what is a good topic to write an argument essay on

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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
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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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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Convincing Thesis Statement

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

Ample Research

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

Clear Structure

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

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

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

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

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

Art / Culture

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

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

18 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

Are you about to write an argumentative essay but still confused about the topic?

Argumentative essays help students learn more about the subject matter of a particular course. This kind of writing is a genuine key to learning argumentative skills. You must pay attention to your subject while choosing a strong topic for your essay.

But what if you don’t even know what to write about?

Don’t worry! Here is a list of topics and tips to help you decide on the perfect topic for your argumentative paper.

So read on and make choosing a topic easier!

On this Page

Argumentative Essay Topics for students

Argumentative essay writing is one common academic assignment that almost every student will get to draft. In order to help the students, we have prepared a list of argumentative topic ideas. Pick a topic that works the best for you.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

What age is suitable for kids to start schooling?
Should students be allowed to evaluate their teachers?
Metal music should be banned due to its violent lyrics.
What are the pros and cons of making friends virtually?
Can we conserve energy as a society?
Does playing violent video games contribute to making a person violent in real life too?
How close is reality TV to real life?
Do girls face more societal pressure than guys?
What is the biggest challenge faced by students today?
Should there be cash rewards for getting a good score on standardized tests?
The rich should pay more taxes than the poor.
Cartoons are better than movies.
Teachers Vs. Parents: who plays a bigger role in shaping a child?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 6

Here are some argumentative essay topics for 6th-grade students:

Should schools start later in the morning?
Is confining wild animals within zoos a cruel practice?
Should there be stricter laws for texting and driving?
Are social media sites like Facebook and Twitter bad for our society?
Should the voting age be lowered to allow young people a voice in democracy?
Should the school year be longer or shorter?
Is it okay for children to play violent video games?
Should cell phones be banned from schools?
Should recycling become a mandatory practice in all households?

Argumentative Essay Topics for 7th Graders

Should schools provide free meals to all students?
Are uniforms necessary for student success?
Does standardized testing accurately measure student progress?
Are after-school activities important for student development?
Is there too much emphasis on social media in education today?
Should schools place a stronger emphasis on physical education?
Are required classes in high school helpful or harmful to students?
Should all students have access to laptops and tablets in the classroom?
Is technology taking away from traditional learning methods in the classroom?
Should gym classes be mandatory for students?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 8

Looking for argumentative essay topics for teenagers? Check out the ideas below:

Should the drinking age be lowered? Should the death penalty be abolished?
Is it necessary for governments to fund childcare?
Is there too much emphasis on standardized testing in schools?
Are schools doing enough to prevent bullying from happening?
Do adolescents need more sleep than adults?
Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
Is social media affecting the way we interact with each other?
What should be done about the student loan crisis?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

Is homeschooling better than the public school educational system?
Smartphones help the learning process.
Is co-education more advantageous than single-sex education?
Are GMOs safe for human consumption?
Is fast food healthy or a serious threat to physical health?
Teenagers feel more comfortable talking on social media rather than face to face.
Should it be legal to get a tattoo for kids younger than 18?
Are standardized tests beneficial for school students?
A negative high school experience you believe is important when it comes to personality.
Does the education system prepare a student for the real world?
Is there life after death?
Our society works on gender equality.
Subjects that should be removed from the high school program.
Is hate crime growing in high school?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

Is the current taxation system effective or not?
Are men paid more than women in our corporate sector?
Should Shakespeare still be studied as part of the college curriculum?
Is college tuition becoming way too expensive?
Are test scores the only way to judge the competency of a student?
Getting a College degree is worth the cost.
Is the system of the electoral college still viable in the US?
Youngsters on social networks don’t realize the significance of privacy on these online sites.
Life is incomplete without faith.
Students nowadays face greater social pressures compared to the past.
Your past does not define you.
What can be done about gun control in the United States?
Is it ethical to genetically modify children to protect against diseases?
Do we need more gender diversity in STEM programs?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Argumentative Essay Topics for University Students

Should mental health services be made available for free?
Is income inequality a necessary part of capitalism?
Should the minimum wage be raised in all countries?
Does technology have a positive or negative impact on mental health?
Should universities be allowed to charge students for taking classes?
Is it necessary for governments to fund space exploration?
Should religion be taught in public schools?
Are animal experiments necessary for medical progress?
Should young students join a political party to enhance the democratic process?
Does free speech help promote extremism in society?

Argumentative Essay Topics for O Levels

Should the government regulate the use of social media?
Is the death penalty an effective way to prevent crime?
Are online classes replacing traditional courses in schools?
Do standardized tests accurately measure academic achievement?
Should abortion be legalized in all countries?
Do celebrity role models have a positive or negative influence on young people?
Should school uniforms be mandatory in all schools?
Should the Internet be censored by governments around the world?
Should GMO foods be allowed in supermarkets?
Does free trade help or harm developing economies?

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Just as important as it is to create compelling content, choosing a great topic is equally important. If you want to score well in academics, you will have to impress your instructor with the best argumentative essay topics.

Below are some great topic ideas for you related to different fields. Choose the right topic for your essay and start the process.

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

Can video gamers be counted as true athletes?
By participating in sports, can children be kept out of trouble?
Should girls be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys?
Should alternatives to steroids be legalized for professional athletes?
Do you consider cheerleading a sport?
Does your College spend a lot of money in the name of sports programs?
Student-athletes should get money for playing.
Betting on sports should be illegal.
Sports events shouldn’t broadcast alcohol and tobacco ads.
Are female athletes looked upon as sexual objects by the media?
All athletes should be tested for drugs before their performance.
Females should not be allowed to take part in extreme sports.
Impact of bodybuilding on a woman’s body in old age.

Argumentative Essay Topics Education

Parents should have an active role in their child's education.
The grading system shouldn’t exist to judge a student’s abilities.
Standardized tests should be abolished in schools.
All students must wear a uniform in high school.
Does technology benefit the educational system?
Studying in a single-sex class is better than studying in a mixed one?
All students must be made to learn a foreign language?
Programming should be made compulsory for all students.
Should students have sex education classes at school?
Should schools have the right to test students for drugs?
Girls should be equally encouraged to take part in sports in school.
The world should have a uniform language.
Hard work isn’t enough for being successful in a student’s life.
Should teachers be allowed to physically discipline their students?
How to bring change in the education system of the United States?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

Are social networks an effective platform for communication?
Do people really get a job through LinkedIn?
Is Facebook legally allowed to leak the private information of its users?
Is it possible to earn a good amount of money from YouTube?
Should Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter be banned permanently?
Social media has successfully increased employment rates.
Celebrity endorsements are unethical.
Social media has destroyed real-life communication.
Social media has made doing business easier.
Blogging is an irrelevant profession.
How is social media depicting beauty standards?
How has social media become a major source of inferiority complex among teenagers?
Is it possible to have a life without social media at this time?
Should underaged children be allowed to own social media accounts?
Pros and cons of social media.

Argumentative Essay Topics Technology

Are cell phones harmful to the human race?
Are spy applications invading the privacy of users?
Are Millennials more dependent on computers than Baby Boomers?
Is Typescript the future of front-end development?
The impact of microwave tech on our biology.Technology has made us lazier.
Should coding be taught from middle school?
Cognitive Computers like Watson are unethical.
Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?
Children shouldn’t be given personal mobile phones.
Self-driving cars and the future of transportation.
Has technology made people less efficient?
Technological advancements in the field of psychology.
Is the future in the hands of Artificial Intelligence?
Pros and cons of depending a lot on technology.

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

What was the impact of European colonization on Native Americans?
What was the role of women in the movement toward revolution?
What were the key causes of the American Revolution?
The key issues that caused conflict between North and South and led to the civil war?
The effects of the Great Depression on the banking industry in America.
Did the Civil Rights Movement reduce or lead to racial violence?
Post World War II, how did America grow?
21st-century American foreign policy.
Is Barack Obama the first American president who made history?
Was slavery an inevitable part of the development of American society?
Should the Indian Removal Act be considered an act of genocide?

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Are antidepressants overprescribed in modern society?
Should mental health services be made free for all?
Is social media affecting mental health negatively?
Is there a stigma attached to seeking out mental health help?
What role do genetics and environment play in determining mental illness?
Can art and music therapy be effective treatments for mental illness?
How can we tackle the stigma associated with mental illness?
What can be done to reduce the prevalence of anxiety in young people?
Should there be mandatory mental health education in schools?

Social Issues Argumentative Topics

Should male workers receive paternity leave too?
Is age a major factor in relationship success or failure?
Is torture acceptable under any circumstance?
What are the primary causes of down syndrome?
What should the punishments be for failed parenting?
A candidate’s appearance shouldn’t be considered in a job hiring process.
Some common stereotypes in your society.
Cheating is increasing every day.
We are way too dependent on computers and technology.
Is boredom the cause of getting into trouble?
Beauty magazines should stop photoshopping models.
Capitalism vs. socialism. What would benefit society more?
Is the women’s rights movement justified?
The real objectives of Feminism.
Impact of homosexuality on society.

Argumentative Essay Topics Animals

Hunting for fun and sports is unethical and must get banned.
Aggressive dog breeds such as pit bulls should not be allowed as pets.
Testing beauty products on animals is justifiable.
Using monkeys for research in labs is a necessary evil.
Wearing fur and leather shouldn’t be unethical.
Is genetic modification of livestock beneficial?
Animal dissection in medical school is a good way to learn.
Owning pets reduces the risk of getting diseases. Do you agree?
Emotional support animals can truly help lonely people.
Keeping exotic animals as pets is inhumane.
Stronger laws must be enforced against animal cruelty.
Pros and cons of animal testing.
How can the emotional support of animals help in treating mental problems?
Significance of microchipping the pets.
Rights enjoyed by the ESA owners.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Ways to decrease childcare costs in the United States.
Are literate people better parents?
Challenges faced by female politicians.
Is rehab effective for sex offenders?
Is music a form of real art?
Spanish is a simple language to learn.
Schools should ban vending machines on-campus.
Are teachers to blame when a student performs poorly?
Are gender stereotypes encouraged by parents?
Illegal immigrants and terrorism: is it related?
Can imposing a tax on sugar help fight obesity.
Should age be a factor in relationships?
Do dreams have a symbolic meaning?
Should South and North Korea become one?
Can depression be cured using natural ways?

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

Looking for some general argumentative essay topic ideas? Here is an ultimate list of great topics that can make your essay writing fun for you and your readers.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Should same-sex marriage be legal in all 50 states within the United States of America?
Is the feminist movement ruining the minds of young girls?
Corruption and its effects on increasing wages.
Hunting should be banned globally. Do you agree?
Which is more beneficial for society, Communism or Capitalism?
Should human cloning be allowed or not?
Abortion – A pro-life or a pro-choice?
Do anti-discrimination laws reinforce discrimination?
Should patients be entitled to request medically-assisted suicide in cases of terminal illness?
Can beauty standards be more inclusive?
Workplace dating should not be allowed, and here’s why.
Displaced immigrants and refugees should be given shelter by every country.
Is vegan or vegetarian life good for health?
Online dating has ruined the essence of old-school romance.
Chocolate can help improve our bad mood.
Is it ethical to eat meat?
Mothers make better parents naturally.
Politics can never be clean and fair.
Should the drinking age be lowered?

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

Are girls more intelligent than boys?
Parents of middle schoolers should control their internet.
Was Johnny Depp the best choice for Burton’s Ed Wood?
Do religious movements cause the outbreak of war?
Are human beings the major source of global climate change?
Is it ethical to have kids perform chores?
Is using LEDs making a difference?
How does being a vegan help the environment?
Should teenage marriages be allowed?
Social media has brought families closer. Is there any truth to this statement?
If the House of Lords had veto power over the House of Commons, Britain would’ve been better off.
It’s okay to date multiple people at the same time.
HIV is falsely associated with homosexuals. Why?
Why are the laws neglecting tobacco and alcohol?
Most of the modern-time artists are one-hit wonders.

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

Is panda hugging a viable career option?
Does Justin Bieber owe his success to negative PR?
Is it true that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?
Is the Bermuda Triangle a real thing?
Is it okay for parents to lie to their children about Santa Claus?
Did the feminist movement ever help you?
How did the feminist movement ever help you?
There is no such thing as organic food.
How to make your roommate believe that moving out is the best option.
Why should I join a different family?
Fans should not judge players after losses or failures.
Is social promotion a helpful practice?
Is racism a natural condition of human society?
Dieting must not be practiced by schoolers.
Should tattoos be perceived as a social deviation?

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Argumentative Essay Topics 2022

Are US elections always fair?
Is the death penalty an effective punishment for criminals?
Is it wise to replace soldiers with machines and artificial intelligence on battlefields?
Should animals be used for performing experiments?
Effects of terrorism on the foreign policy of the United States of America's cosmetic surgery worth the risks?
What is your point of view on a terminally ill person having the right to assisted suicide?
Life 100 years ago was much easier than it is today.
Is religion a factor that contributes to war?
A woman who doesn’t have enough resources to raise a child to be allowed to abort?
Physical activities are the most convenient way to relax.
The best way to enhance education is to decrease the number of classes.
Sports classes should become mandatory for everybody.
The pros and cons of using gadgets for studying purposes.
What is the most important socio-political movement of the modern era?

Argumentative Essay Topics 2023

The following are some amazing topics for argumentative essays. Have a look at them to get a better idea.

