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Top 300+ Ideas For Research Paper Topics in 2024

Updated 28 Aug 2024

Some say the most difficult part of writing a text – is to start. But topic selection even precedes this starting point. This activity takes off a lot of time, and sometimes, imagination just doesn’t work in your favor. That’s where our list of best research paper topics will be useful.

Our  research paper writing service collected the most unhacked and powerful ideas to turn the average piece of writing into a research paper. Discover  what is a research paper and how to choose suitable and interesting research topics with our help. 

Writing a research topic on your own requires either producing one from scratch (based on your interests and goals and, potentially, on some brainstorming) or getting inspiration from a number of sources, like preassembled topic lists, course material, teachers, real-life, news headlines, published research in the respective field, etc.

What are the 3 Types of Research Questions?

Before formulating your research questions ideas, note that there are 3 important types of research questions:

Descriptive – these employ careful and comprehensive observation of a phenomenon/ event, subject, trait, etc. in order to characterize it in detail and to reveal important/ interesting/ undescribed aspects or patterns potentially.

Causal – these investigate whether altering some variables leads to changes in other variables, suggesting a causal relationship.

Comparative – these look into similarities and differences between two or more entities.

What is a Good Research Paper Topic?

Good research paper topics are characterized by several features that make them suitable for engaging and successful research papers. Features that tend to characterize good research questions are as follows:

specific and concrete – investigation goals and (expected results) have to be clear and focused

original – investigating aspects/ entities/ relationships that have not been researched before

highly important /impactful for the community/ society/ a professional field.

highly relevant for potential readers/ reviewers

trending – emerging disciplines/ topics spark more interest due to their novelty and yet unexplored potential

Choosing an appropriate topic influences various components of the research process, including the research question and methodology, ultimately affecting the quality and relevance of the findings.

College Research Paper Topics

• The bias in the selection of the college internships and scholarships
• The problems of reverse discrimination in post-college employment
• Should multicultural education concepts be implemented at a greater depth?
• The drug and alcohol abuse on college campuses
• Does social media help students to find appropriate information and learn?
• The psychological disorders and the support groups in modern colleges
• Should people with ADHD and Autism be separated from the other students?
• The art of college political campaigns
• Pros and cons of religious colleges
• Should college athletes be paid and provided with additional advantages?
• The Influence of Social Media on College Students' Academic Performance and Well-being
• Evaluating the Effectiveness of Online Learning Platforms in Higher Education
• The Role of College Education in Fostering Entrepreneurial Skills
• The Impact of Student Loan Debt on Career Choices Among Graduates
• Analyzing the Shift in College Admissions Criteria in the Post-COVID Era

Health Research Paper Topics

• The challenges of deafness and communication difficulties among special needs students
• The concept of global health security
• The ways to decrease household air pollution
• How the information about infectious diseases is distributed online
• Should people be allowed to know more about climate change issues?
• The privacy factor and the personal health issues
• The role of fitness ads in exercising practices
• The healthy food standards are not always unbiased
• The role of social media in the medical care system
• The psychological aspect in the perception of allergies
• The Long-term Effects of COVID-19 on Respiratory Health
• Mental Health Outcomes of Prolonged Social Media Use Among Adolescents
• The Efficacy of Plant-based Diets in Preventing Chronic Diseases
• The Role of Telemedicine in Improving Accessibility to Healthcare
• Analyzing the Impact of Sleep Quality on Daily Cognitive Functioning

Research Paper Topics on Medicine

• Is life-sustaining therapy needed when it’s futile?
• The role of placebo treatment
• How to avoid animal testing?
• Pros and contras of medical marijuana
• Is being a vegetarian useful for child’s health?
• How obesity affects our health?
• Vaccines for kids: their usefulness or damage
• Should prescription drugs be advertised directly to consumers?
• Do doctors turn their patients into drug addicts?
• Advancements in Gene Editing: Ethical Implications and Future Prospects
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Medicine
• Personalized Medicine: Tailoring Drug Therapies to Genetic Profiles
• The Impact of Microbiome Diversity on Human Health
• Stem Cell Therapy: Current Applications and Ethical Considerations
• The Challenges and Successes of Vaccine Development in the 21st Century

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Education Research Paper Topics

• How can standardized tests improve education?
• Does college graduates make more money?
• Should education be cheaper?
• How will modern technologies change the way of teaching in the future?
• The creation of particular learning methods for blind children
• Social networking and school
• Metal detectors at schools
• The effects of contemporary teaching methods
• The role of technology in lesson planning
• How to manage bullies and take actions against bullying at education institutions?
• The Effects of Bilingual Education on Cognitive Development in Children
• Evaluating the Long-term Impact of Early Childhood Education Programs
• The Role of Technology in Enhancing Special Education
• Standardized Testing: Measuring Intelligence or Memorization?
• The Influence of Teacher-Student Relationships on Academic Achievement

Read also: 150+ Best Sociology Research Topics

Environmental Research Paper Topics

• How to reduce global warming?
• How to stop wasting paper and save trees?
• Can overpopulation be managed?
• Should more films about environmental issues be produced?
• Human impacts on forests
• Underground effects of earthquakes
• How to elaborate the optimal adaptation of buildings threatened by hurricanes?
• Is it possible to predict hurricane impacts?
• Is nuclear power safe for humans?
• How dangerous is GMO food?
• Assessing the Impact of Urban Sprawl on Local Ecosystems
• The Effectiveness of Plastic Ban Policies on Ocean Health
• Carbon Capture Technology: Viability and Potential in Mitigating Climate Change
• The Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Biodiversity Conservation
• Analyzing the Environmental Consequences of Fast Fashion

Research Topics on Entertainment and Sport

• Are social networks good for our society?
• Do violent video games make kids angry and cruel?
• Is it necessary to forbid using animals for entertainment?
• Do beauty contests set the non-achievable beauty standards?
• Are newspapers going to be replaced by online sources of information?
• How gaming consoles influence the youth?
• Should women be allowed to compete against men?
• What television programs should be banned?
• How tv shows impose fake moral standards?
• Can the use of social media, such as Facebook, lower teens’ self-esteem?
• The Psychological Impact of Competitive Sports on Young Athletes
• The Influence of Celebrity Endorsements on Consumer Behavior
• E-Sports: The Rise of Competitive Gaming and Its Recognition as a Legitimate Sport
• The Role of Sports in Promoting Intercultural Dialogue and Understanding
• The Economic Impact of Major Sporting Events on Host Cities

Research Paper Topics on Media and Communication

• Should the media programming of ads aimed at children be made illegal?
• The role of mediation in the media
• Should bloggers be considered as journalists?
• The ethical side of modern news reports
• The freedom of speech online
• The copyright law restrictions and the vague concepts
• The importance of psychology and communicative skills in journalism
• The role of gender in interpersonal communication
• The modern standards of nonverbal communication
• The negative influence of Instagram and body image distortion
• The Evolution of News Consumption: Impact of Social Media on Traditional Media
• The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion During Political Campaigns
• The Ethics of Surveillance and Privacy in Digital Communication
• The Effects of Smartphone Usage on Face-to-Face Communication Skills
• Virtual Reality: The Future of Immersive Journalism

Research Paper Topics on Politics

• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Should adults have the right to carry a concealed handgun?
• More gun control laws should be enacted
• How can the international community prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons?
• How can ethnic killings be stopped?
• Current prospect for peace between Israel and the Palestinians
• What world would be like without wars?
• How to avoid workforce reduction?
• Should the death penalty be allowed?
• Is socialism possible?
• The Influence of Social Media on Political Mobilization and Public Protests
• Campaign Finance Reform: The Effects on Political Representation and Elections
• The Role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Shaping Global Policy
• The Impact of Populism on Traditional Political Party Systems
• Cybersecurity in Elections: Protecting the Integrity of Democracy

Psychology Research Paper Topics

• Is autism a disease or a development idiosyncrasy?
• How to forecast and shape behavioral patterns?
• How to manage child violence?
• How to deal with a mental breakdown?
• The impact of classical music on the work of the brain
• How insomnia affects our health?
• How bad dreams influence our mood?
• Is stress really harmful?
• How depression impacts the immune system?
• Intellectually gifted people: how is it possible?
• The Psychological Effects of Social Isolation in the Digital Age
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs. Mindfulness: Comparative Outcomes in Treating Anxiety
• The Role of Resilience in Recovery from Trauma
• The Impact of Parenting Styles on Child Personality Development
• Neuroplasticity: How Learning and Experience Shape Brain Function

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Science & Technology Research Paper Ideas

• How is light being used to treat cancer and other diseases?
• What is the current evidence that Mars has had water and maybe life?
• Can nanomedicine potentially extend the human lifespan?
• What is the future of computing and artificial intelligence?
• The role cryogenics may play in future
• Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?
• Is it beneficial for wild animals to have interactions with people?
• What evidence do we have that CMB is the result of the big bang?
• How will self-driving cars change the way people live?
• Can using system like bitcoin help protect identity theft?
• The Potential of CRISPR and Gene Therapy in Curing Genetic Diseases
• Nanotechnology in Medicine: The Next Frontier for Drug Delivery Systems
• The Role of Quantum Computing in the Future of Cybersecurity
• The Ethical Implications of Humanoid Robots in Society
• Renewable Energy Technologies: Assessing the Efficiency and Sustainability of Solar Power Solutions

Research Topics Ideas on Culture

• A new comprehension of past events
• The origin of racial discrimination
• The roots of antisemitism
• The impact of advertisements and commercials on modern art
• The most remarkable cultural achievements of the 20th century and their influence on our society
• Cultural revolutions throughout history
• How pop culture trends influence youth?
• Should pregnant celebrities be exposed on magazine’s covers?
• Why was Greek cultural influence so important for the ancient Mediterranean world?
• Why was the Victorian period a time of cultural change?
• Cultural Impact on Climate Change Response: A Comparative Study
• The Preservation of Folklore and Oral Traditions in the Digital Age
• Cross-Cultural Communication: Overcoming Language and Ethical Barriers
• The Influence of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures
• Cultural Diplomacy and Its Role in International Relations

Research Paper Topics on Math

• The influence of algorithms
• Is it possible to build a winning monopoly strategy?
• Why is 'x' the unknown?
• How math changed the world?
• What's the solution to the McDonald's math problem?
• How do math geniuses understand extremely hard math concepts so quickly?
• Should high school math contests be banned?
• What is the relationship between music and math?
• Are math formulas ever used in real life?
• What are some of the most confusing math problems ever?
• The Role of Mathematics in Cryptography and Cybersecurity
• Mathematical Models in Predicting Pandemic Outcomes: A Case Study of COVID-19
• The Application of Game Theory in Economic and Social Decision Making
• Chaos Theory and Its Implications in Weather Forecasting and Climate Science
• The Impact of Big Data on the Evolution of Statistical Methods and Theories

Research Paper Topics on Business

• How do dirty business tactics work?
• Can business be started without money?
• Notorious business leaders
• Entrepreneurship and family business
• Ethical decision making in everyday work situations
• What are the most effective strategies for promoting a small business?
• Is it worth it to expand the business into a new region or country?
• How to build a successful startup
• The role of international business and sustainable development
• The impact of climate change on international business strategies
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Measuring the Impact on Business Performance
• The Gig Economy: Challenges and Opportunities for the Modern Workforce
• Innovative Business Models in the Age of Sustainable Development
• The Influence of Organizational Culture on Employee Productivity and Satisfaction
• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Shaping Consumer Behavior and Marketing Strategies

Research Paper Topics For Middle School

• Is going vegan the healthiest choice for you?
• Is the greenhouse effect artificial or natural?
• The causes, effects, and consequences of earthquakes
• How much computer games can one play without getting addicted
• Princess Diana and her dynasty
• Why is competition so critical for humans?
• How did poetry evolve?
• Methods used by ancient sailors to navigate the globe
• Gender roles in children’s books and cartoons
• Who is the greatest general who has lived on the planet?
• The Science Behind Video Games: How Gaming Affects Reflexes and Learning
• The History and Cultural Significance of a Popular Holiday
• The Impact of Recycling Programs in Schools
• Animal Habitats: How Urban Development Affects Local Wildlife
• The Role of Social Media in Modern Communication Among Teens

High School Research Paper Ideas

• The ways to address drug addiction cases in high school
• The physical vs digital communications
• The body image and the K-Pop culture
• The importance of school volunteering and social work
• The changes to the academic process due to Covid-19
• The legacy of the Trail of Tears
• The role of motivation in becoming a better student
• The role of books in print and the libraries
• The ways to improve school safety
• The role of parental involvement in school work
• Exploring the Psychological Effects of Social Media on Teen Self-Esteem
• The Physics of Sports: Analyzing the Science Behind Athletic Performance
• Climate Change and Its Effects on Local Ecosystems
• The Evolution of Language in the Digital Age
• The Rise of Cryptocurrency: Economic Education and the Future of Money

History Research Paper Topics

• What were the impacts of World War II on the rights of women?
• What factors initiated the WWII
• Is liberalism the most optimal solution?
• What were the consequences of women suffrage movements
• What was the impact of Martin Luther King’s protest against the Catholic church
• What is the most effective military strategy of all time
• How has Asian art influenced contemporary art
• How have different monetary systems affected the development of humanity
• What is the correlation between the Roman and Greek culture?
• Aztec empire and its architecture
• The Role of Women in World War II and Its Impact on Gender Roles
• The Influence of the Silk Road on the Cultural Exchange between East and West
• The Effects of the Cold War on Space Exploration Competition
• The Historical Accuracy of Popular Historical Films: A Case Study
• The Impact of the Printing Press on the Renaissance and European Society

Art Research Paper Ideas

• The reasons why digital museums must be present and made available
• The peculiarities of the Flemish artists
• Should Japanese anime be considered as a separate art form?
• The role of Photoshop and similar digital solutions in the perception of modern art
• The history of photography and the artistic expression forms
• The challenges of the modern artists during social distancing times
• The Middle Eastern perception of color and the light
• Ancient Rome's role in the creation of the sculptures
• Should the artists be allowed to represent their works in public parks?
• The importance of art education in middle schools
• The Evolution of Street Art and Its Acceptance into Mainstream Art Culture
• The Influence of Digital Media on Traditional Painting Techniques
• The Role of Patronage in the Development of Renaissance Art
• The Psychological Impact of Color in Abstract Art
• Cultural Representation and Diversity in Modern Art Museums

Literature Research Paper Topics

• The American dream literature
• How does harry potter reflects the ideal of the time
• Can you show a new aspect of prose based on the independent investigation
• The prose of women suffrage movements
• The dawn of literature on modern society
• Why do authors use metaphors and similes
• Evaluate and discuss the allegory of 2 random novels
• What factors are helpful in allowing you to identify the genre of a novel you are reading
• Is fanfiction considered an independent literature
• Romance and sex in Renaissance
• Fiction as an instrument of propaganda
• The Representation of Gender Roles in Victorian Literature
• Postcolonial Voices: How Literature Has Shaped National Identity
• The Journey Motif in Classic American Road Novels
• Dystopian Visions: What Modern Dystopian Literature Tells Us About Today's Society

Law Research Paper Topics

• How is the Islamic law perceived around the globe
• Is ECOLEX a pathway to environmental law
• Why is it critical to learn the GATT documents?
• What does the European patent office do?
• Mass communication law
• Impact of women’s authority in different countries on the planet
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the international criminal law court tools
• Detailed analysis and report of the comparative criminal procedure
• Exciting outtakes from the inter-American human rights library
• Does the US copyright office really help writers defend their businesses?
• The Impact of International Law on Human Rights Practices in Developing Countries
• Cyber Law: The Challenges of Regulating Online Behavior and Privacy
• Intellectual Property Rights in the Digital Age: Balancing Innovation and Protection
• The Effectiveness of Rehabilitation in Juvenile Justice Systems
• Comparative Analysis of Gun Control Legislation and Its Impact on Violent Crime Rates

Religion Research Paper Topics

• The Role of Religion in Modern Secular Societies
• Interfaith Dialogue: Benefits and Challenges in a Pluralistic Society
• The Influence of Religious Beliefs on Ethical Decision-Making in Business
• Religion and Politics: An Analysis of Their Intersections in Contemporary World Affairs
• The Impact of Religious Education on Tolerance and Cultural Understanding
• The Evolution of Religious Practices and Their Adaptation in the Digital Age
• The Psychological Effects of Religious Rituals and Traditions
• Comparative Study of Creation Myths Across Different Cultures
• The Role of Women in Organized Religions: A Historical Perspective
• Secularization: The Decline of Religious Influence in Western Societies
• Religious Extremism: Understanding the Causes and Seeking Solutions
• The Impact of Pilgrimage on Religious and Spiritual Life
• Religious Symbols in Public Spaces: Freedom of Expression or a Call for Regulation?
• The Relationship Between Religion and Morality in Contemporary Ethical Debates
• The Effects of Globalization on Indigenous Religions and Spiritual Practices

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

• Should education be made free for everyone?
• The influencers and bloggers cannot be considered as a job
• The role of military service is the way towards maturity
• Should Internet access be limited during college lectures?
• The death penalty service is not an ethical solution
• Fashion industry creates a bad influence on young people
• The Fairplay concept should be rewarded financially
• Should tobacco be made illegal indoors?
• Religious differences often become the cause of wars
• The majority of mobile applications represent the invasion of privacy
• Universal Basic Income: Economic Savior or Road to Dependency?
• Mandatory Vaccinations: Public Health Requirement or Personal Choice Infringement?
• The Death Penalty: A Necessary Deterrent or a Violation of Human Rights?
• Climate Change Policies: Economic Hindrance or Long-term Investment?
• Animal Testing in Medical Research: Ethical Consideration or Scientific Necessity?

These are the 200+ topics on various subjects, which you might find useful when creating your own. In case you need help aside from creating topics, you can also order the original research on Politics, Media & Communication, to do my Math homework , Law, and even Nursing papers for sale on nursing essay writing service Edubirdie.

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How to Choose a Good Research Paper Topic?

While it may seem challenging to come up with a good research paper topic as you try your best to narrow things down, the trick is to choose something that influences you because you know it well and can support your arguments with relevant evidence. When you write a research paper, the subject should be well-structured and relevant to your thesis statement. Always take time to research the list of sources to compose your topic sentences as well to make them relate to your thesis part. It’s always best to check a good research paper introduction example before you start working on the paper and choosing your topic, or contact our essay writing service for help. Conducting preliminary research is essential at this stage to gauge the availability of information and the feasibility of potential topics. Here are the steps to consider:

Start With Observing Your Interests.

If you are confused with a variety of interesting topics for writing a creative essay, it’s better to decide what interests you the most. Don’t stick to easy research paper topics just to complete the task fast. If you are allowed to freely choose what to write an essay about, use the opportunity to create something unique. Write down the list of your interests and break down every idea into small certain topics. When you have a list in front of your eyes, it will be easier to make up your mind and start considering a particular issue.

Then you should examine what aspect of the topic is preferable for you to outline in your research paper. A list will save you here again. Use pros/cons template to include all the arguments and objections to the issues.

Come Up With an Argumentative Research Question.

The most challenging part of choosing a competitive research paper topic is finding an aspect that poses some importance for your course and the subject per se. While it may seem that it is sufficient to make a general statement, your argumentation should include a clear research question. Consider asking yourself why you have chosen a particular topic and how your research will make it clearer or provide innovative solutions.

Study Available Research Topic Ideas.

Since we have already mentioned the dangers of choosing something too broad, it is vital to narrow things down and brainstorm the list of possible research paper ideas that deal with the same subject. In other words, you can write down at least five different subjects and see whether you can find sufficient information to support them with the sources or statistical data. Remember the importance of your topic’s wording!

Compose Strong Thesis Statement.

It must be done at the same time as you choose your research paper topic because these two concepts must be interconnected. Engaging with the writing process, including refining the topic, conducting thorough research, and developing a strong thesis statement, directly influences the overall effectiveness and enjoyment of crafting academic work. Make sure that you have the list of sources prepared in advance to incorporate relevant information in your body paragraphs. As always, they must be the supporting evidence for your thesis statement’s idea and the research purpose.

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Written by David Kidwell

David is one of those experienced content creators from the United Kingdom who has a high interest in social issues, culture, and entrepreneurship. He always says that reading, blogging, and staying aware of what happens in the world is what makes a person responsible. He likes to learn and share what he knows by making things inspiring and creative enough even for those students who dislike reading.

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Ultimate List of 265 Research Topics for College Students

How often do you freeze up after receiving an assignment to write a research paper? We know how tough it can be, particularly in a flood of possible research topics for students. Choosing that one idea from plenty of research proposal topics for college students is the foremost step in any academic project.

Lack of inspiration? We made an ultimate list of research topics for college students. You will find art, biology, social science, education, and even more fun research topics for college students. Don’t scour the tons of outdated or dull topics anymore. A much better alternative would be to look at essay examples instead. 

What’s more, we prepared three main steps to start converting the chosen topic into a successful research paper. Besides, we will dispel any uncertainty in research importance. 

Is Research Important?

• Art Research Topics
• Biology Research Topics
• Educational Topics
• Environmental Topics

Gender Research Topics

• Law Research Topics

Literature Research Topics

• Music Research Topics
• Psychology Topics
• Religion Research Topics
• Science Research Topics
• Social Science Topics

Sports Research Paper Topics

How to start a research paper, top 10 research topics for college students:.

• Human impact on biodiversity loss
• Internet’s effect on freedom of speech
• Is isolation a cause of child abuse?
• Negative effect of pop culture trends on youth
• Pros and cons of free education
• Is AI a threat to humans?
• The impact of modern technology on ecology
• Can nuclear power be safe?
• Economic impact of GMO food
• Negative effect of climate change on economy

Before getting into the importance of research, let’s understand what kind of work it is.

Research is an analysis aimed at discovering of new facts or revising existing theories. It consists of several steps. The most common are:

• Research methodology setting
• Research problem statement
• Data extraction and gathering
• Assessment of the gathered data
• Conclusions summarizing

What Are the Purposes of Research?

The intentions are countless, but here are the general ones:

✨ to accept or reject a hypothesis; ✨ to gather information on a phenomenon or subject; ✨ to initiate further research or to “dig deeper.”

Why Is It important?

Research makes our life easier. The underlying cause of new discoveries is to understand how things work. If we acquire that data, we’ll know how to get practical value out of it.

Think of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. As we meet our deficiency needs, its level grows. At the same time, the demand for new knowledge increases. That is why discovering new is a never-ending process.

That is all clear. But you may ask: why do I need research skills in my day-to-day life?

After graduation, you will most likely still need research skills at work. No matter what the industry is. Either you decided to excel in science or form a hi-tech startup. If you want to achieve success, you should have strong research skills.

All in all, having research skills is one of the core elements of personal and social growth. It helps to generate additional findings or set new questions around existing knowledge.

Now let’s move on to the list of research topics.

Art Research Paper Topics

We’ll start from the study area, which is difficult to measure. We talk about art. For some, it may seem easier to study than exact sciences. But still, the number of questions about various genres, forms, and art styles is beyond imagination.

Why should we not overestimate the importance of studying art ?

Art is not just something for connoisseurs. It has always been and still is vital for the whole of society. What affected humanity’s development? Of course, the way people express their everyday life or feelings through art.

Besides, thanks to art, we can see things from different perspectives. It makes us open-minded and helps to develop critical thinking. And, most apparently, art fills our lives with beauty and elegance.

Art is so diverse that students may struggle to choose from a myriad of research areas. Here are some of the hottest art research paper topics for you:

• The influence of the internet and social networks on art.
• Researching of Greek mythological painting.
• The comparison of modern art in the United States and Europe.
• The representation of art in Lars von Trier’s films.
• The influence of African-American cultural heritage on modern American art.
• What are the features of contemporary art ?
• Frida Khalo and her sources of inspiration.
• The role of Kazimir Malevich in abstract art development.
• Art in the early renaissance and today’s European society .
• Art therapy techniques: what are they and are they effective?
• The difference of women’s representation in ancient and modern art .
• Comparative analysis of modern and classic cubism .
• The history and main features of abstract expressionism .
• The relationship between art and globalization .
• The influence of art on the fashion industry in Japan.

Biology Research Topics for College Students

Let’s move on to biology. This science deals with vital processes of living organisms. We’ve gathered a list of topics from different biology fields. You’ll find essay ideas from the fields of botany and zoology to genetics.

Research in biology has one distinctive feature. It is the use of research lab equipment. If you don’t use it and base your research on other sources — make sure they are credible.

What are the attributes of a research paper in biology?

Molecular biology, cellular, and other categories of biology imply accurate measurements. There is no place for mistakes here. Otherwise, the relevance of research results would be insignificant. A researcher should be scrupulous in calculations and statements.

So, feel free to pick up any topics from the list below. Study them thoroughly!

• The impact of global warming on marine life.
• Extensive research of photosynthesis aspects and functions.
• Thyroid hormones and their impact on the female body.

• DNA structure, modifications, and genetic disorders .
• Is it ethical to test cosmetics on animals ?
• The ability of living organisms to adapt to changing environments.
• The need for the protection of rare and endangered species .
• The role of sustainability in biology.
• Advantages and disadvantages of organic farming .
• The role of neurobiology in artificial intelligence development.
• The discovery and impact of Darwin’s theory .
• The discovery, history, and importance of vaccination .
• The role of microbes and microbiology in health .
• Neurobiology and its association with emotional trauma .
• Biology: mechanical signals regulating development .
• Cultural variations in environment and biology: AIDS .
• A review of the ecology and biology of the whale shark.
• Performance and quality assessment of methods for detection of point mutations.
• Optical imaging techniques in cell biology .
• Computational methods in molecular biology .

Educational Research Topics for Students

What can be trickier than studying how to study? Education research papers evolve at a rapid pace as the world changes every day. That is why new techniques and approaches are in demand.

No other discipline will answer the milestone questions as well as education. And the most important is about human nature.

What can make a precious contribution to society? The definite answer is — driving innovations in studying .

Want to remain in history as an author of a revolutionary breakthrough? Explore educational research paper topics for college students:

• Language distribution issues in bilingual schooling .
• Critical thinking as the primary goal of the educational process.
• Role-playing games as a learning tool .
• Pay-for-performance scheme for teachers .
• Moving from compliance to performance-based schools .
• Bilingual learning: advantages and disadvantages.
• Educational approaches in retrospective.
• Aspects of multicultural educational practices.
• The importance of inclusivity in teaching .
• Popular modern educational techniques: a comparison.
• Arithmetical problem-solving difficulties .
• Learning methods for blind children.
• The role of technology in lesson planning .
• Role-playing as an educational practice.
• The need for parents’ involvement in the educational process.
• Tools to develop the best teaching strategy .
• The efficiency of gamification .
• Individual approach to students.
• Popular educational mobile apps.
• Peculiarities of teaching disabled children .
• Same-gender and mixed-gender schools: a comparative analysis.
• Understanding the causes of school violence and bullying.
• The importance of sex education at schools.
• The educational system in America : problems and prospects.
• Cloud computing in educational institutions: an impact on the educational environment.
• Ethical behavior in  higher educational institutions.
• Cooperation of educational institutions and businesses: successful cases.
• Information technology as a means of educational process improvement.
• Homeschooling and its influence on communication skills.
• Comparative analysis of distance learning and face-to-face education efficiency.
• Individualized versus group learning.
• The necessity of higher education for all students.
• Best practices of top higher education establishments.
• Peculiarities of teacher’s education in America.
• Preschool education versus tertiary education .
• Teacher as a researcher. Cross-age peer tutoring .
• Multicultural and monocultural education programs: a comparison.
• Comparison of advantages and disadvantages of tablets and printed textbooks .
• Should education be free?
• Education unification: reasons to apply in high schools.

Environmental Research Topics

Our day-to-day comfort is an inherent cause of environmental problems. We may drive a car and have no idea how we harm nature.

Eco activism is a growing trend. Ecology issues acquired a more frequent and lucid coverage. Regardless, people tend to overlook the environment. They got the idea that we should protect our planet, but not all of them are ready to act.

That is why we need to be aware of more facts and measures. This can’t be obtained without decent environmental science research papers.

Do you want to be a part of it? Use our list of environmental research topics for college students:

• Risks of climate change and global warming .
• Aspects and perspectives of Kyoto protocol .
• Green hydrogen in automotive industry : is it a great alternative?
• The origin of the carbon tax .
• Amazonian deforestation , its causes, and trends.
• The greenhouse effect : process, components, and risks.
• Types of pollution : air, water, and soil.
• Alternative energy in Europe.
• Water scarcity in the Middle East .

• Wind energy as an alternative source .
• Benefits of sustainable technology and living .
• Vulnerability of hazardville to flooding disasters .
• Environment protection authority and chemical waste .
• Population control in China.
• Geoengineering principles.
• Acid rains : the cause and current measures.
• Radioactive waste disposal.
• The protection of wildlife .
• E-mobility as an environmental protection measure.
• Ecological conservation.

Gender roles and aspects are one of the central social questions nowadays. Studies in this field are as relevant and necessary as never before. It pushes our society forward, eliminating gender inequality and discrimination.

Do you want to contribute to gender knowledge but don’t know where to start? Here is the list of most relevant gender studies essay topics:

• Public policy analysis on gender inequality in education in South Sudan.
• The history of gender concept.
• Gender imbalance in the developing countries.
• Sex reassignment in treating gender dysphoria : a way to psychological well-being.
• Employee issues: gender discrimination, sexual harassment , discrimination.
• Gender roles in couples and sex stereotypes in society.
• The diversity of gender and sexual orientation identities of transgender individuals.
• MeToo movement as sexual harassment fight measure.
• Feminism : the contraception movement in Canada.
• Maternity and paternity leaves .
• The correlation between gender and cognitive abilities .
• Transgender people and healthcare barriers .
• Race and gender in public relations .
• Gender stereotyping in American media .
• The health and well-being of LGBTQA+ young people in Australia.
• Cancel culture in America.
• Transgender healthcare issues.
• Transgender person in professional sports.
• Female genital mutilation.
• Gender roles in media.

Law Research Paper Topics

We cannot imagine a civilized society without law. Even though the fundamental rights and obligations in different countries are mostly similar, there is still a great scope of differences to research.

We gathered the list of law research paper topics to explore:

• Human rights violations in CIS countries.
• A self-enforcing model of corporate law .
• Corporate strategies and environmental regulations : organizing framework.
• The benefits of decriminalization .
• International criminal law and measures .
• Discrimination in the workplace in legal practice.
• Welfare legislation for families .
• Intellectual property law: copyright law, trademark law, patent law.
• Enforcement of civil rights law in private workplaces.
• The establishment of foreign and international law in American courts. A procedural overview.
• Family law : spousal support after a divorce in Canada.
• Employment law and workplace relations in Saudi Arabia.
• Applicable real estate laws and policies for sustainable development in South Africa.
• Retrospective of the immigration crisis in Europe.
• The need for a domestic violence law in Russian Federation.
• Religious crimes and religious laws.
• Terrorism in different countries’ law systems.
• Grievance procedure in the European court of human rights.
• Cybercrimes in legal practice.
• Human trafficking and slavery in the modern world.

When it comes to literature, there is a vast ocean of ideas to research. The topics can be classified into a large number of categories. Those can be literature genres, awards, trends in literature, different social aspects of literature, etc.

To make finding the best fit easier, we conducted a list of the world literature research topics:

• Golden Age writers and their impact on literature.
• Feminist literature authors.
• Y. Zamyatin’s “We” as the origin of dystopian literature.
• Trends of modern literature .
• Ancient Greece literature.
• Is best seller always good literature?
• Tricksters in literature.
• Post-modernism in literature .
• Sexual violence in the “Handmaid’s Tale” by Atwood .
• Children literature.
• The works of J. D. Salinger .
• Social perception of modern literature .
• Philosophy, literature, and religion in society: a comparative analysis of the impact on human life.
• The portrayal of racism in the literature of the 21st century.
• Censorship in literature.
• Professional literature trends.
• Central themes in American literature .
• The impact of digitalization on literature.
• The role of the main character in literature.
• Literature: print versus digitalized?

Music Research Paper Topics

Research is something we can do not only in astronomy or molecular biology. We need it in the music too. Music shapes our life in a way we can’t even imagine. It’s a tremendous social and cultural phenomenon to explore.

These are 20 potential topics for your research in the music industry :

• The effect of music on a human brain .
• The evolution of rap music .
• TikTok as the most efficient promotional channel for new music.
• The origin of music theory.
• The music industry and information technology .
• The influence of Kanye West performances on the music industry.
• Music journalism : the most influential music media.
• Feminism and sex in hip-hop music .
• Opera and instrumental music .
• The origin of music festivals .
• Reggae music and its aspects .
• Latin American women and trap music .
• Streaming services prospects.
• Music as the way of promoting new trends.
• Features of punk music.

Psychology Research Paper Topics

Psychology is a multidisciplinary kind of field. That means there’s a wide range of potential research questions.

Do you need to write a psychology paper? Explore the list of possible topics:

• Cross-cultural psychology: research and application.
• The psychology of self-esteem .
• Aspects of industrial and organizational psychology .
• The psychology of learning and motivation : skill and strategy in memory use.
• Description of remarkable experiments and their results in psychology.
• The influence of meditation on people’s health .
• Analyzing psychological disorders: disorders treatment and research .
• Personality psychology and zen Buddhism .
• Perception of psychology in society .
• Organizational behavior. Emotion and personality .
• Children’s emotional development .
• Predictors of postpartum depression.

• Symptoms, causes, and treatment of schizophrenia.
• The social, political, and religious reasons of homophobia .
• Eating disorders in males: current progress and challenges.
• The side effects of antidepressants .
• Cognitive psychology : best cognitive scientists’ practices.
• Social anxiety as a constraint in learning.
• Alzheimer’s disease : working strategies for disease modification.
• The relation between the aging process and psychology.

