topics for argument essays middle school

45 Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

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

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

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

Using These Prompts

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

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

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

The Prompts

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

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

• 11th June 2022

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

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

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

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

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

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

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

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

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

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

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

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

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

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

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

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

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

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

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

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

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

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

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

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

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

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

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

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

●  Should higher education be free?

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

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

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

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

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

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

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20+ Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School to Get Started

by  Antony W

May 31, 2023

An argumentative essay for middle school focuses on issues surrounding students in primary and secondary schools. And given that there are numerous topics to cover within this scope, it’s important to focus on an area you can fully explore.

To be clear, choosing the best topic to argue is the first step to writing an argumentative essay of this nature. Get the topic wrong and your essay won’t read any different from what other students hand in for review.

We’ve put together as a list of interesting topics about middle school from which you can choose an argument to explore in your essay.

Key Takeaways

• There are hundreds of topics to choose, but you only have to choose what you’d find interesting to explore.
• Preliminary research can help you to determine whether you can construct a solid argument around a topic of choice. 
• This post includes a handful of ideas for middle school argumentative essays. You can pick a topic you find interesting and explore it further in your writing.

20+ Middle School Argumentative Essay Topics

Once you identify a suitable topic from the following list, it should be easy for you to write your argument from start to finish.

Social Essay Topics for Middle School

• Should Internet access be a basic human right in middle school?
• Is affirmative action an effective way to address historical and ongoing discrimination against minorities?
• Are girls or boys more subject to gender stereotypes?
• Should schools be legally required to take more action to prevent bullying, and what are the most effective strategies?
• Should the governments have the legal right to monitor individuals for national security purposes?
• Should official forms and documents provide more options than just “male” and “female” when asking about gender?
• Should religion be a factor in political decision-making, and if so, to what extent?
• To what extent should schools be responsible for accommodating students with food allergies, and what policies are most effective for doing so?

Education Topics for Middle School

• Students should choose their own courses and educational paths regardless of their academic performance in medical school. 
• Is the Common Core curriculum effective in achieving its goals?
• Arts education should have equal weight with other subjects in the curriculum
• Should students be required to learn a second language in school?

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Media and Entertainment Essay Topics

• To what extent does reality TV accurately depict real life, and how does this affect viewers’ perceptions of the world?
• Is pop culture a valuable aspect of society, or does it contribute to harmful societal trends?
• Should parents have the right to monitor their children’s Internet and social media usage?
• The government should ban Photoshopped magazine covers banned and set criteria for determining what constitutes an unacceptable level of manipulation.
• Do celebrities forfeit their right to privacy by choosing to live in the public eye?

Health and Wellness Essay Topics

• To what extent do Americans have a healthy diet, and what are the consequences of unhealthy eating habits for individuals and society as a whole?
• Are participation trophies a valuable way to boost children’s self-esteem or do they undermine the importance of achievement?
• To what extent should children’s screen time be restricted, and what are the potential benefits and drawbacks of different approaches to limiting it?
• Should the government outlaw cigarettes, and what are the potential consequences and challenges of doing so?

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Middle School Essay Topics on Environment

• What actions can households take to conserve energy, and how can governments encourage and support these efforts?
• Is climate change real and caused by human activity, and what policies are most effective in mitigating its effects?

Ethics and Morality

• Do violent video games make people more likely to be violent in real life?
• Does nature or nurture play a bigger role in who we are?
• Is it immoral to download copyrighted content illegally—or is it something that is a violation of the law, but not an issue of ethics?
• Do athletes, celebrities, and CEOs deserve to make more money than the average person does?

General Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

• Do anti-discrimination laws help or harm our society?
• Should the government increase efforts to combat human trafficking?
• Should illegal immigrants have the same rights as nationalized citizens?
• Is America ready for a female president? Explain your opinion.
• Is it ethical to keep wild animals as pets if the owner can care for them properly?
• Do you support physician-assisted suicide in the case of terminal illness?
• What is the appropriate age for children to begin using social media?
• Should high school seniors be required to take a civics exam before graduating?
• Should the government enforce stricter gun control policies?
• Does the government promote hate or love when addressing racism?
• Should employers require a Covid-19 vaccine for their employees?
• Do electronic voting machines make the election process fair or unfair?
• Should politicians have term limits?
• Is climate change a problem that we can solve, or is it too large for us to manage?
• Should churches continue to be exempt from paying taxes due to the separation of church and state?
• Has artificial intelligence gone too far? Explain your opinion.
• Should public education at the college level be free of tuition?
• Should the government have the power to determine which books are allowed in classrooms?

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

50 Mindblowing Argumentive Essay Topics for Middle School

Don’t you think middle schoolers are very good at debates and discussions? This is their time to use their brain cells on the things that have a bigger impact on the world. This is the time when they should be given valid topics to do healthy debates and be argumentative among themselves over each other’s points.

Such activities enhance their way of thinking and expand their outlook on bigger problems that are affecting people on a larger scale. We, as their mentors, should give them real points to present their arguments on! We must present sensible topics in front of them to brainstorm about!

Sometimes we, elders, also get off topic and get starstruck at the thought process of our young minds. It is truly sensational to watch them brainstorm and debate about real-life argumentative topics that are highly impactful on a worldwide level.

