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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Convincing Thesis Statement

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

Ample Research

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

Clear Structure

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

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

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

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

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

Art / Culture

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

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

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

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Format

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

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

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

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argument Essay Topics

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

Sports Argument Essay Topics

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

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Business Argument Essay Topics

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

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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

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

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

Lauren Green

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

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (150+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer.

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge roundup of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

• Argumentative Essay Topics
• Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
• Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
• Descriptive Essay Topics
• Expository and Informative Essay Topics
• Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

• Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
• Opinion Essay Topics
• Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Plus, click the button below to get your free printable five-paragraph essay graphic organizers to help your students plan their essays.

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Animal testing should be banned.
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Is single-sex education better than co-education?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• Are men and women treated equally?
• Should plastic be banned?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 137 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

• Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
• Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
• What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
• Describe the effects social media has on young adults.
• How does playing sports affect people?
• What are the effects of loving to read?
• Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
• What effect does violence in cartoons, movies, or video games have on kids?
• Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
• Racism is caused by …
• Immigration benefits the United States.

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 125 compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

• Public and private schools
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Monarchy or democracy
• Dogs vs. cats as pets
• Paper books or e-books
• Two political candidates in a current race
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time
• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• iPhone or Android
• Instagram vs. X (or choose any other two social media platforms)
• Gas-powered cars vs. electric cars
• High school vs. college
• Volunteering vs. paid work
• Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
• Oldest child and youngest child
• Introverts vs. extroverts

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

• Who is the funniest person you know and why?
• What is your favorite childhood memory?
• Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
• Write about your favorite place.
• When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
• Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
• What is your earliest memory?
• What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
• Describe your favorite pet.
• What is the most important item in the world to you?
• Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
• Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
• Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( You can also get 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

• What makes a good leader?
• Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
• What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
• Describe how the internet changed the world.
• What does it mean to be a good teacher?
• How has modern technology changed teaching and learning?
• Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
• Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
• Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
• What does “financial responsibility” mean?
• What is video game addiction, and how does it affect teens?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

• What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
• What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
• Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
• Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.
• Explain why it’s important to eat dessert first.
• Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
• Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
• Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well. ADVERTISEMENT

• Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
• Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
• Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .
• Analyze the role of the witches in Macbeth .
• What is the role of resilience and hope in The Hate U Give ?
• Analyze the exploration of racism and social injustice in Dear Martin .
• Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
• Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
• Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
• Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .
• Explore the use of satire in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy .
• What does Death of a Salesman say about the concept of the American dream?
• Explore the effects of trauma on mental health in The Perks of Being a Wallflower .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

• Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
• Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
• Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
• Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
• What is your biggest fear?
• Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.
• Write about a time when you or someone you know displayed courage.
• Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
• Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
• Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
• Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
• Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
• What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
• Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell about your proudest moment.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

When writing an opinion essay, you don’t need to rely as much on facts or persuasive techniques. You’re simply sharing your thoughts on a topic, as well as your justifications for your beliefs. You may include evidence if you like, but an opinion essay is more personal than persuasive. These topics work well for opinion essays:

• Is technology too isolating?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
• What is one book that everyone should be required to read?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should physical education be graded?
• The best country in the world is …
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative essays , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 130 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• What’s the best way to handle constantly rising college education costs?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• The best music genre is …
• Should schools have dress codes?
• Is climate change reversible?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Selling tobacco should be banned.

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

• Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
• Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
• Describe the causes and effects of a specific war, e.g., “What instigated World War II?”
• Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
• What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?
• Tell the story of the development of artificial intelligence so far, and describe its impacts along the way.
• Explore the impact of income inequality on education in this country.
• Conduct an exploration of healthcare in this country, and make recommendations for improvement.
• Explain the importance of participating in government by voting, running for office, campaigning, etc.
• Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
• Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
• Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
• Choose one animal from the endangered species list and propose a realistic plan to protect it.
• Explain how space exploration has changed our understanding of the universe.
• Explore the effects of sleep deprivation on academic and physical performance.

Get your free printable five-paragraph essay graphic organizers

Get two free printable graphic organizers to help your students write their five-paragraph essays. The first one is a traditional design with sections to plan the topic, opening paragraph, main idea, body paragraphs, and closing paragraph. The second five-paragraph essay graphic organizer has a blueprint theme to help students visualize how the essay-writing process is similar to building a house. Just click the button below to fill out the form on this page and grab the printables.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests , you might also like.

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200 Argumentative Topics for High School Students

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Teaching argumentative writing in high school can be both dynamic and rewarding, especially when equipped with a reservoir of captivating essay prompts. As teachers, you may have witnessed the transformative power of allowing students to choose their own topics. This clearly fosters a genuine connection between students and their writing endeavors. The autonomy to select subjects that align with their interests not only sparks enthusiasm but also cultivates a sense of ownership over their compositions.

