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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

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

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Format

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

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

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

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argument Essay Topics

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

Sports Argument Essay Topics

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

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Business Argument Essay Topics

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

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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

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

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

Lauren Green

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

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• Writing Tips

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

• 11th June 2022

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

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

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

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

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

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

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

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

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

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

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

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

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

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

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

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

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

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

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

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

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

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

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

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

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

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

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

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

●  Should higher education be free?

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

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

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

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

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

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

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Speech And Debate

Debate Topics

Last updated on: Dec 29, 2023

Debate Topics (2024) - Top 200+ Compelling Topics

By: Cordon J.

23 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Choosing an interesting topic for a debate can be a little tricky. There are several factors that are to be considered before you choose a topic.

• Is the topic debatable?
• Do you have content for it?
• Is the content easily available for research?
• Are you genuinely interested in the topic?
• Is the topic good enough to impress your audience?

Get all the answers below and get some creative and great debate topics and ideas.

On this Page

What is the Debate?

A debate and speech writing is a process or an activity that involves presenting relevant arguments in support of a viewpoint. Normally, debates take place in academic institutes, public meetings, and legislative and lawmaking assemblies. 

It is a common part of our lives, and we all have argued at some point in our lives. Through a debate, a participant tries to cancel the views and arguments of the opponent while safeguarding their own views with solid proof and arguments.

In an academic and scholarly environment, it is considered quite a fun and enlightening activity that engages the audience and adds to their knowledge.

What are the Types of Debate?

Debates can be of various types. Each type is used for a specific type of debate, and all of them are conducted differently and could take place for different purposes. Below are the six types of debate:

• Lincoln-Douglas Debate: This type of debate is mostly used in formal debating societies. It is also known as a "value debate" and requires two individuals to argue against each other on moral and ethical issues.
• Rebuttal Debate: A rebuttal debate is an argument that takes place between two participants. Each participant has to present their arguments and prepare a strong case against the opposition's point of view.
• Cross-Examination Debate: In this type of debate, each speaker is given time to answer questions posed by the opposition while they are presenting their argument.
• Public Forum Debate: This is a form of debate in which two teams compete against each other with their respective cases.
• Oregon-Oxford Debate: This debate type also takes place between two participants, and each speaker has to present arguments while preparing a strong case against the opposition's point of view.
• One-Rebuttal Debate: This type of debate is similar to the Cross-Examination Debate except that each speaker has only one chance to rebut the opposition's argument.

No matter what kind of debate you are planning or participating in, you will not need a unique or out-of-the-box type of topic for it. Your topic should be interesting and relatable for your audience, and this is enough to make your debate a winner.

How to Choose Good Debate Topics?

Some important factors need to be considered when it comes to choosing a good debate topic. A good debate topic will help the audience understand both sides of the issue and keep them engaged to make better and more informed decisions.

Here are a few tips that will help you choose a good topic for your debate.

• Interest: It is necessary that you should be interested in your topic since you are the one who is going to write and deliver it to your audience. If you are not interested in the topic, there is no way that your debate will be convincing enough to persuade your audience.
• Research: To debate effectively, you should be aware of the pros and cons of your topic. This will help you convince the audience by opposing the opponent’s viewpoints.
• Target Audience: This is the essential factor to consider while choosing a debate topic. Your topic should be according to the intellectual level of your audience. Only this way, they will actually understand what you are trying to deliver in your debate.
• Argument Potential: Pick a topic that has solid argument potential. If only one side is right or if there is limited information available, you will face a hard time crafting a good debate.

Are you ready to learn debating strategies and leave your opponent and audience amazed? Watch this video

Debate Topics on Different Subjects

Great speeches and debate topics are essential for memorable debates and speeches. This is why we suggest that you do your research properly before deciding on a specific topic. To help you get some memorable topic ideas, we have gathered lists of topics that could be used in any type of debate like Lincoln-Douglas debate topics, rebuttal debates, and others.

Here is a complete list of engaging debate competition topics and ideas.

Continue reading, and you will definitely find a great topic.

• Should abortion be allowed in all cases?

Alternative Energy

• Is alternative energy a better option than traditional sources of energy?

American Socialism

• Should the U.S. move towards a socialist system?

Animal Testing

• Is it ethical to use animals for testing?
• Is it ethical to clone animals?
• Is animal testing necessary?

Banned Books

• Should books that contain offensive content be banned?

Binge-Watching

• Is binge-watching television and movies a good way to spend time?

Bottled Water Ban

• Should bottled water be banned in all cases?

Business Ethics

• What role should ethical considerations play in business decisions?

Cyberbullying

• How can cyberbullying be prevented?

Capital Punishment

• Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime?
• Should capital punishment be used as a form of punishment?
• Should censorship of the internet be allowed?

Cancel Culture

• Is cancel culture a valid form of protest?

Cell Phones

• Should the use of cell phones be restricted in public places?

Climate Change

• Is climate change real or man-made?
• Should human cloning be allowed?
• Should drugs be decriminalized or not?

Death Penalty

• Is the death penalty effective as a punishment?

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

• School debate should be compulsory for all students
• There should be no school uniforms or a dress code
• Students should not be allowed to use Facebook.
• Impact of social media on teenagers and high school students.
• Junk food should not be banned in schools
• Energy drinks should be banned from students.
• Students should volunteer for community service.
• Students should not be allowed gadgets in private school.
• Mobile phones should not be allowed in schools
• High school students should not be allowed cell phones in school.
• Online learning vs. traditional learning. Which is better?
• How can technology help to improve education?
• The modern college education system is better than the traditional one.
• How can we engage high school students in the class?
• How is outdoor learning beneficial?
• Homework should be banned in schools.
• How can a college education help you get a good job?
• Should public schools offer educational bonuses?
• Why do kids need recess?
• Traditional teaching methods should be replaced with AI-powered education.
• Public speaking boosts the confidence of students.
• Entertainment and Technology Debate Topics
• Children should not be allowed to play violent video games.
• Pros and cons of using social media.
• Does technology intensify human communication skills?
• Effects of violent cartoons on the mental development of children.
• Playing video games should be banned for kids.
• Environmental Issues
• Global warming and its impacts on humanity.
• Is global warming a real issue?

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Fun and Funny Debate Topics

Following fun debate topics are great if you are looking for topics that are light in mood and offer humorous matters.

• Women are much more complicated than men.
• Which one is better? Eat to live or live to eat?
• Children should not be allowed to watch cartoons as they portray violence.
• Why can men date younger women, but women can’t date younger men?
• Are there some discrete messages in nursery rhymes?
• Morals or money? Which one is necessary to survive?
• Which gender is better? Male or female?
• How does sunlight affect vampires?
• Can vampires get AIDS?
• How will life be after death?
• Barbie is a good role model for young girls.
• Do fairy tales affect children’s reality perception?
• Has the #MeToo movement gone too far?
• Which is the better pet? Dogs or cats.
• What comes first? Chicken or eggs.
• Winters are better than summer.
• Do you want to live forever?
• What is a better dessert? Cake or ice cream.
• What is the best topping for pizza?
• No one should ever tell a lie.

General Debate Topics

Zoos should be banned Why do kids need privacy? Importance of saving money. Every student should adopt a family pet. Why do most kids start smoking? Importance of reading books. Animals should have the same rights as humans. Fast-food chains are the major cause of the increase in the obesity rate.

Healthcare Debate Topics

• Marijuana should be legal for its use in medicines.
• Pharmacists should not be allowed to prescribe medicines.
• Obese people should pay more for healthcare.
• Healthcare should not be free for everyone.

Interesting Debate Topics

• Is sex education necessary for middle school students?
• Nuclear powers are the major cause of wars.
• Same-sex marriage should not be allowed.
• Gay relationships are against nature.
• Students are becoming way too dependent on technology.
• Money is a major source of motivation in the workplace.
• Girls should be encouraged and supported to enter the STEM research field.
• Is money a key factor in getting exoneration from crimes?
• Alternative energy resources should be explored and used to preserve natural resources.
• Censorship should be made less lenient for educational documentaries.
• Gay couples should be allowed to adopt children.
• The sale of fur must be banned.
• Reality television is harming society.
• Why is paintball a real sport?
• Sports are more important than arts.
• What are the differences between cricket and hockey?
• Why is it important to ban late-night alcohol sales?
• Unpaid internships should be made illegal.
• Beauty contests should be banned.
• Gay couples should not be allowed to adopt children.

Justice Debate Topics

• The death penalty should be abolished.
• Mental illness should not be grounds for criminal justice exemption.
• The legal age for voting should be lowered.
• Juveniles who commit crimes should not be tried as adults.
• Should police officers wear body cameras?
• Are plea bargains fair to defendants?

Knowledge Debate Topics

• Do humans learn better by reading or listening?
• Should universities offer free tuition to all students?
• Is knowledge more important than experience?
• What is the best way to acquire knowledge?
• Are tests a good indication of student learning?
• Do grades accurately measure intellectual abilities?

Life and Ethics Debate Topics

• Beauty pageants are another way to objectify women.
• Beauty pageants are setting ridiculous standards in society.
• Social networking sites are used for stalking instead of communicating.
• Torture is never justified, no matter what the situation is.
• Celebrities have the leverage to get away with crimes more than any non-celebrity.
• Cigarettes should not be allowed in public places.

Moral Debate Topics

• Is it ever right to lie?
• Should animals be used for scientific research?
• Is abortion wrong in all cases?
• Capital punishment is morally wrong.
• The death penalty should not exist.
• Should prostitution be legalized?
• What is the moral responsibility of corporations?

Nature Debate Topics

• Are humans responsible for global warming?
• Should plastic bags be banned in all countries?
• Why are bees important to our environment?
• How can deforestation be stopped or slowed down?
• What is the best way to preserve wildlife habitats?
• What steps should be taken to reduce air pollution?

Opinion Debate Topics

• Should teachers be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
• Do violent video games lead to aggressive behavior?
• Are organic foods really better for you than non-organic foods?
• Does the internet make people more productive?
• Is it ethical to clone animals and humans?

Political Debate Topics

• There should be a monarchical system in the United States
• Causes of increasing racism in the United States.
• Nuclear weapons should be banned across the globe.
• Police should be allowed to use lethal force.
• Are men stronger than women?
• Religion does more harm than good.
• Why can it be done to stop wars?
• Is the Paris Agreement relevant anymore?
• Monarchy should end worldwide.
• Everyone should be allowed to keep weapons.
• Free speech is an individual right.
• Religious schools and churches should also be charged with taxes.
• Is freedom of speech necessary for a nation to grow?
• What should be the penalty for illegal immigrants?
• There should be more members of the jury.
• Refugees should not be allowed to acquire any sort of nationality.
• Is it ethical to carry an automatic weapon?
• Is patriotism a good or a bad thing?
• Is the US Constitution a living document?
• Political campaigns must be organized on money borrowed by corporations.
• Limiting terms for US senators and representatives brings more harm than benefit.
• Why should churches pay more taxes?
• Police should use deadly force. Discuss why.
• Why must the royal family be abolished?
• People should own guns. Why?
• Why are automatic weapons legalized?
• Voting should be made mandatory for everyone. 
• Importance of freedom of speech.
• Public Forum Debate Topics
• Abortion is the right of every woman.
• Genetic engineering is not a natural process and should not be legalized.
• Birth control pills should be accessible to teenagers.
• There should be an equal ratio of male and female employees in the workplace.
• Barbie is not a practical example of a role model.
• Feminism is causing more harm than good.
• Marijuana has its advantages.
• The MeToo movement is being misused, forgetting its real purpose.
• The media should be free to express their opinions and criticism.
• Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
• Smoking should be banned worldwide.
• The form of government should provide free birth control.
• Can we trust banks? 
• Financial issues destroy a nation.
• Is taxation good or bad?
• How can humans affect animals?
• Discuss the importance of financial stability.
• We should lower the voting age for everyone.
• Mobile banking is not a safe procedure. Why?
• How badly can peer pressure affect an innocent soul?
• Models are setting the wrong standards of beauty.
• We are living in a dystopian society.

Questions Debate Topics

• Does technology have the potential to do more harm than good?

Religion Debate Topics

• What is the importance of religion in society?
• Should religious education be mandatory in all schools?
• Sports should be an essential part of middle school.

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Television Debate Topics

• Should parents be more mindful of the television programs their children watch?
• Are reality shows detrimental to our society?

Urbanization Debate Topics

• What are the effects of rapid urbanization on the environment?

Veganism Debate Topics

• Is veganism a more ethical lifestyle choice than eating meat?
• Should veganism be promoted as an ethical diet choice?
• Women's Rights Debate Topics
• Are women still discriminated against in the workplace?
• Xenophobia Debate Topic
• What can be done to tackle the rising xenophobia in many parts of the world?
• Youth Empowerment Debate Topics
• Should youth empowerment programs be adopted at a global level?

Zero Waste Debate Topics

• Can zero-waste policies help protect our environment?

