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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

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

argumentative essay topics for students example

By The Learning Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology & Social Media

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

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

College & Career

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

Mental & Physical Health

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

Race & Gender

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

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

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

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

Parenting & Childhood

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

Ethics & Morality

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

Government & Politics

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

Other Questions

126. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 127. Should Public Transit Be Free? 128. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 129. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 130. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend?

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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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100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

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

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

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

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

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

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

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

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

A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

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

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

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

Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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argumentative essay topics for students example

52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Convincing Thesis Statement

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

Ample Research

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

Clear Structure

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

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

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

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

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

Art / Culture

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

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

argumentative essay topics for students example

argumentative essay topics for students example

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

argumentative essay topics for students example

Defining What Is an Argumentative Essay

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

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

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

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

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

Three models of argumentative writing

Three Common Argumentative Essay Models

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

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

Proper Argumentative Essay Outline

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

Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction

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

  • Background information
  • Thesis statement

I. Introduction

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

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

Body Paragraphs

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

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

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

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

  • Restate thesis
  • Significance
  • Call to action

Tips for Choosing Argumentative Essay Topics

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

How to Choose Good Argumentative Essay Topics_ Tips

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

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

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

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

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

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

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Topics for Argumentative Speech

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

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

Argument Topics on Social Media 

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

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

Argument Topics on Music

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

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

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

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

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

Argument Topics on Sports

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

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

Argument Topics on Government

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

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

Argument Topics on TV, Movies, Video Games

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

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

Final Words

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

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

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

Toulmin arguments

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

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

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

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

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

Rogerian arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

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

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

All persuasive essays have the following:

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

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

It’s a Topic You Care About

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

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

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

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

It’s a Manageable Topic

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

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List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

body-sparkler-us-flag

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

feature_information_technology

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

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

Do Your Research

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

Make Your Thesis Perfect

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

Consider the Other Side

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

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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114 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2023

April 25, 2023

argumentative essay topics

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

What is an Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of this essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. A strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research, evidence, and logical reasoning skills.

Argumentative Essay Format

A strong argumentative essay will be based on facts, not feelings. Each of these facts should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide: introduction, supporting body paragraphs, paragraphs addressing common counterarguments, and conclusion.

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

  • Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
  • Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
  • Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
  • Should cellphones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
  • Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
  • Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
  • Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
  • Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
  • Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
  • Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
  • Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?

Education Argument Essay Topics

  • Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
  • Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
  • To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
  • Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
  • Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
  • Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books?
  • What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
  • Should schools push to abolish homework?
  • Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
  • Should universities do away with Greek life?
  • Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
  • Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
  • Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
  • Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
  • Should we require schools to provide comprehensive sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
  • Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
  • Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
  • Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
  • Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
  • Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
  • Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
  • Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
  • Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
  • Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
  • Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
  • Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
  • Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
  • Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
  • Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
  • Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
  • Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
  • Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
  • Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
  • Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?

Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
  • In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
  • Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
  • Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
  • Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
  • Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the world eliminate nuclear weapons?
  • Should scientists bring back extinct animals?
  • Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
  • Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
  • Is it ethical to clone animals for scientific purposes?
  • Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
  • What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
  • Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
  • Would the world be safe if we got rid of all nuclear weapons?
  • Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

  • Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
  • How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
  • Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
  • Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
  • Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
  • Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
  • Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
  • Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
  • Is social media harmful to children?
  • Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
  • Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
  • Should websites require proof of age from their users?
  • Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
  • Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?

Business Argument Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
  • Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
  • Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
  • Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
  • Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
  • Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
  • Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
  • Should the government raise the minimum wage?
  • Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
  • Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
  • Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
  • Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
  • Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics 

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

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? Also check out our 85 Good Debate Topics for High School Students .

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Lauren Green

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

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Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay Examples

Cathy A.

Best Argumentative Essay Examples for Your Help

Published on: Mar 10, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 30, 2024

argumentative essay examples

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Argumentative essays are one of the most common types of essay writing. Students are assigned to write such essays very frequently.

Despite being assigned so frequently, students still find it hard to write a good argumentative essay .

There are certain things that one needs to follow to write a good argumentative essay. The first thing is to choose an effective and interesting topic. Use all possible sources to dig out the best topic.

Afterward, the student should choose the model that they would follow to write this type of essay. Follow the steps of the chosen model and start writing the essay.

The models for writing an argumentative essay are the classical model, the Rogerian model, and the Toulmin model.

To make sure that you write a good argumentative essay, read the different types of examples mentioned in this blog.

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Good Argumentative Essay Examples

Argumentative essays are an inevitable part of academic life. To write a good argumentative essay, you need to see a few good examples of this type of essay.

To analyze whether the example is good to take help from or not. You need to look for a few things in it.

Make sure it follows one specific model and has an introductory paragraph, organized body paragraphs, and a formal conclusion.

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How to Start an Argumentative Essay Example

Learning how to start an argumentative essay example is a tricky thing for beginners. It is quite simple but can be challenging for newbies.   To start an argumentative essay example, you need to write a brief and attractive introduction. It is written to convince the reader and make them understand your point of view .

Add body paragraphs after the introduction to support your thesis statement. Also, use body paragraphs to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your side of the argument.

Write a formal conclusion for your essay and summarize all the key elements of your essay. Look at the example mentioned below to understand the concept more clearly.

Check out this video for more information!

Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Example 

Argumentative essays are assigned to university students more often than the students of schools and colleges.

 It involves arguments over vast and sometimes bold topics as well.

For university students, usually, argumentative essay topics are not provided. They are required to search for the topic themselves and write accordingly.

The following examples will give an idea of how university students write argumentative essays.

Argumentative Essay Example for University (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for College

For the college level, it is recommended to use simple language and avoid the use of complex words in essays.

Make sure that using simple language and valid evidence, you support your claim well and make it as convincing as possible

If you are a college student and want to write an argumentative essay, read the examples provided below. Focus on the formatting and the vocabulary used.

Argumentative Essay Example for College (PDF)

College Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for Middle School

Being a middle school student, you must be wondering how we write an argumentative essay. And how can you support your argument?

Go through the following examples and hopefully, you will be able to write an effective argumentative essay very easily.

Argumentative Essay Example for Middle School(PDF)

Middle School Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for High School

High school students are not very aware of all the skills that are needed to write research papers and essays. 

Especially, when it comes to argumentative essays, it becomes quite a challenge for high schools to defend their argument

In this scenario, the best option is to look into some good examples. Here we have summed up two best examples of argumentative essays for high school students specifically.

Argumentative Essay Example for High School (PDF)

High School Argumentative Essay Sample (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for O Level

The course outline for O levels is quite tough. O levels students need to have a good command of the English language and amazing writing skills.

If you are an O-level student, the following examples will guide you on how to write an argumentative essay.

Argumentative Essay Example for O Level (PDF)

Argumentative Essay for O Level Students (PDF)

5-Paragraph Argumentative Essay Examples

A 5-paragraph essay is basically a formatting style for essay writing. It has the following five parts:

  • Introduction

In the introduction, the writer introduces the topic and provides a glance at the collected data to support the main argument.

  • Body paragraph 1

The first body paragraph discusses the first and most important point related to the argument. It starts with a topic sentence and has all the factual data to make the argument convincing.

  • Body paragraph 2

The second body paragraph mentions the second most important element of the argument. A topic sentence is used to start these paragraphs. It gives the idea of the point that will discuss in the following paragraph.

  • Body paragraph 3

The third paragraph discusses all the miscellaneous points. Also, it uses a transitional sentence at the end to show a relation to the conclusion.

The conclusion of a five-paragraph essay reiterates all the major elements of an argumentative essay. It also restates the thesis statement using a more convincing choice of words.

Look at the example below to see how a well-written five-paragraph essay looks like

5 Paragraph Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for 6th Grade

Students in 6th grade are at a point where they are learning new things every day. 

Writing an argumentative essay is an interesting activity for them as they like to convince people of their point of view.

Argumentative essays written at such levels are very simple but well convincing. 

The following example will give you more detail on how a 6th-grade student should write an argumentative essay.

6th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Examples for 7th Grade

There is not much difference between a 6th-grade and a 7th-grade student. Both of them are enhancing their writing and academic skills.

Here is another example to help you with writing an effective argumentative essay.

7th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

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Short Argumentative Essay Examples

For an argumentative essay, there is no specific limit for the word count. It only has to convince the readers and pass on the knowledge of the writer to the intended audience.

It can be short or detailed. It would be considered valid as far as it has an argument involved in it.

Following is an example of a short argumentative essay example

Short Argumentative Essay Example (PDF)

Immigration Argumentative Essay Examples

Immigration is a hot topic for a very long time now. People have different opinions regarding this issue.

Where there is more than one opinion, an argumentative essay can be written on that topic. The following are examples of argumentative essays on immigration.

Read them and try to understand how an effective argumentative essay is written on such a topic.

Argumentative Essay Example on Immigration (PDF)

Argumentative Essay Sample on Immigration (PDF)

Writing essays is usually a tiring and time-consuming assignment to do. Students already have a bunch of assignments for other subjects to complete. In this situation, asking for help from professional writers is the best choice.

