187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024]

higher english essay topics

Persuasive essay writing is a popular assignment for students in high school and college alike. This is not surprising. After all, it is a basic of the learning process. However, finding ideas for such a task isn’t easy, especially if you’re looking for higher persuasive essay topics.

One of the subjects that requires you to write such a paper is higher English. To pass this class, you have to deal with and compose quite tricky texts. Thus, if you are studying this subject, you will have to be ready to face many writing challenges.

This is why our team has created a list of the most fruitful ideas for academic writing. For your convenience, we divided the higher English persuasive essay topics into several sections. So, navigate our page, look through all the examples, and make your search even more effective.

❓ What Is Higher English?

  • 💭 How to Choose?
  • 📎 For High School
  • ✒ For College
  • 📖 Literature
  • 🙊 Controversial Issues
  • đŸ« Education
  • đŸ—łïž Politics
  • 💭 Philosophy

📃 References

If you’ve studied in any country other than the UK, you may be wondering what higher English is. Is it a course? Is it a level? Well, in this section, we dive into the definition of the phrase.

Higher English is a course typical for the UK, particularly for England and Scotland. It investigates the English language and literature on a deep level.

It can be taught both:

  • as an independent subject
  • alongside other higher science programs

Through the course of higher English, students learn to think critically and creatively.

Developing a portfolio is one of the requirements for completing an advanced higher English course. It takes 30% of the overall grade. Thus, folio plays a vital role in accomplishing the course. For a successful portfolio, students have to write two texts, no less than 1300 words each. Composing them, they have to use creative and discursive writing techniques.

Generally, higher English is focused on advancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following:

  • use complex language;
  • apply literature knowledge in everyday life;
  • understand the core of language operation.

Students are required to write an impressive number of persuasive essays. Here is where they may face difficulties with the appropriate topic selection.

We will not let you worry about that.

You can find a list of useful higher English persuasive topics created by our team on our page. Take a look at it and choose the most exciting idea for your essay!

Before selecting a topic for a higher English essay, reread your assignment if you have one.

💭 How to Choose a Persuasive Topic for Higher Folio?

A higher folio has to include a persuasive essay in it. Therefore, first, let’s figure out what it is.

A persuasive essay is one of the types of discursive essays. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a particular situation. Discuss a problem or issue is essential to its purpose.

Now, let’s narrow down the focus:

What is the nature of persuasive writing? It is a writing technique that aims to convince readers to accept the author’s point of view. Moreover, it often includes a call to action. It motivates the audience to take specific steps to achieve the desired result.

Be careful there! Learn how to distinguish an argumentative essay from a persuasive one.

An argumentative essay is often based on a consistent explanation and logical reasoning. It shows the readers the writer’s point of view, yet doesn’t call them for any action. In contrast, a persuasive essay relies on emotions and expressions of personal opinions. A perfect way to see those differences would be by going to an essay examples database that certainly would contain a variety of paper types.

Persuasive essays attempt to make readers follow the author’s idea.

Now, let’s move to the issue of an effective selection of a persuasive topic for higher English. Our team prepared some useful tips for you. Don’t hesitate to use them.

  • Keep your goal in mind. The persuasive essay aims to present all the arguments that can convince the reader that the writer is right. So, choosing a topic, pick the one that you can elaborate on and persuade in.
  • Choose the essay idea wisely. Ensure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the tutor who will check and grade your paper. You’re writing for them.
  • Make sure to have enough resources. Evaluate whether there is enough information on the topic so that you can write a compelling essay. Check the possible trustworthy sources for the evidence that you’ll use in the paper.
  • Show your best side. Consider whether you can demonstrate your skills, composing on the chosen idea. Remember that you’re writing an essay for your portfolio. You may want it to look as perfect as possible and highlight your strengths. That is to say, see if you can elaborate on the topic.
  • Compose a strong introductory paragraph. An introduction is crucial because it grabs the reader’s attention and presents a thesis. Think of a strong thesis statement and whether you can come up with one. If you cannot compose a powerful thesis statement, better choose a more successful topic.
  • Don’t choose an overused topic. Determine the originality of your idea and your willingness to write about it. Try to google persuasive essay examples and figure out what topics are the most common and widely used. Based on your observations, come up with a unique issue and surprise your readers with it.

Find and consider as many persuasive topics as you can to form one unique idea.

⭐ Top 12 Higher Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Unions are important.
  • Zoos are unacceptable.
  • Paper books are obsolete.
  • Graffiti is art.
  • We will live on Mars.
  • English is universal .
  • Plastic bags are useful.
  • Cloning is unethical.
  • Student uniform is obsolete.
  • UK schools are better.
  • Most effective propaganda techniques.
  • Internships should be paid.

☝ Amazing Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics

Just like any other assignment, an essay may be of different degrees of complexity. This is how we divided our higher English persuasive essay ideas into several sections.

So don’t waste your time. Go to the corresponding section and select the most appropriate topic.

📎 Higher English Topics for High School

A subject of higher English may seem very unfamiliar and bizarre at school. Being unprepared for the complexity of the course can scare you. Pupils get extremely confused when it comes to the topic search.

You are lucky:

We prepared a list of exceptional topics for middle school and high school students. Feel free to use it. Be prepared to face any challenges of the higher English course!

  • The significance of literacy .
  • Football has a direct impact on the culture of England.
  • Foreign languages should be taught in every school.

Foreign language programs improve students’ academic performance.

  • Both abstinence and safe sex should be taught in high schools.
  • School uniforms should be mandatory to maintain discipline.
  • People should quit smoking .
  • Eating disorders among teenage girls is an issue that shouldn’t be underestimated.
  • Motivation theories are incredibly effective in education .
  • Self-esteem plays a crucial role in students’ health condition .
  • Alcohol negatively affects adolescent health , so their parents should monitor alcohol consumption by teens.
  • Children and teenagers should not be silent about domestic violence .
  • The government should ban sports betting.
  • We should drink enough water.
  • The minimization of a generation gap is crucial for a healthy relationship in a family.
  • Drug tests should be mandatory for high school sportspeople.
  • A gap year is a great idea . Convince your readers about the usefulness of taking a gap year after finishing school. Prove the rightness of your position by providing strong arguments. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide well-developed counterarguments.
  • Alcohol consumption in the UK. The government of the UK should introduce measures to limit alcohol consumption. We have to avoid possible adverse ramifications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Prove your point of view by providing strong arguments.
  • Studying in the United Kingdom is a great experience. What are the positive sides of gaining an education in the UK? Convince your readers to study the UK.
  • A grade does not reflect students’ knowledge. Give your readers a clear explanation of why grades do not demonstrate a student’s performance in the class. Persuade them to pay more attention to education. You might believe that grades reflect a student’s academic performance. Then, support your position by providing counterarguments.
  • Violent video games should be banned . What are the possible negative consequences caused by video games? Prove your audience the necessity to ban violent video games.

The influence of video games on children is inconclusive.

✒ Higher English Topics for College

The majority of UK colleges require their students to take the course of higher English. Therefore, you need to be ready. Difficulties caused by this subject should not be your worry.

Since we care about college students, we gathered persuasive essay ideas in one place. So, if you are seeking help, you are on the right page! Scroll through our topics and chose the most appropriate for you.

  • Cheating during college exams should be strictly punished because it is demoralizing.
  • The benefits of active listening are crucial in demonstrating high performance in the workplace.
  • Students’ time management strategies should be taken into consideration by every student.
  • Sleep is essential because deprivation affects college students’ academic performance.
  • Should fast food qualify as ‘food’?
  • A healthy lifestyle and eating should become the norm for every person.
  • Alternative energy sources are crucial for saving the planet.
  • A family should promote mobility, not limit it.
  • We have to implement specific strategies to combat the sexist language.
  • Communication skills are essential in a successful business leading.
  • Teaching deaf children how to read is a vital part of deaf kids’ mental development.
  • Parents should control the impact of TV cartoons on their children’s behavior .
  • Community services for mentally disabled people should be highly-developed.
  • Recycling should become mandatory.
  • Businesses should invest money in innovations.
  • Genetically modified food should not be a threat to the population. Give a clear explanation of why GMO products are safe to consume. If you disagree with the statement, provide strong counterarguments to prove your position.
  • Should smoking be banned in public places? Decide on whether it should be prohibited on not and prove your position. Your arguments should support only one side of the issue. Don’t stay somewhere in the middle.
  • We should expand the legal age for getting a driving license in the UK . Explain why 17 years old adolescents are not mature enough to drive a car. If you don’t agree with the statement, provide counterarguments to prove the rightness of your point of view.
  • E-books should not replace paper books. Express your position regarding this statement. Provide clear arguments or counterarguments to prove your point of view.

Consider every side of the debate concerning paper books and E-books.

  • English language learning should be mandatory in every country. The main idea of the essay: English is a global language. Support this statement and persuade the readers about the significance of English knowledge in the modern world.

đŸ’Ș Persuasive Essay Topics: Advanced Higher English

If you are a university student in Scotland, you will be familiar with higher English. You may have to be ready for an advanced one as well.

Choose the most appropriate idea among a wide variety of persuasive essay topics about Scotland. Although the task is quite challenging, you don’t need to worry. Consider our list of cool essay topics. With it, you will write an outstanding paper without any struggles.

  • Gender equity issues in work practices should be considered while creating a healthy working environment.
  • The application of social concepts and theories is a part of the general well-being.
  • Functionalism, conflict, and interactionism are the most significant aspects of sociological theories .
  • Data collect regarding customer should be considered as a future of e-commerce.
  • Scotland’s tourism products and destination identity develop the tourism market economy.
  • Organizational behavior issues and theories are vital in leading a successful business.
  • ICT impacts curriculum development and reforms in the United Kingdom to a great extent.
  • Public sector financial management plays a crucial role in the general well-being of the country.
  • Scottish routes company establishment is a turning point in the online marketing platform development.
  • The city authorities should prevent senior citizens’ abuse .
  • Women’s rights violations should not exist in modern society.
  • Freedom of speech, religion, and religious tolerance are the fundamental concepts of modern civilized society.
  • E-Commerce adoption results in wise business positioning. How will e-commerce help to increase the dynamics of any business? Convince your audience about the significance of e-commerce by providing strong arguments.
  • Human rights play a vital role in public opinion-making. Support this idea with well-developed arguments and examples. If you disagree with the statement, provide compelling counterarguments to prove the rightness of your opinion.
  • Globalization ruins the cultural heritage of the nations . Comment on the impact of the world globalization on the national identity of every country. Persuade the readers to preserve the national culture of their home countries.

👍 Good Persuasive Essay Topics for Higher English

Our team’s main aim is to help the students in all the possible ways. So, we decided to develop one more method to divide the academic essay topics.

Find different sections that focus on specific fields for your persuasive essay.

Look through the sections, decide what is the most suitable for you, and choose a fascinating essay topic. An essay idea search has never been so easy, right?

💬 Persuasive Essay Topics on Language

Language is one of the most potent tools for communication within one nation and internationally. Moreover, it carries the cultural identity of the country, preserving a spirit.

The topic of language is too diverse and has a lot of aspects to discuss. Consequently, professors of higher English course usually give essays on it.

The section Topics For Persuasive Essay UK will provide you with a wide variety of ideas. Don’t waste your time! Choose an appropriate topic for your paper right away.

  • Language influences our attitude to a great extent.
  • Sexism is present in the English Language.
  • Language and communication are two different concepts .
  • Language has a direct influence on cognition.
  • Shakespeare affected the modern English language to a great extent.
  • To understand how language operates, we should first examine English Language Evolution .
  • Multilingualism should be accepted and encouraged in modern society.
  • Accents and dialects are the critical components of language intervention.
  • The teachers should learn linguistics.
  • The change in languages over time is harmful to the nation.
  • Scottish Gaelic and Goidelic Celtic languages should not have been restricted in the 16th century.
  • Text autocorrect negatively influences the level of literacy and language knowledge.
  • We should consider Scots Gaelic as a separate language from Irish.
  • English should become an official international language.
  • Body language can say more than verbal communication.
  • Joking or expressing love in a foreign language is harder than in a native one . Either support or contradict this statement by providing appropriate examples and clear arguments.
  • The implementation of one universal language is a bad idea . Why and how it can impact the national diversity of the world? Prove the importance of preserving national languages.
  • The Scottish language will soon disappear. Conduct research on the usage of Scottish nowadays. Is it very wide-spread? How many people know and use it in everyday life?

Try to predict the future of the Scottish language.

  • “As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being.” – TomĂĄĆĄ Garrigue Masaryk. Develop this thought by providing strong arguments and examples. Persuade your readers about the importance of foreign language learning.
  • Irish language learning should become mandatory in the educational institutions of Ireland . Explain the significance of the Irish language for the population of Ireland. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide clear counterarguments to prove your position.

🙊 Persuasive Essay Topics on Controversial Issues

  • Is attention deficit disorder a real disorder?
  • To deal with girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system , girls need to receive more attention than boys.
  • Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  • LGBTQ+ communities should have equal rights all over the world.
  • Adoption, childlessness, or reproductive technology – which one is the most effective and ethical?
  • Abortion should be legalized for underaged girls.
  • Should smoking tobacco be classified as an illegal drug?
  • Are surrogacy and its effects on families harmful for children?
  • Should student diversity be present in a school classroom?
  • Tuition fees should become lower.
  • Should homelessness become a concern of city authorities or governmental representatives?
  • Should the death penalty be legalized in the United Kingdom?
  • Should sex education become mandatory in all high schools in Scotland?
  • The mental health of employees should be a concern of employers.
  • Health care should be free.
  • Should women develop a career and have a stable income before giving birth to kids?
  • Should the production and selling of energy drinks be banned? Explain the harm of energetics on the health of a human being. Decide whether energy drinks are worth consuming. Persuade the readers about the rightness of your position by presenting strong arguments.