Fast food is responsible for childhood obesity in the US.
Is the United States ready for a female president?
Parents need to be very friendly with their kids.
Are smartphones harmful to our health?
Education needs to be free for all.
Is single-sex education still a good idea in 2020?
Should all people pursue a university degree worldwide?
Internet access must be unlimited and free.
Modern education has to eliminate grading systems.
Capitalism should acquire more socially significant policies.
Tourist tax is mandatory to save cultural heritage.
Kindergartens must introduce foreign language instruction.
Is hunting good for environmental well-being?
Using animals for research must be banned.
Women perform better than men in official positions and occupations.

Choosing a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

So you know the importance of choosing the right topic when writing an argumentative essay.

But what are you going to write about?

You sure don’t want to pick an argumentative essay topic that everyone else is working on. And you don’t want to research an argumentative topic where information and data are impossible to find.

You hopefully want to write on a debatable topic that will interest both you and your reader. Here are the criteria we use to choose a topic for argumentative essays:

It has to be interesting to the writer. You’ll be outlining, researching, and writing in-depth, so pick an engaging topic for your argument.
Have some information to begin with. The more familiar you are with the subject area, the easier it will be for both you and the reader.
The best argumentative essay topics are mostly controversial. If there’s no conflict and everyone agrees on everything, it won’t qualify as an argumentative essay.
An arguable thesis statement can be created according to the topic.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

A good argumentative essay is one that presents a well-reasoned and logical argument. It should be supported by facts and evidence, not just speculation or opinion. To create an effective argumentative essay, the writer must provide a strong case for their position on any given topic.

Strong Introduction and Thesis

The first element of a good argumentative essay is an interesting and clear introduction. This should introduce the topic in a way that engages readers and makes them want to learn more.

It should also provide an overview of the writer's position on the issue, as well as any evidence they will be using to support their argument.

Good Research and Evidence

Good argumentation requires good evidence. So a good argumentative essay should be backed up by research and evidence.

If a writer is making an assertion, they must provide evidence to back it up. This could include physical evidence such as statistics or quotes from experts in the field, as well as logical arguments that support their position.

Organized Structure

The structure of an argumentative essay is also important. It should be structured in a way that makes it easy to follow and understand.

This could include using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up the text into more manageable pieces. In addition, it should have a clear flow of ideas, with each paragraph logically leading to the next.

Effective Conclusion

Finally, a good argumentative essay should have an effective conclusion. This should provide a summary of the writer's main points and reiterate their position on the issue. The conclusion should also leave readers with something to think about, leaving them informed and with new insight.

After reading our list, don’t be surprised if your mind starts coming up with additional topics for an argumentative essay. We recommend that you keep a notebook or journal handy to record these topic ideas for later.

These were some of the most interesting essay topics . Did you find a topic to write on?

Now, before you overwhelm yourself by jumping straight to the writing process, we have a helpful tip for you. Go through this detailed article to learn how to craft an argumentative essay effectively.

Seeking help from professionals is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when your grades are at stake. It is quite common for some students not to have a knack for writing. Also, some might not have the time to complete assignments.

If you can relate to such students, you should consider taking help from a reliable essay writing service such as 5StarEssays.com . You can simply request ‘ write my essay '. And we will have an expert essay writer to provide you with high-quality assignments regardless of type and field.

Or, use our AI Essay Generator , for AI powered writing help to guide your way!

Masters Essay, Literature

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

Recent Student Opinion and Picture Prompts, categorized by topic, to help students discover the issues that matter to them.

what is a good topic to write an argument essay on

By The Learning Network

Update: This list is available as a PDF .

If you’ve taught argument writing with our resources in the past, you already know we ask a fresh question every day as part of our long-running Student Opinion series . Teenagers around the world are invited to visit and post their thoughts on topics including politics, medical ethics, fashion, sports and entertainment.

We’ve rounded up lists of these prompts in the past, but this year we’re doing something new: Below you can find a categorized collection of all our recent, relevant Student Opinion questions, but alongside them we’re also including related Picture Prompts. These short, image-based forums are accessible to learners of all ages, but still provide engaging jumping-off points to help students make and support claims.

For instance, let’s say your class is interested in meme culture. A Student Opinion question asks, “ Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? ” and invites students to read and weigh in on a New York Times article that examines the role of memes in how teenagers process world events. Over 700 students have already submitted their thoughts .

But if you scan the “Technology and Social Media” category below, you’ll see we also have a Picture Prompt that asks a more direct, concrete question: “ What are your favorite memes? ” For many, that may be a fun, comfortable place to start.

So give your students both “voice and choice” by inviting them to find the questions and format that speak to them. All the prompts below are still open for comment. We look forward to seeing which ones inspire the most passionate arguments, and we invite your class to submit the results to our Eighth Annual Editorial Contest .

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How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

Make a claim
Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
Cite data to support your claim
Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
Highlight the problems with this position
Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

An argumentative essay is just what it sounds like: an essay where you argue. You pick a topic, take a stance, research information to support your opinion, state your claims, and voilà! You’ve got your essay.

Choose a topic that is debatable. You need to present your own personal stance but also discuss an opposing point of view. If the topic is too universally agreed upon, it won’t work.

As simple as that may sound, writing a persuasive essay can be quite difficult for even very experienced writers. It takes excellent organization and planning to clearly address your thoughts and requires stellar research skills to find valid arguments that support your claim.

But before you can state your case, you first need to come up with the topic you’re going to argue about.

How to Choose a Topic for an Argumentative Essay

When you choose a topic for an argumentative essay, it’s important to keep these tips in mind:

Your topic must be debatable. Duh... this seems obvious, but it’s worth stating. You need a topic that has (at least) two sides. Choosing a topic such as Puerto Rico is My Favorite Place is not really debatable. However, picking a topic like Puerto Rico Should Become the 51st State to Join the United States is something arguable. Some people agree with this statement, and others do not. There are pros and cons that can be discussed. ‍
Write about what people are talking about. Watch the news. Browse the internet. It’s more engaging to write about something that’s relevant right now. For example, if you keep hearing a lot about immigration, you might choose a topic such as America Should Close Its Borders . Or if you read a lot about standardized testing in schools, you can create a topic like Colleges Should Eliminate Standardized Testing From Their Application Process . When a topic is current and intriguing, it makes for a more interesting essay. ‍
Reflect on your interests. It’s always better to write about something for which you have a passion. If you love video games, you could write a persuasive essay such as Video Gaming is Healthy for Teens . If you’re passionate about sports, you could cover something like College Athletes Deserve to Be Paid . Researching and writing an argumentative essay takes quite a bit of time, so you should pick a topic you’re fascinated by to make the process a little less painless.

Forming General Arguments

To test whether or not the prompt you have in mind is up to snuff for an entire essay, you can test it out by putting it in a general argument.

Pick the topic you’re thinking about and see if it works as a two-sided debate in any of the following formats:

Is…effective? Productive? Helpful? Worth it? (i.e. Is school choice effective?)
Is…hurtful? Harmful? Wasteful? (i.e. Is fracking harmful to the environment?)
…should be allowed for… (i.e. Alcohol should be allowed for all people who are 18 and older. )
…should be forbidden for… (i.e. Football should be forbidden for children under the age of ten .)

If you can make a topic from any of these, you’re ready at this point to start outlining your essay . If not, you need to find a more specific starting point.

To see if your topic has enough depth to fill up a full essay assignment, try putting it into a general argument. This will help you determine if the prompt you have in mind is truly debatable.

Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Need some ideas to help you choose a topic? This list will get you started.

Note that these are listed as questions so you can take your own stance. For example, Should everyone have free healthcare? gives you at least two possible topics depending on your point of view: Everyone is Entitled to Free Healthcare vs. It is Not the Government’s Responsibility to Provide Healthcare for Everyone .

Laws & Policies

Should the drinking age be lowered/raised?
Should military participation be mandatory for all citizens?
Should all Americans be required to speak English fluently?
Should Americans be required to speak Spanish?
Should teachers be armed?
Should gun control laws be stricter?
Should the military age be lowered/raised?
Should there be limits to free speech?
Should marijuana be legal?
Should the internet be censored?
Are gun control laws too strict?
Should people of the same sex be allowed to marry each other?
Should abortion be legal?
Should laws be grounded in religion?
Should churches be tax-free institutions?
Should the voting age be lowered/raised?
Should felons have the right to vote?
Should the electoral college still exist?
Should Puerto Rico become a state?
Should all politicians have term limits?
Should everyone have free healthcare?
Should social security be privatized?
Should the United States build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico?
Should the minimum wage be raised?
Should wealthier citizens pay more taxes?
Should the use of the penny be eliminated?
Should every citizen be required to vote?
Is life better now than it was X years ago?
Who is the greatest president of all time?
Who is the most ethical/moral politician that has ever served?
Is globalization a good thing?
How can governments prevent World War 3?
Is democracy the best form of government?
Are teenagers now smarter than teenagers of past generations?
Does revolution result in real change?
Should the U.S. get involved with other countries’ wars?
Should cursive writing be taught in schools?
Should students have to wear school uniforms?
Should all students have free college tuition?
Should teachers be paid more?
Should K–12 school selection be based on where you live?
Should all students be required to study abroad?
Should year-round schooling be mandatory?
Should high school start times be later?
Should everyone be required to learn a foreign language?
Should schools have mandatory metal detectors and security guards?
Is standardized testing fair?
Should prayer be allowed in school?
Should sex education be required for all students?
Are single-sex schools more effective?
Should students be required to take a year off before starting college?

Science & Technology

Should we invest in space travel?
Are nuclear weapons helping make the world safe?
Are video games harmful?
Do video games cause children to be violent?
Does screen time have an effect on a child’s social behavior?
Should animals be used to test new products?
Has technology helped or hurt society?
Does technology make life easier?
Are online relationships legitimate?
Is cloning ethical?
How can we best fight against the obesity epidemic?
Should smoking be illegal?
Should energy drinks be banned?
Are diets helpful?
Is technology making healthcare more/less personal?
Should schools offer healthier food choices?
Should doctor-assisted suicide exist?
Should unhealthy foods and beverages be taxed at a higher rate?
Should physical education be mandatory for everyone?
Should recycling be mandatory?
Should every household have a trash limit?
Should people eat vegan to help save the environment?
Should tax money be used to save endangered species?
Should cars be outlawed in cities?
Should plastic straws and bags be banned worldwide?
Should there be limits on water usage?
Should solar and wind power be used more often than other energies?
Should college athletes be paid?
Should players have to stand for the National Anthem?
Do athletes have a responsibility to be role models?
Who is the greatest athlete of all time?
Is football too dangerous for young athletes?
Should sports betting be illegal?
Does playing a sport help build character in young children?
Should professional sports have cheerleaders?

Pop Culture & the Arts

Should beauty contests be terminated?
Should artwork be censored?
Do celebrities have responsibilities to be role models?
Is social media helpful or hurtful?
Do television shows accurately represent current American lifestyles?
Should music be censored?
Should people live together before marriage?
Should children be put in the spotlight at a young age?
Does money lead to happiness?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Is there any time when breaking the law is okay?
Is money the root of all evil?
Are we responsible for other people or only for ourselves?
Do the ends justify the means of any action?
Can people ever change who they are?

Once you have chosen a topic that is relevant, debatable, and worth discussing, you are free to begin organizing your argumentative essay. Outline your opinion, do some research, and get started!

How to Write Essay Titles and Headers

Don’t overlook the title and section headers when putting together your next writing assignment. Follow these pointers for keeping your writing organized and effective.

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Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay Topics

Take Your Pick – 200+ Argumentative Essay Topics

20 min read

Published on: Jul 11, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

Best Argumentative Essay Topics For Students

When it comes to choosing an argumentative essay topic, itâs important to select one that is interesting and relevant.

While you may think that any topic will do, considering the audience you are writing for can be beneficial.

Think about topics that have a lot of room for debate and analysis. This will ensure that your paper is engaging and well-developed.

Let's dive into our comprehensive list of topics!

Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

Should students be required to wear uniforms in school?
Should schools offer fast food options in their cafeteria?
Is homework beneficial or detrimental to student learning?
Are video games a positive or negative influence on kids?
Should competitive sports be mandatory for all students?
Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student success?
Should students be allowed to use cell phones in the classroom?
Is year-round school a better option for students?
Is cheating in school ever justified?
Should high schools offer more career guidance and job placement assistance?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 6

Should students be required to do community service in order to graduate?
Is recess an important part of the school day?
Are zoos necessary for animal conservation?
Are video games or movies more educational for kids?
Is it appropriate for children to watch horror films?
Are video games a good way to keep kids active?
Should students be allowed to have their own social media accounts?
Is it important for children to learn cursive handwriting in school?
Is learning a foreign language at a young age beneficial?
Are competition-based activities good for building teamwork skills?

Argumentative Essay Topics For 7th Graders

Should parents be required to limit their childrenâs screen time?
Do school lunches provide enough nutrition for students?
Is using a computer in the classroom better than using textbooks?
Should physical education classes be mandatory in schools?
Should students be allowed to use their phones during class?
Is cheating ever justified in school assignments?
Are single-sex classrooms better for learning than co-ed ones?
Do children learn best through play or through instruction?
Should schools offer more career guidance and job placement assistance?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 8

Should students be allowed to use cell phones in the classroom?
Should schools offer more vocational courses for students?
Is standardized testing an accurate measure of student success?
Should elementary schools offer more technology classes?
Are year-round schools better for student learning?
Is online learning as effective as traditional methods of teaching?
Should teachers be allowed to assign homework over the weekend?

