topics for debate essays

Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits  – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Single-use Plastics Ban – Should single-use plastics be banned?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

ProCon/Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. 325 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 200 Chicago, Illinois 60654 USA

Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

© 2023 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved

• Social Media
• Death Penalty
• School Uniforms
• Video Games
• Animal Testing
• Gun Control
• Banned Books
• Teachers’ Corner

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Speech And Debate

Debate Topics

Last updated on: Dec 29, 2023

Debate Topics (2024) - Top 200+ Compelling Topics

By: Cordon J.

23 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Choosing an interesting topic for a debate can be a little tricky. There are several factors that are to be considered before you choose a topic.

• Is the topic debatable?
• Do you have content for it?
• Is the content easily available for research?
• Are you genuinely interested in the topic?
• Is the topic good enough to impress your audience?

Get all the answers below and get some creative and great debate topics and ideas.

On this Page

What is the Debate?

A debate and speech writing is a process or an activity that involves presenting relevant arguments in support of a viewpoint. Normally, debates take place in academic institutes, public meetings, and legislative and lawmaking assemblies. 

It is a common part of our lives, and we all have argued at some point in our lives. Through a debate, a participant tries to cancel the views and arguments of the opponent while safeguarding their own views with solid proof and arguments.

In an academic and scholarly environment, it is considered quite a fun and enlightening activity that engages the audience and adds to their knowledge.

What are the Types of Debate?

Debates can be of various types. Each type is used for a specific type of debate, and all of them are conducted differently and could take place for different purposes. Below are the six types of debate:

• Lincoln-Douglas Debate: This type of debate is mostly used in formal debating societies. It is also known as a "value debate" and requires two individuals to argue against each other on moral and ethical issues.
• Rebuttal Debate: A rebuttal debate is an argument that takes place between two participants. Each participant has to present their arguments and prepare a strong case against the opposition's point of view.
• Cross-Examination Debate: In this type of debate, each speaker is given time to answer questions posed by the opposition while they are presenting their argument.
• Public Forum Debate: This is a form of debate in which two teams compete against each other with their respective cases.
• Oregon-Oxford Debate: This debate type also takes place between two participants, and each speaker has to present arguments while preparing a strong case against the opposition's point of view.
• One-Rebuttal Debate: This type of debate is similar to the Cross-Examination Debate except that each speaker has only one chance to rebut the opposition's argument.

No matter what kind of debate you are planning or participating in, you will not need a unique or out-of-the-box type of topic for it. Your topic should be interesting and relatable for your audience, and this is enough to make your debate a winner.

How to Choose Good Debate Topics?

Some important factors need to be considered when it comes to choosing a good debate topic. A good debate topic will help the audience understand both sides of the issue and keep them engaged to make better and more informed decisions.

Here are a few tips that will help you choose a good topic for your debate.

• Interest: It is necessary that you should be interested in your topic since you are the one who is going to write and deliver it to your audience. If you are not interested in the topic, there is no way that your debate will be convincing enough to persuade your audience.
• Research: To debate effectively, you should be aware of the pros and cons of your topic. This will help you convince the audience by opposing the opponent’s viewpoints.
• Target Audience: This is the essential factor to consider while choosing a debate topic. Your topic should be according to the intellectual level of your audience. Only this way, they will actually understand what you are trying to deliver in your debate.
• Argument Potential: Pick a topic that has solid argument potential. If only one side is right or if there is limited information available, you will face a hard time crafting a good debate.

Are you ready to learn debating strategies and leave your opponent and audience amazed? Watch this video

Debate Topics on Different Subjects

Great speeches and debate topics are essential for memorable debates and speeches. This is why we suggest that you do your research properly before deciding on a specific topic. To help you get some memorable topic ideas, we have gathered lists of topics that could be used in any type of debate like Lincoln-Douglas debate topics, rebuttal debates, and others.

Here is a complete list of engaging debate competition topics and ideas.

Continue reading, and you will definitely find a great topic.

• Should abortion be allowed in all cases?

Alternative Energy

• Is alternative energy a better option than traditional sources of energy?

American Socialism

• Should the U.S. move towards a socialist system?

Animal Testing

• Is it ethical to use animals for testing?
• Is it ethical to clone animals?
• Is animal testing necessary?

Banned Books

• Should books that contain offensive content be banned?

Binge-Watching

• Is binge-watching television and movies a good way to spend time?

Bottled Water Ban

• Should bottled water be banned in all cases?

Business Ethics

• What role should ethical considerations play in business decisions?

