essay debate topics

Debate Topics

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

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

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

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

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

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

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

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

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

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

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

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

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

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

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

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

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

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

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

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

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

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

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

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

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

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

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

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

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

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

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

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

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

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

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

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

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

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

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

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

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

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

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

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

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

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

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

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

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

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

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

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

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

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

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

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

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

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

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

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

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

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

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

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

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

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

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

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

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

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

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

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

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

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

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Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

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

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

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

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

Introduction
Supporting body paragraphs
Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

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

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

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

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argument Essay Topics

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

Sports Argument Essay Topics

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

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Business Argument Essay Topics

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

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

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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?
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Personal Essay Topics

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.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

11th June 2022

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

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

● Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

● Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

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

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

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

● Is AI helping or hurting society?

● Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

● Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

● Is war always a political decision?

● Should people join a political party?

● Is capitalism ethical?

● Is the electoral college an effective system?

● Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

● Should the death penalty be legal?

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

● Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

● Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

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

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

● Should abortion be legal?

● Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

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

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

Mental Healthcare

● What causes the stigma around mental health?

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

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

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

● Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

● Should sports be segregated by gender?

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

● Are professional athletes overpaid?

● Should college athletes be paid?

● Should sports betting be legal?

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

● Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

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

● Should schools be required to offer art courses?

● Is art necessary to society?

● Should schools require uniforms?

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

● Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

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

● Should higher education be free?

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

● Are children better off in two-parent households?

● Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

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

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

● Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

● Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

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

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300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

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

By The Learning Network

Update: This list is available as a PDF .

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

Dive right into a deep discussion with Topic Templates!

Argumentative Essay Topics and Ideas

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

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

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Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Argumentative Essay Writing

Argumentative Essay Topics

Take Your Pick – 200+ Argumentative Essay Topics

20 min read

Published on: Jul 11, 2020

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

Best Argumentative Essay Topics For Students

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

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

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

Let's dive into our comprehensive list of topics!

Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 6

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For 7th Graders

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For Grade 8

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For High School

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For O Levels

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For College Students

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

Argumentative Essay Topics For University Students

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Teenagers

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

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics

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

General Argumentative Essay Topics ?

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

How to Choose a Good Argumentative Essay Topic?

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

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

1. Choose a topic that interests you

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

2. Consider both sides of the argument

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

3. Research the topic thoroughly

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

4. Consider current events

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

5. Think critically

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

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

Tips for Writing a Compelling Argumentative Essay

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

Structure your paper properly

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

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

Use evidence and examples to support your argument

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

Be aware of counterarguments

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

Use a clear writing style

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

Take a stance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do i choose an argumentative essay topic.

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

How should I structure my argumentative essay?

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

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

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166 Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

In this article:

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

166 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (Organized in Sections)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For College

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

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

For High School

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

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

For Middle School

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

American History

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

Immigration, Racism, and Native American Issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Music, Popular Culture, and Other Creative Endeavors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

127 Funny Controversial Topics

121 Funny Debate Topics for Your Class

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200+ Engaging Debate Topics for Students & How to Choose the Right One!

Table of contents

1 Interesting Debate Topics for College Students
2.1 15 Elementary School Debate Topics
2.2 Debate Topics for Middle Schoolers
2.3 High School Debate Topics
2.4 Debate Topics for University Students
3.1 Best Education Debate Topics in 2024
3.2 Best Science and Technology Debate Topics
3.3 Debate Topics on Health and Medicine
3.4 18 Psychology, Sociology, and Ethic Topics
3.5 Debate Topics about Policy and Finance
3.6 15 Leisure (Music, Games, Etc.) Topics
3.7 16 Environmental Debate Topics
3.8 Current Debate Topics in History
4 35 Funny Debate Topics
5 How to Choose a Debate Topic?
6.1 Persuasive Debate Topics
6.2 Controversial Debate Topics
6.3 Argumentative Debate Topics
7 How to Debate Using Pro and Con Arguments?

A debate is a common and powerful exercise in colleges. It is a crucial part of the academic program and an engaging activity for young people. However, many students find it challenging to prepare for debates.

One of the most common difficulties is choosing a debate topic. The topic should be interesting to you and relevant to your class or the audience you are addressing.

So, how do you find such a topic? Follow these simple tips:

Pick a Topic You Care About: Choose something you are passionate about. Your interest in the topic will make your preparation more enjoyable and your arguments more compelling.
Consider Your Audience: Make sure the topic is relevant and understandable to your audience. Think about what issues matter to them and what will keep them engaged.
Research Availability: Ensure there is enough information available on both sides of the topic. You’ll need solid evidence to support your arguments and counterarguments.

If you need to prepare an essay, we can help with that too using the custom essay writing service PapersOwl for students.

Interesting Debate Topics for College Students

Here is our best list of debate topics for college students that will spark passionate debates: Debating in school: does it help children get engaged in the classroom?

Would you rather be honest and poor or dishonest and rich?
Is there a valid justification for the American war on terror?
Should the death penalty exist in the modern world, and why?
How effective are alternative sources of energy?
Are social networking platforms useful for communication, or are they mainly tools for stalking?
Is it appropriate to use torture as a part of national security measures?
Is it justified to develop nuclear energy for commercial use?
How should we use stem cells in medicine?
Is there a real way to prolong a human’s life?
Is it more ethical to use humans for clinical trials than animals?
Is our behavior determined only by our genes, or do we have personal responsibility?

All these topics can be a good match, but we have prepared even more interesting topics in this article. Continue reading to find your perfect debate topic!

If you feel strongly about choosing the theme of your debate but have no time to prepare all arguments for speech, PapersOwl is here to help you. We offer a wide selection of argumentative essays that are written by professional writers, who are experienced in researching and crafting compelling arguments.

Debate Topics By Levels of Education

Going to debate, students have to consider their level of education to pick a relevant topic that suits both their needs and their level. How to choose a topic that suits you? Below, we have prepared a few tips and examples for different levels.

15 Elementary School Debate Topics

When searching for a perfect topic for elementary students, remember that kids of this level are not experienced and mature enough to handle complex controversial issues, so it’s a good idea to opt for something less complicated. Here you can see a few great ideas for debate topics for elementary students:

Should our class go on field trips every year?
Should elementary students be allowed to bring as many toys to school as they wish?
Is it a good idea for each class to have a pet?
Should students be allowed to watch cartoons during study hours?
Should students be able to wear whatever they want to school?
Should elementary students be required to participate in community service?
Are outdoor classrooms beneficial for elementary students?
Is learning to write by hand still important in today’s digital world?
Should storytelling be used more often in teaching?
Can board games be used effectively in education?
Should elementary schools include daily meditation in their schedules?
Is it important for students to learn basic cooking skills at school?
Should financial literacy be taught starting in elementary school?
Is learning a second language early beneficial for students?
Should schools focus more on physical fitness than academic performance?

Debate Topics for Middle Schoolers

Topics for this level may be more complex and boost students’ analytical and critical thinking skills. For this level, you can opt for slightly controversial topics. Debate topics for middle school still shouldn’t require too much from a student but should give some information to think about for a student to develop an individual position on a specific issue. Here are a few ideas to opt for:

Do gadgets in the classroom improve or impair learning?
Which is more educational: books or movies?
Is participation in sports beneficial for students?
Should we increase or decrease the number of seasonal holidays?
What are the effective methods to enhance student participation in class?
Should schools enforce uniforms?
Is a vegetarian diet healthier for students?
Should schools ban the use of smartphones?
Is it necessary for all students to learn a second language?
Are annual standardized tests beneficial for students?
Should arts education be mandatory in schools?
Is year-round schooling more effective?
Should physical education be compulsory throughout schooling?
Are online courses a suitable alternative to traditional learning?
Should community service be a graduation requirement?

High School Debate Topics

In high school, debates are excellent tools for getting students involved in the class and helping them gain new knowledge and skills that would be important for their future education and life. Debate topics for high school have become more controversial and complex. Below are some good examples of good high school debate topics:

Do the risks of peer pressure in schools outweigh the benefits?
Should schools abolish final exams?
Is sex education necessary for high school students?
Are GPAs an outdated method of assessing student knowledge?
What are the best methods to combat bullying in schools?
Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Should smartphones be banned in schools?
Is it essential for students to learn a second language?
Should arts education be compulsory in schools?
Are online courses a viable alternative to traditional learning?
Is too much money harmful to society’s well-being?
Does a high income guarantee a successful future career?
Should the minimum wage be linked to the cost of living?
Are standardized tests failing today’s students?

