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

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

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

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

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

An Argument

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

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

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

A Strong Thesis

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

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

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

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

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How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

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

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

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

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

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

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

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50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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

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

Government/Politics

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

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

Arts/Culture

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

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How to Argue Effectively

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

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

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

Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be Rational

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

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

What’s Next?

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

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

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

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

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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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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

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

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject, otherwise you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. (You don't need to know everything, though.) Part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one that you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay, opinions matter and controversy is based on opinions, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

  • Is global climate change  caused by humans?
  • Is the death penalty effective?
  • Is our election process fair?
  • Is torture ever acceptable?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Are school uniforms beneficial?
  • Do we have a fair tax system?
  • Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  • Is cheating out of control?
  • Are we too dependent on computers?
  • Should animals be used for research?
  • Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  • Are cell phones dangerous?
  • Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
  • Do we have a throwaway society?
  • Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
  • Should companies market to children?
  • Should the government have a say in our diets?
  • Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
  • Should members of Congress have term limits?
  • Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
  • Are CEOs paid too much?
  • Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
  • Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
  • Should creationism be taught in public schools?
  • Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
  • Should English be the official language of the United States?
  • Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
  • Should the alcohol drinking age be increased or decreased?
  • Should everyone be required to recycle?
  • Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
  • Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
  • Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
  • Does boredom lead to trouble?
  • Should schools be in session year-round ?
  • Does religion cause war?
  • Should the government provide health care?
  • Should abortion be illegal?
  • Are girls too mean to each other?
  • Is homework harmful or helpful?
  • Is the cost of college too high?
  • Is college admission too competitive?
  • Should euthanasia be illegal?
  • Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
  • Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
  • Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
  • Is affirmative action fair?
  • Is public prayer okay in schools?
  • Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
  • Is greater gun control a good idea?
  • Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
  • Controversial Speech Topics
  • 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
  • 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
  • Topic In Composition and Speech
  • MBA Essay Tips
  • How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
  • High School Debate Topics
  • 61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing
  • 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
  • Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
  • 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
  • Middle School Debate Topics
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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

  • 11th June 2022

The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you’re a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we’ve compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

●  Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

●  Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

●  Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

●  Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

●  Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

●  Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

●  Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

●  Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

●  Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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●  Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

●  Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

●  Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

●  Should online access to art such as music be free?

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

●  Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

●  Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

●  Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

●  Should higher education be free?

●  Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

●  Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

●  Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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Definition Essay Topics: Step By Step Guide 🤓| Studyfy

Definition Essay Topics

argumentative definition essay topics

But writing an effective definition essay requires exploring the nuances of a word and explaining it from several different perspectives. Confused? Don’t worry, this article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write a high scoring definition essay. 

What is a Definition Essay?

A definition essay is a common writing assignment in schools and universities. Put simply, It asks a student to choose a word and define it in-depth. The common dictionary definition is the first thing to state (in your own words), then the lesser-known meanings of the concept, followed by personal anecdotes and opinions further explaining the word. 

These assignments usually have word limits of up to 500 words. There are two main difficulties, either finding a definition essay topic to write 500 words about or fitting a lengthy and complex definition into the word limit. 

Some words are concrete concepts like clothes, telescope, or computer which may seem simple to write about but are ill-suited topics for a definition essay, while others are abstract like morality, envy, or justice which are much better because they allow for a more nuanced essay.  

Writing a successful definition essay means exploring a word more deeply than just stating its definition. The goal is to show a deep understanding of the chosen word or concept. Choosing the right word is crucial to writing a successful definition essay.

The overall structure of a definition paper is the same as any essay. Just remember that each body paragraph should explain the term in a different way.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic

Choosing the right topic can make or break your essay. What is a good topic for a definition essay? Concrete concepts may seem easy to write about, but they often defeat the purpose of the assignment by not letting the writer show their critical thinking and writing skills. 

An abstract concept with disputed meanings or definition essay topics with multiple meanings will give you enough to write about, but choose something specific rather than broad. Paranoia is a better definition essay topic choice than just the concept of fear in general. Remember, you have to find a concept that you know enough to write about, but also one that you can fully explain in about 500 words or so.

Avoid choosing a noun about a place, person, or thing since they are concrete concepts and might not give you enough to write about. An abstract noun, referring to an idea and adjectives are better choices for a definition essay topic. For example, gaming rather than console.

Choose a word that you already have some information about or feel passionate about. The better you know the concept, the easier it will be to write.

Answering some questions will help you understand and decide on a word.

What is the Origin of the Word?

What are the roots of the word? What do the roots mean? How did the modern meaning of the word come to be? Understanding the roots of a word can give you insight into what the word truly means and be excellent research for your essay.

What is the Context of the Word?

Does the word mean the same thing in different contexts? It’s quite possible that the word means different things in different places, or that there are multiple meanings to the word that you aren’t aware of.

What are the Previous Versions of the Word?

The meanings of words tend to change over time. Sometimes it’s subtle and sometimes it’s drastic. Tracking the previous meaning of the word will give you insight into the evolution of its meaning. 

What is the Common Modern Usage of the Word?

The way the word is used today should be the main explanation. By doing the research you make sure that you aren’t working with an outdated concept of the word.

Just because you now know how to choose a topic for your definition essay doesn’t mean that examples won’t be helpful. Here’s a list of 100 good definition essay topics across several categories.

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Definition Essay Topics List by Category

Extended definition essay topics.

An extended definition essay has essentially the same purpose as a definition essay except it asks you to analyze the term even more deeply and gives you the opportunity to incorporate additional personal opinion. You can pinpoint the exact meaning of a term and explain why other meanings may be incorrect. Analyze the word by identifying its antonym (opposite). Delve deeper into the history and roots of the word to back your interpretations etc. The topic of an extended definition needs to be chosen carefully because there needs to be enough complexity to work with. Have a look at these definition essay topic ideas.

The difference between a “Novel” and other pieces of long-form writing.
Why poverty means different things in different countries
Is beauty really in the eye of the beholder?
My experiments with truth 
Does faith actually require a leap?
The different forms of love
Is there really something as an “Ideal” form of something?
Why a home is more than a house
A stirring inside: Music
When are humans not acting?

Good Definition Argument Essay Topics

There are always going to be people on multiple sides of an issue. An argument definition essay gives you the chance to convince the reader of your perspective on a controversial or ill-defined concept. It lets you state what you feel and what side you’re on. Take a look at these topics for an argument definition essay.

Conspiracy theories are just as valid as mainstream theories
Deep dish versus New York: What makes a pizza a pizza?
Is emotional infidelity as bad as cheating?
Science fiction is the best literary genre
Sports are the ideal hobby
Is corporate social responsibility done for the wrong reasons?
The death penalty: Justice or arrogance?
Does secular mean all-inclusive or completely non-inclusive?
The difference between a freedom fighter and a rebel is which side wins
Patient care: A doctor who’s nice or a doctor who’s effective?

Definition Essay Topics for College

Definition essays assigned in college are expected to be masterfully written with nuance and subtle understanding of the concept being explored. The following are 10 examples of definition essay topics for college.

Is college the best path to upward social mobility?
Does maturity mean different things at different stages of life?
A personal account of personal independence 
The misery of loneliness
How to define success
Bullying doesn’t end in high school, it evolves
Homesick for the very first time
The joy of self-determination 
The importance of time management
Changing concepts of the self 

Funny Definition Essay Topics

A definition essay can be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your wit! You can choose to play with an amusing concept, or explore an idea from an interesting viewpoint. Get inspired by the following topics.

Puppy love: How a dog feels about its master
Why dork is a worse insult than you think
Wrench: A useful tool? Or to take something away?
Lit: Not about candles anymore
I speak sarcasm
Facebook: Social media for old-timers
I think my dads going through a midlife crisis
Jokes for children and why they aren't funny anymore
Why a Lorry is not a truck
French fries weren’t invented in France

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

Writing about things you’re passionate about is a good decision when writing a definition essay. These controversial topics should ignite your passion, just make sure that you don’t get too carried away!

Vaccines have changed the course of humanity
War, what is it good for?
What is the purpose of incarceration?
Is happiness overrated?
Why being sad doesn’t mean being depressed
Gaming doesn’t rot your brain
Is it still addiction without a physical dependency?
Romantic love is a modern concept
Globalist is actually a compliment
Why nationalism is bad

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Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Abstract topics for definition essay can be simple or incredibly complex. They give you the freedom to give your own interpretation (backed by supporting arguments) on words that have a fluid meaning. 

Honor is valued differently by people 
What does freedom mean for a refugee?
Schadenfreude: Pleasure at the misfortune of others
Compassion is the most valuable human trait 
I’m the best at being humble
The speed of thought
Boredom: A state of mind 
Why friendship means more than family 
Humour is the best medicine
Spotting a charismatic person

Easy Definition Essay Topics

It’s completely fine If you don’t want to explore a complicated concept or you just want something easy to write about. Give the words dictionary definition, explain the perception of the word, and then add your personal thoughts. Feel free to use some of these good topics for a definition essay.

What makes a house a home?
Why vacations are important
Laughter is the best medicine
What family means to me?
What is democracy?
Popularity and why it’s important
My connection with worship
What exactly is science?
Why is a beach the perfect place to be?
Dancing is freedom

Definition Essay Topics on Love, Poetry, and Music

A topic that you feel emotional about is always a good choice, and nothing inspires passion more than love, poetry, and music. 

Love: Pleasure through pain
Why plutonic love is the purest form of love
The fascinating ways love is expressed in different cultures
Poetry: Words that pull at the heart
Why poetry has always been admired
Do rap lyrics count as poetry?
Music: A language that every human speaks
Explaining different tastes in music
Music as the first form of human communication
The connection between dance and music

Definition Essay Topics on History, Politics, and Governance

Writing a definition essay about things you’re interested in or studying cut down on a lot of research time and can be more enjoyable. Or maybe your teacher assigned the general topic, in any case, here are some examples!

If history is written by the winners, do we really truly know what happened?
Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past?
What is personal history?
The perception of politics in different places in the world
The origin of politics in early human civilizations
Politics: One for all or all for one?
Was the feudal system a form of social governance?
The changing role of governance in the 2020s
Governance: Serving the people or feeding one’s ego
The difference between politics and governance 

Definition Essay Topics on Economics, Business, IT, and Commerce

If you’re aspiring to join the business world or want an MBA, you’ll have to know the definitions and complexities of many terms. A lot of concepts in economics, business, IT, and commerce are abstract and ill-defined, which makes them perfect for a definition essay. Have a look at some of these topic examples. 

Is scarcity an artificial construct?
What does economic freedom really mean?
Economics in the middle ages
Business ethics in a globalized world
Is there a connection between busyness and business?
What makes a person a businessman?
The origins of the word “programming’
What information technology meant in the 1980s
Is free-market trade good for the world?
How monetary supply affects day to day life
This list of definition essay topics examples should set you on the right track! 

Things to Keep in Mind

The structure of a definition essay is the same as any other essay. The challenge is in describing a word or concept in a compelling way while showing in-depth understanding. Choosing the right definition essay topics are the most important element of writing a successful definition essay. Here’s a summary of how to make sure you’ve chosen an appropriate topic

  • An abstract concept is better than a concrete concept
  • Make the term specific rather than broad
  • The word should have multiple meanings
  • A word with disputed meaning is a good choice
  • Choose a word that has a different meaning based on the context
  • Select a topic that you already understand well
  • Choose a term that you feel passionately about
  • Identify the origins of the word
  • Look into previous versions of the word
  • Track the history of the word

If you are looking for assistance with your academic writing, Studyfy is a comprehensive platform that offers a range of services to suit your needs. Whether you require history essay help , need someone to write my philosophy essay , or seek support with term paper writing service or nursing paper writing service , Studyfy can provide you with the necessary assistance. Additionally, if you need help with a definition essay, whether it be finding example topics or receiving help from essay editors and online proofreading services, Studyfy is the one-stop solution for all your academic needs. With the support of Studyfy's essay writing service online , you can produce high-quality papers and showcase your writing skills with confidence.

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401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

argumentative definition essay topics

By Michael Gonchar

  • March 1, 2017

Note: We have 310 new argumentative writing prompts to add to this list.

Of all the resources we publish on The Learning Network, perhaps it’s our vast collection of writing prompts that is our most widely used resource for teaching and learning with The Times.

This list of 401 prompts ( available here in PDF ) is now our third iteration of what originally started as 200 prompts for argumentative writing, and it’s intended as a companion resource to help teachers and students participate in our annual Student Editorial Contest .

So scroll through the hundreds of prompts below that touch on every aspect of contemporary life — from social media to sports, politics, gender issues and school — and see which ones most inspire you to take a stand. Each question comes from our daily Student Opinion feature, and each provides links to free Times resources for finding more information. And for even more in-depth student discussions on pressing issues like immigration , guns , climate change and race , please visit our fall 2016 Civil Conversation Challenge .

What’s your favorite question on this list? What questions should we ask, but haven’t yet? Tell us in the comments.

And visit our related list as well: 650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing .

Social Media and Smartphones

1. Does Technology Make Us More Alone? 2. Is Social Media Making Us More Narcissistic? 3. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 4. Would You Consider Deleting Your Facebook Account? 5. Does Facebook Need a ‘Dislike’ Button? 6. Has Facebook Lost Its Edge? 7. Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired? 8. Would You Be Willing to Pay for Facebook or Google in Exchange for Your Privacy? 9. Are Anonymous Social Media Networks Dangerous? 10. Should People Be Allowed to Obscure Their Identities Online? 11. Is Our Culture of Online Shaming Out of Control? 12. Is Snapchat a Revolutionary Form of Social Media? 13. Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time? 14. Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smartphones Playing ‘Stupid Games’? 15. Is Pokémon Go a Positive Cultural Force? Or Is it Just Another Excuse for People to Stare at Their Phones? 16. Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful? 17. Do You Worry We Are Filming Too Much? 18. How Many Text Messages Are Too Many? 19. Does Punctuation in Text Messages Matter? 20. Can a GIF Work Better Than Words?

Technology in Schools and the Future

21. Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive? 22. Does Technology in the Classroom Ever Get in the Way of Learning? 23. Should Tablet Computers Become the Primary Way Students Learn in Class? 24. Can Cellphones Be Educational Tools? 25. Should There Be More Educational Video Games in School? 26. Is Online Learning as Good as Face-to-Face Learning? 27. How Would You Feel About a Computer Grading Your Essays? 28. Do Machines Represent a Threat to Humans? 29. Are Self-Driving Vehicles the Wave of the Future? 30. Do You Think Recreational Drones Are Safe? 31. What Role Will Robots Play in Our Future? 32. Will Wearable Technology Ever Really Catch On?

Gender Issues

33. Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters? 34. Is School Designed More for Girls Than Boys? 35. Is Single-Sex Education Still Useful? 36. Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies? 37. How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body? 38. What Does it Mean to Be ‘a Real Man’? 39. Do We Need to Teach Boys and Men to Be More Emotionally Honest? 40. Is It O.K. for Men and Boys to Comment on Women and Girls on the Street? 41. What Should We Do to Fight Sexual Violence Against Young Women? 42. Why Aren’t There More Girls in Leadership Roles? 43. Do Professional Women Need a ‘Girls’ Lounge’? 44. Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing to Pursue Careers in Math and Science? 45. Why Aren’t More Girls Pursuing Careers in Computing and Tech Fields? 46. Should Women Be Allowed to Fight on the Front Lines Alongside Men? 47. Now That Women Can Serve in All Combat Roles in the U.S. Military, Should They Also Be Required to Register for the Draft? 48. Do Female Athletes Get Short Shrift? 49. Should Sports Be Coed? 50. Do You Believe in Equal Rights for Women and Men? 51. Is It Harder Being a Girl? 52. Do We Need New Ways to Identify Gender and Sexuality? 53. Should Toys Be More Gender-Neutral? 54. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 55. Should Transgender People Be Allowed to Use the Bathroom of Their Choice? 56. What Rules Should Apply to Transgender Athletes When They Compete? 57. Is It O.K. to Refuse to Serve Same-Sex Couples Based on Religious Beliefs? 58. Are Women Better at Compromising and Collaborating? 59. Do Boys Have Less Intense Friendships Than Girls? 60. Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?

Dating and Sex

61. Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage? 62. Is Dating a Thing of the Past? 63. Is Hookup Culture Leaving Your Generation Unhappy and Unprepared for Love? 64. Could Following These Directions Make You Fall in Love With a Stranger? 65. How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex? 66. Are Affirmative Consent Rules a Good Idea? 67. Should Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls Without a Prescription? 68. Should the Morning-After Pill Be Sold Over the Counter to People Under 17? 69. How Big of a Problem Is Sexting? 70. How Should Educators and Legislators Deal With Minors Who ‘Sext’? 71. How Should Parents Address Internet Pornography?

72. Should High Schools Drop Football Because Too Many Players Are Getting Injured? 73. Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football? 74. If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It? 75. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 76. Should There Be Stricter Rules About How Coaches Treat Their Players? 77. Is Cheerleading a Sport? 78. Should Cheerleading Be an Olympic Sport? 79. Has Baseball Lost Its Cool? 80. Do Sports Teams Have a Responsibility to Hold Players to a Standard for Their Personal Conduct? 81. Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals? 82. How Big a Deal Is It That an N.B.A. Player Came Out as Gay? 83. Should Women’s Basketball Lower the Rims? 84. Should College Football Players Get Paid? 85. Is ‘Redskins’ an Offensive Name for a Team? 86. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots? 87. Do Fans Put Too Much Pressure on Their Favorite Professional Athletes? 88. How Much Should Fans Be Allowed to Distract Opposing Teams? 89. Does a Championship Game Always Need to Have a Winner (and a Loser)? 90. Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere? 91. Are Some Extreme Sports Too Extreme? 92. How Young Is Too Young to Climb Mount Everest? 93. Should Colleges Fund Wellness Programs Instead of Sports? 94. Where Should Colleges and Sports Teams Draw the Line in Selling Naming Rights?

TV, Movies and Video Games

95. Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes? 96. Do TV Shows Like ‘16 and Pregnant’ Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy? 97. Does TV Capture the Diversity of America Yet? 98. Is TV Too White? 99. What Makes a Good TV Show Finale? 100. Why Do We Like to Watch Rich People on TV and in the Movies? 101. Does Live Theater Offer Something You Just Can’t Get Watching Movies or TV? 102. What — if Anything — Does the Current Hollywood Film Industry Lack? 103. What Makes a Good Commercial? 104. Why Did a Cheerios Ad Attract So Many Angry Comments Online? 105. Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport? 106. Should Stores Sell Violent Video Games to Minors? 107. Do Violent Video Games Make People More Violent in Real Life? 108. When Should You Feel Guilty for Killing Zombies? 109. Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art? 110. What Game Would You Like to Redesign? 111. How Sexist Is the Gaming World?

Music, Literature and Art

112. What Current Musicians Do You Think Will Stand the Test of Time? 113. What Artists or Bands of Today Are Destined for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? 114. What Musician, Actor or Author Should Be a Superstar, but Hasn’t Quite Made It Yet? 115. What Artists Do You Consider ‘Sellouts’? 116. How Much Can an Artist Borrow From Earlier Musicians Before It Becomes Stealing? 117. Who Does Hip-Hop Belong To? 118. What Can You Predict About the Future of the Music Industry? 119. Will Musical Training Make You More Successful? 120. Are Paper Books Better Than E-Books? 121. Does Reading a Book Count More Than Listening to One? 122. To What Writer Would You Award a Prize? 123. Who Are the Characters That Authors Should Be Writing About? 124. Are Shortened Versions of Classic Adult Literature Right for Young Children? 125. Do You Prefer Your Children’s Book Characters Obedient or Contrary? 126. Do We Still Need Libraries? 127. Do We Need More Diverse Superheroes? 128. What Is a Hero? 129. Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art? 130. Do We Need Art in Our Lives? 131. Is It Possible to Separate Art From the Artist Who Created It? 132. Should Society Support Artists and Others Pursuing Creative Works? 133. Should Displays of Art Be Welcome in All Public Spaces? 134. Does Pop Culture Deserve Serious Study?

Parenting and Childhood

135. At What Age Should Children Be Allowed to Go Places Without Adult Supervision? 136. How Much Freedom Should Parents Give Their Children? 137. Should Children Be Allowed to Wear Whatever They Want? 138. How Should Parents Discipline Their Kids? 139. When Does Discipline Become Child Abuse? 140. Should Parents Bribe Their Children? 141. Should Parents Make Their Children Clean Their Room? 142. Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies? 143. Is Modern Culture Ruining Childhood? 144. Are Adults Hurting Young Children by Pushing Them to Achieve? 145. How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior? 146. Are ‘Dark’ Movies O.K. for Kids? 147. When Does a Halloween Costume Cross the Line? 148. Should Halloween Costumes Portray Only ‘Positive Images’? 149. Are Parents Violating Their Children’s Privacy When They Share Photos and Videos of Them Online? 150. Should Children Be Allowed to Compete on TV? 151. How Young Is Too Young for an iPhone? 152. Should Parents Limit How Much Time Children Spend on Tech Devices? 153. Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records?