Cyberbullying

• How can cyberbullying be prevented?

Capital Punishment

• Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime?
• Should capital punishment be used as a form of punishment?
• Should censorship of the internet be allowed?

Cancel Culture

• Is cancel culture a valid form of protest?

Cell Phones

• Should the use of cell phones be restricted in public places?

Climate Change

• Is climate change real or man-made?
• Should human cloning be allowed?
• Should drugs be decriminalized or not?

Death Penalty

• Is the death penalty effective as a punishment?

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

• School debate should be compulsory for all students
• There should be no school uniforms or a dress code
• Students should not be allowed to use Facebook.
• Impact of social media on teenagers and high school students.
• Junk food should not be banned in schools
• Energy drinks should be banned from students.
• Students should volunteer for community service.
• Students should not be allowed gadgets in private school.
• Mobile phones should not be allowed in schools
• High school students should not be allowed cell phones in school.
• Online learning vs. traditional learning. Which is better?
• How can technology help to improve education?
• The modern college education system is better than the traditional one.
• How can we engage high school students in the class?
• How is outdoor learning beneficial?
• Homework should be banned in schools.
• How can a college education help you get a good job?
• Should public schools offer educational bonuses?
• Why do kids need recess?
• Traditional teaching methods should be replaced with AI-powered education.
• Public speaking boosts the confidence of students.
• Entertainment and Technology Debate Topics
• Children should not be allowed to play violent video games.
• Pros and cons of using social media.
• Does technology intensify human communication skills?
• Effects of violent cartoons on the mental development of children.
• Playing video games should be banned for kids.
• Environmental Issues
• Global warming and its impacts on humanity.
• Is global warming a real issue?

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Fun and Funny Debate Topics

Following fun debate topics are great if you are looking for topics that are light in mood and offer humorous matters.

• Women are much more complicated than men.
• Which one is better? Eat to live or live to eat?
• Children should not be allowed to watch cartoons as they portray violence.
• Why can men date younger women, but women can’t date younger men?
• Are there some discrete messages in nursery rhymes?
• Morals or money? Which one is necessary to survive?
• Which gender is better? Male or female?
• How does sunlight affect vampires?
• Can vampires get AIDS?
• How will life be after death?
• Barbie is a good role model for young girls.
• Do fairy tales affect children’s reality perception?
• Has the #MeToo movement gone too far?
• Which is the better pet? Dogs or cats.
• What comes first? Chicken or eggs.
• Winters are better than summer.
• Do you want to live forever?
• What is a better dessert? Cake or ice cream.
• What is the best topping for pizza?
• No one should ever tell a lie.

General Debate Topics

Zoos should be banned Why do kids need privacy? Importance of saving money. Every student should adopt a family pet. Why do most kids start smoking? Importance of reading books. Animals should have the same rights as humans. Fast-food chains are the major cause of the increase in the obesity rate.

Healthcare Debate Topics

• Marijuana should be legal for its use in medicines.
• Pharmacists should not be allowed to prescribe medicines.
• Obese people should pay more for healthcare.
• Healthcare should not be free for everyone.

Interesting Debate Topics

• Is sex education necessary for middle school students?
• Nuclear powers are the major cause of wars.
• Same-sex marriage should not be allowed.
• Gay relationships are against nature.
• Students are becoming way too dependent on technology.
• Money is a major source of motivation in the workplace.
• Girls should be encouraged and supported to enter the STEM research field.
• Is money a key factor in getting exoneration from crimes?
• Alternative energy resources should be explored and used to preserve natural resources.
• Censorship should be made less lenient for educational documentaries.
• Gay couples should be allowed to adopt children.
• The sale of fur must be banned.
• Reality television is harming society.
• Why is paintball a real sport?
• Sports are more important than arts.
• What are the differences between cricket and hockey?
• Why is it important to ban late-night alcohol sales?
• Unpaid internships should be made illegal.
• Beauty contests should be banned.
• Gay couples should not be allowed to adopt children.

Justice Debate Topics

• The death penalty should be abolished.
• Mental illness should not be grounds for criminal justice exemption.
• The legal age for voting should be lowered.
• Juveniles who commit crimes should not be tried as adults.
• Should police officers wear body cameras?
• Are plea bargains fair to defendants?

Knowledge Debate Topics

• Do humans learn better by reading or listening?
• Should universities offer free tuition to all students?
• Is knowledge more important than experience?
• What is the best way to acquire knowledge?
• Are tests a good indication of student learning?
• Do grades accurately measure intellectual abilities?

