current events essay topics 2022

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130 + best current event essay topics & current event essay example, bob cardens.

July 29, 2022

This article covers a list over 130 Current Event Essay Topics and a Current Event Essay Example. It also discusses the ho to choose a Current Event Essay Topic that best fits your interests.

Current events essays are common assignments given by English professors which means learning to write them is a key to passing and succeeding in English class. Writing an essay may seem like a simple assignment, but when it is due tomorrow, a blank word document and piles of books can seem paralyzing.

What You'll Learn

Current Event Essay

A current events essay is a written description of a recent situation, issue, or happening. Current events essays are often assigned by English professors as a way to teach students about the research, writing, and editing process.

Properties of Current Events Essays

Are written in standard essay format
Include in-text citations and follow a specific citation format
Summarize a recent or upcoming event known to the public

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How to choose your topic

Sometimes a current events essay assignment will provide specific instructions about what topic to write about.

Other times, students will have more flexibility in choosing a topic. Be sure to carefully review your assignment’s rubric and instructions.

If you will be choosing your own topic, make note of the following before you narrow down topic choices:

1. Do the instructions place any time constraints on your topic? In other words, does your current event have to be something that happened within the last year or can it be something that happened five years ago?

2. Does your topic need to relate to a specific industry or genre such as politics, sports, or business?

3. Are there any analytical components that are supposed to be addressed by your essay or are it purely descriptive?

How to Research Efficiently

Tackling the research process can, no doubt, feel a bit intimidating. Here are some basic steps for getting started:

1. Know how many sources you will need so that you can allow enough time to research.

2. Choose credible sources. This will depend on the instructions you are given. some professors allow business or media articles while others will only want scholarly sources.

3. Know exactly what you are looking for before you start your research. Jot down three or four main bullet points of what you will be looking for while you are researching.

Think of these points like a road map. They will guide your reading so you know what passages will be relevant to your paper.

Usually, you will be looking for information that relates to the What, Where, When, Who, Why, and How aspects of your topic.

Best Current Event Essay Topics

Politics current event essay topics.

How will Black Lives Matter affect the 2020 elections?
Should the police be defunded?
How is the Trump presidency changing international relationships?
How should the U.S. respond to cyber hacking by Russia, China, and other countries?
Should the United States raise the minimum wage for workers?
How can cities in the U.S. be better designed to create a safer and more economically productive community?
Is the U.S. economy becoming stronger or weaker?
How will COVID-19 change working in America? Around the world?
Getting “off the grid” is a current trend. What is the benefit of becoming self-sufficient? Is it worth the cost?
Does better health care for everyone make a better and stronger economy in the U.S.?
Does it make sense to give U.S. citizenship to all babies born in the United States?
Gallup polls show that Americans view Unemployment and the economy as the top problem in the United States. Does evidence suggest they are right?
What are the different sides of the current debate over immigration reform in the U.S.?
Does the United States have a good or a poor educational system compared to the rest of the world?
How important is it to reduce the Federal budget deficit?
What will be the most important issues in the next Presidential election cycle?
What is causing the increasingly high cost of healthcare in the United States?
Should the U.S. continue using drone strikes against terrorists?
How is the current U.S. drought going to affect the fire season and food supply?
Should the death penalty be outlawed throughout the U.S.?
Should the U.S. aggressively work to change towards alternative energies like solar and wind power?
What is the best way to create new jobs in the United States to get people back to work?
Is the United States responsible for keeping peace around the world? What role should the U.S. play in preventing or intervening in wars and abusive governments?
Should the United States fund college education more for people? What should be the rules for the repayment of loans?
Should the United States make it easier for educated people or people with valuable skills to immigrate to the United States?
How can the Borders of the United States be made more secure? How important is border security?
Should it be easier for people to become United States citizens?
What infrastructure projects should be the top domestic priority in the United States?
How has the high incarceration rate in the United States affected the economy? What Federal and State policies have driven up this incarceration rate?
How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected the debate about racism in the United States?

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Sports Current Event Essay Topics

Should sports teams play to empty stands rather than not play at all?
How will COVID-19 affect sports in the future?
Should college football players receive a salary or other compensation for their playing?
Should the owner of a professional team be held accountable for the comments he makes in a private conversation?
Is it worth it for a city to invest in building a bigger and better stadium for its professional sports team?
What is the value of a college sports team for a college? How does this help the college in terms of getting financial support from alumni? Attracting students? Supporting the economy of their community?
What is the difference between sports and entertainment?
How have new technologies made by watching sports different? Is the experience of watching sports better or worse than it was before?
Which is more interesting to watch, college or professional sports?
What sports should be taken out or added to the Olympic games?
Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports? What should be the rules about these drugs? Should athletes who used them in the past before they were outlawed be prevented from being entered into Hall of Fame?
Is racism in sports a problem?
Should athletes protest racism in America by not participating in the National Anthem or Pledge of Allegiance?
Is participating in organized sports a good or bad idea for young people?
Is it better for young people to specialize in one sport from a young age? Or should they try a variety of sports?
Choose your favorite sport. What is the best way for coaches to identify the best talent in their specific sport? Are there better ways to pick a team?
How much of a role do parents play in developing top talent in their children? What is the best way parents can help develop their children’s sports career? What are the worst mistakes parents make?
Can fan-owned teams solve sports problems?

World Issues Current Event Essay Topics

How will COVID-19 change the world economy?
Is WHO and organization that provides the information we can trust?
Is the International Space Station a good way to bridge differences between nations, or is it vulnerable to become a political tool?
Are we heading towards a 3rd World War?
Is N.A.T.O. and an effective organization?
How can the International Community prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons? How important is it that Iran not be allowed nuclear weaponry?
What is the effect on Africa on the fact that many children have been forced to be soldiers?
Is the EU going to survive the current economic problems countries have been having? Should the EU nations separate their economies?
Is violence along the border of Mexico getting better?
How can ethnic killings be stopped in Sudan?
Is China easing up in restrictions for Religion or not? Are human rights better or worse in China than in the past?
Should women’s issues be more important in international affairs?
Is China about to overtake the United States economically?
What is the effect of piracy on the stability of world commerce? How important is it to stop African pirates?
Is there a better way to fight the war against drugs internationally?
Is China starting to deal with their pollution problem?
How has social media helped positively influence the world?
Is India a poor nation or an emerging superpower?
How can we stop the world population from reaching 9 billion in 2050? Is it important to work to limit world population growth?
Should the world follow Bhutan’s development model?
How healthy is the Indian Judicial System?
Why do African nations have so many civil wars?
Has foreign aid hurt Africa more than helping it?
How has the influence of western media hurt underdeveloped nations?
Does Colonialism still affect the nations that were colonized? Pick a nation and explain the continuing problems in that nation due to the history of being colonized.

Health and Medicine Current Event EssayTopics

What can we do to better prepare ourselves for pandemics in the future?
What are the lessons the medical community will learn from COVID-19?
Are E-Cigarettes less harmful than smoking?
Why do people oppose the Affordable Care Act?
Does spending time on media cause children to have mental health problems?
How is the job of frontline health workers like pharmacists, nurses, and doctors going to change?
Is it possible to get AIDS infection rates to zero?
What is preventing the world from eradicating polio?
How are new technologies changing health care?
What are the current trends in research about helping people break out of addictive behaviors?
Traditional Chinese Medicine birth practices like eating the placenta (which in Western countries is usually encapsulated by being steamed dried and ground into pills) are becoming popular among some celebrities. What is the benefit of this practice? Is there any scientific evidence it works?
Does making a city a “no smoking zone” really benefit health? Does it stop people from smoking, or help them quit? Does it result in fewer smokers in that city?
What is the best diet for people with heart disease in their family history?
The length of the average life continues to increase. What does current research say about the best lifestyle for someone who wants to live to be 100?
Research is finding that what we think a medicine or food will do sometimes affects the way our body reacts. What is the evidence that our mind controls our body?
Current health food trends include eating “superfoods” or going “gluten-free.” Take a current food trend and investigate the scientific evidence that this helps people have better health.
What is the benefit of taking a daily low dose of Aspirin for older people?

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Media and Entertainment Current Event Essay Topics

How has Twitter changed Entertainment news? What are the most recent scandals made bigger because of Tweets?
Is it inevitable that teenage stars eventually turn to drugs, alcohol, or other destructive behavior?
Are female stars fighting back effectively against being judged by their looks, and especially by their weight?
Which celebrity does the best job of seeming to be authentic? Is there a celebrity who seems to be as nice as they appear? How can fans know?
How have shows like “Project Runway” influenced fashion? Have they motivated people to become more creative and personal in what they wear?
In what way does the attention of the media on religious figures like The Pope affect the way they behave?
Are the recent Christian movies helping win the culture wars?
Why are cooking shows like “Chopped” popular?
What is the best recent film adapted from a novel?
What are the best movies in the current year? Do the Academy Awards winners reflect the very best movies?
Is recap culture hurting television?
Recently, scripts from pro-wrestling have been released showing that the storyline is written even though the wrestling is improved. Analyze how pro-wrestling is similar to other forms of live or taped entertainment.
Which current actors from Bollywood or other film industry outside of the U.S. seem most likely to make it big in Hollywood?
Does getting involved in a scandal hurt or help a celebrity’s career?
Does being on American Idol, The Voice or other singing contest help an artist’s career? Do winners do better than other contestants?
Pick one of the current Reality T.V. shows to investigate. How “Real” are these shows? What is done for entertainment value more than for depicting real life? Do these shows hurt or help the people on them?

Controversial Issues Current Event Essay Topics

Affirmative Action
Alternative medicine
America’s global influence
Artificial intelligence
Assisted suicide
Bilingual education
Capital punishment
Charter schools
Childhood obesity
Civil rights
Climate change
Cryptocurrency
Cyber bullying
Drug legalization
Eating disorders
Factory farming
Foreign aid
Freedom of speech
Genetic engineering
Health insurance
Immigration
Labor unions
Minimum wage
Nuclear energy
Organic food
Offshore drilling
Outsourcing
Racial profiling
Reparations
Screen addiction
Self-driving cars
Sex education
Smart speakers
Social security
Standardized testing
Urban agriculture
Violence in the media
Women’s rights
Zero tolerance policies

Current Event Essay Example

The negative social impacts of “tomorrowland music festival” essay.

“Tomorrowland” is among the biggest global music events that were first launched in 2005. Despite the benefits of this festival for the local community, such as increased economic activity and employment, “Tomorrowland” has also been criticized for the presence of drugs on-site, the issues with cleaning up the location after the festival, local community’s quality of life, and noise pollution.

According to Turner (2017), during events such as Tomorrowland, “police generally occupy a low-key role at festivals with a focus on the seizure of drugs, rather than arrests” (241). Hence, the youth attending this event is exposed to drugs and seeing people around them be under the influence.

Another issue with Tomorrowland is the effect that this festival has on the local community. According to Pavluković et al. (2018), the governments and organizers of festivals usually cite the economic benefits of these events but fail to acknowledge the discomfort the locals feel. An obvious environmental impact is trash left behind by the visitors, which requires the administration of the festival to invest in clearing the site after “Tomorrowland” is over.

Adbulredha et al. (2017) argue that major music festivals generate substantial quantities of solid waste, an estimated “0.89 kg per guest” (p. 388). This problem affects the environment negatively since this waste includes non-recyclable objects or items that need to be collected and send for recycling.

Finally, noise pollution due to the powerful sound systems used by “Tomorrowland’s” performers, which can affect the hearing of the people attending the festival and cause discomfort to the community members, is also a problem.

Overall, although “Tomorrowland” is an important cultural event that has multiple benefits, it also endangers the youth and the environment and causes discomfort for the locals.

Abdulredha, M., Al Khaddar, R., Jordan, D., Kot, P., Abdulridha, A., & Hashim, K. (2018). Estimating solid waste generation by hospitality industry during major festivals: A quantification model based on multiple regression. Waste Management, 77 , 388-400. Web.

Pavluković V., Armenski T., Alcántara-Pilar J.M. (2019) The impact of music festivals on local communities and their quality of life: Comparation of Serbia and Hungary. In A. Campón-Cerro A., J. Hernández-Mogollón, & J. Folgado-Fernández (Eds.), Best practices in hospitality and tourism marketing and management. Applying quality of life research (pp. 217-237). Springer.

Turner, T. (2017). Space, drugs and Disneyfication. An Ethnography of British youth in Ibiza. [Doctoral dissertation, Coventry University]. CURVE.

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Related FAQs

1. what are the components of a current events essay.

A well-written, “current events essay” has four main components: Research: Make sure that you’re getting your news from a reputable source. Online news sources like Google News and any national news syndication Web site are good, convenient sources from which to gather reputable information and compile research data.

2. How to write a narrative discussion analysis article about current events?

The eply a narrative discussion analysis article, Current Event, include: (1)’s significance, relevance, relationship PUBLIC ADMINISTATION, (2) student’s opinion article’s public administration issue / problem, (3) supported (4) -text reference citations pages text 300 words.

3. How to write an essay about a recent event?

Select a recent article. Your task is to write about a current event; therefore, you have to choose the material that is one or two days old, maximum, one week old. The topic must be appropriate.