Being a Teenager

154. When Do You Become an Adult? 155. When Should You Be Able to Buy Cigarettes, Drink Alcohol, Vote, Drive and Fight in Wars? 156. When You Are Old Enough to Vote, Will You? 157. If Teenagers Are Such Bad Drivers, Should They Be Allowed to Drive? 158. What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation? 159. Does Your Generation Have Too Much Self-Esteem? 160. Is Your Generation More Self-Centered Than Earlier Generations? 161. Is Your Generation Really ‘Postracial’? 162. Do ‘Shame and Blame’ Work to Change Teenage Behavior? 163. Do ‘Saggy Pants’ Mean Disrespect? 164. Do You Think Teenagers Can Make a Difference in the World? 165. Is Teenage ‘Voluntourism’ Wrong? 166. Is Prom Worth It? 167. Is Prom Just an Excuse to Drink?

168. Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework? 169. Are High School Students Being Worked Too Hard? 170. Does Your Homework Help You Learn? 171. What Are You Really Learning at School? 172. Does Class Size Matter? 173. What Makes a Good Teacher? 174. Should Schools Strive for Racial Diversity Among Teachers? 175. Do We Need a Better Way to Teach Math? 176. Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes? 177. Should Reading and Math Be Taught in Gym Class Too? 178. Should Kindergarten Be More About Play or Literacy? 179. What Are the Best Ways to Learn About History? 180. What Is the Right Amount of Group Work in School? 181. What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools? 182. How Important Is Arts Education? 183. Should Schools Be Teaching, and Evaluating, Social-Emotional Skills Like ‘Grit’? 184. Should Schools Teach Children How to Cook? 185. Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative? 186. Is Shakespeare Too Hard? 187. Should High Schools Do More to Prepare You for Careers? 188. How Much Does It Matter to You Which High School You Attend? 189. Would You Rather Attend a Public or a Private High School? 190. Are Small Schools More Effective Than Large Schools? 191. Would You Want to Be Home-Schooled? 192. Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports? 193. Does the Way Your Classroom Is Decorated Affect Your Learning? 194. Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool? 195. Should All Students Get Equal Space in a Yearbook? 196. Should School Newspapers Be Subject to Prior Review?

School Rules, Discipline and Bullying

197. Are School Dress Codes a Good Idea? 198. How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave? 199. What Role Should the Police Have in Schools? 200. What Are the Best Teaching Methods for Getting Students to Behave Well in Class? 201. Should Schools Be Allowed to Use Corporal Punishment? 202. Is Cheating Getting Worse? 203. Should Schools Put Tracking Devices in Students’ ID Cards? 204. Should Middle School Students Be Drug Tested? 205. Should Students Be Barred From Taking Cellphones to School? 206. How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community? 207. How Should Schools Address Bullying? 208. How Should Schools Address Cyberbullying? 209. What Should the Punishment Be for Acts of Cyberbullying? 210. When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying? 211. How Should Schools Respond to Hazing Incidents?

Grading and Testing

212. Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers? 213. How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities? 214. How Seriously Should We Take Standardized Tests? 215. Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests? 216. Should Schools Offer Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores? 217. How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences? 218. Should Students Be Present at Parent-Teacher Conferences? 219. How Should Parents Handle a Bad Report Card? 220. Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s? 221. Do Girls Get Better Grades Than Boys in Your School? 222. Does Separating Boys and Girls Help Students Perform Better in School? 223. Why Do Boys Lag Behind Girls in Reading? 224. Should Discomfort Excuse Students From Having to Complete an Assignment? 225. Should Schools Give Students ‘Body’ Report Cards?

Time in School

226. Should Schools Cancel Summer Vacation? 227. Do Kids Need Recess? 228. Should the School Day Start Later? 229. Is Your School Day Too Short? 230. Do You Think a Longer School Calendar Is a Good Idea? 231. Should the Dropout Age Be Raised? 232. Should We Rethink How Long Students Spend in High School? 233. Should Students Be Allowed to Skip Senior Year of High School? 234. Should Kids Head to College Early? 235. Class Time + Substitute = Waste? 236. A Short Fall Break, but What Should We Call It?

College and Career

237. Should a College Education be Free? 238. Is College Overrated? 239. How Necessary Is a College Education? 240. Should Colleges Find a Better Way to Admit Students? 241. Should Colleges Use Admissions Criteria Other Than SAT Scores and Grades? 242. Do You Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions? 243. Are Early-Decision Programs Unfair? Should Colleges Do Away With Them? 244. What Criteria Should Be Used in Awarding Scholarships for College? 245. Should Engineers Pay Less for College Than English Majors? 246. Does It Matter Where You Go to College? 247. Do College Rankings Really Matter? 248. What Is the Perfect Number of College Applications to Send? 249. Do Fraternities Promote Misogyny? 250. Should Colleges Ban Fraternities? 251. Is a Sorority a Good Place for a Feminist? 252. Should Colleges Offer Degrees in Sports? 253. What Do You Want More From a Career: Happiness or Wealth? 254. Would You Quit if Your Values Did Not Match Your Employer’s? 255. Should Employers Be Able to Review Job Applicants’ SAT Scores? 256. Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday? 257. Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office? 258. Is ‘Doing Nothing’ a Good Use of Your Time? 259. Should All High School Students Be Able to Get a Summer Job if They Want One?

Health and Nutrition

260. Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered? 261. Is Drinking and Driving Still a Problem for Teenagers? 262. Should the Legal Age to Purchase Tobacco Be Raised From 18 to 21? 263. Should E-Cigarettes Be Banned for Teenagers? 264. Is Smoking Still a Problem Among Teenagers? 265. Are Antismoking Ads Effective? 266. Should Marijuana Be Legal? 267. Should Students Be Required to Take Drug Tests? 268. Why Is Binge Drinking So Common Among Young People in the United States? 269. Should Universities Work to Curtail Student Drinking? 270. Should Distracted Driving Be Punished Like Drinking and Driving? 271. Should Texting While Driving Be Illegal in Every State? 272. How Should Schools Handle Unvaccinated Students? 273. Should Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal in Every State? 274. Should Terminally Ill Patients Be Allowed to Die on Their Own Terms? 275. Is School Lunch Really All That Bad? 276. Do You Think a Healthier School Lunch Program Is a Lost Cause? 277. Should French Fries and Pizza Sauce Count as Vegetables? 278. How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From? 279. Is It Ethical to Eat Meat? 280. Is Breakfast Really the Most Important Meal of the Day? 281. Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’? 282. Should Sugary Drinks Be Taxed? 283. Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks? 284. Should Teenagers Think Twice Before Downing Energy Drinks? 285. How Important Is It to Be Attractive in Our Society? 286. Are Models Too Skinny? 287. What Are Your Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery? 288. Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? 289. Doctored Photos: O.K. or Not? 290. Should You Care About the Health and Safety of Those Making Your Clothing?

Animals and Science

291. Should Farm Animals Have More Legal Protections? 292. Is It Ethical to Genetically Engineer Animals? 293. When Is Animal Testing Justified? 294. Should Certain Animals Have Some of the Same Legal Rights As People? 295. Do Gorillas Belong in Zoos? 296. Is It Unethical for a Zoo to Kill a Healthy Giraffe? 297. Should Circuses Be Animal Free? 298. Should You Go to Jail for Kicking a Cat? 299. Should You Feel Guilty About Killing Spiders, Ants or Other Bugs? 300. Should Emotional Support Animals Be Allowed on College Campuses? 301. How Concerned Are You About Climate Change? 302. How Should Nations and Individuals Address Climate Change? 303. If You Were President, What Would You Do About Climate Change? 304. Should Developers Be Allowed to Build in and Near the Grand Canyon? 305. Should Scientists Try to Help People Beat Old Age So We Can Live Longer Lives? 306. Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate? 307. When Is It O.K. to Replace Human Limbs With Technology? 308. Should Fertilized Eggs Be Given Legal ‘Personhood’? 309. How Do You Think Dinosaurs Went Extinct? 310. Do You Think Life Exists — or Has Ever Existed — Somewhere Besides Earth? 311. Do You Believe in Intelligent Alien Life? 312. Will Humans Live on Mars Someday? 313. Would You Want to Be a Space Tourist?

Personal Character and Morality

314. Does Achieving Success Always Include Being Happy? 315. Can Money Buy You Happiness? 316. Does Buying and Accumulating More and More Stuff Make Us Happier? 317. Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work? 318. How Important Is Keeping Your Cool? 319. When Should You Compromise? 320. Are We Losing the Art of Listening? 321. Do People Complain Too Much? 322. Is ‘Be Yourself’ Bad Advice? 323. How Important Is Keeping a Clean House? 324. Does Keeping a Messy Desk Make People More Creative? 325. Do You Believe That Everything Happens for a Reason? 326. How Much Control Do You Think You Have Over Your Fate? 327. Can You Be Good Without God? 328. How Important Do You Think It Is to Marry Someone With the Same Religion? 329. Does Suffering Make Us Stronger and Lead to Success? 330. Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble? 331. When Is Looting Morally O.K.? 332. Can Kindness Become Cool? 333. Are Manners Important? 334. Have Curse Words Become So Common They Have Lost Their Shock Value?

Government and Leadership

335. How Strong Is Your Faith in American Democracy? 336. Is America Headed in the Right Direction? 337. Is It Possible to Start Out Poor in This Country, Work Hard and Become Well-Off? 338. Should the United States Care That It’s Not No. 1? 339. How Should Opponents Receive the New President — With an Open Mind and Honor for the Office, or With Defiance and Rejection? 340. What Do You Think the Role of the First Lady — or First Spouse — Should Be Today? 341. Should Voting Be Mandatory? 342. Does Voting for a Third-Party Candidate Mean Throwing Away Your Vote? 343. If You Were Governor of Your State, How Would You Spend a Budget Surplus? 344. What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve? 345. Should Rich People Have to Pay More Taxes? 346. What Is More Important: Our Privacy or National Security? 347. When Is the Use of Military Force Justified? 348. When Should Countries Negotiate With Their Traditional Enemies? 349. Should the U.S. Be Spying on Its Friends? 350. What Responsibility Do We Have to Take In Refugees From Global Humanitarian Crises? 351. Should Countries Pay Ransoms to Free Hostages Held by Terrorists? 352. Should Millions of Undocumented Immigrants Be Allowed to Live in the U.S. Without Fear of Getting Deported? 353. Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a Public Education? 354. Do We Need a Higher Minimum Wage? 355. What Do We Owe Our Veterans? 356. Do Leaders Have Moral Obligations? 357. Do Great Leaders Have to Be Outgoing?

Guns, Prisons and the Justice System

358. What Are Some Answers to America’s Gun Violence? 359. How Should We Prevent Future Mass Shootings? 360. Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School? 361. What Is Your Relationship With Guns? 362. Where Do You Stand on Unconcealed Handguns? 363. Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses? 364. Would Arming College Students Help Prevent Sexual Assaults on Campus? 365. What Should Be the Purpose of Prison? 366. Should Prisoners Be Given the Opportunity to Get an Education? 367. Should Felons Be Allowed to Vote After They Have Served Their Time? 368. Should the United States Stop Using the Death Penalty? 369. What Do You Think of the Police Tactic of Stop-and-Frisk? 370. When Should Juvenile Offenders Receive Life Sentences? 371. Do Rich People Get Off Easier When They Break the Law? 372. Should All Police Officers Wear Body Cameras? 373. Should Prostitution Be Legal?

Other Questions

374. Should the Private Lives of Famous People Be Off Limits? 375. Should We Be Privy to the Lives of Celebrities’ Children? 376. Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough? 377. What Causes Should Philanthropic Groups Finance? 378. Should Charities Focus More on America? 379. Do Poor People ‘Have It Easy’? 380. Should We Think Twice Before Buying Online? 381. Is Amazon Becoming Too Powerful? 382. How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews? 383. Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses? 384. Would You Want a Bike Share Program for Your Community? 385. How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are? 386. Should Companies Collect Information About You? 387. What Time Should Black Friday Sales Start? 388. How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant? 389. Should Restaurants Do Away With Tipping? 390. Should Single-Use Plastic Shopping Bags Be Banned? 391. Do We Crank Up the A.C. Too High? 392. Should Everyone Learn at Least One Other Language? 393. What Are the Five Greatest Inventions of All Time? 394. Dressing Up Like Creepy Clowns: Freedom of Expression or Public Nuisance? 395. Would Life Be Better Without Time Zones? 396. What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused? 397. What Words or Phrases Should Be Retired? 398. Do Laws That Ban Offensive Words Make the World a Better Place? 399. Should Newspapers Reprint Cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad That Some Deem Offensive? 400. Is It Wrong for a Newspaper to Publish a Front-Page Photo of a Man About to Die? 401. Are There Topics That Should Be Off Limits to Comedy?

argumentative definition essay topics

130 Argumentative Essay Topics: Tips on How Choose the Best One

argumentative definition essay topics

Defining What Is an Argumentative Essay

Imagine the following scenario: You just got into an argument with your friend over climate change. You said that this is an actual issue that poses significant threats to our environment and world population. Your friend, on the other hand, argued that climate change is not real, saying that it's a natural occurrence that has happened several times during world history. You got home, had time to reflect on the debate, and came up with several good reasons for your position. Oh! The things you could have said to clearly express and defend your stance... Now you're annoyed with the constant monologue running through your mind, reflecting upon the previous debate.

What if you documented the arguments that came to you afterward? Much like jotting them down on a piece of paper and giving some direction to your ideas. We say it would have made a brilliant work with fresh ideas and fiery passion.

That's exactly why you should practice argumentative essay writing. It will enhance your reasoning skills while allowing you to become more quick-witted. By doing this, you won't have to listen to your friends defending their stance while you lack your own arguments to contribute to the debate.

To persuade the reader of their position in an argumentative essay, the author must choose a position on a certain subject or problem and provide evidence to support it. This kind of essay is frequently required in high school or college classes to sharpen students' analytical abilities and motivate them to engage in challenging discussions.

So, let's take on a mission of fully understanding how to write an argumentative essay with a clear structure and endless topic ideas. We promise that after reading this article, you'll become an unshakable debater!

Three models of argumentative writing

Three Common Argumentative Essay Models

First, let's start with the three most prevalent models of argumentative writing. Knowing this will guide you toward structuring your essay in your preferred style. The options are:

  • Toulmin model - Most commonly used model out of the three, the Toulmin model starts with an introduction, moves on to a thesis or claim, and then provides information and proof to back up that argument. This type of essay usually includes rebuttals of opposing points. This approach performs effectively when there is no undeniable truth or perfect answer to an issue.
  • Rogerian model - Created by Carl R. Rogers, the Rogerian model of argument assesses a debate and offers a compromise between opposing sides. This paradigm emphasizes cooperation and teamwork. It recognizes that an argument can be seen from a variety of angles. The Rogerian model starts with an introduction, moves to acknowledge opposing views, then states the author's main claims. Before the conclusion, it tries to provide a middle ground by carefully considering all sides of the argument.
  • Classical (Aristotelian) model- In the traditional paradigm, all sides of an argument are examined, and the side with the most convincing evidence is shown to be correct. This approach effectively convinces a listener to take a side in an argument by combining Ethos, Pathos, and Logos.

Proper Argumentative Essay Outline

This is not something new that you should be scared of - an essay outline that consists of classic five paragraphs and employs a sacred triangle of introduction, body, and conclusion. But still, in an argumentative essay outline, you should find something unique to this kind of paper. Let's examine these specifics more closely below with the help of our argumentative essay writing service :

Argumentative Essay Outline

Introduction

Your first task while writing argumentative essays is to grab the reader's attention with an eye-catching fact, story, or quotation that will work as a hook. Then continue by giving background information and outlining the problem at hand while clearly articulating your case and your point of argument.

  • Background information
  • Thesis statement

I. Introduction

The argumentative essay introduction should grab the reader's attention and provide background information. The introductory paragraph should also include a thesis statement, the main argument the essay will present, and support. For example:

  • Hook : Did you know that over 50% of Americans believe in aliens?
  • Background: UFO sightings and conspiracy theories have been around for decades.
  • Thesis: Despite the lack of concrete evidence, extraterrestrial life is a real possibility that should be explored further.

Body Paragraphs

The body section is where you confidently roll up your sleeves and give direction to your discussion. In the first paragraph, give your best argument in favor of your thesis, using examples, data, or expert opinions. Then, evaluate the data and describe how it backs up your claim. Remember to confront and disprove any potential opposing viewpoints. You might use the same strategy in the second body paragraph for a different argument supporting your thesis.

Consider the opposing position and offer arguments in the third and fourth paragraphs. Lastly, dispute the counterargument and explain why your argument is more powerful.

  • First supporting point
  • Explanation
  • Counterargument
  • Second supporting point

To wrap up, restate your major idea and summarize your supporting points. Explain why your point is important and what it means for the reader. To end on a strong note, encourage the reader to act or think more deeply about the subject.

  • Restate thesis
  • Significance
  • Call to action

Tips for Choosing Argumentative Essay Topics

Making a captivating and thought-provoking argumentative essay requires picking a strong topic. Here are six genuine suggestions to assist you through the process:

How to Choose Good Argumentative Essay Topics_ Tips

  • Keep your audience in mind - Consider the audience for your essay, and attempt to guess what they would think about the topic you wish to cover. Think about if your audience would find it fascinating.
  • Take a risk - Pick a highly debatable subject you think others would want to steer clear of. It will distinguish your topic from other ordinary argumentative essay topics. Make sure you can, however, present the reasoning for all sides of the controversy.
  • Consider your surroundings - Consider things that are either negative aspects or taboos in your environment. Dare to discuss and debate such problems.
  • Select an arguable topic - To avoid writing a dissertation; your topic should be in the middle of being both wide and narrow. Establish your paper's objectives. What point of view or hypothesis are you trying to support? Before you start writing, make an effort to clearly state your aim. If you cannot explain your goal effectively, try to free-write on your subject.
  • Provide logical and persuasive evidence - Ensure that your proof is appropriately documented. Be certain to introduce and explain the relevance of the evidence you use in an easy-to-understand way. Avoid assuming that your evidence will speak for itself and that your readers will draw the conclusions you want from it. Describe the significance of each piece of evidence, how it clarifies or supports your claim, and why it is relevant. Include evidence in your work and use it wisely to support your arguments.
  • Draft your essay - Make sure you include a lot of supporting material presented clearly and fairly, address the opposing viewpoint, and pay close attention to how your essay is organized. Ensure your argumentative essay structure is appropriate for your issue and audience, address and rectify any logical errors, and use appropriate transitions to make it easier for the reader to understand your argument.

Meanwhile, if you'd rather have a PRO craft your paper, you can always buy argumentative essay on our platform.

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics

Choosing the proper topic for your argumentative essay might be a major difficulty. You should always ensure that your chosen topic is interesting and worthwhile. Your school may occasionally provide you with a selection of subjects, but sometimes you may struggle to choose the topic.

Consider your struggle to be over in the following sections; our persuasive essay writing service will help you find the best argument topics for your upcoming argumentative essay.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle Schoolers

Let's start with some easy argumentative essay topics for middle school students.

  • Explain whether or not students should have schoolwork on weekends.
  • Do you believe that the government should determine your school lunch?
  • Should students have to take gym classes?
  • Do you believe that children should have automatic screen time limits or should parents limit screen time manually?
  • Describe your position on whether or not school uniforms should be required.
  • Should violent video games be banned in the United States?
  • How unhealthy are hot dogs?
  • Why or why not should the electoral college be abolished?
  • Should the school day be prolonged to accommodate a long weekend?
  • Do you believe that prerequisite art classes should be mandatory for all college degrees?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Students

As you advance your education, you may also pick up more complex topics and open up a meaningful debate. So, here is a list of argumentative essay topics for students in high school.