If you are still in need of assistance, our essay writer AI can help you create a compelling essay that presents your argument clearly and effectively. 

With our argumentative essay writing service, you will enjoy perks like expert guidance, unlimited revisions, and helpful customer support. Let our essay writer help you make an impact with your essay on global warming today! 

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 7 types of arguments.

The seven types of arguments are as follows:

  • Statistical

What is the structure of an argument?

The structure of an argument consists of a main point (thesis statement) that is supported by evidence. 

This evidence can include facts, statistics, examples, and other forms of data that help to prove or disprove the thesis statement. 

After providing the evidence, arguments also often include a conclusion that summarizes the main points made throughout the argument.

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argumentative essay topics for students example

100 Persuasive Essay Topics

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

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

A Persuasive Essay Has 3 Components

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

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

Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Intermediate

  • The government should impose household trash limits.
  • Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
  • Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
  • We should teach etiquette in schools.
  • School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
  • All students should wear uniforms.
  • Too much money is a bad thing.
  • High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
  • Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
  • Robocalling should be outlawed.
  • Age 12 is too young to babysit.
  • Children should be required to read more.
  • All students should be given the opportunity to study abroad.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
  • Cell phones should never be used while driving.
  • All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
  • Bullies should be kicked out of school.
  • Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
  • The school year should be longer.
  • School days should start later.
  • Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
  • There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
  • Public transit should be privatized.
  • We should allow pets in school.
  • The voting age should be lowered to 16.
  • Beauty contests are bad for body image.
  • Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
  • Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
  • Video games can be educational.
  • College athletes should be paid for their services.
  • We need a military draft .
  • Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
  • Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
  • Year-round school is a bad idea.
  • High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
  • The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
  • Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
  • Standardized testing should be eliminated.
  • Teachers should be paid more.
  • There should be one world currency.
  • Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
  • Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
  • Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
  • Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
  • Racial slurs should be illegal.
  • Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
  • Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
  • People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
  • Free speech should have limitations.
  • Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
  • Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
  • High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
  • Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
  • Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
  • Child support dodgers should go to jail.
  • Students should be allowed to pray in school.
  • All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
  • Internet access should be free for everyone.
  • Social Security should be privatized.
  • Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
  • We shouldn't use products made from animals.
  • Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
  • Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
  • We need better sex education in schools.
  • School testing is not effective.
  • The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and with Canada.
  • Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
  • Eating meat is unethical.
  • A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
  • Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
  • The Electoral College is outdated.
  • Medical testing on animals is necessary.
  • Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
  • Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
  • Books should never be banned.
  • Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
  • Freedom of religion has limitations.
  • Nuclear power should be illegal.
  • Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.
  • Arizona State University Writing Center staff. " Persuasive Essay Structure ." ASU.edu, June 2012.
  • Collins, Jen, and Polak, Adam. " Persuasive Essays ." Hamilton.edu.
  • 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
  • Middle School Debate Topics
  • 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
  • How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
  • Controversial Speech Topics
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
  • 30 Writing Topics: Persuasion
  • Write a Compare and Contrast Essay
  • Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
  • How to Write a Great Essay for the TOEFL or TOEIC
  • What Is Expository Writing?
  • Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech

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99 Great Handpicked Ideas for Argumentative Essays

99 argumentative essay ideas.

Bonus Material: 5-step thesis machine and essay checklist

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

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

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

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

In this post we’ll cover:

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

Download the guide to a great thesis statement and essay checklist

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

What is an argumentative essay?

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

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

We can divide academic writing into three broad categories:

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

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

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

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

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

a great essay presents nuanced arguments with deep thinking

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

student writing

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

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

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

Download now

Elements of a good argumentative essay

What makes a good academic argumentative essay?

A good argumentative essay should open with an engaging introduction. 

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

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

essay intro funnel

Check out examples of great introductions here.

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

The thesis should be:

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

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

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

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

Each paragraph contains:

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

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

Your essay should also have a conclusion.

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

So to recap, your essay needs:

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

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

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

student taking notes

5 steps to develop a great thesis for an argumentative essay

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

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

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

(Adapted from Sheridan Baker, The Practical Stylist .)

birds arguing

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

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

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

How to use evidence in an argumentative essay

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

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

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

research on a laptop

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

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

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

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

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

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

library research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

student typing

How to write analysis

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

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

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

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

Your analysis should be:

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

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

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

student writing

Download our 5-step thesis guide

99 great topic ideas for argumentative essays

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

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

Student issues

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

Animal rights

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

Politics and human relations

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

Tech, AI, and data

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

Medical ethics

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

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

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — Best Argumentative Essays Topics for Your Studies

Best Argumentative Essays Topics for Your Studies

Argumentative Essays Topics

An essay is an author's description of their impressions on a given topic. It is usually based on facts or reasoned logic. The nature of the evidence base of an essay can be either reasoned or free, depending on the facts or logic and internal beliefs of the author. Statistical data or authoritative opinions of experts in a given field are usually used as sources for a good essay.

An argumentative essay requires the author to explore the topic thoroughly. To cover the topic of discussion as widely as possible, the author's task is to briefly summarize the official or generally accepted opinions on a given topic, as well as to describe their own and alternative opinions. The author can explain the advantages of their view on one of the argumentative essay topics listed below.

Argumentative Essay Topics 

Critical articles in the argumentative essay genre are written with a detailed analysis of the issue. The author's personal experience is usually what causes these issues. For example, after reading a book or watching a movie, or after a specific experience. This genre also includes philosophical essays, literary criticism articles, school essays, and student essays.

The essays cover all aspects of human activity, from education and interpersonal relations to high politics and the popularization of scientific disciplines. Examples of the most popular argumentative topics in these areas of human activity are:

  • How critical is the repayment of the US foreign debt to the economy?
  • Why abortion should be legalized .
  • What is the difference between the right and left wings of political parties?
  • Socially oriented, capitalist, or planned economy – which economy is better?
  • The role of the President of the US in Asian politics.
  • Do elected leaders represent the interests of their parties and sponsors?
  • Should health insurance be included in the database?
  • Schools: Is it a business?
  • Partial vegetarian lunches for children. Pros and cons.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of having children live with their parents until the third generation.
  • Why are you unable to wear animal skin?
  • Is distance education a good or a bad option?
  • Does artificial intelligence pose a threat to humanity?
  • Truth and lies about 5th generation cellular communications.
  • Is there life on Mars, or why do people behave strangely?
  • God, religion, and faith – what's the difference?

Important Argumentative Essay Topics 

Therefore, in the genre of an argumentative essay, rather superficial materials are written on topics that affect various aspects of people's activities. The essay serves the reader as either introductory material on a given theme or for this public discussion. This genre has a unique ability to address topics important to society, such as culture, politics, and history. The essay allows the author to interpret the facts against the background of their first-hand experience they acquired within the framework of some scientific concepts, political beliefs, or philosophical views. Below are examples of headlines and as the most popular argument ideas in the following three categories: 1) culture, 2) politics, and 3) history.

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

  • The problem of parents and children – how to discuss contentious issues.
  • Equality laws in words and practice.
  • A new world of individuals and the right to own firearms is opening up.
  • Social networks unite people virtually, but they can also divide people in practice. Is it an issue?
  • The era of post-truth, or how to distinguish truth from lies pouring from the news.
  • What is the danger or benefit of a wave of emigration for a host?
  • The death penalty is the right to life of the convict or the right to justice for the victims.
  • Animal experiments are a moral issue.
  • For and against euthanasia.
  • Money as a form of monetized trust, or what money can't buy.

Argumentative Essay Topics About Politics

  • A digital concentration camp, or how deeply the state should control the lives of citizens.
  • Income inequality is caused by differences in people's abilities or the system's social inequality.
  • The Federal Reserve Bank is printing money – is this the cause of inflation, or is it the goal of increasing the political influence of the United States in the world?
  • Where do national security and public policy meet?
  • Pros and cons of the financial declarations of politicians.
  • Is the current confrontation between the United States and China an economic competition or an arms race?
  • The moral aspect of a human expedition to Mars — it is an epic death sentence.
  • The future of the economy – it is a look at 25 years ahead.
  • The digital state – myths and reality.
  • For and against the US self-isolating policy.

Argumentative Essay Topics About History

  • What does history teach? Or it depends on who is writing the story.
  • American Civil War – can the war repeat itself or the sad conclusion of history.
  • If new facts contradict the outdated version of history, would it be possible to rewrite history, even if this threatens social conflicts?
  • Both Covid-19 and the plague changed the course of history in Europe – lessons learned.
  • Slave ownership was a state-forming factor in America, and how the Abolition of Slavery changed the world.
  • The extermination of the indigenous population of America: are our contemporaries morally responsible to them?
  • How the power of personality can change the course of history.
  • The shortest war in history, with a duration of 38 minutes, Where and how was it?
  • Empires that lasted the longest and which still exist.
  • Leonardo da Vinci was dyslexic – how physical defects activate a person's genius abilities.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

A well-structured argumentative paper consists of three parts: 1) the introduction, 2) the argumentation, and 3) the conclusion. In the introduction, the author describes the history of the issue under discussion and summarizes their thoughts on the topic. The author uses historical facts, statistical data, or a coordinate system of some scientific theory, philosophical school, or elementary logic as an argument. Argumentative paper topics require proof for each thesis of the author.