Best Debate Topics for Students

Crafting an argumentative essay or preparing for a debate? Below we have compiled some great topics for debate competition;

Debate Topics for Kids

• The curriculum should be designed according to the individual needs of the children.
• Physical activities and real-life teaching skills should be mandatory in schools.
• Visits to zoological and botanical gardens are great fun and educational activities for kids.
• Sports should be encouraged at the school level.
• Children should be given the right to vote.
• School hours should be revised.
• School lunches should be properly planned by a dedicated dietician.
• Parents should give a weekly allowance to the kids.
• Parents should be held responsible for their kids' mistakes.
• Dance can be considered a sport.
• Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
• Why should we encourage students to read books?
• How can we replace teachers with computers?
• Why are the Olympics important?
• Are zoos beneficial to animals?
• Why is it important to explore space?
• Do children really need privacy in their lives?
• Why should children save their pocket money?
• Parents should be punished if their child makes a mistake.

Debate Topics for Teens

• The minimum wage for all countries should be the same.
• Parents should not hit children in front of others.
• Censorship is necessary for the media.
• Passion or patriotism can be harmful in certain situations.
• How social media affects teenagers?
• Social media is a cause of increasing depression among the youth.
• The use of drugs should be considered a mental issue.
• How is peer pressure different from bullying?
• How are humans destroying the habitat of animals?
• Being too religious can be dangerous.
• Can people save nature by using technology?
• Are student loans exploitative?
• Alcohol should not be sold on weekends.
• How secure is mobile banking?
• Does homework really promote learning? 
• Is abortion murder?
• Should students be allowed to create their own curriculum?
• Why is a college and university education necessary?
• Teachers should be allowed to carry guns on campuses.
• How should modern society respond to teenage pregnancies?
• All students must learn at least one foreign language.

Debate Topics for Middle School

• Following middle school debate topics are added to give you some good debate topics for middle school.
• Peer pressure is a major influence on teenage behavior.
• Should parents be held responsible for their children’s actions?
• Cell phone usage should be banned in schools.
• Teachers should use more technology in the classroom.
• Students should not have to wear uniforms.
• Schools should teach about financial literacy and budgeting.
• Violence in video games leads to increased aggression.
• The legal drinking age should be lowered from 21.
• Juvenile offenders should serve their sentences in adult prisons.
• Sexting should carry criminal penalties for minors.
• Schools need more money for extracurricular activities.
• Is it okay to criticize your teacher in public?

Debate Topics for High School

High school debate topics are less profound than what you get in college and graduation. The following topics will give you an idea of how to come up with interesting debate topics for your debate.

• In high school, should all students have to pass a basic math proficiency test?
• Should parents be held liable if their children commit crimes?
• Should violent video games be banned?
• Do the benefits of religious teachings outweigh their disadvantages?
• Are single-parent homes better than dual-parent homes?
• Should students participate in sports activities during school hours?
• Should schools provide free sanitary supplies in bathrooms?
• Are standardized tests a valid measure of student performance?
• Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom?
• Should students be graded on attendance alone?
• Is it right to limit free speech on college campuses?
• Are video games taking away from social activities or helping to build them?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Should the death penalty be abolished in all countries?
• Is it ethical to use animals for testing medical treatments?
• Should students be paid for their academic performance?
• Should plastic straws and other single-use items be banned?

Debate Topics for College Students

• How can homework help to abolish learning skills?
• Why should religion be avoided to discuss in schools?
• Is history an important subject area?
• Why is it important for students to play sports regularly?
• Boarding school is harmful to the mental health of the students.
• Obesity in children is increasing because of parents’ lack of control over their children.
• Children should not be allowed to use gadgets.
• There should be no advertisements on kids’ channels.
• People should be fined according to their income.
• Can drug addicts deal through help or punishment?
• Rich people should pay more taxes.
• Women should be paid less than men,
• Wars are never justified.
• Marriage is no longer necessary.
• Celebrities should earn less.

Are you a high school student seeking the best possible debating format ? This blog will provide you with all of the information to make an informed decision.

Latest Debate Topics 2023

Here are some current debate topics for your next debate;

• Education is becoming costlier with every passing day while the quality is not improving.
• Children and teens in underprivileged neighborhoods should be given free education.
• The rise of augmented reality in contemporary Hollywood and its results.
• Video games and animated movies are promoting violence and sexism.
• Google is transforming into an online patrol. Discuss.
• Orwell’s novel 1984 is becoming a quick reality. Discuss and explain with examples.
• Dating in the workplace should be discouraged.
• Parents should monitor their kid’s computer and phone usage.
• Racial profiling is a new form of discrimination.
• Reasons for substance abuse in high school and college-going children.
• Values or wealth? Which one is necessary to survive?
• There is no third gender.
• Homosexual relationships are against nature.
• Do drug addicts need help or punishment?
• Are animal supports acceptable?
• Parental support is essential for the future success of children.
• Technology makes people smarter. How?
• How can all cars become electric?
• A robot can increase people’s quality of life.
• Discuss the recent development in the technological field.
• The public electoral college should be tuition-free.
• All teachers should get tenure.
• All school districts should offer school vouchers.
• The sale of human organs should be legalized.
• Birth control should be for sale over the counter.
• Net neutrality should be restored.
• Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
• Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.
• Euthanasia should be banned.
• The drinking age should be 18.
• Vaping should be banned.
• All high school athletes should be drug tested.
• Detention should be abolished.
• How can we improve the quality of healthcare services?
• How should parents handle a bad report card?
• Our privacy is more important than national security.
• Why is football so dangerous for players?

More Controversial Debate and Argumentative Essay Topics

If you want more debate topics, we have combined a list of controversial and argumentative topics for a strong debate.

• Prostitution - should it be legal or illegal?
• Capital punishment - should it continue to exist?
• Gay Marriage - should it be legal?
• Euthanasia - should people have the right to end their lives?
• Drugs - Should drug testing for athletes continue?
• Stem Cell Research - should it continue to be regulated?
• Censorship - Is censorship necessary in certain topics?
• Immigration - How can immigration policies be improved?
• Surveillance - Is government surveillance necessary for national security?
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) - Should they continue to be used in food production?
• Online Piracy - Is it morally wrong?
• US-Iraq War - Was it necessary?
• Social Media - Should there be more regulation in its use?
• Animal Rights - Should animals have the same rights as humans?
• Parenting Styles - Is authoritative parenting better than other styles?
• Advertising - Are there any ethical issues with advertising?
• Religion - Does religion have a place in public life?

Dos and Don'ts for Debating

When taking part in debate, it is important to keep the following helpful do’s and dont’s  in mind.

• Here are several best practices to keep in mind when debating:
• Prepare in advance and research the topic.
• Consider both sides of the argument and present a balanced view.
• Use evidence and facts to support your opinions.
• Listen carefully to the opponent’s point of view.
• Respectfully disagree with what you don’t agree with.
• Be prepared to compromise.

Here are several things to avoid when debating:

• Argue for the sake of arguing without any concrete evidence.
• Get personal or use offensive language.
• Monopolize the conversation or interrupt others.
• Be too emotional about the topic.
• Ignore what the other person is saying.
• Make assumptions or jump to conclusions.

By keeping these dos and don'ts in mind, one can have an effective debate on any given topic.

To wrap it up, Hopefully, you would have found interesting topics for your debate by now. 

Once you have chosen a topic, you will have to prepare a strong debate by researching every aspect of the topic. Is that too much work for you?

Don’t panic; we have a good idea. Choose a topic from the given list and hire a professional writer from an essay writing service to do the rest for you.

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5StarEssays.com is the place for you. All you have to do is provide your topic along with the instructions, and the expert writers will do the job for you. Or you an add your topic to our AI essay generator , and it will do the rest. 

However, for some students, composing a debate is harder than selecting a topic. We can help you with that as well. 

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Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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student opinion

130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

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

By The Learning Network

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology & Social Media

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

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

College & Career

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

Mental & Physical Health

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

Race & Gender

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

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

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

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

Parenting & Childhood

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

Ethics & Morality

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

Government & Politics

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

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?

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Do you think social media platforms should censor politicians? No matter how important you feel this issue is relative to other issues of the day, you’re likely to have an opinion one way or the other. Why? Because it’s a controversial matter, and it immediately pushes some buttons in our brains.

What makes issues like this so engaging?

Controversial topics have two features that almost instantly grab people’s attention. On one side, they are both simple and familiar, and so are understandable without any effort. On the other side, they touch on sensitive matters that society as a whole has not yet come to terms with. This makes them tickle our inherent desire for closure. We want to make up our minds once and for all!

So if you’re looking for such a topic for your essay, speech, or debate, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve compiled a list of hundreds of controversial issues organized by subject matter (You can visit our page on how to write a persuasive controversial essay if you want to improve your base skills). Whether you’re trying to come up with a topic for your science, psychology, history class – or nearly any other topic! – you’re sure to find an issue below that will keep your audience engaged, and even stir up some discussion.

In this article:

Political Debate Topics

Controversial criminal justice topics, controversial religious topics, controversial topics for teens, controversial science topics, controversial sports topics, controversial food topics, controversial nutrition topics, controversial animal topics, controversial topics in psychology, controversial relationship topics, controversial medical topics, controversial topics in nursing, controversial topics in biology, music controversial topics, controversial art topics, controversial history topics, funny controversial topics, what are the pros and cons of controversial topics.

As mentioned earlier, picking a controversial topic almost guarantees that you’ll command your audience’s attention. But such issues have downsides too. We go over the advantages and disadvantages of hot-button issues to help you make the right choice for your essay, speech, or debate.

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• Immediately engaging – Your readers or listeners are unlikely to doze off.
• Easy to find information on – You won’t have to look far to find credible information on controversial issues.
• Likely to keep you absorbed while researching – What’s interesting for your audience will probably keep boredom at bay for you too.
• Too sensitive for some people – These issues often have a strong emotional charge and may even be taboo for some, causing awkward situations.
• Hard to review all points – A huge debate has probably been raging on such topics, so it’s not so easy to cover all your bases and appear knowledgeable on the issue at hand.
• Hard to wrap up – These matters are controversial for a reason. It may be hard to come to a satisfactory conclusion, whether you’re presenting or debating.

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

Below, we’ve compiled a catalog of fascinating controversial topics by field. Keep in mind that many of these spill over from one category to another, so there is some overlap. Is climate change a political or scientific issue? There’s a controversial question for you!

Controversy is where politics are born. There’s usually some point of disagreement about any matter related to public affairs – that’s why a politician’s main job is to debate and come to an agreement (ideally) on how to handle these issues. Or, as political scientist Harold Lasswell put it succinctly, politics is, “Who gets what, when, how.”

So political issues are controversial by definition. We’ve worked hard to provide you with the longest, most comprehensive list you’ll find anywhere, and any of these topics may be instantly captivating.

• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Should there be a minimum wage?
• Should the government intervene in the free market?
• Should the US government intervene in foreign affairs?
• Should there be term limits for US senators?
• Should the Electoral College be abolished in the US?
• Are there exceptions to the freedom of speech?
• Should hate speech be banned?
• Should the government ensure the protection of privacy?
• Is the gender pay gap real?
• Does institutional racism exist in the US?
• Is affirmative action helping or hurting?
• Is immigration helping or hurting the US?
• Should all illicit drugs be legalized?
• Should prostitution be legalized?
• Should abortion be banned?
• Should there be stricter gun control laws?
• Should automatic weapons be banned?
• Should military service be mandatory?
• Should water be a commodity or a human right?
• Should the government forgive all student debt?

Is justice being served? Few things get under people’s skin as much as perceived injustices. We are more or less programmed to seek fairness both for ourselves and for others. That’s why, similar to political topics, criminal justice issues are naturally engaging.

Appropriate punishment is salient now especially in the US after years of debates and protests related to the killings of minorities like George Floyd, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. More recently, the storming of the US Capitol, the role the President’s words had in inciting the perpetrators, and how liable they are when following their President’s words, are also hot-button issues. It’s hard to go wrong with a criminal justice topic.

• Is the death penalty ethical?
• Should people be jailed for drug-related offenses?
• Should police officers be charged for inappropriate use of force?
• Why are minorities disproportionately represented in the US prison population?
• Why does the US have the largest prison population in the world?
• Should mentally unstable people be charged with crimes?
• Should underage repeat offenders be tried as adults?
• Should there be more than 12 jurors in a jury?
• Should felons be allowed to vote?

Religion is a sensitive issue everywhere. Since it often concerns people’s innermost beliefs and principles, it’s not difficult to capture your audience’s attention with a religious topic. But beware that it’s also very easy to offend someone if you’re not careful.

Take religious freedom, for example – a concept interpreted in very different ways by different people. When in 2012 a Christian baker in Colorado refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, was he exercising his religious freedom or discriminating against LGBTQ people?

• Is atheism a religion?
• Does religion do more harm than good?
• Should creationism be taught in schools?
• Should there be religious education in schools?
• Should religious symbols be banned from schools?
• Should schools’ curriculums consider religious points of view?
• Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
• Should religious institutions pay taxes?
• Are most religions inherently sexist?
• Is Buddhism more peaceful than other religions?

The teenage years are a transition period between childhood and adulthood, which causes a natural struggle between treating teens as children or adults. Can we hold teenagers accountable for crimes they committed? Or should their parents be responsible? Issues like this make a lively debate inevitable.