Life and Ethics Debate Topics

• Beauty pageants are another way to objectify women.
• Beauty pageants are setting ridiculous standards in society.
• Social networking sites are used for stalking instead of communicating.
• Torture is never justified, no matter what the situation is.
• Celebrities have the leverage to get away with crimes more than any non-celebrity.
• Cigarettes should not be allowed in public places.

Moral Debate Topics

• Is it ever right to lie?
• Should animals be used for scientific research?
• Is abortion wrong in all cases?
• Capital punishment is morally wrong.
• The death penalty should not exist.
• Should prostitution be legalized?
• What is the moral responsibility of corporations?

Nature Debate Topics

• Are humans responsible for global warming?
• Should plastic bags be banned in all countries?
• Why are bees important to our environment?
• How can deforestation be stopped or slowed down?
• What is the best way to preserve wildlife habitats?
• What steps should be taken to reduce air pollution?

Opinion Debate Topics

• Should teachers be allowed to have cell phones in the classroom?
• Do violent video games lead to aggressive behavior?
• Are organic foods really better for you than non-organic foods?
• Does the internet make people more productive?
• Is it ethical to clone animals and humans?

Political Debate Topics

• There should be a monarchical system in the United States
• Causes of increasing racism in the United States.
• Nuclear weapons should be banned across the globe.
• Police should be allowed to use lethal force.
• Are men stronger than women?
• Religion does more harm than good.
• Why can it be done to stop wars?
• Is the Paris Agreement relevant anymore?
• Monarchy should end worldwide.
• Everyone should be allowed to keep weapons.
• Free speech is an individual right.
• Religious schools and churches should also be charged with taxes.
• Is freedom of speech necessary for a nation to grow?
• What should be the penalty for illegal immigrants?
• There should be more members of the jury.
• Refugees should not be allowed to acquire any sort of nationality.
• Is it ethical to carry an automatic weapon?
• Is patriotism a good or a bad thing?
• Is the US Constitution a living document?
• Political campaigns must be organized on money borrowed by corporations.
• Limiting terms for US senators and representatives brings more harm than benefit.
• Why should churches pay more taxes?
• Police should use deadly force. Discuss why.
• Why must the royal family be abolished?
• People should own guns. Why?
• Why are automatic weapons legalized?
• Voting should be made mandatory for everyone. 
• Importance of freedom of speech.
• Public Forum Debate Topics
• Abortion is the right of every woman.
• Genetic engineering is not a natural process and should not be legalized.
• Birth control pills should be accessible to teenagers.
• There should be an equal ratio of male and female employees in the workplace.
• Barbie is not a practical example of a role model.
• Feminism is causing more harm than good.
• Marijuana has its advantages.
• The MeToo movement is being misused, forgetting its real purpose.
• The media should be free to express their opinions and criticism.
• Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
• Smoking should be banned worldwide.
• The form of government should provide free birth control.
• Can we trust banks? 
• Financial issues destroy a nation.
• Is taxation good or bad?
• How can humans affect animals?
• Discuss the importance of financial stability.
• We should lower the voting age for everyone.
• Mobile banking is not a safe procedure. Why?
• How badly can peer pressure affect an innocent soul?
• Models are setting the wrong standards of beauty.
• We are living in a dystopian society.

Questions Debate Topics

• Does technology have the potential to do more harm than good?

Religion Debate Topics

• What is the importance of religion in society?
• Should religious education be mandatory in all schools?
• Sports should be an essential part of middle school.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Television Debate Topics

• Should parents be more mindful of the television programs their children watch?
• Are reality shows detrimental to our society?

Urbanization Debate Topics

• What are the effects of rapid urbanization on the environment?

Veganism Debate Topics

• Is veganism a more ethical lifestyle choice than eating meat?
• Should veganism be promoted as an ethical diet choice?
• Women's Rights Debate Topics
• Are women still discriminated against in the workplace?
• Xenophobia Debate Topic
• What can be done to tackle the rising xenophobia in many parts of the world?
• Youth Empowerment Debate Topics
• Should youth empowerment programs be adopted at a global level?

Zero Waste Debate Topics

• Can zero-waste policies help protect our environment?

