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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
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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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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo.

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

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

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

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

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

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

Ideas for Argument Essays

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

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

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

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

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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

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.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

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11th June 2022

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

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

● Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

● Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

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

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

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

● Is AI helping or hurting society?

● Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

● Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

● Is war always a political decision?

● Should people join a political party?

● Is capitalism ethical?

● Is the electoral college an effective system?

● Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

● Should the death penalty be legal?

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

● Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

● Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

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

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

● Should abortion be legal?

● Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

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

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

Mental Healthcare

● What causes the stigma around mental health?

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

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

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

● Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

● Should sports be segregated by gender?

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

● Are professional athletes overpaid?

● Should college athletes be paid?

● Should sports betting be legal?

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

● Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

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

● Should schools be required to offer art courses?

● Is art necessary to society?

● Should schools require uniforms?

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

● Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

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

● Should higher education be free?

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

● Are children better off in two-parent households?

● Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

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

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

● Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

● Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

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

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Argumentative Essay Topics and Ideas

Did you know that according to our argumentative essay writing service , the average person makes about 35,000 decisions every day? With so many fascinating topics out there – from politics to technology – the right one can be a real adventure.

In this article, we'll explore how to pick argumentative essay topics that get people talking and make your paper stand out.

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Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

It's crucial to ensure that you choose unique argumentative essay topics. While your school may occasionally offer a selection of subjects, there may be times when you find it difficult to settle on one. You can also try a persuasive essay writing service if your workload is too heavy on all fronts.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

Recycling in communities.
Outdoor activities for kids.
Student involvement in policies.
Year-round schooling.
Social media and teen mental health.
Zoos: Entertainment vs. welfare.
Peer tutoring's academic impact.
Sports in education.
School vouchers.
Technology in classrooms.
Student choice in classes.
Financial literacy for kids.
Homeschooling pros and cons.
Standardized testing debate.
Music education's impact.

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

Social media's impact on relationships.
Lowering the voting age.
Legalizing marijuana: Pros and cons.
Effectiveness of standardized testing.
Cyberbullying: Causes and effects.
Free college education debate.
Importance of financial literacy.
Technology in education.
School dress codes: Yes or no?
Gun control laws debate.
Drinking age: Lower or raise?
Climate change awareness.
Banning animal testing for cosmetics.
Online learning.
Ethics of genetic engineering.

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

Social media's impact on college students' mental health.
Paying college athletes.
Pros and cons of online learning
College education: Worth the cost?
Affirmative action in college admissions.
Free college tuition: Should it be universal?
Effects of climate change policies.
Technology's role in higher education.
Hate speech and the First Amendment.
Ethics of genetic engineering and cloning.
Diversity in the college curriculum.
Pass/fail grading: Should it be an option?
Student loan debt's impact on mental health and careers.
Trigger warnings in college.
Legalizing recreational substances: For or against?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Should euthanasia be legalized?
The pros and cons of capital punishment.
Is gun control necessary in modern society?
Should abortion be legal or illegal?
The debate over same-sex marriage.
Are affirmative action policies fair or unfair?
The ethics of animal testing in scientific research.
Should prostitution be legalized?
Is climate change a hoax or a real threat?
The impact of immigration on society.
Should the death penalty be abolished?
The role of religion in government and politics.
Is genetic engineering ethical?
The ethics of cloning humans.
The morality of military intervention in foreign countries.

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

Cats vs. dogs: The ultimate debate.
Flat Earth theory: Myth or reality?
Pajamas: Fashion statement or fashion faux pas?
Pineapple pizza: Love it or hate it?
Procrastination: The art of delay.
Emojis: The new language.
Socks: More than just footwear.
The five-second rule.
Surviving boring meetings.
DIY zombie apocalypse survival.
Alien encounters: Fact or fiction?
Air guitar: Serious sport or silly hobby?
Deciphering cat communication.
The thrill of watching paint dry.
Laughing at your boss's jokes: A skill or survival tactic?

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Topics for Argumentative Speech

Importance of voting in a democracy.
Should college education be free for all?
Impact of social media on mental health.
Is climate change a real threat?
Ethics of animal testing in scientific research.
Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
Pros and cons of legalizing marijuana.
Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Role of technology in shaping society.
Need for stricter gun control laws.
Benefits of renewable energy sources.
Is online learning as effective as traditional education?
Effects of fast food on public health.
Should genetic engineering of humans be allowed?

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Argument Topics on Social Media

Should social media regulate hate speech?
Role of social media in spreading misinformation.
Is social media addiction real?
Should employers use social media for hiring?
Influence of social media on political views.
Should parents monitor children's social media?
Ethical implications of influencer marketing.
Effects of social media on relationships.
Should social media ban political ads?
Responsibility of social media companies against cyberbullying.
Impact of social media on self-esteem.
Should social media have age restrictions?
Privacy concerns with social media.
Role of social media in activism.

Argument Topics on Music

Impact of music education on academics.
Should explicit music lyrics be censored?
Influence of music on emotions.
Streaming music: Did it help musicians?
Is music piracy a crime?
Music's role in cultural identity.
Should music therapy be mainstream?
Effects of music on child development.
Autotune: Boon or bane for music?
Prioritizing funding for school music programs.
Ethics of sampling in music.
Relevance of classical music today.
Music's role in social movements.
Age restrictions at music venues.
Live music vs. recorded experiences: Which is better?

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Fast food's impact on health.
Junk food ban in schools?
Legalizing marijuana for medicine.
Universal healthcare: A right?
Vaccination: preventing diseases.
Smoking in public: should it be banned?
Genetics: Testing and editing ethics.
Mental health vs. physical health?
Exercise: Vital for health?
Taxing sugary drinks: Good idea?
Alternative medicine: Pros and cons.
Mandatory flu shots for healthcare?
Technology's mental health impact.
Organic food: Worth the cost?
GMOs: Safe for consumption?

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

Ethics of artificial intelligence.
Pros and cons of genetic engineering in humans.
Renewable energy: Benefits and drawbacks.
Nuclear energy: Sustainable solution?
Technology's impact on privacy.
Regulating facial recognition technology.
Manned missions vs. robotics in space exploration.
Ethics of CRISPR gene editing.
Technology and social connection.
Role of technology in climate change.
Autonomous vehicles on public roads: Yes or no?
Social media algorithms and information consumption.
Regulation of artificial intelligence development.
Biometric surveillance: Potential dangers.
Limits on military technology development.

Argument Topics on Sports

Impact of sports on youth development.
Should college athletes be paid?
Technology in sports officiating.
Benefits of competitive sports for children.
Performance-enhancing substances in sports.
Banning violent sports like boxing.
Ethics of gender segregation in sports.
Importance of sportsmanship in competition.
Changing racially insensitive sports team names.
Hosting major sporting events for cities.
Legitimacy of esports as sports.
Sports' impact on mental health.
Athlete protests during events.
Salary caps in professional sports.
Sports' role in promoting social change.

Argument Topics on Government

Government's role in healthcare.
Lowering or raising the voting age.
Is democracy the best system?
Term limits for politicians.
Abolishing the Electoral College.
Influence of lobbying on decisions.
Government's role in regulating the economy.
Stricter regulations on campaign finance.
Universal basic income debate.
Necessity of government surveillance.
Ethics of Government Censorship.
Limits on executive powers.
Government policies and climate change.
Government's role in addressing inequality.

Argument Topics on TV, Movies, Video Games

Impact of violent video games on behavior.
Should violent media be restricted?
Influence of celebrity culture.
Harmfulness of binge-watching.
Portrayal of gender and race in media.
Age restrictions on video game content.
Effects of advertising in children's shows.
Is piracy damaging to the industry?
Role of censorship in protecting audiences.
Regulation of video game loot boxes.
Social media's impact on entertainment.
Need for diversity in Hollywood.
Future of virtual reality in entertainment.
Streaming services vs. traditional TV.
Regulating children's screen time.

How to Choose Argumentative Essay Topics

To come up with engaging and thought-provoking argumentative essay topics for students, it’s crucial to choose a strong topic. Here are seven genuine suggestions to help you through the process:

Explore Your Interests

Brainstorm interesting argumentative essay topics that genuinely interest you. A subject you're passionate about will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging.

Consider Controversy

Look for topics for argumentative essay that spark debate or have multiple perspectives. Controversial issues often make for compelling argumentative essays because they allow you to explore different sides of an issue and present your stance.

Assess Current Relevance

Select unique argumentative essay topics that are relevant to current events or ongoing discussions in society. This ensures your essay resonates with readers and contributes to meaningful dialogue on contemporary issues. Also, we recommend learning more about an argumentative essay structure before working on your first draft.

Narrow Down Broad Topics

Once you've identified a general area of interest, narrow it down to a specific aspect or angle. This will help you focus your research and develop a clear thesis statement for your essay.

Evaluate Feasibility

Consider the availability of credible sources and data for your chosen topic. Ensure that you find enough evidence to support your arguments and counterarguments effectively. Just in case, we have an article with a cause and effect essay structure , so don’t forget to consult it.

Check for Personal Connection

Reflect on your experiences, beliefs, or values that may intersect with potential topics. A topic that is personally significant to you can add depth and authenticity to your arguments.

Seek Feedback

Discuss your topic ideas with peers, instructors, or mentors for their input and perspectives. They can offer valuable insights, suggest alternative angles, or help you refine your topic to make it more persuasive. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply buy argumentative essay and call it a day.

A quality topic should be relevant, timely, and debatable, offering multiple perspectives for examination. Moreover, it should align with the writer's interests and expertise, enabling them to present a well-reasoned and well-supported argument.

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What Is the Five-Paragraph Argumentative Essay?

What are good topics for an argumentative essay, what is an argumentative example.

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Added infographics.
Added new topics.
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Oliver, E. (2023, May 18). Good Argumentative Essay Topics. Read Relevant. https://readrelevant.com/good-argumentative-essay-topics/
52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting. (2021, April 19). CollegeVine Blog. https://blog.collegevine.com/argumentative-essays-ideas

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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.

99 Great Handpicked Ideas for Argumentative Essays

99 argumentative essay ideas.

Bonus Material: 5-step thesis machine and essay checklist

If you want to write a great argumentative essay, then these are the foolproof steps to do it.

Grab this guide to help you craft a strong thesis statement and check that you haven’t forgotten a crucial part of your essay.

Or skip to the bottom for a list of fantastic argumentative essay ideas that have been vetted by a Princeton grad and professional editor who has taught writing at Notre Dame.

Keep reading to learn more about what an argumentative essay is, and how is it different from other types of academic writing? What are the most important features of an effective argumentative essay? How do you write this kind of essay—where should you start, how do you make sure that you have an argument, and what are the most common pitfalls?

In this post we’ll cover:

What is an academic argumentative essay?
What are the elements of a good argumentative essay? What are the most common mistakes?
How do you create an effective thesis for an argumentative essay?
How do you present your evidence for an academic argumentative essay?
What are good topics for an argumentative essay?
Bonus: essential essay checklist + 5-step thesis machine

Download the guide to a great thesis statement and essay checklist

Bonus: download our 5-step guide to creating a great thesis statement and essential essay checklist .

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a common assignment in many high school and college classes. But many students don’t know how to write a great argumentative essay!

In order to avoid some of the most common pitfalls, it’s important to know what this kind of essay is not .

We can divide academic writing into three broad categories:

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

An argumentative essay falls into the third category. It’s crucial that your essay presents an argument , not just a series of facts or observations!

In elementary or middle school, you may have been assigned a version of this assignment—something like “write a persuasive essay arguing for a bigger allowance from your parents.”

Maybe you wrote a five-paragraph essay explaining why you deserved an allowance for completing your weekly chores, the ways in which your current allowance limited your ability to join your friends in social activities, and examples of some of the educational things you’d spend your increased allowance on.

This is the more mature version of that assignment. The goal is to present a nuanced argument with deep thinking . Often the essay explores an ethical question.

a great essay presents nuanced arguments with deep thinking

Keep reading to learn our foolproof way of confirming that you have something that’s arguable . Our hand-picked list of 99 essay topics below gives a great starting place!

For example, you might start with the question “is animal testing ethical?”

The idea is not to give a simple yes or no answer, but dig into the complexities of the question. Are there circumstances where it would be okay, but not other circumstances?

Maybe you draw a distinction between animal testing that is part of efforts to find cures for serious human illnesses versus animal testing to develop cosmetics. So instead of just answering yes or no, you give a more nuanced answer.

In this example, you might even further qualify your position. Maybe you think that animal testing for medical research should be subject to careful regulations.

Or maybe you think that only certain animals should be involved in testing. Are tests using fruitflies okay? How about horseshoe crabs? Mice? Dogs? Primates?

How about genetically modifying the animals as part of the testing?

Is animal testing for certain kinds of medical research more ethical than others?

See how there are a lot of different directions you can take this in beyond just “yes” or “no”? This is what will make your writing more mature and interesting!

For an academic argumentative essay, you will then need to support all of your points with evidence from reputable sources (we’ll explore this more below ). Remember, your opinion is a component of the essay, but it’s also supported by evidence.

The skills that you build when you’re writing an academic argumentative essay will be incredibly useful throughout your life. They’re applicable in nearly any job that you can imagine!

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers , 73.4% of employers want a candidate with strong written communication skills. Writing skills are in high demand for employers in every industry and can be crucial to your future success, even if you’re in a STEM-based career.

Download our 5-step guide to creating a great thesis statement and essential essay checklist .

Download now

Elements of a good argumentative essay

What makes a good academic argumentative essay?

A good argumentative essay should open with an engaging introduction.

A well-crafted introduction makes a smooth funnel that starts more broadly and smoothly zeroes in on the specific argument:

It begins with some kind of “hook”: this can be an anecdote, quote, statistic, provocative statement, question, etc.
It gives some background information that is relevant to understand the ethical dilemma or debate
It has a lead-up to the thesis
At the end of the introduction, the thesis is clearly stated

Check out examples of great introductions here.

Crucially, a good argumentative essay has a strong, clear thesis.

The thesis should be:

Arguable: it’s not just the facts—someone could disagree with this position
Narrow & specific: don’t pick a position that’s so broad you could never back it up
Complex: show that you are thinking deeply—one way to do this is to consider objections/qualifiers in your thesis

We’ll talk more about how to craft a good thesis below , and you can download our 5-step worksheet to make a great thesis statement.

The body of the essay should have at least three paragraphs.

These be clearly organized, and each paragraph should have a distinct idea. Together, the paragraphs cover all the points raised in the thesis. They should be in a logical order that best supports the argument.

Each paragraph contains:

Transition from the previous sentence: this can be just a word or phrase, or it can be 1–2 whole sentences
Topic sentence: the main idea of the paragraph, taken from one “chunk” of your thesis
Context: introduce your piece of evidence and any relevant background info
Explanation: explain what the quote/paraphrase means in your own words
Analysis: analyze how this piece of evidence proves your thesis
Relate it back to the thesis: don’t forget to relate this point back to your overarching thesis!
Summarizing sentence: restate topic sentence

Keep reading for more tips on how to use evidence effectively in your essay.

Your essay should also have a conclusion.

The conclusion should summarize your entire argument without being redundant. It should also point to the larger significance of the issue.

So to recap, your essay needs:

An engaging introduction
A great thesis statement
Organized paragraphs with evidence from reputable sources
A conclusion

Make sure your essay has all of these parts! Download our detailed checklist to make sure your essay avoids the most common mistakes.

To see how all these parts work together, check out our examples of great argumentative essays.

5 steps to develop a great thesis for an argumentative essay

Having a great thesis statement is a make-or-break component of an argumentative essay.

