101 essay prompts

101 Argument Essay Prompts for High School

Teaching argument writing can be very exciting, especially if you have great argument essay prompts for your students to choose from. It provides students with an opportunity to explore interesting topics. I give my students choices when I am teaching argument writing in my classroom. Students who select their argument essay prompts are more engaged with and connected to their writing.

When assigning a hot topic or controversial issue argumentative essay, I always let students select a topic. That way, they are more passionate about their writing. However, I also make it clear that their topic cannot be discriminatory or hateful in any way and that they must fund valid and credible evidence to back up their claims. When I do this in the classroom, I also like to make sure that only one student per class has the same topic.

If you are planning an argument or controversial issue essay assignment, here is a list of potential topics you can include in your classroom. If you need teaching materials, this argument writing teaching unit will help you walk your students through the process.

Here are 101 Argument Essay Prompts:

Argument essay topics teens love.

• Should teenagers be allowed to vote in elections?
• Is social media a positive or negative influence on teenagers’ mental health and well-being?
• Should schools have a dress code that is gender-neutral?
• Should teenage drivers be subject to stricter regulations, such as curfews and passenger limits, to reduce accidents and fatalities?
• Is it ethical for teenagers to participate in protests and other forms of civil disobedience?
• Should teenagers have access to birth control and sexual health services?
• Should schools provide more opportunities for creative expression and the arts, or is the focus on STEM subjects more important for future success?
• Should teenagers have their own credit card to establish credit history?
• Should teenagers be allowed to work part-time jobs while in school?
• How important is academic honesty for future success?

Argument Essay  Prompts About Technology

• Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of fake news?
• Are video games a harmful or beneficial form of entertainment for young people?
• Should schools replace textbooks with tablets and laptops?
• Is technology making us more or less productive in the workplace?
• Should there be stricter regulations on the collection and use of personal data by tech companies?
• Is artificial intelligence a threat to human jobs and job security?
• Should there be limitations on using facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies?
• Has the internet made us more connected or more isolated from each other?
• Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies?
• Is technology creating a more unequal society by widening the gap between the rich and the poor?

Argument Essay  Topics about the Environment

• Should governments impose stricter regulations on corporations to reduce their carbon footprint?
• Should government agencies regulate residential thermostats?
• Should plastic bags be banned to reduce pollution and protect wildlife?
• Is fracking a viable method of energy production, or does it pose significant risks to the environment and public health?
• Should individuals be encouraged to adopt a plant-based diet to reduce the carbon emissions caused by the meat industry?
• Should the use of pesticides be restricted to protect pollinators and other wildlife?
• Is nuclear energy a viable solution to the world’s energy needs, or does it pose too significant an environmental risk?
• Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power?
• Should individuals and companies be required to pay a carbon tax to encourage them to reduce their carbon emissions?
• Is deforestation a significant contributor to climate change?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Entrepreneurship

• Is entrepreneurship a viable path to economic success for individuals and communities?
• Should governments provide more support and incentives for small businesses and startups?
• Is social entrepreneurship a more effective way to address social and environmental challenges than traditional methods?
• Should entrepreneurs be required to consider the environmental impact of their business operations?
• Is it better for entrepreneurs to focus on creating a new product or service, or to improve upon an existing one?
• Should entrepreneurs be required to have a certain level of education or experience before starting a business?
• Is it ethical for entrepreneurs to use investor funding to support a luxurious lifestyle instead of reinvesting in their business?
• Should entrepreneurs be held accountable for the social and environmental impacts of their products or services?
• Should entrepreneurs be allowed to patent ideas and concepts, or should all innovations be open for public use?
• Is the current system of venture capital funding fair and equitable for all entrepreneurs?

Teaching Argument Essay: Instructional Unit

Help your students master the art of argumentative writing with this argument writing teaching unit!

I created this argumentative essay writing teaching unit with secondary ELA students in mind, and it includes step-by-step and engaging writing instructional materials. This argument essay writing unit includes everything you need for a complete argumentative writing instructional unit, including the print & digital materials.

This essay writing instructional unit includes an editable instructional presentation for direct instruction and student resources to help you and your students work through an argument essay.

With a focus on argument writing and informational text, this unit fuses together key ELA standards as it covers the differences between persuasive and argumentative writing. Thus unit also teaches purpose, audience, tone, diction, and the rhetorical triangle.

Argument Essay  Topics about Animals

• Should animals be used for scientific research, or are there alternative methods that can be used?
• Should exotic animals be kept as pets?
• Is hunting a legitimate way to control animal populations and manage ecosystems?
• Should animal agriculture be banned or significantly reduced to address concerns about animal welfare, environmental impact, and public health?
• Should circuses and other entertainment venues that feature animal acts be banned to prevent animal abuse and exploitation?
• Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment purposes such as horse racing, dog shows, or bullfighting?
• Should animals have legal rights and be granted personhood, or is that concept reserved only for humans?
• Should zoos and aquariums be banned or improved to better serve the welfare and conservation of the animals they hold?
• Should invasive species be removed from ecosystems?
• Is animal testing justified in developing cosmetic and personal care products?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Sports

• Should college athletes be paid for their participation in sports?
• Should high school athletes be excused from certain class assignments?
• Should high school sports be required to prioritize safety over competition, especially in contact sports like football and hockey?
• Is esports a legitimate form of competition?
• Should performance-enhancing drugs be legalized in professional sports?
• Should women’s sports receive the same funding and support as men’s sports?
• Should athletes be allowed to protest social and political issues during games, or should sports be kept separate from politics?
• Should athletes be held to higher standards of conduct and behavior, given their public profile and influence on young people?
• Is it ethical for cities to use taxpayer money to fund sports stadiums and arenas?
• Should high schools drop athletics and solely focus on academics?

Argument Essay Topics about School

• Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
• Is standardized testing an effective way to measure student achievement?
• Should schools offer more vocational training programs to prepare students for the workforce?
• Should schools ban cell phones and other electronic devices?
• Should schools offer more extracurricular activities and sports programs?
• Is it essential for schools to provide sex education to students?
• Should schools be required to offer courses on financial literacy and personal finance management?
• Should schools offer more mental health resources and support to students?
• Should schools offer more diversity and inclusion training for staff and students?
• Should private schools receive tax-payer funding?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Teens and Politics

• Should the voting age be lowered to 16 to allow teenagers to have a say in political decisions?
• Is it important for teenagers to be politically engaged and active?
• Should schools offer more civic education and government classes to prepare teenagers for their roles as future voters and leaders?
• Should teenagers be allowed to run for political office?
• Should political parties and candidates specifically target and appeal to teenage voters?
• Should teenagers be allowed to participate in political protests and rallies?
• Is it essential for teenagers to be knowledgeable about political issues and current events?
• Should teenagers be allowed to donate to political campaigns?
• Should schools be required to remain politically neutral and avoid any bias or preference towards certain parties or candidates?
• Should teenagers be encouraged to pursue careers in politics and public service?

Argument Essay  Topics about Vehicles

• Should governments promote and subsidize electric cars to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability?
• Should autonomous cars be allowed on public roads?
• Should car manufacturers be held responsible for the environmental impact of their products?
• Should speed limits be increased on highways and freeways?
• Should car ownership be discouraged in favor of public transportation and ride-sharing services?
• Should car insurance be mandatory for all drivers?
• Should older cars be banned from the road due to higher emissions and safety risks?
• Should governments invest more in developing and promoting alternative fuels and energy sources for cars?
• Should car manufacturers be required to disclose all safety and performance data about their products?
• Should car-sharing services like Zipcar and Car2Go be encouraged and subsidized by governments?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Space and Space Exploration

• Is space exploration worth the cost?
• Should governments fund space exploration and research?
• Is it ethical to mine resources and exploit the commercial potential of other planets?
• Should humans establish permanent settlements on other planets?
• Should space agencies prioritize manned missions to Mars?
• Is space exploration a necessary pursuit for scientific advancement and discovery?
• Should international cooperation be a priority in space exploration?
• Should space tourism be encouraged and expanded?
• Should space debris and junk be regulated and monitored more closely?
• Is space exploration an inherently human endeavor, or should we prioritize the development of AI and robotics to take on the challenges of space exploration and colonization

And lastly, here is my all-time favorite argument essay topic that I use to teach argument writing. I use this topic for all of my instruction, for all of my examples, and for modeling the process to students: who makes the best fast-food cheeseburger?

Need argument essay instructional materials?

My argument writing teaching unit has everything you need to teach your students all about argument writing! You can pair this unit with any of the argument essay prompts on this page, and you will be teaching argument writing in no time!

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101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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

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

How to Choose a Topic for an Argumentative Essay

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

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

Forming General Arguments

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

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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

Laws & Policies

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

Science & Technology

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

Pop Culture & the Arts

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

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

How to Write Essay Titles and Headers

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

Need a topic for your upcoming argumentative essay? We've got 100 helpful prompts to help you get kickstarted on your next writing assignment.

Writing a Standout College Admissions Essay

Your personal statement is arguably the most important part of your college application. Follow these guidelines for an exceptional admissions essay.

