the effects of the chemicals used in creating their products?
  • Do you think that illegal immigrants be granted residency?
  • Is there a fake news problem? What is the source?
  • Do you believe that “big pharma” has people’s best interests at heart?
  • Is the death penalty a just punishment?
  • Are there moral concerns that make genetic cloning illegal?
  • What Do you think that people do to stop human trafficking?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Politics

  • Which political party has the right ideology?
  • What Do you think that be done to reduce income inequality?
  • Is paying down the US deficit the most essential issue of our time?
  • Do you believe that the Federal Reserve needs to stop printing money because it creates an unsustainable bubble?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system?
  • Is socialism the best economic system?
  • Is America ready for a female president?
  • Do you think that an elected leader represents the interests of their own political party, or is it best to try to compromise?
  • What modern political decision has created the most change?
  • Do you believe that campaign finance reform works?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

  • When will LGTBQ individuals experience equality?
  • Is healthcare a fundamental human right?
  • Do you think that TV censors explicit content because programmers must produce family-friendly programming?
  • Social media brings us together and pulls us apart; Do you believe that the great outweighs the bad or vice versa?
  • Is a gap year time for exploration and reflection or a year-long vacation?
  • Many states have begun to decriminalize the possession of certain drugs like marijuana; is this a great idea?
  • Equality is part of lawmaking, but do you believe that it works in practice?
  • Do you think that people have the right to own a gun?
  • In cases of terminal illness, Do you think that a patient should be able to request medically assisted suicide?
  • Do you think that smoking should be illegal?
  • What is the best way to foster positive conversation about controversial issues?

Argumentative Essay Topics About History

  • Many people think that we learn from the past, but there are many patterns in history. Do you think history repeats itself?
  • How did the US Civil War make the nation best or worse?
  • Thomas Jefferson made considerable contributions to the founding of America, both as a writer and a politician. However, he didn’t live a perfect life. Was he a hero?
  • Do you believe that our modern perspective changes the “truth” of what happened during major historical events?
  • Pick a past decade and discuss if lower socio-economic classes had opportunities at that time.
  • Did the handling of Native Americans leave a moral stain on the US?
  • Slavery was a foundational part of the American colonies and, later, the United States. So how did this injustice change the nation?
  • What factors led to the rise of Naziism in Germany and to the Holocaust?
  • The plague destroyed the population of Europe and changed the course of history. So what was its biggest lesson?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids in Elementary School

  • Do you think that there be commercials in kids’ programs?
  • Do you believe that homework help kids learn?
  • Do you think that school should be all year?
  • Do schools treat girls and boys the same way?
  • Do you think that parents limit screen time?
  • Do you think that school start before eight o’clock in the morning?
  • Do you think that kids be able to vote in national elections?
  • Is it best to read fiction or nonfiction?
  • Is it best for kids to have distance learning or be in school?
  • Do parents treat all their kids the same way, or do they treat the oldest and youngest differently?
  • Do you think that kids have the same teacher every year or switch teachers each year?
  • Do you think that video games be a sport?
  • Are schools doing enough to stop bullying?
  • Do you think that kids have homework on weekends?
  • Is it best if three generations of a family live together?
  • Are hot dogs bad for you?
  • Do you think that school lunch should include vegetables, even if Many kids don’t like them?
  • Is it okay to eat dessert before dinner?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

  • Do you think that middle schoolers have jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns?
  • Are beauty pageants a great idea?
  • Are violent video games bad?
  • Do you think that parents be able to say whether kids can dye their hair?
  • Do you believe that social media do more harm than good?
  • Do middle schoolers have too much homework?
  • Do you think that teachers get paid more?
  • Is life more challenging for your parent’s generation or yours’?
  • Why is your favorite musical artist best than anyone else?
  • Do you think that kids read age-appropriate books, or is it okay to read grown-up books?
  • Do you think that there be ratings (like G, PG, and R) for movies?
  • Is it best to ride the bus or walk to school?
  • Is school lunch great for kids?
  • Do you believe an hour of reading or an hour of exercising is better?
  • Do you think that gym class should be required?
  • Do you think that kids get paid for getting excellent grades?
  • Is it best to have class over the computer or in person?
  • Is cyberbullying as big of a problem as in-person bullying?
  • Do you think that all cars be electric?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

  • Do you think that people be allowed to burn the flag?
  • Do you think that parents get in trouble for truancy if kids don’t go to school?
  • Is social media bad for relationships?
  • Do you think that businesses be required to hire for diversity?
  • Are women and men treated equally?
  • Do you think that the minimum wage should be raised?
  • Do you think that everyone should go to college?
  • Is climate change a real threat?
  • Are wind farms benefitting the environment and economy?
  • Do you think that people be allowed to wear fur of any kind?
  • Is it a bad idea to use your DNA for genealogy?
  • Do you think that parents should decide they don’t want medical treatment for their kids?
  • Is the United States falling behind other nations in terms of education?
  • Do the actions of a nation’s leader influence the actions of the people?
  • Do you think that the electoral college should be abolished?
  • Do you think that schools be required to offer art courses?
  • Do you think that all new cars be electric?
  • Will AI help the world or hurt it?
  • Do you think that high school pupils work during the school year?
  • Are there forms of personal expression that you think should be allowed in schools?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

  • Are men and women equally emotional?
  • Are printed books best than e-readers?
  • Do you think that the drinking age should be lowered?
  • Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
  • Do you think that college should free?
  • Do you think that beauty standards be more inclusive?
  • Are all college majors equally essential?
  • Is social media bad for kids?
  • Has technology changed our definition of magic?
  • Is it worth exploring space?
  • Do you think that all internships be paid?
  • Do you think that income should be tied to the cost of a degree?
  • Is climate change the biggest threat to the world?
  • Is feminism still essential?
  • Has society made the needed reparations for slavery?
  • Do you believe that elections should be decided by the popular vote?
  • Should everyone be entitled to free health care?
  • Do anti-discrimination laws protect disabled pupils?
  • Is a degree from an online college or university as legitimate as a degree from a brick-and-mortar university?
  • Is it a conflict of interest for an instructor or professor to require pupils to purchase his book?

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166 Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Writing an argumentative essay is hard enough. But picking a good topic can sometimes get you stuck before you’ve even started.

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Although it seems like a small part of the essay writing process, your topic idea can actually make or break your paper. Suppose the issue you’ve settled on doesn’t carry enough potential to be researched and explored from different sides. In that case, you may end up wasting a lot of time on unproductive work before you finally give up and try to find a better subject.

That’s why we compiled an extensive catalog of argumentative essay topics organized by subject matter that you can use for inspiration. Feel free to browse through all sections or jump to the area you’re looking for.

In this article:

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

What makes a good argumentative essay topic, interesting and controversial, immigration, racism, and native american issues, science and research, technology and social media, health, medical, and nursing, psychology and mental health, music, popular culture, and other creative endeavors, funny, easy, and simple.

Before we jump into the lists, let’s go over what you need to look for in an essay topic.

Many students assume that they can pick an issue first and then think about their essay later. But that actually sets you up for potential disappointment. A topic may seem tenable or defensible at first, but once you dig a bit deeper, it may turn out the issue is settled beyond doubt, and there’s no real point in writing about it. It may also be a good idea to sketch out your argumentative essay outline and even draft a thesis statement before making a final decision about what you want to explore.

Here’s a helpful video that explains the importance of preliminary research:

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Another thing to consider is how fascinating the topic is for you . It’s great to engage your audience, but you can’t really be sure if an issue is captivating for your teacher or professor. But you can be entirely sure if it’s interesting to you. And the more you care about the subject you’ve chosen, the more enjoyable it will be for you to put in the work.

It may seem at first that you can write an essay about anything, so why bother thinking too much about the topic? Well, you can write about anything, but not everything you write can fit the requirements of your assignment. An argumentative essay has to fit a specific format and style, and the topic you pick has to conform to those. Here are a few main characteristics of a good argumentative essay topic:

If no one disagrees with the argument you’re trying to make, what’s the point of arguing about it? Trying to convince your audience that texting while driving is dangerous is a waste of time because the assumption is that most people don’t need convincing. That’s why it’s crucial to pick an issue with at least some validity on both sides.

If your topic is not specific enough, you can’t really make a good point one way or the other. Should we do more to protect animals? That depends—are we talking about rhinos or mosquitos? And who should do the protecting—governments or ordinary citizens? Drill down your topic to something you can make a definitive point about.

If you can’t find something to back your argument with, then maybe it’s purely a matter of opinion. Are pancakes better than pizza? Who’s to say? A good topic allows you to make a point based on facts. That said, defending an insupportable position is sometimes good practice for pure critical thinking and works great for impromptu assignments where there is no time for research.

Of course, after you’ve picked a topic, you still have to write the actual essay. Here’s a video to help guide you through the process:

166 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (Organized in Sections)

Below you’ll find a number of lists of argumentative essay topics organized in sections by subject matter. They range from sports to history and anything in between. Keep in mind that many of the issues have to do with more than one field of knowledge, so there is some overlap between sections.

You may notice that all of the topics are in the form of a question. We’ve done that to make them neutral towards the issue they touch upon, but for the purposes of an argumentative essay, you might want to convert them to a statement that conveys the claim you’ll support in your paper.

Interesting and Controversial

One of the best ways to ensure your audience is engaged in your essay is to choose a topic that’s, to some extent, contentious. Your teacher or professor is unlikely to doze off if the issue at hand is something that everyone has a strong opinion about. Controversy will make your job easier, too—it’s a lot more painless to do research and write when you have a genuine interest in the topic.

But there’s also a pitfall to hot-button topics, especially age-old ones. There’s a chance the arguments you choose have been made a thousand times already. That’s not to say you should never write about euthanasia or abortion. Just pick your ideas carefully and make sure they’re fresh and original to avoid making your audience yawn.

Below are a few controversial argumentative essay topics from across subject matters to give you inspiration:

  • Should human cloning be allowed?
  • Should abortion be subject to stricter regulation?
  • Should there be greater gun control?
  • Do video games cause violent behavior?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Is torture justifiable as an interrogation technique?
  • Should there be any exceptions to free speech?
  • Did the #metoo movement go too far?
  • Is capitalism the only effective economic system?

Education

Most topics on this page can work for any academic level in which students are already versed in research and persuasive writing. But in this section, we’ve collected issues specifically related to education and sorted them into the different stages of school. So besides college, here you’ll find topics that can be used by high school and middle school students.

For College

Below is a selection of argumentative essay ideas that have to do with college life. Is college worth it? Is it too expensive? Read on to find similar questions.

  • Should everyone go to college?
  • Is college education overrated?
  • Is college admission overly competitive?
  • Are Ivy League colleges worth the cost?
  • Has college tuition become too expensive?
  • Should family income play a role in determining who gets a scholarship?
  • Is a gap year beneficial or a waste of time?
  • Are some college majors more valuable than others?
  • What are the benefits of an MBA?
  • Is an online college degree as good as one from a brick-and-mortar college?

For High School

Here you’ll find a collection of topics related to high school and all of its triumphs and struggles—perfect for students in this age group.

  • Should schools be required to have security?
  • Is standardized testing helping or hurting students?
  • Does high school encourage creativity or conformity?
  • Should high school students work during the school year?
  • Should high school students be required to take drug tests?
  • Should arts education be voluntary in high school?
  • Should the senior year be voluntary?
  • Is prom overrated?

For Middle School

Middle school is a great time to start developing writing skills and the ability to make a strong argument. Here’s a list of topics on middle school that are bound to be relatable for students of that age.

