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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

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

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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60 Awesome Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Are you searching for a fun and effective way to engage your 3rd grade students in opinion writing? Look no further! In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of 60 opinion writing prompts specifically designed for 3rd graders. T hese prompts will not only encourage your students to express their own opinions but also help them develop their critical thinking and persuasive writing skills.

From topics like “Should students have homework?” to “Who is the greatest superhero of all time?” these opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade cover a wide range of subjects that are sure to get your third graders’ creative juices flowing.

Whether they’re discussing their favorite hobbies, sharing their opinions on homework, or debating the merits of technology, these prompts provide endless opportunities for your students to express themselves and engage in writing thoughtful opinion pieces.

Benefits of using opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade

Opinion writing plays a crucial role in elementary education, providing an excellent way for students to develop their voice and express unique perspectives. Engaging in opinion writing helps students think critically, form logical arguments, and support opinions with good reasons and evidence. This skill is not only essential for academic success but also for their future personal and professional endeavors.

Introducing third graders to opinion writing prompts offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Here are five key advantages:

1. Critical Thinking Skills

Opinion writing prompts encourage students to analyze and evaluate different viewpoints, helping them develop critical thinking skills as they formulate their own opinions and support them with evidence.

2. Expression of Individual Voice

By expressing their opinions on various topics, students learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings, fostering confidence in their ability to communicate effectively.

3. Persuasive Writing Abilities

Engaging with opinion writing prompts allows students to practice persuasive writing techniques, such as providing convincing arguments and appealing to their audience’s emotions, which are valuable skills for both academic and real-life situations.

4. Empathy and Understanding

Exploring different perspectives through opinion writing prompts promotes empathy and understanding among students as they consider viewpoints that may differ from their own, encouraging tolerance and respect for others’ opinions.

5. Preparation for Academic and Personal Success

Opinion writing prompts prepare third graders for future academic endeavors by honing their writing skills and teaching them to express themselves clearly and persuasively. Additionally, these prompts instill a lifelong love for writing and self-expression, fostering personal growth and success beyond the classroom.

60 Opinion Writing Prompts for 3rd Grade

Here is an ultimate list of 60 opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade that will improve your students’ writing skills and get even your most reluctant writers excited about opinion writing! These opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade can be used as opinion essay topics for your opinion unit or can be used for creative writing in a writing center.