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• Should students be allowed to have phones in elementary and high schools?
• Should students have to wear uniforms?
• Should college athletes be paid for playing?
• Should the elderly receive free bus rides?
• Should state colleges be free to attend?
• Should all American citizens have to complete a year of community service?
• Should students be required to take Spanish classes?
• Should marijuana be legal for medicinal purposes?
• Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?
• Should the driving age be raised to twenty-one?
• Should students be paid for having good grades?
• Should illegal immigrants be allowed to get drivers licenses?
• Should not wearing a seat-belt be illegal?
• Should student’s textbooks be replaced by notebook computers or tablets?
• Should students have to pass a basic skills test to graduate high school?
• Should schools raise money by selling candy and sugary soft drinks to students?
• Should schools serve french-fries and fried potato products to students at lunch?
• Should students’ grades in gym affect their grade point averages?
• Should girls be allowed to play on boys sports teams?
• Should teens be able to buy violent video games?
• Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
• Should teenage girls be allowed to get birth control without the permission of their parents?
• Should our country have free health care?
• Should immigration laws be reformed?
• Should the federal government recognize civil unions?
• Should people who download music and movies illegally be punished?
• Should school athletes have to be on the honor roll to play in games?
• Should music with curse words be allowed at school dances?
• Should public schools begin the day with a silent prayer time?
• Should students be able to listen to music on headphones during study hall?
• Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
• Should smoking be allowed at parks and other outdoor public venues?
• Should cities offer free public Wi-Fi?
• Should the government place a tax on junk food and fatty snacks?
• Should the 2 nd amendment give citizens the right to own assault weaponry?
• Should people traveling in airplanes have to undergo intensive security screenings?
• Should genetically modified foods be sold with a warning label?
• Should teachers have to pass a basic skills test every ten years to renew their certification?
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers?
• Should people be allowed to keep pit-bull dogs?
• Should the city offer a bike sharing program?
• Should there be an ordinance citing people who fail to recycle $50?
• Should there be an ordinance citing people who play music too loudly $50?
• Should prostitution be legalized and regulated by the government?
• Should celebrities who break the law face stricter penalties?
• Should the government increase spending on the space program?
• Should larger passengers have to pay for two plane or movie theater tickets?
• Should children have to use booster seats in cars?
• Should people have to get a license to become parents?
• Should there be tougher federal restrictions for content on the internet?
• Should people be allowed to curse on daytime television?
• Should owners be legally accountable for clearing snow from sidewalks on their property?
• Should sexual education be taught in public schools?
• Should students be able to get free condoms at school?
• Should students who commit cyber-bullying be suspended from school?
• Should corporations be allowed to advertise in schools?
• Should students be allowed to eat during class?
• Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered animals?
• Is it appropriate for students and teachers to be friends on Facebook?
• Should students have open campus lunch periods?
• Should abortions be legal?
• Should abortions be legal in cases of rape and incest?
• Should the death penalty be used to punish violent criminals?
• Should students learn about world religions in public schools?
• Should schools start later in the morning?
• Should the USA end overseas military operations?
• Should politicians be allowed to accept campaign contributions from corporate lobbyists?
• Should people with terminal illnesses have the right to doctor assisted suicides?
• Should Puerto Rico become a state?
• Should stem cell researchers be able to use stem cells from aborted babies to cure diseases?
• Should school athletes have to take drug tests?
• Should professional athletes have to take drug tests?
• Should America convert to the metric system?
• Should high school students have to complete community service hours to graduate?
• Should teens over 13 years of age be allowed into R rated movies?
• Should state tests be given in other languages for ESL students?
• Should scientists be allowed to test products intended for human use on animals?
• Should unhealthy fast food products be sold with a warning label?
• Should there be a tariff or tax on products manufactured outside of the country?
• Should students or teachers receive money for scoring well on standardized tests?
• Should everyone under the age of 17 have a 9:00 PM curfew?
• Should schools with low scores on standardized tests be closed?
• Should minors be allowed to drink alcoholic beverages in their homes with their parents’ consent?
• Should students be allowed to drop out before they turn 18 years old?
• Should alcohol manufacturers be allowed to advertise on television?
• Should students as young as fourteen be allowed to hold jobs?
• Should American families have a two child max rule to limit population growth?
• Should children younger than thirteen be allowed to watch MTV or music videos?
• Should people who are caught driving drunk lose their licenses for a year?
• Should students who fail their classes be retained and have to repeat the grade?
• Should large businesses and corporations be required to employ a number of minorities proportionate to the population?
• Should female construction workers earn the same wages as males?
• Should children in temporary living situations with a 3.0 GPA earn free college tuition?
• Should gambling and sports-betting be illegal or should the government regulate it?
• Should children who commit violent crimes be tried as adults?
• Should the government be allowed to detain suspected terrorists without trial?
• Should the government censor internet content deemed inappropriate?
• Should teachers have to wear uniforms or have a dress code?
• Should teachers be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
• Should the state execute dogs that have bitten someone?
• Should talking on a phone without a hands-free device while driving be illegal?

930 Comments

Wessam bedear.

Thanks for your support and cooperation. It is really helped a lot . Much appreciated

Reginald Ademola

Thank you so much for making your resources freely available.

Eric Villari

Thanks for all the effort you’ve put into the site. I teach in Australia, and I tweak and change topics/wording to suit, but It’s a great survey course in general Literacy you’ve put together… Thanks!

Thank you so much. What an informative and comprehensive site. You have provided an array of persuasive topics. I love this site!!

Marg L Brewerton

Thank you for these ideas. An extra idea from one of my students: Should we fix earth or spend our money on interplanetary travel?

Barbara Pulehetoa

I love this website. thank you for making this website

amazing website helped a lot

In my language arts class we are assigned to write two opinion essays the first one my teacher gave us but the second one we choose. i have a trouble with choosing but now that i came to this website i can choose easily and fast. thank you, thank you, thank you for this website.

this site has been absolutely resourceful and its the best site iv been on

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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.

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550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing

Questions that invite students to tell stories, describe memories, make observations, imagine possibilities, and reflect on who they are and what they believe.

By The Learning Network

Update, Sept. 9, 2022: We published a new collection of 445 narrative and personal writing prompts.

We’ve been posting fresh writing prompts every school day for over a decade now, and every so often we create a themed collection like this one to help you find what you need all in one place.

This fall, in honor of our new narrative-writing unit and our first-ever Personal Narrative Essay Contest for teenagers, we’ve rounded up 550 evergreen questions on everything from family, friendships and growing up to gender, spirituality, money, school, sports, social media, travel, dating, food, health and more. (They’re also all available here as a PDF .)

We hope they’ll inspire you, whether you’re entering our related contest or just want to improve your writing skills. Like all our Student Opinion questions , each links to a related Times article, which is free to read if you access it from our site.

So dive in and pick the questions that most inspire you to tell an interesting story, describe a memorable event, observe the details in your world, imagine a possibility, or reflect on who you are and what you believe.

Overcoming Adversity

1. How Resilient Are You? 2. What Do You Do When You Encounter Obstacles to Success? 3. When Have You Failed? What Did You Learn From It? 4. Have You Ever Felt Like an Outsider? 5. What Are Your Secret Survival Strategies? 6. When Have You Reinvented Yourself? 7. How Often Do You Leave Your ‘Comfort Zone’? 8. When Was the Last Time You Did Something That Scared or Challenged You? 9. How Do You Handle Fear? 10. What Do You Gain From Pursuing Something You Do Really, Really Badly? 11. Do You Give Yourself Enough Credit for Your Own Successes? 12. How Often Do You Cry? 13. How Do You Cope With Grief? 14. How Have You Handled Being the ‘New Kid’? 15. How Do You Deal With Haters? 16. How Do You React When Provoked? 17. Does Stress Affect Your Ability to Make Good Decisions? 18. Are You Too Hard on Yourself? 19. How Do You Find Peace in Your Life? 20. Does Your Life Leave You Enough Time to Relax? 21. What Did You Once Hate but Now Like? 22. Do Adults Who Are ‘Only Trying to Help’ Sometimes Make Things Worse? 23. How Well Do You Take Criticism?

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101+ Writing Prompts To Conquer Writer’s Block

Writing prompts help you start writing when you feel like you don’t know how to begin your work. Get your free writing prompts and tips today.

Are you looking for some great writing prompts? Or have you ever looked at the blank page and found it difficult to get started?

Well, you’re not alone.

Ernest Hemingway said:

“There is nothing to writing.  All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.”

It’s no wonder many new writers struggle when they start sitting down in front of a blank page regularly.

So, what to do?

I’ve spent more than my fair share of time looking at the blank page and wondering what to do next. (Perhaps that goes some way to explaining my rapidly receding hairline).

Today, I avoid moments like this through the power of writing prompts .

Here, I’ve gathered 101 proven writing prompts for adults that you can use today.

In this article, I’ll cover:

Why Use Writing Prompts?

The process, 101 writing prompts, a few more writing topics, what to do next, 1. create a writing schedule, 2. create a word count goal, 3. be prepared to deal with writer’s block, 4. discuss your work with others, writing prompts resources, final thoughts.

Whether you are trying to improve your writing skills , or you are writing a book , writing prompts can give you the spark of creativity needed to get started.

A writing prompt is a fragmented sentence or writing idea that is used as a topic to start writing.

The purpose of using a writing prompt is to expand your point of view or thoughts on a topic to get your creativity and words flowing.

Many people forget about writing prompts after high school, but it turns out they aren’t just for high school students. They are pretty darn useful for even the best of writers.

Plus they are great for short story writing!

A good prompt will help you start writing when you feel like you’ve got nothing to say or when you don’t know how to begin your work.

They’re also particularly useful for new writers who want to build a habit of writing every day but are unsure of what to write about.

How to Use These Writing Prompts

The below writing prompts aren’t meant as the final first line for your work.

Instead, you can use them as a jumping-off point for your work or for free writing .

• In your journal, take one of these lines, write it down, and then write whatever else comes to mind.
• Do this for at least 30 minutes.