Importance of Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic for an essay is as important as writing an essay. Before writing an essay, you should know what you are writing about and how you are going to write it. Essays are less about how you write and more about what you write. The major element of an essay is the argumentative topic that your choose to write on. The debates and discussions that arise from the topic that you choose to write about are what truly engage the readers or listeners. So, make sure you offer amazing argumentative topics for your students to write and speak about. Here are the three key benefits that you get from a good and efficiently chosen topic for an argumentative essay.

1. Speeds Up The Process

Choosing a topic for your essay can speed up your process of writing and framing it. How? Once you choose a topic of your choice and you know the connectivity of your thoughts with that topic, you will know your path. We need to know the path where we want to walk to reach our destination. If we don’t know the path, then we will end up reaching no man’s land. This is a benefit that you get by choosing a topic for your essay before you begin to brainstorm about diverse topics.

2. Insurance of Maximum Marks

The purpose of writing on argumentative topics is that it helps you cater to the information from various sites and guides, which increases your thinking capabilities. The reason why schools and colleges take argumentative topics to give to their students is that such topics make students think to their highest capacity to be able to stand out with their exceptional thoughts among their colleagues. Such topics not just let a student have a broader mindset, but they also start to think about real-world problems and how to be a part of solving and brainstorming about them. Hence, adding argumentative topics to their essay is surely going to enhance the marks of your students.

3. Imparts Better Learning

The ultimate profit of choosing the right and definite topic for your argumentative essay is that it lets you think deeper about it. You will have enough time to dig deeper into the facts and brainstorm everything you read before you add it to your content. Not just this, but it might also open many doors in your mind regardless of writing it only for marks. Writing an essay is much wider than just gaining marks, and students will surely understand this once they cater an interest in the topic they are writing about!

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

Topics that enhance the thinking capacity of your students are going to be the best ones. Topics that are relatable and knowledgeable enough to make your students think more and from more than one perspective. That is what we call a perfect argumentative topic.

1. Should Students Have Homework on Weekends?

This topic is surely going to set a good environment for discussions and debates in your class among your students. The good part about this topic is that you, as a teacher, are going to get diverse perspectives about homework from all the students in your class. Whereas talking about the students, you all are going to get a good chance to express your view on homework given for weekends.

2. Government Should Dictate What You Get for School Lunch

Well, this topic is going to bring out many arguments. As a teacher, you are going to enjoy the healthy arguments for and against it as well as are going to get confused about which side you should be. As a student, this session is surely going to bring out your opinions about mid-day meals.

3. Should Cell Phones Be Allowed at School?

In this digital era, it is quite difficult to keep children away from it. At such a time, this topic might bring all the student committees together to allow mobile phones at school, whereas it might make teachers stand against the students. Well, it is surely going to be super-exciting.

4. Should Exotic Animals Be Kept in Captivity?

One of those thought-provoking topics where the thinking seems like coming to the edge. Should exotic animals be kept in captivity, or should they be set free to live in their habitat? Yes, it is sure a serious topic to think about and discuss. I think this is one of my favorite ones.

5. Should There Be Harsher Punishments for The Person Bullying?

Bullying has always been one of the serious problems at school for kids. Especially as they hit puberty, it increases and doesn’t seem to end too early. Many kids are the victims of bullying and its horrible after-effects that even lead to depression and anxiety. This is surely going to be a touchy topic with a good moral values session.

6. Video Games Violating People Being Violent in Real Life or Not?

We have always heard and even witnessed that whatever we spend more time in, we slowly-slowly become like that. Does that also apply to the games? Especially the games that are violent and contain killing and taking lives and having pleasure from them? And because of such games, is it possible for such people to get that pleasure from killing in real life as well?

7. Is It Fair for Minorities to Receive Special Treatment?

Minorities are truly considered those whose rights need to be protected by the government itself because they are less in number enough to stand against the majority. But is it needed even in today’s time when everybody has achieved equal rights? Well, this topic is surely going to bring a lot of for and against debates and discussions to the classroom.

8. Do Reality TV Shows Accurately Depict Real Life?

Children and even adults have always been attracted to reality shows because they think it is literally what it means to be a “reality show.” But the question is, Is it so? This topic is one of those topics that is going to help someone bring reality to light and someone to get a reality check of it.

9. Should Parents Monitor Their Children’s Internet Usage?

Parents often have such questions in their minds, like, what are their kids watching for so long? What is keeping them so occupied on the phone? What their kids must be watching on the internet? What if their kids are under some bad influence? What if they are watching something they shouldn’t? And many more things. We will get a see-through of kids’ perspective on this through this topic.

10. Is It Okay for Parents to Check Their Ward’s Devices?

Here we have again such a topic that comes to screen time information about children. This topic is going to be very helpful for both kids and parents to be able to understand each other properly and in a better way. I think such topics where we get to hear from children themselves what they think about parents’ certain actions help a lot in parent-child understanding.

11. Do Cultures Unite Us, or Do They Divide Instead?

For a lifetime, we see and live around people with diverse cultures and beliefs. This topic is going to let us know what children think and what opinions they have about living around different cultures. Does it feel good or kind of weird? With that, this session can be wrapped up with a good moral teaching of acceptance and respect for each other.

12. Is Climate Change Real, and Is It Happening?

This is one of those real problems that need to be taken care of! Children need exposure to such real-world issues that most people ignore. Being so busy today that we are forgetting what we are destroying for tomorrow. In my opinion, such topics are a must-have in essay and debate sessions because it helps students think wider than they can.