• Should we lower the voting age to 16?
• Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
• At what age should teens be allowed to date?
• At what age is it appropriate for teens to have sex?
• Should sex education be mandatory in school?
• Should teenage pregnancies be terminated?
• Should teens have access to birth control?
• Is cyberbullying as bad as real-life bullying?
• Is peer pressure good or bad?
• Does social media cause an increase in teenage suicide?
• Are beauty pageants harmful to teenagers’ self-esteem?
• Should teens be allowed to keep secrets from parents?
• Should energy drinks be banned for teenagers?
• Should mobile devices be banned at school?
• Is the school grading system effective?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?
• Should vaping be prohibited for teens?

Are you looking for more controversial topics for teens? Check out our other article where you can find 170+ controversial debate topics for teens , as well as the dos and don’ts when debating controversial topics.

Science has a very specific way of addressing controversies – by looking at evidence. When scientists disagree on something, they have to back their views with data and logical arguments. But scientific questions are often taken outside the realm of the experts and turn into social, political, or economic issues.

That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the concept of false equivalence – a fallacy in which a flawed or misleading argument is presented as equivalent to a sound and logical one. For instance, scientists have shown that the preponderance of evidence points to the reality of climate change. Media outlets and some politicians, however, sometimes present the issue as not settled. No matter whether climate change is real or not, saying that a politician’s opinion is as valid as a scientist’s – when we’re talking about that scientist’s field – is a false equivalence. Issues like that are bound to create a heated (pun intended) debate.

• Can scientists ever be objective?
• Should corporations fund research?
• Should science be optional in school?
• Why are women underrepresented in science?
• Is STEM education more valuable than training in humanities?
• Should cryptocurrencies be regulated?
• Should net neutrality be restored?
• Should robots have rights?
• Is AI a menace to humans?
• Is AI the next stage in evolution?
• Is technology helping or destroying Earth?
• Can renewable sources of energy replace fossil fuels?
• Is climate change a threat to humanity?
• Is cell phone radiation dangerous?
• Is climate change reversible?
• Should all cars be electric?
• Is nuclear energy safe?
• Does alien life exist?
• Could alien life have found Earth?
• Should humans try to colonize Mars?

Professional sports hold a lot of potential to create controversy. Hardly a week goes by without some major sports issue making the news. Whether it’s deflated footballs, kneeling during the anthem, or equal pay for male and female athletes, sports topics usually carry an emotional charge as most people have a strong opinion one way or the other .

• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
• Are professional athletes paid too much?
• Are professional athletes good role models?
• Should college athletes be paid beyond scholarships?
• Should college athletes be tested for drugs?
• Is dance a real sport?
• Is video gaming a real sport?
• Is bodybuilding a real sport?
• Is cheerleading a real sport?
• Should mixed martial arts be banned?
• Should women compete against men in sports?
• Should female athletes be paid the same as male athletes?
• Should transgender athletes who used to be male compete in women’s sports?
• Do the Olympics do more harm than good for the cities hosting them?
• Are professional sports too damaging to athletes’ health?
• Is American football too dangerous for athletes?
• Should athletes who kneel for the anthem be sanctioned?

Sharing a meal with others unites us, but our opinions on food often divide us. Why is one part of the world starving, while another struggles with obesity? Is famine a result of a shortage or a distribution problem? Questions about food are important for humanity, which makes them compelling topics for discussion.

• Are genetically modified foods dangerous?
• Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
• Is organic food better than regular food?
• Is fast food responsible for obesity?
• Is food waste unavoidable?
• Is organic farming sustainable?
• Is factory farming unsustainable?
• Is grass-fed beef better than corn-fed beef?
• Is palm oil production causing deforestation?
• Can biotech foods save us from hunger?
• Should butter be stored in the fridge?

Nutrition is one of the most controversial scientific fields – dietary guidelines seem to be changing by the day. Is it OK to eat more than two eggs a day? Are carbs more unhealthy than fats? Issues like that are notoriously hard to resolve as even a carefully designed scientific study struggles to untangle the many factors that go into human health.

• Should we have nutrition classes in schools?
• Can a vegan diet help the environment?
• Is it healthier to be vegetarian?
• Is an all-meat diet healthy?
• Is dieting ever effective?
• Does fasting help or harm the body?
• Are gluten-free diets overhyped?
• Should we ban trans fat?
• Is sugar addictive?
• Are artificial sweeteners unhealthy?

Bring up the practice of eating dog meat in some countries to a dog lover, and you’ll more than likely evoke a very strong reaction. But how is it different from eating other social and intelligent mammals, such as pigs? There are many unresolved animal issues that can make for a captivating paper or presentation.

• Should animals have the same rights as humans?
• Should animals be considered individuals?
• Do animals have emotions?
• Do animals have consciousness?
• Is animal testing ethical?
• Should the fur industry be restricted?
• Are zoos helping or hurting animals?
• Should there be animals in circuses?
• Should we try to reverse extinction?
• Are humans destroying animal habitats?
• Is selective dog breeding unethical?
• Should bullfighting be banned?
• Should whaling be banned?

Many argue that psychology as a science is still in its infancy. There’s no consensus on a lot of the big questions related to people’s minds. Is there even a way to know what’s happening inside someone else’s head besides our own? A behaviorist would insist there isn’t.

• Is psychology a real science?
• Is depression a real disease?
• Are antidepressants effective?
• Is ADHD a real mental disorder?
• Is drug abuse a mental health issue?
• Is mental illness equivalent to physical illness?
• Should psychologists be allowed to prescribe drugs?
• Is prejudice against different people inherent?
• Is it ethical to “treat” homosexuality?
• Are social media sites addictive?
• Is social media connecting us or making us more isolated?
• Is pornography harmful to the psyche?
• Do video games cause violence?
• Is intelligence inherited?

Being in a romantic relationship involves constantly negotiating and renegotiating issues ranging from the most mundane to the most profound. On top of that, most adults are or have been part of a couple, making this a relatable and attention-grabbing subject.

• Is monogamy natural?
• Does divorce harm children?
• Should dating between co-workers be allowed?
• Should people date people much older than themselves?
• Is romantic love a prerequisite to marital satisfaction?
• Should arguments in a couple be avoided or encouraged?
• Should men and women have different functions in a relationship?
• Is it OK to keep secrets from your partner?
• Are long-distance relationships worth it?
• Is sex before marriage wrong?
• Is online dating good or bad?
• Are homosexual relationships natural?
• Should same-sex marriage be banned?
• Should LGBTQ people be allowed to adopt children?

Health is arguably the most important thing for a person. So it’s no surprise that we take issues related to health and medicine very seriously. Is there any point in prolonging a dying patient’s pain through life support? Questions like this are hard to give a definitive answer to, making them potent discussion topics.

• Are vaccines safe?
• Is Covid-19 manmade?
• Should immunization be mandatory?
• Should euthanasia be allowed?
• Is alternative medicine any good?
• Should healthcare be free?
• Is obesity a disease?
• Is circumcision healthy?
• Is stem cell research ethical?
• How harshly should medical malpractice be punished?
• Should Big Pharma be banned from charging too much for life-saving drugs?
• Should prescription drug manufacturers be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
• Should cannabis be prescribed as medicine?
• Should surrogate pregnancy be allowed?
• Should we use gene-editing in humans?
• Should the sale of human organs be allowed?
• Should genetic screening of embryos be legal?

If nurses are essential workers, why do they get paid so little? To get to the bottom of this, we need to go beyond the nursing profession and take a hard look at society as a whole. Besides, just like doctors, nurses face ethical dilemmas in their work every day, which creates a lot of room for debate.

• Are nurses compensated fairly?
• Should nurses’ shifts be shortened?
• Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
• Is the nursing profession better suited for women?
• Should nurses use artificial hydration and nutrition?
• Should nurses treat non-compliant patients?

Biology deals with nothing less than life itself! And what’s a more fascinating question than the origin of life? Although we seem to be far from deciphering this mystery, there are many other issues that both scientists and laypeople have good reason to debate.

• Is evolution up for debate?
• Did life emerge out of inorganic matter?
• Is there a viable alternative to the theory of evolution?
• How significant are the physiological differences between men and women?
• Is behavior determined by our genes or by our upbringing?
• Are there more than two genders?

If you’re a classical music lover, you’ll very likely scoff at the assertion that rock ‘n’ roll is the best musical genre. But who’s to say? Maybe someone will argue that there are objective measures of the quality of music. As with any issue that’s close to many people’s hearts, music can be an excellent topic for discussion.

• Is music getting worse over time?
• Is the pursuit of profit ruining music?
• Do music streaming services such as Spotify help or harm musical artists?
• Are violent or explicit lyrics harmful to society?
• Are rock stars a bad influence on children?
• Are The Beatles overrated?

Do you think Banksy will go down in history as one of the great artists, or do you see his works as cheap stunts? Either way, you’ll probably agree that art has changed almost beyond recognition since the time of Rembrandt. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is just one topic worth exploring.

• Is the value of art subjective?
• Should explicit art be censored?
• Who decides what constitutes art?
• Should an art piece always carry a message?
• Is contemporary art as good as classical art?
• Should any topic be out of bounds for art?

Hardly anyone would disagree that we should learn from history to avoid making the same mistake twice. But what exactly are history’s lessons is up for debate, and so make for great discussion topics.

• Are the two World Wars responsible for the relative state of peace since?
• Should the US pay reparations to African Americans because of slavery?
• Should Confederate statues in the US be taken down?
• Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?
• Was the French Revolution inevitable?
• Is history always written by the victors?
• Is history bound to be repeated?

Are cats better pets than dogs? Does pineapple belong on a pizza? These are the kind of age-old debates we look into in our Funny Controversial Topics page.

Top 5 Extraordinary Motivational Speakers

130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

7 thoughts on “205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate”

Which is better, Chicago pizza or New York pizza?

Hey Nicole, just to answer your question personally I think Chicago pizza is too thick and I would choose New York pizza any day.

In my opinion Chicago pizza is clearly superior, and its thickness is one of its best attributes.

In my opinion New York pizza is clearly superior, and its thinness is one of its best attributes.

I second Chicago pizza lover’s statement, I think that Chicagos pizzas are much better!

In my very Italian opinion, true real pizza is Made in Italy only – the best. Cheers x 🙂

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110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students

Don’t be surprised when the discussion gets heated…

It can be tempting to steer away from controversial debate topics in the classroom. But teaching students to discuss hot topics calmly and rationally is vital. Show them how to think critically about a subject, then use facts to support their point of view. These controversial topics can work well for classroom debates, persuasive essays , or fishbowl discussions .

Note: Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

Education Controversial Debate Topics

Science and health controversial debate topics, civics controversial debate topics, social justice controversial debate topics, more controversial debate topics.

• Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
• Should schools eliminate dress codes?

• Are private schools better than public schools?
• Should schools be allowed to teach critical race theory?
• Are standardized tests effective?
• Should schools teach abstinence instead of sexual education?
• Should schools make condoms available to students?
• Is year-round school better for students?
• Should schools ban junk food?
• Are single-gender schools better for students?
• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should we make college free for everyone?
• Should we allow schools to ban books from their libraries?
• Does religion have a place in public schools?
• Should charter schools receive public school funds?
• Are school voucher systems a good idea?

• Is in-person school better than online school?
• Should schools have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways?
• Should schools install safe rooms in case of mass shootings or natural disasters?
• Should all teachers be armed in the classroom to help protect their students?
• Is it important for schools to provide mental health support to students?
• Should schools allow students to use phones during the school day?
• Is recess important at every grade level?
• Should we put equal value on vocational education and academics?
• Is homeschooling good for children?
• How much emphasis should school put on reading from the “canon” versus reading more contemporary voices?
• Should humans eat animals?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we completely ban cigarette smoking and vaping?

• Should we ban plastic bottles and bags?
• Is it worth it to spend money exploring space?
• 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?
• Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?

• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all countries have to give up their nuclear weapons?
• Is universal government-sponsored healthcare a good idea?
• Should we ban testing on animals?
• Should net neutrality be mandatory for internet service providers?
• Is our society too reliant on technology?
• Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
• Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
• Does our society have a harmful “diet culture”?
• Would taxing unhealthy foods help fight obesity?

• Can alternative energies replace fossil fuels?
• Is nurture more important than nature when raising a child?
• Should we lower the voting age to 16?
• Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Should we raise the driving age to 18?

• Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
• Should parents be punished legally for their children’s crimes?
• Should abortion be legal?
• Would it be better to appoint Supreme Court judges for fixed terms?
• Should people have to take a parenting class before having a child?
• Should we legalize marijuana at the federal level?
• Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol) instead of banning them?
• Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
• Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
• Do gun safety laws infringe on the Second Amendment?
• Should we require people of all genders to register for the draft?
• Should anyone over 12 be tried as an adult in court?

• Is it right to require people to take drug tests before receiving government aid like welfare?
• Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
• Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
• Why haven’t we had a female U.S. president yet?
• Should men be allowed to make laws that affect women’s bodies?
• Should the government provide funding for public art programs?
• Are there any reasonable limits to freedom of speech?
• Is security more important than freedom?

• Should we abolish the death penalty?
• Is a strong middle class vital to the economy?
• Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?

• Is the American justice system inherently racist?
• Will stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings?
• Is it logical to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico?
• How much of a problem is ageism in our society?
• Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their time in prison?