A scientific text is different from an argumentative one because in the first case, the most objective generalized data is used as evidence, but in the second case, the author's knowledge is used. They also do not claim to be the ultimate truth. Even if the author uses strict facts and figures, they still interpret them through the personal experience of interacting with the subject of discussion.

As a conclusion to an argumentative essay, please describe how your experience influenced the subject of discussion or vice versa. Additionally, you could describe what the value of your experience is and how readers of your essay can benefit from it. If we are talking about a speculative subject, that is, not about one that can be applied here and now, then describe this place in the big picture of the world. To refresh the reader's memory of your thesis, you can list them in the form of syllogisms – 2-3 theses, from which forced conclusions follow.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Different Levels

In an argumentative essay, a significant part of the topic is the title. It should appeal either to interesting – new or paradoxical – facts or to emotions. The following are examples of, in our opinion, good argumentative essay topics on school and educational themes.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids in Elementary School

  • Is homework good or bad for motivating children to learn?
  • What role – passive or active – should parents take in the process of schooling children?
  • Is it true that only strict parents raise successful children?
  • How many hours a day should the child study and rest?
  • What to do if the teacher does not want the child to learn lessons?
  • How often do children change hobbies?
  • How much should a school backpack weigh – these are the components.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

  • How competitions impact the self-esteem of schoolchildren.
  • Do scenes of violence that are shown on the Internet, movies, or games impact the child's psyche?
  • What role do social networks play in the education system?
  • Is the success of schoolchildren the result of innate talent or hard work?
  • How to adapt the school curriculum to the individual abilities of students?
  • For and against beauty contests in school.
  • Children typically feel guilty or ashamed of their parents – who and what to do about it?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

  • Children skipping school – is it the fault of the parents?
  • For and against the paid work of schoolchildren.
  • How to develop a school education strategy for a future profession?
  • How to resolve conflicts at school or why you should not change schools.
  • How to express your individuality, but at the same time not look like a black sheep.
  • Distance education and work are the challenges of the new time.
  • List of prestigious colleges: their professional orientation – advantages and disadvantages.

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

  • Can I work and go to college at the same time?
  • Volunteering – how important is it for the future portfolio?
  • When should you start building a portfolio?
  • How to make useful social connections in college?
  • Can college friendships be converted into social capital?
  • At what age can one become a participant in the program of the first manned flight to Mars?
  • New digital technologies: a list of new digital professions.

The argument topics ' style largely depends on the target audience for which the essay is intended. 

Even More Topics For Students 

Education is an incredibly popular topic for argumentative essay ideas because education is a significant part of people's lives – it is a stage in the formation of their personality. There are many popular ideas, but in the selection below we have included the top ones – from family to philosophical problems like love and being.

Argumentative Essay Topics about Family

  • The internal logic of the behavior of the older generation – how it affects the younger one.
  • What is family therapy: methods and incurable cases.
  • Are children responsible for their parents?
  • Women's emancipation and how it impacts the institution of the family.
  • She, She and a child — a story of one family.

Argumentative Essay Topics on Immigration

  • How European countries shape policies towards migrants.
  • How do illegal migrants influence the structure of the US economy?
  • Migrants from Eastern Europe – is it social capital or a source of internal conflicts?
  • Migrants from which countries are best assimilated in their new homeland.
  • Do migrants experience discrimination?

Ethics Argumentative Essay Topics

  • What is harassment, or where courtship ends and violence begins?
  • You are fired and an abuse of power.
  • Logic “I am the boss, and you are a fool” – how can a hired worker defend their dignity, but not become unemployed?
  • How to say no to bosses.
  • Ethics of working relationships in the digital economy of the future.

Psychology Argumentative Topics Ideas

  • The role of religious organizations in the process of formation of nation-states.
  • Corruption as a gluing factor in developing countries – is it good or bad?
  • The right to euthanasia – for and against.
  • Medicine, 300 years of life, and the search for new meanings.
  • Overpopulation of the Earth as the reason for the start of the Third World War.

An argumentative essay is usually written by schoolchildren, students, and their parents, as well as by teachers. The above is a guide to how to write – the ingredients of this – an essay that the target audience will want to read, as well as the best examples of headlines. Besides the tastes and preferences of the intended audience, what matters is the author's inner experiences. This is their experience understanding the matter of debate, which does not pretend to be true.

opinion essay topics

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argumentative essay topics for students example

378+ Argumentative Essay Topics for Students With Tips

18 January 2024

last updated

Argumentative essays are a common form of academic writing that students and scholars practice in their fields of study. Basically, the article includes many examples of argumentative essay topics and explains the purpose as the starting point of the in-depth analysis of elements of argumentation. The manual also explains the challenge of avoiding logical fallacies in the creation of arguments. In this case, a step-by-step deconstruction of the structure of the classical persuasive essay presents the sectional content requirements to the reader. Equally important, this article describes the process of developing a good argumentative topic using a sample template, including examples of free argumentative essay topics. In turn, the guide concludes with a discussion of factors that affect the topic selection for argumentative works.

General Aspects of Argumentative Essay Topics

In academic writing, an argumentative essay serves to argue a position in the case of debates. Originally, it meant that essay topics must be argumentative, while people must consider written papers as sources for thinking or debating. In addition, persuasive papers include rhetorical appeals, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, and these techniques affect the reader’s attention positively. However, not all students know about these features of argumentative papers. As a result, such papers do not make sense in formal writing. Therefore, scholars should define good argumentative essay topics (2023) if they want to prove their position on the issue.

Hot Topics for Argumentative Essays

  • Impacts of Technology on Society
  • Sustainability and Global Climate Change
  • Animal Rights and Experimentation
  • Nuclear Energy: Pros and Cons
  • Homeschooling Versus Traditional Education
  • The Death Penalty: Justice or Inhumanity
  • Influence of Violence in Video Games
  • Genetic Engineering: Evolution or Exploitation
  • Mandatory Vaccinations: Rights and Responsibilities
  • School Uniforms: Necessity or Oppression
  • Internet Privacy: Safety or Surveillance
  • Gender Equality in the Workplace
  • Influence of Music Lyrics on the Youth
  • Roles of Parents in Preventing Childhood Obesity
  • Effects of Divorce on Children’s Psychological Health
  • Stem Cell Research: Life-Saver or Ethical Nightmare
  • Space Exploration: Worth the Cost
  • The Role of Zoos in Wildlife Conservation

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Impacts of Mass Media on Public Opinion
  • Capital Punishment: Deterrence or Revenge
  • The Ethics of Cloning: Innovation or Interference
  • Organic Foods: Healthier Choice or Marketing Scam
  • The Global Refugee Crisis: Responsibility and Response
  • The Importance of Arts Education in Schools
  • Cyber Bullying: An Invisible Threat
  • The Role of Religion in Public Education
  • Cyber Security: National Defense or Invasion of Privacy
  • The Impact of Fast Food on Health
  • Influence of Celebrity Culture on the Youth Population
  • Effects of Reality TV on Society
  • Potentials of Renewable Energy
  • Ethical Implications of Surrogacy
  • Impacts of Single-Parent Families on Child Development
  • Graphic Novels and Reading Comprehension

Argumentative essay topics

Most Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics

  • The Effectiveness of Bilingual Education
  • Legality of Internet Censorship
  • Roles of Women in the Military
  • Multiculturalism and Society
  • Impacts of Globalization on Local Cultures
  • Benefits and Drawbacks of Telemedicine
  • Effects of Minimum Wage on the Economy
  • Roles of Sports in Promoting National Unity
  • Effects of Automation on Employment
  • Impacts of Deforestation on Biodiversity
  • The Impacts of Urban Sprawl on Communities
  • Roles of Video Games in Education
  • Influence of Comic Books on Literature
  • Effects of Microplastics on the Environment
  • Impacts of Online Dating on Relationships

Argumentative Speech Topics

  • The Influence of Veganism on the Global Food Industry
  • Effects of Antibiotic Resistance on Public Health
  • Pros and Cons of Universal Basic Income
  • Impacts of Augmented Reality on Everyday Life
  • Roles of Blockchain in Financial Services
  • Influences of eSports on Traditional Sports
  • Effects of Autonomous Vehicles on Traffic Safety
  • Pros and Cons of a Cashless Society
  • Impacts of Bioplastics on Waste Management
  • Nanotechnology and Healthcare Implications
  • Language Immersion Programs and Bilingualism
  • Roles of eSports in Shaping College Scholarships
  • Pros and Cons of Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation
  • Effects of Dark Tourism on Cultural Understanding
  • Artificial Intelligence and Creative Industries
  • Roles of Quantum Cryptography in Securing Digital Information
  • Pros and Cons of Direct Democracy in Modern Governance

Samples of Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

  • Effects of Microtransactions on Video Game Culture
  • Minimalism and Consumer Behavior
  • Impacts of Autonomous Ships on the Maritime Industry
  • Roles of Probiotics in Human Health
  • Pros and Cons of Carbon Capture Technologies
  • Effects of Sustainable Fashion on the Textile Industry
  • Influence of Gentrification on Urban Development
  • Telehealth Services and Rural Communities
  • Role of Citizen Science in Environmental Conservation
  • Pros and Cons of Smart Homes on Privacy
  • Effects of Peer-to-Peer Lending on the Financial Industry
  • Drones and Wildlife Conservation
  • Impacts of Passive Houses on Energy Consumption
  • Roles of Agroforestry in Climate Change Mitigation
  • Pros and Cons of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Papers

  • What Does High School Education Bring?
  • Why Should Marijuana Be Legalized for Recreational Purposes?
  • What Changed My Life?
  • Do People Need a College Education or Not?
  • Technology Makes Human Life Easier
  • A Healthy Environment, What Is It?
  • Impacts of High-Speed Trains on Transportation
  • Roles of Exoskeletons in Rehabilitation and Workforce
  • Pros and Cons of Desalination as a Water Solution
  • Effects of Influencer Activism on Political Engagement
  • Indoor Vertical Farms and Food Security
  • People Should Not Smoke in Public Places
  • Why Should People Respect the Elderly Generation?
  • How Does Culture Affect the Nation?
  • What Is the Best System of the Government?