  • Do you think the FDA is effectively policing what is put into our food?
  • What age do you consider the right age to start using social media?
  • Do you believe a civics test is required for 12th-grade students to pass to graduate?
  • Should professional athletes be permitted to use medications that improve performance?
  • Should high school students receive free breakfast?
  • At what point should children begin doing chores?
  • Do you believe using electronic voting machines makes the electoral process fair?
  • Do we have the power to affect climate change? Or is it far bigger and more powerful than we are?
  • Should the legal age to vote be reduced?
  • Should bottled water be prohibited if environmental protection is so important?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

College students have more freedom when it comes to choosing a topic of choice and freely expressing their opinions. Here are some interesting topics for an essay to delve right into:

  • Should the United States continue with daylight saving time, or should it be eliminated?
  • Should superior grades guarantee scholarship eligibility?
  • Has artificial intelligence overstepped its bounds?
  • Should there be no tuition fees for a public college education?
  • Do we need additional professional sports teams in the United States?
  • Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
  • Should there be a certain number of Supreme Court justices?
  • Are actors and sportsmen in the entertainment industry paid more than they deserve?
  • Should someone deny medical care due to their religious convictions?
  • Why is the Second Amendment part of the US Constitution that causes the greatest controversy?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Touching upon controversy makes the best argumentative essay topics for writing. To add a little spice to your paper, consider the following options:

  • Diversity Promotes Tolerance in Society
  • Electronic Voting Is Ineffective Because There Is Too Much Fraud
  • There is No More Free Journalism
  • People Getting Addicted Isn't Caused by Entertainment
  • Reality television fosters unrealistic expectations.
  • Serving in the military is dangerously romanticized
  • People's tax payments do not match the benefits they receive.
  • Given the effects of COVID, further funding for mental health services is necessary.
  • American Women Have the Same Chances as Men
  • Pollution Prevention Is Not Realistic Under the Present Circumstances

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

You may prefer to debate over funny topics. Here are some choices that will make humorous argumentative essay titles.

  • Which is preferable, the night owl or the morning person?
  • Do we have alien visitors, and if so, what do they want from us?
  • Should the employer impose strict nap requirements?
  • Is it OK to wear socks and flops together?
  • Should scooters take the place of all public transportation?
  • Can you eat pizza with a fork and knife?
  • Should we mandate dancing breaks during the working day?
  • Should we launch an initiative to promote cuddling as the new handshake?
  • Is it moral to routinely tease your loved ones?
  • Should we ban jeans and allow only pajamas to be worn in public?

If you want similar ideas for your next assignment, ask us - ' do my essay topics,' and we'll provide many more funny titles.

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Topics for Argumentative Speech

Here are some topics for argumentative speech from our speech writing service . With these options, you may as well confidently sign up for an inspirational TED talk!

  • What Opinions Do You Have About Cancel Culture?
  • Does being publicly shamed online prevent us from evolving and changing?
  • Phone etiquette: Do you ever feel awkward using your phone among other people?
  • How much, in your opinion, can we infer about our overall satisfaction from what is shared on social media?
  • Should Schools Need a Course in Media Literacy?
  • Does Teaching Happiness in Schools Make Sense?
  • Are there any books that shouldn't be found in public or school libraries?
  • What would you study if there was a unique school that taught you the things you truly wanted to learn?
  • Should Every Young Person Learn How to Trade Stocks?
  • Is Adversity a Prerequisite for Happiness?

Argument Topics on Social Media 

The most efficient argumentative essay title examples relate to social media and online trends. Try the following alternatives:

  • Describe and analyze some of the issues that social media brings to society.
  • Social media has gained increasing acceptance in classrooms over time. Discuss while pointing up positives and drawbacks.
  • Describe the role that social media has had in the radicalization of society.
  • Talk about some ethical issues that become moot when creating a social media account.
  • Discuss how employing social media may assist in increasing your brand's overall value.
  • The importance of social media in contemporary marketing and for kids and teens.
  • What does social media weaponization entail?
  • What are the psychological harms that social media causes?
  • What impact does comedy have on mental health in online forums?
  • What effects do social media have on how people communicate?

Argument Topics on Music

Maybe you'd enjoy an argumentative essay topic on music? Say no more! We have a special place for it in our hearts, and we couldn't wait to share them with you!

  • Why Should a Musician Hire Another Person to Compose Music for Them?
  • How the Making of Music Affects People's Thoughts
  • Should performers utilize their platforms to speak out on social and political issues?
  • Is live music more significant and true to its origins than recorded music?
  • Can one use music as a means of expression and free speech?
  • Is it morally required of musicians to utilize their platform to promote social and political change?
  • Why music education should be a mandatory topic in schools.
  • Why pursuing a profession in music is meaningful and beneficial.
  • Why it's important to acknowledge and encourage the achievements made by women in music.
  • Why it's important to promote and preserve vanishing musical traditions.

Health Argumentative Essay Topics

What about a health-related topic for argumentative essay? Choose one of the below and contribute to the meaningful conversation in medicine!

  • Who carries out the main work, doctors or nurses?
  • Oversleeping has no negative effects on the body.
  • There should be restrictions on human medical testing.
  • Physical and mental health demand different levels of care.
  • Should the use of antibiotics be systematically and carefully regulated?
  • Are health campaigns useful strategies for preventing and controlling disease?
  • Should only those with healthy lives be eligible for organ transplants?
  • Should the US proclaim obesity the biggest threat to the country's health?
  • Should there be any regulation of US healthcare costs to increase access?
  • Should genetic engineering be permitted as a kind of therapy for terminal illnesses?

Argument Topics on Science and Technology

For more up-to-date examples of argumentative essay topics, here are some ideas on science and technology:

  • Do children's IQs differ depending on their socioeconomic status?
  • Are humans becoming more or less lazy as a result of technology?
  • Can we ever settle on Mars?
  • Do technological advances imply a weakening of the force of nature?
  • Can physicians ever be replaced by computers or robots?
  • Should people work on AI development?
  • Is the digitization of healthcare beneficial?
  • Should people be allowed to own their own DNA?
  • Will the use of robots improve our quality of life?
  • What potential advancements in cloud storage are there?

Argument Topics on Sports

We couldn't possibly miss the argumentative essay example topics on sports. Sports are a huge part of our everyday life no matter nation or gender. Examine the topic ideas below; we're sure you'll find something inspiring:

  • Why cheerleading belongs in the Olympic Games.
  • Colleges should prioritize wellness initiatives above athletics.
  • Are amateurs the only ones who practice non-contact versions of American football?
  • What character traits are important in professional football?
  • Could there be a place for women in the NFL?
  • Is it appropriate for national teams to hire players from other nations?
  • Why is women's soccer less well-liked than that played by men?
  • Are the wages of soccer players too high?
  • Is coordination more important in soccer than stamina?
  • Is the current FIFA ranking system accurate?

Argument Topics on Government

As the government is a crucial part of our society, we believe exploring, criticizing, or favoring some political policies, figures, or systems can make the best topic for an essay:

  • How should the government oversee online safety and privacy?
  • Are protests and strikes effective ways to affect how the government works?
  • Should more be done by the government to control and combat the rising issue of wealth inequality?
  • Is choosing the president of the United States through the electoral college a successful process?
  • Should the government be able to control and restrict access to weapons?
  • Should more be done by the government to advance and defend the rights of underrepresented groups?
  • Which political party do you favor in your nation and why?
  • Offer advice on the finest and most efficient strategy to deal with corruption.
  • Which political development or circumstance in the past year most affected you?
  • Should the amount of money given to political campaigns be capped to prevent rich people from exerting too much influence?

Argument Topics on TV, Movies, Video Games

Last but not least, mainstream mediums of entertainment, TV, movies, or video games can also make some effective arguable topics:

  • Do aggressive behavior and violence in society rise due to violent video games?
  • Is it damaging when mental illness is portrayed in TV and film?
  • Is the movie business doing enough to combat whitewashing?
  • Is binge-watching television programs a safe pastime?
  • Indie films: A subgenre or a way of thinking?
  • The Ethics of Making Documentary Films
  • Documentary Films: The Potential to Influence Humanity
  • The Psychosocial Effects of Walt Disney's Heroes
  • Are augmented reality and video games getting too immersive?
  • Should parents be held accountable for watching their kids' graphic or violent media exposure?

Final Words

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Are you looking for some of the best definition essay topics available? If so, you are in the right place. In this blog post, we have discussed great definition paper topics that can help you complete your assignment. Continue reading to understand the meaning of definition essay topics, explore the best way to select one, and get common tips to help you write a quality essay. Our essay writing services have also provided a list of topic ideas on various subjects to guide your research and writing.

What Are Definition Essay Topics?

A definition essay is a paper that explains the meaning of an idea, word, or term. It can also be described as an intricate dictionary that not only defines a term but also provide in-depth explanation and illustrations. Definition essay topics are the primary subject matters in a definition essay. Writers expound on definitions essay topics to inform readers about concepts or explain a word or term that has an abstract meaning.  When researching topics for a definition essay, you should explore alternative interpretations from different perspectives. In other words, you can provide both official meaning and your personal interpretation with multiple examples. This type of paper, in many instances, should not be more than 250-500 words long.

Characteristics of Good Definition Essay Topics

Good definition essay topics share some unique characteristics. When selecting a subject matter, you should consider an issue that is simple to write and is interesting to readers. So, what is a good topic for a definition essay? Good definition paper topics should:

  • Have multiple meanings and interpretations.
  • Relate to unique word, phrase, or concept that will engage readers.
  • Discuss a subject that is both interesting and informative.
  • Relate to subjects that you have many different perspectives on.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

Topics you select play a key role in determining your success in writing an academic paper. Choosing definition topics can be very challenging. In many cases, instructor will provide you with a list of ideas to pick from. However, in other scenarios, you may be required to research a definition essay topic from scratch. In this section, you will find common tips to guide you in choosing paper topics. Follow the steps below to select a good definition paper topic.

  • Select good words to write a definition essay on. Avoid words with single meanings.
  • Pick argumentative phrases and concepts which will enable you to express your writing skills and knowledge on your preferred subject. You should be able to write more than one paragraph on your selected topics.
  • Check for unique words and phrases that can engage your potential readers.
  • Develop a list of all possible topics to select from.
  • Choose a topic you are sure about. Select a topic that you have broad knowledge and points of view on.

It’s always a great idea to consult your professor before commencing a task. But if you need some writing inspiration, take a look below or try our Random Essay Topic Generator .

Best Definition Essay Topics List

Choosing a good topic is your first step towards writing a good academic paper. If you follow tips provided in sections above, you should be able to select some of the best definition essay topics available. Definition essay topic list below outlines great examples that you can choose from.

  • How can you define fun?
  • What does affirmative action mean and how is it being used in present-day society?
  • What is religion?
  • Define the argument concept.
  • How do you define social class?
  • What is artificial intelligence?
  • Are centralized and decentralized governments any different?
  • What is a personal understanding of power?
  • What is cryptocurrency and how does it deviate from the conventional financial system?
  • What is your understanding of corporate social responsibility?

Definitional Argument Essay Topics

For definition argument essay topics, you need to write about subjects that attract divergent opinions and thus, closely debated. Therefore, rather than having a topic that is straightforward and one-dimensional, definition argument topics should be argumentative in nature. Below are some examples of definitional argument topics in case you don’t know how to title an essay :

  • Physical activity should be encouraged more in schools.
  • Explain advantages and disadvantages of capital punishment.
  • Do high school students benefit from take-away assignments?
  • Abortion should be a legalized service.
  • Sex education should be included in school curricula from an early age.
  • Plastic surgery creates unrealistic beauty standards.
  • Is working out beneficial to your mental health?
  • Vaping is more dangerous compared to smoking.
  • Grading should be abolished in schools.
  • Genetically modified products are dangerous and should be abolished.
  • Video games negatively affect children’s social development.
  • Tertiary education should be free.
  • Is it ethical to use animals as test subjects?
  • Euthanizing animals is unethical.
  • Should vaccination be made mandatory?

Extended Definition Essay Topics

Contrary to other topic categories, extended definition essay topics take up more pages. A simple elucidation will not suffice. You will need to provide elaborate explanations and illustrations for readers to better understand extended definition topics. Below are some examples of extended definition essay topic ideas that you can use:

  • What does true friendship mean in modern-day society?
  • What makes a good partner in marriage?
  • What does misogyny and bigotry mean in the 21st century?
  • What are the main characteristics of a good leader?
  • Religious bigotry in Pakistan.
  • What is your interpretation of a mature individual?
  • What makes a person trustworthy?
  • What is your definition of a happy marriage?
  • What is the difference between ego and high personal standards?
  • How can you define common sense?
  • What is a creative mind?
  • What is a healthy weight?
  • Who is a patriotic citizen?
  • Who is an intelligent person to you?
  • What are the characteristics of a good person?

Need more ideas? Check our blog with extended essay topics and spot a catchy title.

Controversial Definition Paper Topics

Due to people’s divergent opinions, some subjects are very controversial. You risk offending a certain group of your readers when discussing controversial paper ideas. You should, therefore, pay more attention and be keener when discussing them. Below are examples of controversial topics for definition papers:

  • Ethical justification of death penalty.
  • Different ages of consent across different cultures.
  • Is abortion the murdering of an unborn child?
  • What is the meaning of gun control?
  • What is social media addiction?
  • What is the definition of mental disorder in modern society?
  • Difference between sex and gender.
  • What is a physician-assisted suicide?
  • What is the modern interpretation of feminism?
  • What is a juvenile correctional system in the US?
  • What laws regulate immigration in America?
  • What is freedom of speech in the context of modern society?
  • What are the residency rights of Palestinian in Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories.
  • What is considered as explicit content in 21st century society?
  • What is home-schooling and its benefits?

Good Topics for a Definition Essay

To select good topics for definition essays, you need to have a perfect balance of creativity and intellect to come up with a subject that will intrigue your audience. Also, good definition essay topics should be simple to write and not complex to follow for your readers. Below is a list of some good topics:

  • What does “peace of mind” mean?
  • What is your perception of poverty in different social classes?
  • Define different types of art.
  • What is your personal understanding of love?
  • What is reverse racism?
  • What is global warming and how does it impact climate change?
  • Difference between respect and admiration.
  • What is your understanding of the term “natural beauty”?
  • What is the meaning of good parenting?
  • Define the concept of the rule of law.
  • Define the right to privacy in the context of modern-day technology.
  • What does sportsmanship mean?
  • Explain peer pressure and its impact on school-going children?
  • What is online shopping?
  • What is the meaning of the term “gender neutral”?

Once you spot a perfect idea and realize that the deadline is approaching, remember that you can trust professionals and order an essay online at StudyCrumb .

Creative Definition Essay Topics

You need creative definition essay writing topics if you wish to capture your readers’ attention. When exploring definition topic ideas for your essay, you should ensure that it is not only informative but also intriguing. In this section, you will come across some of the most creative topic ideas that you can use to develop a good essay.

  • What is love at first sight?
  • What is a respectable job?
  • How do you differentiate pleasure from happiness?
  • What is the difference between risk-taking and stupid decisions?
  • What is courage?
  • How does high self-esteem differ from arrogance?
  • What is the meaning of self-respect?
  • Define creativity and provide different types of creative works.
  • What is the meaning of a creative mind?
  • What is a nuclear family and its composition?
  • Define the concept of best friends.
  • How can you discern self-respect from pride?
  • Are religious people more moral?
  • Why are the best students less successful in life compared to average students?
  • How do you define dedication in a relationship?

Easy Definition Essay Topics

Complexity of definition essay topics varies depending on students’ academic level or the target reader. For example, a high school student will work on an easy topic for a definition essay compared to a college student. Below are some simple topics for a definition paper:

  • What is racism?
  • What does it mean to be a good student?
  • What is the meaning of term “peer pressure”?
  • What is the meaning of laziness?
  • What is greed?
  • What is the meaning of cyberbullying?
  • What is classical music?
  • What is the definition of charisma?
  • What does it mean to become wealthy?
  • What exactly is hard work?
  • How do you keep power?
  • How can you define the word optimism?
  • What does the term “ agriculture ” mean?
  • What is the meaning of indoor sports?
  • What is the meaning of teamwork?

Definition Essay Ideas for Students

Sometimes, instructors may require students to write a definition essay. Good topics for definition essay should be relevant to the course content or school curriculum in general. Moreover, ideas for definition essays tend to vary depending on the academic level of students and their majors. This section outlines common definition essay topics across the high school and college levels.

Definition Essay Topics for High School

In this section, we will discuss definition essay topics that are suitable for students in grades 9-12. High school definition topics are simpler. Some definition essay topics often relate to grade-specific information. Some of the best topics are outlined below.

  • Explain the meaning of trust in the context of friendship.
  • What is the right age to start dating?
  • Differentiate between knowledge and wisdom.
  • Define the term “conspiracy theory”.
  • Differentiate between marriage and cohabitation.
  • Define the communism concept.
  • Define consumerism in present-day society.
  • Define antisemitism.
  • Discern intellectual from intelligent.
  • What is the meaning of positive discrimination and how can it be used for the benefit of society?
  • Differentiate between nature and nurturing in the development of children.
  • Meaning of avatar in the metaverse.
  • What is conflict management?
  • Define Murphy’s Law and how it can be applied in your life.
  • Discuss the meaning of birth control.

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

Definition essay topics for college students are more advanced. Unlike at the high school level, where topics are not very complex, college students may be expected to research on topics that have multidimensional points of view. Are you finding trouble coming up with topics for definition paper? You can pick one from options provided below.

  • What is the meaning of Islamophobia?
  • Define the 3rd wave of feminism.
  • Define gene therapy and its role in the medical field.
  • What is the meaning of materialism and how does it vary in different cultures?
  • Differentiate between communism and capitalism.
  • How is male and female gaze used differently in cinema?
  • Define virtual education.
  • How have beauty standards evolved since the 20th century to the present-day?
  • Define Xenophobia in American society.
  • What is multiculturalism and how does it impact modern society?
  • How does social media affect attractiveness standards?
  • Define the concept of utilitarianism.
  • What is the meaning of a marriage in 21st century society?
  • Define and discuss effects of digital revolution.
  • What is green energy?

In case you also need ideas for a descriptive essay , we’ve got a blog with a whole assortment of interesting topics. 

Definition Essay Prompts

Haven’t found ideas for a definition essay that intrigues you from the options above? Do not worry. There are still many prompts for a definition essay that are discussed in this section. There are many prompt options on multiple subjects to choose from. Ideas for definition essays have been filtered and categorized into various subjects to inspire your academic writing. Depending on your interests and preference, you can select the clearly sorted topics from the categories below.

Definition Essay Topics About Love

Love is a complex subject. The meaning of love and how it is illustrated varies from one person to another. At one point in your life, you must have experienced love. Love is a term that has multiple meanings and varied implications, making it a widely discussed definitional essay topics. Below are some of the popular definition ideas about love.

  • What types of love do you know?
  • Define various characteristics of love.
  • Love between human and non-human.
  • Define the term “love language”.
  • Is love at first sight a true phenomenon?
  • Is parental love automatic?
  • Is there a difference between love and friendship?
  • What is the meaning of self-love?
  • Discuss true love.
  • Does passion affect a person’s mental health?
  • What is God’s love?
  • Define same-sex love.
  • The meaning of love in different cultural setups around the world.
  • What is your ideal Valentine’s Day date?
  • Define the term “soul mate”.

Family Definition Topics

Family is another multidimensional subject that has a wide spectrum of meanings. You can approach the issue from different angles, including family values, members of a family, and other related aspects. Definition paper topics about family should be written in a manner that will make it feel personal to attain optimum reaction from readers. Below is a list of ideas for a definition essay.

  • What is the structure of a 21st century family?
  • Effect of teenage pregnancy on families.
  • Explain child marriage.
  • How does the concept of family vary across different cultures around the world?
  • What is the meaning of a nuclear family in present-day society?
  • Differentiate between an immediate and a chosen family.
  • How does the increased rate of divorce affect families?
  • Compare the traditional understanding of family to the modern meaning.
  • Define family values in today’s society.
  • How has the internet and technology affected the institution of family?
  • Differentiate joint families from private families.
  • How does foster families impact child development?
  • Define the primary role of a family in your life.
  • Define the elements of a strong family.
  • How do financial problems affect the stability of families?

Friendship Definition Essay Prompt Ideas

Friendship is another subject that is very close to many people’s hearts. Most of us have at least one person we call a friend. Relationship dynamics between different friends vary. It is understandable for people to have diverse opinions and strong feelings about the subject. As a result, there are many definition essay prompts on friendship for you to choose from. Some of the definition papers topics include:

  • Explain the meaning of a true friendship.
  • How much commitment does true friendship need?
  • Discuss the concept of “friends with benefit”.
  • Can you discern friendship from love?
  • Are friends closer to you than family?
  • What are the impacts of friends on your personality?
  • Differentiate between online friends and physical friends.
  • Define the concept of “best friends forever”.
  • Is a dog a man’s best friend?
  • How can you elaborate “friendship zone”?
  • Define a platonic relationship.
  • Can family members be friends?
  • What is the ultimate test of true friendship?
  • Can you have more than one best friend?
  • What is your understanding of the phrase “loyal friend”?