4. How to write a summary for a current event assignment?

Choose an article that is fresh since the assignment is to write about a current event. In addition, choose an article on the correct topic and make sure that the article gives enough information. Prepare to write the summary by reading the entire article.

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Tips for writing an Excellent Current Events Essay or Research Paper

Let's face it, writing a current events essay can be challenging if you are not adequately prepared. It is a laborious process, especially if you are to select a current event issue, formulate a topic, plan, write, and polish your essay within a tight deadline.

The bitter truth is that no professor will teach you how to write one. Well, at least not as deep as our detailed guide here will do in the next less than a quarter an hour of your time. Yet it is an assignment assigned at grades 6-8, high school, college, university, and sometimes even at Ph.D. levels.

In most cases, your role is to present points or concrete arguments about the event in question. In essence, you need to plan, research, and engage your best writing, critical thinking, and creativity skills. Good analysis, organization, and presentation are necessary more like when writing a synthesis essay or expository essay .

With all that in mind, let's find the way out. You can read this article and scoop some ideas on the elements that make a good current events paper, even if you are writing it for the first time.

What is a current events essay?

A current events essay describes a recent issue, situation, phenomenon, or happening that is interesting, drawing the attention of many people, shocking, or fascinating. In some cases, current event essays describe an event that is yet to happen. It helps relate what you have learned in class to the real-world situations that occur around you. Most current event essays are five-paragraph essays.

In a current events essay, you are to address the historical context, current state, and the potential short- and long-term effects of a given aspect of a current issue or phenomenon that has a global impact. In most cases, the topics will relate to concepts from the law, politics, international relations, technology, science, sociology, medicine and health, and other controversial societal issues. You will take a current event or issue and present it in its context.

It is a common assignment for students taking English writing classes, which is meant to assess writing, editing, and research skills. It also informs students about important occurrences across the world.

When writing one, you are to reflect on and form opinions about social justice and also learn how to spot publication bias. And as you write it, you get to hone your reading comprehension, summary, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

As well, writing an essay on current events helps you to develop your argumentative and persuasive skills.

Now that we know what a current events essay or the paper is let's explore the various steps you should take to write one successfully.

Steps to Write a Current Events Essay

Before everything else, let us show you the steps you need to follow when writing a current events essay. Although there is no one single proven way to approach such an essay better, these steps can help you avoid writer's block and write a current events essay that becomes your teacher's favorite. To write a current events essay, follow these steps:

1. Select a topic you find interesting

Although some professors or educators provide specific instructions about what topic to choose or write about, others leave it up to you (the student) to choose one. When allowed the flexibility of selecting a current events essay topic, you need to be very careful.

Check whether the instructions have specific time constraints on the topic you are to select. For instance, the instructions could stress that you focus on current events within the last year, one month, or five years.

You must also check whether your topic relates to a specific area, field, or industry. For example, understand whether it relates to education, banking, investments, technology, sports, business, religion, discrimination, gender, or politics.

Finally, check whether you need to choose a topic with some analytical aspects. This step should help you choose a topic that will not end up with a descriptive tone.

To choose a fit essay topic , you can focus on your notes, ask for insights from classmates and peers, or consult with your teacher. And as you select a topic, remember to choose one that is interesting, easy to find information about, and one you can write a complete 5-10 page essay on.

Suppose you are unsure and cannot get enough help from your teacher. In that case, you can engage an essay writing service for topic selection and further guidance.

2. Choose a reputable news source and select an article

Some of the good places to find topics and articles for a current events essay include New ELA, NY Times , National News, Local news websites, Sports News, The Atlantic , BBC News , Daily Mail, The Economist, The Guardian, Investopedia, Forbes, TIME Magazine, The Harvard Business Review, National Public Radio (NPR), CNN News , USA Today, The Wall Street Journal , The Washington Post , and other credible news outlets.

The source you select should be reliable, reputable, and credible. It should write well-researched, verified, and trustworthy news. After finding the source, research a fresh article as you write about a current event. Besides, choose an article on the correct topic and ensure it has the right information for your current events paper.

If you are writing a current events paper for a politics class, use the section of the major newspapers that deals with political matters. In the same way, if you are writing on science topics, target the science and technology section of the newspaper for appropriate articles.

Consider choosing from scholarly sources such as empirical journal articles, scholarly books, government documents, or peer-reviewed articles.

3. Read the selected article and take notes

After you have selected the article, read through it severally. In the first few instances, skim through the article to have a rough idea of its contents, then subsequently read as you take notes.

When reading, highlight the critical points within the article. If you are unsure of some vocabulary in the article, use a dictionary and note the contextual meaning of the words.

You should then use the highlighted notes to identify the 5 Ws: who, what, where, when, why, and how. Answer briefly the questions below:

What happened?
Where did it happen?
When did it happen?
Who was involved?
Why did it happen?
How did it happen?

Determining these aspects helps you develop an angle of analysis, develop lead sentences, craft a strong thesis statement , and develop claims and arguments necessary for your current events paper. You can also document your thoughts about the article and its content.

4. Develop a thesis statement and hook for your essay

With the notes, you can develop a thesis statement and choose a good hook for your essay . A current events essay needs to be captivating, which means supporting the main arguments with credible evidence. Therefore, develop a strong thesis that each body paragraph will support using evidence.

If you are writing a current events essay on human trafficking during COVID-19, you can use the hook and thesis below:

Hook: In a study by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) , it emerged that the COVID-19 pandemic had had a devastating impact on the victims and survivors of human trafficking, with an increased targeting and exploitation of children and women.

Thesis Statement: It is time for world leaders, investigative agencies, and law enforcement agencies to come together and develop a platform that would curb human trafficking, especially during challenging times such as pandemics and natural disasters.

5. Select the sources you are going to use to support the thesis

Research is the most critical yet intimidating part of writing any paper. However, to set yourself up in the right direction, consider doing this:

Understand the number of sources you are to use to determine the scope of your research
Choose credible sources. This primarily depends on the instructions. Some professors and teachers will allow you to use media and business articles. At the same time, some will only accept essays written with scholarly sources.
Know the scope of your research or paper before commencing research. Try to write down the main points that you will use to support the thesis then research.

These are blueprints for your research as you seek to expound on the 5Ws and H of your current events essay paper.

The sources should help you fortify your position. Find and quote from experts, public figures, and scholars in the field.

When researching, look for relevant passages. Then, skim and read the documents with the 5Ws and H in your mind. If a section has ideas, consider them and highlight the significant points. You can also use the organizing tools to organize ideas from the sources.

6. Create an outline

A current events essay follows the five-paragraph essay format:

Introduction

Body paragraphs

The body section is where the rubber meets the road as you provide evidence to support the thesis. For example, you can use subheadings in the body corresponding to the 5Ws and H.

Below is a breakdown of what should go where:

What is the event?
What happened or is yet to happen?
What are the consequences?
Which media has covered the event, and when did it do so?

The answers to these questions should be brief. Your current events essay introduction aims to give the reader insight into the event. Brevity helps you to sound reliable, knowledgeable, and engaging. The introduction should not exceed five to six sentences in most cases unless it is a very long essay.

Body Paragraph 1

Give a history of the event
What factors led to the event, and who was involved

Body Paragraph 2

Explain the two sides people can take regarding the event (one side agrees, the other disagrees)- give adequate reasons.

Body Paragraph 3

Explain the significance of the event
As yourself, "who will the event impact?"
What will happen?
What roles do the people involve play?
What can be done to change things, and by who?
Summarize the crucial details of your essay
Discuss the possibility of bias in the article
Reflect on how bias informs you of the way the article was created
Tell your readers why the event is significant enough to cover in an essay.

Works Cited Page

List of the sources used in the essay

7. Write the first draft

It is now time to make the outline count with the outline completely. Then, you can start organizing your research and developing ideas in your essay. We advise that you begin by writing the body paragraphs, then the introduction, finally winds up with the conclusion. We are of the opinion that writing the introduction last ensures that it is excellent, composed, and consistent.

Regardless of the process, even if you begin writing chronologically (from introduction to conclusion), only focus on writing and not perfection when developing the first draft.

Select from the important passages you read evidence that support your thesis. Paraphrase, quote, and summarize from the sources, then provide an appropriate citation. Write the respective headings, subheadings, and paragraphs, and use transitions to maintain a good flow.

Your first draft should be rough, which means writing and not editing. Then, when writing the conclusion , it should be a recap of your essay. It should have a rephrased thesis and some important points of your research.

To avoid writer's block, ensure you systematically complete the paper when you have the will and zeal to write. Do not wait until later. Instead, plan your essay and complete it in phases before the deadline.

8. Proofread and edit the essay

With everything completed, it is time to refine the first draft and turn it into a final draft. First, edit your essay for the flow of ideas and sentence structure. Check whether there are ambiguous sentences, run-on sentences, or sentences that don�t make sense and are correct. If essay phrases have been misplaced, replace them with the best ones.

Proceed to proofread your essay for spelling and grammar errors. To conclude the polishing process, countercheck the sources cited in your essay. Check if the citations are done per the preferred format and that sources used in the in-text citations appear in your list of references in the correct format.

If possible, have another person read your essay. Trust our online proofreaders to read your essay, highlight mistakes, and make necessary corrections. You will get a smart paper that explains the significance of these changes. Your essay sells ideas to your professor or markers and anticipates the best Grade.

Tips when writing a current events paper

Use the following tips to perfect your current events essay.

1. Always read, understand, and analyze the essay question or the essay prompt

Check the limiting terms that define the scope of the topic, the content terms specific to the task, and the directive terms that define what your essay will be about. Directive terms include discussing, evaluating, comparing, illustrating, or exploring.

2. Define your arguments as you plan to write the essay

Ensure you have claim statements , thesis statements, and good hooks related to the main topic. Make an informed opinion, position, or point of view on the topic.

3. Use evidence, reasoning, and scholarship.

Evidence should offer data and facts to support your claim. It could be statistics, examples, quotations, and facts. Reasoning helps connect the evidence to your main argument. You will have to use reason when evaluating the evidence to show how it fits in the context of your paper. The scholarship aspect helps show how your arguments relate to what you have cited.

4. Ensure that your essay has an excellent organization

Use good essay hooks and thesis statements, and write befitting background information in your introduction. Next, organize the body paragraphs using different paragraphing techniques for a good flow. Finally, let your conclusion leave the readers yearning for more from you. It should show how the topic fits a broader context of your discipline, the significance of your findings, and factors you have covered that might interest your readers.

5. Have an essay plan

An essay plan will help you avoid writer's block. It will also help break down the writing process's parts, making it easier to concentrate, focus, and achieve more.

6. Have an essay checklist to help you refine and polish the paper

Develop the checklist from the rubric or marking scheme if one is provided. If not provided, consider some factors for a successful essay and mark your paper against the checklist.

7. Cite sources and evidence in your essay

Check whether each of the in-text citations is done as per the requirements. Equally, ensure that your list of references is up-to-date and formatted correctly in MLA, APA , Chicago, or Harvard formats.

8. Do not plagiarize

Ensure that every piece of information you use is well-cited. Acknowledge others for their credible information as you use their evidence, findings, and data to write your essay. This also means referring to verified sources such as authoritative newspapers, government journals, company data, images, and scholarly articles.

9. Be impartial

When writing, describe an event objectively without taking a subjective position. Look at the causes, factors, and other background details of the event that are not accessible. Choose not to guess or misrepresent ideas. Instead, analyze the chosen issue or event critically. And if you are writing about an event yet to occur, write what is expected based on evidence. Make good predictions and offer rationale or justifications to support your arguments. Your current event essay must be objective, convincing, informative, and educative.

These current essay tips can be the only determinant for getting the best Grade off your current events essay. Perfect and polish your writing, reading and comprehension, analytical, and organization skills because that is what is being tested. Avoid using complicated vocabulary. Instead, focus on the simplicity required in scholarly writing.

Current Event Topics

We have brainstormed, researched, and developed various current event essay topics you can choose and write about. Alternatively, these topics can be a great starting point for brainstorming and developing an appropriate topic.