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids

  • Benefits of Homework: Necessary or Not
  • Is Social Media Appropriate for Kids?
  • The Importance of School Uniforms
  • Should Schools Implement Longer Recess Times?
  • Pros and Cons of Year-Round Schooling
  • Should Students Have Pets in School?
  • Effects of Video Games on Young Minds
  • Should Kids Be Allowed to Use Mobile Phones in School?
  • Impacts of Junk Foods on Kids’ Health
  • Should Parents Limit Screen Time for Children?
  • Importance of Art and Music Classes in School
  • Does Television Influence Children’s Behavior?
  • Roles of Cartoons in Children’s Development
  • Should Children Be Paid for Doing Chores?
  • Can Children Benefit From Yoga and Meditation?
  • Are Zoos Educational for Children?
  • Should Children Participate in Competitive Sports?
  • Importance of Reading Books Versus Watching TV
  • Should Schools Teach Children About Nutrition?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

  • Why Must People Have Higher Education?
  • What Are the Roles of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Business?
  • How Do Maslow’s Five Forces Affect Organizations?
  • Freud’s Theory and Societal Patterns
  • Captive Breeding and Endangered Species
  • Impacts of Overfishing on Marine Ecosystems
  • Roles of Independent Films in Society
  • Influence of Stand-up Comedy on Social Commentary
  • Effects of E-Commerce on Small Businesses
  • Social Corporate Responsibility and Business
  • What Are the Causes of Social Inequality?
  • High School versus College Education
  • What Are the Roles of Elections?
  • Using a Smartphone While Driving Should Be Banned
  • Digital Devices Make People Lazy

Possible Argumentative Essay Topics on Controversial Issues

  • The Government Should Spend More Taxpayers’ Money on a Poor Social Layer
  • Why Is Prostitution Illegal?
  • Higher Education Should Be Free or Not?
  • All People Should Not Gave Firearms
  • Marijuana Should Be Legal
  • Roles of Virtual Reality in Modern Education
  • The Influence of Street Art on Urban Aesthetics
  • Roles of Podcasts in Modern Media Landscape
  • Pros and Cons of Online Work for Mental Health
  • Facebook and Other Social Media Organizations Should Pay More Taxes
  • Students Should Not Use Digital Devices During Education
  • Smoking in Public Places Is Harmful to Non-Smokers
  • What Is the Role of Trump in Regulating Conflicts in the Middle East?
  • Social Media Is Used to Manipulate Citizens

Good List of 234 Argumentative Essay Topics

Classical themes.

  • Examining Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Human Employment
  • Discussing Ethical Implications of Animal Testing in Medical Research
  • Evaluating the Role of Social Media in Modern Political Discourse
  • Debating the Effectiveness of Capital Punishment in Deterring Crime
  • Analyzing the Influence of Video Games on Adolescent Behaviors
  • Debating the Effect of Climate Change on the Global Economy
  • Investigating the Role of Standardized Testing in Education
  • Examining the Influence of Media Biases on Public Opinion
  • Assessing the Importance of Space Exploration in the 21st Century
  • Investigating the Role of Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture
  • Discussing the Ethical Dilemmas of Euthanasia in Medical Practice
  • Understanding the Impact of Bilingual Education on Cognitive Development
  • Evaluating the Role of Vaccination in Public Health Today
  • Are Genetically Modified Foods a Solution for a Problem of Global Hunger?
  • The Ethical Implications of Human Cloning
  • Is Space Exploration a Necessary Expenditure?
  • Nuclear Power: A Sustainable Energy Source or Potential Catastrophe
  • Roles of Science in Shaping Public Policy
  • The Potential of Stem Cell Research in Medicine
  • The Controversy Surrounding Animal Testing in Scientific Research
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable and Traditional Energy Sources
  • The Influence of Technology on Social Interactions
  • Is Evolution the Most Convincing Theory for Species Development?
  • Ethical Dilemmas of Genetic Engineering in Humans
  • Can Artificial Intelligence Surpass Human Intelligence?
  • Impacts of Plastic Waste on Marine Ecosystems
  • Existence of Extraterrestrial Life
  • Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles in Modern Society
  • New Roles of Virtual Reality in Transforming Education
  • The Influence of Social Media on Adolescents’ Mental Health
  • The Rising Threat of Cyber Attacks Today
  • Ethical Implications of Genetically Modified Organisms
  • The Advancement of Medical Technology and Patient Privacy
  • Effects of Digital Technology on Traditional Libraries
  • The Need for Internet Censorship to Protect Children
  • Roles of Modern Technology in Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture
  • Blockchain Technology and People’s Money
  • Consequences of the Dependence on Technology for Communication
  • Impacts of Technology on the Music Industry
  • The Potential of Biotechnology in Solving Global Hunger
  • Environmental Impacts of E-Waste and the Need for Recycling Policies
  • Impacts of Telemedicine on Modern Health Care
  • Mandatory Vaccinations: A Necessity or Violation of Personal Freedom Rights
  • Ethical Dilemmas of Assisted Suicide in Terminal Illnesses
  • Modern Mental Health and Overall Wellness
  • The Effectiveness of Alternative Medicine
  • Possible Consequences of Privatizing Health Care
  • The Importance of Preventive Medicine in Reducing Health Care Costs
  • Socioeconomic Status and Health Outcomes
  • The Impact of Technology on Patient Privacy
  • Drawbacks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) on Health
  • The Influence of Lifestyle Choices on Chronic Diseases
  • The Efficacy of Antidepressants in Treating Mental Health Disorders
  • Pharmaceutical Industry and Appropriate Health Care Practices
  • Climate Change and Global Public Health
  • Benefits of Dietary Supplements in Health Management
  • The Effectiveness of the Electoral College in Modern Elections
  • Roles of Lobbying in Influencing Government Decisions
  • Measures to Curtail Political Corruption in the 21st Century
  • Governmental Responsibility in Addressing Climate Change
  • Impacts of a Universal Basic Income on the Economy
  • The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse
  • Balance of National Security and Personal Privacy
  • The Effectiveness of Governmental Economic Stimulus Packages
  • Applicability of Socialism in Modern Governments
  • Legitimacy of International Military Intervention
  • The Necessity of Strict Immigration Policies
  • Key Roles of the Government in Health Care Provision
  • The Feasibility of a Global Government
  • Are Voter ID Laws Important in Preventing Election Fraud?
  • The Government’s Role in the Regulation of Big Tech Companies
  • Impacts of Government Surveillance on Civil Liberties
  • The Need for Government Involvement in Education Reform
  • Adverse Consequences of Governmental Censorship on Free Speech
  • The Justification for Taxing the Wealthy at Higher Rates
  • Implications of Decriminalizing Drugs at a Federal Level
  • Roles of the Government in Promoting Renewable Energy
  • The Viability of Expanding the Supreme Court
  • Government and Housing Market Regulations
  • Federal versus State Powers in the United States
  • The Necessity of Government Funding for Scientific Research
  • The Importance of Incorporating Technology in Education
  • Standardized Testing: An Effective Measure of Academic Achievement?
  • Benefits of Early Childhood Education
  • Should Physical Education Be a Mandatory Subject in Schools?
  • Bilingual Education: Enhancing Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
  • Homeschooling: A Viable Alternative to Traditional Education
  • The Role of Arts Education in Developing Creative Thinking Skills
  • The Impact of Gender-Segregated Education on Student Performance
  • Should Schools Teach Financial Literacy as a Core Subject?
  • The Value of Critical Thinking in Education
  • Should Sex Education Be Mandatory in Schools?
  • Is Homework Beneficial for Student Learning?
  • Advantages of Vocational Education for Career Preparation
  • The Necessity of Teaching Environmental Education in Schools
  • Roles of Physical Education in Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
  • Should Schools Implement Uniform Policies?
  • Benefits of Including Meditation and Mindfulness in the School Curriculum
  • Should Schools Replace Traditional Textbooks With Digital Resources?
  • Roles of Extracurricular Activities in a Well-Rounded Education
  • Inclusive Education for Students Living With Disabilities
  • The Role of Music Education in Cognitive Development
  • Should Schools Implement Later Start Times for Teenagers?
  • Benefits of Teaching Coding and Computer Science in Schools
  • Impacts of Standardized Dress Codes on Student Behavior
  • Is Teaching Media Literacy Crucial in the Digital Age?
  • Should Schools Provide Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students?
  • Pros and Cons of Year-Round Education vs. Traditional Summer Breaks
  • The Value of Teaching Ethics and Morality in Education
  • Should Schools Incorporate Financial Incentives for Academic Achievements?
  • Class Size and Its Impacts on Student Learning and Engagement
  • Benefits of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning
  • Should Schools Teach Financial Concepts?
  • Roles of Character Education in Building Stronger Communities
  • Pros and Cons of Grading Systems vs. Pass/Fail Evaluations
  • The Importance of Teaching Media Literacy in Addressing Fake News
  • Should Schools Integrate Multicultural Education into the Curriculum?