In this blog post, we will offer you 200 good argumentative writing topics for high school students.

Before that, let’s first see briefly what argumentative essays are!

Argumentative writing

The purpose of argumentation (also called persuasive writing) is to prove the validity of an idea, or point of view, by presenting sound reasoning, discussion, and argument that thoroughly convinces the reader. Persuasive writing is a type of argumentation with the additional aim to urge the reader to take some form of action. Examples include:

• Critical review

After understanding what argumentative writing is, let’s explore 200 argumentative topics for high school students.

200 Argumentative Topics for High School

Here are 200 argumentative topics for high school students. Designed to stimulate critical thinking and encourage dynamic discussions, these prompts cover a diverse range of subjects, allowing students to explore issues that resonate with their interests and convictions.

• The role of individuals in combating climate change.
• Should single-use plastics be banned to protect the environment?
• The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate change.
• The effectiveness of renewable energy sources in reducing carbon emissions.
• Should governments prioritize conservation over economic development?
• The consequences of overfishing on marine ecosystems.
• The role of agriculture in contributing to environmental degradation.
• Is nuclear energy a sustainable and viable alternative to fossil fuels?
• The importance of environmental education in schools.
• The impact of air pollution on public health and the environment.
• Should there be stricter regulations on industrial emissions?
• The role of government in protecting endangered species.
• The benefits and drawbacks of electric vehicles in reducing pollution.
• Is eco-tourism a sustainable solution for promoting conservation?
• The impact of urbanization on natural habitats and wildlife.
• Should there be a global effort to reduce meat consumption for environmental reasons?
• The role of the fashion industry in contributing to environmental waste.
• The importance of recycling and waste reduction in communities.
• Should governments invest more in public transportation to reduce carbon emissions?
• The consequences of water pollution on ecosystems and human health.
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Are standardized tests an accurate measure of a student’s abilities?
• Is the use of technology in classrooms more beneficial or detrimental to learning?
• Should students have a say in the curriculum and textbooks used in their schools?
• Is homeschooling more effective than traditional schooling?
• Should physical education be a mandatory class in high school?
• Is the grading system fair to all students?
• Should schools eliminate the practice of giving homework?
• Are single-sex schools more effective in promoting learning?
• Is it appropriate for teachers to use social media to connect with students?
• Should high school start later in the day to accommodate teenagers’ sleep patterns?
• Is it ethical for schools to conduct drug tests on students?
• Should sex education be mandatory in high schools?
• Is the use of cell phones in schools beneficial or disruptive?
• Should schools teach financial literacy as a mandatory subject?
• Is the traditional college education still relevant in the digital age?
• Should there be a limit to the number of extracurricular activities students can participate in?
• Is the portrayal of historical events accurate in school textbooks?
• Are online classes a viable alternative to traditional classroom education?
• Should schools ban sugary drinks and snacks to promote healthier eating habits?
• Is the use of corporal punishment effective in disciplining students?
• Should schools include trigger warnings in their curriculum for sensitive content?
• Should students be allowed to choose their own teachers?
• Is art and music education as important as other academic subjects?
• Should the school year be extended to provide more learning time?
• Is the emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects justified?
• Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
• Is there a need for stricter gun control measures in schools?
• Should high schools offer vocational training as an alternative to college preparation?
• Is it fair for schools to use standardized tests to evaluate teacher performance?
• Should schools have mandatory drug testing for students participating in extracurricular activities?
• Should teachers be allowed to carry concealed weapons in schools?
• Is it appropriate for schools to monitor students’ social media activity?
• Should schools provide free condoms to students?
• Is the use of artificial intelligence in education beneficial or concerning?
• Should schools eliminate the use of textbooks in favor of digital resources?
• Should high schools offer classes on mindfulness and mental health?
• Is affirmative action in college admissions fair or discriminatory?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is online learning more effective than traditional classroom learning?
• Should schools teach students about cryptocurrency and blockchain technology?
• Should schools have mandatory classes on climate change and environmental sustainability?
• Is the concept of “trigger warnings” in classrooms a form of censorship?
• Should schools implement dress codes to address issues of modesty and professionalism?
• Is there a need for stricter regulations on school bullying?
• Should schools teach students about personal finance and budgeting?
• Is the use of electronic devices affecting students’ attention spans?
• Should schools prioritize vocational training over traditional academic education?
• Is homeschooling a suitable option for students with learning disabilities?
• Should the government allocate more funding to arts education in schools?
• Should schools have mandatory mental health screenings for students?
• Is it ethical for schools to track students’ online behavior?
• Should schools implement restorative justice programs as an alternative to traditional disciplinary measures?
• Should high schools have mandatory classes on digital literacy and online safety?
• Is the practice of assigning grades for physical education fair to all students?
• Should schools ban the use of smartphones during school hours?
• Is it appropriate for schools to teach controversial topics, such as sex education and evolution?
• Should schools offer classes on coding and computer programming?
• Is it fair for schools to suspend students for off-campus behavior?
• Should schools provide free meals to all students, regardless of income?
• Is the emphasis on standardized testing hindering students’ creativity?
• Should schools have mandatory classes on diversity and inclusion?
• Is there a need for more inclusive representation in school textbooks?
• Should schools eliminate the practice of ranking students based on GPA?
• Is the use of surveillance cameras in schools an invasion of privacy?
• Should schools incorporate virtual reality technology into the curriculum?
• Is there a need for stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods in schools?
• Should schools teach students about the history and impact of social media?
• Is it ethical for schools to use facial recognition technology for security purposes?
• Should schools provide free menstrual products to students?