Religion Research Paper Topics

Religious institutions, beliefs, and customs also get explored in papers quite often. That is rather a controversial sphere of education, so we gathered the most relevant religion paper topics below to help you.

• The religious significance of the Bible .
• The place of women in Islam .
• The history of Christianity in Indonesia .
• Assessing a crisis of faith and making a pastoral crisis intervention.
• Forced religion: cause and effect on children.
• The problem of creation mythology in the study of Indian religion.
• Existence of God : a philosophical introduction.
• Religion and mythology: concepts, differences.
• The role of religion in attitudes toward LGBT individuals.
• Issues and traditions in western religion .
• Theology in the concepts of nature, time, and the future.
• Religion and government interaction in the US.
• The history of the Christian church in East Europe.
• Religion freedom and its limitation .
• Hinduism and Buddhism: similarities and differences .
• Baptism in Christianity .
• The impact of religion on terrorism .
• The God of Israel and Christian theology .
• Culture and religion: how they interact.
• Religion and social morality.

Science Research Topics for College Students

What is a better way to uncover the mysteries of our universe than through science? As it comprises multiple types and directions, there is a vast number of questions to answer.

We suggest you the following science research paper topics:

• Paris climate agreement perspectives.
• Ethical aspects of cloning .
• Political science in the US: past and present issues.
• Genetic engineering and cloning controversy .
• The development of life on Earth .
• The current state of nuclear energetics in America.
• Nuclear weapon -free zones: a history and assessment.
• Solid earth dynamics and the evolution of the Antarctic ice sheet.
• Natural hazards : local, national, global.
• Geophysical fluid dynamics: atmospheric dynamics, dynamo theory, and climate dynamics.
• Data science as a key element of data-driven decision-making.
• Robotics & mobility systems in agriculture: successful cases.
• Legal models of space resources exploration and utilization.
• The social context of recycling : factors influencing household recycling behavior.
• Trends in consumer attitudes about agricultural biotechnology .
• Theory of turbulence: a mathematical model that illustrates it.
• Dual-mode infrared and radar hardware-in-the-loop test equipment.
• Essentials of computational chemistry: theories and models.
• Genetic algorithms in astronomy and astrophysics.
• A fundamental relation between supermassive black holes and their host galaxies.

Social Science Research Topics

Sociology is an umbrella term that covers dozens of branches. It studies family, social movements, mass media, class theory, race, ethnicity, levels of income. We could go on and on.

As you can see, the options for research are endless. Don’t waste your time trying to understand the peculiarities of each social or cultural branch. Use our list of social science research paper topics for college students.

• Social movements of 21 st century.
• Strauss–howe generational theory in marketing.
• Social media as a “hotbed” of narcissism .
• The nutritional status of vegans and vegetarians .
• Gender identity and community among three transgender groups in the United States: MTFs, FTMs, and genderqueers.
• Social causes of anorexia in young women.
• The civil rights in South America.
• #BlackLivesMatter movement and its influence on society.
• Gay marriage in America : current debates.
• Dependency of the children mortality level on the anti-vaccination movement development.
• Judaism in the first centuries of the Christian era.
• School choice and segregation by race, class, and achievement.
• The correlation between race and wealth.
• Freedom and social status of blacks in America .
• The problem of abortion .
• Causes and effects of drug addiction .
• Horizontal and vertical gender segregation in employment .
• Effects of domestic violence on children.
• The poverty level in the US: a retrospective analysis.
• Women leadership and community development.

We are approaching the end of our ultimate research paper topics list. To wrap it up, let’s take a look at sports research ideas.

It has been present in our lives for a long time and is still developing. That’s why we need to answer new questions and build new knowledge. Explore the list below:

• How does globalization affect sports?
• History of doping scandals in the Olympics .
• Team sports as a socialization tool for children.
• The origin and history of ice hockey.
• Organizational aspects of Paralympic games.
• Aspects of independent Olympians at the Olympic games .
• The unique history of Pelé.
• Risk factors for injuries in football.
• Short interval versus long interval training.
• Sport as a communication medium .
• Nutritional support of young athletes .
• Mental training during competition preparation.
• Philosophical conflicts between the practices of sport and cybersport.
• Running as a treatment for heart diseases .
• Typical traumas of soccer players.

After getting familiar with the list of topics, let’s discuss the essential steps before beginning research.

Narrow Your Topic

Let’s say you selected that one topic from the list. What’s next? It’s time to outline the boundaries of the research. It should not be too broad or narrow . Its scope must strictly correspond to the problem’s scope under exploration.

What is the difference between a narrow and a broad topic?

Let’s look at three research topic examples:

• Eating Disorders. The topic is too general and comprehensive. If your research paper requires to be short, then there is no sense in choosing this topic. You better narrow it down.
• Eating Disorders in Young Females. In this topic, we try to segment the subjected populations to specify the research question. It is still rather broad but more focused.
• Anorexia in Young Females and Its Impact on Society. Here, we distinguish a particular type of eating disorder and leave a population segmentation. That is a perfect example of a narrowed topic. Now, it’s easier to ask specific questions, uncover insights and contribute to further research.

Focus on your narrowed topic and form a central research question. After that, research the existing data and find supporting facts. Don’t let your exploration be one-sided: explore different points of view. Compare and analyze counterpoints and draw conclusions.

After a profound studying, create a thesis statement to support your narrowed topic in a specific way.

To make things clear, use this step-by-step guide on finding and narrowing your topic.

Evaluate Sources

It takes a second to get access to billions of search results on any topic in Google. Most of the time, we jump through the first two or three links, and that’s it. If you seek quality, then it’s not the proper approach. You should acquire the skill of processing the sources.

What are the tips for source evaluation?

• Forget about Wikipedia as a scientific source. Wikipedia is a free platform where any user can make edits. Extracting information from wiki without fact-checking isn’t a good academic practice. Great alternatives to Wikipedia are College e-libraries, scholarly databases, Google Scholar, etc.
• Explore well-respected professional research journals. They contain up-to-date research data and conclusions which shape the most relevant views and understanding of what is going on in the modern world.
• Visit libraries. We tend to overlook them in our digital era. But you can find super valuable sources for research there.
• Avoid personal blogs, opinion articles, and self-published books . There can be heavy use of bias.

3 Main Tips on Writing a Thesis Statement

After you decide on a research topic and sources, it’s time to write a thesis statement.

• Ask a question. Here are two options. In the first one, your professor can assign you a concrete question. If it’s not your case, then ask what interests you. What would you like to explore?
• Give an initial answer. Try to answer the question before in-depth topic exploration. Work out some hypotheses.
• Enrich the initial answer. Prove the initial hypothesis by detailing the research. Use the calculations and quantitative data to make your thesis credible.

To back up these tips, let’s look at a couple of example thesis statements from the StudyCorgi essay database:

You’ve just explored an ultimate list of research paper topic ideas and important steps to turn those topics into excellent research papers.

Did you find our topics compilation helpful? Save it for a future reference or share with friends!

• What Is Research? — Hampshire College
• Definition of Research — Western Sydney University
• The Importance of Research to Students — Cleveland University Kansas City
• Guidelines for Writing Art History Research Papers — UA Little Rock University
• Areas of Research in Biology — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Environmental Science: Current Research — Herald Scholarly Open Access
• Thesis Statements — University of North Carolina
• Thesis Statement Tips — Purdue University
• What Is Education Research — National Center for Education Research
• Research in the Faculty of Music — University of Cambridge
• Research: Religion and Society Specialism — University of Birmingham
• Sociology Research Areas — Cornell University
• Narrowing a Topic Idea — UCS Libraries
• Developing a Research Question — The University of Arizona
• Organizing Academic Research Paper — Sacred Heart University
• How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper: Indeed

500 Good Research Paper Topics

Bonus Material: Essential essay checklist

Writing a research paper for a class and not sure how to start?

One of the most important steps to creating a great paper is finding a good topic! 

Here’s a hand-drafted list from a Princeton grad who has helped professors at Harvard and Yale edit their papers for publication and taught college writing at the University of Notre Dame and .

What’s more, we give you some foolproof formulas for creating your own paper topic to fit the requirements of your class.

Using these simple formulas, we’ve helped hundreds of students turn a B- paper topic into an A+ paper topic.

Keep reading for our list of 500 vetted research paper topics and our magic formulas for creating your own topic!

Of course, if you want help learning to write research papers tailored to your individual needs, check out our one-on-one writing coaching or academic writing workshop . Set up a free consultation to see how we can help you learn to write A+ papers!

Jump to paper topics in:

European & Mediterranean History

African history, asian history, history of the pre-columbian americas.

• Latin American History

History of Science

Politics & public policy, education & education policy, political theory, science policy.

• Health Sciences & Psychology

What is a research paper?

In order to write a good research paper, it’s important to know what it is! 

In general, we can divide academic writing into three broad categories:

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

What’s the difference between an analytical paper and a research paper? For an analytical paper, it’s okay to just use one or two sources (a book, poem, work of art, piece of music, etc.) and examine them in detail. For a research paper, however, the expectation is that you do, well . . . research .

The depth of research that you’re expected to do will depend on your age and the type of class you’re taking.

In elementary or middle school, a “research paper” might mean finding information from a few general books or encyclopedias in your school library. 

In high school, your teachers might expect you to start using information from academic articles and more specific books. You might use encyclopedias and general works as a starting point, but you’ll be expected to go beyond them and do more work to synthesize information from different perspectives or different types of sources. You may also be expected to do “primary research,” where you study the source material yourself, instead of synthesizing what other people have written about the source material.

In college, you’ll be required to use academic journals and scholarly books, and your professors will now expect that you be more critical of these secondary sources, noticing the methodology and perspectives of whatever articles and books you’re using. 

In more advanced college courses, you’ll be expected to do more exhaustive surveys of the existing literature on a topic. You’ll need to conduct primary research that makes an original contribution to the field—the kind that could be published in a journal article itself.

For a walkthrough of the 12 essential steps to writing a good paper, check out our step-by-step guide .

Working on a research paper? Grab our free checklist to make sure your essay has everything it needs to earn an A grade.

Get the essential essay checklist

What makes a good research paper topic?

One of the most important features of a research paper topic is that it has a clear, narrow focus. 

For example, your teacher may assign you to write a research paper related to the US Revolutionary War. Does that mean that your topic should be “the US Revolutionary War”? 

Definitely not! There’s no way to craft a good paper with in-depth research with such a broad topic. (Unless you’re in elementary or middle school, in which case it’s okay to have a more general topic for your research paper.)

Instead, you need to find a more specific topic within this broader one. There are endless ways that you can make this narrower! Some ideas generated from this one broader topic might be:

• Causes of the US Revolutionary War
• Changes in military strategy during the Revolutionary War
• The experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War
• How the Revolutionary War was pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton
• The role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War
• The experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War
• How George Washington’s previous military career paved the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War
• The main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War
• Changes in clothing and fashion over the courses of the Revolutionary War
• How Valley Forge was a key moment in the Revolutionary War
• How women contributed to the Revolutionary War
• What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts during the Revolutionary War
• Field medicine during the Revolutionary War
• How the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War
• How different opinions about the Revolutionary War were reflected in poetry written during that time
• Debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War
• The importance of supply chains during the Revolutionary War
• Reactions to the US Revolutionary war in Europe
• How the US Revolutionary war impacted political theory in England and France
• Similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution
• Famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War
• Different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture
• The appropriation of the “Boston Tea Party” by US politicians in the 2010s

This list could go on forever!

In fact, any of these topics could become even more specific. For example, check out the evolution of this topic:

• Economic causes of the Revolutionary war
• The way that tax policies helped lead to the Revolutionary War
• How tax laws enacted 1763–1775 helped lead to the Revolutionary War
• How the tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War
• How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written 1767–1775
• How the 1773 tax-free status of the British East India Company helped lead to the Revolutionary War, as reflected in letters written by members of the Sons of Liberty 1767–1775

As you advance in your educational career, you’ll need to make your topic more and more specific. Steps 1–3 of this topic might be okay in high school, but for a college research paper steps 4–7 would be more appropriate!

As you craft your research paper topic, you should also keep in mind the availability of research materials on your subject. There are millions of topics that would make interesting research papers, but for which you yourself might not be able to investigate with the primary and secondary sources to which you have access.

Access to research materials might look like:

• To the best of our knowledge, the sources exist somewhere
• The source isn’t behind a paywall (or you or your school can pay for it)
• Your school or local library has a copy of the source
• Your school or local library can order a copy of the source for you
• The source is in a language that you speak
• The source has been published already (there’s tons of amazing research that hasn’t been published yet, a frustrating problem!)
• You can access the archive, museum, or database where the primary source is held—this might mean online access or travel! To access a source in an archive or museum you’ll often need permission, which often requires a letter of support from your school.

If you’re not sure about access to source materials, talk to a librarian! They’re professionals for this question.

Finally, pick a research topic that interests you! Given that there are unlimited research topics in the world and many ways to adapt a broad topic, there should absolutely be a way to modify a research topic to fit your interests.

Want help learning to write an amazing research paper? Work one-on-one with an experienced Ivy-League tutor to improve your writing skills or sign up for our bestselling academic writing workshop .

Insider tips to generate your own research paper topic

Use these formulas to generate your own research paper topics:

• How did X change over a period of time (year, decade, century)?
• What is the impact (or consequences) of X?
• What led to X?
• What is the role of X in Y?
• How did X influence Y?
• How did X become Y?
• How was X different from Y?
• How is X an example of Y?
• How did X affect Y?
• What were some reactions to X?
• What are the most effective policies to produce X result?
• What are some risks of X?
• How is our current understanding of X incorrect? (advanced)
• What happens if we look at X through the lens of Y theory or perspective? (advanced)

A good research paper topic often starts with the question words—why, how, what, who, and where. Remember to make it as specific as possible!

Good research paper topics

These research paper topics have been vetted by a Princeton grad and academic book editor!

• How did European rivalries (British vs French) impact North American history?
• What was the role of British and French alliances with indigneous tribes during the Seven Years’ War?
• Reactions to the 1754 Albany Congress among North American intellectual figures
• How the Albany Plan served as a model for future attempts at union among the North American colonies
• How did different religious identities (Calvinist, Catholic, etc.) play a role in the aftermath of the Seven Years’ War?
• What were the consequences of the 1763 Treaty of Paris?
• How did the Seven Years’ War impact British debt and colonial economics?
• What were some causes of the US Revolutionary War?
• How did military strategy change during the Revolutionary War?
• What were the experiences of Loyalists to England who remained in the American colonies during the Revolutionary War?
• How was the Revolutionary War pivotal for the career of Alexander Hamilton?
• What was the role of alliances with France during the US Revolutionary War?
• What were the experiences of people of color during the Revolutionary War?
• How did George Washington’s previous military career pave the way for his leadership in the Revolutionary War?
• What were the main types of weaponry during the Revolutionary War? How did that affect the options for military strategies?
• How did clothing and fashion change over the courses of the Revolutionary War?
• How was Valley Forge a key moment in the Revolutionary War?
• How did women contribute to the Revolutionary War?
• What happened in Amherst, Massachusetts (or any other specific location) during the Revolutionary War?
• What was field medicine like during the Revolutionary War? 
• How was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point in the Revolutionary War?
• How were different opinions about the Revolutionary War reflected in poetry written during that time?
• What were the debates over abolition during the Revolutionary War?
• What was the role of supply chains during the Revolutionary War?
• What were reactions to the US Revolutionary war like in Europe? What does that tell us about politics in England, France, the Netherlands, etc?
• How did the US Revolutionary war impact political theory in England and France?
• What are similarities and differences between the US Revolutionary War and the French Revolution?
• What are some famous paintings inspired by the US Revolutionary War? What do differences between these paintings tell us about how the artists who created them saw the war?
• What are some different ways that the US Revolutionary War has been depicted in modern contemporary culture? What does that tell us?
• How was the story of the “Boston Tea Party” appropriated by US politicians in the 2010s, and why?
• What was the difference between the Federalists and the Jeffersonians?
• How did the 1797 XYZ Affair lead to the Quasi-War with France?
• How were loans from European countries and companies (France, Spain, Dutch bankers) key to the early US?
• What were reactions to the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
• Why did the US remain neutral during the French Revolution?
• How did the Alien and Sedition acts contribute to the election of Thomas Jefferson as president?
• What was the US’s reaction to the Haitian revolution? Why did the US not recognize Haitian independence until 1862?
• What were the reactions to John Jay’s Treaty of 1794?
• How have the remarks made by George Washington in his Farewell Address inspired isolationist policies?
• How did interpretations of the Monroe Doctrine change over the decades since its creation? 
• How did the Roosevelt Corollary and Lodge Corollary change and expand the Monroe Doctrine?
• How did the presence of US companies like the United Fruit Company affect US military interventions in Latin America? 
• How was the Monroe Doctrine invoked in the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962? 
• How was US culture shaped by the Cold War?
• How did ecology play a role in the rise of Ancient Egypt?
• How did water management technologies impact Ancient Egypt?
• How did bureaucracies function in Ancient Egypt?
• How did Egyptian art influence Ancient Greek art?
• Who could be a citizen in Athens in the 5th century BCE? What does this tell us about classical Athenian society?
• What was the impact of the Peloponnesian War?
• What was the impact of Alexander the Great’s attempt to create an empire?
• How does the way that Alexander the Great is represented in art demonstrate conceptions about the relationship between the human and the divine?
• Was there a conception of race in the ancient world? How were these ideas different from our own modern conceptions of race?
• What was the role of debt slavery in the Roman republic? How were these policies ended, and what is the significance of the end of debt slavery? What kinds of slavery remained?
• To what degree does the movie Gladiator accurately the Roman Empire in 176–192 CE?
• What was the role of slavery in managing the large latifundia ?
• How and why did the emperor Constantine I adopt Christianity?
• How did patterns of urbanism in the latter Roman empire change? What does this tell us about challenges being faced at that time?
• What do reactions to the Byzantine empress Theodora tell us about ideas of gender in 6th-century Byzantium?
• How did scientific advancements in Islamic Spain influence the rest of Europe?
• What was the relationship between Muslim, Christian, and Jewish populations in Islamic Spain? How does this compare to the experience of Muslim and Jewish populations in Christian Spain?
• How did medieval troubadour poetry represent a new idea of romantic relationships?
• What are similarities and differences between medieval troubadour poetry and lyric poetry in Ancient Greece? 
• What do letters between women and popes tell us about gender, power, and religion in medieval Europe?
• In what ways was Hildegard of Bingen groundbreaking for her time?
• Who produced beer in medieval England, and what does this tell us about society?
• How did the adoption of hops affect the production and distribution of beer?
• How did beer production allow some women a way to be financially independent?
• How was clothing used to mark religious and cultural identities in 15th- and 16th-century Spain?
• How did print culture change relationships and courting in Georgian England?
• How did churches function as social gathering spaces in Georgian England?
• To what degree is Netflix’s Bridgerton series historically accurate?
• How did ideas of love change in the 18th century? How did philosophy play a role in this?
• When were Valentine cards first commercially available? What does that show us about cultural ideas of love and courtship?
• What were the consequences of the desertification of the Sahara?
• How did trade links on the Red Sea influence Nubian culture?
• How did Carthage build power in Northern Africa around 600–500 BCE?
• What was the impact of the Mercenary War (241–238 BCE) in Carthage?
• How did the Roman province of Africa play a key role in financing the Roman Empire?
• What were the consequences of the Donatist division in the 300s in Northern Africa?
• What was the impact of the large-scale movement of Bedouins from the Arabian peninsula into the Maghreb?
• How was Mande society organized in the Mali Empire? 
• What was the role of the book trade in Timbuktu? What does this tell us about culture and learning in the Mali Empire?
• How did Aksum use trade to build wealth and power? 
• What do Nok terracotta sculptures tell us about Nok culture?
• How did the Luba Empire create a centralized political system? How did the idea of spiritual kins ( balopwe ) play a role in this system?
• How did tax collection work in the Lunda empire?
• What does it mean to say that the Ajuran Empire was a hydraulic empire? How did control over water resources allow the Ajuran Empire to build and consolidate power?
• What is the significance of diplomatic ties between the Somai Ajuran Empire and Ming dynasty China? 
• How did the tribute system in the Kingdom of Kongo help to stimulate interregional trade?
• What was the impact of the introduction of maize and cassava to the Kingdom of Kongo?
• How did women wield influence in the Kingdom of Benin?
• How did the Industrial Revolution in Europe help lead to the Scramble for Africa 1878–1898?
• What were the consequences of the Second Boer War?
• What happened in the Year of Africa (1960)?
• How did the Han dynasty consolidate power in frontier regions? 
• How and why did the Han dynasty nationalize the private salt and iron industries in 117 BCE?
• What are the earliest records of papermaking, and what is the significance of this invention?
• What was the role of Daoist religious societies in rebellions at the end of the Han dynasty (Yellow Turban Rebellion, Five Pecks of Rice Rebellion)?
• What do tomb paintings tell us about ancient Chinese society?
• What was the impact of the Sui dynasty’s standardization and re-unification of the coinage?
• What was the role of standardized testing in Sui dynasty and Tang dynasty China?
• Why is the Tang dynasty often regarded as a golden age of cosmopolitan culture in Chinese history?
• What was the role of slavery in imperial China? 
• How did the rise of jiedushi (regional military governments) undermine the civil-service system? What were the consequences of this?
• How did Tang dynasty China exert power over Japan and Korea?
• What was the Three Departments and Six Ministries system in imperial China and how did it work?
• What does the appearance of Inca, Maya, and Aztec goods in North America (Utah, Canada) and the appearance of goods from the Great Lakes region in Maya and Aztec ruins tell us about trade in the Pre-Columbian Americas?
• How did celebration of maize play a central role in Mesoamerican cultures?
• How did the Aztec empire use relationships with client city-states to establish power? How did the Aztec empire use taxation to exert power?
• How did the luxury good trade impact Aztec political power? 
• How did the building of roads play a key role in the Aztec empire?
• How and why has archaeology played a pivotal role in expanding our understanding of the pre-Columbian Americas?
• What are some common misconceptions about the Americas in the year 1491? Why do these misconceptions exist?

Latin American History (post-1492)

• How and why did the Spanish appropriate Aztec sites of significance (e.g. Mexico City at the site of Tenochtitlan)?
• What were reactions among Latin American intellectuals (e.g. Luis María Drago, Alejandro Álvarez and Baltasar Brum) to the Monroe Doctrine?
• How was the US’s involvement in the Venezuela Crisis of 1902–1903 a pivotal turning point in the relationship between the US and Latin American countries?
• What were the effects of the US’s involvement in the Cuban War for Independence?
• How did the Roosevelt Corollary of 1904 benefit the US?
• How did Simon Bolivar’s time in Europe affect his ideas about Latin American independence?
• How did 19th century academic societies play a role in the advancement of scientific discoveries? Who was excluded from these societies?
• How was music connected to the sciences in medieval thinking?
• When was the concept of zero first used, and how was it instrumental for advancements in math?
• What role did Islamic Spain play in the spread of scientific advancements in medieval Europe?
• What role has translation between languages played in the development of sciences?
• Why were Galileo’s ideas about astronomy controversial at the time?
• What was the connection between art and advancements in human anatomy?
• Why were Darwin’s ideas about natural selection controversial at the time?
• To what degree does the film Master and Commander accurately depict the voyages of Charles Darwin?
• How did the discovery of quinine and other medical innovations help to facilitate the European colonization of Africa?
• How and why was the internet invented?
• Does Virgil’s Aeneid celebrate the new Roman Empire or subvert it?
• Why was the poet Ovid exiled from Rome?
• What are the pagan influences in Beowulf ? What are the Christian elements in Beowulf ? What does that tell us about late Anglo-Saxon England?
• How does Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales reflect gender roles in late medieval England?
• How does Dante’s Inferno draw on book IV of Virgil’s Aeneid ? 
• How are gender roles presented and subverted in Shakespeare’s plays?
• To what degree did Henry David Thoreau live out the ideals he described in Walden in his own life?
• How did the serialized publication of novels affect the way that they were written?
• Does Dickens’ novel A Tale of Two Cities accurately portray the French Revolution?
• How did 18th-century novels propagate the idea of marrying for love?
• What did contemporary readers think about Jane Austen and her novels?
• To what degree do Jane Austen’s novels reflect economic realities for women in Regency England? What do they leave out?
• How did Lord Byron’s personal life affect his poetry?
• What do we know about the romantic life of Emily Dickinson?
• What were the religious movements that influenced the writer George Eliot, and how do those influences appear in her novels?
• In what ways were Walt Whitman’s writings new or different?
• How did British poets react to the horrors of Word War I?
• What do Tolkien’s letters reveal about the ways in which the two world wars influenced his writings?
• How did the friendship between CS Lewis and Tolkien affect their respective writings?
• What are the arguments for and against Catalonian independence from Spain?
• What are the arguments for and against Scottish independence from the United Kingdom?
• What are some risks of contact sports, especially for children?
• What are the most effective policies for combating childhood obesity?
• What are the most effective policies for reducing gun violence?
• Which countries have the longest life expectancy and why?
• What are some differences between the healthcare system in the US and in European countries? Which country has the most similar system to the US?
• What policies for parental leave exist in different countries? What are some effects of these policies?
• Has the drinking age in the US always been 21? What have been some different policies, and what were some consequences of them?
• What is the debate around museum artifacts like the Elgin Marbles in London or the Benin Bronzes in Berlin?
• How have politicians attempted to control population growth in different countries, either directly or indirectly? What have been some effects of these policies?
• Which countries have the most gender parity reflected in national governments? How have they accomplished this?
• How has public funding of K-12 education changed since the 1930s in the US? 
• How has public funding of higher education changed in the US?
• What is early childhood education like in different countries?
• What are some effects of free or reduced-cost meals in schools?
• How does access to menstrual products affect education outcomes for girls in different countries?
• What was the impact of Rousseau’s writings on education?
• How did Plato’s ideal forms of government reflect contemporary Athenian concerns about the unruly masses ( demos )?
• How did Aristotle justify slavery?
• How has wealth inequality increased in recent decades?
• How is inflation calculated, and what are the implications of this methodology?
• How have genetically-engineered crops changed the way that the planet feeds itself?
• How has animal testing changed since 2000?
• How is animal testing regulated differently in different countries?

Health Sciences and Psychology

• How do different societies reflect the natural circadian rhythms of the human body?
• How does secondhand smoke affect the human body?
• How does lack of sleep affect the body?
• How does stress affect the body?
• What are some ways to reduce stress?
• How have cancer treatments changed in the past 30 years?
• Why is it hard to find a “cure” for cancer?
• How has the Human Genome Project changed medical science?
• How were the Covid vaccines developed so quickly? What is the difference between the various Covid vaccines that have been developed?

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Research Paper Topics for 2024: Explore Ideas Across Various Fields

When you start writing a research paper, it’s like diving into a big pool of exploration and analysis. A good research paper goes beyond just gathering facts. It’s more about exploring a topic, asking the right questions, and coming up with thoughtful answers. Whether you're looking at historical events, scientific discoveries, or cultural trends, the trick is to find interesting research topics that catch your interest and keep you motivated throughout the process.

This article is here to help with that sometimes tricky job of picking a topic. We’ll cover a variety of interesting research topics from different areas, making it easier for you to find one that not only fits your assignment but also grabs your attention.

But let’s be honest, picking the right topic isn’t always easy. If you’re still unsure after reading this article, EssayService is a great place to turn for help, whether you need assistance choosing a topic or writing the entire paper.

How to Pick a Topic for a Research Paper

Choosing the right topic can make or break your research paper. Here's how to make it easier:

• Start with your interests: Pick a few areas or subjects that genuinely interest you. Narrow it down to the one that excites you the most. If you’re interested, it’ll show in your writing.
• Check for resources: Before committing, do a quick search to ensure there are enough references available. You’ll want a topic that’s well-discussed so you have plenty of material to work with.
• Stick to guidelines: Make sure your topic fits within any guidelines your teacher has set. Whether it's avoiding certain subjects or meeting specific requirements, this step is crucial for getting your paper off to a good start.

If you’re looking for easy research paper topics, keep these tips in mind to ensure you choose one that’s both manageable and engaging.

What Are Good Research Topics?

Choosing a successful research topic isn’t just about what sounds interesting — it’s about finding a topic that will help you produce a strong, insightful paper. Good research topic ideas should tick a few key boxes to ensure they’re both impactful and manageable.

Best Research Paper Topics for 2024

In 2024, new challenges and innovations are shaping the world around us, making it an exciting time to dive into research. Here are 15 detailed and highly relevant topics that will keep your paper ahead of the curve:

• The impact of remote work on urban development in major U.S. cities.
• Ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making in healthcare.
• The role of social media algorithms in shaping public opinion during elections.
• Effects of climate change on global food security and crop yields.
• The influence of blockchain technology on supply chain transparency.
• Mental health outcomes related to long-term social media use among teenagers.
• Renewable energy adoption in emerging economies and its impact on local communities.
• The rise of electric vehicles and its effect on traditional automotive industries.
• Privacy concerns surrounding the use of biometric data in consumer devices.
• The evolution of cybersecurity threats in the age of quantum computing.
• Gender disparities in STEM education and their long-term effects on the workforce.
• The economic impact of climate migration on coastal regions.
• Implications of CRISPR technology in human genetic modification.
• The effectiveness of universal basic income trials in reducing poverty.
• The role of telemedicine in improving access to healthcare in rural areas.

College Research Paper Topics

These topics explore some of the most relevant and intriguing issues facing college students today, offering plenty of angles to explore in your research:

• How student loan debt shapes career paths and financial stability after graduation.
• Comparing online learning to traditional classrooms: What works best for today’s college students?
• Social media’s influence on mental health and academic success among college students.
• Diversity and inclusion: How initiatives are changing campus life and student experiences.
• University sustainability efforts: How climate change is driving new campus policies.
• The rise of esports: Transforming college athletics and student engagement.
• Campus housing: How living arrangements affect academic success and student retention.
• Balancing part-time jobs with academics: The impact on college students’ grades and well-being.
• Navigating controversial topics: The importance of academic freedom in college debates.
• Digital vs. traditional libraries: How technology is reshaping student research habits.
• Study abroad programs: Enhancing global awareness and boosting future career opportunities.
• Evaluating campus mental health services: Are they meeting students’ needs?
• Fraternities and sororities: Examining their influence on college culture and student life.
• Free college tuition: Exploring the economic and social outcomes in different countries.
• Standardized testing: How it’s affecting college admissions and the diversity of student bodies.

Research Paper Topics By Subject

Choosing a good research topic that aligns with your academic focus can make your work more relevant and engaging. Below, you’ll find topics organized by subject to help you get started.

Research Paper Topics on Health

Health is a dynamic field with ongoing developments and challenges, making it a rich area for research. These topics cover a range of health-related issues, from public health policies to advancements in medical technology:

• How COVID-19 has changed the approach to mental health care.
• Adoption rates of telemedicine among different age groups.
• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Exploring new treatment options.
• Barriers to healthcare access in low-income neighborhoods.
• Ethical dilemmas in using genetic testing for personalized treatments.
• Success rates of mental health programs in high schools.
• Comparing dietary patterns in managing type 2 diabetes across cultures.
• Teen vaping trends and their connection to lung health issues.
• Strategies for supporting healthcare needs in rapidly aging populations.
• Tracking climate-related health issues in coastal communities.
• Innovations in vaccine development for emerging diseases.
• Social isolation during pandemics and its link to anxiety disorders.
• Recent changes in U.S. healthcare laws and their influence on patient choices.
• Exploring how traditional beliefs shape approaches to medical treatment.
• Evaluating progress in global vaccination campaigns against childhood diseases.

Research Paper Topics on Medicine

Medicine is a vast field with plenty of areas to explore. Here are some specific topics that focus on medical advancements, practices, and challenges:

• New techniques in minimally invasive surgery for heart conditions.
• Developments in gene therapy for treating inherited diseases.
• Challenges in diagnosing and treating rare diseases.
• The role of AI in improving diagnostic accuracy in radiology.
• Progress in personalized cancer treatments based on genetic profiling.
• The rise of antibiotic alternatives in treating infections.
• Stem cell research advancements for spinal cord injuries.
• Managing chronic pain: Exploring non-opioid treatment options.
• Trends in telemedicine for rural healthcare delivery.
• Breakthroughs in vaccine technology for emerging viruses.
• Long-term outcomes of organ transplants in pediatric patients.
• Advances in robotic surgery and their impact on patient recovery.
• New approaches to treating drug-resistant tuberculosis.
• Innovations in prenatal care and fetal surgery techniques.
• The future of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Research Paper Topics on Media

Explore the ever-changing world of media with these fresh and relevant topics. Each one dives into the trends and challenges shaping how we consume and create content today.

• Analyze the impact of TikTok on modern marketing strategies.
• Investigate the role of influencers in shaping public opinion during elections.
• Explore the effects of streaming services on traditional cable TV viewership.
• Examine how social media platforms handle misinformation and its consequences.
• Study the rise of podcasts and their influence on news consumption.
• Compare the portrayal of mental health in TV shows across different cultures.
• Track the evolution of digital journalism and its impact on print media.
• Look into the ethics of deepfake technology in video production.
• Research the effects of binge-watching on viewer behavior and mental health.
• Explore the relationship between video game streaming and the gaming industry.
• Analyze the shift from traditional news outlets to social media for breaking news.
• Investigate how algorithms curate personalized content and influence user behavior.
• Study the changing landscape of advertising in the age of ad-blockers.
• Examine the role of memes in political discourse and cultural commentary.
• Explore the use of virtual reality in media and entertainment.