Best Debate Topics for Students

Crafting an argumentative essay or preparing for a debate? Below we have compiled some great topics for debate competition;

Debate Topics for Kids

• The curriculum should be designed according to the individual needs of the children.
• Physical activities and real-life teaching skills should be mandatory in schools.
• Visits to zoological and botanical gardens are great fun and educational activities for kids.
• Sports should be encouraged at the school level.
• Children should be given the right to vote.
• School hours should be revised.
• School lunches should be properly planned by a dedicated dietician.
• Parents should give a weekly allowance to the kids.
• Parents should be held responsible for their kids' mistakes.
• Dance can be considered a sport.
• Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
• Why should we encourage students to read books?
• How can we replace teachers with computers?
• Why are the Olympics important?
• Are zoos beneficial to animals?
• Why is it important to explore space?
• Do children really need privacy in their lives?
• Why should children save their pocket money?
• Parents should be punished if their child makes a mistake.

Debate Topics for Teens

• The minimum wage for all countries should be the same.
• Parents should not hit children in front of others.
• Censorship is necessary for the media.
• Passion or patriotism can be harmful in certain situations.
• How social media affects teenagers?
• Social media is a cause of increasing depression among the youth.
• The use of drugs should be considered a mental issue.
• How is peer pressure different from bullying?
• How are humans destroying the habitat of animals?
• Being too religious can be dangerous.
• Can people save nature by using technology?
• Are student loans exploitative?
• Alcohol should not be sold on weekends.
• How secure is mobile banking?
• Does homework really promote learning? 
• Is abortion murder?
• Should students be allowed to create their own curriculum?
• Why is a college and university education necessary?
• Teachers should be allowed to carry guns on campuses.
• How should modern society respond to teenage pregnancies?
• All students must learn at least one foreign language.

Debate Topics for Middle School

• Following middle school debate topics are added to give you some good debate topics for middle school.
• Peer pressure is a major influence on teenage behavior.
• Should parents be held responsible for their children’s actions?
• Cell phone usage should be banned in schools.
• Teachers should use more technology in the classroom.
• Students should not have to wear uniforms.
• Schools should teach about financial literacy and budgeting.
• Violence in video games leads to increased aggression.
• The legal drinking age should be lowered from 21.
• Juvenile offenders should serve their sentences in adult prisons.
• Sexting should carry criminal penalties for minors.
• Schools need more money for extracurricular activities.
• Is it okay to criticize your teacher in public?

Debate Topics for High School

High school debate topics are less profound than what you get in college and graduation. The following topics will give you an idea of how to come up with interesting debate topics for your debate.

• In high school, should all students have to pass a basic math proficiency test?
• Should parents be held liable if their children commit crimes?
• Should violent video games be banned?
• Do the benefits of religious teachings outweigh their disadvantages?
• Are single-parent homes better than dual-parent homes?
• Should students participate in sports activities during school hours?
• Should schools provide free sanitary supplies in bathrooms?
• Are standardized tests a valid measure of student performance?
• Should cell phones be allowed in the classroom?
• Should students be graded on attendance alone?
• Is it right to limit free speech on college campuses?
• Are video games taking away from social activities or helping to build them?
• Should school uniforms be mandatory?
• Should the death penalty be abolished in all countries?
• Is it ethical to use animals for testing medical treatments?
• Should students be paid for their academic performance?
• Should plastic straws and other single-use items be banned?

Debate Topics for College Students

• How can homework help to abolish learning skills?
• Why should religion be avoided to discuss in schools?
• Is history an important subject area?
• Why is it important for students to play sports regularly?
• Boarding school is harmful to the mental health of the students.
• Obesity in children is increasing because of parents’ lack of control over their children.
• Children should not be allowed to use gadgets.
• There should be no advertisements on kids’ channels.
• People should be fined according to their income.
• Can drug addicts deal through help or punishment?
• Rich people should pay more taxes.
• Women should be paid less than men,
• Wars are never justified.
• Marriage is no longer necessary.
• Celebrities should earn less.

Are you a high school student seeking the best possible debating format ? This blog will provide you with all of the information to make an informed decision.

Latest Debate Topics 2023

Here are some current debate topics for your next debate;