• Does socioeconomic prejudice affect our society?
• Should we automatically deport illegal immigrants, regardless of how long they’ve been in the country?
• What is the role of media in fighting systemic racism?
• Does segregation still exist in the United States?
• Are white-collar jobs better than blue-collar jobs?
• Does religion do more harm than good?
• Will we ever achieve world peace?
• Should parents use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are?
• Should we let young children play contact sports like football?

• Are the prices of pharmaceutical drugs reasonable?
• Who should cover the medical costs of people without insurance?
• Is video gaming a sport?
• Should parents be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears?
• Should we ban all violent video games?
• Are beauty pageants sexist?
• Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

• Should there be a minimum age for owning a smartphone?
• Is it possible to be an ethical hunter?
• What is the best way to deal with homelessness?
• Was Russia justified in attacking Ukraine?
• Should both parents receive equal amounts of paid leave when they have or adopt a child?
• Are stereotypes ever right?
• Do people have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action?
• Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
• Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
• What gives people true power in the United States?

• Is conflict necessary for change?
• Is war ever justified?

What controversial debate topics do you use with your students? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, 35 strong persuasive writing examples (speeches, essays, ads, and more) ., you might also like.

125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — 500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas

500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas

Mental health is an increasingly prominent topic in contemporary discourse, reflecting its critical impact on individuals and society as a whole. Addressing mental health issues through argumentative essays allows for a deeper exploration of the complexities involved, fostering greater understanding and advocacy. These essays not only provide an opportunity to challenge existing stigmas and misconceptions but also encourage critical thinking and informed debate.

In this article, we present a comprehensive collection of 500 mental health argumentative essay topics and ideas. This extensive list is designed to inspire students, educators, and professionals to engage with diverse aspects of mental health, from policy and treatment to the social and personal dimensions of mental well-being. Whether you're looking to explore current trends, delve into school-related issues, or discuss specific mental health conditions, you'll find a wide array of topics to suit your needs.

Our curated selection is divided into various categories, ensuring a broad coverage of relevant themes. Additionally, we offer practical tips on how to choose a compelling topic for your essay, ensuring that your work is both impactful and insightful. Dive into this resource to find the perfect mental health essay topic  that will not only engage your readers but also contribute meaningfully to the ongoing conversation about mental health.

🏆 TOP Argumentative Mental Health Topics

• The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
• Mental Health: Thesis Statement
• Dissociative Identity Disorder in The "Split" Movie: a Psychological Analysis
• How Did The Pandemic Affect Your Mental Health: a Reflection
• Breaking The Stigma of Mental Health: an Essential Endeavor
• Mental Illness as a Social Problem
• Borderline Personality Disorder of The Protagonist in ‘Good Will Hunting’ Movie
• Shutter Island: Psychology and Dissociative Identity Disorder
• The Effects of Mental Health on Our Life
• The Main Causes of Mental Health Issues in Students

🔥 20 Trendy Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics in 2024

• The Role of Social Media in Influencing Teen Mental Health
• The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Practices in Managing Anxiety and Depression
• Should Schools Implement Mental Health Education Programs for Students?
• The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health in Different Cultures and How to Overcome It
• The Link Between Religiosity and Mental Health
• Tracking Mental Well Being by Using Sensing Technology
• The Importance of Workplace Mental Health Initiatives
• The Impact of Academic Pressure on Student Mental Health
• Early Intervention Strategies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
• The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
• The Efficacy of Teletherapy in Mental Health Treatment
• Addressing Mental Health Disparities in Public Health Policies
• The Relationship Between Nutrition and Mental Health
• The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Mental Health in Marginalized Communities
• The Role of Pets in Improving Mental Health
• The Benefits of Group Therapy for Mental Health
• The Relationship Between Mental Health and Creativity
• The Effects of Social Isolation on Mental Health
• The Use of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in Treating Depression and Anxiety

🖋 Good Argumentative Mental Health Topics to Write About

• Reduction of Inhibitory Control in People with ADHD
• Ileana Chivescu Case Study
• The Concept of Shyness in Psychology and Its Relation to Anxiety
• The Power of Following Your Fear and Anxiety
• Understanding The Facts Surrounding Bipolar Disorder
• A Comprehensive Exploration of The Phenomenon in The Teaching Profession
• The Complex Relationship Between Nursing, Burnout, and Professional Well-being
• The Relationship Between Academic Burnout and Personality Traits
• Analyzing Toyota's Recall Challenge
• Exploring Crisis and Systems Theories in Social Work Practice
• Understanding, Intervening, and Empowering Through Crisis
• The Story of a 6 Month Old Baby not Wanting to Live
• The Issue of Identity in a Separate Peace by John Knowles
• The Ongoing Researches of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Its Symptoms and Effects
• Dyslexia Disorder Description
• Scholarly Pursuits in Special Education
• How Light is Used in The Circadian Rhythm
• NFL and MLB Performance Regarding Jet Lag Condition
• Simulated Clinical Encounter Research Protocol
• Causes of Witchcraft Mass Hysteria in Salem
• Gile Coreys Death in The Crucible
• Grudges and Personal Rivalries as The Basis for a Mass Hysteria
• Human Nature is Prone to Mass Hysteria: The Crucible and Lindy Chamberlain Case
• Mass Hysteria, Fear and Paranoia, and Its Effect on People
• The Royal Free Epidemic of 1955 as a Mass Hysteria
• Understanding of Mass Hysterias Throughout History: Witches, Communists, and Clowns
• The Meaning of Psychological Well-being and Its Theoretical Conceptualization
• Using a Traditional Therapy Model and a Community Psychology
• Violence in Mental Health Settings
• Trapped Protagonists in Atwood's "Handmaid's Tale" and Kane's "4.48 Psychosis"
• Isolation from The Society: Heroism Or Foolishness
• Racism in American Society in 'Just Walk on By' by Brent Staples
• Social Isolation in The Elderly: Causes and Consequences
• Social Isolation, Independence, and Interdependence in Learning Outcomes
• Where I Lived and What I Lived: Experiment of Social Isolation
• Key Features of Good Quality Edible Fungi
• Narrative Essay on Stress
• Review on The Trichotillomania
• Worst Experience of My Life Essay
• The Influence that Arousal, Stress, and Anxiety Can Have on Sport Performance
• The Main Factors and Causes of Professional Burnout
• The New Sources of Stress in Modern Society
• Investigation into The Stress Response of Bacteria
• The Relationship Between Physiology and Behavior in Stress
• Conjugal Visits and The Issue of Sexual Encounters in Prison
• Hips and Pelvis
• Studies on Recovered Memory and Trauma
• The Things They Carried Theme Essay
• Theories of Trauma
• Trauma at The Tunnel in Los Angeles: Emergency Response

🪄 Simple Argumentative Mental Health Essay Topics

• The Effect of ADHD on The Life of an Individual
• Behavioral Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Support
• Understanding ADHD: a Comprehensive Analysis
• Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) and The Impact Nature Have on It
• The Importance of Managing Stress and Anxiety in Early Age
• Anxiety Disorder Among Children and Ways to Prevent It
• The Issue of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Causes and What It Feels Like
• The Effects of Bipolar Disorder on The Human Brain and Behavior
• Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Impact
• Treating Muscle Dysmorphia
• Examining Borderline Personality Disorder, a Mental Disorder
• The Basics of Borderline Personality Disorder
• Overcoming Burnout Syndrome
• Understanding and Addressing Burnout and Compassion Fatigue in The Healthcare Workplace
• The Impact of Occupational Burnout on Teachers
• The Toll of Accountability: Burnout in The Nursing Profession
• What is Nursing Compassion Fatigue and Burnout
• Mental Illness that Affects Millions of People
• The Connection Between Dissociative Identity Disorder and Criminal Behavior
• Discussion on Whether Dissociative Identity Disorder is a Valid Disorder
• Dyslexia: Advocacy, Representation, and Awareness Raising
• Dyslexia: Understanding and Addressing Challenges in 2023
• Types of Insomnia
• Addressing Mental Health: Awareness, Support, and Intervention
• Problems, Research and Treatment of Major Depression Disorder
• The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in The Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder and Its Prevention
• Supportive Homes for People with Serious Mental Illness
• Mental Health Challenges in Higher Education
• Mental Health Awareness Importance: The Bahraini Case
• Prioritizing Early Intervention for Children's Mental Health
• The Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health
• Mental Illness in The Criminal Justice System
• The Problem of Ignorance About Mental Illness
• Perception Vs Reality: The Challenge of Mental Illness
• Wake Up Mental Health Awareness: Why It is Important
• The Issue of Stigma Against Mental Patients and Its Solution
• The Effect of Mental Illnesses on Art Throughout Different Time Periods
• How Mental Health Affects Us Everyday
• Mental Illnesses: Definition, Kinds and Its Effects on Society
• The Problem of Mental Disorders Among School Students
• The Interrelation Between Mental Illness and Drug Addiction
• The Stigma of Mental Illness and Forms of Treatment
• Research of Stigmatization of Mental Illness
• The Use of Restraint in Mental Health In-patient Environments
• The Dangers of Smart Phones
• The Disadvantages of Social Networking
• Personality Disorder Diagnosis: Personal Experience
• 10 Things You Do if You Have Maladaptive Daydreaming

🏫 Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health in Schools

• ADHD: The Child/teacher Struggle
• Diagnosing Dyscalculia and ADHD Diagnosis in Schools
• The Importance of Online Schooling for ADD/ADHD Students
• Description and Prevention of The Most Common Mental Health Disorders
• The Problem of Social Anxiety Disorders of Teenagers
• A Study of Social Anxiety Disorder and Simple Shyness
• Anxiety Disorders: Types, Causes, Impacts, Treatment
• Overview of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Solution for Anxiety Disorders
• Symptoms and Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• The Characteristics, Causes, and Prevalence of Panic Disorder, an Anxiety Disorder
• Treatment, Symptoms, and Prevention Strategies for Bipolar Disorder
• Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Symptoms, Treatment, and Management
• Children’s Social and Emotional Well-being
• Nexus of Educator Stress, Burnout, and Leadership Styles in Girls’ State Secondary Schools
• The Impact of Leadership Styles on Educator Burnout in a Girls' State Secondary School
• The Relationship Between Academic Burnout and Personality Traits of Neuroticism and Agreeableness
• Exploring Theoretical Perspectives and Interventions in Social Work
• Legal, Ethical, and Practical Dimensions of Online Psychological Interventions in Crisis Situations
• Theoretical Foundations and Methodological Approaches in Social Work Practice
• Understanding Crisis Dynamics and Response Strategies
• Advancing Inclusive Learning: Tech and Educational Strategies
• Conquering Dyslexia: The Road to Succeeding in Life with The Learning Disability
• Embracing Inclusivity: Effective Strategies for Students
• Learning Disabilities: Governance, Employment, and Support
• My Experience: How to Live with Dyslexia
• Study of Developmental Phonological Dyslexia
• A Brain Disorder that Prevents The Comprehension of People
• Understanding Learning Disabilities
• My Experience with a Patient with Depressive Disorder
• Addressing The Stigma and The Importance of Treatment
• Breaking The Stigma of Mental Health: Awareness and Acceptance
• Exploring Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
• Mental Health Awareness: Importance and Impact
• Mental Health Crisis Among College Students
• Mental Health Crisis of University Students: Analysis of The Impact of Covid-19
• Mental Health Issues Among Malaysian Students: Finding Coping Methods
• Mental Health of The Lower Class
• My Struggle with Anxiety and Depression
• Personality Dysfunctions on The Characters in Winnie The Pooh
• Prioritizing Mental Health: Individual and Collective Responsibility
• Should Standardized Testing Be Abolished?
• Teenage Mental Health: The Increase in Mental Illnesses
• The Impact of Mental Health in Schools
• The Importance of Psychology in Developing Countries
• The Importance of Understanding of Self-knowledge and The Subconscious Mind
• Understanding Mental Health: Definition, Causes, and Impacts
• Understanding Self-injury from Personal Experience
• Factors Affecting Mental Health of a Nurse
• Social Isolation: Effects on an Individual from a Social, Medical and Psychological Perspective