• Pets:  In your opinion, do you believe cats or dogs make better pets? Explain.
• Junk Food:  What is your favorite junk food, and why?
• Best Friend:  Who is your best friend, and what makes them special? Explain.
• Best Season:  What’s your favorite season, and why do you like it?
• Homework:  Do you think homework is good for kids? Explain your thoughts.
• Uniforms:  Should we wear uniforms to school or our own clothes? Share your ideas.
• Favorite Book:  Write about your favorite book and why you love it.
• Favorite Place:  Where is your favorite place to go, and why?
• Color:  Which is your favorite color, and why do you like it?
• Game:  What is your favorite game to play, and why?
• Favorite Thing:  What is your favorite thing to play with, and why?
• Best Animal:  What do you think the best animal is, and why?
• Best Superhero:  Who do you think is the best superhero, and why?
• Favorite Movie:  Write about your favorite movie and why other kids should watch it.
• Favorite Dinner:  What is your favorite dinner food, and why?
• Favorite Animal:  Share why your favorite animal is the best one in the world.
• Dream Vacation:  If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go, and what would you do there?
• Pets:  Do you think dogs make good pets? Explain why or why not.
• Favorite Holiday:  Which holiday is your favorite, and what makes it special to you?
• Ice Cream:  Which ice cream flavor is the best, and why?
• Best Place:  What’s the best place you’ve ever visited, and why did you love it?
• Best Dessert:  Express your opinion on the best dessert and why it tops your list.
• Social Studies:  What is one particular topic in social studies that is interesting to you, and why?
• Best Thing:  What is the best thing you have ever received for your birthday, and why?
• Favorite Adventure:  Describe an exciting day out you had and explain why it was so much fun.
• Dream Invention:  If you could invent anything, what would it be, and how would it make the world a better place?
• Book Review:  Write a book review of your favorite book, recommending it to others and sharing what you loved about it.
• Best School Subject:  Which school subject do you enjoy the most, and why is it your favorite?
• Space Travel:  What is your opinion on the idea of space travel becoming more common in the future? Explain.
• Protecting the Environment:  Why is it important to take care of our environment, and what can kids do to help?
• The Power of Friendship:  What qualities make someone a good friend in your eyes?
• Weekend:  In your opinion, what’s a great way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon?
• Fictional Adventure:  If you could step into a storybook, which story would you choose and why?
• Learning New Skills:  Share a skill you’d love to learn, like playing a musical instrument or a sport, and explain why you’re interested in it.
• Homework Assignment:  Do you think having a homework assignment every night is a good practice for elementary students? Explain why or why not.
• School Year:  Do you think the school year should be shorter or longer than it currently is? Explain.
• Helping Others:  Why is it important to help people in need, and what are some ways you can make a positive difference in your community?
• School Subjects:  Which school subject do you find the most challenging, and how do you overcome challenges in that subject?
• Dream Career:  What career do you dream to have when you grow up, and what steps will you take to achieve your goal?
• School Rules:  What new school rule should we incorporate, and why?
• Travel:  What country would you like to visit, and what would you do there?
• Uniforms:  Do you think school uniforms are a good idea or a restriction on personal expression?
• Community Clean-Up:  Write a letter to our local government persuading them to organize a community clean-up day to make our town a cleaner and more beautiful place.
• Playground:  Write a letter to our principal explaining what new playground equipment you would like to have and how it would benefit our school.
• The Power of Friendship:  What qualities make someone a great friend in your eyes?
• Physical Education:  Do you think physical education is an essential part of school? Why or why not?
• Board Game:  What is your favorite board game, and why?
• Perfect Activity:  What would you say is the perfect activity to do outside, and why?
• Video Games:  What’s your point of view on playing video games after finishing homework?
• Favorite Season:  Persuade your readers why your favorite season is the best, describing the unique activities that make it special.
• Technology Use:  Debate whether or not students should be allowed to use Chat GPT or other AI programs to help write their essays.
• Holiday:  Share which holiday is your favorite, and how the school could celebrate it.
• Cell Phones:  Do you think that third graders should have cell phones? Why or why not?
• Students in the Community:  How can students your age become involved in our town? How would it benefit both you and our community?
• Homework:  Do you think students in our school should have more or less homework? Explain.
• Sport:  What do you think is the best sport, and why?
• Virtual Learning:  Share your experience with virtual learning and its challenges or benefits.
• Good Grades:  Do you think it’s important for you to get good grades? Why or why  not?
• Foreign Language:  If you could learn any foreign language, which one would it be and why?
• Sports Teams:  Do you think elementary schools should have competitive sports teams? Why or why not?

3rd Grade Opinion Writing Unit

Set your third graders up for success with our comprehensive 3rd grade opinion writing unit . It’s the perfect resource to elevate their skills and boost their confidence as they venture into more formal writing pieces.

Incorporating opinion writing into the curriculum encourages students to develop empathy and understanding for diverse viewpoints. As they articulate their opinions and listen to those of their peers, students learn to respect differing perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue.

This fosters a sense of community within the classroom and prepares students to navigate the complexities of the world beyond the school walls. By embracing the power of opinion writing, educators empower their students to become active participants in society, equipped with the critical thinking and communication skills needed to effect positive change.

Conclusion 

Opinion writing is a crucial skill for elementary students. These opinion writing prompts for 3rd grade provide a structured starting point, making the opinion writing process engaging and boosting student confidence.

By igniting the spark of self-expression, students will develop essential skills for both academics and real-world success! 

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Teaching with Jennifer Findley

Upper Elementary Teaching Blog

Engaging Persuasive Writing Prompts (Free Download)

Persuasive writing is one of my favorite writing genres to teach. The students get so excited about the different topics and love debating and supporting their arguments and claims. On this post, I will share some of my students’ favorite persuasive writing prompts with a free download of a printable list and task card version of the writing prompts.