Energy drinks can promote adverse effects on children and teenagers.

  • Suicides among male teen homosexuals: harassment, shame, or stigma? In your opinion, what is the main reason for suicides among them? Support your position with clear evidence and appropriate examples.
  • Does studying abroad result in better education? Analyze the positive and negative aspects of gaining higher education abroad. Express your own opinion regarding this issue and convince your readers about your rightness.
  • Should birth control be monitored on a governmental level? Why is birth control crucial in modern society? What are the religious, cultural, and political aspects of birth control? Explain the link between birth control and gender and sexuality issues. Support your opinion by providing well-structured arguments.

đŸ« Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

  • The college students should be ready to face challenges and pressures.
  • There is a strong correlation between wearing a school uniform and academic performance .
  • Sex education plays an essential role in preventing teenage pregnancy.
  • Student diversity in school classroom influences the educational process in a positive way.
  • The curriculum approaches in England and Scotland differ to a great extent.
  • At university, acquiring skills is more significant than getting grades.
  • Cheating on college exams is demoralizing.
  • Could electronic cigarettes help university students give smoking up?
  • Athletes that represent educational institutions should receive scholarships covering their tuition fees.
  • In schools, we should teach colorblind children what colors are.
  • Art oriented activities like drama clubs, music lessons, and handicraft classes are essential for the all-round development of children.
  • A university should be a dry campus. Comment on the negative influence of alcohol on the learning process. Persuade your readers about the importance of controlling alcohol consumption while being a student.
  • Single-sex schooling in education is effective. Convince the readers about the effectiveness of single-sex education by providing strong evidence. If you don’t agree with the statement, express the opposing position. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

Resultsof the studies on single-sex education are inconclusive.

  • Online education cannot fully replace the regular one . Compare and contrast these two ways of gaining knowledge. Provide clear arguments to prove the significance of attending educational institutions. Explain why having in-class discussions is crucial for students’ development. Do you believe that regular education is replaceable by the remote one? Then provide counterarguments to support your position.
  • The internet has a negative influence on the educational process . How the internet stops the mental development of kids, teenagers, and grown-ups? Persuade readers to limit internet usage while studying.

đŸ—łïž Persuasive Essay Topics on Politics

  • To prevent the adverse effects of corruption, we should eliminate its causes.
  • The political parties of the United Kingdom are way more reliable than in the United States .
  • Human rights should not intervene in public opinion-making.
  • Politics and religion interdependence impacts the general political situation of a country.
  • Political freedom is a significant key to the general well- being of modern society.
  • Terrorism should not be used as a political instrument.
  • Civil disobedience in contemporary society is a massive threat to civilians and governments.
  • International humanitarian law is a useful tool to reduce the hazardous effects of military conflicts.
  • The royal family is the indicator of the UK political system’s uniqueness.
  • We should protect the confidentiality in the health care system.
  • The voting system should be fair and transparent.
  • The COVID-19 outbreak of 2019-2020 has a direct influence on international political relations.
  • Scotland would not be a stronger country if it existed independently from the UK. What are the benefits for Scotland of being in a political union with the United Kingdom? Persuade your readers in a mutually beneficial economic and political cooperation.
  • Brexit happened against Scotland’s will. Elaborate on the wish of the Scottish population to remain the part of the European Union. Prove that the negotiation of the conflict between England, Wales, and Scotland was not diplomatic enough.
  • The retirement policy of the UK should be changed. What are the main weaknesses of the current British retirement system? Give your suggestions on how it can be improved. Convince your readers in the usefulness of the retirement policy modifications.

💭 Persuasive Essay Topics on Philosophy

  • Dystopia idea in movies and novels influences people’s perception of life in a negative way.
  • Philosophy ideology of success and failure plays a vital role in reaching high results.
  • Suicide conflicts with moral philosophy and human values.
  • Classic philosophical problems embodied in films can help people in dealing with them.
  • We cannot ignore the philosophy of critical issues in today’s society .
  • Spiritual and physical journeys play a vital role in human life.
  • The philosophy of religion helps people to dive deep into their beliefs and values.

Philosophy of religion is the examination of the themes and concepts involved in religious traditions.

  • Unethical treatment of animals contradicts the moral concepts of philosophy.
  • From the philosophical perspective, heroism should be considered as a dedication to principles.
  • Specific philosophical values help develop resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Should human rights be violated if it may help the life of a person?
  • Abortion should be band because it contradicts the ethical ideas of humanity.
  • In the battle well-paid job vs. vocation, vocation should win . Explain the philosophy of vocation. Persuade the readers to follow their hearts when it comes to a choice of profession.
  • Philosophy Issue: Truth vs. Happiness. While choosing between these two notions, what would you select? Persuade your audience about the rightness of your position by presenting well-structured and clear arguments.
  • Philosophy plays a significant role in education . Convince your readers about the importance of philosophy while gaining knowledge. In case you don’t agree with the position of philosophy in school, present the opposing opinion. Provide counterarguments to support your ideas.

🗿 Persuasive Essay Topics on History

  • The black death disease should be perceived as one of the most horrible pandemics that hit the medieval world.
  • Industrial Revolution in England opened a new era of technical advancement.
  • The conditions of the working class in England is one of the causes of the industrial revolution.
  • Great Britain Empire’ Alliances led to the break out of the European Great War.
  • Enlightenment and Romantic Age pushed the development of the British culture forward.
  • History of Celtic Christianity has a direct impact on the development of religion in the UK.
  • The provisional Irish republican army is one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations.
  • The British ideal of an orderly world shaped the world we live in today.
  • English Civil War has a direct impact on American colonists.
  • The Wars of the Three Kingdoms formed the history of modern England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The Wars of the Three Kingdoms lasted 12 years.

  • Elizabeth II -is the legend of contemporary world history . Provide a brief overview of the queen’s achievements. Convince the readers about the uniqueness of Elizabeth’s II as a historical figure.
  • The Great Fire of London is one of the darkest events in British history. Comment on the terrific outcomes of the tragedy. How did the fire impact the economic situation in the entire county?
  • Oxford University is the place where ordinary people turn into upstanding figures . Introduce three of the most influential alumnae of Oxford University. What was their input in the scientific development of the UK? Prove the crucial role of Oxford University in the British educational system.
  • William Wallace is a person who successfully fought for Scottish independence . Elaborate on his role in British history and prove the importance of his actions.
  • History, culture, and language of Wales directly influenced the development of the United Kingdom. Give a brief overview of Wales formation starting from the ancient times and mowing to the 21st century. Prove the connection between Wales and the UK historical and cultural progress.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope our article was insightful and full of useful ideas. Don’t forget to share it with the other students!

  • Higher English, Course Overview and Resources: SQA, Scottish Qualifications Authority
  • Higher English: Planit National Qualifications
  • The Complete Guide to English-Language Certificates: Preparation Courses Portal
  • How to Create a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay: Amy Mahoney, Pen and the Pad
  • 434 Good Persuasive Topics for Speech or Essay: My Speech Class
  • Senior Fiction Suggestions for Advanced Higher English Dissertations: Senior Reading by Subject, Shetland Library
  • Persuasive Essay Examples: AcademicHelp.net
  • Choose Bright Persuasive Essay Topics 6 Main Steps: Persuasive Papers
  • Strong Thesis Statements: Purdue Online Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University
  • Basic Steps in the Research Process: North Hennepin Community College
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Esther Lombardi, ThoughtCo
  • Persuasive Essay: Writing Resources, Hamilton College
  • Persuasive Writing: Read Write Think
  • Distinguishing Argumentation from Persuasion: Thoughtful Learning, K-12
  • Find Your Argument: Australian National University, Canberra
  • Argument: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • What Is an Essay: Library University of Leeds
  • Counterargument: Gordon Harvey (adapted from The Academic Essay: A Brief Anatomy), for the Writing Center at Harvard University
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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law , international relations , or public policy , but for any student who wishes to develop their critical thinking faculties. In this article, we’ll cover what makes a good argument essay and offer several argumentative essay topics for high school and college students. Let’s begin!

What is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses research to present a reasoned argument on a particular subject . As with the persuasive essay , the purpose of an argumentative essay is to sway the reader to the writer’s position. However, a strong persuasive essay makes its point through diligent research and emotion while a strong argumentative essay should be based solely on facts, not feelings.

Moreover, each fact should be supported by clear evidence from credible sources . Furthermore, a good argumentative essay will have an easy-to-follow structure. When organizing your argumentative essay, use this format as a guide:

  • Introduction
  • Supporting body paragraphs
  • Paragraph(s) addressing common counterarguments

Argumentative Essay Format

In the introduction , the writer presents their position and thesis statement —a sentence that summarizes the paper’s main points. The body paragraphs then draw upon supporting evidence to back up this initial statement, with each paragraph focusing on its own point. The length of your paper will determine the amount of examples you need. In general, you’ll likely need at least two to three. Additionally, your examples should be as detailed as possible, citing specific research, case studies, statistics, or anecdotes.

In the counterargument paragraph , the writer acknowledges and refutes opposing viewpoints. Finally, in the conclusion , the writer restates the main argument made in the thesis statement and summarizes the points of the essay. Additionally, the conclusion may offer a final proposal to persuade the reader of the essay’s position.

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

  • Choose your topic. Use the list below to help you pick a topic. Ideally, a good argumentative essay topic will be meaningful to you—writing is always stronger when you are interested in the subject matter. In addition, the topic should be complex with plenty of “pro” and “con” arguments. Avoid choosing a topic that is either widely accepted as fact or too narrow. For example, “Is the earth round?” would not be a solid choice.
  • Research. Use the library, the web, and any other resources to gather information about your argumentative essay topic. Research widely but smartly. As you go, take organized notes, marking the source of every quote and where it may fit in the scheme of your larger essay. Moreover, remember to look for (and research) possible counterarguments.
  • Outline . Using the argument essay format above, create an outline for your essay. Then, brainstorm a thesis statement covering your argument’s main points, and begin to put your examples in order, focusing on logical flow. It’s often best to place your strongest example last.
  • Write . Draw on your research and outline to create a first draft. Remember, your first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. (As Voltaire says, “Perfect is the enemy of good.”) Accordingly, just focus on getting the words down on paper.
  • Does my thesis statement need to be adjusted?
  • Which examples feel strongest? Weakest?
  • Do the transitions flow smoothly?
  • Do I have a strong opening paragraph?
  • Does the conclusion reinforce my argument?

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

Evaluating your own work can be difficult, so you might consider the following strategies:

  • Read your work aloud to yourself.
  • Record yourself reading your paper, and listen to the recording.
  • Reverse outline your paper. Firstly, next to each paragraph, write a short summary of that paragraph’s main points/idea. Then, read through your reverse outline. Does it have a logical flow? If not, where should you adjust?
  • Print out your paper and cut it into paragraphs. What happens when you rearrange the paragraphs?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School, High School, and College Students

Family argumentative essay topics.

  • Should the government provide financial incentives for families to have children to address the declining birth rate?
  • Should we require parents to provide their children with a certain level of nutrition and physical activity to prevent childhood obesity?
  • Should parents implement limits on how much time their children spend playing video games?
  • Should cell phones be banned from family/holiday gatherings?
  • Should we hold parents legally responsible for their children’s actions?
  • Should children have the right to sue their parents for neglect?
  • Should parents have the right to choose their child’s religion?
  • Are spanking and other forms of physical punishment an effective method of discipline?
  • Should courts allow children to choose where they live in cases of divorce?
  • Should parents have the right to monitor teens’ activity on social media?
  • Should parents control their child’s medical treatment, even if it goes against the child’s wishes?
  • Should parents be allowed to post pictures of their children on social media without their consent?
  • Should fathers have a legal say in whether their partners do or do not receive an abortion?
  • Can television have positive developmental benefits on children?
  • Should the driving age be raised to prevent teen car accidents?
  • Should adult children be legally required to care for their aging parents?

Education Argument Essay Topics

  • Should schools ban the use of technology like ChatGPT?
  • Are zoos unethical, or necessary for conservation and education?
  • To what degree should we hold parents responsible in the event of a school shooting?
  • Should schools offer students a set number of mental health days?
  • Should school science curriculums offer a course on combating climate change?
  • Should public libraries be allowed to ban certain books? If so, what types?
  • What role, if any, should prayer play in public schools?
  • Should schools push to abolish homework?
  • Are gifted and talented programs in schools more harmful than beneficial due to their exclusionary nature?
  • Should universities do away with Greek life?
  • Should schools remove artwork, such as murals, that some perceive as offensive?
  • Should the government grant parents the right to choose alternative education options for their children and use taxpayer funds to support these options?
  • Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling for children’s academic and social development?
  • Should we require schools to teach sex education to reduce teen pregnancy rates?
  • Should we require schools to provide sex education that includes information about both homosexual and heterosexual relationships?
  • Should colleges use affirmative action and other race-conscious policies to address diversity on campus?
  • Should public schools remove the line “under God” from the Pledge of Allegiance?
  • Should college admissions officers be allowed to look at students’ social media accounts?
  • Should schools abolish their dress codes, many of which unfairly target girls, LGBTQ students, and students of color?
  • Should schools be required to stock free period products in bathrooms?
  • Should legacy students receive preferential treatment during the college admissions process?
  • Are school “voluntourism” trips ethical?