• Education is becoming costlier with every passing day while the quality is not improving.
• Children and teens in underprivileged neighborhoods should be given free education.
• The rise of augmented reality in contemporary Hollywood and its results.
• Video games and animated movies are promoting violence and sexism.
• Google is transforming into an online patrol. Discuss.
• Orwell’s novel 1984 is becoming a quick reality. Discuss and explain with examples.
• Dating in the workplace should be discouraged.
• Parents should monitor their kid’s computer and phone usage.
• Racial profiling is a new form of discrimination.
• Reasons for substance abuse in high school and college-going children.
• Values or wealth? Which one is necessary to survive?
• There is no third gender.
• Homosexual relationships are against nature.
• Do drug addicts need help or punishment?
• Are animal supports acceptable?
• Parental support is essential for the future success of children.
• Technology makes people smarter. How?
• How can all cars become electric?
• A robot can increase people’s quality of life.
• Discuss the recent development in the technological field.
• The public electoral college should be tuition-free.
• All teachers should get tenure.
• All school districts should offer school vouchers.
• The sale of human organs should be legalized.
• Birth control should be for sale over the counter.
• Net neutrality should be restored.
• Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
• Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.
• Euthanasia should be banned.
• The drinking age should be 18.
• Vaping should be banned.
• All high school athletes should be drug tested.
• Detention should be abolished.
• How can we improve the quality of healthcare services?
• How should parents handle a bad report card?
• Our privacy is more important than national security.
• Why is football so dangerous for players?

More Controversial Debate and Argumentative Essay Topics

If you want more debate topics, we have combined a list of controversial and argumentative topics for a strong debate.

• Prostitution - should it be legal or illegal?
• Capital punishment - should it continue to exist?
• Gay Marriage - should it be legal?
• Euthanasia - should people have the right to end their lives?
• Drugs - Should drug testing for athletes continue?
• Stem Cell Research - should it continue to be regulated?
• Censorship - Is censorship necessary in certain topics?
• Immigration - How can immigration policies be improved?
• Surveillance - Is government surveillance necessary for national security?
• Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) - Should they continue to be used in food production?
• Online Piracy - Is it morally wrong?
• US-Iraq War - Was it necessary?
• Social Media - Should there be more regulation in its use?
• Animal Rights - Should animals have the same rights as humans?
• Parenting Styles - Is authoritative parenting better than other styles?
• Advertising - Are there any ethical issues with advertising?
• Religion - Does religion have a place in public life?

Dos and Don'ts for Debating

When taking part in debate, it is important to keep the following helpful do’s and dont’s  in mind.

• Here are several best practices to keep in mind when debating:
• Prepare in advance and research the topic.
• Consider both sides of the argument and present a balanced view.
• Use evidence and facts to support your opinions.
• Listen carefully to the opponent’s point of view.
• Respectfully disagree with what you don’t agree with.
• Be prepared to compromise.

Here are several things to avoid when debating:

• Argue for the sake of arguing without any concrete evidence.
• Get personal or use offensive language.
• Monopolize the conversation or interrupt others.
• Be too emotional about the topic.
• Ignore what the other person is saying.
• Make assumptions or jump to conclusions.

By keeping these dos and don'ts in mind, one can have an effective debate on any given topic.

To wrap it up, Hopefully, you would have found interesting topics for your debate by now. 

Once you have chosen a topic, you will have to prepare a strong debate by researching every aspect of the topic. Is that too much work for you?

Don’t panic; we have a good idea. Choose a topic from the given list and hire a professional writer from an essay writing service to do the rest for you.

Wondering where you will find an essay writer?

5StarEssays.com is the place for you. All you have to do is provide your topic along with the instructions, and the expert writers will do the job for you. Or you an add your topic to our AI essay generator , and it will do the rest. 

However, for some students, composing a debate is harder than selecting a topic. We can help you with that as well. 

Make a ‘ write my essay ’ request now and get your debate written according to your requirements.

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against 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. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

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.

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 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 you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay 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. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.   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.

• Is global climate change  caused by humans?
• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is the U.S. election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
• Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
• Is cheating out of control?
• Are we too dependent on computers?
• Should animals be used for research?
• Should cigarette smoking be banned?
• Are cell phones dangerous?
• Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
• Do we have a throwaway society ?
• Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
• Should companies market to children?
• Should the government have a say in our diets?
• Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
• Should members of Congress have term limits?
• Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
• Are CEOs paid too much?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
• Should creationism be taught in public schools?
• Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
• Should English be the official language of the United States?
• Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
• Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
• Should everyone be required to recycle?
• Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
• Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
• Does boredom lead to trouble?
• Should schools be in session year-round ?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the government provide health care?
• Should abortion be illegal?
• Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
• Is homework harmful or helpful?
• Is the cost of college too high?
• Is college admission too competitive?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
• Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
• Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
• Is affirmative action fair?
• Is public prayer okay in schools?
• Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
• Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

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Dive right into a deep discussion with Topic Templates!

150+ Debate Topics To Spark Conversations & Conquer Minds

Debating has long been a vital part of human culture, helping us sharpen our critical thinking and shaping our beliefs. Regardless of your skills, engaging in debates is a great way to learn and grow. 

