argumentative essay topics for middle schools

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100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

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

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Science and history argumentative essay topics, life and ethics argumentative essay topics, social justice and civics argumentative essay topics, more argumentative essay topics.

Plus, make sure to fill out the form on this page to grab your free printable argumentative essay graphic organizers to help your students plan their essays.

What is an argumentative essay?

In an argumentative essay, the author considers multiple points of view and argues in favor of one claim. It’s a lot like building a court case. Start with an opening statement that explains your claim and the reasons that support it. Then, use strong evidence to support each of those reasons, and to refute any counterarguments (opposing points of view). Finish with a compelling conclusion that sums up and reinforces your claim.

What’s the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays?

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

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

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

• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …

• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Are computers making teachers obsolete?
• Students who fail a test should be given a chance to take it again.

• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Should we still consider Pluto a planet?
• It’s important to spend tax dollars exploring space instead of on other things.
• Is there life on other planets?
• Who was the best/worst American president?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?

• Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
• Is animal cloning ethical?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
• Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?
• Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?
• Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
• Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
• Was life really better “back in the day”?
• Choose a foreign conflict (e.g., Vietnam or Afghanistan) and argue whether or not the United States was justified in getting involved.

• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• The best country in the world is …
• Are men and women treated equally?
• Is it better to be vegetarian/vegan or to eat meat?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
• Playing violent video games is bad for kids and teens.

• Parents should track their kids’ cell phone use.
• Are paper books better than e-books?
• All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
• All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
• Is conflict necessary for change?
• Is war ever justified?
• A strong middle class is vital to the economy.
• Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
• Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
• Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?

• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol and cigarettes) instead of banning them?
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free healthcare for everyone?

• School-age children should be allowed to vote.
• We should/should not abolish the Electoral College.
• Are “stand your ground” laws effective?
• Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.
• Does segregation still exist in the United States?
• We should/should not continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
• Will stricter gun control laws help control mass shootings?
• Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?
• Is the American justice system inherently racist?
• Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
• Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?
• What’s the best video game system?
• Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.
• Is video gaming a sport?
• Are beauty pageants sexist?
• Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

• Are stereotypes ever right?
• Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
• All teenagers should have part-time jobs.
• Should kids have limits on screen time?
• Is it better to read fiction or nonfiction?
• Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don’t like something?
• Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or exercising?
• Is graffiti an act of vandalism or an art form?
• Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?

Get your free printable argumentative writing graphic organizers

Our free printable argumentative essay graphic organizers use a court case theme to help student plan their essays. There are worksheets covering opening statements, reasoning and supporting evidence, refuting counter arguments, and closing statements. Just click the button below to fill out the form and receive your copy of this free worksheet bundle.

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

Also check out intriguing cause & effect essay topics for students ., you might also like.

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

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50+ Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

Table of Contents

Searching argumentative essay topics.

Argumentative essay writing is a tough task. It requires balancing different element of a specific type of writing in a way that the sum of the parts become more than the worth of each part combined. Argumentative essays seek to question a phenomenon through argumentation and then strengthen those arguments and postulates through evidence and proof.

The same thing becomes harder for students in middle schools because they do not have the skills and tools to write excellent argumentative essays. Many times, teachers provide the topic. Other times, students need to come up with one on their own. That’s why this blog post is dedicated to helping students find the right topic for their essays.

Importance of Choosing The Right Topic

This heading can be misleading if you ask a professor. It is because choosing the perfect topic not only speeds up the process, there is no process without choosing the topic first. Students need to explore different issues before settling down on one and then explore it further to ensure everything stays on track. Outlining comes hand in hand with choosing the topic and research. In a nutshell, you will have a much better shot at starting the process when you have a topic.

The purpose of writing argumentative essays in schools and colleges is to gauge the writing and researching capabilities of the students. Teachers award marks and grades based on the outputs of the essays. Since students are always looking for higher scores and better grades to improve their odds for honors, this step in writing essays is a game changer. In addition to better grades, students can impress their instructors and peers with exceptional quality.

The ultimate benefit of choosing the right topic is to get a chance of investigating and learning something more deeply. Since argumentative essays require a lot of research and in-depth analysis to ensure only the right information ends up on the paper. That’s why students who invest their time in learning the art and craft of essay writing end up with better grades, leading to better college and professional opportunities. It all started with selecting the right topics to write on.

Excellent Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School Students

This is the heart and soul of this blog. We have divided the section further into headings with different areas of focus. This will help students pick the topics that they are most interested in or want to explore deeper to learn more for securing maximum marks.

No matter what their intentions are, they can choose the argumentative essay topic from the list. Also, they can modify it to add focus and relevant depth to it.

