250+ Unique Argumentative Essay Topics For Students

Picking the right topic for an argumentative essay can feel overwhelming. You want something exciting yet manageable, especially when considering how to start a research project. Finding a compelling and research-friendly topic is crucial whether you're a student or just curious. The right topic can make writing and research much easier and more enjoyable. This guide will help you find the perfect topic and offer insights on how to start a research project.

Otio’s AI research and writing partner can be an excellent tool for this process.

Table Of Contents

• What Is An Argumentative Essay?

• Parts of An Argumentative Essay

• 250+ Unique Argumentative Essay Topics For Students

• How To Write An Argumentative Essay in 7 Easy Steps

• How To Choose an Argumentative Essay Topic

• Supercharge Your Researching Ability With Otio — Try Otio for Free Today

What Is An Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is about making a case for a specific viewpoint. It demands a deep investigation into the subject, where you gather, create, and assess evidence to back up your stance clearly and concisely. You should dive into literature or previously published material and conduct empirical research by collecting data through interviews, surveys, or experiments. This extensive research helps you learn about the topic, understand different perspectives, and choose a position supported by evidence. A clear thesis and logical reasoning are essential regardless of the research type.

Setting the Stage with a Clear Thesis

A strong argumentative essay begins with a clear and precise thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Start by giving an overview of the topic and explaining why it matters or why readers should care. Present your thesis statement, ensuring it's well-defined and aligned with the assignment's guidelines. A well-crafted thesis is crucial for writing an effective and persuasive essay.

Transitioning Smoothly Between Sections

Transitions are the glue that holds your essay together. They help readers follow your argument by summarizing the previous section's idea and introducing the next one. Without logical progression, the essay's structure falls apart. Ensure your transitions create a smooth flow between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Building Strong Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea, creating clarity and direction throughout the essay. This conciseness makes it easier for your audience to follow along. Ensure each paragraph connects logically to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis with evidence, while others might present differing viewpoints. Discuss these conflicting opinions by explaining why they might not be well-informed or up-to-date rather than dismissing them outright.

Supporting with Solid Evidence

An argumentative essay needs well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis and consider other viewpoints. Use factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence to support your thesis. Don't ignore evidence that may not align with your thesis—addressing differing opinions and explaining how they might be uninformed or outdated is crucial.

Wrapping Up with a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion should leave a lasting impression by synthesizing the information presented in the essay's body. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and revisit your thesis. Avoid introducing new information; focus on how the evidence supports your thesis. You might also suggest areas for further research sparked by your work.

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Parts of An Argumentative Essay

Crafting Your Central Claim

The claim is the heartbeat of an argumentative essay. It’s your main argument or position that you will defend. Think of it as your essay’s thesis. This isn’t just a statement of fact; it’s a stance you’ll support with logic and evidence. For instance, if you’re writing about climate change, your claim might be that renewable energy is essential to combat it. Your claim guides your entire essay, so make it clear and debatable.

Gathering Strong Evidence

Evidence backs up your claim and strengthens your argument. This includes facts, data, examples, or expert opinions. Without evidence, your argument is just an opinion. Let’s say your claim is about renewable energy. You might use data showing how solar and wind energy reduce carbon emissions. This evidence makes your essay persuasive and credible.

Addressing Counter Arguments

A strong argumentative essay acknowledges opposing viewpoints. Counterarguments show you’ve considered other perspectives. This isn’t just about being fair; it’s a strategic move. By presenting a counterargument, you demonstrate that your argument is well-rounded. For example, if your claim is about renewable energy, you might address concerns about its cost.

Crafting a Solid Rebuttal

Once you’ve presented a counterargument, you need to refute it. This is where the rebuttal comes in. You’ll use evidence and reasoning to weaken the opposing viewpoint. In the renewable energy example, you could counter the cost argument by showing how technology advancements are lowering prices. A strong rebuttal reinforces your position and shows you’re prepared to defend it.