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. decriminalize prostitution?
  • Should the U.S. issue migration visas to all eligible applicants?
  • Should the federal government cancel all student loan debt?
  • Should we lower the minimum voting age? If so, to what?
  • Should the federal government abolish all laws penalizing drug production and use?
  • Should the U.S. use its military power to deter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan?
  • Should the U.S. supply Ukraine with further military intelligence and supplies?
  • Should the North and South of the U.S. split up into two regions?
  • Should Americans hold up nationalism as a critical value?
  • Should we permit Supreme Court justices to hold their positions indefinitely?
  • Should Supreme Court justices be democratically elected?
  • Is the Electoral College still a productive approach to electing the U.S. president?
  • Should the U.S. implement a national firearm registry?
  • Is it ethical for countries like China and Israel to mandate compulsory military service for all citizens?
  • Should the U.S. government implement a ranked-choice voting system?
  • Should institutions that benefited from slavery be required to provide reparations?
  • Based on the 1619 project, should history classes change how they teach about the founding of the U.S.?
  • Should term limits be imposed on Senators and Representatives? If so, how long?
  • Should women be allowed into special forces units?
  • Should the federal government implement stronger, universal firearm licensing laws?
  • Do public sex offender registries help prevent future sex crimes?
  • Should the government be allowed to regulate family size?
  • Should all adults legally be considered mandated reporters?
  • Should the government fund public universities to make higher education more accessible to low-income students?
  • Should the government fund universal preschool to improve children’s readiness for kindergarten?

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government offer its own healthcare plan?
  • In the case of highly infectious pandemics, should we focus on individual freedoms or public safety when implementing policies to control the spread?
  • Should we legally require parents to vaccinate their children to protect public health?
  • Is it ethical for parents to use genetic engineering to create “designer babies” with specific physical and intellectual traits?
  • Should the government fund research on embryonic stem cells for medical treatments?
  • Should the government legalize assisted suicide for terminally ill patients?
  • Should organ donation be mandatory?
  • Is cloning animals ethical?
  • Should cancer screenings start earlier? If so, what age?
  • Is surrogacy ethical?
  • Should birth control require a prescription?
  • Should minors have access to emergency contraception?
  • Should hospitals be for-profit or nonprofit institutions?

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

  • Should the federal government increase its efforts to minimize the negative impact of social media?
  • Do social media and smartphones strengthen one’s relationships?
  • Should antitrust regulators take action to limit the size of big tech companies?
  • Should social media platforms ban political advertisements?
  • Should the federal government hold social media companies accountable for instances of hate speech discovered on their platforms?
  • Do apps such as TikTok and Instagram ultimately worsen the mental well-being of teenagers?
  • Should governments oversee how social media platforms manage their users’ data?
  • Should social media platforms like Facebook enforce a minimum age requirement for users?
  • Should social media companies be held responsible for cases of cyberbullying?
  • Should the United States ban TikTok?
  • Is social media harmful to children?
  • Should employers screen applicants’ social media accounts during the hiring process?

Religion Argument Essay Topics

  • Should religious institutions be tax-exempt?
  • Should religious symbols such as the hijab or crucifix be allowed in public spaces?
  • Should religious freedoms be protected, even when they conflict with secular laws?
  • Should the government regulate religious practices?
  • Should we allow churches to engage in political activities?
  • Religion: a force for good or evil in the world?
  • Should the government provide funding for religious schools?
  • Is it ethical for healthcare providers to deny abortions based on religious beliefs?
  • Should religious organizations be allowed to discriminate in their hiring practices?
  • Should we allow people to opt out of medical treatments based on their religious beliefs?
  • Should the U.S. government hold religious organizations accountable for cases of sexual abuse within their community?
  • Should religious beliefs be exempt from anti-discrimination laws?
  • Should religious individuals be allowed to refuse services to others based on their beliefs or lifestyles? (As in this famous case .)
  • Should the US ban religion-based federal holidays?
  • Should public schools be allowed to teach children about religious holidays?

Science Argument Essay Topics

  • Would the world be safer if we eliminated nuclear weapons?
  • Should scientists bring back extinct animals? If so, which ones?
  • Should we hold companies fiscally responsible for their carbon footprint?
  • Should we ban pesticides in favor of organic farming methods?
  • Should the federal government ban all fossil fuels, despite the potential economic impact on specific industries and communities?
  • What renewable energy source should the U.S. invest more money in?
  • Should the FDA outlaw GMOs?
  • Should we worry about artificial intelligence surpassing human intelligence?
  • Should the alternative medicine industry be more stringently regulated?
  • Is colonizing Mars a viable option?
  • Is the animal testing worth the potential to save human lives?

Sports Argument Essay Topics

  • Should colleges compensate student-athletes?
  • How should sports teams and leagues address the gender pay gap?
  • Should youth sports teams do away with scorekeeping?
  • Should we ban aggressive contact sports like boxing and MMA?
  • Should professional sports associations mandate that athletes stand during the national anthem?
  • Should high schools require their student-athletes to maintain a certain GPA?
  • Should transgender athletes compete in sports according to their gender identity?
  • Should schools ban football due to the inherent danger it poses to players?
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Do participation trophies foster entitlement and unrealistic expectations?
  • Should sports teams be divided by gender?
  • Should professional athletes be allowed to compete in the Olympics?
  • Should women be allowed on NFL teams?

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should sites like DALL-E compensate the artists whose work it was trained on?
  • Should the federal government make human exploration of space a more significant priority?
  • Is it ethical for the government to use surveillance technology to monitor citizens?
  • Should websites require proof of age from their users? If so, what age?
  • Should we consider A.I.-generated images and text pieces of art?
  • Does the use of facial recognition technology violate individuals’ privacy?
  • Is online learning as effective as in-person learning?
  • Does computing harm the environment?
  • Should buying, sharing, and selling collected personal data be illegal?
  • Are electric cars really better for the environment?
  • Should car companies be held responsible for self-driving car accidents?
  • Should private jets be banned?
  • Do violent video games contribute to real-life violence?

Business Argument Essay Topics

  • Should the U.S. government phase out the use of paper money in favor of a fully digital currency system?
  • Should the federal government abolish its patent and copyright laws?
  • Should we replace the Federal Reserve with free-market institutions?
  • Is free-market ideology responsible for the U.S. economy’s poor performance over the past decade?
  • Will cryptocurrencies overtake natural resources like gold and silver?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system? What system would be better?
  • Should the U.S. government enact a universal basic income?
  • Should we require companies to provide paid parental leave to their employees?
  • Should the government raise the minimum wage? If so, to what?
  • Should antitrust regulators break up large companies to promote competition?
  • Is it ethical for companies to prioritize profits over social responsibility?
  • Should gig-economy workers like Uber and Lyft drivers be considered employees or independent contractors?
  • Should the federal government regulate the gig economy to ensure fair treatment of workers?
  • Should the government require companies to disclose the environmental impact of their products?
  • Should companies be allowed to fire employees based on political views or activities?
  • Should tipping practices be phased out?
  • Should employees who choose not to have children be given the same amount of paid leave as parents?
  • Should MLMs (multi-level marketing companies) be illegal?
  • Should employers be allowed to factor tattoos and personal appearance into hiring decisions?

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

Using the tips above, you can effectively structure and pen a compelling argumentative essay that will wow your instructor and classmates. Remember to craft a thesis statement that offers readers a roadmap through your essay, draw on your sources wisely to back up any claims, and read through your paper several times before it’s due to catch any last-minute proofreading errors. With time, diligence, and patience, your essay will be the most outstanding assignment you’ve ever turned in
until the next one rolls around.

Looking for more fresh and engaging topics for use in the classroom? You might consider checking out the following:

  • 125 Good Debate Topics for High School Students
  • 150 Good Persuasive Speech Topics
  • 7 Best Places to Study
  • Guide to the IB Extended Essay
  • How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay
  • AP Lit Reading List
  • How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay
  • 49 Most Interesting Biology Research Topics
  • High School Success

Lauren Green

With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University and an MFA in Fiction from the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin, Lauren has been a professional writer for over a decade. She is the author of the chapbook  A Great Dark House  (Poetry Society of America, 2023) and a forthcoming novel (Viking/Penguin).

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Discursive Essay Topics for Students

Home / Blog / 50 Unique Discursive Essay Topics For Students

Discursive Essay

Introduction

An essay paper is one of the shortest forms of academic tasks, but it isn’t exactly the easiest. Conducting thorough research, preparing a thesis statement, drafting the essay, and proofreading can be quite hectic if you are chased by a stringent deadline. Besides, if you have to write a new type of essay, things may get a lot more challenging for you. A discursive essay is a perfect example of a task that challenges students beyond limits.

Unfortunately, most students don’t know much about a discursive essay. To put it simply, a discursive essay presents both sides of an argument, and then discusses the stance of the author. Here, you need to maintain a formal tone. You need to write the whole paper from the perspective of a third person, even while expressing your opinion. The outline of a discursive essay is quite simple.

Choosing the topic for your discursive essay

Since you have no experience in working on this essay type, it might seem difficult to prepare an essay all by yourself. Before you can get to the writing part, you need to pick a topic first. Selecting a topic is the most time-consuming segment of drafting an essay. To find the right topic for your discursive essay, you can consider the following factors:

  • Brainstorm :

To generate some effective topic ideas for your essay, try brainstorming with your friends. This process is used in various professions (including creative writing) worldwide to find innovative ideas. People try many ways to brainstorm for ideas. See what suits you the best and jot down the potential ideas for further consideration.

  • Preferences of the instructor :

While selecting a topic, you need to ensure that it is relevant to the readers, which in your case is the essay instructor. If you want to leave a lasting impression on the instructor, choosing a topic of his/her interests is essential. Communicate with the instructor and try to know about the topics he/she likes. This will help you boost your chances of scoring better marks.

  • Things that you are interested in:

Most students don’t enjoy academic writing as they find the task to be boring. If you need to draft a discursive essay, consider the topics that genuinely interest you. You will be excited to work on the essay help and you will put in more efforts to excel in the task. If you have already learned about the interests of the instructor, select a topic preferred by both of you.

  • Availability of research material :

Since you have to present both sides of the argument in a discursive essay, you need a significant amount of data to support your claim as well as the counter-argument. It is better to confirm the availability of necessary data on the chosen essay topic. Scan the internet with proper keywords. If you don’t find any reliable data on the topic, you should consider a different topic.

By considering the four aforementioned factors, you can find a remarkable topic for your discursive essay. In case you are running short on time, you can take ideas from the following list of discursive essay topic ideas.

Impressive topic ideas for a discursive essay

  • Can violence in video games cause behavioral problems in children?
  • Is it beneficial to enroll a child in a single-sex school than a co-ed school?
  • Do firewalls keep the users away from bad content?
  • Is there any possibility of having another world war in the near future?
  • Are teachers and schools responsible for the low-test score of a student?
  • Is the advancement of technology responsible for the increasing number of Cancer patients?
  • Is Facebook a great tool for socializing or a terrible place for privacy?
  • Has the internet brought more harm than good?
  • No one is above the law – is it true?
  • Is there too much pressure on teens to attend college?
  • Should there be a legal curfew for minors?
  • Do mainstream media have the responsibility to promote more diversity?
  • Should parents push their kids into extracurricular activities?
  • Should advertisements highlight warnings and side effects?
  • Do movies create unrealistic expectations for relationships and marriage?
  • Do children really need an allowance?
  • Is today's music educating young listeners?
  • Should parents be on social media platforms?
  • Should media representatives be punished for an unfair presentation of facts?
  • Was the war in Iraq justified?
  • Should court proceedings be televised?
  • Should gay marriages be accepted in all democratic nations?
  • Do the police favour law offenders based on their race?
  • Should parents go for advanced training in parenthood?
  • Is peer pressure bad?
  • Using animals as test subjects: necessary or cruelty?
  • Is a college degree important for success?
  • Sex education in schools: Should it be stopped or increased?
  • Should schools teach foreign languages right from kindergarten?
  • Should there be a dress code for every professional?
  • Should working places have afternoon nap facilities for the employees?
  • Is a vegan diet healthy?
  • Is being broke a habit?
  • Space exploration is just a huge waste of money.
  • Destroying forests is a crime against the planet.
  • Being wealthy and being happy are two different things.
  • Artificial Intelligence is not a danger to humanity.
  • Technologies used in space exploration can solve critical problems on earth.
  • Unmanned probes are not a great choice for space exploration.
  • Smoking zones should be brought down.
  • Is it possible to live a healthy life without eating meat?
  • Do curfews keep children out of trouble?
  • Are beauty pageants exploitative?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Do photoshopped images affect self-image and self-esteem?
  • Passive smokers suffer more than active ones.
  • Everyone should have free access to healthcare.
  • Is online censorship critical for internet users?
  • Cross-cultural marriages have a positive impact on racial tolerance.
  • Working hours must be reduced to let people spend more time with their family.

You can use these topic ideas for reference and generate an impressive topic idea of your own. You can also use one of these ideas to get started with your discursive essay. However, it is always better to work on a unique topic idea to grab the attention of your instructor.

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You might need some time to understand the basics of a discursive essay. If you think you will be unable to draft a stellar paper on your own, you can ask the experts of Essayhack.io for academic assistance. You can hire expert support for a variety of essay types, including a discursive essay.

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100 Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Persuasive essays are a bit like argument essays , but they tend to be a little kinder and gentler. Argument essays require you to discuss and attack an alternate view, while persuasive essays attempt to convince the reader that you have a believable argument. In other words, you are an advocate, not an adversary.

Writing a compelling persuasive essay requires you to select a topic that ideally stirs your readers' emotions. Before settling on a subject, explore some options to find one that helps craft the strongest and most engaging argument.

Below is a list of potential persuasive essay topics to spark your brainstorming process. You can choose a topic from this list or use it as inspiration to develop an idea of your own.

Main Components of a Persuasive Essay

  • Introduction : This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook , which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis , or argument, which you'll explain in the next section.
  • Body : This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph examines one theme or issue used to support your thesis.
  • Conclusion : This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and connect them to your thesis. Persuasive essays often use the conclusion as a final appeal to the audience.

Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You'll surely find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.

Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics

Beginner topics.

  • Kids should get paid for good grades.
  • Students should have less homework.
  • Snow days are great for family time.
  • Penmanship is important.
  • Short hair is better than long hair.
  • We should all grow our own vegetables.
  • We need more holidays.
  • Aliens probably exist.
  • Gym class is more important than music class.
  • Kids should be able to vote.
  • Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
  • School should take place in the evenings.
  • Country life is better than city life.
  • City life is better than country life.
  • We can change the world.
  • Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
  • We should provide food for the poor.
  • Children should be paid for doing chores.
  • We should populate the moon .
  • Dogs make better pets than cats.

Intermediate Topics

  • The government should impose household trash limits.
  • Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
  • Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
  • We should teach etiquette in schools.
  • School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
  • All students should wear uniforms.
  • Too much money is a bad thing.
  • High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
  • Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
  • Robocalling should be outlawed.
  • Age 12 is too young to babysit.
  • Children should be required to read more.
  • All students should be allowed to study abroad.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
  • Cell phones should never be used while driving.
  • All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
  • Bullies should be kicked out of school.
  • Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
  • The school year should be longer.
  • School days should start later.
  • Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
  • There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
  • Public transit should be privatized.
  • We should allow pets in school.
  • The voting age should be lowered to 16.
  • Beauty contests are bad for body image.
  • Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
  • Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
  • Video games can be educational.
  • College athletes should be paid for their services.
  • We need a military draft .
  • Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
  • Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
  • Year-round school is a bad idea.
  • High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
  • The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
  • Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
  • Standardized testing should be eliminated.
  • Teachers should be paid more.
  • There should be one world currency.

Advanced Topics

  • Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
  • Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
  • Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
  • Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
  • Racial slurs should be illegal.
  • Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
  • Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
  • People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
  • Free speech should have limitations.
  • Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
  • Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
  • High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
  • Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
  • Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
  • Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
  • Child support dodgers should go to jail.
  • Students should be allowed to pray in school.
  • All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
  • Internet access should be free for everyone.
  • Social Security should be privatized.
  • Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
  • We shouldn't use products made from animals.
  • Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
  • Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
  • We need better sex education in schools.
  • School testing is not effective.
  • The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and Canada.
  • Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
  • Eating meat is unethical.
  • A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
  • Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
  • The Electoral College is outdated.
  • Medical testing on animals is necessary.
  • Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
  • Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
  • Books should never be banned.
  • Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
  • Freedom of religion has limitations.
  • Nuclear power should be illegal.
  • Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.

Key Takeaways

  • Persuasive essays aim to convince rather than confront, effectively making you advocate for a position or idea.
  • Choosing a compelling topic that evokes emotions is crucial for crafting a strong persuasive essay.
  • The main parts of a persuasive essay are the introduction (with a hook and thesis), body paragraphs (explaining themes supporting the thesis), and conclusion (summarizing main points and making a final appeal).

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50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

  • 5-minute read
  • 19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics! 

In this post, we’ll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. 

We’ll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you’re a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay that encourage the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action.

They typically open with a question, followed by a series of arguments intended to persuade the reader to take the same side as the author.

In a persuasive essay, the author will usually appeal to the readers’ emotions in order to prove that their opinion is the correct one. But this doesn’t mean that persuasive essays ignore evidence , facts, and figures; an effective persuasive essay makes use of a combination of logical argument and emotive language to sway the audience.

A persuasive essay can cover just about anything from pop culture to politics. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 50 persuasive essay topics to inspire your next assignment!

Top 50 Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Should the government censor the internet?
  • Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games?
  • Should self-driving cars be banned?
  • Is facial recognition software unethical?
  • Should mental health apps collect users’ personal data?
  • Should children under 13 have cell phones?
  • Should internet access be treated as a human right?
  • Should all paperwork be digitized?

Science and the Environment

  • Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
  • Should genetically modified organisms be labeled?
  • Should we clone human beings?
  • Should animal testing be allowed?
  • Should the government fund space exploration?
  • Should the government regulate the use of pesticides in farming?
  • Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
  • Should the government fine people who drive gas-powered vehicles?
  • Should climate change be declared a national emergency?

Crime and Politics

  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should all American citizens have to serve a year of community service?
  • Should the US voting age be lowered to 16?
  • Should the government adopt a tougher immigration policy?
  • Should the government cut its military spending?
  • Should the government introduce a national living wage?
  • Should politicians be banned from social media?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?

Health and Fitness

  • Should the government provide universal healthcare?
  • Should the government ban the use of certain chemicals in cosmetics?
  • Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
  • Should physical exercise be mandatory at work?
  • Should employees have to disclose health conditions to their employers?
  • Should fast food commercials be banned?
  • Should herbal medicines be better regulated?
  • Should regular mental health checkups be mandatory?
  • Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
  • Should students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Should the government provide free college education?
  • Should schools offer comprehensive sex education?
  • Are high school students given too much homework?
  • Should humanities and arts subjects receive more funding?
  • Should military recruiters be allowed on school grounds?
  • Is the school day too long?
  • Should every US citizen be required to learn another language?

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  • Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
  • Should the use of tobacco be banned?
  • Should marijuana be legalized?
  • Should all museums and art galleries be free?
  • Should kids be encouraged to read more?
  • Should public spaces provide unisex bathrooms?
  • Is pet ownership a human right?
  • Should extreme sports be banned?

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to start writing your persuasive essay. Here are our tips:

Choose a Side

When you’ve picked the question you’re going to address in your essay, you also need to choose one side – or answer – that you’re going to write in favor of.

It helps if you’re passionate about the topic, as this will enable you to write from an emotional perspective.

Do Your Research

In order to write persuasively , you need to understand the topic you’re writing about. 

Make sure you know the details of your subject matter, and can provide facts and figures to back up your appeal to your readers’ emotions.

You should also read up about different points of view on the topic, so that you can bring them up in the form of counterarguments and rebuttals .

Keep Your Audience in Mind

When you’re writing your essay, think about who it is you’re trying to persuade. The way you speak to a student, for example, will be different to how you address a parent.

Consider what your potential audience will value, and how you can reach them on an emotional level. 

Outline Your Essay

Now you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to plan and write your essay.

You should break it down into the follow sections:

  • An introduction, which sets up the question you’re going to answer and what side of the argument you are aiming to persuade the reader of.
  • The body of the essay, with a paragraph for each of the points you want to make.
  • A conclusion, where you summarize your points and main arguments.

Get It Proofread

As with any essay, your finished persuasive essay will need proofreading to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Our academic proofreading team here at Proofed can help with that. You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

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College Essays

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Most colleges and universities in the United States require applicants to submit at least one essay as part of their application. But trying to figure out what college essay topics you should choose is a tricky process. There are so many potential things you could write about!

In this guide, we go over the essential qualities that make for a great college essay topic and give you 50+ college essay topics you can use for your own statement . In addition, we provide you with helpful tips for turning your college essay topic into a stellar college essay.

What Qualities Make for a Good College Essay Topic?

Regardless of what you write about in your personal statement for college , there are key features that will always make for a stand-out college essay topic.

#1: It’s Specific

First off, good college essay topics are extremely specific : you should know all the pertinent facts that have to do with the topic and be able to see how the entire essay comes together.

Specificity is essential because it’ll not only make your essay stand out from other statements, but it'll also recreate the experience for admissions officers through its realism, detail, and raw power. You want to tell a story after all, and specificity is the way to do so. Nobody wants to read a vague, bland, or boring story — not even admissions officers!

For example, an OK topic would be your experience volunteering at a cat shelter over the summer. But a better, more specific college essay topic would be how you deeply connected with an elderly cat there named Marty, and how your bond with him made you realize that you want to work with animals in the future.

Remember that specificity in your topic is what will make your essay unique and memorable . It truly is the key to making a strong statement (pun intended)!

#2: It Shows Who You Are

In addition to being specific, good college essay topics reveal to admissions officers who you are: your passions and interests, what is important to you, your best (or possibly even worst) qualities, what drives you, and so on.

The personal statement is critical because it gives schools more insight into who you are as a person and not just who you are as a student in terms of grades and classes.

By coming up with a real, honest topic, you’ll leave an unforgettable mark on admissions officers.

#3: It’s Meaningful to You

The very best college essay topics are those that hold deep meaning to their writers and have truly influenced them in some significant way.

For instance, maybe you plan to write about the first time you played Skyrim to explain how this video game revealed to you the potentially limitless worlds you could create, thereby furthering your interest in game design.

Even if the topic seems trivial, it’s OK to use it — just as long as you can effectively go into detail about why this experience or idea had such an impact on you .

Don’t give in to the temptation to choose a topic that sounds impressive but doesn’t actually hold any deep meaning for you. Admissions officers will see right through this!

Similarly, don’t try to exaggerate some event or experience from your life if it’s not all that important to you or didn’t have a substantial influence on your sense of self.

#4: It’s Unique

College essay topics that are unique are also typically the most memorable, and if there’s anything you want to be during the college application process, it’s that! Admissions officers have to sift through thousands of applications, and the essay is one of the only parts that allows them to really get a sense of who you are and what you value in life.

If your essay is trite or boring, it won’t leave much of an impression , and your application will likely get immediately tossed to the side with little chance of seeing admission.

But if your essay topic is very original and different, you’re more likely to earn that coveted second glance at your application.

What does being unique mean exactly, though? Many students assume that they must choose an extremely rare or crazy experience to talk about in their essays —but that's not necessarily what I mean by "unique." Good college essay topics can be unusual and different, yes, but they can also be unique takes on more mundane or common activities and experiences .

For instance, say you want to write an essay about the first time you went snowboarding. Instead of just describing the details of the experience and how you felt during it, you could juxtapose your emotions with a creative and humorous perspective from the snowboard itself. Or you could compare your first attempt at snowboarding with your most recent experience in a snowboarding competition. The possibilities are endless!

#5: It Clearly Answers the Question

Finally, good college essay topics will clearly and fully answer the question(s) in the prompt.

You might fail to directly answer a prompt by misinterpreting what it’s asking you to do, or by answering only part of it (e.g., answering just one out of three questions).

Therefore, make sure you take the time to come up with an essay topic that is in direct response to every question in the prompt .

Take this Coalition Application prompt as an example:

What is the hardest part of being a teenager now? What's the best part? What advice would you give a younger sibling or friend (assuming they would listen to you)?

For this prompt, you’d need to answer all three questions (though it’s totally fine to focus more on one or two of them) to write a compelling and appropriate essay.

This is why we recommend reading and rereading the essay prompt ; you should know exactly what it’s asking you to do, well before you start brainstorming possible college application essay topics.

body_girl_thinking_bubble_idea

53 College Essay Topics to Get Your Brain Moving

In this section, we give you a list of 53 examples of college essay topics. Use these as jumping-off points to help you get started on your college essay and to ensure that you’re on track to coming up with a relevant and effective topic.

All college application essay topics below are categorized by essay prompt type. We’ve identified six general types of college essay prompts:

Why This College?

Change and personal growth, passions, interests, and goals, overcoming a challenge, diversity and community, solving a problem.

Note that these prompt types could overlap with one another, so you’re not necessarily limited to just one college essay topic in a single personal statement.

  • How a particular major or program will help you achieve your academic or professional goals
  • A memorable and positive interaction you had with a professor or student at the school
  • Something good that happened to you while visiting the campus or while on a campus tour
  • A certain class you want to take or a certain professor you’re excited to work with
  • Some piece of on-campus equipment or facility that you’re looking forward to using
  • Your plans to start a club at the school, possibly to raise awareness of a major issue
  • A study abroad or other unique program that you can’t wait to participate in
  • How and where you plan to volunteer in the community around the school
  • An incredible teacher you studied under and the positive impact they had on you
  • How you went from really liking something, such as a particular movie star or TV show, to not liking it at all (or vice versa)
  • How yours or someone else’s (change in) socioeconomic status made you more aware of poverty
  • A time someone said something to you that made you realize you were wrong
  • How your opinion on a controversial topic, such as gay marriage or DACA, has shifted over time
  • A documentary that made you aware of a particular social, economic, or political issue going on in the country or world
  • Advice you would give to your younger self about friendship, motivation, school, etc.
  • The steps you took in order to kick a bad or self-sabotaging habit
  • A juxtaposition of the first and most recent time you did something, such as dance onstage
  • A book you read that you credit with sparking your love of literature and/or writing
  • A school assignment or project that introduced you to your chosen major
  • A glimpse of your everyday routine and how your biggest hobby or interest fits into it
  • The career and (positive) impact you envision yourself having as a college graduate
  • A teacher or mentor who encouraged you to pursue a specific interest you had
  • How moving around a lot helped you develop a love of international exchange or learning languages
  • A special skill or talent you’ve had since you were young and that relates to your chosen major in some way, such as designing buildings with LEGO bricks
  • Where you see yourself in 10 or 20 years
  • Your biggest accomplishment so far relating to your passion (e.g., winning a gold medal for your invention at a national science competition)
  • A time you lost a game or competition that was really important to you
  • How you dealt with the loss or death of someone close to you
  • A time you did poorly in a class that you expected to do well in
  • How moving to a new school impacted your self-esteem and social life
  • A chronic illness you battled or are still battling
  • Your healing process after having your heart broken for the first time
  • A time you caved under peer pressure and the steps you took so that it won't happen again
  • How you almost gave up on learning a foreign language but stuck with it
  • Why you decided to become a vegetarian or vegan, and how you navigate living with a meat-eating family
  • What you did to overcome a particular anxiety or phobia you had (e.g., stage fright)
  • A history of a failed experiment you did over and over, and how you finally found a way to make it work successfully
  • Someone within your community whom you aspire to emulate
  • A family tradition you used to be embarrassed about but are now proud of
  • Your experience with learning English upon moving to the United States
  • A close friend in the LGBTQ+ community who supported you when you came out
  • A time you were discriminated against, how you reacted, and what you would do differently if faced with the same situation again
  • How you navigate your identity as a multiracial, multiethnic, and/or multilingual person
  • A project or volunteer effort you led to help or improve your community
  • A particular celebrity or role model who inspired you to come out as LGBTQ+
  • Your biggest challenge (and how you plan to tackle it) as a female in a male-dominated field
  • How you used to discriminate against your own community, and what made you change your mind and eventually take pride in who you are and/or where you come from
  • A program you implemented at your school in response to a known problem, such as a lack of recycling cans in the cafeteria
  • A time you stepped in to mediate an argument or fight between two people
  • An app or other tool you developed to make people’s lives easier in some way
  • A time you proposed a solution that worked to an ongoing problem at school, an internship, or a part-time job
  • The steps you took to identify and fix an error in coding for a website or program
  • An important social or political issue that you would fix if you had the means

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How to Build a College Essay in 6 Easy Steps

Once you’ve decided on a college essay topic you want to use, it’s time to buckle down and start fleshing out your essay. These six steps will help you transform a simple college essay topic into a full-fledged personal statement.