  • Do teachers give middle school students too much homework?
  • Should energy drinks be banned for middle schoolers?
  • Should vending machines be banned in schools?
  • Is school cafeteria food too unhealthy?
  • Should middle school be single-sex or co-ed?
  • Is distant learning effective for middle school students?
  • Should students have a choice on what subjects to study in middle school?
  • Should learning a foreign language be required in middle school?

As a bonus, we’re including a special section on bullying—an ongoing problem at all school levels that’s always worth discussing, including in an academic paper.

  • Should schools do more to prevent bullying?
  • Should parents of bullies be held responsible for their children’s behavior?
  • Where is the line between pranks and bullying?
  • Do kids bully others because they are mistreated at home?
  • Is cyberbullying less harmful than real-life bullying?
  • How should cyberbullying be punished?

For Kids

To make children write an essay, even if it’s just one page, you definitely need to give them a topic they care about. Here are a few ideas:

  • Is it ever acceptable to eat dessert before dinner?
  • Is it OK for kids to read grown-up books?
  • Should kids be allowed to watch grown-up movies?
  • Should children get paid when they get good grades?
  • Is it better to be a single child or to have siblings?
  • Do parents treat their daughters differently than their sons?
  • Should parents punish kids if they haven’t done their chores?

Political

Whether you’re looking for a topic for your political science term paper or simply need a strong topic idea for your persuasive writing class, you’ll find something worth exploring in the list below.

  • Are US elections representative of the will of the people?
  • Should the voting age be lowered?
  • Should voting be mandatory?
  • Should the Electoral College be abolished?
  • Should corporations pay more taxes?
  • Should senators and house representatives have term limits?
  • Should recycling be mandatory?
  • Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
  • Should same-sex marriage be allowed?
  • Should healthcare be free for everyone?
  • Will universal basic income be beneficial for society?

Religion

Religious issues often elicit a strong response, but beliefs are not always subject to rational argumentation. Still, such topics often touch on society as a whole and can be great subjects for a paper.

  • Should creationism be part of the school curriculum?
  • Is religion responsible for war?
  • Is science an enemy of religion?
  • Should public prayer be banned in schools?
  • Should religion be taught in schools?
  • Should laws be affected by religion?
  • Should churches be required to pay taxes?

History

History is always up for debate, and there’s plenty of credible sources to explore, so if you need an essay topic for your history class, feel free to pick one from the list below.

As a bonus, we’ve added a couple of specialized subsections on World War 2 and American history.

  • Can we ever know the “truth” about historical events?
  • Is life better now than it was 100 years ago?
  • Have peaceful revolutions ever led to real change?
  • What caused the fall of the Roman Empire?
  • Was Julius Caesar a tactical genius or a deranged dictator?
  • Did European colonialism help or harm the colonized populations?
  • Did nuclear weapons help make the world safer or more dangerous?
  • Were the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki the only way to end World War 2?
  • Should the US have stayed out of World War 2?
  • What caused the rise of Nazism in Germany?
  • Was Stalin’s rule more harmful than Hitler’s?
  • Could World War 2 have been avoided if Hitler had been admitted to art school?

American History

  • Who was the greatest US president of all time?
  • Could the Civil War have been avoided?
  • Was the Declaration of Independence a declaration of war?
  • Was the Constitution a proslavery document?
  • Should the US founding fathers who owned slaves be revered as much as those who didn’t?
  • How did Abraham Lincoln’s assassination affect Reconstruction?

Immigration, Racism, and Native American Issues

Here we have a group of issues that are often related, but we sometimes wish they weren’t. In any case, they’re an excellent opportunity to practice argumentative writing.

  • Should it be mandatory for Americans to speak English fluently?
  • Should immigrants who enter the US illegally be granted residency?
  • Should children of immigrants who enter the US illegally be entitled to public education?
  • Is affirmative action helping or hurting racial equality?
  • Should the US government pay reparations for slavery?
  • Is the Black Lives Matter movement equivalent to the Civil Rights movement?
  • Should Columbus Day be abolished and replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
  • Should Native Americans be compensated for how settlers treated them?

Science and Research

Here you’ll find topics related to various scientific fields that you’re bound to find evidence on to build a solid research paper.

  • Should the government fund scientific research?
  • Should corporate interests influence scientists?
  • Do people have enough trust in science?
  • What is the biggest issue facing humanity that scientists should focus on the most?
  • Should we spend resources looking for alien life?
  • Is space travel worth the cost?
  • Do humans cause climate change?
  • Is fracking harmful to the environment?
  • Are scientific breakthroughs or government regulations a better solution to the environmental crisis?

Technology and Social Media

Many issues around technology and social media are up for debate, so they can serve as an excellent basis for a persuasive essay.

  • Is technology helping or hurting society?
  • Has the internet caused more harm than good to society?
  • Are we becoming too dependent on computers?
  • Is technology making us more isolated?
  • Is AI dangerous for humanity?
  • Are smartphones dangerous?
  • Is social media helping us stay connected or making us more lonely?
  • Are social media companies responsible for the spread of fake news?
  • Does social media contribute to political radicalization?
  • Should Facebook be banned from collecting data from users?
  • Should people be allowed to stay anonymous online?

Health, Medical, and Nursing

In this section, we’ve curated argumentative essay topics related to health and medicine that are worth exploring.

  • Should the morning-after pill be sold to underage teens?
  • What is the best way to fight the obesity epidemic?
  • Are GMOs dangerous?
  • Should there be limits on sugary drink sizes?
  • Is healthcare a fundamental human right?
  • Should assisted suicide be legalized?
  • Should doctors be banned from promoting drugs?
  • Should medical marijuana be legal?
  • Should parents be able to deny medical treatment for their children?
  • Are nurses compensated fairly?
  • Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
  • Is the nursing profession better suited for women?

Psychology and Mental Health

If you’re struggling to come up with an argumentative essay topic for your psychology class, feel free to pick one from the list below.

  • Does screen time negatively affect children’s psyche?
  • Should psychotherapists inform the police if a client admits to breaking the law?
  • Do dreams have any meaning?
  • Is positive thinking helpful or harmful?
  • Can lie detectors ever be trusted?
  • Are projective tests such as inkblots reliable?
  • Can hypnosis help us remember forgotten events?
  • Is prejudice against different people inherent to humans?
  • Is anxiety ever helpful?

Sports

There’s no shortage of discussions surrounding sports, but they’re often too specialized to be interesting for the layman. Here are a few broad and contentious ones that can lay the grounds for a strong argumentative essay.

  • Should athletes be considered role models?
  • Should coaches make as much money as players?
  • Should athletes face repercussions if they don’t stand for the National Anthem?
  • Is football too dangerous?
  • Is sports betting different from casino gambling?
  • Is cheerleading a real sport?
  • Do sports rely too much on computer predictions nowadays?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?

Music, Popular Culture, and Other Creative Endeavors

Here you’ll find argumentative essay topics related to music, films, and other art forms that shape today’s pop culture.

  • Is music getting better or worse over time?
  • Is listening to music an effective remedy against stress?
  • Are television shows an accurate representation of the American lifestyle?
  • Did the golden age of Hollywood pass?
  • Should celebrities be considered role models?
  • Should any artwork be censored?
  • Is art unique to humans, or can it be observed in other animals?

Animals

If you care about animals, you might want to write an argumentative paper on a topic related to animal welfare. Here are a few ideas:

  • Should animal research be banned?
  • Should zoos or aquariums be banned and replaced with wildlife reserves?
  • Should fur be banned?
  • Should we stop eating animals?
  • Should the government try to save endangered species?
  • Is hunting for sport justifiable, or should it be banned?
  • Do animals have emotions?
  • Do pets help kids learn to be caring and empathetic?

Funny, Easy, and Simple

Sometimes you just don’t want to deal with complex and serious issues or excessive research. That’s why we curated a collection of light-hearted and easy argumentative essay topics.

  • Is complaining helping us deal with stress?
  • Is talent more important than hard work or vice versa?
  • How much compromise is OK in a relationship?
  • Should couples live together before getting married?
  • How important is it to keep your home clean and tidy?
  • At what age do you become an adult?
  • Are parents entitled to knowing everything about their kids?
  • How long is it acceptable to stay in a restaurant after finishing your meal?

Looking for a topic for a different type of essay? We’ve compiled a huge catalog in our Essay Topics page. If you want something that carries a stronger emotional charge for your paper, speech, or debate, you can also check out our list of Controversial Topics .

127 Funny Controversial Topics

121 Funny Debate Topics for Your Class

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3 Key Tips for How to Write an Argumentative Essay

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General Education

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If there’s one writing skill you need to have in your toolkit for standardized tests, AP exams, and college-level writing, it’s the ability to make a persuasive argument. Effectively arguing for a position on a topic or issue isn’t just for the debate team— it’s for anyone who wants to ace the essay portion of an exam or make As in college courses.

To give you everything you need to know about how to write an argumentative essay , we’re going to answer the following questions for you:

  • What is an argumentative essay?
  • How should an argumentative essay be structured?
  • How do I write a strong argument?
  • What’s an example of a strong argumentative essay?
  • What are the top takeaways for writing argumentative papers?

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepped and ready to write a great argumentative essay yourself!

Now, let’s break this down.

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What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents the writer’s position or stance on a specific topic and uses evidence to support that position. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince your reader that your position is logical, ethical, and, ultimately, right . In argumentative essays, writers accomplish this by writing:

  • A clear, persuasive thesis statement in the introduction paragraph
  • Body paragraphs that use evidence and explanations to support the thesis statement
  • A paragraph addressing opposing positions on the topic—when appropriate
  • A conclusion that gives the audience something meaningful to think about.

Introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion: these are the main sections of an argumentative essay. Those probably sound familiar. Where does arguing come into all of this, though? It’s not like you’re having a shouting match with your little brother across the dinner table. You’re just writing words down on a page!

...or are you? Even though writing papers can feel like a lonely process, one of the most important things you can do to be successful in argumentative writing is to think about your argument as participating in a larger conversation . For one thing, you’re going to be responding to the ideas of others as you write your argument. And when you’re done writing, someone—a teacher, a professor, or exam scorer—is going to be reading and evaluating your argument.

If you want to make a strong argument on any topic, you have to get informed about what’s already been said on that topic . That includes researching the different views and positions, figuring out what evidence has been produced, and learning the history of the topic. That means—you guessed it!—argumentative essays almost always require you to incorporate outside sources into your writing.  

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What Makes Argumentative Essays Unique?

Argumentative essays are different from other types of essays for one main reason: in an argumentative essay, you decide what the argument will be . Some types of essays, like summaries or syntheses, don’t want you to show your stance on the topic—they want you to remain unbiased and neutral.

In argumentative essays, you’re presenting your point of view as the writer and, sometimes, choosing the topic you’ll be arguing about. You just want to make sure that that point of view comes across as informed, well-reasoned, and persuasive.

Another thing about argumentative essays: they’re often longer than other types of essays. Why, you ask? Because it takes time to develop an effective argument. If your argument is going to be persuasive to readers, you have to address multiple points that support your argument, acknowledge counterpoints, and provide enough evidence and explanations to convince your reader that your points are valid.

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Our 3 Best Tips for Picking a Great Argumentative Topic

The first step to writing an argumentative essay deciding what to write about! Choosing a topic for your argumentative essay might seem daunting, though. It can feel like you could make an argument about anything under the sun. For example, you could write an argumentative essay about how cats are way cooler than dogs, right?

It’s not quite that simple . Here are some strategies for choosing a topic that serves as a solid foundation for a strong argument.

Choose a Topic That Can Be Supported With Evidence

First, you want to make sure the topic you choose allows you to make a claim that can be supported by evidence that’s considered credible and appropriate for the subject matter ...and, unfortunately, your personal opinions or that Buzzfeed quiz you took last week don’t quite make the cut.