👩‍🎓 Mental Health Debate Topics for Students

• How Americans Relate to Depression in "Comfortably Numb" by Charles Barber
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Unpacking The Traits
• Research on Psychopathy as a Neuro-developmental Disorder
• A Study of The Management of Mental Illnesses in a Family
• A Study of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• A Study Regarding Medication Adherence Among Female Inmates with Bipolar Disorder
• An Analysis of The Relation Between Mental Illness, Ethnicity and Social Classes
• An Argument on Dissociative Identity Disorder (did) as Fictitious
• An Examination of The Six Mental Illnesses and Its Impact on Human Life
• An Overview of Dissociative Identity Disorder, Its Types, Diagnosis, and Treatment
• An Overview of Narcissism and How to Deal with It
• Analysis of a Personality with Mental Issues Using Jung's and Adler's Theories
• Analysis of The Cases of Dissociative Identity Disorder
• Analysis of The Mental Impact of Anxiety and Hostility
• Antisocial Personality Disorders in Patrick Bateman's American
• Anxiety Disorder: The Mind Which Plays All The Game
• ASPD: Definition, Causes, and Treatment Strategies
• "Bagg Lady": Analysis of Mental Illness
• Bipolar Disorder: Concept, Types, Symptoms
• Bipolar Disorder, Its Symptoms and Indicators
• Bipolar Disorder: Types and Symptoms
• Body Dysmorphia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Approaches
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder Literature Review
• Borderline Personality Disorder in Holden Caulfield
• Collaboration Between Psychologists and Psychiatrists in Mental Health Care
• Crisis Theory and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing in Law Enforcement
• Cultural Competence in Crisis Intervention
• Cultural Views of Mental Illness
• Dependent Personality Disorder
• Depiction of Mass Hysteria in The Crucible by Arthur Miller
• Emotional Deficit in Patients with Psychopathy: a Literature Review
• Exploration of Treatments for Major Depressive Disorders
• How Does COVID-19 Affect Mental Health
• How Obsessive-compulsive Disorder is Depicted in Martin Scorsese's Film The Aviator
• How Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Can Affect Children
• How The Antisocial Personality Traits of Those Diagnosed with Psychopathy Are Conducive to Assault
• Hypnotherapeutic Treatments for Stress, Anxiety and Phobias
• Impact of Employee Burnout on Work Performance in an Organization
• Individual and Society Damage of Burnout Syndrome
• Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD): a Comprehensive Overview
• Joey Barton and His Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Mental Illness and Homelessness: a Complex Interplay
• Mental Illness and Its Treatment Nowadays
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Diagnosis, Causes, and Treatment
• Obsessive-compulsive Disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive Disorder: a General Overview
• How Bipolar Disorder Can Be Attributed to Heredity
• Connection Between Drug Abuse and Mental Health
• Connection Between Gender and Mental Health
• Bipolar Disorder: Definition, Symptoms and Features

🎤 Mental Health Speech Topics

• A Study on The Psychological Development
• Analysis of Treatment Decisions for a Child with ADHD
• Anorexia Nervos Social Determinants of Health
• Anxiety Speech Outline
• Bond Between Mother and Child: Effects of Maternal Depression
• Bridging The Gap Between Police Officers and Citizens with Mental Illnesses in Canada
• Burnout and Contagion of Rigorous Care Nurses
• Character Analysis of Girl Interrupted
• Childhood Trauma and College Freshmen
• Concurrent Disorder Case Study Reflection
• Crisis Understanding, Intervention, and Recovery
• Dear Person Who is "So Ocd"
• Development of a Terrorist’s Mentality: Religion, Mental Illness of Psychopathy and DNA
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
• Distress and Demoralization of Nurses as a Source of Anxiety and Job Seniority
• Effects and Treatment of Bipolar Disorders
• Emergency Service Burnout Symptoms and Solutions
• Empowering Recovery: The Human Service Model for College Substance Abuse
• Fears and Phobias
• How Psychopathy Can Be Seen as Conditional Defense Mechanism
• Ian Gallagher: Mania and Manmas in The Show Shameless
• Incidents of Mass Hysteria Throughout History
• John and Jane: Women Are Prone to Madness
• Learning Disability in America
• Main Characteristics of Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Mass Hysteria and Its Impact on Society in The Crucible
• Mass Hysteria in The Crucible
• Mental Health Issue in Malaysia
• Mental Health: Prioritizing Education, Access, and Awareness
• Morello Mental Illness
• No I’m not Shy: I Have Social Anxiety
• OCD: Understanding and Promoting Mental Health Awareness
• People with GAD
• Perfectionism is Destroying People
• Personal Experience of The Struggles Associated with Asperger's Syndrome and ADHD
• Personality Disorders and Their Treatment
• Prioritizing Mental Health: Significance and Impact
• Psychological Disorders Overview: Classification, Prevalence
• Reflecting on My Real Life Experience with Trauma
• Research of Whether Dissociative Identity Disorder is a Real Disorder
• Sources of Stress in Youth
• The Psychological Impact of Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• The Mechanism of Mass Hysteria in The Past and Today
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences
• The Cultural Beliefs Concerning Mental Illnesses in The South Asian Community
• The Effects of Methylphenidate on Adults with ADHD
• The Effects of The Stigmatization of Mental Illness on The Society
• The History, Origin, Types, Misconceptions and Treatment of Mental Diseases
• The Importance and Future of Mental Health Research
• The Issue of Mental Illnesses in Women in "The Yellow Wallpaper"

🚑 Health Care Argumentative Essay Topics

• Is It Ethical For Parents To Use Genetic Engineering To Create “Designer Babies” With Specific Physical And Intellectual Traits?
• Should The Government Implement Stronger Regulations On Pharmaceutical Pricing?
• Is It Ethical To Prioritize Healthcare Resources For Younger Patients Over Older Patients During A Crisis?
• What Role Should Alternative Medicine Play In Modern Healthcare?
• Compare and Contrast Psychologists and Psychiatrists
• Should Organ Donation Be Mandatory?
• Is Surrogacy Ethical?
• How to Remedy Penile Dysmorphic Disorder (PDD)
• DSM System for Mental Disorder Classification
• The Impact of Gluten on Mental Health
• Should Mental Health Care Be Integrated Into Primary Healthcare Services?
• How Can Telemedicine Bridge The Gap In Healthcare Accessibility In Rural Areas?
• The Importance of Autonomy in Counselling
• Should Healthcare Be Considered A Basic Human Right?
• Is The Privatization Of Healthcare Services Beneficial Or Harmful To The Public?
• The Shift in Ideas About Mental Diseases Over The Years
• Should Parents Be Legally Required To Vaccinate Their Children To Protect Public Health?
• Should The Government Legalize Assisted Suicide For Terminally Ill Patients?
• The Perception of Mental Illnesses by Senegalese People
• Should Hospitals Be For-Profit Or Nonprofit Institutions?
• Understanding Mental Health and Its Impact on Individuals and Society
• Why Mental Illness is More Prevalent in The LGBT Community than in The General Population
• Should Minors Have Access To Emergency Contraception?
• Why Perfectionism is Associated with Depression, Anorexia Nervosa, Suicide Ideation and Early Death
• Should The U.S. Government Offer Its Own Healthcare Plan?
• The Effectiveness Of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) In Treating Anxiety And Depression
• Should The Government Fund Research On Embryonic Stem Cells For Medical Treatments?
• The Role Of Nutrition In Managing Chronic Diseases
• The Impact Of Climate Change On Global Health
• The Ethics Of Mandatory Vaccination Policies For Healthcare Workers

🌟 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics in Popular Categories

• The Issue of Depression and Its Affect in an Emerging Adulthood
• Prevention of Depression, Anxiety and Burnout in Resident Doctors – a Systematic Review
• About Depression in College: Understanding and Overcoming
• Darwinian Psychology and Depression: The Gender Differential Hypothesis
• The Connection Between Internet Addiction and Depression Within Adolescents
• Causes of Depression Among International Students
• Depression and Its Effects on Mind and Body
• Depression in Teenagers: Causes and Ways to Overcome
• How to Overcome Teenage Depression
• Living in Depression: a Firsthand Account
• Overview of Electronic Problem-solving Treatment (EPST) System to Treat Depression
• The Role of Minerals in Preventing and Combating Depression
• Research on Depression and Working Memory
• The Link Between Self-esteem and Adolescent Depression
• Depression as The Reason of Serious Health Problems and Suicide
• Positive Thinking as Treatment for Depression
• A Depressing World with Different Obstacles
• A Report on Depression in University Students and How to Overcome It
• Depression: Definition, Risks, Symptoms and Treatment
• Understanding Depression: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
• Depression: Definition and Ways of Resolving Caused Problems
• The Factors Influencing Depression Development
• The Effects of Depression in Your Body and Its Treatment
• The Issue of Depression and Its Reality Nowadays
• Depression Facts and Statistics: Psychiatry's Deadliest Scam in the DSM
• Depression is Depression an Actual Illness
• My Depression: a Tale of Struggle and Resilience
• What Are You Depressed About Think About It
• What is a Depression?
• How Depression Changed My Life: College Admission Paper
• The Issue of Depression: Mental Battle
• Dysregulated Processing of Negative and Positive Responses in Depression
• Genetic Disorder Report: Clinical Depression
• Review on Depression in Scotland
• The Epidemic of Depression Among Students and Teenagers
• How to Overcome Depression and Anxiety
• Depression and Its Main Causes
• The Best Way to Help Someone Who is Depressed
• Overview of Biological Predispositions and Risk Factors Associated with Depression
• Teen Depression - Symptoms and Causes
• Anxiety and Depression During Emerging Adulthood
• MYP Personal Project: Childhood Anxiety and Insecurity
• Overview of Anxiety Disorders in Children, Its Types and Impact
• Influence of an Anxious Response on a Person
• How to Overcome Anxiety Disorder
• Representation of The Social Anxieties About Diversity
• Cognitive Behavioral Theory Application for Anxiety Disorder
• Lowdown on Anxiety and How to Cope with It Better
• Research of Anxiety Increasing in The United States
• Anxiety The Ever Tightening Spiral
• Clinical Assessment: Case Study
• Anxiety, Its Development, Effects, and Treatments
• Reflection on How I Fought My Social Anxiety with The Help of Family
• Pros and Cons of Anxiety
• Anxiety and Depression Among College Students: a Critical Analysis
• Social Anxiety: Exploring The Psychological and Social Dimensions
• Anxiety: Causes, Symptoms and My Personal Experience
• A Study on Anxiety Disorders and Its Negative Impact on People
• Anxiety Disorders Experienced by Children
• Social Anxiety Disorder and Its Impacts on The Lives of The Americans
• Somatic Symptoms and Illness Anxiety Disorder
• The Treatments and Conditions of Social Anxiety
• Research of Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Effects and Treatments
• What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Its Treatment
• Anxiety: Navigating The College Experience
• Social Anxiety Disorder: My Experience
• The Problem of Public Speaking Anxiety
• The Way Teachers Can Help Their Students to Overcome Anxiety and Depression
• The Problem of Anxiety and Stress and Its Treatment
• Overview of Stranger and Separation Anxiety
• Yoga and Stress
• Substance Use as a Form of Coping with Stress
• Teaching Competency and Stress Among Public Elementary School Teachers in Oas South District
• Stress - a Universal Problem
• Managing Stress: Causes, Effects, and Coping Mechanisms
• Stress and Self-care
• The Effects of Stress on Human Health
• Work/life Balance and Stress Management
• Feelings: Determine The Quality of Energy
• Prevalence of Occupational Stress and Associated Factors
• Traveling and Its Impact Towards Stress
• Stress Related to Job and Ways to Manage It
• Coloring Books Will Change Your Life Forever
• Stress: Definition, Types and Impact
• Effects of Stress on The Mind and Body
• The Impact of Stress on Health: Physical and Mental Dimensions
• Stress and Its Main Sources
• A Study on The Negative Impact of Stress on an Individual's Health
• Comparison of Stress Rates Among Children and Adults
• How Does Stress Affect The Body: Physical and Psychological Effects
• Stress and Its Role in Our Life
• The Importance of Stress Management
• Perfectionism and Academic Stress in Undergraduate and Post-Graduate Students
• The Impact of Stress on Academic Success in College Students
• Diathesis Stress Model of Psychopathology
• Effects of Stress on The Body: How It Affects Physical and Psychological Health
• Correct Mindset in Coping with Stress
• The Stress of Student Mothers
• Running Head Discussion
• A Stressful Situation and How I Handled It
• Suicide as an Honorable Choice in Viking Sagas
• The Punishment for Those Who Committed Suicide in Dante Alighieri's Inferno
• The Relationship Between Social Media and Teenage Suicide
• The Issue and Role of Suicide in Existential Psychotherapy
• An Argument on Why Suicide Is Not Worth It
• Overview of The Main Causes of Teenage Suicide
• Adolescent Depression and Its Contribution to Teenage Suicides
• Essay on Military Suicide
• Suicide Cases Among Successful Young Adults
• Arguments Expressed by Proponents of The Legalization of Physician-assisted Suicide (PAS)
• Understanding Suicide: Causes, Signs, and Prevention Strategies
• The Relative Influence of Individual Risk Factors for Attempted Suicide
• The Role of Cyberbullying in Increasing Suicide Rates Among Teens
• Death Rates Among American Men Due to Suicide
• How to Prevent Suicidal Behavior in High-risk Groups
• Whether Suicide is Morally Acceptable
• The Roots of Pressure Or Why People Commit Suicide
• The Concept of Suicide in The History of Japan
• The Importance of Human Life Preserving
• The Complexity of Suicide: Understanding The Why
• A Report on Teenage Suicide: Signs, Causes, and Prevention
• Teenage Suicide Epidemic and How We Can Prevent It
• Academic Pressure as The Main Reason for Teenage Suicides in South Korea
• The Impact of Celebrity Suicides on Public Perception and Mental Health Awareness
• Why Do Teenagers Commit Suicide
• How Society Increases Teenage Suicide Rates
• Socio-economic Factors that Cause Teenage Suicide
• The Main Reasons of Teenage Suicide in America
• The Problem of Teenage Suicide in The United States and How to Prevent It
• Trauma, Suicide, and Residential Schools: Impact on Canadian Indigenous People