In order to write a great thesis statement for an argumentative essay, use these five steps :

State the topic ( check out our list of great topics below !)
Turn it into a debatable issue
Provide a rationale for your position
Add qualifier(s) to refine your position
Reverse your statement to confirm it’s arguable and to anticipate possible counterarguments

(Adapted from Sheridan Baker, The Practical Stylist .)

Using this method with our example of animal testing, we might write:

The idea: Animal testing
Your position: Animal testing should only be used in certain circumstances.
Give a reason for your position: Animal testing causes suffering or injury to animals, which we should avoid as much as possible—but this is outweighed by the enormous potential for scientific discoveries.
Add nuance and detail to your position: The ethical problems with animal testing are outweighed by the potential to advance cures for both animal and human diseases, but animal testing should be carefully limited to only applications that reduce suffering and disease, not for cosmetic or recreational applications.
Check that it’s arguable and someone could argue the opposite side: Animal testing causes suffering to animals, which is unethical, and can often be misused for profit.

Download our 5-step worksheet to help guide you through these steps to write a great thesis statement!

How to use evidence in an argumentative essay

Using evidence to support your points is key to making an academic argument.

When you were in elementary or middle school, perhaps you did a version of this assignment with just your own observations and opinions.

When you’re writing a more advanced essay, however, you want to support your ideas with evidence from reputable sources.

One of the big differences between a research paper and an argumentative essay is that you don’t need to do your own original research with primary sources. Original research would be things like running experiments, administering surveys, deciphering ancient inscriptions, interviewing people, or reading archival material.

Instead, you can rely on secondary sources . These are publications of other people’s research or analysis .

For an academic essay, you want to make sure that your secondary sources are reputable .

How do you know a source is reputable? One good indication is that it’s published in a book by a major publisher (like Penguin), especially an academic publisher (like Princeton University Press, Harvard University Press, Oxford University Press, Cambridge University Press. . . basically anything with “university press” in the name!).

Another good kind of source is articles published in major academic journals . Some famous journals are Nature (all science), The Lancet (medicine), and The American Historical Review (history).

More accessible sources might be in other national magazines or newspapers , like The Atlantic, The Economist, or The New York Times.

How do you gather evidence for your essay? When you’re reading sources and taking notes, think:

What is the author’s main argument? Supporting arguments?
What specific evidence does the author use to support that argument?
How does this argument relate to the argument in other sources? Does it agree/disagree or complicate the argument in other sources?

When you’re selecting your evidence, make sure that it directly supports the argument of that paragraph and the essay in general.

Once you have your evidence gathered, you need to analyze it! You can’t just dump evidence on your readers without explaining its significance to your sub-point and your overall argument.

If you’re representing an author’s perspective, or if the quote is especially strong, quote it directly with quote marks: “ ”. As much as you can, try and quote only part of a sentence, and interweave it with your own writing.

The rest of the time, paraphrase the evidence in your own words.

Make sure to cite your sources ! There are lots of different citation styles. Which style is most appropriate will depend on which field you’re working in. Usually your teacher/professor will tell you which one to use. If it’s not clear, it’s always a good question to ask your instructor.

(You still cite when you paraphrase, unless it’s common knowledge that you find in virtually all the sources you read.)

How to write analysis

A balanced essay will have at least two sentences of analysis for every one sentence of direct quotation. For our essay about animal testing, this might look like:

“Whenever possible, animal testing should be avoided. Fortunately, advances in technology have made many alternatives to animal testing possible. For example, the polio vaccine, which has saved millions of human lives, used to be made in the kidney cells of monkeys, which meant that tens of thousands of monkeys died each year to produce the vaccine. However, by the 1970s the live monkeys had been replaced by cells in culture, which meant that many monkey lives were saved (Bookchin and Schumacher, 2005). An added benefit of this newer technique is that it also eliminated the risk of contamination with animal viruses (Taylor, 2019). Similarly, the vaccine against yellow fever used to be checked on live animals, but in the 1970s this was replaced with a cell culture test (World Health Organization, 2007). Scientists have also been able to avoid using animals for testing because our understanding of the diseases themselves has improved. For example, scientists used to perform a “particularly unpleasant” test using mice to check batches of insulin which involved sending mice into convulsions (Taylor, 2019). Since every batch of insulin needed to be tested on 600 mice, tens of thousands of mice were involved in the testing every year in the UK alone. Now, however, scientists know how to measure the components of insulin directly, and the mice are no longer needed (Taylor, 2019). Through these advances in scientific understanding and techniques, researchers have been able to reduce the amount of animal testing without compromising important work for human health.”

You should introduce your evidence by providing some context. Next, present your evidence. Then explain what it means and how it supports your argument.

For a really great paper, you can also show how different sources relate to one another! Use transition words or phrases throughout your paragraphs to guide the reader along your thought process.

Your analysis should be:

Nuanced and specific
Takes into account multiple perspectives and ideas; draws distinctions and connections among them
Backed by evidence all relating back to the argument

For more mature writing, avoid clunky phrases like “On page 12, McKitterick states that. . . ” or “This evidence reveals that. . . ” Instead, try to weave the evidence into your writing seamlessly.

Wondering what this looks like when you put it all together? Check out our examples of great student essays.

Download our 5-step thesis guide

99 great topic ideas for argumentative essays

All of these essay ideas have been vetted by a Princeton grad to confirm that they’re actually arguable . That means that they all would make great starting points for argumentative essays!

Use our foolproof 5-step guide to turn one of these ideas into a great thesis statement!

Student issues

Should sodas or other unhealthy food be banned at schools?
Should students hold jobs?
Should gym class be required?
Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
Should schools require uniforms?
Should schools have tracking (honors classes, AP classes) or should classes be the same for all students in the same grade?
Should college athletes be paid?
Should children be allowed to play sports that have been proven to have a high risk of permanent brain damage from concussions? Is it ethical for adult athletes to be paid to play these sports?
How much should parents get involved in their child’s physical education? Is it ethical for young athletes to compete at the highest levels? (e.g. Olympic athletes who are under 18 years of age.)
If social media has been demonstrated to have harmful effects on mental health, should minors have unregulated access to it?
Should media for children and teens be regulated?
Should college be free of cost? Should future income be tied to the cost of a college degree?
Should public preschool be a right for all children?
Should all students receive free breakfast and lunch at school?
Should the school day start after 9am?
Should school libraries ban certain books?
Is marketing designed for children ethical?
Should the legal drinking age in the US be lowered to 18?

Animal rights

Should animal testing be banned?
Should animals be kept in zoos?
Is having pets ethical?
Should wild animals be allowed to be kept as pets?
Should you adopt a pet from a shelter or buy a specific breed from a breeder?
Can eating meat be justified?
Is animal hunting ethical?

Politics and human relations

Should smoking be illegal? Smoking in public? Smoking around children?
Should drug possession be decriminalized?
Should some items be taxed more than others? Is there anything that should be exempt from sales tax?
Are knock-off fashion “dupes” unethical?
Should museum items be returned (repatriated) to the country where they were created?
Should charities and humanitarian aid organizations use images of graphic suffering in their advertising campaigns?
Is it acceptable to risk harming others in order to benefit one who is clearly in need? For example, is it okay to drive over the speed limit because you need to help someone get to the hospital who is in urgent crisis? What if you cause a crash on the way to the hospital because of dangerous driving?
Should there be any limits to lawyer-client confidentiality?
Is the death penalty ever warranted? Should the death penalty exist?
Is torture ever justified?
Is it ever right to steal, even if you have a great need?
Is it unethical to be extremely rich?
Should unpaid internships be legal?
Should companies be required to meet diversity quotes for their hiring practices?
Should parental leave be equal for all parents, regardless of who gives birth?
Should the minimum wage be raised?
Can war be ethical?
Should nuclear weapons be banned globally?
Should all new cars be electric?
Should we impose population controls? Should people have children, if that greatly increases one’s carbon footprint?
Should countries that produce disproportionate carbon emissions and other environmental damage have to help other countries with the effects of climate change?
Should individuals be able to sue the government when the government has failed to provide a basic standard of living?
Should we invest in military weapons development?
Should we land machines, or humans, on planets, comets or other extraterrestrial bodies in order to study them?
Should we explore space colonization?
If people engage in risky behaviors, should they be charged a fine if they need to be rescued? (For example, swimming in the ocean at night while drunk.)
Should we distribute universal income?
How much control should the state have on the press?
Should law enforcement be able to work undercover? Is working undercover deception?
Should law enforcement be able to use tracking data from phones?
Should people serving prison sentences be allowed to vote?
Should gender quotas be used in government elections?
Can modern societies still be held accountable for what their nation did in the past?
Should public transit be free?
Should social media companies be regulated?
Should everyone have access to the internet for free?
Should elections be decided by popular vote? Should citizens over age 18 be legally required to vote?
Should certain kinds of speech on social media be banned?

Tech, AI, and data

Should tech devices come with an addiction warning label?
Will AI help the world or hurt it?
Should there be financial penalties for buying soda or other unhealthy foods?
Do people have a right to privacy online?
Should our data be used to determine insurance policies or legal consequences? For example, should we create a diabetic insulin implant that could notify your doctor or insurance company when you make poor diet choices, and should that decision make you ineligible for certain types of medical treatment? Should cars be equipped to monitor speed and other measures of good driving, and should this data be subpoenaed by authorities following a crash?
Should law enforcement be able to access someone’s online data or phone with a warrant?
Can hacking ever be morally justified?

Medical ethics

Is healthcare a fundamental human right? Should universal healthcare be free?
In cases of terminal illness, do you think that a patient should be able to request medically assisted suicide?
Should terminally ill patients who have exhausted all approved drug therapies be able to access drugs that have not been approved for sale by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (commonly called “ Right to Try ”)?
Under what conditions should people be kept artificially alive?
How should we decide who receives organ transplants? Is it ethical to de-prioritize a transplant candidate who smokes cigarettes, for example?
Should there be any limits to doctor-patient confidentiality?
Is it ethical for medical study participants to be financially compensated?
Is it ethical for blood, plasma, or bone marrow donors to be financially compensated?
Should uninsured patients be offered free clinical trials ?
Is it ethical for individuals who donate genetic material for fertility purposes (e.g. egg or sperm donors) to be financially compensated?
Should vaccines and medications be patented? Should individuals or corporations be able to profit from vaccines and medications?
Should individuals or corporations be able to profit from healthcare?
Is plastic surgery ethical?
Should vaccinations be mandatory for everyone?
Should medical personnel collect healthy tissues of a deceased person without their consent?
What are the ethics of extremely expensive medical treatments? What if the treatment is not curative, but only extends life for a few more months?
As medical data becomes increasingly less “non-identifiable”—i.e. with AI, bigger data, and increasing knowledge of genetics it is less possible to guarantee that research study participants will remain anonymous—what are the ethical implications?
Now that whole genome sequencing allows prospective parents to check the risks of conceiving children, what are the ethical obligations for the best interests of future possible children on the part of the prospective parents? If you know that your children will inherit a serious disease, should you have biological children? Should social policies govern such decisions? Should those policies protect parental procreative liberty or enhance social responsibility for the best interests of those future possible children?
Is it ethical to collect extra samples from a patient (for example, an extra vial of blood) before obtaining consent to be enrolled in a study? (Assume that in this scenario the sample would be discarded if the patient declines to enroll in the study.)
If, in the course of an unrelated medical or scientific study, a genetic predisposition to a certain illness or condition is discovered, should the study participant be notified? Does it matter if the findings are medically actionable or not? For example, “In a specific study, researchers were performing NGS on tissue banked samples of healthy controls and colon cancer patients to validate an assay. The use of healthy controls in a study like this is not uncommon; however, what happens if one of the healthy controls tests positive for a mutation that predisposes to colon cancer using an unvalidated research assay? The samples were obtained from a tissue bank and the researchers were unclear about what the informed consent stated about returning incidental findings, raising the question whether to contact the subject and if contact is attempted, how to do it.”
Should parents decide medical treatment for their children? Should parents be allowed to opt out of medically-advised treatment because of personal beliefs?
Should parents who are researchers be able to enroll their own children in their research study ?
Should DNA be used for genealogical research?
Should we create synthetic forms of life ? Should we let them loose in the world?
Should we use geo-engineering to attempt to combat global warming?
Should we create genetically-modified organisms (like food crops)?
Should we resurrect extinct species?
If we had the ability to eliminate aberrant thought patterns and enforce social conformity through technological or pharmacological means, would it be the right thing to do? Or do people have an inalienable right to be themselves, provided they pose no immediate risk to themselves or others?
Are human enhancements ethical? Pharmaceutical, surgical, mechanical and neurological enhancements are already available for therapeutic purposes. But these same enhancements can be used to magnify human biological function beyond the societal norm. Where do we draw the line between therapy and enhancement? How do we justify enhancing human bodies when so many individuals still lack access to basic therapeutic medicine? Should neuro-enhancing drugs be legal? Is it ethical to improve memory functions with brain stimulation?

Bonus: download the essential essay checklist + 5-step thesis machine

Working on writing your own essay?

Grab our handy checklist to make sure that your essay has everything it needs! It also comes with our foolproof 5-step worksheet for creating great thesis statements every time.

Emily graduated summa cum laude from Princeton University and holds an MA from the University of Notre Dame. She was a National Merit Scholar and has won numerous academic prizes and fellowships. A veteran of the publishing industry, she has helped professors at Harvard, Yale, and Princeton revise their books and articles. Over the last decade, Emily has successfully mentored hundreds of students in all aspects of the college admissions process, including the SAT, ACT, and college application essay.

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Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Single-use Plastics Ban – Should single-use plastics be banned?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

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Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

Social Media
Death Penalty
School Uniforms
Video Games
Animal Testing
Gun Control
Banned Books
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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!

Ad hominem fallacy
Post hoc fallacy
Appeal to authority fallacy
False cause fallacy
Sunk cost fallacy

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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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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.

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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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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

Good Argumentative Essay Topics For Beginners - 270+ Ideas

23 min read

Argumentative Essay Topics for Students of Different Academic Level

Below is a list of argumentative topics for students of all levels. With such varied topics available for exploration, you can easily find one that sparks your interest without difficulty.

Argumentative Essay Topics For University Students

Is there a need for stricter regulations on social media platforms to protect user privacy and combat misinformation?
Should universities implement quotas to increase diversity among students and faculty?
Is artificial intelligence a threat to employment and job security for university graduates?
Should universities adopt a pass/fail grading system instead of traditional letter grades?
Is it ethical for universities to accept funding from industries with questionable environmental or ethical practices?
Should universities require students to take courses on global citizenship and cultural competency?
Is the use of animals in scientific research morally justifiable, and should it be allowed in universities?
Should universities offer courses on cryptocurrency and blockchain technology?
Should universities lower tuition fees to make education more accessible?
Should universities be allowed to use affirmative action policies for admissions?

Argumentative Essay Topics For College

Should college athletes be paid for their participation in sports?
Is online education as effective as traditional classroom learning for college students?
Should colleges and universities implement affirmative action policies to increase diversity among students and faculty?
Should college education be free?
Should colleges have stricter policies against plagiarism and academic dishonesty?
Is there a need for stronger gun control laws in the United States to prevent mass shootings on college campuses?
Should the Electoral College be reformed or abolished?
Is it ethical for colleges and universities to invest their endowment funds in industries such as fossil fuels or tobacco?
Should colleges and universities eliminate standardized testing (SAT and ACT) as a requirement for admissions?
Should the curriculum in colleges and universities be more focused on practical skills and job readiness?