Some topics—like whether cats or dogs are cooler—can generate heated arguments, but at the end of the day, any argument you make on that topic is just going to be a matter of opinion. You have to pick a topic that allows you to take a position that can be supported by actual, researched evidence.

(Quick note: you could write an argumentative paper over the general idea that dogs are better than cats—or visa versa!—if you’re a) more specific and b) choose an idea that has some scientific research behind it. For example, a strong argumentative topic could be proving that dogs make better assistance animals than cats do.)

You also don’t want to make an argument about a topic that’s already a proven fact, like that drinking water is good for you. While some people might dislike the taste of water, there is an overwhelming body of evidence that proves—beyond the shadow of a doubt—that drinking water is a key part of good health.  

To avoid choosing a topic that’s either unprovable or already proven, try brainstorming some issues that have recently been discussed in the news, that you’ve seen people debating on social media, or that affect your local community. If you explore those outlets for potential topics, you’ll likely stumble upon something that piques your audience’s interest as well.  

Choose a Topic That You Find Interesting

Topics that have local, national, or global relevance often also resonate with us on a personal level. Consider choosing a topic that holds a connection between something you know or care about and something that is relevant to the rest of society. These don’t have to be super serious issues, but they should be topics that are timely and significant.

For example, if you are a huge football fan, a great argumentative topic for you might be arguing whether football leagues need to do more to prevent concussions . Is this as “important” an issue as climate change? No, but it’s still a timely topic that affects many people. And not only is this a great argumentative topic: you also get to write about one of your passions! Ultimately, if you’re working with a topic you enjoy, you’ll have more to say—and probably write a better essay .

Choose a Topic That Doesn’t Get You Too Heated

Another word of caution on choosing a topic for an argumentative paper: while it can be effective to choose a topic that matters to you personally, you also want to make sure you’re choosing a topic that you can keep your cool over. You’ve got to be able to stay unemotional, interpret the evidence persuasively, and, when appropriate, discuss opposing points of view without getting too salty.

In some situations, choosing a topic for your argumentative paper won’t be an issue at all: the test or exam will choose it for you . In that case, you’ve got to do the best you can with what you’re given.

In the next sections, we’re going to break down how to write any argumentative essay —regardless of whether you get to choose your own topic or have one assigned to you! Our expert tips and tricks will make sure that you’re knocking your paper out of the park.

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The Thesis: The Argumentative Essay’s Backbone

You’ve chosen a topic or, more likely, read the exam question telling you to defend, challenge, or qualify a claim on an assigned topic. What do you do now?

You establish your position on the topic by writing a killer thesis statement ! The thesis statement, sometimes just called “the thesis,” is the backbone of your argument, the north star that keeps you oriented as you develop your main points, the—well, you get the idea.

In more concrete terms, a thesis statement conveys your point of view on your topic, usually in one sentence toward the end of your introduction paragraph . It’s very important that you state your point of view in your thesis statement in an argumentative way—in other words, it should state a point of view that is debatable.

And since your thesis statement is going to present your argument on the topic, it’s the thing that you’ll spend the rest of your argumentative paper defending. That’s where persuasion comes in. Your thesis statement tells your reader what your argument is, then the rest of your essay shows and explains why your argument is logical.

Why does an argumentative essay need a thesis, though? Well, the thesis statement—the sentence with your main claim—is actually the entire point of an argumentative essay. If you don’t clearly state an arguable claim at the beginning of your paper, then it’s not an argumentative essay. No thesis statement = no argumentative essay. Got it?

Other types of essays that you’re familiar with might simply use a thesis statement to forecast what the rest of the essay is going to discuss or to communicate what the topic is. That’s not the case here. If your thesis statement doesn’t make a claim or establish your position, you’ll need to go back to the drawing board.

Example Thesis Statements

Here are a couple of examples of thesis statements that aren’t argumentative and thesis statements that are argumentative

The sky is blue.

The thesis statement above conveys a fact, not a claim, so it’s not argumentative.

To keep the sky blue, governments must pass clean air legislation and regulate emissions.

The second example states a position on a topic. What’s the topic in that second sentence? The best way to keep the sky blue. And what position is being conveyed? That the best way to keep the sky blue is by passing clean air legislation and regulating emissions.

Some people would probably respond to that thesis statement with gusto: “No! Governments should not pass clean air legislation and regulate emissions! That infringes on my right to pollute the earth!” And there you have it: a thesis statement that presents a clear, debatable position on a topic.

Here’s one more set of thesis statement examples, just to throw in a little variety:

Spirituality and otherworldliness characterize A$AP Rocky’s portrayals of urban life and the American Dream in his rap songs and music videos.

The statement above is another example that isn’t argumentative, but you could write a really interesting analytical essay with that thesis statement. Long live A$AP! Now here’s another one that is argumentative:

To give students an understanding of the role of the American Dream in contemporary life, teachers should incorporate pop culture, like the music of A$AP Rocky, into their lessons and curriculum.

The argument in this one? Teachers should incorporate more relevant pop culture texts into their curriculum.

This thesis statement also gives a specific reason for making the argument above: To give students an understanding of the role of the American Dream in contemporary life. If you can let your reader know why you’re making your argument in your thesis statement, it will help them understand your argument better.

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An actual image of you killing your argumentative essay prompts after reading this article! 

Breaking Down the Sections of An Argumentative Essay

Now that you know how to pick a topic for an argumentative essay and how to make a strong claim on your topic in a thesis statement, you’re ready to think about writing the other sections of an argumentative essay. These are the parts that will flesh out your argument and support the claim you made in your thesis statement.  

Like other types of essays, argumentative essays typically have three main sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Within those sections, there are some key elements that a reader—and especially an exam scorer or professor—is always going to expect you to include.

Let’s look at a quick outline of those three sections with their essential pieces here:

  • Introduction paragraph with a thesis statement (which we just talked about)
  • Support Point #1 with evidence
  • Explain/interpret the evidence with your own, original commentary (AKA, the fun part!)
  • Support Point #2 with evidence
  • Explain/interpret the evidence with your own, original commentary
  • Support Point #3 with evidence
  • New paragraph addressing opposing viewpoints (more on this later!)
  • Concluding paragraph

 Now, there are some key concepts in those sections that you’ve got to understand if you’re going to master how to write an argumentative essay. To make the most of the body section, you have to know how to support your claim (your thesis statement), what evidence and explanations are and when you should use them, and how and when to address opposing viewpoints. To finish strong, you’ve got to have a strategy for writing a stellar conclusion.

This probably feels like a big deal! The body and conclusion make up most of the essay, right? Let’s get down to it, then.

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How to Write a Strong Argument

Once you have your topic and thesis, you’re ready for the hard part: actually writing your argument. If you make strategic choices—like the ones we’re about to talk about—writing a strong argumentative essay won’t feel so difficult.

There are three main areas where you want to focus your energy as you develop a strategy for how to write an argumentative essay: supporting your claim—your thesis statement—in your essay, addressing other viewpoints on your topic, and writing a solid conclusion. If you put thought and effort into these three things, you’re much more likely to write an argumentative essay that’s engaging, persuasive, and memorable...aka A+ material.

Focus Area 1: Supporting Your Claim With Evidence and Explanations

So you’ve chosen your topic, decided what your position will be, and written a thesis statement. But like we see in comment threads across the Internet, if you make a claim and don’t back it up with evidence, what do people say? “Where’s your proof?” “Show me the facts!” “Do you have any evidence to support that claim?”

Of course you’ve done your research like we talked about. Supporting your claim in your thesis statement is where that research comes in handy.

You can’t just use your research to state the facts, though. Remember your reader? They’re going to expect you to do some of the dirty work of interpreting the evidence for them. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between evidence and explanations, and how and when to use both in your argumentative essay.

What Evidence Is and When You Should Use It

Evidence can be material from any authoritative and credible outside source that supports your position on your topic. In some cases, evidence can come in the form of photos, video footage, or audio recordings. In other cases, you might be pulling reasons, facts, or statistics from news media articles, public policy, or scholarly books or journals.

There are some clues you can look for that indicate whether or not a source is credible , such as whether:

  • The website where you found the source ends in .edu, .gov, or .org
  • The source was published by a university press
  • The source was published in a peer-reviewed journal
  • The authors did extensive research to support the claims they make in the source

This is just a short list of some of the clues that a source is likely a credible one, but just because a source was published by a prestigious press or the authors all have PhDs doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best piece of evidence for you to use to support your argument.

In addition to evaluating the source’s credibility, you’ve got to consider what types of evidence might come across as most persuasive in the context of the argument you’re making and who your readers are. In other words, stepping back and getting a bird’s eye view of the entire context of your argumentative paper is key to choosing evidence that will strengthen your argument.

On some exams, like the AP exams , you may be given pretty strict parameters for what evidence to use and how to use it. You might be given six short readings that all address the same topic, have 15 minutes to read them, then be required to pull material from a minimum of three of the short readings to support your claim in an argumentative essay.

When the sources are handed to you like that, be sure to take notes that will help you pick out evidence as you read. Highlight, underline, put checkmarks in the margins of your exam . . . do whatever you need to do to begin identifying the material that you find most helpful or relevant. Those highlights and check marks might just turn into your quotes, paraphrases, or summaries of evidence in your completed exam essay.

What Explanations Are and When You Should Use Them

Now you know that taking a strategic mindset toward evidence and explanations is critical to grasping how to write an argumentative essay. Unfortunately, evidence doesn’t speak for itself. While it may be obvious to you, the researcher and writer, how the pieces of evidence you’ve included are relevant to your audience, it might not be as obvious to your reader.

That’s where explanations—or analysis, or interpretations—come in. You never want to just stick some quotes from an article into your paragraph and call it a day. You do want to interpret the evidence you’ve included to show your reader how that evidence supports your claim.

Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be saying, “This piece of evidence supports my argument because...”. Instead, you want to comment on the evidence in a way that helps your reader see how it supports the position you stated in your thesis. We’ll talk more about how to do this when we show you an example of a strong body paragraph from an argumentative essay here in a bit.

Understanding how to incorporate evidence and explanations to your advantage is really important. Here’s why: when you’re writing an argumentative essay, particularly on standardized tests or the AP exam, the exam scorers can’t penalize you for the position you take. Instead, their evaluation is going to focus on the way you incorporated evidence and explained it in your essay.

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Focus Area 2: How—and When—to Address Other Viewpoints

Why would we be making arguments at all if there weren’t multiple views out there on a given topic? As you do research and consider the background surrounding your topic, you’ll probably come across arguments that stand in direct opposition to your position.

Oftentimes, teachers will ask you to “address the opposition” in your argumentative essay. What does that mean, though, to “ address the opposition ?”

Opposing viewpoints function kind of like an elephant in the room. Your audience knows they’re there. In fact, your audience might even buy into an opposing viewpoint and be waiting for you to show them why your viewpoint is better. If you don’t, it means that you’ll have a hard time convincing your audience to buy your argument.

Addressing the opposition is a balancing act: you don’t want to undermine your own argument, but you don’t want to dismiss the validity of opposing viewpoints out-of-hand or ignore them altogether, which can also undermine your argument.

This isn’t the only acceptable approach, but it’s common practice to wait to address the opposition until close to the end of an argumentative essay. But why?

Well, waiting to present an opposing viewpoint until after you’ve thoroughly supported your own argument is strategic. You aren’t going to go into great detail discussing the opposing viewpoint: you’re going to explain what that viewpoint is fairly, but you’re also going to point out what’s wrong with it.

It can also be effective to read the opposition through the lens of your own argument and the evidence you’ve used to support it. If the evidence you’ve already included supports your argument, it probably doesn’t support the opposing viewpoint. Without being too obvious, it might be worth pointing this out when you address the opposition.

