500 Good Argumentative Essay Topics: Best Ideas For Students

Picking the perfect topic is key to writing a compelling argumentative essay. After all, without a strong topic, it will be difficult to craft a strong argument. Not sure where to start? Don’t worry. Empowerly can help! 

Whether you’re facing writer’s block or just need some extra guidance, our expert essay coaches are here to guide you through every step of the way. Read on to learn more about how to craft an argumentative essay and explore the best topic ideas to jumpstart your writing. 

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that takes a strong stance on an issue (your thesis) and presents evidence to support that point of view. Before you even start writing, you will have to choose a topic, thoroughly research it, and organize your evidence to support your argument. 

Argumentative essays are similar to persuasive essays; after all, they both try to change the audience’s mind. However, persuasive essays make broader use of emotional appeals, whereas argumentative essays focus more on the cold, hard facts. 

Argumentative essays are the most important type of academic writing, forming the basis of both college assignments and professional publications like dissertations, journal articles, and non-fiction books. Not to mention, your common application essay will require argumentative writing skills, so it’s important that you hone them now!

Brainstorming and Choosing an Argumentative Essay Topic

The best argumentative essays start with a strong topic. Have a brainstorming session where you list anything you might want to write about. Ask yourself, what are you passionate about? Is there something you would like to see changed in your local community, your country, or even the world? If your teacher has provided a prompt, read through it carefully and think about how you would like to address it.

Once you’re done brainstorming, it’s time to actually pick a topic. Consider these factors as you solidify your argument:

• What about this topic that interests you?
• Do you have a strong opinion on this topic that you can back up with empirical evidence?
• Is there a lot of research available on this topic?
• Is this topic too broad? If so, can you narrow it down further?
• What are you passionate about?
• What can you debate with facts?

And if you need help picking a topic, keep reading! We have compiled over 500 ideas to get you started.

Researching an Argumentative Essay 

After you have your topic, it’s time to research. You may have an idea for your thesis; however, you need to be able to back it up. That’s why it’s critical to complete your research before you start writing your essay. Along the way, you may find out that there just isn’t evidence to support your point, and you may have to pivot your argument or even your topic.

Focus on gathering concrete evidence from credible sources like:

• Non-fiction books
• Reputable news sources
• Published scientific data
• Journal articles
• Case studies
• Interviews

If you’re struggling to find sources, your teacher or school librarian will be able to help!

Argumentative Essay Structure

Once you have all your research, it’s time to organize your thoughts. If you structure your thoughts in a strong outline before you start writing, your essay will practically write itself!

First and foremost, argumentative essays begin with an introductory paragraph that lays out the topic you’re discussing, some background information, and a clear outline of the evidence you will be using throughout the essay. However, the most important piece of the essay is the thesis statement: the main point you will argue. 

After your introduction, you should organize each of your body paragraphs around different subpoints. Each paragraph should highlight a different perspective that supports your thesis and back up your claims with evidence. Use different sources and consider refuting opposing points of view to strengthen your argument! 

Finally, write a strong conclusion paragraph that summarizes your arguments and drives your point home. Leave your audience with compelling, fact-based reasons for why your thesis is correct. You can infuse the conclusion with a little bit of emotion, but keep the focus on logic.

Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

Without further ado, here are 500 top argumentative essay ideas, put together by Empowerly’s expert essay coaches:

1. Health Topics 

• Is healthcare a fundamental right for everyone?
• Should BMI be removed as a required measure of health?
• Should mass vaccination be required?
• Should DNA be kept by companies who perform genealogical research?
• Should AI be allowed to be a part of healthcare?

2. Technology-Focused Topics 

• Should self-driving cars be fully implemented in our society?
• Is social media bad for us?
• Should computers be allowed in classrooms?
• Is technology impacting our intelligence?
• Should we allow VR to replace the classroom, workplace, etc.?

3. Environmental Ideas 

• Are farms hurting the environment?
• Should someone found littering be implicated by the law?
• Is global warming real?
• Are electric cars better for the environment?
• Is technology damaging to the environment?

4. Society and Cultural Topics

• Is there a difference in pay for men and women?
• Should workplaces and schools monitor employee/student social media accounts?
• Should books be allowed to be banned from schools?
• Should schools enforce the pledge of allegiance?

5. Economics

• Should there be a universal basic income?
• Is cryptocurrency the future of global finance?
• How can wealth inequality be effectively addressed?
• Should student loan debt be forgiven?
• Is a four-day work week economically viable?