Argumentative Essay Topics For High School Students

Should the government regulate the sale and consumption of sugary drinks to combat obesity?
Is it ethical for schools to use metal detectors and conduct random searches of students' belongings?
Should high school students be required to perform community service as part of their graduation requirements?
Is the use of technology in the classroom, such as laptops and tablets, more helpful or harmful to learning?
Should schools teach comprehensive sex education to high school students, including topics like consent and contraception?
Is the death penalty an effective and just punishment for serious crimes?
Should high school athletes be required to maintain a certain GPA to participate in sports?
Is homeschooling a better educational option than traditional public or private schools?
Should schools have a mandatory course on digital literacy and internet safety?
Is the use of surveillance cameras in public places a violation of privacy rights?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Teenagers

Should schools teach comprehensive sex education?
Are school uniforms beneficial?
Should kids be social media influencers?
Should kids have homework on weekends?
Should schools abolish homework?
Is stricter immigration and border control necessary?
Should teachers get paid more?
Should your school day start later?
Are violent video games harmful to teenagers?
Has the internet made society better?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School Students

Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
Is homework necessary for students to succeed academically?
Should school uniforms be mandatory for all students?
Is video gaming harmful or beneficial for young people's development?
Should pets be allowed in school to reduce stress and anxiety?
Is it important for middle school students to learn a second language?
Is technology too isolating for individuals?
Is online learning as effective as traditional classroom learning?
Should students be required to participate in physical education classes every day?
Is it fair for students to be graded on their participation in class discussions?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Class 7

What rights, if any, should teenagers have to control their lives?
Do children learn more from rewards or punishments?
Should physical education be mandatory in schools?
Is the amount of homework given to students appropriate or excessive?
Are standardized tests an effective measure of student performance?
Should parents have access to their children's social media accounts?
Do video games have a positive or negative effect on academic achievement?
Should students be allowed to bring their own technology to school?
Does the Internet create more opportunities for learning or less?
Should schools teach values and morality as part of the curriculum?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 5

Should schools have a longer summer vacation?
Should every student go to college?
Should gym class be required for all students?
Is it fair for students to have to wear school uniforms?
Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?
Should schools provide more opportunities for physical education and exercise?
Is it important for students to learn a foreign language in school?
Should students be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
Should schools be required to offer art, music, and creative subjects?

Argumentative Essay Topics For Kids

Should students have a longer summer break?
Should students be allowed to have a pet in their classroom?
Is it better to read books in print or on a digital device?
Should schools have a dress code?
Is it important for kids to eat their vegetables every day?
Is it better to have a longer or shorter school day?
Should kids be allowed to have a TV or computer in their bedrooms?
Is it important for kids to learn to play a musical instrument?
Lunch break should be 1 hour long.
Argue in favor of your favorite TV show or cartoon series.

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Subject-Specific Argumentative Essay Topics

Here are some argumentative topic ideas categorized by different disciplines:

The effectiveness of inclusive education in mainstream schools.
Should standardized testing be eliminated in favor of alternative assessment methods?
How does socioeconomic status impact educational opportunities?
Should homeschooling be regulated more strictly?
The role of arts education in fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Should computer coding be a mandatory subject in schools?
Examining the benefits and drawbacks of year-round schooling.
The impact of digital textbooks versus traditional textbooks on learning outcomes.
Should schools provide free meals to all students, regardless of income?
How can schools better support students with mental health challenges?
Analyzing the portrayal of gender roles in classic literature versus contemporary literature.
Should schools focus more on teaching practical writing skills over literary analysis?
Is censorship ever justified in literature taught in schools?
The influence of Shakespeare on modern literature and drama.
Should creative writing be a mandatory subject in high school?
Examining the role of satire in literature and its impact on society.
Should students be allowed to choose their own books for assigned reading?
The portrayal of diversity and multiculturalism in children's literature.
How does digital publishing affect the future of the book industry?
Analyzing the evolution of language in the digital age.

Environmental Science

The role of government policies versus individual actions in combating climate change.
Should plastic bags be banned globally to protect the environment?
Is nuclear energy a sustainable solution for the future?
The impact of deforestation on biodiversity and climate regulation.
Should ecotourism be promoted as a means of environmental conservation?
Analyzing the ethics of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in agriculture.
The effectiveness of wildlife conservation efforts in preserving endangered species.
Should countries prioritize renewable energy sources over fossil fuels?
How can urban planning contribute to environmental sustainability?
The role of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation and management.
Should businesses prioritize social responsibility over profit?
The impact of globalization on local economies and cultures.
Is ethical consumerism a viable solution to promote sustainable business practices?
Analyzing the effectiveness of corporate diversity and inclusion programs.
Should CEOs' salaries be capped to reduce income inequality?
How does technology innovation impact small businesses versus large corporations?
Should governments regulate the gig economy to protect workers' rights?
The role of business incubators and accelerators in fostering entrepreneurship.
Is a four-day workweek beneficial for employee productivity and well-being?
Should businesses be held accountable for their environmental impact?

Science and Ethics

Should animal testing be banned for scientific research?
The ethical implications of gene editing and designer babies.
Is there a moral obligation to preserve endangered species?
Should scientific research funding prioritize medical advancements over space exploration?
The ethical considerations of cloning for agricultural purposes.
Should scientists have the right to patent their discoveries?
Analyzing the ethics of using artificial intelligence in healthcare diagnosis.
Is geoengineering a viable solution to combat climate change?
Should governments regulate the use of CRISPR technology in humans?
The ethical dilemmas of conducting research involving human subjects.
Should minimum wage laws be standardized globally?
The impact of automation on job creation and unemployment rates.
Is there a correlation between economic growth and income inequality?
Should governments implement a universal basic income?
Analyzing the economic consequences of immigration policies.
The role of cryptocurrency in the future of global finance.
Should antitrust laws be strengthened to prevent monopolies?
How does globalization affect developing economies?
The economic benefits and drawbacks of free trade agreements.
Should financial literacy education be mandatory in schools?

Gender and Sexuality

Should gender-neutral language be adopted in official documents and institutions?
The portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters in media and its impact on social attitudes.
Is affirmative action necessary to promote gender equality in the workplace?
The impact of gender stereotypes on mental health and self-esteem.
Should sex education be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ issues?
Analyzing the representation of women in leadership positions in politics and business.
Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
The intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality in social justice movements.
Is there a double standard in societal expectations of masculinity and femininity?
Should healthcare policies cover gender-affirming treatments for transgender individuals?

Healthcare Policy

Should healthcare be a fundamental human right?
The impact of pharmaceutical advertising on healthcare costs and patient outcomes.
Should governments regulate the pricing of essential medicines?
Is universal healthcare economically feasible in all countries?
Analyzing the effectiveness of preventative healthcare programs.
The ethical considerations of organ donation and transplantation.
Should alternative medicine be integrated into mainstream healthcare systems?
How does access to healthcare differ between urban and rural populations?
Should vaccinations be mandatory to prevent outbreaks of contagious diseases?
The role of technology in improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence

Should there be regulations on the development and use of artificial intelligence?
The ethical implications of autonomous vehicles and their impact on society.
Is artificial intelligence a threat to human employment?
Analyzing the role of AI in personalized medicine and healthcare diagnostics.
Should AI algorithms be transparent and accountable for their decisions?
The potential risks and benefits of AI in military applications.
How can AI contribute to environmental sustainability and conservation efforts?
Should there be international treaties to govern the use of AI in warfare?
The ethical dilemmas of AI in privacy and data security.
Is AI-enhanced education beneficial for students' learning outcomes?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in professional sports?
The impact of sports on youth development and academic performance.
Is there gender equality in sports media coverage and sponsorship?
Analyzing the role of sports in promoting social inclusion and diversity.
The ethics of hosting mega-events like the Olympics and World Cup.
Should there be stricter regulations on sports concussions and player safety?
The impact of sports fandom on community identity and social cohesion.
Should sports leagues implement stricter policies on athlete behavior off the field?
Is there a correlation between sports participation and mental health benefits?
Should social media platforms be held accountable for misinformation and hate speech?
The ethical implications of facial recognition technology in public surveillance.
Is digital privacy a fundamental right in the age of big data?
Analyzing the impact of 5G technology on global connectivity and communication.
Should there be regulations on the use of drones for civilian and commercial purposes?
The role of virtual reality in education and training programs.
How does technology contribute to sustainable development and environmental conservation?
Should artificial intelligence have legal personhood and rights?
The impact of cybersecurity threats on global economies and national security.
Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies to combat climate change?

Read our blog on argumentative essay examples to get an idea of what kind of topics make strong argumentative essays.

Religion Argument Essay Topics

Should religious education be mandatory in schools?
Is religious tolerance achievable in a diverse society?
Should religious institutions be taxed like other businesses?
The impact of religious beliefs on healthcare decisions.
Should blasphemy laws exist in modern societies?
Is there a place for prayer in public schools?
Should religious symbols be allowed in government buildings?
The role of religion in shaping historical conflicts.
Is religious extremism a threat to global security?
Should religious leaders be involved in political decision-making?

Family Argumentative Essay Topics

Should parents be legally responsible for their children's actions?
Is it ethical to use corporal punishment to discipline children?
The impact of divorce on children's mental health and development.
Should same-sex couples be allowed to adopt children?
Should there be a limit on the number of children a family can have?
Is helicopter parenting beneficial or harmful to children?
Should parents be held accountable for their children's cyberbullying behavior?
The role of grandparents in modern family dynamics.
Should parenting classes be mandatory for new parents?
Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children's development?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the electoral college system be abolished in favor of a popular vote?
Is democracy the best form of government?
Should there be term limits for politicians?
The impact of lobbying and special interest groups on government decisions.
Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
Is government surveillance justified in the name of national security?
Should there be stricter regulations on campaign finance?
The role of government in regulating social media platforms.
Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
Is there a need for a global government to address international issues?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

Should social media platforms regulate hate speech and misinformation?
The impact of social media on mental health among teenagers.
Should employers have the right to check employees' social media profiles?
Is social media addiction a real problem?
Should social media influencers be considered role models?
The ethics of using social media data for targeted advertising.
Should there be age restrictions on social media usage?
The impact of social media on political activism and social movements.
Should schools teach digital citizenship and online etiquette?
Is social media bridging or widening the generation gap?

Miscellaneous Argumentative Essay Topics

Let's examine a range of unique miscellaneous argumentative essay topics to broaden our perspectives and stimulate critical thinking.

Argumentative Essay Topics About The Internet

Should internet access be considered a basic human right?
The impact of internet censorship on freedom of expression.
Should there be stricter regulations on data privacy for internet users?
Is the internet making people more socially isolated?
Should governments have the power to shut down the internet during protests?
The role of the internet in spreading fake news and misinformation.
Should online anonymity be protected or restricted?
The impact of internet piracy on the entertainment industry.
Is the internet contributing to the decline of traditional media?
Should internet service providers be allowed to implement data caps?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Climate Change

Should governments enforce stricter regulations on carbon emissions?
The effectiveness of renewable energy sources in combating climate change.
Should climate change education be mandatory in schools?
The impact of deforestation on global climate patterns.
Should developed countries be more responsible for addressing climate change?
The role of individual actions versus government policies in reducing carbon footprints.
Should climate change deniers be given a platform in public discourse?
The impact of climate change on global food security.
Should companies be required to disclose their carbon footprint?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Animal Testing

Should animal testing be banned for cosmetic products?
The ethical implications of using animals for medical research.
Are there viable alternatives to animal testing in scientific research?
Should stricter regulations be implemented to protect animals in laboratories?
The impact of animal testing bans on scientific progress.
Should animal testing be allowed for the development of life-saving medications?
The role of animal rights organizations in influencing public policy on animal testing.
Should universities be required to reduce their reliance on animal testing?
The effectiveness of animal testing in predicting human reactions.
Is it ethical to use genetically modified animals in research?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Debate

The use of marijuana should be illegal. Yes or No?
YouTube channel owners should edit foul language in the comments.
Does freedom of speech give people the license to say hateful things?
Can competitive behavior lead to issues in the long run?
Should criminals get second chances?
Ignorance is a blessing. Debate.
Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished?
Gun Control Laws: Should They Be Stricter or More Lenient?
The Ethics of Cloning and Genetic Engineering.
Is Censorship of Art and Media Ever Justified?

Argumentative Persuasive Essay Topics

Parents should have no control over the lives of their adult kids.
Parents should not give smartphones to their kids.
Religion and politics should be kept separate.
Should the Legal Drinking Age Be Lowered to 18?
The Benefits of Renewable Energy Sources: Why We Should Transition to Clean Energy.
Is Mandatory Voting a Good Way to Improve Civic Participation?
Is Online Dating a Better Way to Find Love Than Traditional Dating Methods?
The Impacts of Volunteering: Why Everyone Should Give Back to Their Community.
Should Plastic Bags Be Banned to Reduce Environmental Pollution?
Is Financial Literacy More Important Now than Ever?

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How to Choose an Interesting Argumentative Essay Topic?

Argumentative essays require the writer to evaluate a topic, collect and generate evidence, and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner. Finding a topic for an argumentative essay can be challenging for students.

When choosing your topic, consider the following:

Your interest: Selecting an argumentative essay topic that interests you can make the writing process much easier.
Relevance: Choose a topic that is relevant to your course material and fits into the context of your assignment. Make sure your essay title maintains focus and relevance throughout your writing.
Research Potential: Consider topics with enough research material available for you to support your argument.
Debate Potential: Look for topics that have the potential to generate a lively debate. These topics will stir readers’ emotions and invoke discussion.
Uniqueness: Choose topics that are unique and interesting to make your essay stand out from others.
Consider Outlining: Before choosing your topic, create an argumentative essay outline to clarify your approach. Identify key points and supporting evidence to ensure there's enough material for a coherent argument.

Also, take a moment to explore our blog on argumentative research paper topics for additional ideas.

Selecting a compelling argumentative essay topic is the first step toward crafting a persuasive and thought-provoking essay. The topic you choose should be debatable, inviting readers to engage in meaningful discussions and consider diverse viewpoints.

So, whenever you’re about to write an argumentative essay, take your time to choose the best topic.

However, if you're still having a hard time, you can get help from our online essay service !

Our expert writers tailor your essays to your specific needs and ensure that your paper is well-structured, backed by credible evidence, and adheres to academic standards. So contact our argumentative essay writing service now!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an argumentative essay a story.

No, an argumentative essay is not a story. Unlike a narrative essay , which tells a sequence of events or a personal experience, an argumentative essay presents a logical argument supported by evidence and analysis. It aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action based on the presented arguments.

What is an argumentative essay format?

An argumentative essay typically follows a basic essay format , such as:

Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Counterargument Paragraph (optional)

How can I find credible sources to support my argumentative essay?

Here are 4 ways to find credible sources to support your argument:

Use Academic Databases (JSTOR, PubMed, or Google Scholar).
Utilize Library Resources (books, journals, and databases).
Government and Organizational Websites
Evaluate Sources (author's credentials, publication date).

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Nova Allison is a Digital Content Strategist with over eight years of experience. Nova has also worked as a technical and scientific writer. She is majorly involved in developing and reviewing online content plans that engage and resonate with audiences. Nova has a passion for writing that engages and informs her readers.

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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.

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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Outstanding Topics for Argumentative Essay

Students think that argumentative essay writing appears to be a very tough feat without proper support and guidance. A majority of the argumentative essay topics look lengthy and cumbersome. Without awareness about the intricacies and particularities involves in this particular type of work, you too will feel lost in a maze of ideas. Lots of skills are involved in the arguments: having or coming up with a claim, analyzing the pros and cons, defending your argument through critical thought, reasoning and convincing skills, proof, taking into accounts both sides of the dispute, and reaching a conclusion. If you are aware of what you have to do, writing on argument essay topics becomes easy.