How Twitter is a significant political tool
The USA uses drone strikes to attack terrorists; how accurate is the move?
Causes of the high cost of healthcare in the USA
Shortage of nurses and healthcare workers in the USA
Wildfires in Australia
Is the WHO trustworthy?
Is Big Pharma taking us around with COVID-19 vaccines?
Controversies about green energy
Ballooning student loans in the USA
Is social media to blame for rising teenage suicides?
Is TikTok better than Google?
Trump's presidency and international relations
Afghan women's rights under Taliban 2.0
The Black Lives Matter Movement in America
How COVID-19 changed the global politics
Are mandatory vaccination laws legal?
Should the USA reduce its strictness to illegal immigrants considering its built on the same workforce?
Should children above 15 years be allowed to vote?
Should the government be representative?
Should developed nations stop funding corrupt developing countries?
Should rich people be exposed?
Do rich people control the world
Are wars a tool to thwart developing nations?
The war in Syria is a creation of selfish leaders
Why America and Russia are not on good terms
Should North Korea stop nuclear weapons manufacturing?
Relationship between North Korea and the USA
The impacts of COVID-19 on the Tokyo Olympic
Eliud Kipchoge's 1:59 marathon Record
Should NFTs be banned?
Is Blockchain the next big thing for the world?
Nations should negotiate with North Korea
Causes of global hunger and poverty
Is NATO an effective organization
Did COVID-19 change the global healthcare system?
Is it possible that we are headed for a third world war?
Is China an observer of human rights?
Is China the new world's superpower?
China is the world's kitchen, a chief polluter
Is the Indian Judicial system better?
Foreign aid has hurt Africa for ages
African leaders are mainly corrupt, and dictators
Should Africa be recolonized
Is China using loans and foreign aid to recolonize Africa?
Is cycling better than football?
Covid-19 and the Olympic games
How covid-19 has affected sports
Should euthanasia be legalized
The endless destruction of Amazon and what governments are doing
Sex work should be legalized
Women's rights in Afghanistan
Mental healthcare for the LGBTQ people
How COVID-19 Exposed the Flaws of America's Private Health Insurance System
Why should Korea not forgive Japan for its past war crimes?
Did History Repeat Itself in Afghanistan?
The Afghanistan-Taliban scandal
Is Dubai a hub for international organized financial crimes?
Social isolation of prisoners during covid-19?
Was the media skewed in telling lies during the pandemic?
The no-mask mandate in England
Why is it time to lift COVID-19 restrictions?
Mandatory vaccinations and global travel
Was the alarm around COVID-19 necessary?
Housing shortage in China
Gender reveal parties are a waste of time
Is democracy doing any good?
Social distancing distanced people all over the world
Vaccine equality
Science and lies during the covid-19
Politics behind climate change
Fascism in the contemporary society
Can Trump make it back in 2024?
Covid-19 and property pricing in New York
Media censorship and oppression
The media only sings the tunes of the rich
Effects of covid-19 on financial stabilities of families
Being a Muslim in China
Are electronics the ultimate weapons?
Are the media houses making us more divisive through the news?
The third hand in Myanmar chaos
Africa and its ballooning foreign debts
Why do African countries store their money abroad?
Immigration and covid-19
Access to food and water during the pandemic
Should TikTok be banned?
Is TikTok a tool that has enabled LGBTQ people to come out?
Is universal basic income attainable?
Are trade unions any better in contemporary society?
Who runs the world?
Role of the New Silk Road from China to Pakistan
Justice in a divided country
Is Kim Jong-Un displaying his insecurity by flexing his nuclear muscles?
Is Trump among the best Presidents the USA has ever had?
Is Medical marijuana a promise for terminally ill patients?
Can medical marijuana be used to manage COVID-19 symptoms?
Deepwater Horizon Explosion and the environment
Walmart and gun ordinances
Consumer behavior in the age of social media
Nissan's CEO a wanted man
The latest breakthroughs in Fusion power
Elizabeth Holmes and her Theranos ideas
Is Next-Gen Graphics the next big thing?
Using CRISPR to reverse blindness
Silicon valley's greatest disaster
Thorium as the future of energy
Apple's M1 Chip as a game-changer
Rise of bank fraud
Ponzi schemes in the 21 st Century
The rise and fall of HTC
Humanoid robots and the future

List of Current Events to Write About

We have listed elsewhere social issues that you can also look into as possible topics and titles for your current event essay. Apart from those, here are suggestions of recent events that you can check and pick an appropriate topic. First, focus on what is in the news pertaining to these areas, then choose your angle of analysis.

Airline travel
Artificial intelligence
Assisted suicide
Bilingual education
Black lives matter
Blockchain technology
Border Security
Capital punishment
Charter schools
Childhood obesity
Citizen scientists
Civil rights
The civil war in Ethiopia
Climate change
Concussions and injuries in football
Cyberbullying
Cyber security
Cybersecurity
Digital divide
Drug trafficking
Early childhood development
Early voting
Electric vehicles
Electronic voting
Environmental laws
Ethiopian Grand Renaissance Dam
Executive order
Factory farming
Food security
Fast food advertisements
Flint water issues
Foreign aid
Freedom of speech
Genetic engineering
Gerrymandering
Green energy
Green New Deal
Global Recession
Hate crimes
Hate speech
Health insurance
Healthcare access
Heart diseases among footballers
Human trafficking
Immigration
Investigative journalism
Israel-Palestinian relations
Land ownership
Land use and management
Lead and copper rule
Lead toxicity
Machine learning
Me Too movement
Minimum wage
Misinformation
Money laundering
National elections
Natural disasters (Tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, flooding, snowing, storms, etc.)
Net neutrality
Nuclear energy
Offshore drilling
Online anonymity
Organic food
Organized crimes
Outsourcing
Police reforms
Police shootings
Poor governance
Racial profiling by law enforcement
Russian hacking
Scientific Research
Self-driving cars
Sex education
Shale gas exploration
Slacktivism
Smart devices
Social security
Space exploration
Stimulus packages
Supreme Court
Taliban and Afghanistan
Trade tariffs
Transgender rights
Transnational crimes
Ukraine and Russia
Voter fraud
Voting laws
Water resources
Water rights
Water supply regulation
White nationalism
White privilege
Women's rights
World cycling tours
Zero tolerance policies

Final Remarks

Now you understand how to write and what to include in a current events paper. We hope you are inspired to write one on your own following the steps, structure, and examples outlined above.

Related Read: Titling an article in an essay.

Although this guide is the surest way to write a quality paper, you can always look at samples of current event papers written in the past. You can also consult with peers and professors for the best ideas. Finally, you can choose from our list of topics and develop further ideas from our list of current events.

If you are not satisfied or confident with your research and writing skills, you are welcome to seek the help of our essay writing experts . We offer 24/7 professional support that can help you when stuck. Do not hesitate to contact us and ask us to write your current events paper.

Gradecrest is a professional writing service that provides original model papers. We offer personalized services along with research materials for assistance purposes only. All the materials from our website should be used with proper references. See our Terms of Use Page for proper details.

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Research Topic Ideas

Picking a Topic
Area & Interdisciplinary Studies
Behavioral & Social Sciences
Business, Economics, & Management

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Controversial issues and current events, flint water crisis.

Education & Social Work
Health Sciences
Natural and Physical Sciences

Look at the "Picking a Topic" tab on this guide for help brainstorming your topic. Also, our Research Process guide can help you throughout your research process.

Research Process by Liz Svoboda Last Updated Mar 1, 2024 6815 views this year
Affirmative Action
Affordable Care Act
Alternative medicine
America's global influence
Artificial intelligence
Assisted suicide
Bilingual education
Black Lives Matter
Border security
Capital punishment
Charter schools
Childhood obesity
Civil rights
Climate change
Concussions in football
COVID restrictions
Cryptocurrency
Cyber bullying
Cybersecurity
Drug legalization
Early voting
Eating disorders
Equal Rights Amendment
Executive order
Factory farming
Foreign aid
Freedom of speech
General Data Protection Regulation
Genetic engineering
Gerrymandering
Green New Deal
Hate speech
Health insurance
Human trafficking
Immigration
Israel-Palestine relations
Judicial activism
Labor unions
Land acknowledgments
#MeToo movement
Minimum wage
Misinformation
Net neutrality
Nuclear energy
Offshore drilling
Online anonymity
Organic food
Outsourcing
Police reform
Political activism
Prescription drug addiction
Racial profiling
Reparations
Russian hacking
Sanctuary city
Screen addiction
Self-driving cars
Sex education
Smart speakers
Social Security reform
Standardized testing
Stimulus packages
Supreme Court confirmation
Syrian civil war
Title IX enforcement
Trade tariffs
Transgender rights
Ukraine and Russia
Urban agriculture
Vaccination mandates
Violence in the media
Voter ID laws
Voting fraud and security
White nationalism
Women's rights
Zero tolerance policies

Related suggested databases

Covers contemporary social issues with pro & con and background information. Also allows searching of the collection Global Issues.

Covers contemporary social issues, from Offshore Drilling to Climate Change, Health Care to Immigration. Helps students research, analyze and organize a broad variety of data for conducting research, completing writing assignments, preparing for debates, creating presentations, and more. This resource helps students explore issues from all perspectives, and includes: pro/con viewpoint essays, topic overviews, primary source documents, biographies of social activists and reformers, court-case overviews, periodical articles, statistical tables, charts and graphs, images and a link to Google Image Search, podcasts (including weekly presidential addresses and premier NPR programs), and a national and state curriculum standards search correlated to the content that allows educators to quickly identify material by grade and discipline. Keyword(s): United States

In-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.

1923-present. Each single-themed, 12,000-word report is researched and written by a seasoned journalist, and contains an introductory overview; background and chronology on the topic; an assessment of the current situation; tables and maps; pro & con statements from representatives of opposing positions; and bibliographies of key sources.

Balanced, accurate discussions of over 250 controversial topics in the news along with chronologies, illustrations, maps, tables, sidebars, contact info, and bibliographies, including primary source documents and news editorials.

Covers 1995-present. A Read Aloud button is available for text-to-speech for much of the content.

Series of short books that offer a balanced and authoritative treatment of current events and countries of the world.

What Everyone Needs to Know has short overviews designed to offer a balanced and authoritative treatment on complex current events and countries of the world. Includes books in these areas:

Arts & Humanities
Medicine & Health
Science & Mathematics
Social Sciences
Art as commentary
Early childhood development
Citizen scientists
Emergency manager law
Environmental health
Government regulations
Health care access
Infrastructure
Investigative journalism
Lead and Copper Rule
Lead toxicity
Volunteerism
Water filtration
Water Resource Development Act (S.2848)
Water rights
Water supply policy
Water supply regulation

Related subject guide

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Last Updated: Mar 1, 2024 1:06 PM
URL: https://libguides.umflint.edu/topics

15 Essays To Read Again in 2022

A list of our staff’s favorite essays from the past year that they did not commission themselves, or that they think cover a topic that deserves a second look.

As we prepare for 2022, we wanted to share with you a list of our staff’s favorite essays from the past year that they did NOT commission themselves or that they think cover a topic that deserves a second look.

Why I Stopped Writing About Syria, by Asser Khattab

Riada Asimovic Akyol, Contributing Editor

Among so many informative, eloquent pieces published in New Lines this year, this one I think I will actually never forget. It hit so many buttons and allowed so many people to be seen like never before. I caught myself nodding so many times while reading it, and I know a lot of people from the Balkans could understand what Asser was sharing. Others could learn with humility. The way he wrote about growing up “surrounded by people who have never experienced the joy of peaceful tranquility,” thinking that was the normal , and both the vulnerability and confidence with which he wrote about different challenges, as well as his human and professional yearnings and aspirations, were powerful and inspiring. Many conversations in open, and behind closed doors, will from now on be held, with employers, between employees, among friends, across the borders thanks to Asser’s piece. I am thankful for New Lines for publishing it.

How Arabs Have Failed Their Language, by Hossam Abouzahr

Kevin Blankinship, Contributing Editor

After the requisite boilerplate about how hard it is to choose favorites, about how every essay adds something to knowledge, etc., let me say that his is the piece I liked most from 2021. The reason is that it surprised me. It surprised me not because it was new to me: As an Arabic professor, I’ve heard who knows how many catfights about “diglossia,” namely high versus low (colloquial) varieties of Greek, Chinese, Serbian and other languages. What surprised me was how fresh the wounds are. For a quarrel looping back a thousand years, when Arab linguists tried to check “pollution” from non-native speakers, especially Persians, by setting up rules of grammar, I was stunned to see how much it agitates today. Abouzahr’s essay came out and so did the partisans. Formal Arabic is the Arabic of Islam, some said: the Arabic of the Qur’an, of classical poetry. But, said others, colloquial Arabic is the Arabic of hearth and home, of jokes and secrets, of friendship. Could it not, I thought as I watched the skirmish, be both? In the spirit of Christmas, isn’t there room for all the Arabics at the inn? A naïve thought that softens the majesty, the Whitman-like container of multitudes and, what’s more, one that misses how real language is used by real people and how it can’t be everything to everyone. Oh, well, let the fight go on, then.

The ISIS War Crime Iraqi Turkmen Won’t Talk About, by Hollie McKay

Courtney Dobson, Senior Editor

In this essay, Hollie McKay reports on women in Iraq who have been “disappeared” by the Islamic State group, the group’s use of rape as a weapon of war and how minority communities struggle to heal and come to terms with the stigma associated with sexual violence. It is a haunting piece, but McKay masterfully conveys the anguish and pain that comes with sexual violence, not just for the victim, but also for their loved ones trying to help. “Through the gap in the door flap,” McKay writes, “I noticed that scores of men and boys had lined up outside, maintaining a respectful distance from the distraught women but with curiosity etched into their sun-kissed faces. They wanted to be involved somehow, to be part of the healing process, to remind us that men were not the enemy — twisted men were the enemy. These were the fathers and brothers and sons, the nephews and neighbors.” McKay’s essay resonates for communicating the universal need for support, connection and justice, while also laying bare why these don’t come easily. Published a few months after New Lines launched, this essay left a deep impression on me.