However, the success of a debate depends on the right topic. Choosing the perfect debate topics is super important to make the conversation exciting. Finding a strong topic for your debate can be tricky. 

Dive into this article where we have compiled a diverse list of debate topics for you. We also explore the art of topic selection, the purpose of debate, and tips for a winning performance.

Table of Contents

Interesting Debate Topics for College Students

• Can a college degree assist with better employment opportunities? 
• Incorporating more AI-powered education is better for the future generation.
• Is online  paper writing service  necessary to respond to the increasing academic workload and pressure college students face?
• Mandatory nature education for all students, regardless of their major 
• Should colleges invest in developing online assignment help platforms to ensure quality and academic integrity?
• Is it justified to impose a tuition fee for college education? 
• Should we compensate college athletes for their participation in sports?
• Is affirmative action in college admissions necessary to promote diversity and equality?
• Should colleges offer free mental health services to all students?
• Is it fair for colleges to consider an applicant’s social media presence in the admissions process?
• Should colleges prioritize vocational and trade programs over traditional academic degrees?
• Should colleges implement stricter speech codes and restrictions to create a more inclusive and respectful campus environment?
• Is a liberal arts education still relevant and valuable in today’s job market?

Interesting and Controversial Debate Topics 

• Should we permit abortion as a regular medical practice?
• Should human cloning be allowed? 
• Is Animal testing ethical? 
• Should society grant animals the same rights as humans? 
• Should people give up their privacy rights to protect their nation? 
• Is animal testing necessary? 
• Is animal cloning ethical? 
• Is it justified to ban books under any circumstances? 
• Can we actively prevent cyberbullying?
• Is the MeToo movement currently stirring controversy?
• Why do students actively engage in smoking initiation?
• Are fast-food chains the main cause behind the growing rate of obesity? 
• Should terminally ill patients have the right to request and receive assistance in ending their lives?
• Should governments have the authority to regulate social media platforms to address issues such as misinformation, hate speech, and privacy concerns?
• Is capital punishment an effective deterrent against crime? 
• Has “Censorship” benefited society in any way?

Debate Topics For High-School Students

• Can schools prohibit their students from using certain social media platforms? 
• Impact of social media on high-school Students’ mental health 
• More students should volunteer for community work 
• Schools should prohibit the use of personal gadget in class 
• Is the prevalence of cheap essay writing services a reflection of flaws in the education system?
• Which is a better learning experience for students: online classes vs. traditional
• Which is more beneficial for high schoolers: outdoor learning or indoor learning 
• Do homeworks contribute to a student’s learning experience? 
• Should students have a lunch break and a separate recess to relax? 
• Students excel more when allowed to attend more subject-oriented fairs and expos.
• Are high school students more frequently subjected to online stalking?
• Is it easy for most students to open up to their parents about any harassment cases? 
• Do students need proper training from school professionals and parents to identify predators online? 

Unique Topics for University Students

• Does  APA heading  structure have any special impact on the academic writing quality?
• Free speech vs. safe speech on university campus 
• The value of liberal art education in today’s job market
• The importance of sustainability and environmental awareness in university policies 
• Role of extracurricular activities in university education 
• Et al. meaning  in academic writing: is it necessary or redundant? 
• The effectiveness of affirmative action in university admission 
• The necessity of student loan forgiveness programs 

Political Debate Topics

• Should the United States transition to a socialist system collectively?
• The government still neglects minor disabilities. 
• Are current government policies and actions sufficient to combat the effects of climate change?
• How to approach the global refugee crisis: including issues of border control, asylum policies, and international cooperation
• Can governments address the growing wealth gap?
• Rise of populist movements and growing political polarization, and how can societies address the resulting divisions and strengthen democratic institutions?
• The imposition of the same-sex marriage agenda upon individuals should be avoided.
• Rise of authoritarian governments and their impact on human rights, democracy, and global stability
• The feminist movement no longer talks about women’s rights
• Gay couples should be able to adopt children

Topics to Debate on Environment

• Alternative energy: Is it a better option than traditional courses of energy? 
• Should we ban bottled water to minimize the Plastic waste? 
• Does Climate change pose a real threat to human existence?
• Does climate change impact humans in a negative way? 
• Should people fund  animal research  institutes? 

Debate Topics on Ethics

• Should ethical considerations play a role in business decisions?
• Should we encourage the use of cell phones in public places? 
• Is it ethical to use AI in the decision-making process? 
• Is it unethical to have different viewpoints from your teachers?
• Why has the use of Facebook not been prohibited despite the revelation of user exploitation? 