What Is A Good Argumentative Essay Topic?

Many a student wonders what is a good argumentative essay topic to work with, what does a well structured essay looks like, etc.? Well, it’s not that big of a deal. There are lots of good argumentative essay topics to choose from, but you have to pick one which you can easily write an essay on.

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

Want to know what happens to be some good argumentative essay topics to pen an essay on? Let’s see:

Fast food is making America fat.
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.
One’s physical attributes have implications on the occupation.
Women perform better than men on the official positions and occupations.

Argument Essay Topics by Education Level

Ideas for argumentative essay writing have greater variety, and they are given in relation to their suitability to different education levels.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

Following are some examples for middle school:

Should parents let kids use the internet unsupervised?
Are video games making kids smarter or are they affecting their attention spans?
Should schools abolish homework? Give reasons to support your answer.
Is bullying a serious problem?
Must school cafeterias provide students with healthy lunches?
Homeschoolers are diligent and hard working.
Should video games be regulated at school?
Soccer is the most resource-demanding sport.
9. Video games are beneficial but not harmful.
The world will be a better place if we protect the environment.
Physical activities as 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 of using gadgets for studying purposes.
Should tattoos be perceived as a social deviation?
Dieting must not be practiced by schoolers.

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

Argumentative essay topics for college students to help them discuss things they feel deeply about and defend or condemn. Appropriate writing argumentative essay topics are:

Do paparazzi have the right to pursue celebrities?
It’s okay to date multiple people at the same time.
Standardized testing is the best way to judge your potential.
The college admission process is competitive.
The legal age of drinking should be lower.
It’s best for students not to have the opportunity to choose courses.
A gap year should be popularized before entering an educational institution.
The primary mission of a college is to prepare yourself to the workforce.
College athletes should pass the classes similarly to regular students.
To encourage integrity, any student caught cheating should be immediately dismissed.
Students should not be penalized for bad performance.
College admission procedures must become more transparent and easily trackable.
Is student loan truly a financial burden for the rest of life?
Single-sex schools are sexist and old-fashioned.
Students should receive governmental assistance.

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

These argument topics give high school students a great chance to develop their views and present them:

School proms are disappointing. Do you agree or disagree?
Studying arts and music is very important. Argue in favor or against.
Teens commit suicide due to pressure to get good grades.
Should parents lay down curfew hours or not?
Schools should impose stricter rules concerning food.
Schoolers spend too much time in front of their cellphones.
Cheerleading shouldn’t be considered a sport.
Private schools are not obligatory better than ordinary ones.
School uniform should be introduced in all public schools.
Students are becoming less religious with each generation.
High schools often disregard one’s potential due to bureaucracy.
The optimal size for a class is ten schoolers.
Do high schoolers truly know the history of their state?
Schools are backpedaling in adapting new technologies within the in-class setting.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics By Subject

There are five types of claims in which an argument can be placed. Each claim is being elaborated through an example topic:

A claim of definition: What is euthanasia? A claim of cause: What causes it? A claim of value: What are its moral implications? A claim of policy: Should there be laws on it? A claim of fact: What’s the statistical ratio of people going for it?

Medical Argumentative Essay Topics

Here are a few medical ideas you can use for your write-up:

Do people need greater cancer awareness? Why?
Abortion is a woman’s right over her body. Do you agree?
Should there be a moral judgment around euthanasia?
Cannabis should be prescribed as painkiller freely.
Generics should be barred by the FDA.
Everyone has a moral responsibility to donate blood.
HIV is falsely associated with homosexuals. Why?
The birth control pills must be closely regulated to ensure consumer’s safety.
Strain injuries are the logical consequences of personal computer use.
Dentistry insurance should become equally distributed.
Effective medicines are not always those from the advertisements.
Workplaces should provide more sick leaves to the employees.
Everybody should be taxed to contribute to medical research.
The primary reason for all health-related problems is lifestyle.
Why are the laws neglect prohibiting tobacco and alcohol?

Music Essay Topics

These essay topics related to music can lead you to find a topic for argumentative essay:

Blues make us feel depressed.
Music is a therapy that can be used for illness.
Music should be played in an examination room to help students focus better.
Distribution of music should be free.
Music preferences reflect personality.
Are Musical skills the result of talent or hard work?
The best way to learn music is to enroll in a specialized music course.
Why should music become mandatory in a college education?
How many of those talented musicians remained unnoticed?
Music has psychological implications, which should be studied more thoroughly.
The best way to play music is to create a band.
Music benefits one’s social life. How?
May music change customer’s consumer preferences?
The music industry should not be associated with music as a form of art.
Most of the modern-time artists are the one-hit wonders.

Sports Essay Topics

Let’s see a few hot sport-related issues to work on:

Cheerleading should be banned.
Boxing is a dangerous sport.
Students who are athletes don’t have to take exams.
Should athletes be allowed to use steroids?
Women in sports – are they as good as men?
The best way to succeed in sports is to be born talented.
Racial differences play a considerable role in professional sports. Why?
Why should everybody try swimming?
Might sport become the next universal language worldwide?
The reasons to perceive coaches less professional than players.
The most hailed sports players aren’t necessarily the best.
Big money is something that ruins the sport’s competitive essence.
Fans should not judge players after losses or failures.
Why are sportspeople more social and proactive?
The pros and cons of sports as a key to positive self-esteem.

American History

You need to have background knowledge for dealing with an American history topic like the ones underneath:

America’s Foreign policy over the years: Strengths and weaknesses.
Who has been the best American president and why?
Landing on the moon. Did it happen or not?
How slavery impacted America.
The Vietnam War and its impact.
Cold War wasn’t solely the victory of the US.
American policies towards indigenous populations were justified: true or false?
How the discourse of the American Revolution impacted the French Revolution?
Woodrow Wilson as the greatest American politician.
In what ways industrialization boosted urbanization?
The state borders: Reasons for being disputed.
Why New York City developed most significantly over time?
Awareness became the reason for the construction of the national parks in the US.
Was the American involvement in the Korean War necessary?
The union workers gave the rise of similar movements across the globe: true or false?

Psychology topics are interesting and allow for a decent well-grounded piece. Here are some suggestions for your paper:

Parents are responsible for their kids’ mental health
Stress is good as it makes us perform better.
Divorce doesn’t impact children.
Anorexia can be overcome through will power.
Punishment is useful for raising obedient kids.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs should be revised in the 21st century.
Personality tests are harmful and impractical.
Traumatic events should be vividly discussed, but not concealed.
Lying is natural and widespread. Why?
Optimism may be good for your health.
Should psychology be regarded as a scientific discipline?
How to treat cognitive disorders?
The tensest psychological issues in modern psychology.
How to know that’s the right time to study psychology.
Sleeping disorders: Health issue or individual problem?

Choose Your Topic About Animals

Care for animals and their right? See the following:

It’s ok to test cosmetics on animals.
Slaughtering animals as a sacrifice is barbaric.
Endangered animals don’t need to be saved.
Hunting is a good hobby.
Keeping animals encaged in zoos is cruel.
People shouldn’t use exotic animals as pets.
The best way is to adopt, not to buy.
Circuses must be eliminated without any exceptions.
The best sign of love for an animal is patience.
Zoos remind concentration camps, but for animals. Why?
The reasons for having an animal.
How may animals improve your mood and health?
People who love animals are generally kinder and more optimistic. Is it true?
Allergy to animals is a valid reason for not having one.
Animals should have their identity cards and passports worldwide.

Immigration

Immigration argument topics are an area with room for debate. See a few ideas:

Immigrants shouldn’t be given citizenship.
Building a wall on the border is a great idea.
Immigrants are stealing our jobs.
Immigration policies are unfair to US citizens.
Immigrants resist getting assimilated in the culture of their adopted country.
Trump’s Wall: Inadequate announcement or a feasible policy?
High-qualified immigrants should be given citizenship.
Multiculturalism may change public attitude to immigration as a whole.
What are the reasons for the US of having such a prolonged and troublesome history over immigration?
Illegal immigration is still decent for the host state’s economy.
Asylum seekers shouldn’t be associated with immigrants.
When will the world have open borders? Is it possible?
Immigration policies are impossible to be designed in a way to satisfy everybody. Why?
Immigration is a crucial reason for the demographic boom.
Why should immigration be even more strictly regulated?

These technology-related ideas are based on contemporary issues:

Online activism is enough to show one’s involvement.
It’s impossible to survive with smartphones anymore.
Trolling others is an innocent action.
Facebook and Instagram make people feel lonely?
AI will eventually become superior to human intelligence.
Technology is capable of draining one’s life energy. How?
Social networks are best established online.
The drive for technology is a road to progress. Why?
Modern technologies are capable of erasing cultural distinctions.
Technology eventually makes people less creative and imaginative.
How electronic devices impact the human body?
Are children becoming more socialized while using gadgets?
Is a life without modern technology possible?
Technologies are best utilized if used meaningfully.
How the Internet changed the world once and forever?

Pick Out Argumentative Philosophy Essay Topic

The following philosophy statements can be debated upon:

Are religion and philosophy opposed to each other?
Human beings are evil by nature.
Happiness stems from money.
Does having a conscience increases life’s burdens?
Is beauty indeed in the eye of the beholder?
What is the true purpose of our existence?
Philosophy is falsely considered to be the first of the sciences.
Most of the classic philosophers’ ideas are irrelevant now.
Is ageism a real thing? How should it be eliminated?
Is morality essential to humans? Why?
Should philosophy be perceived as the ancestor of religion?
Might atheism be logically considered a belief?
Should philosophers be regarded as the contemporary masterminds?
Is morality more related to one’s character or education?
Should patriotism be associated with virtue?
Why is philosophy a next-level discipline?

A few science issues you can write actively on are:

Burning fossil fuels is bad for the environment.
Should we monitor our carbon footprint?
Genetic engineering can help in the creation of designer babies.
Cloning is for the good of the human race.
Oil drilling should be banned.
Can wars be won merely by bombing?
Environmental concerns are hard to justify.
Do vaccines really cause autism and related health issues?
What’s the reason to backpedal cloning?
What alternative sources of energy should be developed?
How may genetic engineering contribute to the emergence of more advanced humans?
The best way to cope with global warming is to track one’s activities.
Lifestyle details and nuances are the natural consequence of the DNA code.
How long will it take to introduce the language of coding as a universal one?
What are the drawbacks of using artificial intelligence?

Fun and Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics In 2020

Following are a few interesting argumentative essay topics:

Books are not the only things that give us knowledge.
Why every student should give nootropics a try.
What does free speech really mean?
Why studying at night is the best way to study?
Should your parents be on the contact list of your social media account?
Why so many people tend using dating services such as Tinder?
Blondes are not stupid at all. Are they?
What’s the point of televising poker as a sport?
What you consider as humor, one may regard as a bad taste.
Don’t take your life too seriously; it will end after all.
The best way to get more Valentine Cards is to be more social.
Before Instagram, people shared real-life photo cards. What was so romantic about that?
How auto-correct may ruin your career?
Never start anything on Monday. You will ultimately fail.
Men tend to gossip more than women.

Didn’t find an appropriate topic? Learn more about persuasive topics for an essay .

A Few Words About Argumentative Essay Structure

One of the best ways to cope with an argumentative essay is to get acquainted with a common structure of such a task. If given a choice to be more flexible with an argument essay structure , try using the following pattern in your essay topics:

Start with the Introduction, which will shed light on the subject matter.
Craft a thesis statement where you favor one position over another by listing the arguments.
The mentioned arguments will become your body paragraphs. The claims and counterclaims will be included there to represent the controversial essence of the matter.
Conclude with a convincing recap of what idea you maintained and supported throughout the essay. Also, don’t forget to make your writing persuasive and backed-up with decent sources.

Claim Of Policy

The claim of policy essay generally focuses on illustrating why certain circumstances should exist. Read on to get acquainted with the best claim of policy essay topics:

Why should prisoners be allowed to vote?
What is required to ensure just elections?
Gun carry should be allowed only with an appropriate license.
What might be needed to impose a new public policy?
In what ways do media sources blur the image of the reality?
How should the state cope with increasing crime rates?
The best solution to crime is the decriminalization of most regulations.
States should initiate armed conflicts when other states pose considerable threats.
The electoral college doesn’t work properly. Why?
The main practices of political compromise may hurt ordinary individuals. How?
National policies may increase citizens’ welfare if they’re properly designed.
The only reason to impose anti-immigration laws is to enhance national security.
What’s the main condition of a proper territorial administration?
How to overcome the national debt threat? In what ways its extent is terrific?
The best precaution of the long-run economic growth is the stability of the state’s economic sectors.

Pros And Cons Topics

Pros and cons essays are best for assessing the positives and negatives of a certain condition, which may be best for controversial matters. The best pros and cons essays, as follows:

Pros and Cons of social media use
Pros and Cons of having an extended family.
Pros and Cons of moving abroad.
Pros and Cons of animal testing.
Pros and Cons of abortions.
Pros and Cons of vaccines for kids.
Pros and Cons of medical marijuana.
Pros and Cons of the Olympics.
Pros and Cons of the universal basic income.
Pros and Cons of the concealed handguns.
Pros and Cons of gun control.
Pros and Cons of the school uniforms.
Pros and Cons of the vegetarianism.
Pros and Cons of school vouchers.
Pros and Cons of free college access.

Tips for Writing An Argumentative Essay

A few handy tips to ace your write-up:

Write from your heart.
Your topic needs to have two sides or a scope to be debated upon.
Preset both the sides of the argument before supporting one.
Support your position through substantiation.
Don’t summarize or paraphrase things.

If given a choice, try to go for a topic for argumentative essay that you feel deeply about. Convey your feelings in your writing in different types of academic essays . When you have a unique topic, research it, collect evidence, develop an emphatic stance and attempt to defend it in front of the reader. Tell your readers why you are right!

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Argumentative Essay Topics: 195 Ideas for You

Argumentative essays are a great way to clarify your point on a subject and convince others of it with facts and reasoning. The right topic is crucial for everyone, whether they are a student trying to do well on a task or a person getting ready for a discussion. We know that picking the right topic for your course can be challenging at MyCourseHelp. That's why we've compiled a list of 195 solid and exciting persuasive essay topics to help you get ideas and write an interesting paper.

1. Education

Since education is so important to everyone, many persuasive essay topics can be written about it. The experts at MyCourseHelp often say to choose both crucial issues and have a lot of studies to back up your claims.

Should public school kids have to wear uniforms?
Does homeschooling work better than regular schooling?
Should there be no more standardized tests?
Should you get an online degree or a degree from a college?
Should all kids be able to go to college for free?
Does the way kids are taught now prepare them for life in the real world?
Should the kids be able to give their teachers grades?
Is going to school all year good for kids' mental growth?
Should more schools push for single-gender education?
Should kids learn the arts as much as math and science?

2. Technology

Technology keeps changing every part of our lives, giving us many ideas for essays that will make us think. At MyCourseHelp, our experts say that you should consider these new technologies' moral and social effects.

Should the government keep an eye on artificial intelligence?
Are social media sites to blame for how fake news gets around?
Is the idea of online privacy out of date?
Should tech companies be responsible for the mental health problems of their users?
Ask yourself if the pros of new technologies are more excellent than the cons.
Should algorithms be transparent and follow specific rules?
Is smartphone addiction making it harder for people to connect in meaningful ways?
For better growth, should parents limit their kids' computer time?
Will self-driving cars be the way we get around in the future?
Should there be stricter rules on face recognition technology?