Step 1: Write Down All the Details

Once you’ve chosen a general topic to write about, get out a piece of paper and get to work on creating a list of all the key details you could include in your essay . These could be things such as the following:

  • Emotions you felt at the time
  • Names, places, and/or numbers
  • Dialogue, or what you or someone else said
  • A specific anecdote, example, or experience
  • Descriptions of how things looked, felt, or seemed

If you can only come up with a few details, then it’s probably best to revisit the list of college essay topics above and choose a different one that you can write more extensively on.

Good college essay topics are typically those that:

  • You remember well (so nothing that happened when you were really young)
  • You're excited to write about
  • You're not embarrassed or uncomfortable to share with others
  • You believe will make you positively stand out from other applicants

Step 2: Figure Out Your Focus and Approach

Once you have all your major details laid out, start to figure out how you could arrange them in a way that makes sense and will be most effective.

It’s important here to really narrow your focus: you don’t need to (and shouldn’t!) discuss every single aspect of your trip to visit family in Indonesia when you were 16. Rather, zero in on a particular anecdote or experience and explain why and how it impacted you.

Alternatively, you could write about multiple experiences while weaving them together with a clear, meaningful theme or concept , such as how your math teacher helped you overcome your struggle with geometry over the course of an entire school year. In this case, you could mention a few specific times she tutored you and most strongly supported you in your studies.

There’s no one right way to approach your college essay, so play around to see what approaches might work well for the topic you’ve chosen.

If you’re really unsure about how to approach your essay, think about what part of your topic was or is most meaningful and memorable to you, and go from there.

Step 3: Structure Your Narrative

  • Beginning: Don’t just spout off a ton of background information here—you want to hook your reader, so try to start in the middle of the action , such as with a meaningful conversation you had or a strong emotion you felt. It could also be a single anecdote if you plan to center your essay around a specific theme or idea.
  • Middle: Here’s where you start to flesh out what you’ve established in the opening. Provide more details about the experience (if a single anecdote) or delve into the various times your theme or idea became most important to you. Use imagery and sensory details to put the reader in your shoes.
  • End: It’s time to bring it all together. Finish describing the anecdote or theme your essay centers around and explain how it relates to you now , what you’ve learned or gained from it, and how it has influenced your goals.

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Step 4: Write a Rough Draft

By now you should have all your major details and an outline for your essay written down; these two things will make it easy for you to convert your notes into a rough draft.

At this stage of the writing process, don’t worry too much about vocabulary or grammar and just focus on getting out all your ideas so that they form the general shape of an essay . It’s OK if you’re a little over the essay's word limit — as you edit, you’ll most likely make some cuts to irrelevant and ineffective parts anyway.

If at any point you get stuck and have no idea what to write, revisit steps 1-3 to see whether there are any important details or ideas you might be omitting or not elaborating on enough to get your overall point across to admissions officers.

Step 5: Edit, Revise, and Proofread

  • Sections that are too wordy and don’t say anything important
  • Irrelevant details that don’t enhance your essay or the point you're trying to make
  • Parts that seem to drag or that feel incredibly boring or redundant
  • Areas that are vague and unclear and would benefit from more detail
  • Phrases or sections that are awkwardly placed and should be moved around
  • Areas that feel unconvincing, inauthentic, or exaggerated

Start paying closer attention to your word choice/vocabulary and grammar at this time, too. It’s perfectly normal to edit and revise your college essay several times before asking for feedback, so keep working with it until you feel it’s pretty close to its final iteration.

This step will likely take the longest amount of time — at least several weeks, if not months — so really put effort into fixing up your essay. Once you’re satisfied, do a final proofread to ensure that it’s technically correct.

Step 6: Get Feedback and Tweak as Needed

After you’ve overhauled your rough draft and made it into a near-final draft, give your essay to somebody you trust , such as a teacher or parent, and have them look it over for technical errors and offer you feedback on its content and overall structure.

Use this feedback to make any last-minute changes or edits. If necessary, repeat steps 5 and 6. You want to be extra sure that your essay is perfect before you submit it to colleges!

Recap: From College Essay Topics to Great College Essays

Many different kinds of college application essay topics can get you into a great college. But this doesn’t make it any easier to choose the best topic for you .

In general, the best college essay topics have the following qualities :

  • They’re specific
  • They show who you are
  • They’re meaningful to you
  • They’re unique
  • They clearly answer the question

If you ever need help coming up with an idea of what to write for your essay, just refer to the list of 53 examples of college essay topics above to get your brain juices flowing.

Once you’ve got an essay topic picked out, follow these six steps for turning your topic into an unforgettable personal statement :

  • Write down all the details
  • Figure out your focus and approach
  • Structure your narrative
  • Write a rough draft
  • Edit, revise, and proofread
  • Get feedback and tweak as needed

And with that, I wish you the best of luck on your college essays!

What’s Next?

Writing a college essay is no simple task. Get expert college essay tips with our guides on how to come up with great college essay ideas and how to write a college essay, step by step .

You can also check out this huge list of college essay prompts  to get a feel for what types of questions you'll be expected to answer on your applications.

Want to see examples of college essays that absolutely rocked? You're in luck because we've got a collection of 100+ real college essay examples right here on our blog!

Want to write the perfect college application essay?   We can help.   Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges.   Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel.

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20+ Impressive Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

Best Ways to Pick the Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

Table Of Contents

What is higher english what do you understand, how to choose higher english discursive essay topics, amazing higher english discursive essay topics suggestions, experts assistance for choosing best essay discursive topic.

When it comes to choosing the  higher English discursive essay topics ? Then it becomes one of the hectic tasks for the students. During the time of writing the discursive essay topic, it helps to provide the rare opportunity that students can walk the fine line that helps them to separate a discursive essay from the other sections like the argumentative or the persuasive essay. On the other hand, when we talk about certain key points for the same, the discursive essay might help to resemble the other essay types we discussed previously. They are still very distinct from it. While writing an argumentative essay convinces the students of an argument, but when it comes to the discursive essay seeks to examine the arguments on the opposing sides of the issue.

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If you are one of those students who have studied in a country other than the UK, you may wonder what higher English is. Is it a course or here talking about the level? First, let us clarify that it is one of the sections that help students dive into the definition of some of the courses. In the UK, higher English is one of the courses for the students, particularly in England and Scotland. It helps to determine the English language and the literature very deeply. Below are some tips students can learn by studying higher English. They are:

  • Higher English as an independent subject
  • Additionally, other higher science programs

Most of the time, discursive essay examples higher English  is one of the sections that help to focus on the students' advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following mentioned things:

  • They can able to use the complex languages
  • Students can able to apply the literature knowledge in life
  • Understand the base of the language operation

Every student is required to write an impressive and catchy discursive higher English essay, but specific issues arise in their academic life. One of them is choosing a unique and catchy for the  higher English discursive essay topics . Suppose you are also one of those students facing a problem selecting the topic, then go through the below-mentioned tips. Here we discuss how students can choose the best topic for their write-up. 

Also Read:  How to Write Discursive Essay | Everything You Need to Know

Once you are done knowing what is higher English discursive essay. Then it is time to move to the challenging part of selecting the topic. Below mentioned are the useful tips that students can use for choosing the topic for their topic. Also, you can ask for  discursive essay examples higher English . 

Motive of Writing

With the help of the discursive essay, students can present all the arguments that can convince their readers that the writer is talking about the right scenario and the relevant things. This is why you choose the topic you can elaborate on and persuade. Also, they can choose law essay writing service .

Pick the Theme Wisely

When choosing the topic, make sure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the professor, who will go through the same and grade the paper as the requirements. Focus on covering all the pointers to meet the expectation of the professor.

Utilise the Resources

First, evaluate that you have enough information on your chosen topic. Also, choose the things that are compelling essays. Finally, check for the possible relevant and trustworthy sources for the statement you will use in the essay writeup.

The above are some tips students can use to choose the best higher English discursive essay . These helpful tips make it easy for students to pick the best topic. However, if you still have doubts and cannot choose a reliable topic, we are providing some suggestions for higher English discursive essay topics that students can use for their writeup.

Below mentioned are the higher E nglish discursive essay examples . Let’s have a look

  • The importance of literacy
  • Football has a direct influence on English culture.
  • Every school should teach foreign languages.
  • High schools should teach both abstinence and safe.
  • To ensure discipline, school uniforms should be required.
  • People should give off smoking.
  • Eating disorders in adolescent females are a serious problem that should not be overlooked.
  • In education, motivation theories are quite successful.
  • Their self-esteem greatly influences students' health.
  • Because alcohol harms teenage health, parents should keep an eye on their children's alcohol usage.
  • Children and teens should not remain silent in the face of domestic violence.
  • Sports betting should be prohibited by the government.
  • We should drink plenty of water.
  • The reduction of the generation gap is critical for good family interaction.
  • High school athletes should be subjected to drug tests.
  • Cheating on college examinations should be penalised severely since it is discouraging.
  • The advantages of active listening are critical in exhibiting excellent performance at work.
  • Every student should evaluate the time management practices of their peers.
  • Sleep is vital since sleep loss impacts college students' academic performance.
  • Should fast food be considered "food"?
  • A healthy way of life and eating should become the standard for everyone.
  • Alternative energy sources are critical to the planet's survival.

Above are some suggestions for choosing the d iscursive e ssay i deas f or h igher English . If you are still not able to grasp the concept and not able to choose the best one for your write-up, then get the consultation of our expert writer . They will help you in completing the essay within a short period. So let’s get a consultation with professionals.

Several students stuck with choosing the right higher English discursive essay topics . At that time Assignment Desk is the saviour for students. They provide assignment writing help to students. You can consult professional writers if you are also going through the same scenario or not getting a solution for educational issues. They have vast knowledge and rich experience in providing the best essay writing services. Also, many students in the UK take assistance from experts to complete their work within the given period. Experts will offer a wide range of topics to students.

With the help of those suggestions, students can choose the best one for their essay help online  and secure higher academic grades.

Additionally, at some point, students face issues in drafting the whole write-up. So, in this case, also they can take consultation from an academic writing service provider. So what are you waiting for? Want help with essay writing tasks? Get reliable consultation.

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Persuasive essay topics higher english

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155 Exceptional Discursive Essay Topics To Try

Discursive Essay Topics

Do you have a discursive essay to prepare, and getting the right topic is proving challenging? Selecting the best title for your essay can be challenging because it requires a lot of research and a deep understanding of the respective discipline. For others, it is simply a lack of confidence and materials for research. So, what is the way out?

To help you get high grades, this post provides a list of 155 hot topics that you can use. Consider using them as they are or tweak a little to fit your preference. Do not just select any topic for your discursive essay; select the best.

How to Select a Good Discursive Essay Topic

Before we can list the best topics to write a discursive essay on, it is important to answer the question, “How do you pick the best?” Here are some expert tips:

Interesting to You No matter the study discipline, the topic you select should be interesting. This can help you to develop a stronger attachment with the work, increasing the chances of crafting a high-quality paper. If you select a topic that is not interesting, the chances are that it will become challenging midway. Relevant As a college or university student, every paper you do should help push you higher into your career ladder. Therefore, it is important to select topics that are relevant to your field, especially the latest happenings. For example, a student pursuing international relations might want to explore areas such as the recent withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the recent Israel-Hamas war, or the American policy on climate change. Enough Materials As you select the topic, it will be an excellent idea to also think about the resources that will be used to prepare it. If you do not have ample books, journals, and other publications, there is a danger of getting stuck. Focused and Catchy

When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade.

Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher English discursive essay topics. We will also tell you why it is important to work with an expert writer.

Good Discursive Essay Topics for Higher English

  • Should foreign languages be taught in all schools?
  • Both safe sex and abstinence should be taught in high school.
  • In education, are motivational theories effective?
  • Teenagers and children should always speak out about domestic violence.
  • Should the government ban all types of sports betting?
  • Cheating during college examinations should be punished severely.
  • Alternative sources of energy are excellent in addressing global warming phenomena.
  • Good communication skills are crucial for success in business.
  • Should we make recycling mandatory for all?
  • E-books should not replace conventional books in college and university.
  • Should we reduce the legal age for acquiring a driving license in the UK?
  • Every business should invest in innovation.
  • Competition: Is it a good thing?
  • Are girls too mean in relationships?
  • Is fashion important?