Argumentative Essay Topics For High School

Should students be able to choose their own courses in high school?
Is the current system of education outdated and in need of reform?
Is cheating ever justified in exams or assignments?
Does standardized testing accurately measure student intelligence?
Is it necessary for high schoolers to learn a foreign language?
Should students be required to participate in physical education classes?
Is there too much emphasis on technology in classrooms today?
Should high schoolers have part-time jobs during their studies?
Is it important for schools to offer more career guidance and job placement assistance? ?
Should students participate in more outdoor games?

Argumentative Essay Topics For O Levels

Should students be allowed to use cell phones in school?
Is standardized testing an effective measure of student success?
How can schools best prepare students for the job market?
Are universities doing enough to prepare students for the future?
Should physical education classes be mandatory in high school?
Should students be able to choose their own classes in college?
Are video games a problem for children these days?
Do video games have a positive or negative influence on kids?
Should online classes be offered as an alternative to traditional schooling? ?

Argumentative Essay Topics For College Students

Are colleges doing enough to prepare students for the job market?
Should college athletes be paid for their performance?
Is standardized testing an accurate measure of student intelligence?
What is the best way to prevent cheating in university exams?
Is a college degree still necessary for success in todayâs job market?
Should universities offer more vocational courses for students?
Are year-round classes beneficial or detrimental to student learning?
How can we best ensure that college graduates have the skills they need for success?
Should college admissions be based on test scores and grades alone? ?

Argumentative Essay Topics For University Students

Is the current system of higher education outdated and in need of reform?
Are online classes as effective as traditional ones for student learning?
Are admissions tests the right test to give admission to a student?
Is it necessary for university students to learn a foreign language?
Should college admissions be based on test scores and grades alone?
How can universities best prepare students for the job market?
Does standardized testing accurately measure student intelligence? ?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Teenagers

Should teens be allowed to make their own decisions about their education?
Is it important for teenagers to learn a foreign language?
Does Social Media have a negative impact on teenage mental health?
Are online classes just as effective as traditional ones for student learning?
Is standardized testing an accurate measure of student intelligence?
Are teenagers more attracted to drugs than adults?
Is it beneficial for teenagers to have part-time jobs during their studies?
Should there be stricter laws in place to regulate the use of cell phones by teens?
How can schools best prepare teenagers for the job market?

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
Is homework necessary for students to succeed academically?
Should junk food be banned in schools?
Are video games beneficial or harmful to children?
Should school uniforms be mandatory for all students?
Is it better to read books or use technology for learning?
Should pets be allowed in all public places?
Is it fair for kids to have an equal share of household chores?
Should children be allowed to watch TV or use electronic devices before bedtime?
Is it better to be an only child or have siblings?

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the minimum wage be increased?
Do plastic bags have a negative environmental impact?
Is violence in video games and films responsible for violent behavior in children?
Is standardized testing an effective measure of student learning?
Should the voting age be lowered?
Should animals be used in scientific research?
Is it necessary to have a college degree in order to be successful in life?
Is social media responsible for a rise in mental health issues among teenagers? ?

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

Are artificial intelligence and robotics a threat to human employment?
How can governments best address the global refugee crisis?
Should employers be required to provide flexible working hours for parents?
Is the current education system in need of reform to prepare students for the job market?
Should universities be held accountable for the success of their graduates?
How can technology best be utilized to improve the quality of education?
Should college admissions be based on test scores and grades alone?
Is the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports a violation of ethical standards? ?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Is it ethical to use animals for scientific research?
Are student-athletes receiving fair compensation for their performance?
Should the death penalty be abolished in all countries?
Is the current immigration system in need of reform?
Do violent video games and films contribute to the rise in crime?
Should same-sex marriage be legalized in all countries?
Should abortion be made illegal in all countries? ?

Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
What are the benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling?
Does social media have a negative impact on teenage mental health?
Are school uniforms a necessary expense?
Is homeschooling better than a normal school?
What measures should be taken to protect endangered species? ?

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the âStar Warsâ prequel trilogy be considered canon?
Is it important for teenagers to learn how to play a musical instrument?
What are the beneficial effects of video games on teenage development?
Are there any benefits to watching television shows or movies in 3D?
Are superheroes a necessary element in modern-day films?
Should children be allowed to watch movies rated PG-13 and above?
Is it ethical for companies to produce products with an âend of lifeâ plan built into them?
Can art influence society in a positive way?
Should parents be allowed to choose their childâs gender before birth?
Is the book always better than the movie adaptation? ?

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

What is the link between mental health and physical health?
Is there a stigma attached to mental illness?
How can we better support young people with mental health issues?
Does social media have an impact on our mental well-being?
Should all schools provide access to mental health professionals?
What measures should be taken to reduce the incidence of suicide among teens?
Are there any benefits to taking medication for mental health issues?
Should employers make accommodations for employees with mental illness?
Is it ethical to force someone into treatment for a mental health condition?
Should mental health be considered an important part of healthcare reform?

General Argumentative Essay Topics ?

Should genetically modified crops be widely adopted in agriculture?
Is it ethically justifiable to genetically modify humans for the purpose of treating terminal illnesses?
Should the United States abolish the Electoral College in favor of a popular vote system?
Is there a need for better support systems and reduced stigma around mental health in the workplace?
Is taking a gap year after high school a beneficial choice for personal and academic growth?
Is the death penalty a justifiable form of punishment or an act of barbarism?
What should be the role of the United States in global politics: assertive superpower or impartial mediator?
How do political parties impact and shape the democratic process in the United States?
Should high school students have more opportunities for physical education beyond traditional gym classes?
Is animal testing a necessary evil or an unjustified act of cruelty?

How to Choose a Good Argumentative Essay Topic?

Choosing a good argumentative essay topic can be challenging. Itâs important to pick a topic that is both interesting and has two sides that can be argued on.

Here are some tips to help you choose the best argumentative essay topic:

1. Choose a topic that interests you

This is the most important factor when selecting an argumentative essay topic. Pick a subject that is interesting to you and allows for debate or discussion.

2. Consider both sides of the argument

There must be two opposing positions in any good argument. Make sure your topic allows for both sides to have a valid argument .

3. Research the topic thoroughly

Take the time to research and understand both sides of the issue before you begin writing your essay. This will help ensure that you are able to make an informed argument in your paper.

4. Consider current events

Argumentative essays can be based on any current issue or event, which makes them great topics for discussion. Select a topic that is currently relevant and will engage readers.

5. Think critically

Finally, make sure to approach the essay with an open mind. Consider both sides of the argument before making your own conclusion. This will help ensure that your argument is sound and well-supported. Check out this video to learn more!

Follow these tips and you will be able to choose a good topic for your argumentative essay!

Tips for Writing a Compelling Argumentative Essay

Once youâve selected a great argumentative essay topic, itâs time to start writing! Here are some tips for crafting a compelling argumentative essay:

Structure your paper properly

Make sure that your paper follows the standard structure of an essay and includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Check out the comprehensive blog on how to create a perfect persuasive essay outline !

Use evidence and examples to support your argument

To make your essay more persuasive, be sure to provide facts, statistics, and research-based evidence that supports your opinion.

Be aware of counterarguments

Anticipate the opposing viewpoints on your topic and develop a rebuttal for each one in advance. This will make your essay more convincing and will help you refute any counterarguments.

Use a clear writing style

Your argumentative essay should be written in a formal yet engaging style. Avoid biased language and personal attacks, and focus on presenting the facts objectively.

Take a stance

Choose one side of the argument and make sure your essay expresses your opinion clearly. This will help ensure that you present a convincing argument in your paper.

By following these tips, you can create an effective and compelling argumentative essay!

You now know how to write an argumentative essay, and there are plenty of topics to choose from.

With over 200 examples of argumentative essay topics at your disposal, weâre sure youâll find something that interests you.

Struggling with your upcoming essay? Our online essay writing service is here to rescue you!

Specializing in crafting high-quality argumentative essay writing , our team of expert writers is dedicated to delivering content that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. Whether it's a complex topic or a tight deadline, we've got you covered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose an argumentative essay topic.

When choosing an argumentative essay topic, it is important to select one that you are both knowledgeable and passionate about. Consider topics that you have studied in depth or can research easily.

How should I structure my argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay typically follows the classic five-paragraph structure.

It includes an introduction that introduces your topic and states your claim. Three body paragraphs that provide evidence and analysis to support your claim. Finally, a conclusion that summarizes your argument and emphasizes the importance of your evidence.

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Good Argumentative Essay Topics

Having meaningful conversations and debates is important. Argumentative essays give us a way to do that. But figuring out what to argue about can be tricky. There are so many subjects out there, from big social issues to tricky ethical questions.

In this article, we will help you pick perfect argumentative essay topics that get people talking and make you think. So, let's dive in and find something worth debating!

By the way, if you’re pressed for time, hire an argumentative essay writer right now.

Characteristics of a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

A compelling argumentative essay topic possesses several key characteristics to engage readers and stimulate critical thinking. Here are some qualities to consider:

Characteristics	Description
Relevance
Controversy
Complexity
Evidence
Feasibility
Audience Appeal
Ethical Considerations
Personal Interest
Originality
Scope for Argumentation

If you’d like to know more about how to write an argumentative essay , please review this guide.

How to Choose a Good Argumentative Essay Topic?

Choosing argumentative essay topics is a pivotal step in the writing process. Here's a structured approach in seven steps to help you select the right topic:

Identify Your Interests

Start by brainstorming points that genuinely interest you. Consider issues, controversies, or debates you're passionate about or curious to explore further. Your enthusiasm for the central idea will enhance your motivation and engagement throughout the writing process.

Research Current Events and Trends

Stay updated on current events, trends, societal issues, politics, technology, culture, and other relevant areas. Browse reputable news sources, journals, and online platforms to identify timely, relevant, and potentially controversial subjects.

where to find good argumentative essay topics

Consider Multiple Perspectives

Reflect on different viewpoints surrounding potential subjects. A good argumentative essay often involves exploring opposing arguments and presenting a balanced view. Choose a matter that allows for diverse opinions and encourages critical analysis.

Evaluate Feasibility and Scope

Assess the feasibility of researching and arguing your chosen topical matter within the scope of your essay assignment or word limit. Avoid overly broad themes that are difficult to cover comprehensively and overly narrow subjects that may lack depth or significance.

Check for Credible Sources and Evidence

Ensure that your chosen point is supported by credible evidence, data, research studies, or expert opinions. Conduct preliminary research to determine the availability of reliable sources and evidence to substantiate your arguments. A subject with ample supporting material will strengthen the persuasiveness of your essay.

Consider Audience Interest and Relevance

Analyze your target audience's interests, knowledge level, and values. Choose a point that is likely to resonate with your readers and provoke their interest or thought. Consider the idea's broader societal relevance and potential impact on your audience.

Refine and Narrow Down Your Topic

Once you've generated a list of potential themes, refine and narrow down your choices based on the above criteria. Consider each subject's uniqueness, complexity, controversy, and ethical considerations. Choose the one that best aligns with your interests, research capabilities, and essay assignment requirements.

150 Argumentative Essay Topics

After checking out this collection of topics for an argumentative essay gathered by our essay writers , your creative juices will flow abundantly!

Science Argumentative Essay Topics

Genetic engineering ethics.
Vaccination effectiveness.
Climate change biodiversity.
GMO safety.
Nuclear energy debate.
Space exploration importance.
Tech and climate.
Stem cells in medicine.
Alternative medicine efficacy.
Animal testing ethics.
Plastic pollution impact.
Fracking controversy.
Renewable energy.
Biodiversity conservation.

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Social media's impact on relationships.
Cell phone use in schools.
Ethics of digital surveillance.
AI's threat to employment.
Tech's role in fighting climate change.
Video games' mental health effects.
Internet access as a human right.
Tech's influence on education.
Online vs. traditional learning effectiveness.
Regulating algorithms' societal impact.
Remote work pros and cons.
Government regulation of facial recognition.
Tech addiction's mental health impact.
Necessity of online censorship.
Tech's role in democracy.

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Universal healthcare pros/cons.
Mandatory child vaccination.
Fast food's health impact.
GMO safety in food.
Organ transplantation ethics.
Gov't junk food regulation.
Medical marijuana legalization.
Traditional vs. modern medicine.
Mental health in schools.
Healthcare as a human right.
Antibiotic resistance.
Social media and mental health.
Mental illness stigma.
Healthcare: Privilege or right?
Pharma and public health.

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Democracy's effectiveness.
Electoral college vs. popular vote.
Government's role in inequality.
Term limits for officials.
Campaign finance reform.
Political polarization.
Government surveillance.
Mandatory voting.
Stricter weaponry control.
Money in politics.
Freedom of speech.
Regulating social media.
Gov't action on climate change.
Globalization vs. sovereignty.
Voting age.

Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Standardized testing effectiveness.
Free college education.
Technology in education.
School dress codes.
Homeschooling's impact.
Teaching financial literacy.
Online vs. traditional learning.
Mandatory intercourse education.
Importance of arts education.
Teaching critical thinking.
Year-round schooling pros/cons.
Fairness of grading system.
Standardized curriculums' impact.
Free school meals.
Extracurricular importance.

Environmental Argumentative Essay Topics

The urgency of climate action.
Stricter carbon regulations.
Renewable energy's role.
Deforestation impact.
Single-use plastics ban.
Ethics of animal agriculture.
Preserving natural habitats.
Conservation vs. development.
Recycling program effectiveness.
Eco-friendly consumerism.
Urbanization's environmental impact.
Implementing carbon pricing.
Geoengineering ethics.
Corporate environmental responsibility.