Debate Topics for University Students

When it comes to choosing debate topics for college or university, there are many things to keep in mind – it has to be controversial, relevant, have significance, and clearly demonstrate a student’s knowledge and skills. Choosing a good topic can be hard. However, in our article, you will find many good examples, and here are a few of them:

Does living in a dorm help students assimilate into the college community or hurt the educational process?
Does cheating get worse when students enroll in university or college
Does technology get in the way of studying, or does it help?
Should student ID cards come with a tracking device
Is face-to-face interaction with professors more effective than online sessions and lectures?
Alternative sources of energy: explain why they are effective or not
Should we take away the death penalty completely?
The impact of social networking on the development of our society
Single-sex schools: are they more effective than traditional ones? Why?
Should we use school vouchers?
Prescription drugs: explain why they should or shouldn’t be advertised to consumers
Beauty pageants: are they a way to objectify women
Drug testing: explain why we should or shouldn’t make it mandatory for all schools
Should parents have the possibility to ban certain books from libraries and schools?
Is setting special curfews an effective way to keep teenagers out of trouble?
Should financial incentives be offered to teachers in underperforming school districts?
Are financial incentives effective in improving student performance?
Should school districts receive more autonomy in curriculum design?
Is lowering the drinking age beneficial or harmful to society?
Should underage drinking be treated as a criminal offense?
Are current social security benefits adequate for today’s elderly?
Should changes to social security include a minimum guaranteed income?
Should birth control be made available to teenagers without parental consent?
Is making birth control accessible a solution to social issues?

List of Debate Topics by Field of Knowledge

It is not possible to become a great debater if you have no clue how to choose an engaging and relevant topic for your debates. Choosing topics can be hard. However, we have done all the hard work to give you a list of great ideas that can work for any purpose or level, so we hope each of you will find something suitable and interesting in the list below.

Best Education Debate Topics in 2024

Is home-schooling better than studying at school?
Should we ban homework, or is it an essential part of our studies that teaches us to work independently?
Do we consider a college education useful and essential?
Should schools allow the use of computer tablets?
Is it better for students to wear school uniforms, or should they have a choice?
In what ways do standardized tests improve education in America and around the world?
Should universities require students to know at least one foreign language?
Is it time to cancel the electoral college system?
Should universities and colleges pay athletes for playing on their teams?
Is it necessary for all students applying to college to complete a certain period of community service?
Should we require elementary school students to wear uniforms?
Is it beneficial for school to last all year long?
Should physical education be a compulsory part of the school curriculum?
How should we address the rising student loan debt crisis?
Are private schools better than public schools in providing quality education?
Should school districts receive more funding to improve educational resources?
Is secondary education adequately preparing students for the workforce?
Should we reform the electoral college to reflect the popular vote?

Best Science and Technology Debate Topics

Are cell phones and smartphones safe for us?
How can science and religion coexist?
Should children use smartphones?
Is online study more effective than traditional classroom learning?
Are people with a mathematical mindset more successful?
Is space travel worth the cost economically?
What are the hazards and benefits of genetically modified children?
Can science progress without animal testing?
What are the pros and cons of fully automated cars?
Can laws keep up with today’s internet technology?
Does technology harm our future?
Do violent video games lead to aggressive behavior in children?
Should we regulate artificial intelligence to prevent job loss?
How can artificial intelligence influence our career?

Debate Topics on Health and Medicine

What are effective methods to quit smoking, and is smoking reasonable or not?
Is euthanasia justified?
Should recreational marijuana be legal or not?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be acceptable for athletes?
Is vaccination necessary for young children, or are there valid counterarguments?
How can the legalization of drugs decrease the level of organized crime?
How does the Internet influence our health?
What are the hazards of technology for human health?
Should health insurance be obligatory?
How does air pollution impact our health?
Should antibiotics be banned or not?
Why are some parents against vaccinations?
What are the pros and cons of alternative medicine?
Should animal testing be banned?
How should schools address mental health issues among students?
Is standardized testing an effective measure of student performance?
Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?

18 Psychology, Sociology, and Ethic Topics

Should adults have the right to carry guns and defend themselves?
What are the pros and cons of adoption, and why should people adopt children instead of having their own?
Should same-sex marriage be legal?
Should abortion be legal?
Can religious belief make you happy?
What if prostitution were legal?
Is there any true proof of God’s existence?
How has psychology as a science developed over the last decades?
What explains violent behavior among school students?
Should students study ethics in schools?
Is hunting ethical?
How do social groups influence child behavior?
Should society ban cigarettes?
How do we achieve gender equality in the workplace?
Should human cloning be allowed?
Should countries eliminate nuclear weapons?
Should birth control be available over the counter?
Is it necessary to regulate hate speech on social media platforms?

Debate Topics about Policy and Finance

Do our votes really matter?
Is it necessary to preserve rights for different types of intellectual property?
What are the main factors of a country’s financial stability?
Is taxation good or bad?
Is the repeal of anti-sodomy laws important for national development?
Will the USA soon have a woman President?
Is mobile banking secure?
Should we trust banks?
Can we have free education around the world?
Is it time to adopt a fee-only standard for financial advice?
Should children learn to manage finances in school?
Can financial problems destroy a country?
Should we lower the voting age?
Should certain minor offenses be decriminalized?
How should the government handle undocumented immigrants?
Do stricter laws lead to more crime?

15 Leisure (Music, Games, Etc.) Topics

Books and TV: which is more interesting and which is more useful?
Games and television. Which is better?
Social networking: discuss how social networks are useful or harmful to our society.
Social networking restrictions: explain why social networks should be available for children or why they should be restricted to those over 18.
Discuss how social media can make people more or less sociable and give a few examples that prove its usefulness for us.
Drinks: discuss what are the reasons alcoholic drinks should or should not be available for young people who are less than 21 years old
How can music help reduce stress?
Is art therapy a good tool for fighting mental illness?
Is listening to music good for pregnant women?
Should we use video games in education?
Are movies good tools for education?
Are scientific clubs in school good for students’ leisure time?
Are concerts good or bad for us?
Pros and cons of attending a circus with children
The role of games in early education

16 Environmental Debate Topics

Should animals be used for scientific achievements?
What are the best ways to protect nature and save the environment?
What causes global climate change, and what can people do about it?
How might future cities look in 200 years?
Why should we eliminate all plastic packages?
Should we ban plastic bags to protect the environment?
How can we prevent an environmental catastrophe?
Is solar energy more expensive than other energy sources?
Should people do more to protect wildlife?
Is reforestation a reasonable solution to global warming?
What are the risks, pros, and cons of vegetarianism?
Should we allow oil drilling in wildlife refuges?
Are zoos good or not?
Should countries impose special taxation on international aviation?
Is a carbon tax an effective way to combat climate change?
Should we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels?

Current Debate Topics in History

Does history matter?
How effective was Haig’s British generalship during the war?
Did King Arthur really exist?
Did Genghis Khan do more good than harm?
Did the Soviet Union instigate the Six-Day War?
What is the historical background of World War Two?
Should all immigrants pass a historical test, or is it unimportant?
What was Britain’s role in the First World War?
Who discovered the effect of gravitation first: Newton or Haitham?
Was the USA a provocateur for Japan in the war?
Did South Korean provocations spark the Korean War?
What are the alternative views of historians on World War Two?
What were the causes and outcomes of the Revolutionary War?
How should the international community address North Korea’s nuclear program?
Is it fair for other countries to impose sanctions on nations violating human rights?
Should other countries intervene in conflicts to prevent genocide?
How can other countries collaborate to combat climate change effectively?
Should there be a global agreement to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in warfare?
What are the global implications of the Ukraine-Russia war?
Should other countries provide military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia?

The discussion can help you talk about hot and interesting topics and learn other’s points of view. It can also allow you to overcome stage fright. While performing at such an event, students learn to think spontaneously and defend their points of view politely.

35 Funny Debate Topics

Not every time you prepare for the debate, you will have to be serious. Sometimes you will get an opportunity to set your creativity free and just enjoy the process as you participate in a debate on funny or interesting debate topics. However, this does not mean you won’t have to prepare. To not lose face, you will still have to choose a topic and prepare arguments, so here are some fun topics to debate on we have prepared for you:

Art and music as tools for reducing stress in schools
Are celebrities good role models or not?
Can vampires get AIDS from sucking blood that is affected?
Which is better: daydreaming or nightdreaming?
Homework should be dismissed in elementary school
Importance of extracurricular activities and clubs in schools
Should we make cartoons and TV a part of the educational process in elementary school?
What is the best TV show of all time?
Should zoos be done away with?
What is the best pizza topping?
Can we call superheroes misleading role models?
Schools shouldn’t track students by academic level
Public prayers should be banned in schools
Should social networks be blocked in schools?
Students should have an opportunity to get an after-school job
It’s a good idea to allow high school students to leave school during lunch
Did God create our world, or did it just occur naturally?
Which of these are more real – pirates or ninjas?
Should juveniles be treated as adults?
Should people live together before they marry?
What are the perks of being a woman?
What are the perks of being a man?
The harm and benefits of peer pressure
Do nursery rhymes have secret interior meanings?
Fast food shouldn’t be on the school menu
Phones should be allowed in schools
Schools should have an option for online attendance
Do people depend on computers and other gadgets too much?
Animal dissections have to be prohibited in schools
Should parents not purchase war or destructive toys for their children?
Nuclear energy and its impact on our society and environment
Is human cloning a real thing, and should it be allowed?
Sex education: should it be started in middle school or later
How do books influence personality development?
Is there life after death?