Student-Approved Persuasive Writing Prompts

The list below (available as a free download at the end of this post) contains a variety of engaging persuasive writing prompts and topics that students will enjoy researching, debating, and writing about.

As you will see, the writing topics are varied as our students are often varied in their interests. However, these topics are ones that most students enjoy debating and writing about. Some lend themselves to research-based persuasive writing and some are more opinion-based.

• Should children be paid for good grades?
• Should fidget spinners be allowed in classrooms?
• Are professional athletes overpaid?
• Should cell phones be allowed in classrooms?
• Is bottled water or tap water better?
• Do children need strict bedtimes?
• Should we resurrect extinct species via cloning?
• Should schools be year round?
• Should students have homework?
• Should students be required to wear uniforms?
• Should students be required to learn cursive?
• Should girls and boys play competitive sports against each other?
• Should Columbus Day be removed as a holiday?
• Are white lies okay?
• Are zoos beneficial or harmful for animals?
• Should animal testing be banned?
• Should school lunches be free for all students?
• Should we move to driverless cars in the near future?
• Should screen time be limited for children?
• Should we keep the penny as a unit of currency?
• Should all forms of sugar be eliminated from school lunch options?
• Should pets be allowed in school?
• Are reusable or recyclable bottles better?
• Should textbooks be replaced with tablets in schools?
• Should schools have sports?
• Should school buses be discontinued?
• Do classrooms have too much unneeded technology?
• Should schools be funded with taxpayer money?
• Should children be paid for chores?
• Should schools have extended or multiple recesses?
• Should school weeks be shorter?
• Should animals be illegal to have in circuses?
• Do video game sports count as actual sports?
• Should chocolate milk be served in school cafeterias?
• Should junk food and candy be banned in schools?
• Is graffiti an expression of art or vandalism?
• Should gum be allowed in classrooms?
• If you find $100, is it yours to keep?
• Should schools have dress codes?
• Are earbuds or headphones better for children?
• If you find a historical treasure, does it belong to you?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• Should schools or classrooms be separated by gender?
• Should students be able to choose their seats?
• Should people be allowed to go barefoot anywhere they want?
• Should students get paid for attending school?
• Should skateboarding be banned in public places?
• Is space exploration worth the money we spend on it?

About the Digital Writing Prompts

The persuasive writing prompts are also available in Google Slides. In this ready-to-assign version, students can scroll through the prompts and respond to the ones they choose in text boxes on each slide.

Using the Persuasive Prompts

Here are some ideas for using these persuasive writing prompts in your classroom:

• Use the list format as a teacher-guide when choosing engaging persuasive writing topics for your students.
• Use the prompts at a writing center or station.
• Allow students to choose from the list topics that interest them.
• Use the writing prompts as early finisher options… Need more early finisher ideas? Click here.
• Use these in conjunction with research. Allow the students to choose a topic (or assign a topic) with two clear sides to debate, have them research facts and information to support both sides of the debate, then have them choose the one to write about, bringing in facts from their research to support their opinion or claim.

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Click the animated image below and then enter your email address in the pop-up. You’ll be able to download the resource immediately and it will also be sent to your inbox.

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January 29, 2019 at 2:35 pm

Thank you so much!

April 21, 2021 at 1:56 pm

May 25, 2021 at 9:56 am

this helped me im actually a student doing an essay

June 16, 2021 at 7:20 pm

I love Number 22 Which is should pets be allowed in schools i say yes because sometimes i have anxiety and also i want some one to talk to but i have noone such as, Friends and class mates

November 11, 2021 at 3:05 pm

suck you dad pussy bitch bum bitch

November 11, 2021 at 3:10 pm

jk love u mama

November 11, 2021 at 3:06 pm

November 18, 2022 at 5:55 pm

Thank you so much for this! My kids have been having a hard time coming up with really original ideas of their own. This is saving my writing lessons!

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I’m Jennifer Findley: a teacher, mother, and avid reader. I believe that with the right resources, mindset, and strategies, all students can achieve at high levels and learn to love learning. My goal is to provide resources and strategies to inspire you and help make this belief a reality for your students.