13. Will the Changing Environment Change Human Physiology?

We all are well aware of how human physiology has changed over time with the changes in the planet. Evolution has always shown its proof of being unstoppable. By putting light on this topic, students are going to learn the wider aspect of geography and can get wider knowledge about human geography. Through this, they can bring predictable points for the arguments in this session.

14. Humans are the Biggest Threat to The Environment, Is It?

We, humans, love what we have, and so we do our all to keep it all forever with us. But in all this, are we becoming the monsters who are killing their beautiful mother earth? Are we doing injustice to the environment and this planet? Or is it just the physiological change that was destined to come itself? This is surely going to be a super thought-provoking session for the class, and many are surely going to feel guilty for their littlest actions.

15. Do Lab Rats Have Rights?

Are rats just mere experimental toys? Don’t they have any right to live? Can’t they live without the fear of being caught and sent to the labs for experiments? Do they deserve such horrible deaths and cursed life? Well, this topic is going to be a mix of practical, logical, and emotional arguments. So, as a teacher, you better get ready on which side you are going to stand.

16. The Importance of Protecting Endangered Animals

Animals that are soon going to get extinct, and our kids won’t ever be able to know their actual appearance except for in books. Why is this topic still in ignorance, and no one debates about it on big platforms? We all love to be called as animal-lovers, but are we an animal-lover or just dog or cat lovers? Let this topic be free in your classroom to be discussed by young minds.

17. Is Animal Testing Justified?

Is it justified to test every other thing on animals? Are they just mere experimental toys for the sake of the lives of us humans? From when did we become so selfish? Is science all about humans and not about animals? Although we know we all are nothing without the existence of each other. Then why does it keep happening? Set these questions free to go to your student’s minds.

18. The Challenges and Benefits of Remote Education

Ever since the pandemic hit us, we have transformed many things and have discovered many new ways of convenience. In the field of education, schools, and colleges switched to online mode from offline. Now the question arises is online mode a better doorway to education for kids? Or was it better the way it was? Well, we are going to get the right answer from the learners themselves!

19. Has Education Become Just a Piece of Paper with a Degree?

Are we getting educated to gain knowledge, or is it just the degree that we are running behind? Why is there so much value in a child who tops and not the one who fails to grasp it all? Education is for knowledge, or is it for just getting a piece of paper that proves that we are deserving of what we want? Get this from young minds, and they won’t disappoint you.

20. Discuss the Risks of Unemployment Due to The Global Pandemic

We all know how the global pandemic has affected almost all sectors, from agriculture to businesses, from education to jobs, and many more. In that case, making students discuss unemployment due to the global pandemic is going to enhance their understanding of the real world.

21. how Are We Dealing with Global Poverty?

Poverty has become one of the crucial topics to be discussed. How people face critically difficult times managing at least one day a meal, and how it is becoming critical for them to manage a living for themselves. All these things need to be discussed by putting forward such topics.

22. Measures Should Be Taken in Households for Energy Conservation

As we say, “Charity begins at home.” It all starts with where we live and what we do as an individual. This topic is going to make your students discuss how they can save energy starting from their homes and can make a huge difference as an individual.

23. The Rising Political Polarization in The US

Politics is a topic that is lately losing its area of interest in young minds. It seems to become so fussy nowadays that kids tend to run away from these topics. At such a time, the teachers need to bring forward and put this topic as a task to argue about them, which will further make them research it.

24. Do Participation Trophies Have Value

The one who wins gets the trophy as a token of their great win and excellence, but what about those who showed the courage to participate and made that competition worth it? If the participants will also get trophies, then what is special about being a winner? Well, that is a tough choice to choose between. Which side are you going to stand for?

25. What Issue Should Lawmakers Be Most Concerned About?

Which issue, according to our young brains, should be put forward by the lawmakers first by keeping the others aside? What is in their mind regarding the law-making body and the processes? It is thoroughly important to understand their views on this topic and how they are going to write an argumentative essay on it.

26. Side Effects of Cigarettes, Should They Be Banned?

Cigarettes! No doubt the box itself says that they should not be used. The box itself says that you are paying to go close to your death by your own choice. Then too, why are people so much into it? Why do they want to die so early with pain? And why is it still a debate to make them outlawed? Is there something left that can be brought in their favor strong enough to be outlawed? Let us hear it from our brainy generations!

27. Do Celebrities Have the Right to Privacy or Not?

If someone chooses to glamour the enter world, then is it crucial for them to leave their private space and right to privacy behind? Can’t they have their own personal life and personal space? Or have they given the right to the public to intrude in their privacy by their choice? Let us see the opinions of our young minds on it.

28. Are School Uniforms a Good Idea?

School uniforms are not there in some schools, whereas, in some of them, they are a part of their unforgettable legacy. In that case, is it good to keep the school uniforms or might not be perfect according to some people’s dressing style? Well, let us get to hear it from the wearers themselves. Maybe that is going to end this debate.

29. Do Beauty Pageants Objectify the Participants?

Beauty pageants have always been a part of controversial conversations in the glamour world. But do they do justice to their participants? Or do they just reject the ones who don’t seem perfect in their parameters? Is it all just for show, or is it really what gives wings to the forgotten beauties? This is surely going to cover a lot of illusions for many students.

30. Lying Politicians Should be Punished or Not?

This topic is going to enhance their interest in politics and rights and bring alterations to some wrong-made rules. Every student needs to know the correct rights and laws. Hence, they must know the difference between the laws and privileges.