3. Politics and Government

Some of the most heated arguments happen over political problems, which are great topics for arguing essays. MyCourseHelp suggests choosing issues that are related to current problems in your country or around the world.

Should people in free countries have to vote?
Is the two-party system no longer helpful in today's politics?
Should all countries get rid of the death penalty?
Should the law limit the amount of money spent on campaigns?
Should all countries have democracy as their form of government?
Should lobbying be against the law in politics?
Should the United States get rid of the Electoral College?
Do countries do enough to stop climate change?
Should illegal aliens be let go or given amnesty?
Does being politically correct hurt free speech?

4. Environment

Not only are environmental issues current, but they are also essential. They provide a multitude of essay topics that deal with worldwide problems. MyCourseHelp experts tell students to examine these critical debates and make cases based on solid study.

Does climate change pose the most significant danger to people?
Should countries be punished if they don't meet their warming goals?
Are electric cars better for the earth?
Should all single-use plastics be banned?
To fight climate change, should the government control the meat business?
Could nuclear energy help solve the world's electricity problem?
Should cutting down trees be a crime all over the world?
Do you think animal rights are just as necessary as human rights?
What else should be done to help save species that are in danger?
Does recycling help solve the problem of trash?

5. Medicine and Health

Health is a critical issue that affects everyone. The experts at MyCourseHelp say you should write persuasive essays about current health issues.

Should states control what people eat to fight obesity?
Is health care for everyone a fundamental human right?
Should all children be required to get shots?
Does the drug business have too much power in healthcare decisions?
Should it be allowed to kill someone?
Do alternative drugs work, or do you think they should be controlled more closely?
Should people who work in healthcare be able to go on strike?
To lower the number of obese people, should bad food be taxed?
Do schools do enough to raise understanding about mental health?
Should it be legal to change genes to stop diseases?

6. Society and Culture

Social norms and cultural trends give people a lot of room to argue. These are often suggested topics by MyCourseHelp because they let students think more deeply about societal morals and values.

Should stealing someone else's culture be a crime?
Does the "cancel culture" work as a way to hold people accountable?
Should media beauty standards be more open to everyone?
Is social media making it harder to talk to people in person?
Should libraries not have books that are thought to be offensive?
Do young people feel too much pressure to fit in with society's rules?
Do gender roles still matter in the modern world?
Is marriage a thing of the past?
Do reality TV shows change the way people see the world?
Can people still reach the American Dream in today's world?

From moral issues to the fair play of competitions, sports themes offer many ways to make strong cases. These are suggested by MyCourseHelp experts for students who like to think about how sports affect society.

Should drugs that improve ability be legalized in professional sports?
Does college sports focus too much on making money?
Should transgender athletes be able to play sports that match their gender identity?
Do elite players get paid too much?
Should dangerous sports like boxing be banned?
Does making sports more business hurt the fairness of competition?
Should kids be able to play games with physical contact?
Is it moral for major sports teams to have Native American mascots?
Should the Olympics go on, even though they cost a lot of money for the host cities?
Are e-sports just as real as real sports?

8. Ethics and Morality

Many times, argumentative solid essays are based on moral problems. MyCourseHelp says you should approach these problematic problems carefully and with solid proof.

Should there not be any animal testing?
Is it moral to clone people to get organ transplants?
Should prostitution be made legal?
Is the war on drugs more of a moral problem than a matter of law?
Should it be illegal to use animals for entertainment?
Is it dangerous to have designed babies?
Should people be able to market their organs?
Is the death sentence a fair way to punish people?
Is it okay to help someone kill themselves?
Is it ever okay to lie?

9. Science and Innovation

When people talk about science and technology, they often go against morals, rules, and social norms. At MyCourseHelp, we want students to learn more about these critical issues and share their thoughtful opinions.

Should the government put more money into space exploration?
Do GMOs pose a health risk to people?
Should we spend our time exploring the ocean instead of space?
Is the speed of science progress too fast to handle the effects?
Should sexual cloning be against the law?
Is our society ready for the moral problems that AI will bring up?
Should governments keep a closer eye on new scientific discoveries?
Are technological advances putting people at risk of going extinct?
Should the military put more money into making new technologies?
Is it right to do a study on stem cells?

10. Legal and Social Justice

Laws and fairness are essential parts of society, and many interesting topics for persuasive essays can be written about them. Students at MyCourseHelp are told to look into these topics critically.

Should people younger than 21 be allowed to drink?
Is the criminal justice system unfair to people of color?
Should weed be legalized all over the world?
Is the war on drugs working or not working?
Should the U.S. get rid of the Second Amendment?
Should sex work not be classified as a crime?
Are gun control rules working to cut down on gun violence?
Should people only be 16 years old to vote?
Does the justice system know how to deal with cybercrime?
Should countries that have done away with the death penalty bring it back?

Picking the right subject is half the fight when writing an argumentative essay. The team at Help With Writing Essays is here to help you with everything, from choosing a subject to strengthening your case. Our list of 195 topics will help you find the right one to write an exciting and convincing essay, whether you're writing about politics, science, health, or ethics. You'll be well on your way to writing an exciting and thought-provoking argumentative essay with the help of Help With Writing Essays .

For more writing inspiration, check out our blog on 200 Best Topic Ideas for Narrative Essays .

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

Table of contents

1 Let’s Understand an Argumentative Essay
2 9 Helpful Tips for Choosing an Argumentative Topic
3 Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture
4 Controversial Argumentative Research Paper Topics
5 Great Argumentative Essay Topics about History
6 Argumentative Essay Topics about Family Relations
7 Argumentative Essay Topics about Education
8 Technology & Computer Science Argumentative Research Paper Topics
9 Government Argumentative Research Paper Topics
10 Criminal Justice & Criminology Argumentative Research Paper Topics
11 Social Studies Argumentative Research Paper Topics
12 Debatable Argumentative Research Paper Topics
13 Psychology Argumentative Research Paper Topics
14 Medical Argumentative Research Paper Topics
15 American History Argumentative Research Paper Topics
16 Philosophy Argumentative Research Paper Topics
17 Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media
18 Creative Argumentative Essay Topics about Art
19 Argumentative Essay Topics about Politics
20 Sports Argumentative Essay Topics to Research
21 Argumentative Essay Topics about Economics
22 Argumentative Essay Topics about Health
23 Your Take Away

The unique argumentative essay topics can spark readers’ interest and provide ample room for persuasion. This is because argumentative essays turn theories into facts and give a valid argument based on evidence.

They show that the writer has spent a considerable amount of time developing the argument position. People experienced in writing these essays often develop their own rules to follow.

In the end, readers form their own opinions or arguments. These essays can help students understand different subjects through research.

The validity relies heavily on the material. Hence, simple issues need a much more straightforward approach. Nevertheless, you’re dealing with a more controversial topic. You have to use many resources to back up your arguments and claims.

This brief guide will discuss an argumentative essay and share some important tips for writing such essays effectively. At Papers Owl , we understand the importance of compiling a compelling argumentative essay, so we are here to provide you with some useful advice. We will also share a host of different topics you can write about with us to create a compelling essay easily. Let’s begin with our discussion and get started on creating a great argumentative essay.

Let’s Understand an Argumentative Essay

An essay is a kind of academic paper that can introduce different claims regarding both sides of a particular topic. Both sides can balance one if they can dominate. In contrast, the tone of the content will be based on the writer’s authority on that particular subject.

The objective here is to convince the readers to change their opinion if they have a different one than the writers. So, you can always hire an argumentative essay writing service .

Now, there are three different models that you can follow when writing these argumentative essays.

Toulmin model This essay will contain an introduction featuring the thesis statement, followed by background info fully backed up with evidence from different resources. The essay writer has to list the reasons for supporting the main argument and rebuttals.
Rogerian model This argumentative essay model has to weigh both sides of the topic and list down the pros and cons of each. Then, it provides some advice after evaluating each side and in-depth assessment.
Classical model In this model, the writer has to introduce a topic and provide a personal solution. It is to be done with your persuasive writing to inform readers that this solution is the best. The objective is to make the readers think and spark inspiration about the topic.

How to pick a good topic for your argumentative essay is critical. It might seem that finding the best topic for the essay is something like finding a needle in a haystack, but that is not the case. You can easily choose the right topic for your essay . However, you have to make an outline based on credible sources and follow some core principles. You can also buy an argumentative essay of your choice on any topic.

Most controversial topics here are highly prone to prejudice. And in most cases, they have some unconscious aim to prove some pre-assumed facts.

So, when writing an essay, it is always critical to truly understand both sides of a topic. The best way is to pick a basic and neutral topic to which the writer has an indifferent opinion. For extra help, one can consult an academic advisor or get online essay assistance for guidance and support.

9 Helpful Tips for Choosing an Argumentative Topic

Here you can find plenty of argumentative essay tips that you can follow while choosing easy argumentative essay topics that you want to discuss in your writing:

First, you must think about the subject matter that interests you. You need to have in-depth knowledge about the topic and whether you can develop an opinion about the topic.
Consider your experience and how well you know a particular topic. You can always present your personal touch to the readers in your essay.
You need to follow any recent trends regarding the topic. Type some keywords associated with your unique argumentative essay title in Google Trends and see what frequently discussed issues related to your topic.
Make sure to avoid any themes with a more general or broader perspective. It is important because you have to stay on topic while writing, as it can be pretty easy to discuss some off-topic points. But it generally depends on how lengthy you want your essay to be.
You can check your primary and secondary resources related to the topic. You can search the internet and see if you can find enough authentic resources for your essay.
And stay away from emotionally driven topics because argumentative writing is about staying sober and calm with judgments.
Don’t forget about your target audience. Will they accept your opinion, or will your essay spark another debate?
Make sure to find a fun topic, brainstorm, and finalize your list of ideas. You can discuss the list of final topics with your mentors and choose the argument that the majority will vote for.
Choosing a debatable subject can be risky, but it will work best if you can prove your authority on it with related articles and homework.

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

One of the best subjects for your argumentative writing is society and culture. Most people spend their lives based on their moral code. It can be based on individual interests, philosophy, religion, experiences, etc. But everyone has a moral value.

Here is a list of unique argumentative essay topics for college that you can choose based on the subject of society and culture.

Racial discrimination: analyzing ethnicity and racism
Career path
Age limit to teen driving
Disobedience
Discrimination against the LGBTQ community
Healthcare: Is it a fundamental human right?
Television programmers must produce popular family-friendly content as an obligation; should any explicit content be censored?
Social media has the power to get us together and can pull us apart; do the pros outweigh the cons, or is it the other way around?
Gap years are they a precious time to explore and reflect, or are they a vacation period to get some good rest from the hectic life?
Some states are decriminalizing marijuana and some other drugs; is it a good decision?
Equality for all is essential to lawmaking, but is it a part of practice?
The US Gun Law: The right to self-defense and the right to be exploited.
Terminal illness: Can someone request medically assisted suicide?
Smoking: Should it be banned entirely?
The best ways to encourage productive conversions on contentious issues.

Controversial Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Here are some research paper topics that are controversial. What this means, in general, is that there are a lot of readers who have a stand on the topic. For instance, some will approve of it, while others will believe that things should be banned. These are also the most interesting issues of them all, and you can see countless topics and related papers that are very popular and appealing.

Sexism in the workplace among minority women
Homeschooling is a disadvantage for students
Understanding gun violence
Donald Trump’s impact on the US economy
Is Holocaust denial real?
Should we accept and approve human cloning and use it for research or to help humankind?
Can soldiers use torture during interrogation?
Is free speech something that has rules and exemptions?
Is capitalism the only effective and desirable system?
Is increased gun control mandatory these days?
Are electric cars the only reliable future?
Should we allow gay couples to adopt children?
Should people remove the death penalty completely?
Are PC games dangerous and cause violent behavior?
Should the law control abortion or not?

Great Argumentative Essay Topics about History

If you enjoy studying history, there are tons of different history argumentative essay topics that you can write on. Here are a few to get you started.

The Civil War is central
Olaudah Equiano’s argument against slavery was his life experience
Does the Civil Rights Movement have an effect on the way minorities are treated by authorities?
One of the most important events
Julius Caesar in history
“You should learn from the”past”—sometimes there are home patterns in history; do you think history does repeat itself?
Did the US Civil War bring the country together or pull it apart?
Thomas Jefferson did make some significant contributions to the founding of the US, but he didn’t live a perfect life – was he a hero?
Do our modern perspectives and opinions alter the truth of what went down during the significant historical event?
Did immigrants and other lower socio-economic groups and classes have opportunities in the US during that period (choose the past decade for the topic)?
World War I & the US – The US was reluctant to join, and when they did, many US soldiers lost their lives – was it a necessary war for us?
Native Americans & their treatment: How does it leave a moral stain on the US?
Slavery was fundamental for American colonies and the US; How did this injustice alter the country?
Reasons behind the rise of Nazism in Germany & the Holocaust: How can these horrors be avoided in the future?
The European plague & the decimation of the continent’s population: How did it alter history, and what was its greatest impact?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Family Relations

Here are some interesting argumentative topics associated with the subject of family relations.

The impact of divorce on children
Traditional gender roles in the family
Same-sex parenting
The role of extended family in child development
Discussing the challenges and resolution strategies for conflicts
Should mothers stay at home with their children for their best upbringing?
Do distance relationships work?
How can bullying and divorce be prevented?
Can kids recover from the divorce of their parents?
Is teenage marriage a good idea?
Should a pregnant teenager keep the baby?
Domestic violence and teenagers.
House chores and their distribution in the family.
Should family members do sports together?
Are mature and older people better parents?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Education

When it comes to education, you need to write a lot about it. There are countless examples. These papers are some of the most commonly used and have a huge role. The goal here is to help students and teachers understand a specific idea better and even try to improve education. We have countless examples that are specially designed for high school. Others are only ideal for college. If you ever wrote a sociology research paper you may have touched on some of these ideas, and you probably know more about them than you may believe. Anyway, here are 10 examples that we like, are very appealing, and can help you more than you can imagine.

Creativity is a skill that is necessary for education
Ways of improving our education system in its entirety
Advantages of digital textbooks
Equality and segregation in the Los Angeles School District
Should parents actively participate in child education?
Grading systems shouldn’t be used for judging any student’s abilities.
Should students wear a uniform while attending high school?
The role of technology in the educational system.
Should programming be compulsory for all students?
Pros & cons of studying in a single-sex class vs. mixed one.
Should all students learn a foreign language?
Should students be allowed sex education at school?
Girls should be given an equal opportunity to participate in school sports.
Should schools possess the right to drug test their students?

Technology & Computer Science Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Here are some technology argumentative essay topics that are related to computers and technology. Whether exploring the ethical dimensions of artificial intelligence, the societal impacts of emerging technologies, or the practical challenges in cybersecurity, these topics aim to stimulate critical thinking and inspire innovative solutions in the world of technology and computer science.

Artificial intelligence and job automation
The influence of technology on education
Online privacy and data security
Virtual reality and its impact on society
Smartphones – a blessing or a menace?
Has technology facilitated us or made us lazier?
Do millennials overly depend on computers compared to baby boomers?
Should students learn coding from middle school?
Is Watson the cognitive computer and the like unethical?
Microwave tech – how does it facilitate our lives, and how does it impact our biology?
Should the candidates’ social media profiles also be considered during the hiring process?
Should children have their mobile phones?
Self-driving cars – a blessing or a curse in the future of transportation?
Is our future in the hands of AI?

Government Argumentative Research Paper Topics

These ideas can be very confusing and complicated. This is because they touch the government, the way of life, institutions, and politics in general. You need to have a strong point of view when writing these argumentative essays. Your argumentative paper needs to be written from your perspective and answer the main question. In a nutshell, you will discuss something related to how the country works and whether we are going forward or backward.