Environmental Studies

  • Evaluating Adverse Impacts of Climate Change on Global Biodiversity
  • Roles of Renewable Energy in Achieving Carbon Neutrality
  • Plastic Pollution: The Unseen Threat to Marine Life
  • The Importance of Sustainable Agriculture in Modern Farming Practices
  • Analyzing the Consequences of Deforestation on Indigenous Communities
  • Urbanization and Its Impacts on Local Ecosystems
  • The Moral Responsibility of Corporations in Reducing Environmental Impacts
  • Roles of Individual Actions in Achieving a Sustainable Future
  • Fast Fashion and Its Devastating Impact on the Environment
  • The Value of Urban Green Spaces in Combating Climate Change
  • The Importance of Environmental Education in Shaping Future Generations
  • The Potential of Green Technology in Revolutionizing the Global Economy
  • Roles of Bitcoin and Traditional Money in Modern Economics
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Versus Profit Maximization
  • Impacts of Trade Wars on the Global Economy
  • Sustainable Development: An Economic Imperative or an Environmental One?
  • Ethical Implications of Wealth Inequality
  • Universal Basic Income: A Solution to Poverty or an Economic Hazard?
  • Potential Economic Consequences of Climate Change in Nearest Ten Years
  • Automation and Job Loss: The Future of the Labor Market
  • Impacts of Globalization on Local Economies
  • Economic Effects of Immigration Policies
  • Roles of Central Banks in Economic Stability
  • Government Spending: A Necessity or a Burden?
  • Impacts of Overpopulation on Economic Growth
  • Effects of Economic Policies on Income Inequality
  • Roles of Education in Economic Development
  • Should Athletes Use Performance Enhancing Drugs?
  • Impacts of Commercialization on Modern Sports
  • Do Violent Sports Encourage Aggressive Behaviors in Society?
  • Modern Media and the Perception of Women in Sports
  • Should Schools Prioritize Academics Over Sports?
  • Is It Ethical to Profit From College Sports?
  • Effects of Technological Advancements on Sports Performance
  • The Significance of Sports in Fostering Cultural Diversity
  • Is Competitive Youth Sports Beneficial or Harmful?
  • Should Cheerleading Be Recognized as a Competitive Sport?
  • The Influence of Athletes as Role Models on Young People
  • Are Video Games and eSports True Sports?
  • The Exploitation of Athletes in Professional Sports Leagues
  • Roles of the Government in the Promotion and Regulation of Sports
  • Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering in Humans
  • Should Businesses Prioritize Profit Over Ethical Considerations?
  • Moral Dilemmas Surrounding Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
  • Are Animal Rights Equally Important as Human Rights?
  • Ethical Consequences of Artificial Intelligence in Society
  • Should Organ Transplants Be Allowed From Live Donors?
  • Is It Ethical for Governments to Monitor Their Citizens?
  • Ethical Issues Surrounding Abortion Rights
  • Are Companies Morally Obligated to Practice Environmental Sustainability?
  • Roles of Ethics in Modern War and Conflict
  • Ethical Aspects of Using Animals for Testing
  • The Morality of Capital Punishment in the 21st Century
  • Should Ethical Considerations Limit Scientific Research?
  • Ethical Aspects of Data Privacy in the Digital Age
  • Can Censorship Ever Be Ethically Justified?
  • Is It Ethical to Consume Animal Products in the Modern World?
  • The Morality of Child Labor in Developing Countries
  • Should Wealthy Nations Share More Resources With Developing Countries?
  • Ethical Boundaries of Biomedical Research on Humans
  • Are There Ethical Issues With Wealth Inequality in Society?
  • Moral Implications of Cloning Extinct Animals
  • Ethical Considerations of Physician-Assisted Suicide
  • Roles of Ethics in the Development of Autonomous Vehicles
  • Should Companies Be Held Accountable for Their Supply Chains’ Ethical Standards?
  • Ethical Challenges of Immigration Policies in Wealthy Nations
  • The Influence of Religion on Moral Values in Society
  • Understanding Important Roles of Religion in Political Decisions
  • Analyzing the Compatibility of Science and Religion
  • Impacts of Religious Beliefs on Human Mental Health
  • Religion’s Roles in Promoting or Hindering Social Equality
  • Evaluating the Effects of Religion on Child Development
  • The Effectiveness of Interfaith Dialogue in Promoting Tolerance
  • Possible Implications of Atheism on the Concept of Morality
  • How Religion Shapes Cultural Identity and Social Behavior?
  • The Necessity of Religion in Establishing Ethical Norms
  • Justifying the Separation of Church and State
  • Religion’s Influence on Health Care Practices and Beliefs
  • Effects of Religion on Economic Development
  • The Influence of Eastern Religions on Western Philosophies
  • Historical Roles of the Catholic Church in the Spanish Inquisition
  • Impacts of the Industrial Revolution on Child Labor Practices
  • The American Revolution and the British Rule
  • Real Motives Behind Christopher Columbus’s Voyages
  • The Black Death and Its Impacts on the Feudal System
  • Effects of the Treaty of Versailles on World War II
  • The Influence of Imperialism on the African Continent
  • Roles of Slavery Institutions in the American Civil War
  • Impacts of the Great Depression on American Society
  • The Influence of the Renaissance on Modern European Culture
  • Roles of Women in the French Revolution
  • Consequences of Japanese Internment During World War II
  • The Aftermath of the Chornobyl Disaster on Soviet Politics
  • Roles of Martin Luther in the Protestant Reformation
  • Impacts of the Vietnam War on American Foreign Policy
  • The Fall of the Berlin Wall, Changes, and Impacts on Global Politics
  • Effects of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Reign on French Society
  • The Influence of the Crusades on Christian-Muslim Relations

Social Science

  • Roles of Social Media Outlets in Shaping Public Opinion
  • Evaluating the Impact of Government Policies on Income Inequality
  • The Influence of Gender Norms on Educational Attainment
  • Climate Change and Global Migration Patterns
  • Ethics of Surveillance in Modern Societies
  • Contributions of Artificial Intelligence to Social Inequality
  • The Power Dynamics in Non-Profit Organizations
  • Assessing the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation in Criminal Justice Systems
  • The Influence of Family Structure on Child Development
  • Roles of Religion Institutions in Contemporary Politics
  • Impacts of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures
  • Consequences of Urbanization on Mental Health
  • Functions of School Systems in Perpetuating Social Inequality
  • Roles of Social Movements in Changing Legislative Policies
  • Consequences of Forced Displacement on Social Integration
  • Impacts of Health Disparities on Economic Development

Issues on Argumentative Essay Topics

In most cases, when people start writing an argumentative paper, they cannot define their themes clearly. Basically, argumentative essay topics mean a specific field of academic writing where people have to define their positions to prove them to the defined audience. Even if common essay topics are the general representations of themes, arguments must be specific. In other words, essay themes in argumentative writing must represent the question for debating or claim for a defined position.

An argumentative essay is a form of writing that requires authors to define a claim, present support, and address other competing claims. Basically, any written argument contains two main elements: a claim and support. In this case, the claim refers to the writer’s position on a specific topic. Also, any author’s position on a topic is the result of successful critical thinking where the logical foundation of the claim is viable. Then, the support element of the claim provides authors with the opportunity to provide reasons and complementary evidence and examples. Besides presenting evidence-based reasons, writers should explicitly describe the logical link that binds the reason, evidence, and claim. Mostly, the logical link may manifest in the form of deductive or inductive reasoning. Hence, argumentative papers are a crucial tool for college students in the conception and presentation of complex arguments.