Argument Essay Topics about School

School is where all the learning and teaching take place. Students always find a connection with schools, especially middle and high schools where they meet people and forge relationships at a very impressionable age. Writing argumentative essays about school and its policies is a great way to take a look at things critically and provide insights. 

• Why is allowing cell phones in schools a bad idea?
• Why should bullies be punished in schools?
• The real value and application of diversity in schools
• Giving homework to students on weekends should be banned
• Governments dictating school lunch is a bad idea
• Should cigarettes be banned in public spaces?
• Why is gym class compulsory in schools?
• Should schools have uniforms or not?
• Is online school equal to in-person school?
• Doing art and crafts in schools?
• What is the ideal number of students in class?
• Setting school allowances for kids in middle schools
• The use of social media apps in schools should be discouraged

Argument Essay Topics about the Environment

Everything living or non-living constitutes the environment around us. For our existence on this planet, the environment must be our friend. But in recent times, the environment has been badly hit by issues that are affecting it detrimentally. In turn, the prospects of life on earth are getting bleak. Argumentative essays on the environment can contest theories and policies and put forward ideas and solutions to save ourselves from inevitable doom.

• Is the environment saving us or the other way around?
• What is the role of polar ice caps in the health of the environment?
• Can we live with high emissions volume of greenhouse gases?
• What is the global stance on environmental deterioration?
• Can we save the environment by remaining docile to its deteriorating health?
• Taking on big industries for environmental crimes
• Why sustainability is the best option for our survival.
• The role of media in providing awareness to the masses of the environment
• How social media is imparting awareness regarding environmental issues
• Drastic measures to improve the environment quickly
• Will the changing environment change human physiology?
• Can we survive in a hyper-futuristic environment with nothing natural?
• Humans are the biggest threat to the environment
• Does a failing environment mean failing progeny?

Argument Essay Topics about Animals

Animals have been living with us since time immemorial. Many have become more than pets, but family members while others have helped us in our work. Today, animals constitute diverse roles in our societies, from bomb-sniffing dogs to lab rats. Through argumentative essays, we can dig deeper and uncover issues and challenges that both the animals and their associates are facing.

• Allowing pets in middle school classrooms
• Should GMOs become a standard practice in farming?
• Lab rats have rights
• Advancing animal cruelty in cities
• Poaching should be banned
• Animal health is not a child’s play
• Is there a way that animal testing can be justified?
• What do you think of the extent of animal rights?
• The humane treatment of cats and dogs
• The legal status of bullfighting outside Spain
• The importance of protecting endangered animals
• The captivity of exotic animals in flats and condos
• The respect and care of animals in urban areas

Argumentative Essay Topics Around Political Issues

There is no way to get away from politics and society, no matter how much hermit one can be. They are always around us and determine everything our lives will face and endure. Writing argumentative essays on political and social issues is another way to investigate structures and find flaws in them.

• The implications of COVID-19 and other pandemics in the modern world
• The social movements concerning racial and cultural tensions
• Green energy is a controversial issue everywhere
• The militarization of Afghanistan by the US
• The challenges and benefits of remote education
• The environmental challenges at the arctic poles
• Travel restrictions and the future of travel and hospitality
• Risks of global unemployment due to pandemics
• The rising political polarization in the US
• The time does not end for convicts
• How are we dealing with global poverty?
• The bane of discrimination across economic and cultural lines

Structure of An Argumentative Essay

After choosing the right topic, it is necessary to understand the structure and format of an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay covers the arguments regarding a topic. It carries the stance of the writer followed by a string of evidential information to support the position. There are many types of argumentative essays including persuasive essays, analytical papers,  research papers,  and so on, but they all have one common thing – structure!

Introduction/ Opening

This is where the action begins. It starts with a hook to grab readers’ attention. A hook can be a question, a statement, or even a fact that can connect the context or background of the essay with its main premise. In the closing lines of the introduction, writers should put down the thesis to clear their stance and bridge the introductory section with the main body of the argumentative essay.

This is the meat and bones of the argumentative essay when it comes to the contents and the bulk of the essay. It has all the arguments and supporting evidence mentioned clearly and concisely. Usually, writers allocate each paragraph for a single argument and its proofs from references and citations. Even though it has much space for words, it is best to keep things bold and brief.

Conclusion/ Closing

Another important part of an argumentative essay is the conclusion reiterates the main ideas and postulates from the body in compact sentences. This helps readers to get takeaways from the essay without breaking a sweat. Many students make the mistake of winging this section without due effort. This results in a poor conclusion with nothing to show in the closing. This section must have force and vigor for the whole essay.