The turning point of public education for African Americans
Were Andrew Jackson’s policies “good for the economy”?
Despite legislation for equal opportunities
People’s lives have become increasingly reliant on digital media
Are leaders taking us in the right direction?
Should the minimum wage be increased?
Why do many people consider the US to be the best country in the world?
Are veterans being paid sufficiently?
Why is the first lady so important these days?
Are immigrants causing a lot of problems for the country?
Why voting system we use now is failing?
Is it moral to spy on other countries?
How to spend a budget for one city well?
Why is national security more important than our privacy?

Criminal Justice & Criminology Argumentative Research Paper Topics

These are special research topics and some that will help you if you want to study law. Let’s just say that if you are studying law, you will have to write a lot about this. Keep in mind that criminology will investigate why a crime happens, the cost, effects, and similar aspects. On the other hand, criminal justice is developed to deal with criminals. Your paper structure must be advanced and must provide all the latest and issue-related data you can find. Here are 10 ideas that we really like.

Police brutality and racial stereotypes
Police brutality – prevalent problem in American society
Racial profiling and policing
Prison overcrowding
Gun control laws and public safety
Using culture to explain crime
Crime rates and criminal advancement in a city
Dawn data collection: how does it work?
Convict criminology benefits
Postmodern criminology: main issues
Which role does media have in criminology?
Social media as a new place for criminals
History of the criminal justice
The nature of criminal behavior explained
Ages and crime links explained

Social Studies Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Without a better word, here we can see topics and issues based on society and the world in general. You will have to explain something related to society and try to prove that it is beneficial or you are against that. The topics here are all fun and can be simple if you have the ability to choose the one you like. The research topic should include as much data and actual research if possible.

Unauthorized immigrants in the United States
American population and illegal immigration
Massive influx of Illegal immigrants in the USA
Is illegal immigration good for our country?
Prejudice towards illegal immigrants
Is monarchy beneficial?
Is democracy the only system we need?
Pros and cons of capitalism
Major resources of the United States
Personal identity elements
Americanization or globalization
What causes mass consumption?
Should voting be mandatory?
Communication technologies and politics link
Why is cultural diversity so important in the workplace?

Debatable Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Yes, we also have great debatable topics for research papers that you will like. These ones are a bit special. For the lack of a better word, they can have two sides. You can be for or against a specific thing. You can also see that some of these are complicated to explain and have severe complexity. You need to have a strong argument and keep it strong as long as possible. Hopefully, these 10 ideas will help you and can even direct you in the right direction.

Jehovah’s witnesses during the holocaust
The role of nationalism in modern history
Abraham Lincoln as the great emancipator
T o what extent did Adolf Hitler change the course of history
Is euthanasia something we need to approve?
Why unpaid internships are a huge problem for humankind
Should we use the death penalty all over the country?
Is true gender equality something that we can make it work?
Should we allow older people to vote still?
Is universal healthcare something that should be mandatory?
How will increased salary be more beneficial for the country?
Cancel culture: pros and cons
Who caused global poverty?
Should we grow human organs in the lab?

Psychology Argumentative Research Paper Topics

These essays are all about two things. They are usually about the things that affect our minds and our mental health. Secondly, they are about psychology and are more focused on what we can do to prevent or sort them out. For some of you, there are countless issues, and we will try to give you a few very appealing examples today.

Nature vs. nurture
The effects of violent video games on aggression
Mental health stigma
The role of childhood trauma in adult mental health
The validity and reliability of personality tests
How social media affects our mental health?
Is screen time causing depression?
Are lie detectors accurate?
Is positive thinking that important?
Can anxiety help us?
Is hypnosis an effective method?
Why more and more people are depressed?
Is this world causing too much stress for us?
Meaning of dreams explained
Should therapists call the police if they are planning or you broke the law?

Medical Argumentative Research Paper Topics

As you can assume here, you will need to write about health, medicine in general, and all the related things. The goal is to stay focused on the medicine or the overall health while writing and providing facts that approve your claim. It is very interesting and can be the best topic for some of you.

Ethical considerations in organ transplantation
Mental health care accessibility
The ethics of human cloning
Genetic testing and privacy
Physician-assisted suicide
GMO: bad or good?
Should we limit the sugar level in all beverages?
Is the nursing profession in the US more suitable for women than men?
Do nurses have a low salary today?
How should we fight obesity?
Should we allow nurses to prescribe drugs to patients?
Can parents deny treatment their child needs?
Is healthcare something we all need?
Should we ban doctors from promoting medications?
Is assisted suicide something we should legalize?

American History Argumentative Research Paper Topics

If you like these ideas, you are a lucky person. They are very common, and you will probably have to complete countless of them during your education. Keep in mind that here we are referring to the history that occurred or affects the US in some way. We are not referring to global history, as you can see.

Abraham Lincoln and his opponent
The deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group
Civil War was the westward
African American distress and misery in the beginning
Who was the best president in US history, and why?
How does the assassination of Abraham Lincoln affect reconstruction?
Is the Constitution a proslavery document?
Were we able to avoid the Civil War?
Do nuclear weapons make the world safer or not?
Should the US join World War II sooner?
Was the Declaration of Independence a true declaration of war?
Who were the founding fathers of the US?
The cost of WWII to the us economy
Origin of the United States

Philosophy Argumentative Research Paper Topics

If you like philosophers, you are going to like these ideas. There are many of them, but these are common and ideal for most of you. You will explore something invisible that affects humans and humankind more than you can imagine. You can explain some topics in detail and use your own opinion to do that.

The existence of god
Ethics of animal rights
Free will vs. determinism
The mind-body problem
Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence
Are people bad or good?
Is freedom a myth?
Will faith in God change you?
Ethical egoism: for and against
Are moral facts real?
The link between science and faith
Should we allow personal drug use?
Is cloning an ethical thing to do?
Should we all be honest all the time?
Are zoos and circuses ethical?

Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics about Social Media

Social media, a cornerstone of modern communication, presents rich ground for argumentative essays. The influence of these platforms extends beyond personal interactions, deeply impacting societal norms, politics, business strategies, and individual psychology. This collection of interesting argumentative essay topics about social media is designed to spark insightful debates and critical analyses.

Influence of social media on youth
Examining the impact of social media use on psychological well-being
Fake news and disinformation on social media
Assessing the role and influence of influencers in shaping consumer behavior
Social media and political manipulation
Does LinkedIn help people land jobs?
Celebrity endorsements – are they unethical?
Has social media devastated real-life communication?
Has social media made doing business easier?
Blogging is not a profession, or is it?
Social media and how it depicts beauty standards?
Social media and the inferiority complex among teenagers?
Privacy concerns in the digital age
Social media and political activism
Is love via Instagram possible?
Do social platforms cause anxiety?
The role of Twitter in education
Should the police have access to your Instagram account?

Creative Argumentative Essay Topics about Art

Here is a list of creative argumentative essay topics on art.

Disney World accommodation tips and tricks
The Renaissance period during the 1400s in Florence, Italy
Race and public art
Disney’s acquisition of marvel
The Value of Street Art
Is music a real art?
Most of the artists of modern times are 1-hit wonders.
Should schools need to have art courses?
Is graffiti a kind of art?
Should Banksy be considered an artist?
Is it okay to display art in public places?
Should modern art be considered timeless?
Should society support aspiring artists?
How important is arts education?
Can commercials be considered good works of art?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Politics

Some of the best political science argumentative essay topics for argumentative writing on politics are as follows.

Isolationism in the United States
Should the US Constitution be amended to state that corporations are not persons?
The Role of Money in Politics
Electoral College vs. Popular Vote
The Role of Media in Politics
Political leaders and their moral obligations.
Which US political party has the right ideology? (the country can be changed).
Income inequality – what can be done to reduce it?
The Current US Deficit – Is paying it down the essential matter of modern times?
Does printing more money create an unsustainable bubble?
Pros and cons of capitalism.
Pros and cons of socialism.
Is the US ready for a female president?
What modern political decision has been the most significant social-economic catalyst?
Does campaign finance reform work?

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics to Research

For some of you, these are the best papers in the world. You all like sports, so writing about one is probably something you will want to do. There are countless issues you can cover here, and as such, we can see a lot of topics. For lack of a better word, you will write about sports or something that is related to sports. There are countless examples, and most students will write a paper or two on this topic at some point. Keep in mind that you must have a main point, and you must justify the claim using data and facts. You can’t use your opinion only in this type of paper. Here are 10 topics that you will enjoy writing on.

The impact of performance-enhancing drugs in professional sports
Pay gap in professional sports
The role of sports in promoting youth development
The effects of contact sports on brain health
Should college athletes be paid?
Should all coaches make as much money as athletes?
Are pro athletes role models?
Should athletes be punished for not standing still during the national anthem?
Is rugby an extremely dangerous sport?
How does sports betting differ from online casino gambling?
Are sports too much affected by computer prediction?
Should we allow the use of drugs that can boost the performance of athletes?
Should sports events be allowed during the pandemic?
Are cheerleaders athletes as well?
Should humans invent new Olympic sports?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Economics

Following is a list of some of the best real-life argumentative essay topics.

Arguments arise when discussing international trade
Recycling should be mandatory
Divergent marxism
Government Intervention in the Economy
Universal basic income
Is free trade beneficial for developing countries?
Is it economically justified to set a minimum wage?
Economic sanctions on other countries, and how do they benefit local companies?
Pros and cons of immigration and the country’s economy.
Social benefits and their true efficacy in poverty eradication.
Should the prices of necessities be regulated?
The impact of high obesity rates on the national economy.
Should unemployed people be financed for their businesses?
Market regulation in the 21st century.
Does climate change positively impact an economy?

Argumentative Essay Topics about Health

Following are some healthcare argumentative essay topics for high school students.

Abortion: Exploring both sides of the debate
The arguments against euthanasia
Drug abuse – destructive pattern
Arguments for legalizing euthanasia
Children vaccination
Should females over 40 be eligible to receive IVF treatment?
Is there a link between child obesity and processed foods?
Is there a connection between fashion and teenage girl anorexia?
Are low-carb diets healthy?
Is stress related to cancer in any way?
Vegetarianism – Is it healthy?
Can type-2 diabetes be cured with lifestyle changes?
Can increasing the prices of unhealthy foods helps in reducing obesity?
If smoking is unhealthy, why is it still legal?
How effective is Intrinsic motivation in addiction treatment?

Your Take Away

There are many topics for argumentative essays on different subjects. But no matter what you do, you have to present your views in favor of and against the topic. Otherwise, your argumentative essay will lose its true essence.

Writing with your personal authority on a topic makes you an expert. Still, you can do some research to identify plenty of authentic platforms in favor and opposition of the topic to write on the best argumentative essay topics. By assessing these resources, you can present your views and opinions. Writing an essay can be daunting, especially when you have a lot of other obligations on your plate. It can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have the necessary skills or knowledge. Fortunately, there are now services available online that allow you to pay for your essay. With these services, you can be sure that your essay will be of the highest quality, and you can focus on other tasks without feeling overwhelmed.

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Ultimate Argumentative Essay Topics List

26 July, 2020

18 minutes read

Author: Elizabeth Brown

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

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

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

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

What makes a good topic for an argumentative essay

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

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

How to choose an argumentative essay topic

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

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

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

How to choose academic argumentative essay topics

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

Where to find argumentative essay topics

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

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

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

Related Post: How to write a Persuasive essay

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

Sources of strong argumentative essay topics

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

Argumentative essay topics list

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

Easy Argumentative Essay topics

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

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

Argumentative essay topics on relationships

We can’t but mention these topics as well:

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

Pop culture argumentative essay topics

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

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

Animal rights argumentative essay topics

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

Cell phone argumentative essay topics

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

Nutrition argumentative essay topics

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

Argumentative essay topics for college

These are great topics for college students:

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

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

Argumentative essay topics for middle school

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

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

Argumentative essay topics for high school

Here are some argumentative topic prompts for high school students:

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

Controversial argumentative essay topics

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

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

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

Funny argumentative essay topics

These are funny and fun essays to write on:

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

Social argumentative essay topics

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

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

Moral social argumentative topics

These are some argumentative essay topics based on ethical questions:

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

Argumentative essays based on quotes

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

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

Sports argumentative essay topics

Meanwhile, sports are popular choices for discussion:

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

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

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

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3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed

General Education

Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.

After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.

A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the author’s thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.

The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.

Argumentative Essay Example 1

Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.

However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.

Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.

While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.

The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.

What this essay does well:

Although it’s a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the author’s argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, it’s important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the author’s own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.

Argumentative Essay Example 2

There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention haven’t seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHO’s Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.

One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldn’t be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continent’s spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply can’t rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.

Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.

Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who don’t even own bed nets. Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, there’s the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.

Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. It’s estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.

This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.

The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
There’s lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author’s argument.
The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure they’re being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.

Argumentative Essay Example 3

There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.

Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldn’t exist, college coaches wouldn’t receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldn’t profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don’t receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating they’ll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.

Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasn’t worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasn’t paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them “strongly consider” remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.

Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.

People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, they’d turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.

They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from men’s football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.

Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.

People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its members’ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.

While both sides have good points, it’s clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.

This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldn’t be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldn’t be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.

Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you don’t explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesn’t appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesn’t give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.

3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.

#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear

The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isn’t clear or readers can’t find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesn’t fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.

Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument you’re on. After you’ve written it, it’s a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point you’ll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.

#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak

When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but don’t do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldn’t believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why they’re incorrect/weak arguments. That’ll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.

#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side

Remember, an essay can’t be an argumentative essay if it doesn’t support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample

Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.

What's Next?

Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!

You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

Argumentative research paper topics are a lot easier to find than to come up with. We always try to make your life easier. That’s why you should feel free to check out this list of the hottest and most controversial argumentative essay topics for 2024. In the article prepared by custom writing experts, you’ll find unique ideas for college, high school, and middle school. You might want to take your favorite topic as it is, or use it as an example and formulate one by yourself. Another option would be to tale the main keywords and try them on a research paper topic generator in order to get more choices.

OK, let’s cut to the chase, and continue with our suggested argumentative topics for 2024!

🔝 Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics

⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics
📱 Topics on Social Media
👪 Topics on Family
👨‍⚕️ Topics on Health and Nutrition
🗳️ Topics on Government
💡 Other Topic Ideas
🕵️‍♂️ Choosing a Topic
🧱 Writing Rules
📑 Organizing Your Paper

🔍 References

The benefits of GMOs
Is online dating dangerous?
Ways to reduce college tuitions
Should school athletes get paid?
Alternatives to the death penalty
Why is passive smoking dangerous?
How can we regulate YouTube content?
Should junk food advertisements be banned?
Should parents answer for children’s misbehavior?
How do wildfires contribute to global warming?

⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

🚬	Should vaping be illegal?
🎨	Are NFTs the future of art?
🌳	Benefits of pandemics for the nature
🧪	Why vaccinations should be mandatory
📱	Should TikTok be banned in schools?
👓	The drawbacks of VR technologies
🏥	Artificial intelligence benefits for the healthcare
🌐	Can the Internet of Things be used in education?
🔗	Is blockchain damaging for the environment?
💬	Does censorship negate the freedom of speech?