Purpose and Types

The primary purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to make a decent attempt to persuade the audience that a particular claim is valid or acceptable. Based on the purpose of writing, the classification of arguments yields four main types: definition, evaluation, cause-and-effect, and solution. In this case, a definition argument works to convince the audience that a certain interpretation of a concept or term is superior to other interpretations. Then, evaluation arguments establish the weight of a claim to illustrate its worth in the discourse of the controversial topic. Further on, cause-and-effect arguments are useful in showing the causal relationship between an action or situation and a specific outcome. In turn, solution arguments propose an ideal way to handle a problem and illustrate its effectiveness efficacy. Seemingly, the type of persuasive claim is dependent on the topic of interest and the nature of the author’s claim.

Creating Arguments

Before beginning to write an argumentative essay, it is important to analyze the proposed claim to determine its suitability in responding to a topic. For instance, the development of a convincing statement requires authors to identify all the assertions that may be associated with the theme. Basically, the process of looking for claims allows authors to broaden their knowledge regarding the topic and familiarise them with existing points of view on the controversial matter. Once writers build a knowledge base, they engage in research to find and evaluate any supporting data. In this case, the available data informs writers on the strength of individual claims surrounding the topic. Finally, authors identify warrants in each claim, which reveals assumptions that connect claims and evidence. At this point, writers can create a claim and defend it successfully.

Logical Fallacies in Arguments

Faulty reasoning causes the emergence of logical fallacies in the proposed claim. For example, hasty generalization , false cause, bandwagon effect, and circular reasoning are the common logical fallacies that students face, although there are numerous logical fallacies. Basically, hasty generalization occurs when authors make claims that lack adequate support to justify the broad application of the claim to a specific population. Then, the false cause fallacy arises in cases where writers assert causation, yet events may only share a loose or coincidental association. Further on, the fallacy of the bandwagon effect emerges when authors develop a claim based on popular opinion rather than evidence. In turn, circular reasoning may present if the support for the author’s claim is merely restatements of the claim. Therefore, writers should avoid logical fallacies that introduce irrationality into the argument at all costs.

Mechanics of Arguments

1. emotional appeals.

Writers should refrain from the utilization of emotional appeals in the presentation of arguments. Basically, emotional appeals may rely on fear, pity, and traditions, which have an innate influence over the readers. As a result, the statements below demonstrate the effect of emotional appeal on the arguments concerning the punishment of female offenders who have children:

Emotional appeal: Female offenders who live in poverty and support their children should not be punished through imprisonment because they committed crimes to provide for their young children.

Logical appeal: Female offenders with parental responsibilities should be eligible for parole upon completing a third of their sentence because it will relieve the pressure on the poorly funded foster care system.

Accordingly, the persuasive quality of an argument must stem from its appeal as a logical argument rather than its ability to prey on the audience’s emotions.

2. Slanted Language

The use of slanted language in the presentation of an argument complicates the interpretation of an argument due to the blurring effect of word connotations. Basically, there are words that people tend to associate with positive or negative connotations due to the regular use of the words in everyday communication. In this case, an author may decide to refer to the people who participate in rallies as “concerned citizens” or “mob” in debating the use of violence as a means of rebellion against government oppression. The latter label can cause the audience to develop a negative perception of the rally participants. In contrast, the former label has a positive view of the people engaged in the rally. Consequently, words selected in composing an argument may influence the readers’ first impression by triggering connotations. Hence, authors should steer clear of slanted language.

Developing an Argumentative Essay Topic

The first step in developing an argumentative essay is the identification of a controversial issue. Basically, controversial issues are readily identifiable because they are dominant in discourse within a discipline or social environment. Based on the controversial issue, an individual develops a tentative topic, which broadly defines an aspect of the controversial issue. Then, writers develop a debatable question and provide at least two answers to the question. After confirming that the question may have more than one answer, authors use the preferred answer to create the theme for their argumentative papers.

Sample Template for Creating an Argumentative Topic

Controversial issue: Racism

Tentative topic: Racial discrimination in policing

Debatable question: Do police officers take advantage of the stop-and-frisk law to advance racial profiling?

First answer: Police officers take advantage of the stop-and-frisk law to advance racial profiling.

Second answer: Police officers do not take advantage of the stop-and-frisk law to advance racial profiling.

Topic (first answer): Racial Profiling: A Reality of Modern Policing

Comparison Between Argument Essay Topics and Standard Essay Topics

The primary difference between the topic of an argumentative essay and conventional essay topics is the debatable feature. Basically, topics of a standard essay are not debatable, for instance, “Reduction in Fossil Fuel Reserves.” In this case, it is a certainty that fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource. Therefore, “Reduction in Fossil Fuel Reserves” is not a suitable topic for an argumentative paper because the decrease in the deposits of fossil fuels is not a controversial issue. Also, authors employ a summary of the content of a standard essay to generate a topic. In turn, the theme of an argumentative essay is not a summary of its content. Instead, the author’s main claim is the source of the topic, which implies that ideas in the rebuttal section do not contribute to the formation of a topic despite being a crucial segment of the essay.

Understanding Content of Argumentative Essays and Topic Selection

Authors should adhere to two general principles in the selection of content for argumentative writing. Firstly, the distortion of evidence should never occur at any point in the essay. Basically, persuasive essays must present evidence holistically to ensure that the audience does not reach an incorrect conclusion. In this case, an author arguing that repeat offending has decreased cannot simply identify the percentages from 2000 and 2023 only. Instead, writers should demonstrate the trend in repeat offending by pointing out the average percentage of repeat offending cases over shorter periods, for example, three years. Secondly, an accurate reporting of the outcome of the research process is a mandatory expectation in argumentative essay writing. In turn, authors should not ignore any strong evidence opposing their central claim. Also, an argument for stringent gun regulation is incomplete without addressing the possible violation of the Second Amendment.

Dominant Factors in Argumentative Topic Selection

1. discipline.

Individuals’ approach to an argumentative essay relies heavily on their current knowledge, which accumulates as students advance their studies in a particular field. For example, a psychology major’s argument regarding the most preferred exercise among young adults will focus on research that demonstrates an increase in brain chemicals that show ‘happiness’ after the completion of the exercise. Conversely, a sociology major’s argument on the same theme may prioritize self-reported feelings of enjoyment and the frequency of participation in an exercise. Also, these students’ main claims may be dissimilar, yet correct based on the evidence. In turn, the subconscious decision for an individual to research along a specific line of knowledge is a consequence of their academic discipline. Similarly, the topics of interest in the two disciplines differ because sociology concentrates on human behavior while psychology centers on brain functioning, although they analyze one theme.

2. Personal Interests

Topic selection occurs in a socio-cultural context, which is unique to each individual because of personal life experiences. Basically, the hierarchy of controversial topics may vary depending on an individual’s beliefs and previous experiences. For instance, an immigrant student may consider issues surrounding immigration policy to be relevant to their past. At the same time, a student with full citizenship identifies with the suppression of the First Amendment, which raises a debate concerning the extent of the freedom of speech. Moreover, these two students may be classmates, but their socio-cultural contexts have made them sensitive to different controversial topics. Consequently, if students have the choice to select a topic for an argumentative essay, there is a high possibility that they will identify topics from issues of relevance in their unique socio-cultural contexts.

3. Education Level

Critical thinking and logical reasoning skills improve simultaneously with an individual’s move from one education level to the next. Basically, the following sample high school and postgraduate students’ arguments to illustrate the effect of education level are:

High school: Globalisation is beneficial to economies of developing countries through the increment of jobs, purchasing power, and opportunities for specialization.

Postgraduate: Capital openness in developing countries places them at higher risk of experiencing financial crushes after an influx of foreign direct investment, which reduces globalization’s attractiveness.

The high school student’s claim is relatively simple, while the postgraduate student’s argument is quite complicated and has a narrow scope. In this case, a higher level of critical thinking and logical reasoning skills are evident in the specificity of the postgraduate student’s claim. As a result, the scope of the topic selected at specific education levels differs extensively.

4. Audience

The needs of an expert audience and a non-expert audience are non-identical despite the similarity in the theme that the author addresses in an argumentative essay. For example, the interests of an expert audience prioritize analytical aspects of an argument rather than the mere presentation of information. If the main theme is corporal punishment, the author may design an argument for an expert audience that quantifies the adverse effect of increased tolerance for violence as a child grows and provide in-depth explanations concerning the evidence, for instance, study designs, participants, level of significance, confidence intervals, and limitations. Alternatively, arguments regarding corporal punishment designed for a non-expert audience discuss all the adverse impacts of corporal punishment as a sign of its inefficiency but do not analyze the experimental techniques. Therefore, the topic selection occurs based on the audience’s expectations.

5. Nature of Evidence

An author may utilize four primary forms of evidence: facts, statistics, case examples, and expert opinions. In some cases, the author’s research can fail to yield all four types of evidence. For example, an author arguing that racial discrimination is still a problem at educational institutions may compose an essay based purely on expert opinions. Conversely, the author may decide to compose an essay using statistics as the only type of evidence. The latter approach is likely to create a more persuasive argument because mentioning the number of racial discrimination complaints filed and racial tension riots or strikes is more convincing than providing only expert opinions that may be subject to critique. In turn, the nature of the available evidence places some limitations on the author’s freedom of topic selection because of the non-negotiable requirement that an argumentative paper must be persuasive.