How to choose the best argumentative essay topic?

There are certain things that you must keep in mind while choosing the best argumentative essay topic in middle school:

• The depth and scope of the essay
• Current trends
• Personal interests
• Application of the topic

What is the level of 8th-grade argumentative essay topics?

Since students in 8th grade do not have enough knowledge and experience of the topics, it is best to keep things at the surface as much as possible. Even this level allows a better understanding and application of the topic.

What are the types of argumentative essays?

There are three major types of argumentative essays based on their contents and scope of focus:

• Persuasive essays
• Analysis essays
• Research papers

How can I choose the best argumentative essay in middle school?

The process of choosing the best argumentative essay may seem daunting at first, but you can cover the bases by understanding the following things:

• What is the purpose of writing the essay?
• How are you approaching the problem?
• What is the application of ideas discussed in your essay?

Why are some issues better than others to write on?

Some issues are better to write on than others because of their intended scope and reach for scholars. For instance, a personal tragedy can be heartbreaking for many, but it will not yield much value for others. On the other hand, a world war with many individual tragedies combined and political unrest provides better fodder for the essay.

What are the hallmarks of argumentative essays in middle school?

The hallmarks of argumentative essays are as follows:

• The objectivity of approach and content
• Unbiased voice and tone
• Empirical evidence for arguments
• The organized flow of information

Writing Better Argumentative Essays

The strive for writing and editing better continues. Students need to cover a lot of ground before being able to write on topics as varied as they can. In middle school, the stage is formative and it requires much learning and research before even selecting a suitable topic. This blog has covered topics ranging from sports to politics, and more. We hope that students will find them enough to pick one for their argumentative essay in middle school.

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45 Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

As students make their way through school, the types of writing they do will change—as will the difficulty.

Writing persuasive or argumentative essays and letters is a great skill for students to learn, and a wonderful way to help guide them on proper research techniques so they can view more than one opinion and form their own conclusions.

Below, we’ve put together a list of writing prompts to help students tackle persuasive writing and dig deeper for an opinion.

Using These Prompts

This writing guide can be used as homework or in tandem with your ELA curriculum. The point is to get students to work on their nonfiction writing skills in a way that is fun and engaging.

Here are a few ways you can use the list below:

• Use these prompts for students who finish work early and need something to do.
• To choose a prompt, have students pick a number between 1 and 45.
• Challenge your students to use one writing prompt every day for a full week.
• Pick prompts that line up with what students are learning in other classes (like history or art).
• Have each student pick a prompt for someone else in the class to use.

The Prompts

• Do you think teachers should assign homework over the weekend? Explain.
• Is America ready to have a woman president? Why or why not?
• Should kids have chores? Explain.
•  Should GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) be allowed in our food?
• Is life more challenging for your generation than your parents’ generation at your age? Explain.
• Should gym class be required for all students?
• Do you think your school treats boys and girls equally? Explain.
• Do athletes and actors deserve to make more money than the average worker? Explain.
• Do beauty pageants objectify the participants?
• Should teachers accept late work? Explain.
• Should cell phones be allowed in school? Why?
• Do you think community college should be free? Explain.
• Should schools have harsher punishments for bullies?
• Does snail mail (handwritten cards or letters) still have value in the digital age?
• Do you think parents should limit screen time for their children?
• Should a student’s behavior be a factor in their overall grade in a class?
• Explain your stance on alternative energy.
• Do you think the media puts too much pressure on high school and college athletes?
• At what age do you think kids should be allowed to use social media?
• Do you think Native Americans have had justice for having their land stolen?
• Should the US invest more money in the space program, or should that money be spent elsewhere?
• Does society rely too heavily on technology?
• Should single-use plastics be eliminated entirely?
• Do you think students should be given letter grades, or should classes be graded as pass/fail?
• Explain the benefits of learning a second language.
• Does your school mascot represent your school well?
• If your school mascot could be changed, what would you propose? Why?
• Defend your position on recreational hunting.
• Explain the benefits of going away to summer camp.
• Do you think there is anything we can do about climate change, or is it already too late?
• Explain why students should have more say in what they learn.
• What do you think is the perfect pet?
• Is online learning or in-person learning better? Why?
• How has reality TV had an impact on real life?
• At what age are you old enough to stay home alone?
• Should children be required to attend church with their families? Explain your reasoning.
• Do you think the dress code is harmful or helpful to daily school life?
• Is it better to be liked or to be respected?
• Should school start later for teenagers?
• Should students be required to participate in a sport or extracurricular activity?
• Is the glass half-empty or half-full? Explain.
• Should the United States keep daylight savings time, or do away with it?
• What is something every household should do to conserve energy?
• Should beauty standards be more inclusive?
• What is the greatest song of all time? Explain.