• Is the emphasis on college attendance as the ultimate goal limiting students’ career options?
• Should schools implement mindfulness and meditation programs for stress reduction?
• Is it fair for schools to expel students for disciplinary reasons?
• Should schools eliminate the use of standardized testing in college admissions?
• Is the portrayal of gender roles in school materials outdated?
• Should schools teach students about the history and impact of artificial intelligence?
• Is there a need for more comprehensive sex education in schools?
• Should schools have mandatory classes on media literacy?
• Is it appropriate for schools to monitor students’ internet use at home?
• Should schools provide free condoms and contraception to students?
• Is the use of tracking systems for student performance effective or detrimental?
• Should schools teach students about the ethical implications of technology?
• Is it fair for schools to implement random drug testing for all students?
• Should schools have mandatory classes on the history and impact of video games?
• Is the concept of “no homework” policies effective in promoting student well-being?
• Should schools provide free hygiene products to students?
• Is there a need for more emphasis on critical thinking skills in the curriculum?
• Should schools eliminate the use of letter grades in favor of narrative evaluations?
• Is the practice of assigning homework over school breaks fair to students?
• Should schools teach students about the history and impact of social justice movements?
• Is the use of tracking systems for student behavior ethical or invasive?
• Should schools incorporate mindfulness and meditation into physical education classes?
• Is it appropriate for schools to regulate students’ off-campus behavior?
• Should schools provide free vision and dental screenings to students?
• Is the emphasis on college degrees as a measure of success outdated?
• Should schools have mandatory classes on responsible internet use?
• Is the use of technology in classrooms narrowing or expanding students’ learning experiences?
• The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
• Should standardized testing be the primary measure of a student’s academic ability?
• The role of technology in isolating individuals from face-to-face interactions.
• Is the criminal justice system fair and just for all citizens?
• The influence of pop culture on societal norms and values.
• Should the voting age be lowered or raised?
• The effects of income inequality on social mobility.
• Mandatory community service for high school students: pros and cons.
• The impact of climate change on vulnerable communities.
• Is censorship justified in the interest of national security?
• The role of schools in addressing mental health issues among students.
• Should school uniforms be mandatory to promote a sense of unity?
• The pros and cons of affirmative action in college admissions.
• How does media portrayal contribute to gender stereotypes?
• The impact of immigration policies on society and the economy.
• Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?
• The role of government in addressing poverty and homelessness.
• Should recreational drug use be decriminalized?
• The influence of advertising on body image and self-esteem.
• The ethics of genetic engineering and designer babies.
• Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
• The impact of gun control laws on reducing crime rates.
• The role of religion in shaping societal values and morality.
• Is social media activism effective in bringing about real change?
• The impact of globalization on cultural diversity.
• Should the government regulate the content of video games and movies?
• The role of education in promoting tolerance and acceptance.
• Is homeschooling a viable alternative to traditional schooling?
• The effects of fast fashion on the environment and labor conditions.
• Should the government provide free healthcare for all citizens?
• The impact of artificial intelligence on employment opportunities.
• Is there a need for stricter regulations on technology companies?
• The importance of diversity in educational curricula.
• The impact of income tax policies on economic equality.
• Should juvenile offenders be tried as adults in certain cases?
• The role of the media in shaping public opinion.
• Is there a correlation between socioeconomic status and academic success?
• The impact of social pressure on body image and mental health.
• Should schools implement mindfulness and meditation programs?
• The influence of parental involvement on a child’s academic performance.
• The role of government in addressing climate change.
• Is there a need for stricter regulations on social media platforms?
• The impact of artificial intelligence on job displacement.
• Should there be stricter regulations on the advertising of unhealthy foods?
• The role of education in fostering critical thinking skills.
• The importance of open communication in parent-teen relationships.
• Should parents be more lenient or strict in setting rules for teenagers?
• The impact of technology on parent-teen communication and relationships.
• Is it necessary for parents to be friends with their teenagers?
• The role of trust in building a healthy parent-teen relationship.
• Should parents have a say in their teenager’s choice of friends?
• The influence of parental involvement on academic success and motivation.
• Is it appropriate for parents to monitor their teenager’s online activities?
• The impact of cultural differences on parent-teen relationships.
• Should teenagers have more autonomy in decision-making?
• The role of conflict resolution in strengthening parent-teen bonds.
• Is it important for parents to set a good example for their teenagers?
• The influence of parenting styles on the development of teenagers.
• Should parents be more supportive of teenagers’ independence and self-expression?
• The impact of societal expectations on parent-teen relationships.
• The role of genetics in predisposing individuals to addiction.
• Should addiction be classified as a disease or a behavioral issue?
• The impact of social media and technology addiction on mental health.
• Are punitive measures or rehabilitation more effective in addressing drug addiction?
• The legalization of certain drugs as a strategy to combat addiction.
• The correlation between childhood trauma and the development of addiction later in life.
• Should addiction treatment be mandatory for individuals convicted of drug-related offenses?
• Exploring the link between mental health disorders and substance abuse.
• The effectiveness of harm reduction strategies in addressing addiction.
• Should there be stricter regulations on the marketing and advertising of addictive substances?
• The role of prescription medications in the opioid epidemic.
• Should employers implement drug testing as part of the hiring process?
• The impact of socioeconomic factors on addiction rates and access to treatment.
• The controversy surrounding supervised injection sites as harm reduction measures.
• Should addiction education be integrated into school curricula?
• The role of peer support in addiction recovery.
• Examining the stigma associated with addiction and its impact on seeking help.
• The debate over medically assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction.
• Should there be mandatory addiction screenings in primary healthcare settings?
• Exploring the effectiveness of 12-step programs in addiction recovery.

