great argumentative essay topics for middle school

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Teaching Expertise

• Classroom Ideas
• Teacher’s Life
• Deals & Shopping
• Privacy Policy

94 Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School: Protocols, Health, Politics, And More

January 4, 2024 //  by  Brittany Ray

Middle schoolers are always ready for a feisty debate and to argue their points! This list of excellent argumentative essay topics for middle school is sure to give your students the practice they need in getting their arguments down on paper, in a persuasive way. With a variety of topics ranging from whether or not to outlaw animal testing to debating a 3-day weekend, this curated collection will give your kiddos lots of fun choices to explore! Take a look and see which topics are sure to spark some interest in your classroom!

School Rules and Policies

1. should cell phones be allowed at school.

2. Should gym class (physical education) be a requirement?

3. Explain why or why not: Should students have homework on weekends?

4. Should the school day be extended in exchange for a long weekend?

5. Do you feel the government should dictate what you get for school lunch?

6. Do you believe brick-and-mortar schools are still necessary for today’s post-pandemic society?

7. Is the student-per-class limit too high?

8. Should high school students be required to take a civics exam before graduation?

9. Should school security be improved?

10. Should students be allowed to use smartwatches during examinations?

11. Should there be a limit to the amount of homework a school can assign to students?

12. Is the traditional grading system effective, or does it need an overhaul?

13. Should schools offer more extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests?

14. Do schools place too much emphasis on sports and athletes at the expense of academic pursuits?

15. Explain your stance as to whether schools should or should not require students to wear uniforms.

16. Do you believe that school field trips are beneficial or merely recreational?

17. Should students be required to learn a second language starting in middle school?

18. Should the government have the ability to ban certain books in the classroom?

19. Should school cafeterias serve exclusively vegetarian meals to promote health?

20. Should schools have mandatory classes on financial literacy?

21. Should schools have strict policies against cyberbullying?

22. Should schools have mandatory mental health classes and counseling sessions?

23. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?

24. Should schools have mindfulness and meditation sessions as part of the daily routine?

25. Should schools emphasize more on teaching critical thinking skills rather than just memorizing things?

26. Should there be more emphasis on vocational training in middle school?

27. Should students be taught the dangers of misinformation and “fake news” as part of their curriculum?

28. Should schools introduce mandatory community service as part of the curriculum?

29. Should schools allow students to bring their pets to school?

30. Should schools be allowed to monitor students’ online activities?

31. Should education about global warming and environmental conservation be a mandatory part of the curriculum?

32. Should schools introduce more practical skills courses like basic cooking, sewing, or home repair?

33. Do school dress codes infringe on personal expression?

34. Should middle school students be allowed to bring and use laptops in class?

35. Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling for some students?

36. Is learning to write in cursive still a necessary skill in the digital age?

37. Should school libraries invest in more digital resources or in physical books?

38. Should students be taught about controversial historical figures objectively or with a critical lens?

39. Should students have a more significant say in the creation of school rules and policies?

40. Do schools focus too much on college preparation at the expense of life skills?

41. Should parents be held more accountable for their children’s misbehavior at school?

42. Are parent-teacher conferences still effective or have they become outdated?

43. Should middle schools have later start times to accommodate adolescent sleep patterns?

College Admission and Tuition 

44. should excellent grades guarantee a scholarship.

45. Should a college degree earned through online education have the same worth as a degree earned at a brick-and-mortar university?

46. Do you feel art courses should be a required part of earning a college degree?

47. Should college admission criteria be less stringent?

48. Should college athletes be paid?

49. Do you believe that a college education is necessary for everyone?

50. Should public education at the college level be tuition-free?

Health and Wellbeing

51. do parents put too much pressure on their children to excel academically.

52. Should cigarettes be illegal?

53. Should employers have the right to require a Covid-19 vaccine?

54. Is milk beneficial to a person’s health?

55. Are hot dogs bad for you?

56. Do you agree or disagree that parents should be held responsible for childhood obesity?

57. Should the FDA allow GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in our food?

58. Does the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) do a good job of regulating the production of food?

59. Should junk food advertisements be banned during children’s TV shows?

60. Should students be allowed to take “mental health days” off from school?

Government, Politics, and Civic Responsibilities

61. do you think electronic voting machines make the election procedure fair or unfair.

62. Explain whether or not the Electoral College should be eliminated.

63. Should the government have more say in what is or is not “fake news”?

64. Should a felon have the right to vote?

65. Should all political offices have term limits?

66. Should the voting age be lowered?

67. The moral stain of the slavery of African American people in early American History is undoubtedly present. Do you feel the government promotes hate or love with the way it currently speaks about racism?

68. Should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?

69. Should the government have more strict gun control policies?

70. With the separation of church and state, should churches be exempt from paying taxes?

71. Do you feel undocumented immigrants should be granted all the same rights as naturalized citizens?

72. Have Native American communities been given proper reparations for the United States’ long history of seizing land?

73. Do you think that the government should do more to fight against human trafficking?

Environmental and Moral Issues

74. is climate change something we can truly make a difference with.

75. If protecting the environment is of utmost importance, should bottled water be banned?

76. Should exotic animals be kept in captivity?

77. Explain your stance on whether wind farms are a good or bad idea.

78. Do “participation trophies” diminish the value of real achievement?

79. Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?

80. Explain whether or not animal testing should be outlawed.

81. Should the death penalty exist?

82. Should an individual be able to keep wild animals as pets if they have the means to care for them?

83. Do curfews for teenagers prevent them from getting in trouble or infringe on personal freedom?

84. Is scientific research on cloning DNA ethical?

85. Is daylight saving something the U.S. should keep, or should it be abolished?

86. Should schools ban single-use plastics?

Digital and Media

87. do children currently have too much screen time, and is it harmful.

88. Do you believe that the media and/or social media negatively impact body image among teens?

89. Do social media platforms need stricter age verification processes?

90. Should parents have access to their children’s social media accounts for monitoring purposes?

91. Should parents limit the time their children spend on video games?

92. Should violent video games be banned in the United States?

93. Do violent cartoons and animations impact a child’s behavior negatively?

94. Do video games have educational potential or are they merely distractions?

Elementary Assessments

61 Great Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

If you’re seeking argumentative writing prompts for middle school students, you’ve landed in the right place.

These interesting argumentative prompts cover a variety of subjects that even your most reluctant writers will find appealing.

What’s more, they enhance writing skills, encourage students to express their opinions with confidence, and deepen learning experiences.

So why not pencil into your writer’s workshop block this week a few of these engaging argumentative writing prompts for middle school students?

Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

Following you will find a variety of argumentative writing prompts for middle school students that can be used for a variety of writing activities.

1. If you were mayor of a new town, how would you convince people to move there?

2. Argue the benefits of teachers not giving homework.

3. Do you think that violent video games are appropriate for middle school students? State and defend your stance.

4. In your opinion, what is the greatest challenge that teenagers face today?

5. Should students be allowed to use cell phones during class time? Why or why not?

6. Do you think grades should be given or just pass/fail? Explain.

7. Is it fair that celebrities make more money than medical doctors? Why or why not?

8. Is social media harmful to young people? Explain.

9. State the importance of protecting Earth from pollution, and explain why everyone should play a part in helping.

10. In what ways can schools do more to prevent or reduce bullying?

11. Should it be mandatory for students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance? Why or why not?

12. Are you for or against school uniforms? Defend your position.

13. Should middle school students have a later bedtime than younger students? Explain your thinking.

14. Write an article for the school newspaper arguing the benefits of learning a second language.

15. Explain how technology can actually be detrimental to people’s lives.

16. Why is it necessary for schools to administer standardized tests?

17. How should schools most effectively handle bullying?

18. Explain why it’s essential to eat a healthy diet.

19. Explain the benefits of summer camp.

20. Why do you think some students dislike the cafeteria good? How can this issue be resolved?

21. What are some ways that schools can become better places for all students?

22. Explain why more class time should be given to electives.

23. Why do you think it’s important to set and achieve SMART goals?

24. Explain why eating junk food is bad for one’s mental and physical health.

25. Why should citizens be concerned with endangered animals?

26. Discuss ways that teachers can make lessons more accessible to students.

27. State your opinion on whether middle schoolers watch too much television.

28. Describe why it’s important not to always judge someone based on how they look.

29. Share the importance of learning study skills .

30. Should good grades be a requirement to participate in school sports? Explain.

31. Justify people’s concern for animals’ rights.

32. State the benefits of gum chewing in class.

33. Persuade your parents to listen to your favorite music.

34. What time of day do you think school should start and why?

35. In your opinion, which is the better pet: cat or dog?

36. What’s the thrill of watching funny cat videos on YouTube?

37. Write a letter convincing your family to move to the mountains.

38. Draft a letter persuading your 90-year-old grandparent to register for a social media account.

39. Argue for or against the school year being 100 days.

40. What does your pet really think about you and your family?

41. Explain what makes your first, last, or middle name awesome.

42. When is the best time for students to have a cell phone and why?

43. Share your opinion on the appropriate age for staying home alone.

44. Should certain grade levels in middle school have special privileges? Why or why not?

45. Are school uniforms a good idea?

46. Should P.E. classes be divided by gender? Why or why not?

47. What new electives should the school offer, and why?

48. Should more school assignments be group work or independent work? Why?

49. How can the lunch menu be made more appealing to students?

50. Do middle school students need much supervision? Why or why not?

51. How can cyberbullying be reduced?

52. Is online or in-person learning better? Why?

53. Is the sale of fast food on campus a bad influence on middle schoolers? Why or why not?

54. Should participation in a school sport be required? Explain.

55. What are the benefits and disadvantages of students working to earn money?

56. At what age should students begin learning how to drive? Why do you think this?

57. State the pros or cons of having school year-round.

58. What would make homework a better learning experience for students?

59. How should the school handle bullying?

60. Should there be seat belts on school buses? Why or why not?

61. If one participates in sports, should she be allowed to miss P.E class? Why or why not?

Final Thoughts: Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

Now you have a collection of argumentative writing prompts for middle school.

Consider having students review the elements of argumentative writing before sharing these prompts.