Easy Debate Topics on Education

• Should schools make it compulsory for every student to contribute in debate contests? 
• Should schools invite professionals for informative speeches more often? 
• Should schools arrange for more motivational speakers to visit schools? 
• Should schools provide a separate class for public speaking for students to combat social or stage anxiety 
• Should educational curriculums have religious subjects in them? 
• Do student dress codes help achieve anything in a student’s overall upbringing? 
• School cafeterias should not have junk food in them 
• There should be monthly wellness and cleanliness checks of school cafes from higher authorities or the government 
• Should schools allow students to use mobile phones within school premises?
• The perceived value of virtual degrees in comparison to traditional degrees
• Should victims of school violence and bullying sue their educational institutes for physical and mental damages?
• Should schools provide educational bonuses?
• Schools should make monthly psychological evaluations necessary
• Schools should encourage AI-powered education for all subjects 
• Educational institutes should invest more in subject-oriented fairs and expos 
• Schools need to take students on more sight trips for a better learning experience 
• More educational institutes should offer educational bonuses. 

Conversational Debate Topics 

• Should society decriminalize the usage of drugs? 
• Video games induce violent behavior in children 
• Does the television series “Euphoria” idealize or glorify self-destructive behavior?
• Should CPS get involved in cases of school violence?
• Is Barbie a good role model for impressionable girls? 
• Has society benefited more from social media?
• Should society ban Zoos? 
• Do Netizens really assist authorities in solving true crime cases?
• Has technology intensified human communication? 
• Does reading books hold significant importance?
• Does violence in cartoons affect the upbringing of children
• Should governments implement a universal basic income to address income inequality and poverty? 
• Should we ban games like “IGI”, “Grand Theft Auto”, “Call of Duty”, or “Delta Force”? 
• Do shows like “ The Glory ” and “13 Reasons Why” make any impact against the physical and mental turmoils students face? 
• What is the most effective method to attain financial literacy?
• Should society lower the official voting age to 16?
• Should minimum wages be increased in accordance with inflation? 
• Public speaking can give you a boost of confidence 
• Cons of using social media
• Does global warming have serious effects on humanity 
• Does financial wealth yield greater benefits than moral values?
• What transpires after the occurrence of death? 

What is a Debate?

A debate is a structured discussion between individuals or teams with contrasting viewpoints on a specific issue. Most debates aim to persuade an audience to support one side.

They explore various subjects, including philosophy, politics, social sciences etc. Usually, debate contests occur in academic settings. But it may also occur in legislative assemblies, public meetings, and law-making assemblies. 

Debate is a contest of ideas, often occurring in academic institutes, legislative assemblies, public meetings, and lawmaking assemblies. It involves defending a viewpoint that one agrees with. 

Types of Debates:

Debates come in various formats, each with its unique structure and style. Understanding these types of debates will help you choose the right debate topics. And navigate the world of intellectual discussions with ease. Let’s explore some popular debate formats:

Rebuttal Debate

In rebuttal debates, participants present their arguments and then have the opportunity to respond directly to the opposing side’s points. These debates encourage quick thinking and sharp analytical skills. 

Example of a rebuttal debate:

 The 1960 Kennedy-Nixon presidential debate, both candidates had the chance to refute each other’s arguments.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Named after the historic debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas, this format typically focuses on values and philosophical issues. In Lincoln-Douglas debates, participants emphasize logic, ethics, and philosophy when discussing debate topics. 

The original Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858, centered around the issue of slavery, are prime examples of this format.

One-Rebuttal Debate

In one-rebuttal debates, each speaker has only one chance to refute the opposing side’s arguments. This format demands strong initial arguments and strategic thinking. 

Example of one-rebuttal debate:

The 2012 U.S. vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan. In this debate both debaters had limited opportunities to counter each other’s points.

Public Forum Debate

Public forum debates focus on current events and involve teams of two speakers. These debates aim to engage the audience and make complex issues accessible to a broader audience. 

For example: A 2014 Intelligence Squared U.S. debate showcases a public forum debate. The subject was contemporary on whether “Snowden was justified”.

Cross-Examination Debate

Also known as policy debate, cross-examination debates involve two teams that propose and oppose a specific policy. Participants must research and prepare extensively, as they need to defend their stance and question their opponents effectively. 

The annual National Debate Tournament showcases the best cross-examination debate topics and performances.

Oregon-Oxford Debate

The Oregon-Oxford debate format features two teams with two to three speakers each. Debaters present their arguments in alternating speeches, followed by cross-examination.