Engaging Writing Prompts for 3rd Graders

Students in 3rd grade should be writing regularly in a variety of styles and for a variety of audiences. Useful writing projects for 3rd graders include  opinion , informative, and narrative essays, as well as short research projects.

For many students, the most difficult part of writing is facing the blank page. The following grade-level appropriate writing prompts provide plenty of inspiration to help your students get started on a number of different writing assignments.

Narrative Essay Writing Prompts

Narrative essays tell a story based on real or imagined events. Students should use descriptive writing and dialogue to tell their tale.

• Scary Stuff. Think of something that scares you and explain what makes it so frightening.
• Grouchy Pants. Describe a day when you were grouchy. What made you so grumpy and how did you get in a better mood?
• School Rules. If you could make a new school rule, what would it be? How would your rule change an average day at school?
• Snappy Travel. Imagine you could snap your fingers and be anywhere else in the world. Write about where you’d go.
• Family Tales. What is the most interesting story that a family member has ever told you about their life?
• Food Forever. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would you choose?
• Book Bound. If you could be the main character from your favorite book, who would you be? Write about an adventure you might have.
• Seeing Double. Imagine that you have an identical twin who is a different class than you. What pranks would you play on your teachers and classmates?
• Nessy's Life. Have you heard of the Loch Ness Monster ? Imagine you’re the monster. Describe your life under the sea.
• Lost. Have you ever been lost? Write about your experience.
• Perfect Party. Describe what the ultimate birthday party would look like if you could do anything you wanted.
• Kindness Counts. You’re given $100 to do random acts of kindness for others. What do you do?
• Memory Eraser . Describe something that happened to you that you wish you could forget. Explain why.

Opinion Essay Writing Prompts

When writing an opinion essay , students should clearly state their opinion, then back it up with sound reasons and facts. Opinion essays should close the essay with a concluding paragraph and a summary of the argument. 

• Be a Friend. What does it mean to be a good friend?
• Growing Up or Down. Would you rather be older than you are right now or younger? Why?
• Hello? Some kids in 3rd grade have cell phones. Do you? Do you think that’s good or bad?
• Best Pets. Which animal makes the best pet? Give at least three reasons for your opinion.
• Tattletale. If you saw one of your friends doing something that you knew was wrong, should you tell on them? Why or why not?
• School Favorites . What do you think is the best subject in school? What makes it the best?
• Off Limits . Is there a TV show that you’re not allowed to watch or a video game that you’re not allowed to play? Explain why your parents should allow it.
• Summer School. Should your school be in session year ‘round with more breaks throughout the year or continue to give students the summer off? Why?
• Junk Food Fans. Should candy and soda machines be available to students on school property? Why or why not?
• School Supplies. What is the most important tool in your classroom? What makes it so useful?
• School Pride . What is the best thing about being a student at your school?
• What’s in a Name? If you could change your name, what would you choose and why?

Informative Essay Writing Prompts

Informative essays introduce a topic, explain a process, or describe an idea, then provide facts, definitions, and details. Students should organize related information into paragraphs in order to write the most logical essay possible. Remember that they should also include introductory and concluding paragraphs.

• Real Superheroes. Superheroes in movies and comics can do some pretty amazing things, but think of someone you consider to be a real-life hero. What do (or did) they do that makes them a hero? 
• Liar, Liar. Someone told your best friend a lie about you and your friend believed them. Explain how you’d handle the situation.
• Student Teacher. Think of something that you found difficult to do at first (such as multiplication or tying your shoes), but that you now understand. Explain the process so that someone else could learn to do it.
• Holidays . What is your favorite holiday? Explain how you celebrate it.
• Pet Sitter. Your family is going on vacation and a pet-sitter is coming to care for your pets. Write a note explaining how to care for them.
• PB&J. Write out the step-by-step process for making the perfect peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
• Chores. What is a household chore for which you are responsible? Explain how to do it.
• Emergency Drills. Think of one emergency drill that your school practices. Write a paper describing exactly how to do it as if you were explaining it to a brand-new student.
• Allergies. Do you have a serious allergy to something like peanuts or milk? Write an essay explaining why it’s so important for you not to come into contact with the allergen.
• Color Wheel. What is your favorite color? Choose an animal or object that is that color and describe it.
• State Fun Facts . Describe some interesting facts about your state to someone who has never visited.
• Family Traditions. Describe a unique family tradition that your family has.
• Game On.  What's your favorite game? Explain the rules to someone who has never played it before.

