original argumentative essay topics

Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.

160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

Introduction
Supporting body paragraphs
Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
Do the transitions flow smoothly?
Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

Read your work aloud to yourself.
Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
Should schools push to abolish homework?
Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
Should universities do away with Greek life?
Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
Should women be allowed into special forces units?
Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
Should organ donation be mandatory?
Is cloning animals ethical?
Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
Is surrogacy ethical?
Should birth control require a prescription?
Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
Should the United States ban TikTok?
Is social media harmful to children?
Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
Should the government regulate religious practices?
Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
Should sports teams be divided by gender?
Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
Does computing harm the environment?
Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
Are electric cars really better for the environment?
Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
Should private jets be banned?
Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
Should tipping practices be phased out?
Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in…until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
7 Best Places to Study
Guide to the IB Extended Essay
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
AP Lit Reading List
How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook A Great Dark House (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

2-Year Colleges
ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
Application Strategies
Best Colleges by Major
Best Colleges by State
Big Picture
Career & Personality Assessment
College Essay
College Search/Knowledge
College Success
Costs & Financial Aid
Data Visualizations
Dental School Admissions
Extracurricular Activities
General Knowledge
Graduate School Admissions
High Schools
Homeschool Resources
Law School Admissions
Medical School Admissions
Navigating the Admissions Process
Online Learning
Outdoor Adventure
Private High School Spotlight
Research Programs
Summer Program Spotlight
Summer Programs
Teacher Tools
Test Prep Provider Spotlight

“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo.

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

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

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

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

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

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

Ideas for Argument Essays

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

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

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

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

100 Persuasive Essay Topics
Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
List of Topics for How-to Essays
Complete List of Transition Words
Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
67 Causal Essay Topics to Consider
Practice in Supporting a Topic Sentence with Specific Details
What Is Expository Writing?
Topical Organization Essay
How to Outline and Organize an Essay
Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
40 Topics to Help With Descriptive Writing Assignments
What an Essay Is and How to Write One
Personal Essay Topics

Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

18 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

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

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

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

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

So read on and make choosing a topic easier!

On this Page

Argumentative Essay Topics for students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 6

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for 7th Graders

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 8

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for University Students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for O Levels

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

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Best Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Education

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

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Technology

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

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Social Issues Argumentative Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics Animals

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

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

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

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Argumentative Essay Topics 2022

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

Argumentative Essay Topics 2023

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

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

Choosing a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

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

But what are you going to write about?

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

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

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

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

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

Strong Introduction and Thesis

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

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

Good Research and Evidence

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

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

Organized Structure

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

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

Effective Conclusion

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Masters Essay, Literature

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

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

Learn How to Write an Argumentative Essay

How to Create a Strong Argumentative Essay Outline?

Informative Argumentative Essay Examples by Experts

Know About Types of Argument with the Help of Examples

Take Your Pick – 200+ Argumentative Essay Topics

20 min read

Published on: Jul 11, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

Best Argumentative Essay Topics For Students

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

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

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

Let's dive into our comprehensive list of topics!

Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 6

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For 7th Graders

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 8

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For High School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For O Levels

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For College Students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For University Students

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Teenagers

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

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

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

General Argumentative Essay Topics ?

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

How to Choose a Good Argumentative Essay Topic?

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

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

1. Choose a topic that interests you

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

2. Consider both sides of the argument

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

3. Research the topic thoroughly

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

4. Consider current events

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

5. Think critically

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

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

Tips for Writing a Compelling Argumentative Essay

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

Structure your paper properly

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

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

Use evidence and examples to support your argument

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

Be aware of counterarguments

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

Use a clear writing style

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

Take a stance

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

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

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

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

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

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

And for those who seek an even more streamlined solution, our advanced AI tool is the perfect choice. Our essay writer AI is designed to provide quick, efficient, and personalized essay writing assistance, adapting to your unique style and requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose an argumentative essay topic.

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

How should I structure my argumentative essay?

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

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

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

For more than five years now, Cathy has been one of our most hardworking authors on the platform. With a Masters degree in mass communication, she knows the ins and outs of professional writing. Clients often leave her glowing reviews for being an amazing writer who takes her work very seriously.

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

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

Privacy Policy
Cookies Policy
Terms of Use
Refunds & Cancellations
Our Writers
Success Stories
Our Guarantees
Affiliate Program
Referral Program
AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

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.

101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Topic for an Argumentative Essay

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

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

Forming General Arguments

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

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

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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

Laws & Policies

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

Science & Technology

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

Pop Culture & the Arts

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

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

How to Write Essay Titles and Headers

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

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.

Share full article

Supported by

300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

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

By The Learning Network

Update: This list is available as a PDF .

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

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

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

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

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

We are having trouble retrieving the article content.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.

Thank you for your patience while we verify access.

Already a subscriber? Log in .

Want all of The Times? Subscribe .

[email protected]
(650) 338-8226

Cupertino, CA

Our Philosophy
Our Results
News, Media, and Press
Common Application
College Application Essay Editing
Extracurricular Planning
Academic Guidance
Summer Programs
Interview Preparation

Middle School

Pre-High School Consultation
Boarding School Admissions

College Admissions

Academic and Extracurricular Profile Evaluation
Senior Editor College Application Program
Summer Program Applications
Private Consulting Program
Transfer Admissions
UC Transfer Admissions
Ivy League Transfer Admissions

Graduate Admissions

Graduate School Admissions
MBA Admissions

Private Tutoring

SAT/ACT Tutoring
AP Exam Tutoring
Olympiad Training

Research Programs

Science Research Program
Humanities Competitions
Passion Project Program
Ad Hoc Consulting
Athletic Recruitment
National Universities Rankings
Liberal Arts Colleges Rankings
Public Schools Rankings

Acceptance Rates

University Acceptance Rates
Transfer Acceptance Rates
Supplemental Essays
College Admissions Data
Chances Calculator
GPA Calculator

National Universities

College Acceptance Rates
College Overall Acceptance Rates
College Regular Acceptance Rates
College Early Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Overall Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Regular Acceptance Rates
Ivy League Early Acceptance Rates

Public Schools

Public Schools Acceptance Rates
Public Schools Overall Acceptance Rates
Public Schools Regular Acceptance Rates
Public Schools Early Acceptance Rates

Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts Colleges Acceptance Rates
Liberal Arts Colleges Overall Acceptance Rates
Liberal Arts Colleges Regular Acceptance Rates
Liberal Arts Colleges Early Acceptance Rates

100 Good Argumentative Essay Topics: Examples and Tips

By Eric Eng

Ever tried getting into a heated debate with a friend over the best movie of the year? Or arguing with your sibling about who deserved the last slice of pizza? If yes, you’ve already dabbled in the art of argumentation. In academic writing , though, this skill gets taken up a notch. And it all starts with picking good argumentative essay topics.

Your topic sets the tone for your whole paper. To hit the mark, your topic needs to be relevant, debatable, and backed by solid research. Miss these, and your essay might struggle to keep your audience engaged or convincingly argue your side. In this blog, we’ll provide a list of good argumentative essay topics, show you how to spot the best ones, and share tips on writing a strong argumentative essay.

List of Good Argumentative Essay Topics

How to choose a good argumentative essay topic, how to write a good argumentative essay, frequently asked questions.

A solid argumentative essay starts with choosing the right topic. Below, you’ll find a 100 good argumentative essay topics, organized by category. These are not only relevant and debatable, but they also offer plenty of research opportunities.

Social issues argumentative essay topics

1. Should we prioritize privacy over security in our digital age?

2. Is universal basic income a real solution to economic inequality?

3. Do governments need to step in and regulate freedom of speech on social media?

4. Is affirmative action still necessary, or has its time passed?

5. Should hate speech be protected under free speech laws , or is that a step too far?

6. Is the wealth gap at the heart of social unrest?

7. Would lowering the voting age to 16 make a difference?

8. Is social media addiction something we should treat as a public health crisis?

9. Should there be tougher laws against online bullying?

10. Could mandatory national service be the key to building a stronger society?

Technology and innovation argumentative essay topics

1. Do we need stricter rules around the ethical development of artificial intelligence?

2. Is social media more harmful than helpful when it comes to shaping public opinion?

3. Are autonomous vehicles ready for public roads, or should we pump the brakes?

4. Is automation really eating up job opportunities, or is that just the future we’re headed towards?

5. Should we allow genetic engineering to create “designer babies,” or is that a line we shouldn’t cross?

programmer working on mobile phone and laptop with binary, javascript computer code, big data on virtual screen