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

Paying college athletes.
Ethics of performance-enhancing substances.
Youth sports' impact on development.
Concussions in sports.
Transgender athletes' participation.
Technology in sports officiating.
Athletes' moral standards.
Sports and gender equality.
Commercialization of sports.
Safety of contact sports.
Racially insensitive team names.
Sports endorsements' influence.
Sports and academic success.
Sports-related gambling.
Legitimacy of esports.

Ethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Capital punishment.
Physician-assisted suicide.
Genetic embryo modification.
Cloning morality.
Abortion debate.
Autonomous vehicles ethics.
Business ethics.
Lying morality.
Animal entertainment.
Firearms control debate.
Charity donation ethics.
Whistleblowing.
Sweatshop labor.
Government morality.

Religion Argumentative Essay Topics

Prayer in public schools.
Ethics of religious conversion.
Religion's impact on society.
Religion and gender equality.
Displaying religious symbols.
Science vs. religion compatibility.
Creationism vs. evolution in schools.
Legitimacy of atheism.
Religion in politics.
Religious extremism ethics.
Taxation of religious institutions.
Religion and LGBTQ+ rights.
Limits on religious freedom.
Existence of a higher power.
Religious teachings in schools.

Social Issues Argumentative Essay Topics

Increasing the minimum wage.
Bias in the criminal justice system.
Affirmative action policies.
Immigration ethics.
Stricter arms control.
Same-gender marriage debate.
Universal healthcare.
Combatting racism.
Free childcare services.
Taxation for income redistribution.
Poverty's impact on education.
Gender pay gap.
Social programs and homelessness.
Freedom of speech vs. hate speech.

Ryan Acton is an essay-writing expert with a Ph.D. in Sociology, specializing in sociological research and historical analysis. By partnering with EssayHub, he provides comprehensive support to students, helping them craft well-informed essays across a variety of topics.

Green, L., Green, L., Green, L., & Green, L. (2024, April 3). 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024 . College Transitions - College Admissions Counseling & Consulting. https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/good-argumentative-essay-topics/
Argumentative Writing Prompts . (n.d.). The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/spotlight/learning-network-argumentative-prompts

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3 Key Tips for How to Write an Argumentative Essay

General Education

If there’s one writing skill you need to have in your toolkit for standardized tests, AP exams, and college-level writing, it’s the ability to make a persuasive argument. Effectively arguing for a position on a topic or issue isn’t just for the debate team— it’s for anyone who wants to ace the essay portion of an exam or make As in college courses.

To give you everything you need to know about how to write an argumentative essay , we’re going to answer the following questions for you:

What is an argumentative essay?
How should an argumentative essay be structured?
How do I write a strong argument?
What’s an example of a strong argumentative essay?
What are the top takeaways for writing argumentative papers?

By the end of this article, you’ll be prepped and ready to write a great argumentative essay yourself!

Now, let’s break this down.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents the writer’s position or stance on a specific topic and uses evidence to support that position. The goal of an argumentative essay is to convince your reader that your position is logical, ethical, and, ultimately, right . In argumentative essays, writers accomplish this by writing:

A clear, persuasive thesis statement in the introduction paragraph
Body paragraphs that use evidence and explanations to support the thesis statement
A paragraph addressing opposing positions on the topic—when appropriate
A conclusion that gives the audience something meaningful to think about.

Introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion: these are the main sections of an argumentative essay. Those probably sound familiar. Where does arguing come into all of this, though? It’s not like you’re having a shouting match with your little brother across the dinner table. You’re just writing words down on a page!

...or are you? Even though writing papers can feel like a lonely process, one of the most important things you can do to be successful in argumentative writing is to think about your argument as participating in a larger conversation . For one thing, you’re going to be responding to the ideas of others as you write your argument. And when you’re done writing, someone—a teacher, a professor, or exam scorer—is going to be reading and evaluating your argument.

If you want to make a strong argument on any topic, you have to get informed about what’s already been said on that topic . That includes researching the different views and positions, figuring out what evidence has been produced, and learning the history of the topic. That means—you guessed it!—argumentative essays almost always require you to incorporate outside sources into your writing.

What Makes Argumentative Essays Unique?

Argumentative essays are different from other types of essays for one main reason: in an argumentative essay, you decide what the argument will be . Some types of essays, like summaries or syntheses, don’t want you to show your stance on the topic—they want you to remain unbiased and neutral.

In argumentative essays, you’re presenting your point of view as the writer and, sometimes, choosing the topic you’ll be arguing about. You just want to make sure that that point of view comes across as informed, well-reasoned, and persuasive.

Another thing about argumentative essays: they’re often longer than other types of essays. Why, you ask? Because it takes time to develop an effective argument. If your argument is going to be persuasive to readers, you have to address multiple points that support your argument, acknowledge counterpoints, and provide enough evidence and explanations to convince your reader that your points are valid.

Our 3 Best Tips for Picking a Great Argumentative Topic

The first step to writing an argumentative essay deciding what to write about! Choosing a topic for your argumentative essay might seem daunting, though. It can feel like you could make an argument about anything under the sun. For example, you could write an argumentative essay about how cats are way cooler than dogs, right?

It’s not quite that simple . Here are some strategies for choosing a topic that serves as a solid foundation for a strong argument.

Choose a Topic That Can Be Supported With Evidence

First, you want to make sure the topic you choose allows you to make a claim that can be supported by evidence that’s considered credible and appropriate for the subject matter ...and, unfortunately, your personal opinions or that Buzzfeed quiz you took last week don’t quite make the cut.

Some topics—like whether cats or dogs are cooler—can generate heated arguments, but at the end of the day, any argument you make on that topic is just going to be a matter of opinion. You have to pick a topic that allows you to take a position that can be supported by actual, researched evidence.

(Quick note: you could write an argumentative paper over the general idea that dogs are better than cats—or visa versa!—if you’re a) more specific and b) choose an idea that has some scientific research behind it. For example, a strong argumentative topic could be proving that dogs make better assistance animals than cats do.)

You also don’t want to make an argument about a topic that’s already a proven fact, like that drinking water is good for you. While some people might dislike the taste of water, there is an overwhelming body of evidence that proves—beyond the shadow of a doubt—that drinking water is a key part of good health.

To avoid choosing a topic that’s either unprovable or already proven, try brainstorming some issues that have recently been discussed in the news, that you’ve seen people debating on social media, or that affect your local community. If you explore those outlets for potential topics, you’ll likely stumble upon something that piques your audience’s interest as well.

Choose a Topic That You Find Interesting

Topics that have local, national, or global relevance often also resonate with us on a personal level. Consider choosing a topic that holds a connection between something you know or care about and something that is relevant to the rest of society. These don’t have to be super serious issues, but they should be topics that are timely and significant.

For example, if you are a huge football fan, a great argumentative topic for you might be arguing whether football leagues need to do more to prevent concussions . Is this as “important” an issue as climate change? No, but it’s still a timely topic that affects many people. And not only is this a great argumentative topic: you also get to write about one of your passions! Ultimately, if you’re working with a topic you enjoy, you’ll have more to say—and probably write a better essay .

Choose a Topic That Doesn’t Get You Too Heated

Another word of caution on choosing a topic for an argumentative paper: while it can be effective to choose a topic that matters to you personally, you also want to make sure you’re choosing a topic that you can keep your cool over. You’ve got to be able to stay unemotional, interpret the evidence persuasively, and, when appropriate, discuss opposing points of view without getting too salty.

In some situations, choosing a topic for your argumentative paper won’t be an issue at all: the test or exam will choose it for you . In that case, you’ve got to do the best you can with what you’re given.

In the next sections, we’re going to break down how to write any argumentative essay —regardless of whether you get to choose your own topic or have one assigned to you! Our expert tips and tricks will make sure that you’re knocking your paper out of the park.

The Thesis: The Argumentative Essay’s Backbone

You’ve chosen a topic or, more likely, read the exam question telling you to defend, challenge, or qualify a claim on an assigned topic. What do you do now?

You establish your position on the topic by writing a killer thesis statement ! The thesis statement, sometimes just called “the thesis,” is the backbone of your argument, the north star that keeps you oriented as you develop your main points, the—well, you get the idea.

In more concrete terms, a thesis statement conveys your point of view on your topic, usually in one sentence toward the end of your introduction paragraph . It’s very important that you state your point of view in your thesis statement in an argumentative way—in other words, it should state a point of view that is debatable.

And since your thesis statement is going to present your argument on the topic, it’s the thing that you’ll spend the rest of your argumentative paper defending. That’s where persuasion comes in. Your thesis statement tells your reader what your argument is, then the rest of your essay shows and explains why your argument is logical.

Why does an argumentative essay need a thesis, though? Well, the thesis statement—the sentence with your main claim—is actually the entire point of an argumentative essay. If you don’t clearly state an arguable claim at the beginning of your paper, then it’s not an argumentative essay. No thesis statement = no argumentative essay. Got it?

Other types of essays that you’re familiar with might simply use a thesis statement to forecast what the rest of the essay is going to discuss or to communicate what the topic is. That’s not the case here. If your thesis statement doesn’t make a claim or establish your position, you’ll need to go back to the drawing board.

Example Thesis Statements

Here are a couple of examples of thesis statements that aren’t argumentative and thesis statements that are argumentative

The sky is blue.

The thesis statement above conveys a fact, not a claim, so it’s not argumentative.

To keep the sky blue, governments must pass clean air legislation and regulate emissions.

The second example states a position on a topic. What’s the topic in that second sentence? The best way to keep the sky blue. And what position is being conveyed? That the best way to keep the sky blue is by passing clean air legislation and regulating emissions.

Some people would probably respond to that thesis statement with gusto: “No! Governments should not pass clean air legislation and regulate emissions! That infringes on my right to pollute the earth!” And there you have it: a thesis statement that presents a clear, debatable position on a topic.

Here’s one more set of thesis statement examples, just to throw in a little variety:

Spirituality and otherworldliness characterize A$AP Rocky’s portrayals of urban life and the American Dream in his rap songs and music videos.

The statement above is another example that isn’t argumentative, but you could write a really interesting analytical essay with that thesis statement. Long live A$AP! Now here’s another one that is argumentative:

To give students an understanding of the role of the American Dream in contemporary life, teachers should incorporate pop culture, like the music of A$AP Rocky, into their lessons and curriculum.

The argument in this one? Teachers should incorporate more relevant pop culture texts into their curriculum.

This thesis statement also gives a specific reason for making the argument above: To give students an understanding of the role of the American Dream in contemporary life. If you can let your reader know why you’re making your argument in your thesis statement, it will help them understand your argument better.

An actual image of you killing your argumentative essay prompts after reading this article!

Breaking Down the Sections of An Argumentative Essay

Now that you know how to pick a topic for an argumentative essay and how to make a strong claim on your topic in a thesis statement, you’re ready to think about writing the other sections of an argumentative essay. These are the parts that will flesh out your argument and support the claim you made in your thesis statement.

Like other types of essays, argumentative essays typically have three main sections: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Within those sections, there are some key elements that a reader—and especially an exam scorer or professor—is always going to expect you to include.

Let’s look at a quick outline of those three sections with their essential pieces here:

Introduction paragraph with a thesis statement (which we just talked about)
Support Point #1 with evidence
Explain/interpret the evidence with your own, original commentary (AKA, the fun part!)
Support Point #2 with evidence
Explain/interpret the evidence with your own, original commentary
Support Point #3 with evidence
New paragraph addressing opposing viewpoints (more on this later!)
Concluding paragraph

Now, there are some key concepts in those sections that you’ve got to understand if you’re going to master how to write an argumentative essay. To make the most of the body section, you have to know how to support your claim (your thesis statement), what evidence and explanations are and when you should use them, and how and when to address opposing viewpoints. To finish strong, you’ve got to have a strategy for writing a stellar conclusion.

This probably feels like a big deal! The body and conclusion make up most of the essay, right? Let’s get down to it, then.

How to Write a Strong Argument

Once you have your topic and thesis, you’re ready for the hard part: actually writing your argument. If you make strategic choices—like the ones we’re about to talk about—writing a strong argumentative essay won’t feel so difficult.

There are three main areas where you want to focus your energy as you develop a strategy for how to write an argumentative essay: supporting your claim—your thesis statement—in your essay, addressing other viewpoints on your topic, and writing a solid conclusion. If you put thought and effort into these three things, you’re much more likely to write an argumentative essay that’s engaging, persuasive, and memorable...aka A+ material.

Focus Area 1: Supporting Your Claim With Evidence and Explanations

So you’ve chosen your topic, decided what your position will be, and written a thesis statement. But like we see in comment threads across the Internet, if you make a claim and don’t back it up with evidence, what do people say? “Where’s your proof?” “Show me the facts!” “Do you have any evidence to support that claim?”

Of course you’ve done your research like we talked about. Supporting your claim in your thesis statement is where that research comes in handy.

You can’t just use your research to state the facts, though. Remember your reader? They’re going to expect you to do some of the dirty work of interpreting the evidence for them. That’s why it’s important to know the difference between evidence and explanations, and how and when to use both in your argumentative essay.

What Evidence Is and When You Should Use It

Evidence can be material from any authoritative and credible outside source that supports your position on your topic. In some cases, evidence can come in the form of photos, video footage, or audio recordings. In other cases, you might be pulling reasons, facts, or statistics from news media articles, public policy, or scholarly books or journals.

There are some clues you can look for that indicate whether or not a source is credible , such as whether:

The website where you found the source ends in .edu, .gov, or .org
The source was published by a university press
The source was published in a peer-reviewed journal
The authors did extensive research to support the claims they make in the source

This is just a short list of some of the clues that a source is likely a credible one, but just because a source was published by a prestigious press or the authors all have PhDs doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best piece of evidence for you to use to support your argument.