Discursive Writing Topics in Sports

  • Can you keep children out of danger through sports?
  • Girls should be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys.
  • Should we legalize the use of steroid alternatives in athletics?
  • Students should be paid for participating in school sports.
  • All females should be banned from taking part in extreme sports.
  • Alcohol and tobacco adverts should be banned from school sports events.
  • The rules used to guide how coaches treat players are not strict enough.
  • Parents should disallow their students from participating in school soccer.
  • Should sports betting be made legal in all countries?
  • Are video games sports?
  • Is there a way of preventing injuries in soccer?
  • Engaging in professional sports is a way of life and not a hobby.
  • Being gay in sports draws a lot of attention from the media.
  • Is it acceptable for a soccer coach to lose his/her emotions on the field?
  • Sports can result in both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health.
  • Chess: Should it be considered a fully-fledged type of sport like basketball and soccer?
  • Do athletes experience stress?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics for You

  • Death penalty: Is it effective?
  • What are the main causes of war?

Should we abolish all tobacco products?

  • Abortion should be abolished.
  • Illegal migrants: Should they be granted the right of abode?
  • What should society do to reduce payment inequality between men and women?
  • Capitalism is the best economic model.
  • Should we use animals for research?
  • BREXIT was a huge mistake.
  • Computer games are bad for children.
  • Ballarat Rebellion: Why did it end in just 30 minutes?
  • Sex before marriage should be forbidden.
  • Is homeschooling better than normal schooling?
  • To succeed in business, communication is the most important thing?
  • Fast foods should be disqualified as food.
  • Parents are to blame for high levels of overweight and obesity among children.
  • Is globalization really important?
  • Should human cloning be allowed?
  • Online dating has ruined the importance of traditional romance.
  • Can politics be free and fair?

Interesting Topics for Discursive Essays

  • Uniforms in school limit student’s freedom of expression.
  • Should all steroid users be banned from all sports in the UK?
  • Should all court proceedings be captured on camera?
  • Same-sex marriages: Should they be banned?
  • Does workplace diversity result in higher productivity?
  • What is the main challenge for women in the workplace?
  • Post-WWII America: How did it grow?
  • Should parents select careers for their children?
  • Reading non-fiction books helps to improve a person’s writing skills.
  • Should famous people get involved in leadership, especially politics?
  • Is Yoga a more spiritual event than fasting?
  • Short dresses should be banned from schools and workplaces.
  • Is space exploration a worthy undertaking?
  • Do we really require social media to stay in touch with each other?
  • Are vegetarians healthier than meat lovers?
  • WWI: What was the potential of the Russian Army?
  • Can virtual reality become dangerous to young people?
  • Rock music: Is it related to Satanism?

Unique Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do video games have an advantage for adults?
  • Punishing students that include physical torture should be banned in schools.
  • Is the global society becoming over-regulated?
  • Should we allow students to rate their trainers?
  • What is the biggest challenge faced by learners in college today?
  • Movies are better than cartoons.
  • Should America and Canada merge to form one country?
  • Smartphones are excellent learning tools.
  • Why do teenagers feel freer to talk on social media as opposed to face-to-face?
  • Does the training offered in college prepare students adequately for the real world?
  • To be successful, hard work alone is not enough.
  • Is the taxation system in the US effective?
  • Is college tuition in the UK too expensive?
  • Is studying Shakespeare in college a good idea today?
  • Without faith, life is incomplete.

Good Discursive Essay Topics in History

  • What was the impact of colonization on the Native Americans?
  • The main causes of the American Revolution.
  • History of racism in the UK.
  • What role did women play in WWII?
  • How significant are the measures adopted by the US to control terrorism?
  • What issues caused major conflicts between the South and North, resulting in the American Civil-war?
  • Were Egyptian pyramids constructed using slave labor?
  • Did WWII spur the creation of a new set of professionals?
  • During WWII, soldiers were the main spreaders of the Spanish Flu.
  • The results of WWI caused WWII: Is it correct?
  • The Second Civil War in South Sudan resulted in the creation of the independent republic of South Sudan.
  • Spanish-American War: Was it the cheapest war in history?
  • Why did the Soviet invade Afghanistan?
  • The Haiti Revolution of 1791-1804: Was it the only successful rebellion of liberated slaves?
  • Socio-economic and political revolution: What is the main difference?
  • The Panama Canal made the country one of the fastest-growing nations in Latin America.
  • Mexican-American War: Why did America Carry the Day?
  • How are the weapons of ancient Asian Civilization reflected in their culture?
  • How did the decolonized African states try to decolonize their history?

List of Discursive Essay Topics in Sociology

  • Should governments put some limits on the freedom of speech?
  • Giving male workers paternity leave: Is it a good idea?
  • Are there circumstances when torture is acceptable?
  • Failed parenting: What is the right form of punishment?
  • What are the main causes of single-parenthood in society today?
  • Socialism or capitalism: What is more beneficial to society?
  • Are women less privileged in society?
  • Increase in youth crime in the society: What are the major causes?
  • Is beauty more perceived than intelligence?
  • Racial stereotyping: What are the implications?
  • Society and culture: What is the meeting point?
  • Modern technology: Has it made the globe a better place?
  • Ethnicity: How does it impact social class?
  • Is it possible to stop social violence?
  • What are the psychological impacts of war on children?
  • Family structure: Does it influence societal development?
  • What is the best way to encourage society to have good morals?
  • Is the gay culture a threat to the traditional family?
  • Single parenting: Has it been accepted in society?

Top Discursive Essay Topics on Nature

  • Why is underground water not considered clean for drinking?
  • Tourism is one of the main reasons for animal theft.
  • Should all countries make recycling compulsory?
  • Plastic manufacturing factories: Should they be banned?
  • Between the public and government, who is more responsible for disturbing nature?
  • How does a vegan diet help the environment?
  • Is global warming real?
  • Can deaths caused by earthquakes be prevented?
  • Is scientific advancement creating an imbalance in nature?
  • Deforestation: How does it degrade the standard of life?
  • Is it possible to dump nuclear waste safely?
  • Can renewable sources of energy meet the growing demand?
  • Imagining the globe in 2300: How will it be when the oil is exhausted?
  • Should environmental conservation be introduced as a core course for all students?
  • Does smoking outdoors have any impact on the environment?
  • Should governments advocate for more artificial environments?
  • Is it a good idea to buy bottled water?
  • Are environmental awareness forums important?

Ideas for Discursive Essays in Nursing

  • Who between nurses and doctors is exposed to more health hazards?
  • Racial discrimination: Is it a major issue in nursing?
  • Do nurses play a bigger role than doctors in defining a patient’s recovery?
  • Should the government ban costumes that sexualize nurses?
  • What is the right number of nurses to have in a hospital?
  • Are female nurses more indifferent to patients than male ones?
  • Night shift nurses and day-time nurses: Who should earn more?
  • Nurses’ remuneration: Should their wages be at par with that of doctors?
  • Are most nurses negligent?
  • The importance of interpersonal skills in nursing?
  • What is the impact of nursing theories in nursing practice?
  • The importance of leadership and managerial skills in nursing.
  • Sociological issues in nursing.
  • Do nurses face racial issues in their course of work?

Use Essay Writing Help to Craft A-Rated Discursive Essays

Once you have selected the preferred topic to write a discursive essay on, it marks the start of the next phase, which is the actual writing of the paper. Here, you need to have top-notch research and writing skills to be able to prepare high-quality work. You also require a good mastery of the subject under consideration and enough time to work on the paper. Rarely do students have this combination, and their best way out is working with online academic writing experts.

The professionals offering academic writing services have been on this type of job for years and amassed enough experience. Indeed, they are likely to have handled similar types of paper before, and yours will be pretty easy to complete. The services are also cheap and the writers can work really fast to complete even the essays with the tightest deadlines. You can never go wrong with an expert holding your hand!

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  • Unique Discursive Essay Topics To Try In 2024

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Finding interesting discursive essay topics might be a difficult task, especially for students who aren’t fond of writing or dislike their subject. Fortunately, this problem has a quick and simple solution, but before we get to it, let’s shed light on the most common question first.

What is a discursive essay? This type of essay is a piece of academic writing that describes a topic, details its background, and explores all the main perspectives on it. When writing such an essay, it is essential to look into various points of view, analyzing and comparing them. Virginia Woolf once said, "It is the nature of the artist to mind excessively what is said about him. Literature is strewn with the wreckage of those who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others."   This quote underscores the importance of maintaining objectivity and embracing various perspectives without bias, which is a basic principle of writing balanced discussion essays.

These essays are a very common college writing assignment, so learners of all levels must know how best to write them. That’s why we are here! Today, we’ll discuss everything about discursive essay writing as well as outline some creative paper topics. If your professor assigned this type of task to you and now you’re searching for a good topic, consider it found! Our guide will not only explain how to write such essays but also answer questions and offer you a list of original topics you may like.

Five Tips on Choosing Good Topics for a Discursive Essay

Locating a great topic is important because students’ entire research depends on it. Here are five top ways to do it:

  • Consider your personal interests . High-quality custom essay writing always gets the highest praise from professors. To increase the uniqueness and value of your paper, dedicate it to a theme you genuinely like. Maybe there is something you constantly argue over on X; perhaps your favourite movie character has a hobby you’d like to explore scientifically. Choose a topic you feel connected to, and you’ll love writing your essay.
  • Choose something extra relevant . What worries the world most? The discursive essay topics example is great when it’s current and widely known. Staying up-to-date with the news and trends never fails to deliver great results.
  • Go for the most controversial areas . Exploring a subject that multiple people have the most passionate and heated debates over might be interesting. 
  • Pick the most researched topic . There is nothing wrong with going the easiest route and choosing a topic that has been researched to death. You’ll find many sources and opinions, so you’ll immediately have what to choose from.
  • Select the least researched topic . If you like challenges, working with a rare and under-researched subject might feel thrilling.

Key Features of a Strong Discursive Paper

So, what should premium quality discursive writing look like? Be sure your essay includes these four aspects:

  • Objectivity. Don’t try to make some arguments look weaker than they are just because you dislike them — and vice versa. 
  • Formal writing. Maintain a strict academic tone. Avoid contractions, phrasal verbs, and other informalities. 
  • Extensive research. Include plenty of credible sources in your essay. 
  • Equality. Present all the points equally. It’s not okay to dedicate 10 sentences to one argument and just 2 sentences to another one.

Top Ten Discursive Essay Topics for 2024/25 Academic Year

Are you interested in exploring the latest trends and news that concern students worldwide? Then check out these discursive topics:

  • What is the global opinion on Israel’s bombing of Gaza? 
  • Will the cost of college education in Britain continue to rise?
  • Can energy drinks truly increase one’s workability? 
  • How to make Africa’s economy flourish
  • Should violent movies be avoided by teens? 
  • Is racism still on the rise?  
  • Are more people becoming obese? 
  • Is hiring essay writers illegal in the UK?
  • Does anyone still watch TV?
  •  How efficient is marketing, and how it affects buying behaviour

Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

UK students who study higher English should know everything about it, from language to literature to its history. Does that sound intriguing? Then, on to the higher discursive essay topics!

  • What do such terms as “pro-ship” and “anti-ship” mean?
  • Is literacy important to an average person?
  • Explain what higher education means globally
  • Are scholarships becoming harder to obtain?
  • Have e-books replaced printed books?
  • AI versus human writers: who is better?
  • Is fanfiction a form of literature?
  • Are romance novels better now, or were they more compelling a century ago?
  • Does learning languages help understand diverse cultures?
  •  How many languages can a person realistically speak?

Good Discursive Essay Topics for High School

High-school students can get away with researching simpler concepts. Here are some examples of topics for discourse essays of this level:

  • Do bitcoins still have a future?
  • Is wearing a school uniform necessary?
  • Does love cause more pleasure or pain?
  • What was the best time for women historically?
  • How can students fight climate change?
  • Can killing ever be justified?
  • Is history, as modern people know it, trustworthy?
  • What harms health more, tea or coffee?
  • Have cell phones become better in the last 5 years?
  •  Is it better to be an extrovert or an introvert?

Discursive Essay Topics for College Students

College requires more complicated research. Look at these good discursive essay topics:

  • Should people participate in medical trials?
  • Ideal global drinking age
  • Should educational establishments use corporal punishment?
  • Has online education made students’ lives better?
  • Is social media dangerous?
  • Optimal number of work days per week
  • How many hours of sleep do people need?
  • Why is TikTok so popular among teens?
  • Are private schools necessary, or should public schools cater to everyone?
  •  Is a college education worth it in terms of effort and money?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics

Controversy generates passion, making our blood run hotter. It intimidates some students, pushing them to contact us, asking, “Please write my essay for me” sometimes. That said, if you want to write your paper yourself, try these best discursive essay topics:

  • Should getting a COVID-19 vaccine be mandatory?
  • Is Elon Musk a visionary or a fraud?
  • Should the government have secrets from people?
  • Should reproduction be selective?
  • Are there more smart or stupid individuals in the world currently?
  • Should Ukraine agree to negotiate with Russia?
  • Is reading books overrated?
  • Who killed JonBenet Ramsey?
  • What is the explanation for the Bermuda Triangle?
  •  Is genetic engineering in humans ethical?

Mental Health Topics For a Discursive Essay

Life can be pressing, and mental health issues are becoming ever more relevant. That’s why writing discursive essays on them is always interesting. Here are just a few mental health-related essay topics you can explore:

  • Do rich people have more or fewer mental health problems?
  • Why are depression rates rising despite the increased awareness and more help avenues?
  • Is it possible to spot a person who plans on committing suicide?
  • Why do many psychologists have mental and emotional problems?
  • Is social media harmful to mental health?
  • Does the UK need more mental health awareness campaigns?
  • What is the most dangerous mental problem?
  • Is autism a form of mental illness?
  • Is there a link between sexuality and mental health?
  •  Are children brought up by same-sex parents happier than those raised in traditional families?

