Good topic to write an argument essay on

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.

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.

Tips

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.

  1. Is global climate change caused by humans?
  2. Is the death penalty effective?
  3. Is our election process fair?
  4. Is torture ever acceptable?
  5. Should men get paternity leave from work?
  6. Are school uniforms beneficial?
  7. Do we have a fair tax system?
  8. Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  9. Is cheating out of control?
  10. Are we too dependent on computers?
  11. Should animals be used for research?
  12. Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  13. Are cell phones dangerous?
  14. Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
  15. Do we have a throwaway society?
  16. Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
  17. Should companies market to children?
  18. Should the government have a say in our diets?
  19. Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
  20. Should members of Congress have term limits?
  21. Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
  22. Are CEOs paid too much?
  23. Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
  24. Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
  25. Should creationism be taught in public schools?
  26. Are beauty pageants exploitative?
  27. Should English be the official language of the United States?
  28. Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
  29. Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
  30. Should everyone be required to recycle?
  31. Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
  32. Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
  33. Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
  34. Does boredom lead to trouble?
  35. Should schools be in session year-round?
  36. Does religion cause war?
  37. Should the government provide health care?
  38. Should abortion be illegal?
  39. Are girls too mean to each other?
  40. Is homework harmful or helpful?
  41. Is the cost of college too high?
  42. Is college admission too competitive?
  43. Should euthanasia be illegal?
  44. Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally?
  45. Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
  46. Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
  47. Is affirmative action fair?
  48. Is public prayer okay in schools?
  49. Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
  50. Is greater gun control a good idea?

Watch Now: How to Choose a Position for an Argument Essay

https://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.

Good topic to write an argument essay on

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 Media

Image

Credit...Rozette Rago for The New York Times

Image

Credit...Pfizer/EPA, via Shutterstock

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Credit...Kerem Yucel/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

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Credit...Frank Victores/Associated Press

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Credit...Milan Jovic/E+, via Getty Images

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Credit...Samuel Corum for The New York Times

Image-Based Prompts

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?

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?.