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Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are looking for something specific and can’t find it on our site. We love hearing all of your ideas!

Engaging Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

Eseandre Mordi

• 18 Sep 2024
• 11 min read

Are you a middle school student looking for some captivating argumentative essay topics? Look no further than Wordsuperb! We understand that coming up with an interesting and thought-provoking topic can be challenging, so we've curated a list of engaging ideas to help kickstart your writing process.

Why Choose Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School?

Argumentative essays are an excellent way for middle school students to develop critical thinking skills and form their own opinions. These essays require students to research and present evidence to support their stance on a particular issue. By engaging with argumentative topics, students can learn how to construct persuasive arguments and consider multiple perspectives.

Exploring Essay Topics for Middle School

We have a wide range of argumentative essay topics that are perfect for middle school students. Whether you're passionate about social issues, science, history, or current events, we have a topic that will pique your interest. Some of our popular essay topics for middle school include:

• The Importance of Recycling in Reducing Waste.  Explore how recycling helps manage waste and protect the environment.
• The Impact of Technology on Modern Education.  Discuss how technology has transformed learning and classroom experiences.
• Why Should School Uniforms Be Mandatory?  Argue the benefits and drawbacks of implementing school uniforms.
• The Role of Sports in Developing Teamwork Skills.  Analyze how participating in sports helps build teamwork and cooperation.
• The Benefits of Reading for Pleasure.  Examine how reading books for enjoyment can positively affect students' academic and personal lives.
• How Can Schools Improve Student Mental Health?  Propose strategies that schools can use to support and improve student mental health.
• The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers.  Investigate how social media influences the lives and behavior of teenagers.
• Why Is It Important to Learn a Second Language?  Discuss the advantages of acquiring a second language and its impact on personal and professional growth.
• The Role of Art and Music in Education.  Explore how including art and music in the curriculum benefits students' creativity and cognitive development.
• Should Schools Have Longer Lunch Periods?  Debate whether extending lunch breaks would be beneficial for students' well-being and performance.
• The Importance of Volunteer Work for Young People.  Discuss how volunteering helps young people develop a sense of responsibility and community.
• How Can Students Balance Schoolwork and Extracurricular Activities?  Offer tips and strategies for managing academic responsibilities alongside extracurricular interests.
• The Impact of School Lunches on Student Health.  Analyze how the quality and nutrition of school lunches affect students' health and academic performance.
• Why Is It Essential to Learn about Different Cultures?  Explore the benefits of understanding and appreciating cultural diversity in a globalized world.
• The Role of Science and Innovation in Solving Global Issues.  Examine how scientific advancements and innovation contribute to addressing major global challenges.

These topics are designed to encourage critical thinking and provoke meaningful discussions among middle school students.

How to Approach an Argumentative Essay?

Approaching an argumentative essay involves several key steps to ensure clarity, structure, and persuasiveness. Here’s a guide to help you craft a compelling argumentative essay:

• Understand the Prompt:  Carefully read and analyze the essay prompt or question. Ensure you fully grasp the topic and the type of argument you need to make.
• Choose a Position:  Decide on your stance regarding the topic. Your position should be clear and specific, as it will guide the direction of your essay.
• Conduct Thorough Research:  Gather evidence from reliable sources to support your argument. This may include facts, statistics, expert opinions, and examples. Make sure to understand opposing viewpoints as well.
• Create a Thesis Statement:  Develop a strong thesis statement that presents your main argument. This statement should be concise and specific, outlining the key points you will discuss.
• Outline Your Essay:  Organize your thoughts and evidence into a clear structure. Typically, an argumentative essay includes:
• Write the Introduction:  Begin with a hook to grab the reader’s attention. Provide context and background information relevant to the topic, and clearly state your thesis.
• Develop the Body Paragraphs:  Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the point. Follow with evidence and analysis that supports your argument. Address and refute counterarguments to strengthen your position.
• Craft the Conclusion:  Summarize the key points discussed in the body paragraphs. Reinforce your thesis and highlight the significance of your argument. Conclude with a statement that encourages further thought or action.
• Revise and Edit:  Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and logical flow. Check for grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and proper citation of sources. Ensure that each part of the essay contributes to your overall argument.
• Seek Feedback:  If possible, have someone else read your essay and provide feedback. This can help you identify any areas that need improvement and ensure that your argument is effectively communicated.