Debating is a useful practice for all people, thanks to the experience and skills it gives you. Preparing for a debate, you gain more knowledge on a specific topic. In addition, you get the possibility to develop your problem-solving and communication skills, which are the most in-demand skills for modern employers. By taking professional help from an assignment writing service , you can refine your debating skills even further and make sure you are well-equipped to tackle any debate.

How to Choose a Debate Topic?

Where does one find some easy debate topics? There are many things to debate, but choosing the right topic that will be interesting for most students is challenging. Here are a few tips on how to make the right choice:

Think about some topics that interest you – what sort of discussions do you like the most? You can pick something from the curriculum also. This way, you will be able to help other students learn the material they will have on their tests and the topics they may face in the future. It is possible to work with this the way you work with your essay topic ideas .
Also, remember that your discussion topics must fit the other students’ level – some of them can be unable to handle the topic with too many aspects to consider. Highly complex issues should fit the students with a great standard of reasoning. But most students usually come up with a few arguments, and these arguments rarely relate to the opposing parties’ points. In this situation, the debate can become confusing or embarrassing. Make a list of suitable debate questions.
Consider your students’ access to research all necessary materials – if other students have to conduct significant research while preparing for the debate, it can’t be a good debate. This is something you have to keep in mind. For example, when you pick a modern art and literature theme with many specific terms and present it to a math class, your debate won’t have good results. Do not forget to prepare your personal speech or buy one from a reliable speech writing service online .
Do not forget about the time! All students must have enough time to prepare for the debate, so it is reasonable to pick out a topic they are studying now or one they have already studied. This way, they will be able to come up with strong and clever arguments.
While debating, assume that you are right – in order to succeed, you have to be completely sure of your position and have some strong supporting facts.
Do not insult the opposition. Be polite in every situation that could happen.

When choosing the best debate topic ideas, we considered several criteria: level of education, type of debate, and subject or sphere of knowledge. We’ve divided the best ideas into categories to make your search simpler.

Types of Debate Topics by Format

Apart from the academic level, you should also consider the type of debate format to choose from and an appropriate topic. When choosing the format, consider the audience and the course objectives. Some formats, such as a persuasive format, will develop a student’s ability to give presentations where they need to convince the audience of an idea. On the other hand, an argumentative topic develops skills in negotiating, and a controversial format gets students accustomed to speaking about ideas that may not be comfortable or popular. Here is a breakdown of the primary three formats:

Persuasive Debate Topics

The main goal of such topics is to persuade the audience. Persuasive debate topics have to cover a problem or subject that people care about, and it also has to be something you are personally interested in and knowledgeable in. If you choose this type, you will have to carefully study the subject you have and prepare a powerful base of arguments and facts to prove the validity of your opinion.

Controversial Debate Topics

The main characteristic of such topics is they are always challenging for a student – controversial debate topics usually cover significant and powerful issues and have lots of space for arguments. Such issues may have two or more absolutely different public opinions. Therefore, they also assume prolonged and intensive public discussion. A good controversial theme arouses different opinions among the people and makes them come up with questions that can’t have one specific answer.

Argumentative Debate Topics

Argumentative debate topics cover specific issues, problems, phenomena, or subjects that you can deliberate on. Selecting such topics, you have to be ready to do in-depth research, study materials, and pick arguments from time-tested and reliable sources to support your ideas.

These three formats are different in nature and purpose. However, regardless of what type you are looking for, to choose a good topic, you have to follow these basic rules:

It has to be fresh and relevant.
It has to be something that people and you personally care about.
It has to be interesting.
It doesn’t have to be too broad or too narrow.
It has to have value.
You have to be able to find enough supporting material on it.

How to Debate Using Pro and Con Arguments?

One of the most important things you should consider when going into a debate is that your opponent from the opposite side of the table, and your audience, will have controversial opinions on your topic. They will have some points against your position, and you must be ready. The best way to be prepared for such situations is to outline both pro and con arguments on your chosen topic. This will help you see the whole picture. After all, providing pro and con arguments on a specific topic is a popular practice in debates, so you should understand how to do it right. For this reason, we have prepared an example of how you can do it with the topic “How social media can make people more or less sociable”:

Pro: The popularity of social media has helped us meet new people and communicate easier
Con: With the appearance of social networks, people started to interact less in the real-life
Pro: Social media helps less sociable people develop their communication skills without discomfort
Con: Social media takes almost all our free time, making us too busy to connect with each other in the real world

We have already written some essays about social media. You can check it out here .

Debating helps enhance rigorous critical thinking and higher-order skills. It teaches people to organize and structure their thoughts well. If you participate in debates, you can also develop your research, note-taking, and analytical skills, as well as gain the ability to create balanced, informed arguments and use evidence and reasoning. All the skills mentioned above are vital for every successful student. If you need help developing your debating skills, there are plenty of essay helpers online that you can use. Remember, practicing debating is the best way to gain and improve skills!

If this article was useful for you, why not share it with your friends? Writing your assignment can be tough, and having resources to help you out is great. By sharing this article, you can help your friends when it comes to tackling their own writing assignments. Consider saving it for reference if you think you might need it again in the future!

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55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project

General Education

A debate is a formal discussion about a topic where two sides present opposing viewpoints. Debates follow a specific structure: each side is given time to speak either for or against the topic at hand.

Many students study debate in high school to improve their speaking skills. As a debater, you learn how to clearly structure and present an argument. The skills you develop as a debater will help you on everything from a college admissions interview to a job presentation.

Selecting debate topics is one of the most important parts of debating. In this article, we’ll explain how to select a good debate topic and give suggestions for debate topics you can use.

How to Select Good Debate Topics

A good debate topic is one that lets the participants and the audience learn about both sides of an issue. Consider the following factors when selecting a debate topic:

Interest: Are you interested in the topic? Would the topic be interesting to your fellow classmates, as well as to the audience listening to the debate? Selecting a topic that you’re interested in makes the preparation part of the debate more exciting , as well as the debate more lively.

Argument Potential: You want to choose a debate topic that has solid argument potential. If one side is clearly right, or if there isn’t a lot of available information, you’ll have a hard time crafting a solid debate.

Availability of Data: Data points make an argument more robust. You’ll want to select a topic with lots of empirical data that you can pull from to bolster your argument.

Now that we know how to select a debate topic, let’s look at a list of good debate topics.

Debate Topics Master List

If you’re searching for your next debate topic, here are some suggestions.

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

All people should have the right to own guns.
The death penalty should be abolished.
Human cloning should be legalized.
All drugs should be legalized.
Animal testing should be banned.
Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults.
Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
Violent video games should be banned.
The minimum wage should be $15 per hour.
All people should have Universal Basic Income.
Sex work should be legal.
Countries should be isolationist.
Abortion should be banned.
Every citizen should be mandated to perform national public service.
Bottled water should be banned.
Plastic bags should be banned.

Education Debate Topics

Homework should be banned.
Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
School uniforms should be required.
Standardized testing should be abolished.
All students should have an after-school job or internship.
School should be in session year-round.
All high school athletes should be drug tested.
Detention should be abolished.
All student loan debt should be eliminated.
Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
All schools should have armed security guards.
Religion should be taught in schools.
All schools should be private schools.
All students should go to boarding schools.
Sexual education should be mandatory in schools.
Public college should be tuition free.
All teachers should get tenure.
All school districts should offer school vouchers.

Health Debate Topics

Healthcare should be universal.
Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance.
All people should be vegetarians.
Euthanasia should be banned.
The drinking age should be 18.
Vaping should be banned.
Smoking should be banned in all public places.
People should be legally required to get vaccines.
Obesity should be labeled a disease.
Sexual orientation is determined at birth.
The sale of human organs should be legalized.
Birth control should be for sale over the counter.

Technology Debate Topics

Social media has improved human communication.
The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity.
Individuals should own their own DNA.
Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.
Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.
Net neutrality should be restored.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be encouraged or banned.
Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.

How to Prepare for a Debate

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, the next step is to prepare for your debate. Follow these steps as you get ready to take the podium.

Read Your Evidence

The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.

The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.

Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments

As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.

Plan to Fill Your Speech Time

Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.

Practice to Build Confidence

It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.

Final Thoughts

Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.

What's Next?