In addition to evaluating the source’s credibility, you’ve got to consider what types of evidence might come across as most persuasive in the context of the argument you’re making and who your readers are. In other words, stepping back and getting a bird’s eye view of the entire context of your argumentative paper is key to choosing evidence that will strengthen your argument.

On some exams, like the AP exams , you may be given pretty strict parameters for what evidence to use and how to use it. You might be given six short readings that all address the same topic, have 15 minutes to read them, then be required to pull material from a minimum of three of the short readings to support your claim in an argumentative essay.

When the sources are handed to you like that, be sure to take notes that will help you pick out evidence as you read. Highlight, underline, put checkmarks in the margins of your exam . . . do whatever you need to do to begin identifying the material that you find most helpful or relevant. Those highlights and check marks might just turn into your quotes, paraphrases, or summaries of evidence in your completed exam essay.

What Explanations Are and When You Should Use Them

Now you know that taking a strategic mindset toward evidence and explanations is critical to grasping how to write an argumentative essay. Unfortunately, evidence doesn’t speak for itself. While it may be obvious to you, the researcher and writer, how the pieces of evidence you’ve included are relevant to your audience, it might not be as obvious to your reader.

That’s where explanations—or analysis, or interpretations—come in. You never want to just stick some quotes from an article into your paragraph and call it a day. You do want to interpret the evidence you’ve included to show your reader how that evidence supports your claim.

Now, that doesn’t mean you’re going to be saying, “This piece of evidence supports my argument because...”. Instead, you want to comment on the evidence in a way that helps your reader see how it supports the position you stated in your thesis. We’ll talk more about how to do this when we show you an example of a strong body paragraph from an argumentative essay here in a bit.

Understanding how to incorporate evidence and explanations to your advantage is really important. Here’s why: when you’re writing an argumentative essay, particularly on standardized tests or the AP exam, the exam scorers can’t penalize you for the position you take. Instead, their evaluation is going to focus on the way you incorporated evidence and explained it in your essay.

Focus Area 2: How—and When—to Address Other Viewpoints

Why would we be making arguments at all if there weren’t multiple views out there on a given topic? As you do research and consider the background surrounding your topic, you’ll probably come across arguments that stand in direct opposition to your position.

Oftentimes, teachers will ask you to “address the opposition” in your argumentative essay. What does that mean, though, to “ address the opposition ?”

Opposing viewpoints function kind of like an elephant in the room. Your audience knows they’re there. In fact, your audience might even buy into an opposing viewpoint and be waiting for you to show them why your viewpoint is better. If you don’t, it means that you’ll have a hard time convincing your audience to buy your argument.

Addressing the opposition is a balancing act: you don’t want to undermine your own argument, but you don’t want to dismiss the validity of opposing viewpoints out-of-hand or ignore them altogether, which can also undermine your argument.

This isn’t the only acceptable approach, but it’s common practice to wait to address the opposition until close to the end of an argumentative essay. But why?

Well, waiting to present an opposing viewpoint until after you’ve thoroughly supported your own argument is strategic. You aren’t going to go into great detail discussing the opposing viewpoint: you’re going to explain what that viewpoint is fairly, but you’re also going to point out what’s wrong with it.

It can also be effective to read the opposition through the lens of your own argument and the evidence you’ve used to support it. If the evidence you’ve already included supports your argument, it probably doesn’t support the opposing viewpoint. Without being too obvious, it might be worth pointing this out when you address the opposition.

Focus Area #3: Writing the Conclusion

It’s common to conclude an argumentative essay by reiterating the thesis statement in some way, either by reminding the reader what the overarching argument was in the first place or by reviewing the main points and evidence that you covered.

You don’t just want to restate your thesis statement and review your main points and call it a day, though. So much has happened since you stated your thesis in the introduction! And why waste a whole paragraph—the very last thing your audience is going to read—on just repeating yourself?

Here’s an approach to the conclusion that can give your audience a fresh perspective on your argument: reinterpret your thesis statement for them in light of all the evidence and explanations you’ve provided. Think about how your readers might read your thesis statement in a new light now that they’ve heard your whole argument out.

That’s what you want to leave your audience with as you conclude your argumentative paper: a brief explanation of why all that arguing mattered in the first place. If you can give your audience something to continue pondering after they’ve read your argument, that’s even better.

One thing you want to avoid in your conclusion, though: presenting new supporting points or new evidence. That can just be confusing for your reader. Stick to telling your reader why the argument you’ve already made matters, and your argument will stick with your reader.

A Strong Argumentative Essay: Examples

For some aspiring argumentative essay writers, showing is better than telling. To show rather than tell you what makes a strong argumentative essay, we’ve provided three examples of possible body paragraphs for an argumentative essay below.

Think of these example paragraphs as taking on the form of the “Argumentative Point #1 → Evidence —> Explanation —> Repeat” process we talked through earlier. It’s always nice to be able to compare examples, so we’ve included three paragraphs from an argumentative paper ranging from poor (or needs a lot of improvement, if you’re feeling generous), to better, to best.

All of the example paragraphs are for an essay with this thesis statement:

Thesis Statement: In order to most effectively protect user data and combat the spread of disinformation, the U.S. government should implement more stringent regulations of Facebook and other social media outlets.

As you read the examples, think about what makes them different, and what makes the “best” paragraph more effective than the “better” and “poor” paragraphs. Here we go:

A Poor Argument

Example Body Paragraph: Data mining has affected a lot of people in recent years. Facebook has 2.23 billion users from around the world, and though it would take a huge amount of time and effort to make sure a company as big as Facebook was complying with privacy regulations in countries across the globe, adopting a common framework for privacy regulation in more countries would be the first step. In fact, Mark Zuckerberg himself supports adopting a global framework for privacy and data protection, which would protect more users than before.

What’s Wrong With This Example?

First, let’s look at the thesis statement. Ask yourself: does this make a claim that some people might agree with, but others might disagree with?

The answer is yes. Some people probably think that Facebook should be regulated, while others might believe that’s too much government intervention. Also, there are definitely good, reliable sources out there that will help this writer prove their argument. So this paper is off to a strong start!

Unfortunately, this writer doesn’t do a great job proving their thesis in their body paragraph. First, the topic sentence—aka the first sentence of the paragraph—doesn’t make a point that directly supports the position stated in the thesis. We’re trying to argue that government regulation will help protect user data and combat the spread of misinformation, remember? The topic sentence should make a point that gets right at that, instead of throwing out a random fact about data mining.

Second, because the topic sentence isn’t focused on making a clear point, the rest of the paragraph doesn’t have much relevant information, and it fails to provide credible evidence that supports the claim made in the thesis statement. For example, it would be a great idea to include exactly what Mark Zuckerberg said ! So while there’s definitely some relevant information in this paragraph, it needs to be presented with more evidence.

A Better Argument

This paragraph is a bit better than the first one, but it still needs some work. The topic sentence is a bit too long, and it doesn’t make a point that clearly supports the position laid out in the thesis statement. The reader already knows that mining user data is a big issue, so the topic sentence would be a great place to make a point about why more stringent government regulations would most effectively protect user data.

There’s also a problem with how the evidence is incorporated in this example. While there is some relevant, persuasive evidence included in this paragraph, there’s no explanation of why or how it is relevant . Remember, you can’t assume that your evidence speaks for itself: you have to interpret its relevance for your reader. That means including at least a sentence that tells your reader why the evidence you’ve chosen proves your argument.

A Best—But Not Perfect!—Argument

Example Body Paragraph: Though Facebook claims to be implementing company policies that will protect user data and stop the spread of misinformation , its attempts have been unsuccessful compared to those made by the federal government. When PricewaterhouseCoopers conducted a Federal Trade Commission-mandated assessment of Facebook’s partnerships with Microsoft and the makers of the Blackberry handset in 2013, the team found limited evidence that Facebook had monitored or even checked that its partners had complied with Facebook’s existing data use policies. In fact, Facebook’s own auditors confirmed the PricewaterhouseCoopers findings, despite the fact that Facebook claimed that the company was making greater attempts to safeguard users’ personal information. In contrast, bills written by Congress have been more successful in changing Facebook’s practices than Facebook’s own company policies have. According to The Washington Post, The Honest Ads Act of 2017 “created public demand for transparency and changed how social media companies disclose online political advertising.” These policy efforts, though thus far unsuccessful in passing legislation, have nevertheless pushed social media companies to change some of their practices by sparking public outrage and negative media attention.

Why This Example Is The Best

This paragraph isn’t perfect, but it is the most effective at doing some of the things that you want to do when you write an argumentative essay.

First, the topic sentences get to the point . . . and it’s a point that supports and explains the claim made in the thesis statement! It gives a clear reason why our claim in favor of more stringent government regulations is a good claim : because Facebook has failed to self-regulate its practices.

This paragraph also provides strong evidence and specific examples that support the point made in the topic sentence. The evidence presented shows specific instances in which Facebook has failed to self-regulate, and other examples where the federal government has successfully influenced regulation of Facebook’s practices for the better.

Perhaps most importantly, though, this writer explains why the evidence is important. The bold sentence in the example is where the writer links the evidence back to their opinion. In this case, they explain that the pressure from Federal Trade Commission and Congress—and the threat of regulation—have helped change Facebook for the better.

Why point out that this isn’t a perfect paragraph, though? Because you won’t be writing perfect paragraphs when you’re taking timed exams either. But get this: you don’t have to write perfect paragraphs to make a good score on AP exams or even on an essay you write for class. Like in this example paragraph, you just have to effectively develop your position by appropriately and convincingly relying on evidence from good sources.

Top 3 Takeaways For Writing Argumentative Essays

This is all great information, right? If (when) you have to write an argumentative essay, you’ll be ready. But when in doubt, remember these three things about how to write an argumentative essay, and you’ll emerge victorious:

Takeaway #1: Read Closely and Carefully

This tip applies to every aspect of writing an argumentative essay. From making sure you’re addressing your prompt, to really digging into your sources, to proofreading your final paper...you’ll need to actively and pay attention! This is especially true if you’re writing on the clock, like during an AP exam.

Takeaway #2: Make Your Argument the Focus of the Essay

Define your position clearly in your thesis statement and stick to that position! The thesis is the backbone of your paper, and every paragraph should help prove your thesis in one way or another. But sometimes you get to the end of your essay and realize that you’ve gotten off topic, or that your thesis doesn’t quite fit. Don’t worry—if that happens, you can always rewrite your thesis to fit your paper!

Takeaway #3: Use Sources to Develop Your Argument—and Explain Them

Nothing is as powerful as good, strong evidence. First, make sure you’re finding credible sources that support your argument. Then you can paraphrase, briefly summarize, or quote from your sources as you incorporate them into your paragraphs. But remember the most important part: you have to explain why you’ve chosen that evidence and why it proves your thesis.

What's Next?

Once you’re comfortable with how to write an argumentative essay, it’s time to learn some more advanced tips and tricks for putting together a killer argument.

Keep in mind that argumentative essays are just one type of essay you might encounter. That’s why we’ve put together more specific guides on how to tackle IB essays , SAT essays , and ACT essays .

But what about admissions essays? We’ve got you covered. Not only do we have comprehensive guides to the Coalition App and Common App essays, we also have tons of individual college application guides, too . You can search through all of our college-specific posts by clicking here.

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166 Argumentative Essay Topics

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Writing an argumentative essay is hard enough. But picking a good topic can sometimes get you stuck before you’ve even started.

Although it seems like a small part of the essay writing process, your topic idea can actually make or break your paper. Suppose the issue you’ve settled on doesn’t carry enough potential to be researched and explored from different sides. In that case, you may end up wasting a lot of time on unproductive work before you finally give up and try to find a better subject.

That’s why we compiled an extensive catalog of argumentative essay topics organized by subject matter that you can use for inspiration. Feel free to browse through all sections or jump to the area you’re looking for.

In this article:

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

What makes a good argumentative essay topic, interesting and controversial, immigration, racism, and native american issues, science and research, technology and social media, health, medical, and nursing, psychology and mental health, music, popular culture, and other creative endeavors, funny, easy, and simple.

Before we jump into the lists, let’s go over what you need to look for in an essay topic.

Many students assume that they can pick an issue first and then think about their essay later. But that actually sets you up for potential disappointment. A topic may seem tenable or defensible at first, but once you dig a bit deeper, it may turn out the issue is settled beyond doubt, and there’s no real point in writing about it. It may also be a good idea to sketch out your argumentative essay outline and even draft a thesis statement before making a final decision about what you want to explore.

Here’s a helpful video that explains the importance of preliminary research:

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Another thing to consider is how fascinating the topic is for you . It’s great to engage your audience, but you can’t really be sure if an issue is captivating for your teacher or professor. But you can be entirely sure if it’s interesting to you. And the more you care about the subject you’ve chosen, the more enjoyable it will be for you to put in the work.

It may seem at first that you can write an essay about anything, so why bother thinking too much about the topic? Well, you can write about anything, but not everything you write can fit the requirements of your assignment. An argumentative essay has to fit a specific format and style, and the topic you pick has to conform to those. Here are a few main characteristics of a good argumentative essay topic:

If no one disagrees with the argument you’re trying to make, what’s the point of arguing about it? Trying to convince your audience that texting while driving is dangerous is a waste of time because the assumption is that most people don’t need convincing. That’s why it’s crucial to pick an issue with at least some validity on both sides.

If your topic is not specific enough, you can’t really make a good point one way or the other. Should we do more to protect animals? That depends—are we talking about rhinos or mosquitos? And who should do the protecting—governments or ordinary citizens? Drill down your topic to something you can make a definitive point about.