This is good enough to accomplish something on the blank page, but not so long that it feels overwhelming.

Later, when you’ve done something more polished, go back and delete the writing prompt.

Download 101 Prompts Booklet

1. “I remember the first time I…” 2. “I remember the last time I…” 3. “The next time I…” 4. “It tasted like…” 5. “It felt like…” 6. “It sounded like…” 7. “We were wrong about…” 8. “We were right about…” 9. “That was the day we…” 10. “This is our new…” 11. “It’s here.” 12. “I learned that…” 13. “I made a terrible mistake when…” 14. “Nobody expected us to…” 15. “Do you know why…” 16. “It’s always important to…” 17. “Most people don’t know this but…” 18. “I probably shouldn’t be telling you this but…” 19. “Here’s a secret nobody knows…” 20. “I do this because…” 21. “Admit it.” 22. “I found out that…” 23. “He gave us a…” 24. “She took a…” 25. “We found a…” 26. “I was in pain.” 27. “We discovered…” 28. “Today is a good day for…” 29. “Tomorrow is a bad day for…” 30. “This time it will be different.” 31. “We need to talk about…” 32. “You need to face up to…” 33. “Our only hope is…” 34. “On my desk, I can see…” 35. “Outside the window there’s…” 36. “I ate…” 37. “If I was…” 38. “When I’m…” 39. “Go to…” 40. “Now that we…” 41. “We argued about…” 42. “Being wrong is hard because…” 43. “Being right is lonely because…” 44. “Together we can….” 45. “Apart we are…” 46. “Let me guess.” 47. “If I understand you correctly, you think…” 48. “My friend is…” 49. “I love her because…” 50. “I hate him because…” 51. “We’re going to…” 52. “Let’s take a trip to…” 53. “My favorite…” 54. “I’m lost.” 55. “We want to get to…” 56. “The weather is…” 57. “We’re going to eat…” 58. “Food is…” 59.“Water is…” 60. “Money is…” 61. “Help is…” 62. “Sex is…” 63. “Last night I dreamt of…” 64. “I slept for…” 65. “I’m working for…” 66. “I failed at…” 67. “I succeeded at…” 68. “You showed me how to…” 69. “He sat me down and explained that…” 70. “She made us laugh when…” 71. “My hero is…” 72. “My enemy is…” 73. “I regret…” 74. “This time we went too far.” 75. “I told him…” 76. “She told me…” 77. “I looked in the mirror and saw….” 78. “Black.” 79. “White.” 80. “I awoke at 3 am and realized…” 81. “I should have listened.” 82. “He won’t do that again.” 83. “It was the first storm of the year…” 84. “Her eyes are…” 85. “His hands make me want to…” 86. “She tastes like…” 87. “He feels like…” 88. “Danger.” 89. “How can we…” 90. “Open your…” 91. “Keep it safe.” 92. “It’s a new day.” 93. “It’s later than we think.” 94. “If I ever see another…” 95. “The best day of my life was…” 96. “The worst day of my life was…” 97. “When I’m king…” 98. “You could be a queen of…” 99. “Looking back…” 100. “They caught me.” 101. “I was crushed because…”

All the writing prompts above serve as story starters and inspiration to spark your imagination.

Writing prompts come in all shapes and forms. They can be fragmented sentences or actual  essay writing topics .

Creative writing prompts, like journal prompts, are usually more extensive than story starters. Here are some examples:

• Write a poem on your favorite person or place.
• Write a personal essay describing the timeline of your life.
• Think back on a homework assignment from when you were in middle school or high school that left a significant impact on you.
• Write an essay on a school teacher who made an impact on who you are.
• Did you grow up to have the life or career you imagined you would have?
• Discuss how social media has impacted our ability to communicate with one another.
• Explain your dream Valentine’s Day.
• Which American cinema has given you the most inspiration?
• You are at the grocery store, and you run into someone you haven’t seen in years. Who is it? Write a narrative of the experience.
• Write an essay about your favorite book. Was there a character that grabbed your attention? Did you find inspiration to run off into a world of imagination? Explain what happened in the book and why it is your favorite.
• Which famous person would you like to meet? Explain why.
• Write an expository essay on how to write a book. List the steps and explain to your reader the pros and cons of writing a printed book versus an e-book.
• What is your opinion on religion as a whole?
• Write an essay on an experience when you learned a tough lesson. What happened?
• If you were to write a book, what would your main character be like?
• Write a short essay about a dystopian world like in Handmaid’s Tale. What led this world to become dystopian? Will the people rise out of the ashes?
• List your favorite phrases. Do they have anything in common? Try to create your own.
• What is your opinion on the decline of American school funding?
• In your opinion, should teens be allowed to play violent video games?
• Think back on a good memory with your best friend or family member. What happened in the experience? Who was there?
• Why do you love writing? What led you to become a writer?

The creative writing prompts can go on. Creative writing can include anything from poetry to journal writing about one’s real-life experiences.

Creative writing can take the form of a narrative, an expository essay, a short story, a dialog, and even a social media post.

It is a gateway to thought and imagination. A chance to get the creative wheels in your mind cranking.

Ok, I’ll admit it. My list of prompts works for me because I wrote it 🙂

No, that’s not the sound of my oversized ego banging off the ceiling…

The biggest writing tip I can offer is to create your list of writing prompts and add to it over time.

Whether you’re writing a blog post or a book chapter, keeping a personal library of writing prompts will save you hours of wasted time.

Use a notepad. Use a digital app like Evernote. Use the back of your hand if you have to… but build your library.

Start by taking a great first line from your favorite book, writer or story.

You could go on to record snippets of conversations, headlines you like and even writing ideas you come across in great books .

Like coins filling a jar, one day you’ll look into your library and discover you’re rich with creative writing ideas.

Tailoring Your Writing Routine

Writing prompts are a fantastic way to get the writing process started, but there’s more to good writing than a creative idea.

The most successful writers have a few more strategies that they put to use on a daily basis to keep their writing sharp and effective.

If you really want to hone in on your writing skills and productivity, focus on these four things in your writing process:

Dedicate an uninterrupted, scheduled writing time for your work.

Whether it be once a day or once a week, figure out what works best for you and stick to it! An effective writing schedule is essential for productive writing.

Create:enhancement-0e377e2d-6b59-4400-9099-64381ab3d3a7″ class=”textannotation”> a realistic word-count goal for each writing session . If you are reaching your pan id=”urn:enhancement-2e132bf6-57c8-4f8d-b148-a598b9f533df” class=”textannotation”>goal easily, increase the count. This is beneficial for productivity and staying focused.

Writer’s block is inevitable.

There will be days where you simply cannot get a single word onto paper.

Prepare yourself beforehand by keeping a few tricks up your sleeve such as a commonplace book for writing ideas , and a list of writing prompts that have been effective in the past.

The more you practice getting out of writer’s block when you are in it, the less often you will struggle with it.

Discussing your current project with others not only holds you accountable for your deadlines, but it can lead to more ideas. Moreover, it gets the word out about your work and sparks anticipation!

Bryan Cohen has written k” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” data-lasso-id=”1426″ data-lasso-name=”1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set: Five Books, 5,000 Prompts to Beat Writer’s Block”>a series of books with “urn:enhancement-6d159b07-0fda-468e-9d6f-1bcba207368f” class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts based around events, occasions and characters, the most comprehensive book being his boxset 1,000 Creative Writing Prompts Box Set.

If you like using great first lines as prompts, The First Line Generator will spew one up at random from a great book.

Musicians Peter Schmidt and Brian Eno created ique.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-lasso-id=”1432″>The Oblique Strategies in 1975. These are a set of cards or prompts for musicians, but they can be used for all types of s://becomeawritertoday.com/say-no-love-creative-work/” data-lasso-id=”1435″>creative work .

Reddit has a  comprehensive forum packed full of free writing prompts, with a heavy emphasis on fiction writing.

Writer’s digest has an entire web page dedicated to writing prompts.

Ryan Andrew Kinder has gathered more e38-f53c537db884″ class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts than you shake a blank page at in tps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JOVSYC2?tag=work089-20″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” data-lasso-id=”1444″>his book 1001 Awesome Writing Prompts.

s://thestoryshack.com/tools/writing-prompt-generator/” data-lasso-id=”126223″>The Story Shack offers a useful writing prompt generator for fiction 3581ccd02ba3″ class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writers”>writers .

The New York Times has a specific list of ” class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts for on-plans/650-prompts-for-narrative-and-personal-writing.html?_r=0″ target=”_blank” rel=”noopener” data-lasso-id=”1450″>narrative and personal fiction .

If you want7-94da-4882-9196-3581ccd02ba3″ class=”textannotation”> to inject more colour into your writing, check out href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R3KEMMC?tag=work089-20″ target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow sponsored noopener” data-lasso-id=”1453″ data-lasso-name=”The Comic Toolbox: How to be Funny Even if You’re Not” >The Comic Tool Box: How to Be Funny Even If You’re Not by John Vorhaus.

If you want to write more jokes, read Comedy Writing Secrets by Mel Helitzer.

Natalie Goldberg’s book Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within doesn’t cover writing prompts per-say, but she goes into great detail about how to find ideas and tackle problems like writer’s block.

Robert McKee’s book Story: Style, Structure, Substance, and the Principles of Screenwriting is essential reading if you want to tell better stories.

Evernote is a great place to build your library of personal writing prompts. Alternatives, include Simplenote and Google Keep.

If you want to practise journaling, the app Day One is purpose-built for just that. You can even include photos alongside your time and location-stamped entries.

Finally, if you really love writing and want to see how you compare to other writers, enter your work into writing contests!

