debate topics on essays

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.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

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?

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.

Wondering where you will find an essay writer?

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.

Make a ‘ write my essay ’ request now and get your debate written according to your requirements.

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.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

How to Write a Speech - Outline With Example

Informative Speech Topics - Interesting Ideas By Experts

Commemorative Speech: Guide to Craft an Engaging Speech

Persuasive Speech Topics - 150+ Topics for Students

50+ Demonstration Speech Ideas for Your Next Great Speech

Impromptu Speech Topics - 150+ Interesting Ideas

100+ Motivational Speech Topics for an Inspirational Speech

Extemporaneous Speech - How to Write One Successfully?

Graduation Speech - Write Your Best Graduation Speech

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.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

● 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!

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

How to Ace Slack Messaging for Contractors and Freelancers

Effective professional communication is an important skill for contractors and freelancers navigating remote work environments....

3-minute read

How to Insert a Text Box in a Google Doc

Google Docs is a powerful collaborative tool, and mastering its features can significantly enhance your...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

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).

2-Year Colleges
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Essay
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Data Visualizations
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
Graduate School Admissions
High Schools
Homeschool Resources
Law School Admissions
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Private High School Spotlight
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Teacher Tools
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

60 Debate Topics for High Schoolers

Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.

See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.

Show me what areas I need to improve

What’s Covered:

What makes a good debate topic, good debate topics for teens.

Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Topics

Learning to view, think, and discuss ideas from contrasting viewpoints builds a host of skills that will benefit high schoolers both in and out of the classroom—including improving public speaking, reinforcing listening, and sharpening research. Good debate topics for high school students are key to lively discussion and an engaged classroom; they’re issues that students care about.

A good debate topic for high school is one that inspires students to think and learn about both sides of the issue. There are a few factors to consider when searching for good debate topics for high school students.

Clear Idea: A good debate topic clearly, simply, and specifically states an often complex idea that students can argue the affirmative (pro) side of and the negative (con) side of.
Interest: The more interesting the topic is, the more engaged and excited students are to take positions and defend them.
Passion: Topics that students feel strongly about work well. If students are super-passionate about a particular issue, it can challenge them to see both sides of the argument.
Argument: Good debate topics do not have a clear “right” answer—rather, they have opposing views that participants can make persuasive arguments in favor of or against.
Evidence: The availability of evidence and data is key to a good debate topic; without them, participants are merely stating a personal position on a topic.
Avoid Cliches: There are a handful of topics that seem to always materialize for debates and can cause students to lose interest.

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.

Are the arts an important aspect of education?
Should we make financial education mandatory?
Should students attend school year-round?
Should schools punish students for bullying that occurs outside of school?
Will computers replace teachers in the future?
Should students grade their teachers?
Should all high school sports become gender-neutral?
Is a college education as valuable as it once was?
Are student loans exploitative?
Is it time to eliminate standardized tests?

Science and Technology

Is social media making us less social?
Is Google the best search engine or just the one we’re accustomed to using?
Is Android better than iOS?
Will technology save the world or destroy it?
Can the law keep pace with technology?
Is the future of school online?
Will cryptocurrencies replace cash?
Is technology taking jobs or creating them?
Should every American have the right to access the internet?
Are electronic libraries more equitable than traditional ones?