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Focus Area #3: Writing the Conclusion

It’s common to conclude an argumentative essay by reiterating the thesis statement in some way, either by reminding the reader what the overarching argument was in the first place or by reviewing the main points and evidence that you covered.

You don’t just want to restate your thesis statement and review your main points and call it a day, though. So much has happened since you stated your thesis in the introduction! And why waste a whole paragraph—the very last thing your audience is going to read—on just repeating yourself?

Here’s an approach to the conclusion that can give your audience a fresh perspective on your argument: reinterpret your thesis statement for them in light of all the evidence and explanations you’ve provided. Think about how your readers might read your thesis statement in a new light now that they’ve heard your whole argument out.

That’s what you want to leave your audience with as you conclude your argumentative paper: a brief explanation of why all that arguing mattered in the first place. If you can give your audience something to continue pondering after they’ve read your argument, that’s even better.

One thing you want to avoid in your conclusion, though: presenting new supporting points or new evidence. That can just be confusing for your reader. Stick to telling your reader why the argument you’ve already made matters, and your argument will stick with your reader.

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A Strong Argumentative Essay: Examples

For some aspiring argumentative essay writers, showing is better than telling. To show rather than tell you what makes a strong argumentative essay, we’ve provided three examples of possible body paragraphs for an argumentative essay below.

Think of these example paragraphs as taking on the form of the “Argumentative Point #1 → Evidence —> Explanation —> Repeat” process we talked through earlier. It’s always nice to be able to compare examples, so we’ve included three paragraphs from an argumentative paper ranging from poor (or needs a lot of improvement, if you’re feeling generous), to better, to best.

All of the example paragraphs are for an essay with this thesis statement: 

Thesis Statement: In order to most effectively protect user data and combat the spread of disinformation, the U.S. government should implement more stringent regulations of Facebook and other social media outlets.

As you read the examples, think about what makes them different, and what makes the “best” paragraph more effective than the “better” and “poor” paragraphs. Here we go:

A Poor Argument

Example Body Paragraph: Data mining has affected a lot of people in recent years. Facebook has 2.23 billion users from around the world, and though it would take a huge amount of time and effort to make sure a company as big as Facebook was complying with privacy regulations in countries across the globe, adopting a common framework for privacy regulation in more countries would be the first step. In fact, Mark Zuckerberg himself supports adopting a global framework for privacy and data protection, which would protect more users than before.

What’s Wrong With This Example?

First, let’s look at the thesis statement. Ask yourself: does this make a claim that some people might agree with, but others might disagree with?

The answer is yes. Some people probably think that Facebook should be regulated, while others might believe that’s too much government intervention. Also, there are definitely good, reliable sources out there that will help this writer prove their argument. So this paper is off to a strong start!  

Unfortunately, this writer doesn’t do a great job proving their thesis in their body paragraph. First, the topic sentence—aka the first sentence of the paragraph—doesn’t make a point that directly supports the position stated in the thesis. We’re trying to argue that government regulation will help protect user data and combat the spread of misinformation, remember? The topic sentence should make a point that gets right at that, instead of throwing out a random fact about data mining.

Second, because the topic sentence isn’t focused on making a clear point, the rest of the paragraph doesn’t have much relevant information, and it fails to provide credible evidence that supports the claim made in the thesis statement. For example, it would be a great idea to include exactly what Mark Zuckerberg said ! So while there’s definitely some relevant information in this paragraph, it needs to be presented with more evidence.

A Better Argument  

This paragraph is a bit better than the first one, but it still needs some work. The topic sentence is a bit too long, and it doesn’t make a point that clearly supports the position laid out in the thesis statement. The reader already knows that mining user data is a big issue, so the topic sentence would be a great place to make a point about why more stringent government regulations would most effectively protect user data.

There’s also a problem with how the evidence is incorporated in this example. While there is some relevant, persuasive evidence included in this paragraph, there’s no explanation of why or how it is relevant . Remember, you can’t assume that your evidence speaks for itself: you have to interpret its relevance for your reader. That means including at least a sentence that tells your reader why the evidence you’ve chosen proves your argument.

A Best—But Not Perfect!—Argument  

Example Body Paragraph: Though Facebook claims to be implementing company policies that will protect user data and stop the spread of misinformation , its attempts have been unsuccessful compared to those made by the federal government. When PricewaterhouseCoopers conducted a Federal Trade Commission-mandated assessment of Facebook’s partnerships with Microsoft and the makers of the Blackberry handset in 2013, the team found limited evidence that Facebook had monitored or even checked that its partners had complied with Facebook’s existing data use policies. In fact, Facebook’s own auditors confirmed the PricewaterhouseCoopers findings, despite the fact that Facebook claimed that the company was making greater attempts to safeguard users’ personal information. In contrast, bills written by Congress have been more successful in changing Facebook’s practices than Facebook’s own company policies have. According to The Washington Post, The Honest Ads Act of 2017 “created public demand for transparency and changed how social media companies disclose online political advertising.” These policy efforts, though thus far unsuccessful in passing legislation, have nevertheless pushed social media companies to change some of their practices by sparking public outrage and negative media attention.

Why This Example Is The Best

This paragraph isn’t perfect, but it is the most effective at doing some of the things that you want to do when you write an argumentative essay.

First, the topic sentences get to the point . . . and it’s a point that supports and explains the claim made in the thesis statement! It gives a clear reason why our claim in favor of more stringent government regulations is a good claim : because Facebook has failed to self-regulate its practices.

This paragraph also provides strong evidence and specific examples that support the point made in the topic sentence. The evidence presented shows specific instances in which Facebook has failed to self-regulate, and other examples where the federal government has successfully influenced regulation of Facebook’s practices for the better.

Perhaps most importantly, though, this writer explains why the evidence is important. The bold sentence in the example is where the writer links the evidence back to their opinion. In this case, they explain that the pressure from Federal Trade Commission and Congress—and the threat of regulation—have helped change Facebook for the better.

Why point out that this isn’t a perfect paragraph, though? Because you won’t be writing perfect paragraphs when you’re taking timed exams either. But get this: you don’t have to write perfect paragraphs to make a good score on AP exams or even on an essay you write for class. Like in this example paragraph, you just have to effectively develop your position by appropriately and convincingly relying on evidence from good sources.

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Top 3 Takeaways For Writing Argumentative Essays

This is all great information, right? If (when) you have to write an argumentative essay, you’ll be ready. But when in doubt, remember these three things about how to write an argumentative essay, and you’ll emerge victorious:

Takeaway #1: Read Closely and Carefully

This tip applies to every aspect of writing an argumentative essay. From making sure you’re addressing your prompt, to really digging into your sources, to proofreading your final paper...you’ll need to actively and pay attention! This is especially true if you’re writing on the clock, like during an AP exam.

Takeaway #2: Make Your Argument the Focus of the Essay

Define your position clearly in your thesis statement and stick to that position! The thesis is the backbone of your paper, and every paragraph should help prove your thesis in one way or another. But sometimes you get to the end of your essay and realize that you’ve gotten off topic, or that your thesis doesn’t quite fit. Don’t worry—if that happens, you can always rewrite your thesis to fit your paper!

Takeaway #3: Use Sources to Develop Your Argument—and Explain Them

Nothing is as powerful as good, strong evidence. First, make sure you’re finding credible sources that support your argument. Then you can paraphrase, briefly summarize, or quote from your sources as you incorporate them into your paragraphs. But remember the most important part: you have to explain why you’ve chosen that evidence and why it proves your thesis.

What's Next?

Once you’re comfortable with how to write an argumentative essay, it’s time to learn some more advanced tips and tricks for putting together a killer argument.

Keep in mind that argumentative essays are just one type of essay you might encounter. That’s why we’ve put together more specific guides on how to tackle IB essays , SAT essays , and ACT essays .

But what about admissions essays? We’ve got you covered. Not only do we have comprehensive guides to the Coalition App and Common App essays, we also have tons of individual college application guides, too . You can search through all of our college-specific posts by clicking here.

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150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

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

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

🔝 Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

🔍 References

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

⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

🚬 Should vaping be illegal?
🎨 Are NFTs the future of art?
🌳 Benefits of pandemics for the nature
🧪 Why vaccinations should be mandatory
📱 Should TikTok be banned in schools?
👓 The drawbacks of VR technologies
🏥 Artificial intelligence benefits for the healthcare
🌐 Can the Internet of Things be used in education?
🔗 Is blockchain damaging for the environment?
💬 Does censorship negate the freedom of speech?

📱 Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Social Media

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

👪 Family Argumentative Topics 2024

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

👨‍⚕️ Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Health and Nutrition

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

🗳️ Government Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

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

💡 Other Research Paper Topic Ideas

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

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

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

🕵️‍♂️ Choosing an Argumentative Paper Topic

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

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

Why is that?

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

Argumentative Essay: Writing Rules

Here are the basic rules:

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

📑 Organizing Your Argumentative Paper

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

Introduction

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

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

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

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

Body paragraphs

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

Good Argumentative Essay Paragraph

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more on this topic:

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

✏️ Argumentative Research Paper FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

The best one!

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

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

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

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

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

Custom Writing

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

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

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50 Strong Argumentative Essay Topics: 5 Tips to Make the Right Choice

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227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]

topics for a argumentative essay

Ever wondered what a persuasive essay is? Are you struggling to differentiate it from an argumentative one? Do you think it’s impossible to find original persuasive speech topics for college students?

If you have answered yes to any question, you’ve come to the right place. Our team can help you!

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing that convinces readers to accept the author’s position and agree with their ideas. Through clear arguments and examples, the writer demonstrates the legitimacy of their point of view.

Below, we have provided a list of the most interesting and unique college persuasive essay topics. So, don’t waste any more of your time searching for the right title. Use our ideas and create an outstanding persuasive essay!

  • 👉 How to Choose?
  • ✨ Best Speech Topics
  • 🎓 Ideas on Education
  • 📜 Topics on History
  • ⚖ Ideas on Politics
  • 👍 Topics on Sociology
  • 💰 Ideas on Economics
  • 🚌 Transportation
  • 🌿 Environment
  • ⚙ Technology
  • 🌍 Traveling
  • ✌ Lifestyle
  • 🏫 Teenagers
  • 📚 Literature
  • 🖐 25 More Topics

👉 How to Choose a Persuasive Essay Topic for College?

The main secret of the successful persuasive essay is a compelling topic. Therefore, when choosing the right persuasive topic, follow these few simple pieces of advice:

  • Re-read the assignment . The task that you’ve received from your tutor can be of great assistance. You just have to read it correctly. Unfortunately, college students tend to underestimate the power of the question. Don’t make this mistake. Read your assignment carefully because it can provide clues on the topic to look for.
  • Brainstorm ideas. Before writing any paper, college students have to research. It will ensure the argumentative part of the persuasive essay. To understand what to examine, have an ideation session, and consider a variety of ideas. Picking the most appropriate one, you’ll see where to start your research. Try to find as many topics as you can. Free college essays collection is a good place to check out as a part of your session. You’ll be able to see what topics are already covered, and what you can expand upon. It will make your investigation and writing processes easier!
  • Don’t pick an idea if it’s too broad . You may think that in this case, you’ll have plenty of things to argue about. Well, maybe a bit too many. In your essay, you should cover an entire topic so that it sounds convincing. When the idea is too broad, you can’t fit every argument in one paper. So, specify your title. For instance, you want to persuade your readers to stay healthy. Then don’t investigate all the aspects of maintaining health. Focus on one specific issue. For example, explore the positive influence of sport on the general health condition of a human being.
  • Ensure that you have credible sources. In some colleges, even the smallest essays may require a list of references. Thus, make sure you have materials to research and later list as your sources. Remember: Good persuasive paper topics for college have to offer a wide variety of sources to investigate. So, if you are not confident in your materials, better change the title. It will prevent you from a lack of evidence to support your arguments.
  • Choose a topic of personal interest. We’re not compelling you to write something that you enjoy when it contradicts the assignment. But try to select an idea that doesn’t bore you from reading it out loud. It is always more pleasurable to write on a topic you are passionate about. Don’t miss your chance to make turn your essay writing process into an exciting activity.
  • Select something you have an opinion about, but open to debate. Your tutors can disagree with your position. Nevertheless, it is not a reason to give up. It’s the right time to show your critical thinking skills. State your position clearly and provide convincing arguments to support it. Show your readers that you can change your position if you see some compelling data. It can give you some extra credit. The best persuasion topics for college create an environment for debates and discussions.
  • Be unique! In colleges, the amount of papers done daily is enormous. Don’t make your professors read about the importance of waste sorting, for example, yet again. The topic of environmental protection is undoubtedly extremely significant. However: It is way too overused. The professors are tired of reading essays on the same issues again and again. Surprise them and stand out.