Related: writing prompts for middle school

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

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

By The Learning Network

Update: This list is available as a PDF .

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

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

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

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

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

Argumentative Prompt Topics

Technology & social media, coronavirus, college & career, mental & physical health, race & gender, parenting & childhood, ethics & morality, government & politics, other questions.

Article-Based Prompts

1. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 2. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 3. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 4. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change? 5. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 6. Where Should We Draw the Line Between Community Health and Safety and Individual Liberty and Privacy? 7. Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can Be Dangerous? 8. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 9. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone? 10. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships? 11. Do You Trust Facebook? 12. Do You Think Recreational Drones Are Safe? 13. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? 14. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? 15. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 16. How Do You Think Technology Affects Dating?

Image-Based Prompts

17. Online Video Games : Does more need to be done to make online gaming communities safer? 18. A Computer in Everything : Do “smart” devices worry you? 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 Manners : Are there times when you think using your phone while you’re with other people is rude? 22. Alarm Clocks : Are there any “dumb” devices that you think are better than “smart” devices? 23. Phone Warnings : Should tech devices come with addiction advisories? 24. Phones in Church : Are there some places where phones just don’t belong? 25. Driverless Cars : What do you think about driverless cars? 26. Texting While Walking : Should looking at your phone while crossing the street be illegal? 27. Device Addiction? : As a society, are we too addicted to our devices? 28. ‘A Man Needs His Nuggs’ : What do you think of Carter Wilkerson’s quest, and its results? 29. Soothing Video Games : Can video games intended to calm the mind be fun? Worthwhile? 30. Our Lives on Social Media : How much do you think we can judge our collective happiness by what is posted on social media? 31. ‘Bracelet of Silence’ : Would you wear privacy armor? 32. Baby Yoda : What are your favorite memes? 33. Tesla’s ‘Cybertruck’ : What do you think of this “pickup of the future”? 34. The ‘Bird Box’ Challenge : What do you think of social media challenges like this one?

35. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 36. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 37. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 38. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 39. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 40. When the Pandemic Ends, Will School Change Forever? 41. Should Schools Change How They Grade Students During the Pandemic? 42. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 43. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 44. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 45. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 46. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 47. Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing? 48. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 49. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 50. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 51. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 52. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 53. Should Your School Day Start Later? 54. Should Yearbooks Include Political News? 55. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 56. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 57. Is School a Place for Self-Expression? 58. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 59. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 60. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 61. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 62. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 63. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 64. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 65. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 66. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 67. Does Your School Need More Money? 68. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 69. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 70. Do Kids Need Recess? 71. Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children?

72. Graduation in a Pandemic : Is your school doing enough to honor seniors? 73. Most Challenged Books : Are there books that don’t belong in schools or public libraries? 74. Mascot : If you could choose one mascot to represent your school, what would it be? 75. Math : How do you feel about math? 76. Sleep Deprivation : Do you think school should start later for teenagers? 77. Standardized Tests : Is there too much testing at your school? Why or why not? 78. Teacher Walkouts : Do you think teachers should be paid more? Why or why not? 79. Mermaid School : If there could be a special school that would teach you something you really want to learn, what would that school be?

Article-Based Prompts 80. What Weaknesses and Strengths About Our World Are Being Exposed by This Pandemic? 81. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 82. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 83. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 84. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 85. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping?

86. Surge : How should the United States keep the coronavirus pandemic at bay? 87. Masks : What “civic rules” do you think we should all follow now? 88. Paid to Laugh : Would you attend a live TV show taping — if you got money for it? 89. Dolly’s Donation : How do you feel about celebrity philanthropy? 90. Crowds and Covid : How do you feel about crowds during the pandemic? 91. Going Nowhere Fast : Would you take a flight to nowhere?

92. Should Students Be Required to Take the SAT and ACT to Apply to College? 93. Should National Service Be Required for All Young Americans? 94. What Is Your Reaction to the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 95. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 96. Should Everyone Go to College? 97. Should College Be Free? 98. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 99. Should ‘Despised Dissenters’ Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 100. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 101. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 102. Is Student Debt Worth It? 103. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 104. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market?

105. Jack-of-All-Trades : Is it better to focus on one thing early in life and get really good at it?

106. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 107. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 108. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister’? 109. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 110. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 111. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 112. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 113. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 114. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 115. Do You Believe in Manifesting?

116. Optimism : Is your glass half-empty or half-full? 117. Cursing : Is it ever OK, useful or even healthy to curse? Or is it always inappropriate? 118. Anger Rooms : Do you think places like this are a good idea?

119. What Is Your Reaction to the Days of Protest That Followed the Death of George Floyd? 120. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 121. Is America ‘Backsliding’ on Race? 122. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 123. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 124. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 125. Is Fear of ‘The Other’ Poisoning Public Life? 126. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 127. What Should #MeToo Mean for Teenage Boys? 128. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 129. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 130. What Is Hard About Being a Boy?

131. Fashion-Show Diversity : What other industries or aspects of life need more diversity? 132. A Town’s New Seal : Why do you think Whitesboro, N.Y., decided to change its seal? 133. Gender Expectations : Do you ever find gender expectations or norms confining? 134. Women’s History Month : What does this holiday mean to you? 135. Boys and Men : What does it mean to “be a man”? 136. Women in Movies : Should some movies dominated by male actors be remade with largely female casts? 137. Unisex Clothing : Should clothing labeling be unisex? 138. Feminism : Do you consider yourself a feminist? 139. Gender and ‘Genderless’ : Do you think that gender is binary?

140. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 141. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 142. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 143. What Role Should Celebrities Have During the Coronavirus Crisis? 144. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 145. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off-Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? 146. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 147. Should Graffiti Be Protected? 148. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the Experience of Art? 149. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital Age? 150. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 151. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 152. What Stereotypical Characters Make You Cringe? 153. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? 154. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 155. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 156. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Reading It? 157. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate?

158. Hologram Musicians : Which departed artists would you like to see perform live? 159. Movie Theaters : In the age of digital streaming, are movie theaters still relevant? 160. ‘The Image of the Revolution’ : What is it about this photograph that makes it so powerful? 161. Book Covers : What are your favorite book covers? Why? 162. Fashion Trends : What are your favorite fashion trends? What trends do you hate? 163. Fashion Comebacks : What trends from the past would you like to see revived? 164. Murals : Can art be an act of resistance? 165. An 18-Karat Throne : Is this art? 166. A Hug Seen Around the World : Why do you think this image became so popular so quickly? 167. The Role of Public Broadcasting : Do you think programs like “Sesame Street” make the U.S. smarter, stronger and safer? 168. Best Books? : What have you read and loved this year?

169. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Compete in the Same League? 170. Should College Athletes Be Paid? 171. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 172. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Extreme Mountain Climbing? 173. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 174. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? 175. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 176. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 177. Does Better Sports Equipment Unfairly Improve Athletic Ability? 178. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures?

179. Brady’s Big Move : How do you feel about Tom Brady leaving the Patriots? 180. Tiger Woods Wins : What are the greatest comebacks in history? 181. Referees : Do sports officials deserve more respect? 182. $430 Million Deal : Is any athlete worth that amount of money? 183. Super Bowl Commercials : Was it smart for advertisers to steer clear of controversy in 2019? 184. Champions : What team in any sport would you like to see win a championship? 185. The Outspoken N.B.A. : Should all sports leagues treat political speech as a right for their players? 186. Gymnastics on Horseback : What is the world’s most difficult sport? 187. Tackle Football : Should children under the age of 12 play tackle football, in your opinion? 188. Breakdancing : Should dance be an Olympic event? 189. Coed Sports : Do you think women and men should compete against each other in sports? 190. Super Bowl Halftime Performer : Whom would you choose to perform at the Super Bowl, and why? 191. Colin Kaepernick’s Protest : What do you think of this protest?

192. Should Parents Track Their Children? 193. Who Should Decide Whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 194. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 195. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 196. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 197. What Should We Call Your Generation? 198. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 199. What’s the Best Way to Discipline Children? 200. What Are Your Thoughts on ‘Snowplow Parents’? 201. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 202. When Do You Become an Adult?

203. Household Chores : Do you think children should help out around the house? 204. Spy Cams : Should parents use smart devices to keep tabs on their children when they’re home alone? 205. Adults With Rainbow Hair : Are there some trends adults just should not try? 206. Parenting Skills : Should parents say “no” more often when their children ask for new things?

207. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 208. What Makes a Great Leader? 209. Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times? 210. Is It Immoral to Increase the Price of Goods During a Crisis? 211. Would You Allow an Ex-Prisoner to Live With You? 212. Would You Return a Lost Wallet? (What if It Had Lots of Money in It?) 213. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 214. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 215. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 216. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art? 217. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 218. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 219. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 220. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 221. Is It OK to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 222. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 223. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don’t Keep Up With the News? 224. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 225. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 226. Should We Treat Robots Like People?

227. World’s Big Sleep Out : What lengths would you go to in support of a worthy cause? 228. Tipping : Do you leave a tip whenever you’re asked to? 229. Cash Reward : Should you accept a cash reward for doing the right thing? 230. Cheating : Would you tell if you caught your classmates cheating? 231. Do Not Resuscitate : Should doctors have tried to revive this man? 232. Hitler and History : Should the bunker where Hitler killed himself be a tourist attraction? 233. Solving Global Problems : As the head of a global foundation, what problem would you solve?

234. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 235. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 236. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 237. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 238. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 239. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 240. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 241. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 242. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 243. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 244. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 245. Should We All Be Able to Vote by Mail? 246. What Issues in the 2020 Presidential Race Are Most Important to You? 247. Do You Think the American Dream Is Real? 248. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned Everywhere? 249. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 250. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers to Participate in Political Activism? 251. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 252. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns and Gun Violence? 253. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or Remain in Place? 254. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal Rights Amendment? 255. Should National Monuments Be Protected by the Government? 256. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self Expression That Discriminates? 257. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? 258. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 259. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 260. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? 261. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style Semiautomatic Weapons? 262. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral College? 263. What Do You Think of President Trump’s Use of Twitter? 264. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? 265. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other? 266. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues?