6. Is the collection of personal data by tech companies a blatant violation of privacy?

7. Should the government step in and regulate cryptocurrencies?

8. Is virtual reality poised to become the future of education and training?

9. Do we need global regulations to keep drone use in check?

10. Is facial recognition technology a threat to our personal freedom?

Education argumentative essay topics

1. Should we ditch standardized testing and find better ways to assess students?

2. Can remote learning ever be as effective as traditional classroom education?

3. Would free college tuition for all be the game-changer we need?

4. Is homeschooling really a better alternative to the traditional school system?

5. Should schools put more focus on teaching life skills instead of just academics?

6. Is our current education system preparing students for the jobs of the future?

7. Should every student be required to learn a second language in school?

8. Is the focus on STEM education drowning out the importance of the arts?

9. Do we need stricter dress codes in schools , or are they already too rigid?

10. Is the grading system a true reflection of a student’s abilities?

Health and medicine argumentative essay topics

1. Should vaccine mandates be enforced for the greater good of public health?

2. Are we doing enough to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues?

3. Is it time to legalize euthanasia across the globe?

4. Is the anti-vaccine movement a genuine threat to global health?

5. Should the government step in to regulate the skyrocketing prices of prescription drugs?

6. Can alternative medicine really stand up as a treatment option for chronic illnesses?

7. Do we need to cap how much healthcare providers can charge for their services?

8. Is the current healthcare system in the United States something we can sustain in the long run?

9. Should medical research focus more on extending life or improving its quality?

10. Is it ethical to use animals in medical research, or should we find another way?

Environmental issues argumentative essay topics

1. Should governments really crack down on carbon emissions to tackle climate change head-on?

2. Is nuclear energy the sustainable answer we’ve been looking for in the global energy crisis?

3. Would banning single-use plastics worldwide actually make a dent in environmental pollution?

4. Is it ethical to push for economic development at the expense of environmental conservation in developing countries?

5. Should we rally together globally to save endangered species from extinction?

6. Is climate change truly the biggest threat humanity faces in the 21st century?

7. Should countries be held legally responsible if they fail to meet international climate agreements?

8. Is promoting electric vehicles the best way to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions?

9. Should water use be more tightly regulated in areas facing severe droughts?

10. Can we justify exploiting natural resources in the Arctic, knowing the potential environmental damage?

Politics and governance argumentative essay topics

1. Should the electoral college in the U.S. be scrapped in favor of a popular vote system?

2. Is proportional representation a fairer way to govern compared to first-past-the-post?

3. Would imposing term limits on all elected officials help prevent power from getting too concentrated?

4. Is globalization a boon or a bane for national sovereignty?

5. Should governments have the power to censor online information in the name of national security?

6. Is the rise of populism a serious threat to democracy worldwide?

7. Would making voting mandatory in democratic elections really boost voter turnout?

8. Is the United Nations actually effective in keeping global peace and security?

9. Should we ban political donations from corporations to lessen money’s influence in politics?

10. Is it justified for governments to impose austerity measures during economic downturns?

Ethics and morality argumentative essay topics

1. Should assisted suicide be legalized for those suffering from terminal illnesses?

2. Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research and experiments?

3. Would a universal basic income be a moral move to ensure everyone has a minimum standard of living?

4. Is it morally acceptable to genetically modify embryos to prevent certain genetic disorders?

5. Should businesses be required to put ethical practices above chasing profits?

6. Is it right to enforce mandatory vaccinations for the greater public good?

7. Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide because it violates human rights?

8. Is it ethical to let parents choose their child’s gender through genetic selection?

9. Should whistleblowers be legally protected, even if they expose national security secrets?

10. Is it ever morally justifiable to use torture in extreme cases to get information from terrorists?

Economics and business argumentative essay topics

1. Should we bump up the minimum wage to keep pace with today’s cost of living?

2. Is capitalism really the best system for driving innovation and economic growth?

3. Should governments step in to bail out struggling industries during recessions?

4. Is corporate social responsibility a real commitment or just a clever marketing ploy?

5. Should multinational corporations be held accountable for the labor practices within their supply chains?

6. Could universal basic income be the answer to unemployment caused by automation?

7. Should insider trading come with harsher penalties to crack down on financial crimes?

8. Is the gig economy more of a blessing or a curse when it comes to workers’ rights and job security?

9. Do financial institutions need stricter regulations to prevent another economic meltdown?

10. Is the wealth gap just a natural result of free-market capitalism, or should we tackle it through government intervention?

Media and entertainment argumentative essay topics

1. Should social media platforms take responsibility for the spread of misinformation?

2. Is censorship in media ever justified in the name of protecting public morals and security?

3. Should we ban violent video games for minors to curb aggressive behavior?

4. Is Hollywood really lacking in diversity, and should the industry make a serious effort to fix it?

5. Should reality TV shows be held to the same ethical standards as news programs?

6. Is the way media portrays mental illness doing more harm by spreading stigma or helping by raising awareness?

7. Should music with explicit content face stricter age restrictions?

8. Is binge-watching TV shows hurting our mental health and productivity?

9. Should celebrities use their influence to speak out on political and social issues ?

10. Is the impact of media on body image doing more harm than good?

Law and justice argumentative essay topics

1. Should the legal drinking age be lowered or raised based on recent studies?

2. Is the current prison system really effective at rehabilitating criminals, or is it falling short?

3. Should we decriminalize the use of recreational drugs to cut down on incarceration rates?

4. Does the “three strikes” law actually deter repeat offenders, or is it just overcrowding our prisons?

5. When it comes to anti-terrorism laws, should the right to privacy take priority over national security?

The scales of justice with hands supporting the balance

6. Is plea bargaining an ethical practice in the criminal justice system, or is it time for reform?

7. Should juvenile offenders face adult sentences for serious crimes, or is that too harsh?

8. Is the current bail system unjustly favoring the wealthy?

9. Should hate crimes come with harsher penalties than other crimes?

10. Is the death penalty a true deterrent to crime, or should we abolish it on moral grounds?

Good argumentative essay topics have the following qualities: relevance, debatability, and research availability. Nail these three elements, and you’re on your way to crafting an engaging and persuasive essay.

1. Relevance

When you pick current argumentative essay topics, you’re tapping into issues that people are already thinking and talking about. That’s key to grabbing your reader’s attention. For example, with technology advancing at breakneck speed, the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI) are more relevant than ever.

Another hot topic? Climate change policies. With countries striving to meet international climate goals, this issue isn’t going away anytime soon. Sticking to current topics keeps your essay engaging because readers are naturally more interested in things that affect their lives right now.

2. Debatability

Good argumentative essay topics contain multiple viewpoints and can spark a real debate. Take the death penalty, for instance—people have strong, reasonable arguments on both sides. Or think about the controversy over whether social media platforms should tighten their content regulations. This debate has everyone from free speech advocates to those worried about misinformation weighing in.

When your topic has multiple perspectives, it gives you the room to explore different angles and build a well-rounded, nuanced argument.

3. Research availability

No matter how good your topic is, if you can’t back it up with solid research, your argument won’t hold water. That’s why it’s crucial to pick argumentative essay topics with plenty of available data and credible sources. Vaccine mandates, for example, are a well-researched topic, with data from institutions like the CDC and WHO readily accessible.

To ensure your argumentative essay topics are well-supported by research, dig into journal articles, books, and reliable online sources that give you comprehensive information. Here are some go-to sources for gathering reliable research to support your essay:

Google Scholar: A great starting point for finding peer-reviewed research and academic papers across various fields. It’s a repository for scholarly articles, theses, and conference papers.
JSTOR: Perfect for historical and humanities-related argumentative essay topics, JSTOR provides access to academic journals , books, and primary sources.
PubMed: Managed by the NIH, PubMed offers an extensive database of biomedical and life sciences literature. It’s ideal for health-related topics like vaccine mandates and public health policies.
The New York Times: For current events and social issues, The New York Times delivers well-researched articles and in-depth analysis, with archives that help track how issues have evolved.
The Pew Research Center: This nonpartisan think tank is your go-to for data-driven insights on social, political, and technological trends.
The World Health Organization (WHO): For argumentative essay topics related to global health, the WHO provides a wealth of information, including research reports, statistical data, and policy guidelines.

Aside from picking the right topics, writing a good argumentative essay means building a case that’s hard to refute. You need a clear structure, a strong thesis, logical arguments, and the ability to address opposing views thoughtfully. Mastering these elements will help you craft an essay that’s not just persuasive but also well-rounded.

A female student doing her letters of recommendation on the laptop

1. Understand the structure.

An argumentative essay usually sticks to a familiar format: introduction, body, and conclusion.

Your introduction needs to hook your reader and lay out your thesis statement—the main point you’ll be arguing.
The body is where you flesh out your arguments, each one supported by evidence and analysis. Break this section into paragraphs, with each one zeroing in on a specific aspect of your argument.
The conclusion wraps it all up, summarizing your key points and reinforcing your thesis to drive home your argument.

Let’s say you’re writing about the ethics of AI. Your introduction might start with something like, “As artificial intelligence keeps advancing, the ethical questions surrounding it are becoming harder to ignore.” In the body of your argumentative essay, you’d dive into topics like privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and job loss, backing each one up with studies or expert opinions. Your conclusion would then tie everything together, reinforcing why AI developers must consider these ethical responsibilities.

2. Craft a strong thesis statement.

Your thesis statement is the backbone of your essay. It needs to be clear, concise, and specific so your reader knows exactly where you stand. A strong thesis statement takes a debatable stance. Don’t merely state a fact.

For instance, instead of saying, “ Social media affects our lives,” you could go with something stronger like, “Social media’s role in spreading misinformation poses a serious threat to democratic processes and should be more strictly regulated.” This version is specific, makes a clear argument, and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

When you’re crafting your thesis, ask yourself if someone could reasonably disagree with it. If the answer is yes, then you’ve got a solid foundation for a strong argumentative essay.

3. Develop your argument.

Here’s where you really get to make your case. Building a strong argument means using credible sources and logical reasoning to back up your claims. Let’s say you’re arguing that remote learning isn’t as effective as in-person classes. You could cite studies that show lower engagement or retention rates among online students.

But don’t just drop the evidence and move on. Explain how it supports your thesis. You might write, “A 2022 study by Smith found that students in remote learning environments scored 15% lower on exams compared to their in-class peers, highlighting the challenges of staying focused and motivated in a virtual setting.”

Your argument should also flow logically from one point to the next, guiding your reader through your reasoning step by step. Using transitional phrases like “Furthermore,” “In contrast,” or “Therefore” helps connect your ideas and keeps the essay moving smoothly.

4. Address counterarguments.

No good argumentative essay is complete without tackling counterarguments. Addressing opposing views shows you’ve thought about the issue from all angles, which boosts your credibility. You need to understand these counterarguments and then present evidence that challenges or disproves them.

Let’s say you’re arguing for stricter social media regulations. You’d probably come across the counterargument that these regulations could infringe on free speech. To refute this, you could point to real-world cases where unchecked misinformation has caused harm, like how false information about COVID-19 vaccines led to widespread hesitancy and public health risks.

You might phrase it like this: “While some argue that regulating social media could limit free speech, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that unchecked misinformation can lead to serious public health crises, which makes a strong case for more oversight.”

5. Conclude your essay.

The conclusion of your argumentative essays is your last shot to reinforce your stance on the chosen topics and ensure they resonate with your readers. Start by summarizing your main points—without just repeating them word for word. This helps drive home your argument in a clear and concise way.