How I Escaped China’s War on Uyghurs, by Tahir Hamut Izgil

Rasha Elass, Editorial Director

When we launched New Lines we wanted to cover themes and stories from beyond the geographic Middle East. The oppression of the Uyghurs in China struck me as an underreported story in mainstream media because it hardly featured first-person voices from the Uyghur community. So I got to work and found Tahir Hamut Izgil, a Uyghur poet who tells a story with moving prose and nuance. His essay about the chilling effect of a document that the Chinese authorities require members of the Uyghur community to fill out is both simple and profound, capturing a Kafkaesque reality that is often lost in the daily coverage of foreign affairs. Months after we translated and published Izgil’s essay, other media outlets followed suit. To us this is a triumph, evidence that we are already creating new lines in international reporting.

F ull essay

A Castle in the Air: Trekking the Secret Mountain Paths of Yemen, by Tim Mackintosh-Smith

Anthony Elghossain, Contributing Editor

Mountain men tell their stories. In Yemen, some folks speak of “an ancient city” atop a mountain. “What,” asks Tim Mackintosh-Smith after hearing them, “is really at the top of Jabal Balq?” To answer this question, he quests through myth, memory and the mind for a “castle in the air.” Is it a place? Maybe. Is it a journey? Yes. Having always gotten along with and been fascinated by folks in the mountains and hills, I was interested in reading this piece as soon as it was in our pipeline. And I loved how our writer came back for some “unfinished business.” Writing is about the quest. So, too, is life. Our writer captured those truths in this piece.

After America: Inside the Taliban’s New Emirate, by Fazelminallah Qazizai

Hassan Hassan, Editor in Chief

My choice of a favorite essay is to illustrate part of why we established New Lines in the first place. It was a dispatch by Fazelminallah Qazizai from a Taliban-held area, published four months before the Taliban would take over the country as fast as their trucks could drive through towns and provinces. If you read that story, nothing about what happened in the summer would come as a shock to you. After the Taliban’s takeover, it was easy for journalists to go through their old notes and write compelling stories about what they had witnessed in the months and years before, to make sense of what unfolded. It is harder to do that before the event, and Qazazai did just that. He also did it really well. The piece should be a template in how dispatches should be done. Qazazai was not parachuted into the country to come back with a piece from there. He is an Afghan journalist who actually knows the terrain, the society and history, and who goes to a Taliban area and eloquently captures and reconstructs the situation there.

The Key to Understanding Iran Is Poetry, by Muhammad Ali Mojaradi

Tam Hussein, Contributing Editor

Muhammad Ali Mojaradi in his essay is right: The key to understanding Iran is poetry. In Shiraz and Isfahan you see beggars recite Hafez and children hawking for money with birds picking couplets from small envelopes trying to tell your fortune. Perhaps it’s just Frank Miller’s “300” or the politics of the region that makes its peoples appear to have a culture built on hate and cruelty. But that is far from the truth. It has ambiguity built in, abundant variations on love, mysticism and much, much more. It just gave me an appreciation as to how all-encompassing Persianate culture is, including Iran, central Asia, Afghanistan and the subcontinent.

The Wandering Alawite, by Adnan Younes

Faysal Itani, Associate Editor

This was, as far as I’m aware, the best if not the only piece by a constituent of Syria’s mass murderer about his and his coreligionists’ implication in Bashar al-Assad’s crimes. I think it took tremendous intellectual courage to reflect on what drew Syria’s Alawites to support this regime, but it also posed an uncomfortable challenge to readers who understandably deplore any and all support for the war criminal Assad. It was difficult to write and difficult to read, because of its ability to humanize and contextualize horrible choices by Assad’s supporters and detractors alike. It was a tragic story in the most literal and compelling way.

A Multigenerational American Story of Immigration and Return, by Rasha Elass

Ola Salem, Managing Editor

A topic we often visit at New Lines is identity. Over the past year, we’ve run a number of first-person pieces looking at how environment and ancestry have shaped writers’ identity and how the answer is usually far more complex than a quick answer to the question, “Where are you from?” One story I found to be particularly fascinating was Rasha Elass’s piece in which she wrote about her Syrian great-grandfather who moved to America, carved a life for himself and later created a family of his own, only later to uproot his children and move back to Syria and face an attack from the French.

Gone to Waste: the ‘CVE’ Industry After 9/11, by Lydia Wilson

Chris Sands, South Asia Editor

The legacy of 9/11 has dominated my life and career. As a journalist for local newspapers in the U.K. in the weeks and months after the attacks, I saw and heard the racist backlash against British Muslims. Later, as a young reporter in the Middle East, I witnessed the daily indignities Palestinians suffer under Israeli occupation. But it was while living in Afghanistan for almost a decade that I came to understand the true folly of the countering violent extremism industry — a money-making enterprise perpetuated by governments, international NGOs and private companies in the guise of curbing Islamic militancy. Lydia Wilson’s article brilliantly details how this house of cards was built to ignore the social ills and legitimate political grievances that lie at the root of what was once called the “war on terror.”

The Bandit Warlords of Nigeria, by James Barnett

Kareem Shaheen, Middle East and Newsletters Editor

One of the things I was looking forward to the most when we started New Lines was giving the space to writers to explore stories that haven’t been told in the mainstream media. Too often, the rich tapestry of our lives and societies are obscured rather than illuminated. This piece is a fascinating investigation into an untold story that has long been neglected in favor of the “sexier” stories of Boko Haram extremists in Nigeria. It is about the farmer-herder conflict that has cost tens of thousands of lives, has been exacerbated by climate change and is destabilizing important parts of Africa’s most populous country. The color and fascinating exchanges in the piece, chronicled through Barnett’s exclusive access to the bandit warlords, make this unique investigation shine.

Where the Russian Gulag Once Thrived, Life Remains Isolated, by Owen Matthews

Michael Weiss, News Director

Believe it or not, one of our best essays this year grew out of the field research journal for a forthcoming spy novel. Owen Mathews spent 10 days touring the remains of the Gulag Archipelago — the slave-labor camps Stalin built to punish to send his enemies (and quite a lot of his friends) in the Russian Arctic. Whole communities and cities sprung up around these grim “colonies” of the 20th century, which helped industrialize the Soviet Union at the price of around 6 million souls. As one might expect, this architecture of atrocity has been left to rot or freeze or be swallowed up by the taiga. Matthews, an accomplished historian and biographer, travels to parts unknown and unremembered with an eye for detail and — no small trick given the circumstances — a sense of humor.

How an Email Sting Operation Unearthed a Pro-Assad Conspiracy—and Russia’s Role in It, by Michael Weiss and Jett Goldsmith

Brian Whitaker, Contributing Editor

A moment of light relief in the weird world of conspiracy theorists. Paul McKeigue is a university professor who denies the Assad regime’s chemical attacks in Syria and claims that those who died in them were executed by rebel fighters in a gas chamber. He got the gas chamber idea from an American who had a dream about it after eating anchovy pizza shortly before going to bed. McKeigue considers himself a smart guy, so when a mysterious emailer contacted him using the name “Ivan,” he assumed “Ivan” was working for Russian intelligence and began passing him information – mainly about people who disagreed with his conspiracy theories. But “Ivan” was neither Russian nor an intelligence agent – the professor had been caught in a sting.

An Elegy for Afghanistan, by Habib Zahori

Lydia Wilson, Contributing Editor

The piece is everything I want an essay to be: personal, informative and visceral, communicating a raw experience while simultaneously expressing far bigger themes about humanity and war. We published it at a time when all eyes were on Afghanistan, after the Taliban took control once coalition forces had withdrawn. For me it’s pieces like this that really cut through the immense amount that was being published at that time on this subject; it was so well written and based on so much personal and intimate knowledge. And his love for Afghanistan – and the heartbreak of that love — came through powerfully.

In Search of African Arabic, by Vaughn Rasberry

Faisal Al Yafai, Executive Editor

It was always going to be difficult to choose one essay over the others, and many of the choices of the team could easily have been my first picks. But Vaughn Rasberry’s essay on the influence of the Arabic language in Africa stands out for me because it explores such a rarely considered subject.

Rasberry believes, as I do, that African histories cannot be told without understanding the role of Arabic in shaping the political, social and literary environments of many of the countries and civilisations of the continent. The flip side is also true: that the Arab world cannot understand itself without reference to the African continent.

As Rasberry points out, there is a vast corpus of literature in African countries written in Arabic, much of it under-explored – some, no doubt, still undiscovered. Hidden histories of the African continent and the Arab world are in those texts, waiting to be sought out. Without it, both regions will only know half of their own stories.

Remembering Sergei Parajanov, the Bard of the Caucasus

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Politics and Government

How effective are the first 100 days of a presidency?
Will voting reform ever happen in the U.S.?
Does the Electoral College still serve its purpose today?
Has climate change reached its tipping point, or can we reverse it up to this point?
Is political correctness in America harmful or helpful towards freedom?
What are some of the most popular political opinions of the day?
Will gun control ever become a national issue? What are some of the best arguments from either side?
When it comes to politics, how does big-money influence campaigns?
What is one of Joe Biden’s priorities stated during his campaign for the presidency?
How effective are interns in the political process?
What are some of the best political speeches delivered recently? How much do they affect us, either positively or negatively?
Should you vote for someone based on their character rather than their economic policies. What about voting based on both?
Will there ever be a woman president in the United States? How many years will it take before we have a woman president?
Will Joe Biden’s presidency be one of prosperity or downfall in America/the world?
How effective are political protests today, if at all? Are they necessary for our free society to function correctly?
What should the U.S. do about Russia’s involvement in our elections? How about China’s and Iran’s?
How much do free trade agreements affect American jobs?
Is corruption in American politics a bigger issue now than it used to be? How does their power affect us as citizens?

In case you like to debate as well, you may check our list of debate topics !

How much has technology changed our lives over the last decade?
Are we living in a digital world, and is it affecting our daily habits negatively or positively?
Who will win the battle between Google vs Apple? How big of an effect does each have on society?
Can 3-D printing be used for creating artificial hips and knees for joint replacement?
Are you paying too much for your cellphone plan? Can you get a better deal with another service provider?
How many people are still using landlines in the developed world, and how much longer will they be around? Will they ever disappear completely?
Does it cost more to send a text message than calling someone on their cell phone?
How much has the internet changed our lives in the last five years alone? Technology is constantly advancing and will always be an issue that we all deal with on some level.
What are some of the most popular new technological gadgets that have been recently released?
Should there be a limit on how much power should be given to big tech companies like Google, Apple, and Microsoft?
What are the most popular social media sites in the world? How have they changed since their creation? Should these sites be regulated or treated as free speech zones?
As more people start using mobile phones instead of landlines, how will this affect telecommunication companies like AT&T, Verizon and others? Will they be able to stay relevant in this changing world of communication?
What are some of the newest technological trends that will significantly impact our daily lives in years to come?
How do new technological advances affect the job market in America? Will they cause a significant shift that will cripple our economy, or will the U.S. take advantage of them somehow?

Media and Entertainment

What are some of the best current T.V. show comedies? What makes a good comedy and what doesn’t?
How much does reality T.V. shows influence our society, if at all? Are they positive or negative? Why do we watch them either way?
How important is diversity in entertainment media today? Is America’s culture too homogenous?
What do we hope to see in new movies released for this year and even the rest of our lives?
How much should social media influence politics or government today?
Which is better, independent media sources or mainstream media sources? What is the value of each?
What are some of the most controversial movies released this year, and will they receive awards for their quality?
How has technology changed the art industry? Is there anywhere today where you can purchase fine art pieces at an affordable price?
Do you think that people’s tastes and preferences in entertainment media will change in the future?
Is it okay for entertainers to make political statements on stage, on T.V., or through social media? What would be the ramifications of entertainers doing so?
How do we feel about celebrities who are outspoken about politics through various mediums (i.e. social media, interviews/talk shows, etc.)? Should they be allowed to voice their opinions publicly if it may impact how we perceive them as entertainers?
How do you feel about the pay gap in Hollywood and other parts of show business? Do you think that women or men should make more money for the same job based on their gender?
Should the government have more influence in art and entertainment as a form of propaganda?
What are some of your favorite shows on Netflix right now? How does streaming media affect the television/movie industry?
How do you feel about movie sequels being made, even decades after the original movie were made? Why do they keep making them?

Our list of controversial topics may keep you entertained as well!

What are some of the most essential skills you think students need to succeed in today’s society?
How can we help high school and college students develop soft skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, etc.?
Should there be more standardization in defining what constitutes as adequate levels of education per grade level?
Is there a difference between education and training? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each?
How do we feel about homeschooling versus public or private schools in today’s world? What are the potential downsides to being homeschooled?
What can people do to make their time at home more educational? How vital is self-education, and how can people become more self-educated?
What are some of the most controversial education bills being discussed in politics today? How much influence do lobbyists have on them?
How important is it to encourage students to pursue careers outside their major after college?
What are the benefits of online learning (i.e. MOOCs)? What kind of disadvantages exists for students?
Do you think that university courses should include more practical, real-life applications in their curriculum? How would this be done?
Is it okay for adults to attend elementary school classes if they want a refresher course?
How should teachers be evaluated and rewarded for their work? What are the best ways that teacher incentives can be implemented without compromising a school’s integrity or student performance?
Where do you see education in America headed in the near future? Can it stay on its current trajectory, or will change happen at some point in future?
Do you feel that teachers are sufficiently compensated for their work, and if not, why do you think this is so?
What are some of the best programs/classes/activities to get children interested in math early?