267. Government Buildings : Should they all look like the Lincoln Memorial? 268. Oprah for President : Would you vote for her if you could? 269. Peaceful Protesting : In what ways can you demonstrate peacefully to express your views? 270. Student Climate Strikes : What issues do you think deserve more attention? 271. Pennies : Should the United States get rid of the penny? 272. Mandatory Voting? : Should citizens who are 18 or older be required to vote? 273. Dabbing in Congress : Should this teenager have dabbed in his father’s official swearing-in photo? 274. Baby Bonds : Should the government give money to babies?

275. We Document Life’s Milestones. How Should We Document Death? 276. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 277. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 278. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 279. How Do You Decide What News to Believe, What to Question and What to Dismiss? 280. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 281. Should Public Transit Be Free? 282. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 283. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 284. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend? 285. What Do You Think of the #WalkUpNotOut Movement?

286. Teenage Drivers : What do you think of Georgia’s decision to issue driver’s licenses without road tests? 287. Snow Days : How do you feel about winter weather? 288. Fortune Tellers : Do you believe in psychics? 289. Big City, Small Town : Which would you rather live in? Why? 290. Game Show Winner : Would you ever want to be a contestant on a game show? 291. Fast-Food Buffet : Is this the feast of your dreams or your nightmares? 292. Public Libraries : Are libraries still relevant and important today? 293. Trans Fats : Should trans fats be banned around the world? 294. Dolls : If you could have your favorite toy company make a doll of someone, who would it be and why? 295. Creepy Clowns : How do you feel about clowns? 296. Tattoos : How do you feel about tattooing in general? 297. Brushing Beagle : What are the best dog breeds, in your opinion? 298. U.F.O.s : Do you believe that U.F.O.s are signs of alien life? 299. Small Talk : Do you have the gift of gab? 300. Lottery Winnings : Would you want to win the lottery? Why or why not?

50 Mindblowing Argumentive Essay Topics for Middle School

Don’t you think middle schoolers are very good at debates and discussions? This is their time to use their brain cells on the things that have a bigger impact on the world. This is the time when they should be given valid topics to do healthy debates and be argumentative among themselves over each other’s points.

Such activities enhance their way of thinking and expand their outlook on bigger problems that are affecting people on a larger scale. We, as their mentors, should give them real points to present their arguments on! We must present sensible topics in front of them to brainstorm about!

Sometimes we, elders, also get off topic and get starstruck at the thought process of our young minds. It is truly sensational to watch them brainstorm and debate about real-life argumentative topics that are highly impactful on a worldwide level.

Importance of Choosing the Right Topic

Choosing the right topic for an essay is as important as writing an essay. Before writing an essay, you should know what you are writing about and how you are going to write it. Essays are less about how you write and more about what you write. The major element of an essay is the argumentative topic that your choose to write on. The debates and discussions that arise from the topic that you choose to write about are what truly engage the readers or listeners. So, make sure you offer amazing argumentative topics for your students to write and speak about. Here are the three key benefits that you get from a good and efficiently chosen topic for an argumentative essay.

1. Speeds Up The Process

Choosing a topic for your essay can speed up your process of writing and framing it. How? Once you choose a topic of your choice and you know the connectivity of your thoughts with that topic, you will know your path. We need to know the path where we want to walk to reach our destination. If we don’t know the path, then we will end up reaching no man’s land. This is a benefit that you get by choosing a topic for your essay before you begin to brainstorm about diverse topics.

2. Insurance of Maximum Marks

The purpose of writing on argumentative topics is that it helps you cater to the information from various sites and guides, which increases your thinking capabilities. The reason why schools and colleges take argumentative topics to give to their students is that such topics make students think to their highest capacity to be able to stand out with their exceptional thoughts among their colleagues. Such topics not just let a student have a broader mindset, but they also start to think about real-world problems and how to be a part of solving and brainstorming about them. Hence, adding argumentative topics to their essay is surely going to enhance the marks of your students.

3. Imparts Better Learning

The ultimate profit of choosing the right and definite topic for your argumentative essay is that it lets you think deeper about it. You will have enough time to dig deeper into the facts and brainstorm everything you read before you add it to your content. Not just this, but it might also open many doors in your mind regardless of writing it only for marks. Writing an essay is much wider than just gaining marks, and students will surely understand this once they cater an interest in the topic they are writing about!

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

Topics that enhance the thinking capacity of your students are going to be the best ones. Topics that are relatable and knowledgeable enough to make your students think more and from more than one perspective. That is what we call a perfect argumentative topic.

1. Should Students Have Homework on Weekends?

This topic is surely going to set a good environment for discussions and debates in your class among your students. The good part about this topic is that you, as a teacher, are going to get diverse perspectives about homework from all the students in your class. Whereas talking about the students, you all are going to get a good chance to express your view on homework given for weekends.

2. Government Should Dictate What You Get for School Lunch

Well, this topic is going to bring out many arguments. As a teacher, you are going to enjoy the healthy arguments for and against it as well as are going to get confused about which side you should be. As a student, this session is surely going to bring out your opinions about mid-day meals.

3. Should Cell Phones Be Allowed at School?

In this digital era, it is quite difficult to keep children away from it. At such a time, this topic might bring all the student committees together to allow mobile phones at school, whereas it might make teachers stand against the students. Well, it is surely going to be super-exciting.

4. Should Exotic Animals Be Kept in Captivity?

One of those thought-provoking topics where the thinking seems like coming to the edge. Should exotic animals be kept in captivity, or should they be set free to live in their habitat? Yes, it is sure a serious topic to think about and discuss. I think this is one of my favorite ones.

5. Should There Be Harsher Punishments for The Person Bullying?

Bullying has always been one of the serious problems at school for kids. Especially as they hit puberty, it increases and doesn’t seem to end too early. Many kids are the victims of bullying and its horrible after-effects that even lead to depression and anxiety. This is surely going to be a touchy topic with a good moral values session.

6. Video Games Violating People Being Violent in Real Life or Not?

We have always heard and even witnessed that whatever we spend more time in, we slowly-slowly become like that. Does that also apply to the games? Especially the games that are violent and contain killing and taking lives and having pleasure from them? And because of such games, is it possible for such people to get that pleasure from killing in real life as well?

7. Is It Fair for Minorities to Receive Special Treatment?

Minorities are truly considered those whose rights need to be protected by the government itself because they are less in number enough to stand against the majority. But is it needed even in today’s time when everybody has achieved equal rights? Well, this topic is surely going to bring a lot of for and against debates and discussions to the classroom.

8. Do Reality TV Shows Accurately Depict Real Life?

Children and even adults have always been attracted to reality shows because they think it is literally what it means to be a “reality show.” But the question is, Is it so? This topic is one of those topics that is going to help someone bring reality to light and someone to get a reality check of it.

9. Should Parents Monitor Their Children’s Internet Usage?

Parents often have such questions in their minds, like, what are their kids watching for so long? What is keeping them so occupied on the phone? What their kids must be watching on the internet? What if their kids are under some bad influence? What if they are watching something they shouldn’t? And many more things. We will get a see-through of kids’ perspective on this through this topic.

10. Is It Okay for Parents to Check Their Ward’s Devices?

Here we have again such a topic that comes to screen time information about children. This topic is going to be very helpful for both kids and parents to be able to understand each other properly and in a better way. I think such topics where we get to hear from children themselves what they think about parents’ certain actions help a lot in parent-child understanding.

11. Do Cultures Unite Us, or Do They Divide Instead?

For a lifetime, we see and live around people with diverse cultures and beliefs. This topic is going to let us know what children think and what opinions they have about living around different cultures. Does it feel good or kind of weird? With that, this session can be wrapped up with a good moral teaching of acceptance and respect for each other.

12. Is Climate Change Real, and Is It Happening?

This is one of those real problems that need to be taken care of! Children need exposure to such real-world issues that most people ignore. Being so busy today that we are forgetting what we are destroying for tomorrow. In my opinion, such topics are a must-have in essay and debate sessions because it helps students think wider than they can.

13. Will the Changing Environment Change Human Physiology?

We all are well aware of how human physiology has changed over time with the changes in the planet. Evolution has always shown its proof of being unstoppable. By putting light on this topic, students are going to learn the wider aspect of geography and can get wider knowledge about human geography. Through this, they can bring predictable points for the arguments in this session.

14. Humans are the Biggest Threat to The Environment, Is It?

We, humans, love what we have, and so we do our all to keep it all forever with us. But in all this, are we becoming the monsters who are killing their beautiful mother earth? Are we doing injustice to the environment and this planet? Or is it just the physiological change that was destined to come itself? This is surely going to be a super thought-provoking session for the class, and many are surely going to feel guilty for their littlest actions.

15. Do Lab Rats Have Rights?

Are rats just mere experimental toys? Don’t they have any right to live? Can’t they live without the fear of being caught and sent to the labs for experiments? Do they deserve such horrible deaths and cursed life? Well, this topic is going to be a mix of practical, logical, and emotional arguments. So, as a teacher, you better get ready on which side you are going to stand.

16. The Importance of Protecting Endangered Animals

Animals that are soon going to get extinct, and our kids won’t ever be able to know their actual appearance except for in books. Why is this topic still in ignorance, and no one debates about it on big platforms? We all love to be called as animal-lovers, but are we an animal-lover or just dog or cat lovers? Let this topic be free in your classroom to be discussed by young minds.

17. Is Animal Testing Justified?

Is it justified to test every other thing on animals? Are they just mere experimental toys for the sake of the lives of us humans? From when did we become so selfish? Is science all about humans and not about animals? Although we know we all are nothing without the existence of each other. Then why does it keep happening? Set these questions free to go to your student’s minds.

18. The Challenges and Benefits of Remote Education

Ever since the pandemic hit us, we have transformed many things and have discovered many new ways of convenience. In the field of education, schools, and colleges switched to online mode from offline. Now the question arises is online mode a better doorway to education for kids? Or was it better the way it was? Well, we are going to get the right answer from the learners themselves!