Then, restate your thesis, but tweak it to reflect the discussion you’ve had throughout your essay. If you started out arguing for stricter social media regulations, you might conclude with something like, “Given the powerful role misinformation plays in shaping public opinion, it’s crucial that social media platforms implement more stringent regulations to protect the integrity of democratic processes.”

Finally, leave your reader with a strong closing statement. This could be a call to action, a prediction, or a thought-provoking question that sticks with them. For instance, “As technology keeps evolving, how we balance freedom with regulation will shape the future of our digital society. The decisions we make today will echo for generations to come.”

A well-crafted conclusion does more than just wrap things up—it reinforces your argument, ensuring your reader walks away with a clear sense of where you stand.

Extra tip: Once you’ve got your essay polished, consider entering it in prestigious writing contests like the John Locke Institute Essay Competition , The Emerson Prize , or the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards . These platforms give your work a chance to shine.

What is a great topic for an argumentative essay?

A great topic for an argumentative essay hits three key points: it’s relevant, debatable, and lets you dig deep into the issue. Instead of going for something too subjective like “Is pizza delicious?”—which doesn’t really leave much room for argument—try something more specific and impactful, like “Should schools replace traditional lunch options like pizza with healthier alternatives?”

What are unique argumentative essay topics?

Unique argumentative essay topics take you off the beaten path and get you thinking in new directions. These topics might explore less common areas or bring fresh perspectives to current issues. For example:

Should AI be allowed to make ethical decisions in healthcare?
Is it ethical to use facial recognition technology in public spaces?
Should digital currencies replace traditional money?

These questions stand out because they push you to challenge conventional thinking and dive into modern debates that are still evolving.

What are fun argumentative essay topics?

Fun argumentative essay topics are all about keeping things light and engaging, with a dash of humor or an unconventional twist. Think of topics like:

Should pineapple be an acceptable pizza topping?
Is it better to have a pet dog or a pet cat?
Should video games be considered a sport?

These topics are meant to be enjoyable, sparking lively debates while still offering some substance.

A woman smiling at the camera in front of her laptop.

What are cause and effect essay topics?

Cause and effect essay topics focus on the “why” and “what happens next” of a situation, and explores the relationship between events or phenomena. Examples include:

How does social media use affect mental health in teenagers?
What are the effects of climate change on global food production?
How does the rise of remote work affect urban development?

These topics require you to break down why something happens and explore its consequences, giving you plenty of material for a detailed discussion.

What are good argumentative essay topics for college students?

Good argumentative essay topics for college students tackle issues that are relevant to their lives, both academically and personally. Consider topics like:

Is the rising cost of college tuition justified?
Should college athletes be paid for playing sports?
Is remote learning as effective as in-person classes?

These topics resonate with the college experience, making them both relatable and significant for in-depth exploration.

When it comes to writing good argumentative essay topics, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Your essay’s strength starts with a good topic. It needs to be current and relevant, with plenty of room for different viewpoints. That’s what makes it ripe for deep discussion.
Your thesis is the backbone of your essay. Make it clear, concise, and debatable. This is what guides your entire argument.
Back up your thesis with solid evidence and clear reasoning. Each point should build logically on the one before it, keeping your argument tight and coherent.
If you’re working on a college essay, it might be worth reaching out to a college admissions consultant . They can help you refine your topic and sharpen your argument, giving you the best shot at success.

Want to assess your chances of admission? Take our FREE chances calculator today!

Why College Admissions Isn’t Perfect

US News Rankings

A person's hand writing in spiral notebook placed on a wooden desk.

The Personal Statement: The Holy Grail of College Admissions

student from different colleges and universities in the US

The Modern Day 4.0 and 1600 SAT Score Student Is No Longer Impressive

The Competitive Nature of College Admissions for Asian Americans

A professor talking to a student while they walk outside the classroom

The College Application

a woman sing laptop while "admission" word appears on screen

Our Comprehensive Approach

Ivy League Schools

a student daydreaming while sitting at the corner in library

How Early Should You Prepare for College?

Featured in US News & World Report Best Colleges Publication

Congratulations to AdmissionSight Students and their Acceptances!

A female student listening to the class lecture while holding a pen.

College Rejection

Group of students writing on their desks.

College Rankings

a fountain in front outside the building

College Consultants Could Make A Difference

A person holding a pen with a laptop in front.

College Admissions Scandal and Higher Education

The 7 Best Colleges for Figure Skating

Prioritizing tasks for maximum efficiency

Understanding Restrictive Early Action at Harvard

How to Get into Harvard: Admission Requirements and Tips

Carnegie Mellon University: Weighing the Pros and Cons

The Best Colleges for Pre-Med

Princeton majors available at Princeton University

Top 5 Princeton Majors: A Quick Guide

View of Stanford University at night - one of the best medical colleges in the world

How Many People Apply to Stanford: Impact of Legacy Preferences on Admission

Top 10 Unique Classes at Brown University

Yale’s Hidden World: How Many Secret Societies Exist?

studying in the best law schools in the US

Discover the Best Law Schools in the US This 2024

Is Georgetown University a Good School? Insights and Tips

Fun facts about princeton university: discover why it’s one of america’s top universities.

student wondering what is the best Ivy League school

What Is the Best Ivy League School For You? A Quick Guide

UCLA Scholarships: All You Need to Know

Pros and Cons of Harvard University: All You Need to Know

How Hard Is It to Get into the University of Chicago?

A Quick Guide to the Different Colleges and Universities in the U.S.

Recent Articles

The 7 Best Colleges for...

Understanding Restrictive Early Action at...

How to Get into Harvard:...

Carnegie Mellon University: Weighing the...

Top 5 Princeton Majors: A...

How Many People Apply to...

Top 10 Unique Classes at...

Yale's Hidden World: How Many...

Discover the Best Law Schools...

Is Georgetown University a Good...

Fun Facts about Princeton University:...

Admissions Counseling

Academic & Extracurricular Profile Evaluation

Argumentative Essay Topics and Ideas

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

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

Feeling Overwhelmed by Constant Writing Process?

With our help, you can earn the grade you deserve without the stress and hassle of trying to do it all on your own.

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Are you too exhausted to be in the mood for jokes? Then address our writers, saying, ‘ do my essay ,’ so they can help you within the blink of an eye.

Topics for Argumentative Speech

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

Use our speech writing service if you want to leave your audience nothing short of amazed!

Argument Topics on Social Media

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

Argument Topics on Music

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

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

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

Argument Topics on Sports

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

Argument Topics on Government

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

Argument Topics on TV, Movies, Video Games

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

How to Choose Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Explore Your Interests

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

Consider Controversy

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

Assess Current Relevance

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

Narrow Down Broad Topics

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

Evaluate Feasibility

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

Check for Personal Connection

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

Seek Feedback

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

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

Spending Hours on Essays Just to Receive Mediocre Grades?

With our writing services , you can rest assured that you will receive a well-written, compelling essay that will impress your professors.

What Is the Five-Paragraph Argumentative Essay?

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

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

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

Added infographics.
Added new topics.
Added FAQs.
https://static01.nyt.com/images/blogs/learning/pdf/2015/301_Prompts_for_Argumentative_Writing.pdf
Oliver, E. (2023, May 18). Good Argumentative Essay Topics. Read Relevant. https://readrelevant.com/good-argumentative-essay-topics/
52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting. (2021, April 19). CollegeVine Blog. https://blog.collegevine.com/argumentative-essays-ideas

Essay Samples
College Essay
Writing Tools
Writing guide

↑ Return to Writing guide

Follow Us on Social Media

Get more free essays

Send via email

Most useful resources for students:.

Free Essays Download
Writing Tools List
Proofreading Services
Universities Rating

Contributors Bio

Find more useful services for students

Free plagiarism check, professional editing, online tutoring, free grammar check.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

Knowledge Base
How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

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

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

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

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

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

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

Argumentative writing at college level

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

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

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

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

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

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

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

Academic style
Vague sentences
Style consistency

See an example

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

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

Toulmin arguments

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

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

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

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

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

Rogerian arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

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

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

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

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

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

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

College essays

Choosing Essay Topic
Write a College Essay
Write a Diversity Essay
College Essay Format & Structure
Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

(AI) Tools

Grammar Checker
Paraphrasing Tool
Text Summarizer
AI Detector
Plagiarism Checker
Citation Generator

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, July 23). How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved September 9, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/argumentative-essay/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to write a thesis statement | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, how to write an expository essay, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

Debate Topics

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

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

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

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

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

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

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

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

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

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

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

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

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

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

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

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

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

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

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

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

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

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

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

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

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

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

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

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

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

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

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

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

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

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

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

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

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

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

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

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

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

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

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

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

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

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

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

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

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

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

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

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

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

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

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

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

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

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

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

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

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

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

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

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

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

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

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

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

ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA

Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

Social Media
Death Penalty
School Uniforms
Video Games
Animal Testing
Gun Control
Banned Books
Teachers’ Corner

Cite This Page

ProCon.org is the institutional or organization author for all ProCon.org pages. Proper citation depends on your preferred or required style manual. Below are the proper citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order): the Modern Language Association Style Manual (MLA), the Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), and Kate Turabian's A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses, and Dissertations (Turabian). Here are the proper bibliographic citations for this page according to four style manuals (in alphabetical order):

[Editor's Note: The APA citation style requires double spacing within entries.]

[Editor’s Note: The MLA citation style requires double spacing within entries.]

Link to facebook
Link to linkedin
Link to twitter
Link to youtube
Writing Tips

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

5-minute read

19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics!

In this post, we’ll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment.

We’ll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you’re a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay that encourage the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action.

They typically open with a question, followed by a series of arguments intended to persuade the reader to take the same side as the author.

In a persuasive essay, the author will usually appeal to the readers’ emotions in order to prove that their opinion is the correct one. But this doesn’t mean that persuasive essays ignore evidence , facts, and figures; an effective persuasive essay makes use of a combination of logical argument and emotive language to sway the audience.

A persuasive essay can cover just about anything from pop culture to politics. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 50 persuasive essay topics to inspire your next assignment!