Looking for ways to keep the debate going in non-academic life? Then you'll love our list of 101 "this or that" questions to argue over with your friends.

Thinking about how you can use your argumentative skills in a future career? Read up on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to see if that's a path you want to pursue.

Getting ready to take an AP test? Here’s a list of practice tests for every AP exam, including the AP literature exam .

It can be hard to schedule time to study for an AP test on top of your extracurriculars and normal classwork. Check out this article on when you need to start studying for your AP tests to make sure you’re staying on track.

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Ultimate Argumentative Essay Topics List

26 July, 2020

18 minutes read

Author: Elizabeth Brown

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

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

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

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

What makes a good topic for an argumentative essay

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

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

How to choose an argumentative essay topic

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

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

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

How to choose academic argumentative essay topics

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

Where to find argumentative essay topics

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

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

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

Related Post: How to write a Persuasive essay

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

Sources of strong argumentative essay topics

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

Argumentative essay topics list

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

Easy Argumentative Essay topics

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

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

Argumentative essay topics on relationships

We can’t but mention these topics as well:

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

Pop culture argumentative essay topics

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

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

Animal rights argumentative essay topics

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

Cell phone argumentative essay topics

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

Nutrition argumentative essay topics

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

Argumentative essay topics for college

These are great topics for college students:

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

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

Argumentative essay topics for middle school

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

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

Argumentative essay topics for high school

Here are some argumentative topic prompts for high school students:

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

Controversial argumentative essay topics

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

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

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

Funny argumentative essay topics

These are funny and fun essays to write on:

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

Social argumentative essay topics

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

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

Moral social argumentative topics

These are some argumentative essay topics based on ethical questions:

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

Argumentative essays based on quotes

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

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

Sports argumentative essay topics

Meanwhile, sports are popular choices for discussion:

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

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

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

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

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110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students

Don’t be surprised when the discussion gets heated…

It can be tempting to steer away from controversial debate topics in the classroom. But teaching students to discuss hot topics calmly and rationally is vital. Show them how to think critically about a subject, then use facts to support their point of view. These controversial topics can work well for classroom debates, persuasive essays , or fishbowl discussions .

Note: Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

Education Controversial Debate Topics

Science and health controversial debate topics, civics controversial debate topics, social justice controversial debate topics, more controversial debate topics.

Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
Should schools eliminate dress codes?

Are private schools better than public schools?
Should schools be allowed to teach critical race theory?
Are standardized tests effective?
Should schools teach abstinence instead of sexual education?
Should schools make condoms available to students?
Is year-round school better for students?
Should schools ban junk food?
Are single-gender schools better for students?
Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
Should we make college free for everyone?
Should we allow schools to ban books from their libraries?
Does religion have a place in public schools?
Should charter schools receive public school funds?
Are school voucher systems a good idea?

Is in-person school better than online school?
Should schools have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways?
Should schools install safe rooms in case of mass shootings or natural disasters?
Should all teachers be armed in the classroom to help protect their students?
Is it important for schools to provide mental health support to students?
Should schools allow students to use phones during the school day?
Is recess important at every grade level?
Should we put equal value on vocational education and academics?
Is homeschooling good for children?
How much emphasis should school put on reading from the “canon” versus reading more contemporary voices?
Should humans eat animals?
Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
Should we completely ban cigarette smoking and vaping?

Should we completely ban cigarette smoking and vaping?

Should we ban plastic bottles and bags?
Is it worth it to spend money exploring space?
Should vaccines be mandatory?
Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
Is animal cloning ethical?
Should human cloning be legal?
Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?
Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?

Should assisted suicide be legal?
Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
Should all countries have to give up their nuclear weapons?
Is universal government-sponsored healthcare a good idea?
Should we ban testing on animals?
Should net neutrality be mandatory for internet service providers?
Is our society too reliant on technology?
Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
Does our society have a harmful “diet culture”?
Would taxing unhealthy foods help fight obesity?

Would taxing unhealthy foods help fight obesity?

Can alternative energies replace fossil fuels?
Is nurture more important than nature when raising a child?
Should we lower the voting age to 16?
Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
Is democracy the best form of government?
Should all Americans be required to vote?
Should we raise the driving age to 18?

Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
Should parents be punished legally for their children’s crimes?
Should abortion be legal?
Would it be better to appoint Supreme Court judges for fixed terms?
Should people have to take a parenting class before having a child?
Should we legalize marijuana at the federal level?
Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol) instead of banning them?
Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
Do gun safety laws infringe on the Second Amendment?
Should we require people of all genders to register for the draft?
Should anyone over 12 be tried as an adult in court?

Should anyone over 12 be tried as an adult in court?

Is it right to require people to take drug tests before receiving government aid like welfare?
Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
Why haven’t we had a female U.S. president yet?
Should men be allowed to make laws that affect women’s bodies?
Should the government provide funding for public art programs?
Are there any reasonable limits to freedom of speech?
Is security more important than freedom?

Is security more important than freedom?

Should we abolish the death penalty?
Is a strong middle class vital to the economy?
Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?

Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?

Is the American justice system inherently racist?
Will stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings?
Is it logical to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico?
How much of a problem is ageism in our society?
Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their time in prison?

Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their time in prison?

Does socioeconomic prejudice affect our society?
Should we automatically deport illegal immigrants, regardless of how long they’ve been in the country?
What is the role of media in fighting systemic racism?
Does segregation still exist in the United States?
Are white-collar jobs better than blue-collar jobs?
Does religion do more harm than good?
Will we ever achieve world peace?
Should parents use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are?
Should we let young children play contact sports like football?

Should we let young children play contact sports like football?

Are the prices of pharmaceutical drugs reasonable?
Who should cover the medical costs of people without insurance?
Is video gaming a sport?
Should parents be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears?
Should we ban all violent video games?
Are beauty pageants sexist?
Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

Should there be a minimum age for owning a smartphone?
Is it possible to be an ethical hunter?
What is the best way to deal with homelessness?
Was Russia justified in attacking Ukraine?
Should both parents receive equal amounts of paid leave when they have or adopt a child?
Are stereotypes ever right?
Do people have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action?
Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
What gives people true power in the United States?

What gives people true power in the United States?

Is conflict necessary for change?
Is war ever justified?

What controversial debate topics do you use with your students? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, 35 strong persuasive writing examples (speeches, essays, ads, and more) ., you might also like.

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Debate Graphic Organizer (Free Printables)

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100+ Most Popular Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics in 2024

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay can feel like stepping into a world where words are weapons, and arguments are battles to be won. Whether you’re in high school or college, finding the right rhetorical analysis essay topic can set the stage for a compelling and insightful piece. In 2024, with the ever-evolving landscape of media, literature, and public discourse, there’s no shortage of fascinating topics to choose from. So, let’s dive into some of the most popular and intriguing rhetorical analysis essay topics that can help you craft an essay that not only meets your academic requirements but also captivates your audience.

What is a Rhetorical Analysis Essay?

Rhetorical analysis is the process of examining how an author or speaker uses language to persuade or influence their audience. It goes beyond simply understanding the message; it involves analyzing the techniques and strategies used to convey that message effectively. This includes looking at the use of ethos, or credibility; pathos, or emotional appeal; and logos, or logical reasoning. By breaking down these elements, a rhetorical analysis seeks to understand the effectiveness of the communication and how it achieves its intended purpose.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic is crucial. A well-chosen topic not only makes your writing process smoother but also engages your readers from the get-go. You want something that has enough depth for analysis, but not so obscure that you can’t find sources or examples. The following list of rhetorical analysis essay topics in 2024 offers a wide range of options, ensuring that you can find a topic that interests you and meets your assignment’s requirements.

Literary Works: Classic and Contemporary

The Use of Rhetoric in George Orwell’s “1984”
Persuasive Techniques in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”
Rhetorical Strategies in Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”
Analyzing the Use of Irony in Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn”
The Role of Pathos in Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein”
How Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar” Employs Rhetoric to Influence the Audience
The Use of Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
Rhetorical Analysis of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s “We Should All Be Feminists”

Literary works often provide a rich ground for rhetorical analysis because of the intricate ways in which authors weave their arguments. Whether it’s classic literature or contemporary works, analyzing these texts helps you understand how authors have historically used rhetoric to influence societal perspectives.

Political Speeches: Power of Persuasion

The Rhetoric of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Barack Obama’s 2008 Victory Speech: A Rhetorical Analysis
The Persuasive Techniques in Winston Churchill’s “We Shall Fight on the Beaches” Speech
Analyzing the Use of Ethos in John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address
The Role of Logos in Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
How Rhetoric Shaped Donald Trump’s Presidential Campaign Speeches
Rhetorical Strategies in Greta Thunberg’s Climate Change Speeches
The Impact of Pathos in Nelson Mandela’s “I Am Prepared to Die” Speech

Political speeches are gold mines for rhetorical analysis. These speeches are crafted to influence, motivate, and sometimes manipulate public opinion. Analyzing these can provide deep insights into how leaders shape narratives and rally support.