The above list of argumentative topics for high school serves as a valuable opportunity for your students to cultivate essential skills in critical thinking , effective argumentation, and the ability to comprehend diverse perspectives.

How to Use the 200 Argumentative Topics for High School

Engaging your high school students with the provided argumentative topics is an effective way to foster critical thinking and hone their skills in persuasive writing. Here are practical steps and tips to maximize the impact of these topics in your classroom:

• Encourage students to choose a topic that genuinely interests them. Personal investment in the subject matter enhances motivation and engagement.
• Provide guidance on the importance of selecting a debatable issue that allows for multiple perspectives and diverse arguments.
• Emphasize the significance of thorough research to substantiate their arguments. Encourage the use of credible sources, data, and real-world examples.
• Guide students on evaluating the reliability of sources, distinguishing between opinion and evidence, and citing references appropriately.
• Teach students the art of crafting a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates their stance on the chosen topic.
• Emphasize the importance of a thesis that is debatable, specific, and serves as the foundation for the entire essay.
• Guide students in organizing their essays with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that present distinct arguments, and a compelling conclusion.
• Encourage them to use logical progression and transitional phrases to enhance the flow of their arguments.
• Stress the importance of acknowledging opposing viewpoints and incorporating counterarguments. This strengthens their position and demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the topic.
• Teach students how to refute counterarguments effectively, reinforcing the validity of their own stance.
• Implement peer review sessions where students exchange drafts and provide constructive feedback to enhance each other’s essays.
• Foster a collaborative environment for discussing different perspectives and refining arguments through group discussions.
• Consider incorporating oral presentations to complement written essays, promoting effective communication skills.
• Encourage students to articulate their arguments verbally, fostering confidence and the ability to defend their positions.
• Emphasize the iterative nature of the writing process. Encourage students to reflect on feedback, revise their essays, and refine their arguments.
• Highlight the value of continuous improvement in writing skills through revision.
• Create opportunities for students to present their arguments to the class, fostering a culture of open dialogue and respectful discussion.
• Celebrate the diversity of perspectives within the classroom and emphasize the importance of considering alternative viewpoints.
• Supplement the topics with relevant articles, videos, or guest speakers to enrich students’ understanding and inspire deeper exploration.

In conclusion, offering a diverse array of argumentative topics for high school students is a catalyst for intellectual growth and skill development. These thought-provoking subjects serve as a bridge, connecting students to critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and persuasive communication.

Related Pages:

• More on argumentative writing
• Articles about writing
• Figures of speech