These 101 writing prompts and other writing topics have always provided the creative impetus needed to give my writing skills a boost.

So, next time you feel the shackles of the writer’s block restrain your creativity, pick up one of these enhancement-794c0e12-00b9-43e6-b82a-5c0614476b0d” class=”textannotation disambiguated wl-thing” itemid=”https://data.wordlift.io/wl1503639/post_tag/writing-prompts”>writing prompts to fire up your imagination! You can even use these as content writing practice exercises .

Want more? Check out our list of writing tips .

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Have you entered to win this adorable math giveaway? ✨

100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens

Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts.

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

School and Education Argumentative Essay Topics

Science and history argumentative essay topics, life and ethics argumentative essay topics, social justice and civics argumentative essay topics, more argumentative essay topics, what’s the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays.

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

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

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

• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?
• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?
• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Are computers making teachers obsolete?
• Students who fail a test should be given a chance to take it again.
• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Should we still consider Pluto a planet?

• It’s important to spend tax dollars exploring space, instead of on other things.
• Is there life on other planets?
• Who was the best/worst American president?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
• Is animal cloning ethical?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
• Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?

• Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?
• Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
• Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
• Was life really better “back in the day”?
• Choose a foreign conflict (e.g., Vietnam or Afghanistan) and argue whether or not the United States was justified in getting involved.
• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• The best country in the world is …
• Are men and women treated equally?
• Is it better to be vegetarian/vegan than to eat meat?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they’re sleepy?

• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?
• Playing violent video games is bad for kids and teens.
• Parents should track their kids using their cell phones.
• Are paper books better than e-books?
• All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
• All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
• Is conflict necessary for change?
• Is war ever justified?
• A strong middle class is vital to the economy.

• Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
• Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
• Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol and cigarettes) instead of banning them?
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.

• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?
• School-age children should be allowed to vote.
• We should/should not abolish the electoral college.
• Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
• Supreme Court judges should be appointed for fixed terms.

• Does segregation still exist in the United States?
• We should/should not continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
• Will stricter gun control laws help control mass shootings?
• Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?
• Is the American justice system inherently racist?
• Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
• Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Should kids be allowed to stay up as late as they want?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.
• Is video gaming a sport?
• Are beauty pageants sexist?
• Should kids get participation trophies for sports?
• Are stereotypes ever right?
• Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
• All teenagers should have part-time jobs.
• Should kids have limits on screen time?
• Is it better to read fiction or nonfiction?
• Should kids have to eat everything on their plate, even if they really don’t like something?

• Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or exercising?
• Is graffiti an act of vandalism or an art form?
• Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?

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

Also check out 100 intriguing cause and effect essay topics for students ..

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227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]

Ever wondered what a persuasive essay is? Are you struggling to differentiate it from an argumentative one? Do you think it’s impossible to find original persuasive speech topics for college students?

If you have answered yes to any question, you’ve come to the right place. Our team can help you!

A persuasive essay is a piece of academic writing that convinces readers to accept the author’s position and agree with their ideas. Through clear arguments and examples, the writer demonstrates the legitimacy of their point of view.

Below, we have provided a list of the most interesting and unique college persuasive essay topics. So, don’t waste any more of your time searching for the right title. Use our ideas and create an outstanding persuasive essay!

• 👉 How to Choose?
• ✨ Best Speech Topics
• 🎓 Ideas on Education
• 📜 Topics on History
• ⚖ Ideas on Politics
• 👍 Topics on Sociology
• 💰 Ideas on Economics
• 🚌 Transportation
• 🌿 Environment
• ⚙ Technology
• 🌍 Traveling
• ✌ Lifestyle
• 🏫 Teenagers
• 📚 Literature
• 🖐 25 More Topics

👉 How to Choose a Persuasive Essay Topic for College?

The main secret of the successful persuasive essay is a compelling topic. Therefore, when choosing the right persuasive topic, follow these few simple pieces of advice:

• Re-read the assignment . The task that you’ve received from your tutor can be of great assistance. You just have to read it correctly. Unfortunately, college students tend to underestimate the power of the question. Don’t make this mistake. Read your assignment carefully because it can provide clues on the topic to look for.
• Brainstorm ideas. Before writing any paper, college students have to research. It will ensure the argumentative part of the persuasive essay. To understand what to examine, have an ideation session, and consider a variety of ideas. Picking the most appropriate one, you’ll see where to start your research. Try to find as many topics as you can. Free college essays collection is a good place to check out as a part of your session. You’ll be able to see what topics are already covered, and what you can expand upon. It will make your investigation and writing processes easier!
• Don’t pick an idea if it’s too broad . You may think that in this case, you’ll have plenty of things to argue about. Well, maybe a bit too many. In your essay, you should cover an entire topic so that it sounds convincing. When the idea is too broad, you can’t fit every argument in one paper. So, specify your title. For instance, you want to persuade your readers to stay healthy. Then don’t investigate all the aspects of maintaining health. Focus on one specific issue. For example, explore the positive influence of sport on the general health condition of a human being.
• Ensure that you have credible sources. In some colleges, even the smallest essays may require a list of references. Thus, make sure you have materials to research and later list as your sources. Remember: Good persuasive paper topics for college have to offer a wide variety of sources to investigate. So, if you are not confident in your materials, better change the title. It will prevent you from a lack of evidence to support your arguments.
• Choose a topic of personal interest. We’re not compelling you to write something that you enjoy when it contradicts the assignment. But try to select an idea that doesn’t bore you from reading it out loud. It is always more pleasurable to write on a topic you are passionate about. Don’t miss your chance to make turn your essay writing process into an exciting activity.
• Select something you have an opinion about, but open to debate. Your tutors can disagree with your position. Nevertheless, it is not a reason to give up. It’s the right time to show your critical thinking skills. State your position clearly and provide convincing arguments to support it. Show your readers that you can change your position if you see some compelling data. It can give you some extra credit. The best persuasion topics for college create an environment for debates and discussions.
• Be unique! In colleges, the amount of papers done daily is enormous. Don’t make your professors read about the importance of waste sorting, for example, yet again. The topic of environmental protection is undoubtedly extremely significant. However: It is way too overused. The professors are tired of reading essays on the same issues again and again. Surprise them and stand out.

✨ 12 Best Persuasive Speech Topics for College Students

• How important is mental health?
• Is online school more effective?
• Are GMO products good?
• Is social media dangerous?
• What’s wrong with the education system?
• Does recycling work?
• Is veganism bad for the environment?
• Should foreign policy be feminist?
• Is marriage an obsolete institution?
• Can protests and demonstrations bring change?
• Can alternative medicine actually work?
• Is modern advertising unethical?

🔑 Essential College Persuasive Essay Topics

We bet, every college student at least once had an assignment to write a persuasive essay. Haven’t you had yet? The best is yet to come! Thus, you have to be prepared to face all the challenges of a persuasive essay composing.

Searching for interesting persuasive essay topics is a complicated issue. However, you don’t have to worry about it. Our team of experts gathered the most popular and effective ideas in one place.

Don’t stress out about the topic:

Take a look at our list of persuasive essay topics for college students. We divided our ideas into sections so that you can find the most appropriate one. So, you can easily navigate throughout our page for a more effective search.

🎓 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Education

• An educational system should encourage creativity .
• Student diversity should be present in a school classroom .
• Why should college students care about their mental and physical health?
• Why should we stop girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system?
• Why should computer science programs be taught in colleges and universities?
• Why should parents take part in their children’s education?

• Why reading performance of students with learning disabilities should be improved?
• Studying abroad results in better education.
• Homework does not help in the learning process.
• The costs of higher education should be reduced.
• A grade does not show a student’s knowledge.
• The Internet overuse blocks the mental development of a modern teenager.
• Education should not depend on technologies.
• Essay writing develops the critical thinking skills of students.
• Foreign language learning should be mandatory in school . Conduct research on how foreign languages influence children and teenagers. What are the positive sides of such education? Then, persuade your readers that foreign languages are essential in the school core curriculum.
• Art classes should be a priority in middle school . Elaborate on the importance of the development of the sense of art for children and teenagers. Why should art classes be higher in the list of priorities than technical or science courses? How can the right perception of art help pupils in future life?
• The core curriculum of the high school should not be too broad. Why do we have to narrow down our focus in high school? Explain how teenagers will benefit from studying particular subjects instead of getting general knowledge. Convince your readers about the importance of focusing on a specific field in high school.
• A gap year before entering the university is beneficial. Give persuading evidence why students should take a gap year. What are the advantages? Make your readers debate whether a gap year is worth considering. Finally, convince them that it is worth it.
• Mobile phones should not be allowed in school. State your position regarding the usage of smartphones during the learning process. What adverse ramifications do the mobile phones have on the academic results of pupils? Persuade your readers to prohibit phone usage in school.
• Traditional education is more effective than remote learning . How the benefits of the conventional way of learning outweigh the advantages of remote education? Compare the aspects of remote learning for different age groups: 1st grade age, 6th grade age, and a college student.

📜 College Persuasive Essay Topics on History

• The American Revolution was a turning point in USA history.
• The year 1763 is crucial in US history.
• The media played a crucial role in promoting the Vietnam War .
• We shouldn’t underestimate the significance of African-American social reform.
• Technological advancement of the 17th century was a new era in world history.
• Without Enlightenment and Romantic Age , the European culture wouldn’t be so progressive nowadays.