Well, these were some highly discussed topics that make amazing argumentative topics. We have tried to put in discussable points in these top 30 argumentative essay topics that we hope are surely going to help your students enhance their writing and speaking skills. Along with writing and speaking skills, it is also very important to do a good amount of research and think by going out of their comfort zone, which is surely going to make them brilliant writers and speakers. Below we have listed 20 further argumentative essay topics that contain such fields but with a wider sense of thinking.

Other Diverse Argumentative Essay Topics

• Is too much homework harmful, helpful, or both?
• Is access to a needed medical treatment a basic human right?
• Is milk terrible or suitable for you?
• Parents should be responsible for childhood obesity. Agree or Disagree?
• Wind farms are a good or a bad idea. Explain why?
• What do you think is the perfect age to start using social media platforms?
• Do you believe that a college education is necessary for everyone?
• Do you think the act of cloning DNA brings forth a moral issue?
• Should the government have more strict gun control policies?
• From what age should children start helping and learning about home chores?
• Do electronic voting machines make the electoral procedure fairer or unfair?
• Should there be any alteration in the voting age? Yes or No? If yes, then should it be lowered or raised?
• Should bottled water be banned?
• Should excellent grades guarantee a scholarship?
• Should schools have better security than they have today?
• Has Artificial Intelligence gone too far?
• Is the time for Artificial Intelligence to rule over Human Intelligence coming close?
• Should public education at the college level be tuition-free?
• Should Government have the right to declare which news is a fact and which one is fake?
• Are we using non-exhaustible renewable resources properly, or are we still far away from having a sustainable world?

Structure of An Argumentative Essay

After choosing a topic for your essay, it is important to write about it in the correct structure. Argumentative essays are ones that not just have to deal with the simple content language but also the topics that prove the points you are claiming. There are many types of argumentative essays, like persuasive essays, analytical papers, research papers, and so on, but they all have one common thing, and that is their structures!

1. Introduction/Opening

This is where you start to put an impactful effect through your writing in the introduction. Your introduction can start with a question that can be a hook for maintaining the excitement of your argumentative essay. The hook can be an exclamatory sentence, a question sentence, or can be an assertive sentence as well. All you have to do is bridge your introduction with the main body by maintaining the thrill of your content.

2. Main Body

This part of your essay must have all the arguments and supportive statements for them. Every statement of yours should be concisely explained in this part of your essay. You can either allocate each argument in a different paragraph or can put all of them in points in one single paragraph. You must explain your argument properly with proof, references, and citations. Even though you have a good word limit in essays but try to keep it concise and to point with sharp and straightforward arguments and proof.

3. Conclusion/Closing

Here comes another important part of your essay. This part is the last part of your essay and hence should have a good closing paragraph. This portion should have a takeaway message for all the readers what is the end product of all those arguments? It also must have the connective explanations summarized at the end for the readers. This will have a good impact on them. Many students make mistakes by taking this section very lightly because they think they have done a huge part in the introduction and main body, but all these three parts have their individual and equally important roles.

So, make sure you provide justice to all three sections of your argumentative essay properly by keeping none of them in negligence.

Summing It Up

All in all, we hope that you might have got your guide for writing a good argumentative essay. There is a lot more to discover and put into this segment of writing and speaking. Students need to cover a lot of areas like general knowledge, general way of writing, a go-to structure for versatile writing, and much more to be able to write as many topics as they get to do. Talking about middle school, the stage is more formative, and it requires learning and good research to be able to write good quality content in their essays.

This blog has covered topics ranging from school, parental topics, government, animals, climate, sports, and much more. We hope that you will find topics versatile enough to practice your writing skills and ace it!

Jonathan Green is an esteemed Education Specialist with an impressive track record. He holds a Master's degree in Education alongside bearing expertise in Child Psychology. He began his career as a special education teacher, gaining insights into diverse learning needs. His previous experience includes leading teacher training programs and authoring several papers on early childhood education. His extensive experience is reflected in his insightful articles and webinars. Outside of his professional life, Jonathan is an enthusiastic gardener and a volunteer at local community education centers.

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Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

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

By The Learning Network

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

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

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

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

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

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

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

Want more writing prompts?

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

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• Argumentative writing prompts

A Selection Of Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

The argumentative essay lessons begin in middle school, when the young minds are ready to start defending ideas with logic and reason. Even though the classes talk about serious educational content, middle school students still love to have fun. For argumentative essays to be taken seriously, the topics need to be geared toward those young minds. Here are some topic ideas that will get the creativity and arguments flowing:

Young teens enjoy writing about their school experiences.

• Should students in middle school be tested for drugs?
• Are too many students in your school getting A’s?
• Should every student be required to take gym and music classes?
• Should your teachers use more group work in their classes?
• Should the school day be longer so you can go to school for four days instead of five?
• What should be done with bullies and cyberbullies?
• Should corporal punishment be reinstituted in schools?
• Should schools have more dances?
• Should students be able to choose their own schedules?
• Do class sizes affect the success of students?

Students are interested in entertainment.

• Does TV need more diverse actors and actresses?
• Does TV still matter?
• What musician will be the next legendary performer?
• Is video gaming a sport?
• What makes a television commercial a hit?
• What are three best movies of the year?
• Do TV shows promote risky behavior?
• What children’s book characters could be the next TV hit?

Sports is always a good topic for junior high students.