Research Paper Topics on Politics

Politics is a field that’s constantly evolving, with new issues and debates emerging all the time. Whether you're interested in global dynamics, domestic policies, or the role of technology in politics, there’s no shortage of interesting topics to explore:

• How social media is influencing voter behavior in recent elections.
• The rise and impact of grassroots movements on political change.
• Fake news and its role in shaping public perception of political events.
• The effects of immigration policies on relationships between countries.
• Populism’s growth in global politics and what it means for the future.
• How economic inequality contributes to political instability.
• The power of political lobbying in creating and shaping laws.
• Challenges faced by democracies under authoritarian regimes.
• Youth activism and its growing influence in modern politics.
• How climate change policies are impacting national security.
• The role of technology in improving election security and voter turnout.
• Government approval ratings and their connection to pandemic responses.
• Influence of international organizations on a country’s domestic policies.
• Shifts in global trade agreements and their effects on international relations.
• The impact of gerrymandering on election results and fairness.

Research Paper Ideas on Technology

Technology is rapidly transforming our world, offering endless opportunities for research. Here are some intriguing ideas to explore:

• The ethics of artificial intelligence in decision-making processes.
• How blockchain technology is revolutionizing financial transactions.
• The role of 5G networks in shaping the future of communication.
• Cybersecurity challenges in the era of smart homes and IoT devices.
• The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining.
• Virtual reality’s influence on education and training programs.
• How autonomous vehicles are changing urban planning and infrastructure.
• The potential of quantum computing in solving complex global problems.
• Social media algorithms and their impact on public discourse.
• The digital divide: Access to technology in rural versus urban areas.
• How wearable tech is transforming personal health management.
• The implications of deepfake technology in media and politics.
• The future of remote work and its long-term effects on productivity.
• Advancements in drone technology for disaster management and rescue operations.
• The role of big data in personalizing online shopping experiences.

Research Topic Ideas on Culture

Whether you’re interested in examining specific cultural practices or looking at how modern trends reshape traditional customs, these research topics will provide you with a focused and detailed starting point:

• Adoption of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies in contemporary urban settings.
• Practices of food preservation among Inuit communities in the Arctic.
• The revival of Celtic languages in Wales and Ireland through education programs.
• Depiction of queer relationships in Netflix original series from 2015 to 2024.
• Evolution of traditional African hairstyles in Black communities across the U.S.
• Transformation of street art in Berlin post-German reunification.
• Cultural significance of Día de los Muertos celebrations in Mexican-American neighborhoods.
• Popularity of Korean skincare routines among Western beauty bloggers.
• Modern interpretations of Norse mythology in Scandinavian literature.
• Changes in wedding rituals among Indian diaspora in the UK.
• Resurgence of indigenous Australian painting techniques in contemporary art.
• Representation of disability in children’s books published in the last decade.
• Use of traditional Māori patterns in New Zealand’s fashion industry.
• Changes in burial customs in urbanized areas of Southeast Asia.
• Incorporation of First Nations symbols in Canadian public architecture.

Research Paper Topics on Math

If you're looking to explore the depth and applications of math, these research topics are both specific and engaging:

• Applications of fractal geometry in modeling natural phenomena.
• Mathematical approaches to solving complex optimization problems in logistics.
• Development of new algorithms for large-scale data encryption.
• Mathematical modeling of population dynamics in ecology.
• The use of game theory in economic decision-making processes.
• Exploring the mathematics behind machine learning algorithms.
• Advancements in numerical methods for solving partial differential equations.
• Topological data analysis and its applications in computational biology.
• Mathematical analysis of voting systems and fairness.
• The role of number theory in modern cryptography.
• Predictive models for financial markets using stochastic calculus.
• Mathematical foundations of quantum computing and quantum algorithms.
• Applications of chaos theory in weather prediction.
• Geometry of space-time in the context of general relativity.
• Mathematical techniques for analyzing big data in social networks.

Research Paper Topics on Art

Art is full of fascinating details and stories waiting to be explored. If you’re into art research, here are some research topics that might catch your interest:

• How Caravaggio used light and shadow in his religious paintings.
• The way Cubism shaped Picasso’s "Les Demoiselles d’Avignon."
• Gustav Klimt’s "The Kiss" and its ties to Viennese culture.
• Hokusai’s woodblock techniques in "The Great Wave off Kanagawa."
• Bauhaus principles that still influence graphic design today.
• Emotions and color in Mark Rothko’s abstract paintings.
• Leonora Carrington’s role in the Surrealist movement.
• Gaudí’s architectural genius in designing La Sagrada Familia.
• Industrial scenes captured in Charles Sheeler’s Precisionist art.
• Jean-Michel Basquiat’s take on graffiti and cultural identity.
• Frida Kahlo’s evolving self-portraits through her life.
• Claude Monet’s unique use of light in his Impressionist works.
• Diego Rivera’s murals as powerful political statements.
• The simplicity and impact of Donald Judd’s minimalist sculptures.
• How African art influenced Henri Matisse during his Fauvist period.

Research Topics on Sports

Sports offer a wide range of topics that are both intriguing and highly relevant. Here are some specific research ideas to consider if you're looking to explore the world of sports:

• The biomechanics behind sprinting techniques in elite athletes.
• The psychological effects of team sports on adolescent development.
• Injury prevention strategies in professional football (soccer).
• The impact of altitude training on endurance performance in marathon runners.
• Gender equity in sports: The evolution of women’s participation in the Olympics.
• The role of nutrition in recovery and performance for endurance athletes.
• How advanced analytics are changing strategies in basketball.
• The effects of early specialization in youth sports on long-term athletic development.
• The influence of sports media coverage on public perceptions of athletes.
• Technology in sports: The use of wearable devices to monitor athlete performance.
• Doping scandals and their long-term impact on athletes' careers.
• Mental health challenges faced by retired professional athletes.
• The economics of hosting major sporting events like the World Cup or Olympics.
• How climate change is affecting outdoor sports events and training schedules.
• The evolution of sports science in enhancing athlete training programs.

In 2024, some of the most popular research topics include the impact of technology on sports, the psychological aspects of team dynamics, and the evolution of gender equity in athletics. 

If you’re still unsure about which topic to choose or need help with your essay, EssayService is a great option. Our research paper writing service can assist with everything from selecting the perfect topic to crafting a well-written paper, making the whole process a lot easier.

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1000+ FREE Research Topics & Title Ideas

Select your area of interest to view a collection of potential research topics and ideas.

Or grab the full list 📋 (for free)

PS – You can also check out our free topic ideation webinar for more ideas

How To Find A Research Topic

If you’re struggling to get started, this step-by-step video tutorial will help you find the perfect research topic.

Research Topic FAQs

What (exactly) is a research topic.

A research topic is the subject of a research project or study – for example, a dissertation or thesis. A research topic typically takes the form of a problem to be solved, or a question to be answered.

A good research topic should be specific enough to allow for focused research and analysis. For example, if you are interested in studying the effects of climate change on agriculture, your research topic could focus on how rising temperatures have impacted crop yields in certain regions over time.

To learn more about the basics of developing a research topic, consider our free research topic ideation webinar.

What constitutes a good research topic?

A strong research topic comprises three important qualities : originality, value and feasibility.

• Originality – a good topic explores an original area or takes a novel angle on an existing area of study.
• Value – a strong research topic provides value and makes a contribution, either academically or practically.
• Feasibility – a good research topic needs to be practical and manageable, given the resource constraints you face.

To learn more about what makes for a high-quality research topic, check out this post .

What's the difference between a research topic and research problem?

A research topic and a research problem are two distinct concepts that are often confused. A research topic is a broader label that indicates the focus of the study , while a research problem is an issue or gap in knowledge within the broader field that needs to be addressed.

To illustrate this distinction, consider a student who has chosen “teenage pregnancy in the United Kingdom” as their research topic. This research topic could encompass any number of issues related to teenage pregnancy such as causes, prevention strategies, health outcomes for mothers and babies, etc.

Within this broad category (the research topic) lies potential areas of inquiry that can be explored further – these become the research problems . For example:

• What factors contribute to higher rates of teenage pregnancy in certain communities?
• How do different types of parenting styles affect teen pregnancy rates?
• What interventions have been successful in reducing teenage pregnancies?

Simply put, a key difference between a research topic and a research problem is scope ; the research topic provides an umbrella under which multiple questions can be asked, while the research problem focuses on one specific question or set of questions within that larger context.

How can I find potential research topics for my project?

There are many steps involved in the process of finding and choosing a high-quality research topic for a dissertation or thesis. We cover these steps in detail in this video (also accessible below).

How can I find quality sources for my research topic?

Finding quality sources is an essential step in the topic ideation process. To do this, you should start by researching scholarly journals, books, and other academic publications related to your topic. These sources can provide reliable information on a wide range of topics. Additionally, they may contain data or statistics that can help support your argument or conclusions.

Identifying Relevant Sources

When searching for relevant sources, it’s important to look beyond just published material; try using online databases such as Google Scholar or JSTOR to find articles from reputable journals that have been peer-reviewed by experts in the field.

You can also use search engines like Google or Bing to locate websites with useful information about your topic. However, be sure to evaluate any website before citing it as a source—look for evidence of authorship (such as an “About Us” page) and make sure the content is up-to-date and accurate before relying on it.

Evaluating Sources

Once you’ve identified potential sources for your research project, take some time to evaluate them thoroughly before deciding which ones will best serve your purpose. Consider factors such as author credibility (are they an expert in their field?), publication date (is the source current?), objectivity (does the author present both sides of an issue?) and relevance (how closely does this source relate to my specific topic?).

By researching the current literature on your topic, you can identify potential sources that will help to provide quality information. Once you’ve identified these sources, it’s time to look for a gap in the research and determine what new knowledge could be gained from further study.

How can I find a good research gap?

Finding a strong gap in the literature is an essential step when looking for potential research topics. We explain what research gaps are and how to find them in this post.

How should I evaluate potential research topics/ideas?

When evaluating potential research topics, it is important to consider the factors that make for a strong topic (we discussed these earlier). Specifically:

• Originality
• Feasibility

So, when you have a list of potential topics or ideas, assess each of them in terms of these three criteria. A good topic should take a unique angle, provide value (either to academia or practitioners), and be practical enough for you to pull off, given your limited resources.

Finally, you should also assess whether this project could lead to potential career opportunities such as internships or job offers down the line. Make sure that you are researching something that is relevant enough so that it can benefit your professional development in some way. Additionally, consider how each research topic aligns with your career goals and interests; researching something that you are passionate about can help keep motivation high throughout the process.

How can I assess the feasibility of a research topic?

When evaluating the feasibility and practicality of a research topic, it is important to consider several factors.

First, you should assess whether or not the research topic is within your area of competence. Of course, when you start out, you are not expected to be the world’s leading expert, but do should at least have some foundational knowledge.

Time commitment

When considering a research topic, you should think about how much time will be required for completion. Depending on your field of study, some topics may require more time than others due to their complexity or scope.

Additionally, if you plan on collaborating with other researchers or institutions in order to complete your project, additional considerations must be taken into account such as coordinating schedules and ensuring that all parties involved have adequate resources available.

Resources needed

It’s also critically important to consider what type of resources are necessary in order to conduct the research successfully. This includes physical materials such as lab equipment and chemicals but can also include intangible items like access to certain databases or software programs which may be necessary depending on the nature of your work. Additionally, if there are costs associated with obtaining these materials then this must also be factored into your evaluation process.

Potential risks

It’s important to consider the inherent potential risks for each potential research topic. These can include ethical risks (challenges getting ethical approval), data risks (not being able to access the data you’ll need), technical risks relating to the equipment you’ll use and funding risks (not securing the necessary financial back to undertake the research).

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53 Stellar College Essay Topics to Inspire You

College Essays

Most colleges and universities in the United States require applicants to submit at least one essay as part of their application. But trying to figure out what college essay topics you should choose is a tricky process. There are so many potential things you could write about!

In this guide, we go over the essential qualities that make for a great college essay topic and give you 50+ college essay topics you can use for your own statement . In addition, we provide you with helpful tips for turning your college essay topic into a stellar college essay.

What Qualities Make for a Good College Essay Topic?

Regardless of what you write about in your personal statement for college , there are key features that will always make for a stand-out college essay topic.

#1: It’s Specific

First off, good college essay topics are extremely specific : you should know all the pertinent facts that have to do with the topic and be able to see how the entire essay comes together.

Specificity is essential because it’ll not only make your essay stand out from other statements, but it'll also recreate the experience for admissions officers through its realism, detail, and raw power. You want to tell a story after all, and specificity is the way to do so. Nobody wants to read a vague, bland, or boring story — not even admissions officers!

For example, an OK topic would be your experience volunteering at a cat shelter over the summer. But a better, more specific college essay topic would be how you deeply connected with an elderly cat there named Marty, and how your bond with him made you realize that you want to work with animals in the future.

Remember that specificity in your topic is what will make your essay unique and memorable . It truly is the key to making a strong statement (pun intended)!

#2: It Shows Who You Are

In addition to being specific, good college essay topics reveal to admissions officers who you are: your passions and interests, what is important to you, your best (or possibly even worst) qualities, what drives you, and so on.

The personal statement is critical because it gives schools more insight into who you are as a person and not just who you are as a student in terms of grades and classes.

By coming up with a real, honest topic, you’ll leave an unforgettable mark on admissions officers.

#3: It’s Meaningful to You

The very best college essay topics are those that hold deep meaning to their writers and have truly influenced them in some significant way.

For instance, maybe you plan to write about the first time you played Skyrim to explain how this video game revealed to you the potentially limitless worlds you could create, thereby furthering your interest in game design.

Even if the topic seems trivial, it’s OK to use it — just as long as you can effectively go into detail about why this experience or idea had such an impact on you .

Don’t give in to the temptation to choose a topic that sounds impressive but doesn’t actually hold any deep meaning for you. Admissions officers will see right through this!

Similarly, don’t try to exaggerate some event or experience from your life if it’s not all that important to you or didn’t have a substantial influence on your sense of self.

#4: It’s Unique

College essay topics that are unique are also typically the most memorable, and if there’s anything you want to be during the college application process, it’s that! Admissions officers have to sift through thousands of applications, and the essay is one of the only parts that allows them to really get a sense of who you are and what you value in life.

If your essay is trite or boring, it won’t leave much of an impression , and your application will likely get immediately tossed to the side with little chance of seeing admission.

But if your essay topic is very original and different, you’re more likely to earn that coveted second glance at your application.

What does being unique mean exactly, though? Many students assume that they must choose an extremely rare or crazy experience to talk about in their essays —but that's not necessarily what I mean by "unique." Good college essay topics can be unusual and different, yes, but they can also be unique takes on more mundane or common activities and experiences .

For instance, say you want to write an essay about the first time you went snowboarding. Instead of just describing the details of the experience and how you felt during it, you could juxtapose your emotions with a creative and humorous perspective from the snowboard itself. Or you could compare your first attempt at snowboarding with your most recent experience in a snowboarding competition. The possibilities are endless!

#5: It Clearly Answers the Question

Finally, good college essay topics will clearly and fully answer the question(s) in the prompt.

You might fail to directly answer a prompt by misinterpreting what it’s asking you to do, or by answering only part of it (e.g., answering just one out of three questions).

Therefore, make sure you take the time to come up with an essay topic that is in direct response to every question in the prompt .

Take this Coalition Application prompt as an example:

What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What's the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)?

For this prompt, you’d need to answer all three questions (though it’s totally fine to focus more on one or two of them) to write a compelling and appropriate essay.

This is why we recommend reading and rereading the essay prompt ; you should know exactly what it’s asking you to do, well before you start brainstorming possible college application essay topics.

53 College Essay Topics to Get Your Brain Moving

In this section, we give you a list of 53 examples of college essay topics. Use these as jumping-off points to help you get started on your college essay and to ensure that you’re on track to coming up with a relevant and effective topic.

All college application essay topics below are categorized by essay prompt type. We’ve identified six general types of college essay prompts:

Why This College?

Change and personal growth, passions, interests, and goals, overcoming a challenge, diversity and community, solving a problem.

Note that these prompt types could overlap with one another, so you’re not necessarily limited to just one college essay topic in a single personal statement.

• How a particular major or program will help you achieve your academic or professional goals
• A memorable and positive interaction you had with a professor or student at the school
• Something good that happened to you while visiting the campus or while on a campus tour
• A certain class you want to take or a certain professor you’re excited to work with
• Some piece of on-campus equipment or facility that you’re looking forward to using
• Your plans to start a club at the school, possibly to raise awareness of a major issue
• A study abroad or other unique program that you can’t wait to participate in
• How and where you plan to volunteer in the community around the school
• An incredible teacher you studied under and the positive impact they had on you
• How you went from really liking something, such as a particular movie star or TV show, to not liking it at all (or vice versa)
• How yours or someone else’s (change in) socioeconomic status made you more aware of poverty
• A time someone said something to you that made you realize you were wrong
• How your opinion on a controversial topic, such as gay marriage or DACA, has shifted over time
• A documentary that made you aware of a particular social, economic, or political issue going on in the country or world
• Advice you would give to your younger self about friendship, motivation, school, etc.
• The steps you took in order to kick a bad or self-sabotaging habit
• A juxtaposition of the first and most recent time you did something, such as dance onstage
• A book you read that you credit with sparking your love of literature and/or writing
• A school assignment or project that introduced you to your chosen major
• A glimpse of your everyday routine and how your biggest hobby or interest fits into it
• The career and (positive) impact you envision yourself having as a college graduate
• A teacher or mentor who encouraged you to pursue a specific interest you had
• How moving around a lot helped you develop a love of international exchange or learning languages
• A special skill or talent you’ve had since you were young and that relates to your chosen major in some way, such as designing buildings with LEGO bricks
• Where you see yourself in 10 or 20 years
• Your biggest accomplishment so far relating to your passion (e.g., winning a gold medal for your invention at a national science competition)
• A time you lost a game or competition that was really important to you
• How you dealt with the loss or death of someone close to you
• A time you did poorly in a class that you expected to do well in
• How moving to a new school impacted your self-esteem and social life
• A chronic illness you battled or are still battling
• Your healing process after having your heart broken for the first time
• A time you caved under peer pressure and the steps you took so that it won't happen again
• How you almost gave up on learning a foreign language but stuck with it
• Why you decided to become a vegetarian or vegan, and how you navigate living with a meat-eating family
• What you did to overcome a particular anxiety or phobia you had (e.g., stage fright)
• A history of a failed experiment you did over and over, and how you finally found a way to make it work successfully
• Someone within your community whom you aspire to emulate
• A family tradition you used to be embarrassed about but are now proud of
• Your experience with learning English upon moving to the United States
• A close friend in the LGBTQ+ community who supported you when you came out
• A time you were discriminated against, how you reacted, and what you would do differently if faced with the same situation again
• How you navigate your identity as a multiracial, multiethnic, and/or multilingual person
• A project or volunteer effort you led to help or improve your community
• A particular celebrity or role model who inspired you to come out as LGBTQ+
• Your biggest challenge (and how you plan to tackle it) as a female in a male-dominated field
• How you used to discriminate against your own community, and what made you change your mind and eventually take pride in who you are and/or where you come from
• A program you implemented at your school in response to a known problem, such as a lack of recycling cans in the cafeteria
• A time you stepped in to mediate an argument or fight between two people
• An app or other tool you developed to make people’s lives easier in some way
• A time you proposed a solution that worked to an ongoing problem at school, an internship, or a part-time job
• The steps you took to identify and fix an error in coding for a website or program
• An important social or political issue that you would fix if you had the means

How to Build a College Essay in 6 Easy Steps

Once you’ve decided on a college essay topic you want to use, it’s time to buckle down and start fleshing out your essay. These six steps will help you transform a simple college essay topic into a full-fledged personal statement.

Step 1: Write Down All the Details

Once you’ve chosen a general topic to write about, get out a piece of paper and get to work on creating a list of all the key details you could include in your essay . These could be things such as the following:

• Emotions you felt at the time
• Names, places, and/or numbers
• Dialogue, or what you or someone else said
• A specific anecdote, example, or experience
• Descriptions of how things looked, felt, or seemed

If you can only come up with a few details, then it’s probably best to revisit the list of college essay topics above and choose a different one that you can write more extensively on.

Good college essay topics are typically those that:

• You remember well (so nothing that happened when you were really young)
• You're excited to write about
• You're not embarrassed or uncomfortable to share with others
• You believe will make you positively stand out from other applicants

Step 2: Figure Out Your Focus and Approach

Once you have all your major details laid out, start to figure out how you could arrange them in a way that makes sense and will be most effective.

It’s important here to really narrow your focus: you don’t need to (and shouldn’t!) discuss every single aspect of your trip to visit family in Indonesia when you were 16. Rather, zero in on a particular anecdote or experience and explain why and how it impacted you.

Alternatively, you could write about multiple experiences while weaving them together with a clear, meaningful theme or concept , such as how your math teacher helped you overcome your struggle with geometry over the course of an entire school year. In this case, you could mention a few specific times she tutored you and most strongly supported you in your studies.

There’s no one right way to approach your college essay, so play around to see what approaches might work well for the topic you’ve chosen.

If you’re really unsure about how to approach your essay, think about what part of your topic was or is most meaningful and memorable to you, and go from there.

Step 3: Structure Your Narrative

• Beginning: Don’t just spout off a ton of background information here—you want to hook your reader, so try to start in the middle of the action , such as with a meaningful conversation you had or a strong emotion you felt. It could also be a single anecdote if you plan to center your essay around a specific theme or idea.
• Middle: Here’s where you start to flesh out what you’ve established in the opening. Provide more details about the experience (if a single anecdote) or delve into the various times your theme or idea became most important to you. Use imagery and sensory details to put the reader in your shoes.
• End: It’s time to bring it all together. Finish describing the anecdote or theme your essay centers around and explain how it relates to you now , what you’ve learned or gained from it, and how it has influenced your goals.

Step 4: Write a Rough Draft

By now you should have all your major details and an outline for your essay written down; these two things will make it easy for you to convert your notes into a rough draft.

At this stage of the writing process, don’t worry too much about vocabulary or grammar and just focus on getting out all your ideas so that they form the general shape of an essay . It’s OK if you’re a little over the essay's word limit — as you edit, you’ll most likely make some cuts to irrelevant and ineffective parts anyway.

If at any point you get stuck and have no idea what to write, revisit steps 1-3 to see whether there are any important details or ideas you might be omitting or not elaborating on enough to get your overall point across to admissions officers.

Step 5: Edit, Revise, and Proofread

• Sections that are too wordy and don’t say anything important
• Irrelevant details that don’t enhance your essay or the point you're trying to make
• Parts that seem to drag or that feel incredibly boring or redundant
• Areas that are vague and unclear and would benefit from more detail
• Phrases or sections that are awkwardly placed and should be moved around
• Areas that feel unconvincing, inauthentic, or exaggerated

Start paying closer attention to your word choice/vocabulary and grammar at this time, too. It’s perfectly normal to edit and revise your college essay several times before asking for feedback, so keep working with it until you feel it’s pretty close to its final iteration.

This step will likely take the longest amount of time — at least several weeks, if not months — so really put effort into fixing up your essay. Once you’re satisfied, do a final proofread to ensure that it’s technically correct.

Step 6: Get Feedback and Tweak as Needed

After you’ve overhauled your rough draft and made it into a near-final draft, give your essay to somebody you trust , such as a teacher or parent, and have them look it over for technical errors and offer you feedback on its content and overall structure.

Use this feedback to make any last-minute changes or edits. If necessary, repeat steps 5 and 6. You want to be extra sure that your essay is perfect before you submit it to colleges!

Recap: From College Essay Topics to Great College Essays

Many different kinds of college application essay topics can get you into a great college. But this doesn’t make it any easier to choose the best topic for you .

In general, the best college essay topics have the following qualities :

• They’re specific
• They show who you are
• They’re meaningful to you
• They’re unique
• They clearly answer the question

If you ever need help coming up with an idea of what to write for your essay, just refer to the list of 53 examples of college essay topics above to get your brain juices flowing.

Once you’ve got an essay topic picked out, follow these six steps for turning your topic into an unforgettable personal statement :

• Write down all the details
• Figure out your focus and approach
• Structure your narrative
• Write a rough draft
• Edit, revise, and proofread
• Get feedback and tweak as needed

And with that, I wish you the best of luck on your college essays!

What’s Next?

Writing a college essay is no simple task. Get expert college essay tips with our guides on how to come up with great college essay ideas and how to write a college essay, step by step .

You can also check out this huge list of college essay prompts  to get a feel for what types of questions you'll be expected to answer on your applications.

Want to see examples of college essays that absolutely rocked? You're in luck because we've got a collection of 100+ real college essay examples right here on our blog!

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Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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• Knowledge Base
• College essay
• Choosing Your College Essay Topic | Ideas & Examples

Choosing Your College Essay Topic | Ideas & Examples

Published on October 25, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A strong essay topic sets you up to write a unique, memorable college application essay . Your topic should be personal, original, and specific. Take time to brainstorm the right topic for you.

Table of contents

What makes a good topic, brainstorming questions to get started, discover the best topic for you, how to make a common topic compelling, frequently asked questions about college application essays, other interesting articles.

Here are some guidelines for a good essay topic:

• It’s focused on you and your experience
• It shares something different from the rest of your application
• It’s specific and original (not many students could write a similar essay)
• It affords the opportunity to share your positive stories and qualities

In most cases, avoid topics that

• Reflect poorly on your character and behavior
• Deal with a challenge or traumatic experience without a lesson learned or positive outlook

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Spend time reflecting on and writing out answers to the following questions. After doing this exercise, you should be able to identify a few strong topics for your college essay.

Writing about yourself can be difficult. If you’re struggling to identify your topic, try these two strategies.

Start with your qualities

After identifying your positive qualities or values, brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities.

Start with a story

If you already have some memorable stories in mind that you’d like to write about, think about which qualities and values you can demonstrate with those stories.

Talk it through

To make sure you choose the right topic, ask for advice from trusted friends or family members who know you well. They can help you brainstorm ideas and remember stories, and they can give you feedback on your potential essay topics.

You can also work with a guidance counselor, teacher, or other mentor to discuss which ideas are most promising. If you plan ahead , you can even workshop multiple draft essays to see which topic works best.

If you do choose a common topic, ensure you have the following to craft a unique essay:

• Surprising or unexpected story arcs
• Interesting insight or connections
• An advanced writing style

Here are a few examples of how to craft strong essays from cliché topics.

Here’s a checklist you can use to confirm that your college essay topic is right for you.

College essay topic checklist

My topic is focused on me, not on someone else.

My topic shares something different from the rest of my application.

My topic is specific and original (not many students could write a similar essay).

My topic reflects positively on my character and behavior.

If I chose to write about a traumatic or challenging experience, my essay will focus on how I overcame it or gained insight.

If I chose a common topic, my essay will have a surprising story arc, interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style.

Good topic!

It looks like your topic is a good choice. It's specific, it avoids clichés, and it reflects positively on you.

There are no foolproof college essay topics —whatever your topic, the key is to write about it effectively. However, a good topic

• Is meaningful, specific, and personal to you
• Focuses on you and your experiences
• Reveals something beyond your test scores, grades, and extracurriculars
• Is creative and original

Yes—admissions officers don’t expect everyone to have a totally unique college essay topic . But you must differentiate your essay from others by having a surprising story arc, an interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style .

To decide on a good college essay topic , spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:

• Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities
• Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories

You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.

Most topics are acceptable for college essays if you can use them to demonstrate personal growth or a lesson learned. However, there are a few difficult topics for college essays that should be avoided. Avoid topics that are:

• Overly personal (e.g. graphic details of illness or injury, romantic or sexual relationships)
• Not personal enough (e.g. broad solutions to world problems, inspiring people or things)
• Too negative (e.g. an in-depth look at your flaws, put-downs of others, criticizing the need for a college essay)
• Too boring (e.g. a resume of your academic achievements and extracurriculars)
• Inappropriate for a college essay (e.g. illegal activities, offensive humor, false accounts of yourself, bragging about privilege)

Here’s a brief list of college essay topics that may be considered cliché:

• Extracurriculars, especially sports
• Role models
• Dealing with a personal tragedy or death in the family
• Struggling with new life situations (immigrant stories, moving homes, parents’ divorce)
• Becoming a better person after community service, traveling, or summer camp
• Overcoming a difficult class
• Using a common object as an extended metaphor

It’s easier to write a standout essay with a unique topic. However, it’s possible to make a common topic compelling with interesting story arcs, uncommon connections, and an advanced writing style.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

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301+ Research Essay Topics [Updated]

Embarking on a research essay journey is similar to setting sail on uncharted waters. The key to a successful expedition lies in choosing the right topic – one that not only aligns with your interests but also resonates with the broader context of your academic or professional pursuits. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate through the various considerations, disciplines, and emerging trends to help you uncover the perfect research essay topics that sparks curiosity and passion.

General Considerations for Choosing Research Essay Topics

Table of Contents

Before delving into specific topics, it’s crucial to understand the general principles that should guide your decision-making process.

Personal Interest

Selecting a topic that genuinely interests you is paramount. Your enthusiasm will fuel the research process and contribute to a more engaging and compelling essay. Consider your hobbies, personal experiences, or areas that have always intrigued you.

For instance, if you have a fascination with technology, topics like the impact of artificial intelligence on society or ethical considerations in genetic engineering might be appealing.

Relevance to Course or Discipline

Aligning your research essay with the objectives of your course or academic discipline adds depth and significance to your work. Think about how your chosen topic contributes to the broader conversation within your field.

For a business or economics student, exploring the economic implications of the gig economy might provide valuable insights.

Scope and Feasibility

Strike a balance between a topic’s breadth and depth. Ensure your chosen subject is neither too broad to cover adequately nor too narrow to find sufficient research material.

Assess the availability of resources – both primary and secondary – to ensure you can conduct thorough research within the given timeframe.

Availability of Resources

Before finalizing your topic, consider the accessibility of resources. Check whether there are enough scholarly articles, books, and other materials available to support your research.

A topic that lacks substantial resources might lead to a frustrating dead end.

301+ Research Essay Topics: Category Wise

Science and technology.

• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
• Ethical Considerations in Genetic Engineering
• Renewable Energy Solutions for a Sustainable Future
• Cybersecurity in the Age of Digital Transformation
• Blockchain Technology: Applications and Implications
• The Role of Technology in Healthcare Innovation
• Future Prospects of Quantum Computing
• Augmented Reality: Transforming User Experiences
• Biotechnology Advancements and Their Ethical Dilemmas
• Space Exploration and its Scientific Contributions
• The Ethics of CRISPR Technology in Human Gene Editing
• Applications and Implications of Nanotechnology
• Advancements in Robotics and their Impact on Industries
• Big Data Analytics in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges
• The Future of Space Tourism
• Internet of Things (IoT) and its Integration in Everyday Life
• Quantum Cryptography: Ensuring Secure Communication
• Biometrics Technology and Privacy Concerns
• Impact of 3D Printing on Manufacturing and Supply Chains
• Space Debris: Challenges and Solutions for Earth’s Orbit
• Quantum Computing and Its Potential Impact on Cryptography
• Biodegradable Technology: Eco-Friendly Innovations
• Advanced Materials in Aerospace Engineering
• The Ethical Considerations of Artificial Intelligence in Military Applications
• Challenges and Solutions in Developing Sustainable Transportation Systems
• Internet Censorship: Balancing National Security and Freedom of Information
• The Role of Technology in Disaster Management and Response
• Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality in Mental Health Treatment
• Space Colonization: Feasibility and Ethical Considerations
• Advancements in Brain-Computer Interface Technology
• The Future of Quantum Internet: Secure Communication
• Biotechnology in Agriculture: Improving Crop Yield and Quality
• Innovations in Solar Energy Storage Technologies
• Ethical Implications of Autonomous Weapon Systems
• Human Augmentation: Balancing Advancements and Ethics
• The Role of Technology in Disaster Resilience
• Surveillance Technologies and Privacy Concerns
• Space Mining: Challenges and Opportunities
• Advancements in Brain-Machine Interface for Rehabilitation
• The Potential of Gene Therapy in Treating Genetic Disorders
• Green Computing: Strategies for Energy-Efficient IT Practices
• The Potential of Quantum Dots in Medical Imaging
• Space Tourism: Challenges and Opportunities
• The Ethical Implications of Biometric Surveillance
• Innovations in Wearable Health Technologies
• Advancements in Neuroscience: Brain-Computer Interfaces
• Cyber-Physical Systems in Smart Cities
• CRISPR-Based Therapies: Promises and Ethical Concerns
• The Role of 3D Bioprinting in Medicine
• Renewable Energy Storage Technologies: Beyond Batteries
• The Future of Quantum Computing: Challenges and Breakthroughs
• Environmental Impacts of E-waste and Strategies for Recycling
• Advancements in Cognitive Computing and Artificial Intelligence
• The Role of Technology in Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility
• Space Debris Cleanup: Technologies and Ethical Considerations
• The Potential of Fusion Energy for Sustainable Power Generation
• Augmented Reality in Education: Transforming Learning Experiences
• Biometric Authentication Systems: Security and Privacy Concerns
• Technology and Mental Health: Exploring Digital Therapeutics
• Smart Cities and IoT: Improving Urban Living

Social Sciences

• Effects of Social Media on Mental Health
• Gender Inequality in the Workplace
• The Role of Education in Reducing Poverty
• The Impact of Social Policies on Welfare
• Youth Activism and Social Change
• Political Polarization in Contemporary Society
• Immigration Policies and their Societal Effects
• Analyzing Criminal Justice Reform Strategies
• Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Health Disparities
• Cultural Influences on Mental Health Stigma
• Social and Economic Impact of a Universal Basic Income
• The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories in Contemporary Society
• Environmental Activism and its Influence on Government Policies
• The Sociology of Online Communities and Subcultures
• Influence of Social Media on Political Movements
• The Intersectionality of Gender, Race, and Sexual Orientation
• Analysis of Social Capital in Community Development
• Media Representation and its Influence on Public Perception
• The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
• Social Impact of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Experiences
• The Psychological Impact of Social Isolation on Individuals
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health Disparities in Underserved Communities
• Political Communication in the Age of Social Media
• Analyzing Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges in Global Organizations
• The Influence of Social Networks on Online Behavior
• Understanding the Impact of Cultural Diversity on Team Dynamics
• Social Media and Political Polarization: A Comparative Analysis
• Examining the Link Between Educational Attainment and Economic Mobility
• The Role of Social Institutions in Shaping Cultural Values
• Impact of COVID-19 on Social Structures and Relationships
• Examining the Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Behavior
• Cultural Shifts in Attitudes Toward Mental Health in Modern Society
• Analyzing the Socioeconomic Impact of Universal Basic Income
• Media Portrayals of Marginalized Communities: A Critical Analysis
• Political Populism: Causes, Consequences, and Global Trends
• The Social Dynamics of Online Dating and Relationship Formation
• Urbanization and Social Change: Implications for Communities
• Social Media Activism and its Influence on Policy Change
• The Psychological Effects of Climate Change Anxiety
• The Intersection of Technology and Social Isolation
• The Psychological Impact of Social Isolation in Elderly Populations
• The Sociology of Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation
• Social Media and Body Image: Examining Influences on Self-Perception
• Cultural Influences on Parenting Styles
• The Relationship Between Education and Social Mobility
• Political Polarization and Media Consumption Habits
• Social Capital in Online Communities: Building Trust in Virtual Spaces
• Analyzing the Impact of Environmental Activism on Policy Change
• The Role of Social Support in Coping with Trauma
• Cultural Factors Influencing Attitudes Toward Mental Health
• The Impact of Social Media on Political Participation
• Cultural Influences on Perceptions of Beauty and Body Image
• Educational Inequality: Addressing Disparities in Access
• The Role of Community Engagement in Urban Development
• The Sociology of Conspiracy Theories and Public Opinion
• Identity Politics and Social Movements in the 21st Century
• The Psychological Effects of Long-Term Isolation
• Cultural Factors in Workplace Diversity and Inclusion
• The Dynamics of Social Change in the Digital Age
• Impact of Social Networks on Social Capital Formation
• Exploring Cultural Identity through Literature
• The Evolution of Artistic Expression in the Digital Age
• Historical Perspectives on Human Rights Movements
• Analyzing Symbolism in Classic Literature
• Influence of Ancient Philosophy on Modern Ethics
• The Role of Religion in Shaping Societal Norms
• Cultural Impact of Historical Events on Art
• Language Evolution and its Cultural Implications
• Folklore and its Reflection of Societal Beliefs
• Impact of Digital Media on Traditional Storytelling
• Depiction of Mental Health in Literature and Art
• Cultural Appropriation: Examining Controversies and Context
• Historical Analysis of Propaganda in Warfare
• Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness
• Folklore and Mythology: Cultural Narratives Across Societies
• Impact of Social Media on Language Evolution
• The Role of Museums in Shaping Cultural Memory
• Literary Criticism: Analyzing Classic Works through a Modern Lens
• The Evolution of Fashion Trends Through History
• The Influence of Ancient Philosophy on Modern Political Thought
• Eco-Criticism: Exploring Environmental Themes in Literature
• The Influence of Ancient Mythology on Contemporary Pop Culture
• Analyzing Political Satire in Literature and Media
• The Evolution of Language: A Comparative Study of Linguistic Changes
• Cultural Representations of Gender Roles in Literature and Film
• The Impact of Historical Trauma on Collective Memory
• Exploring the Intersection of Religion and Science in Historical Context
• Art as a Reflection of Social and Political Movements
• The Evolution of Dance as a Cultural Expression
• Literary Depictions of Utopian and Dystopian Societies
• Contemporary Art as a Reflection of Societal Values
• Cultural Perspectives on Death and Mourning Practices
• Folk Music Traditions in the Digital Age
• The Influence of Cultural Heritage on Architectural Design
• Literary Representations of Artificial Intelligence and Consciousness
• The Evolution of Dance as a Cultural and Artistic Expression
• Analyzing Historical Fiction: Accuracy and Creative Liberties
• Folklore and Superstitions: Their Role in Modern Society
• The Impact of Social Media on Language and Communication Styles
• Cultural Narratives in Indigenous Oral Traditions
• Cultural Implications of Urban Legends and Folklore
• The Intersection of Art and Activism: Creative Expression for Social Change
• Analyzing the Impact of Literature on Social Movements
• The Evolution of Language in Internet Communication
• Cultural Depictions of Artificial Intelligence in Film
• The Representation of Mental Health in Contemporary Art
• Folk Art Traditions: Preservation and Evolution
• Cultural Influences on Architectural Design Principles
• The Role of Literature in Shaping Historical Narratives
• The Impact of Music Festivals on Cultural Exchange
• Cultural Representations of Artificial Intelligence in Literature
• Historical Fiction: Balancing Fact and Imagination
• The Art of Satire: Political Commentary in Literature and Media
• Language Evolution in Multilingual Societies
• Cultural Preservation through Indigenous Storytelling
• Visual Arts and Cultural Identity: A Comparative Analysis
• The Impact of Historical Trauma on Artistic Expression
• Contemporary Perspectives on Classical Philosophical Ideas
• Cultural Influences on Fashion: From Traditional to Avant-Garde
• The Role of Literature in Shaping Environmental Awareness

Business and Economics

• Impact of Globalization on Small Businesses
• Sustainable Business Practices for Environmental Conservation
• Economic Implications of the Gig Economy
• Corporate Social Responsibility and its Effects
• Global Economic Trends in the Post-Pandemic Era
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets
• The Psychology of Consumer Behavior
• Cryptocurrency: Challenges and Opportunities
• Ethical Dilemmas in Corporate Decision-Making
• Future Trends in Supply Chain Management
• Impact of E-commerce on Traditional Retail Businesses
• Behavioral Economics: Understanding Consumer Decision-Making
• Circular Economy: Sustainable Practices in Business
• The Rise of Impact Investing in Socially Responsible Finance
• Challenges and Opportunities in the Sharing Economy
• Corporate Governance and its Influence on Business Ethics
• The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Corporate Success
• Innovations in Financial Technology (Fintech)
• Economic Impacts of Global Health Pandemics
• Sustainable Tourism Practices: Balancing Profit and Conservation
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Case Studies in Successful Implementation
• Innovations in Green Finance: Financing Sustainable Projects
• The Gig Economy and Its Implications for Workers’ Rights
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Business Strategy
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Best Practices and Challenges
• Consumer Behavior in the Age of E-commerce
• The Role of Digital Marketing in Shaping Consumer Preferences
• Exploring the Circular Economy in Fashion Industry Practices
• Business Strategies for Navigating Economic Uncertainty
• The Role of Social Entrepreneurship in Addressing Global Challenges
• Sustainable Business Models: Success Stories and Challenges
• The Rise of Impact Investing in Emerging Markets
• Corporate Governance in the Era of Shareholder Activism
• The Impact of E-commerce on Brick-and-Mortar Retail Sustainability
• Innovation Clusters and Economic Development
• Exploring the Link Between Corporate Culture and Business Success
• Digital Currencies and their Implications for Central Banking
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Effectiveness
• Ethical Considerations in Marketing to Children
• The Gig Economy and the Future of Work: A Global Perspective
• Social Entrepreneurship: Models for Sustainable Impact
• The Circular Economy in Fashion: Reducing Waste in the Industry
• The Future of Remote Work and its Economic Implications
• The Role of Corporate Culture in Business Innovation
• Financial Inclusion and Digital Banking in Developing Economies
• The Gig Economy and the Evolution of Employment Relationships
• The Economic Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture
• Innovation in Green Construction: Sustainable Building Practices
• Ethical Considerations in Marketing Artificial Intelligence Products
• The Economics of Renewable Energy: Balancing Costs and Benefits
• The Influence of Social Media on Consumer Buying Behavior
• Corporate Innovation Strategies: Case Studies of Success and Failure
• The Economic Impact of Climate Change Adaptation Measures
• Financial Inclusion: Bridging the Gap in Developing Economies
• The Gig Economy: Assessing Worker Protections and Rights
• Sustainable Business Models in the Fashion Industry
• The Rise of Impact Investing in Healthcare
• Corporate Responsibility in the Age of Environmental Activism
• The Economic Implications of Telecommuting Trends
• Technological Disruption in Traditional Industries: Challenges and Opportunities

Interdisciplinary Topics

• The Intersection of Technology and Ethics
• Climate Change and its Socioeconomic Consequences
• Human Rights and Global Health Initiatives
• Intersectionality in Social Justice Movements
• Bioethics in the Age of Biotechnological Advancements
• Digital Humanities: Bridging Technology and the Arts
• Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Sustainability in Urban Planning and Development
• The Nexus of Psychology and Environmental Conservation
• Media’s Role in Shaping Cultural Perceptions
• Ethical Considerations in Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare
• The Role of Technology in Addressing Climate Change
• Bioethics at the Intersection of Medicine and Genetics
• Digital Citizenship: Balancing Rights and Responsibilities Online
• Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health Stigma
• Ethics of Human Augmentation Technologies
• The Impact of Smart Cities on Urban Societies
• Technological Solutions for Wildlife Conservation
• The Psychology of Online Activism and Advocacy
• Integrating Arts and Sciences: A Holistic Approach to Education
• Ethical Considerations in Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare
• The Role of Technology in Addressing Mental Health Disparities
• Intersectionality in Educational Policies and Practices
• Sustainable Urban Development: Integrating Environmental and Social Goals
• Exploring the Connection Between Climate Change and Migration
• Human-AI Collaboration: Opportunities and Challenges
• Technological Solutions for Water Conservation and Management
• The Influence of Cultural Practices on Health and Well-being
• Analyzing the Impact of Social Media on Environmental Activism
• The Intersection of Genetics and Ethics in Personalized Medicine
• The Bioethics of Neurotechnology and Cognitive Enhancement
• Smart Cities: Integrating Technology for Sustainable Urban Living
• The Intersection of Art and Science in Data Visualization
• Music Therapy in Mental Health Treatment
• Cultural Competence in Healthcare: A Holistic Approach
• The Ethical Dimensions of Climate Engineering
• Analyzing the Cultural Impact of Virtual Reality Experiences
• The Integration of Robotics in Healthcare Delivery
• Technological Solutions for Wildlife Conservation and Biodiversity
• Understanding the Social and Environmental Impacts of Tourism
• Bioethics and Environmental Conservation: A Crossroads
• Human-Computer Interaction in Virtual Reality Therapy
• Intersectionality in Health Disparities and Access to Healthcare
• Technology-Enhanced Learning Environments: Effectiveness and Challenges
• The Intersection of Environmental Sustainability and Public Health
• The Impact of Cultural Diversity on Team Creativity and Innovation
• Ethics of Genetic Counseling: Balancing Autonomy and Informed Consent
• The Integration of AI in Environmental Monitoring and Conservation
• The Psychology of Sustainable Behavior: Motivations and Barriers
• Cultural and Technological Perspectives on Digital Heritage Preservation

Emerging Trends and Issues

• Artificial General Intelligence: Risks and Benefits
• Future of Work: Remote Work Trends and Challenges
• Sustainable Transportation Solutions
• Impact of 5G Technology on Communication
• The Ethics of Autonomous Vehicles
• Mental Health Implications of Extended Reality
• Environmental Justice in Climate Change Policies
• Integrating Augmented Reality in Education
• Challenges of Space Colonization
• The Future of Personalized Medicine

Unique and Creative Topics

• The Influence of Science Fiction on Technological Innovation
• The Art of Storytelling in Virtual Reality
• Exploring Subcultures and Countercultures in Modern Society
• Impact of Video Games on Cognitive Skills
• The Role of Humor in Shaping Cultural Perspectives
• Evolution of Fashion as a Form of Art
• Cultural Significance of Urban Street Art
• Analysis of Internet Memes and Cultural Expression
• The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories
• Impact of Music on Human Emotions

Tips For Successful Research Essay

• Clearly Define Your Topic: Ensure a focused and specific research question or thesis statement.
• Thoroughly Plan Your Research: Create a research plan outlining key sources, databases, and methodologies.
• Use Reliable Sources: Rely on peer-reviewed journals, reputable websites, and scholarly books for information.
• Critical Evaluation of Sources: Assess the credibility, relevance, and reliability of each source.
• Organize Your Ideas: Develop a clear outline to structure your essay logically.
• Balance Depth and Breadth: Aim for a comprehensive understanding while maintaining focus.
• Cite Properly: Adhere to citation styles (APA, MLA, etc.) and give credit to original authors.
• Revise and Edit: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and grammatical correctness.
• Seek Feedback: Get input from peers, instructors, or mentors to refine your work.
• Stay Consistent: Maintain a consistent writing style, tone, and formatting throughout.
• Manage Time Effectively: Allocate sufficient time for each stage of the research and writing process.
• Stay Updated: Incorporate recent research to ensure relevance and currency.
• Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and counter opposing viewpoints for a more robust argument.
• Stay Focused on the Thesis: Ensure every section contributes directly to supporting your main argument.
• Proofread Carefully: Check for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors to present a polished essay.

Choosing the right research essay topics are a pivotal step in crafting a meaningful and impactful piece of academic work.

By considering personal interests, aligning with your discipline, assessing feasibility, and exploring interdisciplinary and emerging trends, you can navigate the maze of options with confidence.

Remember, the best topics are those that ignite your passion and contribute valuable insights to your chosen field of study. As you embark on your research journey, embrace the opportunity to explore, learn, and make a meaningful contribution to the academic discourse.

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271 Strong Argumentative Research Paper Topics You Must Know

Writing good argumentative research paper topics can always place you in a rock and a hard place. Writing from scratch can be daunting, but writing to a deadline is worse. Creating a terrific academic argumentative research paper takes a few tweaks. Through them, you will eventually craft a standardized paper that would earn you all points and, if not all, perhaps better grades.

This article will discuss the various angles you could take flawlessly to finish an argumentative research paper. Consequently, do not let terror take over you when writing a research paper.

Instead, it will be your forte after reading through this article’s steps.

What Is An Argumentative Research Paper?

An argumentative research paper is a paper that is structured in a way that allows you to present and defend your ideas about the topic, and that’s what definitional argument paper topics involve. The main purpose of an argumentative research paper is to make it possible for you to demonstrate your arguments. They may be based on either scientific knowledge or personal experience.

College argumentative research paper topics can be a single paper or a collection of several papers that you have written. Alternatively, it can be a series of papers in which you have analyzed different aspects of the topic. It will take you a while of introspection to understand this.

An award-winning research paper or one that could earn you better grades must be deeply rooted in facts. Generally, you must employ extensive evidence to defend your opinion or point.

What Are The Different Types Of Argumentative Research Paper Topics?

The are many different types of argumentative research paper topics. Here we explore the classic classification of the topics and their characteristics

• Classical Western Argument These types of classical argument paper topics have always been footed on two bases: to convince the audience that they are right and give well-reasoned answers to questionsThey are easy argument paper topics. Topics for argumentative research paper tasks do not necessarily have to be complicated. An introduction is imperative for a classical western argument since it welcomes the audience and builds goodwill and a connection with the readers. It also announces the overall theme or thesis of the argument.It must have a narration that portrays necessary background facts. It is intended to inform the listener about the setting and occurrences that produced the argument.A classic western argument must have confirmation, refutation, and summation. Remember, the summary must be concrete, echoing the gravity of the argument and equally reflecting the best solution to the readers.
• Toulon Argument The primary goal of a Toulmin argument is frequently to gather the most compelling proof in favor of the presented statements. For example, if you take “Philosophy argument paper topics”, you have to work through this topic well and understand it.The goal of a Toulmin argument is precise, unlike the previous types. It is made up of six parts, namely: introduction, data, warrants, qualifiers, rebuttal, and backing. It has a conclusion intended to trigger evocative thought among the readers.
• Rogerian Argument The Rogerian argument seeks the greatest plausible solution based on the wants and preferences of everyone concerned, or, in other words, some form of unanimity. The essay structure of this type of argument does not bear innate disparities to the different types. It has a structure that aims at reaching a consensus amidst the contest.The Rogerian argument topics for a paper focus on expanding comprehension between conflicting viewpoints by noting that an issue can be viewed from various perspectives. Its building blocks are; an introduction, an acknowledgement of the opposition, a thesis statement, support for the thesis, and a conclusion.Notably, the summary has to highlight the imperatives of a classical argument paper topic, even if it cannot resolve the problem wholly. Also, it has to acknowledge that more work needs to be done in the future to find lasting remedies.

How To Write A Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement outlines the topic of your assignments, that is, argumentative research essay topics, and provides a summary of the article’s content, particularly your position on the subject. It is helpful to pose a concern before making your assertion in a thesis, so that your thesis can provide a resolution.

This is a powerful strategy for getting the reader interested in your subject and the viewpoint you advocate. The basic custom of any argument should be briefly covered in a thesis. By accomplishing this-getting thesis writing help, you can assist the reader in becoming ready for the essay’s main body.

When writing a thesis statement, you must include: A question A provocative statement A well-laid description An anecdote that compels the readers to find out more about the essay

Whenever you start writing, make an effort to define your aim explicitly. This is what argumentative research paper topics college institutions demand. Constantly write on your subject if you cannot express your purpose effectively.

How To Select A Topic For An Argumentative Essay

You might occasionally find yourself debating points you do not particularly agree with. That is just good – making a convincing argument does not need you to believe what you are saying fervently.

However, picking a subject you are passionate about is a fantastic option when you have complete freedom over it. A strong perspective and various supporting arguments are the two essential elements of a high quality successful argumentative essay.

It will be simpler for a student to obtain proof to back up an argument if they are fascinated and enthusiastic about the issue that they chose. The evidence itself is what matters most.

Decide on a topic by considering issues that are important to you, irrespective of whether they are good or bad. Create a list of concepts, and then pick a couple to focus on. You will then elaborate upon such concepts by addressing a few compensatory picks.

Making these lists may lead you to discover that a few are more powerful than others. The greater the issue, the more proof you have and the more compelling you believe that proved to be.

Again, choosing a different argument research topic is acceptable if you think one issue would have more verifiable data, but you would prefer not to pen about it. If you are enthusiastic about our topic, it might be much simpler to uncover solid arguments and evidence to support your claims than if you are not.

Well, here is a list of sample argumentative research paper topics you could decide to choose from and develop a terrific essay.

Good Argument Paper Topics On Education

Here are some ingenious argumentative essay sample topics touching on matters of education:

• Can parents be able to alter their unborn children’s characteristics?
• Should pupils need to be immunized to attend a public school?
• Should global governments take action to combat climate change?
• Should physical education classes have an impact on a student’s grades?
• Is free college a good idea?
• Should Greek life be banned from academic institutions?
• Should comprehensive sex education be given to scholars?
• It should be possible for pupils to choose the high school curriculum.
• The importance of physical education in education.
• Schools should not permit the use of cell phones.
• Like scholars, teachers need to pass a professional exam.
• Less work should be assigned to pupils in schools.
• High schools should be required to include sex education.
• The Best Alternative to Regular School is Home Schooling
• Scholars should only spend three months studying and nine months vacationing.
• Sporting Activities Can Help You Change Your Life.
• Lies Are a Vital Component of a Healthy Relationship
• There Are Aliens
• Keeping a Journal Is a Fun Stress Reduction Technique
• Colleges need medical facilities to aid scholars in overcoming stress and depression.
• You Can Learn Important Life Skills from Video Games
• Having a pet is a way to improve your happiness.
• Better Off Renting Than Buying a Home
• Is the American educational system ideal for the modern world?

Interesting Argument Paper Topics On Ethics

When faced with an argumentative essay touching on ethics, here are samples to jog your mind:

• Do GMOs benefit or hurt humans?
• Should Facebook be permitted to gather user data?
• Should autonomous vehicles be made legal?
• Is it moral to use automation to replace human labor?
• Should use a cell phone while driving is prohibited by law?
• Has the Internet had a good or bad impact on society?
• Should college athletes receive compensation for playing on teams?
• Must fracking be permitted?
• Same-sex couples ought to be permitted to wed.
• Death Penalties: Are They Still Valid in the Twenty-First Century?
• Benefits of Medical Marijuana Legalization
• Without organized religion, the world might be a better place.
• More harm than good is caused by technology.
• What would life be like if animals ruled the world?
• What if scholars and teachers switched places?
• How will having flying automobiles affect our daily lives?
• The most prosperous people are school dropouts.
• Why drinking is advisable before a test
• What if humans were to view the world as dogs do?
• The causes behind Starbucks’ delicious flavor
• How defying your parents can help you succeed?
• Why passing the driving test is crucial
• The top pupils are those who do not attend class.
• The best visitors are those who arrived already stuffed.
• Why I enjoy junk mail
• Why setting your school on fire is not an option
• Clowns are not as terrifying as you would imagine.
• The reason why your washing won’t do itself
• Why you should continue to wear a mask even after COVID-19
• Which film has ever been the worst?
• How playing video games can benefit your career search
• Why I don’t like country music
• Why films are superior to books
• Is it wrong to show sex scenes on television?
• Should learning institutions condone cheating?
• Should young people have access to birth control?
• Is religion a valid justification for terrorism?
• Does bullying make one stronger?
• Do you think young kids should have access to cell phones and tablets?
• Should minors be allowed to obtain contraception without their parent’s permission?
• Is it time for single-payer healthcare in the US?
• Should assisted suicide be allowed to exist?
• Should nutritional supplements and products for weight loss, such as teas, be allowed to use influencer marketing?
• Should physicians be permitted to promote medications?
• Is the electoral college still a useful mechanism in contemporary America?
• Should Puerto Rico gain statehood?
• Is automatic voter registration a good idea?
• Should prisoners have the right to vote?
• Should justices of the Supreme Court be voted into power?
• Children should not be served soda at restaurants.
• Should sexual labor be made legal?
• Should Indigenous Peoples’ Day take the place of Columbus Day?
• Should executions be permitted?
• Are uniforms for schools a good idea?
• Should using animals for clinical tests be permitted?
• Should the crime of drug possession be dropped?
• Must unpaid internships be permitted?
• Must abortion be outlawed?
• Do individuals misuse their freedom to carry weapons?
• Is there a racial component to police violence?
• It is time to raise the legal drinking age.
• A child’s sexual orientation is established when they are young.
• All around the world, same-sex unions should be permitted.
• Inmates should not be kept as illegal immigrants.
• Should all women have access to reproductive health care and birth control?
• Would anyone benefit equally from our tax system?
• Is vaping just as dangerous as cigarette smoking?
• Is global consumption a serious problem?
• Is social media a privacy infringement?
• Does everyone need to get vaccinated?
• Do food firms have a say in what we eat?
• Does our system of education fit our culture?
• Why should certain languages be recognized as official in the US?
• Is the death penalty ever justified?
• Victims of rape ought to abort their unborn children.
• Equal paternity leave should be granted to fathers.
• Do trouble-making behaviors among teenagers stem from boredom?
• Parents who have failed their children should be disciplined.
• Animal testing ought to be prohibited.
• Gaming that is violent needs to be prohibited.
• Adopting parents with mental impairments should not be permitted.
• Islamist nations should allow alcohol usage.
• Everyone should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
• School dress codes ought to be abolished
• Assignments should not be required
• Pets ought to be allowed in learning institutions
• Cellphone use should be permitted in class for scholars.
• The daily schooling hours ought to be cut shorter
• Why longer school breaks are necessary
• Every classroom needs a TV.
• We must extend our summer vacation.
• Schools ought to have recess in between class sessions.
• A pet belongs in every classroom.
• Is a College Education Still Required?
• Should High School Graduates Have a Gap Year?
• Cyberbullying in High School Is a Serious Problem
• Scholars ought to be permitted to dress however they like.
• The Existing Grading System Does Not Reflect Scholars’ Knowledge in the Contemporary World
• Is a Lower Voting Age Needed?
• The Benefits of Offering Free Condoms to Scholars
• Partners expecting a child ought to take parenting classes
• Sex education ought to be taught in schools.
• Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
• Standardized Tests Need to Be Banned
• Scholar loans: Are They Favorable or Bad?
• Is drug use on campuses a test or a genuine issue?
• Do College Relationships Last a Long Time?
• Children should not be permitted to attend college classes by scholars.
• Fraternities’ detrimental effects on scholars’ behavior and performance
• When Is a Gap Year a Welcomed Idea?
• There should be more benefits for college athletes when schooling.
• Most college units are already obsolete and unfit for the contemporary world.
• The cost of lodging in universities ought to be zero.
• Celebs ought not to serve as teenage girls’ role models.
• Diet obsession can result in a variety of eating conditions and health complications.
• School uniforms ought to be required.
• Males and females can have friendships that are limited to just that.
• The vegetarian lifestyle is not practical
• Democracy is currently the sanest form of government.
• GMO diets aren’t as risky as we once thought
• Horror films may harm one’s mental health.
• Junk food ought not to be offered in school lunches.

Easy Argument Paper Topics On Sports

Sports argumentative essay topics can prove hard to formulate. Here are samples:

• Should there be a gender divide in sports?
• Should baseball’s designated hitter system be eliminated?
• Should American sports treat soccer with more respect?
• Should players and coaches receive the same compensation?
• Girls should be urged to participate in sports and put just as much effort into their studies as boys do.
• College Sports Players Must Be Paid
• Sports should allow women to compete against men.
• Countries benefit economically and socially by hosting the Olympic Games.
• Media coverage of female athletes is still sexist.
• Certain sports can encourage violent behavior.
• Injury Has a Significant Impact on an Athlete’s Mental Health
• Among Athletes, Eating Disorders Are a Common Issue
• Schools and Colleges should emphasize physical education more
• Taking part in sports can have calming, resonant effects on the body and mind.
• Motivating girls to participate in sports is important.

Argument Paper Topics On Religion

Argumentative essay topics on religion could prove contentious. Below are samples:

• Should religious institutions be subject to taxation?
• Should schools allow religious clubs?
• Should the pledge of allegiance include “one nation under God”?
• Should religion be covered in the classroom?
• Should clerics be permitted to wed?

Professional Argument  Paper Topics On Economics

Argumentative topics in economics essays are easy. Here are some examples:

• Is raising the minimum wage necessary?
• Do monopolies deserve to exist?
• Is the concept of universal basic income wisely?
• Should the tax rate on companies be higher or cheap?

Argument Paper Topics On Society And Culture

Formulating argumentative essay topics on culture and society, in general, should not bother you that much. Here are samples. But if you have problems with your writing you can order a dissertation online .

• Is graffiti considered destruction or art?
• Should books with offensive language be prohibited?
• Should YouTube content be more strictly regulated?
• Is the study of art important?
• Should people be able to share their art and music online?
• Current assessments do not match the scholar’s ability.
• Breastfeeding in public should be permitted for women.
• To bring about change, the Internet was developed.
• When it comes to giving their kids a nutritious diet, parents should be accountable.
• Churches ought to be taxed as well.
• The Contribution of Art to the Evolution of Our World
• Using Art Therapy to Treat Mental Illness
• Scholars that participate in the arts excel academically.
• Unlike traditional art, digital art lacks soul.
• Everybody ought to enrol in art classes in school
• Is Art Actually Required?
• What Inner Fears Do Children Express in Their Art?
• What Is Art For?
• How Has the Representation of Women in Art Changed Over the Centuries?
• Most art forms were created in ancient Greece, which is where they originated.
• A potent treatment for psychological issues is music.
• Hard Rock Harmfully influences teenage Behavior
• If You Pay Attention, You Can Hear Music in the Natural World
• Billie Eilish Is Not Your Average Teen Pop Star-Star
• The Human Brain is Positively affected by Music
• The Calming Power of Celtic Music
• Modern music is largely commercial rather than artistic.
• Rap music encourages aggression.
• A better pregnancy can be ensured by classical music.
• College scholars’ academic performance is improved through music

Technology Argument Paper Topics

Many learners avoid technology-related argumentative topics due to their technicality. Below are samples:

• Owners of social media platforms should keep an eye on and delete comments that use offensive language.
• Does technology contribute to individuals feeling more alone?
• Will there ever be a moment when no new technological developments take place?
• Vlogging is not a legitimate career.
• Is LinkedIn useful in terms of job search?
• The number of business opportunities has significantly increased thanks to social media.
• Is Java going out of style?
• Are social media profiles of candidates something employers should look through?
• Social media cause teenage despair.

Science Argument Paper Topics

Below are argumentative topics touching on the science field:

• The Morality of Cloning the Benefits of Genetic Engineering and How They Can Change the World the Potential Benefits of Investing in Space Exploration
• Universities should spend more money on scientific programs.
• How Do New Scientific Discoveries Affect Our Everyday Lives?
• Do New Technologies Pose Health Risks?
• The use of animals in scientific research should be prohibited
• The Science of Medical Marijuana’s Healing Effect
• Food that has been genetically modified: Is it healthy for us or not?
• Why Science Should Be Taught to Everyone.

Argument Paper Topics On The Environment

Argumentative topics on the environment tend to be broad. Here are useful samples:

• Existing environmental statutes do not avert human encroachment and habitat obliteration
• Human encroachment endangers the lives of plants and animals
• Climate change is real
• Developed nations primarily cause global warming
• A change in farming practices is required to cease environmental obliteration.
• Environment-friendly effects of vegetarianism
• The worst polluters of air and water are industrial by-products and farming additives
• Overpopulation is the root cause of city pollution
• We must protect the world’s resources.
• Hunting is a sinful activity.
• Is using animals in a circus acceptable?
• Evil dogs ought to be put to sleep.
• Recycling ought to be required.
• Should recycling be made required?
• Is competition advantageous?
• Does blogging as a profession have a future?
• Is it possible for people to ever exist without the Internet?
• Should everyone volunteer and donate to charities?
• Does the media infringe on famous people’s privacy?

Argument Paper Topics On Government

Politics is not everyone. Below are argumentative topics on governance you could exploit:

• In wealthy nations, unlawful immigration is a serious problem.
• Citizenship should always be granted to persons sired within a particular country’s borders. Stricter immigration laws should be enforced against illegal immigration
• Border restrictions should be tightened to stop illegal immigration.
• The main driver of unlawful immigration is poverty.
• Deporting illegal immigrants to their nations of origin is usually pointless.
• High Illegal Immigration Rates May Encourage Prostitution
• High levels of unlawful immigration are one of the main causes of terrorism.
• Lowering immigration costs may help avert illegal immigration
• Refugee applicants ought not to be viewed as unauthorized immigrants.
• Is Racial Profiling Still Appropriate in Today’s World?
• Euthanasia for terminally ill patients should be made legal.
• All should have access to free higher education.
• Is Donald Trump’s presidency detrimental to the US and the rest of the world, or beneficial?
• In colleges and schools, energy drinks have to be prohibited.
• In the US, gambling ought to be outlawed.
• Should abortion be outlawed globally?
• Should the death penalty be carried out universally?
• Certain kinds of animal experimentation and other forms of study ought to be prohibited.
• Should the government take additional steps to provide accessibility for the physically challenged?
• Are people born with the skill to be a politician, or do they learn it?

High Quality Argument Paper Topics On Health

There are numerous argumentative topics on health to choose from. Below are samples:

• Everyone should have access to free health care.
• It is possible to discover a working cure for AIDs
• Art therapy can be effective for a wide range of health issues
• Healthy alternatives: benefits and drawbacks
• The negative consequences of a head injury
• Does the media accurately represent the risk of coronavirus?
• Are electronic cigarettes more harmless than smoke?
• Could 3D printing help the medical field?
• Nanotechnology can aid in cancer treatment
• How would stem cells reduce cardiac arrest patients’ mortality rates?
• Pro-life vs. Pro-choice views on abortion
• Alcoholism harms all aspects of life, not just health
• The production and sale of tobacco should be prohibited
• Vaping is safer than cigarette smoking.
• The risks of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the benefits.

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Working students can consider our consulting and thesis writing services when faced with tough argumentative research paper assignments. Our writers are some of the best experts and can provide a fast turnaround with your argumentative research essays to help you beat the deadlines. Even so, writing essays and coming up with good argument paper topics can be strenuous. Our team of writers can help you get the best argumentative research paper topics that will earn you grades generously.

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College research paper topics: Ideas to get motivated

Published March 20, 2021. Updated December 22, 2021.

A college research paper can feel like a daunting task. Perhaps this is your first research paper and you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you’ve written many research papers in the past and you’re trying to remain motivated as you approach this challenging assignment. Whatever the case may be, one of the most difficult aspects of a college research paper is choosing a topic. It is the first step to creating a research paper.

Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.

This page will cover the following points:

• Historical college research paper topics

Political college research paper topics

Literature college research paper topics, science college research paper topics, medical college research paper topics, business college research paper topics, psychology college research paper topics, legal college research paper topics, education college research paper topics, gender studies college research paper topics, religion college research paper topics, communication college research paper topics, sociology college research paper topics, controversial college research paper topics, tips for choosing the best college research paper topics, topics overview,   historical college research paper topics.