Advertising Campaigns: Selling Through Words

Nike’s “Just Do It” Campaign: A Rhetorical Analysis
The Use of Pathos in Coca-Cola’s “Share a Coke” Campaign
Analyzing Ethos in Apple’s “Think Different” Ads
The Rhetorical Strategies Behind Dove’s “Real Beauty” Campaign
How Fear Appeals are Used in Anti-Smoking Ads
Persuasion in Political Campaign Advertisements
The Role of Humor in Old Spice’s “The Man Your Man Could Smell Like” Campaign
The Use of Rhetoric in Social Awareness Campaigns like “Stop the Spread”

Advertising is all about persuasion. Companies spend millions to craft messages that resonate with their audience, and rhetorical analysis can peel back the layers to reveal how these campaigns influence consumer behavior.

Analyzing Modern Media: Films, TV Shows, and Music

Film and television.

The Rhetoric of Heroism in Marvel’s “The Avengers”
Analyzing the Use of Rhetoric in “Breaking Bad”
How “The Handmaid’s Tale” TV Series Uses Rhetoric to Highlight Gender Inequality
The Persuasive Techniques in Netflix’s “13th”
Rhetorical Analysis of Jordan Peele’s “Get Out”
The Use of Pathos in Pixar’s “Up”
Analyzing Rhetorical Devices in HBO’s “Game of Thrones”
The Role of Ethos in “Schindler’s List”

Music and Lyrics

The Rhetoric of Protest in Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
Analyzing Pathos in Adele’s “Someone Like You”
The Use of Logos in Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”
How Beyoncé’s “Formation” Employs Ethos to Empower
The Persuasive Power of Lyrics in John Lennon’s “Imagine”
Rhetorical Analysis of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space”
The Role of Repetition in Queen’s “We Will Rock You”
The Use of Symbolism in Pink Floyd’s “Another Brick in the Wall”

Modern media, whether films, TV shows, or music, is a reflection of the society we live in. Analyzing the rhetoric in these mediums not only deepens your understanding of the content but also helps you appreciate the subtle ways in which messages are conveyed.

Rhetoric in Social Media: The Digital Influence

The Rhetorical Power of Memes in Political Campaigns
How Influencers Use Rhetoric to Build Their Brand on Instagram
Analyzing the Rhetoric of Cancel Culture on Twitter
The Persuasive Techniques in Viral TikTok Trends
The Role of Pathos in Mental Health Advocacy on Social Media
Rhetorical Strategies in Facebook’s Data Privacy Communications
The Use of Ethos in LinkedIn Professional Branding
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception in Online Debates

Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, and with it, the way rhetoric is used. Whether it’s a viral tweet or a YouTube video, rhetorical analysis can uncover the persuasive tactics that define the digital age.

Public Discourse: Shaping Society

The Rhetoric of Fear in Post-9/11 Political Speeches
Analyzing Ethos in the Me Too Movement’s Public Statements
The Role of Logos in the Gun Control Debate in America
Rhetorical Strategies in the Pro-Life vs. Pro-Choice Argument
The Persuasive Techniques in Environmental Activism Speeches
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception in Immigration Reform Debates
Analyzing the Use of Pathos in Campaigns Against Human Trafficking
The Rhetoric of Anti-Vaccination Movements on Social Media
Persuasive Strategies in the LGBTQ+ Rights Movement
The Impact of Rhetoric in the Black Lives Matter Movement’s Messaging

Public discourse plays a significant role in shaping societal beliefs and actions. Analyzing the rhetoric used in these discussions reveals how language can mobilize, polarize, and inspire change. By examining these topics, students can gain insight into the power of words in public arenas and their role in societal transformations.

Business and Corporate Communications: The Language of Commerce

Analyzing the Rhetoric in Amazon’s Corporate Social Responsibility Reports
The Use of Ethos in Apple’s Product Launch Presentations
Persuasive Techniques in Nike’s Social Justice Advertising
How Rhetoric is Used in Tesla’s Earnings Calls
The Role of Logos in Corporate Apologies after Scandals
Rhetorical Strategies in Coca-Cola’s Global Advertising Campaigns
Analyzing Pathos in Charity Appeals by Large Corporations
The Rhetoric of Inclusivity in Fortune 500 Companies’ Diversity Statements
The Impact of Rhetoric in Anti-Smoking Campaigns by Big Tobacco
Persuasive Techniques in Pharmaceutical Industry Advertising

Corporate communications are carefully crafted to influence public perception, consumer behavior, and shareholder confidence. By analyzing the rhetoric in business contexts, students can understand how companies use language to build brand loyalty, manage crises, and navigate the competitive market.

Cultural Movements: The Power of Collective Voice

Analyzing the Rhetoric in the Feminist Movement’s Key Texts
The Use of Ethos in the Civil Rights Movement’s Leadership Speeches
Rhetorical Strategies in the Gay Rights Movement’s Historic Campaigns
The Role of Pathos in the Anti-Apartheid Movement
Persuasive Techniques in the Native American Rights Movement
Analyzing Logos in the Disability Rights Movement’s Advocacy
The Rhetoric of Solidarity in the Labor Union Movement
The Impact of Rhetoric in the Anti-War Movement during the Vietnam Era
Persuasive Strategies in the Global Human Rights Movement
The Role of Social Media Rhetoric in the Arab Spring

Cultural movements are often driven by powerful rhetoric that rallies support and fosters a sense of unity. Analyzing these movements offers valuable insights into how language can drive social change and empower marginalized communities to voice their demands.

Education and Academia: Rhetoric in Learning

The Use of Rhetoric in Educational Policy Debates
Analyzing Ethos in University Commencement Speeches
Persuasive Techniques in the Debate Over Standardized Testing
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Opinion on Charter Schools
The Role of Pathos in Advocating for Higher Education Funding
Rhetorical Strategies in the Fight for Free College Tuition
Analyzing the Use of Logos in Academic Research Presentations
The Rhetoric of Inclusivity in Diversity and Inclusion Statements
Persuasive Techniques in Promoting STEM Education
The Impact of Rhetoric in the Debate Over Student Loan Forgiveness

Education and academia are fertile grounds for rhetorical analysis, as debates over policy, funding, and access to education often hinge on the effective use of language. By examining these topics, students can explore how rhetoric is used to advocate for educational reforms and shape public discourse around learning.

Health and Medicine: Persuasion in Public Health

The Rhetoric of Fear in Anti-Smoking Campaigns
Analyzing Pathos in Public Health Campaigns Against Obesity
The Role of Ethos in Vaccine Promotion Efforts
Persuasive Strategies in Anti-Drug Campaigns
How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception of Mental Health Issues
The Use of Logos in Debates Over Universal Healthcare
Analyzing the Rhetoric of Pro-Choice vs. Pro-Life in Reproductive Health
The Impact of Rhetoric in Anti-AIDS Campaigns in the 1980s
Persuasive Techniques in Government Health Warnings on Tobacco Products
The Rhetoric of Wellness in Alternative Medicine Promotions

Tips for Writing Your Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics

Writing a rhetorical analysis essay doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Choose a Topic You’re Passionate About: If you’re interested in the topic, it’ll be easier to write and more engaging for your readers.
Identify the Rhetorical Strategies Used: Look for examples of ethos, pathos, and logos, and analyze how effective they are.
Support Your Analysis with Examples: Always back up your points with evidence from the text, speech, or media you’re analyzing.
Keep Your Audience in Mind: Consider who will be reading your essay and tailor your analysis to their interests and knowledge level.
Revise and Edit: Always leave time to go back and refine your essay. A polished essay will make a stronger impression.

Finding the right rhetorical analysis essay topic is the first step towards crafting a compelling essay. Whether you’re analyzing a classic novel, a modern film, or a political speech, the key is to dig deep and uncover the persuasive techniques at play. With the topics listed above, you’re well on your way to writing an essay that not only meets your academic requirements but also engages and enlightens your readers. Happy writing!

6 tips for writing an opinion essay that will sway even the worst critics

Choose a juicy topic and give evidence to craft a compelling argument

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Writing an effective opinion essay requires a clear stance, solid reasoning and compelling evidence.

Whether you are arguing for or against a hot-button issue, these six tips can help you craft a strong and persuasive piece.

With practice, you can effectively advocate for your viewpoint on any issue.

1. Choose a juicy topic

If you have the option to pick your topic, find a controversial issue that people have strong feelings about. It could be a current event, a social policy, or an ethical dilemma.

You can use topics such as the ethics of gene editing and designer babies, the pros and cons of vaccine mandates and the impact of social media on teen mental health.

The spicier, the better. No one wants to read about something boring.