6. Gender and Sexuality

• Should gender-neutral bathrooms be mandatory in public spaces?
• How can workplace policies better support LGBTQ+ employees?
• Should gender reassignment surgery be covered by health insurance?
• Is single-sex education still relevant in modern society?
• How can we address the gender pay gap effectively?

7. Politics

• Should voting be mandatory for all eligible citizens?
• Is a two-party system effective for modern democracy?
• Should there be term limits for all elected officials?
• How can we combat the spread of misinformation in politics? 
• Should the electoral college system be abolished?

8. History

• Should historical monuments of controversial figures be removed?
• How can we ensure a more inclusive representation in historical education?
• Is it ethical to use AI to recreate historical figures or events?
• Should reparations be paid for historical injustices?
• How can we better preserve oral histories and traditions?

9. Psychology

• Should mindfulness meditation be taught in schools?
• Is social media addiction a clinical disorder?
• How can we destigmatize seeking mental health treatment?
• Should employers be required to provide mental health days?
• Is the current DSM classification system effective for diagnosing mental health disorders?

10. Science and Ethics

• Should human genetic engineering be allowed?
• Is it ethical to use animals in scientific research?
• How should we regulate artificial intelligence development?
• Should scientists be held responsible for the misuse of their discoveries?
• Is it ethical to create human-animal hybrids for organ transplantation?

11. Art and Literature

• Should AI-generated art be eligible for awards?
• How can we preserve endangered languages through literature?
• Should controversial artworks be censored in public spaces?
• Is cultural appropriation in art always unethical?
• Should classic literature with outdated views be taught in schools?

12. Media and Communication

• Should social media platforms be held responsible for user content?
• How can we combat the spread of fake news?
• Is internet access a basic human right?
• Should there be stricter regulations on targeted advertising?
• How can we ensure media diversity in the age of conglomerates?

13. Business and Corporate Ethics

• Should there be a cap on CEO salaries?
• Is corporate social responsibility genuinely beneficial or just PR?
• How can we ensure ethical supply chains in global businesses?
• Should corporations have the same rights as individuals?
• Is it ethical for companies to collect and sell user data?

14. Fashion and Beauty

• Should fashion brands be required to use diverse models?
• How can the fashion industry become more sustainable?
• Should there be age restrictions on cosmetic surgeries?
• Is cultural appropriation in fashion always unethical?
• Should beauty products be required to list all ingredients?

15. Food and Nutrition

• Should sugar be regulated like alcohol and tobacco?
• Is veganism the most ethical and sustainable diet?
• Should GMO foods be labeled?
• How can we address food deserts in urban areas?
• Should fast food advertising to children be banned?

16. Legal and Criminal Justice

• Should the death penalty be abolished worldwide?
• Is restorative justice more effective than punitive justice?
• Should drug addiction be treated as a health issue rather than a criminal one?
• How can we address racial bias in the criminal justice system?
• Should AI be used in judicial decision-making?

17. Music

• Should streaming platforms pay artists more equitably?
• Is music piracy still a significant issue in the digital age?
• How can we preserve endangered musical traditions?
• Should explicit lyrics in music be censored?
• Is AI-composed music a threat to human musicians?

18. Parenting and Family

• Should parental leave be mandatory and equal for both parents?
• Is homeschooling a viable alternative to traditional education?
• How can we better support single-parent families?
• Should children have a say in custody battles?
• Is it ethical to use technology to select a child’s genetic traits?

19. Pets and Animals

• Should exotic animal ownership be banned?
• Is veganism the most ethical approach to pet food?
• Should animals have legal rights similar to humans?
• How can we address the issue of pet overpopulation?
• Should zoos be abolished or reformed?

20. Sports

• Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in professional sports?
• How can we address gender inequality in sports?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• Is e-sports a legitimate form of sport?
• Should violent sports like boxing be banned?

21. Travel and Tourism

• How can we make tourism more sustainable?
• Should there be a global tax on air travel to offset carbon emissions?
• Is voluntourism ethical?
• Should tourist caps be implemented in overcrowded destinations?
• How can we preserve local cultures in the face of mass tourism?

22. Work and Employment

• Is a four-day workweek feasible and beneficial?
• Should there be a universal basic income?
• How can we address age discrimination in the workplace?
• Should remote work become the new norm?
• Is automation a threat or opportunity for the job market?

23. Youth and Adolescence

• Should the voting age be lowered?
• How can we address the mental health crisis among youth?
• Should smartphones be banned in schools?
• Is social media harmful to adolescent development?
• Should sex education be mandatory in all schools?