• What was the most important factor that led to the collapse of the Roman empire?
• Who was the “best” Roman emperor?
• Was the United States justified in resorting to dropping the atomic bomb on Japan?
• What was the most important factor that led to the Civil War?
• Did Hitler cause the rise of Nazism?
• What were the long-term impacts of the Julian calendar?
• What was the most important impact of trains and railroads in America?
• What was the most important change caused by the 19 th Amendment?
• What was Nikola Tesla’s most understated contribution by to modern technology?
• What allowed the expansion of Mongol power into the West?
• Was life better for the English under Roman rule?
• Were Alexander the Great’s accomplishments due mostly to his father’s accomplishments?’
• Was isolationism a good policy for Japan?
• What caused the collapse of the Mayan empire?
• Is affirmative action effective at increasing equality in the workplace?
• What are some major implications of the US budget deficit?
• Is the electoral college effective for balancing the voting power of American states?
• What is the most pressing electoral reform concern?
• What is the best immigration policy?
• What is the most humane an effective way to handle illegal immigration in America?
• What are some arguments for/ against U.S. military presence in the Middle East?
• Are partisan politics needlessly dividing the country?
• How can liberals and conservatives get more accomplished in U.S. congress?
• What is the most pressing concern for tax reform?
• How do we address juvenile crime?
• Is legalizing marijuana the right choice?
• What is the most pressing concern for prison reform?
• Is it necessary for Japan to maintain a self-defense force, or should they adopt a more traditional, aggressive military in the face of Chinese expansion?
• Was Shakespeare the real author of his plays and does it matter?
• Argue a feminist view of Hamlet.
• What made Harry Potter such a successful book series?
• Write an analysis of a Toni Morrison novel using a critical framework.
• Argue your interpretation of the American Dream in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman .
• Describe how James Baldwin uses a rhetorical device(s) in 1-2 of his essays.
• Write an analysis of a major theme in a work by an Asian American writer.
• Are humans responsible for climate change?
• What methods should we employ for saving endangered species?
• What are the causes of “extreme weather?”
• Is nuclear energy a safe and more sustainable way provide us with power?
• Should governments engage in “population control?”
• How effectively was the Flint water crisis was handled?
• Is fracking a risk to the environment?
• Is the Paris Climate Agreement realistic?
• Is time travel possible using wormholes?
• Is human genetic engineering ethical?
• What are the best applications of stem cell research?
• Is abortion ethical?
• Which nation had the best approach to Covid-19?
• Fad diets: helpful or harmful?
• What is the best way to address chronic heart disease in America?
• What should be the number one priority of healthcare reform?
• How do we address America’s obesity problem?
• How healthy are organic foods?
• What is the best way to reduce teen pregnancy?
• Nationalized vs. private healthcare systems
• Can GMOs help solve global starvation issues?
• What are some possible solutions for rising healthcare costs in America?
• What is the greatest underlying cause of the opioid crisis?
• Are some vaccines harmful?
• Is widespread use of medical marijuana a good idea?
• What is the best method for coma recovery?
• Is Alzheimer’s disease preventable?
• What are the most pressing cybersecurity concerns for businesses today?
• What are some examples of businesses that are placing a high value on ethics?
• Is the concept of a “glass ceiling” valid in today’s business world?
• What are the long-term effects of the shift towards online retail?
• What are some of the most egregious examples of sweatshops today?
• What are some of the most common forms of white-collar crime in today’s business world?
• What are the most effective leadership methods in the business world?
• Do OSHA workforce regulations need to be updated?
• Are small businesses today being fairly taxed?
• Should large companies have a limit to how much money they contribute to politics?
• Is discrimination in the workplace a major issue?
• Is social media an effective marketing tool for most businesses?
• Pick a controversial action by a business and explain why it is or isn’t ethical
• Can dreams tell us anything about a person’s mental health?
• Do pandemic restrictions affect depression rates?
• Are rising suicide rates among young people the result of technology?
• Did Freud’s ideas stand the test of time?
• Is sexual orientation primarily determined before adolescence?
• Jung vs. Freud: Whose ideas are more accurate?
• Is psychology a “non-science?”
• Was the Patriot Act justified?
• Do animal rights laws go too far?
• Should assisted suicide become legal in more countries?
• Has the civil rights movement maintained a coherent overall mission over the years?
• Should the “insanity defense” be reevaluated?
• Do hate crime laws effectively reduce crimes against minorities?
• Has police brutality been overblown by the media?
• Is solitary confinement ethical?
• Roe vs. Wade – who was right?
• What are some areas in which sexual harassment laws can be improved?
• How can technology play a greater role in the criminal justice system?
• Should all police officers wear body cameras?
• Is the death penalty ever justified?
• What legal reforms are necessary to reduce drunk driving?
• When should one’s right to protest be taken away?
• How can schools cater to the needs of children with Attention Deficit Disorder?
• Should college admission policies be updated or reformed? Why? How?
• Are college tuition fees unreasonably high?
• Is remote learning effective?
• Is hazing a major problem at universities?
• Is homeschooling effective?
• Are intelligence tests really accurate?
• Is the “No Child Left Behind” policy effective?
• Should we rethink standardized tests?
• Is the Montessori Method effective?
• What can the United States learn from the education systems of other countries?
• What are the most effective methods for reducing bullying at school?
• Is college debt a problem?
• Are church and state adequately separated at school?
• Evaluate the need for police presence at schools
• How has birth control impacted women’s rights?
• Is social media negatively impacting women’s body image issues?
• Are the core tenants of Feminism changing in a good way?
• What is the root cause of eating disorders in women?
• What is driving increased divorce rates in America?
• What is the most pressing issue regarding the rights of sex workers in America?
• Should transgender athletes have the ability to compete in girls’ sports?
• What is the most important reason the United States has never had a female president?
• Do children benefit more from a home with a working mom or a stay-at-home mom?
• Why are so many people attracted to cults?
• What is the biggest threat to the freedom of religion?
• What was the most important long-term effect of Martin Luther’s decision to split with the Catholic church?
• How widespread is sexual abuse in the Catholic church?
• Why are atheism and agnosticism so common today in the United States?
• Do religious texts offer legitimate educational value aside from their religious teachings?
• Is censorship ever justified?
• Should freedom of speech have limits?
• Does media bias exist?
• Should we be concerned about corporate ownership of media outlets?
• Should we strive for net neutrality?
• Does social media present mental health concerns?
• What are some major ethical concerns of marketing to children?
• What kinds of advertisements should be banned, if any?
• What is the most important ethical issue that surrounds abortion?
• Identify one area in which employee rights need to improve.
• Are gay parents different compared to straight parents?
• What is the most significant factor that leads to homelessness?
• Does social class represent a more important division than race?
• Is reverse discrimination possible?
• Are white people inherently racist?
• Can white people suffer from racism?
• Can welfare prevent people from moving up to a higher social class?

Before you turn in that paper, don’t forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.

• Evaluate the most controversial political ads in history
• What are some solutions to reducing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians?
• Is homosexuality a choice?
• Is homosexuality genetically determined?
• Should transgender individuals have the freedom to choose the bathroom of their choice?
• Should parents be punished for spanking their children?
• Should guns be banned in America?
• Is the involvement of the U.S. in the Middle East justified?
• Should animal testing be banned?

While this list should provide you with plenty of ideas, you should use these as starting points to try to create your own unique topics. You may need to narrow down or expand on these – depending on the expectations of the assignment. Some of these ideas might simply inspire you and spark new lines of thought – and that’s okay! Let your mind flow and try to remain flexible.

Lastly, consider the scope of your topic. Don’t choose a topic that is too broad because it will require more extensive research may extend the length of your paper beyond requirements. On the other hand, you should also avoid topics that are too specific and obscure, as you may have difficulty finding enough information to develop your topic. A general rule of thumb is to start with a broad topic, do some initial research, and then narrow down your specific focus.

How do you choose the best college research paper topic? Different students use different methods, but you should always start with the basics. Remind yourself what a research paper actually is. This assignment challenges you to take a stance on a particular issue, basing your argument on research-based evidence. In some ways, a research paper is like a verbal debate. You need to understand your topic, and you should also feel strongly about it.

• Start early: The first step to choosing the best college research paper topic is simple: start early! The sooner you start thinking about your research paper, the sooner you can decide on a topic. And as we all know, you can’t start writing until you’ve chosen a topic.
• Consider the criteria and details of your assignment: You should always keep your course requirements and assignment instructions in mind when choosing topics. Although it can be quite tempting to think outside the box, you should limit yourself to types of topics that were discussed in class.
• Choose a topic that you actually care about: Researching a topic you don’t really care about can be exhausting and demotivating. Instead, choose a topic that genuinely interests you. You’ll have a much easier time researching and writing your paper.
• Do you have a strong opinion on a topic that was mentioned in class? A good method is to think about all the various topics that were mentioned in class. Were there any topics that jumped out at you? Did you have strong opinions about any of these topics? If so, you might want to start by looking at those topics.
• Try brainstorming: Brainstorming is a useful way to determine research topics that interest you. Get out a paper and pen and start writing down topics that come to mind. Let your thoughts flow, and jot down all the various topics you’re interested in. You’ll be surprised at how effective this can be for narrowing down your options.
• Check out encyclopedias for ideas: Encyclopedias provide information on a wide range of topics that can be easily searched and previewed. The great thing about encyclopedias is the fact that they can be very broad, introducing you to small details that you can then research in more detail.
• Think about a question that you want to answer: Remember, your research paper needs to answer a question. With this in mind, it makes sense to think about your own personal questions about the course material. What topics haven’t been fully explored in class, and can you find the answers?
• Don’t be afraid to adapt and change your topic as you do more research: Always stay flexible when choosing topics. You might find that while researching one topic, you stumble on a completely different topic that you find more interesting. Don’t be afraid to go with the flow!
• Don’t hesitate to talk with your instructor: Speaking with your instructor is always advisable if you’re feeling stuck. Your instructor can help you choose a topic or possibly provide you with one.
• Make sure that you can understand the literature that pertains to your topic: Before you start researching, figure out what kind of literature you’ll need to read. Can you actually understand the concepts being discussed? Make sure your sources are appropriate for the complexity of the topic and also for your own understanding.
• Make sure the research material is actually available: Another important consideration is whether you can actually access the necessary research material. Some documents and articles may be difficult to track down. Others may require payments.
• Consider your audience: Whenever you’re writing anything , you should always consider who your readers will be. You may think that a research topic is interesting, but what will your instructor think? Consider how your instructor will react to your chosen topic before starting the writing process.

For additional help, check out these other guides:

• How to write a research paper
• Research paper outline
• Research paper introductions
• Research paper conclusions
• Research paper title page
• Research paper abstract
• Research paper example

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Finding a great college essay topic is one of the most stressful parts of the essay writing process. How is it possible to accurately represent your life and personality in one essay? How can you tell if a topic will do your story justice, or if it’ll end up hurting your application?

While a good essay topic varies from one person to another, there are some general guidelines you should follow when picking a topic. In this post, we’ll go over the commonalities of a good college essay topic, and we’ll share five original topics and sample essays to inspire your writing.

College essays are meant to provide admissions officers with a better idea of who you are beyond your quantitative achievements. It’s your chance to share your voice, personality, and story.

A good essay topic will do the following:

Answers the 4 core questions. These questions are:

• “Who Am I?”
• “Why Am I Here?”
• “What is Unique About Me?”
• “What Matters to Me?”

At its core, your essay should show who you are, how you got there, and where you’re going. 

Is deeply personal. The best essay topics allow you to be raw and vulnerable. You don’t need to bare your soul and tell your deepest secrets, but you should share your thoughts and emotions in your essay. A good essay should make the reader feel something—whether that’s your joy, embarrassment, panic, defeat, confidence, or determination.

Is original, or approaches a common topic in an original way. Admissions officers read a lot of essays about the same old topics. Some of those cliches include: a sports injury, person you admire, tragedy, or working hard in a challenging class. While it’s possible to write a good essay on a common topic, it’s much harder to do so, and you may lose the admissions officer’s attention early on. 

Try to find a topic that goes beyond traditional archetypes to make yourself truly stand out. You could also take a cliche topic but develop it in a different way. For example, the standard storyline of the sports injury essay is that you got hurt, were upset you couldn’t participate, but then worked hard and overcame that injury. Instead, you could write about how you got injured, and used that time off to develop a new interest, such as coding. 

The truth is that a “good” college essay topic varies by individual, as it really depends on your life experiences. That being said, there are some topics that should work well for most people, and they are:

1. A unique extracurricular activity or passion 

Writing about an extracurricular activity is not a unique essay topic, and it’s actually a common supplemental essay prompt. If you have an unconventional activity, however, the essay is the perfect opportunity to showcase and elaborate upon that interest. Less common activities are less familiar to admissions officers, so some extra context can be helpful in understanding how that activity worked, and how much it meant to you.

For example, here’s a sample essay about a student who played competitive bridge, and what the activity taught them:

The room was silent except for the thoughts racing through my head. I led a spade from my hand and my opponent paused for a second, then played a heart. The numbers ran through my mind as I tried to consider every combination, calculating my next move. Finally, I played the ace of spades from the dummy and the rest of my clubs, securing the contract and 620 points when my partner ruffed at trick five. Next board.

It was the final of the 2015 United States Bridge Federation Under-26 Women’s Championship. The winning team would be selected to represent the United States in the world championship and my team was still in the running.

Contract bridge is a strategic and stochastic card game. Players from around the world gather at local clubs, regional events, and, in this case, national tournaments.

Going into the tournament, my team was excited; all the hours we had put into the game, from the lengthy midnight Skype sessions spent discussing boards to the coffee shop meetings spent memorizing conventions together, were about to pay off.

Halfway through, our spirits were still high, as we were only down by fourteen international match points which, out of the final total of about four hundred points, was virtually nothing and it was very feasible to catch up. Our excitement was short-lived, however, as sixty boards later, we found that we had lost the match and would not be chosen as the national team.

Initially, we were devastated. We had come so close and it seemed as if all the hours we had devoted to training had been utterly wasted. Yet as our team spent some time together reflecting upon the results, we gradually realized that the true value that we had gained wasn’t only the prospect of winning the national title, but also the time we had spent together exploring our shared passion. I chatted with the winning team and even befriended a few of them who offered us encouragement and advice.

Throughout my bridge career, although I’ve gained a respectable amount of masterpoints and awards, I’ve realized that the real reward comes from the extraordinary people I have met. I don’t need to travel cross-country to learn; every time I sit down at a table whether it be during a simple club game, a regional tournament or a national event, I find I’m always learning. 

I nod at the pair that’s always yelling at each other. They teach me the importance of sportsmanship and forgiveness.

I greet the legally blind man who can defeat most of the seeing players. He reminds me not to make excuses.

I chat with the friendly, elderly couple who, at ages ninety and ninety-two, have just gotten married two weeks ago. They teach me that it’s never too late to start anything.

I talk to the boy who’s attending Harvard and the girl who forewent college to start her own company. They show me that there is more than one path to success.

I congratulate the little kid running to his dad, excited to have won his very first masterpoints. He reminds me of the thrill of every first time and to never stop trying new things.

Just as much as I have benefitted from these life lessons, I aspire to give back to my bridge community as much as it has given me. I aspire to teach people how to play this complicated yet equally as exciting game. I aspire to never stop improving myself, both at and away from the bridge table.

Bridge has given me my roots and dared me to dream. What started as merely a hobby has become a community, a passion, a part of my identity. I aspire to live selflessly and help others reach their goals. I seek to take risks, embrace all results, even failure, and live unfettered from my own doubt .

2. An activity or interest that contrasts heavily with your profile

The essays are also a great way to highlight different aspects of who you are, and also explain any aspects of your profile that might not “make sense.” For instance, if your extracurriculars are heavily STEM-focused, but you have one theatre-related activity you care a lot about, you might want to write an essay on theatre to add an extra dimension to your application. Admissions officers actually love when students have a “contrast profile,” or well-developed interests in two disparate fields. This is because they see a lot of well-rounded and specialized students, so students with contrast profiles offer something refreshingly unique.

Here’s a sample essay written by an athlete who is also an accomplished poet. The piece focuses upon the student’s contrasting identities, and how they eventually come to feel proud of both identities.

When I was younger, I was adamant that no two foods on my plate touch. As a result, I often used a second plate to prevent such an atrocity. In many ways, I learned to separate different things this way from my older brothers, Nate and Rob. Growing up, I idolized both of them. Nate was a performer, and I insisted on arriving early to his shows to secure front row seats, refusing to budge during intermission for fear of missing anything. Rob was a three-sport athlete, and I attended his games religiously, waving worn-out foam cougar paws and cheering until my voice was hoarse. My brothers were my role models. However, while each was talented, neither was interested in the other’s passion. To me, they represented two contrasting ideals of what I could become: artist or athlete. I believed I had to choose.

And for a long time, I chose athlete. I played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse and viewed myself exclusively as an athlete, believing the arts were not for me. I conveniently overlooked that since the age of five, I had been composing stories for my family for Christmas, gifts that were as much for me as them, as I loved writing. So when in tenth grade, I had the option of taking a creative writing class, I was faced with a question: could I be an athlete and a writer? After much debate, I enrolled in the class, feeling both apprehensive and excited. When I arrived on the first day of school, my teacher, Ms. Jenkins, asked us to write down our expectations for the class. After a few minutes, eraser shavings stubbornly sunbathing on my now-smudged paper, I finally wrote, “I do not expect to become a published writer from this class. I just want this to be a place where I can write freely.”

Although the purpose of the class never changed for me, on the third “submission day,” – our time to submit writing to upcoming contests and literary magazines – I faced a predicament. For the first two submission days, I had passed the time editing earlier pieces, eventually (pretty quickly) resorting to screen snake when hopelessness made the words look like hieroglyphics. I must not have been as subtle as I thought, as on the third of these days, Ms. Jenkins approached me. After shifting from excuse to excuse as to why I did not submit my writing, I finally recognized the real reason I had withheld my work: I was scared. I did not want to be different, and I did not want to challenge not only others’ perceptions of me, but also my own. I yielded to Ms. Jenkin’s pleas and sent one of my pieces to an upcoming contest.

By the time the letter came, I had already forgotten about the contest. When the flimsy white envelope arrived in the mail, I was shocked and ecstatic to learn that I had received 2nd place in a nationwide writing competition. The next morning, however, I discovered Ms. Jenkins would make an announcement to the whole school exposing me as a poet. I decided to own this identity and embrace my friends’ jokes and playful digs, and over time, they have learned to accept and respect this part of me. I have since seen more boys at my school identifying themselves as writers or artists.

I no longer see myself as an athlete and a poet independently, but rather I see these two aspects forming a single inseparable identity – me. Despite their apparent differences, these two disciplines are quite similar, as each requires creativity and devotion. I am still a poet when I am lacing up my cleats for soccer practice and still an athlete when I am building metaphors in the back of my mind – and I have realized ice cream and gummy bears taste pretty good together.

3. A seemingly insignificant moment that speaks to larger themes within your life 

Writing an essay on a seemingly mundane moment is unexpected, so that should grab the attention of the reader in almost a backwards way. You’ll make them wonder where the essay is going, and why you chose to write about that moment. From there, you can use that moment as an avenue to discuss important elements of your identity. 

In this sample essay, a student details her experience failing to make a fire from sticks, and how it leads her to reflect on how her former passion (or “fire”) for the outdoors is now reflected in her current interests. 

Was I no longer the beloved daughter of nature, whisperer of trees? Knee-high rubber boots, camouflage, bug spray—I wore the garb and perfume of a proud wild woman, yet there I was, hunched over the pathetic pile of stubborn sticks, utterly stumped, on the verge of tears. As a child, I had considered myself a kind of rustic princess, a cradler of spiders and centipedes, who was serenaded by mourning doves and chickadees, who could glide through tick-infested meadows and emerge Lyme-free. I knew the cracks of the earth like the scars on my own rough palms. Yet here I was, ten years later, incapable of performing the most fundamental outdoor task: I could not, for the life of me, start a fire. 

Furiously I rubbed the twigs together—rubbed and rubbed until shreds of skin flaked from my fingers. No smoke. The twigs were too young, too sticky-green; I tossed them away with a shower of curses, and began tearing through the underbrush in search of a more flammable collection. My efforts were fruitless. Livid, I bit a rejected twig, determined to prove that the forest had spurned me, offering only young, wet bones that would never burn. But the wood cracked like carrots between my teeth—old, brittle, and bitter. Roaring and nursing my aching palms, I retreated to the tent, where I sulked and awaited the jeers of my family. 

Rattling their empty worm cans and reeking of fat fish, my brother and cousins swaggered into the campsite. Immediately, they noticed the minor stick massacre by the fire pit and called to me, their deep voices already sharp with contempt. 

“Where’s the fire, Princess Clara?” they taunted. “Having some trouble?” They prodded me with the ends of the chewed branches and, with a few effortless scrapes of wood on rock, sparked a red and roaring flame. My face burned long after I left the fire pit. The camp stank of salmon and shame. 

In the tent, I pondered my failure. Was I so dainty? Was I that incapable? I thought of my hands, how calloused and capable they had been, how tender and smooth they had become. It had been years since I’d kneaded mud between my fingers; instead of scaling a white pine, I’d practiced scales on my piano, my hands softening into those of a musician—fleshy and sensitive. And I’d gotten glasses, having grown horrifically nearsighted; long nights of dim lighting and thick books had done this. I couldn’t remember the last time I had lain down on a hill, barefaced, and seen the stars without having to squint. Crawling along the edge of the tent, a spider confirmed my transformation—he disgusted me, and I felt an overwhelming urge to squash him. 

Yet, I realized I hadn’t really changed—I had only shifted perspective. I still eagerly explored new worlds, but through poems and prose rather than pastures and puddles. I’d grown to prefer the boom of a bass over that of a bullfrog, learned to coax a different kind of fire from wood, having developed a burn for writing rhymes and scrawling hypotheses. 

That night, I stayed up late with my journal and wrote about the spider I had decided not to kill. I had tolerated him just barely, only shrieking when he jumped—it helped to watch him decorate the corners of the tent with his delicate webs, knowing that he couldn’t start fires, either. When the night grew cold and the embers died, my words still smoked—my hands burned from all that scrawling—and even when I fell asleep, the ideas kept sparking—I was on fire, always on fire.

4. Using an everyday experience or object as a metaphor to explore your life and personality 

Using an everyday experience as a vehicle to explore your identity is also intriguing in an unexpected way. You’d be surprised at how many everyday routines and objects naturally lend themselves to a unique glance into your life. Some of those things might be: a familiar drive, your running shoes, a recipe from your grandmother, walking to your guitar lesson.

This topic also is a strong choice if you have a descriptive, artful writing style. It allows you to get creative with the transitions from the everyday experience to larger reflections on your life.

Here’s an example of a student who chose to write about showers, all while showcasing their personality and unique aspects of their life. 

Scalding hot water cascades over me, crashing to the ground in a familiar, soothing rhythm. Steam rises to the ceiling as dried sweat and soap suds swirl down the drain. The water hisses as it hits my skin, far above the safe temperature for a shower. The pressure is perfect on my tired muscles, easing the aches and bruises from a rough bout of sparring and the tension from a long, stressful day. The noise from my overactive mind dies away, fading into music, lyrics floating through my head. Black streaks stripe the inside of my left arm, remnants of the penned reminders of homework, money owed and forms due. 

It lacks the same dynamism and controlled intensity of sparring on the mat at taekwondo or the warm tenderness of a tight hug from my father, but it’s still a cocoon of safety as the water washes away the day’s burdens. As long as the hot water is running, the rest of the world ceases to exist, shrinking to me, myself and I. The shower curtain closes me off from the hectic world spinning around me. 

Much like the baths of Blanche DuBois, my hot showers are a means of cleansing and purifying (though I’m mostly just ridding myself of the germs from children at work sneezing on me). In the midst of a hot shower, there is no impending exam to study for, no newspaper deadline to meet, no paycheck to deposit. It is simply complete and utter peace, a safe haven. The steam clears my mind even as it clouds my mirror. 

Creativity thrives in the tub, breathing life into tales of dragons and warrior princesses that evolve only in my head, never making their way to paper but appeasing the childlike dreamer and wannabe author in me all the same. That one calculus problem that has seemed unsolvable since second period clicks into place as I realize the obvious solution. The perfect concluding sentence to my literary analysis essay writes itself (causing me to abruptly end my shower in a mad dash to the computer before I forget it entirely).  

Ever since I was old enough to start taking showers unaided, I began hogging all the hot water in the house, a source of great frustration to my parents. Many of my early showers were rudely cut short by an unholy banging on the bathroom door and an order to “stop wasting water and come eat dinner before it gets cold.” After a decade of trudging up the stairs every evening to put an end to my water-wasting, my parents finally gave in, leaving me to my (expensive) showers. I imagine someday, when paying the water bill is in my hands, my showers will be shorter, but today is not that day (nor, hopefully, will the next four years be that day). 

Showers are better than any ibuprofen, the perfect panacea for life’s daily ailments. Headaches magically disappear as long as the water runs, though they typically return in full force afterward. The runny nose and itchy eyes courtesy of summertime allergies recede. Showers alleviate even the stomachache from a guacamole-induced lack of self-control. 

Honestly though, the best part about a hot shower is neither its medicinal abilities nor its blissful temporary isolation or even the heavenly warmth seeped deep into my bones. The best part is that these little moments of pure, uninhibited contentedness are a daily occurrence. No matter how stressful the day, showers ensure I always have something to look forward to. They are small moments, true, but important nonetheless, because it is the little things in life that matter; the big moments are too rare, too fleeting to make anyone truly happy. Wherever I am in the world, whatever fate chooses to throw at me, I know I can always find my peace at the end of the day behind the shower curtain. 

5. An in the moment narrative that tells the story of a important moment in your life

In the moment narrative is a powerful essay format, as your reader experiences the events, your thoughts, and your emotions with you . Students assume that your chosen moment needs to be extremely dramatic or life-altering, but the truth is that you can use this method to write about all kinds of events, from the everyday to the unexpected to the monumental. It doesn’t matter, as long as that moment was important to your development.

For example, this student wrote about a Model UN conference where they were asked to switch stances last minute. This might not seem like a huge moment, but this experience was meaningful to them because it showed them the importance of adaptability. 

The morning of the Model United Nation conference, I walked into Committee feeling confident about my research. We were simulating the Nuremberg Trials – a series of post-World War II proceedings for war crimes – and my portfolio was of the Soviet Judge Major General Iona Nikitchenko. Until that day, the infamous Nazi regime had only been a chapter in my history textbook; however, the conference’s unveiling of each defendant’s crimes brought those horrors to life. The previous night, I had organized my research, proofread my position paper and gone over Judge Nikitchenko’s pertinent statements. I aimed to find the perfect balance between his stance and my own.

As I walked into committee anticipating a battle of wits, my director abruptly called out to me. “I’m afraid we’ve received a late confirmation from another delegate who will be representing Judge Nikitchenko. You, on the other hand, are now the defense attorney, Otto Stahmer.” Everyone around me buzzed around the room in excitement, coordinating with their allies and developing strategies against their enemies, oblivious to the bomb that had just dropped on me. I felt frozen in my tracks, and it seemed that only rage against the careless delegate who had confirmed her presence so late could pull me out of my trance. After having spent a month painstakingly crafting my verdicts and gathering evidence against the Nazis, I now needed to reverse my stance only three hours before the first session.

Gradually, anger gave way to utter panic. My research was fundamental to my performance, and without it, I knew I could add little to the Trials. But confident in my ability, my director optimistically recommended constructing an impromptu defense. Nervously, I began my research anew. Despite feeling hopeless, as I read through the prosecution’s arguments, I uncovered substantial loopholes. I noticed a lack of conclusive evidence against the defendants and certain inconsistencies in testimonies. My discovery energized me, inspiring me to revisit the historical overview in my conference “Background Guide” and to search the web for other relevant articles. Some Nazi prisoners had been treated as “guilty” before their court dates. While I had brushed this information under the carpet while developing my position as a judge, it now became the focus of my defense. I began scratching out a new argument, centered on the premise that the allied countries had violated the fundamental rule that, a defendant was “not guilty” until proven otherwise.

At the end of the three hours, I felt better prepared. The first session began, and with bravado, I raised my placard to speak. Microphone in hand, I turned to face my audience. “Greetings delegates. I, Otto Stahmer would like to…….” I suddenly blanked. Utter dread permeated my body as I tried to recall my thoughts in vain. “Defence Attorney, Stahmer we’ll come back to you,” my Committee Director broke the silence as I tottered back to my seat, flushed with embarrassment. Despite my shame, I was undeterred. I needed to vindicate my director’s faith in me. I pulled out my notes, refocused, and began outlining my arguments in a more clear and direct manner. Thereafter, I spoke articulately, confidently putting forth my points. I was overjoyed when Secretariat members congratulated me on my fine performance.

Going into the conference, I believed that preparation was the key to success. I wouldn’t say I disagree with that statement now, but I believe adaptability is equally important. My ability to problem-solve in the face of an unforeseen challenge proved advantageous in the art of diplomacy. Not only did this experience transform me into a confident and eloquent delegate at that conference, but it also helped me become a more flexible and creative thinker in a variety of other capacities. Now that I know I can adapt under pressure, I look forward to engaging in activities that will push me to be even quicker on my feet.

At selective schools, your essays account for around 25% of your admissions decision. That’s more than grades (20%) and test scores (15%), and almost as much as extracurriculars (30%). Why is this? Most students applying to top schools will have stellar academics and extracurriculars. Your essays are your chance to stand out and humanize your application.

That’s why it’s vital that your essays are engaging, and present you as someone who would enrich the campus community.

Before submitting your application, you should have someone else review your essays. It’s even better if that person doesn’t know you personally, as they can best tell whether your personality shines through your essay. 

That’s why we created our Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. We highly recommend giving this tool a try!

Final Thoughts

We hope this gives you a better idea of what good essay topic looks like, and that you’re feeling inspired to write your own essay—maybe one of these topics can even apply to your own life!

For more guidance on your essays, see these posts:

How to Write the Common App Essay

What If I Don ’t Have Anything Interesting to Write About in My College Essay?

Wh ere to Begin? 6 Personal Essay Brainstorming Exercises

Want help with your college essays to improve your admissions chances? Sign up for your free CollegeVine account and get access to our essay guides and courses. You can also get your essay peer-reviewed and improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays.

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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 Best Research Paper Topics for College Students

The success of a research paper mostly depends on the topic, which is why a lot of time is spent searching for the right research paper topics for college students. All academic authors face a similar problem, from freshmen to professors.

You had already written some research papers when you were at school, but college level research paper topics will be more difficult and require from you deeper knowledge and analytical skills. At college tutors expect students to not only state information about certain topics, but also to draw new knowledge, critically evaluate information, and make original conclusions. Check the lists of topics prepared by our college paper writing service experts.

Easy topics for college research papers

• Analyze the accountability and effects of police body-worn cameras.
• Examine the history of Bollywood music. What style is the most common?
• Present arguments about why cannabis should be decriminalized in all states of the U.S.
• Describe what situations in college make the student’s life unsustainable.
•  Describe how the topic about xiake is depicted in Asian movies.
• Yellowstone volcano: How would an eruption influence the U.S. and the whole world?
• Identify types of alternative medicine that are popular in the U.S.
•  Design and construction of thermal energy power systems around the globe.
•  Research and discuss the bibliography of Ernest Gaines.
• Analysis of free software movement and its contribution to society.
• The challenges of managing a multi-generational workforce.
• Describe social peculiarities of Islamophobia in Russia and the U.S.
• Analyze the promotion of cognitive development among elderly people.
• Investigate the problem of involuntary de-boarding situation among airlines.
• Offer distinct arguments about the benefits of probation and problems that it creates.

Medium topics for college research papers

• Research and discuss the benefits of Catalonia receiving independence.
• Distinctive characteristics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
• About the salvation of non-Christians and the eternity of torment in “The Great Divorce” by C. S. Lewis.
• Identify the assessment methods of community health needs.
• How has healthcare reform helped or hurt access to healthcare in the U.S.?
• Analyze the influence of Mexico City’s transportation on air pollution.
• Muslim migration. What are the consequences of this migration and should it be stopped?
• Analysis of reasons of the Soviet famine of 1932–33 and its consequences.
•  The use of diagnostic medical sonography in obstetrics and gynecology.
• Examine the effects of pre-election polling on voter behavior.
• Police psychology. Analysis of methods for shaping qualities necessary for effective performance of official duties.
• Describe what controversial issues have arisen from Guantanamo Bay.
•  Discuss the regulation of live videos on Facebook and other social networks in the example of the case with the killing in Thailand.
• Analyze problems of the utilization of long-lived radioactive waste in U.S. radioactive management.
• The role of iron supplementation in the treatment of anemia in cancer patients.

Hard topics for college research papers

• Analysis of Japanese history from the Jomon to the Nara Period.
• Compare the aspects of United States corporate law with the judiciary of Saudi Arabia.
• Sleep deprivation and its impact on dreams in the adult population.
• Contingency management for substance use treatment for pregnant and postpartum women.
• Moore’s Law. What impact did it have on computer development?
•  How did the copyright laws in the 1930s affect how eugenics was portrayed on the silver screen?
• Features and benefits of formal and informal assessment for elementary.
• Outline the effects of the emigration of educated persons from Puerto Rico.
• The importance of sunlight in children’s hospitals and its influence on recovery.
• Analysis of growth of nuclear weapons across the globe on the example of North and South Korea.
•  Identify and analyze similarities between the Book of Exodus and the Gospel of Matthew in the first two chapters.
• Describe the system of music education in China and peculiarities of its development.
• Discuss the issue of psychological help for first responders and consequences of systematic stress.
• Effect of obesity on kidney function and the possibility of drug therapy for children with obesity.
•  Investigate and compare modern methods of assessing the activity of systemic lupus erythematosus.