📱 Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Social Media

Hiding identities online: should it be allowed? Anonymous surveys are not an unusual thing anymore. However, people can leave pretty offensive comments without naming themselves. It all leads to them feeling invincible. Should this function be removed for the sake of equality and justice?
Will GIFs become a new way of communication? People are getting more used to exchanging emoji and GIFs as a reaction to something. But is it a good idea? Can it affect our behavior patterns and the way we express our emotions in real life?
Online shaming and bullying: where is the limit? Since practically anyone can be active online these days, shaming has become an enormous problem. No one watches it, and only turning off the comment option is a way out. But other than that, who is in control of the unstopping flow of abusive comments?
Punctuation and spelling mistakes in texting. We all know someone who goes crazy when they see the slightest mistake in the text message. They may get pretty annoying, that’s true. But does it really matter? Or should we take it easy on spelling mistakes in the text messages?
Social media: helping us connect or contributing to loneliness? They say social media connects people from all over the world. But despite having thousands of friends online and hundreds of likes under photos, we can still feel lonely. Why is it happening?
How has Snapchat changed the social media industry?
Should there be a limit for sending text messages?
The impact of social media on the phenomenon of narcissism.
The issue of missing real life while filming?
Advantages and disadvantages of social media for college students.
What is the value of digital photos compared to those taken by film cameras?
What would make people delete their Facebook account?
Are new popular game apps a part of the culture?
Should social media consider adding a “dislike” function?
Screen time matters: what makes people stare at their phones so much?
The decline of Facebook’s popularity and its reasons.
How to only choose useful apps for your smartphone.
Employers on Facebook: why should you be careful with your content?
They are watching you: how to keep your privacy online?
The issue of fake profiles online.
Is there still a deep meaning in digital photography?
Do influencers have fun spending hours taking a perfect shot?
Mental health and social media: is there anyone to help?
The optimal age restriction for new social media users.
Manipulating people’s feelings online: dangers.

👪 Family Argumentative Topics 2024

How traumatic is the divorce of the parents for a child? There is no doubt that children are sensitive in terms of the relationship between their parents. Usually, kids blame themselves for the split of the family. As it often happens, they also go through a divorce in their adulthood.
Kids’ rooms: why privacy matters? Parents don’t usually think about the privacy of their children. They rush to invade in their rooms without permission and go through their stuff. How does it affect the perception of trust in kids?
Should we reconsider the age restrictions for starting a family? The age when young couples decide to get married and start a family varies from culture to culture. However, sometimes it appears that they are not ready for that. Should we think about implementing some restrictions to protect their mental and physical health?
What is the optimal age for children to travel without supervision? It is also a matter of personal preference. However, there must be some limits. Up until a specific age, parents are fully responsible for the safety of their children. But kids need some freedom. What should be a solution?
Where is the line between discipline and child abuse? Unfortunately, some parents don’t know when to stop. It is normal to practice some disciplinary methods, but crossing the line is dangerous. A child’s mental health is on stake. What parents see as a light punishment, may look like an act of hate and abuse for a child.
Should fathers spend as much time with their kids as mothers do?
Choosing the teenagers’ outfits or letting them do it?
Sharing the records of the students with parents: is it the right decision?
Limiting the screen time of children and the benefits.
Who should teach kids how to behave?
The community approach to building families and raising kids.
Traveling around as a family: benefits for the relationship between the family members.
Are parents violating children’s rights by posting pictures of them online?
Pursuing parents’ dreams: do children have a choice?
Bribing kids: is it for their sake or to spare a minute of peace for parents?
The effect of modern culture on childhood.
No punishment: what is the effect on children?
Teaching children responsibility without pushing them to do chores.
Buying your kids expensive technology: is it worth it?
A life without store-bought toys: the benefits.
Pros and cons of moving outside the city as a family.
Is it appropriate for kids to watch horror movies?
Are there restrictions for Halloween costumes, and what are they?
Encouraging children without giving them too many trophies.
How are parents shaping the children’s behavior unconsciously?

👨‍⚕️ Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Health and Nutrition

What is the role of nutrition in professional sports (e.g., soccer)? We all know professional athletes train a lot. But how important is nutrition in that process? Why do they follow different diets and still get pretty much the same results? Are there specific foods that help them win?
Are French fries considered a part of your vegetable intake? Most of us probably wish it was true. Well, potatoes are vegetables, frying oils are made of plants as well. What’s the problem? It appears it is not that simple.
Why are school diets not as healthy as we wish they were? Parents all over the world would surely like to see some nutritious and healthy lunches at schools. But the reality is far from that, especially in the US. Why do only some schools implement healthy diets for school lunches?
Why is reading the lists of ingredients on the products so important? Unfortunately, most people don’t have a clue about what they eat and where it comes from. The worst part is that it may contribute to their health issues in the future. Reading the labels can save people from consuming harmful foods.
E-cigarettes and under-aged: should teenagers use them? Maybe e-cigarettes are not as harmful as the usual smoke, but they still carry some risks. Moreover, they increase the chance that people would start smoking tobacco later. So why do we allow teens to use them?
The age restrictions on alcohol: should the limits be lowered?
What is the effectiveness of the pictures on the tobacco packs?
The health risks connected with cosmetic surgeries.
Are the diets that models follow healthy enough?
Marijuana and science: what are the effects of this drug on our health?
Why do looks matter more in our society than being healthy?
Implementing required drug tests for school students: pros and cons.
The hidden harm of the regular consumption of energy drinks.
The phenomenon of binge drinking in the US.
What are the restrictions on the amount of sugar in soft drinks?
The methods colleges can implement to reduce the drinking problem among students.
Distracted driving: is it as serious and drunk driving?
What is the real importance of not skipping breakfast?
The issue of texting while driving from the perspective of being illegal.
The best and healthiest variation of the school lunch.
Do schools have the right to ban unvaccinated students?
Legal suicides from the perspective of ethics.
Terminal diseases: should patients decide how they end their lives?
Is there a way to prevent teenagers from smoking?
Why do people keep eating chips even when they know it’s not healthy?

🗳️ Government Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

Authorities and values: what moral obligations should people with power have? Power doesn’t mean permission to do anything they want. Political leaders are obligated to use it wisely. But what are the standards? Should it be just a common sense of morality or something more?
Do our political leaders lead us in the right direction? Everybody must have wondered about it at least once. It is undoubtedly hard to trust our leaders without any doubts. They set the course of our lives. But how do we know whether they do it for the good of each and every citizen without exceptions?
To raise or not to raise: the question of the minimum wage. Many people are struggling with finances, and the rise of the minimum wage would help them out. This research can focus on supporting this idea by presenting strong arguments.
How achievable is the American dream when you start in the US from scratch? We all heard successful stories about the poor becoming millionaires in the US. But how far is it from reality? What are the real chances of people with low income to become self-made wealthy business owners?
Global crisis: who is responsible for refugees? It’s not the refugees’ fault that wars have come to their home countries. Just like any other human being, they need our help. But who decides which country should take them? Who is responsible?
American democracy: how strongly citizens believe in it?
Politics becoming more friendly and outgoing: pros and cons.
Are we paying back enough to the veterans?
Why is the US considered to be the best country?
Illegal immigrants and education: the rights and responsibilities.
The new authorities: should the opposition still deny it or become open-minded?
Immigrants with no documentation: what are the consequences of leaving them in peace?
The importance of the first lady nowadays.
Pay-offs: should we just pay terrorists to free the hostages?
Why is the current voting system failing?
Some of the most effective ways to encourage people to vote.
The morality of spying on fellow countries.
The most beneficial way to spend the city’s extra budget.
Knowing the right time: negotiating with opponent countries.
The most common issues city mayors should address immediately.
In what situations the military is allowed to use force without doubts?
How much taxes should millionaires pay?
Why do governments prefer national safety over our privacy?
Should all governments allow same-sex marriages?
Young leaders: at what age should people start pursuing politics?

💡 Other Research Paper Topic Ideas

Fallacies of Afrocentrism.
Antisemitism in the world today.
Controversy over children being made into models.
Money is the root of all evil.
Corporal punishment.
The right age for drinking.
Doping and sports: possible misunderstandings
Extended breastfeeding: pros and cons.
Do we have to talk about feminism that much?
Food safety training and its outcomes.
U.S. border control: the insights.
Incest: why is this love forbidden?
Child advocacy: is it effective enough?
Child adoption by a gay family.
DADT repeal and its importance.
The minimum wage in your state.
The impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native communities.
Native American sovereignty issues.
The Pledge of Allegiance: was adding “under God” in 1954 to it the right choice?
The effectiveness of military action against terrorism.
What isn’t worth going to war for?
War tax: to pay or to resist?
You’re allowed to be cast in pornographic movies when you’re 18. But it’s not OK for you to buy alcohol until you’re 21? Where’s the logic?
Homelessness: whose fault is it?
Premarital sex: is it a problem in American society?
Legalized prostitution.
Tolerance for nudism and naturism.
Shorter work weeks.
Video games: leisure, or abuse?
What’s happening at the zoo? Animal abuse and problems of animals living in captivity.

Research paper writing is not the most complicated academic assignment; and still, it does take a lot of time! Our argumentative essay topic ideas are meant to save your time when you need to choose what to write about.

Also be sure to check out our great article with 50 more argumentative research paper topics – it has a lot of useful ideas for your next amazing essay.

🕵️‍♂️ Choosing an Argumentative Paper Topic

Writing a college argumentative research paper is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. In fact, the difficulties start right from the beginning—choosing the right topic. We may have handed you a great list of argumentative topics, but still it takes a careful eye to pick a topic to write about. If you choose the wrong topic, you might get stuck with your writing and have a hard time moving forward.

But don’t worry! Soon you will have no more questions about how to write an argumentative essay.

Why is that?

There are several essential criteria to be considered when choosing easy topics to write on. And you will discover them right now.

Argumentative Essay: Writing Rules

Here are the basic rules:

Write about what you know. Although this may seem obvious to some students, you need to have some basic knowledge about the chosen topic. You probably already have some topics you are familiar with, so opting for one of them will save you time and effort. Even research won’t frighten you away because you will know where to start.
Find things that you’re passionate about and write about them. Essentially, this is a recommendation rather than a rule. The more you like your essay topic, the easier it will be to generate solid and engaging content that your audience will like.
Don’t choose anything too broad; stay specific. It’s okay to think of some general topics at first, but then you should gradually narrow your topics down to just a few. The last remaining ones will be the ones you feel most comfortable with.
Make sure your thesis has enough defense. Choosing a wonderful topic that is not protected against potential counterarguments is a common mistake among students. So think twice before making your final choice, and consider the evidence you have available.
Opt for an argument that will appeal to your audience’s emotions. By making your readers emotionally relate to your words and position, you’ll connect them with what you’re trying to express. You’ll certainly have to include rational arguments in your paper, but choosing a topic that doesn’t trigger any feeling isn’t the best choice.
Choose a topic that is directly related to your assignment. Before starting to research and write, you’ll need to get closely acquainted with your task instead of just scanning it. Carefully check all the keywords to understand the essence of the assignment. Missing even minor details or instructions can break your paper!
Stay away from topics that don’t have two sides of the problem. Don’t forget that an argumentative essay is all about the argument. No argument means no argumentative essay. Before you start writing, take some notes: write down your thesis and an opposing thesis or an argument with its counterargument. Thinking carefully and writing it all down will save you time!

📑 Organizing Your Argumentative Paper

Here we’ll explain how to organize your argumentative essay. Keep in mind that your paper structure still has to stay flexible to meet the needs of your purpose and your readers. Our recommendation? Create an argumentative essay outline to make the writing process faster and easier.

Introduction

This part lays a solid foundation for your argumentative paper by providing answers to the reader’s questions:

What is in front of me?
Why should I read it?
What do you want me to do?

Let’s see how these three questions can be answered in the basic steps for how to write an essay introduction:

Give some background information about the main idea and provide an explanation of the issue and the situation. Your reader should understand the topic, as well as your claims and their support.
Explain the importance of the main idea. This step will convince the reader to keep reading and really care about the content.
Describe your thesis/claim with logos, pathos, and ethos . Compose a few sentences that support your position with writer’s logic (logos), emotional appeals (pathos), and author’s trustworthiness/credibility (ethos).

Body paragraphs

Your argumentative essay should have body paragraphs that each look like an inverted pyramid: moving from general to specific. The broadest idea is located at the top, and as you continue writing, you become more concentrated on the main point, eventually coming to specific evidence to support your claim.

Good Argumentative Essay Paragraph

The following four elements are present in a good argumentative essay paragraph (also called TTEB ):

A transition sentence assures smooth reading by leading from one paragraph to the next.
A topic sentence explains to the reader what will be discussed in a paragraph.
Specific evidence and analysis support your claim. They provide more detail than a topic sentence.
A brief wrap-up (or a warrant) explains to the reader why and in what way this information supports the thesis. Basically, it connects your evidence to your main argument. It also demonstrates how the paragraph is connected to your thesis and assists in defending it.

This part of your essay concludes the discussion in your paper. The conclusion is a generalization and restating of the argument’s main points. It may also include a call to action or suggest further research. Here’s what any conclusion should do:

Restate the topic.
Tell why the chosen topic is important.
Restate the specific thesis/claim.
Cover opposing points of view.
Make readers align with the writer’s position.
Call readers to action or propose further research.

These core elements are the critical final steps in writing an argumentative essay.

Our advice is to discover more tips and ideas for choosing argumentative essay samples to know what exactly argumentative essays look like. You can also get professional help from qualified essay writers from Custom-Writing.org.

Learn more on this topic:

Top Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
97 Inspirational & Motivational Argumentative Essay Topics
Great Persuasive & Argumentative Essay on Divorce
Gun Control Essay: How-to Guide + Argumentative Topics
Proposal Essay Topics and Ideas – Easy and Interesting
Free Exemplification Essay Examples

✏️ Argumentative Research Paper FAQ

An argumentative research paper is a piece of writing you work on when you need to defend your position. You have an issue, and you have your point of view. All you need to do is to write an essay strong enough to persuade your opponents. There are specific writing steps, too.

Some good argumentative research paper topics would always be related to the theme you feel passionate about. For example, if you think that every life is precious, consider writing about the death penalty. Or if you enjoy promoting a healthy lifestyle, you can write a persuasive statement on youth alcoholism.

A debatable question is such a question that can encourage the start of a debate. Some people would support the issue, while others would disagree because they have doubts. It means that the opposition would try to persuade others. Mostly, such questions are related to moral issues, politics, and gender equality.

Today, the most debated topics are controversial and related to human rights, environmental issues, gender equality, as well as women’s rights. For instance, some people insist that climate change is not the most important problem now. Others would disagree and argue that we need to take action immediately to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem.

Research Papers | KU Writing Center
Purdue OWL: Research Papers–Choosing a Topic
What is a Research Paper? | Online Writing Center
Project Topics Research Papers – Academia.edu
200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing – The New York Times
Thesis Generator | Ashford Writing Center
Social Media Studies | SAGE Publications Inc
List of issues Journal of Family Studies – Taylor & Francis Online
Journal of Child and Family Studies | Home – Springer
Nutrition | Nutrition Studies Research Group | Stanford Medicine
American Society for Nutrition – Nutrition Research & Practice
List of issues Local Government Studies
Argumentative Paper Format. University of Washington
Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays. UC Berkeley
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Research topic about TVL, please

The best one!

Hi guys, I’m stuck in the mind of blankness. I have to do a term paper by Monday on Corporate social responsibilities on Shell Corrib Gas and can’t think off my heading or argument. I have a lot of information. Just don’t know where to begin. Please help 🙁

Thank you so much for providing these topics! I have been searching and searching for topics for the English course, which I will be taking for the third time! I am most definitely sure that one of these topics will be suitable! I appreciate it very much! Again, thank you!

:)This is so helpful! I will use this again for sure.

Oh my God, I was searching for all of these. Thank you so… must. Best argumentative topics!