19. Has Education Become Just a Piece of Paper with a Degree?

Are we getting educated to gain knowledge, or is it just the degree that we are running behind? Why is there so much value in a child who tops and not the one who fails to grasp it all? Education is for knowledge, or is it for just getting a piece of paper that proves that we are deserving of what we want? Get this from young minds, and they won’t disappoint you.

20. Discuss the Risks of Unemployment Due to The Global Pandemic

We all know how the global pandemic has affected almost all sectors, from agriculture to businesses, from education to jobs, and many more. In that case, making students discuss unemployment due to the global pandemic is going to enhance their understanding of the real world.

21. how Are We Dealing with Global Poverty?

Poverty has become one of the crucial topics to be discussed. How people face critically difficult times managing at least one day a meal, and how it is becoming critical for them to manage a living for themselves. All these things need to be discussed by putting forward such topics.

22. Measures Should Be Taken in Households for Energy Conservation

As we say, “Charity begins at home.” It all starts with where we live and what we do as an individual. This topic is going to make your students discuss how they can save energy starting from their homes and can make a huge difference as an individual.

23. The Rising Political Polarization in The US

Politics is a topic that is lately losing its area of interest in young minds. It seems to become so fussy nowadays that kids tend to run away from these topics. At such a time, the teachers need to bring forward and put this topic as a task to argue about them, which will further make them research it.

24. Do Participation Trophies Have Value

The one who wins gets the trophy as a token of their great win and excellence, but what about those who showed the courage to participate and made that competition worth it? If the participants will also get trophies, then what is special about being a winner? Well, that is a tough choice to choose between. Which side are you going to stand for?

25. What Issue Should Lawmakers Be Most Concerned About?

Which issue, according to our young brains, should be put forward by the lawmakers first by keeping the others aside? What is in their mind regarding the law-making body and the processes? It is thoroughly important to understand their views on this topic and how they are going to write an argumentative essay on it.

26. Side Effects of Cigarettes, Should They Be Banned?

Cigarettes! No doubt the box itself says that they should not be used. The box itself says that you are paying to go close to your death by your own choice. Then too, why are people so much into it? Why do they want to die so early with pain? And why is it still a debate to make them outlawed? Is there something left that can be brought in their favor strong enough to be outlawed? Let us hear it from our brainy generations!

27. Do Celebrities Have the Right to Privacy or Not?

If someone chooses to glamour the enter world, then is it crucial for them to leave their private space and right to privacy behind? Can’t they have their own personal life and personal space? Or have they given the right to the public to intrude in their privacy by their choice? Let us see the opinions of our young minds on it.

28. Are School Uniforms a Good Idea?

School uniforms are not there in some schools, whereas, in some of them, they are a part of their unforgettable legacy. In that case, is it good to keep the school uniforms or might not be perfect according to some people’s dressing style? Well, let us get to hear it from the wearers themselves. Maybe that is going to end this debate.

29. Do Beauty Pageants Objectify the Participants?

Beauty pageants have always been a part of controversial conversations in the glamour world. But do they do justice to their participants? Or do they just reject the ones who don’t seem perfect in their parameters? Is it all just for show, or is it really what gives wings to the forgotten beauties? This is surely going to cover a lot of illusions for many students.

30. Lying Politicians Should be Punished or Not?

This topic is going to enhance their interest in politics and rights and bring alterations to some wrong-made rules. Every student needs to know the correct rights and laws. Hence, they must know the difference between the laws and privileges.

Well, these were some highly discussed topics that make amazing argumentative topics. We have tried to put in discussable points in these top 30 argumentative essay topics that we hope are surely going to help your students enhance their writing and speaking skills. Along with writing and speaking skills, it is also very important to do a good amount of research and think by going out of their comfort zone, which is surely going to make them brilliant writers and speakers. Below we have listed 20 further argumentative essay topics that contain such fields but with a wider sense of thinking.

Other Diverse Argumentative Essay Topics

• Is too much homework harmful, helpful, or both?
• Is access to a needed medical treatment a basic human right?
• Is milk terrible or suitable for you?
• Parents should be responsible for childhood obesity. Agree or Disagree?
• Wind farms are a good or a bad idea. Explain why?
• What do you think is the perfect age to start using social media platforms?
• Do you believe that a college education is necessary for everyone?
• Do you think the act of cloning DNA brings forth a moral issue?
• Should the government have more strict gun control policies?
• From what age should children start helping and learning about home chores?
• Do electronic voting machines make the electoral procedure fairer or unfair?
• Should there be any alteration in the voting age? Yes or No? If yes, then should it be lowered or raised?
• Should bottled water be banned?
• Should excellent grades guarantee a scholarship?
• Should schools have better security than they have today?
• Has Artificial Intelligence gone too far?
• Is the time for Artificial Intelligence to rule over Human Intelligence coming close?
• Should public education at the college level be tuition-free?
• Should Government have the right to declare which news is a fact and which one is fake?
• Are we using non-exhaustible renewable resources properly, or are we still far away from having a sustainable world?

Structure of An Argumentative Essay

After choosing a topic for your essay, it is important to write about it in the correct structure. Argumentative essays are ones that not just have to deal with the simple content language but also the topics that prove the points you are claiming. There are many types of argumentative essays, like persuasive essays, analytical papers, research papers, and so on, but they all have one common thing, and that is their structures!

1. Introduction/Opening

This is where you start to put an impactful effect through your writing in the introduction. Your introduction can start with a question that can be a hook for maintaining the excitement of your argumentative essay. The hook can be an exclamatory sentence, a question sentence, or can be an assertive sentence as well. All you have to do is bridge your introduction with the main body by maintaining the thrill of your content.

2. Main Body

This part of your essay must have all the arguments and supportive statements for them. Every statement of yours should be concisely explained in this part of your essay. You can either allocate each argument in a different paragraph or can put all of them in points in one single paragraph. You must explain your argument properly with proof, references, and citations. Even though you have a good word limit in essays but try to keep it concise and to point with sharp and straightforward arguments and proof.

3. Conclusion/Closing

Here comes another important part of your essay. This part is the last part of your essay and hence should have a good closing paragraph. This portion should have a takeaway message for all the readers what is the end product of all those arguments? It also must have the connective explanations summarized at the end for the readers. This will have a good impact on them. Many students make mistakes by taking this section very lightly because they think they have done a huge part in the introduction and main body, but all these three parts have their individual and equally important roles.

So, make sure you provide justice to all three sections of your argumentative essay properly by keeping none of them in negligence.

Summing It Up

All in all, we hope that you might have got your guide for writing a good argumentative essay. There is a lot more to discover and put into this segment of writing and speaking. Students need to cover a lot of areas like general knowledge, general way of writing, a go-to structure for versatile writing, and much more to be able to write as many topics as they get to do. Talking about middle school, the stage is more formative, and it requires learning and good research to be able to write good quality content in their essays.

This blog has covered topics ranging from school, parental topics, government, animals, climate, sports, and much more. We hope that you will find topics versatile enough to practice your writing skills and ace it!

Jonathan Green is an esteemed Education Specialist with an impressive track record. He holds a Master's degree in Education alongside bearing expertise in Child Psychology. He began his career as a special education teacher, gaining insights into diverse learning needs. His previous experience includes leading teacher training programs and authoring several papers on early childhood education. His extensive experience is reflected in his insightful articles and webinars. Outside of his professional life, Jonathan is an enthusiastic gardener and a volunteer at local community education centers.

35 Animal Names that Start with T

45 Math Activities for Preschoolers & Toddlers for Fun

Related posts.

Revolutionizing the Classroom: How Digital Books are Changing the Way We Learn

Top 4 Oldest Universities In Europe

Effective School Management System: Essential Features for Educational Success

The Expatriates’ Guide to the Abu Dhabi Education System

Qasr Al Watan: A Treasure Trove of Valuable Knowledge and Artefacts

4 Ways to Help Your Teen Balance Their Academics and Extracurricular Activities

Write a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Child Development
• DIY Crafts & Projects
• Learning Games
• Indoor & Outdoor Activities
• Party Games
• Party Ideas
• Book Recommendations
• Educational Insights
• Art & Painting
• Sensory & STEM Activities

50+ Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

Table of Contents

Searching argumentative essay topics.

Argumentative essay writing is a tough task. It requires balancing different element of a specific type of writing in a way that the sum of the parts become more than the worth of each part combined. Argumentative essays seek to question a phenomenon through argumentation and then strengthen those arguments and postulates through evidence and proof.

The same thing becomes harder for students in middle schools because they do not have the skills and tools to write excellent argumentative essays. Many times, teachers provide the topic. Other times, students need to come up with one on their own. That’s why this blog post is dedicated to helping students find the right topic for their essays.

Importance of Choosing The Right Topic

This heading can be misleading if you ask a professor. It is because choosing the perfect topic not only speeds up the process, there is no process without choosing the topic first. Students need to explore different issues before settling down on one and then explore it further to ensure everything stays on track. Outlining comes hand in hand with choosing the topic and research. In a nutshell, you will have a much better shot at starting the process when you have a topic.

The purpose of writing argumentative essays in schools and colleges is to gauge the writing and researching capabilities of the students. Teachers award marks and grades based on the outputs of the essays. Since students are always looking for higher scores and better grades to improve their odds for honors, this step in writing essays is a game changer. In addition to better grades, students can impress their instructors and peers with exceptional quality.

The ultimate benefit of choosing the right topic is to get a chance of investigating and learning something more deeply. Since argumentative essays require a lot of research and in-depth analysis to ensure only the right information ends up on the paper. That’s why students who invest their time in learning the art and craft of essay writing end up with better grades, leading to better college and professional opportunities. It all started with selecting the right topics to write on.

Excellent Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School Students

This is the heart and soul of this blog. We have divided the section further into headings with different areas of focus. This will help students pick the topics that they are most interested in or want to explore deeper to learn more for securing maximum marks.

No matter what their intentions are, they can choose the argumentative essay topic from the list. Also, they can modify it to add focus and relevant depth to it.

Argument Essay Topics about School

School is where all the learning and teaching take place. Students always find a connection with schools, especially middle and high schools where they meet people and forge relationships at a very impressionable age. Writing argumentative essays about school and its policies is a great way to take a look at things critically and provide insights. 