If you can’t find something to back your argument with, then maybe it’s purely a matter of opinion. Are pancakes better than pizza? Who’s to say? A good topic allows you to make a point based on facts. That said, defending an insupportable position is sometimes good practice for pure critical thinking and works great for impromptu assignments where there is no time for research.

Of course, after you’ve picked a topic, you still have to write the actual essay. Here’s a video to help guide you through the process:

166 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (Organized in Sections)

Below you’ll find a number of lists of argumentative essay topics organized in sections by subject matter. They range from sports to history and anything in between. Keep in mind that many of the issues have to do with more than one field of knowledge, so there is some overlap between sections.

You may notice that all of the topics are in the form of a question. We’ve done that to make them neutral towards the issue they touch upon, but for the purposes of an argumentative essay, you might want to convert them to a statement that conveys the claim you’ll support in your paper.

One of the best ways to ensure your audience is engaged in your essay is to choose a topic that’s, to some extent, contentious. Your teacher or professor is unlikely to doze off if the issue at hand is something that everyone has a strong opinion about. Controversy will make your job easier, too—it’s a lot more painless to do research and write when you have a genuine interest in the topic.

But there’s also a pitfall to hot-button topics, especially age-old ones. There’s a chance the arguments you choose have been made a thousand times already. That’s not to say you should never write about euthanasia or abortion. Just pick your ideas carefully and make sure they’re fresh and original to avoid making your audience yawn.

Below are a few controversial argumentative essay topics from across subject matters to give you inspiration:

Should human cloning be allowed?
Should abortion be subject to stricter regulation?
Should there be greater gun control?
Do video games cause violent behavior?
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Is torture justifiable as an interrogation technique?
Should there be any exceptions to free speech?
Did the #metoo movement go too far?
Is capitalism the only effective economic system?

Most topics on this page can work for any academic level in which students are already versed in research and persuasive writing. But in this section, we’ve collected issues specifically related to education and sorted them into the different stages of school. So besides college, here you’ll find topics that can be used by high school and middle school students.

For College

Below is a selection of argumentative essay ideas that have to do with college life. Is college worth it? Is it too expensive? Read on to find similar questions.

Should everyone go to college?
Is college education overrated?
Is college admission overly competitive?
Are Ivy League colleges worth the cost?
Has college tuition become too expensive?
Should family income play a role in determining who gets a scholarship?
Is a gap year beneficial or a waste of time?
Are some college majors more valuable than others?
What are the benefits of an MBA?
Is an online college degree as good as one from a brick-and-mortar college?

For High School

Here you’ll find a collection of topics related to high school and all of its triumphs and struggles—perfect for students in this age group.

Should schools be required to have security?
Is standardized testing helping or hurting students?
Does high school encourage creativity or conformity?
Should high school students work during the school year?
Should high school students be required to take drug tests?
Should arts education be voluntary in high school?
Should the senior year be voluntary?
Is prom overrated?

For Middle School

Middle school is a great time to start developing writing skills and the ability to make a strong argument. Here’s a list of topics on middle school that are bound to be relatable for students of that age.

Do teachers give middle school students too much homework?
Should energy drinks be banned for middle schoolers?
Should vending machines be banned in schools?
Is school cafeteria food too unhealthy?
Should middle school be single-sex or co-ed?
Is distant learning effective for middle school students?
Should students have a choice on what subjects to study in middle school?
Should learning a foreign language be required in middle school?

As a bonus, we’re including a special section on bullying—an ongoing problem at all school levels that’s always worth discussing, including in an academic paper.

Should schools do more to prevent bullying?
Should parents of bullies be held responsible for their children’s behavior?
Where is the line between pranks and bullying?
Do kids bully others because they are mistreated at home?
Is cyberbullying less harmful than real-life bullying?
How should cyberbullying be punished?

To make children write an essay, even if it’s just one page, you definitely need to give them a topic they care about. Here are a few ideas:

Is it ever acceptable to eat dessert before dinner?
Is it OK for kids to read grown-up books?
Should kids be allowed to watch grown-up movies?
Should children get paid when they get good grades?
Is it better to be a single child or to have siblings?
Do parents treat their daughters differently than their sons?
Should parents punish kids if they haven’t done their chores?

Whether you’re looking for a topic for your political science term paper or simply need a strong topic idea for your persuasive writing class, you’ll find something worth exploring in the list below.

Are US elections representative of the will of the people?
Should the voting age be lowered?
Should voting be mandatory?
Should the Electoral College be abolished?
Should corporations pay more taxes?
Should senators and house representatives have term limits?
Should recycling be mandatory?
Should prisoners be allowed to vote?
Should same-sex marriage be allowed?
Should healthcare be free for everyone?
Will universal basic income be beneficial for society?

Religious issues often elicit a strong response, but beliefs are not always subject to rational argumentation. Still, such topics often touch on society as a whole and can be great subjects for a paper.

Should creationism be part of the school curriculum?
Is religion responsible for war?
Is science an enemy of religion?
Should public prayer be banned in schools?
Should religion be taught in schools?
Should laws be affected by religion?
Should churches be required to pay taxes?

History is always up for debate, and there’s plenty of credible sources to explore, so if you need an essay topic for your history class, feel free to pick one from the list below.

As a bonus, we’ve added a couple of specialized subsections on World War 2 and American history.

Can we ever know the “truth” about historical events?
Is life better now than it was 100 years ago?
Have peaceful revolutions ever led to real change?
What caused the fall of the Roman Empire?
Was Julius Caesar a tactical genius or a deranged dictator?
Did European colonialism help or harm the colonized populations?
Did nuclear weapons help make the world safer or more dangerous?
Were the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki the only way to end World War 2?
Should the US have stayed out of World War 2?
What caused the rise of Nazism in Germany?
Was Stalin’s rule more harmful than Hitler’s?
Could World War 2 have been avoided if Hitler had been admitted to art school?

American History

Who was the greatest US president of all time?
Could the Civil War have been avoided?
Was the Declaration of Independence a declaration of war?
Was the Constitution a proslavery document?
Should the US founding fathers who owned slaves be revered as much as those who didn’t?
How did Abraham Lincoln’s assassination affect Reconstruction?

Immigration, Racism, and Native American Issues

Here we have a group of issues that are often related, but we sometimes wish they weren’t. In any case, they’re an excellent opportunity to practice argumentative writing.

Should it be mandatory for Americans to speak English fluently?
Should immigrants who enter the US illegally be granted residency?
Should children of immigrants who enter the US illegally be entitled to public education?
Is affirmative action helping or hurting racial equality?
Should the US government pay reparations for slavery?
Is the Black Lives Matter movement equivalent to the Civil Rights movement?
Should Columbus Day be abolished and replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
Should Native Americans be compensated for how settlers treated them?

Here you’ll find topics related to various scientific fields that you’re bound to find evidence on to build a solid research paper.

Should the government fund scientific research?
Should corporate interests influence scientists?
Do people have enough trust in science?
What is the biggest issue facing humanity that scientists should focus on the most?
Should we spend resources looking for alien life?
Is space travel worth the cost?
Do humans cause climate change?
Is fracking harmful to the environment?
Are scientific breakthroughs or government regulations a better solution to the environmental crisis?

Many issues around technology and social media are up for debate, so they can serve as an excellent basis for a persuasive essay.

Is technology helping or hurting society?
Has the internet caused more harm than good to society?
Are we becoming too dependent on computers?
Is technology making us more isolated?
Is AI dangerous for humanity?
Are smartphones dangerous?
Is social media helping us stay connected or making us more lonely?
Are social media companies responsible for the spread of fake news?
Does social media contribute to political radicalization?
Should Facebook be banned from collecting data from users?
Should people be allowed to stay anonymous online?

In this section, we’ve curated argumentative essay topics related to health and medicine that are worth exploring.

Should the morning-after pill be sold to underage teens?
What is the best way to fight the obesity epidemic?
Are GMOs dangerous?
Should there be limits on sugary drink sizes?
Is healthcare a fundamental human right?
Should assisted suicide be legalized?
Should doctors be banned from promoting drugs?
Should medical marijuana be legal?
Should parents be able to deny medical treatment for their children?
Are nurses compensated fairly?
Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
Is the nursing profession better suited for women?

If you’re struggling to come up with an argumentative essay topic for your psychology class, feel free to pick one from the list below.

Does screen time negatively affect children’s psyche?
Should psychotherapists inform the police if a client admits to breaking the law?
Do dreams have any meaning?
Is positive thinking helpful or harmful?
Can lie detectors ever be trusted?
Are projective tests such as inkblots reliable?
Can hypnosis help us remember forgotten events?
Is prejudice against different people inherent to humans?
Is anxiety ever helpful?

There’s no shortage of discussions surrounding sports, but they’re often too specialized to be interesting for the layman. Here are a few broad and contentious ones that can lay the grounds for a strong argumentative essay.

Should athletes be considered role models?
Should coaches make as much money as players?
Should athletes face repercussions if they don’t stand for the National Anthem?
Is football too dangerous?
Is sports betting different from casino gambling?
Is cheerleading a real sport?
Do sports rely too much on computer predictions nowadays?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?

Music, Popular Culture, and Other Creative Endeavors

Here you’ll find argumentative essay topics related to music, films, and other art forms that shape today’s pop culture.

Is music getting better or worse over time?
Is listening to music an effective remedy against stress?
Are television shows an accurate representation of the American lifestyle?
Did the golden age of Hollywood pass?
Should celebrities be considered role models?
Should any artwork be censored?
Is art unique to humans, or can it be observed in other animals?

If you care about animals, you might want to write an argumentative paper on a topic related to animal welfare. Here are a few ideas:

Should animal research be banned?
Should zoos or aquariums be banned and replaced with wildlife reserves?
Should fur be banned?
Should we stop eating animals?
Should the government try to save endangered species?
Is hunting for sport justifiable, or should it be banned?
Do animals have emotions?
Do pets help kids learn to be caring and empathetic?

Sometimes you just don’t want to deal with complex and serious issues or excessive research. That’s why we curated a collection of light-hearted and easy argumentative essay topics.

Is complaining helping us deal with stress?
Is talent more important than hard work or vice versa?
How much compromise is OK in a relationship?
Should couples live together before getting married?
How important is it to keep your home clean and tidy?
At what age do you become an adult?
Are parents entitled to knowing everything about their kids?
How long is it acceptable to stay in a restaurant after finishing your meal?

Looking for a topic for a different type of essay? We’ve compiled a huge catalog in our Essay Topics page. If you want something that carries a stronger emotional charge for your paper, speech, or debate, you can also check out our list of Controversial Topics .

127 Funny Controversial Topics

121 Funny Debate Topics for Your Class

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120 Compelling Topics for Your Next Argumentative Essay

Most people like to argue—whether they like to admit it or not. But when the time comes when it's actually appropriate to take a side and passionately defend it (say, an argumentative essay in your writing class), you might find it difficult to think of what to argue about and how to argue effectively. An effective argumentative essay will leave the reader questioning what they think about a topic, and maybe even change their minds.

Whatever kind of argument you choose to write about, always be sure to back up your claims with solid research and facts. Though you can definitely have an opinion in this essay, your argument will always be more credible when bolstered facts rather than relying simply on how you feel. When you find yourself getting stuck on what to write, take a look at these ideas for argumentative essays for some inspiration for your paper, or to expand on these ideas and create your own topic.

What makes a good essay topic?

Though you may know what format and style guide to use, you may be in the dark about what actually makes a good essay topic. While it may be easier to write an essay on something that is easy to agree on (like the fact that George Clooney is a very handsome man ), there's just really not a lot of interest in the topic because it is something everyone already knows to be true. What we're looking for in an argumentative essay topic is something that might expand people's minds and allow them to look at an issue in a new light. The idea isn't necessarily to convince them of your side (though of course that would be ideal!), but rather to get them to expand their mind just enough that they start to think about things from another perspective.

You'd be surprised at what years of social and cultural influences, education, and just plain stubbornness can do to make a person adamant that their side and opinion are right. Argumentative essay topics are so important because they are debatable—and it's crucial to always be critically thinking about the world around us. Why do we do things a certain way? Is it because it's right or is it because this is what we've always known? To constantly be questioning and arguing and thinking is really the true sign of learning. As we start to think about that idea, here are a few ideas to get you started on your own essay.

Education essay topics

students raise their hands in a classroom

Education is a topic that definitely affects each and every one of us. Education scholars are constantly evolving the way they think about how we learn and what is taught. So while these ten ideas are enough to get you started thinking about education and its role in society, the essay topics are really endless:

How do you feel about the Common Core State Standards? Do you feel it hurts or helps K-12 students?
Should we ban vending machines in schools? Consider the types of snacks and drinks found in vending machines.
Should charter schools replace the public school system that we know now?
Do you believe that the decades since Brown v. Board of education have actually brought about racial equality in education?
How does the socioeconomic standing of a child's parents affect their education opportunities?
Many policymakers are pushing STEM education. Why is this?
How does gender affect education? Consider how different gendered students are treated by staff and what they are encouraged to pursue after school.
Do traditional discipline methods really work on students? Consider the role of detention, suspension, and expulsion.
Why do other countries measure ahead of the U.S. in education?
Does homeschooling disadvantage students?
Should teachers be allowed to discuss religion with their students?
Should public schools be given the authority to ban certain books?
Do you think school systems should offer courses in financial literacy and/or practical skills (e.g., the woodshop and Home Ec of old) to their students? If so, at what grade should students begin to learn these skills?
Do you think high schools need to place a greater focus on preparing their students to choose a major/field of study in college? How would this inhibit/improve their college learning experience?
How does the presence of a dress code in schools impact different students? Consider identity factors like biological sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, and religion.
How can we make college more accessible to all interested students?
Should passing standardized testing be a requirement to graduate from public high school? How does this requirement impact different groups of students?
How can school systems implement or improve sexual education courses for their students? Should schools be required to offer these kinds of courses?
Should students who participate on sports teams be required to complete physical education classes in school?
What kinds of emergency training programs should teachers and students be required to complete to stay safe in school?