• Is football too violent to be a part of school athletics?
• Should college athletes get paid?
• Is baseball still a relevant sport?
• Is cheerleading a sport?
• Should athletic organizations establish rules for coaches about the way the talk to players?
• Are travel sports necessary?

Junior high students love their technology as much as high school students do.

• What is the right age to get a cell phone?
• Should students be allowed to have cell phones in class?
• Do you have more good friends or fewer because of technology?
• Do people use their smartphones for useful reasons or to waste time?
• What is the next social media platform that will be popular?
• Is online learning or face-to-face learning better?
• Should companies be allowed to collect information about your spending habits?
• Are printed books or ebooks better?
• Are online product reviews reliable?
• How much time should people spend on social media each day?

Copyright 2012-2024 - Essay writing tips, tricks and guides.

50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject. Otherwise, you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. You don't need to know everything, though; part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay , opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is the U.S. election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society ?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 50 great argumentative essay topics for any assignment.

General Education

At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
• Do GMOs help or harm people?
• Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
• Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
• Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
• Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
• Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

• Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
• Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
• Should sports be segregated by gender?
• Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
• Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
• Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
• Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
• Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
• Should religion be taught in schools?
• Should clergy be allowed to marry?
• Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
• Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
• Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

• Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
• Should Puerto Rico become a state?
• Should voter registration be automatic?
• Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
• Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
• Should sex work be legalized?
• Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
• Should the death penalty be legal?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should drug possession be decriminalized?

• Should unpaid internships be legal?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Should monopolies be allowed?
• Is universal basic income a good idea?
• Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
• Are school uniforms a good idea?
• Should PE affect a student’s grades?
• Should college be free?
• Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
• Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should books with objectionable words be banned?
• Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
• Is art education important?
• Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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Ultimate Argumentative Essay Topics List

26 July, 2020

18 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

One of the most difficult assignments is one where you are given total freedom over the topic and subject. Where do you even begin looking for topics for an argumentative essay? Truly, the possibilities are endless – and usually, a little overwhelming. Doubts start to pour in. Is the topic right, good enough or even argumentative? Here is some advice on how to find the ultimate argumentative essay topic.

First of all, the best place to start is with the assignment and type of essay – remind yourself what the purpose of an argumentative essay is.

The purpose of this specific essay is to pose a question and answer it with compelling evidence. At its core, this essay type works to champion a specific viewpoint. The key, however, is that the topic of the argumentative essay has multiple sides. The audience can explain, weigh and judge these sides using relevant sources.

And secondly, choose something that you care about. Still, need some help to get those creative juices flowing? Here are some prompts to help you find that awesome title for an argumentative essay.

What makes a good topic for an argumentative essay

The key to choose a good topic for an argumentative essay is to pick a subject where there is a lot of debates on topics or stances. Selecting a debatable topic where there are no clear answers or even perspectives that are hundred percent correct gives you a lot of grey areas to work in, and a lot of sources to juxtapose against each to create your own viewpoint.

So, here is a short checklist on how to choose interesting argumentative topics:

If you can answer yes to all of these questions , then you have a great topic to write about.

If you’re having hard times choosing this topic yourself, consider our custom essay writing service. Surely, we guarantee quality and transparency of the process!

Need an explanation of how to write an argumentative essay and just find a topic for it? Check out our complete guide to this subject. We’ve got it all covered!

How to choose academic argumentative essay topics

There are three easy ways to create an argumentative essay title (if argumentative essay topics for gun control is juicy but not quite what you are looking for here):

Where to find argumentative essay topics

Argumentative essay topics are easy to find. They are happening around us every day in every walk of life.

If you turn on the television, you’ll find topics on the news as politicians argue about amendments to Medicare Bills, Space exploration, Video games, Pop culture, or the Death penalty.

• Local newspapers. First of all, local newspaper papers can be a good place to find interesting argumentative essay topics. They will have smaller stories on how the overdevelopment of small town to combat homelessness is putting a strain on local infrastructure, whether local law enforcement is doing enough to tackle crime, and whether the government does enough to support the development of the arts programs for local youths.
• Television. Secondly, television programs themselves will content argumentative subjects around issues like feminism, ethnicity, and poverty. Even more, by just watching the Discovery channel you can find great argumentative paper topics about animals. Various TV programs can be the subject of debate. Thus, you can talk about issues around Netflix’s Iron-Fist, the death of Lexa on 100, or the hotly debated topic of whether James Bond has to be white?
• Internet. Finally, the Internet is a good source to find psychology argumentative topics. Websites, where there are debates between people, are also a good place to pick up some interesting argumentative topics. Besides, Quora holds some surprising questions that turn academic quickly. A thread on whether the Hulk was scared in Avengers: Infinity War turned into a debate on French Theory surrounding Roland Barthes essay ‘The Death of the Author’ and the Russo brother’s statement that the Hulk was not scared but annoyed since Bruce Banner used him. It involved a lot of different perspectives the most interesting was whether Barthes viewpoint is still relevant in Tweet-savvy society. So, forums and message boards can be an excellent way to find good argumentative paper topics presented in a new light and debates that you won’t encounter in academic circles.

Related Post: How to write a Persuasive essay

Besides, music and literature are also a good way to find argument essay topics. Moreover, topics to write an argumentative essay on exist in every kind of industry possible – law, medicine, politics, religion, history, etc . The list is truly endless.  Trust us, everything that happens around you has a different perspective, a deeper and different viewpoint. So, just discover those – and you’ll find a debatable topic.