Finding an original topic for a persuasive essay is tricky.

✨ 12 Best Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

  • How important is mental health?
  • Is online school more effective?
  • Are GMO products good?
  • Is social media dangerous?
  • What’s wrong with the education system?
  • Does recycling work?
  • Is veganism bad for the environment?
  • Should foreign policy be feminist?
  • Is marriage an obsolete institution?
  • Can protests and demonstrations bring change?
  • Can alternative medicine actually work?
  • Is modern advertising unethical?

🔑 Essential College Persuasive Essay Topics

We bet, every college student at least once had an assignment to write a persuasive essay. Haven’t you had yet? The best is yet to come! Thus, you have to be prepared to face all the challenges of a persuasive essay composing.

Searching for interesting persuasive essay topics is a complicated issue. However, you don’t have to worry about it. Our team of experts gathered the most popular and effective ideas in one place.

Don’t stress out about the topic:

Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics for college students. We divided our ideas into sections so that you can find the most appropriate one. So, you can easily navigate throughout our page for a more effective search.

🎓 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Education

  • An educational system should encourage creativity .
  • Student diversity should be present in a school classroom .
  • Why should college students care about their mental and physical health?
  • Why should we stop girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system?
  • Why should computer science programs be taught in colleges and universities?
  • Why should parents take part in their children’s education?

Parents should participate in their children's studying for numerous reasons.

  • Why reading performance of students with learning disabilities should be improved?
  • Studying abroad results in better education.
  • Homework does not help in the learning process.
  • The costs of higher education should be reduced.
  • A grade does not show a student’s knowledge.
  • The Internet overuse blocks the mental development of a modern teenager.
  • Education should not depend on technologies.
  • Essay writing develops the critical thinking skills of students.
  • Foreign language learning should be mandatory in school . Conduct research on how foreign languages influence children and teenagers. What are the positive sides of such education? Then, persuade your readers that foreign languages are essential in the school core curriculum.
  • Art classes should be a priority in middle school . Elaborate on the importance of the development of the sense of art for children and teenagers. Why should art classes be higher in the list of priorities than technical or science courses? How can the right perception of art help pupils in future life?
  • The core curriculum of the high school should not be too broad. Why do we have to narrow down our focus in high school? Explain how teenagers will benefit from studying particular subjects instead of getting general knowledge. Convince your readers about the importance of focusing on a specific field in high school.
  • A gap year before entering the university is beneficial. Give persuading evidence why students should take a gap year. What are the advantages? Make your readers debate whether a gap year is worth considering. Finally, convince them that it is worth it.
  • Mobile phones should not be allowed in school. State your position regarding the usage of smartphones during the learning process. What adverse ramifications do the mobile phones have on the academic results of pupils? Persuade your readers to prohibit phone usage in school.
  • Traditional education is more effective than remote learning . How the benefits of the conventional way of learning outweigh the advantages of remote education? Compare the aspects of remote learning for different age groups: 1st grade age, 6th grade age, and a college student.

📜 College Persuasive Essay Topics on History

  • The American Revolution was a turning point in USA history.
  • The year 1763 is crucial in US history.
  • The media played a crucial role in promoting the Vietnam War .
  • We shouldn’t underestimate the significance of African-American social reform.
  • Technological advancement of the 17th century was a new era in world history.
  • Without Enlightenment and Romantic Age , the European culture wouldn’t be so progressive nowadays.

Enlightenment took over the period of the 17th and 18th centuries.

  • People should’ve stopped the propaganda of Adolf Hitler and Jim Jones before the intensive development.
  • The historical influence of Abraham Lincoln should become a role model for modern political figures.
  • Americans should have abolished slavery in the United States way earlier.
  • The four voyages by Christopher Columbus are crucial in the progress of world history.
  • Cultural exchanges in the medieval period significantly impacted the civilizations.
  • Protestant reformation was the most influential Christian movement.
  • Japanese women in the Middle Ages should have been more powerful.
  • The world war should never happen again.
  • The age of exploration . Who are the key figures? How did they impact world history formation? Convince your readers of the importance of the age of exploration.
  • The Mayan calendar system did not predict the end of the world . Investigate the Mayan calendar system. What is your explanation of the fact that the calendar system ended in the year 2012? Persuade your readers that the suggestions about the end of the world in 2012 are false.
  • Racial discrimination in America violated human rights to a great extend . Give a brief overview of racial discrimination in the USA. Persuade the readers to perceive racial discrimination as an act of human rights violation.
  • Apollo 11 – the first spaceflight that landed people on the Moon . Discuss the importance of this event. Convince your readers about the significance of the Moon exploration.
  • History studying should become the top priority for students. The knowledge of history may help to prevent mistakes from the past. So, persuade your readers to explore historical events.
  • Holocaust should not be justified and denied . What are the horrible consequences of holocaust tragedy? Analyze an opinion regarding the denial of the holocaust. Persuade the readers not to support this idea.

⚖ College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Politics

  • Civil rights of black Americans should not be limited.
  • Migration should not be restricted because it has certain benefits to modern countries .
  • In the battle of socialism vs. democracy , the second one should win.

Why is socialism becoming so popular in democratic states?

  • Nationalism in international relations should be accepted.
  • E-government should become transparent and accountable for the citizens .
  • Celebrities should stay aside from political activities.
  • The laws for each state of America should become common.
  • A voting system should be transparent.
  • Ordinary people should not be allowed to own guns.
  • The federal tax return process should become more manageable.
  • Individual rights versus the common good . Express your position regarding the issue. What do you support: individual rights or common good? Persuade the readers to follow your ideas.
  • Gay marriage should be allowed . If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments. Exclude harsh comments and offensive language from the narrative.
  • The death penalty cannot be justified . Why do you think so? Give clear arguments to support your opinion. If you believe that the death penalty is justifiable, prove your position.
  • Electronic voting in the United States should not be banned . Present the positive sides of this way of voting and convince the readers in your rightness. Don’t you agree with this opinion? Then, provide counterarguments.
  • Abortion should be legal . Provide clear arguments to express your position. Or provide counterarguments to contradict the idea of abortion legalization.

👍 College Persuasive Essay Topics on Sociology

  • Community services should be provided for mentally disabled people .
  • Equality and diversity are the main social issues .
  • Interpersonal communication skills are crucial in modern society.
  • Gender inequalities in the 21st century should be overcome .
  • Should the Canadian government legalize prostitution?
  • Max Weber’s rationality theory should be accepted by society .
  • China should take specific steps to overcome the overpopulation problem .
  • Gender stereotypes in a family should be dismantled.

Present studies aim to fill a gap in the literature on gender role attitudes and family dynamics.

  • Abusive relationships in a family should not be hidden.
  • Implementing more tough punishments on the lawbreakers should reduce the crime rates of the USA.
  • Does family promote or limit mobility? Choose one side of the issue and provide clear arguments to support your ideas.
  • Divorce has negative effects on children . Do you agree with this statement? Convince the readers to accept your point of view by stating your position clearly and powerfully.
  • Birth control should be monitored on a governmental level. Express your opinion regarding birth control in modern society. Conduct a study on the cultural, religious, and political aspects of the birth control issue.
  • Is there the right age to get married? Decide if there are any age suggestions to create a family or no? Support your choice with bright ideas and appropriate examples.
  • To resolve the conflict, we need to know the nature of the conflict . Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Provide strong arguments to make people believe in your point of view. How do you think psychology works while resolving the conflict?

💰 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Economics

  • Competing theories are the core of economic development.
  • We have to consider John Locke’s and Karl Marx’s economic ideas nowadays.
  • Demand and supply correlation in the market matters a lot.
  • Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” concept can improve modern economics .
  • If we want to stabilize the economy, we have to implement the monetary policy .
  • Should big banks be broken up?
  • We should consider the relationship between money supply and inflation while preventing the high level of inflation.
  • We shouldn’t take the Keynesian explanation of the recession too seriously.
  • Industrialization plays a significant role in economic development.
  • Small business owners should receive financial support during the period of crisis.

As an example or evidence for this persuasive topic, talk about the COVID-19 crisis.

  • The governments should reduce monopoly power.
  • The role of understanding the goals of human resource management in the context of human capital theory . Explain the significance of effective HR management for a business flourishing. Persuade your readers to invest enough resources in human capital.
  • Exchange regimes have a significant impact on macroeconomic performance . Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide well-developed arguments to prove your point of view. Persuade your readers to accept your position.
  • Consumer behavior is different in every country. If you agree, develop this idea by providing strong arguments. If you don’t, state your position. Either way, support your arguments with supporting evidence. Make your readers follow your opinion.
  • The understanding of the basic concepts of economics is essential for every person . Explain how the knowledge of economics can help people to manage their money wisely. How to survive during the crisis? How to lead a business successfully, etc. Persuade your readers to study the basics of economics.

💡 Interesting College Persuasive Essay Topics

Are you already impressed with a diversity of topics our team collected for you? But don’t think that’s all we have to offer for you. Since our mission is to help you, we have more persuasive essay ideas for college to share.

Below, you can find more fascinating ideas for your assignments. For your convenience, we divided persuasive essay topics for college into several sections. Investigate our ideas and don’t hesitate to use them.

🚌 Transportation Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Planes should newer take off if weather conditions are inappropriate .
  • Never drive a car if you are under the alcohol or drug effect .
  • Hybrid cars are environmentally friendly, so they should become the future of the transportation industry .
  • Why should people study driving?
  • The usage of alternative energy resources should reshape the global transportation infrastructure .
  • The governments should invest enough money in public transport advancement .
  • Cars usage should be regulated .
  • A school bus should be checked at least once a month to ensure the safety of pupils.
  • The reserves of petroleum should be replenished to provide a proper transportation industry operation.
  • The shipping of essential goods during the state of emergency (quarantine, dangerous natural conditions, etc.) should be free.
  • We should use public transport instead of private cars to save the environment.
  • Hybrid engine vs. standard engine . Examine the positive and negative aspects of both of them. Which one would you prefer? Persuade your readers to support your opinion by giving clear arguments.
  • Information technology influences the logistics industry to a great extent . Provide appropriate examples of the IT impact on logistics. Convince your readers of the importance of your opinion.
  • The role of transportation in the development of tourism . Prove your audience that transportation progress has a direct impact on tourism opportunities.

Transportation plays a vital role in tourism.