Schizophrenia

• Psychosis and Schizophrenia in Children
• The Effectiveness of Antipsychotic Medications in Treating Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective Disorder: The Bridge Between Schizophrenia and Bipolar
• Biopsychosocial Influences on Schizophrenia
• Research of Schizophrenia Disorder
• The Role of Genetics in Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia and Its Impact on Family Dynamics
• Innovative Therapies for Managing Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia: Symptoms, Treatment, and Stigma
• Schizophrenia: Definition, Symptoms, Causes
• Understanding Schizophrenia: Overview, Diagnosis, Treatment
• Analysis of The Symptoms of Schizophrenia
• Case Study: Mr. Nash's Schizophrenia and Treatment Plan
• Schizophrenia and Crime: The Complex Relationship
• The Ethical Implications of Forced Treatment for Schizophrenia
• The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Treating Schizophrenia
• The Impact of Schizophrenia on Homelessness
• Stigma and Discrimination Faced by Individuals with Schizophrenia
• Technological Advances in Diagnosing Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia and the Criminal Justice System
• Connection Between Schizophrenia and Social Isolation
• Alice in Wonderland Syndrome
• The History of Schizophrenia
• Schizophrenia and Substance Abuse: A Vicious Cycle
• Schizophrenia in the Workplace: Challenges and Solutions
• Cultural Differences in the Perception and Treatment of Schizophrenia
• Early Intervention Strategies for Schizophrenia
• Long-term Outcomes for Individuals with Schizophrenia
• The Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Creativity
• The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Managing Schizophrenia

Stress Management

• A Study on College Stress Management
• The Impact of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress Reduction
• Workplace Stress: Causes and Solutions
• The Effects of Chronic Stress on Physical Health
• Maintaining a Stress-Free Life: Personal Self-care and Burnout Strategy
• Subjective and Objective Methodology in Stress Management
• Stress Management in The Nurses' Workplace
• Stress Management Techniques for High School Students
• The Role of Nutrition in Stress Management
• Stress and Sleep: How Lack of Sleep Affects Stress Levels
• Coping Up with Stress
• Stress Cause and Effect
• Coping with Stress Essay
• Stress Management Strategies for Parents
• Managing Stress: Causes, Effects, and Techniques
• "Good" Stress Vs "Bad" Stress
• Stress Management of Teachers
• The Role of Exercise in Stress Management
• Stress Management: What is Stress and How to Overcome It
• The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Relief
• Technology and Stress: How to Manage Digital Overload
• Stress Causes and Response to It
• The Impact of Financial Stress on Mental Health
• Stress Response and Stress Management
• The Relationship Between Stress and Substance Abuse
• Stress Response and Ways to Manage Stress
• How Social Support Networks Can Help Manage Stress
• Stress Management Techniques for Athletes
• The Role of Hobbies in Reducing Stress
• The Impact of Environmental Stressors on Mental Health

How to Choose a Good Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Choosing a good mental health argumentative essay topic is crucial for crafting a compelling and impactful essay. Here are five tips to help you select the perfect topic:

• Relevance : Ensure the topic is current and significant.
• Interest : Choose a subject you are passionate about.
• Researchable : Pick a topic with ample resources available.
• Specificity : Narrow down broad subjects for focus.
• Debate Potential : Select topics with clear opposing viewpoints.

In conclusion, exploring mental health argumentative essay topics is an invaluable endeavor that contributes to raising awareness and fostering informed discussions. This extensive list provides a variety of mental health topics to write about, ensuring that there is something for everyone, regardless of interest or expertise. By choosing a relevant, engaging, and well-researched topic, you can create a compelling essay that not only educates but also challenges preconceived notions about mental health. Dive into these topics, and let your writing make a difference in the ongoing conversation about mental well-being.

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Top 70 Controversial Debate Topics For Critical Thinkers in 2024

Jane Ng • 22 April, 2024 • 8 min read

Whether you love or hate them, controversial debate topics are an inescapable part of our lives. They challenge our beliefs and push us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to examine our assumptions and biases. With so many controversial issues, you needn’t go far if you’re looking for a compelling debate. This blog post will provide you with a list of controversial debate topics to inspire your next discussion.

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Table of Contents

What are controversial debate topics, good controversial debate topics, fun controversial debate topics, controversial debate topics for teens , social controversial debate topics, controversial debate topics on current events .

• Key Takeaways 

Frequently Asked Questions

Controversial debate topics are subjects – that can spark strong opinions and disagreements among people with different beliefs and values. These topics can cover various subjects, such as social issues, politics, ethics, and culture, and may challenge traditional beliefs or established norms.

One thing that makes these topics controversial is that there is often no clear consensus or agreement among people, which can lead to debates and disagreements. Each person may have their own interpretation of the facts or values that influence their perspective. It’s difficult for all to reach a resolution or agreement.

Despite the potential for heated discussions, controversial debate topics can be a great way to explore different viewpoints, challenge assumptions, and promote critical thinking and open dialogue. 

However, it is crucial to distinguish controversial topics from controversial opinions – statements or actions that cause disagreement or conflict. 

• For example, climate change can be controversial, but a politician’s comment denying the existence of climate change can be controversial.
• Is social media harming society more than it helps?
• Is it appropriate to make marijuana legal for recreational use?
• Should college be provided for free?
• Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
• Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research?
• Does human activity account for the majority of climate change?
• Should beauty pageants be stopped?
• Are credit cards doing more harm than good?
• Should diet pills be banned?
• Should human cloning be permitted?
• Should there be stricter laws on gun ownership or fewer restrictions?
• Is climate change a serious issue that requires urgent action, or is it overblown and exaggerated?
• Should individuals have the right to end their own lives in certain circumstances?
• Should certain types of speech or expression be censored or restricted?
• Is eating animal meat unethical?
• Should there be more or less strict regulations on immigration and refugee policies?
• Is job security the biggest motivation rather than money?
• Are zoos doing more harm than good?
• Are parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
• Does peer pressure have a net positive or negative impact?

• Is it better to have a small group of close friends or a large group of acquaintances?
• Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast?
• Should you put mayo or ketchup on the fries?
• Is it acceptable to dip fries in a milkshake?
• Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? 
• Is it better to use a bar of soap or liquid soap? 
• Is waking early or staying up late better?
• Should you make your bed every day?
• Should you wear a mask in public places?
• Should teenagers access birth control without parental consent?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Should parents have access to their children’s social media accounts?
• Should cell phone use be allowed during school hours?
• Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?
• Should the school day start later to allow for more sleep for students?
• Is studying should be voluntary?
• Should schools be allowed to discipline students for social media use outside of school?
• Should school hours be reduced?
• Should drivers be banned from using mobile phones while driving?
• Should the legal driving age be raised to 19 in some countries?
• Should students take classes on parenting?
• Should teenagers be allowed to work part-time jobs during the school year?
• Should social media platforms be held responsible for the spread of misinformation?
• Should schools make drug testing mandatory for students?
• Should cyberbullying be considered to be an offense?
• Should teens be allowed to have relationships with significant age differences?
• Should schools allow students to carry concealed weapons for self-defense?
• Should teens be allowed to get tattoos and piercings without parental consent?
• Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?

• Should hate speech be protected under freedom of speech laws?
• Should the government provide a guaranteed basic income for all citizens?
• Is affirmative action necessary to address systemic inequalities in society?
• Should Violence/Sex on TV be abolished?
• Should illegal immigrants be allowed to receive social welfare benefits?
• Is the pay discrepancy between men and women the result of discrimination?
• Should the government regulate the use of artificial intelligence?
• Should healthcare be a universal human right?
• Should the assault weapons ban be extended?
• Should billionaires be taxed at a higher rate than the average citizen?
• Is it necessary to legalize and regulate prostitution?
• Who is more important in the family, father or mother?
• Is GPA an outdated way of assessing a student’s knowledge?
• Is the war on drugs a failure?
• Should vaccinations be mandatory for all children?
• Is the use of social media algorithms to spread misinformation a threat to democracy?
• Should COVID-19 vaccine mandates be implemented?
• Is the use of artificial intelligence ethical in the workplace?
• Should AI be used instead of humans?
• Should companies be required to provide advance notice of lay-offs to employees?
• Is it ethical for companies to lay off employees while CEOs and other executives receive large bonuses?

Key Takeaways

Hopefully, with 70 controversial debate topics, you can expand your knowledge and gain new perspectives. 

However, it is essential to approach these topics with respect, an open mind, and a willingness to listen and learn from others. Engaging in respectful and meaningful debates on controversial topics with AhaSlides’ template library and interactive features can help us broaden our understanding of the world and each other, and possibly even lead to progress in finding solutions to some of the most pressing issues of our time.

1/ What are good topics to debate about? 

Good topics to debate can vary widely depending on the interests and perspectives of the individuals involved. Here are some examples of good debate topics:

2/ What are some controversial debates? 

Controversial debates are those that involve topics that can generate strong and opposing viewpoints and opinions. These topics are often contentious and can provoke heated arguments and debates among individuals or groups who hold different beliefs and values. 

Here are some examples:

3/ What is an emotional and controversial topic? 

An emotional and controversial topic can provoke strong emotional reactions and divides people based on their personal experiences, values, and beliefs. 

For example:

Do you still want to be more explicit about an excellent debater portrait? Here, we’ll give a practical and convincing example of a good debater for you to learn and hone your debate skills.

A writer who wants to create practical and valuable content for the audience

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30 Debate Topics About Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The age of artificial intelligence is here! Every day, there are new and amazing advances in AI technology. But with these advances come new challenges and ethical concerns. This makes the topic of artificial intelligence a fantastic one for debates and discussions. Below you’ll find 30 debate topics about artificial intelligence you can use in your next classroom debate or as a topic for your next essay on artificial intelligence.

• Is artificial intelligence a threat to humanity?
• Should countries ban lethal autonomous weapons?
• Is AI research moving too fast?
• Should we be worried about the rise of intelligent machines?
• What are the risks of artificial general intelligence ?
• How will artificial intelligence change the workforce?
• Should corporations be allowed to develop their own AI technologies?
• What are the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare?
• How will artificial intelligence impact privacy rights?
• Is it morally wrong to create sentient artificial beings?
• What are the potential dangers of creating superintelligent AI?
• Will intelligent robots eventually replace humans in the workforce?
• What role should governments play in regulating AI development?
• How will driverless cars impact society?
• Should we use artificial intelligence to enhance human abilities?
• What are the risks of deploying autonomous military drones?
• Should artificial intelligence be used to combat cybercrime?
• How will artificial intelligence shape urban development?
• What are the risks of AI-assisted fake news and deep fakes?
• Will intelligent chatbots replace customer service representatives?
• How can we make sure AI technologies are ethically sound?
• Should we use artificial intelligence to screen job candidates?
• How will artificial intelligence redefine what it means to be human?
• Should we be worried about AI-induced job loss?
• What are the risks of AI-powered facial recognition technology ?
• How can we ensure that artificial intelligence is safe and secure?
• What are the risks of creating intelligent artificial lifeforms?
• How will artificial intelligence shape the future of education ?
• What are the risks of using AI in law enforcement?
• What are the risks of AI-generated fake news?

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Download and print these debate topics about A.I.

High School Debate Topics

Illustration: Hugo Lin. ThoughtCo. 

• Teaching Resources
• An Introduction to Teaching
• Tips & Strategies
• Policies & Discipline
• Community Involvement
• School Administration
• Technology in the Classroom
• Teaching Adult Learners
• Issues In Education
• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Homeschooling
• M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
• B.A., History, University of Florida

Debates tend to instantly engage students, but they can also sharpen their research and public speaking skills. No matter your reasons for using them, having debates in your classroom is a sure way to get your students thinking and talking.

You may require your students to research topics before debating them or even prepare speeches to state their point of view. Learning how to productively debate will improve your students' communication skills as they practice speaking and listening. These skills will serve them in college and the diverse career world beyond. 

Debate Topics

The following 50 debate topics  can be used in high school or advanced middle school classrooms. They are organized by genre and some can be modified for use in different subjects. Each item is listed in the form of a question to propose to your students that has at least two points of view.

Watch Now: Ideas for Great Classroom Debate Topics

Science and technology.

• Should human cloning be banned?
• Should renewable forms of energy be subsidized by the government?
• Should the U.S. government fund a space mission to Mars?
• Should social media comments be protected by free speech?
• Should parents be allowed to choose their baby's gender?
• Should animal testing be banned?
• Should the U.S. government provide internet service to every citizen?
• Are video games too violent for children?
• Should the manufacturing of nuclear weapons be permitted?

Laws and Politics

• Is it ever appropriate for the government to restrict freedom of speech?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Should citizens who do not vote be fined?
• Is the right to bear arms a necessary constitutional amendment today?
• Should the legal voting/driving/drinking age be lowered or raised?
• Should a border fence be constructed between the U.S. and Mexico?
• Should America give foreign aid to other countries?
• Should drone attacks against specific targets be used for modern warfare?
• Should affirmative action be abolished?
• Should the  death penalty  be abolished?
• Should microaggressions be punishable by law?
• Should the cruel treatment of animals be illegal?