By following these steps, you can approach an argumentative essay with a clear strategy, ensuring that your argument is well-supported and persuasive.

Selecting the right argumentative essay topics can significantly enhance the learning experience for middle school students. Engaging topics not only spark interest but also foster essential skills such as critical thinking and effective communication. By choosing from the diverse range of topics we offer, students can tackle important issues, develop persuasive arguments, and gain a deeper understanding of various subjects. Remember, the key to a successful argumentative essay lies in thorough research, clear structuring, and thoughtful analysis. Embrace these topics as opportunities to explore and articulate your views, and watch your writing skills flourish.

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Elementary Assessments

61 Great Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

If you’re seeking argumentative writing prompts for middle school students, you’ve landed in the right place.

These interesting argumentative prompts cover a variety of subjects that even your most reluctant writers will find appealing.

What’s more, they enhance writing skills, encourage students to express their opinions with confidence, and deepen learning experiences.

So why not pencil into your writer’s workshop block this week a few of these engaging argumentative writing prompts for middle school students?

Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

Following you will find a variety of argumentative writing prompts for middle school students that can be used for a variety of writing activities.

1. If you were mayor of a new town, how would you convince people to move there?

2. Argue the benefits of teachers not giving homework.

3. Do you think that violent video games are appropriate for middle school students? State and defend your stance.

4. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge that teenagers face today?

5. Should students be allowed to use cell phones during class time? Why or why not?

6. Do you think grades should be given or just pass/fail? Explain.

7. Is it fair that celebrities make more money than medical doctors? Why or why not?

8. Is social media harmful to young people? Explain.

9. State the importance of protecting Earth from pollution, and explain why everyone should play a part in helping.

10. In what ways can schools do more to prevent or reduce bullying?

11. Should it be mandatory for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Why or why not?

12. Are you for or against school uniforms? Defend your position.

13. Should middle school students have a later bedtime than younger students? Explain your thinking.

14. Write an article for the school newspaper arguing the benefits of learning a second language.

15. Explain how technology can actually be detrimental to people’s lives.

16. Why is it necessary for schools to administer standardized tests?

17. How should schools most effectively handle bullying?

18. Explain why it’s essential to eat a healthy diet.

19. Explain the benefits of summer camp.

20. Why do you think some students dislike the cafeteria good? How can this issue be resolved?

21. What are some ways that schools can become better places for all students?

22. Explain why more class time should be given to electives.

23. Why do you think it’s important to set and achieve SMART goals?

24. Explain why eating junk food is bad for one’s mental and physical health.

25. Why should citizens be concerned with endangered animals?

26. Discuss ways that teachers can make lessons more accessible to students.

27. State your opinion on whether middle schoolers watch too much television.

28. Describe why it’s important not to always judge someone based on how they look.

29. Share the importance of learning study skills .

30. Should good grades be a requirement to participate in school sports? Explain.

31. Justify people’s concern for animals’ rights.

32. State the benefits of gum chewing in class.

33. Persuade your parents to listen to your favorite music.

34. What time of day do you think school should start and why?

35. In your opinion, which is the better pet: cat or dog?

36. What’s the thrill of watching funny cat videos on YouTube?

37. Write a letter convincing your family to move to the mountains.

38. Draft a letter persuading your 90-year-old grandparent to register for a social media account.

39. Argue for or against the school year being 100 days.

40. What does your pet really think about you and your family?

41. Explain what makes your first, last, or middle name awesome.

42. When is the best time for students to have a cell phone and why?

43. Share your opinion on the appropriate age for staying home alone.

44. Should certain grade levels in middle school have special privileges? Why or why not?

45. Are school uniforms a good idea?

46. Should P.E. classes be divided by gender? Why or why not?

47. What new electives should the school offer, and why?

48. Should more school assignments be group work or independent work? Why?

49. How can the lunch menu be made more appealing to students?

50. Do middle school students need much supervision? Why or why not?

51. How can cyberbullying be reduced?

52. Is online or in-person learning better? Why?

53. Is the sale of fast food on campus a bad influence on middle schoolers? Why or why not?

54. Should participation in a school sport be required? Explain.

55. What are the benefits and disadvantages of students working to earn money?

56. At what age should students begin learning how to drive? Why do you think this?

57. State the pros or cons of having school year-round.

58. What would make homework a better learning experience for students?

59. How should the school handle bullying?

60. Should there be seat belts on school buses? Why or why not?

61. If one participates in sports, should she be allowed to miss P.E class? Why or why not?

Final Thoughts: Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

Now you have a collection of argumentative writing prompts for middle school.

Consider having students review the elements of argumentative writing before sharing these prompts.

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