2. Take a clear position

Don’t be wishy-washy. Be direct when you state your opinion. Make it clear where you stand and why you believe you are right. You can say, “I firmly believe that gene editing technology should be heavily regulated to prevent abuse.” Don’t be afraid to state your view with confidence. Your goal is to persuade the reader to see things from your perspective.

9 back-to-school idioms to help you pass English with flying colours

3. Bring the evidence

You cannot have the attitude that you are right just because you say so. Support your claims with solid proof, such as statistics, expert testimony, historical precedents, logical reasoning or personal anecdotes.

For instance, if you are writing about why teens should not be allowed to use social media in school, you can include data on the increased rates of anxiety, depression and cyberbullying among teens with high social media use. The more substantial your evidence, the more convincing your argument will be. Don’t forget to cite your sources.

4. Address counterarguments

Acknowledge that there are two sides to every story. Outline the key counterarguments, then explain why your position is still more valid or compelling. To illustrate, “Critics argue that the regulation of gene editing will stifle scientific progress, but the risks of unchecked development far outweigh these concerns.” This shows you have considered the full scope of the issue.

5. Use a logical structure

Guide your readers through your reasoning step-by-step. Start with an introduction that hooks the reader and lays out your thesis. Build your case in the body with smooth transitions between ideas, then wrap it all up in the conclusion. Keep it organised and easy to follow.

6. Write with passion and clarity

Don’t be afraid to let your unique voice shine through. Use vivid language, rhetorical devices, and an authoritative tone to make your argument feel compelling.

For example, compare these two sentences – “Social media has had a negative impact on teenagers” and “The epidemic of social media addiction has corrupted the mental well-being of the next generation”.

The second sentence uses more vivid, emotive language to convey the writer’s passionate stance on this issue. This creates a much more persuasive and authoritative tone than the dry, matter-of-fact phrasing of the first sentence.

At the same time, keep your points concise so your argument is easy for the reader to follow. Don’t use 10 words when five will do.

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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

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Chart Shows Debate Topics Most Favored By Trump vs Harris Voters

A YouGov survey has shown the most popular topics Democrats and Republicans want Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump to discuss in the debate on September 10 .

The survey conducted from August 29 through September 1 asked 1,082 Americans what they wanted to hear about in the upcoming presidential debate . This chart shows their response.

For Democrats, the number one topic of voter interest was healthcare, at 68 percent, while for Republicans, it was inflation, at 74 percent. These areas of interest directly correlate with the topics each party's candidate is seen as strongest on, as Newsweek previously reported .

Respondents who identified as Democrats also indicated that their top voter interests included abortion, social security, inflation, and democracy.

Republican respondents indicated that their top voter issues, in addition to inflation, were border security, social security, taxes, national debt, and housing costs.

For all Republican , Democrat, and Independent respondents, the top four issues were inflation, healthcare, border security, and social security.

Donald Trump Speaks in Presidential Debate

The Republican presidential candidate has repeatedly criticized Harris' border security policies and referred to her as a " border czar ."

A recent by ABC News and Ipsos found that Trump has more voter trust to handle the economy and the border also found that more voters feel Harris is the better candidate to handle health care and abortion .

Respondents appeared to be less interested in hearing about democracy, corruption, Israel, and guns, as less than 40% reported showing interest.

Topics that respondents appear to be the least interested in hearing discussed on the debate stage include education, climate change, racism, criminal allegations against them, China, their mental fitness, and their ages.

YouGov's survey also found that the majority of respondents have more faith in Harris to out-debate Trump than they did in Biden, at 45 percent.

In comparing their debate styles, respondents felt that Harris' strengths include her ability to stay calm under pressure and her knowledge of policy issues.

Survey respondents reported that they believed Trump is more likely to go over the allotted time, make personal attacks, interrupt his opponent, and be physically intimidating.

Respondents were tied when reporting who they thought was the better debater, at 41%.

American interest in the presidential debate has been waning since 2016, as The Washington Post found that viewership, in terms of percentage of the population, had declined , with 51.3 million tuned in to watch Biden and Trump's debate this summer.

Newsweek reached out to Trump and Harris' campaigns for comment via email.

Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact  [email protected] .

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Hold us accountable and submit your rating of this article on the meter.

About the writer

Maya Mehrara is a Live News Reporter at Newsweek based in London, U.K.. Her focus is reporting on U.S. politics, human rights, and arts and culture. She has covered immigration issues, the revolution in Iran, and health. Maya joined Newsweek in 2024 from the Londoners and had previously written for MyLondon, the Camden New Journal, BUST Magazine, and Washington Square News. She is a graduate of New York University and obtained her NCTJ at News Associates. Languages: English.

You can get in touch with Maya by emailing [email protected] .

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Who spoke more during the presidential debate: Donald Trump or Kamala Harris?

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump faced off in their first presidential debate Tuesday night, spending much of the 90-minute event exchanging attacks on each other.

So how long did each candidate speak during the debate?

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump debate time

According to CNN , Trump spoke for approximately 42 minutes and 52 seconds, while Harris spoke for 37 minutes and 36 seconds. Trump used about 12 minutes and 54 seconds of his total speaking time to attack Harris, while the vice president dedicated 17 minutes and 25 seconds to criticizing her opponent.

The format and dynamics of the debate bore similarities to Trump’s June debate with President Joe Biden. During that event, Trump spoke for 41 minutes and 2 seconds, while Biden spoke for 36 minutes and 12 seconds, The New York Times reported.

What topics were covered at the debate?

Tuesday’s debate covered a range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy, with each candidate aiming to highlight their strengths while pointing out their opponent’s perceived weaknesses.

They were asked questions on abortion, climate change, energy and the transfer of power following the elections.

Attacks on Donald Trump

Democracy and the events of Jan. 6, 2021, took center stage during the debate. The vice president called the insurrection an assault on democracy and accused Trump of leading the worst attack on American democracy since the Civil War. She reiterated that he lost the 2020 elections. “Donald Trump was fired by 81 million people,” she said, referring to Joe Biden’s winning total.

She questioned the former president for lobbying Republican lawmakers against passing a bipartisan bill on immigration that would increase border funding and impose new border restrictions on border crossings. "He preferred to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem,” she said.

Harris went on to say that if Trump were in power, Russia's president, Vladimir Putin would be sitting in Kyiv right now. "Why don’t you tell the 800,000 Polish Americans right here in Pennsylvania how quickly you would give up for the sake of favor and what you think is a friendship with what is known to be a dictator, who would eat you for lunch,” she said.

She went on to attack Trump by claiming that his rallies are boring and that people often leave early. “You will not hear him talk about your needs, your dreams and your needs and your desires,” Harris said. “And I’ll tell you, I believe you deserve a president who actually puts you first.”

Trumps attacks Kamala Harris

Trump led his debate with depending mostly on inflation and immigration. He repeatedly restricted Harris to Biden saying, "she is Biden," implying her policy on inflation and immigration would be no different than that of President Biden's.

“The worst inflation we’ve ever had,” Trump claimed. “A horrible economy because inflation has made it so bad. And she can’t get away with that.”

He continued to attack her on changing her policy on fracking. During the 2020 nominations, Harris said she would ban fracking and pursue the Green New Deal. Since then, Harris changed her stance and said she would no longer ban fracking.

“She’s going to my philosophy now. In fact, I was going to send her a MAGA hat,” he said, referring to the red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps that many of his supporters wear. “But if she ever got elected, she’d change it.”

Trump blamed Harris for the messy Afghanistan withdrawal during which 13 American service members were killed in a bombing calling it "the most embarrassing moment" in the nation's history.

He bashed Harris for missing the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to Congress over the summer to deliver a speech to a historically Black sorority. “She hates Israel,” the former president claimed.

In another moment, Trump shot back at Harris when she interrupted him during the debate with "I'm talking now" - similar to the line she used on Mike Pence in the 2020 vice presidential debate. "Does that sound familiar?" he said to the Vice President.

The debate marks a key moment in the 2024 presidential race, as both candidates worked to sway voters ahead of November’s election.

The big issues disputed by Harris and Trump on the debate stage

Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate hosted by ABC as Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump listens, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 10, 2024. Brian Snyder/Reuters

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced off in the widely anticipated – and potentially only – debate of the U.S. presidential candidates for the 2024 election. Both Harris and Trump aimed to break through at a critical moment when they are neck and neck in the polls.

Debates can get complicated fast, so to help cut through the noise, The Globe provided context to the major talking points throughout the event. What have the candidates said historically about an issue? What is happening with the economy, abortion rights or climate issues right now? Take a look at the main issues below, and read more coverage of the heated debate.