Social Justice

• Should partial-birth abortion be illegal?
• Should all parents be required to attend parenting classes before having a child?
• Should parents be required to vaccinate their children?
• Should mixed martial arts be banned?
• Should celebrities be required to be positive role models?
• Should people be fined for not recycling?
• Are progressive tax rates just?
• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
• Should marijuana use be considered a crime?
• Should every student be required to take a performing arts course?
• Should homework be banned?
• Should school uniforms be required?
• Is year-round education is a good idea?
• Should physical education be required of all high school students?
• Should all students be required to perform community service?
• Should schools block YouTube?
• Should students be able to leave school grounds for lunch?
• Are single-sex schools better for student learning and mental health?
• Should schools punish cyberbullying that occurs outside of school?
• Should teachers not be allowed to contact students through social media?
• Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
• Should high-stakes state testing be abolished?
• Should poetry units be removed from the curriculum?
• Is History (or another subject) actually an important subject in school?
• Should schools be allowed to track students by academic level?
• Should students be required to pass algebra to graduate?
• Should students be graded on their handwriting?
• Should all students be required to co-op?
• Should the theory of creation be taught in schools?
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• Are Cell Phones Allowed in Schools?
• The Laws Governing Homeschooling
• The Importance of Core Courses

Debate Writing

Debate Topics

Interesting and Great Debate Topics (2024)

12 min read

Published on: Jan 13, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Share this article

Choosing the best topic for your debate can be daunting. A person, even a professional essay writer, can never come up with a perfect topic instantly that is arguable and defendable. 

If you have relatable content but do not have an engaging topic, you will lose your audience’s interest. So, choose a topic that is right and appropriate. 

Are you looking for expert help to assist you in choosing the debate topic? Are you finding it difficult to create debate topics or find stuff to debate about? 

Then read this blog to get some interesting debate topics and choose the best topic according to your requirements. 

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Debate Topics for Kids

These are some great debate topics for grade 4 and 5:

• Is it possible for computers to replace teachers?
• Significance of exploring the space
• How are zoos more harmful than good for animals?
• Olympics and its importance for the athletes
• Should parents be punished for the mistakes that their children make?
• Significance of saving money
• Should children be given space or privacy?
• Are social networking sites addictive?
• Do aliens really exist?
• Should every student play a musical instrument in school?

Debate Topics for Middle School Students

Here are some good discussion topics for the students of middle school.

• Every person should have a pet.
• The impact of peer pressure is greater on self-conscious students
• All schools should ban homework.
• School uniforms should be banned in every school.
• Soda and fizzy drinks should be banned in college cafes.
• PE should be made mandatory for every student in high school.
• All middle school students should take part in community service programs.
• Schools should not allow corporal punishments.
• Censorship is important on the internet in school.
• Junk food should be banned by the government in schools.

Debate Topics for Grade 6 

• Allowing chewing gum in class
• Physical books versus e-books
• Longer recess periods in schools
• Wearing hats or caps in school
• Studying alone versus in groups
• Eating snacks during class
• Having a class pet or not
• Choosing seats in the classroom
• Listening to music during class
• Shorter versus longer school days

High School Debate Topics

High school debate topics are a bit more complex than the topics of middle school. Here's a list of debate topics that is suitable for every high school student:

• Human cloning should be banned.
• Animal testing should be strictly banned.
• Violent video games should be banned by the government.
• There should be a limit on freedom of speech.
• The death penalty should be abolished.
• Animal abuse in the circus should be banned.
• Underage girls should be allowed to abort their unplanned children.
• Progressive tax rates are not justified.
• Marijuana should be considered a social offense and a crime.
• YouTube should be blocked on the school premises.

Debate Topics for College Students

As a college student, you could be looking for social topics for discussion or just some technical things to discuss. Here’s a list of topics that will help you pick an appropriate topic:

• What would you rather choose: rich and dishonest or poor and honest?
• There are no plausible reasons for the war on terror.
• How are alternative sources of energy effective?
• Books are more entertaining and informative than TV.
• Public schooling is more effective than homeschooling.
• Abortion is ethically legal but not morally.
• The increase in the rate of unemployment is due to advancements in technology.
• Same-sex marriages should be banned and should not be legalized anywhere.
• Adoption is better than bearing kids.
• Prostitution is the crime and the only reason behind the increased rate of HIV/AIDs.

Debate Topics For Teens

• Homework should be banned.
• Is there any reason to raise minimum wages?
• Students should not be allowed to use Facebook.
• Social media does more harm than good.
• Why is it so hard for women to become president?
• There should be children and teenagers in government.
• Should cigarettes be banned from society?
• Should marijuana be legalized?
• Are cell phones safe?
• What’s the best pizza topping?

Debate Topics For Adults

• Internet service should be legally given to the citizens by the government of the US.
• The democratic government is the best form of government.
• There should be heavy fines on people who do not recycle.
• Poetry should be made part of the curriculum for every student.
• The grading criteria of the schools should be amended.
• Celebrities do not make good role models.
• The increased crime rate in the country is due to an increased rate of immigrants.
• Sex education should be made part of the curriculum.
• The criminal justice system of the United States is ineffective.
• Propaganda is the tool used by politicians to manipulate the masses.

Controversial Debate Topics

Controversial topics make the best debates. The following are some controversial debate topics for you:

• Selling alcohol on weekends should be banned.
• Unlicensed pharmacists should be allowed to prescribe medicines.
• The government should ban animal testing.
• Public speaking is the only way to boost a child’s communication skills.
• Students should not be allowed to play violent video games.
• Lack of trust in relationships results in jealousy.
• A man should raise a child equally as a woman does.
• It is important to punish parents for the misdeed of their kids.
• Traditional health care is better than herbal medication.
• Pros and cons of mercy killing.

Good Debate Topics About Education

Educational topics always work. If you cannot find any topic for your debate, choose from the below-mentioned list.

• To get a good job it is important to have a degree.
• The skill-based study is better than scientific study.
• Sports should be made mandatory in every school and college.
• Science and the arts are equally important subjects.
• Homework gives undue pressure to students.
• No religion should be taught in school.
• Boarding schools are important for students who are not sharp and intelligent.
• For better learning of students, outdoor learning is important.
• Mobile phones should be confiscated from all students in the school.
• History is an important subject to study in school.

Political Debate Topics

• Every person should own a gun to protect himself.
• Britain should not be a part of the European Union.
• Communism is a better ideology than socialism.
• In a democratic government, there should be a limit on freedom of speech.
• International relations are affected by patriotism.
• Politics should be taught in schools.
• Citizens who do not vote should be fined.
• Monarchy should be abolished in Britain.
• Illegal immigrants should be punished as criminals.
• The voting age should be lowered to 16.

Social Debate Topics 

• Drinking age: lower or raise?
• Homeschooling versus traditional schooling
• Free healthcare for all citizens?
• Minimum wage: increase or decrease?
• Gun control: necessary or not?
• Limits on political campaign donations?
• Censorship of music and movies
• Legalizing recreational marijuana
• Affirmative action in college admissions?
• Is it ethical to have a wealth tax?

Funny Debate Topics

Keep reading to discover funny debate topics for adults in 2023.

• American Idol is better than X-Factor.
• Dogs are better pets than cats.
• The chicken came first and then eggs.
• Thin crust pizza is better than a thick crust.
• Winters are better than summer.
• Harry Potter is better than Lord of the Rings.
• It is easy to understand a woman.
• If a vampire bites a person who has AIDs, will he get it too?
• Can we party after death?
• Females are a better gender.

Interesting Debate Topics

It is important to choose a debate topic that is interesting and engaging. The following are some really interesting topics:

• Standardized testing is not an effective method to determine a student’s intelligence.
• The nuclear powers of the world are responsible for wars.
• What does it mean to “bear arms”?
• Homosexual relationships are against nature.
• Children are depending on technology way too much.
• Parents should restrict the use of the internet at home.
• Money is the only source of motivation in practical life.
• Censorship on educational documentaries is important.
• All non-biodegradable should be banned.
• Who selects the electoral college?

Sport Debate Topics

• Is paintball a real sport?
• Should advertising be allowed in sports?
• Should steroids be legalized and monetized?
• Who's the best team ever?
• The Olympics are a waste of money.
• Should women be allowed to compete against men?
• Is there growth in boxing?
• The history of using math in baseball
• Men coaches shouldn’t work with women athletes.
• Is winning everything?

Social Media Debate Topics

• Social media is the reason behind every bad thing in society.
• The media has been replaced by social media.
• The impact of social media on youth
• Has social media killed our privacy?
• Social media promotes violence in society
• Pros and cons of using social media.
• Should Facebook add a “dislike” button?
• Is social media helpful?
• Social media and its usage
• Ban on social media sites

Technology Debate Topics

• All cars should be electric.
• Does technology make people lazy?
• Developing alternative forms of energy
• Is space travel worth the cost?
• Do you like Apple products?
• What is the best gaming system?
• How to deal with increasing cybercrime?
• What is the future of the internet?
• Are mobile games so bad for kids?
• Technology and its usage in daily life

Creative Debate Topics

• Junk food should not be available at the cafeterias
• Cooking classes should be made compulsory in schools
• All children should be allowed to keep a cell phone
• Playing video games is good for kids
• The grading system of the schools should be abolished.
• Parents should attend parenting classes.
• Co-education schools are better for education.
• The government can restrict freedom of speech if needed.
• Democracy is the best policy for every government.
• Students should learn to recycle things.

Science Debate Topics

• Should we be genetically engineering humans?
• Is there life on other planets?
• Are self-driving cars safe?
• How can science do without animal testing?
• Robots should have rights.
• Evolution, a theory or a fact?
• Are vaccines risky or safe for children?
• Science and Islam
• The new discovery of science
• Science and human life

English Debate Topics

• Reading classic literature in schools
• Relevance of Shakespeare in today's society
• Teaching cursive handwriting in schools
• Allowing electronic devices in classrooms
• English as the official language of the United States
• Foreign language classes in schools
• Grammar versus communication skills in education
• Creative writing versus technical writing in education
• American Sign Language as a second language in schools
• Diverse authors and perspectives in literature education.

Environmental Debate Topics

• Live animal exports should be banned
• Use of bidet instead of tissue papers.
• Is organic farming better than conventional farming?
• The use of natural gas in vehicles
• Climate change is the greatest threat in human history.
• Fossil fuels vs. nuclear energy
• Environmental pollution
• Describe tidal energy
• Environment and its impact

Silly Debate Topics For Friends

• McDonald's is the best fast food restaurant.
• Children must get a longer holiday.s
• Is the grading system used in high school effective?
• Obesity should be labeled a disease.
• Coursework is better than exams.
• Afternoon classes are better than the early morning classes.
• The psychological climate of the classroom has a lot to do with a student's personality development.
• People with higher incomes should be fined more.
• Children under ten should not be allowed to use gadgets.
• Abusive parents have children with personality issues.

General Debate Topics

• Private schooling is better than public schooling.
• Different languages should be taught in school.
• Studying maths is more important than studying the language.
• STD testing should be offered for free in all educational institutions.
• The government should provide security to all college education systems.
• Political and economic instability is the result of refugees in a country.
• Illegal immigrants should be given the right to vote.
• All sanctions should be lifted on Iran by the West.
• It is important to have friendly relationships with neighboring countries.
• Big corporations should pay more taxes.

Unique Debate Topics 

• Space exploration versus ocean exploration
• More sustainability courses in schools
• Ethics of animal testing
• Limiting maximum income
• Ethics of human cloning
• Legalizing psychedelic drugs for medicine
• Genetic engineering of human embryos
• Censorship of the internet
• Prioritizing climate change over economic growth
• Selling organs for transplant.

Relationship Debate Topics

• Are online relationships real?
• What’s your opinion on experimenting in a relationship?
• Should gay marriage be legalized?
• Is there someone you would die for?
• Is marriage necessary?
• Is online dating advantageous?
• Arranged marriage or love marriage?
• Women marrying younger men
• Would you consider remarriage if your spouse died?
• Jealousy and love: is it justified?

Tips for Choosing a Good Debate Topic 

Here are some tips for choosing a good debate topic:

• Choose a topic that you and your audience are interested in and passionate about.
• Pick a topic that has multiple viewpoints and arguments that can be made for both sides.
• Consider choosing a topic that is relevant to current events or issues in your community or country.
• Choose a topic that is not too broad or too narrow. Rather focused enough to be thoroughly debated within a set time frame.
• Make sure the topic is appropriate for the age group and audience of the debate.
• Pick a topic that is challenging but not too controversial or offensive.
• Consider the resources and information available to support your argument.
• Finally, make sure the debate topic is clear and easy to understand for all participants and the audience.

The topics provided above are some really good choices for your debate.

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The Debate over Term Limits for Texas Governors

This essay is about the debate over term limits for Texas governors. It discusses the arguments for and against term limits, highlighting the potential benefits of preventing power concentration and encouraging political renewal, as well as the risks of corruption. On the other side, it examines the value of experience and continuity in leadership and argues that democratic elections serve as a natural check on power. The essay also considers the historical context of Texas governance and the impact of term limits on policy development and implementation. The ongoing debate reflects broader questions about governance, democracy, and effective leadership.

How it works

The debate over term limits for Texas governors is a significant topic in the state’s political landscape. Currently, Texas is one of the few states in the U.S. that does not impose term limits on its governors. This means that a governor can serve an unlimited number of four-year terms, provided they continue to win reelection. This lack of term limits has sparked discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of such a system, with implications for governance, political stability, and democratic principles.