Funny Topics For a Discursive Essay

Enough of tragedies and depression. Have some amusing discursive writing topics instead:

  • Zombie apocalypse survival
  • What do pets do when their owners leave home?
  • Is napping at work beneficial?
  • Extraterrestrial neighbours. Why are aliens avoiding us?
  • Should adults have mandatory comfort toys?
  • Dangers of binge-watching TW shows
  • How to be an adult? Basic skills.
  • Daily challenges of left-handed people
  • Laziness as a survival skill
  •  Pets as political leaders

Interesting Topics For a Discursive Essay

Here’s a list of diverse topics that our experts find personally stimulating. Who knows, you might share some of their preferences.  

  • Why do people think about Eurovision 2024?
  • Is doomsday coming?
  • Does religion cause more harm than good?
  • Who is most children’s favourite parent by gender?
  • Are dogs smarter than cats?
  • What are the world’s biggest misconceptions?
  • What do all religions have in common?
  • Should we allow voting at 16?
  • What is the role of urban gardening in a big city?
  •  The world's most popular song and the key to its popularity

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Why Is It Difficult to Write Papers Even on the Greatest Discursive Essay Ideas?

Multiple UK students love their subjects. They pick a topic they’re interested in, but sometimes they choose to buy an essay anyway. Why is that? In truth, writing a powerful discursive paper might be frustrating. Look at these frequent problems and check our experts’ solutions:

FAQ About Finding the Right Topics for Discursive Essay

  • What is discursive writing in comparison to argumentative papers?

In argumentative papers, writers pick their points of view and argue in their favour. They might mention the opposition's views but focus on their personal beliefs. Discursive essays are more objective. You need to dedicate equal attention to all the points and limit your own thoughts to a minimum.

  • What 2 types of discursive papers do I need to know about?

Roughly, discursive writing is divided into persuasive and argumentative papers. They have their differences that students should learn before they attempt to write anything.

  • What is a discursive statement?

In most cases, this phrase refers to a thesis statement in a discursive paper. It has to reflect your topic in one single line. 

  • Is it bad if my topic is overly extensive?

It’s better to break broad topics into something more specific. Watch out for the word count: it’ll help you calculate how many points you can explore.

  • What formatting should I stick to when writing my discursive essay?

APA and MLA are both common formats. Unless your professors suggest differently, follow the academic rules you follow in other projects. Your title should be medium-sized; the discursive essay introduction and conclusion shouldn’t exceed 10% of your word count, and no informal words should be present.

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IB English HLE Explained

Free introductory guide to IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE) by IB44 and IB45 graduates Lareina Shen and Saesha Grover.

In this guide, LitLearn students (and 2022 IB grads!)  Lareina Shen and Saesha Grover share their wisdom on how to conquer the IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE).

Lareina achieved an IB44, and Saesha achieved an IB45 as well as the coveted IB7 in IB English Literature HL, so you are in safe hands.

Meet your instructor Jackson Huang, Founder of LitLearn. His mission is to make IB English as pain-free as possible with fun, practical lessons. Jackson scored an IB45 and was accepted to Harvard, Amherst, Williams Colleges, and full scholarships to University of Melbourne & Queensland.

Photo of LitLearn instructor Jackson Huang

What is IB English HLE?

The HL Essay (HLE) is a 1200-1500 word essay about a text studied in the IB English course. For Lang Lit, the work you choose to analyze can be literary or non-literary, but for IB English Literature the text must be literary.

The HLE will make up  25% of your final IB English HL grade , and it is graded externally. You must choose your own line of inquiry   (i.e. a question that you will answer in your HLE–more on this later).

How do I choose my text for HLE?

Do NOT choose the “easiest” text. Life is always better when you do things you're interested in, and that advice applies to the HLE, too. Choose the literary / non-literary work that interests  you the most, so that you can (semi?)-enjoy the HLE planning and writing process.

You could start by thinking of a theme that you find particularly interesting and determining which text studied in class demonstrates this theme well.

How do I choose my line of inquiry for HLE?

The line of inquiry is the core question that you will answer in your essay. A quick example might be:

"To what extent is masculinity undermined by the characterisation of Little Thomas?"

Now, it's your job to forge your destiny and come up with your own line of inquiry. But it's not a complete free-for all! There are rules. The main rule is that your line of inquiry must fall under one of the 7 main concepts of IB English (see below for a quick summary).

This summary is vague, so let's go in-depth on a couple of these concepts to really show you what you should be doing in the HLE.

Identity is what makes you, YOU. Here are some questions the concern your own personal identity:

  • What is your favourite colour? And why is it your favourite?
  • What makes you different from others? Why do you think these qualities came to be?
  • How would someone describe you in three words?

Now apply this same logic to characters within your text.

  • How would you describe this character in three words?
  • How do their actions within a text influence your view of their identity?
  • How has the author crafted this character to make you view the character in a certain way?

Let's take a look at a concrete example of how we might choose evidence and quotes for a HLE on cultural identity. This example is based on a Vietnamese work in translation “Ru” by author Kim ThĂșy. For context, “Ru” is an autobiographical fictional account which explores Kim ThĂșy's move from Vietnam to Canada as an immigrant and her consequent struggles. The structure of her novel is largely lyrical and poetic.

Let's look at a section from her novel that may help us come up with an essay idea based on the concept of Identity. When she returns to Vietnam, she attends a restaurant, however this becomes a major awakening for her in terms of how she views her own personal identity. Kim narrates within her novel:

The first time I carried a briefcase, the first time I went to a restaurant school for young adults in Hanoi, wearing heels and a straight skirt, the waiter for my table didn't understand why I was speaking Vietnamese with him. Page 77, RĂș

This is a perfect quote for the Identity concept. Can you see why? Let's think through it together


Why would the waiter be confused if Kim, a “briefcase”-carrying individual in “heels” and a “straight skirt”, was speaking Vietnamese with him?

What does being “Vietnamese” look like to the waiter? Why does Kim not conform to his expectation? Was it perhaps due to what she was wearing?

Now, if we look at the section which follows this in the novel, we are able to see the impact this had on the character of Kim's sense of identity.

the young waiter reminded me that I couldn't have everything, that I no longer had the right to declare I was Vietnamese because I no longer had their fragility, their uncertainty, their fears. And he was right to remind me. Page 77, RĂș

Here, we can clearly see that this character is now questioning her Vietnamese cultural identity. This is just one example that demonstrates the concept of Identity.

Culture seems to be this confusing thing.  Does it have to do with religion? Race? Beliefs? What does it mean? Does the monster from Frankenstein fit into a certain culture?

The easiest way to put it is this:  Culture is the way someone lives. It is their “way of life.” Think of it as an umbrella term. “Culture” can include so many different things; the list just goes on, for example religion, values, customs, beliefs, cuisine, etc.

Now think, how would I form an essay from this concept?

  • When you read a text in class, you will notice that authors let you form an opinion on the culture of certain characters or groups within a text, but how is this done?
  • How does the author represent the culture of a certain community?
  • What types of patterns in daily routines are discussed?

It seems odd writing an essay about “creativity” because
 like
 how can anyone definitively say what ‘counts' as being creative–or not? When I say the word creativity , I think of new inventions, or maybe those weird and wacky art installations living inside those ‘modern art' museums. But hey, what's creative to me might not be creative to you!

higher english essay topics

When formulating a HLE on the concept of creativity we have two main pointers for you. Look for:

  • Interesting + Unique techniques or literary devices used within a text by the author. You can learn more in the  Learn Analysis section of LitLearn.
  • Recurring stylistic choices by the author

Now, for this concept, let's look at how we might select supportive evidence and quotations for a HLE on creativity within the narrative style of author Mary Shelley in “Frankenstein”. The narrative style uses  epistolary narration . This is a narrative technique in which a story is told through letters. This was something that I found both interesting and recurring within Frankenstein, which I believe worked to create a personal touch within the novel.

Additionally, Mary Shelley allows different characters to narrate Frankenstein during different volumes. Let's investigate this! I have written out different character profiles of the narrators below:

higher english essay topics

These 3 characters, each relate a part of the novel Frankenstein. This is an example of a creative authorial choice that allows us, as readers to explore different points of view within the text. This is just one example of a creative aspect of a text which you can analyze for your HLE.

Representation

Representation is all about how something is  portrayed, conveyed, shown, described, illustrated, depicted . There are many different things that can be ‘represented' within a text, and it doesn't have to be tangible.

For instance, you can look at how a belief, idea or attitude is depicted within a text through different characters or devices.

Again, let's explore a concrete example to make things clear: this time the graphic novel “Persepolis”. We'll consider an HLE on how a text  represents the  impact of political turmoil on society .

Chapter 10 of “Persepolis” highlights societal changes occurring due to the Iranian Revolution. The panels below list the authorial choices relevant to the negative representation of political change in a society. When looking at the techniques highlighted in the slides below, think about how you feel when you look at the panels below. Can you sense a more positive or negative feeling?

higher english essay topics

Cool, but what do we do to turn all this into an actual HL essay? Here is a sample response. The introduction might begin like this:

In the captivating graphic novel “Persepolis,” the author Marjane Satrapi explores the social and political impacts of the Iranian revolution. In particular, Satrapi conveys a disapproving viewpoint on political turmoil within the text. Throughout the graphic novel, Satrapi carefully represents how social isolation, hypocrisy and confusion is experienced by a young girl living in Tehran, as a result of political turmoil.  Example HLE Introduction

Then, in a body paragraph, on one of the key ideas mentioned above, we could analyze the different literary techniques. For example, Panel 1 is a great representation of the experience of confusion in the midst of political turmoil:

Marji is the younger girl pictured in the panels above. While her parents appear quite concerned by the news on the TV, she appears to not be in full comprehension of the cause for their distress. This is demonstrated by the visual imagery and dialogue, in panel 7, for instance, if you observe the facial expressions by each of the characters. Example of analysis in body paragraph

This is just a short example from one particular text. To help you unpack any text, try look for the following when analyzing chapter to chapter:

  • What is the main idea of the chapter?
  • Why did the author write it? What purpose does it serve?
  • What do you believe is the overarching importance of the passage?

Brainstorming Tips

If you're having trouble picking your text and line of inquiry, then use this simple 20-minute process to brainstorm potential questions for your HLE:

  • For each text / non-literary work, go through each concept in the table below.
  • Write down a question for each of the two prompts for each category.
  • Repeat for all of your texts.
  • Pick the question-text combination that has the greatest potential for strong analysis.

How do I ensure my HLE question has a good scope?

Choosing a question with good scope is extremely   important, and it's one of the biggest challenges in the HLE. Here's why:

  • If your scope is too broad , you may have too much to write about in order to answer the question, and therefore you won't be able to write deep analysis (which is super important–more on this later
)
  • If your scope is too narrow , you may not have enough to write about and end up overanalyzing unnecessary and obscure details. Also something to avoid!

So, to help you get the balance just right , here are three examples of HLE questions, specifically for the concept of  Identity which we mentioned in the table above (by the way, the example is a made-up novel for illustration purposes).

  • Too broad: “How does Irene Majov in her novel  Deadly Men effectively make her narrator a powerful mouthpiece?”
  • Too narrow: “How does Irene Majov in her novel  Deadly Men effectively make her narrator a powerful mouthpiece for the concerns of Asian-Americans toward discrimination in the workforce in the 21st century?”
  • Just right: “How does Irene Majov in her novel  Deadly Men effectively make her narrator a powerful mouthpiece for the concerns of Asian-Americans in the 21st century?”

How to get a 7 on IB English HLE

There are many things that contribute to a 7 in your HLE and your IB English grade overall. But if we had to boil it down to one secret, one essential fact
 then it'd have to be this: Get really good at analysis .

Analysis is the key to a 7 in IB English. It doesn't matter if it's Paper 1, Paper 2, HLE, IO
 You must learn how to analyze quotes at a deep level, and structure your analysis in a way that flows and delights your teachers and examiners.

Start with the basics

Start with the basic foundations of analysis for free inside LitLearn's Learn Analysis course.

Our free and Pro resources have helped IB English students skyrocket their grade in weeks, days and even overnight...   Learn Analysis for IB English , the simplest guide to a 7 in IB English.

Basic Analysis

No sign up or credit card required.

Free signup required.

Pro members only

Level up to Advanced Analysis

Since you're in HL, you'll also be needing Advanced Analysis skills if you want to impress your examiner. We've got all of that covered inside our Pro lessons.

Advanced Analysis

Finding Quotes

Also, you'll need to find good quotes for your text. Some good sources where you can find relevant quotes include  Goodreads , SparkNotes ,  LitCharts , and Cliffnotes . Of course, you could just find quotes yourself directly–this will ensure your quotes are unique.

Understanding the IB English HLE rubric

An essential step to getting a high mark on the HL Essay is understanding the rubric! It is SO important that you know what IB English examiners are looking for when grading your essay, as this helps you to shape the content of your essay to match (or even exceed) their expectations.

The IB English HL Essay is graded out of 20 marks . There are 4 criteria, each worth 5 marks.

Use the checklist below to make sure you're not making simple mistakes! Note that this is not the official marking criteria, and I strongly recommend that you reading the official rubric provided by your teacher.

Criterion A: Knowledge, understanding, and interpretation

  • Accurate summary of text in introduction
  • Focused and informative thesis statement
  • Effective and relevant quotes
  • Relevant and effective summary and ending statement in conclusion

Criterion B: Analysis and evaluation

  • Relevant analysis of a variety of stylistic features 
  • Relevant analysis of tone and/or atmosphere
  • Relevant analysis of broader authorial choices i.e. characterization, point of view, syntax, irony, etc.