Research Writing Prompts

Students in 3rd grade can conduct simple research projects that build on their knowledge about a topic. They should use digital and print media to explore the topic , take simple notes, and create a basic outline before beginning the writing process.

• State History. What is the history of your state? Research the history and write an essay about one key event in your state's past.
• Marsupials. Marsupials are animals who carry their babies in pouches. With the exception of the opossum, all marsupials live in Australia. Choose one of them to learn more about.
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130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

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 a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

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

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

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Table of contents

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

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

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

Argumentative writing at college level

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

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

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

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

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

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

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

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

Toulmin arguments

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

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

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

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

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

Rogerian arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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50 Argumentative Essay Prompts for Secondary ELA

When it comes to teaching argument essays , students prefer a choice in their argumentative essay topics. That is why I filled this page with 50 argumentative essay prompts for students to choose from. By including students in the essay topic selection process, they feel more included in the process, but they will also be more engaged because they will feel like they have a say in their assignment.

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

I usually have essay topic sign-ups in two different ways, and both are first come first serve. One way that works is that I usually open up topic selection either before or after school. The students know about the day in advance, and they come into the classroom to sign up for it. For the students who cannot make it to the classroom before or after school, I have them email me their topics.

The other way that I have students sign up for topics is through a Google Form. In the Google Form, I have them select their top choice and a backup. Usually, every student gets either their first or second-choice topic.

Furthermore, I also make sure that students understand the status quo about their topic before selecting it. I cannot even tell you how many years it took me to realize this and how many “medical marijuana should be legal” essays I read before coming to this conclusion. Since I teach in a state where it is (and was at the time) legal, I would explain to the student that they needed to add in some detail to their argument so that they weren’t arguing the status quo.

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

50 Argumentative Essay Prompts

Argument essay topics about technology.

• Is social media harmful?
• Is technology making people more dependent?
• Should the Internet be a public utility?
• Is technology more harmful or beneficial?
• Should students be allowed to use phones in class?
• Should schools provide students with laptops?
• Should there be a legal age limit for social media?
• Should the US invest more money in the space program?
• Are teens too reliant on technology?
• Are emojis beneficial or destructive to communication?

Argument Essay Topics about School

• Should the dress code be abolished?
• Is the school dress code sexist?
• Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
• Should school start later?
• Should the school year be year-round?
• Is homework necessary?
• Should students participate in standardized tests?
• Should there be a school voucher system?
• Should schools require physical education?
• Should teachers accept late work?

Argument Essay Topics about the Environment

• Should fracking be banned?
• Should single-use plastic be eliminated?
• Are humans responsible for global climate change?
• Are electric cars as environmentally friendly as they claim to be?
• Is vegetarian food good or bad for the environment?
• Who or what is responsible for deforestation?
• What is the biggest environmental threat?
• Should the US do more to prevent global climate change?
• Can nuclear waste be stored safely?
• Is the US doing enough to reduce CO2 emissions?

Argument Essay Topics about Animals

• Should factory farming be banned?
• Should recreational hunting and fishing be banned?
• Should wild animals be kept in captivity?
• Is animal testing for pharmaceuticals necessary?
• Is animal testing for beauty and skin products necessary?
• Should certain dog breeds be considered illegal?
• How should endangered animals be protected?
• Should people keep exotic animals as pets?
• Who or what is responsible for animal extinction?
• Should farm animals be treated with antibiotics?

Argument Essay Topics about Social and Political Issues

• What should the US do about the refugee crisis?
• Should the death penalty be banned?
• Should the US prison system include for-profit prisons?
• Should Confederate statues and memorials come down?
• Should the US switch to a single-payer health system?
• Should community college be free?
• Should the minimum wage remain the same?
• Should the government regulate big tech companies?
• Should the US participate in reparations?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?

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