Government and Politics

Should the government make vaccinations mandatory?
Is it time for Supreme Court justices to have term limits?
Should we make voting mandatory?
Should we make all drugs legal?
Is it time to decriminalize sex work?
Is our privacy more important than national security?
Is it fair to take the right to vote away from felons?
Should we raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour?
Should the government provide universal basic income?
Is providing healthcare the job of the government?
Can governments implement policies that will actually combat climate change?
Should we allow the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports?
Should we remove racial epithets from books like The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn ?
Can the U.S. achieve gender equality?
Is nationalism beneficial or dangerous?
Does religion do more harm than good?
Should we bar police from using lethal force?
Do we still need the institution of marriage?
Can the U.S. ever achieve racial equality?
Are we living in a dystopian society?
Should we punish or help drug addicts?
Is bad parenting responsible for the rise in childhood obesity?
Should we sell birth control over the counter?
Is it time to ban cigarettes and vaping?
Are alternative medicines helpful or harmful?
Should we ban businesses from advertising to children?
Is the eight-hour workday outdated?
Should we treat corporations like people?
Should corporations be involved in politics?
Is remote work the future of employment?
Is gaming a sport?
Are books a better entertainment option than television?
Should social media companies censor content?
Is civil disobedience the most effective form of protest?
Should we ban football?
Should Black Friday sales start on Thanksgiving Day?
What better determines success: skill or will?
Should you feel guilty for killing zombies during the zombie apocalypse?
Should you choose pizza toppings based on taste or nutrition?
Are hot dogs sandwiches?

Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Arguments

A vital part of debate preparation is to test your arguments to ensure they specifically address the topic and collectively form a cohesive point. Make sure you consider both sides of the argument to better be prepared for a rebuttal.

Before stepping up to argue your side of the issue, test your argument on CollegeVine’s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free from a peer!

As you get ready for college, it is important to understand how your extracurriculars, like debate, factor into your chances of acceptance. Check out our free chancing calculator to find the best-fit school for you.

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.

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

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 🙂

The Meaning of Evangelion.

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

Grades 6-12
School Leaders

Don't Miss the Grand Prize: A $2,500 Office Depot/OfficeMax Card!

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 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 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?

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

Learn how to argue with logic instead of emotion. Continue Reading

Share full article

Supported by

Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

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

By The Learning Network

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

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

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

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

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

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

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

Want more writing prompts?

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

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?
100 Persuasive Essay Topics
50 Argumentative Essay Topics
100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
Middle School Debate Topics
Classroom Rules for High School Students
4 Fast Debate Formats for the Secondary Classroom
25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
Why US Public Schools Don't Have a Prayer
The Best Interactive Debate Websites for Students and Teachers
5 Ways to Prepare Your Middle Schooler for High School
What Is General Education?
Course Requirements for Homeschooling High School
Are Cell Phones Allowed in Schools?
The Laws Governing Homeschooling
The Importance of Core Courses

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.

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

The Debate: are Viruses Alive?

This essay about the nature of viruses examines whether they are considered living entities. It discusses how viruses lack independent cellular structures and metabolism, relying entirely on host cells for reproduction, which challenges their classification as alive. However, once inside a host, viruses can replicate, evolve, and adapt, exhibiting life-like characteristics. The essay explores different perspectives on defining life and considers the implications for medicine, virology, and our understanding of biological diversity. It also touches on recent discoveries of giant viruses that blur the lines further, suggesting that the concept of life is more complex and nuanced than traditionally thought.

How it works

The question regarding the vitality of viruses has perennially sparked debates within scientific circles. Viruses occupy a singular niche in the realm of biology, straddling the boundary between animate and inanimate entities. To ascertain their classification, it behooves us to scrutinize the attributes that delineate vitality and assess how viruses align with these benchmarks.

Conventional living entities typically evince several defining traits: they undergo growth, reproduction, response to stimuli, and metabolic activities. Yet, viruses present a conundrum by diverging from these criteria on various fronts.

Structurally, a virus comprises genetic material—be it DNA or RNA—ensconced within a proteinaceous shell, sometimes ensheathed in a lipid envelope. Unlike living organisms, viruses lack cellular apparatus such as cytoplasm or organelles requisite for metabolic functions.

A conspicuous peculiarity of viruses lies in their inability to replicate autonomously. They must infiltrate a host cell and co-opt its machinery to spawn new viral progeny. Extricated from their host milieu, viruses languish inertly; bereft of growth, respiration, or responsiveness to their surroundings. This reliance on a host for replication forms the crux of the argument posited by many scientists against the vitality of viruses.