Trump, when asked about abortion rights, spoke about different states and how they’re voting on access. Polls show that abortion has become the top issue for women of child-bearing age in the U.S ., ranking second in importance only to the economy among voters in 10 swing states. That’s a challenge for Republicans, who have used abortion as a wedge issue for decades.

During the debate, Harris said she would sign Roe vs. Wade into law. Two years after it was overturned, abortion rights in the U.S. have changed significantly, including further restrictions that prompt people to travel out-of-state for the procedure. At least four states will have abortion access on the ballot in November.

Harris says she will offer tax cuts for young families and wants to give a $50,000 tax deduction to small businesses.

During her campaign, Harris has announced a sweeping set of economic proposal s in August, and stressed tax breaks for families, as well as middle- and lower-income people, promising to expand the child tax credit to up to US$3,600 – and US$6,000 for children in their first year of life. She also wants to expand the earned income tax credit to cover people in lower-income jobs without children.

Project 2025

In response to a statement about Project 2025, Trump denied any knowledge of it. Trump has tried to distance himself from this massive proposed overhaul of the federal government that includes firing 50,000 government workers and replacing them with Trump loyalists.

Immigration

Harris said that a bipartisan border security bill failed to pass after enough Republicans withdrew their support at the urging of former President Donald Trump.

In April, Trump said that he would not rule out building detention camps on U.S. soil for migrants in the country illegally and deploying active military forces to help. “Well, these aren’t civilians. These are people that aren’t legally in our country. This is an invasion of our country.”

Harris states that Trump has called climate change a hoax. Trump pulled out of the Paris climate accord in 2017 , which Biden rejoined in 2021.

On climate change, Harris emphasized her tie-breaking vote in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. She’s backed away from some of the more liberal stances she took in her failed 2020 bid for the White House, including proposals to ban fracking.

Harris’s past views on climate could be a potential stumbling block during the campaign, noted The Globe’s energy reporter and columnist Kelly Cryderman . As a senator, Harris co-sponsored the 2019 push for a Green New Deal, which called for exclusive use of renewable electricity by 2030. And, around the same time, she had called for a ban on fracking. “These past positions are both in the category of not happening, and are viable lines of attack for Republicans,” Cryderman writes.

Israel-Gaza war

On the Israel-Hamas war, Harris maintained the message she gave in her CNN interview, emphasizing her commitment to Israel’s defence , affirming that Israel has a right to defend itself and expressing support for a two-state solution, but also stated that too many innocent Palestinians have been killed.

Russia-Ukraine war

When pressed on whether he thinks Ukraine should win the war, Trump said repeatedly he wanted the war to end, but did not specify what the conclusion would look like. Trump said that if he was president, Russia would have never invaded Ukraine, and said that Harris was weak on the foreign stage.

In June, Trump criticized the US$60-billion aid package for Ukraine that passed with Republican support in the spring. Trump has promised an end to the war but has revealed no specific plans, raising fears that he would put pressure on Kyiv to surrender. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February, 2022, the U.S. has sent Ukraine US$75-billion in aid, including missiles, artillery, tanks, armoured vehicles, drones and ammunition.

Afghanistan

Trump repeatedly criticized how the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan, calling it “the most embarrassing moment” in the nation’s history. In recent weeks, he said leaving Afghanistan was the right thing to do but that the execution was poor, an opinion shared by many experts . A 2023 report from Biden , however, blamed the chaotic pullout on Trump and his administration’s plans .

When asked about his comments that called Harris’s race into question, Trump repeated the false claim that Harris only recently started calling herself Black. Harris, who is Black and Indian, responded that Trump uses race as way to divide Americans.

This summer during an interview with National Association of Black Journalists , Trump said she didn’t know “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black and now she wants to be known as Black. So, I don’t know, is she Indian or is she Black?”

Medicare for all

Despite attempting to repeal Obamacare while in office, Trump warned House Republicans in 2023 not to cut “a single penny” from Medicare as they sought to cut from the Biden administration’s policies.

During the debate he emphasized that the plan is “still never going to be great” and that he has “concepts” of a new healthcare plan.

Trump has said he would impose tariffs that would return manufacturing jobs to the U.S . Harris has said Trump’s plan is essentially a national sales tax on everyday products.

Legal charges

During the debate, Trump says the criminal cases against him were an example of weaponization of the Justice Department.

Over the last year, Trump has been indicted on 91 criminal charges across four different cases. They concern everything from efforts to overturn his 2020 re-election loss to keeping classified documents stored in his bathroom. A trio of civil suits has left him owing more than half a billion dollars in damages.

Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol

When asked about his role in the Capitol riots on Jan. 6, Trump said he told his supporters to act “peacefully and patriotically” and that he “just showed up for a speech.”

On Jan. 6, 2021, Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a development that raised dramatic questions about the peaceful transition of power. The event continues to divide Republicans and Democrats.

Election denial

When asked about the 2020 election, Trump said he does not believe he lost the election.

Trump is facing charges related to his efforts to stay in power after the 2020 election and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. After a landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, the prosecution filed a revised indictment in August.

Donald Trump has threatened to pull the U.S. out of NATO. This summer, the 42 member countries negotiated a consensus on an approximately $60-billion-a-year military-aid program for Ukraine, as well as a plan to shift support and training for Ukraine from the United States to 200 officers in a Europe-based NATO command.

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7 big issues at stake in the 2024 election

Demonstrators protest outside the U.S. Supreme

WASHINGTON — The policy contrasts between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are sharpening as the general election campaign gets fully underway.

But what does the choice represent for ordinary voters and the economic and cultural issues they care about? A rematch between the Democratic incumbent and his Republican predecessor may feel uninspiring to many voters, but the policy stakes are enormous for tens of millions of Americans — and the world.

Here are seven big issues at stake in the 2024 election.

The contrast: Biden favors federal abortion protections; Trump opposes them. Trump supported nationwide restrictions on abortion as president but now downplays the need for a federal ban, as Republicans are divided over the issue. Biden does not support federal limits.

Biden has championed the Women’s Health Protection Act, a bill to protect abortion rights in all 50 states under federal law and prohibit medically unnecessary hurdles to accessing the procedure. He has asked voters to send him a Democratic Congress that supports legal abortion to achieve that.

Trump has boasted that he "broke Roe v. Wade" by picking three of the five Supreme Court justices who overturned it, delivering on a four-decade goal of the GOP. More recently, Trump has openly fretted that the backlash may cost him and his party the election. Last week, Trump said the issue should be left to states, a shift from his support for nationwide restrictions when he was president. His new stance has drawn pushback from GOP allies, like Sen. Lindsey Graham, of South Carolina , and anti-abortion-rights advocates, who say that he is wrong and that Republicans should not be deterred from their long-standing goal of enacting some nationwide abortion limits.

Some Republicans downplay the prospects of federal abortion restrictions’ passing Congress, even if they win full control. Biden and his allies are telling voters to look at the GOP’s long history of championing federal restrictions and not their recent rhetoric.

Immigration

The contrast: Trump has promised a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration and tougher executive actions; Biden is asking Congress to give him more tools to manage an overwhelmed border and create new legal pathways to immigrate to the U.S.

Trump has called existing border laws an existential threat to the U.S., saying migrants are “ poisoning the blood of our country” and bringing new “ languages .” His campaign website says: “President Trump will shut down Biden’s border disaster. He will again end catch-and-release, restore Remain in Mexico , and eliminate asylum fraud. In cooperative states, President Trump will deputize the National Guard and local law enforcement to assist with rapidly removing illegal alien gang members and criminals.”

After having rescinded some of Trump's policies, Biden has recently shifted to support stricter immigration laws as the system remains overwhelmed. He championed a bipartisan bill to raise the bar for gaining asylum, grant more U.S. resources to process asylum claims and turn away migrants who do not qualify, and empower the president to temporarily shut down the border if migration levels hit certain triggers. (Republicans blocked the bill in the Senate amid lobbying by Trump , who wants to use the border as an election issue.) Biden has also endorsed the U.S. Citizenship Act , which would grant a pathway to citizenship for people in the U.S. illegally if they pass background checks and pay their taxes.

Fundamentally, Trump has aligned with forces who want less immigration into the country, while Biden has embraced the belief that immigrants make the U.S. better.

Health care and prescription drugs

The contrast: Biden wants to extend Affordable Care Act provisions and empower Medicare to negotiate more prescription drugs; Trump has aggressively criticized the ACA but not offered a health care plan.

Biden, who was vice president when the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010, sees it as a cherished achievement to protect and strengthen. The law, also known as "Obamacare," which has extended coverage to 45 million people through subsidies, insurance mandates and a Medicaid expansion, continues to face conservative opposition.

Separately, Biden has touted a provision in his party-line Inflation Reduction Act that empowers Medicare to negotiate lower prices for 10 prescription drugs. He said he wants to boost that to 50 if he is re-elected, with the goal of $200 billion in savings.

