Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to create an essay from their own point of view without relying on feelings or passions. These argumentative essay topics offer options for kids of all ages, including controversial topics and some that are just for fun.
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What is a controversial issue?
In an argumentative essay, the writer considers many points of view and argues against one claim. It’s like building a case in court. Begin with an opening statement explaining your claim and the reasons behind it. Then, use strong evidence to support each of those reasons, and refute any objections (counter-arguments). Finish with a compelling conclusion that summarizes and emphasizes your claim.
What is the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays?
These two types of essays are similar, but there are subtle and important differences.
- The writer’s goal: In an argumentative essay, your job is to convince the reader that the point of view you are presenting is valid, even if you don’t change his mind. Persuasive essays seek to sway the reader to accept your point of view more than any other.
- Method: Argumentative essays rely heavily on well-researched facts and logical arguments. In a persuasive story, the writer can use a combination of emotions and facts to benefit the reader.
- Audience: Persuasive essays need a specific audience, as the writer must acknowledge and try to overcome possible objections. An argumentative essay writer is simply making a statement, so knowing their audience is not that important.
- Opinion: A persuasive essay writer should believe that his opinion is the only correct one, and try to persuade the reader to agree. Argumentative essays acknowledge some points, but use reason and logic to argue that the writer’s point of view is better.
Persuasive and argumentative essay topics often overlap. The difference is in how the author handles the subject. If you’re assigning one of the topics below as an argumentative essay, remind students to use research, logic, and reason to make a strong but unmotivated argument.
Argumentative School and Education Essay Topics
- Should physical education be part of the regular high school curriculum?
- Schools should require recommended vaccinations for all students, with very limited exceptions.
- Should all students be able to go to college for free?
- What is the one class that all high school students should want to take and pass in order to succeed?
- Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not assigned at all?
- Students should/shouldn’t be able to use their phones during the school day.
- Should schools have dress codes?
- What is the most important school subject?
- Are book marks useful, or should we replace them with something else?
- If I could change one school rule, it would be…
- Is year-round school a good idea?
- Which is better, private schools or public schools?
- Should every student participate in athletics?
- Do you think schools should ban junk food in their cafeterias?
- Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
- Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
- Which is better, smart book or street smarts?
- Are single-sex schools better or worse for students?
- Are computers making teachers obsolete?
- Students who fail the test should be given an opportunity to retake it.
Science And History Argumentative Essay Topics
- Is it acceptable to use animals for research and development?
- Vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
- Do we learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself?
- Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
- Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
- Should we still consider Pluto a planet?
- It is important to spend tax dollars on property inspections instead of other things.
- Is there life on other planets?
- Who was America’s best/worst president?
- Should vaccines be mandatory?
- Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
- Is animal cloning right?
- Should human integration be legal?
- Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
- Is it better to give drug addicts treatment instead of punishment?
- Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?
- Can we really do anything about human-caused global warming?
- Are electric cars better than gas cars?
- Was life really better “back in the day”?
- Choose a foreign conflict (eg, Vietnam or Afghanistan) and argue whether or not the United States had a reason to be involved.
Life and Ethics Argumentative Essay Topics
- The most important challenge facing our country right now is … (eg, immigration, gun control, the economy)
- Are social media doing more harm than good?
- The best country in the world…
- Are men and women treated equally?
- Is it better to eat vegetarian/vegan or eat meat?
- Should young children be allowed to play competitive sports?
- Who experiences more peer pressure, girls or boys?
- Should children set bedtimes or just go to bed whenever they sleep?
- Which is better, artificial or real Christmas trees?
- Playing violent video games is not good for children and teenagers.
- Parents should monitor their children’s cell phone usage.
- Are paper books better than e-books?
- All children should play in the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
- All paper documents must be replaced with electronic versions.
- Is conflict necessary for change?
- Is war ever fair?
- A strong middle class is essential to the economy.
- Is the local minimum wage really a living wage?
- Should we eliminate gender-specific public bathrooms?
- Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
Anti-Social and Social Essay Topics
- The death penalty does not deter crime.
- Would it be better to legalize, tax, and control all drugs (including alcohol and tobacco) instead of banning them?
- Parents should be punished for the crimes of their young children.
- The government should provide free internet access to every citizen.
- Is democracy the best government?
- Is capitalism the best form of economy?
- Should all Americans vote?
- Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?
- Do you think the government should find a way to provide free healthcare to everyone?
- School children should be allowed to vote.
- We shouldn’t/shouldn’t do away with the Electoral College.
- Do the “set your foundation” rules apply?
- Supreme Court judges must be appointed for a fixed term.
- Does segregation still exist in the United States?
- We should not/shouldn’t continue to build a wall between the United States and Mexico.
- Will stricter gun control laws help control mass shootings?
- Should we make the path to US citizenship easier?
- Is the American justice system inherently racist?
- Should we redirect some or all of our police funding to social services?
- Should the United States adopt a universal basic income?
Multiple Topics for Controversial Matter
- Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
- What animal makes the best pet?
- Who is the best athlete in the world, current or past?
- Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
- Is a taco a sandwich?
- Should children be allowed to stay up as late as they like?
- What is the best video game system?
- Children should not go to school on their birthdays.
- Is video playback a game?
- Are beauty pageants gender specific?
- Should children receive medals for participating in sports?
- Are stereotypes correct?
- Is there a benefit to teaching grammar and spelling correctly, or should we let language be descriptive rather than prescriptive?
- All young people should have part-time jobs.
- Should children have limits on screen time?
- Is it better to read fiction or non-fiction?
- Should children eat everything on their plate, even if they don’t really like something?
- Is it better to spend an hour a day reading or exercising?
- Is graffiti vandalism or art?
- Should society hold celebrities to a higher moral standard?
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