24. Gaming

• Are violent video games linked to real-world violence?
• Should loot boxes be regulated as a form of gambling?
• How can we address gaming addiction?
• Should esports be included in the Olympics?
• Is virtual reality gaming the future of the industry

25. Film and Television

• Should streaming services be required to produce local content?
• How can we increase diversity in Hollywood?
• Should historical accuracy be prioritized over artistic license in films?
• Is binge-watching culture harmful?
• Should AI be used in film production and scriptwriting?

26. Personal Finance

• Should financial literacy be mandatory in schools?
• Is cryptocurrency a viable investment option?
• How can we address the student debt crisis?
• Should there be a wealth tax?
• Is the traditional concept of retirement becoming obsolete?

27. Religion

• Should religious education be mandatory in schools?
• How can we promote interfaith dialogue and understanding?
• Should religious institutions be taxed?
• Is secularism the best approach for diverse societies?
• Should religious symbols be banned in public institutions?

28. Transportation

• Should private car ownership be discouraged in urban areas?
• Is high-speed rail the future of intercity travel?
• How can we make public transportation more accessible?
• Should self-driving cars be allowed on public roads?
• Is space tourism ethical given its environmental impact?

29. Social Media

• Should social media platforms be held responsible for user content?
• How can we combat online harassment and bullying?
• Should there be age restrictions for social media use?
• Is social media addiction a real disorder?
• How can we protect user privacy on social platforms?

30. Military and War

• Should military service be mandatory?
• Is the development of autonomous weapons ethical?
• How can we better support veterans?
• Should private military contractors be regulated?
• Is nuclear disarmament achievable?

31. Human Rights

• Should access to clean water be recognized as a human right?
• How can we effectively combat human trafficking?
• Should corporations be held accountable for human rights violations?
• Is internet access a basic human right?
• How can we protect the rights of stateless individuals?

32. Medicine

• Should healthcare be universal and free?
• Is human gene editing ethical?
• Should vaccination be mandatory?
• How can we address the opioid crisis?
• Should euthanasia be legalized?

33. Space Exploration

• Should we prioritize space exploration over Earth’s problems?
• Who should own resources mined from asteroids or other planets?
• Is it ethical to colonize other planets?
• Should space debris cleanup be mandatory for space agencies?
• How can we make space exploration more sustainable?

34. Philosophy

• Is free will an illusion?
• Can artificial intelligence be conscious?
• Is moral relativism valid?
• Should we prioritize the greater good over individual rights?
• Is there a meaning to life beyond what we create?

35. Culture

• How can we preserve endangered cultures?
• Is cultural appropriation always harmful?
• Should indigenous languages be officially recognized?
• How can we promote cultural diversity in globalized societies?

36. Technology and Privacy

• Should facial recognition technology be regulated?
• Is data privacy a fundamental right?
• How can we protect children’s privacy online?
• Should encryption have backdoors for law enforcement?
• Is it ethical for companies to sell user data?

37. Housing

• Should housing be a fundamental right?
• How can we address homelessness effectively?
• Is gentrification inevitably harmful?
• Should there be rent control in major cities?
• How can we make housing more sustainable?

38. Government

• Is direct democracy feasible in the digital age?
• Should there be term limits for all elected officials?
• How can we combat corruption in government?
• Should voting be mandatory?

39. Celebrity Culture

• Does celebrity activism have a meaningful impact?
• Should celebrities be held to higher moral standards?
• How does celebrity culture affect youth?
• Is the paparazzi industry ethical?
• Should social media influencers be regulated like traditional celebrities?

40. Climate Change

• Should there be a global carbon tax?
• How can we effectively transition to renewable energy?
• Should climate change denial be treated as misinformation?
• Is geoengineering a viable solution to climate change?
• How can we address climate refugee crises?

41. Digital Age

• How can we bridge the digital divide?
• Should digital literacy be taught in schools?
• Is the attention economy harmful to society?
• How can we combat digital addiction?
• Should there be a right to disconnect from work-related communications?

42. Nature

• Should natural resources have legal rights?
• How can we effectively combat deforestation?
• Should wildlife corridors be mandatory in urban planning?
• Is rewilding a viable conservation strategy?
• How can we address the decline in insect populations?

43. Pop Culture

• How does pop culture influence societal norms?
• Should streaming platforms be required to preserve cultural content?
• Is cancel culture a form of accountability or mob justice?
• How can we promote diversity in pop culture?
• Should fanfiction be protected under copyright law?