How to pick a good topic for a research paper

There are three keys that increase your chances to pick a good topic for your own research paper writing, or to pay for research paper or pay for term papers online with a chosen topic:

• Look at worldwide experience. An analytical overview of recent advances will give a good basis for your topic.
• Be flexible. You can change the direction of your topic during writing.
• Be in trend with latest news. Keep track on several sections of the news portal and analyze situations.

You can be inspired with situations that have occurred with you or your friends, or from information that you have read a long time ago. College research paper topic ideas can evolve just in conversation with your family or tutor. All you need to remember is: write only about topics that are interesting for you, consider up-to-date information, and always make sure that there is enough information about the topic to conduct research.

But this is not a reason to panic! Our college paper writer team have prepared a unique college research paper topics list on various topics. The list was divided into three parts depending on the complexity of research: easy, medium, and hard. Good luck with your paper!

18 thoughts on “ The Best Research Paper Topics for College Students ”

Please suggest some research topics under Politics that can involve the perspective of college students for data gathering.

Hello. Try these ones: – Fake News in Canadian Politics – Clean Water Act and it’s Importance in American Politics – Fiscal crisis of the 1970s – Influence of celebrity in politics – Hezbollah, Al Qaeda, and ISIS in Influencing Regional and International Politics Or you can ask our writers https://essayshark.com/write-my-college-essay.html to help you.

Hey can you help me with a case study topic from history

Hello. You can choose any of these: Mikhail Gorbachev’s 1988 UN Speech Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech Ho Chi Minh and Vietnamese Independence The Operation Anaconda Or place an order with us and our writers will choose a perfect topic for you.

Hello! Here are some suggestions for you to consider:

– Who is Dr. Scott Edwards? What is his scientific specialization, what is/are his major contributions to science? – What sort of behaviors do elephants or dolphins have that seem to be geared towards the cohesiveness of the group and what behaviors have to do with survival? Or are those behaviors one in the same? – Broadcast spawners are organisms that fling their gametes out into the water where fertilization takes place. Why would these organisms choose to be broadcast spawners? For those that are mobile, why not just have internal fertilization? – If one assumes that we would prefer not to die to mate, why do so many organisms do just that? Explain some of the evolutionary forces that might have caused some organisms to sacrifice themselves for the opportunity to mate? – Why do you think that parasites impact people so much in other parts of the world and not so much in the United States? What do you think can be done to reduce the rate of parasitic infection in other countries? – Self-Medication in Animals

Currently writing a psychology research paper on the sleep deprivation! Thanks for the topic!!!

Didn’t know what I was going to do for my research paper and now I have 3 potential topics.

Thank you for these college research paper topics, now the most difficult part for me is to choose a topic to write about…hmmm

I’m betting I have the best potential research topics than my classmates.

Thank you! That was helpful.

Hi! Can you help me guys? What topic is good for research in sports?

Check out our post https://essayshark.com/blog/60-best-sports-research-paper-topics/ and pick a topic that interests you the most.

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AP Research Topics: History, Chemistry, Psychology & More

Have you ever found yourself so wrapped up in a project that you forget to check the time? That's what happens when you choose the right AP Research topic. Whether you're curious about how technology shapes our lives or fascinated by the ways people think, picking good AP research paper topics can make your experience more than just another assignment—it can be an adventure.

AP Research is a course that lets high school students dig deep into a subject they care about. It gives you a chance to think critically and create something truly your own. But before you get started, you need to choose a topic that not only sparks your interest but also meets the course requirements. That's where we're here to help.

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What Does AP Research Do

AP Research allows you to take control of your learning. You'll learn how to ask the right questions, gather and analyze data, and present your findings in a way that's both clear and compelling.

One of the best parts is the freedom it offers. You're not just following a textbook—you're exploring something that genuinely interests you. This exploration can lead to impressive results, like the students who've used EssayPro's resources to write top-notch research papers. By connecting with experts and using reliable tools, they've turned their curiosity into polished projects that stand out.

Whether you're interested in social issues, science, or the arts, AP Research helps you develop skills that go beyond the classroom. You're able to solve problems and communicate your ideas effectively—all essential skills for college and beyond. And with the right support, like the guidance from EssayPro, you can take your research to the next level.

Don't miss out—check out our related article on why is critical thinking important for students and see how these skills can improve your AP Research process.

The List of AP Research Topics

Now that you know what this research is all about, it's time to find a topic that speaks to you. Having a good list of ideas can also make the process easier. Below, our expert admission essay services team gathered a selection of AP research paper topics that are not only interesting but also offer plenty of opportunities for deep exploration.

Best AP Research Topics

• How do urban heat islands affect local weather patterns and public health?
• The impact of early childhood education on long-term social and emotional development
• What are the effects of climate change on global water resources and availability?
• How do social movements utilize digital platforms to mobilize support and influence policy?
• The role of genetic engineering in agriculture: benefits and ethical concerns
• How do cultural differences influence the effectiveness of mental health interventions?
• The effects of gamified learning on student engagement and retention in STEM subjects
• How does the rise of remote work affect team dynamics and productivity?
• The influence of historical narratives on modern national identities
• What are the psychological and social impacts of long-term space travel on astronauts?
• The role of artificial intelligence in personalized medicine and its potential for transforming healthcare
• How do different teaching methods impact students with learning disabilities?
• The impact of environmental sustainability practices on corporate social responsibility
• What are the effects of food labeling on consumer behavior and dietary choices?
• How do societal attitudes toward aging affect elderly care and policies?
• The role of traditional knowledge in contemporary environmental conservation efforts
• How do different approaches to urban design influence community well-being and social interaction?
• The impact of digital detox practices on mental health and productivity in the workplace
• What can be learned from studying the long-term effects of major historical pandemics on societies?
• How do contemporary art movements challenge traditional notions of aesthetics and value?

Good AP Research Topics

Here are some more good topic choices curated by EssayPro. If you've found one you love, our experts are ready to offer help with writing an essay .

• How does the design of public spaces impact community engagement and safety?
• The influence of storytelling techniques on public awareness of social issues
• What are the effects of dietary changes on cognitive function in older adults?
• How do global supply chain disruptions affect local economies and businesses?
• The impact of bilingual education on cognitive development and academic performance
• How does exposure to different cultural perspectives shape attitudes toward global issues?
• What are the psychological effects of participating in extreme sports or adventure activities?
• How do social and economic factors influence access to clean drinking water in developing countries?
• The role of artificial intelligence in detecting and preventing cyber threats
• How do virtual communities influence real-world social interactions and relationships?
• The impact of renewable energy adoption on rural versus urban areas
• What are the effects of early intervention programs on children with developmental delays?
• How do different types of exercise affect mental health and stress levels?
• The influence of political satire on public opinion and political engagement
• What can be learned from the success and failure of international environmental agreements?
• How do personal finance education programs impact financial decision-making and stability?
• The effects of digital media consumption on attention spans and learning abilities in adolescents
• How does the portrayal of diversity in media affect societal attitudes and inclusion?
• The role of community gardens in promoting local food security and social cohesion
• What are the benefits and challenges of integrating technology into traditional classroom settings?

AP Seminar Topics

These AP Seminar research topics are sure to inspire and engage you. They're practical and interesting, perfect for exploring important issues.

• How has the rise of influencer culture altered consumer trust in advertising?
• The impact of urban farming initiatives on food security in densely populated cities
• What role do emerging technologies play in the future of remote education?
• How does the portrayal of mental health in media affect public perceptions and stigma?
• The influence of digital privacy concerns on the development of new technologies
• How do alternative justice systems, like restorative justice, impact community rehabilitation?
• The effects of gamification on student motivation and learning outcomes in education
• What can the evolution of language in internet memes tell us about cultural shifts?
• How do local art movements contribute to global conversations on social justice?
• The role of wearable technology in personal health monitoring and its implications for privacy
• How does the concept of 'ethical fashion' challenge traditional fashion industry practices?
• What are the psychological effects of participating in online communities versus physical communities?
• The influence of microdosing psychedelics on creativity and productivity in professional settings
• How do fictional narratives in popular media shape our understanding of historical events?
• The impact of virtual reality therapy on treating phobias and PTSD
• What role does citizen science play in advancing environmental research and policy?
• How do different cultures approach the concept of work-life balance, and what can we learn from them?
• The effects of digital art on the traditional art market and artist recognition
• How does the rise of autonomous vehicles impact urban planning and traffic management?
• The role of narrative in shaping public perceptions of scientific research and technology

AP World History Research Paper Topics

• How did the Silk Road influence cultural exchange between Asia and Europe?
• The impact of the Mongol Empire on global trade and communication
• The role of women in ancient Egyptian society
• What led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
• Exploring the causes and effects of the Protestant Reformation
• The significance of the Magna Carta in shaping modern democracy
• How did the Black Death reshape European societies in the 14th century?
• The rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire
• What were the key factors in the success of the Ottoman Empire?
• The influence of Confucianism on Chinese government and society
• How did the Age of Exploration change global economies and cultures?
• The impact of colonialism on Indigenous populations in the Americas
• What were the causes and consequences of the French Revolution?
• The development and spread of Islam during the Middle Ages
• How did the Industrial Revolution transform societies in Europe and beyond?
• The influence of Greek philosophy on Western thought
• What were the driving forces behind the unification of Germany?
• The role of the Transatlantic Slave Trade in shaping the modern world
• How did World War I lead to major political changes in Europe?
• The cultural and technological achievements of the Gupta Empire in India

AP US History Research Paper Topics

• The causes and effects of the American Revolution
• How did the Louisiana Purchase shape the future of the United States?
• The role of women in the American Civil War
• What were the main challenges faced by the early colonies in America?
• The impact of the Emancipation Proclamation on the Civil War
• How did the Gold Rush influence westward expansion in the United States?
• The significance of the Monroe Doctrine in American foreign policy
• What were the key factors leading to the Great Depression?
• The influence of the Harlem Renaissance on American culture
• How did the Civil Rights Movement change American society?
• The causes and consequences of the Mexican-American War
• What role did the New Deal play in America's recovery from the Great Depression?
• The impact of World War II on American domestic life
• How did the Cold War shape US foreign and domestic policies?
• The significance of the Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education
• What were the driving forces behind the Women's Suffrage Movement?
• The effects of the Vietnam War on American society and politics
• How did the Watergate scandal change public trust in government?
• The influence of the Industrial Revolution on urbanization in America
• What were the causes and outcomes of the American involvement in World War I?

AP Lang Research Paper Topics

• How does the use of rhetorical questions in speeches influence audience engagement?
• The role of persuasive language in shaping public opinion during elections
• How does the choice of narrative perspective affect a reader's connection to a story?
• The impact of social media on modern journalism and news reporting
• What are the linguistic techniques used in effective political debates?
• How do advertising slogans use language to create brand identity and consumer loyalty?
• The influence of Shakespeare's use of imagery on modern literary analysis
• How does the use of irony in literature enhance thematic elements?
• The role of dialogue in character development in contemporary novels
• How does language in public health campaigns affect community behavior and awareness?
• What are the rhetorical strategies used in motivational speeches to inspire action?
• The impact of tone and mood in setting the atmosphere in Gothic literature
• How do different genres of writing, such as satire and tragedy, affect reader perception?
• The role of metaphor in political rhetoric and its impact on policy discussions
• How does the structure of an argumentative essay influence its persuasiveness?
• The effects of language simplification in educational materials on student comprehension
• How do authors use symbolism to convey deeper meanings in their works?
• The influence of cultural context on the interpretation of literary texts
• What are the effects of direct vs. indirect speech on character relationships in drama?
• How do historical speeches reflect the values and concerns of their time periods?

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AP Environmental Science Research Paper Topics

• The impact of deforestation on global biodiversity
• How does climate change affect polar ice caps and sea levels?
• The role of renewable energy in reducing carbon emissions
• What are the environmental consequences of plastic pollution in oceans?
• The effects of industrial agriculture on soil health
• How does urbanization contribute to habitat loss and species extinction?
• The importance of wetlands in maintaining ecological balance
• What are the challenges and benefits of sustainable farming practices?
• The role of environmental policies in protecting endangered species
• How does air pollution impact human health in urban areas?
• The significance of the ozone layer in protecting life on Earth
• What are the environmental impacts of fracking on water resources?
• The effects of climate change on coral reef ecosystems
• How does deforestation contribute to climate change?
• The importance of conservation efforts in preserving biodiversity
• What are the environmental benefits and challenges of electric vehicles?
• The role of national parks in protecting natural resources
• How do invasive species disrupt local ecosystems?
• The impact of overfishing on marine life and ocean health
• What are the environmental and social implications of e-waste?

AP Chemistry Research Paper Topics

• The process of photosynthesis and its chemical significance
• What are the effects of heavy metals on human health?
• The chemistry behind pharmaceuticals and drug development
• How do detergents and soaps work at the molecular level?
• The significance of oxidation-reduction reactions in energy production
• What are the chemical principles behind climate change mitigation efforts?
• The role of catalysts in speeding up chemical reactions
• How do acids and bases interact in everyday life?
• The importance of the periodic table in modern chemistry
• What are the environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers?
• The chemistry behind renewable energy sources like solar cells
• How do chemical bonds determine the properties of substances?
• The significance of pH in maintaining biological systems
• What are the applications of nanotechnology in medicine?
• The process and importance of water purification techniques
• How do greenhouse gases contribute to global warming?
• The role of chemical reactions in food preservation
• What makes enzymes so crucial in biochemical reactions?
• The chemistry of batteries and how they store energy
• How do polymers impact everyday products and the environment?

AP Biology Research Topics

• How do genetic mutations contribute to evolution?
• The role of enzymes in cellular processes
• What are the effects of climate change on animal migration patterns?
• The significance of the human microbiome in health and disease
• How do plants adapt to extreme environmental conditions?
• The impact of antibiotic resistance on public health
• What are the mechanisms of gene expression and regulation?
• The role of natural selection in shaping species diversity
• How do hormones regulate growth and development in organisms?
• The process of photosynthesis and its importance in the carbon cycle
• What are the effects of habitat destruction on biodiversity?
• The role of the immune system in defending against pathogens
• How do organisms maintain homeostasis in varying environments?
• The impact of invasive species on native ecosystems
• What are the genetic factors involved in inherited diseases?
• The process of cell division and its significance in growth and reproduction
• How do environmental toxins affect the nervous system?
• The role of symbiotic relationships in ecosystems
• What are the effects of pollution on aquatic life?
• The significance of epigenetics in gene expression and inheritance

AP Research Psychology Topics

• How do different parenting styles impact child development?
• The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance
• What are the psychological impacts of social media addiction?
• The role of genetics vs. environment in determining intelligence
• How does mindfulness meditation influence stress levels?
• The effects of early childhood trauma on adult mental health
• What are the cognitive benefits of bilingualism?
• The impact of exercise on mental health and mood
• How do stereotypes and prejudices develop and affect behavior?
• The role of attachment theory in understanding romantic relationships
• What are the psychological effects of prolonged isolation?
• The influence of parental involvement on academic achievement
• How do cognitive biases affect decision-making?
• The effects of music therapy on anxiety and depression
• What are the psychological mechanisms behind placebo effects?
• How does exposure to violent media influence aggression?
• The role of self-esteem in coping with life challenges
• What are the effects of nutrition on cognitive function?
• How does early intervention in autism spectrum disorder affect developmental outcomes?
• The impact of stress management techniques on overall well-being

AP Capstone Research Topics

• How did the rise of digital nomadism change the concept of work-life balance?
• The impact of virtual reality on empathy and understanding of social issues
• How do small, community-based conservation efforts contribute to global environmental change?
• The role of crowdfunding in transforming startup culture and innovation
• What can ancient agricultural practices teach us about modern sustainable farming?
• How do storytelling techniques in video games influence player behavior and decision-making?
• The effects of cross-cultural exchanges on traditional art forms in the digital age
• What are the social and psychological impacts of living in a hyper-connected world?
• How do grassroots movements influence national policy changes?
• The role of biohacking in personal health and ethical considerations
• How do urban green spaces impact community well-being and social interactions?
• The influence of speculative fiction on real-world scientific advancements
• What are the psychological effects of experiencing extreme weather events on communities?
• How do traditional storytelling methods in indigenous cultures address modern social issues?
• The role of augmented reality in enhancing educational experiences and learning outcomes
• How do cultural festivals contribute to local economic development and global awareness?
• The impact of immersive theatre on audience engagement and social change
• What can historical patterns of migration reveal about current refugee crises?
• How do alternative economic models, like time banking, challenge traditional concepts of value and work?
• The effects of digital detox programs on mental health and productivity

AP English Language Research Paper Topics

• How does rhetoric influence public opinion in political speeches?
• The role of satire in social and political commentary
• How do language and style vary between formal and informal writing?
• The impact of social media on modern communication practices
• How does persuasive writing shape consumer behavior in advertising?
• The use of metaphor in shaping cultural narratives
• What are the linguistic features of effective storytelling in literature?
• How does the choice of diction affect the tone of a piece?
• The role of rhetorical devices in Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches
• How do different genres of writing influence reader perception?
• The impact of globalization on language and communication styles
• How does the structure of a persuasive essay affect its effectiveness?
• The use of imagery and symbolism in shaping the reader's emotions
• How does the language used in news media influence public understanding of events?
• The role of ethos, pathos, and logos in crafting compelling arguments
• How does narrative voice affect reader engagement in memoirs and autobiographies?
• The influence of historical context on the language of classical literature
• How do language and rhetoric contribute to the development of national identity?
• The effects of censorship on literary expression and freedom
• How do authors use rhetorical strategies to address social justice issues?

Characteristics of a Good AP Research Paper

Strong AP research topics stand out due to several key features that ensure their impact. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Timeless Relevance: Select a topic that maintains its significance over time. Avoid subjects likely to become outdated quickly. Instead, focus on issues with long-term importance that can be referenced by future researchers.
• Supported by Credible Sources: Your research must be backed by reliable sources. For example, research supported by academic databases like JSTOR or publications from trusted institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) adds credibility.
• Clear and Insightful Research Questions: Good questions help define the scope of your paper and shape your analysis, ensuring that your research is both relevant and insightful. For example, if your topic involves the impact of digital marketing, questions inspired by case studies from companies like Google or Adobe can provide a structured framework for your analysis.
• Specific Focus: Narrow your topic to address specific issues, avoiding overly broad subjects. For instance, if researching the effects of climate change, focus on a particular aspect such as its impact on urban agriculture.
• Logical Structure and Clarity: Ensure your paper has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Each section should flow logically, with well-organized arguments and evidence. A clear structure helps readers follow your argument and enhances the overall readability of your paper.

By considering these pointers suggested by EssayPro, your paper will make a valuable contribution to your field of study. It'll also be easy for you to draw on the best practices and examples from leading research institutions and industry experts.

Tips for Choosing an AP Research Topic

Here are some useful tips to help you choose standout AP research topic ideas:

• Examine Current Trends: Look at recent news, technological advances, or social movements for inspiration. Topics like the effects of remote work on productivity or the rise of sustainable fashion can be both timely and impactful.
• Reflect on Your Passions: Whether it's a hobby, a cause, or a field you're curious about, your enthusiasm will make the research process more enjoyable and your writing more compelling.
• Seek Out Gaps in Existing Research: Identify areas where there's a lack of information or where current research is outdated. For example, if you notice few studies on the psychological effects of digital detoxes, that might be a unique angle worth exploring. EssayPro can also help you find existing research and identify gaps that need further investigation.
• Consult with Experts: Talk to teachers, mentors, or professionals in fields you're interested in. Their insights can help you identify important topics. You might also find useful examples and advice from Essaypro's expert writers.
• Consider Practical Applications: Choose a topic with real-world applications or implications. Researching the impact of new educational technologies on classroom dynamics, for example, can provide valuable insights and practical solutions.
• Look at Your Local Community: Local issues or events can offer unique and relevant topics. Investigate how local policies affect community health or how a local environmental issue is being addressed. These topics can provide fresh perspectives and direct relevance.
• Use Personal Experience: Leverage your own experiences or observations. If you've noticed a trend or issue in your daily life, such as the impact of social media on teen behavior, it can provide a unique and personal angle for your research.

Ready for a Paper That's More Brilliant Than Your Last Brainstorm?

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How to Find a Good Research Topic in AP Research?

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Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Grey, S. (2024, August 7). What Is The AP Capstone Program? Everything You Should Know. Forbes . https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/online-colleges/what-is-ap-capstone/

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Are you a college student looking to improve your writing skills? Look no further! This article includes 100+ writing prompts on technology, art, science, sports, personal growth, history, leadership, and more! 

With this, we’ve also included a special section of fun writing prompts for students. So let’s explore these amazing writing prompts!  

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1. Social issues and challenges 

1) Write an essay about the importance of gender equality and the steps to achieve gender equality. 

2) Craft an article about the rise of AI tools and how they are changing society. 

3) Write about democracy’s challenges due to disinformation and suggest solutions. 

4) Analyze the root causes of homelessness in urban areas and suggest innovative approaches to address this issue.

5) Describe how the rising prices of commodities (inflation) have led to an increase in the gap between the rich and the poor. Suggest what actions the government must implement. 

6) Elaborate on the impact of using mobile and computer technologies on mental health. 

7) Explain the importance of education in bringing social change. 

8) Describe the impact of climate change in your city and suggest solutions. 

9) Explore the role of art and culture in transforming society for the better. 

10) Discuss the economic, social, and cultural impact of immigration in the USA. 

2. Personal growth and self-reflection

11) Describe a difficult decision that you made and its positive impact. 

12) Reflect on how you worked towards achieving success and how you planned for it. 

13) Elaborate on how the experience of hearing a speech from a well-known celebrity changed your life. 

14) Describe an experience when you stepped outside of your comfort zone and took a risk.

15) Write about a skill or talent that you have developed and how it helped you in your personal life. 

16) Reflect on a time when you had to work as a part of a team and what you learned. 

17) Describe a time when you had to face your fear and the strategies you took to conquer your fear. 

18) Write about a time when you forgave someone for making a mistake and how it made you feel better. 

19) Elaborate on an incident that made you change a bad habit for the better. 

20) Reflect on an incident where there was a misunderstanding due to the lack of proper communication. What steps did you take to ensure proper communication? 

3. Technology and innovation

21) Discuss the role of technology in helping the world face the challenge of climate change. 

22) Explain the impact of robotics on fields such as healthcare, education, and customer service.

23) Analyze the impact of facial recognition technology on the world. 

24) Explore the potential of virtual and augmented reality technologies in education and entertainment. 

25) Explore the potential of wearable technology (like smart watches) to improve health. 

26) Examine the impact of 3D printing on manufacturing, supply chains, and enhancing production.

27) Describe the potential of blockchain technology in supply chain management, voting systems, or healthcare.

28) Explore the role of technology in improving communication.

29) Examine the potential of voice assistants like Alexa and Siri and AI writing assistants. 

30) Analyze the potential of mobile health apps in enhancing health and promoting easy access to medicines. 

Now let’s see some of the best creative writing prompts for students! 

4. Arts, culture, and creativity

31) Write a short story about a mad artist who brings change through his paintings. 

32) Compose a series of haiku poems inspired by seasons like summer, winter, autumn, and spring. 

33) Create a dialogue between two street artists discussing the importance of public art in society.

34) Write a flash fiction story about a meteor that falls in a village and its impact on the villagers. 

35) Pen a descriptive essay about a cultural food festival and the stories and traditions behind each dish.

36) Develop a short story about a time traveler who visits the 18th century and interacts with famous musicians and artists.

37) Craft a short story about a photographer who finds a photograph of a mysterious treasure, resulting in an exciting adventure.

38) Describe the art form of street theater and suggest strategies to promote it. 

39) Write about a detective team of English , Chinese, Australian, and Japanese officers that solve a case despite their cultural differences. 

40) Create a dialogue between two art critics discussing the merits and controversies of a controversial painting. 

Check out the environment-related writing prompts for students given below!

5. Environment 

41) Examine the consequences of deforestation and propose strategies for protecting forests worldwide.

42) Discuss the impact of plastic pollution and suggest innovative solutions for reducing plastic waste.

43) Analyze the role of eco-tourism in preserving the environment. 

44) Discuss the impact of meat consumption on the environment and explore the benefits of plant-based diets.

45) Explore the potential of electric vehicles in reducing carbon emissions.

46) Elaborate on strategies to conserve water and what steps should be taken at a global level to save water. 

47) Discuss the impact of electronic waste on the environment and propose strategies for waste management.

48) Explain the importance of recycling and propose ways to encourage more people to recycle. 

49) Discuss how renewable energy sources like solar and wind energy can help to conserve the environment. 

50) Describe various strategies to reduce soil erosion and suggest sustainable farming practices. 

Browse to explore science-related creative writing prompts for students! 

6. Science 

51) Explain the importance of genetic and DNA research in treating and preventing diseases. 

52) Discuss how scientific research has helped to enhance space research. 

53) Explore the benefits of collaboration between scientists belonging to different fields for developing innovative solutions. 

54) Describe how scientific technologies have revolutionized the transport industry. 

55) Explain various strategies related to how scientific innovation can be encouraged in schools and colleges. 

56) Pen a blog about how scientific discoveries have helped in waste management. 

57) Write an article about how chemistry research has led to better safety guidelines in industries. 

58) Discuss the potential of nanotechnology in electronics.

59) Analyze the importance of simulation and mention various simulation technologies to encourage experimentation. 

60) Explain the importance of various advanced technologies, including encryption technologies in ensuring cybersecurity. 

For sports lovers, the next section explores sports-themed good writing prompts for college students! 

61) Describe the efforts of the Olympics 2024 to promote sports like skateboarding and climbing. 

62) Give your opinion about how sports like judo and taekwondo help to encourage fitness. 

63) Explore the development of kite flying as a sport and its huge potential. 

64) Write about Simone Biles’ amazing return to gymnastics and why it is inspiring. 

65) Discuss how sports help to develop teamwork and leadership skills in students. 

66) Write about your favorite sport and suggest strategies to promote it. 

67) Pen an article about an unforgettable story about sportsmanship and fair play that you’ll always remember. 

68) Analyze the importance and role of sports journalism in shaping people’s opinions. Suggest ways to promote sports journalism. 

69) Explore the challenges, pros, and cons of hosting sports events on a global scale. Suggest strategies to face the challenges better. 

70) Describe the impact of technology on college sports, including wearable devices, social media, and video analysis. 

Want to write about travel and adventure? Get ready to explore creative writing prompts for college students inspired by these themes! 

8. Travel and adventure

71) Write about the growing popularity of solo travel and workations and how they can be encouraged. 

72) Describe a life-changing travel experience in detail. 

73) Explore the development of adventure tourism and list the top 5 spots famous for adventure tourism. 

74) Craft an article about your favorite World Heritage site that you’ve visited/would like to visit in the future. 

75) Give 20 tips about how to travel with a tight financial budget with limited resources to explore new destinations. 

76) Analyze the negative impact of over-tourism in famous tourist destinations. Suggest strategies to reduce negative consequences. 

77) Describe the importance of local customs and traditions while traveling to a new country. 

78) Write an essay on the importance of historical tourism and suggest how it can be encouraged. 

79) Explore how travel and tourism foster understanding between people belonging to different cultures. 

80) Write about how you faced serious obstacles and challenges while traveling. 

9. History 

81) Analyze the role of Nelson Mandela in the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and his lasting impact. 

82) Discuss the role of Mao Zedong in the Chinese Communist Revolution and the transformation of modern China.

83) Explore the life and achievements of Leonardo da Vinci and his contributions to art, science, and engineering.

84) Write about a historical figure that inspires you the most and why. 

85) Examine the impact of World War 1 and World War 2 on society. 

86) Explain the achievements of Albert Einstein and his contributions to physics.

87) Examine the causes and consequences of the Cold War between Russia and the USA in detail. 

88) Discuss the impact of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. Explore the role of leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks.

89) Explore the significance of the Silk Route in facilitating cultural exchange and trade between East and West.

90) Explore the life and legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, his philosophy of non-violence, and its impact. 

Now let’s see some writing prompts for college students about education and learning. 

10. Education and learning

91) Describe the importance of online courses and apps in learning. 

92) Write about your experience in learning a new language and how it helped you. 

93) Reflect on your most difficult exam and what you learned from the experience.  

94) Write a short article about a teacher who positively impacted your education. 

95) Analyze all the pros and cons of using technology for learning. 

96) Describe the benefits of studying multiple subjects in college.

97) Elaborate on the importance of time management and describe any 5 time management strategies that helped you learn. 

98) Discuss the role of extra-curricular activities like arts, crafts, and sports in personality development. 

99) Reflect on an experience where failure while learning encouraged you to perform better. 

100) Elaborate on strategies and learning methods through which colleges can encourage creativity through education. 

101) Explain how learning in groups and through practical projects can help gain knowledge. 

11. Leadership and collaboration

102) Describe various strategies for developing leadership skills through education. 

103) Write about a leader who inspired you the most. 

104) Explain the types and impact of leadership style on team performance. 

105) Analyze the impact of stress and burnout on leadership and collaboration. Suggest strategies for enhancing health and resilience within teams.

106) Examine the role of creativity and innovation in leadership and collaboration. Discuss strategies through which leaders can encourage creativity among team members. 

107) Describe strategies using which leaders can bridge generation gaps and encourage diverse perspectives in teams. 

108) Explain the importance of storytelling in leadership. Describe how stories can be used to inspire team members. 

109) Analyze the impact of cross-cultural differences on leadership. Mention strategies using which leaders can ensure clear communication in culturally diverse teams. 

110) Examine the role of networking and relationship-building in leadership and collaboration. Suggest strategies for building professional networks. 

111) Discuss the importance of accountability and ownership in leadership and collaboration. Recommend 10 strategies for fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment within teams.

Browse through the next section for fun writing prompts for students! 

12. Fun writing prompts 

112) Describe a day when a magical genie agrees to grant 5 wishes. What would you ask for? 

113) Imagine you could visit any fictional world in a book/movie of your choice. Which fictional world would you choose and what would you do?  

114) Pen a story, imagining yourself as a superhero. What superpowers would you choose and what would you do? 

115) Imagine and describe your day as a famous inventor. What would you invent and why? 

116) If you could have dinner with five famous personalities, who would they be and why? 

117) Write a story about a magical dream that surprisingly came true. 

118) Pen a story about a road trip that takes an unexpected turn, leading to a shocking decision. 

119) Write a letter to your best friend, expressing gratitude and remembering all the wonderful memories spent together. 

120) If you could trade places with someone and live someone else’s life for a day, who would it be and why? 

121) Pen a story where whatever you say starts happening in reality. What happens next? 

Now let’s see some interesting writing prompts for ESL students! 

13. Good writing prompts for ESL students 

122) Write about your favorite food and why you enjoy it so much. 

123) Describe a memorable celebration you were part of and what made it special. 

124) Pen an article about a circus you visited and what you experienced. 

125) Explain about your dream house in detail. 

126) Write about your favorite book/TV Show/movie and explain why you liked it. 

127) Describe your experience playing a memorable video game and why it is special for you. 

128) Pen some words about the festival you love the most and why. 

129) Write in detail about your trip to an amusement park and its unique features. 

130) Describe a music festival you went to and why it was unforgettable for you. 

131) Pen your experience about a time you helped someone and how it made you feel. 

Now that you know the best creative writing prompts for students, you can use them. Once you complete writing, the next step will be to edit the text. As experts in editing and proofreading services , we’d love to help you perfect your text! 

Here are some other useful resources for you: 

• Academic Writing in 2024: 5 Key Dos & Don’ts + Examples
• 50 Amazing ESL Resources for Students (Free & Paid)

Frequently Asked Questions

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137 College Students Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best college students topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 good essay topics on college students, 🥇 simple & easy college students essay titles, 📑 good research topics about college students, 🎓 interesting topics to write about college students.