Hero Definition Essay Topics

A person’s idea of heroes and their qualities varies from one time to another. Besides, there is no universal standard for categorizing individuals as heroes. You can easily come up with many hero definition topic ideas due to these divergent opinions. Examples of definitive essay topics on this subject include:

  • Who is a hero?
  • Explain visual presentation of heroes in the past versus present-day society.
  • What are some characteristics of a hero?
  • Discuss the stereotyping of heroes in Hollywood.
  • Are heroes supposed to perform heroic actions?
  • Origin of super human abilities as a stereotypical characteristic of a hero.
  • Mythological versus modern-day heroes.
  • Differentiate between role models and heroes.
  • How can heroes inspire you?
  • Define different types of heroes.
  • Define the term “anti-hero”.
  • What is a hero in real life?
  • Explain how the concept of hero varies from one culture to another.
  • Is possessing superpowers a mandatory requirement to be a hero?
  • Define heroes as portrayed in Ancient Greek mythology.

Definition Essay Topics by Subject

Ideas for definition essays can fall into different categories depending on intention or the nature of the paper. We have grouped topics for a definition essay into six categories to simplify the process of selecting your preferred topic. Rather than looking through all definition topics, you can easily focus on the subject that aligns to your academic writing interests.

Business Definition Essay Topics

Below are good topics for a definition essay related to business:

  • Define economic depression.
  • What is the meaning of e-commerce?
  • What is social media marketing?
  • Define the term “start-up”.
  • What is the meaning of acquisition, merger?
  • Define international trade.
  • What is corporate social responsibility?
  • What is a business?
  • Important roles of statistics in business.
  • What does small and mid-size enterprise mean?

Definition Essay Topics on History

Learning about history is pivotal in ensuring that you are prepared for future events. Some of the best definition essay ideas include:

  • What is history?
  • Define the abolitionist movement.
  • What is the American Civil War?
  • Define the Arab Spring.
  • What is independence?
  • What is colonization?
  • What was the Civil Rights Movement?
  • What is a war?
  • Discuss the Vietnam War.
  • Define the concept of revolution.

Politics Definition Essay Topics

There are many different political systems in the world. In addition, political leaders have diverse political ideologies. As a result, people approach political science topics from different points of view. Commonly discussed topics for a definition essay include:

  • What is democracy?
  • Define federal versus state government.
  • What is a monarchy?
  • Define anarchism.
  • Define the term “whistleblowing”.
  • What does the term “witch hunt” mean?
  • Define the Fifth Amendment and efforts to enact it.
  • What is a totalitarian regime?
  • What is a political party?
  • What is a trade union?

Philosophy Definition Essay Topics

Philosophers in the past have been credited for the development of present-day society, government, and the education system. As a result, many philosophical things have been discussed over the years. Below is a list of some common definition topic ideas:

  • Define devotion.
  • What is utilitarianism?
  • What is freedom?
  • Define humanity.
  • How do you define justice?
  • Define beauty.
  • Define conflict of interest.
  • How can you explain the term “aura”?
  • Retribution versus rehabilitation.
  • Define consciousness.

Definition Essay Topics on Psychology

The study and practice of psychological concepts have increased significantly in the recent past. Below is a list of good definition essay topics related to the subject in case you are also interested:

  • Define attachment theory.
  • What does absolute threshold mean?
  • Explain the placebo effect?
  • What is a mental disorder?
  • Define avoidance learning.
  • What is a conditional reflex?
  • Define PTSD.
  • What is emotional intelligence?
  • Is gender dysphoria a mental disorder?
  • Define depression.

Technology & Science Definition Essay Topics

With advancements in technology, many people have increased interest in technology and science. The list below outlines definition essay topics that you can use for your paper. Check these ideas or browse these technology research topics if you need more suggestions.

  • What is clean energy?
  • Define fossil fuel.
  • Explain the term “augmented intelligence”.
  • Define identity theft.
  • Define virtual assistance software.
  • Define right to privacy in the current digital era.
  • What does the technological term “cookies” mean?
  • What is cloud computing?
  • What is technology?
  • Define targeted marketing.

Liked the ideas? We have more blogs dedicated to different title ideas such as expository essay topics , analysis essay topics , satirical essy topics etc. Browse through our articles to find a fitting topic for any assignment.

Bottom Line on Definition Essay Topics

In sum, a definition essay is a common type of an academic paper that requires you to define a word, term, or concept. As a student, you should be able to select good topics for a definition paper. This article provides you with excellent tips to help you in the process of identifying great definition essay topic ideas. In addition, the blog post has many examples of definition essay ideas on various subjects to simplify the writing process for you. This post should increase your chances of success in writing a definition paper.

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FAQ About Definition Paper Topics

1. what are some good definition speech topics.

Not all definition essay topics are suitable for public speech. You should choose a topic that will capture the attention of your audience. Popular definition speech ideas include:

  • What is the meaning of discipline?
  • What is the modern-day standard of success?
  • What are the benefits of electric vehicles?
  • What is the value of time?

3. What are some great definition essay topic ideas?

This list outlines some great topic for definition essay that you can use for your definition paper.

  • What is industrialization and how does it affect today’s society?
  • What is grief?
  • What does liberalism mean as a political movement?
  • Define religion and its role in society.
  • Discuss roles of religion in promoting radicalization.

2. What are popular argumentative definition essay topics?

Good definitional argument topics ideas are characterized by divergent opinions. Example of these topics include:

  • Define pro-life versus pro-choice.
  • Define same-sex marriage?
  • Define patriotism in the context of American society.
  • Define overpopulation and its danger to earth’s ecosystem.
  • Define economic disparity across different ethnicities.

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Argumentative Essay Topics

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Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

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Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

Argumentative Essay Topics

Are you about to write an argumentative essay but still confused about the topic?

Argumentative essays help students learn more about the subject matter of a particular course. This kind of writing is a genuine key to learning argumentative skills. You must pay attention to your subject while choosing a strong topic for your essay.

But what if you don’t even know what to write about? 

Don’t worry! Here is a list of topics and tips to help you decide on the perfect topic for your argumentative paper. 

So read on and make choosing a topic easier!

Argumentative Essay Topics

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Argumentative Essay Topics for students

Argumentative essay writing is one common academic assignment that almost every student will get to draft. In order to help the students, we have prepared a list of argumentative topic ideas. Pick a topic that works the best for you.

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

  • What age is suitable for kids to start schooling?
  • Should students be allowed to evaluate their teachers?
  • Metal music should be banned due to its violent lyrics.
  • What are the pros and cons of making friends virtually?
  • Can we conserve energy as a society?
  • Does playing violent video games contribute to making a person violent in real life too?
  • How close is reality TV to real life?
  • Do girls face more societal pressure than guys?
  • What is the biggest challenge faced by students today?
  • Should there be cash rewards for getting a good score on standardized tests?
  • The rich should pay more taxes than the poor.
  • Cartoons are better than movies.
  • Teachers Vs. Parents: who plays a bigger role in shaping a child?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 6 

Here are some argumentative essay topics for 6th-grade students:

  • Should schools start later in the morning?
  • Is confining wild animals within zoos a cruel practice?
  • Should there be stricter laws for texting and driving?
  • Are social media sites like Facebook and Twitter bad for our society?
  • Should the voting age be lowered to allow young people a voice in democracy?
  • Should the school year be longer or shorter? 
  • Is it okay for children to play violent video games?
  • Should cell phones be banned from schools?
  • Should recycling become a mandatory practice in all households?

Argumentative Essay Topics for 7th Graders 

  • Should schools provide free meals to all students?
  • Are uniforms necessary for student success?
  • Does standardized testing accurately measure student progress?
  • Are after-school activities important for student development?
  • Is there too much emphasis on social media in education today?
  • Should schools place a stronger emphasis on physical education?
  • Are required classes in high school helpful or harmful to students?
  • Should all students have access to laptops and tablets in the classroom?
  • Is technology taking away from traditional learning methods in the classroom?
  • Should gym classes be mandatory for students?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Grade 8

Looking for argumentative essay topics for teenagers? Check out the ideas below: 

  • Should the drinking age be lowered? Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Is it necessary for governments to fund childcare?
  • Is there too much emphasis on standardized testing in schools?
  • Are schools doing enough to prevent bullying from happening?
  • Do adolescents need more sleep than adults?
  • Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
  • Is social media affecting the way we interact with each other?
  • What should be done about the student loan crisis?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

  • Is homeschooling better than the public school educational system?
  • Smartphones help the learning process.
  • Is co-education more advantageous than single-sex education?
  • Are GMOs safe for human consumption?
  • Is fast food healthy or a serious threat to physical health?
  • Teenagers feel more comfortable talking on social media rather than face to face.
  • Should it be legal to get a tattoo for kids younger than 18?
  • Are standardized tests beneficial for school students?
  • A negative high school experience you believe is important when it comes to personality.
  • Does the education system prepare a student for the real world?
  • Is there life after death?
  • Our society works on gender equality.
  • Subjects that should be removed from the high school program.
  • Is hate crime growing in high school?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College Students

  • Is the current taxation system effective or not?
  • Are men paid more than women in our corporate sector?
  • Should Shakespeare still be studied as part of the college curriculum?
  • Is college tuition becoming way too expensive?
  • Are test scores the only way to judge the competency of a student?
  • Getting a College degree is worth the cost.
  • Is the system of the electoral college still viable in the US?
  • Youngsters on social networks don’t realize the significance of privacy on these online sites.
  • Life is incomplete without faith.
  • Students nowadays face greater social pressures compared to the past.
  • Your past does not define you.
  • What can be done about gun control in the United States?
  • Is it ethical to genetically modify children to protect against diseases?
  • Do we need more gender diversity in STEM programs?

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Argumentative Essay Topics for University Students 

  • Should mental health services be made available for free?
  • Is income inequality a necessary part of capitalism?
  • Should the minimum wage be raised in all countries?
  • Does technology have a positive or negative impact on mental health?
  • Should universities be allowed to charge students for taking classes?
  • Is it necessary for governments to fund space exploration?
  • Should religion be taught in public schools?
  • Are animal experiments necessary for medical progress?
  • Should young students join a political party to enhance the democratic process?
  • Does free speech help promote extremism in society?

Argumentative Essay Topics for O Levels 

  • Should the government regulate the use of social media?
  • Is the death penalty an effective way to prevent crime?
  • Are online classes replacing traditional courses in schools?
  • Do standardized tests accurately measure academic achievement?
  • Should abortion be legalized in all countries?
  • Do celebrity role models have a positive or negative influence on young people?
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory in all schools?
  • Should the Internet be censored by governments around the world?
  • Should GMO foods be allowed in supermarkets?
  • Does free trade help or harm developing economies?

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Best Argumentative Essay Topics

Just as important as it is to create compelling content, choosing a great topic is equally important. If you want to score well in academics, you will have to impress your instructor with the best argumentative essay topics.

Below are some great topic ideas for you related to different fields. Choose the right topic for your essay and start the process.

Sports Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Can video gamers be counted as true athletes?
  • By participating in sports, can children be kept out of trouble?
  • Should girls be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys?
  • Should alternatives to steroids be legalized for professional athletes?
  • Do you consider cheerleading a sport?
  • Does your College spend a lot of money in the name of sports programs?
  • Student-athletes should get money for playing.
  • Betting on sports should be illegal.
  • Sports events shouldn’t broadcast alcohol and tobacco ads.
  • Are female athletes looked upon as sexual objects by the media?
  • All athletes should be tested for drugs before their performance.
  • Females should not be allowed to take part in extreme sports.
  • Impact of bodybuilding on a woman’s body in old age.

Argumentative Essay Topics Education

  • Parents should have an active role in their child's education.
  • The grading system shouldn’t exist to judge a student’s abilities.
  • Standardized tests should be abolished in schools.
  • All students must wear a uniform in high school.
  • Does technology benefit the educational system?
  • Studying in a single-sex class is better than studying in a mixed one?
  • All students must be made to learn a foreign language?
  • Programming should be made compulsory for all students.
  • Should students have sex education classes at school?
  • Should schools have the right to test students for drugs?
  • Girls should be equally encouraged to take part in sports in school.
  • The world should have a uniform language.
  • Hard work isn’t enough for being successful in a student’s life.
  • Should teachers be allowed to physically discipline their students?
  • How to bring change in the education system of the United States?

Social Media Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Are social networks an effective platform for communication?
  • Do people really get a job through LinkedIn?
  • Is Facebook legally allowed to leak the private information of its users?
  • Is it possible to earn a good amount of money from YouTube?
  • Should Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter be banned permanently?
  • Social media has successfully increased employment rates.
  • Celebrity endorsements are unethical.
  • Social media has destroyed real-life communication.
  • Social media has made doing business easier.
  • Blogging is an irrelevant profession.
  • How is social media depicting beauty standards?
  • How has social media become a major source of inferiority complex among teenagers?
  • Is it possible to have a life without social media at this time?
  • Should underaged children be allowed to own social media accounts?
  • Pros and cons of social media.

Argumentative Essay Topics Technology

  • Are cell phones harmful to the human race?
  • Are spy applications invading the privacy of users?
  • Are Millennials more dependent on computers than Baby Boomers?
  • Is Typescript the future of front-end development?
  • The impact of microwave tech on our biology.Technology has made us lazier.
  • Should coding be taught from middle school?
  • Cognitive Computers like Watson are unethical.
  • Should a candidate’s social media profiles be considered in the hiring process?
  • Children shouldn’t be given personal mobile phones.
  • Self-driving cars and the future of transportation.
  • Has technology made people less efficient?
  • Technological advancements in the field of psychology.
  • Is the future in the hands of Artificial Intelligence?
  • Pros and cons of depending a lot on technology.

American History Argumentative Essay Topics

  • What was the impact of European colonization on Native Americans?
  • What was the role of women in the movement toward revolution?
  • What were the key causes of the American Revolution?
  • The key issues that caused conflict between North and South and led to the civil war?
  • The effects of the Great Depression on the banking industry in America.
  • Did the Civil Rights Movement reduce or lead to racial violence?
  • Post World War II, how did America grow?
  • 21st-century American foreign policy.
  • Is Barack Obama the first American president who made history?
  • Was slavery an inevitable part of the development of American society?
  • Should the Indian Removal Act be considered an act of genocide?

Mental Health Argumentative Essay Topics 

  • Are antidepressants overprescribed in modern society?
  • Should mental health services be made free for all?
  • Is social media affecting mental health negatively?
  • Is there a stigma attached to seeking out mental health help?
  • What role do genetics and environment play in determining mental illness?
  • Can art and music therapy be effective treatments for mental illness?
  • How can we tackle the stigma associated with mental illness?
  • What can be done to reduce the prevalence of anxiety in young people?
  • Should there be mandatory mental health education in schools?

Social Issues Argumentative Topics

  • Should male workers receive paternity leave too?
  • Is age a major factor in relationship success or failure?
  • Is torture acceptable under any circumstance?
  • What are the primary causes of down syndrome?
  • What should the punishments be for failed parenting?
  • A candidate’s appearance shouldn’t be considered in a job hiring process.
  • Some common stereotypes in your society.
  • Cheating is increasing every day.
  • We are way too dependent on computers and technology.
  • Is boredom the cause of getting into trouble?
  • Beauty magazines should stop photoshopping models.
  • Capitalism vs. socialism. What would benefit society more?
  • Is the women’s rights movement justified?
  • The real objectives of Feminism.
  • Impact of homosexuality on society.

Argumentative Essay Topics Animals

  • Hunting for fun and sports is unethical and must get banned.
  • Aggressive dog breeds such as pit bulls should not be allowed as pets.
  • Testing beauty products on animals is justifiable.
  • Using monkeys for research in labs is a necessary evil.
  • Wearing fur and leather shouldn’t be unethical.
  • Is genetic modification of livestock beneficial?
  • Animal dissection in medical school is a good way to learn.
  • Owning pets reduces the risk of getting diseases. Do you agree?
  • Emotional support animals can truly help lonely people.
  • Keeping exotic animals as pets is inhumane.
  • Stronger laws must be enforced against animal cruelty.
  • Pros and cons of animal testing.
  • How can the emotional support of animals help in treating mental problems?
  • Significance of microchipping the pets.
  • Rights enjoyed by the ESA owners.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics

  • Ways to decrease childcare costs in the United States.
  • Are literate people better parents?
  • Challenges faced by female politicians.
  • Is rehab effective for sex offenders?
  • Is music a form of real art?
  • Spanish is a simple language to learn.
  • Schools should ban vending machines on-campus.
  • Are teachers to blame when a student performs poorly?
  • Are gender stereotypes encouraged by parents?
  • Illegal immigrants and terrorism: is it related?
  • Can imposing a tax on sugar help fight obesity.
  • Should age be a factor in relationships?
  • Do dreams have a symbolic meaning?
  • Should South and North Korea become one?
  • Can depression be cured using natural ways?

Unique Argumentative Essay Topics

Looking for some general argumentative essay topic ideas? Here is an ultimate list of great topics that can make your essay writing fun for you and your readers.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Should same-sex marriage be legal in all 50 states within the United States of America?
  • Is the feminist movement ruining the minds of young girls?
  • Corruption and its effects on increasing wages.
  • Hunting should be banned globally. Do you agree?
  • Which is more beneficial for society, Communism or Capitalism?
  • Should human cloning be allowed or not?
  • Abortion – A pro-life or a pro-choice?
  • Do anti-discrimination laws reinforce discrimination?
  • Should patients be entitled to request medically-assisted suicide in cases of terminal illness?
  • Can beauty standards be more inclusive?
  • Workplace dating should not be allowed, and here’s why.
  • Displaced immigrants and refugees should be given shelter by every country.
  • Is vegan or vegetarian life good for health?
  • Online dating has ruined the essence of old-school romance.
  • Chocolate can help improve our bad mood.
  • Is it ethical to eat meat?
  • Mothers make better parents naturally.
  • Politics can never be clean and fair.
  • Should the drinking age be lowered?

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Are girls more intelligent than boys?
  • Parents of middle schoolers should control their internet.
  • Was Johnny Depp the best choice for Burton’s Ed Wood?
  • Do religious movements cause the outbreak of war?
  • Are human beings the major source of global climate change?
  • Is it ethical to have kids perform chores?
  • Is using LEDs making a difference?
  • How does being a vegan help the environment?
  • Should teenage marriages be allowed?
  • Social media has brought families closer. Is there any truth to this statement?
  • If the House of Lords had veto power over the House of Commons, Britain would’ve been better off.
  • It’s okay to date multiple people at the same time.
  • HIV is falsely associated with homosexuals. Why?
  • Why are the laws neglecting tobacco and alcohol?
  • Most of the modern-time artists are one-hit wonders.

Fun Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Is panda hugging a viable career option?
  • Does Justin Bieber owe his success to negative PR?
  • Is it true that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?
  • Is the Bermuda Triangle a real thing?
  • Is it okay for parents to lie to their children about Santa Claus?
  • Did the feminist movement ever help you?
  • How did the feminist movement ever help you?
  • There is no such thing as organic food.
  • How to make your roommate believe that moving out is the best option.
  • Why should I join a different family?
  • Fans should not judge players after losses or failures.
  • Is social promotion a helpful practice?
  • Is racism a natural condition of human society?
  • Dieting must not be practiced by schoolers.
  • Should tattoos be perceived as a social deviation?

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Argumentative Essay Topics 2022

  • Are US elections always fair?
  • Is the death penalty an effective punishment for criminals?
  • Is it wise to replace soldiers with machines and artificial intelligence on battlefields?
  • Should animals be used for performing experiments?
  • Effects of terrorism on the foreign policy of the United States of America's cosmetic surgery worth the risks?
  • What is your point of view on a terminally ill person having the right to assisted suicide?
  • Life 100 years ago was much easier than it is today.
  • Is religion a factor that contributes to war?
  • A woman who doesn’t have enough resources to raise a child to be allowed to abort?
  • Physical activities are the most convenient way to relax.
  • The best way to enhance education is to decrease the number of classes.
  • Sports classes should become mandatory for everybody.
  • The pros and cons of using gadgets for studying purposes.
  • What is the most important socio-political movement of the modern era?

Argumentative Essay Topics 2023

The following are some amazing topics for argumentative essays. Have a look at them to get a better idea.

  • Fast food is responsible for childhood obesity in the US.
  • Is the United States ready for a female president?
  • Parents need to be very friendly with their kids.
  • Are smartphones harmful to our health?
  • Education needs to be free for all.
  • Is single-sex education still a good idea in 2020?
  • Should all people pursue a university degree worldwide?
  • Internet access must be unlimited and free.
  • Modern education has to eliminate grading systems.
  • Capitalism should acquire more socially significant policies.
  • Tourist tax is mandatory to save cultural heritage.
  • Kindergartens must introduce foreign language instruction.
  • Is hunting good for environmental well-being?
  • Using animals for research must be banned.
  • Women perform better than men in official positions and occupations.