• People should’ve stopped the propaganda of Adolf Hitler and Jim Jones before the intensive development.
• The historical influence of Abraham Lincoln should become a role model for modern political figures.
• Americans should have abolished slavery in the United States way earlier.
• The four voyages by Christopher Columbus are crucial in the progress of world history.
• Cultural exchanges in the medieval period significantly impacted the civilizations.
• Protestant reformation was the most influential Christian movement.
• Japanese women in the Middle Ages should have been more powerful.
• The world war should never happen again.
• The age of exploration . Who are the key figures? How did they impact world history formation? Convince your readers of the importance of the age of exploration.
• The Mayan calendar system did not predict the end of the world . Investigate the Mayan calendar system. What is your explanation of the fact that the calendar system ended in the year 2012? Persuade your readers that the suggestions about the end of the world in 2012 are false.
• Racial discrimination in America violated human rights to a great extend . Give a brief overview of racial discrimination in the USA. Persuade the readers to perceive racial discrimination as an act of human rights violation.
• Apollo 11 – the first spaceflight that landed people on the Moon . Discuss the importance of this event. Convince your readers about the significance of the Moon exploration.
• History studying should become the top priority for students. The knowledge of history may help to prevent mistakes from the past. So, persuade your readers to explore historical events.
• Holocaust should not be justified and denied . What are the horrible consequences of holocaust tragedy? Analyze an opinion regarding the denial of the holocaust. Persuade the readers not to support this idea.

⚖ College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Politics

• Civil rights of black Americans should not be limited.
• Migration should not be restricted because it has certain benefits to modern countries .
• In the battle of socialism vs. democracy , the second one should win.

• Nationalism in international relations should be accepted.
• E-government should become transparent and accountable for the citizens .
• Celebrities should stay aside from political activities.
• The laws for each state of America should become common.
• A voting system should be transparent.
• Ordinary people should not be allowed to own guns.
• The federal tax return process should become more manageable.
• Individual rights versus the common good . Express your position regarding the issue. What do you support: individual rights or common good? Persuade the readers to follow your ideas.
• Gay marriage should be allowed . If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments. Exclude harsh comments and offensive language from the narrative.
• The death penalty cannot be justified . Why do you think so? Give clear arguments to support your opinion. If you believe that the death penalty is justifiable, prove your position.
• Electronic voting in the United States should not be banned . Present the positive sides of this way of voting and convince the readers in your rightness. Don’t you agree with this opinion? Then, provide counterarguments.
• Abortion should be legal . Provide clear arguments to express your position. Or provide counterarguments to contradict the idea of abortion legalization.

👍 College Persuasive Essay Topics on Sociology

• Community services should be provided for mentally disabled people .
• Equality and diversity are the main social issues .
• Interpersonal communication skills are crucial in modern society.
• Gender inequalities in the 21st century should be overcome .
• Should the Canadian government legalize prostitution?
• Max Weber’s rationality theory should be accepted by society .
• China should take specific steps to overcome the overpopulation problem .
• Gender stereotypes in a family should be dismantled.

• Abusive relationships in a family should not be hidden.
• Implementing more tough punishments on the lawbreakers should reduce the crime rates of the USA.
• Does family promote or limit mobility? Choose one side of the issue and provide clear arguments to support your ideas.
• Divorce has negative effects on children . Do you agree with this statement? Convince the readers to accept your point of view by stating your position clearly and powerfully.
• Birth control should be monitored on a governmental level. Express your opinion regarding birth control in modern society. Conduct a study on the cultural, religious, and political aspects of the birth control issue.
• Is there the right age to get married? Decide if there are any age suggestions to create a family or no? Support your choice with bright ideas and appropriate examples.
• To resolve the conflict, we need to know the nature of the conflict . Do you agree or disagree with this idea? Provide strong arguments to make people believe in your point of view. How do you think psychology works while resolving the conflict?

💰 College Persuasive Essay Ideas on Economics

• Competing theories are the core of economic development.
• We have to consider John Locke’s and Karl Marx’s economic ideas nowadays.
• Demand and supply correlation in the market matters a lot.
• Adam Smith’s “invisible hand” concept can improve modern economics .
• If we want to stabilize the economy, we have to implement the monetary policy .
• Should big banks be broken up?
• We should consider the relationship between money supply and inflation while preventing the high level of inflation.
• We shouldn’t take the Keynesian explanation of the recession too seriously.
• Industrialization plays a significant role in economic development.
• Small business owners should receive financial support during the period of crisis.

• The governments should reduce monopoly power.
• The role of understanding the goals of human resource management in the context of human capital theory . Explain the significance of effective HR management for a business flourishing. Persuade your readers to invest enough resources in human capital.
• Exchange regimes have a significant impact on macroeconomic performance . Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Provide well-developed arguments to prove your point of view. Persuade your readers to accept your position.
• Consumer behavior is different in every country. If you agree, develop this idea by providing strong arguments. If you don’t, state your position. Either way, support your arguments with supporting evidence. Make your readers follow your opinion.
• The understanding of the basic concepts of economics is essential for every person . Explain how the knowledge of economics can help people to manage their money wisely. How to survive during the crisis? How to lead a business successfully, etc. Persuade your readers to study the basics of economics.

💡 Interesting College Persuasive Essay Topics

Are you already impressed with a diversity of topics our team collected for you? But don’t think that’s all we have to offer for you. Since our mission is to help you, we have more persuasive essay ideas for college to share.

Below, you can find more fascinating ideas for your assignments. For your convenience, we divided persuasive essay topics for college into several sections. Investigate our ideas and don’t hesitate to use them.

🚌 Transportation Persuasive Essay Topics

• Planes should newer take off if weather conditions are inappropriate .
• Never drive a car if you are under the alcohol or drug effect .
• Hybrid cars are environmentally friendly, so they should become the future of the transportation industry .
• Why should people study driving?
• The usage of alternative energy resources should reshape the global transportation infrastructure .
• The governments should invest enough money in public transport advancement .
• Cars usage should be regulated .
• A school bus should be checked at least once a month to ensure the safety of pupils.
• The reserves of petroleum should be replenished to provide a proper transportation industry operation.
• The shipping of essential goods during the state of emergency (quarantine, dangerous natural conditions, etc.) should be free.
• We should use public transport instead of private cars to save the environment.
• Hybrid engine vs. standard engine . Examine the positive and negative aspects of both of them. Which one would you prefer? Persuade your readers to support your opinion by giving clear arguments.
• Information technology influences the logistics industry to a great extent . Provide appropriate examples of the IT impact on logistics. Convince your readers of the importance of your opinion.
• The role of transportation in the development of tourism . Prove your audience that transportation progress has a direct impact on tourism opportunities.

• We have to reduce the use of crude oil in the transportation industry . What are the possible adverse ramifications of such oil usage? Persuade your readers to limit applying this type of fuel. If you don’t agree with the idea, express the opposing opinion. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

🌿 Environmental Persuasive Essay Topics

• The government should control the overpopulation to prevent consequences for the environment .
• Human activity should be limited to preserve biodiversity .
• We have to examine an ecologically sustainable approach .
• Alternative energy sources are essential for saving the planet .
• We should try our best to live a zero-waste lifestyle .
• Saving endangered species must be a top priority issue for environmental organizations.
• Solar energy can save the environment.
• Hunting sports should be banned because they harm biodiversity.
• The conservation of global resources is necessary for maintaining the lifecycle of the planet.
• Waste sorting should be mandatory all around the world.
• Stopping deforestation will prevent the loss of natural habitat for animals.
• Tourism negatively affects wildlife. Comment no the negative consequences of traveling on nature. If you believe that tourism does not harm wildlife, provide counterarguments to claim your position.
• Farming has to be wise. Explain how intensive farming damages nature. Convince your readers about the importance of following the farming rules. They can help to prevent intensive farming’s adverse ramifications.
• The Prime Days on Amazon should be banned . Explain how the incredibly low prices on items during the Prime Days result in extremely high costs for the environment. Persuade your readers to resist the desire to buy unnecessary goods from Amazon.
• Without rainforests, our planet will suffocate . Prove the significance of the preservation of the rainforests for the environment.

⚙ Technology Persuasive Essay Ideas

• Globalization influences computer technologies to a great extent .
• The government should implement Internet censorship .
• Cloud computing is an innovative era in computer science .
• Cyberbullying should be controlled to prevent a negative influence on youth .
• Dependency on computers is a considerable threat to human well-being .
• Data and information security should be a top concern of every internet user .
• Investing money in developing information technology systems is profitable for companies.
• The internet blocks the development of human intelligence.
• To prevent the development of serious illnesses, we should use genetic technology.
• Technological advancement should focus on the improvement of the health sector.
• We have to use technology wisely to make people smarter.
• A scientific revolution started the technological advancement. Convince your readers about the importance of the scientific revolution in technological development. If you don’t agree with the topic, express the opposing opinion, providing counterarguments.
• E-books or audiobooks will never replace paper books. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? State your position clearly and make your readers accept it.
• Nowadays, society is too dependent on computer technologies . Comment on its negative and positive sides in the life of modern people. Persuade the readers not to overuse technology in everyday life.
• Technology and science complement each other. Provide clear arguments to prove this idea or counterarguments to disprove it.

😃 Easy College Persuasive Topics

Do you think that persuasive essays have to cover only serious or global issues? Do you feel as if you have to be overwhelmed with the complexity of the subject? You are mistaken. A paper won’t become less successful if it explores even everyday life topics.

That’s why:

We prepared the next section of the article for you. Here you can find simple persuasive essay ideas for college students. Select a fascinating topic and compose an outstanding essay.

🎶 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Music

• Music has a significant impact on culture .
• Music preferences depend on personality type .
• Music can influence our behavior .