Science and the Environment

Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
Should genetically modified organisms be labeled?
Should we clone human beings?
Should animal testing be allowed?
Should the government fund space exploration?
Should the government regulate the use of pesticides in farming?
Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
Should the government fine people who drive gas-powered vehicles?
Should climate change be declared a national emergency?

Crime and Politics

Should the death penalty be abolished?
Should all American citizens have to serve a year of community service?
Should the US voting age be lowered to 16?
Should the government adopt a tougher immigration policy?
Should the government cut its military spending?
Should the government introduce a national living wage?
Should politicians be banned from social media?
Should the electoral college be abolished?

Health and Fitness

Should the government provide universal healthcare?
Should the government ban the use of certain chemicals in cosmetics?
Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
Should physical exercise be mandatory at work?
Should employees have to disclose health conditions to their employers?
Should fast food commercials be banned?
Should herbal medicines be better regulated?
Should regular mental health checkups be mandatory?
Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
Should students be required to wear uniforms?
Should the government provide free college education?
Should schools offer comprehensive sex education?
Are high school students given too much homework?
Should humanities and arts subjects receive more funding?
Should military recruiters be allowed on school grounds?
Is the school day too long?
Should every US citizen be required to learn another language?

Lifestyle and Culture

Find this useful.

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
Should the use of tobacco be banned?
Should marijuana be legalized?
Should all museums and art galleries be free?
Should kids be encouraged to read more?
Should public spaces provide unisex bathrooms?
Is pet ownership a human right?
Should extreme sports be banned?

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to start writing your persuasive essay. Here are our tips:

Choose a Side

When you’ve picked the question you’re going to address in your essay, you also need to choose one side – or answer – that you’re going to write in favor of.

It helps if you’re passionate about the topic, as this will enable you to write from an emotional perspective.

Do Your Research

In order to write persuasively , you need to understand the topic you’re writing about.

Make sure you know the details of your subject matter, and can provide facts and figures to back up your appeal to your readers’ emotions.

You should also read up about different points of view on the topic, so that you can bring them up in the form of counterarguments and rebuttals .

Keep Your Audience in Mind

When you’re writing your essay, think about who it is you’re trying to persuade. The way you speak to a student, for example, will be different to how you address a parent.

Consider what your potential audience will value, and how you can reach them on an emotional level.

Outline Your Essay

Now you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to plan and write your essay.

You should break it down into the follow sections:

An introduction, which sets up the question you’re going to answer and what side of the argument you are aiming to persuade the reader of.
The body of the essay, with a paragraph for each of the points you want to make.
A conclusion, where you summarize your points and main arguments.

Get It Proofread

As with any essay, your finished persuasive essay will need proofreading to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Our academic proofreading team here at Proofed can help with that. You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

Free email newsletter template.

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas

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

Argumentative speeches generally concern topics which are currently being debated by society , current controversial issues . These topics are often derived from political debates and issues which are commonly seen in the media. The chosen topic may be political, religious, social, or ethical in nature. The audience should be challenged to re-examine their long-held values, and will be asked to alter deeply held convictions based on new evidence or viewpoints on the issue.

Obviously, selecting a topic that is debatable is key to creating an effective speech. The topic should not be something which is generally already proven, or would require an enormous leap of faith or logic in order to convince the audience. The speaker should already possess a strong interest and have a deeply-held opinion on the subject, or else his arguments will probably not come across as believable to the audience.

Topics below are not our personal opinion, they are just samples of a topic. You can flip them to create a different topic. For example, if the topic is “Eating meat and dairy is bad for your body” and you believe the opposite, just make your topic “Eating meat and dairy is good for your body”.

Our list is updated often; huge thank you to all of you who send us topic ideas. Do you have an idea? Use “Send us your idea” form, and we will publish it. And don’t forget to take a look at our extensive list of argumentative essay topics for topics more suited to the written word.

List of Argumentative Speech Topics

Constitutional issues, environment, food and drink, international politics, relationships.

How poor accounting methods cause businesses to lose money.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topics for Business .

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

Does the government have the right to tax its citizens?
Torture is an acceptable measure to prevent terrorism.
Banning some books and movies can help society.
Guns should be made illegal.
The legal drinking age should be changed to 18 for hard liquor and spirits, and to 16 for beer and wine.
Should the government be able to access cell phone data?
Paying waiters a hourly rate below minimum wage is unfair.
Illegal immigrants are good for the economy.
Decreasing the wealth tax is good for the economy.
What caused the recession in the USA?
Rich people should have tax breaks.
Should students sometimes teach the class about a subject they are an expert on?
Should schools offer sign language in addition to foreign languages?
Any student caught cheating on an examination should be automatically dismissed from college.
Should there be a dress code to prevent students from wearing revealing clothes?
Government aid for students should be based purely on academic performance.
Mobiles phones should be banned in schools for both students and teachers.
How No Child Left Behind has not been implemented correctly.
Foreign language instruction should begin in kindergarten.
College students should have the freedom to choose their own courses.
Should schools have single sex education?

See this page for a full list of Education Argumentative Speech Topics .

How the USA can use renewable energy, and what role oil companies can play.
How renewable energy technologies became economically and politically viable in the late 1990s.
Destruction of the world’s forest is justified by human need for land and food.
The racing industry should be forced to use environmentally-friendly fuel.
The government should support and subsidize alternative energy sources.
Alternative energy and hybrid vehicles can help save our planet.
Penalties for crimes against the environment should be tougher.
Vegetarianism is an ecologically thoughtful lifestyle.
Has marine engineering increased pollution?
Working from home is good for the environment.
Rainforest logging should be banned.
Hunting is good for the environment.
The advantages of recycling water.

See this page for a full list of Environmental Argumentative Speech Topics .

Should celebrities be held to a higher moral standard since they are often viewed as role models by children and teens?
Convicted prisoners should not have better living conditions than those not in prison.
Clothing and other items produced using child labor should not be imported and sold in the USA.
Denying health insurance because of pre-existing conditions violates human rights.
Using animals for scientific research is inhumane.
DNA experiments on human embryos are unethical and should not be allowed.
Zoos, aquariums, and circuses violate animal rights and should be shut down.
Are beauty pageants exploitive?
Should scientists bring back extinct species through cloning?
People should not be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets.
Should there be world population control?
Stand up for what is right, even if you stand alone.
Hunting is unethical and should not be allowed.
Everyone in the world should have civil rights!
Do you agree that honesty is the best policy?
Assassination can never be justified.
The sale of human organs should be legal.
Euthanasia is not morally acceptable.
Euthanasia should be legalized.
Is human cloning ethical?
Wearing fur is unethical.
We shouldn’t eat meat.
Every family with children filing for divorce must go through a mandatory ‘cooling off’ period.
Adoptive parents should be legally bound to allow biological parents access to their children.
Should babies younger than one get their ears pierced?
Those who want children should take parenting classes and pass tests before having a child.
Both parents should assume equal responsibility in raising a child.
Strict parenting raises strong-hearted, resilient kids.
Why both parents should be a part of their child’s life.
Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
Why children should be respected.
Should we have to pay to adopt a child?
Teenagers should have more freedom than younger kids.
Should kids under 13 be allowed on social media sites?
Should children get to choose their living environment at age 13?
Should parents be held responsible for actions of their children?

See this page for a full list of Family Argumentative Speech Topics . We also have a page with Speech Topics for Kids .

The only difference between normal and organic food is the cost.

See this page for a full list of Speech Topic Ideas On Food, Drink, and Cooking .

Why veterans should have more government support.
Should the president have served in the military?
Is the American criminal justice system racist?
Democracy is the best form of government.
Women make better presidents.
Is our election process fair?
Tap water is safer than bottled water in countries where the quality of tap water is regulated.
Breastfeeding is one of the most important things a mother can do for a child.
Should children born with birth defects have surgery?
Lapses in food safety result from a complex interplay of factors.
Should fast food restaurants stop adding chemicals to their food?
Taxes should be imposed on unhealthy foods to combat obesity.
GMOs are bad for health and should be avoided at any cost.
Advertising of prescription drugs should not be allowed.
Fast food advertisements and promotions should be banned.
Terminally ill patients should be allowed to use heroin.
Why people should smile when they’re happy, and pretend they are happy when feeling sad.
Our identity is shaped by how others view us.
The benefits of having friends.

See this page for a full list of Argumentative Speech Topics on Health and Fitness . We also have a page with Medical Topics and Psychology topics.

Was Mao Zedong a great leader?
Adolf Hitler was a great leader.
The negative effects of Ronald Reagan’s “War on Drugs.”

See this page for a full list of History Speech Topics .