• Why is allowing cell phones in schools a bad idea?
• Why should bullies be punished in schools?
• The real value and application of diversity in schools
• Giving homework to students on weekends should be banned
• Governments dictating school lunch is a bad idea
• Should cigarettes be banned in public spaces?
• Why is gym class compulsory in schools?
• Should schools have uniforms or not?
• Is online school equal to in-person school?
• Doing art and crafts in schools?
• What is the ideal number of students in class?
• Setting school allowances for kids in middle schools
• The use of social media apps in schools should be discouraged

Argument Essay Topics about the Environment

Everything living or non-living constitutes the environment around us. For our existence on this planet, the environment must be our friend. But in recent times, the environment has been badly hit by issues that are affecting it detrimentally. In turn, the prospects of life on earth are getting bleak. Argumentative essays on the environment can contest theories and policies and put forward ideas and solutions to save ourselves from inevitable doom.

• Is the environment saving us or the other way around?
• What is the role of polar ice caps in the health of the environment?
• Can we live with high emissions volume of greenhouse gases?
• What is the global stance on environmental deterioration?
• Can we save the environment by remaining docile to its deteriorating health?
• Taking on big industries for environmental crimes
• Why sustainability is the best option for our survival.
• The role of media in providing awareness to the masses of the environment
• How social media is imparting awareness regarding environmental issues
• Drastic measures to improve the environment quickly
• Will the changing environment change human physiology?
• Can we survive in a hyper-futuristic environment with nothing natural?
• Humans are the biggest threat to the environment
• Does a failing environment mean failing progeny?

Argument Essay Topics about Animals

Animals have been living with us since time immemorial. Many have become more than pets, but family members while others have helped us in our work. Today, animals constitute diverse roles in our societies, from bomb-sniffing dogs to lab rats. Through argumentative essays, we can dig deeper and uncover issues and challenges that both the animals and their associates are facing.

• Allowing pets in middle school classrooms
• Should GMOs become a standard practice in farming?
• Lab rats have rights
• Advancing animal cruelty in cities
• Poaching should be banned
• Animal health is not a child’s play
• Is there a way that animal testing can be justified?
• What do you think of the extent of animal rights?
• The humane treatment of cats and dogs
• The legal status of bullfighting outside Spain
• The importance of protecting endangered animals
• The captivity of exotic animals in flats and condos
• The respect and care of animals in urban areas

Argumentative Essay Topics Around Political Issues

There is no way to get away from politics and society, no matter how much hermit one can be. They are always around us and determine everything our lives will face and endure. Writing argumentative essays on political and social issues is another way to investigate structures and find flaws in them.

• The implications of COVID-19 and other pandemics in the modern world
• The social movements concerning racial and cultural tensions
• Green energy is a controversial issue everywhere
• The militarization of Afghanistan by the US
• The challenges and benefits of remote education
• The environmental challenges at the arctic poles
• Travel restrictions and the future of travel and hospitality
• Risks of global unemployment due to pandemics
• The rising political polarization in the US
• The time does not end for convicts
• How are we dealing with global poverty?
• The bane of discrimination across economic and cultural lines

Structure of An Argumentative Essay

After choosing the right topic, it is necessary to understand the structure and format of an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay covers the arguments regarding a topic. It carries the stance of the writer followed by a string of evidential information to support the position. There are many types of argumentative essays including persuasive essays, analytical papers,  research papers,  and so on, but they all have one common thing – structure!

Introduction/ Opening

This is where the action begins. It starts with a hook to grab readers’ attention. A hook can be a question, a statement, or even a fact that can connect the context or background of the essay with its main premise. In the closing lines of the introduction, writers should put down the thesis to clear their stance and bridge the introductory section with the main body of the argumentative essay.

This is the meat and bones of the argumentative essay when it comes to the contents and the bulk of the essay. It has all the arguments and supporting evidence mentioned clearly and concisely. Usually, writers allocate each paragraph for a single argument and its proofs from references and citations. Even though it has much space for words, it is best to keep things bold and brief.

Conclusion/ Closing

Another important part of an argumentative essay is the conclusion reiterates the main ideas and postulates from the body in compact sentences. This helps readers to get takeaways from the essay without breaking a sweat. Many students make the mistake of winging this section without due effort. This results in a poor conclusion with nothing to show in the closing. This section must have force and vigor for the whole essay.

How to choose the best argumentative essay topic?

There are certain things that you must keep in mind while choosing the best argumentative essay topic in middle school:

• The depth and scope of the essay
• Current trends
• Personal interests
• Application of the topic

What is the level of 8th-grade argumentative essay topics?

Since students in 8th grade do not have enough knowledge and experience of the topics, it is best to keep things at the surface as much as possible. Even this level allows a better understanding and application of the topic.

What are the types of argumentative essays?

There are three major types of argumentative essays based on their contents and scope of focus:

• Persuasive essays
• Analysis essays
• Research papers

How can I choose the best argumentative essay in middle school?

The process of choosing the best argumentative essay may seem daunting at first, but you can cover the bases by understanding the following things:

• What is the purpose of writing the essay?
• How are you approaching the problem?
• What is the application of ideas discussed in your essay?

Why are some issues better than others to write on?

Some issues are better to write on than others because of their intended scope and reach for scholars. For instance, a personal tragedy can be heartbreaking for many, but it will not yield much value for others. On the other hand, a world war with many individual tragedies combined and political unrest provides better fodder for the essay.

What are the hallmarks of argumentative essays in middle school?

The hallmarks of argumentative essays are as follows:

• The objectivity of approach and content
• Unbiased voice and tone
• Empirical evidence for arguments
• The organized flow of information

Writing Better Argumentative Essays

The strive for writing and editing better continues. Students need to cover a lot of ground before being able to write on topics as varied as they can. In middle school, the stage is formative and it requires much learning and research before even selecting a suitable topic. This blog has covered topics ranging from sports to politics, and more. We hope that students will find them enough to pick one for their argumentative essay in middle school.

Free Features For You

Related articles.

How To Write A Short Essay Read More »

How To Write a Informative Essay Read More »

How Many Words is a Perfect Essay? Read More »

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

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.

Find this useful?

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

●  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!

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

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

2-minute read

How to Cite the CDC in APA

If you’re writing about health issues, you might need to reference the Centers for Disease...

5-minute read

Six Product Description Generator Tools for Your Product Copy

Introduction If you’re involved with ecommerce, you’re likely familiar with the often painstaking process of...

3-minute read

What Is a Content Editor?

Are you interested in learning more about the role of a content editor and the...

The Benefits of Using an Online Proofreading Service

Proofreading is important to ensure your writing is clear and concise for your readers. Whether...

6 Online AI Presentation Maker Tools

Creating presentations can be time-consuming and frustrating. Trying to construct a visually appealing and informative...

What Is Market Research?

No matter your industry, conducting market research helps you keep up to date with shifting...

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

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 take a position on 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.

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 that 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 to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible 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, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   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 our election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Do we 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)?
• Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
• 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?
• Are girls too mean to each other?
• 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?
• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
• Controversial Speech Topics
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
• 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
• Topic In Composition and Speech
• MBA Essay Tips
• How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
• High School Debate Topics
• 61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing
• 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
• Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
• 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
• Middle School Debate Topics

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

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:

Can We Write Your Speech?

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

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?

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?

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

Leave a Comment

I accept the Privacy Policy

Reach out to us for sponsorship opportunities

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

© 2024 My Speech Class

• Words with Friends Cheat
• Wordle Solver
• Word Unscrambler
• Scrabble Dictionary
• Anagram Solver
• Wordscapes Answers

Make Our Dictionary Yours

Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get:

• Grammar and writing tips
• Fun language articles
• #WordOfTheDay and quizzes

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

We'll see you in your inbox soon.

120+ Strong Argumentative Essay Topics

• DESCRIPTION Strong Argumentative Essay Topic Examples
• SOURCE Background: Tolchik / iStock / Getty Images Plus
• PERMISSION Used under Getty Images license

A great argumentative essay topic is one that sparks your interest and offers plenty of room for persuasive writing. Essentially, the 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 people with a new opinion, a new perspective and a new appreciation of your writing skills.

Argumentative Essay Hot Topics

These top 10 hot topics for argumentative essays are sure to stir up a fire. Remember, you don't have to agree with the position you take to craft a winning argument, but you do have to make solid, logical arguments backed up by credible sources .

• Should abortion be banned?
• Should animal testing be stopped?
• Is the #metoo movement a good thing?
• Should manufacturers be responsible for the effects of the chemicals used in the creation of their products?
• Should illegal immigrants be granted residency?
• Is there a fake news problem? What is the source?
• Does "big pharma" have people’s best interests at heart?
• Is the death penalty a just punishment?
• Are there moral concerns that should make genetic cloning illegal?
• What should people do to stop human trafficking?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Politics

Need more topics? Politics has always produced debates amongst even the most loving of friends and family. Look around the world right now, and you'll see political divisions deepening. Here are some interesting topics for exploration. Allow these argumentative essay writing tips to help you pull all your thoughts together into one, cohesive presentation.

• Which political party has the right ideology?
• What should be done to reduce income inequality?
• Is paying down the national deficit the most important issue of our time?
• Does the Federal Reserve need to stop printing money because it's creating an unsustainable bubble?
• Is capitalism the best economic system?
• Is socialism the best economic system?
• Is America ready for a female president?
• Should an elected leader represent the interests of his or her own political party, or is it better to try to compromise?
• What recent political decision has created the most change?
• Does campaign finance reform work?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

You can also choose an argumentative essay topic about society. Many people live according to their own moral code . Whether it's based on religion, philosophy or individual interests, everyone has a code of sorts. Consider what you might want to argue, from this list or your own personal experience with life.

Once an idea starts to take shape in your head, it's time to formulate your argumentative essay outline using the enclosed sample as a template for your inarguable stance.