Still on education, you may want to check out our list of easy-to-do research topics

How should leaders react to ISIS/ISIL? Do you think that any religion is inherently violent, if at all? What needs to be done when it comes to religious extremism?
What do you think of the newest pope, Francis I? Is his style going to have a lasting impact on Catholicism and religion worldwide?
Do you believe that Christianity is growing or shrinking as a world religion today? If it is growing, is it growing primarily in places where Islam is also spreading?
Is religion a good thing or a bad thing overall for our world today?
What are some religions that you are unfamiliar with and would like to learn about?
What are some examples of religion being used positively in your life, whether through a particular ritual or otherwise? What are the benefits of having religious influence?
How do you feel about the Islamic faith concerning ISIS/ISIL and what they preach?
What are the benefits of religious education and training? Do you have any examples from your own experience?
What do you think of different religions incorporating practices, such as incense burning, meditation/yoga, or chanting into their rituals?
Why do some religions have icons, symbols of importance and power, to represent their faith? What is the purpose of these icons?
What do you think about religious groups taking over real estate property (buildings, parks, etc.) in your area without permission? What does this say about our political system and our society as a whole?
Do you think that religion has harmed us or helped us in some ways throughout history? Why or why not?
Do you think that religion will die out as an institution in the next 100 years?
What do you want your last words to be when you are on your deathbed?
How do we feel about religion being used by politicians to gain votes and sway public opinion, whether for political or financial gain?
What do you think about the fact that many religious leaders/religious texts are not written in modern languages and cannot be easily understood by some? What is needed to solve this problem?
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carnival cruise dining hall

Cruise Advice

The Ultimate Menu Guide to Carnival’s Main Dining Room

Doug Parker

March 12, 2019
6.0K shares

The main dining rooms on Carnival Cruise Line’s ships are a staple for guests. They add to the overall cruise experience, as cruisers generally value food and service.

Carnival’s dining rooms consist of varied menus and experienced and attentive staff. Having dinner in the main dining room (otherwise known as MDR to the seasoned cruiser) is a three-course affair.

Should you choose not to eat in the main dining room, you’ll also have plenty of other options, free or for fee, around the ship, as various dining venues are available. In other words, you will not be hungry during your sea vacation.

This menu guide to Carnival’s Main Dining Room will provide insightful information about where to dine, what dishes to eat, and an overview of the cruise line’s main dining rooms!

Where it’s located

Carnival offers both Set-Time Dining and Time Dining, which gives guests more flexibility, making it an excellent option for those who don’t necessarily want to be on a set schedule.

READ MORE: 31 Carnival Main Dining Room Tips

Most Carnival ships have two dining rooms, but although the Spirit-class ships ( Carnival Pride , Carnival Spirit , Carnival Legend , and Carnival Miracle ) have only one dining room, they still offer traditional Set-Time and Your Time Dining options.

Carnival’s signature “Sea Day Brunch” is also served in one of the main dining rooms. Because of its popularity, it’s typically served in the larger dining room, which is located in the aft (back).

What to Expect in the Main Dining Room

Now and then, Carnival tinkers with the menus. O ne thing’s for sure, though: any change, no matter how small, will surely be appreciated by guests.

Given that Carnival ensures that people have a great experience, they take the feedback they receive on changes very seriously.

Currently, the Carnival fleet offers two separate menus: the American Table menu and the American Feast menu.

American Table : This is your typical main dining room menu with a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, entrees, and desserts. This is the rotating menu you’ll find each cruise night, except on formal nights.

American Feast : This is the menu offered in the main dining room on formal nights, and it’s not all that different from the American Table menu. This menu will be provided once or twice per cruise, depending on the length of your sailing. Formal nights are also the only evenings in which tablecloths are used in the main dining rooms.

Menu Download

Download a sample American Table menu here
Download a sample American Feast menu here

The experience usually takes 90 or so minutes. If you are crunched for time, you should consider eating dinner at the Lido deck buffet or another venue offering a more casual experience.

Dining times

Carnival offers two different dining programs, and you’ll generally select one when you book your cruise. Traditional Dining, which allows you to eat at the same table with the same people at the same time each night, is generally served at 6 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.

Your Time dining lets you decide what time you’d like to eat. But be aware that because Your Time dining is in demand, you must request this option as soon as possible.

If you find it unavailable on your sailing, recheck it once you’re on board to see if there are openings.

In 2020, Carnival moved on its HUB app to allow guests to check in for Your Time dining and receive an alert when the table is ready. This avoids the long lines at the entrance of the dining room.

Pros and Cons of Traditional Dining vs. Your Time Dining

What should I wear?

Carnival breaks dinner up into two evenings: cruise casual and cruise elegant.

Carnival’s website says the main dining room does not permit cut-off jeans, men’s sleeveless shirts, tee shirts, gym or basketball shorts, baseball hats, flip-flops, or bathing suit attire.

For men, they may wear khakis, collared shirts, and dress slacks suits in the main dining room. Tuxedos, a sports coat, and a tie are not required. However, cruise elegance is a great photo opportunity, and you can dress as fancy as you’d like.

Carnival also lists jeans forbidden for elegant evenings, but in our experience, they tend to look the other way as long as the jeans are excellent. You can read their dining room dress code policy here .

Summer dresses, blouses, casual dresses, pantsuits, and capris are all acceptable for casual cruise nights.

Carnival Main Dining Room menu explained

The menu in the main dining room is pretty straightforward, but it can be overwhelming, given all the options available.

Since we know a lot of people want to know at least the basics of what will be available, we thought it might be helpful to take a look at both the American Table and American Feast offerings and break down the menus.

Keep in mind that selections change periodically, so what you’ll find below is more an example of what you’ll discover than a written-in-stone guide.

If you’re the type of person who loves kicking things off with an appetizer (or three), Carnival’s menus have you covered. Generally speaking, you’ll find about 10 different options in Carnival, with the always-popular shrimp cocktail available every night.

Some of the other tasty treats they offer to start your meal include:

Fried Calamari
Chilled Vietnamese Roll
Strawberry Bisque
Smoked Chicken Quesadillas with salsa
Smoked Poblano and Corn Soup
A variety of salads

Dishes to try

While this is one of our favorite menu sections, it’s not for everyone. However, what you’ll find here are items that, as the name suggests, aren’t exactly everyday fare.

Found just beneath the appetizers, you never know precisely what you’ll discover. But for folks who are open to trying something new, this is a tasty option.

Some items you will find on this menu are:

Blood Sausage
Escargot (snails)
Alligator Tail
BBQ Pulled Wild Boar
Philadephia Pepper Pot (with Honeycomb Tripe)
Braised Frog Legs

Nightly entree menu

When it comes to entrees, you’ll find plenty of options from both land and sea. The portion sizes are generous, but don’t be shy if you want to order two entrees.

As with every menu section, you can order as much as you like. If there’s one department in which the menus might be lacking, it’s the vegetarian options.

Some of the entrees you’ll find on the menu include:

Veal Parmesan
Pan-Seared Tilapia
Rosemary Lamb Shank
Southern Fried Chicken
Salmon Cakes
Crisp Portobello Mushrooms
A Featured Indian Vegetarian dish (lentils, basmati rice, papadam, and raita)

If you want prime rib and lobster, you’ll find them on the American Feast menu. So yes, you’ll have to dress up if you wish to have your lobster!

From the grill menu

If none of the regularly listed entrees appeal to you on any given night, give this section a look. It offers some great selections and a bit of variety with the two main items — the beef and fish selections — usually changing daily.

Like the other menu sections we’ve discussed, these are complimentary. People sometimes confuse these for the upcharge items, which we’ll discuss a little bit later on.

Here are some menu items you’ll find on the From The Grill menu:

Salmon Filet: Citrus and pepper rubbed salmon served with broccoli, carrots, and red potatoes
Flat Iron Steak: Cooked with herbs and peppers, served with broccoli and baked potato
Chicken Breast: Roasted with garlic and herbs, served with peas and carrots with red potatoes
Pork Chop: Cooked with caramelized onions and served with stewed apples and mashed potatoes

The beef dish comes with a selection of BBQ Sauce, Béarnaise, Peppercorn, or Wild Mushroom sauce.

Side dishes

Every night, you’ll find six sides offered at the bottom of the main dining room menu. These are served in addition to whatever sides you have with your meal.

They’re individual-sized, not family-style. So, if you’re the kind of person who likes a whole lot of creamed spinach with your beef, make it a double order.

The selections can vary nightly, but they typically include items such as these:

Baked Potato
Broccoli, Carrots, and Onions
Mac n’ Cheese with Bacon
French Fries
Ratatouille
Creamed Spinach

Port of call menu

The port menus are unique to every destination. This can be found in the regular menu, which gives you information about the port of call. Some days, this section will feature a specific port, depending on your itinerary and sea days.

Sample Port of Call Menus

Download a sample St. Maarten Port of Call Menu
Download a sample Eastern Caribbean Port of Call Menu

Here’s an example of what you might find on the port of call menu.

Port: St. Maarten

The whole island is known for its excellent cuisine, partly due to its French influences. Creole, French, and West Indian cooking are particularly renowned. Many other nationalities have influenced the fare of St. Maarten because of its heavily diverse roots.

Featured Drink: Island Martini. A refreshing mix of Bacardi Limon, Pineapple, and Orange Juices, and a touch of Grenadine. $9.50
Featured Appetizer: Caribbean Bouillabaisse. Local Fish and Seafood in a Saffron Broth with Tomato, Fennel, and Sauce Rouille.
Featured Entree: Coq au vin. Chicken Marinated and Cooked in Red Burgundy Wine with Mushrooms, Silver Onions, and Bacon, Finished with some aged Brandy.

Steakhouse Selection

The Steakhouse Selection is available for a $20 upcharge and offers guests a chance to get a cut of beef served in the steakhouse while in the main dining room. The steakhouse selections are available across all of their cruise ships.

Dessert menu

The main dining room’s dessert menu consists of three selections rotating every night. One of the selections offered each night is usually a low-cal, no-sugar treat. There are also coffees and teas available to complement your dessert.

Sample dessert menu

Download a sample dessert menu

Some examples of desserts you might find on the menu are:

Boston Cream Cake
Orange and Almond Baked Cake
Chocolate and Cheese Brownie
Carnival Melting Chocolate Cake
Fresh Tropical Fruit Plate
Cheese Plate
Selection of Ice Creams

Not too long ago, Carnival brought Baked Alaska back to their ships. It’s typically served on the final night of the cruise. And if a banana split is more your speed, ask to see a kid’s menu.

For an added cost, you’ll find a selection of dessert drinks listed at the bottom of the menu, along with cappuccinos, lattes, espressos, and the “Art of Tea” selection.

carnival main dining room ultimate menu guide

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All about Carnival's Main Dining Room

Traditional cruise dining at it's best. Carnival typically has a choice of early dining or late dining at set tables, or your time dining.

What is the cost to eat at Main Dining Room?

Main Dining Room is included in the cruise fare so there is no additional cost to eat at this venue. Remember, beverages are not usually included and will be extra.

What type of restaurant is Main Dining Room?

Main Dining Room is a "Sit Down" restaurant. This means you have waiter who will take your order and bring you your food. It usually takes a bit longer than quick serve / to-go establishments, but has a nicer atmosphere.

When is Main Dining Room open?

They're usually open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specific times and schedules may vary, so always check in your cruise schedule or app to see the exact times.

Main Dining Room Dinner Menu

From Carnival Celebration February 2023

Main Dining Room Seaday Brunch Menu

Ships that have Main Dining Room

Carnival Horizon
Carnival Vista
Carnival Panorama
Carnival Pride
Carnival Spirit
Carnival Legend
Carnival Miracle
Carnival Dream
Carnival Magic
Carnival Breeze
Carnival Splendor
Carnival Freedom
Carnival Liberty
Carnival Valor
Carnival Glory
Carnival Conquest
Carnival Radiance
Carnival Sunrise
Carnival Sunshine
Carnival Paradise
Carnival Fascination
Carnival Elation
Carnival Mardi Gras
Carnival Celebration
Carnival Jubilee
Carnival Luminosa
Carnival Venezia
Carnival Firenze

Carnival Dining Information

Carnival Cruise Lines has always been a leader at making their guests' dining experience something special. Carnival offers early, late and open dining times to fit your schedule perfectly on your cruise. They also offer a convenient flat daily rate program for beverages, called Cheers! (for unlimited alcoholic drinks) and Bottomless Bubbles (for unlimited soda.) Although you'll always have a reservation at the main dining hall, Carnival also offers a wide variety of alternative restaurants, from informal 24-hour pizzerias, to elegant reservations-only late night supper clubs. Main Dining Room Policies: Carnival guests are assigned to one of two seatings in the main dining room for their evening meal, early or late. The early and late seating times can vary by ship or itinerary, but are usually at 6:00 p.m. and 8:15 p.m., respectively. Guests will be confirmed or wait-listed for dining time at time of booking. Carnival also has Your Time Dining, which allows for open seating at dinner in the main dining room any time between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Your Time Dining is available on every Carnival ship. Dress Code: With the exception of one formal night for 2 to 5 day cruises and two formal nights for cruises 6 days or longer, the dress code is casual. Appropriate casual attire for men is sport slacks, khakis, jeans, dress shorts (long) and collared sport shirts, while women are advised to wear casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, capri pants, dress shorts, or jeans. Gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men and baseball hats are not permitted on casual nights. On formal evenings, men should wear dress slacks and a dress shirt. A sport coat is suggested. Suits, ties and tuxedos are optional. Ladies should wear a cocktail dress, pantsuit or an elegant skirt and blouse. Evening gowns are optional. Shorts, t-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear and baseball hats not permitted on formal nights. Beverage Policy: All beverages except tea, coffee and water are at an additional cost. Juice is included with breakfast. Soft drink cards, good for unlimited soft drinks, are available for purchase onboard. Special Requests: Special meals including low-calorie, low-fat, low-carbohydrate, low-sugar, vegetarian, low sodium, low/no cholesterol, gluten free and Indian vegetarian can be requested. Kosher meals are available on all ships and itineraries for lunch and dinner only. Kosher meals are available in limited quantities, so it's recommended to request these as soon as possible, and no later than 2 weeks prior to sailing. All dining rooms onboard Carnival ships are smoke-free.