What about the rainforest? I know people have arguments about the trees getting cut down. Why don’t kids have a say in this all too?

Well, you certainly can use that topic – as long as you feel the most comfortable and confident about it. It’s essential to be able to prove your point of view. The ideas which we are offering are just suggestions for possible topics:) We wish you good luck with your argumentative research paper:)

This is amazing! Thank you very much for this list of topics!

What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)

We define an argumentative essay as a type of essay that presents arguments about both sides of an issue. The purpose is to convince the reader to accept a particular viewpoint or action. In an argumentative essay, the writer takes a stance on a controversial or debatable topic and supports their position with evidence, reasoning, and examples. The essay should also address counterarguments, demonstrating a thorough understanding of the topic.

What is an argumentative essay?

Argumentative essay outline
Types of argument claims

How to write an argumentative essay?

Argumentative essay writing tips
Good argumentative essay example

How to write a good thesis

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?

Frequently Asked Questions

An argumentative essay is a type of writing that presents a coherent and logical analysis of a specific topic. 1 The goal is to convince the reader to accept the writer’s point of view or opinion on a particular issue. Here are the key elements of an argumentative essay:

Thesis Statement : The central claim or argument that the essay aims to prove.
Introduction : Provides background information and introduces the thesis statement.
Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph addresses a specific aspect of the argument, presents evidence, and may include counter arguments. Articulate your thesis statement better with Paperpal. Start writing now!
Evidence : Supports the main argument with relevant facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions.
Counterarguments : Anticipates and addresses opposing viewpoints to strengthen the overall argument.
Conclusion : Summarizes the main points, reinforces the thesis, and may suggest implications or actions.

Argumentative essay structure

Aristotelian, Rogerian, and Toulmin are three distinct approaches to argumentative essay structures, each with its principles and methods. 2 The choice depends on the purpose and nature of the topic. Here’s an overview of each type of argumentative essay format.

)
: Introduce the topic. Provide background information. Present the thesis statement or main argument.	: Introduce the issue. Provide background information. Establish a neutral and respectful tone.	: Introduce the issue. Provide background information. Present the claim or thesis.
: Provide context or background information. Set the stage for the argument.	: Describe opposing viewpoints without judgment. Show an understanding of the different perspectives.	: Clearly state the main argument or claim.
: Present the main argument with supporting evidence. Use logical reasoning. Address counterarguments and refute them.	: Present your thesis or main argument. Identify areas of common ground between opposing views.	: Provide evidence to support the claim. Include facts, examples, and statistics.
: Acknowledge opposing views. Provide counterarguments and evidence against them.	: Present your arguments while acknowledging opposing views. Emphasize shared values or goals. Seek compromise and understanding.	: Explain the reasoning that connects the evidence to the claim. Make the implicit assumptions explicit.
: Summarize the main points. Reassert the thesis. End with a strong concluding statement.	: Summarize areas of agreement. Reiterate the importance of finding common ground. End on a positive note.	: Provide additional support for the warrant. Offer further justification for the reasoning.
		Address potential counterarguments. Provide evidence and reasoning to refute counterclaims.
		Respond to counterarguments and reinforce the original claim.
		Summarize the main points. Reinforce the strength of the argument.

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Argumentative essay outline

An argumentative essay presents a specific claim or argument and supports it with evidence and reasoning. Here’s an outline for an argumentative essay, along with examples for each section: 3

1. Introduction :

Hook : Start with a compelling statement, question, or anecdote to grab the reader’s attention.

Example: “Did you know that plastic pollution is threatening marine life at an alarming rate?”

Background information : Provide brief context about the issue.

Example: “Plastic pollution has become a global environmental concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans yearly.”

Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position.

Example: “We must take immediate action to reduce plastic usage and implement more sustainable alternatives to protect our marine ecosystem.”

2. Body Paragraphs :

Topic sentence : Introduce the main idea of each paragraph.

Example: “The first step towards addressing the plastic pollution crisis is reducing single-use plastic consumption.”

Evidence/Support : Provide evidence, facts, statistics, or examples that support your argument.

Example: “Research shows that plastic straws alone contribute to millions of tons of plastic waste annually, and many marine animals suffer from ingestion or entanglement.”

Counterargument/Refutation : Acknowledge and refute opposing viewpoints.

Example: “Some argue that banning plastic straws is inconvenient for consumers, but the long-term environmental benefits far outweigh the temporary inconvenience.”

Transition : Connect each paragraph to the next.

Example: “Having addressed the issue of single-use plastics, the focus must now shift to promoting sustainable alternatives.”

3. Counterargument Paragraph :

Acknowledgement of opposing views : Recognize alternative perspectives on the issue.

Example: “While some may argue that individual actions cannot significantly impact global plastic pollution, the cumulative effect of collective efforts must be considered.”

Counterargument and rebuttal : Present and refute the main counterargument.

Example: “However, individual actions, when multiplied across millions of people, can substantially reduce plastic waste. Small changes in behavior, such as using reusable bags and containers, can have a significant positive impact.”

4. Conclusion :

Restatement of thesis : Summarize your main argument.

Example: “In conclusion, adopting sustainable practices and reducing single-use plastic is crucial for preserving our oceans and marine life.”

Call to action : Encourage the reader to take specific steps or consider the argument’s implications.

Example: “It is our responsibility to make environmentally conscious choices and advocate for policies that prioritize the health of our planet. By collectively embracing sustainable alternatives, we can contribute to a cleaner and healthier future.”

Types of argument claims

A claim is a statement or proposition a writer puts forward with evidence to persuade the reader. 4 Here are some common types of argument claims, along with examples:

Fact Claims : These claims assert that something is true or false and can often be verified through evidence. Example: “Water boils at 100°C at sea level.”
Value Claims : Value claims express judgments about the worth or morality of something, often based on personal beliefs or societal values. Example: “Organic farming is more ethical than conventional farming.”
Policy Claims : Policy claims propose a course of action or argue for a specific policy, law, or regulation change. Example: “Schools should adopt a year-round education system to improve student learning outcomes.”
Cause and Effect Claims : These claims argue that one event or condition leads to another, establishing a cause-and-effect relationship. Example: “Excessive use of social media is a leading cause of increased feelings of loneliness among young adults.”
Definition Claims : Definition claims assert the meaning or classification of a concept or term. Example: “Artificial intelligence can be defined as machines exhibiting human-like cognitive functions.”
Comparative Claims : Comparative claims assert that one thing is better or worse than another in certain respects. Example: “Online education is more cost-effective than traditional classroom learning.”
Evaluation Claims : Evaluation claims assess the quality, significance, or effectiveness of something based on specific criteria. Example: “The new healthcare policy is more effective in providing affordable healthcare to all citizens.”

Understanding these argument claims can help writers construct more persuasive and well-supported arguments tailored to the specific nature of the claim.

If you’re wondering how to start an argumentative essay, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you with the argumentative essay format and writing process.

Choose a Topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about or interested in. Ensure that the topic is debatable and has two or more sides.
Define Your Position: Clearly state your stance on the issue. Consider opposing viewpoints and be ready to counter them.
Conduct Research: Gather relevant information from credible sources, such as books, articles, and academic journals. Take notes on key points and supporting evidence.
Create a Thesis Statement: Develop a concise and clear thesis statement that outlines your main argument. Convey your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for the essay.
Outline Your Argumentative Essay: Organize your ideas logically by creating an outline. Include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a single point that supports your thesis.
Write the Introduction: Start with a hook to grab the reader’s attention (a quote, a question, a surprising fact). Provide background information on the topic. Present your thesis statement at the end of the introduction.
Develop Body Paragraphs: Begin each paragraph with a clear topic sentence that relates to the thesis. Support your points with evidence and examples. Address counterarguments and refute them to strengthen your position. Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs.
Address Counterarguments: Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints. Anticipate objections and provide evidence to counter them.
Write the Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your argumentative essay. Reinforce the significance of your argument. End with a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking statement.
Revise, Edit, and Share: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and consistency. Check for grammatical and spelling errors. Share your essay with peers, friends, or instructors for constructive feedback.
Finalize Your Argumentative Essay: Make final edits based on feedback received. Ensure that your essay follows the required formatting and citation style.

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Argumentative essay writing tips

Here are eight strategies to craft a compelling argumentative essay:

Choose a Clear and Controversial Topic : Select a topic that sparks debate and has opposing viewpoints. A clear and controversial issue provides a solid foundation for a strong argument.
Conduct Thorough Research : Gather relevant information from reputable sources to support your argument. Use a variety of sources, such as academic journals, books, reputable websites, and expert opinions, to strengthen your position.
Create a Strong Thesis Statement : Clearly articulate your main argument in a concise thesis statement. Your thesis should convey your stance on the issue and provide a roadmap for the reader to follow your argument.
Develop a Logical Structure : Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should focus on a specific point of evidence that contributes to your overall argument. Ensure a logical flow from one point to the next.
Provide Strong Evidence : Support your claims with solid evidence. Use facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support your arguments. Be sure to cite your sources appropriately to maintain credibility.
Address Counterarguments : Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and counterarguments. Addressing and refuting alternative perspectives strengthens your essay and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the issue. Be mindful of maintaining a respectful tone even when discussing opposing views.
Use Persuasive Language : Employ persuasive language to make your points effectively. Avoid emotional appeals without supporting evidence and strive for a respectful and professional tone.
Craft a Compelling Conclusion : Summarize your main points, restate your thesis, and leave a lasting impression in your conclusion. Encourage readers to consider the implications of your argument and potentially take action.

Good argumentative essay example

Let’s consider a sample of argumentative essay on how social media enhances connectivity:

In the digital age, social media has emerged as a powerful tool that transcends geographical boundaries, connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and providing a platform for an array of voices to be heard. While critics argue that social media fosters division and amplifies negativity, it is essential to recognize the positive aspects of this digital revolution and how it enhances connectivity by providing a platform for diverse voices to flourish. One of the primary benefits of social media is its ability to facilitate instant communication and connection across the globe. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram break down geographical barriers, enabling people to establish and maintain relationships regardless of physical location and fostering a sense of global community. Furthermore, social media has transformed how people stay connected with friends and family. Whether separated by miles or time zones, social media ensures that relationships remain dynamic and relevant, contributing to a more interconnected world. Moreover, social media has played a pivotal role in giving voice to social justice movements and marginalized communities. Movements such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike have gained momentum through social media, allowing individuals to share their stories and advocate for change on a global scale. This digital activism can shape public opinion and hold institutions accountable. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space for open dialogue and discourse. Users can engage in discussions, share information, and challenge each other’s perspectives, fostering a culture of critical thinking. This open exchange of ideas contributes to a more informed and enlightened society where individuals can broaden their horizons and develop a nuanced understanding of complex issues. While criticisms of social media abound, it is crucial to recognize its positive impact on connectivity and the amplification of diverse voices. Social media transcends physical and cultural barriers, connecting people across the globe and providing a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. By fostering open dialogue and facilitating the exchange of ideas, social media contributes to a more interconnected and empowered society. Embracing the positive aspects of social media allows us to harness its potential for positive change and collective growth.

Clearly Define Your Thesis Statement: Your thesis statement is the core of your argumentative essay. Clearly articulate your main argument or position on the issue. Avoid vague or general statements.
Provide Strong Supporting Evidence: Back up your thesis with solid evidence from reliable sources and examples. This can include facts, statistics, expert opinions, anecdotes, or real-life examples. Make sure your evidence is relevant to your argument, as it impacts the overall persuasiveness of your thesis.
Anticipate Counterarguments and Address Them: Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints to strengthen credibility. This also shows that you engage critically with the topic rather than presenting a one-sided argument.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay with Paperpal?

Writing a winning argumentative essay not only showcases your ability to critically analyze a topic but also demonstrates your skill in persuasively presenting your stance backed by evidence. Achieving this level of writing excellence can be time-consuming. This is where Paperpal, your AI academic writing assistant, steps in to revolutionize the way you approach argumentative essays. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Paperpal to write your essay:

Upgrade your essays with Paperpal

Sign Up or Log In: Begin by creating an account or logging into paperpal.com .
Navigate to Paperpal Copilot: Once logged in, proceed to the Templates section from the side navigation bar.
Generate an essay outline: Under Templates, click on the ‘Outline’ tab and choose ‘Essay’ from the options and provide your topic to generate an outline.
Develop your essay: Use this structured outline as a guide to flesh out your essay. If you encounter any roadblocks, click on Brainstorm and get subject-specific assistance, ensuring you stay on track.
Refine your writing: To elevate the academic tone of your essay, select a paragraph and use the ‘Make Academic’ feature under the ‘Rewrite’ tab, ensuring your argumentative essay resonates with an academic audience.
Final Touches: Make your argumentative essay submission ready with Paperpal’s language, grammar, consistency and plagiarism checks, and improve your chances of acceptance.

Paperpal not only simplifies the essay writing process but also ensures your argumentative essay is persuasive, well-structured, and academically rigorous. Sign up today and transform how you write argumentative essays.

The length of an argumentative essay can vary, but it typically falls within the range of 1,000 to 2,500 words. However, the specific requirements may depend on the guidelines provided.

You might write an argumentative essay when: 1. You want to convince others of the validity of your position. 2. There is a controversial or debatable issue that requires discussion. 3. You need to present evidence and logical reasoning to support your claims. 4. You want to explore and critically analyze different perspectives on a topic.

Argumentative Essay: Purpose : An argumentative essay aims to persuade the reader to accept or agree with a specific point of view or argument. Structure : It follows a clear structure with an introduction, thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting arguments and evidence, counterarguments and refutations, and a conclusion. Tone : The tone is formal and relies on logical reasoning, evidence, and critical analysis. Narrative/Descriptive Essay: Purpose : These aim to tell a story or describe an experience, while a descriptive essay focuses on creating a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. Structure : They may have a more flexible structure. They often include an engaging introduction, a well-developed body that builds the story or description, and a conclusion. Tone : The tone is more personal and expressive to evoke emotions or provide sensory details.

Gladd, J. (2020). Tips for Writing Academic Persuasive Essays.  Write What Matters .
Nimehchisalem, V. (2018). Pyramid of argumentation: Towards an integrated model for teaching and assessing ESL writing.  Language & Communication ,  5 (2), 185-200.
Press, B. (2022).  Argumentative Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide . Broadview Press.
Rieke, R. D., Sillars, M. O., & Peterson, T. R. (2005).  Argumentation and critical decision making . Pearson/Allyn & Bacon.

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COMMENTS

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Introduction. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. By. Grace Fleming. Updated on May 02, 2024. 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.
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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.
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The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance.
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Having a great thesis statement is a make-or-break component of an argumentative essay. In order to write a great thesis statement for an argumentative essay, use these five steps: State the topic ( check out our list of great topics below !) Turn it into a debatable issue. Provide a rationale for your position.
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Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research. Abortion - Should abortion be legal? Alternative Energy - Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
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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Argumentative Essay Example 2. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through female Anopheles mosquitoes. Each year, over half a billion people will become infected with malaria, with roughly 80% of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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An argumentative essay in academic writing is where one takes a stance on a particular topic, presents arguments to support that stance, and aims to persuade readers to accept the point of view presented. Read this to learn how to write an argumentative essay with examples, create an argumentative essay outline, and gain expert tips for authors.
Essay
Essays of Michel de Montaigne. An essay is, generally, a piece of writing that gives the author's own argument, but the definition is vague, overlapping with those of a letter, a paper, an article, a pamphlet, and a short story.Essays have been sub-classified as formal and informal: formal essays are characterized by "serious purpose, dignity, logical organization, length," whereas the ...