• When will LGTBQ individuals experience equality?
• Is healthcare a basic human right?
• Should TV censor explicit content because programmers have an obligation to produce family-friendly programming?
• Social media simultaneously draws us together and pulls us apart; does the good outweigh the bad or vice versa?
• Is a gap year precious time for exploration and reflection or a year-long vacation?
• Some states have begun to decriminalize the possession of certain drugs like marijuana; is this a good idea?
• Equality is part of lawmaking, but does it work in practice?
• Should people have the right to own a gun?
• In cases of terminal illness, should a patient be able to request medically-assisted suicide?
• Should smoking be illegal?
• What is the best way to encourage positive conversation about contentious issues?

Argumentative Essay Topics About History

If you’re studying history or simply enjoy it as a subject, you can find plenty of great argumentative essay topics about this subject. Try one of the following.

• Many people think we should learn from the past, but there are sometimes patterns in history. Do you think history repeats itself?
• How did the United States Civil War make the country better or worse?
• Thomas Jefferson made significant contributions to the founding of America, both as a writer and a politician. However, he didn’t live a perfect life. Was he a hero?
• Does our modern perspective change the “truth” of what happened during major historical events?
• Pick a past decade and discuss if immigrants and lower socio-economic classes had opportunities at that time.
• America was reluctant to get involved in World War I, and when they did, many American soldiers lost their lives. Was this a necessary war for America?
• How did the treatment of Native Americans leave a moral stain on the United States?
• Slavery was a fundamental part of the American colonies and later, the United States. How did this injustice change the country?
• What factors contributed to the rise of Naziism in Germany and to the Holocaust? How can these horrors be avoided in the future?
• The plague decimated the population of Europe and changed the course of history. What was its biggest impact?

More Argumentative Essay Topics for Every Age

Writing an argumentative essay is a great exercise, whether students are in elementary school, middle school, high school, or college. The key is finding topics that interest students and inspire passionate debate. These are some strong topics for every age group.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids in Elementary School

The following topics are perfect for elementary school students.

• Should there be commercials in children’s programs?
• Does homework help kids learn?
• Should school go year-round?
• How can school be fairer for kids from different backgrounds?
• Do schools treat boys and girls the same way?
• Should parents limit screen time?
• Should school start before eight o’clock in the morning?
• Should kids be able to vote in national elections?
• Is it better to read fiction or nonfiction?
• Is it better for kids to have distance-learning or be in school?
• Do parents treat all their children the same way, or do they treat the oldest and youngest differently?
• Should kids have the same teacher every year or switch teachers each year?
• Should video games be a sport?
• Are schools doing enough to stop bullying?
• Should kids have homework on weekends?
• Is it better if three generations of a family live together?
• Are hot dogs bad for you?
• Should school lunch include vegetables, even if some kids don’t like them?
• Are the rules at school fair?
• Is it okay to eat dessert before dinner?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

Middle schoolers are becoming more aware of society and the culture around them. These argumentative essay topics are perfect for this age group.

• Should middle schoolers have jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns?
• Are beauty pageants a good idea?
• Are violent video games bad?
• Should parents be able to say whether kids can dye their hair?
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Do middle schoolers have too much homework?
• Should teachers get paid more?
• Is life more challenging for your generation or your parents’?
• Why is your favorite musician better than anyone else?
• Should kids read age-appropriate books, or is it okay to read grown-up books?
• Should there be ratings (like G, PG, and R) for movies?
• Is it better to ride the bus or walk to school?
• Is school lunch good for kids?
• Do you think an hour of reading or an hour of exercising is more beneficial?
• Should gym class be required?
• Should kids get paid for getting good grades?
• Is it better to have class over the computer or in person?
• Is cyberbullying as big a problem as in-person bullying?
• Should all cars be electric?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

By high school, students should be able to craft a detailed argumentative essay if they have the right topic. These ideas will get high school students inspired.

• Should people be allowed to burn the flag?
• Should parents get in trouble for truancy if kids don’t go to school?
• Is social media bad for relationships?
• Should companies be required to hire a diverse staff?
• Are women and men treated equally in your society?
• Should the minimum wage be raised?
• Should every student go to college?
• Is climate change a real threat?
• Are wind farms a benefit to the environment and economy?
• Should people be allowed to wear fur coats?
• Is it a bad idea to sample your DNA for genealogy?
• Should parents be able to say they don’t want medical treatment for their kids?
• Is the United States falling behind other countries in terms of education?
• Do the actions of a country’s leader influence the actions of the people?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Should schools be required to offer art courses?
• Should all new cars be electric?
• Will artificial intelligence help the world or hurt it?
• Should high school students work during the school year?
• Are there forms of personal expression that shouldn’t be allowed in schools?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

College students need argumentative essay topics that offer room to really build a strong argument and support it with research. These are some ideas.

• Are men and women equally emotional?
• Are printed books better than e-readers?
• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
• Should college be free of charge?
• Should beauty standards be more inclusive?
• Are all college majors equally important?
• Is social media bad for children?
• Has technology changed our definition of magic?
• Is it worth exploring space?
• Should all internships be paid?
• Should income be tied to the cost of a degree?
• Is climate change the most serious threat to the world?
• Is feminism still important?
• Has society made the necessary reparations for slavery?
• Should elections be decided by popular vote?
• Are all people entitled to free health care?
• Do anti-discrimination laws do enough to protect disabled students?
• Is a degree from an online college as legitimate as a degree from a brick-and-mortar school?
• Is it a conflict of interest for a professor to require students to purchase his book?

Artful Argumentation

These argumentative essay topic ideas should offer plenty of inspiration. Argumentative essays are so much fun because you not only have to take a firm stance but also rebut the opposing viewpoint. Addressing a potential rebuttal from the opposition will make your argument stronger. It demonstrates you're not blind to the issue and are prepared to stand strong.

The closest kin to the argumentative essay is the persuasive essay. If you're assigned such a task, take a look at persuasive essay writing made easy . It'll walk you through each and every step to success.

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:

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.

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 […]

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

What’s covered:, how to pick a good argumentative essay topic, elements of a strong argumentative essay, argumentative essay idea example topics.

Are you having writer’s block? Coming up with an essay topic can be the hardest part of the process. You have very likely encountered argumentative essay writing in high school and have been asked to write your own. If you’re having trouble finding a topic, we’ve created a list of 52 essay ideas to help jumpstart your brainstorming process! In addition, this post will cover strategies for picking a topic and how to make your argument a strong one. Ultimately, the goal is to convince your reader. 

An argumentative essay tasks the writer with presenting an assertion and bolstering that assertion with proper research. You’ll present the claim’s authenticity. This means that whatever argument you’re making must be empirically true! Writing an argumentative essay without any evidence will leave you stranded without any facts to back up your claim. When choosing your essay topic, begin by thinking about themes that have been researched before. Readers will be more engaged with an argument that is supported by data.

This isn’t to say that your argumentative essay topic has to be as well-known, like “Gravity: Does it Exist?” but it shouldn’t be so obscure that there isn’t ample evidence. Finding a topic with multiple sources confirming its validity will help you support your thesis throughout your essay. If upon review of these articles you begin to doubt their worth due to small sample sizes, biased funding sources, or scientific disintegrity, don’t be afraid to move on to a different topic. Your ultimate goal should be proving to your audience that your argument is true because the data supports it.

The hardest essays to write are the ones that you don’t care about. If you don’t care about your topic, why should someone else? Topics that are more personal to the reader are immediately more thoughtful and meaningful because the author’s passion shines through. If you are free to choose an argumentative essay topic, find a topic where the papers you read and cite are fun to read. It’s much easier to write when the passion is already inside of you!

However, you won’t always have the choice to pick your topic. You may receive an assignment to write an argumentative essay that you feel is boring. There is still value in writing an argumentative essay on a topic that may not be of interest to you. It will push you to study a new topic, and broaden your ability to write on a variety of topics. Getting good at proving a point thoroughly and effectively will help you to both understand different fields more completely and increase your comfort with scientific writing.

Convincing Thesis Statement

It’s important to remember the general essay structure: an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A strong thesis statement will set your essay up for success. What is it? A succinct, concise, and pithy sentence found in your first paragraph that summarizes your main point. Pour over this statement to ensure that you can set up your reader to understand your essay. You should also restate your thesis throughout your essay to keep your reader focused on your point.

Ample Research

A typical argumentative essay prompt may look like this: “What has been the most important invention of the 21st century? Support your claim with evidence.” This question is open-ended and gives you flexibility. But that also means it requires research to prove your point convincingly. The strongest essays weave scientific quotes and results into your writing. You can use recent articles, primary sources, or news sources. Maybe you even cite your own research. Remember, this process takes time, so be sure you set aside enough time to dive deep into your topic.

Clear Structure

If the reader can’t follow your argument, all your research could be for nothing! Structure is key to persuading your audience. Below are two common argumentative essay structures that you can use to organize your essays.

The Toulmin argument and the Rogerian argument each contain the four sections mentioned above but executes them in different ways. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both essay structures so that your essay is the most effective it can be.

The Toulmin argument has a straightforward presentation. You begin with your assertion, your thesis statement. You then list the evidence that supports your point and why these are valid sources. The bulk of your essay should be explaining how your sources support your claim. You then end your essay by acknowledging and discussing the problems or flaws that readers may find in your presentation. Then, you should list the solutions to these and alternative perspectives and prove your argument is stronger.

The Rogerian argument has a more complex structure. You begin with a discussion of what opposing sides do right and the validity of their arguments. This is effective because it allows you to piece apart your opponent’s argument. The next section contains your position on the questions. In this section, it is important to list problems with your opponent’s argument that your argument fixes. This way, your position feels much stronger. Your essay ends with suggesting a possible compromise between the two sides. A combination of the two sides could be the most effective solution.

• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is our election process fair?
• Is the electoral college outdated?
• Should we have lower taxes?
• How many Supreme Court Justices should there be?
• Should there be different term limits for elected officials?
• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the country legalize marijuana?
• Should the country have tighter gun control laws?
• Should men get paternity leave?
• Should maternity leave be longer?
• Should smoking be banned?
• Should the government have a say in our diet?
• Should birth control be free?
• Should we increase access to condoms for teens?
• Should abortion be legal?
• Do school uniforms help educational attainment?
• Are kids better or worse students than they were ten years ago?
• Should students be allowed to cheat?
• Is school too long?
• Does school start too early?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
• Is summer break still relevant?
• Is college too expensive?