Carnival Breeze Carnival Celebration Carnival Conquest Carnival Dream Carnival Elation Carnival Firenze Carnival Freedom Carnival Glory Carnival Horizon Carnival Jubilee Carnival Legend Carnival Liberty Carnival Luminosa Carnival Magic Carnival Mardi Gras Carnival Miracle Carnival Panorama Carnival Paradise Carnival Pride Carnival Radiance Carnival Spirit Carnival Splendor Carnival Sunrise Carnival Sunshine Carnival Valor Carnival Venezia Carnival Vista

Carnival Cruise Lines

(Dining option) Open Seating? Anytime? How does it work?

By PaperSniper4 , June 12, 2021 in Carnival Cruise Lines

PaperSniper4

We have a cruise booked on the Carnival Valor for December 2021. Our invoice is marked "Open Seating" for the dining option. We prefer to eat around 530pm-630PM. We generally take the "early" dining option when we have a choice. We also want a table for just we two.

I visited Carnival's online site today to see if I could make any preferences concerning dining, but I was not able to find anything about dining, including that we had "open seating". Can anyone give me guidance on how I can make get my preferences to Carnival? I haven't sailed on Carnival for several years, and I know things have changed due to the virus, but seems like what I need to do should be available somewhere.......

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SNJCruisers

Show up to the assigned dining room for anytime dining whenever you want and request a table for two. More often than not you should be able to be sat immediately. If for some reason there is a wait, it will be a short one since you are not hitting prime time, which would be 645-730. Enjoy your cruise Doug.

CruisinWithDLS

You can dine any time b/t around 5-9 pm. You just show up and check in with the hostess stand. They generally ask if you wish to dine with other guests or alone, but if not you can request your own table.

Lee Cruiser

On many of the ships you can now request a table from the App. So nice. We typically request a table from our room and head down. Most of the time it is ready when we get to the dining room.

1 hour ago, PaperSniper4 said: We have a cruise booked on the Carnival Valor for December 2021. Our invoice is marked "Open Seating" for the dining option. We prefer to eat around 530pm-630PM. We generally take the "early" dining option when we have a choice. We also want a table for just we two. I visited Carnival's online site today to see if I could make any preferences concerning dining, but I was not able to find anything about dining, including that we had "open seating". Can anyone give me guidance on how I can make get my preferences to Carnival? I haven't sailed on Carnival for several years, and I know things have changed due to the virus, but seems like what I need to do should be available somewhere....... Thanks. Doug

You said your invoice, did you book through a TA? I booked direct with Carnival and my online Cruise Planner/Manager still lists all three dining choices as available. You can edit/change your dining choice online if you booked through Carnival, you should have made that choice during your booking. You will have to go through your TA or PVP if that is how you booked. You may wish to choose Anytime Dining instead of assigned seating if you prefer a table for 2.

5 hours ago, Lee Cruiser said: On many of the ships you can now request a table from the App. So nice. We typically request a table from our room and head down. Most of the time it is ready when we get to the dining room.

What app is that? I'm familiar withe the Princess <cruise line> Medallion app; does Carnival have something similar?

4 hours ago, mondello said: You said your invoice, did you book through a TA? I booked direct with Carnival and my online Cruise Planner/Manager still lists all three dining choices as available. You can edit/change your dining choice online if you booked through Carnival, you should have made that choice during your booking. You will have to go through your TA or PVP if that is how you booked. You may wish to choose Anytime Dining instead of assigned seating if you prefer a table for 2.

I always book through my TA. Hard to understand why the info on my page at Carnival.com would be different depending on with whom I booked. Weird.

Since we already have Anytime Dining, which I believe is the same as "open seating" I probably am better doing what you lastly recommended about Anytime Dining and what others have suggested. Thanks.

5 hours ago, CruisinWithDLS said: You can dine any time b/t around 5-9 pm. You just show up and check in with the hostess stand. They generally ask if you wish to dine with other guests or alone, but if not you can request your own table.

This from you and the preceding poster sounds good. Sounds a lot like the anytime/your time dining that I've had on NCL. We do not like waiting at all, so hopefully our desire to eat pretty early will help with that.

We've been on a few NCL cruises and by what I recall its is a lot like the anytime dining Carnival has.

The Carnival app is called the Carnival HUB app.

11 minutes ago, Buckwheet said: We've been on a few NCL cruises and by what I recall its is a lot like the anytime dining Carnival has. The Carnival app is called the Carnival HUB app.

Thanks, I will check out the Carnival Hub app.

41 minutes ago, PaperSniper4 said: What app is that? I'm familiar withe the Princess <cruise line> Medallion app; does Carnival have something similar? Doug

It's the Carnival Hub app for use onboard. It has dining menus, fun times with activities, shows and information for the whole week. Very useful.

44 minutes ago, PaperSniper4 said: I always book through my TA. Hard to understand why the info on my page at Carnival.com would be different depending on with whom I booked. Weird. Since we already have Anytime Dining, which I believe is the same as "open seating" I probably am better doing what you lastly recommended about Anytime Dining and what others have suggested. Thanks. Doug

I know that you always have to go through your TA if you need any changes in your booking. Please enlighten me as I've not used a TA or PVP before. You said previously you were on the Carnival site. Do you have a Cruise Planner/Manager when you login on Carnival? If so, there is a booking details page that lists your dining choice and an edit icon to change it. Not even sure if you have the same Cruise Planner access since you booked with a TA. This is the same site I'd use for online check-in, completing Health Assessment, registering for kids club, etc.

For the record on Carnival it's called Your Timing Dining. Here's a link to another thread from several days ago on the very same topic:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2784879-ytd-questions/

9 hours ago, Lee Cruiser said: On many of the ships you can now request a table from the App. So nice. We typically request a table from our room and head down. Most of the time it is ready when we get to the dining room.

Do you know if the App you describe is available on the Vista?

3 minutes ago, Bgwest said: Do you know if the App you describe can be used on the Vista for dining selection?

sanmarcosman

OP, we have had Anytime Dining for 6 years now and it has never been referred to as " open seating " either on our cruise documents online or on the Sail and Sign card once we check in at the ship. I would call Carnival for clarification.

18 minutes ago, sanmarcosman said: OP, we have had Anytime Dining for 6 years now and it has never been referred to as " open seating " either on our cruise documents online or on the Sail and Sign card once we check in at the ship. I would call Carnival for clarification.

Oops, I should have have written Your Time Dining (YTD) as it is known on Carnival.

1 hour ago, Bgwest said: Do you know if the App you describe is available on the Vista?

PlanoDebbie

We prefer to have the Anytime Dining. A line will start forming before the dining room opens up, but is usually cleared up about 30 minutes later. The only nights we found the wait to be a bit longer was on formal nights.

Have done the Anytime Dining option and enjoyed the flexibility of when to go to dinner. Enjoyed being seated with other couples as well as being seated at a table for two. Be advised that the majority of tables for two are placed about six inches from each other so you do not really have a private table. There will be a few private tables available with no one near you, but most will have you seated with someone very close. Of course you can choose to ignore them....which some people do. Goes against my upbringing though.

15 hours ago, mondello said: I know that you always have to go through your TA if you need any changes in your booking. Please enlighten me as I've not used a TA or PVP before. You said previously you were on the Carnival site. Do you have a Cruise Planner/Manager when you login on Carnival? If so, there is a booking details page that lists your dining choice and an edit icon to change it. Not even sure if you have the same Cruise Planner access since you booked with a TA. This is the same site I'd use for online check-in, completing Health Assessment, registering for kids club, etc.

I've always used my TA and never had any difficulty in changing or viewing things like dining choices, excursions, payment info, etc. We mainly cruise on Princess but we've had around 8 on Carnival over the years. The last I think was in about 2018. Not sure what you mean when you way "Cruise Planner/Manager" when I log onto my Carnival account. When I log on, I see the days until my next cruise, the date I can complete my Health Assessment (1 week before we sail), and that I can complete my Check In (2 weeks before we sail), along with the itinerary. I also see links to book Excursions, Specialty Dining, Internet Plans, Spa activities, and other activities/purchases, but I do not see anything about meals, bed arrangement requests, preferences or payment details.

Someone mentioned that tight quarters between tables for two. I had forgotten that, so thanks. That is one reason we prefer to sail on Princess. But a back-to-cruising cruise is a cruise, right? I'll take what I can get! I will check in with the M'D ASAP after boarding in any event to see what choices I might have. I know many like to be seated with or near other folks, but we generally do not, being private folks still on our honeymoon after 53 years of marriage. 😉 We rarely do 'specialty dining', but we might do that a couple of times on this cruise just to have more room.

While checking out Carnival.com this morning I did find the section where I can order a bottle of alcoholic beverage for cabin delivery though. That's something I need to do before boarding. 😉 Nice to see Carnival still offers Dewers 12, a decent standby scotch.

Thanks for all the kind replies and posts people! 😎

6 hours ago, mexicobob said: Have done the Anytime Dining option and enjoyed the flexibility of when to go to dinner. Enjoyed being seated with other couples as well as being seated at a table for two. Be advised that the majority of tables for two are placed about six inches from each other so you do not really have a private table. There will be a few private tables available with no one near you, but most will have you seated with someone very close. Of course you can choose to ignore them....which some people do. Goes against my upbringing though.

That's always an interesting dynamic. We strongly prefer a table for 2 at dinner. I would say the typical conversation between those '6 inch table separations' is relatively short and courteous in nature; a completely different vibe than a large group table (which we enjoy for lunch or breakfast). I think most would consider it intrusive if the table for 2 etiquette weren't reasonably observed. Thankfully it is.

29 minutes ago, PaperSniper4 said: I've always used my TA and never had any difficulty in changing or viewing things like dining choices, excursions, payment info, etc. We mainly cruise on Princess but we've had around 8 on Carnival over the years. The last I think was in about 2018. Not sure what you mean when you way "Cruise Planner/Manager" when I log onto my Carnival account. When I log on, I see the days until my next cruise, the date I can complete my Health Assessment (1 week before we sail), and that I can complete my Check In (2 weeks before we sail), along with the itinerary. I also see links to book Excursions, Specialty Dining, Internet Plans, Spa activities, and other activities/purchases, but I do not see anything about meals, bed arrangement requests, preferences or payment details. Doug

Thank you for the update, I wasn't sure what access you had online with Carnival. Everyone always says you have to go through your TA if that is how you booked. On the site under the Days 'till cruise it says open your Planner. The menu icon in the upper right corner takes me to the Booking Order Details page where it shows your dining choice and a chance to edit/change it. You have the right idea anyway by checking with the Maitre D' you may get your private table. Enjoy your cruise.

1 hour ago, mondello said: You have the right idea anyway by checking with the Maitre D' you may get your private table. Enjoy your cruise.

No need to talk to the Maitre D. There's ZERO issues getting a table for two with Your time Dining. In fact, during the re-start with Covid-19 still prevalent, I can't imagine ANY cruiseline denying passengers to sit alone at dinnertime and not have to be at the same table with strangers.

Just now, kwokpot said: No need to talk to the Maitre D. There's ZERO issues getting a table for two with Your time Dining. In fact, during the re-start with Covid-19 still prevalent, I can't imagine ANY cruiseline denying passengers to sit alone at dinnertime and not have to be at the same table with strangers.

They don't cruise until Dec.

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Rudi's Seagrill menu: What you can order from Carnival Cruise Line's upscale seafood restaurant

"What's cooking, good looking?" No, I'm not being flirty. If you're familiar with chef and pop artist Rudi Sodamin, you'll know that's his catchphrase. (If you're not familiar with him, you're about to be.)

Sodamin's larger-than-life personality and whimsical "food faces" — funny visages made from plated food — have led him to partnerships with several brands in the Carnival Corporation portfolio . Such partners include Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, whose ships boast seafood eatery Rudi's Sel de Mer.

However, Sodamin truly shines with his latest venture, Rudi's Seagrill on Carnival Cruise Line 's Excel Class ships, which are the newest in the fleet.