• Songs with lyrics that promote violent behavior should be banned.
• A musician is not just a job; it is a vocation.
• Medical workers should investigate the positive effect of music on mental illnesses’ treatment.
• Music can be helpful in the learning process.
• Good song lyrics can inspire people . Provide a sample of inspiring verses. How can it motivate listeners? Persuade the readers to pay attention to the song lyrics while listening to music.
• A guitar is always a good idea for friendly gatherings . Prove to your readers that several songs played on a guitar can create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
• Rap reflects violence. This is a generally accepted opinion. Do you agree or disagree with it? Prove your point of view by providing well-developed arguments.

🌍 Persuasive Topics for College on Traveling

• While traveling, health and safety issues should be a top priority .
• Tourism should be sustainable .
• A trip to India will make you see the world from the other side.
• Summer will become more memorable and fascinating if you travel.
• Traveling broadens people’s minds.
• Traveling with family or friends is an essential part of a happy life.
• Spending a holiday on a trip is always more pleasurable than in front of a TV or computer.
• Every person should visit Europe at least once in life. Explain why Europe is a must-see destination for every tourist.
• People should travel as much as they want. Persuade people not to resist the desire to explore new places by listing the advantages of traveling.
• Traveling is affordable for everyone. Persuade people to visit various countries, even with a limited budget.

✌ Persuasive Essay Ideas for College about Lifestyle

• Parents should be responsible for their children’s obesity .
• Proper nutrition and positive behavior prevent cancer .
• A healthy lifestyle prevents aging .
• Weight management programs and hypnotherapy are useful in maintaining good shape and a healthy organism .
• An active way of life should replace a sedentary lifestyle to prevent heart diseases.
• You should plan your weight loss process wisely.
• Well-balanced nutrition is a way to a healthy and beautiful body.
• Regular yoga and fitness will help you to maintain mental and physical wellness.
• Regular physical activities and enough sleep can help students to study better.
• Media influences the development of eating disorders . Explain the mechanisms media’s effect on eating disorders. Persuade your readers to pay enough attention to the information on social media.

📺 Persuasive Topics for College about Media

• The role of mass media in modern society shouldn’t be underestimated .
• Media affects the way people look at society .

• TV shows have a negative influence on children .
• Parents should control the effects of mass media advertising on teenagers .
• Professional psychologists should review every cartoon before being released on television.
• The information on the internet should be filtered to avoid the spreading of fake news.
• Censorship is a must-have for modern television.
• Old cartoons are more insightful than modern ones. Compare and contrast old and new animated films. Prove the usefulness of old ones. Convince the audience to make their children familiar with old cartoons.
• Social media develops an inferiority complex among teenagers . How pictures of luxurious life in social networking sites influence adolescents’ self-esteem? Persuade the readers to filter the information seen in social media.
• Mass media in the 1950s was more ethical than contemporary mass media. Analyze the ethical issues that are present in modern media. Why is following the ethical rules while sharing the information through the mass media vital?

🏫 Persuasive Essay Ideas for College on Teens

• Both abstinence and sex education should be taught in high schools .
• Professional psychologists or psychiatrists should treat anxiety disorders in children and adolescents .
• Cheating in schools should be strictly punished.
• Understanding teen depression is a crucial step in overcoming it.
• The federal government should enact anti-bullying laws .
• Bullying in school should be the main issue to deal with for the headteacher.
• The teenage period requires constant monitoring of children’s behavior by parents and teachers.
• Parents should have access to teenagers’ academic results.
• The mental health of teens is precarious. Convince the readers to monitor and maintain adolescents’ mental health.
• Parents should control social media usage by teenagers. Why should parents monitor the social networking accounts of their children? Explain why it is useful to teach teens how to behave on social media.

📚 Persuasive Topics for College on Literature

• Literature studying should be mandatory in schools.
• Literature teaches us how to live a worthy life.
• Robin Hood should become an example to follow.
• You have to read some books several times throughout life to get the idea.
• Lyric poetry may help in dealing with inner conflicts.
• William Shakespeare is an outstanding figure of English literature that should always be appreciated.
• Every person should have one book that will always remain their favorite one.
• The theme of Romeo and Juliet will always remain relatable. Support this idea by providing compelling arguments and examples from the play. If you don’t agree with the statement, present clear counterarguments to prove your point of view.
• The parents should read fairy tales to their children from early childhood. Persuade your audience to make their kids familiar with the fairy tales. Explain the importance of positive aspects of this genre of literature.
• Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde are connected. Describe Oscar Wilde’s background. Analyze how the author reflected his personality in the character of Dorian Gray. Convince your readers to accept your point of view. Propose examples from the book and the author’s biography.

🖐 25 More Topics to Persuade College Students

Here you can find a pleasant bonus from our team—25 more ideas to write about. You can use them not only for essays but also as persuasive speech topics for college.

So, take the benefit of our list of topics. Show an outstanding academic performance in the college.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Family

• A happy relationship should be based on trust and honesty.
• In small and big families, parents should treat their children equally.
• After giving birth, motherhood should become the primary concern of a woman’s life.
• Parents should be the most significant support for their kids when they are sad, confused, or lost in life.
• Children should take their retired parents to their home instead of the nursing home.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Health

• Physical activity is an effective way to prevent heart diseases.
• People should quit smoking .
• Mental health is not less important than physical health.
• Well-balanced nutrition is key to a healthy body.
• Taking care of general wellness should be everyone’s primary concern.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Medicine

• Strong pain killers should be sold by prescription only.
• Drug prices should be set ethically .
• Herbal medications are the safest.
• Self-medication is extremely dangerous, even in the case of a simple cold or an allergy.
• Differentiating various forms of medicines is essential . What is the working principle of a capsule, pill, syrup, etc.? Prove that the inappropriate application will not have an appropriate effect.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Sports

• Visiting a gym is extremely useful for our health .
• Physical education should be mandatory in high school.
• Extreme sports are only for professional athletes.
• The governments should invest enough money in the development of sports schools.
• Football is not only for boys. Women can create a successful football team, as well.

College Persuasive Essay Topics: Religion

• Discrimination by religion or culture should not be acceptable in modern society.
• Every person should have a right to choose a god or goddess to worship.
• The representatives of different religions should be tolerant of each other.
• The attitude towards wealth in Christianity differs from the perception of wealth in Islam.
• Any other religious representatives should not criticize the central beliefs of Judaism .

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope the information was useful to you. Don’t forget to leave your comments and share the article with other students.

🔗 References

• Persuasive Essays, Writing Resources, Hamilton College
• Persuasive Essay Outline: HCC Learning Web, Houston Community College
• Choosing a Topic for Your College Essay: Essay Writing Center, International Student
• Choosing College Essay Topics: Accepted
• 35 College Essay Prompts and Topics: Kayla Rutledge, SignUpGenius
• How to Write a College Essay: Kelly Mae Ross, Devon Haynie, and Josh Moody for U.S. News
• How To Answer the 2022-23 Common App Essay Prompts: College Essay Advisors
• Writing a Political Science Essay: Charles King, Georgetown University
• Writing a Paper about an Environmental Issue: Frederic Beaudry, ThoughtCo
• Evidence: The Writing Center, the University of North Carolina, at Chapel Hill
• Introducing Quotations and Paraphrases: UNSW Current Students
• How Do I Write an Intro, Conclusion, & Body Paragraph: College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan
• Essay Writing Guide for Psychology Students: Saul McLeod, Simply Psychology
• How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Writing Guides, Ultius
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101 Writing Prompts for all Levels of ELA

January 30, 2023 //  by  Lindsay Ann //   Leave a Comment

Sharing is caring!

Here are 101 writing prompts for all levels of ELA . You can use these writing prompts when your students’ writing starts to feel a little stale or when you’re needing to teach an academic (cough, cough…boring) concept while keeping students engaged.

These prompts for writing range from serious to absolutely wacky and challenge students to think creatively and critically while flexing those writing muscles (not to mention they can make differentiation a cinch). 

Student-Centered Writing Activities

Student writers need to have choice and learn to write using their authentic voice in low-stakes contexts.

However, it can be hard to provide this the choice young writers need in order to develop their voice in a state tested area. But for me, it’s a non-negotiable that I work hard to make sure I incorporate into my classroom every year. By using a wide variety of writing prompts I’m able to tap into students’ creativity and they are placed in the position of control to make the decisions all writers must make. 

Here are 5 ways you can use writing prompts for students in your classroom :

• Bell ringer/warm-up : Elementary students arrive at school each day full of energy and ready to go. Their imaginations are usually swirling a mile a minute and they’re thinking about their day ahead, the night before, and what’s for snack all at the same time. However, high school kids are a bit different. The morning can be a time of sleepiness, anxiety, and a brain fog unlike any other. Using writing prompts as morning work, a bellringer, warmup, or whatever you might like to call it, invites students to center their thoughts and pour out their thinking on the page and encourages their brains to start working.
• Collaboration/Partner Writing : If your students are ever stuck in the initiation phase of writing, using writing prompts with the aid of a partner or small group can help unstick them and get those creative juices flowing again! 

Working with a small group or a partner, students talk through the prompt before ever putting pen to page . This simple step will help both reluctant and impulsive writers, and I think it helps with my writers who start at strong and then start to run out of steam.

By talking through what they think and having someone mirror their words and ideas back to them before writing , they have a much easier time getting started and staying engaged in the writing. 