Parenting essay topics

Who raises us and how they do it can really have a huge effect on the culture and society as a whole. Nearly everyone has an opinion on how children should be raised, but which one is right? Is there a right answer? How do politics affect how we raise our children? These are the kinds of things you will be exploring when you write a parenting argumentative essay.

Should men receive paternity leave?
Why do we have obstacles in the United States for women to receive paid maternity leave?
How can we get childcare costs down in the United States?
What is the best parenting style?
What are some lessons that American parents can learn from other cultures?
How does successful and proactive parenting affect a child's literacy skills and learning potential?
How do overprotective parents affect children's lives? Consider the different types of attachment this may lead to between parents and children.
Should parents be allowed to spank their children? Consider the potential consequences or benefits, if there are any, of corporal punishment.
Should there be more accommodations made to make safe breastfeeding in public easier and more accessible?
How can children get additional support in a single-parent household?
What are some of the positives and negatives of raising a child as gender-neutral? Is this style of parenting beneficial in raising an independent thinker?
Should there be stricter requirements for prospective parents to adopt a child?
Should there be incentives to having children in America? What can the U.S. learn from other countries that provide extra support to new parents?
Do you think new parents should be required to take courses on topics like nursing, CPR/Heimlich Maneuver, and other classes that teach safety and nutrition?
How involved should a parent be in their teenager's personal life?
How does raising a child with extremely strict rules affect the parent/child relationship in the future?
Does gentle parenting rear more inclusive and independent children?
Should parents limit their children's screen time?
At what age should parents introduce toys and activities geared towards child learning and growth?
Should single parents be given extra assistance by the government to help raise their child?

Gender equality issues topics

diverse group of colleagues working on a project together

Women have only had the right to vote in the United States since 1920. In just over 100 years of suffrage, women have certainly accomplished a lot when it comes to equality. However, according to many scholars and activists, there is still a long way to go. With a subject that's sure to ignite some passion, there are endless topics to write about, but here are a few that we suggest.

Should abortion be legal?
Should religious institutions be required to provide birth control methods for their female employees, even if it goes against their religion?
Should emergency contraception (aka "the morning-after pill") be legal?
Statistically, women do not make as much money doing the same work as their male counterparts. How do you feel about this and what can be done to change this inequality?
Many say that legal sex work is a women's rights issue. Does it apply solely to women? Consider how sex workers are treated in America and why it is that people feel as though they need to turn to sex work.
Should women have to register for the draft?
What are the biggest challenges for women in the workplace?
How long should maternity leave be?
What are some of the biggest challenges for female politicians?
Why do you think the Equal Rights Amendments (ERA) failed? Do you think one such law could ever pass in your lifetime?
Who or what defines gender?
How do gender stereotypes influence male and female professional athletes and the sports industry?
What does it mean to be a feminist? Why is the concept of feminism so often greeted with negativity?
How do the marketing and advertising industries influence the continuation of gender stereotypes?
How are careers continually gendered? Consider what kinds of jobs are associated with females versus males.
How does history's interpretation of parental roles influence modern conceptions of gender roles?
Should both men and women receive paid parental leave?
How can we increase conversations surrounding men's mental health? Consider how men may have been raised to be unemotional and not share their feelings.
What can be done to change society's views on single mothers?
What are some ways men and women can adopt a truly equal share of child-rearing practices and household chores to maintain household equality?

Legal essay topics

There are many things to argue when it comes to the law. Law is constantly evolving with the ever-changing culture at large. Because of this, many disagree on how the laws should change (if they should change at all) and there are many topics to choose from. Here are a few of our picks.

Should there be a federal law that allows marijuana to be legal?
Should a person have the right to choose when they die? Consider how other countries treat this subject compared to the U.S..
At what age should you legally be allowed to drink?
Would you support harsher punishments for athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs?
Is it an infringement on religious rights to have business owners provide services for LGBTQ weddings if they don't agree with the marriage?
Should religious institutions be allowed tax exemptions?
Should the death penalty be banned in the U.S.?
Should a felon be granted the right to vote after s/he has served his or her sentence?
How do you feel about more restrictive gun laws and universal background checks?
Should citizens who entered the country illegally be forced to leave? What about their children who were brought here?
Should men be allowed to vote on policies that affect female bodies?
Do stricter laws need to be passed to maintain the separation of church and state? Consider the role of religion in modern day politics.
Do you think every state should have the same laws regarding the legal age for marriage?
Is our jury system fair?
How often should a new president be elected to office? Do you think we need to change our current rules?
Should there be strict age restrictions and term limits on the people voted into office, including Congress members, judges, and presidents?
Should teachers be required to carry guns?
Do you think cigarettes and other tobacco products should be outlawed?
What, if anything, does the presence of police in schools do for students?
Should freedom of speech protect hate speech?

Technology essay topics

pile of computers, laptops, phones, cords, and headphones

Our country and our world are extremely dependent on advanced technology. It has completely changed the way we work, think, and communicate with each other. Many people are huge fans of new gadgets and rapidly advancing technology, but others are more wary of it. There are always a wide range of opinions on the subject of technology, and here are our favorite things to think about on the topic.

Is an increased dependence on technology making us less intelligent?
How do devices like smartphones and tablets affect growth and development in children?
Do you think technology has decreased or increased our communication with each other? Consider the speed at which news is spread and what kinds of news is spread.
Is print media dead?
Do the comment sections on social media and news sites actually promote good discourse?
Technology has made a lot of manual labor obsolete. How do you feel about this?
What should blue-collar workers do when their job has replaced them with better technology? How should policymakers respond?
Has online dating affected traditional ideas about romance and marriage?
Do you believe that the government should enforce net neutrality principles on internet service providers?
In what ways, if any, is technology making us more dependent?
What are the potential benefits and consequences of introducing technology, such as smartphones and laptops, in the classroom?
Should restrictions on technology be put into place to limit the number of jobs technological devices can replace?
Does technology aid in the spread of false information and/or a rise in panic about current events?
Do you think there should be stricter parameters to monitor what kind of technological advances are made? Consider the ethics behind particular technological advancements that influence the scientific manipulation of nature like genetic mutation, cloning, and other procedures.
Social media apps have age limits, yet they are easy to bypass. How can we make social media age restrictions stricter to protect today's youth?
Should laptops be provided to college students? Consider how a student's background affects their ability to purchase their own device.
Should smartphones and social media apps be allowed to ban certain words in messaging/comments? What are some potential benefits/consequences of banning particular words or phrases?
Do you think there should be restrictions on the presence of advertisements in technology? Consider how often you come across ads in social media apps or during a Google search.
Should everyone have unrestricted access to the Internet?
Are technology companies taking advantage of the consumer market by constantly introducing new and improved products? Are these products necessary, or are they just quick money grabs?

Society and culture essay topics

protestors raise their fists in the air during an outdoor protest

There are always things we wish would change about the society that we live in. Nothing is ever perfect, but we all still strive to make where we live to be the best it can be. The problem is that everyone's interpretation of what makes a good society is different. Some people live their lives according to their religion while others don't think you should factor that into decision making when it comes to determining rules for everyone.

How does cultural discourse surrounding sex and sexuality impact youth in their pursuit of romantic attraction and relationships?
Do you think that affirmative action is still necessary?
Is there too much pressure placed on today's youth to take on and solve decades-long societal and cultural issues they did not create?
Should you be forced to say the Pledge of Allegiance at school?
Should it be illegal to burn the American flag?
Do you think peaceful protest is possible, or is it inevitable that protests will become violent?
Do you think collegiate athletes should be paid?
Can the perpetrators of sex crimes be rehabilitated?
Do you think the Electoral College should be abolished?
Should the United States have one official language?
How do social institutions – economic, political, religious, etc. – determine who is and who is not successful?
How do cultural expectations – beauty, parental, economic – affect mental health? Should there be more conversations surrounding mental health?
Do you think it would be possible for our prison system to move away from incarceration and towards rehabilitation?
How do our social institutions influence our country's incarceration rate? Why does the U.S. have the highest incarceration rate?
Is there systematic racism within the U.S. judicial system?
How does someone's socioeconomic background influence their ability to attend higher education and get a job?
Should the United States implement universal health care?
Do you think anything can be done to deconstruct culturally accepted gender roles? Consider how peoples' background – family and education – influence their interactions with gender roles.
Should there be stricter regulations on social media apps? How would this influence popular culture's influence on adolescents?
Do you think society needs to do a better job of encouraging people to embrace their culture and be unique instead of pushing them to fit a cultural expectation and norm?

Portray your passion

When it comes to writing an argumentative essay, the most important thing to do is to choose a topic and an argument that you can really get behind. Not only will this make the writing a whole lot better, but it will also keep you more focused when you are researching and writing. Though it's unlikely you're going to feel a fiery passion about every subject you write on, pick the topic and side that best suits you. No reader wants to read a lukewarm argumentative piece. The reader wants to be persuaded and provoked. This won't happen if it appears you are uninterested in what you're writing about.

If you've read through this list and you still haven't found a topic that covers what you are interested in, be sure to ask your instructor or a librarian for help with researching and writing an argumentative essay. Similarly, if you have written an essay and you're not sure that it's going in the right direction, seek out the guidance of classmates or other writers, or get help from a professional editor.

Header photo by Ming Jun Tan .

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Writing Tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay

4-minute read

30th April 2022

An argumentative essay is a structured, compelling piece of writing where an author clearly defines their stance on a specific topic. This is a very popular style of writing assigned to students at schools, colleges, and universities. Learn the steps to researching, structuring, and writing an effective argumentative essay below.

Requirements of an Argumentative Essay

To effectively achieve its purpose, an argumentative essay must contain:

● A concise thesis statement that introduces readers to the central argument of the essay

● A clear, logical, argument that engages readers

● Ample research and evidence that supports your argument

Approaches to Use in Your Argumentative Essay

1. classical.

● Clearly present the central argument.

● Outline your opinion.

● Provide enough evidence to support your theory.

2. Toulmin

● State your claim.

● Supply the evidence for your stance.

● Explain how these findings support the argument.

● Include and discuss any limitations of your belief.

3. Rogerian

● Explain the opposing stance of your argument.

● Discuss the problems with adopting this viewpoint.

● Offer your position on the matter.

● Provide reasons for why yours is the more beneficial stance.

● Include a potential compromise for the topic at hand.

Tips for Writing a Well-Written Argumentative Essay

● Introduce your topic in a bold, direct, and engaging manner to captivate your readers and encourage them to keep reading.

● Provide sufficient evidence to justify your argument and convince readers to adopt this point of view.

● Consider, include, and fairly present all sides of the topic.

● Structure your argument in a clear, logical manner that helps your readers to understand your thought process.

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● Discuss any counterarguments that might be posed.

● Use persuasive writing that’s appropriate for your target audience and motivates them to agree with you.

Steps to Write an Argumentative Essay

Follow these basic steps to write a powerful and meaningful argumentative essay :

Step 1: Choose a topic that you’re passionate about

If you’ve already been given a topic to write about, pick a stance that resonates deeply with you. This will shine through in your writing, make the research process easier, and positively influence the outcome of your argument.

Step 2: Conduct ample research to prove the validity of your argument

To write an emotive argumentative essay , finding enough research to support your theory is a must. You’ll need solid evidence to convince readers to agree with your take on the matter. You’ll also need to logically organize the research so that it naturally convinces readers of your viewpoint and leaves no room for questioning.

Step 3: Follow a simple, easy-to-follow structure and compile your essay

A good structure to ensure a well-written and effective argumentative essay includes:

Introduction

● Introduce your topic.

● Offer background information on the claim.

● Discuss the evidence you’ll present to support your argument.

● State your thesis statement, a one-to-two sentence summary of your claim.

● This is the section where you’ll develop and expand on your argument.

● It should be split into three or four coherent paragraphs, with each one presenting its own idea.

● Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that indicates why readers should adopt your belief or stance.

● Include your research, statistics, citations, and other supporting evidence.

● Discuss opposing viewpoints and why they’re invalid.

● This part typically consists of one paragraph.

● Summarize your research and the findings that were presented.

● Emphasize your initial thesis statement.

● Persuade readers to agree with your stance.

We certainly hope that you feel inspired to use these tips when writing your next argumentative essay . And, if you’re currently elbow-deep in writing one, consider submitting a free sample to us once it’s completed. Our expert team of editors can help ensure that it’s concise, error-free, and effective!

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Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay

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

To be effective, an argumentative essay must contain elements to help persuade the audience to see things from your perspective. These components include a compelling topic, a balanced assessment, strong evidence, and persuasive language.

Find a Good Topic and Point of View

To find a good topic for an argumentative essay, consider several issues and choose a few that spark at least two solid, conflicting points of view. As you look over a list of topics , find one that really piques your interest, as you'll be more successful if you're passionate about your topic.

Once you have selected a topic you feel strongly about, make a list of points for both sides of the argument. When shaping an argument you'll have to explain why your belief is reasonable and logical, so list points you can use as evidence for or against an issue. Ultimately, determine your side of the argument and make sure you can back up your point of view with reasoning and evidence. Work against the opposing point of view and prove why your stance is correct.

