Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. Updated on April 01, 2020 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. 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. 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 TopicsA 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.
Watch Now: How to Choose a Position for an Argument Essayhttps://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/learning/300-questions-and-images-to-inspire-argument-writing.html Recent Student Opinion and Picture Prompts, categorized by topic, to help students discover the issues that matter to them. Published Feb. 1, 2021Updated Feb. 23, 2021 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. Technology & Social MediaImage Credit...Rozette Rago for The New York TimesImage Credit...Pfizer/EPA, via ShutterstockImage Credit...Kerem Yucel/Agence France-Presse — Getty ImagesImage Image Credit...Milan Jovic/E+, via Getty ImagesImage Credit...Samuel Corum for The New York TimesImage-Based Prompts 286.
Teenage Drivers: What do you think of Georgia’s decision to issue driver’s licenses without road tests? What are some good argument essay topics?50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students. Technology. ● Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills? ... . Politics. ● Should Supreme Court justices be elected? ... . Healthcare. ● Is healthcare a fundamental human right? ... . Mental Healthcare. ● What causes the stigma around mental health? ... . Sports. ● ... . Arts. ● ... . Education. ● ... . Family. ●. What are good argumentative school topics?Argument Essay Topics about School. Should the dress code be abolished?. Is the school dress code sexist?. Should students be required to wear school uniforms?. Should school start later?. Should the school year be year-round?. Is homework necessary?. Should students participate in standardized tests?. |