• Choice Board: Using writing prompts on a choice board provides even more flexibility to this handy strategy. Choice boards with writing prompts can be used for warmups, classwork, homework, and more. If using a writing prompt choice board, be sure to include a variety of prompts to account for student interests and ability levels. Check out these TED talk choice boards – so. many. options!!
• Friendly Competition: Similar to a choice board, setting up writing prompts on a Tic-Tac-Toe or BINGO style board and challenging students to a friendly competition ignites brilliance. You could have students compete against one another in class, across periods or blocks, or even turn it into a school-wide competition!
• Notebook Time: Bringing writing prompts into the classroom can be as easy as being intentional about setting aside time for low-stakes practice for students in their writer’s notebooks using prompts. Whether that’s a prompt you give students or a series of prompts they can choose from, make a routine in your day or week for notebook time.

Okay, now that we know how to use writing prompts… onto the good stuff! 

Let’s dive into these writing prompts! 

Writing Topics for Teens in High School

There’s something for every learner with the wide variety of these writing prompts for teens in high school!

• What’s the best thing about the Internet?
• If money and time were no object, what would you do after graduating high school?
• What’s great about being your age?
• Elon Musk hires you to develop the next hot technology that’ll change the world. What’s your plan? 
• Would you rather be funny or smart? 
• Tell a made up story about technology taking over. 
• Should teens get to make their own decisions regarding their medical treatment(s)?
• What would your friends say is your best quality? Describe that quality.
• What do you like learning about?
• Is technology making us feel more alone? 
• How should schools handle the use of AI in classrooms? 
• What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
• What does it mean to be a “real” man?
• How do you think your generation will be remembered?
• What is the best age to get married? 
• In 1950 about 34% of Americans completed a 4-year high school diploma compared to 91% in 2020. What do you think accounts for the dramatic increase?
• What are your predictions for the year 2075?
• A Times Sports columnist wrote, “We’re all complicit in the N.F.L’s violent spectacle.” Do you agree with this? 
• Tell a story that’s real or made up about an animal. 
• What makes a good parent? 
• What feels illegal but isn’t?
• You’re in charge of making a new Olympic sport. What’s your plan?
• Should politicians release their taxes?
• Tell a story that’s real or made up that takes place during a holiday. 
• What foods remind you of people you love? 
• What movies, shows, books, music, or games have had a strong impact on your life?
• What’s an unpopular opinion? 
• What do you wish you’d known freshman year? 
• What issue is most important to you when considering which political candidate you’d like to vote for? 
• Who’s the most influential celebrity of all time?
• If you could live in any decade, which would you choose? Explain your choice.  
• If you had the option to ask a psychic 3 questions about your future which would they be? 
• How many texts is too many?
• How should school boards handle making decisions about challenged books? 
• Is graffiti art?
• Are school dress codes a good idea? 
• How much does your neighborhood or hometown define who you’ll become? 

Middle School Writing Prompts

There’s something really special about middle schoolers. They’re innocent and awkward, rowdy and earnest, funny and serious, all at the same time. These middle school writing prompts will tap into all of the sides of your middle schooler’s personalities allowing them to be vulnerable and explore themselves and the world around them. 

• What is your favorite book from childhood?
• How do you survive a zombie apocalypse?
• What does it take to be a good friend? 
• If animals could talk, which one would be the meanest? 
• What three features should every school have?
• Write a real or made up story about a classmate. 
• Tell a story in which you meet a genie who grants you three wishes. 
• Pretend you are the main character in your favorite book and write a letter to another character in the story. 
• You are the president of a new nation! What laws will you make? 
• Write a story that begins with the sentence, “Don’t you remember?”
• Write a letter to yourself 10 years from now. 
• Tell me about a time when you were brave. 
• What do you wish your friends knew about you?
• Do you have any family heirlooms? Describe them and their meaning in your family.
• What can schools do to help stop bullying?
• Is it easier to be in elementary school or middle school?
• Would you rather have a million dollars or magical powers? Explain. 
• Should middle schoolers have cell phones?
• Is a hot dog a sandwich? 
• If you could invite anyone dead or alive to dinner tonight, who would it be and why?
• Would you rather have feathers for hair or teeth for fingernails?
• What city would you like to live in when you’re older? Why? 
• Describe how you felt on the first day of school this year. 
• Who inspires you? 
• What career would you like to have when you are older? Why? 
• If a movie were made of your life what would it be called? Which actors and actresses would play the characters in your movie? What genre would it be? Summarize the plot. 
• In the future, which sport will be the most popular? 
• Is ice cream a soup? 
• Which of the five senses would be the worst to lose? 
• What advice would you give to someone who is struggling to make friends at school? 
• What’s the story behind your name? 
• Is your glass half full or half empty? Explain. 
• Tell a story set during the winter. 
• What is your favorite place? Write a narrative or an informational entry about that place. 
• What are the most annoying sounds? 
• If you could build any kind of robot, what would it be? What capabilities and functions would your robot have? 

Writing Prompts for Elementary

Writing prompts for elementary can really harness the earnest, thoughtful, and creative spirit of elementary school students that I just love. At the elementary level, it can be useful to encourage students to draw before they write to help them center their thoughts and focus their ideas. 

• Are you a good sport? Explain. 
• Tell a story set in outer space. 
• The funniest person in my family is….
• My teacher is…
• When I’m an adult, I’m going to…
• The top five reasons I like my best friend are…
• Use these words in a story: cookie, Tuesday, scared.
• Write a story in which you have magical powers. 
• My happiest day was…
• My saddest day was…
• If I could make three wishes, I would wish for…
• My ideal birthday party would be…
• Write a persuasive letter to your teacher asking him/her to get a class pet for the classroom. Include what kind of pet you would like, a name for the pet, and why your teacher should agree to your idea. 
• What I wish I knew about my teacher is…
• What are three things you don’t like about school…
• What do you like to do outside of school?
• If you could swap lives with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?
• Tell a story about a main character who’s tempted to do the wrong thing. In your ending, you get to decide if they end up doing the right or wrong thing after all. 
• What game is the most fun to play?
• Write about a food you like but most people don’t. What is it? Why should people give it another chance? 
• What is your bedtime routine? 
• If you could change one school rule what would it be?
• Write a letter to the school principal persuading them to buy a new piece of equipment for the playground/recess. 
• Rewrite the ending of your favorite fairytale. 
• What’s the best after school snack? 
• If you had $100 to give to donate to a good cause, what would you donate it to and why?
• What animal makes the worst pet? Why?

Wrapping Up:

There are so many creative ways to bring writing prompts for students into the classroom for all grade levels. I’m sure you’re going to find absolutely brilliant ways to incorporate many of these into your curriculum this year.

If you have a notebook time, journaling, or writing practice or prompt that’s working well for you, I’d love for you to share in the comments! 

About Lindsay Ann

Lindsay has been teaching high school English in the burbs of Chicago for 19 years. She is passionate about helping English teachers find balance in their lives and teaching practice through practical feedback strategies and student-led learning strategies. She also geeks out about literary analysis, inquiry-based learning, and classroom technology integration. When Lindsay is not teaching, she enjoys playing with her two kids, running, and getting lost in a good book.

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101 Writing Prompts to Use in the Classroom

Jen Schneider Blog , Writing 1

As teachers, we know the importance of fostering a love of writing in our students. One way to do this is by using writing prompts in your classroom. Here are five ways you can use writing prompts to engage and inspire your middle school students:

Daily Writing Prompts

First, start each day with a quick writing prompt to get your students’ creative juices flowing. These exercises can be as short as 10 minutes and can cover a range of genres and themes. I loved using writing prompts as bell ringers in my ELA classroom.

Here are 25 daily writing prompts to get you started!

25 Daily Writing Prompts

• Write a short story about a character who discovers a secret room in their house.
• Describe your dream vacation in detail.
• Write a letter to your future self 10 years from now.
• Imagine you are a detective trying to solve a mystery. Write a scene where you gather clues and interview suspects.
• Write a poem about your favorite memory.
• Write a persuasive essay on why your school should implement a recycling program.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite place.
• Write a script for a comedy sketch.
• Imagine you are a superhero. Write a scene where you save the day.
• Write a letter to your favorite author, thanking them for their work.
• Write a story about a character who gets lost in a magical forest.
• Describe a day in the life of your pet.
• Write a letter to your best friend, sharing your hopes and dreams for the future.
• Write a short story about a character who learns a valuable lesson.
• Imagine you are a scientist conducting an experiment. Write a report on your findings.
• Write a poem about nature.
• Write a letter to your local government advocating for a cause you care about.
• Write a story about a character who has to overcome a challenge.
• Describe your dream job.
• Write a persuasive essay on why your school should start a garden.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about your favorite season.
• Write a script for a drama sketch.
• Imagine you are a time traveler. Write a scene where you visit a historical event.
• Write a letter to a celebrity, telling them how much you admire their work.
• Write a story about a character who finds a hidden treasure.

Even More Daily/Weekly Writing Prompts

Check out 52 additional creative writing prompts . (So I guess this post has 153!) Check it out in my store. You’ll even get an editable Canva template to add your own prompts.

Each creative writing prompts workbook comes with:

• 52 pages of prompts and lined writing space
• 12 blank lined pages
• Canva editable template link to add your own writing prompts
• Google Drive PDF link

I use these prompts with middle school students, but they are appropriate for advanced upper elementary students through high school. Adults will even enjoy these prompts!

Structured Writing Prompts

Another way to use writing prompts is as a starting point for more structured writing assignments, such as essays or research papers. Of course, this can help students get started and also encourage them to think critically about different perspectives and ideas. Structured writing prompts are prompts that provide specific guidelines or structure for the writing task.