Choosing a Good Argumentative Essay Topic

So you know the importance of choosing the right topic when writing an argumentative essay.

But what are you going to write about?

You sure don’t want to pick an argumentative essay topic that everyone else is working on. And you don’t want to research an argumentative topic where information and data are impossible to find.

You hopefully want to write on a debatable topic that will interest both you and your reader. Here are the criteria we use to choose a topic for argumentative essays:

  • It has to be interesting to the writer. You’ll be outlining, researching, and writing in-depth, so pick an engaging topic for your argument.
  • Have some information to begin with. The more familiar you are with the subject area, the easier it will be for both you and the reader.
  • The best argumentative essay topics are mostly controversial. If there’s no conflict and everyone agrees on everything, it won’t qualify as an argumentative essay.
  • An arguable thesis statement can be created according to the topic.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

A good argumentative essay is one that presents a well-reasoned and logical argument. It should be supported by facts and evidence, not just speculation or opinion. To create an effective argumentative essay, the writer must provide a strong case for their position on any given topic.

Strong Introduction and Thesis 

The first element of a good argumentative essay is an interesting and clear introduction. This should introduce the topic in a way that engages readers and makes them want to learn more. 

It should also provide an overview of the writer's position on the issue, as well as any evidence they will be using to support their argument.

Good Research and Evidence 

Good argumentation requires good evidence. So a good argumentative essay should be backed up by research and evidence. 

If a writer is making an assertion, they must provide evidence to back it up. This could include physical evidence such as statistics or quotes from experts in the field, as well as logical arguments that support their position.

Organized Structure 

The structure of an argumentative essay is also important. It should be structured in a way that makes it easy to follow and understand. 

This could include using headings, subheadings, and bullet points to break up the text into more manageable pieces. In addition, it should have a clear flow of ideas, with each paragraph logically leading to the next.

Effective Conclusion 

Finally, a good argumentative essay should have an effective conclusion. This should provide a summary of the writer's main points and reiterate their position on the issue.  The conclusion should also leave readers with something to think about, leaving them informed and with new insight.

After reading our list, don’t be surprised if your mind starts coming up with additional topics for an argumentative essay. We recommend that you keep a notebook or journal handy to record these topic ideas for later.

These were some of the most interesting essay topics . Did you find a topic to write on?

Now, before you overwhelm yourself by jumping straight to the writing process, we have a helpful tip for you. Go through this detailed article to learn how to craft an argumentative essay effectively.

Seeking help from professionals is nothing to be ashamed of, especially when your grades are at stake. It is quite common for some students not to have a knack for writing. Also, some might not have the time to complete assignments.

If you can relate to such students, you should consider taking help from a reliable essay writing service such as 5StarEssays.com . You can simply request ‘ write my essay '. And we will have an expert essay writer to provide you with high-quality assignments regardless of type and field.

Or, use our AI Essay Generator , for AI powered writing help to guide your way!

Jared P.

Masters Essay, Literature

Jared P. is a renowned author and writing service provider with over fifteen years of experience in the publishing industry. He has a Ph.D. degree in English Literature and has spent his entire career helping students achieve their academic goals by providing expert writing assistance.

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Definition Essay Writing

Definition Essay Topics

Barbara P

150 Best Definition Essay Topics For Students

12 min read

Definition Essay Topics

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Definition Essay Writing: Format, Tips, and Examples

Definition Essay Outline - Writing Guide With Examples

Ever struggled to pick a good topic for your definition essay? You're not alone; it can be a real challenge.

Choosing the right topic isn't just about finding something random. It's about picking one that gets you excited and grabs your reader's attention.

But don't worry! We have got you covered. 

In this blog, you’ll get some great definition essay topics and useful tips on how to choose a definition essay topic. All you have to do is give this article a good read and pick an amazing topic of your interest.

Arrow Down

  • 1. A Closer Look at Definition Essay
  • 2. Definition Essay Topics Ideas
  • 3. Funny Definition Essay Topics
  • 4. Creative Definition Essay Topics 
  • 5. Easy Definition Essay Topics 
  • 6. Good Definition Essay Topics
  • 7. Extended Definition Essay Topics
  • 8. Random Definition Essay Topics
  • 9. Definition Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 10. Controversial Definition Essay Topics
  • 11. How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?
  • 12. Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

A Closer Look at Definition Essay

A definition essay is a type of academic writing that defines or explains a word, term, concept, or idea. There are some words that have literal meanings and they are very easy to explain i.e. pencil, table, chair, etc. 

There are some terms that have abstract meanings and are difficult to explain i.e. love, care, emotion, and feelings.

This type of essay includes both the official meanings of the word and the writer's interpretation. This interpretation is supported by examples.

A good definition essay will not exceed one page in length, and it should include 250-500 words. The goal is for the student to expand on a word’s usage. This can be done by explaining other possible concepts of what they are analyzing - this makes them more interesting!

Definition Essay Topics Ideas

When you search over the internet you’ll get plenty of definition essay topics. Having a lot of ideas in hand can make the topic selection process difficult. That is why we have compiled a list of some effective and interesting definition essay topics. 

Check out these creative definition essay topics lists below and choose the best one for your essay.

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Definition Essay Topics for High School Students

  • Identity in the Digital Age
  • Empathy in a Diverse World
  • Global Citizenship
  • Intellectual Curiosity
  • Civic Engagement
  • Environmental Stewardship
  • Ethical Leadership
  • Cultural Fluency
  • Mindfulness in Education
  • Critical Thinking

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

  • What is the meaning of optimism?
  • What does sincerity mean?
  • Love at first sight
  • The true meaning of respect
  • The actual definition of family
  • Define Buddhism
  • Who is a strong leader?
  • What is the actual meaning of ambitions?
  • Define racism in your own words
  • How will you define success?

Definition Essay Topic on Mass Media

  • The evolution of 'news' in the digital age: redefining journalism.
  • The true meaning of 'media bias': navigating perspectives.
  • The influence of 'social media': defining modern connectivity.
  • The power of 'advertising': shaping perceptions and desires.
  • Reality TV: a new definition of 'entertainment'?
  • The impact of 'fake news': deconstructing information manipulation.
  • The definition of 'clickbait': balancing engagement and misleading content.
  • Streaming services: redefining 'television' in the 21st century.
  • The role of 'podcasts' in modern communication: beyond radio.
  • Citizen journalism: broadening the scope of 'media.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

  • Awkward Dancing
  • Chaos Theory
  • Social Media Stalking
  • Mismatched Socks
  • Infinite Scroll
  • Bad Hair Days
  • Pajama Fashion
  • Fast Food Gourmet
  • Napping Olympics
  • Pencil Tossing

Creative Definition Essay Topics 

  • The Essence of Wanderlust: Defining the Spirit of Adventure
  • Epic Fails: The Art and Science of Learning from Mistakes
  • Digital Detox: Navigating Life in the Age of Screens
  • Ambition Redefined: Pursuing Dreams in the Real World
  • Friendship in the Digital Age: The Modern Definition of 'BFF'
  • Mindfulness Unveiled: Embracing the Present Moment
  • Nostalgia: Journeying into the Past Through Rose-Tinted Glasses
  • Resilience: Bouncing Back from Life's Unexpected Twists
  • The Art of Simplicity: Finding Beauty in the Basics
  • Silence Speaks: Exploring the Power of Quiet Moments

Easy Definition Essay Topics 

  • Privacy 
  • Humanity 

Good Definition Essay Topics

  • Describe laziness
  • Define attitude
  • What is magnetism?
  • How do you define attraction?
  • Define human rights
  • What is the meaning of responsibilities?
  • Time management
  • Define health
  • Define class
  • What is the meaning of wealth

Unique Definition Essay Topics

  • The quirkiness of 'fam': exploring unconventional family structures.
  • The essence of 'chill': beyond a relaxing vibe.
  • Defining 'awkward': navigating social discomfort.
  • The true meaning of 'indie': beyond music and film.
  • The 'vibe' culture: capturing the unspoken atmosphere.
  • Decoding 'meme culture': more than just humor.
  • The complexity of 'cool': an ever-changing definition.
  • The 'hacktivist' movement: merging hacking and activism.
  • Retro: nostalgia or a timeless definition?
  • The art of 'hygge': coziness in a single word.

One Word Definition Essay Topics:

  • Sustainability

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Classification and Definition Essay Topics

  • Types of friendship: defining bonds beyond acquaintanceship.
  • Genres of literature: from mystery to science fiction.
  • Learning styles: understanding varied approaches to education.
  • Personality types: navigating the landscape of traits.
  • Cuisine categories: exploring the world through food.
  • Forms of government: beyond democracy and authoritarianism.
  • Music genres: from classical to experimental.
  • Social media users: the diverse landscape of online presence.
  • Educational philosophies: from Montessori to Waldorf.
  • The world of gaming: classifying video game genres.

Simple Definition Essay Topics:

  • Friendship: what does it truly mean to be a friend?
  • Happiness: beyond smiles and laughter.
  • Home: defining the heart of comfort.
  • Success: navigating achievements and fulfillment.
  • Courage: facing fear with grace.
  • Kindness: the power of small acts.
  • Respect: cultivating dignity in interactions.
  • Family: beyond blood ties.
  • Trust: the foundation of genuine connections.
  • Wisdom: gained through experience and reflection.

Extended Definition Essay Topics

  • What does the term freedom mean?
  • Define ownership in your own words
  • What is the meaning of the term character?
  • The current American dream
  • The evolution of the definitions
  • Define experience in your own words
  • What is common sense?
  • Explore the term science
  • What role does a degree play in a student’s life?
  • Time: The Elusive Concept That Shapes Our Lives

Random Definition Essay Topics

  • Small business
  • Masculinity
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Individuality

Definition Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Democracy vs. Dictatorship
  • Meaning of two sides of a coin
  • Classical music vs. Pop music
  • Friendship vs. Love
  • The Fluid Concept of 'Justice'
  • Equality vs. Equity
  • The Definition of 'Art'
  • Security in the 21st Century
  • Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Society
  • The Definition of 'Heroism'

Controversial Definition Essay Topics

  • Defining Patriotism: Where Loyalty Ends and Extremism Begins.
  • Freedom of Speech: Navigating the Thin Line Between Expression and Harm.
  • The Slippery Slope of Political Correctness: Balancing Respect and Censorship.
  • The Fluid Boundaries of 'Cultural Appropriation' in Art and Fashion.
  • Gender Identity: Beyond Binary – The Controversy of Pronouns.
  • The Definition of 'Addiction': Disease or Personal Responsibility?
  • Euthanasia: Dignity in Death or Slippery Moral Slope?
  • The Controversy of 'Trigger Warnings': Protecting or Censoring?
  • Defining 'Fake News' in a Post-Truth Era: Information or Manipulation?
  • The Line Between 'National Security' and Invasion of Privacy.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

The success of your essay majorly depends on the topic. A good topic is a key element in writing a good essay. So when you choose a topic for your essay, keep the following things in mind.

  • Choose a topic that has a broad meaning rather than a literal meaning.
  • Make sure you understand the topic completely.
  • Make sure that the subject should be interesting for you.
  • The topic should be interesting for the reader as well.
  • Choose a word, idea or term that is fresh for the audience.
  • Avoid picking any common topic that the reader is already familiar with.
  • Choose an idea that connects with your target audience.

Choosing a controversial topic is quite easier than choosing a common definition essay topic. As you have a few options to choose from and a little space to write about it. But if you keep the instructions given above in mind, you can easily choose an amazing topic for your essay.

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay

Here are some tips that you should learn before writing your essay. These steps will help you structure your essay in a proper format.

  • Pick an interesting and unique paper topic.
  • Research the topic thoroughly and collect detailed information about it.
  • Create a definition essay outline , it will help you follow the essay pattern. Without an outline, it is really difficult to craft a good essay according to the format.
  • Tell the exact meaning of your subject in the introduction part. Present the thesis statement that provides a detailed meaning of the essay topic. Your introduction should be able to grab the reader’s attention and make them read the complete essay.
  • In the body paragraphs, provide evidence that supports your personal and dictionary definitions. Elaborate on the topic with the help of your personal experience examples.
  • In the conclusion section, just sum up all the explanations and descriptions. This is akin to closing remarks, so do not provide a fresh idea over here. Provide your close remarks and finish the essay.
  • After writing the essay, spare some time for the proofreading and editing process. Check your essay for spelling and grammatical mistakes. Remove all the errors from the essay to make it flawless.

Definition Essay Structure

Your final definition paper may have a structure similar to this:

  • A copy-pasted or paraphrased definition from the dictionary.
  • Writer’s personal understanding and interpretation of the word. 
  • An example of the usage of the word in a real context. 
  • Supporting evidence justifying the writer’s interpretation of the word.
  • Conclusion summarizing each point briefly. 

In conclusion, our exploration into the world of definition essays has been a journey of discovery. We've dived into the meanings of words, navigated through controversies, and embraced creativity. Words are more than just letters; they have the power to shape thoughts and connect us in unique ways.

This essay writing guide will help you a lot in writing your essay. Make sure you follow the procedure so that you don’t make any mistakes.

Found a topic but don’t have time to write an essay?

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Hire a professional definition essay writer from MyPerfectWords.com. We are a professional essay writing service that provides high-quality academic papers and essays at reasonable prices.

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Barbara P

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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Learning Objectives

  • Examine types of argumentative essays

Argumentative Essays

You may have heard it said that all writing is an argument of some kind. Even if you’re writing an informative essay, you still have the job of trying to convince your audience that the information is important. However, there are times you’ll be asked to write an essay that is specifically an argumentative piece.

An argumentative essay is one that makes a clear assertion or argument about some topic or issue. When you’re writing an argumentative essay, it’s important to remember that an academic argument is quite different from a regular, emotional argument. Note that sometimes students forget the academic aspect of an argumentative essay and write essays that are much too emotional for an academic audience. It’s important for you to choose a topic you feel passionately about (if you’re allowed to pick your topic), but you have to be sure you aren’t too emotionally attached to a topic. In an academic argument, you’ll have a lot more constraints you have to consider, and you’ll focus much more on logic and reasoning than emotions.

A cartoon person with a heart in one hand and a brain in the other.

Argumentative essays are quite common in academic writing and are often an important part of writing in all disciplines. You may be asked to take a stand on a social issue in your introduction to writing course, but you could also be asked to take a stand on an issue related to health care in your nursing courses or make a case for solving a local environmental problem in your biology class. And, since argument is such a common essay assignment, it’s important to be aware of some basic elements of a good argumentative essay.

When your professor asks you to write an argumentative essay, you’ll often be given something specific to write about. For example, you may be asked to take a stand on an issue you have been discussing in class. Perhaps, in your education class, you would be asked to write about standardized testing in public schools. Or, in your literature class, you might be asked to argue the effects of protest literature on public policy in the United States.

However, there are times when you’ll be given a choice of topics. You might even be asked to write an argumentative essay on any topic related to your field of study or a topic you feel that is important personally.

Whatever the case, having some knowledge of some basic argumentative techniques or strategies will be helpful as you write. Below are some common types of arguments.

Causal Arguments

  • In this type of argument, you argue that something has caused something else. For example, you might explore the causes of the decline of large mammals in the world’s ocean and make a case for your cause.

Evaluation Arguments

  • In this type of argument, you make an argumentative evaluation of something as “good” or “bad,” but you need to establish the criteria for “good” or “bad.” For example, you might evaluate a children’s book for your education class, but you would need to establish clear criteria for your evaluation for your audience.

Proposal Arguments

  • In this type of argument, you must propose a solution to a problem. First, you must establish a clear problem and then propose a specific solution to that problem. For example, you might argue for a proposal that would increase retention rates at your college.

Narrative Arguments

  • In this type of argument, you make your case by telling a story with a clear point related to your argument. For example, you might write a narrative about your experiences with standardized testing in order to make a case for reform.

Rebuttal Arguments

  • In a rebuttal argument, you build your case around refuting an idea or ideas that have come before. In other words, your starting point is to challenge the ideas of the past.

Definition Arguments

  • In this type of argument, you use a definition as the starting point for making your case. For example, in a definition argument, you might argue that NCAA basketball players should be defined as professional players and, therefore, should be paid.

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Essay Examples

  • Click here to read an argumentative essay on the consequences of fast fashion . Read it and look at the comments to recognize strategies and techniques the author uses to convey her ideas.
  • In this example, you’ll see a sample argumentative paper from a psychology class submitted in APA format. Key parts of the argumentative structure have been noted for you in the sample.

Link to Learning

For more examples of types of argumentative essays, visit the Argumentative Purposes section of the Excelsior OWL .

Contributors and Attributions

  • Argumentative Essay. Provided by : Excelsior OWL. Located at : https://owl.excelsior.edu/rhetorical-styles/argumentative-essay/ . License : CC BY: Attribution
  • Image of a man with a heart and a brain. Authored by : Mohamed Hassan. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : pixabay.com/illustrations/decision-brain-heart-mind-4083469/. License : Other . License Terms : pixabay.com/service/terms/#license

Definition Essay

Definition Essay Topics

Barbara P

Interesting Definition Essay Topics for Students

29 min read

Published on: Mar 22, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

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Are you looking for an interesting way to explore and explain the meaning of words and phrases? If so, a definition essay may be just the type of writing assignment that you need!

In this essay, you will delve deep into the dictionary to find out what your chosen topic truly means. By considering all aspects of the definition, you can craft an insightful, informative, and creative paper.

To get you started, here is a list of 200 definition essay topics to provide plenty of inspiration!

Continue reading to choose the best option for your essay.

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Definition Essay - Overview

A definition essay is written for a specific purpose. This type of essay has a similar structure to other essays, but it is written to define a term or concept.

The main purpose of the definition essay is to explain a word, phrase, or complex to the reader. To do this, you must study and analyze the concept.

When writing a definition essay, the most important step is choosing a good topic. Topics can be very different, but it is best to choose a topic that allows for creativity and research.

What is the Purpose of a Definition Essay?

A definition essay is a type of essay that seeks to define and explain a concept, term, or idea. The goal of this type of essay is:

  • to explain the meaning of a concept, term, or idea
  • to examine how a concept, term, or idea is defined by different people and groups
  • to analyze the implications of a particular definition

In this type of essay, the writer must research a topic thoroughly to provide an accurate definition and analysis.

How to Choose a Definition Essay Topic?

The first element that contributes to the overall success of your essay is its topic. The topic is the first thing that a reader comes across and analyzes whether to read the document or not.

It may sound simple, but choosing the right topic for your essay can be extremely challenging. Deciding what to select that the audience will be interested in knowing is a tricky job.

The process of selecting the topic for your definition essay is as challenging as the essay’s writing procedure. It is both time-consuming and requires a writer to have strong analyzing skills.

If you have no clue how to come up with an engaging topic, follow the steps provided below:

  • Choose a word that is not too simple and has multiple interpretations.
  • You should have your perspective on the term.
  • Identify the targetted audience. 
  • Come up with an interesting topic.
  • Make sure that the topic is unique and engaging for the audience.

The definition essay topic can be of any sort. Just keep in mind to pick something fascinating.

Good Definition Essay Topics

If the topic chosen is strong and reflects your passion, it will be easier for you to gather information.

Often students find themselves with writer’s block and can not come up with a good topic. If you are in such a position, the list prepared by the expert writers of CollegeEssay.org will help you decide on the paper topic.

Definition Essay Topics for High School

High school students often need to explore the concept of definition in order to better understand the world around them. these topics will help you begin that process:.

  • Importance of having self-respect
  • How does a high school student become more responsible in life?
  • How can a high school student become more creative in his writing?
  • What is kindness?
  • How personality contributes to a successful career?
  • What is charisma, and how important it is for being successful? 
  • What is the meaning of independence to a country?
  • The difference between communism and capitalism 
  • The meaning and origin of terrorism
  • What is the industrial revolution? 

These topics will provide the perfect opportunity to explore the concept of definition and help you create an engaging essay. Writing about these ideas can also stimulate your creativity, as well as encourage critical thinking.

Definition Essay Topics for College Students

College essays often require students to go deeper into the concept of definition. Here are some creative  topics that can help you begin your college essay:

  • What is good mental health?  Discuss its characteristics .
  • Inhumane things in our life
  • The meaning of the word phase in the context of heterogeneous and homogeneous mixtures. 
  • What is an essay outline?
  • What is hatred?
  • Understanding the relationship between demand and supply
  • Causes and effects of inflation
  • Marketing advertising strategies and tools
  • Artificial intelligence 
  • Cons of e-learning

These topics are interesting and engaging, allowing you to explore ideas in a new way. Writing about them can open up new perspectives and help you to create an essay that stands out.