Conversely, within a host milieu, viruses evince traits that undeniably mimic living organisms. They display adaptability to their milieu through genetic mutations and natural selection, quintessential hallmarks of life forms. This evolutionary plasticity enables viruses to circumvent immune defenses and acquire resistance to antiviral agents, indicative of a semblance of life-like adaptiveness and evolution.

Moreover, proponents of a more inclusive definition of life posit that entities capable of replication and evolution, albeit contingent upon a host, merit classification as living entities. From this vantage point, the symbiotic, albeit parasitic, relationship between virus and host delineates a form of life entwined with that of its host.

This discourse reverberates in practical realms such as medicine and virology, where the categorization of viruses as living or non-living holds implications for treatment modalities and preventative strategies. For instance, conceptualizing viruses as living entities may catalyze the development of antiviral agents tailored to impede the replication machinery within host cells. Conversely, viewing viruses as intricate biochemical constructs might pivot research efforts towards destabilizing their structural integrity prior to host cell infiltration.

Recent revelations have further obfuscated these demarcations. Giant viruses like Mimivirus and Pandoravirus harbor more intricate genetic material and larger dimensions than conventional viruses. Some even encode genes hitherto believed exclusive to cellular organisms, posing queries regarding the genesis and evolution of viruses. These gargantuan viruses impugn the conventional binary categorization of animate and inanimate entities, intimating that the tapestry of life may be more intricately interwoven than hitherto conceived.

The philosophical and scientific inquiry into the vitality of viruses broaches broader existential quandaries concerning the essence of life itself. As humanity probes extraterrestrial environs in quest of life’s vestiges, the elucidation of what constitutes a living entity assumes paramount significance. Should we encounter virus-like entities on distant celestial bodies, would they warrant recognition as life forms? The ongoing dialogue surrounding viruses’ ontological status on Earth may furnish a conceptual framework for interpreting such discoveries.

In pedagogical milieus, elucidating the intricacies of viruses offers a fertile terrain for fostering discourse on the variegated tapestry and enigmatic depths of life. It impels students to engage in critical ruminations on definitional parameters and fosters an appreciation for the subtleties of biological classification. This dialectic epitomizes the fluid and iterative nature of scientific inquiry, wherein novel revelations continually reconfigure our comprehension of the cosmos.

In summation, the question surrounding the vitality of viruses remains a conundrum, emblematic of broader epistemological uncertainties in delineating life. Viruses evince certain life-like attributes, particularly evolutionary adaptability, yet are devoid of autonomous metabolic processes and cellular architectures. Whether one ascribes vitality to viruses hinges largely upon the criteria employed to delineate life. Regardless of their taxonomic classification, the study of viruses furnishes invaluable insights into biology, evolution, and the labyrinthine intricacies of living systems. A nuanced apprehension of viruses, whether animate or inanimate, remains imperative for catalyzing scientific and medical advancements.

Cite this page

The Debate: Are Viruses Alive?. (2024, May 28). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/the-debate-are-viruses-alive/

"The Debate: Are Viruses Alive?." PapersOwl.com , 28 May 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/the-debate-are-viruses-alive/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Debate: Are Viruses Alive? . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-debate-are-viruses-alive/ [Accessed: 29 May. 2024]

"The Debate: Are Viruses Alive?." PapersOwl.com, May 28, 2024. Accessed May 29, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/the-debate-are-viruses-alive/

"The Debate: Are Viruses Alive?," PapersOwl.com , 28-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-debate-are-viruses-alive/. [Accessed: 29-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). The Debate: Are Viruses Alive? . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/the-debate-are-viruses-alive/ [Accessed: 29-May-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

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.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Work & Careers
Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

Global news & analysis
Expert opinion
Special features
FirstFT newsletter
Videos & Podcasts
Android & iOS app
FT Edit app
10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, ft professional, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Global news & analysis
Exclusive FT analysis
FT App on Android & iOS
FirstFT: the day's biggest stories
20+ curated newsletters
Follow topics & set alerts with myFT
FT Videos & Podcasts
20 monthly gift articles to share
Lex: FT's flagship investment column
15+ Premium newsletters by leading experts
FT Digital Edition: our digitised print edition
Weekday Print Edition
Videos & Podcasts
Premium newsletters
10 additional gift articles per month
FT Weekend Print delivery
Everything in Standard Digital
Everything in Premium Digital