Structure for Clarity

An argumentative essay typically follows a clear structure. This helps you logically present your argument. Start with an introduction that includes your claim. Then, present your evidence in the body paragraphs. Address counterarguments and offer rebuttals. Finally, conclude by summarizing your main points. This structure ensures your essay is easy to follow and effective.

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250+ Unique Argumentative Essay Topics For Students

Family Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?

• Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?

• Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?

• Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?

• Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?

• Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?

• Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?

• Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?

• Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?

• Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?

• Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?

• Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?

• Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?

• Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?

• Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?

Technology

• Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users' data?

• Should companies have to hire human workers overusing autonomous machines?

• Should cell phones be banned from vehicles?

• Has the internet made society better?

• Should parents limit screen time for kids?

• Should everyone get the internet for free?

• Is technology too isolating?

• Should cyberbullying carry legal consequences?

Health

• Are GMOs good for us or bad for us?

• Should schools require vaccinations for students?

• Would universal healthcare improve healthcare access?

• Should medical professionals be allowed to market pharmaceuticals to their patients?

• Should parents limit the number of activities their kids participate in?

• Are kids more depressed than they used to be?

• Is there too much focus on diets in society?

• Is fasting healthy?

• Does our society undervalue sleep?

• Are car seats effective at keeping children safe in car crashes?

Social Media

• Does Social Media Harm Young People’s Mental Health?

• How Much Should Speech Be Moderated on Social Media?

• Should the United States Ban TikTok?

• How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media?

• Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers?

• What Should Be Done to Protect Children Online?

• Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children?

• Are You a Fan of ‘School Accounts’ on Social Media?

• Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals?

• Is It Ever OK to Use Strangers as Content for Social Media?

Phones and Devices

• Should More Teenagers Ditch Their Smartphones?

• Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use Your Phone?

• Should Phones Ever Be a Part of Family or Holiday Gatherings?

• What Are Your Texting Dos and Don’ts?

• Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter?

• Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your Relationships?

• Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving?

• How Young Is Too Young for an Apple Watch?

Education Argument Essay Topics

• Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?

• Are zoos unethical or necessary for conservation and education?

• To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?

• Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?

• Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?

• Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?

• What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?

• Should schools push to abolish homework?

• Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?

• Should universities do away with Greek life?

• Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?

• Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?

• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?

• Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?

• Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?

• Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?

• Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?

• Should college admissions officers be allowed to view students’ social media accounts?

• Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?

• Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?

• Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?

• Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?

• Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?

• Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?

• Should the U.S. use its military potential to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?

• Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?

• Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?

• Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?

• Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?

• Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?

• Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?

• Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?

• Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?

• Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?

• Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?

• Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?

• Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?

• Should women be allowed into special forces units?

• Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?

• Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?

• Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?

• Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?

• Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?

• Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

• Should climate change be a governmental issue?

• Would America function better without the Electoral College?

• Should America automate voter registration?

• Should all states provide automatic mail-in ballots for elections?

• Should people serving prison sentences be allowed to vote?

• Should Americans vote on and elect Supreme Court justices?

• Should unpaid internships be illegal?

• Should the government increase the federal minimum wage?

• Should the government provide everyone with a universal basic income?

• Should corporations pay more taxes?

• Should the government regulate what we eat?

• Should the government impose term limits on Congresspeople?

• Should the United States have an official language?

• Should the drinking age in the United States be lowered to 18?

• Should personal ownership of guns be illegal?

• Should the government be blamed for the current national obesity rate?

• Should military service be compulsory in the United States?

• Should smoking in public be illegal?

• Should alcohol sales be illegal between midnight and noon?

• Should the voting age in the United States be raised to 21?

• Should the government be able to censor people on the internet?

• Are the current political fundraising rules effective?

• Is the United States' immigration policy effective?

• Should there be more than two major political parties in the United States?

• Is the United States Constitution outdated?

The Internet

• Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place?

• How Excited Are You About the Metaverse?