• Should College Students Be Required to Attend Class The objective of this paper is to discuss the reasons why students must be required to attend class. Attending class practices is very significant because it gives room for a student to consult from the […]
• Stress Among College Students: Causes, Effects and Overcomes Due to stress, college students may experience such adverse outcomes as the decreased levels of cognitive functioning, the impaired ability to study, and, consequently, lower academic performance.
• Personal Responsibility of College Students Personal responsibility requires a person to acknowledge what one wants to achieve in college, understand the need to manage time effectively and wisely, between the outside and college life.
• Being a College Student In its turn, this also implies that, in order for college students to excel in their studies, they must be willing to act in a thoroughly self-disciplined manner.
• Consequences of a College Student Cheating in Exams Another effect of cheating in exams is that the honest present and even the future students in the system also suffer from the cheating behaviour.
• Comparison of Stress Level Among Traditional Learning and Online Learning College Students The distance learners have been perceived to be enjoying a suitable environment of learning as opposed to the traditional classroom learners who experience high levels of stress.
• Anxiety and Depression Among College Students The central hypothesis for this study is that college students have a higher rate of anxiety and depression. Some of the materials to be used in the study will include pencils, papers, and tests.
• College Students’ Healthy Nutrition Research This study will examine health and nutrition behaviors of college students in order to gain deeper understanding of the factors that influence food consumption particularly, among the university students.
• Bayview University’s College: Ethical Behavior of Business Students This report presents the findings of a study commissioned by the dean of the College of Business at Bayview University. The objective of the study is to assess the current ethical behavior of business students […]
• Reference Groups: College Students This paper presents some topics like various reference groups of college students, most important reference groups and the difference between high school students and college students having reference groups in moulding of one’s personality.
• Skin Tones and Beauty Perception Among College Students At the same time, due to the existing “European standard of beauty”, which dictates that the closer a face is to having European features, the more attractive it seems, some individuals tend to find representatives […]
• “College Helps Students Dream…” Article by Faust The article “College Helps Students Dream of More Than a Salary” written by Drew Faust revolves around the benefits of education and the critical changes it cultivates in people’s lives.
• College Students: Internet Addiction The authors also note that the use and access of the internet have increased in the past decades. Additionally, the authors argue that conflicts between parents and young individuals are likely to result in internet […]
• College Student: Challenges and Pressures Popular movies created the attractive image of the college life for young people, but it is important to pay attention to the fact that the main purpose of entering the college for the majority of […]
• College Student’s Ethical Problem The lack of a clear answer to the question of why a student went to college leads to a lack of understanding of the motives of their activities.
• Distinguished Students of Knowsley College Arthur Cohen outlines the use of Community Colleges in their support for the employment of graduates or making continuation of studying possible on the upper levels of education, gaining bachelor degree, for example.
• Stress in College Students, Its Causes and Effects Recognizing the cause and effect of stress in college students is an important aspect in college management and leadership as it will lead to a better understanding and development of the appropriate methods for intervention.
• Money Saving Methods for College Students A budget is one of the methods that a college student can use to save money. In the budget, one should indicate how much to save and the means of saving the money.
• Should College Students Have Credit Cards This paper aims to discuss the causes of credit card debts among students and the effects such debts may bring about to students’ lives.
• Procrastination Among College Students It is not the fear of failure that keeps people from taking on assignments, but their personality traits and desire to have fun instead of putting in the effort.
• The College Students’ Health Concerns All this leads to a natural decline in physical activity and, consequently, to the emergence of the younger generation with a range of health problems, including vision impairment, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and metabolic […]
• The Outside Pressure on College Students Due to the world crisis, many people experience financial difficulties, and students studying abroad might not be able to receive money from their parents and spend them on essential products.
• Statistics of Substance Abuse Among College Students Descriptive statistics were employed in the study to examine the data and spot trends in substance abuse among college students. Descriptive statistics were employed in the study to examine the data and spot trends in […]
• Sinclair College Students Walkout on Speaker Peter Labarbera Conflicts are an in-born portrayal of social reality because people persistently compete for resources and have different duties, ideas, and goals to other individuals in the community.
• Journal Storage as a Technological Asset for a College Student Its proclaimed mission is creating “a platform for discovering and connecting research, images, and primary sources” As of now, JSTOR is a widely used database offering a plethora of information for those interested in a […]
• The Importance of Students’ Equity in College Career Centers In addition, the role of teachers and career advisors is to work collaboratively with students and use the FoK concepts to reshape the framework of immigrant and undocumented students’ needs.
• Lawsuits Regarding College Students With Disabilities Abuse is one of the factors considered to have discouraged physically challenged students from pursuing their academic careers.
• Stress Reduction Among College Students In conclusion, “Calm” is useful in mindfulness meditation to decrease stress and enhance self-compassion and mindfulness among students. However, there is constrained information regarding the palatability and effectiveness of delivering mindfulness meditation interventions through mobile […]
• First Generation College Students and Resilience at a 4-Year University First-generation college students are defined in the study as “students whose parents or guardians have not achieved a bachelor’s degree”.
• Hip-Hop and Marijuana Use in College Students It has been estimated that over half of the college student population regularly use marijuana, while over 25% used it during past month.
• Health and Nutritional Behavior of College Students The weight distribution of the participants is demonstrated in the below figure. All these foods are high in nutritional value, implying that the nutritional and health knowledge that students have influence their food purchases.
• The Effect of Music Videos on College Students’ Perceptions of Rape The primary purpose of the article is to examine “the effect of sexualized portrayals of female artists in music videos on college students’ perceptions of date rape.”
• Impact of Internet Use, Online Gaming, and Gambling Among College Students The researchers refute the previous works of literature that have analyzed the significance of the Internet, whereby previous studies depict that the Internet plays a significant role in preventing depression ordeals and making people happy.
• Internet Use and Well-Being Among College Students Finally, Gordon et al.analyze the role of Internet use in students’ escapism and psychological adjustment. The article by Gordon et al.offers valuable insights into the relationship between students’ use of the Internet and their well-being.
• College Students: Responsibilities The percentage of students who consider their college time as an opportunity to have fun and spend their time in a pleasant way in constant parties is growing ever more.
• Benefits of Students Going to College The reasons are that: The students will have more knowledge and intellectual interests and be able to put up with one another in a more effective way and also to be able to learn in […]
• International Students Behaviour in KICL College So the main aim of this research was to establish an understanding of the factors that affect the consumption behaviour of the international students in KICL College.
• Role of College Student Development Theory in Undergraduate College Life The main features that are introduced by the instructor are the usage and emphasis of case examples in the educational process and the second focus of the instructor is special attention to two spheres: individual […]
• An Online Dating Service for College Students: Biff Targets Marketing The issue that has to be answered in the case is what the college students, as target customers for online dating service, ideadlly would like to be offered.
• American College Student: Learning a Second Language The last reason comes in terms of the fact that learning a second language requires a lot of time and efforts. They already have learned a language which is used in most parts of the […]
• How Can College Students Cope With Stress Getting through college determines the success of the rest of your life at the same time that you want more than anything to get on with your life.
• College Students in UK and Marijuana The reasons for the punishments are very different but the result remains the same: marijuana is still used by the majority of students and is available for everyone.
• Health and Stress in College Students We may believe that stress has only psychological relevance, but the perspective of psychologists is that stress is the physiological and psychological reaction of an individual to a condition that poses a threat calling for […]
• College Students: Self-Efficacy and Goal Orientation On the other hand, data results also stated that performance-avoidance goals are negatively related to academic standing.”Students in good academic standing reported having higher self-efficacy and adopted significantly more mastery goals toward learning than students […]
• Full-Time College Experience in Student Careers Students having full time in college is important because they can be able to have relations with others and from these then one is able to develop the weak points.
• Living Arrange Ments for College Students The greatest benefit of living in a dormitory is the stimulation of educational growth involving easy access to classes, longer browsing time in the library, greater and closer contact with faculty staff, and assistance from […]
• Procrastination Predictors in College Students This is a show of autonomy, the evading of the aversive task, avoidance of a state of anxiety, a response to their fear of failure or they are said to suffer from perfectionism and usually […]
• Media Effects on College Students Today The effects of such social media as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat on college students’ choices can be discussed with reference to Alhabash and Ma’s study.
• Receptive Learning Styles in College Students I am certain that the assessment gives pertinent explanations of learning styles and personality. This will, in my opinion, enable people to know and appreciate their personalities and focus on the best learning styles.
• The First-Generation College Student Experience Angelica was a first-generation college student and she was likely to identify with the plight of her immediate family. Angelica lacked the financial resources that could have alleviated most of her college-related problems.
• Human Papillomavirus Awareness Among College Students The research addresses the problem of low levels of literacy concerning HPV and other related sexually transmitted diseases and the stigma associated with the diseases. This research aims to determine the level of literacy among […]
• Social Media and Shopping Behavior of Emirati College Students The empirical and theoretical literature review has indicated that social media has the potential of cutting the thought patterns of customers during the process of decision making.
• CrowdSurf: A College Student Delivery Application It is a college student delivery application that follows a peer-to-peer model to tackle the problems of high fees and long delivery time typical of delivery service.
• Educational Tests: Toddlers and College Students The collection of standardized data regarding the quality of the learning environment prepared for young children is the intended purpose of this test.
• Relational Aggression Among College Students Relational aggression is one of the research areas in speech communication that have received immense scholarly research. However, it is important to note that the highest focus of relational aggression has been mainly on adolescents […]
• Social Anxiety and Problematic Drinking Among College Students The article “Understanding Problematic Drinking and Social Anxiety among College Students” describes the impact of social anxiety disorder on the experiences of many students.
• The High Dropout Rate of Students in College Another reason that contributes to a high rate of school dropout is the issue of those students that cater to their school fees.
• College Student Mentoring and Interest Group To solve the problem of the lack of mentoring in many community colleges of the United States, the national government should guarantee that all community colleges in the country are obligated by a decree to […]
• Extra Charges Minimization for College Students Some of the charges that the proposition requests the universities in the United States to remove include meals and parking fees.
• College Students: Suicide and Bullying-Methods The analysts used this tool to report the mood of the participants by posting quizzes, which the students answered while filling the questionnaire.
• Computer Architecture for a College Student It is also important to consider that the student might have to carry the computer to college on a regular basis.
• The Effect of Twitter on College Students First, they wanted to address the question “what is the effect of encouraging the use of Twitter for purposes relevant to education on student engagement?” Secondly, they wanted to answer the question “what is the […]
• College Students: Suicide and Bullying The misconception that bullying is a minor issue among college students has contributed to the high number of students who suffer because of bullying.
• Mental and Physical Health in College Students However, in spite of the fact that physical activity promotes physical and mental well being of an individual, college students are rarely engaged in this significant act.
• Faculty Should Not Pay Like a College Student The professors contribute a lot in terms of knowledge dissemination in the college and should be given discounts on the food and parking charges.
• College Students Alcohol Drinking Effects Findings of the study were divided into three categories those related to college binge drinking in 1984, those related to binge drinking and problems in college and those related to alcohol dependence and abuse after […]
• Successful Study Habits for College Students The researchers contended that the environment in which students study and their participation in other activities are critical determinants of their success in career and employment.
• Sleep Deprivation Impacts on College Students Additional research in this field should involve the use of diverse categories of students to determine the effects that sleep deprivation would have on them.
• Students’ Perception of a Mobile Application for College Course The central controlling idea of the research study managers to render the scope of the research and provides a sufficient explanation of the nature of the study.
• Academic Performance of College Students: Influence of Time Spent Studying and Working There is a general tendency among students who work and study at the same time consisting in the fact that students tend to spend more time at work instead of devoting their time to studies.
• College Students’ Satisfaction of Music Festival in China Aquinas says that one of the reasons why music festivals are popular among the students is because they offer them the opportunity to express their feelings.
• How Sleep Deprivation Affects College Students’ Academic Performance The study seeks to confirm the position of the hypothesis that sleep deprivation leads to poor academic performance in college students.
• What Influences College Student Non-Completion Social connectedness, students-faculty relationship and students’ financial status are interrelated factors that influence the students’ capability to stay in campus. Astin’s model argues that students’ involvement and integration in the academic and social components of […]
• The Major Obstacles to Success for College Students A college advisor helps students to realize the importance of the course they are undertaking as well as the opportunities available at the job market thus motivating the students to work hard.
• Risk Factors for Deliberate Self-Harm Among College Students This is a review of the article that the three scholars wrote to report on the findings of their study. The second will be the methods used in the study, with specific analysis of the […]
• What Are the Reasons for Why So Many Students Drop College However, the number of those who do not finish high education is increasing not only due to the students inability to pay, but to the constant cost rise for the tuition over the years.
• College’s Response to Budget Issues Will Effect Students In addition, these colleges and universities increased their preference for the richer out-of-state students to the low income in-state-students. McLaughlin advises that students in search of higher education should start by finding out the financial […]
• Math Just Isn’t Adding Up for College Students: Critique of a News Causal reasoning of the report under analysis is all about the role of math for students at schools and colleges and the difficulties, students face nowadays in their education.
• College Student Drinking Because of the high variability of drinking among college students, the main problem of the paper is to address psychosocial variables that predict excessive drinking and, therefore, account for the problem of drinking among college […]
• Why College Students Should Not Turn to Caffeine The paper will look at some of the trend of involvement of college students into caffeine consumption and the risks that surround consumption of caffeine by college students.
• College Students and the Case for Quality Reading Thesis: In the focus of this paper is the question on the rile of the Internet in the development of the reading skills and how it can be used to develop the college students’ skills […]
• Why Credit Companies Target College Students However, the use of credit cards and the debts that is a consequence of cards have become an increasingly monetary threat to students.
• Internet Addiction Among College Students It is definitely advisable that the schedule include at least a few hours to login to Facebook because at the end of the day the aim is not to put the person in total isolation.
• Tutoring Programs for College Students The students also have the freedom to choose the tutors who are best suited to their needs and the most affordable.
• ‘College-Ready for All: Preparing Students for Success’ The program also aims to support and share techniques and materials to assist teachers and students to incorporate the standards, not mentioning the fact that it will design fair measures to appraise success.
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Among College Students
• Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Real-Life Violence Exposure Among Chinese College Students
• Abolishing General Education for College Students
• College Students and Negative Aspects of Fraternities
• Abortions Should Become More Easily Accepted Among College Students
• College Students and Their Impact on the Evolution of Social Media
• Academic Dishonesty Among College Students
• College Students and the Illegal Use of A.D.D. Medications as Study Aids
• Analysis of Academic Opportunities for College Students
• College Students and the Problems They Confront
• Academic Shortcoming and Study Habits of College Students
• College Students’ Attitude Toward Marijuana Use on Campus
• Acting for Happiness: Financial Behavior and Life Satisfaction of College Students
• College Students’ Attitude Towards Online Shopping for Electronic Products
• Academic Stress During Freshmen College Students
• College Students: Cheating and Morality
• Achieving Academic Success for College Students
• College Students Have Fallen Into Poverty
• Adult Learning Theory: Applications to Non-traditional College Students
• College Students Need Tax Deductions – Response to Questionnaire
• Affective and Daily Event Predictors of Life Satisfaction in College Students
• African American College Students’ Experiences With Everyday
• Alcohol Abuse Among College Students and Possible Solutions
• Anxiety and Sleep Problems of College Students During the COVID-19
• Psychometric Properties of the Internet Addiction Test Among Lebanese College Students
• Association Between Stress and Eating Habits Among College Students
• College Students, Piracy, and Ethics: Is There a Teachable Moment
• Beyond Depression and Suicide: The Mental Health of Transgender College Students
• Associations Between Social Capital and Depressive Symptoms Among College Students
• Birth Order and Romantic Relationship Styles and Attitudes in College Students
• Casual Sex Has Become a Trend Among College Students
• Challenges College Students Face Living on Campus
• College Students and Internet Values Analysis
• Clinical Depression Affecting College Students
• Characterizing Cyberbullying Among College Students: Hacking, Dirty Laundry, and Mocking
• Childhood Maltreatment and Depression in Adulthood in Chinese Female College Students
• Chlamydia Prevalence Among Female College Students in Alabama
• Chronotype, Sleep, and Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese College Students
• Cognition and Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Among College Students in Ireland
• College Students and Credit Card Use: Role of Parents, Work Experience
• School Uniforms Topics
• Mentorship Topics
• Service Learning Essay Titles
• Pedagogy Topics
• Study Abroad Research Topics
• Procrastination Research Topics
• Subculture Research Topics
• Cultural Identity Research Topics
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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80 Impactful Research Topics for High School Students

By Rebekah Pierce

Educational writer and former teacher

3 minute read

Choosing the right research topic can be the secret ingredient to making your high school student paper not only impressive but also fun to write. Let's face it - no one wants to slog through a boring topic that has been done a million times before. 

A good research topic is like the foundation of a strong building. It sets the stage for everything else - not to mention that it helps you develop critical thinking and analytical skills that you’ll need as you move into college and beyond. 

Here are some of the best research paper ideas (and some tips to help you get started with writing about these fun research topics for high school projects).

How to Choose the Right Research Paper Topic

Begin by identifying what interests you most. What do you want to learn more about? These don’t necessarily have to be controversial topics. Just think about what might be a good research topic for your interests.

Once you have a few ideas for a good topic, start the research process to hunt down resources and relevant literature. Aim for the best research paper topics that will allow for a comparative study, such as analyzing different perspectives on a social issue or contrasting historical events. 

Make sure your chosen topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. Finding the right balance is incredibly important if you want to produce a focused and impactful paper.

Do your own research through Polygence!

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion. Together, you work to create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own.

How to Get Started with Your Research Paper Writing

First up, do a thorough literature review to gather existing research and insights relevant to your topic. This may even inspire new angles for you to explore!

Organize your findings and outline the structure of your paper to keep things clear, tight, and tidy. Write an abstract to break down your intentions.

As you write a research paper , critically analyze the information and present your arguments coherently, allowing your voice to shine through (objectively) while incorporating scholarly evidence. In the introduction , grab the reader with an enticing bit of information, like a hook, quote, or stat.

Edit, edit, and edit some more - then, get ready to publish!

Need some inspiration to get the creative juices flowing? Keep reading to discover the best research topics for high school students.

Technology Research Paper Topics

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Society: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a concept from sci-fi movies. What are the ethical considerations? 

Cybersecurity Threats and Measures in the Digital Age: With the rise of digital technology, cybersecurity is more important than ever. 

The Future of Renewable Energy Technologies: Solar panels, wind turbines, and electric cars are just the beginning. 

Impact of Social Media on Youth Behavior: Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat dominate the lives of teenagers - for better or worse.

The Role of Technology in Modern Education : How are digital tools and online platforms enhancing learning experiences? 

Health and Medicine Topics

The Effects of Diet and Nutrition on Mental Health: What we eat doesn't just affect our physical health.

Advances in Cancer Research and Treatment: Explore the latest advances in cancer research.

The Impact of Vaccines on Public Health: Are vaccines safe? What does the future hold?

Mental Health Issues Among Teenagers: For these psychology research paper topics for high schoolers, explore the many factors leading to an increased incidence of mental health issues in teens, from academics to Snapchat and everything in between.

The Role of Genetics in Personalized Medicine: Take a closer look at how genetic studies are being used to create personalized, in-depth treatment plans for patients.

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Environment Topics

Climate Change and Its Impact on Global Ecosystems: Climate change is affecting us all. Take a look at how melting ice caps and rising temperatures are impacting ecosystems around the world. 

Sustainable Practices in Urban Development: To minimize our environmental impact, we need to think green. But what does this mean for urban development?

The Effects of Pollution on Marine Life: How can we reduce the impact of pollution on marine life?

Renewable Energy Sources: Benefits and Challenges: Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power offer numerous benefits but also come with challenges. Explore these.

The Importance of Biodiversity Conservation: How can we incorporate strategies to protect endangered habitats?

Social Issues and Sociology Research Topics

The Impact of Social Media on Interpersonal Relationships: Social media is shaking up the way we interact with others. 

The Role of Education in Reducing Inequality: Education is the number one way to reduce inequality. Explore strategies and policies that can help with this.

Gender Equality in the Workplace: Gender equality remains a significant issue in workplaces worldwide - talk about why and how to address this.

The Effects of Poverty on Community Health: Explore how poverty has far-reaching impacts on nutrition, healthcare access, and overall health and well-being.

Immigration Policies and Their Social Implications: Immigration policies are far-reaching, impacting more than just immigrant communities. 

History Argumentative Essay Topics

The Causes and Effects of World War II: Research the causes and ripple effects of the Second World War.

The Impact of the Civil Rights Movement on Modern Society: Ask how the Civil Rights Movement impacted racial equality today - and look at the continuing challenges.

Ancient Civilizations and Their Contributions to the Modern World: How do these ancient achievements influence us today?

The History of Space Exploration: Space exploration has captivated humanity for decades - but what’s the background?

The Evolution of Democracy Throughout History: Democracy has evolved significantly over the centuries - detail this evolution.

Science Research Topics

The Exploration of Space: Past, Present, and Future: What are the scientific and societal benefits of exploring space?

Genetic Engineering and Its Ethical Implications: Are there ethical considerations (or risks) of genetic engineering? Take a look at them. 

The Impact of Climate Change on Natural Disasters: Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of natural disasters. 

Advances in Renewable Energy Technology: Renewable energy technology is advancing rapidly - what innovations hold the most promise?

The Role of Science in Solving Global Problems: How can science help solve problems related to disease, poverty, and climate change? 

Literature Research Topics

The Influence of Classic Literature on Modern Writing: Ever wondered how Shakespeare still affects today's bestsellers? A research paper on how classic literature influences modern writing can uncover fascinating parallels and divergences.

Themes of Dystopia in Contemporary Literature: From "The Hunger Games" to "1984," dystopian themes have captivated readers for ages. 

The Role of Literature in Social Change: Literature has the power to inspire revolutions. Explore books like "Uncle Tom's Cabin" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" and how they created societal shifts.

Comparative Analysis of Major Literary Movements: Compare the themes, styles, and impacts on society of different literary movements like Romanticism, Realism, and Modernism. 

The Impact of Digital Media on Reading Habits: Is the Kindle killing books? If so, research how and why in this essay topic.

Economics Topics

The Effects of Globalization on Local Economies: Globalization is reshaping economies worldwide -explore its impacts on local businesses and job markets.

The Role of Technology in Transforming the Job Market: From AI to automation, technology is revolutionizing jobs. 

Economic Impacts of Climate Change: Climate change isn't just an environmental issue; it's an economic one too.

The Influence of Consumer Behavior on Market Trends: Ever bought something because it was trending? Study how consumer behavior shapes market trends.

The Future of Cryptocurrencies in the Global Economy: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin - what's the deal? 

Education Research Paper Topics

The Impact of Online Learning on Student Performance: Online learning is more relevant now than ever, which you’ll explore in this education research topic.

The Role of Technology in Modern Education: How are smart boards and tablets changing classrooms for public schools? How can they improve academic achievement?

Comparative Analysis of Education Systems Around the World: Why do some countries excel in education while others lag? Compare different education systems to see what works and doesn’t.

The Effects of Standardized Testing on Student Learning: Standardized tests are controversial; research their impacts on student learning and whether they accurately measure academic performance and predict academic success, particularly related to special education, elementary school, and early childhood education.

Innovations in Educational Methodologies: From flipped classrooms in elementary education to gamification for middle school, explore different teaching methods with this research question.

Arts Research Project Ideas

The Evolution of Visual Arts Through Different Periods: Study how visual arts have evolved from the Renaissance to Postmodernism.

The Influence of Digital Media on Traditional Arts: Analyze how digital media is affecting traditional arts like painting and sculpture.

The Role of Art in Cultural Preservation: Art isn’t just for aesthetics; it preserves culture too. 

Comparative Study of Art Movements: Compare movements like Impressionism and Cubism.

The Impact of Public Art on Community Identity: Murals, sculptures, and public installations - how do they shape community identity and pride? 

Athletics Topics

The Impact of Sports on Academic Performance: Do athletes perform better academically? 

The Role of Athletics in College Admissions: Sports can be a ticket to higher education. Research how athletics influence college admissions and scholarships for current college students.

The Effects of Physical Activity on Mental Health: Exercise isn’t just for the body; it’s also for the mind. Explore that in these research ideas.

The Influence of Sports on Leadership Skills

Sports teach more than physical skills. Analyze how participation in sports cultivates leadership qualities.

The Future of Technology in Sports Training: From wearable tech to virtual reality, technology is revolutionizing sports training. 

Music Research Paper Topics

The Influence of Classical Music on Modern Genres: Ever heard classical elements in pop songs? Explore how classical music influences modern genres.

The Role of Music in Cultural Identity: Music defines cultures. Study how different genres contribute to cultural identity.

The Effects of Music Therapy on Mental Health: Music heals. Research why that is.

Evolution of Music Technology: From vinyl to Spotify, music tech has come a long way. 

The Impact of Music Education on Academic Performance: Does music make you smarter? 

Government and Politics Persuasive Essay Topics

The Impact of Government Policies on Economic Growth: Government policies can make or break economies. 

Comparative Analysis of Political Systems: Democracy, autocracy, and everything in between - compare different political systems and their effectiveness.

The Role of Youth in Political Movements: Young people are powerful when it comes to historical and current political movements. 

Government Response to Climate Change: How are governments tackling climate change? 

The Influence of Lobbying on Legislation: Lobbying shapes laws. Investigate how.

Writing and Communication Topics

The Evolution of Writing Styles Over the Centuries: Writing styles have changed dramatically. Study their evolution and what influenced these changes.

The Impact of Digital Media on Writing and Communication: Digital media is reshaping communication. 

Creative Writing Techniques for Young Authors: Explore techniques and tips to enhance creative writing.

The Role of Writing in Personal Expression: Research how writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression.

The Importance of Effective Communication Skills: Study why effective communication skills are crucial in various aspects of life.

Society, Culture, and Social Science Topics

The Effects of Social Media on Cultural Norms: Social media is changing culture. Research its impacts on cultural norms and behaviors.

The Role of Tradition in Modern Society: Traditions persist in modern times. Study the role of ancient traditions in contemporary society.

Comparative Analysis of Cultural Practices Around the World: Different cultures, different practices. Compare cultural practices and their meanings worldwide.

The Influence of Media on Public Perception: Media shapes how we see the world. 

The Impact of Globalization on Cultural Identity: Globalization is blending cultures. Research its effects on cultural identities.

Business and Entrepreneurship Topics

The Impact of Startups on the Economy: Startups are economic powerhouses. Study their impacts on local and global economies.

The Role of Innovation in Business Success: Research how innovation influences business achievements.

Ethical Considerations in Business Practices: Investigate ethical considerations and their impacts on business practices.

The Influence of Digital Marketing on Consumer Behavior: Analyze the effects of digital marketing on consumer behavior and purchasing decisions.

Strategies for Successful Entrepreneurship: Want to start a business? Explore strategies.

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Engaging in research with polygence's core program.

Picking the right research topic can set the tone for your entire project. It's not just about getting a good grade—it’s about developing critical thinking and enhancing your analytical skills. Your high school research paper topics can even set the stage for future academic pursuits or careers. 

Polygence’s Core Program offers a variety of resources to help you nail every aspect of your research paper. Sign up today!

By selecting an impactful research topic , you're not just writing a paper - you're developing research skills that will serve you for a lifetime. These skills can enhance your understanding of your current school curriculum and prepare you for the rigorous demands of higher education, setting a strong foundation for your academic future.

Economics JIW - Tips for Choosing a Topic: Home

Choosing a topic.

Choosing a topic that can answer an economic research question is challenging.  Some tips:

•  Ripped from the headlines rarely makes a good economic paper.  You will be using data to determine causation or correlation.  Sometimes a similar event can be used.  Topics such as artificial intelligence may make a good policy paper but not a good economic one due to lack of data.
• Literature Review: Your JIW should use primarily scholarly sources.  Start with Econlit (the database of the American Economic Association).  Econlit indexes major journals, working papers, conference proceedings, dissertations, and chapters in critical books. It takes a long time for scholarly literature to appear.   Preprints are called working papers in economics and major ones are indexed in Econlit.  Y ou are your own research team and have limited time.  Many articles are written over a couple of years and involve many people gathering and cleaning the data. Some starting places: see https://libguides.princeton.edu/econliterature/gettingstarted
• Outside of finance and some macroeconomic data, most data will not have many points in time.  Data determines the methods used .   While a linear regression can be great for time series data, it is likely not what you will use for survey data.
• Longitudinal or panel study :  same group of individuals is interviewed at intervals over a period of time.  This can be very useful to observe changes over time. Keep in mind when using a long running longitudinal dataset that the panel generally is not adding new participants so may not reflect today’s demographics.
• Cross-sectional study :  data from particular subjects are obtained only once.  While you are studying different individuals each time, you are looking at individuals with similar demographic characteristics.  Demography is typically rebalanced to reflect the population.
• Summary statistics : aggregated counts of survey or administrative data.
• Typically around a 2 year time lag from the time the survey data is collected to the time of release.  The Economic Census and Census of Agriculture take about 4 years for all data to be released.  Many surveys never release the microdata.
• Very little subnational data is available and is often restricted when available.   State level macro data for the United States is more prevalent.  City level data is often a case study or only available for very large cities.
• Many micro-level datasets are restricted. It is not uncommon to wait a year before getting permission or denial to use the data.  Each organization has its own rules.
• Historical data in electronic format prior to 1950 is rare. Most governmental links provide current data only.
• What is measured changes over time .  Do not assume modern concepts were tracked in the past.  Definitions of indicators often change over time.
• Data cannot be made more frequent.  Many items are collected annually or even once a decade.  Major macroeconomic indicators such as GDP tend to be quarterly but some countries may only estimate annually. 
• What exists for one country may not exist for another country. Data is generally inconsistent across borders .
• Documentation is typically in the native language .
• Always look at the methodology. The methodology section is one of the most important parts of the paper. Someone should be able to replicate your work. Describe the dataset and its population. Describe how the data was subset, any filters used, and any adjustment methods. While you are likely not trying to publish in American Economic Review  or Journal of Finance , these are the gold standards.  See how they layout the articles and in particular the methodology and data sections.
• The basic question to ask when looking for economic data is " who cares about what i am studying ?"  Unfortunately, the answer may be no one. Ideally, look for an organization that is concerned with your research as part of its mission. Examples include the International Labor Organization or the Bureau of Labor Statistics focusing on labor research; the International Monetary Fund or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System focusing on monetary and fiscal concerns; the World Bank focusing on development; and the World Health Organization focusing on health. This does not mean these organizations collect data on all topics related to that field.
• Find a topic for which there is literature and data but allows room to add a contribution.  Topics such as sports and music are popular due to personal interests but may not make good research topics due to lack of data and overuse.

   More tips:

• Data is typically not adjusted for inflation.  It is usually presented in current (nominal) currency.  This means the numbers as they originally appeared.  When data has been adjusted for inflation (constant or real), a base year such as 2020 or 1990 will be shown.  If a base year is not provided, then data is current and therefore not adjusted for inflation.  If given a choice, choose current dollars.  Data is often derived from different datasets and many will use different base years.  Adjust everything at the end.  It is easier than doing reverse math!
• While most datasets are consistent within the dataset for currency used such as all in US Dollars or Euro or Japanese Yen or each item in local currency, some will mix and match.  LCU is a common abbreviation meaning local currency units. Consider looking at percent changes rather than actual values.  If adjusting use the exchange rate for each period of time, not the latest one.
• Economic indicators may be either seasonally adjusted or not seasonally adjusted.  This is very common for employment and retail sales.   Unless something says it is seasonally adjusted, it is not.  Be consistent and note in methodology.

Librarians are here to help!  Librarians can help to devise a feasible topic, assist with the literature search, and choose appropriate data.  Your data may fall into multiple categories.  Think of the primary aspect of your topic in terms of first contact.  Do not email librarians individually.  If unsure who to contact either put all that apply on same email or email just one.  If that person is not the best, they will refer you.  

Bobray Bordelon Economics, Finance, & Data Librarian   [email protected]

Charissa Jefferson

Labor Librarian [email protected]

Mary Carter Finance and Operations Research Librarian [email protected]

Data workshops

• Environmental and energy data  (Bordelon), 9/23/2024  - 7:30-8:50 pm
• Health, Crime and other Socioeconomic Data  (Bordelon), 9/23/2024 and 10/02/2024 - 3-4:20 pm 
• Macroeconomics and trade data  (Bordelon), 9/25/2024 and 9/30/2024 - 3-4:20 pm
• Finance data  (Carter), 9/23/2024 and 9/25/2024 - 3-4:20 pm
• Labor and education data  (Jefferson), 9/23/2024 and 9/25/2024 - 3-4:20 pm

Workshops listed twice have the same content and are done as an opportunity to fit your schedule.  While you must attend at least one data workshop, it is wise to attend more than one.  If in a certificate program, with the exception of political economy which has to be incorporated into your JIW, other programs have different requirements which are typically for your senior year.  As an example, if in finance, if you choose not to explore a finance topic this year you will still need to incorporate in your senior theses so try and attend a finance workshop in addition to your topical workshop for your JIW since these are intended to help you for your time at Princeton and both the JIW but also the senior thesis.

• Last Updated: Aug 28, 2024 9:32 AM
• URL: https://libguides.princeton.edu/ECOJIWTopics

Thesis Statement Examples

Practical Thesis Statement Examples That Will Transform Your Writing

10 min read

Published on: Sep 3, 2024

Last updated on: Sep 3, 2024

People also read

Writing a strong thesis statement is key to a great essay, but coming up with the perfect one can be tricky. 

No matter if you're working on a personal essay, an argumentative paper, or something else, having clear examples can really help.

In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of thesis statement examples for different types of essays. This will help you understand how to create strong statements that guide your writing and keep your readers engaged. 

Let’s find the right thesis for your next essay!

What Is A Thesis Statement?

A thesis statement is a key part of your essay that tells readers what your essay is about. It’s a clear sentence that sums up the main point or argument you’re going to make. Think of it as a guide that helps your readers understand your main idea and what to expect from your essay.

Your thesis statement usually goes at the end of your introduction. It gives your essay direction and helps keep everything focused on your main point.

Examples Of Thesis Statements By Essay Type

To help you see how to write effective thesis statements, here are thesis statement examples for essays of various types. Each example will give you a clearer picture of how to approach various topics.

Examples Of Thesis Statements For Personal Essays 

A personal essay thesis statement reflects your unique experiences and feelings. It shares a central idea about a personal story or insight you’re discussing.

Here are a few examples to give you an idea of how to craft your own:

• Overcoming my fear of public speaking taught me that courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act despite it.
• Traveling to a new country showed me that stepping out of my comfort zone is the best way to grow and learn.
• My experience of balancing school and a part-time job proved that hard work and dedication can lead to personal success and self-discovery.

Thesis Statement Examples For Informative Essay 

A thesis statement for an informative essay provides a clear and specific overview of the topic you’re explaining. It helps readers understand the focus of your essay and what information they can expect to learn. 

Let’s take a look at some informative thesis statement examples :

• The process of photosynthesis is essential for plant growth as it converts sunlight into energy and produces oxygen, which is crucial for life on Earth.
• The history of the internet reveals how technological advancements have transformed communication, from early networks to the modern web.
• Understanding the basics of genetic inheritance can explain how traits are passed from parents to offspring and how genetic disorders can occur.