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

10 monthly gift articles to share
Everything in Print
Make and share highlights
FT Workspace
Markets data widget
Subscription Manager
Workflow integrations
Occasional readers go free
Volume discount

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

IMAGES

outstanding argumentative essays topics
Debate Topics Worksheets
💋 Research topics that are debatable. 50 Great Debatable Topics to Make
😍 Sample debate topics. Example Of Debate Paper Free Essays. 2019-03-02
Debate Topics for College Students
😍 Essay topics argumentative. 2 Argumentative Essay Examples: Education

VIDEO

Top 50 Compelling Debate Topics
25 Debate Topics #english #debate #use #topic #currentaffairs #current #ielts #spokenenglish #shorts
Debate
Debate On Boy and Girl Education
Debate Topics for College
Top 5 light hearted debate topics

COMMENTS

100+ Topics for Argumentative Essays and Debates
Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research. Abortion - Should abortion be legal? Alternative Energy - Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?
150+ Unique Debate Topics That Will Spark Epic Discussions
Practicing debate is a personal growth powerhouse activity! It trains you to think deeply about a topic, communicate persuasively, and become flexible with your perspectives.It also trains your critical thinking and public speaking skills.. While two people could debate anything, finding the right topic can bring passion and inspiration to the conversation, where there is a fire in the room ...
55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project
Health Debate Topics. Healthcare should be universal. Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance. All people should be vegetarians. Euthanasia should be banned. The drinking age should be 18. Vaping should be banned. Smoking should be banned in all public places.
100+ Debate Topics & How to Win Any Debate
Choose from over 100 interesting debate topics and learn strategies to win any debate. ... The claim of the contention is akin to a topic sentence in an essay: it is a clear, direct, and provable statement which will be defended in the rest of contention. Returning to the example topic of school uniforms, for example, a contention could begin ...
200+ Interesting Debate Topics and Ideas for 2024
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.
50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics
50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Introduction. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. By. Grace Fleming. Updated on May 02, 2024. An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well.
The Best Controversial Topics for Debates and Essays
3 Pros and 3 Cons of Using Controversial Topics in Essays or Debates . It might be tempting to pick any old controversial topic and run with it. Not so fast! While controversial topics definitely give you a lot to talk about in an essay or debate, there are some definite drawbacks to dealing with hot-button issues.
130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing
Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...
300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing
19. Snail Mail: Do you think handwritten cards and letters still have value in the digital age? 20. Cyberbullying: Should social media companies do more to prevent online harassment? 21. Phone ...
50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment
Imagine that you're trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor: You should raise my allowance because I want you to. You should raise my allowance because I've been taking on more chores without complaining.
177 Questions to Inspire Writing, Discussion, Debate and Reflection
During the 2019-20 school year, we asked 177 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF. The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for ...
120+ Strong Argumentative Essay Topics
Choosing between argumentative essay topics can be hard; especially when you don't know where to start looking. Luckily, you can find over 120 topic ideas here, including our top 10 hot topics. ... school, middle school, high school, or college. The key is finding topics that interest students and inspire passionate debate. These are some ...
50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students
These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you're a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we've compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!
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 ...
60 Debate Topics for High Schoolers
Interest: The more interesting the topic is, the more engaged and excited students are to take positions and defend them. Passion: Topics that students feel strongly about work well. If students are super-passionate about a particular issue, it can challenge them to see both sides of the argument. Argument: Good debate topics do not have a ...
100+ Interesting Debate Topics
This article provides example debate topics and questions in the following categories: Education-Themed Topics. Political Debate Topics. Social Subjects to Debate. Environmental Themes to Debate. Technology Topics to Debate. Simpler Debate Topics for Younger Students. More Controversial Debate and Argumentative Essay Topics.
200 Best Debate Topics For College Students
4.2 5 Middle School Debate Topics. 4.3 5 High School Debate Topics. 4.4 5 Debate Topics For College Or University Students. 4.5 10 Debatable Topics For Undergraduates In 2023. 5 Types Of Debate Topics By Format. 5.1 Persuasive Debate Topics. 5.2 Controversial Debate Topics. 5.3 Argumentative Debate Topics.
125 Strong Argumentative Essay Topics For Your Next Paper
The format of an argumentative essay typically consists of three basic elements: An introductory paragraph, stating topic and thesis. Supporting paragraphs, presenting arguments and unique facts. The final paragraph, restating supporting evidence and thesis. The length and complexity of the essay will vary depending on the level of the student ...
205 Controversial Topics for Essays, Speeches, and Debates
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. Controversial Science Topics Science has a very specific way of addressing controversies - by looking at evidence.
110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students
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
Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion
During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF. The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for ...
50 Debate Topics for High School
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.
500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas
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.
The Debate: Are Viruses Alive?
Essay Example: The question regarding the vitality of viruses has perennially sparked debates within scientific circles. Viruses occupy a singular niche in the realm of biology, straddling the boundary between animate and inanimate entities. To ascertain their classification, it behooves us
113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment
List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics. Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you'll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, "should fracking be legal?" you'd decide whether you believe fracking should ...
Overview of Speech or Debate Clause
Footnotes Jump to essay-1 Hutchinson v. Proxmire, 443 U.S. 111, 124 (1979) (noting that the Court has given the Clause a practical, rather than a strictly literal, reading . . . Jump to essay-2 Eastland v. U.S. Servicemen's Fund, 421 U.S. 491, 501 (1975) (Without exception, our cases have read the Speech or Debate Clause broadly to effectuate its purposes.
Biden and Trump Agree to Debates in June and September
The debates will be hosted by CNN and ABC, bypassing the commission that typically has overseen the events. Contests will air on CNN and ABC, as candidates bypass debate commission to set own schedule
Exxon vs Calpers: Inside the clash over shareholder rights and
Get instant alerts for this topic Manage your delivery channels here Remove from myFT In today's newsletter, we give both sides a chance to have a say in the debate