Is inequality in South Africa a suitable topic to use for public speaking?
Should the world become one nation and have a council for leadership?
The war in Iraq was justified.
Terrorism is a major issue in the world because innocent people are affected.
Cultural treasures should be returned to their countries of origin.
Invading other countries, as long as for a good cause, is justified.
The New Zealand flag should not be changed.
War is an instrument of foreign policy.
Driving speed limits should be lifted in areas with a low accident risk.
People who use file-sharing sites to download content illegally should be found and prosecuted.
Should the government give tax exemptions to those who drive electric or hybrid vehicles?
Elderly drivers should be required to take a driving test each year after a certain age.
Should colleges be allowed to use affirmative action to create a more diverse campus?
Garbage disposal should not be free to encourage recycling (example: Switzerland).
Salaries of actors, professional athletes and CEOs should be regulated and capped.
Any products that are believed to cause cancer should have a warning label.
Fast food, soda, chips and other unhealthy food should be heavily taxed.
Making drugs illegal creates an environment for crime and violence.
Should it be harder to get a divorce?
Should the death penalty exist?
Laws to protect the victims of domestic abuse should be enforced.
Pitbulls and other aggressive dog breeds should not be allowed.
Gay couples should have the same rights as heterosexual couples.
Should the EPA make it illegal to modify your car for racing?
DUI offenders should lose their license for a year.
Should you have to take a training class to purchase fireworks?
Workers should get four weeks paid vacation each year.
Plastic surgery should be illegal for anyone under 18.
Retirement should be made compulsory at the age of 60.
Abortions should be legal in cases of rape and incest.
The cost of prescription drugs should be regulated.
Couples should be banned from adopting overseas.
Banning smoking in public places is undemocratic.
Spaying and neutering pets should be mandatory.
Minors should be tried for murder at any age.
Voting should be compulsory for all citizens.
Illegal immigrants should receive asylum.
Organ donation should be mandatory.
Vaccinations should be compulsory.
Prostitution should be legalized.
Should abortion be made illegal?
The smoking age should be lowered.
The voting age should be lowered.
Why smoking should be banned.
Talking on the phone while driving should be banned.
There should be equal pay for equal work.
Does Shakespeare romanticize youth suicide in the tragic play Romeo and Juliet?
Edgar Allen Poe’s career as an author benefitted from his difficult, grief-filled life.
Popular literature is not as valuable as classical literature.
Why books are better than their movies.
Reality television makes people stupid and should be regulated.
Does media violence lead to behavioral problems?
TV cop shows are too intense for children.
Watching television makes people smarter.
Are kids having too much screen time?
Is watching TV good or bad for children?
Has the television become obsolete?
Reality TV is not reality.
Vulgar scenes in films should be reduced.
Can anyone play an instrument with the right materials and instruction?
The beneficial physiological effects of music.
Americans should not get involved in conflicts that don’t concern the national interest.
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid reform are non-negotiable ways out of the debt crisis.
Famous people (actors, athletes) should not be allowed to become politicians.
Is the government doing justice to the taxpayers?
Does age matter in relationships?
Social networks are killing sincere relationships.
Polygamy creates healthy relationships.
If nothing happens without a cause, then the big bang must have been caused by God.
Why it is better to have many religions.
Banning burkhas or other religious clothing is against human rights.
The world would be more peaceful without religions.
Churches should be required to pay taxes.
Are there any alternatives to evolution?
Religion is a force for evil.

See this page for a full list of Topics on Religion and Spirituality .

Mobile phones shouldn’t be allowed at school.
There is no place for religion in school.
Technology is a distraction.
Homework should be scrapped.
High Schools need armed guards.
Test scores reflect how good the teacher is.
Refrain from dating in high school.
Student ID cards should have tracking devices.
Random drug tests need to be done in high schools.
Teachers should also be graded.

See this page for a full list of School Speech Topics (Elementary, Middle School, High School).

Genetically modified food should be the answer to the world’s hunger problem.
Is Mars the next planet for human habitation?
The NASA moon landing was a hoax.
Space exploration is a waste of money.

See this page for a full list of Science Speech Topics .

Permits should not be needed to build small, permanent structures in the city of Baldwin.
Technological progress signifies the decline of human moral, spiritual, and traditional values.
Men and women face unequal pressure to change their bodies to look good.
Sexual immorality in our society is a result of the influence of foreign films.
People are not satisfied with what they have.
Compulsory military service is good for society and the country.
Christmas is just a way for businesses to increase sales.
Billboards should not be allowed on interstate highways.
Men should be forced to take paternity leave from work.
Violent video games and toys should not be allowed.

See this page for a full list of Argumentative Society Speech Topics .

Athletes caught using steroids should be banned from professional sports for life.
Why cheerleading should be part of the Olympics.
Why hockey should allow fights.
Is marching band a sport?
Is cheerleading a sport?
Sports should be obligatory at school.

See this page for a full list of Sports Speech Topics .

Students should not have to learn cursive because technology is making it irrelevant.
Social media has changed us for the worse.
Modern technology has increased material wealth but not happiness.
Has the internet made research easier and more convenient?
How nuclear power shaped 21st century electrical generation.
Technology makes us lose most of our traditions and culture.
Life was better when technology was more simple.
Human beings are becoming slaves of modern technology.
Is the internet a good or a bad thing?
Technology is making people less creative.
The positive effects of technology on society.
Are phones essential?
Nuclear power is better than solar power.
New technologies create problems.
The impact of technology on society.
How electronics affect our body.
The pros and cons of Facebook.
The pros and cons of plastic.
Are children smarter or more socialized because of the internet?
Modern offices should have facilities for an afternoon nap.
Should tattoos be in the workplace?