However, if you don’t feel like spending a sleepless night working on an essay, you can buy argumentative essay tasks here.

Argumentative essay topics list

Luckily, we’ve prepared an extensive list of good ideas. So, here are a few lists of some argumentative essay topics ideas to help get those creative juices flowing.

Easy Argumentative Essay topics

These topics for argumentative essays are easy to debate as there is a lot of information and sources available to support a stance on the issue:

• Do violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Do the media put too much pressure on girls to have the perfect body?
• Should marijuana be more diverse in their casting?
• Should people be allowed to hunt purely for entertainment?
• Should governments legalize prostitution?
• How important is the education in the arts?
• Should the state provide healthcare?
• Is testing on animals really necessary?
• Should the government control TV Shows and Movies?

Argumentative essay topics on relationships

We can’t but mention these topics as well:

• Does the increase in social media make us lonelier?
• Should women wear less revealing clothing to curb unwanted attention from men?
• Traditional families, with high moral standards, never raise children that are criminals.
• ‘Culture makes people understand each other better. And if they understand each other better in their soul, it is easier to over the economic and political barriers.’ Paulo Coelho. Discuss this quote in relation to cultural appropriation.

Pop culture argumentative essay topics

• Does television have an impact on intelligence level?
• Video games are replacing literature movies as the new cultural forum for debate.
• Should the government regulate the media?
• Does the government need to introduce greater restriction and penalties on companies like Facebook that misuse our personal data?
• Do the paparazzi violate the privacy of celebrities?

Related Post: Compare&Contrast Essay topics | Research Paper topics

Animal rights argumentative essay topics

• How ethical is it to eat meat?
• Fox hunting is good for the environment.
• Horse / Greyhound racing treat the animals unethically and should be illegal. Discuss.

Cell phone argumentative essay topics

• Do cell phones make families closer?
• Should cell phones be prohibited at schools?
• What laws will prevent drivers from using cell phones while driving?
• Which is better – a smartphone or a smartwatch?
• Cell phones are an important tool for education.

Nutrition argumentative essay topics

• Schools should provide healthier food for children.
• Should vegetarian parents give their children meat?
• Can GMO food help prevent world hunger?
• Would a sugar tax help tackle obesity?
• ‘Steroids, when used correctly, will not only make you stronger and sexier, they will also make you healthier.’ – Jose Canseco. Should doping be allowed in professional sports?

Argumentative essay topics for college

These are great topics for college students:

• Are all documentaries biased and have an agenda?
• How is the #metoo campaign affecting the relationship between genders in the workplace?
• What does it mean to be a feminist? What are the best ways to be a feminist?
• Is caffeine more addictive than cannabis? Should it be banned?
• Do the news media create moral panics for ratings? Should there be greater control over the media?
• Is the increasing amount of student debts deterring people from further education? Is a free college education program the best solution?
• How does the gender segregation in chess highlight gender equality in society?
• Is the monetization of random loot caches in mobile games gambling?
• Do humans have the right to colonize other planets considering the current condition of the Earth?

Meanwhile, finding interesting essay topics is not enough. You should also know how to craft a compelling piece. If you are looking for examples of argumentative essays, here is a sample to help you out!

Argumentative essay topics for middle school

Some ideas for argumentative topics for middle school students could be:

• Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?
• Should school sports be mandatory?
• Newspapers aren’t needed anymore.
• The world should have one language.
• The media shouldn’t depict violent scenes.
• Are athletes being paid too much?
• Video games can be considered a piece of art.
• Should space exploration receive more funding?
• School uniforms improve students’ achievement.
• Should recycle become mandatory?

Argumentative essay topics for high school

Here are some argumentative topic prompts for high school students:

• Is prison the best way to reform criminal behavior?
• Should we legalize human cloning?
• Do social media have a positive or negative impact on teenagers?
• Should public schools teach religion?
• Restriction of the Internet policies in high school impact grades.
• It is ethically wrong to keep exotic animals as pets.
• Learning to write with a pen from a young age is impotent.
• A minimum wage boost would be detrimental to the economy.
• iPads and online resources should replace textbooks at schools.

Controversial argumentative essay topics

Some topics that are controversial to debate and evoke strong opinions:

• Should prostitution be legalized?
• Would greater gun control lower the violent crime rate in the U.S?
• Are there greater benefits from legalizing controlled substances as opposed to outlawing them and creating a black market?
• Do terminally ill patients have the right to euthanasia treatments?
• Should the government give more rights to immigrants?
• Is religion the cause of all wars?
• Should the state impose limits on family sizes to stop overpopulation?
• Should hate speeches be protected under the freedom of speech?

By the way, you should also take a look at our complete essay format guide. You don’t want to lose grades due to incorrect essay format. So, learn how to do it right with us!

Funny argumentative essay topics

These are funny and fun essays to write on:

• Should students be allowed to grade their peers?
• Can graffiti ever be considered art?
• Should we classify video games as a sport?
• Infomercials are a great source for facts.
• What goes on in the mind of a cat?
• Does smoking pot make you a better essay writer ?
• Scientists should use plain English.
• Cute cat videos are the secret to world peace.
• Is Hell endothermic or exothermic?
• Should police officers provide rewards to safe drivers?