Debate Topics (2024) - Top 200+ Compelling Topics

What is the Debate?

What are the Types of Debate?

How to Choose Good Debate Topics?

Debate Topics on Different Subjects

Best Debate Topics for Students

Debate Topics for Kids

Debate Topics for Teens

Debate Topics for Middle School

Debate Topics for High School

Debate Topics for College Students

Latest Debate Topics 2023

More Controversial Debate and Argumentative Essay Topics

Dos and Don'ts for Debating

Was This Blog Helpful?

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

Mental Healthcare

Find this useful?

Proofreading & Editing

Share this article:

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

How to Ace Slack Messaging for Contractors and Freelancers

How to Insert a Text Box in a Google Doc

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

What is an Argumentative Essay?

Argumentative Essay Format

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Religion Argument Essay Topics

Science Argument Essay Topics

Sports Argument Essay Topics

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Business Argument Essay Topics

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Lauren Green

College Planning in Your Inbox

What are your chances of acceptance?

Your chancing factors

60 Debate Topics for High Schoolers

What’s Covered:

Discover your chances at hundreds of schools

Science and Technology

Government and Politics

Where to Get Feedback on Your Debate Arguments

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

Political Debate Topics

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

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

Leave a Comment

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students

Education Controversial Debate Topics

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

125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student

Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

High School Debate Topics

Debate Topics

Watch Now: Ideas for Great Classroom Debate Topics

Laws and Politics

Social Justice

500 Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics & Ideas

🏆 TOP Argumentative Mental Health Topics

🔥 20 Trendy Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics in 2024

🖋 Good Argumentative Mental Health Topics to Write About

🪄 Simple Argumentative Mental Health Essay Topics

🏫 Argumentative Essay Topics about Mental Health in Schools

👩‍🎓 Mental Health Debate Topics for Students