10 Structured Writing Prompts

• Write a persuasive essay on the topic of your choice. Make sure to address the argument and counterargument using textual evidence.
• Write a letter to the editor about a current event or issue you feel strongly about. Use research and textual evidence to support your points.
• Write a descriptive paragraph about a place you have visited.
• Write a short story that includes the following elements: a character who is afraid of heights, a mysterious object, and a twist ending.
• Write a personal narrative about a time you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.
• Write a research paper on a topic of your choice, using at least five sources.
• Write a poem that follows a specific form, such as a sonnet or haiku.
• Write a character analysis of a character from a book or movie. In your analysis, discuss the character’s motivations, conflicts, and development throughout the story.
• Write a review of a product or service you have used. In your review, discuss the pros and cons of the product or service, and provide your overall rating.
• Write a speech on a topic of your choice. In your speech, include an introduction, three main points, and a conclusion. Use persuasive language and evidence to support your points.

Group Brainstorming

Encourage students to work in small groups to come up with their own writing prompts. This can be a great way to foster collaboration and creativity.

Writing Roulette

One writing prompt game I like to play with my students is writing roulette. I give each student five different colored sticky notes (or use this FREE Jamboard template ).

Each sticky note has a different topic:

• Yellow: character
• Blue: quotation
• Pink: setting
• Green: conflict
• Orange: theme

Have your students each generate one of the literary elements on each colored sticky note. Make sure they write only one idea per note. Mix up the sticky notes, then give the students five sticky notes (one on each topic) to generate their own story.

15 Writing Prompt Dares

My students love creating their own writing prompt dares. These are great for group brainstorming prompts, but if you want to give your students some writing prompts to get started, here are some dares for them to enjoy!

• Write a story using only dialogue.
• Write a story using only one letter of the alphabet.
• Write a story backwards.
• Write a story with every word starting with the same letter.
• Write a story with a character who can only say one word.
• Write a story using only emojis.
• Write a story that can be read both forwards and backwards.
• Write a story using only made-up words.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through dance.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through drawings.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through song lyrics.
• Write a story that’s a play on words.
• Write a story with a character who can only communicate through sign language.
• Write a story that’s a parody of a well-known story or movie.
• Write a story using only words that contain the letter “z”.

Journaling with Writing Prompts

Encourage your students to keep a journal and use writing prompts to inspire their daily entries. This can be a great way for students to reflect on their experiences and practice their writing skills.

Use these writing prompts to let your students reflect. Tell them not to worry about conventions (grammar or spelling). Journal writing is a way to share emotions. I always tell my students that I only have to share their writing if I am concerned about their safety or the safety of someone else.

• Describe your best friend and explain why they are special to you.
• Write about a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Imagine you could travel anywhere in the world. Where would you go and why?
• Write about a person who has inspired you and explain why.
• Describe a hobby or activity that you enjoy and explain why you like it.
• Write about a memorable event from your childhood.
• Describe a place that you have visited that made a lasting impression on you.
• Write about a goal that you have for yourself and explain how you plan to achieve it.
• Describe a person who has had a significant influence on your life and explain why.
• Write about a time when you faced a challenge and how you overcame it.

Get 31 more daily writing prompts for January . This is the perfect way to start off the new year, but you can use the prompts at anytime!

Writing as Assessment

Use writing prompts to assess student learning and progress. By assigning prompts that align with specific learning objectives or standards, you can get a sense of how well your students are understanding and applying the material.

Incorporating writing prompts into your middle school classroom can be a fun and effective way to engage your students and help them develop their writing skills. See the difference they can make in your students’ writing.

Here are 10 writing prompts for assessment. Feel free to use these in your classroom.

• Write a persuasive essay about the importance of recycling and reducing waste.
• Write a narrative about a time when you faced a challenge and had to overcome it.
• Write a descriptive essay about your favorite place.
• Write a compare and contrast essay about two different historical figures or events.
• Write an argumentative essay about whether students should be required to wear uniforms to school.
• Write a letter to your future self, describing your hopes and dreams for the future.
• Write a research paper about a current event or controversial topic.
• Write a poem about a natural disaster or environmental issue.
• Write a review of a book, movie, or television show.
• Write a script for a short play or skit.

These  101 writing prompts  are perfect to use in your classroom. Share some of your favorite prompts in the comments!

Check out one of my favorite feedback tools for student writing !

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101 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Great Ideas for Essays

• Teaching Resources
• An Introduction to Teaching
• Tips & Strategies
• Policies & Discipline
• Community Involvement
• School Administration
• Technology in the Classroom
• Teaching Adult Learners
• Issues In Education
• Becoming A Teacher
• Assessments & Tests
• Elementary Education
• Secondary Education
• Special Education
• Homeschooling
• M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida
• B.A., History, University of Florida

Compare and contrast essays are taught in school for many reasons. For one thing, they are relatively easy to teach, understand, and format. Students can typically understand the structure with just a short amount of instruction. In addition, these essays allow students develop critical thinking skills to approach a variety of topics.

Brainstorming Tip

One fun way to get students started brainstorming their compare and contrast essays is to create a Venn diagram , where the overlapping sections of the circle contain similarities and the non-overlapping areas contain the differing traits.

The following is a list of 101 topics for compare and contrast essays that you are welcome to use in your classroom. As you look through the list, you will see that some items are academic in nature while others are included for interest-building and fun writing activities.

• Apple vs. Microsoft
• Coke vs. Pepsi
• Renaissance Art vs. Baroque Art
• Antebellum Era vs. Reconstruction Era in American History
• Childhood vs. Adulthood
• Star Wars vs. Star Trek
• Biology vs. Chemistry
• Astrology vs. Astronomy
• American Government vs. British Government (or any world government)
• Fruits vs. Vegetables
• Dogs vs. Cats
• Ego vs. Superego
• Christianity vs. Judaism (or any world religion )
• Republican vs. Democrat
• Monarchy vs. Presidency
• US President vs. UK Prime Minister
• Jazz vs. Classical Music
• Red vs. White (or any two colors)
• Soccer vs. Football
• North vs. South Before the Civil War
• New England Colonies vs. Middle Colonies OR vs. Southern Colonies
• Cash vs. Credit Cards
• Sam vs. Frodo Baggins
• Gandalf vs. Dumbledore
• Fred vs. Shaggy
• Rap vs. Pop
• Articles of Confederation vs. U.S. Constitution
• Henry VIII vs. King Louis XIV
• Stocks vs. Bonds
• Monopolies vs. Oligopolies
• Communism vs. Capitalism
• Socialism vs. Capitalism
• Diesel vs. Petroleum
• Nuclear Power vs. Solar Power
• Saltwater Fish vs. Freshwater Fish
• Squids vs. Octopus
• Mammals vs. Reptiles
• Baleen vs. Toothed Whales
• Seals vs. Sea Lions
• Crocodiles vs. Alligators
• Bats vs. Birds
• Oven vs. Microwave
• Greek vs. Roman Mythology
• Chinese vs. Japanese
• Comedy vs. Drama
• Renting vs. Owning
• Mozart vs. Beethoven
• Online vs. Traditional Education
• North vs. South Pole
• Watercolor vs. Oil
• 1984 vs. Fahrenheit 451
• Emily Dickinson vs. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• W.E.B. DuBois vs. Booker T. Washington
• Strawberries vs. Apples
• Airplanes vs. Helicopters
• Hitler vs. Napoleon
• Roman Empire vs. British Empire
• Paper vs. Plastic
• Italy vs. Spain
• Baseball vs. Cricket
• Jefferson vs. Adams
• Thoroughbreds vs. Clydesdales
• Spiders vs. Scorpions
• Northern Hemisphere vs. Southern Hemisphere
• Hobbes vs. Locke
• Friends vs. Family
• Dried Fruit vs. Fresh
• Porcelain vs. Glass
• Modern Dance vs. Ballroom Dancing
• American Idol vs. The Voice
• Reality TV vs. Sitcoms
• Picard vs. Kirk
• Books vs. Movies
• Magazines vs. Comic Books
• Antique vs. New
• Public vs. Private Transportation
• Email vs. Letters
• Facebook vs. Twitter
• Coffee vs. an Energy Drink
• Toads vs. Frogs
• Profit vs. Non-Profit
• Boys vs. Girls
• Birds vs. Dinosaurs
• High School vs. College
• Chamberlain vs. Churchill
• Offense vs. Defense
• Jordan vs. Bryant
• Harry vs. Draco
• Roses vs. Carnations
• Poetry vs. Prose
• Fiction vs. Nonfiction
• Lions vs. Tigers
• Vampires vs. Werewolves
• Lollipops vs. popsicles
• Summer vs. Winter
• Recycling vs. Landfill
• Motorcycle vs. Bicycle
• Halogen vs. Incandescent
• Newton vs. Einstein
• .. Go on vacation vs. Staycation
• . Rock vs. Scissors
• Questions for Each Level of Bloom's Taxonomy
• 61 General Expository Essay Topic to Practice Academic Writing
• Use Popular Songs to Teach Similes
• Beef Up Critical Thinking and Writing Skills: Comparison Essays
• How to Teach the Compare and Contrast Essay
• 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
• Compare-Contrast Prewriting Chart
• Organizing Compare-Contrast Paragraphs
• How to Teach Topic Sentences Using Models
• Higher Level Thinking: Synthesis in Bloom's Taxonomy
• What to Include in a Student Portfolio
• Bloom's Taxonomy: Analysis Category
• 6 Skills Students Need to Succeed in Social Studies Classes
• Mini-Lessons to Upgrade Downtime
• Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
• Social Studies Warmups: Exercises to Get Students Thinking