List of Argumentative Essay Topics

Dieting makes people fat.
Romantic love is a poor basis for marriage.
The war on terror has contributed to the growing abuse of human rights.
High school graduates should take a year off before entering college.
All citizens should be required by law to vote.
All forms of government welfare should be abolished.
Americans should have more holidays and longer vacation.
Participating in team sports helps to develop good character.
The production and sale of cigarettes should be made illegal.
People have become overly dependent on technology.
Censorship is sometimes justified.
Privacy is not the most important right.
Drunk drivers should be imprisoned on the first offence.
The lost art of letter-writing deserves to be revived.
Government and military personnel should have the right to strike.
Most study-abroad programs should be renamed “party abroad”: they are a waste of time and money.
The continuing decline of CD sales along with the rapid growth of music downloads signals a new era of innovation in popular music.
College students should have complete freedom to choose their own courses.
The solution to the impending crisis in Social Security is the immediate elimination of this anachronistic government program.
The primary mission of colleges and universities should be preparing students for the workforce.
Financial incentives should be offered to high school students who perform well on standardizing tests.
All students in high school and college should be required to take at least two years of a foreign language.
College students in the U.S. should be offered financial incentives to graduate in three years rather than four.
College athletes should be exempted from regular class-attendance policies.
To encourage healthy eating, higher taxes should be imposed on soft drinks and junk food.
Students should not be required to take physical education courses.
To conserve fuel and save lives, the 55 miles-per-hour national speed limit should be restored.
All citizens under the age of 21 should be required to pass a driving education course before receiving a license to drive.
Freshmen should not be required to purchase a meal plan from the college.
Zoos are internment camps for animals and should be shut down.
University students should not be penalized for illegally downloading music, movies, or other protected content.
Government financial aid for students should be based solely on merit.
Nontraditional students should be exempted from regular class-attendance policies.
At the end of each term, student evaluations of faculty should be posted online.
A student organization should be formed to rescue and care for the feral cats on campus.
People who contribute to Social Security should have the right to choose how their money is invested.
Professional baseball players convicted of using performance-enhancing drugs should not be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame.
Any citizen who does not have a criminal record should be permitted to carry a concealed weapon.
Is global climate change man-made?
Do colleges put too much stock in standardized test scores?
Is torture ever acceptable?
Should men get paternity leave from work?
Is a lottery a good idea?
Do we have a fair taxation system?
Is cheating out of control?
Are parents clueless about child predators on the Internet?
Are cell phones dangerous?
Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
Are test scores a good indication of a school’s competency?
Do we have a throw-away society?
Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
Should companies market to children?
Should the government have a say in our diets?
Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
Does access to condoms lead to irresponsible, dangerous, or bad behavior?
Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
Are CEOs paid too much?
Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
Should creationism be taught in public schools?
Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
When should parents let teens make their own decisions?
Should the military be allowed to recruit at high schools?
Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
What age is appropriate for dating?
Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
Does boredom lead to trouble?
Does participation in sports keep teens out of trouble?
Is competition good?
Does religion cause war?
Should the government provide health care?
Should girls ask boys out?
Is fashion important?
Are girls too mean to each other?
Is homework harmful or helpful?
Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
Is college admission too competitive?
There is no such thing as a superfood!
American football is better than rugby.
Abused children grow up to be abusers
Women priests have further weakened the influence of the church today
Britain should exit the EU and concentrate on its special relationship with America
Most asylum seekers are simply seeking a better life
Who was the better wartime Prime Minister – Churchill or Thatcher?
Insurance is a waste of money
North Korea postulates but will never go to war
Lady Gaga is a better role model than Madonna
Celebrities adopting multi-racial kids is merely another cog in their publicity wheel
Sororities do nothing to enhance the cause of womanhood
All phobias can be cured
America is seen as a safe haven for victims of persecution from all over the world
There are more benefits to working in a small company than a large one
Men do not understand the term “fashionista”
Scottish independence would be a good thing for the UK
Seeds are not a health food. They are bird food.
Government spying on personal communication is an infringement of civil liberty
Payday loans are the worst financial product ever
What is the point of massive R&D projects like the Hadron Collider and space exploration when people are starving?
All immigrants to English speaking countries should pass a test before being allowed rights to settle and be re-tested after 10 years.
Only the supermarkets win in price wars
The Burkha is a lasting symbol that Islam is divisive
Space travel should be a rich man’s plaything and government funds diverted to things that matter
Pipe smoking is less harmful than cigarette smoking
Politicians don’t have a “calling” – it is merely a well paid job
Ireland would be no better if it were one country
Global warming is just a phase in the planet’s life cycle
Cigarettes will never be banned completely because Governments couldn’t work without the income they generate
Beauty pageants are exploitative
Condoms should be dispensed free in high schools
Professional athletes are paid too much
Most schools fail at adequate sex education
Aids is the forgotten disease now that it affects mainly African countries
Legalizing some drugs will not combat the scourge
The legal limit of 21 encourages underage drinking
Video games do not cause violent behavior: Violence comes from values
Should creationism be taught in schools
High school is not competitive enough and does not encourage high standards of achievement in everyone
CEOS of public service industries are paid too much
Britain should adopt a new voting system
In a society that calls for equality, men should receive a decent period of paternity leave
Torture has a place in the fight against terrorism
Many parents have no idea of what their child is doing on the computer
Standardized test scores are not the best indication of a student’s aptitude for a certain course.
Should we have a national high school exam?
Is Private school tuition (elementary, high school or college) really worth it?
Does state wide testing like TAKS/STAAR test in Texas really increase student knowledge?
Should colleges abolish reliance on SAT and ACT scores in admissions?
How should our school system in America be reformed?
Should America adopt an educational system more like Europe?
What causes students to graduate high school without basic skills?
How do American students compare with students from other countries?
What Role should technology play in Education?
What is the value of a liberal arts education?
Should students be required to take foreign language courses (or any other type of specific course)?
Does adding school days really improve learning?
Should schools continue to spend money on fine arts?
How should students whose first language is not English be taught in public schools?
Should college athletes be paid?
Does smoking help make acquaintances?
Should students add their teachers as friends on Facebook?
Is the first impression of a person always right?
Are conflicts necessary for healthy relationships?
Should lecture attendance be optional?
Is business ethics an obsolete concept?
Should companies try to copy what their competitors do?
Can businesses learn from their customers’ complaints?
Should all energy drinks be banned?
Is China a new superpower?
Should employees be allowed to use social media sites at work?
Should companies send ‘happy birthday’ messages to clients?
Would Shakespeare’s plays be more interesting if shortened?
Should internet slang, like ‘LOL’ and ‘IMHO’ be included in dictionaries?
Does the English language need to be simpler?
Should kids be allowed to draw on walls?
Do modern schools depend too much on technology?
Do online students have better chances to cheat?
Should hospitals use placebo treatments?
Do innovations really make us lazier?
Can college athletes be smart?
Should students have profiles on all major social networks?
Should people abandon cash and use plastic cards only?
Should countries have ‘1 car per family’ policies?
Should we preserve old buildings as historical monuments?
Are some TV ads objects of art?
Is music in shopping malls harmful to employees’ wellbeing?
Can listening to favorite music heal?
Should journalists who distort the truth to make the news more sensational be punished?
Should all TV channels have censorship?
Do SOPA and PIPA make pirates more skilful?
Is negative PR the secret behind Justin Bieber’s success?
Should Wikipedia give diplomas to their most faithful readers?
Can diamonds be girls’ best friends?
Is the way to a man’s heart through his stomach?
Should couples live together before marriage?
Should parents tell their kids stories about birds and bees?
Can virtual reality be dangerous for kids?
Can we call any war ‘a peacemaking operation’?
Is too much political correctness making communication more confusing?
Are early marriages more likely to end in divorces?
Do elderly people receive better care in retirement homes than with family members?
Should hyperactive kids receive treatment?
Should mind reading during poker games be banned?
Should parents pass tests before homeschooling their kids?
Should parents lie to their kids about Santa Claus?
Does Beavis and Butthead have a negative impact on youth?
Is it fair to use the results of standardized tests to define schools’ budgets?
Are optimism and success infectious?
Is the Bermuda triangle a creation of our imagination?
Advertising: Information Or Manipulation?
Should Affirmative Action Be Abolished?
Should Minors Be Executed For Murder?
Should Parents Be Held Responsible For Their Minor’s Crimes?
Should Gay Clubs Be Allowed In High Schools?
Should High School Education Be Mandatory?
Should Affirmative Action be abolished?
Should schools place more emphasis on disciplining?
To what extent has the traditional male role changed in the last 20 years?
Dieting Does Not Help People Lose Weight
Is gender equality a myth or a sustainable reality?
Should divorce be harder to obtain?
Should marijuana be legalized in the United States?
Should the legalization of marijuana be a state law or left up to the federal government to enforce?
Are colleges and schools just for either all girls or all boys fair or are they sexist?
Should corporal punishment be used to punish children?
Should the US drinking age be lowered or raised from age 21?
How young is too young to have your own cellphone?
Should immigrants to the US be required to learn English before being granted citizenship?
Should those applying for Welfare be drug tested?
Are fast food chains killing people?
Should those receiving government assistance have a limit on the number of children they can receive help for?
Should news reporters be required to share their sources with viewers?
What role, if any, should the federal government take in dealing with the problem of homelessness?
Should women also be required to sign up for the draft at age 18 in the US?
Should those younger than 13 be allowed to have a Facebook or Myspace (or other social networking account)?
Should public school teachers be randomly drug tested as a condition for employment?
Is year-round school a good idea or bad?
Should gay couples be allowed to adopt children?
Should the families of organ donors be compensated for their loved one’s donation?
Damage to the environment is an inevitable consequence of worldwide improvements in the standard of living.
Are famous people treated unfairly by the media? Should they be given more privacy, or is the price of their fame an invasion into their private lives?
Are women better parents than men?
Are zoos necessary for education?
Children learn best by observing the behavior of adults and copying it.
Children should never be educated at home by their parents.
Computers can translate all kinds of languages well. Do our children need to learn more languages in the future?
Advantages and disadvantages of giving international aid to poor countries.
Do the benefits of study abroad justify the difficulties?
Do we become used to bad news? Would it be better if more good news was reported?
Does foreign aid helps donor countries more than the recipients?
Does travel help to promote understanding and communication between countries?
Education is the single most important factor in the development of a country.
The destruction of the world’s forests is inevitable as our need for land and food grows.
A vegetarian diet is as healthy as a diet containing meat.
If children behave badly, should their parents accept responsibility and also be punished?
In what ways has information technology changed work and working practices in the past 10 years?
Should government intervene in the rights of the individual with regard to family planning?
In your opinion what factors contribute to a good movie?
Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?
News editors should decide what to broadcast on TV and what to print in newspapers.
Should developing countries concentrate on improving industrial skills or should they promote education first?
Should money be spent on space exploration?
Should retirement be compulsory at 65 years of age?
Should rich countries forgive all debts for poor countries?
Should rich countries pay more for environmental damage?
Should sports classes be dropped in secondary school so students can concentrate on academic subjects?
Should the same laws which prohibit the sale and consumption of heroin be applied to tobacco?
To what extent should universities function as training grounds for employment?
To what extent should university courses be geared to the economic needs of society?
What are factors which are related to academic success in high-school students?
What should a government do for a country to become successful?
Free meals should be provided in every school.
Citizens should be taxed a percentage to send towards medical research.
All motor vehicles should be pushed towards electric power.
Prisoners should be used in the workforce.
Dieting does more harm than good.
Chivalry has no place in modern society.
Sexism is still a major problem in the workplace.
Government welfare is an excuse for laziness.
Capitalism is another name for evil.
National security is an excuse for war.
9/11 was an excuse for continuous war.
Privacy is a luxury not a right.
The age of consent should be raised.
The federal government should control the laws of each state.
Average workplace hours are too long.
Oppressive regimes shouldn’t be given any monetary aid.
The death penalty should be reintroduced.
All people should be allowed to strike.
The music industry needs to get with the times.
A college education needs to be about preparing for the world of work.
There are too many degree options in colleges.
All citizens should speak a second language.
People should be encouraged to holiday abroad.
Restrictions on fuel consumption need to be implemented.
People should be encouraged to start their own businesses.
All citizens should dedicate an hour a week to community service.
Cheating on an examination should be a criminal offense.
Pornography should be illegal.
Brothels should be legalised.
All states should gain equal representation in elections.
Presidential elections should be held every five years.
The restriction on consecutive presidential terms should be removed.
Financial aid shouldn’t be given to people with a criminal record.
People should have a bigger say in how the country is run.
The military needs to see major cuts.
An emphasis on sport in college should be removed.
Social Security Numbers should be abolished.
Elderly people shouldn’t drive.
The rich should pay more tax.
Tax avoidance should be clamped down upon.
Essays are not an accurate reflection of a student’s ability.
There are too many people in the U.S.
Immigration caps should be tightened.
Should people be able to choose to have health care or not?
Are we too dependent on foreign oil?
Is the education policy ‘No Child Left behind’ working?
The media affects young children’s minds
Does the ‘old boy network’ still exist?
Should prostitution be legalized?
Divorced parents should always share custody of their children
Social media is ruining relationships
Convicted prisoners have a better life in prison than out
Society and laws are too lenient on Child Sex offenders
Should racial profiling be legal?
Are Americans sexual prudes?
Is euthanasia inhumane?
Is Michael Jordan the best basketball player of all time?
Should people have to take a test to become parents?
Italians are healthier because they drink red wine
Are humans solely responsible for GlobalWarming?
Cheating helps children learn.
Are vampires real or only in the novels characters?
File-sharing programs on the Internet should/ not be banned.
What is the relationship between illegal immigration and crime
People who download from file sharing websites should be prosecuted.
Rich people should be allowed to pay off their crimes.
Corruption in society is an unstoppable force.
Doctors should learn about religion before practicing.
Rationing of fuel is a good idea.
Sodomy isn’t a sin.
Political figures are out of touch with society.
Public figures should be struck off if they break the law.
All men and women should complete a year of civil service.
Community service isn’t a punishment.

509 Informative Speech Ideas and Topics

243 Easy and Simple Speech Topics

7 thoughts on “613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas”

can money buy happiness?

I like this page

I think you’re ideas are from the far left, the “topics” you have are just so one sided im yawning just reading them. COME ON!

Most of these “topics” you list aren’t original. I’ve heard these be argued on the news and in class many times before. Only about 10 of these topics even peaked my interest.

Stand up for what is right even if you stand alone

how does one have a pet?

Only 7 of these actually had me thinking. Some aren’t even original. I’ve seen the ‘Should the death penalty exist’ on almost every single site I’ve tried before this.

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus etiam at primis tempor sagittis euismod libero facilisi.

Choose Your Test

Search Blogs By Category
College Admissions
AP and IB Exams
GPA and Coursework

3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed

General Education

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

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

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

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

3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis

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

Argumentative Essay Example 1

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

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

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

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

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

What this essay does well:

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

Argumentative Essay Example 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Example 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

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

#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear

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

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

#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak

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

#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side

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

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample

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

What's Next?

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

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

Your college admissions essay may end up being one of the most important essays you write. Follow our step-by-step guide on writing a personal statement to have an essay that'll impress colleges.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

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

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

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.

Finding an original topic for a persuasive essay is tricky.

✨ 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?

Parents should participate in their children's studying for numerous reasons.

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.

Enlightenment took over the period of the 17th and 18th centuries.

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.

Why is socialism becoming so popular in democratic states?

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.

Present studies aim to fill a gap in the literature on gender role attitudes and family dynamics.

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.

As an example or evidence for this persuasive topic, talk about the COVID-19 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.

Transportation plays a vital role in tourism.

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.

Tropical forests are responsible for around 34 percent of photosynthesis occurring on land.

⚙ 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 .