  • We have to reduce the use of crude oil in the transportation industry . What are the possible adverse ramifications of such oil usage? Persuade your readers to limit applying this type of fuel. If you don’t agree with the idea, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

🌿 Environmental Persuasive Essay Topics

  • The government should control the overpopulation to prevent consequences for the environment .
  • Human activity should be limited to preserve biodiversity .
  • We have to examine an ecologically sustainable approach .
  • Alternative energy sources are essential for saving the planet .
  • We should try our best to live a zero-waste lifestyle .
  • Saving endangered species must be a top priority issue for environmental organizations.
  • Solar energy can save the environment.
  • Hunting sports should be banned because they harm biodiversity.
  • The conservation of global resources is necessary for maintaining the lifecycle of the planet.
  • Waste sorting should be mandatory all around the world.
  • Stopping deforestation will prevent the loss of natural habitat for animals.
  • Tourism negatively affects wildlife. Comment no the negative consequences of traveling on nature. If you believe that tourism does not harm wildlife, provide counterarguments to claim your position.
  • Farming has to be wise. Explain how intensive farming damages nature. Convince your readers about the importance of following the farming rules. They can help to prevent intensive farming’s adverse ramifications.
  • The Prime Days on Amazon should be banned . Explain how the incredibly low prices on items during the Prime Days result in extremely high costs for the environment. Persuade your readers to resist the desire to buy unnecessary goods from Amazon.
  • Without rainforests, our planet will suffocate . Prove the significance of the preservation of the rainforests for the environment.

Tropical forests are responsible for around 34 percent of photosynthesis occurring on land.

⚙ Technology Persuasive Essay Ideas

  • Globalization influences computer technologies to a great extent .
  • The government should implement Internet censorship .
  • Cloud computing is an innovative era in computer science .
  • Cyberbullying should be controlled to prevent a negative influence on youth .
  • Dependency on computers is a considerable threat to human well-being .
  • Data and information security should be a top concern of every internet user .
  • Investing money in developing information technology systems is profitable for companies.
  • The internet blocks the development of human intelligence.
  • To prevent the development of serious illnesses, we should use genetic technology.
  • Technological advancement should focus on the improvement of the health sector.
  • We have to use technology wisely to make people smarter.
  • A scientific revolution started the technological advancement. Convince your readers about the importance of the scientific revolution in technological development. If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion, providing counterarguments.
  • E-books or audiobooks will never replace paper books. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? State your position clearly and make your readers accept it.
  • Nowadays, society is too dependent on computer technologies . Comment on its negative and positive sides in the life of modern people. Persuade the readers not to overuse technology in everyday life.
  • Technology and science complement each other. Provide clear arguments to prove this idea or counterarguments to disprove it.

😃 Easy College Persuasive Topics

Do you think that persuasive essays have to cover only serious or global issues? Do you feel as if you have to be overwhelmed with the complexity of the subject? You are mistaken. A paper won’t become less successful if it explores even everyday life topics.

That’s why:

We prepared the next section of the article for you. Here you can find simple persuasive essay ideas for college students. Select a fascinating topic and compose an outstanding essay.

🎶 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Music

  • Music has a significant impact on culture .
  • Music preferences depend on personality type .
  • Music can influence our behavior .

Research suggests music can influence us a lot. It can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity, and our perception of the world.

  • Songs with lyrics that promote violent behavior should be banned.
  • A musician is not just a job; it is a vocation.
  • Medical workers should investigate the positive effect of music on mental illnesses’ treatment.
  • Music can be helpful in the learning process.
  • Good song lyrics can inspire people . Provide a sample of inspiring verses. How can it motivate listeners? Persuade the readers to pay attention to the song lyrics while listening to music.
  • A guitar is always a good idea for friendly gatherings . Prove to your readers that several songs played on a guitar can create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
  • Rap reflects violence. This is a generally accepted opinion. Do you agree or disagree with it? Prove your point of view by providing well-developed arguments.

🌍 Persuasive Topics for College on Traveling

  • While traveling, health and safety issues should be a top priority .
  • Tourism should be sustainable .
  • A trip to India will make you see the world from the other side.
  • Summer will become more memorable and fascinating if you travel.
  • Traveling broadens people’s minds.
  • Traveling with family or friends is an essential part of a happy life.
  • Spending a holiday on a trip is always more pleasurable than in front of a TV or computer.
  • Every person should visit Europe at least once in life. Explain why Europe is a must-see destination for every tourist.
  • People should travel as much as they want. Persuade people not to resist the desire to explore new places by listing the advantages of traveling.
  • Traveling is affordable for everyone. Persuade people to visit various countries, even with a limited budget.

Give some useful tips to persuade your reader to travel more.

✌ Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Lifestyle

  • Parents should be responsible for their children’s obesity .
  • Proper nutrition and positive behavior prevent cancer .
  • A healthy lifestyle prevents aging .
  • Weight management programs and hypnotherapy are useful in maintaining good shape and a healthy organism .
  • An active way of life should replace a sedentary lifestyle to prevent heart diseases.
  • You should plan your weight loss process wisely.
  • Well-balanced nutrition is a way to a healthy and beautiful body.
  • Regular yoga and fitness will help you to maintain mental and physical wellness.
  • Regular physical activities and enough sleep can help students to study better.
  • Media influences the development of eating disorders . Explain the mechanisms media’s effect on eating disorders. Persuade your readers to pay enough attention to the information on social media.

📺 Persuasive Topics for College about Media

  • The role of mass media in modern society shouldn’t be underestimated .
  • Media affects the way people look at society .

Dr. Pamela Rutledge says about the media's influence on society.

  • TV shows have a negative influence on children .
  • Parents should control the effects of mass media advertising on teenagers .
  • Professional psychologists should review every cartoon before being released on television.
  • The information on the internet should be filtered to avoid the spreading of fake news.
  • Censorship is a must-have for modern television.
  • Old cartoons are more insightful than modern ones. Compare and contrast old and new animated films. Prove the usefulness of old ones. Convince the audience to make their children familiar with old cartoons.
  • Social media develops an inferiority complex among teenagers . How pictures of luxurious life in social networking sites influence adolescents’ self-esteem? Persuade the readers to filter the information seen in social media.
  • Mass media in the 1950s was more ethical than contemporary mass media. Analyze the ethical issues that are present in modern media. Why is following the ethical rules while sharing the information through the mass media vital?

🏫 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College on Teens

  • Both abstinence and sex education should be taught in high schools .
  • Professional psychologists or psychiatrists should treat anxiety disorders in children and adolescents .
  • Cheating in schools should be strictly punished.
  • Understanding teen depression is a crucial step in overcoming it.
  • The federal government should enact anti-bullying laws .
  • Bullying in school should be the main issue to deal with for the headteacher.
  • The teenage period requires constant monitoring of children’s behavior by parents and teachers.
  • Parents should have access to teenagers’ academic results.
  • The mental health of teens is precarious. Convince the readers to monitor and maintain adolescents’ mental health.
  • Parents should control social media usage by teenagers. Why should parents monitor the social networking accounts of their children? Explain why it is useful to teach teens how to behave on social media.

Persuade the parents to keep track of kids’ social networking activity.

📚 Persuasive Topics for College on Literature

  • Literature studying should be mandatory in schools.
  • Literature teaches us how to live a worthy life.
  • Robin Hood should become an example to follow.
  • You have to read some books several times throughout life to get the idea.
  • Lyric poetry may help in dealing with inner conflicts.
  • William Shakespeare is an outstanding figure of English literature that should always be appreciated.
  • Every person should have one book that will always remain their favorite one.
  • The theme of Romeo and Juliet will always remain relatable. Support this idea by providing compelling arguments and examples from the play. If you don’t agree with the statement, present clear counterarguments to prove your point of view.
  • The parents should read fairy tales to their children from early childhood. Persuade your audience to make their kids familiar with the fairy tales. Explain the importance of positive aspects of this genre of literature.
  • Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde are connected. Describe Oscar Wilde’s background. Analyze how the author reflected his personality in the character of Dorian Gray. Convince your readers to accept your point of view. Propose examples from the book and the author’s biography.

🖐 25 More Topics to Persuade College Students

Here you can find a pleasant bonus from our team—25 more ideas to write about. You can use them not only for essays but also as persuasive speech topics for college.

So, take the benefit of our list of topics. Show an outstanding academic performance in the college.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Family

  • A happy relationship should be based on trust and honesty.
  • In small and big families, parents should treat their children equally.
  • After giving birth, motherhood should become the primary concern of a woman’s life.
  • Parents should be the most significant support for their kids when they are sad, confused, or lost in life.
  • Children should take their retired parents to their home instead of the nursing home.

Support your position by providing strong arguments.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Health

  • Physical activity is an effective way to prevent heart diseases.
  • People should quit smoking .
  • Mental health is not less important than physical health.
  • Well-balanced nutrition is key to a healthy body.
  • Taking care of general wellness should be everyone’s primary concern.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Medicine

  • Strong pain killers should be sold by prescription only.
  • Drug prices should be set ethically .
  • Herbal medications are the safest.
  • Self-medication is extremely dangerous, even in the case of a simple cold or an allergy.
  • Differentiating various forms of medicines is essential . What is the working principle of a capsule, pill, syrup, etc.? Prove that the inappropriate application will not have an appropriate effect.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Sports

  • Visiting a gym is extremely useful for our health .
  • Physical education should be mandatory in high school.
  • Extreme sports are only for professional athletes.
  • The governments should invest enough money in the development of sports schools.
  • Football is not only for boys. Women can create a successful football team, as well.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Religion

  • Discrimination by religion or culture should not be acceptable in modern society.
  • Every person should have a right to choose a god or goddess to worship.
  • The representatives of different religions should be tolerant of each other.
  • The attitude towards wealth in Christianity differs from the perception of wealth in Islam.
  • Any other religious representatives should not criticize the central beliefs of Judaism .

Select a persuasive topic on a touchy subject with care.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope the information was useful to you. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share the article with other students.

🔗 References

  • Persuasive Essays, Writing Resources, Hamilton College
  • Persuasive Essay Outline: HCC Learning Web, Houston Community College
  • Choosing a Topic for Your College Essay: Essay Writing Center, International Student
  • Choosing College Essay Topics: Accepted
  • 35 College Essay Prompts and Topics: Kayla Rutledge, SignUpGenius
  • How to Write a College Essay: Kelly Mae Ross, Devon Haynie, and Josh Moody for U.S. News
  • How To Answer the 2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts: College Essay Advisors
  • Writing a Political Science Essay: Charles King, Georgetown University
  • Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue: Frederic Beaudry, ThoughtCo
  • Evidence: The Writing Center, the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill
  • Introducing Quotations and Paraphrases: UNSW Current Students
  • How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph: College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan
  • Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students: Saul McLeod, Simply Psychology
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Writing Guides, Ultius
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Argumentative Essay: A Comprehensive Guide to Academic Writing

Argumentative Essay: A Comprehensive Guide to Academic Writing

An argumentative essay is one of the most common pieces of academic writing. It tests your ability to analyze a topic and use solid arguments to defend your position. In this article, you will learn how to write an argumentative essay and find argument essay examples.

What is an argumentative essay?

In academic writing, an argumentative essay is a paper where a writer provides arguments for and against a certain topic. The purpose of an argumentative essay is to persuade the audience to accept the writer’s point of view.

Argumentative writing is quite different from other essay types. Unlike expository, analytical, or narrative essays, argumentative papers do not aim to present an unbiased evaluation of facts. While they do introduce different perspectives on the topic issue, the writer has to choose a side and convince the audience that it is right.

Argumentative essay format

Argumentative papers follow a standard academic outline consisting of three parts:

  • Introduction . Every essay starts with an introduction. In this part, you have the opportunity to help your audience learn more about the topic of the essay and the background surrounding it.
  • Main body . In the main body of an argumentative essay, you should present several arguments to defend your position on the essay’s topic.
  • Conclusion . A conclusion helps you summarize the key points discussed in the essay. It also reminds your audience of the thesis statement and main arguments used by you in the main body.

Using this argumentative essay format, you will be able to craft a convincing piece of writing that supports the presented claim with comprehensive evidence and reasoning.