44. Immigration

• Should there be open borders?
• How can we combat xenophobia and promote integration?
• Should citizenship be birthright?
• How can we address the global refugee crisis?
• Should immigration policies be based on merit or humanitarian needs?

45. Writing

• Is AI-generated writing a threat to human authors?
• Should classic literature with outdated views be taught in schools?
• How can we preserve endangered languages through literature?
• Is fan fiction a legitimate form of literature?
• Should there be stricter regulations on plagiarism in the digital age?

46. Consumerism

• Is ethical consumption possible under capitalism?
• How can we promote sustainable consumption?
• Should there be limits on advertising?
• Is the sharing economy a solution to overconsumption?
• How can we address planned obsolescence?

47. Aging and Elder Care

• How can we combat ageism in society?
• Should there be a maximum age limit for elected officials?
• Is aging a disease that should be treated?
• How can we improve the quality of life in nursing homes?
• Should euthanasia be an option for the elderly?

48. Urban Development

• How can we create more sustainable cities?
• Should there be a limit on city size?
• How can we address urban food deserts?
• Is gentrification inevitably harmful?
• Should cities be designed for people or cars?

49. Marriage and Relationships

• Should polygamy be legalized?
• How can we address domestic violence effectively?
• Should marriage be privatized?
• Is monogamy natural or a social construct?
• How can we support healthy relationships in the digital age?

50. Language and Linguistics

• Should English remain the global lingua franca?
• How can we preserve endangered languages?
• Is inclusive language necessary for social progress?
• Should sign language be taught in all schools?
• How does language shape our perception of reality?

51. Infrastructure

• How can we make infrastructure more resilient to climate change?
• Should internet infrastructure be considered a public utility?
• Is privatization of infrastructure beneficial?
• How can we address the global sanitation crisis?
• Should we prioritize repairing existing infrastructure or building new?

52. International Relations

• Is the United Nations still relevant?
• How can we effectively combat global terrorism?
• Should there be an international court with real enforcement power?
• Is economic sanctions an effective foreign policy tool?
• How can we promote global cooperation on climate change?

53. Artificial Intelligence

• Should AI development be regulated globally?
• Can AI ever be truly ethical?
• How can we address AI bias?
• Should AI be granted legal personhood?
• Is strong AI (AGI) a threat to humanity?

54. Renewable Energy

• Should nuclear energy be considered renewable?
• How can we make renewable energy more accessible?
• Should fossil fuel companies be held liable for climate change?
• Is 100% renewable energy feasible for all countries?
• How can we address the environmental impact of renewable energy
  Infrastructure?

55. Genetic Engineering

• Should human genetic enhancement be allowed?
• How can we regulate CRISPR technology?
• Is it ethical to create genetically modified organisms for food?
• Should parents be allowed to choose their child’s genetic traits?
• How can we ensure genetic privacy?

56. Freedom of Speech

• Should hate speech be protected under free speech?
• How can we balance free speech and online content moderation?
• Should corporations have free speech rights?
• Is academic freedom under threat?
• How does national security impact freedom of speech?

57. Globalization

• Has globalization increased inequality?
• How can we make globalization more equitable?
• Is cultural homogenization an inevitable result of globalization?
• Should there be a global minimum wage?
• How can local economies thrive in a globalized world?

58. Gun Control

• Should the right to bear arms be a fundamental right?
• How can we balance gun rights with public safety?
• Should teachers be armed in schools?
• Is gun violence a public health issue?
• How can we address the root causes of gun violence?

59. Historical Interpretation

• Should historical figures be judged by modern standards?
• How can we ensure diverse perspectives in historical education?
• Should governments apologize for historical wrongs?
• Is objective historical truth possible?
• How can we combat historical revisionism?

60.Reproductive Rights

• Should abortion be legally unrestricted?
• How can we ensure access to contraception globally?
• Should surrogacy be regulated or banned?
• Is forced sterilization ever justified?
• Should men have a say in abortion decisions?

61. Social Justice

• Is affirmative action still necessary?
• How can we effectively combat systemic racism?
• Should reparations be paid for historical injustices?
• Is meritocracy a myth?
• How can we promote intersectionality in social justice movements?

62. Cybersecurity

• Should governments have encryption backdoors?
• How can we protect critical infrastructure from cyber attacks?
• Should there be a global cybersecurity treaty?
• Is complete online anonymity a right?
• How can we combat state-sponsored hacking?

63. Democracy

• Is democracy the best form of government?
• How can we combat voter suppression?
• Should voting be mandatory?
• Is social media a threat to democracy?
• How can we increase political participation among youth?