Research suggests music can influence us a lot. It can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity, and our perception of the world.

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.

Give some useful tips to persuade your reader to travel more.

✌ 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 .

Dr. Pamela Rutledge says about the media's influence on 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.

Persuade the parents to keep track of kids’ social networking activity.

📚 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.

Support your position by providing strong arguments.

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 .

Select a persuasive topic on a touchy subject with care.

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
Share via Facebook
Share via X
Share via LinkedIn
Share via email

By clicking "Post Comment" you agree to IvyPanda’s Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions . Your posts, along with your name, can be seen by all users.

Program Overview
Course Options
Admission, Tuition & Fees
International Students
Residential & Commuter Experience
Cybersecurity
Digital Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Environmental Studies
Lifespan Development
Media & Social Change
Political Science
Screenwriting

How to Pick a College Essay Topic, According to an Admission Expert

A student in a USC hoodie writes in a notebook outdoors. (USC Photo/Philip Channing)

The personal essay is one of the most crucial parts of a college application. While your transcripts and test scores highlight your achievement, they’re ultimately just stats and figures.

That’s where the college essay comes in: It helps colleges determine who you are. You can let your personality shine through and also show off your biggest wins — and explain away any potential shortcomings.

Of course, not everyone loves to write. And even if you do, it’s not always easy to figure out what to say. After all, most college essay prompts are quite vague. Where do you even start?

We spoke with Dan Phan, the academic program manager for USC Bovard Scholars , to learn how to pick the perfect college essay topic.

What Should a College Essay Focus On?

First things first: You need to determine what your dream school is asking for. Some will ask for just one essay, which is in response to several possible prompts. Usually, these prompts have to do with your background, your ambitions, challenging or formative times in your life or your personal beliefs. Other schools, however, will require you to write a personal statement, in addition to answering several shorter supplementary essay questions.

So, different universities have different application requirements. However, the essay’s goal remains the same, regardless of the prompt or format.

“The main personal statement should be introspective and shed light on the student’s core values, experiences that shaped them and aspirations for the future. Who is this student? Where have they been

Where do they hope to go?” Phan said.

What are Some Examples of College Essay Themes?

Many people use the college essay to reflect on hurdles in their lives. These difficulties could be related to academics or personal struggles. The idea is to show how you handle adversity. Essays can also focus on a personal turning point, to illustrate your personal growth or how you adapt to change.

Other applicants focus on topics related to identity and diversity, diving into their cultural background or family history to explore how their heritage and upbringing have shaped them into who they are today.

Some students write about their passions, hobbies or community involvement, showing what they have to offer besides good grades. It’s also a way to paint a picture of how they could participate in campus culture. After all, the goal is for the university to want you to be there and bring your personal touch to campus!

Phan’s favorite college essay themes?

“I love reading stories about the movers and shakers of the world, young adults that I can envision in the college setting, wherever that may be, and making a big difference once there,” she said.

And while Phan sees plenty of stories about family, culture, personal obstacles and achievements, she’s also read some “beautifully written essays” that she “remembers vividly to this day.”

The topics of these essays were wide-ranging and, often, highly personal.

“Playing music with symbrachydactyly (a hand anomaly characterized by missing fingers),” Phan recalled. “Visiting the neighborhood wig shop after school to chat with cancer patients. Defying gender stereotypes. Living close to the state prison and getting involved in prison-to-school pipeline programs. Car rides listening to NPR. Peach dumplings. Natural hair. Treasure maps.”

So, don’t be afraid to get creative. While your college essay should express who you are, there are many different ways to do so.

How Do You Choose a College Essay Topic?

When faced with vague prompts and open-ended suggestions, it can be hard to think of one story that summarizes who you are. Unfortunately, you can’t write about everything that makes you unique. Instead, narrow it down to a specific thesis.

Phan recommends that students think about the top four things a stranger would need to know to get acquainted with them.

“I encourage students to be vulnerable, to build connections and to think about some of their most formative or meaningful experiences, whether that involves family, identity, culture, extracurricular activities or interests,” Phan said.

Ask yourself what your strengths are. What are the skills and qualities that separate you from others? Then, consider the stories in your life that illustrate these traits.

Maybe you’re proud of your resilience. What’s a time in your life that it was tested? Or perhaps you have a passion for improving your community. What led you to that? What are some times you’ve demonstrated that dedication?

Once you consider what you want the essay to reveal about you, it’s easier to determine what examples in your life illustrate that.

“The most compelling essays are not only well written but have rich details that humanize the student’s experiences,” Phan said.

What Not to Write in Your College Essay

While you have plenty of options for your college essay, there are also some topics you don’t want to write about. For example, Phan advises applicants to avoid writing about grades or academic performance. Your transcript already covers that.

Another common pitfall? Not writing about yourself.

“Sometimes, students make the mistake of bringing in another person like a family member, friend or leader they admire, and the essay ceases to be about the student but rather about how incredible the other person is — which completely misses the point,” Phan explained.

Similarly, keep in mind that you’re writing about yourself now. That means you should be discussing who you are as a prospective college student, not who you were in kindergarten. While stories from your youth may help explain who you’ve become, the focus should always be on personal growth and development.

Some essay topics are so overused that they’ve become clichéd, such as teenage heartbreak, mission trip experiences or winning a sports game, Phan said: “Considering how admissions committees may be reading tens of thousands of applications each application cycle, admissions readers want to read unique college essays with fresh perspectives and angularity.”

Should Someone Proofread Your College Essay?

Applying for college is a process with many steps, and most students ask for help confirming they’ve done each part correctly. The same goes for your college essay!

Once you’ve selected the topic, it’s normal to ask for feedback to ensure you’re on the right track. Your college counselor or a teacher would be the right people to ask.

Similarly, it’s a good idea to ask them for help refining the essay once it’s done. They can help you deliver your thesis in the most compelling way possible. Remember, even the most talented writers need a copy editor to check that their work is free of misspellings and grammatical errors.

However, don’t have too many people read your essay.

“I’ve seen essays become so disjointed because there were too many voices in the essays,” Phan said. “Additionally, working with multiple people can pull students in different directions, resulting in a bit of Frankenstein of an essay and the student’s original voice being completely lost.”

So, trust your gut! With enough preparation, hard work and proofreading, you can write a solid college essay that makes you stand out to potential schools.

Learn more about USC Summer and Online Pre-College Programs today.

Author: Becca van Sambeck

200+ Transition Words for Argumentative Essay

Transition words are linking words or phrases that connect ideas, sentences, or paragraphs, ensuring a smooth flow of information. They help improve coherence and guide readers through the text.

In this article, let’s talk about what good transition words for argumentative essays are, why they matter so much in argumentative essays, and how to use them effectively. You'll get a clear idea of how these words can make your writing more convincing and easier to read. Plus, we’ll provide you with plenty of examples so you can see how to use them in your own essays.

And if you finish reading and still feel like you could use a hand with your essay, DoMyEssay is here to help. We can assist with any part of your writing process, whether it’s refining your arguments or polishing the final draft.

How to Use Transition Words for Argumentative Essays?

Let’s say you’re in the middle of crafting your argumentative essay. You’ve got great points, and everything makes sense in your head, but when you read it back, it feels a bit disjointed. That’s where transition words come in. When used right, the appropriate transition words can act as a hook for argumentative essay, keeping your readers engaged.

Here’s how to use them effectively:

Give Each Transition Word a Job Every transition word has a specific role in your essay. Some introduce a new idea, like "firstly" or "to begin with." If you’re adding more info, you might use "also" or "in addition." Then there are those that contrast ideas, like "however" or "on the other hand." Knowing what each word is meant to do helps you pick the right one for the right moment.
Use Them Where They Count You want to place transition words where they’ll have the most impact (usually at the start of a new paragraph or when you’re shifting to a new point). For example, if you’ve just argued that renewable energy is good for the environment, you could say, "For instance," before giving a specific example.
Keep Your Essay Smooth The whole point of using transition words is to keep your essay coherent and flowing naturally. For example, after discussing one advantage of a policy, you might use "similarly" to transition smoothly to the next point, making sure your essay feels connected and logical.
Mix It Up Using the same transition word over and over can get boring fast. So, try to vary them: use "moreover" instead of always saying "also," or "on the flip side" instead of "however." This keeps your writing interesting and shows that you have a good range of vocabulary. But don’t overdo it: too many transitions can make your essay feel forced.
Play with Placement Well, transition words don’t always have to go at the beginning of a sentence. Sometimes, they work in the middle or even at the end. For example, you could start a sentence with "Therefore" to show a conclusion. Or, you could use it in the middle: "The policy is effective, therefore reducing costs." This gives your writing a nice rhythm!

Transform Your Essay Today!

Struggling with transitions or arguments in your essay? Let us help you make your essay shine.

Types of Argumentative Essay Transition Words

Transition words connect your ideas in an argumentative essay, helping your reader follow along without getting lost. They’re small tools that can make your already persuasive writing clearer and more persuasive. Let’s break down some different types of transition words you can use.

Starting a New Point

When you’re starting a new idea or argument, you want your reader to know you’re shifting to something new. Transition words for essays like "initially" are great for signaling this. These phrases help set the stage for the new point you’re about to make, letting your reader know what’s coming next:

"To start with, renewable energy is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels."
"Firstly, social media has changed how we interact with each other."

Adding More Information

Sometimes you need to pile on additional info to back up your argument. Transition words like "besides" help you do just that and make it easy to add layers to your argument, giving it more depth:

"Furthermore, renewable energy sources can create new jobs in the economy."
"Also, social media platforms are becoming key tools in education."

Giving Examples

When you want to make your point more concrete, you’ll need to throw in some examples. Words like "for example" help you introduce these examples smoothly. These transitions show your readers that you’re about to give them something real to back up your claim:

"For instance, countries like Germany have heavily invested in solar power."
"To illustrate, many businesses use social media to connect directly with customers."

