Top 30 Argumentative Writing Topics

Are you looking for some good argumentative essay topics? If that’s what you are searching for, you are definitely in the right place! Check out our top 30 topics for argumentative writing. These argumentative topics for essays will help students practice key academic and professional writing skills.

Argumentative Writing

Argumentative writing is a type of academic writing that requires writers to come up with a well-reasoned argument about a topic. The goal of argumentative writing is to persuade readers with a well-structured argument. Readers should be able to agree with the writer’s logic.

Benefits of Argumentative Writing

Here are some specific reasons why it is so important for students to practice argumentative writing.

• Academic and Professional Success: Argumentative writing is a key skill continuously needed in school and at work. Practicing argumentative writing will make students better at persuading others and logically presenting their opinions.
• Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Fosters the development of critical thinking skills that can benefit students in their academic and professional pursuits.
• Improve Research Skills: In order to present good evidence, students have to research and collect information from a variety of sources.
• Understand Different Perspectives: Writers have to consider different opinions and perspectives, which can develop empathy and understanding for others.

Other Types of Writing

Here are other types of writing that you might be interested in teaching your students.

• Persuasive Writing
• Expository Writing
• Analytical Writing
• Descriptive Writing
• Narrative Writing
• Comparative Writing

Argumentative Essay Topics

Our top 30 argumentative essay topics are divided into three levels: elementary, middle school, and high school. Find the right topic for your students depending on their grade level.

Argumentative Writing Topics for Kids in Elementary School

1. Is homework good or bad for students?
2. Should students have to wear uniforms to school?
3. Should kids be allowed to choose their own clothes?
4. Should schools have more art and music classes?
5. Should schools have more field trips?
6. Should schools start later in the day or earlier in the day?
7. Should schools have a dress code for students?
8. Should schools have a longer summer break?
9. Should pets be allowed in classrooms?
10. Should junk food be banned from schools?

Middle School Argumentative Essay Topics

1. Should cell phones be allowed in classrooms?
2. Should the voting age be lowered?
3. Should the driving age be raised?
4. Should the government regulate the use of social media?
5. Should schools implement gender-neutral bathrooms?
6. Should zoos and aquariums be banned?
7. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
8. Should there be a limit on the amount of homework students receive?
9. Should schools allow students to have mental health days?
10. Should schools offer more vocational/technical courses or art/music courses?

Argumentative Writing Topics for High School

1. Do you think college should be free for everyone?
2. Should standardized tests be abolished?
3. Should the government increase the minimum wage?
4. Should there be stricter gun control laws?
5. Should schools implement mandatory community service hours for graduation?
6. Should the government regulate artificial intelligence?
7. Should the death penalty be abolished?
8. Which courses should high schools offer more and why?
9. Do you think it should be easier or harder to adopt a pet?
10. Should schools have mandatory drug testing for students?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

1. Does social media have a positive or negative influence on individuals and society as a whole?
2. Should genetic engineering and modification of humans, animals, and crops be allowed?
3. How should governments and individuals address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?
4. What are the benefits and potential risks of widespread AI adoption, and how should it be regulated?
5. Should recreational drugs such as marijuana be legalized and regulated?
6. What are the implications of stricter gun control laws on reducing gun violence?
7. Should higher education be free or more affordable to ensure equal opportunities for all?
8. Is animal testing necessary for scientific and medical advancements, or should alternative methods be used?
9. Should individuals have a right to online privacy, or is surveillance necessary for national security?
10. Should the death penalty be abolished or retained as a form of punishment?

More Writing Prompts

If you are looking for more essay topics for your students, check out some of these more general writing topics.

• Writing Prompts and Topics for Beginners
• Creative Writing Prompts for Teens

Writing Activities

If you are looking for some good writing activities that will help your students improve their argumentative or general writing skills, check out these fun ESL writing activities.

• 3 Things
• Round Robin Story
• Proof-Reading + Editing
• Postcards

FAQs About Argumentative Essay Topics

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about argumentative writing topics for students.

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay is a type of academic writing that presents a strong argument on a specific topic. The writer aims to persuade the readers with logical reasoning and convincing evidence.

What are some examples of argumentative essay topics?

Here are some good argumentative writing topics:

• Is animal testing ethical?
• Is social media harmful to society?
• Should the government provide free healthcare?
• Is there a correlation between video games and violence?
• Does technology make us more isolated?
• Is homeschooling more effective than traditional schooling?

How do I structure an argumentative essay?

In an argumentative essay, you should include an introduction, body paragraphs, counterarguments, and a conclusion. The number of body paragraphs can depend on the topic or the required length of your essay. You must include a counterargument section to address an opposing viewpoint. Addressing the counterarguments will make your argument stronger.

Argumentative Topics: Join the Conversation

What are your thoughts on these top 30 argumentative writing topics? Which one is your favourite topic? If there is another topic that you know and should be included in our list, please let us know in the comments. We’d love to hear from you.