Criterion C: Focus, organization, and development

  • Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion
  • Organized body paragraphs – topic sentence, evidence, concluding statement/link to question
  • Appropriate progression of ideas and arguments in which evidence (i.e. quotes) are effectively implemented

Criterion D: Language

  • Use expansions (e.g. “do not”) instead of contractions (e.g. “don't”)
  • Use of a variety of connecting phrases e.g. “furthermore”, “nonetheless”, “however”, etc.
  • Complete sentence structures and subject-verb agreement
  • Correct usage of punctuation
  • Appropriate register – no slang
  • Historic present tense : the use of present tense when recounting past events. For example, we want to write “In  The Hunger Games , Peeta and Katniss work   together to win as a district” instead of using the word “worked”.
  • Avoid flowery/dictionary language just to sound smart; it is distracting and difficult to read. As long as you concisely communicate your message using appropriate language, you will score a high mark under this criterion.

Here's everything we discussed:

  • IB English HLE is tough work! Start early.
  • Brainstorm using the table of concepts to come up with a strong HLE question. Don't give up on this!
  • Analysis is the key to a 7 in IB English HLE (and in fact all IB English assessment). Check out LitLearn's course  Learn Analysis for IB English   for immediate help on the exact steps to improve in IB English analysis.

Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor đŸ’Ș

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Learn Analysis

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Questionbank

Practice analysis with 60+ short questions and IB7 answers.

Exam prep guide, practice papers, past paper solutions.

Exam prep, planning and writing guide. Exemplar essay.

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Preparation guide, examples and full exemplar script.

Higher Level Essay

Crash course on HLE basics.

  • Past Papers
  • National Qualifications  >  Subjects  >  English  >  Higher  > Higher English

Higher English

Updates and announcements, communication and literature units (24/08/23), qualification verification summary report (qvsr).

  • Qualification Verification Summary Report 2022  (186 KB)

SCQF level 5

Guidance for the Communication and Introduction to Literature units (SCQF level 5) (142 KB)

  • Communication - SCQF level 5
  • Introduction to Literature - SCQF level 5

SCQF level 6

The following guidance details how to deliver and assess these units.

Assessment guidance valid from 2023-24 (112 KB)

Guidance for the Communication NC and Literature 1 units (SCQF level 6) (152 KB)

  • Communication (NC) - SCQF level 6
  • Literature 1 - SCQF level 6

Change to conditions of assessment in English portfolios from session 2024-25 (01/05/24)

We’re tightening the conditions of assessment in National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher English writing portfolios from session 2024-25.

What’s changing:

There will be a new mandatory requirement for learners to complete their first draft during class time, under the supervision of the teacher or lecturer.

This will enable teachers and lecturers to review learners’ first drafts before learners continue to work on them independently. Learners will then complete their final piece under some supervision and control, as is currently the case.

We aren’t making any other changes to the writing portfolios. The assessment standards remain the same.

Why we’re making this change:

We’ve been receiving ongoing feedback from the English teaching profession that, under the current assessment conditions, it can be difficult to verify that learners’ work is their own, as it’s possible they may have had input from others when working on their draft outside of school or college hours.

This change will further support teachers and lecturers with authenticating learners’ work in the writing portfolio. It will allow them to observe how learners’ work is developing without any outside influences. This will help them to identify if there are any unusual changes in the quality and content of a learner’s writing portfolio at the final submission stage, or if the final piece is unrecognisable from the first draft, which may indicate that it’s not the learner’s own work.

Updated documents

We’re updating the course specifications and the portfolio-writing coursework assessment tasks at each level. These will provide a clear process that learners need to follow when producing their portfolios. The updated documents will be available in early June.

Alternative certification model

The alternative certification model is how National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher courses will be resulted this year, following the cancellation of the 2021 exams. It involves five different stages.

View the alternative certification model and see what will happen at each stage.

Essential Information

Course specification ( 13/09/2023 ).

Explains the structure of the course, including its purpose and aims and information on the skills, knowledge and understanding that will be developed.

  • Higher English course specification September 2023

Past Papers and Marking Instructions

Access all past papers by subject/level

Additional question papers resources

Illustrates the standard, structure and requirements of the question papers candidates will sit (includes marking instructions).

  • Higher English Critical Reading Specimen Question Paper August 2023

There were no exams in 2021. The 2020-21 question paper resources are, for most subjects, modified papers which reflect the modifications put in place for session 2020-21

  • Higher English Critical Reading question paper
  • Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation question paper
  • Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation text
  • Higher English Critical Reading marking instructions
  • Higher English Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation marking instructions

Coursework ( 18/1/24 )

This section provides information on marking instructions and/or the coursework assessment task(s). It includes information that centres need to administer coursework and must be read in conjunction with the course specification.

Instructions

  • Instructions for the submission of National 5 and Higher English coursework January 2024
  • English Coursework Template - Microsoft Word
  • English Coursework Template - Google Docs
  • Coursework assessment task for Higher English
  • Guidance on conditions of assessment

Information on the production and submission of SQA-assessed coursework for National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher.

  • Coursework for External Assessment (261 KB)

Understanding Standards ( 24/01/2024 )

  • Examples of candidate evidence with commentaries

Audio Presentation

  • Critical Reading- Essays 2023-2024 (16 minutes) (26.26 MB)
  • Critical Reading- Scottish Text 2023-2024 (16 minutes) (27.51 MB)

Webinar (recording)

Changes to course assessment academic session 2018-19 onwards

  • Download webinar (72.21 MB)

Performance - Spoken Language Understanding Standards materials

  • Higher English performance - Spoken Language material . Login required Please speak to your SQA co-ordinator to access these materials.

Changes to Understanding Standards materials

  • Changes to published Understanding Standards materials for all subjects

Please note: Understanding Standards materials are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain up to date.

Additional Resources session 2020-22

Further information can be found on the Understanding Standards Website.

Course reports ( 14/09/2023 )

Provides information on the performance of candidates - which is useful to teachers, lecturers and assessors in their preparation of candidates for future assessment.

Course Reports

  • 2023 Higher English Course Report September 2023
  • 2022 Higher English Course Report September 2022
  • 2019 Higher English Course Report   September 2019
  • 2018 Higher English Course Report   August 2018
  • 2017 Higher English Course Report October 2017

Verification Reports

In 2019, a single qualification verification summary report replaced the verification key messages.

  • English Verification Key Messages Round 1 March 2017
  • English: Quality Assurance - external verification

Scottish Texts in English Courses

Scottish text list for National 5 and Higher English courses (valid from session 2018-19).

  • Scottish set text list 2018-19

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What I’ve Learned From My Students’ College Essays

The genre is often maligned for being formulaic and melodramatic, but it’s more important than you think.

An illustration of a high school student with blue hair, dreaming of what to write in their college essay.

By Nell Freudenberger

Most high school seniors approach the college essay with dread. Either their upbringing hasn’t supplied them with several hundred words of adversity, or worse, they’re afraid that packaging the genuine trauma they’ve experienced is the only way to secure their future. The college counselor at the Brooklyn high school where I’m a writing tutor advises against trauma porn. “Keep it brief , ” she says, “and show how you rose above it.”

I started volunteering in New York City schools in my 20s, before I had kids of my own. At the time, I liked hanging out with teenagers, whom I sometimes had more interesting conversations with than I did my peers. Often I worked with students who spoke English as a second language or who used slang in their writing, and at first I was hung up on grammar. Should I correct any deviation from “standard English” to appeal to some Wizard of Oz behind the curtains of a college admissions office? Or should I encourage students to write the way they speak, in pursuit of an authentic voice, that most elusive of literary qualities?

In fact, I was missing the point. One of many lessons the students have taught me is to let the story dictate the voice of the essay. A few years ago, I worked with a boy who claimed to have nothing to write about. His life had been ordinary, he said; nothing had happened to him. I asked if he wanted to try writing about a family member, his favorite school subject, a summer job? He glanced at his phone, his posture and expression suggesting that he’d rather be anywhere but in front of a computer with me. “Hobbies?” I suggested, without much hope. He gave me a shy glance. “I like to box,” he said.

I’ve had this experience with reluctant writers again and again — when a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously. Of course the primary goal of a college essay is to help its author get an education that leads to a career. Changes in testing policies and financial aid have made applying to college more confusing than ever, but essays have remained basically the same. I would argue that they’re much more than an onerous task or rote exercise, and that unlike standardized tests they are infinitely variable and sometimes beautiful. College essays also provide an opportunity to learn precision, clarity and the process of working toward the truth through multiple revisions.

When a topic clicks with a student, an essay can unfurl spontaneously.

Even if writing doesn’t end up being fundamental to their future professions, students learn to choose language carefully and to be suspicious of the first words that come to mind. Especially now, as college students shoulder so much of the country’s ethical responsibility for war with their protest movement, essay writing teaches prospective students an increasingly urgent lesson: that choosing their own words over ready-made phrases is the only reliable way to ensure they’re thinking for themselves.

Teenagers are ideal writers for several reasons. They’re usually free of preconceptions about writing, and they tend not to use self-consciously ‘‘literary’’ language. They’re allergic to hypocrisy and are generally unfiltered: They overshare, ask personal questions and call you out for microaggressions as well as less egregious (but still mortifying) verbal errors, such as referring to weed as ‘‘pot.’’ Most important, they have yet to put down their best stories in a finished form.

I can imagine an essay taking a risk and distinguishing itself formally — a poem or a one-act play — but most kids use a more straightforward model: a hook followed by a narrative built around “small moments” that lead to a concluding lesson or aspiration for the future. I never get tired of working with students on these essays because each one is different, and the short, rigid form sometimes makes an emotional story even more powerful. Before I read Javier Zamora’s wrenching “Solito,” I worked with a student who had been transported by a coyote into the U.S. and was reunited with his mother in the parking lot of a big-box store. I don’t remember whether this essay focused on specific skills or coping mechanisms that he gained from his ordeal. I remember only the bliss of the parent-and-child reunion in that uninspiring setting. If I were making a case to an admissions officer, I would suggest that simply being able to convey that experience demonstrates the kind of resilience that any college should admire.

The essays that have stayed with me over the years don’t follow a pattern. There are some narratives on very predictable topics — living up to the expectations of immigrant parents, or suffering from depression in 2020 — that are moving because of the attention with which the student describes the experience. One girl determined to become an engineer while watching her father build furniture from scraps after work; a boy, grieving for his mother during lockdown, began taking pictures of the sky.

If, as Lorrie Moore said, “a short story is a love affair; a novel is a marriage,” what is a college essay? Every once in a while I sit down next to a student and start reading, and I have to suppress my excitement, because there on the Google Doc in front of me is a real writer’s voice. One of the first students I ever worked with wrote about falling in love with another girl in dance class, the absolute magic of watching her move and the terror in the conflict between her feelings and the instruction of her religious middle school. She made me think that college essays are less like love than limerence: one-sided, obsessive, idiosyncratic but profound, the first draft of the most personal story their writers will ever tell.

Nell Freudenberger’s novel “The Limits” was published by Knopf last month. She volunteers through the PEN America Writers in the Schools program.

IMAGES

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  4. 50 Unique Discursive Essay Topics for Students

    To find the right topic for your discursive essay, you can consider the following factors: Brainstorm: To generate some effective topic ideas for your essay, try brainstorming with your friends. This process is used in various professions (including creative writing) worldwide to find innovative ideas. People try many ways to brainstorm for ideas.

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    Beginner Topics. Kids should get paid for good grades. Students should have less homework. Snow days are great for family time. Penmanship is important. Short hair is better than long hair. We should all grow our own vegetables. We need more holidays. Aliens probably exist.

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  8. Choosing Your College Essay Topic

    Give a brief snapshot of your role model's positive character and their influence on you. Maintain focus throughout the rest of the essay, giving examples of your own new actions, outlook, and goals. A traumatic experience or death in the family. Negative and may seem like you're trying to win sympathy points.

  9. 150 English Essay Topics

    150 English Essay Topics. Write a great English essay using one of these topics! This list has over 150 questions divided into 15 topic areas to get you started on your English essay. Each topic is listed as a question, which you can use as your essay title. Next, you need to answer that question (which will be your thesis) and then give ...

  10. 100+ Amazing Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics

    List of 100+ Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics. Persuasive Essay Ideas allow you to present counterarguments by application of three elements of persuasion. These are ethos, pathos, and logos; you can emotionally and logically appeal to your audience through them. See the list below for the most trending Higher English Persuasive Essay ...

  11. 53 Stellar College Essay Topics to Inspire You

    Once you've chosen a general topic to write about, get out a piece of paper and get to work on creating a list of all the key details you could include in your essay. These could be things such as the following: Emotions you felt at the time. Names, places, and/or numbers. Dialogue, or what you or someone else said.

  12. 20+ Impressive Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

    Additionally, other higher science programs. Most of the time, discursive essay examples higher English is one of the sections that help to focus on the students' advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following mentioned things: They can able to use the complex ...

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    Since this list of vast persuasive essay topics, they are argumentative and essays. The college than english on the english: persuasive essay topics 1. 135 interesting research paper written on any skill level. Tired of vast persuasive essay topics higher grade topics on any higher learning how to should engineers pay less for argumentative ...

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    God does not exist. Guns should not be banned. Religion has done more harm than good. Studying humanities is pointless. The 'American Dream' is a scam. The minimum wage should not be raised. We are living in a simulation but don't know it. Here are 120 persuasive essay topics. Includes easy topics to suit middle schoolers, difficult topics for ...

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    👍 Good Persuasive Essay Topics for Higher English. Our team's main aim is the help the student within all the possible ways. So, we decided to expand one more method to dividing the academic essay topics. Face through the sections, decide what is the most suitable to you, and choose a alluring essay related. An essay idea search must never ...

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  21. IB English Higher Level Essay (HLE) Explained

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  22. Higher English

    Find SQA Higher English past papers, specimen question papers and course specification and important subject updates here. ... Critical Reading- Essays 2023-2024 (16 minutes)(26.26 MB) Critical Reading- Scottish Text 2023-2024 (16 minutes)(27.51 MB) Webinar (recording) Changes to course assessment academic session 2018-19 onwards. Download ...

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