Here, I'll go over what you need to know — from menu items and pricing to the ships on which you'll find Rudi's Seagrill — so you can decide if dinner at this upscale seafood restaurant is right for you.

For more cruise news, guides and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

What is Rudi's Seagrill on Carnival cruise ships?

Rudi's Seagrill, Carnival Cruise Line's high-end seafood restaurant, offers a menu of delicious and beautifully prepared dishes, served in a dining room that's light and airy. Glass fish accents and pops of blue color enhance the nautical vibe.

Although Carnival has had onboard seafood options for years, this is a far cry from the pool deck's Seafood Shack (which recently sold me a mediocre crabcake). Instead, at Rudi's, you'll find a don't-miss lobster mac and cheese, plenty of meat and seafood selections, and crabcakes that are actually worth the price of admission.

Related: Carnival cruise food: The ultimate guide to restaurants and dining on board

Although the official dress code is "cruise casual," you might want to dress up a bit for dinner at Rudi's, given the atmosphere.

Reservations are highly recommended.

Rudi's Seagrill menu

The Rudi's menu includes five sections from which you can choose your meal's three courses: starters, soups and salads, entrees, grill items and desserts. For your first course, you can choose an item from starters, soups or salads. For your second course, select from entrees or the grill. Follow it up with a dessert for course number three.

Starters include blue mussels, seared shrimp, oysters and the aforementioned lobster mac and cheese. Soup and salad choices include seafood bisque, fisherman's stew, house tossed salad or baby romaine with cauliflower and honey nut squash.

If you want to stick to seafood, go with one of the entrees like roasted halibut, red snapper, Dover sole, broiled lobster tail or the crabcake about which I was raving earlier. If meat is more to your liking, pick something from the grill — free-range chicken, a pork chop or prime New York strip steak — instead.

To top it off, enjoy dishes such as apple cheesecake with limoncello whipped cream, chocolate truffle cake, white chocolate bread pudding or key lime pie for dessert.

Wines and cocktails are also available for sale. Choose from sparkling, white, red and rose wines or unique-to-Rudi's cocktails, such as Seagrill Sangria and the Santorini Martini.

For cruisers 11 and younger, a special menu offers smaller portions and kid-friendly fare. They can choose macaroni and cheese or shrimp cocktail as a starter. For mains, children can order beef sliders with Parmesan fries; a 4-ounce filet mignon with vegetables; fish and chips; or chicken fingers. Tasty dessert options are either a banana split or a chocolate and Nutella pizza.

Note: Menu items were accurate at the time of publication, but they're subject to change without notice.

Rudi's Seagrill price

How much does it cost to eat at Rudi's Seagrill? Adults can dine there for $49 per person, which includes a starter, main and dessert. Kids 11 and younger can order from the children's menu for $15.

Gratuity is included in the cover charge. Alcoholic beverages are charged a la carte unless you have a drink package that covers the price.

Which Carnival ships have Rudi's Seagrill?

Rudi's Seagrill is on all ships in Carnival's Excel Class :

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Dining Times: Set Dining & Anytime Dining

Guests may choose from three different dinner seating options. By popular request, all dining rooms are smoke-free. Assigned Seating - Early Dining and Late Dining This dining option offers guests a pre-set dining time for the duration of the cruise as well as the same table assignment each evening in the Main Dining Room. Guests who choose this option will not be able to reserve 'Your Time' open seating once on board.

'Your Time' Open Seating Dining 'Your Time' open seating is offered fleet wide. Guests are seated on a first come, first served basis depending on party size and are able to request a specific waiter. Pagers are provided if there is a modest wait time so guests may relax elsewhere on the ship until their table is ready; in most cases, guests are accommodated within 20 minutes. Advance table reservations are not accepted, and all guests must be present before the party is seated.

Guests may choose:

Splendor: Early dining at 5:15pm, Late dining at 7:45pm or 'Your Time' open seating, between 5:00pm and 8:30pm.

Luminosa: Early dining at 5:15pm, Late dining at 7:30pm or 'Your Time' open seating, between 5:00pm and 8:30pm.

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Home » Cruise » Carnival Cruise Line » Carnival Celebration » Carnival Celebration Restaurants With Menus

Carnival Celebration Restaurants With Menus

We are back from a cruise on Carnival's newest ship and have put together this complete Carnival Celebration Restaurants Guide with menus.

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Carnival Cruise Line’s newest ship, Carnival Celebration, has just set sail from Miami, and we sailed on this ship’s first cruise from the United States . Now, we are back and have put together this Carnival Celebrations Restaurants Guide with menus so you can see what is available at the different restaurants onboard this latest Excel Class ship.

Carnival Celebration Restaurants Guide With Menus

Complimentary carnival celebration restaurants.

There are several dining options on the list of Carnival Celebration restaurants that are included in your cruise fare. These include the typical main dining room (Festivale and Carnivale) as well as the cruise ship buffet (Lido Marketplace).

Carnival Celebration Restaurants with Menus

Carnival Cruise Line ships also offer several quick service options that are complimentary. From Mexican favorites at BlueIguana Cantina, to burgers at Guy’s Burger Joint, to chicken sandwiches at Shaq’s Big Chicken, there are plenty of tasty options that won’t cost you anything.

EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS: Get Deals on Carnival Celebration Cruises!

Java Blue Cafe (Deck 6)

The Java Blue Cafe is your dedicated coffee shop on Carnival Celebration. Located in the new Celebration Central zone, this venue opens at 6 AM most mornings for cruisers to get their caffeine fix. Serving espresso-based beverages and milk shakes that are included in the Cheers drink package , you might find yourself visiting this cafe quite a bit.

While here, you might be tempted by some of the food offerings as well. Java Blue Cafe serves breakfast items from around 7/7:30 to 9:30 AM daily. These options include breakfast sandwiches and continental pastry items. The cafe also serves lunch items from around 3 to 8:30/9:30 PM. These items include sandwiches, chicken pies, empanadas, and more. There are also desserts available, but they will cost a nominal fee.

Java Blue Menu

Carnivale Restaurant (Deck 6)

The Carnival Celebration restaurants include two different main dining room experiences. If you are a more traditional cruiser, you can opt for Assigned Dining at either 5:30 PM (early) or 7:45 PM (late) seating times. The Deck 6 Carnivale Restaurant and the first level of the Festivale Restaurant are reserved for Assigned Dining.

Cruisers who want to try a variety of the dining options on the ship, might want to select Your Time Dining. With this option, cruisers can dine whenever they want at various locations by joining a virtual queue in the Carnival HUB app when they are ready to eat. This option is available from 5:30 to 9 PM daily.

Regardless of whether you pick Assigned Dining or Your Time Dining, the Carnivale and Festivale restaurants offer the same rotational menu. These menus do change nightly with a few always available items, like the famous chocolate melting cake.

Carnivale is the smaller of the two dining venues and is located on the portside of Deck 6.

Festivale Restaurant (Decks 6 & 7)

Festivale is the larger of Carnival Celebration’s two main dining rooms. This 2-story main dining room is located on Decks 6 and 7. Deck 6 is reserved primarily for Assigned Dining while Deck 7 is utilized for Your Time Dining.

The Festivale restaurant is also open for breakfast daily from 7 to 9 AM. On sea days, the restaurant serves a special Sea Day Brunch from 8:30 AM to 12 PM. This Sea Day Brunch is a must-try, especially the skillet cake.

Once again, the dinner menu at this restaurant rotates each evening like most cruise lines offering a wide array of starters, entrees, and desserts.

This venue also serves lobster on one of Carnival’s elegant nights. During our sailing, “lobster night” was the first elegant night; however, Carnival has indicated that this will be changing to the second elegant night in the near future.

Further, across all of the Carnival Cruise Line ships , extra entrees in the main dining room are an upcharge. Guests may continue to order a second complimentary entrée if they choose; however, a third entrée will now incur a $5 charge.

MDR Breakfast | Sea Day Brunch | MDR Dinner Menus

Chibang! (Deck 8)

Chibang was created in response to guest feedback requesting more diverse dining options. This fairly new restaurant concept features both Mexican and Chinese dishes. Currently, this restaurant is complimentary on Excel Class ships.

Chibang is open for lunch on sea days from 12 to 2 PM and dinner nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. Guests wishing to dine at this venue can join the virtual queue on the Carnival HUB app and will be notified when their table is ready. In our experience, we never waited more than 10 minutes for a table. The app also indicates an estimated current wait time at each venue.

For lunch, Chibang’s menu offers noodle bowls and burrito bowls. For dinner, the menu is more expansive offering Asian items like lettuce wraps, Singapore chili shrimp, and Kung Pao chicken. Mexican menu items include loaded nachos, tacos, pollo en mole, and pescado frito.

With so many offerings, you can certainly dine at Chibang more than once during your cruise vacation.

Chibang Lunch | Dinner Menu

Cucina del Capitano (Deck 8)

A specialty restaurant on other Carnival ships, Cucina del Capitano is also complimentary on Carnival Celebration at the moment. The cruise line indicates that they don’t foresee changing this any time soon.

This Italian restaurant is open for lunch from 12 to 2 PM on sea days and for dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 PM nightly. Just like Chibang, you can join the virtual queue whenever you want to dine here. Of note, if you have assigned dining in the main dining room, you won’t be able to join the virtual queue until after 7:45 PM.

For lunch, this venue serves a small menu of appetizers, soups, and pizza, along with a create your own pasta bowl section. At dinner, cruisers can enjoy favorites like Nonna’s meatball, chicken parm, short rib, and tiramisu.

Cucina del Capitano Lunch | Dinner Menu

Miami Slice (Deck 8)

Located in the vibrant 820 Biscayne zone on Carnival Celebration, Miami Slice is your go-to spot for pizza. This eatery is open daily from 9 AM to 4 AM to fulfill your cravings any time of day.

This pizzeria features a walk-up counter where guests can order fresh out of the oven pizza slices or personal-sized pies. You can then enjoy your pizza in the nearby seating area or take it to-go to enjoy anywhere around the ship.

Don’t be surprised to find a line here, as Miami Slice is quite popular.

Miami Slice Menu

Deco Deli (Deck 8)

Adjacent to Miami Slice, you will find Deco Deli. This counter-style sandwich shop serves up a menu of traditional deli sandwiches along with some Miami and Cuban favorites.

Deco Deli is open daily from 12 to 10 PM.

Deco Deli Menu

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse (Deck 8)

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse | Brewhouse is another one of the Carnival Celebration restaurants. The BBQ joint is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Carnival Celebration. Dinner at this venue is also complimentary for a limited time; though, you will notice a few differences in the menu.

Guy’s serves breakfast from around 6:30/7:30 to 9/10:30 AM. This small buffet area features all the breakfast staples. The venue also serves lunch from 12 to 2:30 PM on sea days in a buffet-style setting outdoors on the waterfront area.

Dinner is served in the restaurant nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. The menu features all your BBQ favorites with a side of live music. You can choose from chicken, brisket, sausage, and more. St. Louis ribs and prime rib are available for an up-charge.

Further, don’t forget to grab a signature ParchedPig beer brewed right onboard the ship.

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Lunch | Dinner Menu

BlueIguana Cantina (Deck 16)

Located on the Lido deck, BlueIguana Cantina serves up Mexican favorites for both breakfast and lunch. You can customize your breakfast or lunch burrito any way you like as they are freshly prepared just for you. There is even a salsa bar located nearby.

If you’d prefer tacos or a bowl, you can get those too at the BlueIguana Cantina.

This venue is open daily from 7/8 to 10:30 AM for breakfast and 12 to 2:30/3:30 PM for lunch.

BlueIguana Breakfast | Lunch Menu

Street Eats (Deck 16)

Street Eats is also located on the pool deck offering food truck-type selections. Here, you will find Steam Dream, Mad Sizzle, and Time Fries. Each of these venues features one selection a day, and this selection changes daily.

Think items like load fries, dumplings, satays, and more.

The Street Eats hours vary with the stalls opening somewhere between 11:30 AM and 2 PM, then remaining open until 4 or 5 PM. This is largely dependent on your port of call times.

Sample Street Eat Menus

Lido Marketplace (Deck 16)

The Lido Marketplace is your typical cruise ship buffet, featuring a variety of selections for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Honestly, with so many other offerings on Carnival Celebration, we did not eat here at all during our cruise.

The Lido Marketplace is typically open for breakfast from around 6:30/7:30 to 11:30 AM. The venue then reopens for lunch from around 12 to 2:30/3:30 PM. Then, dinner is available from 6 to 9:30 PM nightly.

You’ll find a salad station, dessert station, hot entrees section, cold cuts selection, and more. In comparison to other cruise lines, the offerings are more limited in the buffet; this is likely because there is so much else to eat around the ship.

Big Chicken (Deck 16)

Perhaps one of our favorite newer additions to Carnival ships is Shaq’s Big Chicken. NBA Hall of Famer and Carnival’s Chief Fun Officer, Shaquille O’Neal, scored big with this quick service eatery located aft on the pool deck.

Big Chicken is open for breakfast from around 7/8 to 11 AM and for lunch from 11 AM to 5 PM daily. This venue serves up signature chicken sandwiches with Shaq’s special sauce, in addition to chicken tenders and fries. There’s also chicken and biscuits for breakfast.

