As the name would suggest, an argumentative essay presents an argument. Whatever the topic, your main objective as a writer is to get your reader to believe your position is true. You do this by presenting facts through sources, stats, and quotes. Looking for a topic to write about? This guide will walk you through tips on choosing an argumentative essay prompt and give you 27 example topics to choose from for your next essay!
Choosing an Argumentative Essay Topic
There are hundreds of topics you could choose from when writing an argumentative essay, from politics to health to social media, but that doesn’t always mean you should just pick at random. Consider these questions when choosing a topic for your next argumentative essay:
Is It Debatable?
Writing an argumentative essay requires you to choose a topic that is debatable. For instance, consider the question of whether pineapple belongs on pizza. If you ask this to a room full of people, you’re sure to start a heated discussion, as many have passionate and differing views on the matter. A good debatable topic will not only engage your audience but also provide plenty of material for a well-rounded argument.
Does It Interest You?
Ideally, the argument that you are trying to convince people of should be meaningful to you. If the topic doesn’t relate to you on a personal level, it may be challenging for you to write a convincing piece on it.
However, if you choose a topic that genuinely interests you, your argument will likely be more engaging and persuasive. For example, if you’re passionate about environmental issues, writing an essay on the importance of renewable energy will not only be easier for you but will also allow you to present a more convincing case to your readers.
Can You Provide Evidence for Both Sides?
An argumentative topic should explore both sides of the issue, presenting it in a fair and thorough way. This shows you’ve thought about different perspectives, which strengthens your position and helps readers understand multiple viewpoints before forming their own opinions. By addressing both sides, you often make your argument more persuasive.
Is It Too Broad or Can It Be Narrowed Down?
“How much is technology impacting us?” could be a great place to start your research. But it might be too broad for one essay. If you find there is too much to talk about, try narrowing it down. For example, you could change this essay prompt to “How is technology affecting high school classrooms?” You’re still addressing the impact of technology, but now you’re specifically discussing how it impacts education for high school students.
Who Will Be Reading Your Essay?
When picking a topic, think about who your audience will be. This can help you to write more effectively and respectfully. Think about their values and potential biases so you can choose a topic that resonates with them. Keep in mind that some topics are sensitive, so it’s always important to write in a way that sparks thought rather than conflict.
Is It Relevant?
Focus on choosing a relevant topic that interests readers right now. When you focus on what’s important now, it is more impactful and engaging. For example, a paper on the benefits of using telegrams in the 19th century might not connect with your audience as well as a paper that discusses the impact of remote work on productivity and mental health.
27 Popular Argumentative Essay Topics
If it is something you can debate using facts and statistics, then it might be a good argumentative topic to write about. Here’s a list of 27 argumentative essay topics to get you started:
Technology Argumentative Topics:
- Does technology make us more alone?
- Are digital photographs too plentiful to be meaningful?
- Should what you say on Facebook be grounds for getting fired?
- Should computer games be used for classroom teaching?
- Is online learning as good as in-person learning?
- Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
- Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
Government Argumentative Topics:
- Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
- Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
- Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
- Should guns be permitted on college campuses?
- Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
- Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
Sports
- Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
- Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
- Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
- Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
- Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
- Should sports betting be legal everywhere?
Education
- Is the school day too short?
- Should the school day start later?
- Is a college education necessary?
- Should students be able to grade their teachers?
- Do kids need recess?
- Should a college degree be free?
- Should the cost of college vary by major?
- Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
When selecting a topic for your argumentative essay, choose something debatable that genuinely interests you. After all, a good argumentative essay is one that is both engaging and well-supported with evidence. Whether discussing technology, education, or social issues, make sure to present balanced arguments that persuade readers to consider your perspective. Remember, aim to spark meaningful discussions while maintaining a respectful tone throughout your essay. Happy writing!
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