Showing Contrast

Not all points will be in agreement with each other, and that’s okay. When you need to highlight differences or opposing ideas, words like "in contrast" can be your go-tos. These phrases help you present complex ideas with a balanced view by acknowledging other perspectives:

"However, some argue that renewable energy is still too expensive to implement widely."
"On the other hand, social media can sometimes lead to misinformation spreading quickly."

Explaining Cause and Effect

When you need to show that one thing leads to another, transition words like "therefore" help make that connection clear. These transitional words help you link your ideas, showing how one thing influences another:

"Because of the increase in renewable energy, carbon emissions have significantly decreased."
"As a result, social media has become a powerful tool for activism."

Backing Up with Evidence

When you’re supporting your argument with facts or research, transition words like "according to" or "as shown by" help you introduce this evidence clearly and lend credibility to your argument:

"According to recent studies, renewable energy could power 80% of the U.S. by 2050."
"In fact, social media use has been linked to increased engagement in political activities."

Addressing the Other Side

A good argumentative essay doesn’t ignore opposing views. Transition words like "despite" help you address these counterarguments and show that you’ve considered the key point from all angles, which strengthens your argument:

"Although renewable energy has a higher initial cost, the long-term benefits outweigh it."
"Even though social media has its downsides, its benefits cannot be ignored."

Wrapping It All Up

Finally, when you’re ready to conclude your essay, use words like "to sum up" to bring everything together and signal to your reader that you’re wrapping things up and summarizing your main points:

"In conclusion, shifting to renewable energy is not just an option, but a necessity for a sustainable future."
"All in all, social media's impact on society is profound, offering both opportunities and challenges."

List of Transition Words for Argumentative Essays

Introduction.

To begin with
In the first place
First and foremost
At the outset
To start with
As an introduction
Before anything else
Let’s start by
The first point is
It all starts with
To introduce the topic
To open the discussion
In the beginning
To set the stage
Starting with
In the first instance
To lay the foundation
As we start
To kick things off
The first thing to address is
As a starting point
Let’s first consider
Additionally
Furthermore
In addition
Not to mention
What’s more
On top of that
Equally important
Another point is
Beyond that
To further elaborate
Coupled with
For example
For instance
To illustrate
As an example
Specifically
To give you an idea
Take the case of
Consider the following
As illustrated by
In particular
In this case
To demonstrate
As shown by
One example is
To put it in perspective
An illustration of this is
A good example is

Contradiction

On the other hand
Nevertheless
Nonetheless
In contrast
On the contrary
Despite this
In spite of
Even though

Cause and Effect

As a result
Consequently
Because of this
For this reason
Accordingly
As a consequence
This leads to
Resulting in
In response to
With this in mind
As evidence
According to
As demonstrated by
In support of this
Research shows
To back this up
As confirmed by
As indicated by
As corroborated by
Studies reveal
As evidenced by
Data suggests
As supported by
Undoubtedly
It is evident that
There is no denying that
It is clear that
It is certain that
To emphasize
As a matter of fact
Unquestionably
This suggests that
It stands to reason that
In light of this
This demonstrates
This proves

Counterargument

It is true that
One might argue
Some may say
While it is true
Although it is often believed
On the one hand
This may be true, but
There is some truth to
In conclusion
All things considered
To conclude
As a final point
Taking everything into account
In the final analysis
Upon reflection
In retrospect
To summarize
Considering these points
As has been demonstrated

Clarification

In other words
To put it simply
That is to say
In simpler terms
To put it another way
What this means is
For clarity
To rephrase
Put differently
To be clear
More specifically
In plain language
To put it clearly
Stated differently
To break it down
To put things into perspective
Without a doubt
Significantly
Particularly
Most importantly
Emphatically
It should be emphasized
It is worth noting
Importantly
Subsequently
Following this
Simultaneously
In the meantime
In the same way
In a similar manner
In like manner
By the same token
In a similar fashion
Correspondingly
In parallel
Comparable to
In the same vein
Analogous to
In the same spirit
Along similar lines
In much the same way

Simple Help for Better Essays

Want to improve your essay’s flow and impact? We’re here to help with easy-to-follow advice and edits.

Wrapping Up

We’ve discussed what the different transition words are, why they matter, and how to use them effectively, complete with examples and tips.

To help you even further, here’s a handy table summarizing the best transition sentences and words to use for each part of your body paragraphs, with some more examples:

Essay Part	Transition Words Examples
	To kick off, As a starting point, In the beginning, Let's start with, The first aspect
	Moving forward, In addition, On the next note, Expanding on this, Building upon that
	Beyond that, Additionally, On another level, What's more, Not to mention
	Wrapping up, Finally, As a final thought, Bringing this to a close, In conclusion
	On the flip side, Conversely, That said, From a different perspective, On the contrary

On the flip side, Conversely, That said, From a different perspective, On the contrary

But if you’re still scratching your head after reading this, wondering how to add these transitions into your essay, DoMyEssay can help with any part of your writing process. Whether you need assistance with transitions, crafting strong and convincing arguments, or polishing your final draft, we’ve got you covered.

IMAGES

50 Argumentative Essay Topics! by Theellteacher
How to Select an Original Argumentative Essay Topic
Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics + Infographics
50 Argumentative Essay Topics! by Theellteacher
Argumentative Essay Prompts for High School Students
Middle School Argumentative Essay Writing Ideas

VIDEO

Argumentative Essay, and the steps of composing Argumentative Essay
How To Write An Argumentative Essay
Important Essay Topics
How to use AI for Essay Writing #college #texteroai
argumentative essay 2 Part 2
From 'C' Grades To 'A' Grades

COMMENTS

160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024
How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step. Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of "pro" and "con ...
50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics
50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas ...
220+ Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics of 2024
Argumentative Essay Topics Animals. Hunting for fun and sports is unethical and must get banned. Aggressive dog breeds such as pit bulls should not be allowed as pets. Testing beauty products on animals is justifiable. Using monkeys for research in labs is a necessary evil.
200+ Argumentative Essay Topics for Winning Arguments
2. Consider both sides of the argument. There must be two opposing positions in any good argument. Make sure your topic allows for both sides to have a valid argument. 3. Research the topic thoroughly. Take the time to research and understand both sides of the issue before you begin writing your essay.
130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing
In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've published since then (available here as ...
50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment
Check out our helpful list of argumentative essay topics, plus tips on picking the best one for you. CALL NOW: +1 (866) 811-5546. PrepScholar Advice Blog ☰ Search Blogs By Category; SAT ... If you can't find enough research to back up your point, it's worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.
52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting
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!
101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas
101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas — Word Counter. is just what it sounds like: an essay where you argue. You pick a topic, take a stance, research information to support your opinion, state your claims, and voilà! You've got your essay. Choose a topic that is debatable. You need to present your own personal stance but also ...
50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students
These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you're a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we've compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!
300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing
19. Snail Mail: Do you think handwritten cards and letters still have value in the digital age? 20. Cyberbullying: Should social media companies do more to prevent online harassment? 21. Phone ...
120+ Strong Argumentative Essay Topics
Choosing between argumentative essay topics can be hard; especially when you don't know where to start looking. Luckily, you can find over 120 topic ideas here, including our top 10 hot topics.
100 Good Argumentative Essay Topics: Examples and Tips
How to Choose a Good Argumentative Essay Topic. Good argumentative essay topics have the following qualities: relevance, debatability, and research availability. Nail these three elements, and you're on your way to crafting an engaging and persuasive essay. 1. Relevance
Argumentative Essay Topics: 195 Ideas for You
Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers. Recycling in communities. Outdoor activities for kids. Student involvement in policies. Year-round schooling. Social media and teen mental health. Zoos: Entertainment vs. welfare. Peer tutoring's academic impact. Sports in education.
Top 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
Top 50 Argumentative Essay Topics Some students misconstrue that an argumentative essay needs to be inflammatory to be provocative. This is not necessarily so. The premise of an argumentative essay is to use logic and reasoning to establish a position on the subject in hand. This is done through investigation, collection and evaluation of ...
70 Argumentative Essay Topics That Will Put Up a Good Fight
I've listed 70 argumentative essay topics below, phrased as questions, to help get you started. I've separated the topics into five categories—legal, moral, social, media, and family. And I've even included a helpful link for each topic. Feel free to use the topics for your own essay or as inspiration to create your own original topic.
166 Argumentative Essay Topics to Give You Inspiration
166 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (Organized in Sections) Interesting and Controversial. Education. For Kids. Political. Religion. History. Immigration, Racism, and Native American Issues. Science and Research.
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way. An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn't have to make an original argument ...
125 Strong Argumentative Essay Topics For Your Next Paper
The format of an argumentative essay typically consists of three basic elements: An introductory paragraph, stating topic and thesis. Supporting paragraphs, presenting arguments and unique facts. The final paragraph, restating supporting evidence and thesis. The length and complexity of the essay will vary depending on the level of the student ...
100+ Topics for Argumentative Essays and Debates
Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research. Abortion - Should abortion be legal? Alternative Energy - Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?
50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment
In this post, we'll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. We'll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you're a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.
613 Original Argumentative Speech Topics Ideas
All men and women should complete a year of civil service. Community service isn't a punishment. 282 Argumentative Speech Topics and Ideas: social issues, media, technology, ethics, religion, education, health, sport, constitution, environment, literature, politics and more.
3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed
Argumentative Essay Example 2. Malaria is an infectious disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through female Anopheles mosquitoes. Each year, over half a billion people will become infected with malaria, with roughly 80% of them living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
227 Amazing College Persuasive Essay Topics [Free Ideas]
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.
Write a Winning College Essay: How to Pick a Topic
Some essay topics are so overused that they've become clichéd, such as teenage heartbreak, mission trip experiences or winning a sports game, Phan said: "Considering how admissions committees may be reading tens of thousands of applications each application cycle, admissions readers want to read unique college essays with fresh ...
200+ Essential Transition Words for Argumentative Essay
Types of Argumentative Essay Transition Words Transition words connect your ideas in an argumentative essay, helping your reader follow along without getting lost. They're small tools that can make your already persuasive writing clearer and more persuasive. Let's break down some different types of transition words you can use.