See this example definition essay on happiness . It provides a valuable starting point for reflection and discussion.

Creative Definition Essay Topics

Creativity is an important part of both writing and life in general. Choosing creative topics can allow you to explore new ideas and express your thoughts in unique ways. These ideas can help you create an interesting and engaging essay:

  • How can globalization be described?
  • Traits of a good person
  • What is the definition of the term “white privilege”?
  • What does it mean to become a parent?
  • Characteristics of the “just” system
  • Define what anarchy is.
  • What does the word “femininity” mean to you?
  • What is peer pressure, and how do people get influenced by it?
  • What is a hippie movement?
  • How to understand colonization?

The above topics will allow you to explore the creative process and the importance of creativity in everyday life. Writing about them can help to inspire new ideas and look at familiar topics in a different way.

Definition Essay Topics About Friendship

Friendship is an important part of life, and it can be a powerful source of support and connection. These topics will help you explore the meaning and importance of friendship: 

  • What is the meaning of friendship to you?
  • Who is a genuine friend to you?
  • The role of friends in your life
  • The role of friends in one’s personality
  • Art and friendships
  • How do animals make better friends?
  • What does it mean to be friends with a narcissist?
  • Are friendship and love similar? 
  • My best friend
  • Qualities that make you a good friend

By exploring these topics, you can uncover the hidden meanings and lessons that friendship provides. Writing about them can help to deepen your understanding of how important it is.

Easy Definition Essay Topics for Students

Easy topics can still be interesting, and they are often simpler to write about than complex ones. These ideas are ideal for students who need to write an essay quickly: 

  • How to love yourself?
  • Love of God
  • Does love for money make you selfish?
  • Love and friendship
  • Describe school and college 
  • Abstract concepts
  • Significance of body paragraphs in an essay
  • What is cheating, and what is its impact on a relationship? 
  • Can a person forgive and forget their personal experience?
  • Importance of voting. Should all citizens vote? 

These topics will allow you to explore your understanding of various concepts and ideas.

Definition Essay Topics about Science and Technology

Science and Technology is an ever-growing field and often a source of inspiration for new essay topics.

These interesting ideas to explore when writing a definition essay about science and technology:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Data Science
  • Quantum Computing
  • Virtual Reality (VR)
  • Space Exploration
  • Internet of Things (IoT)
  • 3D Printing
  • Biotechnology
  • Nanotechnology

These are just a few examples that could be used as starting points for creating engaging and informative definition essays.

Top Definition Essay Topics about Love

Love is a complex emotion that can have different meanings depending on the person. It can be enlightening and help to express your feelings.

These ideas are great starting points for exploring this subject in an essay:

  • What does it mean to love someone?
  • What does it mean to love something?
  • Define the feeling of love
  • Love vs. hatred
  • The love of parents
  • Love and other emotions that can dominate people
  • Why is love the most powerful feeling in the world?
  • Loving your pets
  • Love of grandparents 
  • The consequences of passionate love 

These topics will help to explore the complexity of love and its many facets.

Definition Essay Topics on Society

The world is full of injustice, discrimination, and inequality. When writing a definition essay on these topics, consider how they are often used to define our society and its values.

Here are some ideas to explore:

  • Gender Roles
  • Social Class
  • Education System
  • Political Activism
  • Cultural Identity
  • Discrimination
  • Gay Marriage

These topics offer a great opportunity to explain important concepts and discuss issues of social justice. Writing about them can be an eye-opening experience for both the author and the readers.

Definition Essay Topics on Family and Happiness

Family and happiness are two of the most important things in life. It can help to illustrate their true importance, as well as how they are intertwined.

Check these amazing ideas for topics related to these concepts:

  • Family Values
  • The Meaning of Love
  • Parenting Styles
  • Supportive Relationships
  • The Pursuit of Happiness
  • Positive Thinking
  • Finding Inner Peace

These topics can be quite complex to write about, as they often require thoughtful consideration of personal values. However, they can also provide an opportunity for self-reflection and growth.

Definition Essay Topics about History

History is full of lessons and important moments that should never be forgotten. Exploring them through writing can help to bring them into the present day.

These topics offer a great starting point for exploring the past:

  • Civil Rights
  • Immigration
  • The Industrial Revolution
  • The Great Depression
  • World War II
  • The Cold War
  • Globalization
  • The Fall of Communism
  • The Rise of Democracy
  • The War on Terror

These topics are great for understanding how civilizations have evolved over time. It can provide valuable insights into our world today. Writing about them can help to remind us of the importance of history in our lives.

Random Definition Essay Topics

Sometimes, it’s difficult to come up with interesting topics for an essay. If you’re stuck and don’t know what to write about, why not choose a random topic?

Here are some ideas:

  • The Meaning of Success
  • Time Management
  • The Nature of Emotions
  • Friendship in the Digital Age
  • The Power of Social Media
  • The Psychology of Dreams
  • The Role of Religion in Society
  • Exploring Cultural Differences
  • Exploring the Unknown
  • Finding Motivation in Life

These topics can be both fun and thought-provoking, offering a great opportunity to explore different ideas. Writing about them can help to broaden your perspective and inspire new ideas.

Great Definition Essay Topics on Sports

Sports is a popular topic for definition essays. It covers both the physical and mental aspects of the game.

These topics will help to get you started:

  • The Psychology of Winning
  • Teamwork and Leadership
  • Sports Injuries
  • Health Benefits of Sports
  • Coaching Styles
  • Mental Toughness
  • Competing for Gold
  • Olympic Dreams
  • Fantasy Sports Leagues
  • Leadership in Sports

The essay topics will allow you to explore the history and development of sports over time.

Definition Essay Topics on Mass Media 

Mass media plays an important role in modern society and can shape public opinion. Exploring these topics can be a great way to understand the power of media and the ways it influences our lives.

Get creative with these brilliant ideas:

  • The Rise of Social Media
  • Exploring Censorship
  • The Role of News in Society
  • Political Influence Through Media
  • The Power of Advertising
  • Exploring Reality vs. Perception
  • The Impact of Technology on Media
  • Fake News and Misinformation
  • The Influence of Pop Culture
  • Creating Engaging Content

Choose any of the above topics and explore how mass media affects society in a variety of ways.

Definition Essay Topics on Politics

Politics is a complex and often controversial topic, which makes it a great choice for definition essays.

Get your inspiration flowing with these out-of-the-box concepts:

  • The Role of Government
  • Exploring Political Ideologies
  • The Origins of Anarchism
  • The Power of Voting
  • The Impact of Social Movements
  • Political Activism and Protesting
  • Exploring the Influence of Money on Politics
  • Election Campaigns and Strategies
  • The Role of Media in Politics
  • Globalization and Its Impact on Politics

Pick any one of these topics to explore how politics shapes our lives in a variety of ways.

Definition Essay Topics on Philosophy

Philosophy is a great topic to discuss. It can cover a wide range of topics from the meaning of life to morality and ethics. Writing about this subject can be both interesting and thought-provoking.

These are some brilliant ideas to get you started:

  • Exploring Different Religious Beliefs
  • The Meaning of Life
  • The Role of Ethics in Society
  • Examining the Nature of Truth
  • Exploring Different Philosophical Schools
  • The Power of Reason and Logic
  • The Impact of Philosophy on Education
  • Exploring Morality and Its Consequences
  • Discussing the Principles of Freedom

To explore different philosophical views and their impact, choose any one of these topics and write an engaging essay.

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Definition Argument Essay Topics

Argumentative essays require you to pick a side of an argument and defend it. These topics will help you explore the definition of arguments and develop strong writing skills.

  • Pros and cons of using the internet in schools
  • What does it mean to have two sides to the picture?
  • Importance of the death penalty 
  • Causes and effects of alcoholism
  • Why do people do drugs, and how do they get influenced?
  • What do pro-choice and pro-life stand for?
  • Causes and Effects of Global Warming
  • What is cloning? Is it ethical?
  • What is patriotism?  
  • Racial segregation 

These topics will help you understand the dynamics of arguments and how to form your own opinion on a certain subject.

Extended Definition Essay Topics 

Extended definition essays allow you to expand on a concept or idea. These topics will give you the opportunity to explore various definitions, as well as think outside of the box:

  • What is a healthy weight?
  • What is a balanced diet?
  • Measures of punishment parents should take 
  • Differences between self-development and self-management. 
  • How does the FBI violate the basic rights of the citizens?
  • How badly do coaches influence the performance of a player?
  • Define the term frenemy 
  • Characteristics that make a person selfish
  • How to cope with laziness?
  • Is bravery the same as courage?

You can also use these topics to explore the creative writing process by crafting your own unique definition of a topic.

Funny Definition Essay Topics

Writing about humorous topics can allow you to explore the lighter side of life. These ideas can help you create an essay that is sure to get a laugh:

  • What are dreams? Do animals also dream?
  • Is the customer always right?
  • How to get fewer photographs?
  • Should successful business people help those who are new in business?
  • Define the best holiday
  • What is fun for you?
  • Is money a source of happiness
  • What is contemporary art to you? 
  • Why do we not feel that the earth is moving?
  • Is watching tv a way to relax?

These topics will bring a smile to your reader's faces and make them think about the lighter side of life. 

Controversial Definition Essay Topics 

Controversial topics can help stimulate the discussion, as well as make your essay stand out. These ideas should be used to explore controversial notions and discuss different opinions on a certain topic:

  • What is a thesis statement? 
  • What is multiculturalism?
  • Who is a hero?
  • What is Feminism? 
  • What is being lazy? Is it a good trait? 
  • Smartphones Vs. traditional cellular phones 
  • Gothic romanticism 
  • How can bravery be defined?
  • What is passion?
  • What is cultural diversity?

These topics will help you explore controversial notions, as well as think critically about the issues surrounding them. Writing on these topics can be an interesting and thought-provoking experience. 

Abstract Definition Essay Topics

Abstract definition essay topics help to explore concepts that are too abstract for a traditional definition essay.

These topics will allow you to think outside the box and go beyond conventional ideas:

  • What is wisdom, and how is it different from knowledge?
  • What is trust, and how to win it?
  • Does honesty mean always telling the truth?
  • How can generosity be defined? 
  • How can poverty be eradicated?
  • Are Europeans civilized? 
  • How are sweets better than fruits?
  • Is it possible for humans to live without the internet?
  • How to quit drinking? 
  • How will you define the term freedom?

The abstract definition essay topics discussed will help you explore complex concepts and go beyond surface-level definitions. 

Definition Essay Structure

When it comes to writing a definition essay, there is a standard structure that you must follow.

The main steps for writing a definition essay are:

  • Introduction - Introduce your topic and provide brief background information
  • Definition – Give the definition of the term
  • Body Paragraphs – Support your definition with examples
  • Conclusion – Summarize your essay and restate the definition

By following this simple structure, you can write an effective definition essay that will engage your reader.

Steps to Write Definition Essay

To write a great definition essay, you should follow these steps:

  • Select a Term – Choose the term that you want to define. Make sure it is complex enough for an in-depth discussion.
  • Research Your Topic – Gather information from reliable resources such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, or even interviews with experts.
  • Structure Your Essay – Create an outline for your essay to ensure it has a logical flow. Check all necessary parts are included.
  • Write Your Introduction – Introduce the term you will be defining and provide brief background information on the subject.
  • Give the Definition – Provide a clear and concise definition of the term.
  • Support Your Definition – Use examples and evidence to support your definition.
  • Write a Conclusion – Summarize your essay and restate the definition.

By following these steps, you can write an effective definition essay that will provide readers with a clear understanding.

Need help with definition essay outline ? Our blog is here to provide some insight and guidance!

Tips on How to Write a Definition Essay?

Writing a definition essay can be tricky, but here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Choose a concept first: Start by selecting the word that you want to define and use it throughout your essay.
  • Do proper research: Research on the chosen word in order to have a full understanding of its meaning and different interpretations. Use reliable sources such as dictionaries, research papers and published articles.
  • Create an outline: Map out the structure of your essay by organizing your ideas in an outline. This will help you determine what points to include in your paper and where to place them for maximum effect.
  • Introduce the term: At the beginning of your essay, provide a clear and concise definition of the term. This should be followed by a brief explanation of your points in relation to the word or concept.
  • Support your claims: Include evidence from credible sources to back up the claims.
  • Conclude with a summary: Provide a clear and concise summary of your essay. This should include a restatement of the term and its definition.
  • Proofread and edit: Ensure that your essay is free from any errors by proofreading and editing it before submitting it. This will help to improve the quality of your writing and make for a more enjoyable reading experience.

Following these tips can help you write an effective definition essay. It provides meaningful insights into its various interpretations.

To wrap it all,

Writing a definition essay or all other essays in academic life is essential. If you wish to achieve good grades, make sure your essays are high-quality , well-drafted, and structured.

If you doubt y our writing skills and have no clue where to start, get professional help. At CollegeEssay.org, our qualified subject experts offer the best definition essay writing service , providing 100% customized essays written from scratch.

Simply contact our custom essay service  and place your order at the most affordable prices.

Plus, if you need a quick idea for a definition essay on a specific topic, you can try out out AI essay writer . Input your topic and requirements and let it generate a complete essay for you.

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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argumentative definition essay topics

378+ Argumentative Essay Topics for Students With Tips

18 January 2024

last updated

Argumentative essays are a common form of academic writing that students and scholars practice in their fields of study. Basically, the article includes many examples of argumentative essay topics and explains the purpose as the starting point of the in-depth analysis of elements of argumentation. The manual also explains the challenge of avoiding logical fallacies in the creation of arguments. In this case, a step-by-step deconstruction of the structure of the classical persuasive essay presents the sectional content requirements to the reader. Equally important, this article describes the process of developing a good argumentative topic using a sample template, including examples of free argumentative essay topics. In turn, the guide concludes with a discussion of factors that affect the topic selection for argumentative works.

General Aspects of Argumentative Essay Topics

In academic writing, an argumentative essay serves to argue a position in the case of debates. Originally, it meant that essay topics must be argumentative, while people must consider written papers as sources for thinking or debating. In addition, persuasive papers include rhetorical appeals, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, and these techniques affect the reader’s attention positively. However, not all students know about these features of argumentative papers. As a result, such papers do not make sense in formal writing. Therefore, scholars should define good argumentative essay topics (2023) if they want to prove their position on the issue.

Hot Topics for Argumentative Essays

  • Impacts of Technology on Society
  • Sustainability and Global Climate Change
  • Animal Rights and Experimentation
  • Nuclear Energy: Pros and Cons
  • Homeschooling Versus Traditional Education
  • The Death Penalty: Justice or Inhumanity
  • Influence of Violence in Video Games
  • Genetic Engineering: Evolution or Exploitation
  • Mandatory Vaccinations: Rights and Responsibilities
  • School Uniforms: Necessity or Oppression
  • Internet Privacy: Safety or Surveillance
  • Gender Equality in the Workplace
  • Influence of Music Lyrics on the Youth
  • Roles of Parents in Preventing Childhood Obesity
  • Effects of Divorce on Children’s Psychological Health
  • Stem Cell Research: Life-Saver or Ethical Nightmare
  • Space Exploration: Worth the Cost
  • The Role of Zoos in Wildlife Conservation

Easy Argumentative Essay Topics

  • Impacts of Mass Media on Public Opinion
  • Capital Punishment: Deterrence or Revenge
  • The Ethics of Cloning: Innovation or Interference
  • Organic Foods: Healthier Choice or Marketing Scam
  • The Global Refugee Crisis: Responsibility and Response
  • The Importance of Arts Education in Schools
  • Cyber Bullying: An Invisible Threat
  • The Role of Religion in Public Education
  • Cyber Security: National Defense or Invasion of Privacy
  • The Impact of Fast Food on Health
  • Influence of Celebrity Culture on the Youth Population
  • Effects of Reality TV on Society
  • Potentials of Renewable Energy
  • Ethical Implications of Surrogacy
  • Impacts of Single-Parent Families on Child Development
  • Graphic Novels and Reading Comprehension

Argumentative essay topics

Most Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics

  • The Effectiveness of Bilingual Education
  • Legality of Internet Censorship
  • Roles of Women in the Military
  • Multiculturalism and Society
  • Impacts of Globalization on Local Cultures
  • Benefits and Drawbacks of Telemedicine
  • Effects of Minimum Wage on the Economy
  • Roles of Sports in Promoting National Unity
  • Effects of Automation on Employment
  • Impacts of Deforestation on Biodiversity
  • The Impacts of Urban Sprawl on Communities
  • Roles of Video Games in Education
  • Influence of Comic Books on Literature
  • Effects of Microplastics on the Environment
  • Impacts of Online Dating on Relationships

Argumentative Speech Topics

  • The Influence of Veganism on the Global Food Industry
  • Effects of Antibiotic Resistance on Public Health
  • Pros and Cons of Universal Basic Income
  • Impacts of Augmented Reality on Everyday Life
  • Roles of Blockchain in Financial Services
  • Influences of eSports on Traditional Sports
  • Effects of Autonomous Vehicles on Traffic Safety
  • Pros and Cons of a Cashless Society
  • Impacts of Bioplastics on Waste Management
  • Nanotechnology and Healthcare Implications
  • Language Immersion Programs and Bilingualism
  • Roles of eSports in Shaping College Scholarships
  • Pros and Cons of Virtual Reality in Rehabilitation
  • Effects of Dark Tourism on Cultural Understanding
  • Artificial Intelligence and Creative Industries
  • Roles of Quantum Cryptography in Securing Digital Information
  • Pros and Cons of Direct Democracy in Modern Governance

Samples of Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

  • Effects of Microtransactions on Video Game Culture
  • Minimalism and Consumer Behavior
  • Impacts of Autonomous Ships on the Maritime Industry
  • Roles of Probiotics in Human Health
  • Pros and Cons of Carbon Capture Technologies
  • Effects of Sustainable Fashion on the Textile Industry
  • Influence of Gentrification on Urban Development
  • Telehealth Services and Rural Communities
  • Role of Citizen Science in Environmental Conservation
  • Pros and Cons of Smart Homes on Privacy
  • Effects of Peer-to-Peer Lending on the Financial Industry
  • Drones and Wildlife Conservation
  • Impacts of Passive Houses on Energy Consumption
  • Roles of Agroforestry in Climate Change Mitigation
  • Pros and Cons of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School Papers

  • What Does High School Education Bring?
  • Why Should Marijuana Be Legalized for Recreational Purposes?
  • What Changed My Life?
  • Do People Need a College Education or Not?
  • Technology Makes Human Life Easier
  • A Healthy Environment, What Is It?
  • Impacts of High-Speed Trains on Transportation
  • Roles of Exoskeletons in Rehabilitation and Workforce
  • Pros and Cons of Desalination as a Water Solution
  • Effects of Influencer Activism on Political Engagement
  • Indoor Vertical Farms and Food Security
  • People Should Not Smoke in Public Places
  • Why Should People Respect the Elderly Generation?
  • How Does Culture Affect the Nation?
  • What Is the Best System of the Government?

Examples of Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids

  • Benefits of Homework: Necessary or Not
  • Is Social Media Appropriate for Kids?
  • The Importance of School Uniforms
  • Should Schools Implement Longer Recess Times?
  • Pros and Cons of Year-Round Schooling
  • Should Students Have Pets in School?
  • Effects of Video Games on Young Minds
  • Should Kids Be Allowed to Use Mobile Phones in School?
  • Impacts of Junk Foods on Kids’ Health
  • Should Parents Limit Screen Time for Children?
  • Importance of Art and Music Classes in School
  • Does Television Influence Children’s Behavior?
  • Roles of Cartoons in Children’s Development
  • Should Children Be Paid for Doing Chores?
  • Can Children Benefit From Yoga and Meditation?
  • Are Zoos Educational for Children?
  • Should Children Participate in Competitive Sports?
  • Importance of Reading Books Versus Watching TV
  • Should Schools Teach Children About Nutrition?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

  • Why Must People Have Higher Education?
  • What Are the Roles of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Business?
  • How Do Maslow’s Five Forces Affect Organizations?
  • Freud’s Theory and Societal Patterns
  • Captive Breeding and Endangered Species
  • Impacts of Overfishing on Marine Ecosystems
  • Roles of Independent Films in Society
  • Influence of Stand-up Comedy on Social Commentary
  • Effects of E-Commerce on Small Businesses
  • Social Corporate Responsibility and Business
  • What Are the Causes of Social Inequality?
  • High School versus College Education
  • What Are the Roles of Elections?
  • Using a Smartphone While Driving Should Be Banned
  • Digital Devices Make People Lazy

Possible Argumentative Essay Topics on Controversial Issues

  • The Government Should Spend More Taxpayers’ Money on a Poor Social Layer
  • Why Is Prostitution Illegal?
  • Higher Education Should Be Free or Not?
  • All People Should Not Gave Firearms
  • Marijuana Should Be Legal
  • Roles of Virtual Reality in Modern Education
  • The Influence of Street Art on Urban Aesthetics
  • Roles of Podcasts in Modern Media Landscape
  • Pros and Cons of Online Work for Mental Health
  • Facebook and Other Social Media Organizations Should Pay More Taxes
  • Students Should Not Use Digital Devices During Education
  • Smoking in Public Places Is Harmful to Non-Smokers
  • What Is the Role of Trump in Regulating Conflicts in the Middle East?
  • Social Media Is Used to Manipulate Citizens

Good List of 234 Argumentative Essay Topics

Classical themes.