Proponents of term limits argue that they are essential for preventing the concentration of power and encouraging political renewal. They contend that without term limits, governors can amass considerable influence over time, potentially leading to an entrenched political class. This can stifle innovation and responsiveness in government, as long-serving governors may become disconnected from the evolving needs and priorities of the populace. By instituting term limits, advocates believe that new leaders with fresh perspectives can regularly enter the political arena, fostering a dynamic and adaptable government.

Furthermore, term limits can act as a safeguard against corruption. The longer an individual remains in power, the greater the opportunity for unethical behavior and the entrenchment of special interest groups. Term limits can mitigate these risks by ensuring regular turnover in leadership, thereby reducing the chances of corruption becoming deeply rooted in the political system. This perspective suggests that term limits are crucial for maintaining the integrity and accountability of elected officials.

On the other hand, opponents of term limits argue that experience and continuity in leadership are invaluable assets. Governing a state as large and complex as Texas requires a deep understanding of its unique challenges and opportunities. Long-serving governors can develop this expertise over time, enabling them to implement long-term strategies and policies effectively. They argue that term limits could disrupt the continuity of governance, leading to frequent shifts in policy direction and potentially undermining the state’s stability and progress.

Additionally, critics of term limits point out that the democratic process itself is a natural check on political power. If voters are dissatisfied with a governor’s performance, they have the power to vote them out of office during elections. Imposing term limits could unnecessarily restrict the choices available to voters, denying them the opportunity to reelect a governor who they believe is performing well. From this perspective, term limits might be seen as an artificial constraint that undermines the principle of democratic choice.

The history of Texas governance provides some context for this debate. Since its admission to the Union in 1845, Texas has seen governors with varying lengths of service. Notably, Rick Perry, who served as governor from 2000 to 2015, became the longest-serving governor in Texas history. His tenure has often been cited in discussions about the potential need for term limits. Supporters of term limits argue that Perry’s long tenure highlights the risk of power concentration, while opponents suggest his extended service allowed him to provide stable and experienced leadership.

Another important consideration is the impact of term limits on policy development and implementation. Long-term projects and reforms often require sustained effort and consistency, which can be challenging to achieve if leadership changes frequently. Governors who are not subject to term limits may be better positioned to pursue ambitious, long-term agendas that benefit the state over time. Conversely, the prospect of term limits might encourage short-term thinking and policy-making, as governors seek to achieve quick results within their limited time in office.

Public opinion on this issue is varied. Some Texans support the idea of term limits as a means to promote political diversity and prevent career politicians from dominating the state’s leadership. Others appreciate the stability and experience that long-serving governors can provide, especially in a state with complex economic, social, and environmental challenges. The balance between these perspectives reflects broader questions about the nature of democratic governance and the best ways to ensure both effective leadership and accountability.

In conclusion, the debate over term limits for Texas governors involves a complex interplay of principles and practical considerations. On one side, term limits are seen as essential for preventing the concentration of power, fostering political renewal, and safeguarding against corruption. On the other side, the value of experience, continuity in leadership, and the natural checks provided by democratic elections are emphasized. Whether Texas should impose term limits on its governors remains an open question, reflecting broader discussions about governance, democracy, and the best ways to serve the public interest. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for the future political landscape of the state, shaping how it navigates the challenges and opportunities ahead.

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May 29, 2024

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Our political debates may not be as antagonistic as we think, study shows

by Laura Counts, University of California - Berkeley

Spend any time scrolling through social media or news sites and it feels like America is a nation in constant argument. Off-hand remarks often spark fierce screaming matches. Partisanship is up, Gallup tells us, while trust in institutions is down.

However, a new study co-authored by Berkeley Haas Assistant Professor Erica R. Bailey suggests this perception may not accurately reflect the nature and frequency of political debates among everyday Americans. In three studies involving nearly 3,000 participants, researchers found most debates occur not with strangers on social media but rather among family and friends. Moreover, participants often felt positive after such discussions.

"We have these misperceptions because of algorithmic amplification of negative media and negative interactions on social media coupled with the fact that we tend to really remember negative information," says Bailey. "It creates this perception that we're all just out there fighting with strangers."

In fact, one study with a representative sample of nearly 2,000 Americans showed that people overestimate how frequently others engage in debates—and this misperception is especially pronounced for debates with strangers online. This false perception has psychological costs, the researchers say, fueling increased feelings of hopelessness about the future of America.

"Our findings suggest that Americans may experience a false reality about the landscape of debate which can unnecessarily undermine their hope about the future," the researchers wrote in the study, published in the journal Scientific Reports and co-authored by Michael W. White, Sheena S. Iyengar, and Modupe Akinola of Columbia Business School.

Difficult and nuanced conversations

Bailey says the genesis of the project was reflecting on her own experience. "When I think about who I talk about hot-button issues with, it's my colleagues and friends," she says. "Engaging online feels like a waste of time. Why would I have a difficult and nuanced conversation with someone I don't know or trust?"

Bailey, who studies authenticity, says online debates often feel artificial, with people less willing to openly share their personal experiences and more often just trying to make a point. But while we have a daily ringside seat to the most heated online debates, we lack line-of-sight into people's private kitchen-table conversations—and these are harder for researchers to observe, recreate, and measure.

Perceptions of 'typical' debates

In their first study, the researchers asked 282 participants to freely recall a recent debate they had witnessed or participated in. About half of the participants described debates they observed online, and recounted that these interactions skewed more negative than positive.

Interestingly, the respondents believed these instances were representative of typical debates, highlighting a perception that debates—particularly online—are generally seen as negative.

Personal experiences with debate

The second phase included two studies delving into personal debate experiences. The first involved 215 people in a behavioral science research lab, while the second included 526 individuals recruited online.

Participants in both groups were asked about the topics they debated over the past year, who they debated with, and how they felt afterward. They were also asked to choose from a list of twenty common topics—including climate change , gun control, gender identity issues, and reparations for slavery—which ones they had debated.

The results revealed that reproductive rights and vaccines were the most common topics, while other contentious issues, such as policing and immigration, were debated less frequently. Most of the topics were debated by less than half of participants. Contrary to the popular belief of hostile online interactions, participants said the majority of their debates occurred with family, friends, and other close contacts.

In terms of emotional impact, online participants reported that their average post-debate feeling was positive, suggesting that discussions, even on divisive topics, often ended on a constructive note. The lab participants' feelings were neutral, neither overwhelmingly positive nor negative.

"That was surprising to me, since I was not expecting for people to report feeling positive after a debate," Bailey says. "That suggests that at least on some topics, people are better at finding a compromise or at least ending on a positive note."

Measuring misperceptions and their impact

The third study was an investigation into how Americans perceive debates compared to their actual experiences. About 2,000 Americans in a nationally representative sample were randomly assigned to either self-report their own debate experiences or to predict how often others engage in debates.

The results were striking. Across almost all categories, people significantly overestimated the frequency of debates, especially online debates involving strangers (the exception was in-person debates with family members). In addition, this overestimation was strongly linked to a sense of hopelessness about the future of America.

Implications

The research highlights a critical gap between perception and reality. "Taken together, these findings suggest that the 'typical' debate seems substantively different than two strangers typing at one another from behind their computer screens," the researchers write. This misperception could be due to the visibility and virality of negative content on social media platforms, where extreme views often get amplified over moderate or conciliatory tones.

Second, the findings suggest that these misperceptions could be contributing to broader societal despair regarding the political climate and the future of democracy in America. By assuming that debates are overwhelmingly negative and frequent, people may feel a sense of futility about political engagement and discourse. (The researchers cautioned that this connection was largely correlational.)

Lastly, the research points to the need for interventions that not only make debates more productive but also adjust public perceptions about political debate. Educating the public about the actual dynamics of debates could help mitigate feelings of hopelessness and encourage more constructive and hopeful engagement with political processes.

Journal information: Scientific Reports

Provided by University of California - Berkeley

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Choose Your Test

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

General Education

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

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

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

All persuasive essays have the following:

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

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

It’s a Topic You Care About

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

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

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

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

It’s a Manageable Topic

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

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

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

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

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

Do Your Research

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

Make Your Thesis Perfect

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

Consider the Other Side

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

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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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Stephen Bush

This article is an onsite version of our Inside Politics newsletter. Subscribers can sign up here to get the newsletter delivered every weekday. Explore all of our newsletters here

Good morning. The big picture story of this election is unless something changes, the Labour party is heading for a landslide victory. Something could change — British voters are more volatile now than in the past, and more willing to switch parties, but that works both ways.

Yes, a Labour campaign that falters could lead to a very different result to the one that all the polls, by-elections and local elections suggest. Yes, a Conservative campaign that hits all the right notes could reel in the Labour party.

But the reverse is also true, and frankly, in these early days of the campaign, looks rather more likely. A Labour campaign that hits the right notes could do better than the polls currently suggest. A Tory one that sputters and struggles could do worse.

Either way, one major variable in this campaign are the televised debates, and whether and how they happen. Some thoughts on what Rishi Sunak and Keir Starmer should want out of them.

Inside Politics is edited by Georgina Quach . Read the previous edition of the newsletter here . Please send gossip, thoughts and feedback to [email protected]

Networks affect

What should Keir Starmer be looking for from the televised debates? In an ideal world, that they do not happen. Although he is running on a simple one-word slogan of “Change”, change is actually undesirable if you enjoy a 20 point lead over your closest rival in the polls and an electoral coalition that appears to be incredibly well-distributed geographically and can therefore win big even with a smaller lead .

The televised debates are a moment in this campaign when things could change, and therefore if Starmer could find a way to avoid doing them, he should take it. That said, he will also know that one thing that voters really did not like in the 2017 election was that Theresa May skipped the leaders’ debates. It went over poorly in the focus groups and was part of why her election campaign went badly.

What is Starmer’s next best alternative? The same format favoured by Boris Johnson in 2019, really: two head-to-head debates with Rishi Sunak, and a third appearance in front of a Question Time -style audience. That allows him to avoid a proper debate with the Greens and the SNP attacking him from his left over his policy programme and the Israel-Hamas war in particular.

One risk to Labour’s lead in this election is that the stories about a Labour-Green fight in Bristol Central, the SNP-Labour battles in Scotland, and Jeremy Corbyn’s newly launched independent candidacy in Islington North all contribute to a steady hum of observations about Starmer’s rows with his left. That adds to a narrative of Labour voters draining away to the Greens, the Liberal Democrats and to independents. This is another reason why keeping the Starmer-Sunak fight front and centre helps Labour, by keeping leftwing voters firmly focused on the choice between the big two parties.

And the third reason is best illustrated by this chart from Ipsos:

As Inside Politics regulars will be tired of reading, I like to use Ipsos where possible, because it is the UK’s oldest pollster and I like as long a data set as possible. But regardless of which pollster you use, the pattern does not change — Rishi Sunak is about as unliked as John Major at the depths of his unpopularity in 1994 or as Jeremy Corbyn in 2019.

Starmer is not popular by any definition, but he is, nonetheless, the least unpopular leader of a major party. As Peter Kellner explains over on his blog , more people say they are positive, and fewer negative, about a government led by Starmer today than they did about a government led by Boris Johnson in 2019.

Yes, in 2017, Corbyn achieved a remarkable turnaround in his own standing and approval ratings. But to put it in perspective, if between now and the election, Rishi Sunak’s standing with the public improves by as much as Corbyn’s did during the 2017 election, he would still be more unpopular than John Major in 1997 or Gordon Brown in 2010. We also should remember that Sunak started the 2022 leadership election trailing Liz Truss among Conservative members, and his debates with her did not help. That, as our team reports , he has endured a series of stumbles right at the start of the campaign doesn’t suggest he will do any better this time around.

What type of debate would best suit Sunak? Well, not the six debates that he has challenged Starmer to, which he has heavily implied should be head to head. His best approach would be exactly what Starmer should avoid: a debate featuring the leaders of all the major parties. But that is unlikely to change the overarching dynamic of this election fight: Sunak is wildly unpopular.

Now try this

A troubling number of you felt I was being overly harsh on D:Ream’s “Things Can Only Get Better”. I maintain that the only good song used by a Third Way politician in their election campaigns is Fleetwood Mac’s “Don’t Stop”, which Bill Clinton deployed in 1992.

Whatever you listen to, and however you spend it, have a wonderful weekend.

Top stories today

Firms answer | Business bosses say they want a clear victor to emerge from the UK general election after years of political upheaval that wreaked havoc with policymaking and financial markets. 

Last minute leasehold push | The House of Lords will debate the leasehold reform bill today in a final scramble to push through legislation before parliament dissolves for the election.

Net migration drops | Net migration to the UK fell 10 per cent to 685,000 in 2023 but inflows remained well above historical averages , according to official data that will be seized upon by political parties ahead of the general election on July 4.

Economic woes | UK households will go to the polls against a backdrop of stubbornly high mortgage rates , near-record rent inflation, a slowing jobs market and per-capita GDP that remains below pre-Covid levels.

Below is the Financial Times’s live-updating UK poll-of-polls, which combines voting intention surveys published by major British pollsters.  Visit the FT poll-tracker page to discover  our methodology and explore polling data by demographic including age, gender, region and more.

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