Art / Culture

• How can you reform copyright law?
• What was the best decade for music?
• Do video games cause students to be more violent?
• Should content online be more harshly regulated?
• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should schools ban books?
• How important is art education?
• Should music be taught in school?
• Are music-sharing services helpful to artists?
• What is the best way to teach science in a religious school?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be allowed to modify their unborn children?
• Should vaccinations be required for attending school?
• Are GMOs helpful or harmful?
• Are we too dependent on our phones?
• Should everyone have internet access?
• Should internet access be free?
• Should the police force be required to wear body cams?
• Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
• How has the internet impacted human society?
• Should self-driving cars be allowed on the streets?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Are professional athletes paid too much?
• Should the U.S. have more professional sports teams?
• Should sports be separated by gender?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• What are the best ways to increase safety in sports?

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original argumentative essay ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, what are some good argumentative essay topics for middle schoolers.

My little sister needs help with her middle school essay assignment. She is supposed to write an argumentative essay, but she doesn't know what topic to choose. What are some good argumentative essay topics that are appropriate for middle school students?

It's wonderful that your sister is working on an argumentative essay! These essays can be a great exercise in critical thinking and persuasive writing for middle school students. Here are some age-appropriate topics to consider for her assignment:

1. School uniforms: Should students be required to wear uniforms? Arguments can be made for promoting unity and reducing distractions, or for encouraging individuality and self-expression.

2. Technology in schools: Are devices like tablets and smartphones beneficial or harmful to learning? Students can discuss the pros and cons of using technology in the classroom, such as the access to information versus potential for distraction.

3. Social media: Should there be an age restriction for using social media platforms? The topic can delve into issues like privacy, safety, and the impact of social media on mental health for young people.

4. Homework: Is homework helpful or harmful for students? This topic can generate discussion on the benefits of homework in reinforcing learning and fostering responsibility, or arguments about the potential for excessive workload and stress.

5. Standardized testing: Should standardized testing be a major component of middle school assessments? Students can argue the merits of using these tests to evaluate performance and guide instruction, or address concerns about teaching to the test and the consequences for creativity.

6. School start times: Should middle schools start later in the morning to accommodate the natural sleep patterns of adolescents? This topic can explore the potential benefits to academic performance and wellbeing, as well as logistical challenges that might arise.

7. Extracurricular activities: Do extracurricular activities contribute significantly to students' overall growth and development? Students can discuss the various aspects of personal and social development that come from participating in sports, clubs, or other activities outside the classroom.

8. Animal rights: Should animals be used for scientific research or entertainment purposes, such as in zoos and circuses? This topic can lead to discussions about animal welfare and the role humans play in the lives of animals.

Encourage your sister to choose a topic she's genuinely interested in, as it will make the process more enjoyable and engaging for her. Additionally, she should remember to research both sides of the argument thoroughly and present her ideas persuasively to create a strong, well-balanced essay. Good luck to your sister on her assignment!

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Get our FREE Mother's Day Printable 💐!

125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

Teach students to make effective arguments.

When students learn to debate, they gain valuable life skills. Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. This list of middle school debate topics encompasses both serious and lighthearted ideas for kids ages 10 to 14. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Technology and entertainment debate topics, life and ethics debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

• Controversial Debate Topics
• It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
• Homework should be banned.
• Schools should require all students to wear uniforms.
• We should punish students for using curse words.
• Year-round school is better for students.

• Schools should require physical education (gym class) through 12th grade.
• All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
• Junk food should be banned in schools.
• All middle school students should learn a foreign language.
• Single-gender schools are better for students.
• Math is the most important school subject.
• Letter grades should be abolished.
• Teachers should be replaced by computers.
• Students should be graded on their handwriting.
• Kids who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
• Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
• Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
• Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
• Kids should be able to bring their pets to school.
• Schools should give middle school students more recess time.

• The school day should be shorter.
• Schools should eliminate dress codes.
• College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
• Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
• Book smarts are better than street smarts.
• All people should have free internet access.
• Playing violent video games makes people more likely to be violent in real life.
• Reality television depicts real life.
• The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

• Students should be allowed to use phones in class.
• Macs are better than PCs.
• Androids are better than iPhones.
• Kids under 13 should be allowed to use social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• Students should not be allowed to watch TV on school nights.
• Social media does more harm than good.
• Video games are better than board games.
• Reading books is better than watching TV.
• All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
• Books are always better than the movies that are made from them.
• Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are.
• Playing video games makes you smarter.

• Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
• Paper books are better than e-books.
• Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
• Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, and R) should be done away with.
• Professional athletes and celebrities deserve to make more money than the average person.
• People have a responsibility to help one another out.
• No one should ever tell a lie.
• Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
• We should lower the voting age to 12.
• Every member of a family should have daily chores.
• All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
• All people should be vegetarians.

• Democracy is the best form of government.
• All Americans should be required to vote.
• Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
• Parents should be allowed to read their children’s private diaries.
• Giving is better than receiving.
• Receiving a regular allowance is good for kids.
• Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
• Real Christmas trees are better than artificial ones.
• We should not keep animals in zoos.
• All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
• It is better to save some of your allowance than to spend it all.
• Kids should be allowed to stay up as late as they want.
• Happiness is more important than success.
• The driving age should be lowered to 14.

• We should completely ban plastic bottles.
• Parents should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
• If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
• It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
• All kids should have a playground or park within walking distance of their home.
• Kids should be allowed to have credit cards.
• It’s important to spend money exploring space.
• All families should have a pet.
• Dogs are better pets than cats.
• Summer is better than winter.
• Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
• Teachers shouldn’t give rewards and prizes in the classroom.
• Clowns are more scary than funny.
• Every home should have a robot.
• There is intelligent life on other planets.

• The egg came before the chicken.
• Pop music is better than classical music.
• Xbox is better than PlayStation.
• Peanut butter is better than Nutella.
• Football is better than soccer.
• Everyone should make their bed every day.
• It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
• Harry Potter is better than The Lord of the Rings .
• Pluto should still be considered a planet.
• Santa Claus’ elves should be paid minimum wage.
• Hot chocolate is better than a chocolate milkshake.
• Fruit counts as dessert.
• People should be allowed to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
• Fiction is better than nonfiction.

• Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
• Werewolves are more dangerous than vampires.
• Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.

Controversial Middle School Debate Topics

These middle school debate topics are pretty contentious and might not be appropriate for all students or every classroom. But if your middle schoolers are ready to take on more serious debates, try these important questions.

• We should abolish the death penalty.
• Stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings.
• It’s necessary to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
• Segregation still exist in the United States.
• Religion does more harm than good.
• We will never achieve world peace.
• We shouldn’t allow young children to play contact sports like football.

• Parents shouldn’t be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears.
• Beauty pageants are sexist.
• Kids shouldn’t get participation trophies for sports.
• It’s possible to be an ethical hunter.
• Some stereotypes are accurate.
• People have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action.
• War is sometimes necessary.
• There are times when we must limit freedom of speech.
• Security is more important than freedom.
• We should do away with gender-specific public bathrooms.
• Anyone over age 12 should be tried as an adult in court.
• Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

• Our society has a harmful “diet culture.”
• All countries should have to give up their nuclear weapons.
• We should ban testing on animals.
• We should ban the use of fossil fuels.
• Human cloning should be legal.
• Vaccines should be mandatory.

What are your favorite middle school debate topics? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 75 funny debate topics for kids of all ages ..

You Might Also Like

125 High School Debate Topics To Challenge Every Student

Learn how to argue with logic instead of emotion. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

General Education

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

• Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
• Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
• Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
• Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
• Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

• Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
• Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
• Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
• With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
• Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
• Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
• What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
• Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
• Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
• Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
• Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
• Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
• Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
• Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
• Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
• Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• Which is more important: PE class or music class?
• Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
• Should class rank be abolished in schools?
• Should students be taught sex education in school?
• Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
• What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
• Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
• Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
• Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
• Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
• Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
• Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
• What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
• Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
• Should there be limits to free speech?
• Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
• Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
• Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
• Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
• Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
• Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
• Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
• Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
• Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
• Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

• Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
• Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
• Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
• Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
• Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
• Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
• Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
• Is national security more important than individual privacy?
• What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
• Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
• Who was the most/least effective US president?
• Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

• What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
• Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
• Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
• Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
• Is eating genetically modified food safe?
• What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
• What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
• Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
• Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
• Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
• Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
• Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
• Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
• Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
• What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
• What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
• Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
• What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
• Should nuclear power be banned?
• Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
• Do zoos help or harm animals?
• Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
• Should animals in circuses be banned?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
• What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
• What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
• Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
• Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
• Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
• Is solar energy worth the cost?
• Should stem cells be used in medicine?
• Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
• Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
• Should college athletes receive a salary?
• Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
• Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
• Should horse racing be banned?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
• Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
• Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
• Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
• Should facial recognition technology be banned?
• Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
• Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
• Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
• Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
• Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
• Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
• Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
• Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

• Do your research
• Make your thesis perfect
• Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

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

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

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

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

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

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle & High School – 2024

April 15, 2024

Some high school students dream of writing for a living, perhaps pursuing an English major in college, or even attending a creative writing MFA program later on. For other students, creative writing can be useful for school assignments, in English and other subjects, and also for preparing their Common App essays . In a less goal-oriented sense, daily freewriting in a journal can be a healthy life practice for many high schoolers. Not sure where to start? Continue reading for 100 creative writing prompts for middle school and high school students. These middle/high school writing prompts offer inspiration for getting started with writing in a number of genres and styles.

Click here to view the 35 Best Colleges for Creative Writing .

What are Creative Writing Prompts?

Similar to how an academic essay prompt provides a jumping-off point for forming and organizing an argument, creative writing prompts are points of initiation for writing a story, poem, or creative essay. Prompts can be useful for writers of all ages, helping many to get past writer’s block and just start (often one of the most difficult parts of a writing process).

Writing prompts come in a variety of forms. Sometimes they are phrases used to begin sentences. Other times they are questions, more like academic essay prompts Writing prompts can also involve objects such as photographs, or activities such as walking. Below, you will find high school writing prompts that use memories, objects, senses (smell/taste/touch), abstract ideas , and even songs as jumping-off points for creative writing. These prompts can be used to write in a variety of forms, from short stories to creative essays, to poems.