  • Examining Impacts of Artificial Intelligence and Human Employment
  • Discussing Ethical Implications of Animal Testing in Medical Research
  • Evaluating the Role of Social Media in Modern Political Discourse
  • Debating the Effectiveness of Capital Punishment in Deterring Crime
  • Analyzing the Influence of Video Games on Adolescent Behaviors
  • Debating the Effect of Climate Change on the Global Economy
  • Investigating the Role of Standardized Testing in Education
  • Examining the Influence of Media Biases on Public Opinion
  • Assessing the Importance of Space Exploration in the 21st Century
  • Investigating the Role of Genetically Modified Organisms in Agriculture
  • Discussing the Ethical Dilemmas of Euthanasia in Medical Practice
  • Understanding the Impact of Bilingual Education on Cognitive Development
  • Evaluating the Role of Vaccination in Public Health Today
  • Are Genetically Modified Foods a Solution for a Problem of Global Hunger?
  • The Ethical Implications of Human Cloning
  • Is Space Exploration a Necessary Expenditure?
  • Nuclear Power: A Sustainable Energy Source or Potential Catastrophe
  • Roles of Science in Shaping Public Policy
  • The Potential of Stem Cell Research in Medicine
  • The Controversy Surrounding Animal Testing in Scientific Research
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable and Traditional Energy Sources
  • The Influence of Technology on Social Interactions
  • Is Evolution the Most Convincing Theory for Species Development?
  • Ethical Dilemmas of Genetic Engineering in Humans
  • Can Artificial Intelligence Surpass Human Intelligence?
  • Impacts of Plastic Waste on Marine Ecosystems
  • Existence of Extraterrestrial Life
  • Pros and Cons of Autonomous Vehicles in Modern Society
  • New Roles of Virtual Reality in Transforming Education
  • The Influence of Social Media on Adolescents’ Mental Health
  • The Rising Threat of Cyber Attacks Today
  • Ethical Implications of Genetically Modified Organisms
  • The Advancement of Medical Technology and Patient Privacy
  • Effects of Digital Technology on Traditional Libraries
  • The Need for Internet Censorship to Protect Children
  • Roles of Modern Technology in Enhancing Sustainable Agriculture
  • Blockchain Technology and People’s Money
  • Consequences of the Dependence on Technology for Communication
  • Impacts of Technology on the Music Industry
  • The Potential of Biotechnology in Solving Global Hunger
  • Environmental Impacts of E-Waste and the Need for Recycling Policies
  • Impacts of Telemedicine on Modern Health Care
  • Mandatory Vaccinations: A Necessity or Violation of Personal Freedom Rights
  • Ethical Dilemmas of Assisted Suicide in Terminal Illnesses
  • Modern Mental Health and Overall Wellness
  • The Effectiveness of Alternative Medicine
  • Possible Consequences of Privatizing Health Care
  • The Importance of Preventive Medicine in Reducing Health Care Costs
  • Socioeconomic Status and Health Outcomes
  • The Impact of Technology on Patient Privacy
  • Drawbacks of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) on Health
  • The Influence of Lifestyle Choices on Chronic Diseases
  • The Efficacy of Antidepressants in Treating Mental Health Disorders
  • Pharmaceutical Industry and Appropriate Health Care Practices
  • Climate Change and Global Public Health
  • Benefits of Dietary Supplements in Health Management
  • The Effectiveness of the Electoral College in Modern Elections
  • Roles of Lobbying in Influencing Government Decisions
  • Measures to Curtail Political Corruption in the 21st Century
  • Governmental Responsibility in Addressing Climate Change
  • Impacts of a Universal Basic Income on the Economy
  • The Influence of Social Media on Political Discourse
  • Balance of National Security and Personal Privacy
  • The Effectiveness of Governmental Economic Stimulus Packages
  • Applicability of Socialism in Modern Governments
  • Legitimacy of International Military Intervention
  • The Necessity of Strict Immigration Policies
  • Key Roles of the Government in Health Care Provision
  • The Feasibility of a Global Government
  • Are Voter ID Laws Important in Preventing Election Fraud?
  • The Government’s Role in the Regulation of Big Tech Companies
  • Impacts of Government Surveillance on Civil Liberties
  • The Need for Government Involvement in Education Reform
  • Adverse Consequences of Governmental Censorship on Free Speech
  • The Justification for Taxing the Wealthy at Higher Rates
  • Implications of Decriminalizing Drugs at a Federal Level
  • Roles of the Government in Promoting Renewable Energy
  • The Viability of Expanding the Supreme Court
  • Government and Housing Market Regulations
  • Federal versus State Powers in the United States
  • The Necessity of Government Funding for Scientific Research
  • The Importance of Incorporating Technology in Education
  • Standardized Testing: An Effective Measure of Academic Achievement?
  • Benefits of Early Childhood Education
  • Should Physical Education Be a Mandatory Subject in Schools?
  • Bilingual Education: Enhancing Cultural Diversity in the Classroom
  • Homeschooling: A Viable Alternative to Traditional Education
  • The Role of Arts Education in Developing Creative Thinking Skills
  • The Impact of Gender-Segregated Education on Student Performance
  • Should Schools Teach Financial Literacy as a Core Subject?
  • The Value of Critical Thinking in Education
  • Should Sex Education Be Mandatory in Schools?
  • Is Homework Beneficial for Student Learning?
  • Advantages of Vocational Education for Career Preparation
  • The Necessity of Teaching Environmental Education in Schools
  • Roles of Physical Education in Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle
  • Should Schools Implement Uniform Policies?
  • Benefits of Including Meditation and Mindfulness in the School Curriculum
  • Should Schools Replace Traditional Textbooks With Digital Resources?
  • Roles of Extracurricular Activities in a Well-Rounded Education
  • Inclusive Education for Students Living With Disabilities
  • The Role of Music Education in Cognitive Development
  • Should Schools Implement Later Start Times for Teenagers?
  • Benefits of Teaching Coding and Computer Science in Schools
  • Impacts of Standardized Dress Codes on Student Behavior
  • Is Teaching Media Literacy Crucial in the Digital Age?
  • Should Schools Provide Free Breakfast and Lunch for All Students?
  • Pros and Cons of Year-Round Education vs. Traditional Summer Breaks
  • The Value of Teaching Ethics and Morality in Education
  • Should Schools Incorporate Financial Incentives for Academic Achievements?
  • Class Size and Its Impacts on Student Learning and Engagement
  • Benefits of Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning
  • Should Schools Teach Financial Concepts?
  • Roles of Character Education in Building Stronger Communities
  • Pros and Cons of Grading Systems vs. Pass/Fail Evaluations
  • The Importance of Teaching Media Literacy in Addressing Fake News
  • Should Schools Integrate Multicultural Education into the Curriculum?

Environmental Studies

  • Evaluating Adverse Impacts of Climate Change on Global Biodiversity
  • Roles of Renewable Energy in Achieving Carbon Neutrality
  • Plastic Pollution: The Unseen Threat to Marine Life
  • The Importance of Sustainable Agriculture in Modern Farming Practices
  • Analyzing the Consequences of Deforestation on Indigenous Communities
  • Urbanization and Its Impacts on Local Ecosystems
  • The Moral Responsibility of Corporations in Reducing Environmental Impacts
  • Roles of Individual Actions in Achieving a Sustainable Future
  • Fast Fashion and Its Devastating Impact on the Environment
  • The Value of Urban Green Spaces in Combating Climate Change
  • The Importance of Environmental Education in Shaping Future Generations
  • The Potential of Green Technology in Revolutionizing the Global Economy
  • Roles of Bitcoin and Traditional Money in Modern Economics
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Versus Profit Maximization
  • Impacts of Trade Wars on the Global Economy
  • Sustainable Development: An Economic Imperative or an Environmental One?
  • Ethical Implications of Wealth Inequality
  • Universal Basic Income: A Solution to Poverty or an Economic Hazard?
  • Potential Economic Consequences of Climate Change in Nearest Ten Years
  • Automation and Job Loss: The Future of the Labor Market
  • Impacts of Globalization on Local Economies
  • Economic Effects of Immigration Policies
  • Roles of Central Banks in Economic Stability
  • Government Spending: A Necessity or a Burden?
  • Impacts of Overpopulation on Economic Growth
  • Effects of Economic Policies on Income Inequality
  • Roles of Education in Economic Development
  • Should Athletes Use Performance Enhancing Drugs?
  • Impacts of Commercialization on Modern Sports
  • Do Violent Sports Encourage Aggressive Behaviors in Society?
  • Modern Media and the Perception of Women in Sports
  • Should Schools Prioritize Academics Over Sports?
  • Is It Ethical to Profit From College Sports?
  • Effects of Technological Advancements on Sports Performance
  • The Significance of Sports in Fostering Cultural Diversity
  • Is Competitive Youth Sports Beneficial or Harmful?
  • Should Cheerleading Be Recognized as a Competitive Sport?
  • The Influence of Athletes as Role Models on Young People
  • Are Video Games and eSports True Sports?
  • The Exploitation of Athletes in Professional Sports Leagues
  • Roles of the Government in the Promotion and Regulation of Sports
  • Ethical Implications of Genetic Engineering in Humans
  • Should Businesses Prioritize Profit Over Ethical Considerations?
  • Moral Dilemmas Surrounding Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
  • Are Animal Rights Equally Important as Human Rights?
  • Ethical Consequences of Artificial Intelligence in Society
  • Should Organ Transplants Be Allowed From Live Donors?
  • Is It Ethical for Governments to Monitor Their Citizens?
  • Ethical Issues Surrounding Abortion Rights
  • Are Companies Morally Obligated to Practice Environmental Sustainability?
  • Roles of Ethics in Modern War and Conflict
  • Ethical Aspects of Using Animals for Testing
  • The Morality of Capital Punishment in the 21st Century
  • Should Ethical Considerations Limit Scientific Research?
  • Ethical Aspects of Data Privacy in the Digital Age
  • Can Censorship Ever Be Ethically Justified?
  • Is It Ethical to Consume Animal Products in the Modern World?
  • The Morality of Child Labor in Developing Countries
  • Should Wealthy Nations Share More Resources With Developing Countries?
  • Ethical Boundaries of Biomedical Research on Humans
  • Are There Ethical Issues With Wealth Inequality in Society?
  • Moral Implications of Cloning Extinct Animals
  • Ethical Considerations of Physician-Assisted Suicide
  • Roles of Ethics in the Development of Autonomous Vehicles
  • Should Companies Be Held Accountable for Their Supply Chains’ Ethical Standards?
  • Ethical Challenges of Immigration Policies in Wealthy Nations
  • The Influence of Religion on Moral Values in Society
  • Understanding Important Roles of Religion in Political Decisions
  • Analyzing the Compatibility of Science and Religion
  • Impacts of Religious Beliefs on Human Mental Health
  • Religion’s Roles in Promoting or Hindering Social Equality
  • Evaluating the Effects of Religion on Child Development
  • The Effectiveness of Interfaith Dialogue in Promoting Tolerance
  • Possible Implications of Atheism on the Concept of Morality
  • How Religion Shapes Cultural Identity and Social Behavior?
  • The Necessity of Religion in Establishing Ethical Norms
  • Justifying the Separation of Church and State
  • Religion’s Influence on Health Care Practices and Beliefs
  • Effects of Religion on Economic Development
  • The Influence of Eastern Religions on Western Philosophies
  • Historical Roles of the Catholic Church in the Spanish Inquisition
  • Impacts of the Industrial Revolution on Child Labor Practices
  • The American Revolution and the British Rule
  • Real Motives Behind Christopher Columbus’s Voyages
  • The Black Death and Its Impacts on the Feudal System
  • Effects of the Treaty of Versailles on World War II
  • The Influence of Imperialism on the African Continent
  • Roles of Slavery Institutions in the American Civil War
  • Impacts of the Great Depression on American Society
  • The Influence of the Renaissance on Modern European Culture
  • Roles of Women in the French Revolution
  • Consequences of Japanese Internment During World War II
  • The Aftermath of the Chornobyl Disaster on Soviet Politics
  • Roles of Martin Luther in the Protestant Reformation
  • Impacts of the Vietnam War on American Foreign Policy
  • The Fall of the Berlin Wall, Changes, and Impacts on Global Politics
  • Effects of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Reign on French Society
  • The Influence of the Crusades on Christian-Muslim Relations

Social Science

  • Roles of Social Media Outlets in Shaping Public Opinion
  • Evaluating the Impact of Government Policies on Income Inequality
  • The Influence of Gender Norms on Educational Attainment
  • Climate Change and Global Migration Patterns
  • Ethics of Surveillance in Modern Societies
  • Contributions of Artificial Intelligence to Social Inequality
  • The Power Dynamics in Non-Profit Organizations
  • Assessing the Effectiveness of Rehabilitation in Criminal Justice Systems
  • The Influence of Family Structure on Child Development
  • Roles of Religion Institutions in Contemporary Politics
  • Impacts of Globalization on Indigenous Cultures
  • Consequences of Urbanization on Mental Health
  • Functions of School Systems in Perpetuating Social Inequality
  • Roles of Social Movements in Changing Legislative Policies
  • Consequences of Forced Displacement on Social Integration
  • Impacts of Health Disparities on Economic Development

Issues on Argumentative Essay Topics

In most cases, when people start writing an argumentative paper, they cannot define their themes clearly. Basically, argumentative essay topics mean a specific field of academic writing where people have to define their positions to prove them to the defined audience. Even if common essay topics are the general representations of themes, arguments must be specific. In other words, essay themes in argumentative writing must represent the question for debating or claim for a defined position.

An argumentative essay is a form of writing that requires authors to define a claim, present support, and address other competing claims. Basically, any written argument contains two main elements: a claim and support. In this case, the claim refers to the writer’s position on a specific topic. Also, any author’s position on a topic is the result of successful critical thinking where the logical foundation of the claim is viable. Then, the support element of the claim provides authors with the opportunity to provide reasons and complementary evidence and examples. Besides presenting evidence-based reasons, writers should explicitly describe the logical link that binds the reason, evidence, and claim. Mostly, the logical link may manifest in the form of deductive or inductive reasoning. Hence, argumentative papers are a crucial tool for college students in the conception and presentation of complex arguments.

Purpose and Types

The primary purpose of writing an argumentative essay is to make a decent attempt to persuade the audience that a particular claim is valid or acceptable. Based on the purpose of writing, the classification of arguments yields four main types: definition, evaluation, cause-and-effect, and solution. In this case, a definition argument works to convince the audience that a certain interpretation of a concept or term is superior to other interpretations. Then, evaluation arguments establish the weight of a claim to illustrate its worth in the discourse of the controversial topic. Further on, cause-and-effect arguments are useful in showing the causal relationship between an action or situation and a specific outcome. In turn, solution arguments propose an ideal way to handle a problem and illustrate its effectiveness efficacy. Seemingly, the type of persuasive claim is dependent on the topic of interest and the nature of the author’s claim.

Creating Arguments

Before beginning to write an argumentative essay, it is important to analyze the proposed claim to determine its suitability in responding to a topic. For instance, the development of a convincing statement requires authors to identify all the assertions that may be associated with the theme. Basically, the process of looking for claims allows authors to broaden their knowledge regarding the topic and familiarise them with existing points of view on the controversial matter. Once writers build a knowledge base, they engage in research to find and evaluate any supporting data. In this case, the available data informs writers on the strength of individual claims surrounding the topic. Finally, authors identify warrants in each claim, which reveals assumptions that connect claims and evidence. At this point, writers can create a claim and defend it successfully.

Logical Fallacies in Arguments

Faulty reasoning causes the emergence of logical fallacies in the proposed claim. For example, hasty generalization , false cause, bandwagon effect, and circular reasoning are the common logical fallacies that students face, although there are numerous logical fallacies. Basically, hasty generalization occurs when authors make claims that lack adequate support to justify the broad application of the claim to a specific population. Then, the false cause fallacy arises in cases where writers assert causation, yet events may only share a loose or coincidental association. Further on, the fallacy of the bandwagon effect emerges when authors develop a claim based on popular opinion rather than evidence. In turn, circular reasoning may present if the support for the author’s claim is merely restatements of the claim. Therefore, writers should avoid logical fallacies that introduce irrationality into the argument at all costs.

Mechanics of Arguments

1. emotional appeals.

Writers should refrain from the utilization of emotional appeals in the presentation of arguments. Basically, emotional appeals may rely on fear, pity, and traditions, which have an innate influence over the readers. As a result, the statements below demonstrate the effect of emotional appeal on the arguments concerning the punishment of female offenders who have children:

Emotional appeal: Female offenders who live in poverty and support their children should not be punished through imprisonment because they committed crimes to provide for their young children.

Logical appeal: Female offenders with parental responsibilities should be eligible for parole upon completing a third of their sentence because it will relieve the pressure on the poorly funded foster care system.

Accordingly, the persuasive quality of an argument must stem from its appeal as a logical argument rather than its ability to prey on the audience’s emotions.

2. Slanted Language

The use of slanted language in the presentation of an argument complicates the interpretation of an argument due to the blurring effect of word connotations. Basically, there are words that people tend to associate with positive or negative connotations due to the regular use of the words in everyday communication. In this case, an author may decide to refer to the people who participate in rallies as “concerned citizens” or “mob” in debating the use of violence as a means of rebellion against government oppression. The latter label can cause the audience to develop a negative perception of the rally participants. In contrast, the former label has a positive view of the people engaged in the rally. Consequently, words selected in composing an argument may influence the readers’ first impression by triggering connotations. Hence, authors should steer clear of slanted language.

Developing an Argumentative Essay Topic

The first step in developing an argumentative essay is the identification of a controversial issue. Basically, controversial issues are readily identifiable because they are dominant in discourse within a discipline or social environment. Based on the controversial issue, an individual develops a tentative topic, which broadly defines an aspect of the controversial issue. Then, writers develop a debatable question and provide at least two answers to the question. After confirming that the question may have more than one answer, authors use the preferred answer to create the theme for their argumentative papers.

Sample Template for Creating an Argumentative Topic

Controversial issue: Racism

Tentative topic: Racial discrimination in policing

Debatable question: Do police officers take advantage of the stop-and-frisk law to advance racial profiling?

First answer: Police officers take advantage of the stop-and-frisk law to advance racial profiling.

Second answer: Police officers do not take advantage of the stop-and-frisk law to advance racial profiling.

Topic (first answer): Racial Profiling: A Reality of Modern Policing

Comparison Between Argument Essay Topics and Standard Essay Topics

The primary difference between the topic of an argumentative essay and conventional essay topics is the debatable feature. Basically, topics of a standard essay are not debatable, for instance, “Reduction in Fossil Fuel Reserves.” In this case, it is a certainty that fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource. Therefore, “Reduction in Fossil Fuel Reserves” is not a suitable topic for an argumentative paper because the decrease in the deposits of fossil fuels is not a controversial issue. Also, authors employ a summary of the content of a standard essay to generate a topic. In turn, the theme of an argumentative essay is not a summary of its content. Instead, the author’s main claim is the source of the topic, which implies that ideas in the rebuttal section do not contribute to the formation of a topic despite being a crucial segment of the essay.

Understanding Content of Argumentative Essays and Topic Selection

Authors should adhere to two general principles in the selection of content for argumentative writing. Firstly, the distortion of evidence should never occur at any point in the essay. Basically, persuasive essays must present evidence holistically to ensure that the audience does not reach an incorrect conclusion. In this case, an author arguing that repeat offending has decreased cannot simply identify the percentages from 2000 and 2023 only. Instead, writers should demonstrate the trend in repeat offending by pointing out the average percentage of repeat offending cases over shorter periods, for example, three years. Secondly, an accurate reporting of the outcome of the research process is a mandatory expectation in argumentative essay writing. In turn, authors should not ignore any strong evidence opposing their central claim. Also, an argument for stringent gun regulation is incomplete without addressing the possible violation of the Second Amendment.