Trump spent his four years as president fighting unsuccessfully to repeal and unravel the law — through legislation and executive action and endorsing lawsuits to wipe it out. In November, Trump called for revisiting plans to "terminate" the ACA . He has recently sought to downplay that and insists he only wants to improve the law. But he has not offered a health care plan. Many of his GOP allies in Congress still favor repealing or undoing the ACA, including a budget by the Republican Study Committee, which boasts about 80% of the House GOP conference as members, including Speaker Mike Johnson, of Louisiana.

The contrast: Trump's 2017 tax cuts expire at the end of next year, and he has called for extending them; Biden has called for raising taxes on families earning over $400,000 to fund various priorities.

A series of Trump tax cuts, which Republicans passed on a party-line basis in 2017, expire at the end of 2025. Congress and the winner of the election will decide what happens to them.

In a recent private speech to wealthy donors, Trump s aid his policies include "extending the Trump tax cuts" if he is elected, according to a Trump campaign official. That would preserve lower rates across the income spectrum, with the biggest benefits for top earners.

Biden has attacked that law as a giveaway to the wealthiest Americans, vowing to make "big corporations and the very wealthy finally pay their fair share." He has backed a corporate tax rate hike from 21% to 28% and said that "nobody earning less than $400,000 will pay an additional penny in federal taxes." Biden is also calling for a $3,600-per-child tax cut for families, an $800 average tax break for "front-line workers" and a 25% minimum tax on billionaires, according to a newly released campaign plank.

The expiration of the Trump tax cuts will restore the unlimited federal deduction for state and local taxes, which Republicans had capped at $10,000 in the 2017 law. Republicans broadly support preserving the cap, with some exceptions, while most Democrats want to lift it.

Judges and the Supreme Court

The contrast: Their track records tell a clear story. Trump has picked young conservative judges to serve on the federal bench, while Biden has picked liberals with a focus on professional and personal diversity.

One of the clearest contrasts is what kinds of judges Trump and Biden would pick for lifetime appointments on the federal courts. A simple way for voters to think about it is whether they prefer new judges with the conservative views of Justice Neil Gorsuch, Trump's first Supreme Court pick, or with the liberal views of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Biden's (so far only) high court pick.

As president, Trump nominated young conservative judges who will serve for generations. Biden has focused on finding judges with diverse backgrounds and résumés, including more civil rights lawyers and public defenders.

Perhaps the biggest question is whether a Supreme Court vacancy will open up in the next four years. The presidential election winner and the party that controls the Senate would fill it.

The contrast: Trump is pushing a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports; Biden's White House opposes that, saying it would raise inflation.

Trump, long a skeptic of U.S. trade deals, has proposed to impose a 10% tariff on all imported goods if he returns to the White House. He recently told Fox News that it could be 60% — or potentially “more than that” — on imports of Chinese goods.

Biden opposes that idea. In a memo over the weekend, the White House slammed the idea of "across-the-board tariffs that would raise taxes and prices by $1,500 per American family," without naming Trump; it referred to an estimate by the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank, that Trump's 10% tax on imports could cost an average American household $1,500 per year.

Biden, instead, has sought to boost domestic manufacturing with major federal investments in semiconductors and electric vehicles.

Foreign policy and NATO

The contrast: Biden favors Ukraine aid, while Trump is skeptical of it; Biden supports NATO and a traditional view of American power, while Trump has criticized NATO and voiced some isolationist views.

The clearest example of the foreign policy differences between the two concerns the fate of Ukraine, which is running low on ammunition and says it needs U.S. assistance to continue holding off Russia’s aggression. Biden is an ardent proponent of helping Ukraine, while Trump has poured cold water on U.S. aid to Ukraine and successfully pressured House Republicans to block it since they took the majority in January 2023.

And that points to a deeper divide: Biden is an outspoken supporter of the NATO alliance as a bulwark against adversaries like Russia and China and of preserving the post-World War II order. Trump has dialed up his criticisms of NATO and aligned with a growing isolationist wing in the U.S. that wants to be less involved in global affairs. Trump recently said that as president, he “would encourage” Russia “to do whatever the hell they want” to member countries who are “delinquent” in their dues.

Sahil Kapur is a senior national political reporter for NBC News.

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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?
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing
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 ...
101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas
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.
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 ...
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!
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 ... An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are ...
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. ... more controversial the topic, the more it'll pop, and the easier it will be to take a strong stand for or against. Hot argument topics will leave ...
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.
500 Topics for Debates and Argumentative Essays
Browse Kialo's extensive library of classroom debate and argumentative essay topics. Each template comes with background info and prompts, so you can get discussing straight away! An illustrated teacher sits thinking at their desk as discussion cards, and pro and con claims float around their head. The pro claim is "Macbeth's fate was ...
Argumentative Essay Topics: 195 Ideas for You
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.
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.
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.
200+ Debate Topics for College Students [2024]
3 List of Debate Topics by Field of Knowledge. 3.1 Best Education Debate Topics in 2024. 3.2 Best Science and Technology Debate Topics. 3.3 Debate Topics on Health and Medicine. 3.4 18 Psychology, Sociology, and Ethic Topics. 3.5 Debate Topics about Policy and Finance. 3.6 15 Leisure (Music, Games, Etc.) Topics. 3.7 16 Environmental Debate Topics.
The Best Controversial Topics for Debates and Essays
3 Pros and 3 Cons of Using Controversial Topics in Essays or Debates . It might be tempting to pick any old controversial topic and run with it. Not so fast! While controversial topics definitely give you a lot to talk about in an essay or debate, there are some definite drawbacks to dealing with hot-button issues.
55 Great Debate Topics for Any Project
Social and Political Issues Debate Topics. All people should have the right to own guns. The death penalty should be abolished. Human cloning should be legalized. All drugs should be legalized. Animal testing should be banned. Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults. Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
Ultimate Argumentative Essay Topics List
Moreover, topics to write an argumentative essay on exist in every kind of industry possible - law, medicine, politics, religion, history, etc. The list is truly endless. Trust us, everything that happens around you has a different perspective, a deeper and different viewpoint. So, just discover those - and you'll find a debatable topic.
100+ Debate Topics & How to Win Any Debate
Choose from over 100 interesting debate topics and learn strategies to win any debate. ... The claim of the contention is akin to a topic sentence in an essay: it is a clear, direct, and provable statement which will be defended in the rest of contention. Returning to the example topic of school uniforms, for example, a contention could begin ...
110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students
These controversial topics can work well for classroom debates, persuasive essays, or fishbowl discussions. Note: Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments. Education Controversial Debate Topics; Science and Health Controversial Debate Topics
100+ Interesting Debate Topics
A good topic is simple to define and understand but complex enough to let you have a long and interesting discussion about it. To help you out, this article lists 100 of the best, most current, and most compelling debate topics imaginable. This article provides example debate topics and questions in the following categories:
100+ Most Popular Rhetorical Analysis Essay Topics in 2024
Explore the most popular rhetorical analysis essay topics of 2024. From classic literature to modern media, find the perfect topic to captivate your audience. ... How Rhetoric Shapes Public Perception in Online Debates; Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate, and with it, the way rhetoric is used. Whether it's a viral tweet or ...
6 tips for writing an opinion essay that will sway even the worst
Writing an effective opinion essay requires a clear stance, solid reasoning and compelling evidence. Whether you are arguing for or against a hot-button issue, these six tips can help you craft a ...
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 ...
Chart shows debate topics favored by Trump vs Harris voters
A YouGov survey has shown the most popular topics Democrats and Republicans want Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump to discuss in the debate on September 10. The survey ...
Debate time broken down for Donald Trump and Kamala Harris
Tuesday's debate covered a range of topics, including the economy, healthcare, and foreign policy, with each candidate aiming to highlight their strengths while pointing out their opponent's ...
The big issues disputed by Harris and Trump on the debate stage
Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during a presidential debate hosted by ABC as Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump listens ...
7 big issues at stake in the 2024 election
Here are seven big issues at stake in the 2024 election. Abortion. The contrast: Biden favors federal abortion protections; Trump opposes them. Trump supported nationwide restrictions on abortion ...

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

What is an Argumentative Essay?

Argumentative Essay Format

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Religion Argument Essay Topics

Science Argument Essay Topics

Sports Argument Essay Topics

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

Business Argument Essay Topics

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Ideas for Argument Essays

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

101 Standout Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

How to Choose a Topic for an Argumentative Essay

Forming General Arguments

Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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Pop Culture & the Arts

How to Write Essay Titles and Headers

Writing a Standout College Admissions Essay

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

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300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

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Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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Topics for Argumentative Speech

Argument Topics on Social Media

Argument Topics on Music

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

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Argument Topics on Government

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How to Choose Argumentative Essay Topics

Explore Your Interests

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