Structure of a Classical Argumentative Essay

I. introduction.

The introduction paragraph of an argumentative paper plays an identical role to the standard first paragraph of an essay. Basically, the introductory paragraph has three primary elements: a hook, contextual statements, and a thesis statement. For instance, the first statement of an argumentative essay is a hook, which authors use to capture the audience’s interest in the topic. In this case, at least two contextual statements follow the hook. Then, contextual statements provide readers with adequate information to understand the thesis statement and develop an accurate picture of the content of the essay. In turn, the thesis statement is the final statement of the introductory paragraph. Also, this sentence announces the author’s claim concerning the controversial topic and summarises the logic behind his or her argument. In consequence, the thesis statement is the most critical element of the entire argumentative work.

All paragraphs in the body of an argumentative essay have identical paragraph structures. Basically, each paragraph has a topic sentence, evidence or fact, an evaluation, and a transition statement. In this case, the topic sentence is the first statement. Also, it informs the audience of the minor argument that the author focuses on in a given paragraph. Then, writers provide a piece of evidence, which serves as the starting point of the examination of the topic sentence. Mostly, a citation accompanies the evidence to direct the reader to the source. In turn, the evaluation of the evidence consists of two or more sentences, which illustrate the relevance of the evidence to the minor claim. Moreover, the transition statement reminds the reader of the connection of the minor claim to the thesis statement. In some cases, authors may use the transition statement to link subsequent paragraphs.

A. Background Information

Typically, the background section of the body appears immediately after the second paragraph. For instance, authors use this paragraph to inform the reader of specific details concerning the controversial topic, which is necessary to ensure that the audience understands the nature of the controversy. In turn, the background information does not discuss any minor arguments. Nonetheless, it has a topic statement that links it to the thesis statement.

B. Support for the Claim

This section of the body comprises multiple paragraphs, which discuss minor arguments that contribute to the justification of the main argument. Basically, each paragraph in the support section begins with a topic sentence that defines one minor aspect of the main argument. In this case, authors continue the paragraph by providing some evidence and discussing its relevance to the minor argument. Moreover, writers illustrate the logical link between the minor aspect and the thesis statement. Then, the number of paragraphs in this section is heavily dependent on the complexity of the main argument because authors must break down the primary argument into minor arguments that readers can easily recognize. Besides the segmentation of the main argument, the arrangement of minor arguments should be systematic to ensure that readers can follow the author’s line of reasoning.

C. Rebuttal

The rebuttal section is an essential section of an argumentative essay because it allows authors to demonstrate the strength of their arguments through comparison with competing positions. In this section, writers identify alternative lines of thought on the topic and discuss them to illustrate their weaknesses. Additionally, authors show the capability of their arguments to overcome flaws presented in competing positions, which acts as evidence of their superiority. In this case, each critique against the author’s main argument occupies a paragraph for clarity. During the analysis of counterarguments, writers must maintain a high level of objectivity to deliver a fair assessment because subjectivity in the handling of criticism undermines the strength of the author’s main argument.

III. Conclusion

The concluding paragraph has two main features: a restatement of the main claim and a summary of minor arguments. Firstly, the restatement of the main argument emphasizes the author’s position. In turn, the summary of the minor arguments identifies building blocks of the main claim and explains their interconnection. Also, it highlights the counterarguments and their flaws in addressing the controversial topic. In turn, the final statements of the concluding paragraph are a well-crafted closing, which illustrates that the author’s central claim is the preferred position on the debatable topic.

Final Remarks on Argumentative Essay Topics

Despite this guide’s focus on an argumentative paper, students must not forget the basics of academic writing. In this case, they should take adequate time to plan the writing process. Basically, scheduling different activities in the writing process is essential because it ensures that authors complete all the steps, especially for activities that students usually overlook when under the pressure of submission deadlines, for example, revising and proofreading. In turn, proper documentation of resources is a vital aspect of argumentative essay writing that students should not take lightly. Incorrect information concerning the source of a piece of evidence is equivalent to an attempt to deceive readers, which weakens the author’s claim. Also, students must adhere to the technical requirements that accompany argumentative essay prompts.

  • The selected topic and proposed claim should be debatable.
  • Argumentative essays conform to the standard essay structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Each paragraph in the body of an argumentative paper presents one idea to the audience.
  • After composing an argument, the author must evaluate it to ascertain that there are no logical fallacies.
  • The four segments of body paragraphs should be apparent to the readers: topic sentence, evidence, evaluation of evidence, and transition statement.
  • Writers must include an appropriate number of rebuttal paragraphs, which contain an objective critique of competing arguments.
  • Argumentative essays do not contain any emotional appeals or slanted language.
  • Authors should avoid the distortion of evidence and any other form of irresponsible handling and reporting of evidence.

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Examples Of Argumentative Essays

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Trystan S Goetze

A sample handout on writing argumentative essays and avoiding plagiarism. Prepared for a course on computer ethics.

argumentative essay topics for students example

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Do white performers (eg. Eminem, Vanilla Ice) have a moral right to perform hip-hop? The question of who to perform which music is a form of control of who and how best to give to the audience the best of the art form giving them (the audience) a heart thrilling and mind blowing treat. But the question of who has the right to perform which music (hip-hop for instance) is a sensitive issue that could ignite an unending debate of who should be considered the founders or who has the monopoly of a universally accepted and performed art, music.

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Topic 1 Smoking in public places should be banned. What is your viewpoint, do you agree or disagree? Writing Ban on smoking in places is not only justified but also imperative. Many countries are realizing the dangers of passive smoking and are coming up with measures to curb the problems popping up with the passive smoking. Medical science has fully supported the dangers of potential passive smoking. To illustrate my point I will like to cite the fact that most of the people die due to cigarette smoking which contains nicotine. Inveterate smokers pack up themselves with lung and oral cancer rather than from natural causes. Government is squandering astronomical sums for the treatment of pulmonary cancers and educating the populace from the dangers of smoking. The imposition of high taxes on nicotine based products has already been done to restrain this habit. The debatable point is that to what extent these steps have been succeeded to dissuade the smokers. Cigarette smoking not only pollutes the air but also make non-smokers inhale the stale smoke imperiling their health too. Ingrained smokers are not destroying their own health but also of others. The main critical issue in this respect is that is anyone (child or adult) safe from passive smoking. The doom of asthmatics, pregnant women can we well imagined too. Some smokers argue that banning smoking in public places is direct impingement of their human rights but this line is futile because right to smoking is not absolute, but right to life is. Many persons unintentionally take up smoking by watching others; thereby unleash the smoke in public places. This is what they call fashion. Thus it is imperative to impose appropriate laws as it will not only prevent non-smokers from falling victim to the dangers of passive smoking, but also directly benefit the diehard smokers who would then have no choice but to curtail their smoking habit.

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3.04 Sample Persuasive Essay

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What is cause and effect essay.

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What is Cause and Effect Essay and How to Ace it?

You are the cause and your succes is the effect!

Have you ever wondered how life's events are connected? That is the main goal of cause and effect essays! They resemble detective fiction in that you can investigate the causes of events as well as their consequences. Essays on causes and consequences can help us understand the world around us, from analysing why your favourite team won to unravelling the implications of climate change. We're going to dissect how to write it. So buckle your seat, and let's explore the world of cause and effect essays together—whether you're a student attempting to ace that essay assignment or just someone who wants to learn more about how things function!

What is the Cause and Effect Essay?

Writing a cause and effect essay is similar to using words to play detective. It all boils down to investigating the relationships that exist between various acts or occurrences and the results that they lead to. It technically means, it's the process of determining the source of an event and the resultant event. Essays on causes and effects aid in our comprehension of the fundamental mechanisms underpinning a variety of occurrences, whether it be determining the reasons behind the existence of a social issue or the ramifications of a certain decision. Consider it as piecing together events to reveal the larger picture. Are you ready to become the next Sherlock Holmes?

How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay?

 There are some easy steps to write a cause and effect essay, and they are as follows-

1. Choose a topic: Choose a subject that gains your attention and has distinct causes and effects. Anything from the effects of technology on social interactions to environmental contamination could be the cause.

2. Generate a list: causes and effects associated with the topic you have chosen. Take into consideration the fundamental causes as well as the short- and long-term impacts.

3. Create a Thesis Statement: Clearly articulate the primary cause and effect relationship that your essay will be examining in your thesis statement. This will direct your writing and assist with argument emphasis. This is an integral part of a cause and effect essay. 

4. Support arguments : You need to support your thesis with credible data and relevant facts. It reinforces the cause and effect relationship. 

5. Analyse the root cause: Try to get beyond the surface-level explanations and explore the underlying factors contributing to the cause and effect scenario. You should analyze the root cause with deep knowledge and the right facts. 

6. Summary Your Essay: Put your thoughts into a framework consisting of an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Every body paragraph should concentrate on a specific cause or effect, bolstered by examples and supporting data.

7. Write the Introduction: To draw the reader in, begin with a captivating hook. Next, give some background information on the subject and present your thesis statement.