• Should Websites Force Users to Prove How Old They Are?

• What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online?

• How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture?

• Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From Being Able to Grow and Change?

• Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can Be Dangerous?

• Does Technology Make Us More Alone?

Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. government offer its healthcare plan?

• Should we prioritize individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread of highly infectious pandemics?

• Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?

• Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?

• Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?

• Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?

• Should organ donation be mandatory?

• Is cloning animals ethical?

• Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?

• Is surrogacy ethical?

• Should birth control require a prescription?

• Should minors have access to emergency contraception?

• Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Economic

• Should companies have to provide paid parental leave?

• Should all companies offer paternity leave?

• Is the current American tax system fair?

• Should there be a salary cap for celebrities like athletes and actors?

• Do CEOs make too much money?

• Should most companies move to a four-day workweek?

• Is there an income inequality problem in the United States?

• Are workers more productive at home?

Sports

• Should women be allowed to play professional sports on men's teams?

• Are designated hitters excellent or bad for the sport of baseball?

• Should dance be an Olympic sport?

• Should steroid users be banned from their sport forever?

• Should tackle football be illegal for kids under 18 years old?

• Does using helmets in sports like football and hockey make playing more dangerous?

• Should professional athletes and professional coaches make the same amount of money?

• Should colleges compensate student-athletes?

• How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?

• Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?

• Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?

• Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?

• Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?

• Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?

• Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?

• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?

• Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?

• Should gender divide sports teams?

• Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?

• Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Ethics

• Should social media sites regulate and censor user posts?

• Are humans and our actions responsible for climate change?

• Should the death penalty be illegal?

• Should torture ever be allowed?

• Should influencers be allowed to market products?

• Are curfews for teenagers effective?

• Is animal testing moral?

• Should smoking cigarettes be illegal?

• Should public video surveillance be illegal?

• Should people be fined for not recycling?

• Are children too coddled?

• Should marketing designed for kids be illegal?

• Should society hold celebrities to a high moral standard?

• Should violent video games be illegal?

• Do violent video games cause people to act more violently?

• Are beauty pageants dangerous for the participants?

• Should drugs be legal?

• Is affirmative action effective?

• Is cloning unethical?

• Are social protests effective?

• Should there be a limit to the number of children a person can have?

• Should fur coats be illegal?

• Should drunk drivers have their driver's licenses permanently revoked?

• Is graffiti an act of vandalism or the creation of art?

• Religion Argument Essay Topics

• Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?

• Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?

• Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?

• Should the government regulate religious practices?

• Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?

• Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?

• Should the government provide funding for religious schools?

• Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?

• Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?

• Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?

• Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?

• Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?

• Should religious individuals refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case.)

• Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?

• Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

School Discipline and Attendance

• Should Schools Ban Cell Phones?

• How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others?

• What Are Your Thoughts on Uniforms and Strict Dress Codes?

• Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use?

• How Can Schools Engage Students Who Are at Risk of Dropping Out?

• Should Students Be Allowed to Miss School for Mental Health Reasons?

• Should Your School Day Start Later?

• Should There Still Be Snow Days?

• Do Kids Need Recess?

• Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money?

School Quality and Effectiveness

• How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved?

• Do Schools Need to Do More to Hold Students Accountable?

• Are Straight A’s Always a Good Thing?

• Should Students Have the Same Teachers Year After Year?

• Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework?

• Should We Get Rid of Homework?

• Should We Eliminate Gifted and Talented Programs?

• Is It Time to Get Rid of Timed Tests?

• What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education?

• How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent?

• Does Your School Need More Money?

• Do School Employees Deserve More Respect — and Pay?

• Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children?

Teaching and Learning

• Do We Need to Change the Way Math Is Taught?

• Should Financial Literacy Be a Required Course in School?

• Should Schools Teach Students Kitchen and Household Skills?

• Do We Need Better Music Education?

• What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School?

• What Is the Purpose of Teaching U.S. History?

• Do Schools Need to Do More to Support Visual Thinkers?