How to write an argumentative essay: tips and tricks

Now that you are familiar with the outline of an argumentative essay, you can learn how to start an argumentative essay. Let’s begin with the basics.

Topic research

Before you can provide arguments for or against a certain position, you have to conduct research to learn about the topic.

In argumentative essays, it is essential to provide trustworthy arguments. That’s why this step also requires you to compile a list of sources. Evidence derived from credible sources sounds more convincing, which can help your paper persuade the audience successfully.

Argumentative essay introduction

When you have finished your research, you will finally understand how to start an argumentative essay.

To begin your argumentative essay introduction, you will need to first give some background information about the topic of your paper. It could be a famous quote or some statistical data that will hook the audience into reading more.

However, the main part of any argumentative essay introduction is a thesis statement. An argumentative essay thesis statement should clearly present your position on the topic and outline the main points you will discuss to support this stance. It serves as the guide for your essay, giving the audience a glimpse at the arguments you will make.

Argumentative essay body

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail and provide evidence to support your thesis statement. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point and follow a clear structure. 

The body of your paper should consist of at least three paragraphs dedicated to different arguments. The most important thing to remember, however, is that at least one of the paragraphs should provide a counterargument. A counterargument is an example of an opposing opinion. Your task is to acknowledge that this opinion exists while preparing for a rebuttal. That way, you can make a new argument sound stronger and more valid than the opposing position.

As for the order of the paragraphs, it is advisable to save the strongest argument for last because the audience will remember it better.

Argumentative essay conclusion

The conclusion of an argumentative essay is your final opportunity to persuade your reader and reinforce your thesis. It should effectively summarize your main points, restate your thesis in a new light, and leave a lasting impression. 

Argument essay examples

Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, represent a significant advancement in agricultural technology, offering numerous benefits that outweigh the potential risks. This essay argues in favor of using GMOs, emphasizing their potential to enhance food security, improve nutritional quality, and promote environmental benefits.

First, GMOs can significantly enhance food security, an urgent need given the global population's exponential growth. Crops engineered to be pest-resistant, drought-tolerant, and capable of thriving in diverse environmental conditions can lead to increased yields and more reliable harvests. For instance, Bt corn, which produces a natural insecticide, has dramatically reduced losses from pests, thereby stabilizing food supplies and reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This not only boosts productivity but also lowers the cost of food production, making food more affordable.

Second, GMOs can improve the nutritional quality of food. Biofortification, the process of enhancing the nutritional profile of crops, is a prime example. Golden Rice, genetically modified to produce beta-carotene, addresses vitamin A deficiency, a severe health issue in many developing countries. By incorporating essential vitamins and minerals into staple crops, GMOs can combat malnutrition and improve public health outcomes on a large scale.

Critics argue that GMOs pose risks to human health and the environment. However, extensive scientific research, including studies by the World Health Organization and the National Academy of Sciences, has consistently found GMOs to be safe for consumption and environmentally beneficial when managed properly.

In conclusion, the use of GMOs in the food industry presents a robust solution to some of the most pressing challenges in agriculture today. By enhancing food security, improving nutritional quality, and promoting sustainable farming, GMOs offer a path toward a more resilient and healthier global food system.

Summary: Argumentative essay

Argumentative essays allow writers to showcase how they can convince the audience that their point of view is right. It requires careful research, planning, and the ability to formulate strong arguments supported by substantial evidence.

If you still don’t understand how to write an argumentative essay, try using essay generator Aithor . Aithor is created specifically to help students with academic writing, be it research, proofreading, or generating a sample essay for reference.

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30 Topic Sentence Examples

June 24, 2024

What is an essay without a topic sentence? Well, confusion. In your writing, the topic sentence introduces what the paragraph will be about. It should cover the topic of the paragraph and the prime focus of what you want to discuss in the next several lines. And it can assist in smoothly transitioning into the next paragraph, the next point you’re about to make. Depending on the complexity of your argument, the topic sentence can also weave together several paragraphs. So when the topic sentence is missing, it’s easy to lose track of what your specific message is. Below, you find 30 topic sentence examples.

Think of the topic sentence as a tool in your writing kit. It’s there to help you signpost and structure the argument of your essay. Having it, while making sure the topic is interesting and clear, is essential to help your reader truly understand your thesis.

How do you write a topic sentence?

When you’re about to write an essay, you won’t find yourself immediately thinking of every topic sentence example at once. Figuring out what your thesis is going to be, the very purpose and argument of your essay, will be a necessary first step . Then you might want to create an outline . The outline can draft out what you want to cover in each paragraph or how your argument will be supported.

This is where the topic sentence comes in. For every paragraph, you can begin to think of topic sentence examples that best sum up the rest of your idea. The more interesting you can make the topic sentence, the better it will be, so long as you can support it. Remember, the topic sentence will introduce what you are going to discuss and expand on in the rest of the paragraph.

Examples (Continued)

Let’s take a look at these six topic sentence examples below that introduce a paragraph:

1) Studies over the last ten years have shown that the use of social media has a significant role in teenage mental health.

2) Kate Jackson and her family, who have all been San Francisco residents for 30 years, noted that this was the hottest summer yet.

3) Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief.

4) During COVID-19, people rushed to adopt pets, but after the pandemic ended many of those pets were surrendered to shelters.

5) It is undeniable what impact the meat industry has had on our environment.

6) In the 19th century in France, the creation of the Braille system was a significant turning point for those with disabilities.

How do you imagine the rest of the paragraph will turn out? How can you best support your topic sentence to strengthen your overall essay?

Support your paragraph with evidence

The topic sentence of your paragraph will not hold well if it is not backed up with the right evidence. After writing a topic sentence like the topic sentence examples above, the rest of your paragraph should include strong examples of evidence to support your argument. Doing so will only help validate your topic sentence and allow your reader to have more insight into your thesis.

Considering each topic sentence examples above, try to think of what types of evidence you would expect in that same paragraph. There could be reports on statistics, interviews, and other forms of evidence provided. How will yours be?

Where should the topic sentence go?

Now you know that your topic sentence should be followed by the right evidence. So it’s safe to assume that the topic sentence belongs at the very beginning of the paragraph.

Yet depending on the paragraph you’re working on, you can also place your “main” topic sentence after an “intro” topic sentence. Let’s take a look at the two examples below:

7) Due to rising temperatures around the world, people have had to flee their homes and relocate to areas less prone to fires or floods. (Intro topic sentence)

8) However, many have found that even these “safer” locations are still susceptible to eventual natural disasters. (Main topic sentence)

When we combine the two sentences, we get:

Due to rising temperatures around the world, people have had to flee their homes and relocate to areas less prone to fires or floods. However, many have found that even these “safer” locations are still susceptible to eventual natural disasters.

The first (intro) topic sentence example is more generic and introductory, functioning like a summary of an observation. The second (main) topic sentence example then presents another contradictory argument to that first point. Depending on the tone or argument you want to make in your paragraph, you can format your topic sentences in such a way to further sharpen your thesis. Whenever you have doubt though, you can always place one topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.

Sometimes less is more in writing the topic sentence

The topic sentence introduces the key concept of that paragraph, along with evidence and research findings. It can even be written as more than one sentence or perspective, as noted directly above. However, you also don’t want to say too much. Why?

You don’t want to give all of your information away at once. While it is imperative to write a clear, specific, and even complex topic sentence, it’s just as important to avoid being too general or too informative. Striking the right balance is going to help you structure the rest of your essay. After all, you have the rest of the paragraph and the rest of your essay to do that, which leads us to our next point.

Topic sentences for smoother transitions

Like a game of dominoes, your paragraphs are all connected and should flow smoothly into the next statement you are making. As you are building your outline, or even as you’re already writing, consider how your previous paragraph transitions into the next . This depends on the intention of each paragraph and how you are structuring your argument.

Topic sentences for paragraph transitions have many functions. They will elaborate on more examples. They can wrap up or summarize a preceding point you made, providing another perspective. Also, they can go against a fact or opinion you wrote, which is a great way to strengthen your overall thesis and they can also be posed as a question.

Take a look at these transitional topic sentence examples below:

9) In fact, walking as a form of exercise has shown to reduce cortisol levels.

10) Furthermore, city council representatives have said that environmental sustainability has remained at the top of the agenda, but activists have largely disagreed.

11) While the strike in Hollywood has come to an end, many writers are still without employment and searching for new ways to restart their careers.

12) However, grocery prices across the country still seem to have risen.

13) Despite the state’s discontinued funding for the arts, is there another feasible way for these students to gather together and flourish as young artists at their school?

More than one paragraph: Topic sentences that expand into several key points

So far we’ve covered topic sentences that elaborate on just one paragraph. However, you might find that one topic sentence (or two) can best address several paragraphs. This usually occurs when you’re trying to introduce a bigger argument to serve your essay.

Let’s take one of the single paragraph topic sentences from earlier above and expand it by adding a connecting topic sentence to it:

14)Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief.

15) A report from the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program states that in April sales over a year there has been an 18% increase.

These two topic sentence examples can even serve as their own introductory paragraph. This can then lead into more paragraphs related to the topic of specific book sales increasing across the country:

Book sales across the country have actually increased this year, contrary to popular belief. A report from the Association of American Publishers’ StatShot program states that in April sales over a year there has been an 18% increase.

Make the topic sentence interesting, not obvious

Check out 15 more topic sentence examples below. How do they introduce the topic, and what does it make you want to learn more about? You can imagine what kind of paragraph, or paragraphs, might follow afterwards:

16) When brewed correctly, coffee can hold strong, subtle hints of flavors such as chocolate or fruit, depending on the level of acidity.

17) Although today life in 1920s Paris is often romanticized for its glamor, jazz, and fashion, the city was still struggling to recover from the devastation of World War I.

18) Strict social rules dominated the Victorian Era, despite Britain’s expansion around the world in pursuit of wealth and power.

19) Dogs have a keen sense of time, so much so that they can predict when you’re late to take them out for a walk.

20) Before winter arrives, birds such as cranes and waterfowl follow preferred aerial pathways during their yearly migrations.

21) Conservation methods have helped local farms in their efforts to prioritize sustainability.

22) Did you know that humans would have a better chance of reaching Mars if they had a base set up on the moon?

23) The Pacific Ocean covers more than 30 percent of the earth’s surface, and it is home to so many life forms that have not yet been studied.

24) It is often debated whether or not student athletes should be paid for their performance, considering the cost for them to succeed.

25) Becoming a successful CEO doesn’t just happen overnight.

26) Although purchasing a home is considered a great form of investment, potential buyers should look at the real estate market first.

27) Watching my mother work three jobs to support our family has taught me the importance of resilience and strong work ethic.

28) Historical fiction not only has the power to teach us of actual past events. It also allows us to step into the lives of those we would have never met.

29) Parents and teachers at Sunnyroad School District are advocating for schools to provide free computers for their students – but the administrators aren’t so sure.

30) Across the country, the debate around whether teenagers should be allowed to use smart phones on campus has been circulating.

The topic sentence as a guide

One way to look at topic sentences is to imagine them as guiding compasses of your essay. Whatever point you are trying to make, the topic sentence has the power to guide your reader down a certain path. Choose wisely! And if you’re ever unsure about how to steer your essay and you need a personal guide, we’re here to help .

Additional Resources

  • 100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School
  • 100 Tone Words to Express Mood in Your Writing
  • 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
  • How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
  • How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example)
  • 400 Adjectives to Describe a Person
  • High School Success

Joanna Hong

With a BA from Pitzer College and an MA from University College London, Joanna has worked in London, Berlin, and Los Angeles covering many cultural and political issues with organizations such as Byline Media, NK News, and Free Turkey Media. A freelancer for The New York Times, her work has also appeared in Newsweek, Dazed and Confused Magazine, and The Guardian, among others. In addition, Joanna was the recipient of the 2021 PEN America Emerging Voices Fellowship in Fiction and is currently completing her first novel.