Thesis Statement Examples For Compare And Contrast Essays

A thesis statement for a compare and contrast essay highlights the similarities and differences between two or more subjects. It helps readers understand the main points of comparison and what you will be discussing. 

Some examples are:

• While both public and private schools aim to provide quality education, they differ significantly in terms of funding, curriculum flexibility, and student-to-teacher ratios.
• Although electric cars and gasoline-powered cars serve the same purpose of transportation, they differ in their environmental impact, cost, and efficiency.
• The lifestyles of city dwellers and rural residents differ greatly, with urban areas offering more job opportunities and amenities, while rural areas provide a slower pace of life and closer connection to nature.

Argumentative Essay Thesis Statement Examples

A thesis statement for an argumentative essay clearly states your opinion on a hot topic and explains why you hold that view. It shows what you believe and what you’ll be arguing for. 

Below are some argumentative thesis statement examples :

• A universal basic income can help reduce poverty and provide financial stability, making it a crucial step toward reducing economic inequality.
• Renewable energy is vital for fighting climate change because it cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions and supports a healthier planet.
• Requiring school uniforms in public schools can decrease peer pressure and help students focus more on their studies.

Thesis Statement Examples For Persuasive Essay 

A thesis statement for a persuasive essay aims to convince the reader of a particular viewpoint. It presents your position and hints at the arguments you’ll use to support it. 

Some examples include: 

• Adopting a plant-based diet is beneficial for health and the environment, as it reduces the risk of chronic diseases and decreases ecological footprints.
• Investing in public transportation improves urban mobility and reduces traffic congestion, leading to a more efficient and eco-friendly city.
• Banning single-use plastics is essential to protect marine life and reduce pollution, helping to preserve the environment for future generations.

Analytical Essay Thesis Statement Examples 

A thesis statement for an analytical essay breaks down a topic and examines its components. It highlights what you will analyze and what insights or conclusions you aim to provide. 

Here are some good thesis statement examples for analytical essays:

• Analyzing Shakespeare’s use of imagery in "Macbeth" reveals how it enhances the play’s themes of ambition and guilt.
• Examining the impact of social media on communication shows how it has changed the way we interact and perceive relationships.
• The portrayal of leadership in “The Great Gatsby” illustrates how wealth and power can corrupt moral values and influence behavior.

Expository Essay Thesis Statement Examples 

A thesis statement for an expository essay explains a topic or idea in detail. It provides a clear summary of what the essay will cover and how it will inform the reader. 

See the examples mentioned below: 

• The process of recycling involves several key steps, including sorting materials, processing them into raw materials, and creating new products.
• The history of the internet highlights key milestones such as the development of early networks, the rise of the World Wide Web, and the evolution of online communication.
• Understanding the causes of climate change requires examining factors like greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and industrial activities.

Process Essay Thesis Statement Examples 

A thesis statement for a process essay explains how something is done or how a process works. It gives a clear overview of the steps involved. Take a glance at these examples :

• Making homemade pizza involves preparing the dough, adding toppings, and baking it to create a delicious and customizable meal.
• The steps to start a small business include researching the market, creating a business plan, and securing funding to ensure a successful launch.
• Learning a new language requires practicing speaking and listening skills, studying grammar, and immersing oneself in the language through reading and conversation.

Thesis Statement Examples According to Different Academic Levels 

Writing a thesis statement changes as you move through different study levels. Each stage has its own approach and complexity. Here’s how thesis statements might look across different levels:

Thesis Statement Examples for Kids 

At a basic level, thesis statements for kids are simple and direct. They usually focus on familiar topics and straightforward ideas. Consider these examples :

• Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, fun, and good with kids.
• Reading books is important because it helps you learn new things and improves your imagination.

Middle School Thesis Statement Examples 

In middle school, thesis statements start to involve more detail and support. They reflect a better understanding of how to structure arguments. Here are some examples :

• School uniforms should be required because they promote equality, reduce distractions, and make it easier for students to focus on their studies.
• Eating a balanced diet is crucial for maintaining good health because it provides essential nutrients, boosts energy levels, and helps prevent diseases.

High School Thesis Statement Examples 

High school thesis statements are more sophisticated, often including a clear argument and multiple supporting points. Take a look these examples :

• The benefits of online learning outweigh the drawbacks because it offers flexibility, access to a wide range of resources, and the ability to balance education with other responsibilities.
• Participating in extracurricular activities is important for high school students as it helps develop leadership skills, build friendships, and enhance college applications.

College Thesis Statement Examples 

At the college level, thesis statements are complex and detailed and often address more complex arguments. Examples include:

• Implementing renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind power, is essential for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the effects of climate change.
• The rise of social media has transformed political campaigning by increasing voter engagement, spreading misinformation, and altering traditional campaign strategies.

Thesis Statement Examples for Research Papers

For research papers, thesis statements must be well-researched and specific and provide a clear direction for the study. Consider these examples :

• Exploring the effects of childhood trauma on adult mental health reveals significant correlations between early experiences and the development of psychological disorders later in life.
• Investigating the impact of artificial intelligence on the job market shows that while AI creates new opportunities, it also poses challenges related to job displacement and workforce adaptation.

More Examples Of Thesis Statements 

As you work on different essays and writing tasks, you’ll see that thesis statements can vary a lot. Here are some additional examples to illustrate their diversity.

Literary Analysis Thesis Statement Examples 

• In "To Kill a Mockingbird," Harper Lee uses symbolism, such as the mockingbird, to highlight the themes of innocence and moral growth.
• The use of unreliable narrators in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart” enhances the story’s exploration of guilt and madness.

Implied Thesis Statement Examples 

• Despite its surface simplicity, “The Little Prince” offers a profound critique of adult behavior through its exploration of human nature and relationships.
• The persistent use of color imagery in “The Great Gatsby” subtly emphasizes the theme of the American Dream and its inherent flaws.

Thesis Statement Examples For Research Papers 

• Examining the effects of sleep deprivation on academic performance shows a direct link between lack of sleep and reduced cognitive abilities in students.
• Research into the impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems reveals that rising sea levels and increased temperatures are threatening biodiversity and habitat stability.

Complex Thesis Statement Examples

• While the integration of technology in education offers numerous benefits, such as personalized learning and greater accessibility, it also presents challenges related to screen time and data privacy.
• The debate over genetic engineering in agriculture involves both potential benefits, like increased crop yields and disease resistance, and ethical concerns, such as environmental impact and genetic diversity.

In closing, 

A strong thesis statement is the backbone of any good essay. It helps guide your writing and keeps your readers focused on your main point. With the examples provided, you can see how to shape your thesis for different types of essays and academic levels.

If you want a little extra help with your thesis statements, check out the thesis statement generator from MyEssayWriter.ai . It’s a handy tool that can help you create and perfect your thesis statements quickly. 

For extra help with essay writing, check out our essay writer . It's an AI tool that can write high-quality essays for you in a breeze!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i write my thesis statement.

To write and start a thesis statement, you should:

• Pick Your Topic: Decide what your essay will be about.
• Formulate Your Argument: Choose your main point or stance on the topic.
• Be Specific: Make sure your statement clearly outlines what you'll discuss.
• Make It Debatable: Your thesis should present an argument that can be supported with evidence.
• Keep It Concise: Aim for one or two sentences that clearly express your main idea.

What 3 things should a thesis statement have?

Typically, a thesis statement format includes three main parts: the topic you're discussing, your main argument or viewpoint , and the reasons or evidence you'll use to back up that argument. 

What is an example of a weak and strong thesis statement?

Weak Thesis Statement: "Social media is bad."

• It's too broad and lacks detail.

Strong Thesis Statement: "Social media platforms negatively impact mental health by increasing anxiety and depression among teenagers, and this can be addressed through improved online safety measures."

• It's specific, takes a clear stance, and hints at the main points of the essay.

What is a thesis statement sentence?

A thesis statement sentence is a single sentence in your essay that summarizes your main point or argument. It’s usually found at the end of your introduction and guides the rest of your essay.

Caleb S. (Mass Literature and Linguistics, Masters)

Caleb S. is an accomplished author with over five years of experience and a Master's degree from Oxford University. He excels in various writing forms, including articles, press releases, blog posts, and whitepapers. As a valued author at MyEssayWriter.ai, Caleb assists students and professionals by providing practical tips on research, citation, sentence structure, and style enhancement.

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Community Essay Examples

When crafting your college applications, writing strong essays is essential. Through your essays, you demonstrate who you are–from your values and passions to your lived experiences. Indeed the personal statement is the most common college essay. However, you will also likely have to write some supplemental essays as part of your college application requirements. One of the most common supplemental essay types is the community essay. This essay type is also known as a describe the community you live in essay, cultural diversity essay, or community service essay.

In this article, we will introduce several community essay examples. Most importantly, we’ll describe why they are considered college essays that worked. Specifically, we will share community essay examples from the two schools:

• Princeton University
• Columbia University

By studying these admissions essay samples, you can see what makes these college community essay examples strong and apply those same principles to your writing.

Reviewing Types of College Essays

Each school has different supplemental essay prompts for their college application requirements. However, there are a few types of essays that are most common. By becoming familiar with these essay types, you can begin to brainstorm and strategize what you will write about early on. You might start as early as sophomore or junior year in high school. 

Now, let’s take a look at the most common supplementary essay questions.

Common Supplementary Essay Questions

1. why school.

A Why School essay is, as it sounds, about why you wish to attend a specific institution. The key to answering this prompt well is to be specific. You should identify examples of what you like about a school. Avoid general comments such as “it is a top school” or “it is diverse.” Share specific programs, professors, teaching approaches, cultural elements, or unique opportunities such as research or study abroad.

2. Why Major

The Why Major essay asks you to share specific reasons behind your choice of major and how it relates to your future goals. A strong response to a Why Major essay will highlight your specific motivations. But it will also connect those motivations to a school’s unique opportunities. For example, perhaps you wish to be a pre-law history major, and the school you are applying to offers law-related internships. By highlighting these specific connections, you draw a compelling connection between yourself and the school.

3. Extracurricular Activity

Many schools ask you to describe an extracurricular activity that is particularly meaningful for you. When responding to this question, do not feel limited to only talk about the most popular extracurricular activities for college applications, like clubs or sports. Consider all of the activities you do outside of school. Then choose the one that is most meaningful to you. Also, give specific examples of how you grew or made an impact within your extracurricular activities for college.

4. Community Essay

The Community Essay can have slightly different angles to it. But, the uniting factor is that the school wants to know how you engage with others around you. Some types of community essays are a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay. In recent years, the cultural diversity essay has been a more common college application requirement.

Coming up, we will share a bit more about how to break down community essay prompts. We’ll also take a look at college essays that worked. By reading these examples, you’ll know how to approach these common prompts.

How to identify a community essay?

While community essays can have slightly different focuses, they all share the goal of learning about where you come from. A supplemental essay prompt might ask you to share more about your background via a group you are part of. This is likely a community essay. Indeed, a community essay can also be called a describe the community you live in essay, or a cultural diversity essay. Other college community essay examples focus on how you will contribute to a college campus. Finally, in a describe a community you belong to essay example, you will see that students highlight any community that is meaningful to them.

You may be wondering why so many colleges have community essays as a college application requirement. For one, many colleges use a holistic admissions process. This means they care about all aspects of who you are, not simply your grades and test scores. How you engage with your communities shows them your character and values. For example, a describe the community you live in essay example about visiting church every Sunday demonstrates your commitment to religion. Similarly, a cultural diversity essay helps colleges learn more about your cultural background. 

Additionally, colleges want to learn more about how you will engage with their on-campus community. You’ll notice this important factor in the college community essay examples we will share. To some degree, how you have engaged with previous communities can be an indicator of how you will show up on their campus.

How is a community essay different?

As we mentioned, community essays can have slightly different focuses. Some prompts ask you to write a describe the community you live in essay. These types of community essays are more like cultural diversity essays. 

Keep in mind that the word “community” can have many different meanings. A community can be your school, church, or neighborhood. It could also stem from your interests. For example, your dance or robotics team can form your community.

Some community essay prompts want to know specifically how you help strengthen your communities. These types of essays are considered a community service essay. Another term for community service is “civic engagement.” An example of civic engagement might be getting people in your cultural community to sign up to vote. Or, another could be helping with church fundraisers to ensure that your local community has the resources it needs to thrive. 

In sum, the keywords you might see in a community essay prompt are “civic engagement,” “community service,” “serve your community,” “contribute to your community,” or “diversity.” No matter how it’s phrased, your essay should demonstrate the impact you’ve had on your community–whichever one you choose to highlight. 

What are some examples of community essays?

In this article, we will share several community essay examples. Specifically, we will highlight Princeton essay examples and Columbia essays examples. Let’s look at these two colleges’ essay prompts. 

The first Princeton supplemental essay prompt is a part of our college community essay examples and our cultural diversity essay examples. Here is the prompt:

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #1: Cultural Diversity Essay and College Community Essay Examples

Princeton values community and encourages students, faculty, staff and leadership to engage in respectful conversations that can expand their perspectives and challenge their ideas and beliefs. as a prospective member of this community, reflect on how your lived experiences will impact the conversations you will have in the classroom, the dining hall or other campus spaces. what lessons have you learned in life thus far what will your classmates learn from you in short, how has your lived experience shaped you  (please respond in 500 words or fewer.).

In this cultural diversity essay prompt, Princeton wants to know about your lived experiences. By this, they refer to any experiences that have shaped you profoundly. A lived experience can be a specific event, such as experiencing a car crash or winning an award. Or, it could be a set of experiences that resulted from life circumstances, such as being a first-generation college student or having taken a gap year .

This essay prompt will also lead to college community essay examples. Indeed Princeton wants to read about your lived experiences and how they impacted you. But, they also want to know how you will bring those lessons to the Princeton community, should you enroll . Also, note that this prompt mentions challenging ideas and beliefs via conversation. As you respond, look for ways to highlight how you have engaged in fruitful dialogue and how you would do so at Princeton.

To answer this prompt effectively, share specific examples. Additionally, be sure to answer all parts of the prompt. 

Princeton has a second supplemental essay prompt that focuses on how you engage with your community outside of the classroom. The prompt is as follows: 

Princeton Community Essay Prompt #2: Civic Engagement

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer) .

To answer this prompt well, you must highlight specific examples of how you have positively impacted your community. As a starting point, consider which of your communities you have most engaged with. How have you done so and what results did you have?

The Columbia Community Essay Prompt is another of our college community essay examples. It is a cultural diversity essay, as well. Here is the prompt: 

Columbia Community Essay Prompt: A Cultural Diversity Essay

A hallmark of the columbia experience is being able to learn and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community with a wide range of perspectives. tell us about an aspect of your own perspective, viewpoint or lived experience that is important to you, and describe how it has shaped the way you would learn from and contribute to columbia’s diverse and collaborative community. (150 words or fewer).

While this prompt is similar to Princeton’s, it also references perspectives and viewpoints. In doing so, the prompt opens you up to share opinions or values that are important to you. You might consider highlighting values in your family or community that you either hold close or disagree with. 

Note that Columbia also highlights the word “collaborative” in this prompt. This indicates that your cultural diversity essay should also show how you collaborate with others.

Which schools require a community essay?

In addition to Princeton and Columbia, many other schools have community essays as part of their college application requirements. Here are some other examples of community essay prompts:

In this UNC-Chapel Hill prompt , you must describe a specific example of how you made an impact on a community. The prompt reads:

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill: A Community Service Essay Prompt

Discuss one of your personal qualities and share a story, anecdote, or memory of how it helped you make a positive impact on a community. this could be your current community or another community you have engaged. (250-word limit).

In responding, be sure to highlight what community you are referencing, the specific impact you made, and what personal quality helped you do so.

This prompt from UMichigan is a describe a community you belong to essay example, as well as a cultural diversity essay:

The University of Michigan: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Everyone belongs to many different communities and/or groups defined by (among other things) shared geography, religion, ethnicity, income, cuisine, interest, race, ideology, or intellectual heritage. choose one of the communities to which you belong, and describe that community and your place within it. (required for all applicants. 1,500 character limit.).

In addition to describing the community, make sure to share how you engage with it and what it has taught you. Remember that community is a broad term. So, for this prompt you can respond with any type of community in mind, whether physical or cultural. In contrast to the describe the community you live in essay, you do not have to be geographically close to the community you describe here.

Duke University: Cultural Diversity Essay Prompts

Duke offers students five supplemental prompts to choose from, of which they can reply to two. Of these supplemental prompts, four are examples of cultural diversity essays:

1. We believe a wide range of viewpoints, beliefs, and lived experiences are essential to maintaining Duke as a vibrant and meaningful living and learning community. Feel free to share with us anything in this context that might help us better understand you and what you might bring to our community.

2. we believe there is benefit in sharing or questioning our beliefs or values; who do you agree with on the big important things, or who do you have your most interesting disagreements with what are you agreeing or disagreeing about, 3. duke’s commitment to inclusion and belonging includes sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. feel free to share with us more about how your identity in this context has meaning for you as an individual or as a member of a community., 4. we recognize that not fully “fitting in” a community or place can sometimes be difficult. duke values the effort, resilience, and independence that may require. feel free to share with us circumstances where something about you is different and how that’s influenced your experiences or identity..

Each of these prompts is a slightly different type of cultural diversity essay, from sharing a range of opinions to not fitting in within a community. Choose the essay prompts that most resonate with you. And share specific examples that bring your cultural diversity essay to life.

In this Yale University supplemental prompt , you must choose a community that you feel connected to and describe why it is meaningful. Here’s the prompt:

Yale University: Describe a Community You Belong to Essay Example

Reflect on your membership in a community to which you feel connected. why is this community meaningful to you you may define community however you like. (400-word limit).

When responding, be sure to highlight what you have learned or how you have grown from this community. In contrast to a describe the community you live in essay, this essay can be about any community, near or far, that resonates with you. Indeed, the prompt gives you plenty of leeway in what you consider community. 

When responding to the UC system prompts , you must choose four of the eight available personal insight questions. One of the PIQs is a community service essay prompt:

The University of California Personal Insight Question: A Community Service Prompt

What have you done to make your school or your community a better place, things to consider: think of community as a term that can encompass a group, team or a place like your high school, hometown or home. you can define community as you see fit, just make sure you talk about your role in that community. was there a problem that you wanted to fix in your community, why were you inspired to act what did you learn from your effort how did your actions benefit others, the wider community or both did you work alone or with others to initiate change in your community.

Similar to many of the other prompts, when answering this question, be sure to identify the specific impact you made on your community.

Now that we have looked at various examples of community essay prompts, we can explore community essay examples. Reading essay examples is a great way to get inspired to write your own college essays. 

In each of the highlighted college essays that worked, note what the author did expertly. Rather than trying to copy their responses, topics, or ideas, consider how you can apply those same skills to your writing. 

Princeton Community Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Princeton essay examples that respond to their two community essay prompts: a cultural diversity essay and a community service essay. 

The first of our Princeton essay examples responds to the following Princeton prompt: 

Princeton Essay Examples #1: Cultural Diversity Essay

Now, let’s take a look at a student’s response to this prompt focusing on lived experiences. 

Princeton Essay Examples #1 Student Response

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town of 1.8 square miles called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values.

In the face of distinct cultures and customs, we forge a single identity as Highland Parkers and come together to organize large community events. The most prevalent example is our highly touted annual Memorial Day parade, where we join together with neighboring New Brunswick to invite military service members, family members of our fallen war heroes, our legislative and congressional representatives, and our townspeople. Moreover, as our high school band’s vice president, I help organize and lead our ensemble into these performances with a positive and uplifting spirit. We communicate with the town government and arrange the performances every year to perform at the parade. The parade is an example of many of our large community events that serve as a unifying force for our diverse community, reminding us that we are fundamentally connected as one cohesive group, despite our differences. 

As someone deeply interested in historical and political matters, I am well aware of the consequences that arise from dictatorial protocols that limit the freedom of speech and diversity of voices. From my experiences debating in Model UN conferences, I have grown accustomed to being able to present viewpoints from both sides of the argument, and I have learned to incorporate and respect the viewpoints of all sides of an issue before making up my own mind. For example, in a Model Congress debate, I found myself advocating for the interests of a state heavily reliant on traditional fossil fuels. While researching and articulating that perspective, I gained insights into the economic challenges faced by the states that are reliant on these resources. This experience not only broadened my understanding of the complexities surrounding environmental policies but also highlighted the necessity of considering diverse viewpoints for comprehensive decision-making. 

My background and experiences have fostered in me a profound appreciation for the value of diversity, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge. At Princeton University, I will seek to contribute as an active participant in the community, actively provide unique perspectives and insights, and respect and learn from others’ perspectives even if there are disagreements. I wish to partake in student government, which has like-minded peers who want to make a substantive impact, and also participate in service programs like the Civic Leadership Council. Also, I hope to increase my impact from the leadership positions I currently hold on the Red Cross club and teen mayoral advisory council using the platforms in Princeton. I look forward to making a positive impact on both the campus and the broader community. 

Why This Cultural Diversity Essay Worked

In the first of our Princeton essay examples, the student successfully responds to all parts of the Princeton prompt. They begin by describing their community and sharing some details about its makeup. Indeed, the first sentence hooks the reader–it is unique and compelling. 

Then, the student illustrates how they specifically contribute to their community each year by leading the high school band in the Memorial Day parade. They also highlight how their experience in Model UN shaped their appreciation for diverse perspectives. In sharing these two examples, the student demonstrates their leadership and open-minded thinking. Finally, the student ends by highlighting how they would use these values to contribute to Princeton’s community– by partaking in student government and Civic Leadership Council, among other activities.

In the second of our Princeton essay examples, the student responds to the second Princeton prompt which is: 

Princeton Essay Examples #2: A Community Service Essay

Princeton has a longstanding commitment to understanding our responsibility to society through service and civic engagement. how does your own story intersect with these ideals (250 words or fewer).

And, here is a student’s response:

Princeton Essay Examples #2 Student Response

My first experience with the Red Cross was when my older sister was desperately trying to recruit people to join the club during the harsh COVID year. Things were so bad for the club that I, as a freshman, ran for the position of treasurer unopposed. My first blood drive experience was marked by masks, social distancing, and low turnout among blood donors. Even many donors who showed up ended up being turned away due to health-related issues. Needless to say, it was not the greatest first high school service experience, and I admittedly started to doubt if the time I spent on this front was worth it. 

However, as we returned in person, things quickly turned around. As the vice president of the club, I helped recruit more than twice the club membership compared to the previous year, and our blood drives started to regain momentum; our blood targets have been exceeded every time since. Organizing and participating in blood drives has become a passion. It’s fulfilling, especially when I personally donate, to know that I’m actively serving the community and saving lives. I have realized that, despite my relatively young age, I am capable of making an impact through public service. I plan to continue my commitment to the Red Cross’s adult program and participate in service programs like Community Action at Princeton to serve the Princeton community and abroad.

Why This Essay Worked

In this admissions essay sample, we learn about a student’s volunteerism with the Red Cross as an example of civic engagement. This essay works for several reasons. First, it provides a specific example of the student’s civic engagement and demonstrates their impact by becoming vice president and increasing membership. Secondly, the essay provides an honest take on the struggles of this service experience, which lends credibility and authenticity to the story. 

The student also demonstrates an important lesson learned. This aligns with Princeton’s values– that students can have a positive impact on society. 

Columbia University Essay Examples

In this section, we will highlight Columbia essays examples that landed students admission to the prestigious Ivy League university. The first of our Columbia essays examples is written by the same student who responded to the first Princeton prompt above. Here’s a reminder of the Columbia prompt: 

As you read the example below, notice how the student edited their Princeton cultural diversity essay to meet the prompt and lower word count for Columbia:

I have spent most of my life living in a 41% minority town called Highland Park, NJ. This typically overlooked town has introduced me to a diverse array of people, and it has been the main influence on my life experiences and core values. 

HP has convinced me that we can build institutions that are strong and united while embracing a wide variety of voices and perspectives. It has shaped my core values of diversity and inclusion. An English teacher used to encourage me to talk in front of the class by saying even if I believed my thoughts were “dumb,” I could only enrich the conversation.

At Columbia University, I will seek to continue my contributions as an active participant in the community and look to actively provide unique perspectives and insights. Actively engaging in student groups such as ColumbiaVotes will be a big part of my experience. 

The Columbia essay prompt only allows for a 150-word response. This could pose a challenge for many students. What makes this essay among the Columbia essays examples that worked is how succinctly it completely answers the prompt. 

The response begins by hooking the reader with a relevant detail of the student’s community. Then, the student shares how this community shaped them by influencing their values of diversity and inclusion. Finally, the student shares how they would engage with a Columbia organization that also supports diverse viewpoints. Though short and sweet, this response clearly answers all parts of the Columbia prompt. 

More Community Essay Examples

The final of our community essay examples is a community service essay. Let’s look at how student framed their service experience:

“I don’t believe that’s the best way to do this.” 

The moment I thought this the first time I volunteered at my local soup kitchen was one that resulted in a drastic change. When I was informed of the way the food was being served to the public, the initial excitement that I had felt diminished. We were told that the plates would be served before anyone arrived and would remain in an area where people could pick it up and seat themselves. I felt that this method was impersonal and inconsiderate, and disappointment washed over me. 

I turned to the people that were around me and discovered that they shared the same disapproval I felt. When we agreed that a change must be made, we exchanged ideas on how to present this to the woman in charge of the program. I suggested that we should serve each person one-by-one, and only give them the food if they wanted to/could eat it. They suggested multiple ideas, including that we should offer to seat them, hold their plates for them, continue to check in on them, and dispose of their plates once they finish their meal. We believed that this way would genuinely make them feel better and would allow us to get to know some of them personally. A simple smile and conversation could be enough to improve their day. 

From this day on, the way in which the local soup kitchen serves our community has changed dramatically. This experience taught me the importance of speaking up for what you believe in. In a group setting, it is likely that there will be others who share the same end goal and are willing to contribute different ideas to achieve the goal. These different perspectives can allow you to see situations in ways that you previously hadn’t, and can result in better outcomes. It also showed me the importance of leadership.

If I had never spoken up about the way the food was being served, a change might have never happened. When you work in the group, the end goal may not be for the benefit of anyone in the group, but for others who are in need. This experience also showed me the beauty in doing good for others and making others happy, even through small things such as serving them food to their liking.

In this community service essay, the student shares their experience volunteering at a soup kitchen. Volunteering at a soup kitchen is not necessarily unique in the list of extracurricular activities for college applications. However, the student highlights several aspects of the experience that make it meaningful to them. 

To start, the student shares their experience challenging the way that food was served. The student suggested that food be served directly to attendees in order to better connect with community members. Through this experience, the student learns about leadership and working with others to achieve a common goal. This specific example demonstrates the student’s collaborative values and compassionate way of thinking, both of which are great attributes to highlight in college applications.

How To Write A Community Essay

As we saw in the community essay examples, there are several hallmarks of college essays that worked. To write a good community essay, whether it be a community service essay, a cultural diversity essay, or a describe the community you live in essay, you must start by understanding the prompt. Once you have carefully read through the prompt, brainstorm examples from your own life that relate to it. Sharing specific details and examples will make your response stronger and more unique. 

Additionally, showcase how you grew throughout your response. In each of the community essay examples we shared, the student discussed a skill or perspective they developed through their experiences. Finally, connect your response to the school you are applying to. If you are writing a cultural diversity essay, for example, demonstrate how you would contribute to the cultural diversity at that school, both inside the classroom and in your extracurricular activities for college.  

Topics To Avoid In Your Community Essay

When writing community essays, there is technically no topic that you cannot discuss. However, how you discuss certain topics is important. 

For example, in a community service essay, it is important to not come off as a savior of a community with less privilege than yourself. Similarly, if you are writing a describe the community you live in essay or a cultural diversity essay, you will want to avoid stereotyping any community. Speaking from your own personal experience as a member of a community is fine. However, generalizing your experience to the community at large can come across as insensitive to that community’s diversity. To avoid these pitfalls, have a variety of people read your community essay examples and look for these dynamics.

Additional Tips for Community Essays

We’ve highlighted the strengths in the community essay examples above. Now we will now share some more tips for making your community essays a strong part of your college applications:

Tips for Writing Community Essays

1. research the college.

When reviewing our college community essay examples, you will notice that students highlight specific clubs, programs, or groups on campus to which they will contribute. If you are specific, you demonstrate real interest in the school which adds strength to your college applications.

2. Tell a story

In each of the college essays that worked, students gave details that told a full story . This story incorporated where they come from and what they learned through their experiences. Rather than telling us who they were, the students used this particular story to show us.

As the college admissions landscape gets ever more competitive, students are sometimes tempted to read other students’ essays and copy ideas. Or, more recently, they may even want to use artificial intelligence to write their essays. However, AI and other students’ experiences won’t show admissions who you really are. Don’t worry about whether you have the best extracurricular activities for college or the most unique cultural diversity essay. Instead, talk about the experiences that truly matter to you. By being honest, you are more likely to come across as convincing and interesting. In each of our college community essay examples, students presented a true and well-thought-out response to the prompts.

Other CollegeAdvisor Essay Resources to Explore 

As you work on your college applications, you might be in search of additional resources. CollegeAdvisor has a wealth of webinars and articles that can help you navigate writing your essays. Here are a few:

More CollegeAdvisor Resources for Essays

1. short essay examples.

Some of the cultural diversity essays you may write will be short, meaning that they are 150 words or less. This article with short essay examples can help you understand how to write short and sweet cultural diversity essays.

2. Cultural Diversity Essay Examples

In this article , you will find additional examples of cultural diversity essays. Many community essays are also cultural diversity essays. As such, becoming familiar with how students write about their cultures is useful.

3. The Ultimate Guide to Supplemental Essays

In this webinar , CollegeAdvisor experts provide a rundown of how to write strong supplemental essays for your college applications. In particular, this webinar will help you decode essay prompts and make sure you answer each prompt fully.

4. Editing Your Supplemental Essays

Once you have read up on college community essay examples and written your cultural diversity essays, you might need help editing them. This webinar will provide tips for how to edit your supplemental essays effectively.

Community Essay Examples – Final Thoughts

Completing your college applications can be a daunting task, especially when you must write multiple essays. For some students, writing cultural diversity essays is challenging. These prompts ask you to dig deep and reflect upon your life influences.

In this guide to community essays, we provided an overview of what a community essay is and how to respond to the different types of community essay prompts. We shared cultural diversity essay examples and describe the community you live in essay examples. We also described what makes these essays strong and how they meet college application requirements. 

In short, the key to writing stand-out essays is to be authentic and thorough in your responses. If you need additional help writing your cultural diversity essay, seek out the support of a trusted resource like CollegeAdvisor. We are here to help you craft the best college applications that could gain you admissions to the school of your dreams!

This article was written by Courtney Ng. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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ENGL 1301 Bloemsma: Finding Articles: Searching in Databases

• General Reference Research (Background, Overview, Biography)
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• Citing Sources & Plagiarism This link opens in a new window

Use Keywords to search - not sentences!

Keywords are the most important words in your topic.

Example topic: Do video games make teenagers violent?

Keywords that you could use:

• "video games"
• Keyword Generator
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• Identifying Keywords Tutorial

Find out more about selecting keywords in the Identifying Keywords Tutorial.

Tips for Effective Database Searching

"Online Research: Tips for Effective Search Strategies"  by  Sara Clark  is licensed under  CC BY 4.0

Combining Keywords

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Local high school students get leg up on research with help from Clemson Libraries

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Librarian Camille Cooper talks to a class of Wren High School students

More than 90 students from two area high schools have gotten some extra help from Clemson Libraries to kick off the school year. Students from AP Research and AP Seminar classes at Daniel and Wren high schools have taken field trips to Cooper Library to get some research tips from librarians and access databases and other resources that they may not be able to access elsewhere.

For the classes, students must choose and research a particular topic the entire year. For AP Seminar, students must write essays through the year and prepare a final presentation on their topic. For AP Research, students design and conduct a year-long, research-based investigation to address a specific question. Students chose a variety of topics for their projects, from election media coverage to bone damage in domestic chicken species to the regulation of artificial intelligence. Because Clemson Libraries has librarians dedicated to specific subject areas, students were able to get personalized assistance on every topic.

Librarians received the list of topic areas in advance and “crowdsourced” the best databases and search strings to use for each topic.

“After a brief instruction session about database selection and search techniques, we offered individualized search strategies for each student so they had a starting point,” said Suzanne Rook Schilf, head of teaching and learning for the Libraries. “Because their time here was so limited, we wanted to make sure they used it to the best of their ability.”

Because most of the online resources the students needed to use are limited to only Clemson students, faculty and staff, the high schoolers were given temporary login access during their visit.

Librarian Camille Cooper said working with local high schools is an important part of the Libraries’ service to the state and has a big impact on students.

“It is important to give high school students that exposure to an academic library early,” Cooper said. “I actually had a Clemson senior tell me that when he started Clemson it was a long time — a couple of years — before he came to the library because he said he was so intimidated by it. If we can get to these students when they’re in high school, they won’t be intimidated by it, and they’ll have a much easier transition wherever they go to school. They will know that there are librarians who can help them with their research and that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Chrissy Barbusca, an English teacher at Wren High School, said the experience gave her students a whole new perspective on Clemson.

“We had a little debrief session after the visit, and the students were all still wide-eyed about how kind and helpful everyone was and about the vastness of resources made available to them,” Barbusca said. “I enjoy seeing how these kids who have grown up going to Clemson football games and think they know all things Clemson are completely stunned to have gained this new angle on the University.”