• Is School a Place for Self-Expression?

• Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School?

• Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain?

• Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy?

• Should All Schools Teach Cursive?

• Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time?

• How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language

Business Argument Essay Topics

• Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?

• Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?

• Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?

• Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?

• Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?

• Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?

• Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?

• Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?

• Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?

• Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?

• Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?

• Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?

• Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?

• Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?

• Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?

• Should tipping practices be phased out?

• Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same paid leave as parents?

• Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?

• Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

Education Politics

• Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View?

• Should Students Learn About Climate Change in School?

• Should Teachers Provide Trigger Warnings for ‘Traumatic Content’?

• Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols?

• What Do You Think About Efforts to Ban Books From School Libraries?

• What Is Your Reaction to the Growing Fight Over What Young People Can Read?

• What Do You Think About the Controversy Surrounding the New A.P. Course on African American Studies?

• Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair?

• Does Prayer Have Any Place in Public Schools?

• Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers?

How To Write An Argumentative Essay in 7 Easy Steps

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2. Choose a Topic That Sparks Debate

Pick a topic that piques your interest and isn’t overly broad or narrow. Define your paper’s goals. What’s your purpose? What idea are you trying to prove? If you’re struggling to articulate your purpose, try freewriting about your topic.

3. Craft a Strong Thesis Statement

Your thesis should assert something arguable about your topic. It needs to be a statement others might disagree with. A solid dissertation combines observation and opinion. Test its strength by seeing if it provokes a strong counterargument. Avoid common pitfalls: fragments, overly broad statements, questions, or stale issues. Let your thesis evolve as you research and write—keep it in view to focus your writing.

4. Know Your Audience

Identify who you’re writing for. Are they disinterested observers or opponents of your viewpoint? If you’re unsure, direct your argument to a general audience. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your paper to their interests and perspectives.

5. Back Up Your Claims with Evidence

Support your thesis with reasons and evidence. Reasons answer the question, "Why do you make that claim?" Use evidence like facts, statistics, anecdotes, and textual evidence. Ensure you introduce and explain your evidence’s significance—don’t assume readers will understand its importance on their own. Anticipate counterarguments and address them by acknowledging, accommodating, or refuting them.

6. Draft Your Essay with Care

Take your essay through multiple drafts. Provide ample evidence, deal with opposing views, and pay attention to organization. Address and correct any logical fallacies and use proper transitions to guide your reader through your argument.

7. Edit and Revise Thoughtfully

After drafting, switch to a reader’s perspective. Critically evaluate your essay and exchange drafts with classmates for feedback. Revise based on your assessment and peer suggestions. Use a peer editing sheet to guide your revision process with specific questions about your text.

How To Choose an Argumentative Essay Topic

Find What Lights Your Fire

When picking an argumentative essay topic, consider what indeed interests you. Choose a subject that gets you excited or angry. Your passion will come through in your writing, making it more engaging for both you and your readers.

Stir Up Some Drama

Seek out topics that spark debate or controversy. These issues often have multiple perspectives and can lead to compelling argumentative essays. Plus, they allow you to explore different sides of an issue before presenting your stance.

Keep It Current

Select topics that are relevant to current events or ongoing discussions in society. This ensures your essay resonates with readers and contributes to meaningful dialogue on contemporary issues.

Get Specific

Once you've identified a general area of interest, narrow it down to a specific aspect or angle. This will help you focus your research and develop a clear thesis statement for your essay.

Do Your Homework

Consider the availability of credible sources and data for your chosen topic. Ensure that you have enough evidence to support your arguments and counterarguments effectively.

Make It Personal

Reflect on your experiences, beliefs, or values that may intersect with potential topics. A topic that is personally significant to you can add depth and authenticity to your arguments.

Ask for Input

Discuss your topic ideas with peers, instructors, or mentors for their input and perspectives. They can offer valuable insights, suggest alternative angles, or help you refine your topic to make it more persuasive.

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