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Where to Put Comma Before or After But: Rules and Examples

Table of contents

  • 1 Comma Sense: When to Include a Comma Before But
  • 2 When to use a Comma After But?
  • 3 No Comma Before or After But in Simple Terms
  • 4 The Issue Is Resolved: A Comma When Using But

Need help with commas? Discover the correct placement of comma before or after but . See examples and guidelines in this article.

Comma before or after but

The placement of commas can occasionally cause misunderstandings in grammar and punctuation. Writers and editors frequently face the dilemma of putting a comma before or after but. This obviously trivial detail can significantly affect the meaning of a phrase and its structure. Luckily, now all of them can use a grammar checker.

Even so, to learn the inner workings of punctuation, let’s explore cases that illustrate the correct placement of a comma before or after but.

Comma Sense: When to Include a Comma Before But

Commas serve as tiny punctuation heroes providing our words a sense and direction. A widespread concern is how to use a comma before but.

Example 1: Contrasting Ideas

Putting a comma before but while contrasting two concepts in a sentence is necessary. Here are a few samples:

  • Anna studied all night, but she couldn’t remember anything.

The comma clarifies the line between intense study and memory loss.

  • He was tired, but he still managed to finish the marathon.

The comma highlights the opposition between his fatigue and his accomplishment of finishing the marathon.

Example 2: Joining Independent Clauses

Put a comma before but when joining two independent clauses (sentences that can stand alone) together. Check this illustration:

  • He worked hard, but he couldn’t finish the project.

The comma helps the reader understand that the two complete concepts are connected yet independent by dividing them into two sentences.

Example 3: Opening Statement or Clause

A comma is required when the word but follows an opening phrase or sentence.

  • In spite of his efforts, but he couldn’t win the race.
  • After a long day at work, but he still had to cook dinner.

The comma marks the end of prepositional phrases “In spite of his efforts” and “After a long day at work” and sets the reader for the main sentence.

Boost the impact and readability of your sentences by learning the easy punctuation rules above. Remember, fixing common grammar mistakes helps to improve your writing.

When to use a Comma After But?

Actually, there is only one situation when we can use a comma after but. The only scenario in which you should have a comma after but is if there is an interrupter. An interrupter is a word or phrase used to highlight or qualify what was said and to express mood or tone.

  • But, to her surprise, the restaurant was fully booked for the evening.
  • But, in the end, they got another dog.
  • But, without hesitation, he jumped at the opportunity to achieve his lifelong dream.
  • But, in a twist of fate, their paths crossed again years later, reigniting a long-lost connection.

No Comma Before or After But in Simple Terms

Commas are important, yet they are not always necessary when the word but is presented. Let’s review these simple principles for working with but without commas.

Bringing Together Independent and Dependent Clauses

No comma when using but is required when it joins an independent clause to a dependent clause. For the whole meaning, the dependent clause depends on the independent one. Think about the following instances with such a but usage:

  • He would have attended the concert, but for the severe illness.
  • They would have won the game, but for the contentious call by the referee.
  • She would have bought the outfit, but for its enormous price.

The second part cannot stand alone as a complete sentence in these cases, making it a dependent clause. As a result, leaving off the comma is the right move.

The Issue Is Resolved: A Comma When Using But

Bravo! Today, we set out to solve the comma puzzle of whether to place it before or after the word but. And now you know how to put a comma before and after but. Just keep in mind to place a comma before but whenever you want to join two independent sentences. The words will move naturally and make sense if you do this. You’ll quickly conquer punctuation errors if you remember this fundamental!

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Punctuation Marks in Writing: Essential Guide for Flawless Essay

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topics for a argumentative essay

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100+ Informative Essay Topics to Spice Up Your Next Essay

Jared Houdi

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Writing great informative essays begins with finding appropriate informative essay topics . However, landing on ideal topics for informative essays can sometimes pose a few challenges. The good news is that you don’t need to scratch your head to find the best informative topics to write about . 

Our team selected the best informational writing ideas to inspire you across different niches. Keep reading our inspiring, informative essay topic ideas to kick-start your next assignment. 

What Is an Informative Essay ? 

Let’s define an informative paper before looking at the sample informative essay topics we’ve lined up for you. In short, an informative essay is a form of academic writing that primarily seeks to impart knowledge instead of stirring up opinions. This writing genre cuts across different subjects. 

An informative paper stands out because it’s adaptable and can accommodate various writing styles. For instance, you can use descriptive, narrative, and comparative approaches to write an informative paper.

Also, this type of assignment requires heavy research. Writing this essay is like an academic exploration that requires you to mine insightful details to enhance readers’ understanding of a specific subject. A good informative assignment goes beyond a topic’s broadness and delves into the presenting information objectively to ensure its reliability and accuracy. 

This type of writing is critical because it empowers readers with factual and unbiased information. It also helps inquisitive minds broaden their knowledge scope. Thus, it’s a great invitation for any reader who is seeking to get more insight into new intellectual spheres. 

How to Choose Informative Essay Topics

How you choose topics for informative essays for your assignments determines whether your paper will be of high quality or not. This section provides tips to help you select the best informative essay topics for your future assignments. 

Consider Your Interests

You must identify your personal interests before selecting good informative essay topics . Begin by brainstorming topics you are passionate about. Consider your desires and hobbies before choosing a topic related to these interests. 

Mind Your Readers

You should also consider your audience when choosing good topics for informative essays . Ensure that your readers are also interested in your topics enough to want to read them. Otherwise, you could reduce your essay’s impact levels if your readers don’t find anything relevant in it.  

Research Your Topic

After narrowing down to a few potential informative essay topics , research these shortlisted ideas to ensure they have enough information to inform your readers.

Narrow Down Your Topic

After identifying several topics, select the one you find the most interesting and relevant to your essay. Consider your assignment’s scope when choosing the final title to ensure it isn’t too narrow or wide.

Select an Appropriate Tone

Lastly, consider the most appropriate tone because some informative essay topics are suitable for a more professional tone, while others are for a casual, funny approach.

Our Comprehensive List of Informative Essay Topics

Do you want the best informative essay topics to inspire your next informative paper? No need to look further than these model informational writing ideas we selected for you. Below is our comprehensive list of topics for informative essays covering different subjects.

Top Informative Essay Topics for Middle School

Your search for the best informational writing ideas ends here. Below are good informative essay topics to inspire you.

  • Discuss the merit of vegetarianism in modern society. 
  • Discuss the causes of domestic violence.
  • Explore various mental disorders among the youth.
  • How does unemployment affect the youth?
  • What causes drug addiction among teenagers?
  • Explore the advantages and long-term disadvantages of plastic surgery.
  • Discuss the legality and morality of organ donation.
  • How does bullying affect a child’s mental health?
  • Discuss the benefits of recycling.
  • The role of nutrition in promoting physical and mental health.

Hot Informative Essay Topics for College

You shouldn’t struggle to find the best topics for informative essays when our list of good informative essay topics can do the trick. Read on.

  • How does genetics determine human behavior?
  • Discuss the connection between education and income inequality.
  • How does technology transform healthcare?
  • Explore the long-term effects of consuming fast food on health.
  • Discuss various herbal medicines and their efficacy in promoting good health.
  • Explore the hidden cons of artificial intelligence.
  • Discuss the causes of homelessness.
  • Ways to improve gender equality in the workplace.
  • Strategies to help college students manage their time wisely.
  • Discuss the impact of social media on political choices.

10 Easy Informative Essay Topics

Finding informational topics to write about is easy when you allow these good informative essay topics to inspire you. Read on.

  • How does social media affect society?
  • The pros and cons of online shopping.
  • How does air pollution affect respiratory health?
  • Discuss the effectiveness of online education.
  • Exploring the fallacy of evolution.
  • Discuss different types of natural disasters and their prevention.
  • Ways to save energy at home.
  • Discuss the differences between traditional and modern medicines.
  • Explore how the internet has impacted communication.
  • The role of technology in conserving the environment.

The Most Interesting Informative Essay Topics

Searching for interesting informative essay topics should be fun. Get inspiration from our list of informative essay topics below to find the best informational topics to write about .

  • Discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on small enterprises.
  • Explore the hidden cons of genetically modified foods.
  • Discuss the future of AI in the medical field.
  • Explore various types of renewable energy sources.
  • Discuss how virtual reality works and its applications.
  • Explore the importance of animation in modern media.
  • What is the role of technology in promoting wildlife conservation?
  • Discuss the causes of gender inequality in the workplace.
  • Explain the effects of social media on mental health.
  • Discuss the moral implications of animal testing. 

Top Fun Informative Essay Topics

Do you like to infuse fun into your writing but don’t have funny, informative writing topics to inspire you? Here are hot informative essay topic ideas to end your search for informative essay topics .

  • The weirdest laws in your country.
  • The most unusual uses for ordinary household items.
  • Understanding the science behind pranks.
  • The pain of struggling to remember names.
  • How is successful music made?
  • Why do musicians break their guitars on stage?
  • Why do musicians fall while performing on stage?
  • The origin of laughter.
  • The most unconventional uses for glue.
  • Clever ways to get out of an awkward conversation.

10 Controversial Informative Essay Topics

Do you want informative essay topics that will help you stir up controversy? Don’t worry because our sample informative writing topics can inspire your quest. Here are inspiring topics for an informative essay . 

  • Explore the ethical implications of genetic engineering in humans.
  • The real hidden motive behind mandatory vaccination.
  • The negative impact of artificial intelligence on employment.
  • The cons of legalizing recreational drugs.
  • Gun control and its impact on safety.
  • Assisted suicide amounts to aiding legalized murder.
  • Discuss the moral implications of animal testing.
  • The death penalty is still a justifiable punishment.
  • Is internet censorship equal to restricting free speech?
  • The government shouldn’t regulate social media.

Top Persuasive Informative Essay Topics

Finding ideal informative essay topics is easy with sample topics for an informative essay . Below are informative essay ideas to inspire your journey. 

  • How is nutrition connected to mental health?
  • Ways teenagers can navigate mental health challenges in high school
  • Strategies for combating stress in the workplace.
  • How does a balanced diet affect overall health?
  • Exploring the benefits of intermittent fasting on overall health.
  • Explain composting and its advantages.
  • Discuss natural ways to maintain healthy skin.
  • How does regular exercise affect mental and physical health?
  • The connection between sleep patterns and overall health.
  • Discuss online privacy and its importance.

10 Unique Informative Essay Topics  

Your search for informative essay topics ends faster if you have great sample topics for an informative essay to reference. Here are great informative essay ideas to inspire you.

  • Strategies for combating cybercrime.
  • Discuss the effects of social media on mental health.
  • The impact of climate change on food security.
  • The effects of technological evolution.
  • The drawbacks of online learning.
  • Discuss the causes of income inequality.
  • Ways automation can ease unemployment.
  • The effects of political policies on the economy.
  • The effects of unregulated carbon emissions.
  • Discuss the drawbacks of nuclear energy.

Let’s Help You Do Your Informative Paper Today

There you go with the best informational essay topics to inspire your future assignments. The ball is in your court to use these sample topics for an informative essay . If you need any assistance other than informative essay topics , our lines are open. Contact us today for any further help you might need with your classwork.

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  29. The Best Informative Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment

    Writing great informative essays begins with finding appropriate informative essay topics.However, landing on ideal topics for informative essays can sometimes pose a few challenges. The good news is that you don't need to scratch your head to find the best informative topics to write about.. Our team selected the best informational writing ideas to inspire you across different niches.

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