Dominant Factors in Argumentative Topic Selection

1. discipline.

Individuals’ approach to an argumentative essay relies heavily on their current knowledge, which accumulates as students advance their studies in a particular field. For example, a psychology major’s argument regarding the most preferred exercise among young adults will focus on research that demonstrates an increase in brain chemicals that show ‘happiness’ after the completion of the exercise. Conversely, a sociology major’s argument on the same theme may prioritize self-reported feelings of enjoyment and the frequency of participation in an exercise. Also, these students’ main claims may be dissimilar, yet correct based on the evidence. In turn, the subconscious decision for an individual to research along a specific line of knowledge is a consequence of their academic discipline. Similarly, the topics of interest in the two disciplines differ because sociology concentrates on human behavior while psychology centers on brain functioning, although they analyze one theme.

2. Personal Interests

Topic selection occurs in a socio-cultural context, which is unique to each individual because of personal life experiences. Basically, the hierarchy of controversial topics may vary depending on an individual’s beliefs and previous experiences. For instance, an immigrant student may consider issues surrounding immigration policy to be relevant to their past. At the same time, a student with full citizenship identifies with the suppression of the First Amendment, which raises a debate concerning the extent of the freedom of speech. Moreover, these two students may be classmates, but their socio-cultural contexts have made them sensitive to different controversial topics. Consequently, if students have the choice to select a topic for an argumentative essay, there is a high possibility that they will identify topics from issues of relevance in their unique socio-cultural contexts.

3. Education Level

Critical thinking and logical reasoning skills improve simultaneously with an individual’s move from one education level to the next. Basically, the following sample high school and postgraduate students’ arguments to illustrate the effect of education level are:

High school: Globalisation is beneficial to economies of developing countries through the increment of jobs, purchasing power, and opportunities for specialization.

Postgraduate: Capital openness in developing countries places them at higher risk of experiencing financial crushes after an influx of foreign direct investment, which reduces globalization’s attractiveness.

The high school student’s claim is relatively simple, while the postgraduate student’s argument is quite complicated and has a narrow scope. In this case, a higher level of critical thinking and logical reasoning skills are evident in the specificity of the postgraduate student’s claim. As a result, the scope of the topic selected at specific education levels differs extensively.

4. Audience

The needs of an expert audience and a non-expert audience are non-identical despite the similarity in the theme that the author addresses in an argumentative essay. For example, the interests of an expert audience prioritize analytical aspects of an argument rather than the mere presentation of information. If the main theme is corporal punishment, the author may design an argument for an expert audience that quantifies the adverse effect of increased tolerance for violence as a child grows and provide in-depth explanations concerning the evidence, for instance, study designs, participants, level of significance, confidence intervals, and limitations. Alternatively, arguments regarding corporal punishment designed for a non-expert audience discuss all the adverse impacts of corporal punishment as a sign of its inefficiency but do not analyze the experimental techniques. Therefore, the topic selection occurs based on the audience’s expectations.

5. Nature of Evidence

An author may utilize four primary forms of evidence: facts, statistics, case examples, and expert opinions. In some cases, the author’s research can fail to yield all four types of evidence. For example, an author arguing that racial discrimination is still a problem at educational institutions may compose an essay based purely on expert opinions. Conversely, the author may decide to compose an essay using statistics as the only type of evidence. The latter approach is likely to create a more persuasive argument because mentioning the number of racial discrimination complaints filed and racial tension riots or strikes is more convincing than providing only expert opinions that may be subject to critique. In turn, the nature of the available evidence places some limitations on the author’s freedom of topic selection because of the non-negotiable requirement that an argumentative paper must be persuasive.

Structure of a Classical Argumentative Essay

I. introduction.

The introduction paragraph of an argumentative paper plays an identical role to the standard first paragraph of an essay. Basically, the introductory paragraph has three primary elements: a hook, contextual statements, and a thesis statement. For instance, the first statement of an argumentative essay is a hook, which authors use to capture the audience’s interest in the topic. In this case, at least two contextual statements follow the hook. Then, contextual statements provide readers with adequate information to understand the thesis statement and develop an accurate picture of the content of the essay. In turn, the thesis statement is the final statement of the introductory paragraph. Also, this sentence announces the author’s claim concerning the controversial topic and summarises the logic behind his or her argument. In consequence, the thesis statement is the most critical element of the entire argumentative work.

All paragraphs in the body of an argumentative essay have identical paragraph structures. Basically, each paragraph has a topic sentence, evidence or fact, an evaluation, and a transition statement. In this case, the topic sentence is the first statement. Also, it informs the audience of the minor argument that the author focuses on in a given paragraph. Then, writers provide a piece of evidence, which serves as the starting point of the examination of the topic sentence. Mostly, a citation accompanies the evidence to direct the reader to the source. In turn, the evaluation of the evidence consists of two or more sentences, which illustrate the relevance of the evidence to the minor claim. Moreover, the transition statement reminds the reader of the connection of the minor claim to the thesis statement. In some cases, authors may use the transition statement to link subsequent paragraphs.

A. Background Information

Typically, the background section of the body appears immediately after the second paragraph. For instance, authors use this paragraph to inform the reader of specific details concerning the controversial topic, which is necessary to ensure that the audience understands the nature of the controversy. In turn, the background information does not discuss any minor arguments. Nonetheless, it has a topic statement that links it to the thesis statement.

B. Support for the Claim

This section of the body comprises multiple paragraphs, which discuss minor arguments that contribute to the justification of the main argument. Basically, each paragraph in the support section begins with a topic sentence that defines one minor aspect of the main argument. In this case, authors continue the paragraph by providing some evidence and discussing its relevance to the minor argument. Moreover, writers illustrate the logical link between the minor aspect and the thesis statement. Then, the number of paragraphs in this section is heavily dependent on the complexity of the main argument because authors must break down the primary argument into minor arguments that readers can easily recognize. Besides the segmentation of the main argument, the arrangement of minor arguments should be systematic to ensure that readers can follow the author’s line of reasoning.

C. Rebuttal

The rebuttal section is an essential section of an argumentative essay because it allows authors to demonstrate the strength of their arguments through comparison with competing positions. In this section, writers identify alternative lines of thought on the topic and discuss them to illustrate their weaknesses. Additionally, authors show the capability of their arguments to overcome flaws presented in competing positions, which acts as evidence of their superiority. In this case, each critique against the author’s main argument occupies a paragraph for clarity. During the analysis of counterarguments, writers must maintain a high level of objectivity to deliver a fair assessment because subjectivity in the handling of criticism undermines the strength of the author’s main argument.

III. Conclusion

The concluding paragraph has two main features: a restatement of the main claim and a summary of minor arguments. Firstly, the restatement of the main argument emphasizes the author’s position. In turn, the summary of the minor arguments identifies building blocks of the main claim and explains their interconnection. Also, it highlights the counterarguments and their flaws in addressing the controversial topic. In turn, the final statements of the concluding paragraph are a well-crafted closing, which illustrates that the author’s central claim is the preferred position on the debatable topic.

Final Remarks on Argumentative Essay Topics

Despite this guide’s focus on an argumentative paper, students must not forget the basics of academic writing. In this case, they should take adequate time to plan the writing process. Basically, scheduling different activities in the writing process is essential because it ensures that authors complete all the steps, especially for activities that students usually overlook when under the pressure of submission deadlines, for example, revising and proofreading. In turn, proper documentation of resources is a vital aspect of argumentative essay writing that students should not take lightly. Incorrect information concerning the source of a piece of evidence is equivalent to an attempt to deceive readers, which weakens the author’s claim. Also, students must adhere to the technical requirements that accompany argumentative essay prompts.

  • The selected topic and proposed claim should be debatable.
  • Argumentative essays conform to the standard essay structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Each paragraph in the body of an argumentative paper presents one idea to the audience.
  • After composing an argument, the author must evaluate it to ascertain that there are no logical fallacies.
  • The four segments of body paragraphs should be apparent to the readers: topic sentence, evidence, evaluation of evidence, and transition statement.
  • Writers must include an appropriate number of rebuttal paragraphs, which contain an objective critique of competing arguments.
  • Argumentative essays do not contain any emotional appeals or slanted language.
  • Authors should avoid the distortion of evidence and any other form of irresponsible handling and reporting of evidence.

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

Logical fallacies, how to cite a website.

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argumentative definition essay topics

Are you a student looking for argumentative essay topics? If so, we have you covered. Below you will find a list of the best argumentative essay topics.

Argumentative Essay Topics (General)

  • Do you think that abortion should be made illegal?
  • Do you think that animal testing should be banned?
  • Is the #metoo movement a great thing?
  • Do you think that manufacturers are responsible for the effects of the chemicals used in creating their products?
  • Do you think that illegal immigrants be granted residency?
  • Is there a fake news problem? What is the source?
  • Do you believe that “big pharma” has people’s best interests at heart?
  • Is the death penalty a just punishment?
  • Are there moral concerns that make genetic cloning illegal?
  • What Do you think that people do to stop human trafficking?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Politics

  • Which political party has the right ideology?
  • What Do you think that be done to reduce income inequality?
  • Is paying down the US deficit the most essential issue of our time?
  • Do you believe that the Federal Reserve needs to stop printing money because it creates an unsustainable bubble?
  • Is capitalism the best economic system?
  • Is socialism the best economic system?
  • Is America ready for a female president?
  • Do you think that an elected leader represents the interests of their own political party, or is it best to try to compromise?
  • What modern political decision has created the most change?
  • Do you believe that campaign finance reform works?

Argumentative Essay Topics About Society & Culture

  • When will LGTBQ individuals experience equality?
  • Is healthcare a fundamental human right?
  • Do you think that TV censors explicit content because programmers must produce family-friendly programming?
  • Social media brings us together and pulls us apart; Do you believe that the great outweighs the bad or vice versa?
  • Is a gap year time for exploration and reflection or a year-long vacation?
  • Many states have begun to decriminalize the possession of certain drugs like marijuana; is this a great idea?
  • Equality is part of lawmaking, but do you believe that it works in practice?
  • Do you think that people have the right to own a gun?
  • In cases of terminal illness, Do you think that a patient should be able to request medically assisted suicide?
  • Do you think that smoking should be illegal?
  • What is the best way to foster positive conversation about controversial issues?

Argumentative Essay Topics About History

  • Many people think that we learn from the past, but there are many patterns in history. Do you think history repeats itself?
  • How did the US Civil War make the nation best or worse?
  • Thomas Jefferson made considerable contributions to the founding of America, both as a writer and a politician. However, he didn’t live a perfect life. Was he a hero?
  • Do you believe that our modern perspective changes the “truth” of what happened during major historical events?
  • Pick a past decade and discuss if lower socio-economic classes had opportunities at that time.
  • Did the handling of Native Americans leave a moral stain on the US?
  • Slavery was a foundational part of the American colonies and, later, the United States. So how did this injustice change the nation?
  • What factors led to the rise of Naziism in Germany and to the Holocaust?
  • The plague destroyed the population of Europe and changed the course of history. So what was its biggest lesson?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids in Elementary School

  • Do you think that there be commercials in kids’ programs?
  • Do you believe that homework help kids learn?
  • Do you think that school should be all year?
  • Do schools treat girls and boys the same way?
  • Do you think that parents limit screen time?
  • Do you think that school start before eight o’clock in the morning?
  • Do you think that kids be able to vote in national elections?
  • Is it best to read fiction or nonfiction?
  • Is it best for kids to have distance learning or be in school?
  • Do parents treat all their kids the same way, or do they treat the oldest and youngest differently?
  • Do you think that kids have the same teacher every year or switch teachers each year?
  • Do you think that video games be a sport?
  • Are schools doing enough to stop bullying?
  • Do you think that kids have homework on weekends?
  • Is it best if three generations of a family live together?
  • Are hot dogs bad for you?
  • Do you think that school lunch should include vegetables, even if Many kids don’t like them?
  • Is it okay to eat dessert before dinner?

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

  • Do you think that middle schoolers have jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns?
  • Are beauty pageants a great idea?
  • Are violent video games bad?
  • Do you think that parents be able to say whether kids can dye their hair?
  • Do you believe that social media do more harm than good?
  • Do middle schoolers have too much homework?
  • Do you think that teachers get paid more?
  • Is life more challenging for your parent’s generation or yours’?
  • Why is your favorite musical artist best than anyone else?
  • Do you think that kids read age-appropriate books, or is it okay to read grown-up books?
  • Do you think that there be ratings (like G, PG, and R) for movies?
  • Is it best to ride the bus or walk to school?
  • Is school lunch great for kids?
  • Do you believe an hour of reading or an hour of exercising is better?
  • Do you think that gym class should be required?
  • Do you think that kids get paid for getting excellent grades?
  • Is it best to have class over the computer or in person?
  • Is cyberbullying as big of a problem as in-person bullying?
  • Do you think that all cars be electric?

Argumentative Essay Topics for High School

  • Do you think that people be allowed to burn the flag?
  • Do you think that parents get in trouble for truancy if kids don’t go to school?
  • Is social media bad for relationships?
  • Do you think that businesses be required to hire for diversity?
  • Are women and men treated equally?
  • Do you think that the minimum wage should be raised?
  • Do you think that everyone should go to college?
  • Is climate change a real threat?
  • Are wind farms benefitting the environment and economy?
  • Do you think that people be allowed to wear fur of any kind?
  • Is it a bad idea to use your DNA for genealogy?
  • Do you think that parents should decide they don’t want medical treatment for their kids?
  • Is the United States falling behind other nations in terms of education?
  • Do the actions of a nation’s leader influence the actions of the people?
  • Do you think that the electoral college should be abolished?
  • Do you think that schools be required to offer art courses?
  • Do you think that all new cars be electric?
  • Will AI help the world or hurt it?
  • Do you think that high school pupils work during the school year?
  • Are there forms of personal expression that you think should be allowed in schools?

Argumentative Essay Topics for College

  • Are men and women equally emotional?
  • Are printed books best than e-readers?
  • Do you think that the drinking age should be lowered?
  • Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
  • Do you think that college should free?
  • Do you think that beauty standards be more inclusive?
  • Are all college majors equally essential?
  • Is social media bad for kids?
  • Has technology changed our definition of magic?
  • Is it worth exploring space?
  • Do you think that all internships be paid?
  • Do you think that income should be tied to the cost of a degree?
  • Is climate change the biggest threat to the world?
  • Is feminism still essential?
  • Has society made the needed reparations for slavery?
  • Do you believe that elections should be decided by the popular vote?
  • Should everyone be entitled to free health care?
  • Do anti-discrimination laws protect disabled pupils?
  • Is a degree from an online college or university as legitimate as a degree from a brick-and-mortar university?
  • Is it a conflict of interest for an instructor or professor to require pupils to purchase his book?

100+ Persuasive Essay Topics

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IMAGES

  1. Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics + Infographics

    argumentative definition essay topics

  2. How to Write an Argumentative Essay Step By Step

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  3. 50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics

    argumentative definition essay topics

  4. What Is an Argumentative Essay? Simple Examples To Guide You

    argumentative definition essay topics

  5. 💣 5 parts of an argumentative essay. 5 Parts Of An Argumentative Essay

    argumentative definition essay topics

  6. Argumentative Essay: Definition, Outline & Examples of Argumentative

    argumentative definition essay topics

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  1. Argumentative Essays

  2. Week 1 English 10

  3. Argumentative Essay

  4. Argumentative Meaning

  5. What is Argumentative essay? Definition, Elements and example

  6. Definition Essay Nedir

COMMENTS

  1. 50 Great Argumentative Essay Topics for Any Assignment

    The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance.

  2. 125 Strong Argumentative Essay Topics For Your Next Paper

    An argumentative essay is a formal essay that persuades the reader to agree with your thesis statement. Argumentative essays vary in terms of complexity from simple comparisons like "Red is better than blue" to the more complex "The argument for socialism over capitalism." Regardless of the topic, argumentative essays involve research with ...

  3. 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 ...

  4. 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    Explore diverse topics for argumentative writing, from mental health and sports to video games and dating, and take a stand on the issues that matter to you.

  5. Uncovering Endless Inspiration for Your Essay

    How to Write a Definition Essay: 6 Simple Tips. When selecting topics for definition essay, keep these expert tips in mind for successful writing: Choose Wisely: Opt for more informative essay topics that go beyond simple nouns or verbs like 'swimming' or 'necklace.'. Focus on processes or concepts that offer depth.

  6. 50 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics

    50 Argumentative Essay Topics. Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and take a position on it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas ...

  7. 50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

    These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you're a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we've compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started! 50 Argumentative Essay Topics.

  8. Definition Essay Topics: Step By Step Guide

    A definition essay is a common writing assignment in schools and universities. Put simply, It asks a student to choose a word and define it in-depth. The common dictionary definition is the first thing to state (in your own words), then the lesser-known meanings of the concept, followed by personal anecdotes and opinions further explaining the ...

  9. 401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    This list of 401 prompts ( available here in PDF) is now our third iteration of what originally started as 200 prompts for argumentative writing, and it's intended as a companion resource to ...

  10. How to Write an Argumentative Essay

    Examples of argumentative essay prompts. At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response. Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

  11. 130 Unique Argumentative Essay Topics: How to Pick Out One

    Keep your audience in mind - Consider the audience for your essay, and attempt to guess what they would think about the topic you wish to cover. Think about if your audience would find it fascinating. Take a risk - Pick a highly debatable subject you think others would want to steer clear of.

  12. 120+ Strong Argumentative Essay Topics

    Choosing between argumentative essay topics can be hard; especially when you don't know where to start looking. Luckily, you can find over 120 topic ideas here, including our top 10 hot topics.

  13. Argumentative Essay Topics (With Definition and Examples)

    Argumentative essay topics are the subjects on which students write their articles. An argumentative essay is a formal assignment that aims to persuade the reader to agree with your point of view. The length and complexity of argumentative essays vary, depending on the writer's expertise and the topic. Research and data are often used to ...

  14. 250+ Definition Essay Topics Ideas for Students

    Read also: 200+ Argumentative Essay Topics Definition Essay Examples Below are two definition essay examples. These would serve as a factual guide on how to begin writing and ways to keep information relevant. They would help you understand all do's and don'ts of this essay types and help you to work towards your perfect essay.

  15. 200 Definition Essay Topics: Best Ideas & Prompts

    For definition argument essay topics, you need to write about subjects that attract divergent opinions and thus, closely debated. Therefore, rather than having a topic that is straightforward and one-dimensional, definition argument topics should be argumentative in nature.

  16. 220+ Interesting Argumentative Essay Topics of 2024

    Argumentative Essay Topics Animals. Hunting for fun and sports is unethical and must get banned. Aggressive dog breeds such as pit bulls should not be allowed as pets. Testing beauty products on animals is justifiable. Using monkeys for research in labs is a necessary evil.

  17. 150 Creative Definition Essay Topics For College Students

    Unique Definition Essay Topics. The quirkiness of 'fam': exploring unconventional family structures. The essence of 'chill': beyond a relaxing vibe. Defining 'awkward': navigating social discomfort. The true meaning of 'indie': beyond music and film. The 'vibe' culture: capturing the unspoken atmosphere.

  18. 9.3: The Argumentative Essay

    In an academic argument, you'll have a lot more constraints you have to consider, and you'll focus much more on logic and reasoning than emotions. Figure 1. When writing an argumentative essay, students must be able to separate emotion based arguments from logic based arguments in order to appeal to an academic audience.

  19. Argumentative Essay

    The argumentative essay is a genre of essay writing whose purpose is to argue a position. The standard argumentative essay requires extensive research on a topic and is structured in three main ...

  20. 200 Interesting Definition Essay Topics & Ideas

    A definition essay is a type of essay that seeks to define and explain a concept, term, or idea. The goal of this type of essay is: to explain the meaning of a concept, term, or idea. to examine how a concept, term, or idea is defined by different people and groups. to analyze the implications of a particular definition.

  21. 378+ Argumentative Essay Topics for Students With Tips

    Definition. An argumentative essay is a form of writing that requires authors to define a claim, present support, and address other competing claims. Basically, any written argument contains two main elements: a claim and support. In this case, the claim refers to the writer's position on a specific topic.

  22. Argumentative Essay: Definition, Outline & Examples of ...

    The argumentative essay is one which is used to present an argument surrounding two side of any particular issue. The essay can be written as a way of presenting both sides of the argument as equal or it might be written with one side taking preference over the other. This would be done when the writer has a specific opinion on the topic.

  23. 100+ Argumentative Essay Topics

    Argumentative Essay Topics (General) Do you think that abortion should be made illegal? Do you think that animal testing should be banned? Is the #metoo movement a great thing? Do you think that manufacturers are responsible for the effects of the chemicals used in creating their products?