Gather Evidence

One of your essay's first objectives will be to assess both sides of your issue. Consider strong arguments for both your side, as well as the "other" side—in order to shoot their statements down. Provide evidence without drama; sticking to the facts and clear examples that support your stance.

You may look for research that provides statistics on your topic that support your reasoning, as well as examples of how your topic impacts people, animals, or even the Earth. Interviewing experts on your topic can also help you structure a compelling argument.

Write the Essay

Once you've given yourself a solid foundation of information, begin to craft your essay. An argument essay, as with all essays, should contain three parts: the introduction , the body, and the conclusion . The length of paragraphs in these parts will vary depending on the length of your essay assignment.

As in any essay, the first paragraph of your argument essay should introduce the topic with a brief explanation of your topic, some background information, and a thesis statement . In this case, your thesis is a statement of your position on a specific controversial topic.

Present Both Sides of the Controversy

The body of your essay should contain the meat of your argument. Go into more detail about the two sides of your topic and state the strongest points of the counter-side of your issue.

After describing the "other" side, present your own viewpoint and then provide evidence to show why your position is the correct one. Work to discredit the other side using some of the information you discovered in your research. Choose your strongest evidence and present your points one by one. Use a mix of evidence, from statistics to other studies and anecdotal stories.

A strong conclusion can help summarize your point of view and reinforce with your reader why your stance is the best option. You might consider reserving one overwhelmingly shocking statistic for the conclusion, one that leaves no room for doubt in your reader's mind. At the very least, use this final paragraph or two as an opportunity to restate your position as the most sensible one.

When writing your essay, consider these tips to help craft the most rational and poignant argument for your readers. Avoid emotional language that can sound irrational. Know the difference between a logical conclusion and an emotional point of view.

Don't fabricate evidence and don't use untrustworthy sources for evidence, and be sure to cite your sources .

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How to Write a Persuasive Essay

by Guest Blogger | 0 comments

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So you've been assigned a persuasive paper and you're staring at a blinking cursor. What do you do first? How do you pick a good topic? Today we're going to learn how to write a persuasive essay, so you can get that assignment done.

As we continue our back-to-school series on writing essays, today we look at the persuasive essay.

Today's article is written by guest writer Cora Weems who is a senior at the University of South Carolina. She typically writes narrative poetry, slightly depressing short stories, and effective academic essays. Her hobbies include trying to get through a tall stack of unread books and handcrafts like card-making. Welcome, Cora!

What is a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is a piece of writing that aims to convince the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint or take action. To support it, you'll use logical arguments, compelling evidence, emotional appeals, and personalization.

In school, teachers often assign controversial issues, but you can develop your own topic too.

Learning to write a persuasive essay though is terrific practice for all kinds of writing. From public debate to sales letters and marketing, persuasive writing skills can carry you far beyond your school experience.

Let's go through the full process!

How to Write a Persuasive Essay: 6 Steps to Help You Start

Here are six steps to help you get your essay started.

Step 1: Pick a Suitable Topic

Maybe your teacher's already given you a prompt, or a specific topic to follow. Or maybe they've sent you on your way with just the rubric and an example paper to help you with formatting.

When it comes to persuasive writing, you need a position that you develop into a central idea. You'll have to support that position with all your evidence and reasoning.

Ideally, it should be a topic you're already familiar with and interested in. That will give you a better starting position and help keep you motivated to keep researching and writing!

When you are given a topic, you'll still want to develop a debatable position.

Here are three examples of broad persuasive essay topics:

The Impact of Social Media on Society
Climate Change and Environmental Responsibility
The Role of Education in Reducing Income Inequality

It should not be a topic that has a specific single right answer or solution, but rather, a number of positions and solutions that you can take.

Your topic should be one of the very first things you address in your essay, in the topic sentence of your introductory paragraph, so your reader can immediately know what you're writing about.

To choose a suitable topic, ask yourself if the topic has multiple positions to take, and if you can reasonably research and take one position. That leads us to step 2:

Step 2: Research Both Sides, But Only Pick One

Even though you're only trying to advocate for one side of your argument, you should know the perspectives of both sides. Not only will this give you a better understanding of your topic, but it will help you prepare a counter argument that will make your essay more convincing.

If you've chosen a controversial topic, then there should be at least two opposing viewpoints that you can read about for supporting evidence.

Perhaps when you picked your topic, you already had a preferred stance, but researching the other side will give you fresh insight into what you actually believe, rather than relying on what you already knew.

Strong arguments typically address the opposing side's perspective and acknowledge them, for the purpose of refuting that argument and making your own appear stronger.

Or maybe you think both sides of your argument have valid points, so you think you'll about both and let the reader decide. Don't do that!

Not only is it more work for you, but the reader will be confused about your point.

You can acknowledge the strongest parts of the opposing view while you counter with your own perspective.

Step 3: Craft a Thesis Statement

Writing a thesis statement is a skill that goes beyond just persuasive writing. It's particularly important in this case because it gives both you and the reader a clear vision on how the rest of your paper is going to go.

You should explicitly state what you position is and what the rest of your paper is going to be about. It's usually a sentence or two long, so don't worry about being thorough or too specific. You'll Expand on it in your body paragraphs.

Typically, your thesis statement is located at the end of your introductory paragraph which allows for a natural transition from introducing your topic to the more specific reasons for your position on that topic.

You can use this statement to outline the rest of your paper, from what each paragraph is going to addressing the type of evidence you'll be using.

For example, if you choose the topic about the impact of social media on society, you want a thesis statement that covers the position and scope of your paper. Here's an example:

Social media like Facebook negatively impacts society through the ease of sharing misinformation, and both individuals and social media platforms need to do more to curb the spread of misinformation.

Notice how the position this writer takes is that Facebook negatively impacts society because of how it's used to share misinformation.

Now how would they support that thesis?

Step 4: Use the Right Evidence

Once you take a position, it's the time to show the reader why your viewpoint in particular is the one they should follow.

For academic writing, the most effective evidence is peer-reviewed articles published in academic journals. Peer-reviewed articles are seen as the most credible because they've been viewed and cleared by a number of different people, which means multiple people agreed that this article is reliable.

If you chose the wrong evidence, your entire argument is at risk of falling apart. You should not be choosing evidence that is false or unreliable, because your evidence is the foundation that your position stands upon.

Even if you don't want to go searching through databases for jargon-filled journal articles, all the evidence you choose should be from credible sources. It could be an expert opinion or some form of anecdotal evidence that could help personalize the issue for your reader.

You may have heard the terms “ethos,” “pathos,” and “logos” in class. When crafting something persuasive, you should appeal to authority, emotion, and logic.

Using evidence from an expert is an appeal to ethos or authority, credibility.

If you cite statistics from a reputable source, that might be an appeal to logic.

A related anecdote that makes the reader angry or sympathetic may be an emotional appeal.

The best persuasive essays use all three.

A persuasive argument is typically supported by a number of different sources that appeal to all parts of the reader, from their logical side to their more heartfelt one. All of those different perspectives will come together to make your argument stronger and more effective.

For example, in our example above on the impact of social media, the thesis statement reads: “Social media like Facebook negatively impacts society through the ease of sharing misinformation, and both individuals and social media platforms need to do more to curb the spread of misinformation.”

To support, this paper would need to show data about misinformation on Facebook, demonstrate the ways that misinformation negatively impacts society, and then offer the best solutions in the form of individual and company interventions.

Step 5: Use Natural Transitions

As you add evidence to your argument, use transitions that help the reader see the connections you're making.

If you've ever felt your eyes begin to glaze over when you see a wall of text or a bunch of graphs and statistics in one place, the writer lost you in making the needed connections and transitions. You don't want to do that to your reader.

Introduce a point, then use evidence to support that point, and then expand on that evidence. Whether it's by paraphrasing it so the reader can more easily digest it, or by showing the reader exactly how it connects back to what you're trying to persuade them.

This not only applies to evidence, but also moving between paragraphs. There should be a topic sentence near the beginning of every paragraph to tell the reader what that paragraph is about, and you should use the last sentence of the previous paragraph to lead into it.

Doing this helps improve the flow of your essay and keeps the reader's attention. If they never have to stop and wonder how you got to a certain point, then you can keep all their attention purely on your argument.

Step 6: Make It Applicable

As you bring your essay to a close, most persuasive papers end with some call to action. It might be that you are asking the reader to understand an issue differently. Maybe you want to them to change their minds or donate money or take other action.

Make sure your conclusion answers the question, “So what?” Give your reader something to occupy their mind even after they're done reading. You want to tell them why reading your argument was important, and give them a reason to keep thinking about your argument even after you're done.

Doing so will leave a lasting impression of your paper on your reader, which will make your essay more persuasive and effective.

Persuade us!

So there you have it. Some ways to help move that blinking cursor.

It's okay to start with a draft that's just you cramming all your ideas onto a document. Don't worry about formal language yet. Reorganizing and rewriting that rough draft is part of what makes a good paper.

Plus, writing it all out will let you see what you actually thought the most important parts were, and revision allows you to highlight those strong points and focus on what you think the reader should know.

Here's a question to help you keep going even after you've finished the messy first draft: What makes this essay important to you?

Beyond the grade it will get in class, beyond how it will affect your GPA or academic standing, what about this essay is important? What about this will affect more people than just you?

Throughout your life, you'll constantly find times where you have to use persuasion. Maybe it won't be in essay format or presented in a Power Point, but finding ways to be persuasive is something that will help you in the rest of your life.

So let's think of this essay as practice, and learn how to be as persuasive as we can.

What are your best tips for persuasive writing? Share in the comments .

Set your timer for fifteen minutes . Choose a persuasive topic that you can take a clear position on. Make a list of the reasons for your current view point. Then, do some research and read possible evidence both in support and in opposition to your view. Choose the strongest two to three pieces.

If you still have time, craft a thesis statement that distills your argument, and begin writing the essay. While it will take you longer than fifteen minutes to write the essay, sometimes just getting started in fifteen minutes is enough to make a difference!

When finished, post your thesis and current direction in the Pro Practice Workshop , and leave feedback for a few other writers.

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
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 ...
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50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 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 ...
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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.
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Choosing between argumentative essay topics can be hard; especially when you don't know where to start looking. Luckily, you can find over 120 topic ideas here, including our top 10 hot topics. ... Is the #metoo movement a good thing? ... Writing an argumentative essay is a great exercise, whether students are in elementary school, middle ...
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There is still value in writing an argumentative essay on a topic that may not be of interest to you. It will push you to study a new topic, and broaden your ability to write on a variety of topics. Getting good at proving a point thoroughly and effectively will help you to both understand different fields more completely and increase your ...
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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students. 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.
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19. Snail Mail: Do you think handwritten cards and letters still have value in the digital age? 20. Cyberbullying: Should social media companies do more to prevent online harassment? 21. Phone ...
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Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
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Researching and writing an argumentative essay takes quite a bit of time, so you should pick a topic you're fascinated by to make the process a little less painless. Forming General Arguments To test whether or not the prompt you have in mind is up to snuff for an entire essay, you can test it out by putting it in a general argument.
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2. Consider both sides of the argument. There must be two opposing positions in any good argument. Make sure your topic allows for both sides to have a valid argument . 3. Research the topic thoroughly. Take the time to research and understand both sides of the issue before you begin writing your essay.
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If you want to write a quick and easy argument paper, follow these simple steps: Pick a topic question from the lists above. Decide your answer to the question (this is your beginning thesis). Write down everything you know about the topic. Talk to your friends or family to find out what they know, have heard, or have read recently about the ...
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3 Drafting: Write a rough draft of your essay. It helps to include any data and direct quotes as early as possible, especially with argumentative essays that often cite outside sources. 4 Revising: Polish your rough draft, optimize word choice, and restructure your arguments if necessary. Make sure your language is clear and appropriate for the ...
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Technology essay topics. As technology continues to develop, it has a large and lasting impact on our society and the way we function and interact. Photo by vejaa. Our country and our world are extremely dependent on advanced technology. It has completely changed the way we work, think, and communicate with each other.
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An argumentative essay is a structured, compelling piece of writing where an author clearly defines their stance on a specific topic. This is a very popular style of writing assigned to students at schools, colleges, and universities. Learn the steps to researching, structuring, and writing an effective argumentative essay below. Requirements ...
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As you consider how to build a strong argument that includes a combination of solid reasoning, credible evidence, and emotional appeal, make sure your position statement on your topic is the right size to persuade your audience. ... That might be a good persuasive essay topic. ... You could write a persuasive essay about the reasons they aren't ...
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Final Tips. When writing your essay, consider these tips to help craft the most rational and poignant argument for your readers. Avoid emotional language that can sound irrational. Know the difference between a logical conclusion and an emotional point of view. Don't fabricate evidence and don't use untrustworthy sources for evidence, and be ...
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Your topic should be one of the very first things you address in your essay, in the topic sentence of your introductory paragraph, so your reader can immediately know what you're writing about. To choose a suitable topic, ask yourself if the topic has multiple positions to take, and if you can reasonably research and take one position.
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English document from The Settlers High School, 42 pages, ESSAY WRITING Wahoo, I love writing essays! How to write an amazing, fantastic, persuasive, engaging and effective introduction, paragraph(s) and conclusion What is an essay? •An ESSAY is an ARGUMENT •An essay is an argument because the purpose of an es
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you comment on student writing will help your students see patterns in their own writing that might otherwise remain elusive to them. 1. Thesis: your main insight or idea about a text or topic, and the main proposition that your essay dem-onstrates. It should be true but arguable (not obviously or patently true, but one alternative among several),

160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

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