How to use Creative Writing Prompts

Before we get started with the list, are a few tips when using creative writing prompts:

Experiment with different formats : Prose is great, but there’s no need to limit yourself to full sentences, at least at first. A piece of creative writing can begin with a poem, or a dialogue, or even a list. You can always bring it back to prose later if needed.

Interpret the prompt broadly : The point of a creative writing prompt is not to answer it “correctly” or “precisely.” You might begin with the prompt, but then your ideas could take you in a completely different direction. The words in the prompt also don’t need to open your poem or essay, but could appear somewhere in the middle.

Switch up/pile up the prompts : Try using two or three prompts and combine them, or weave between them. Perhaps choose a main prompt, and a different “sub-prompt.” For example, your main prompt might be “write about being in transit from one place to another,” and within that prompt, you might use the prompt to “describe a physical sensation,” and/or one the dialogue prompts.  This could be a fun way to find complexity as you write.

Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Students (Continued)

Write first, edit later : While you’re first getting started with a prompt, leave the typos and bad grammar. Obsessing over details can take away from your flow of thoughts. You will inevitably make many fixes when you go back through to edit.

Write consistently : It often becomes easier to write when it’s a practice , rather than a once-in-a-while kind of activity. For some, it’s useful to write daily. Others find time to write every few days, or every weekend. Sometimes, a word-count goal can help (100 words a day, 2,000 words a month, etc.). If you set a goal, make sure it’s realistic. Start small and build from there, rather than starting with an unachievable goal and quickly giving up.

100 Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School Teens

Here are some prompts for getting started with your creative writing. These are organized by method, rather than genre, so they can inspire writing in a variety of forms. Pick and choose the ones that work best for you, and enjoy!

Prompts using memories

• Begin each sentence or group of sentences with the phrase, “I remember…”
• Describe a family ritual.
• Choose an event in your life, and write about it from the perspective of someone else who was there.
• Pick a pathway you take on a regular basis (to school, or to a friend’s house). Describe five landmarks that you remember from this pathway.
• Write about your house or apartment using a memory from each room.
• Write an imaginary history of the previous people who lived in your house or apartment.
• Write about an ancestor based on stories you’ve heard from relatives.
• What’s your earliest memory?
• Who was your first friend?
• Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen since childhood.
• Write about yourself now from the perspective of yourself twenty, or eighty, years from now.
• Write about the best month of the year.
• Write about the worst day of the year.
• Rant about something that has always annoyed you.
• Write about the hottest or coldest day you can remember.
• Visualize a fleeting moment in your life and as though it’s a photograph, and time yourself 5 minutes to write every detail you can remember about the scene.
• Draw out a timeline of your life so far. Then choose three years to write about, as though you were writing for a history book.
• Write about a historical event in the first person, as though you remember it.
• Write about a memory of being in transit from one place to another.

Objects and photographs as creative writing prompts

• Describe the first object you see in the room. What importance does it have in your life? What memories do you have with this object? What might it symbolize?
• Pick up an object, and spend some time holding it/examining it. Write about how it looks, feels, and smells. Write about the material that it’s made from.
• Choose a favorite family photograph. What could someone know just by looking at the photograph? What’s secretly happening in the photograph?
• Choose a photograph and tell the story of this photograph from the perspective of someone or something in it.
• Write about a color by describing three objects that are that color.
• Tell the story of a piece of trash.
• Tell the story of a pair of shoes.
• Tell the story of your oldest piece of clothing.

Senses and observations as creative writing prompts

• Describe a sound you hear in the room or outside. Choose the first sound you notice. What are its qualities? It’s rhythms? What other sounds does it remind you of?
• Describe a physical sensation you feel right now, in as much detail as possible.
• Listen to a conversation and write down a phrase that you hear someone say. Start a free-write with this phrase.
• Write about a food by describing its qualities, but don’t say what it is.
• Describe a flavor (salty, sweet, bitter, etc.) to someone who has never tasted it before.
• Narrate your day through tastes you tasted.
• Narrate your day through sounds you heard.
• Narrate your day through physical sensations you felt.
• Describe in detail the physical process of doing an action you consider simple or mundane, like walking or lying down or chopping vegetables.
• Write about the sensation of doing an action you consider physically demanding or tiring, like running or lifting heavy boxes.
• Describe something that gives you goosebumps.
• Write a story that involves drinking a cold glass of water on a hot day.
• Write a story that involves entering a warm house from a cold snowy day.
• Describe someone’s facial features in as much detail as possible.

Songs, books, and other art

• Choose a song quote, write it down, and free-write from there.
• Choose a song, and write a story in which that song is playing in the car.
• Choose a song, and write to the rhythm of that song.
• Choose a character from a book, and describe an event in your life from the perspective of that character.
• Go to a library and write down 10 book titles that catch your eye. Free-write for 5 minutes beginning with each one.
• Go to a library and open to random book pages, and write down 5 sentences that catch your attention. Use those sentences as prompts and free-write for 5-minutes with each.
• Choose a piece of abstract artwork. Jot down 10 words that come to mind from the painting or drawing, and free-write for 2 minutes based on each word.
• Find a picture of a dramatic Renaissance painting online. Tell a story about what’s going on in the painting that has nothing to do with what the artist intended.
• Write about your day in five acts, like a Shakespearean play. If your day were a play, what would be the introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution?
• Narrate a complicated book or film plot using only short sentences.
• Read a short poem. Then write a poem that could be a “sister” or “cousin” of that poem.

Abstract ideas as creative writing prompts

• Write about an experience that demonstrates an abstract idea, such as “love” or “home” or “freedom” or “loss” without ever using the word itself.
• Write a list of ways to say “hello” without actually saying “hello.”
• Write a list of ways to say “I love you” without actually saying “I love you.”
• Do you believe in ghosts? Describe a ghost.
• Invent a mode of time travel.
• Glass half-full/half-empty: Write about an event or situation with a positive outlook. Then write about it with a miserable outlook.
• Free-write beginning with “my religion is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with organized religion as you’d like).
• Free-write beginning with “my gender is…” (what comes next can have as much or as little to do with common ideas of gender as you’d like).
• Write about a person or character that is “good” and one that is “evil.” Then write about the “evil” in the good character and the “good” in the evil character.
• Write like you’re telling a secret.
• Describe a moment of beauty you witnessed. What makes something beautiful?

Prompts for playing with narrative and character

• Begin writing with the phrase, “It all started when…”
• Tell a story from the middle of the most dramatic part.
• Write a story that begins with the ending.
• Begin a story but give it 5 possible endings.
• Write a list of ways to dramatically quit a terrible job.
• Write about a character breaking a social rule or ritual (i.e., walking backwards, sitting on the floor of a restaurant, wearing a ballgown to the grocery store). What are the ramifications?
• You are sent to the principal’s office. Justify your bad behavior.
• Re-write a well-known fairytale but set it in your school.
• Write your own version of the TV show trope where someone gets stuck in an elevator with a stranger, or a secret love interest, or a nemesis.
• Imagine a day where you said everything you were thinking, and write about it.
• Write about a scenario in which you have too much of a good thing.
• Write about a scenario in which money can buy happiness.
• Invent a bank or museum heist.
• Invent a superhero, including an origin story.
• Write using the form of the scientific method (question, hypothesis, test, analyze data conclusion).
• Write using the form of a recipe.

Middle School & High School Creative writing prompts for playing with fact vs. fiction

• Write something you know for sure is true, and then, “but maybe it isn’t.” Then explain why that thing may not be true.
• Write a statement and contradict that statement. Then do it again.
• Draft an email with an outlandish excuse as to why you didn’t do your homework or why you need an extension.
• Write about your morning routine, and make it sound extravagant/luxurious (even if it isn’t).
• You’ve just won an award for doing a very mundane and simple task. Write your acceptance speech.
• Write about a non-athletic event as though it were a sports game.
• Write about the most complicated way to complete a simple task.
• Write a brief history of your life, and exaggerate everything.
• Write about your day, but lie about some things.
• Tell the story of your birth.
• Choose a historical event and write an alternative outcome.
• Write about a day in the life of a famous person in history.
• Read an instructional manual, and change three instructions to include some kind of magical or otherwise impossible element.

Prompts for starting with dialogue

• Write a texting conversation between two friends who haven’t spoken in years.
• Write a texting conversation between two friends who speak every day and know each other better than anyone.
• Watch two people on the street having a conversation, and imagine the conversation they’re having. Write it down.
• Write an overheard conversation behind a closed door that you shouldn’t be listening to.
• Write a conversation between two characters arguing about contradicting memories of what happened.
• You have a difficult decision to make. Write a conversation about it with yourself.
• Write a conversation with a total lack of communication.
• Write a job interview gone badly.

Final Thoughts – Creative Writing Prompts for Middle School & High School 

Hopefully you have found several of these creative writing prompts helpful. Remember that when writing creatively, especially on your own, you can mix, match, and change prompts. For more on writing for high school students, check out the following articles:

• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics
• 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
• Good Transition Words for Essays
• High School Success

Sarah Mininsohn

With a BA from Wesleyan University and an MFA from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sarah is a writer, educator, and artist. She served as a graduate instructor at the University of Illinois, a tutor at St Peter’s School in Philadelphia, and an academic writing tutor and thesis mentor at Wesleyan’s Writing Workshop.

• 2-Year Colleges
• Application Strategies
• Best Colleges by Major
• Best Colleges by State
• Big Picture
• Career & Personality Assessment
• College Essay
• College Search/Knowledge
• College Success
• Costs & Financial Aid
• Dental School Admissions
• Extracurricular Activities
• Graduate School Admissions
• High Schools
• Law School Admissions
• Medical School Admissions
• Navigating the Admissions Process
• Online Learning
• Private High School Spotlight
• Summer Program Spotlight
• Summer Programs
• Test Prep Provider Spotlight

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

— Lynn O'Shaughnessy

Nationally Recognized College Expert

College Planning in Your Inbox

Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.

I am a... Student Student Parent Counselor Educator Other First Name Last Name Email Address Zip Code Area of Interest Business Computer Science Engineering Fine/Performing Arts Humanities Mathematics STEM Pre-Med Psychology Social Studies/Sciences Submit