64. Cryptocurrencies

• Should cryptocurrencies be regulated by governments?
• Is Bitcoin mining environmentally sustainable?
• Can cryptocurrencies replace traditional banking systems?
• Should central banks issue their own digital currencies?
• How can we prevent cryptocurrency-based money laundering?

65. Disabilities

• How can we make education more inclusive for students with disabilities?
• Should companies be required to meet disability employment quotas?
• Is genetic screening for disabilities ethical?
• How can we make public spaces more accessible?
• Should sign language be taught in all schools?

66. Disease and Pandemics

• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• How can we better prepare for future pandemics?
• Is it ethical to prioritize certain groups for medical treatment during a pandemic?
• Should there be a global disease surveillance system?
• How can we address vaccine hesitancy?

67. Marketing

• Should targeted advertising to children be banned?
• Is subliminal advertising ethical?
• How can we regulate influencer marketing?
• Should there be stricter rules on health claims in advertising?
• Is neuromarketing an invasion of privacy?

68. Biology

• Should human cloning be allowed?
• Is it ethical to create human-animal hybrids for research?
• How can we ethically advance stem cell research?
• Should we bring back extinct species through de-extinction?
• Is it ethical to create artificial life forms?

69. Consumer Behavior

• How does social media influence consumer decisions?
• Is ethical consumption possible in a capitalist system?
• Should there be regulations on psychological tactics in marketing?
• How can we promote sustainable consumption?
• Is the ‘sharing economy’ changing consumer behavior for the better?

70. Equality

• How can we effectively close the gender pay gap?
• Should there be quotas for underrepresented groups in leadership positions?
• Is meritocracy a myth in modern society?
• How can we address unconscious bias in hiring processes?
• Should inheritance be heavily taxed to promote equality?

71. Journalism

• How can we combat the spread of fake news?
• Should journalists be protected under international law?
• Is citizen journalism a threat or opportunity for traditional media?
• How can we ensure media diversity in the age of conglomerates?
• Should social media platforms be considered publishers?

72. Innovation

• How can we foster innovation in education?
• Should there be ethical guidelines for technological innovations?
• Is the patent system helping or hindering innovation?
• How can developing countries boost their innovation capacity?
• Should governments invest more in basic research or applied innovation?

73. Public Policy

• How can we make evidence-based policymaking the norm?
• Should there be term limits for elected officials?
• How can we increase public participation in policy-making?
• Is universal basic income a viable policy solution?
• How can we design policies to address long-term challenges like climate
  Change?

74. Human Behavior

• How much of our behavior is influenced by genetics vs. environment?
• Can human behavior be accurately predicted by AI?
• How does social media affect human behavior and relationships?
• Is free will an illusion?
• How can we effectively change harmful societal behaviors?

75. Activism

• Is online activism (slacktivism) effective?
• How can we protect the rights of activists globally?
• Should corporations engage in social activism?
• Is civil disobedience justified in democratic societies?
• How can activism be more inclusive and intersectional?

76. Addiction and Substance Abuse

• Should all drugs be decriminalized?
• How can we effectively address the opioid crisis?
• Is sugar addiction a real phenomenon?
• Should alcohol advertising be banned?
• How can we better support families affected by addiction?

77. Agriculture and Farming

• Should GMOs be banned in food production?
• How can we make agriculture more sustainable?
• Is vertical farming the future of agriculture?
• Should agricultural subsidies be eliminated?
• How can we address the decline in global bee populations?

78. Architecture

• How can architecture combat climate change?
• Should there be a global style of architecture?
• How can we preserve historical architecture while modernizing cities?
• Should there be limits on skyscraper heights?
• How can architecture promote social interaction in urban spaces?

79. Global Issues

• How can we effectively address global wealth inequality?
• Should there be a world government?
• How can we ensure global food security?
• Is globalization a net positive for developing countries?
• How can we create a more sustainable global economy?

Argumentative Essay Help with Empowerly 

We hope this article helps you get started with your argumentative essay, but it is just the tip of the iceberg! For more personalized guidance, reach out to Empowerly. Our essay experts can guide you through every step of the process, from brainstorming your argumentative essay to polishing the final draft. You’ll never have to worry about writer’s block again!

However, essay coaching is just one part of Empowerly’s comprehensive college counseling services. We also provide standardized test prep, custom application strategies, and academic and extracurricular planning. Our personalized approach to college applications has been proven to work, with 98% of our students getting accepted to Ivy League and top 25 schools. Book your FREE consultation today. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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