Social argumentative essay topics

While still on the subject, these argumentative titles revolve around social issues in society:

• The police force should reflect the community they serve both racially and culturally.
• Are beauty contests for young girls a positive or negative issue?
• The Internet is destroying art and creativity as it impinges on the rights of artists.
• How important is it that we encourage minority groups to join law enforcement?
• Are teenagers being pressured into college?
• How is the increasing amount of camera used by the police creating a society where privacy has been eroded?
• Is teenage pregnancy really a problem for society?
• What role does creationism play in education? Should any educational institute be governed by religion?
• Is humanity good or evil by its nature?

Moral social argumentative topics

These are some argumentative essay topics based on ethical questions:

• When, if ever, is it morally right to tell lies?
• ‘Killing someone is the ultimate crime, while on the other hand, killing someone in uniform is the fulfillment of duty.’ – Ramman Kenoun. Is killing someone every justified? Discuss in relation to Euthanasia, the Death Penalty, and War.
• Drug use is a product of society’s ills and not an individual’s weakness.
• The main impact of society becoming more secular is the decrease in moral fiber and integrity of its populace.
• Torture is a necessary evil for the protection of the state. Discuss.
• Is there any justification for war?
• By buying products for countries that endorse child labor are we supporting the process?
• Are nude photographs and portraits appropriate artwork for museums?
• Does the preservation of a country’s culture take precedence over the rights of its new immigrants to conserve their old way of life on new soil?

Argumentative essays based on quotes

Quotes are a great way to give an argumentative essay title a great kick and focus:

• ‘ The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between.’ – Mother Teresa. Does abortion really destroy peace?
• ‘So what if I’m smokin’ weed onstage and doing what I gotta do? It’s not me shooting nobody, stabbing nobody, killing nobody. It’s a peaceful gesture, and they have to respect that and appreciate that.’ – Snoop Dogg. Discuss the relationship between drugs and violent crime in relation to the quote.
• ‘Peace is not made at the council table or by treaties, but in the hearts of men.’ – Herbert Hoover. Discuss this quote in line with US international politics.
• ‘So you think that money is the root of all evil. Have you ever asked what is the root of all money?’ Is money a source of evil in society?
• ‘Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.’ – Mahatma Gandhi
• ‘Do countries with strong gun control laws have lower murder rates? Only if you cherry-pick the data.’ If argumentative and persuasive essays cherry pick the data to strengthen their position, does research obscure the facts rather than inform? Discuss.
• ‘We have our own culture, our own community. A lot of people don’t realize that. They just assume that deaf people are very unfortunate, very disabled, but no.’ – Nyle DiMarco. Media and society often stigmatize groups through stereotypical and general presentations which have the detrimental impact on their identity. Should the media remain silent on disabilities? Discuss.
• ‘ You don’t have to burn books to destroy a culture just get people to stop reading them.’ – Ray Bradbury. Has the invention Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube lead to a cultural decline?
• ‘We seldom realize, for example, that our most private thoughts and emotions are not actually our own. For we think in terms of languages and images which we did not invent, but which were given to us by society.’ – Alan W Watts. Discuss.
• ‘I always felt the ‘X-Men,’ in a subtle way, often touched upon the subject of racism and inequality, and I believe that subject has come up in other titles, too.’ – Stan Lee. Comic books are always striving to be at the forefront of equality often changing the ethnicity, and sexuality of their characters. Do these changes suggest that ethnicity, gender, and sexuality have no impact on personal identity only social perception?

Sports argumentative essay topics

Meanwhile, sports are popular choices for discussion:

• We should ban boxing and violent sports.
• Performance enhancing drugs are becoming more prevalent in sports. What can we do to combat the problem?
• Is cheerleading a sport too?
• Football is too dangerous for the player, especially children, and schools should ban it.
• Controlled substances should not be advertised at sports events.
• Sports involving cars should use more environmentally friendly biofuel.
• Schools focus too much of their budget on sports and not enough on arts.
• There is no advantage in going first in chess.
• There is no need to separate sports by gender.

Finally, now that you’re ready to work on your paper, we want to remind you of t he importance of proper essay structure . Remember to compose an essay that consists of an introduction with a strong thesis statement, at least three main body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

The correct structure will only make your essay more compelling. So, choose one of our argumentative essay topics, and get down to business!

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Essay Topics for Middle School

The purpose of argumentative essays is to provide the audience with explanations regarding one perspective of an argument. This type of paper is very similar to a persuasive essay , seeing as its target is to offer explanations about a particular side of a topic. However, unlike persuasive essays, argumentative essays must not describe the personal beliefs of the essay writer. Your argumentative essay must not entail your viewpoints! In other words, when writing this type of paper, you must solely mention the side of the topic you embrace. Afterwards, you need to explain the reasons for which you support that side.

There are plenty of subjects that a student may approach in an argumentative essay . It is needless to say that you should opt for a subject that you regard as interesting. After you decide on a topic, you need to respond to the query and then substantiate your response with at least three motivations as to why you think like that. For instance, let’s say you choose the first topic from our list. If that is the case, a good idea would be to begin by stating that it’s not right for sports to be coeducational. Later on, you need to provide the audience with three motivations that support your belief. Remember to keep in mind writing conventions it's always essential.