A prominent example of Oregon-Oxford debate is the 2015 Munk Debate on the global refugee crisis 

Understanding these different debate formats will help you choose good debate topics. These topics will best suit the structure and style of your desired intellectual exchange.

Significance of the Right Debate Topics.

Picking the right debate topics is essential because it sets the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation. A strong topic captures everyone’s interest, sparks lively discussions, and challenges debaters to think deeply and present persuasive arguments. 

You should analyze several factors about a topic before preparing for a debate. 

• Is the chosen topic worthy of debate? 
• Is there enough research material available for you to organize an argument?
• Are you interested in the topic? 
• Will the topic impact your audience?

So, the next time you’re picking a topic consider checking all these boxes. 

How to Choose Good Debate Topics? A Quick Guide 

Here is a quick guide on how to pick your next debate topic for an epic win. These simple steps will help you find one that’s engaging and thought-provoking:

• Your Interest:  Choose debate topics that genuinely interest you. Your passion for the subject will make your arguments more compelling and motivate you throughout the debate.
• Proper Research:  Explore various debate topics and gather information on them. Look for topics with abundant resources, making building strong arguments easier and staying well-informed.
• Your Target Audience : Consider the interests and preferences of your audience. Select debate topics that will resonate with them and spark their curiosity.
• Argument Potential:  Pick debate topics allowing diverse perspectives and strong arguments. This will ensure a lively and engaging debate, encouraging critical thinking and intellectual growth.
• Controversy and Relevance : Opt for debate topics that address current or controversial issues. These topics generate more interest and provoke deeper discussions, as they often have real-world implications and affect people’s lives.
• Balance and Fairness:  Ensure that the debate topics you choose allow for a fair and balanced debate. Both sides should have equal opportunities to present strong arguments and valid points, making the debate more engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Tips and Techniques to SpellBound Your Audience 

In this blog’s last part, we will touch on some tips for delivering a strong debate. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to deliver a winning debate on various topics.

• Prepare thoroughly:  Confidence and believability come from being well-prepared. Research your debate topics and anticipate your and your opponent’s arguments.
• Stay on topic:  Time is limited, so focus on your points and allocate appropriate time for each.
• Speak slowly and clearly:  Avoid rushing through your speech. Engage your audience by being charismatic and amicable.
• Exude confidence:  Even if you feel nervous, maintain confidence to appear credible and knowledgeable about your debate topics.
• Mind your body language:  Use gestures, maintain eye contact, and adopt a relaxed posture to convey confidence and credibility.
• Engage your audience:  Observe your audience’s reactions and adjust your tone or content accordingly to keep them interested.
• Take notes during the debate:  Jot down your opponent’s points and potential rebuttals to stay organized and focused.
• Anticipate your opponent’s arguments:  Try to understand your opponent’s perspective and show your audience why your stance matters more.
• Use stories and illustrations:  Humor and anecdotes can help break the ice and make your debate topics more relatable.
• Conclude strongly:  Summarize your points and tie everything together in a memorable closing statement.
• Be graceful:  Refrain from resorting to low tactics. Like derogatory remarks or disruptive behavior. Ensure that you treat your opponent with the utmost respect.
• Keep it interesting:  Adapt your delivery based on audience feedback. Add anecdotes, and maintain a light tone to keep your debate topics engaging.

Conclusion:

We’re confident that our diverse selection of debate topics will leave you spoilt for choice. With so many options, you can find the perfect topic that ticks all your boxes. Our seasoned professionals are ready to lend a helping hand in crafting the most compelling debates out there. Elevate your debating game with our expert guidance. Rest assured that we’re committed to delivering nothing but the best for our valued customers. So, dive into these debate topics and let the engaging conversations begin!

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50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment

General Education

At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
• Do GMOs help or harm people?
• Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
• Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
• Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
• Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
• Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

• Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
• Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
• Should sports be segregated by gender?
• Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
• Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
• Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
• Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
• Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
• Should religion be taught in schools?
• Should clergy be allowed to marry?
• Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
• Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
• Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

• Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
• Should Puerto Rico become a state?
• Should voter registration be automatic?
• Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
• Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
• Should sex work be legalized?
• Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
• Should the death penalty be legal?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should drug possession be decriminalized?

• Should unpaid internships be legal?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Should monopolies be allowed?
• Is universal basic income a good idea?
• Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
• Are school uniforms a good idea?
• Should PE affect a student’s grades?
• Should college be free?
• Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
• Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should books with objectionable words be banned?
• Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
• Is art education important?
• Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

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Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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