8. Create Body Paragraphs: Go into great detail on a certain cause or effect in each body paragraph. Introduce the primary idea of the paragraph with a topic sentence, then back up your claim with examples and supporting data.

9. Write the Conclusion: In the conclusion, restate your thesis statement and summarise the key ideas of your cause and effect essay. You can also talk about the results' broader ramifications or offer potential fixes for the issue.

10. Edit and Revise: Make sure your essay is accurate, coherent, and clear. Make sure your writing is clear and concise and that your ideas are well-supported by evidence.

What are the Types of Cause and Effect Structures?

There are several types of cause and effect essay structures that writers commonly use to organise their essays. Here are the main ones:

1. Block Structure

Causes and effects are covered independently in different text blocks in a cause and effect essay that follows the block format. The causes are arranged in a block and are each examined in a separate paragraph or section with supporting data and examples. The effects are then covered in a separate block, with room allotted for analysis and illustrations of each effect. The linkages between events are presented in a clear and focused manner thanks to this organisational technique, which makes it easier for readers to understand the connections between causes and their effects. By using the block structure, you dive deep into each section or category, where you can precisely look at causes and effects separately. 

2. Chain structure

Chain structure focuses on how the events are connected and how it acts like a butterfly effect. It talks about how one cause leads to a specific effect, and then those effects become the cause of more ongoing effects. This becomes a loop. This method is important in illustrating the complexity of casual relationships. It will be beneficial if you want to emphasise the sequence of events or deal with minute cause and effect scenarios. 

No matter which structure of cause and effect essay you choose, it should be detailed, to the point and easily comprehensive. 

You booking your room with amber is the cause and you feeling like home is the effect

Book through amber today!

How to structure a Cause and Effect Essay?

A cause and effect essay's structure is very similar to any normal essay. So, without much further ado, let's focus on it. 

Introduction: Like every other essay, it starts with an introduction that can grab the reader's attention by giving a quick overview, telling about the problem and then presenting facts to support your judgement. 

Thesis: After the introduction for the cause and effect essay comes the thesis you have presented; now, all the points will have their para to be justified in the right way. Each point can be a short paragraph, depending on how much information you have and the news to be conveyed. If you want to know how to write a thesis statement, then you should read this blog. 

There are a few factors to structure your cause and effect essay, and they are- 

1. How many causes you include

2. How many effects do you include

3. The length of the essay

4. How closely are these causes and effects are related

For example, if your essay is about multiple effects and a single cause, it is logical to write about these effects in different paragraphs. Still, if it is about a single effect and multiple causes, then you should discuss all the causes first and then write a small section about the effect. Alternatively, it can make sense to give each cause and effect pair its section and then tie them together in your essay's conclusion if the causes and effects are more detached from one another and you need space to describe how they fit into the larger picture.

Conclusion: Complete composing your essay's conclusion after completing the body paragraphs. The ideas presented in the body are recapped in this section, which also emphasizes your thesis and draws your essay's argument to a logical conclusion. 

What is the Example of Outline of Cause and Effect essays?

As mentioned above, there are a few different ways to structure a cause and effect essay. This is how it is structured-

Introduction

Conclusion 

What are the Topics for Cause and Effect Essay?

1. The effects of social media on interpersonal relationships

2. The causes and effects of stress in modern society

3. The impact of technology on children's development

4. The causes and effects of climate change

5. The effects of pollution on the environment and human health

6. The causes and effects of procrastination on academic performance

7. The effects of video games on aggression and behaviour

8. The impact of globalisation on cultural diversity

9. The causes and effects of income inequality

10. The effects of substance abuse on mental and physical health

A strong framework for examining the complex relationships between events, acts, and results is offered by the cause and effect essay genre. Through investigating the fundamental origins of events and scrutinising their consequent outcomes, we acquire an enhanced comprehension of the surrounding environment. 

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  1. Argumentative Essay

  2. Argumentative Essay: Introduction Paragraph

  3. Argumentative Essay Topic Selection

  4. Livestream: Composing an Argumentative Essay

  5. What is an Argumentative Essay?

COMMENTS

  1. 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...

  2. 50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics

    50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas ...

  3. 50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

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

  4. 50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment

    Check out our helpful list of argumentative essay topics, plus tips on picking the best one for you. Call Direct: 1 (866) 811-5546 ... An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you'll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point. ... that your school's lunch should be free for all ...

  5. 100 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens. Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts. Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to make a case for their own point of view without relying on emotion or passion. These argumentative essay topics provide options for kids of all ages ...

  6. 120+ Strong Argumentative Essay Topics

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

  7. 52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

    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!

  8. 130 Unique Argumentative Essay Topics: How to Pick Out One

    Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students. As you advance your education, you may also pick up more complex topics and open up a meaningful debate. So, here is a list of argumentative essay topics for students in high school. ... For more up-to-date examples of argumentative essay topics, here are some ideas on science and technology:

  9. How to Write an Argumentative Essay

    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.

  10. 3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed

    Argumentative Essay Example 2. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through female Anopheles mosquitoes. Each year, over half a billion people will become infected with malaria, with roughly 80% of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa.

  11. 113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment

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

  12. 125 Strong Argumentative Essay Topics For Your Next Paper

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

  13. 100+ Easy Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

    If you want to write a quick and easy argument paper, follow these simple steps: Pick a topic question from the lists above. Decide your answer to the question (this is your beginning thesis). Write down everything you know about the topic. Talk to your friends or family to find out what they know, have heard, or have read recently about the ...

  14. Easy Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

    An easy way to pick a topic for an argument essay is to take a strong statement and argue for or against it. Here are some sample statements from college students that you can argue for or against: Divorce destroys family life. There shouldn't be a minimum age to drive a car. God is undoubtedly real. A college education is worth the cost.

  15. 114 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2023

    She is the author of the chapbook A Great Dark House (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin). Looking for good argumentative essay topics that are relevant to students in 2023? Check out our list of 114 argument essay topics.

  16. 20 Easy and Free Argumentative Essay Examples for Students

    Follow the steps of the chosen model and start writing the essay. The models for writing an argumentative essay are the classical model, the Rogerian model, and the Toulmin model. To make sure that you write a good argumentative essay, read the different types of examples mentioned in this blog. 1.

  17. 100 Persuasive Essay Topics

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

  18. 20 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

    Most states require students make the switch from opinion writing to argument writing in 5th or 6th grade.-Opinion writing builds the foundational skill set for argument writing. Opinion writing requires students to take a stand and support their choice with clear and relevant reasons. The purpose of opinion writing is to share a point of view.

  19. 99 Great Handpicked Ideas for Argumentative Essays

    99 Argumentative Essay Ideas. Bonus Material: 5-step thesis machine and essay checklist If you want to write a great argumentative essay, then these are the foolproof steps to do it. Grab this guide to help you craft a strong thesis statement and check that you haven't forgotten a crucial part of your essay.. Or skip to the bottom for a list of fantastic argumentative essay ideas that have ...

  20. 140+ Argumentative Essay Topics 2023 with Samples

    1 Best creative argumentative essay topics in December 2023. 2 Technology argumentative essay topics. 3 Morality argumentative essay topics. 4 Education argumentative essay topics. 5 Family argumentative essay topics. 6 Health argumentative essay topics. 7 Art, movie and literature argumentative essay topics.

  21. Collection of the Best Argumentative Essays Topics [with Examples

    In an argumentative essay, a significant part of the topic is the title. It should appeal either to interesting - new or paradoxical - facts or to emotions. The following are examples of, in our opinion, good argumentative essay topics on school and educational themes. Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids in Elementary School

  22. 378+ Argumentative Essay Topics for Students With Tips

    An argumentative essay is a form of writing that requires authors to define a claim, present support, and address other competing claims. Basically, any written argument contains two main elements: a claim and support. In this case, the claim refers to the writer's position on a specific topic.

  23. Argumentative Essay about Discrimination

    This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. ... Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions. Try EduBirdie. Cite this Page. APA; MLA; ... [cited 2024 Feb 29]. Available from ...

  24. Peer Pressure Argumentative Essay

    This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. ... Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions. Try EduBirdie. Cite this Page. APA; MLA; ... Available from: https://edubirdie.com ...

  25. (PDF) Examples Of Argumentative Essays

    Examples Of Argumentative Essays Introduction Writing an essay on the topic "Examples of Argumentative Essays Introduction" can be challenging for several reasons. Firstly, it requires a thorough understanding of what constitutes an effective introduction in an argumentative essay. This includes knowing how to grab the reader's attention ...

  26. 3.04 Sample Persuasive Essay (docx)

    English document from K¹² International Academy, 2 pages, English | Critical Skills Practice | Persuasive Essay Student Example NOTE: The example below is not one of your prompt choices. Please see the 3.04 Assignment located in the 3.04 dropbox for the prompt choices for this assignment. Critical Skills Practic

  27. What is Cause and Effect Essay?

    For example, if your essay is about multiple effects and a single cause, it is logical to write about these effects in different paragraphs. Still, if it is about a single effect and multiple causes, then you should discuss all the causes first and then write a small section about the effect.