• Is it right for sports to be coeducational?
• Is it right for educational institutions to sell fast food?
• Should uniforms be mandatory in educational institutions?
• Should bullies be subjected to more decisive disciplinary measures?
• Should preadolescents and adolescents be allowed inside shopping centers without being accompanied by an adult?
• Should students be given less homework?
• At what age should one be allowed to be home alone?
• Is it right to impose a bedtime for children who attend middle school?
• Is summer school designed to help children?
• What modifications would you bring to your school’s lunch selection?
• Should sports be a compulsory school subject?
• Do children spend too much time in front of the TV?
• Is it right to ask children to perform chores?
• Should wearing a seat belt be mandatory while traveling by bus?
• Should children who engage in sporting activities still be required to take sports as a school subject?
• Should kids pay more attention to the food they ingest to avoid future health issues?
• Should children be given more pocket money?
• Should students go to school all year long and get more vacations to enhance the educational process?
• Is children’s behavior influenced by the violence they witness in video games or TV programs?
• Would it be a good idea for your school to launch a school newspaper?

You are to choose any of these subjects as the topic of your argumentative essay. If you want to know how to write a biography essay check out our blog. Each of them is devised to pose a question regarding a controversial perspective and stimulating you to demonstrate your point of view. Hence, you would be required to explain your side of the argument. Moreover, each of your body paragraphs should discuss a distinct reason for which you support that side.

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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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Education Producer

• Madison, Wisconsin
• PUBLIC MEDIA/PBS WISCONSIN
• Public Broadcasting
• Partially Remote
• Staff-Full Time
• Opening at: May 21 2024 at 14:50 CDT
• Closing at: Jun 4 2024 at 23:55 CDT

Job Summary:

PBS Wisconsin Education's Education Producer develops and produces classroom media for upper elementary and middle school science, social studies, local history and culture, and English Language Arts studies. This may include identifying topics, themes, and/or learning goals, conducting research, writing scripts, interviewing guests, or directing hosts. This position primarily produces in video format, but may also produce interactives, animations, and educational text supports. In this hybrid role you will bring your aesthetic and creative skills to select stories and generate ideas for in-classroom learning media, manage logistics for and lead in the production of that media, and oversee and/or participate in post-production tasks all the way through media publishing. We are looking to fill two Education Producer positions. One position will primarily be focusing on producing science education content, while the other position will focus on Arts and Culture content produced for ELA classrooms. Both producers will be expected to assist with the production of media that focuses on other curricular content areas produced by our team. This position works with colleagues across the educational ecosystem to ensure that the content we create is aligned with educational standards in use in Wisconsin and works with advisors to ensure that the content is accurate and inclusive. This position reports to the Executive Producer of Education.

Responsibilities:

• 25% Researches and develops production strategy for one or more programs across broadcast and digital platforms
• 35% Produces, develops, and edits content that may include identifying topics, themes, guests, conducting pre-interviews and/or interviews, writing, and/or integrating content for multimedia platforms
• 10% Performs daily operational activities for live and pre-recorded content, and may direct the editorial and creative process of production activities
• 15% Collaborates with other content creators in pre- to post-production processes, prepares materials, and handles logistics for broadcast and/or digital publications
• 5% Maintains familiarity with studio equipment and/or applicable technology for production
• 5% May schedule and direct operational activities for content production, including live/recorded studio or field productions
• 5% Collaborate with project partners, educators, and cross-department units to ensure produced media aligns with agreed upon or desired learning goals.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals. The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world. For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Preferred Bachelor's Degree in media production and/or science education/ELA curricular areas.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience producing video and/or creating educational resources. - Competency in video production; experience with pre-production, production, and/or post-production processes. - Strong written communication skills as needed for the pre-production process. e.g. Script development, curriculum development etc. - Proven ability to translate topics into easily understood material, with an ability to employ engaging, creative approaches. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Technical cinematography skills, including knowledge of DSLR and/or cinema-style cameras, lenses, and lighting. - Technical knowledge of video editing post-production, including familiarity with Adobe Premiere and motion graphics. - Familiarity communicating topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state standards - For the Education Science Producer; experience communicating science topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state science standards, and familiarity with environmental education and climate science. - For the Education Arts & Culture Producer, familiarity communicating ELA topics for learning, familiarity with National or Wisconsin state ELA standards, and familiarity with ELA education.

Full Time: 100% This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Minimum $56,112 ANNUAL (12 months) Depending on Qualifications We expect to pay in the mid to high 50's to low 60's. Actual pay will depend on qualifications.

Additional Information:

The person in this position will be required to comply with the Ethical Guidelines for All Staff of Wisconsin Public Radio and Television located here: https://www.wpr.org/wpr-ethical-guidelines , in addition to the UW-Madison code of ethics. Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. #PBS

How to Apply:

The following must be received for your application to be complete: 1) Resume 2) A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, including additional information on any of the required or preferred experience bullet points that connect to your experience and background. 3) A portfolio that includes two to four video pieces that you have worked on. We will also accept other media formats, such as animations, interactives, or other educational media. Choose samples where the intent of the piece is to explain or educate on a topic. Include a paragraph explaining your exact role in creating the resource or media, what aspects you were not directly responsible for or involved in, and what you think is successful about the work. 4) Optional (not required to complete application): Samples of lesson plans or curriculum development, or a cinematography reel. Finalists will be asked to provide a list of at least three professional references with titles, emails, and phone numbers (including at least one supervisory reference). Note that references will not be contacted without your prior knowledge.

Amanda Vinova [email protected] 608-262-0598 Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Multimedia Producer II(PB007)

Department(s):

A46-PUBLIC MEDIA/PBS WISCONSIN

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

The university of wisconsin-madison is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer..

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