This is a popular spot on Carnival Celebration so don’t be surprised to find a line most times during the day.

Big Chicken Menu

Guy’s Burger Joint (Deck 17)

Relocated to Deck 17 above the Lido deck, Guy’s Burger Joint serves up some of the best burgers at sea. In partnership with Guy Fieri, this poolside shack features fresh off the grill burgers and fries with a toppings bar for you to customize your meal to perfection.

Guy’s Burger Joint is open every day from around 12 to 6 PM to satisfy all your burger cravings. How many can you eat in just one week?

This is perhaps the busiest quick service eatery on Carnival Celebration, so don’t be surprised to find Disney-style switchbacks. Though, we never waited more than about 15 minutes.

Guy’s Burger Joint Menu

Fresh Creations (Deck 18)

Serenity is the adult only retreat on Carnival Cruise Line ships. This private oasis offers plenty of space with comfy lounge furniture, a pool, whirlpools, a bar, and even some healthy lunch options at the Fresh Creations salad bar.

The salad bar is open from 12 to 2:30 PM on sea days so you don’t have to give up your slice of paradise when you get hungry.

Fresh Creations Menu

Swirls (Decks 8, 16, 17)

For those looking for their soft serve fix, you can rejoice that there are three locations onboard Carnival Celebration. Choose between vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, or twist.

There is one located in the Heroes Tribute Lounge on Deck 8 aft. The second is found on Deck 16 aft near the Tides Bar and Tides Pool. Finally, the third soft serve station can be found on Deck 17 midship near Guy’s Burger Joint.

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Specialty Restaurants on Carnival Celebration

With so many great offerings, you certainly do not have to pay extra for dining on Carnival Celebration (if you don’t want to). Though, this new ship also offers a few specialty restaurants that come with an up-charge.

If you plan to dine at any of these Carnival Celebration restaurants, you should make reservations pre-cruise, as popular dining times do fill up quickly.

Emeril’s Bistro 1397 (Deck 6)

Debuting on Carnival Mardi Gras, chef Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant makes a return on Carnival Celebration. This new and improved rendition, Emeril’s Bistro 1397, is located in the new Gateway zone.

Emeril’s Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving New Orleans themed cuisine at a la carte prices. No reservations are necessary for this restaurant.

Breakfast is served from 8 to 9:30/10:30 AM each day, and lunch on sea days from 12 to 3 PM. The venue re-opens for dinner from around 3/4 to 9/10 PM.

For breakfast, all items are $6 and include dishes like shrimp and grits and sweet potato waffles. For lunch and dinner, the menu features items like oysters, po’boys, jambalaya, and beignets. The beignets are a must-try!

Emeril’s Bistro Menu

Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse (Deck 7)

Fahrenheit 555 is Carnival Cruise Line’s signature steakhouse. This American steakhouse has a warm and inviting atmosphere with an open concept kitchen, making it a great choice for an elegant night dinner.

The restaurant is open nightly for dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 PM. The cover charge at this venue is increasing to $48 per person.

The menu at Fahrenheit 555 features upscale offerings like shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare, and premium cuts of beef.

Fahrenheit 555 Menu

Bonsai Teppanyaki (Deck 8)

Bonsai Teppanyaki is another one of the Carnival Celebration restaurants. This Japanese-style hibachi restaurant offers a multi-course menu for a flat fee of $35 for lunch and $38 for dinner.

This restaurant is open for lunch on sea days from 12 to 3 PM and nightly for dinner from 5:30 to 10:15 PM.

Entrée selections range from chicken, filet, lobster tail, salmon, and shrimp. All meals also include starters and dessert.

Whenever we have dined at a teppanyaki restaurant on a cruise, the food is always as good as the culinary show! This venue is very small so make sure to secure reservations early.

Bonsai Teppanyaki Menu

Bonsai Sushi (Deck 8)

Located adjacent to Bonsai Teppanyaki is Bonsai Sushi. This sushi lovers paradise is an a la carte venue that is open for dinner daily from 5 PM to 12 AM. The venue is also open for lunch on sea days from 12 to 2:30 PM.

Bonsai Sushi offers several sushi and sashimi selections, as well as noodle bowls and Japanese small plates. So, even if you are not a fan of sushi, there are probably other menu items for you to enjoy at this venue for reasonable prices.

Bonsai Sushi Menu

Rudi’s Seagrill (Deck 8)

Celebrity Chef Rudi Sodamin brings his creations to life on Carnival Celebration at Rudi’s Seagrill. This specialty restaurant is open nightly for dinner from 5:30 to 9:30 PM for an upcharge of $48 per person.

As you might expect, the menu is heavy on seafood with mussels, scallops, shrimp, oysters, calamari, and lobster all on the menu. There’s even a crab-stuffed lobster tail. For non-seafood lovers, you have a choice of chicken, a pork chop, or a NY strip.

The intimate atmosphere of this restaurant makes it another great choice for an elegant night dinner.

Rudi’s Seagrill Menu

Seafood Shack (Deck 16)

The casual Seafood Shack is located on the Lido deck near the new Street Eats on Carnival Celebration. This counter service restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily varying times from 12 to 10 PM depending on the port of call.

The Seafood Shack offers classic New England favorites like fried clams, lobster rolls, fish & chips, clam chowder, and other fresh local catch.

All menus items at this venue are a la carte at current market prices.

Seafood Shack Menu

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast

Enter the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss. Accompanied by the Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 and Thing 2, and friends, you can feast on a colorful breakfast. The Green Eggs and Ham breakfast is offered one day of the cruise at 8:30 and 9:45 AM in the Carnivale restaurant. The up-charge is $10 for adults and $8 for kids under 14 years old.

This special event features menu items like Horton’s cereal crusted french toast, pancake stacks, steak and eggs, and of course, green eggs and ham.

Whether you are a family or just big kids at heart, this is a fun way to spend a sea day breakfast.

Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Menu

Room Service

Room service is available 24 hours a day with select complimentary items and other items that are available for an up-charge at a la carte pricing.

For breakfast (6 to 10 AM), you can choose from fruit, cereal, continental pastry items, and yogurt for no additional cost as well as breakfast sandwiches for around $5.

During the day (10 AM to 6 AM), various items are available at a la carte prices. Selections include salads, sandwiches, wings, desserts, and more. Most items cost between $5 to $7 each. An additional 18% gratuity will be added to each order as well.

Room Service Menu | Breakfast Menu

SCORE BIG ON CARNIVAL CELEBRATION CRUISES!

Do you have plans to cruise on the new Carnival Celebration? What is your favorite from the list of Carnival Celebration restaurants? Drop us an anchor below to share your dining preferences on Carnival Cruise Line.

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DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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The 8 best Hawaii cruises in 2024 and 2025

C ruising the Hawaiian Islands offers U.S. travelers an immersive South Pacific escape with all the comforts of home. In fact, the Aloha State is in many ways an ideal cruise destination. It has year-round sunny weather, four main islands featuring varied topographies — including sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, volcanic mountains and vibrant green valleys — and a wide array of land- and water-based activities.

The main caveat? Hawaii cruise options are somewhat limited — just a fraction of what's available in the Caribbean — and many itineraries involve multiday crossings from the West Coast. Only one cruise line offers Hawaii itineraries throughout the year; most others visit during specific months or when repositioning ships in spring and fall.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Looking for the Hawaiian Islands sailing that's right for you? Here's a look at the eight best Hawaii cruises for every type of traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line's 7-night Inter-island Hawaii

For travelers who want more aloha time than the typical eight-hour port call allows, Norwegian Cruise Line has a solution. Its 2,186-passenger Pride of America lets vacationers sample four Hawaiian islands over seven days, with overnights in Maui and Kauai, plus port calls on both Hilo and Kona on the island of Hawaii. In total, this itinerary offers nearly 100 hours of shore time.

Pride of America sails round-trip from Honolulu every Saturday year-round. As a U.S.-flagged ship, it's the only large vessel permitted to sail this way. Not only do you skip the long Pacific crossing that most cruise ships do to reach Hawaii, but passports are not required for U.S. citizens, and you can tack on pre- or post-cruise stays on Oahu.

The overnights on Maui and Kauai also mean it's possible to try several of Hawaii's signature experiences that most port calls don't allow. Passengers can catch dusk or dawn from atop Maui's massive 10,023-foot dormant volcano with sunrise and sunset excursions to the Haleakala Crater. And with the ship in port all night on Kauai, guests who want to enjoy traditional Hawaiian cuisine, music and hula performances can book the Luau Kalamaku for a fun evening out.

Pride of America, which has been cruising Hawaii since 2005, doesn't have the onboard thrills (race track, virtual-reality gaming, waterslides) of Norwegian's newer ships , but that's okay because the islands, not the ship, are your main destination. Its American-themed decor celebrates U.S. cities in a vibrant, and at times, kitschy way, but a 2021 refurbishment left its cabins and public spaces feeling refreshed.

Many of Norwegian's specialty dining venues (which incur a surcharge) are on board, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Le Bistro (here, it's Jefferson's Bistro), Moderno Churrascaria and Teppanyaki.

Who should go: Anyone seeking a convenient way to island-hop — and see a lot of Hawaii — by making the most of the generous shore time with a combination of independent exploration and shore excursions. Most sailings attract couples ages 50 and older, although summer and holiday sailings have plenty of families on board.

Related: Best time to cruise Hawaii

UnCruise Adventures' 7-night Hawaiian Seascapes

Cruisers seeking a less traditional, more carefree Hawaii experience can have it from November to April aboard UnCruise Adventures ' 36-passenger Safari Explorer. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary, which begins either on Molokai or the island of Hawaii, is an unconventional one designed for those who enjoy going off the beaten path in an intimate and more authentic setting. U.S. passports aren't required to sail.

UnCruise visits four islands — Maui and Lanai plus Molokai and Hawaii — and focuses on not only their striking landscapes and underwater beauty but also the cultural traditions, cuisine and music of the Hawaiian people. On Molokai, where there's not a single traffic light and the lifestyle is slow-paced, passengers get a chance to "talk story" with locals and enjoy a pa'ina (feast) and evening jam session. Lanai activities range from snorkel, paddleboard and kayak excursions to off-road adventures exploring the privately owned island's dramatic sea cliffs, red rock formations and vast fields once filled with Dole pineapples.

Most UnCruise sailings are during Maui's humpback whale season, so sightings while cruising off the coast of Maui are possible. You might also catch glimpses of dolphins and sea turtles. A "Captain's Choice" day is a wild card determined by the weather, marine life in the area and other factors, while the final two days are spent exploring the Big Island of Hawaii — including a hike up Hualalai volcano and a skiff ride along the rugged coast.

Constructed in 1998, Safari Explorer was designed with adventure itineraries in mind (in summer the U.S.-flagged ship repositions to Alaska). Its size allows it to navigate areas larger ships can't reach, which in Hawaii means bays and coves ideal for snorkeling or watersports.

With such a small number of passengers aboard, guests get to know each other — and Safari Explorer's friendly and knowledgeable crew — quite well. Passengers come together over meals featuring locally sourced ingredients, and as all UnCruise fares include unlimited wines, spirits and microbrews, shipmates can raise a glass without worrying who's buying a round. It all lends itself to an exclusive yet utterly relaxed week of cruising.

Who should go: The ship's laid-back onboard vibe paired with its land- and water-based activities make the Hawaiian Seascapes itinerary ideal for active travelers seeking a nature-focused itinerary — although cruise fares (which start around $5,900 per person) are among the priciest for a Hawaii cruise.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Holland America's 17-night Circle Hawaii

Travelers who have more than two weeks to spare and who prefer to arrive in Hawaii via ship rather than an airplane can do so on Holland America 's 17-night Circle Hawaii itinerary. They'd better also love sea days because crossing the Pacific from San Diego or Vancouver to Honolulu and back requires 10 days.

That means passengers enjoy five or six days in Hawaii on Kauai, Oahu, Maui and the island of Hawaii. Some itineraries stay in select ports overnight. Cruises departing from San Diego also call on Ensenada, Mexico. With either departure port, passports will be required.

The itinerary is offered in 2024 and 2025 on the 2,650-passenger Koningsdam and 1,432-passenger Zaandam.

Travelers with more time on their hands can also visit Hawaii as part of longer Pacific island cruises with Holland America. Koningsdam will sail a 35-night Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas itinerary in 2025 that combines visits to four Hawaiian islands with calls on five islands in French Polynesia and Fanning Island, Kiribati (and 20 sea days).

Related: Holland America unveils epic cruise to Hawaii and Alaska for 2025

Zaandam will also sail 51- to 56-night Tales of the South Pacific itineraries that visit multiple islands in Hawaii and French Polynesia along with ports in the Cook Islands, American Samoa and Fiji.

Holland America is popular with cruisers ages 60 and older, many of them retired, who have time to enjoy longer itineraries on ships that offer good value with a focus on culinary and musical enjoyment. Two of Koningsdam's most popular venues are its live entertainment area with three venues — B.B. King's Blues Club (for Memphis-style rhythm and blues), Billboard Onboard (for chart-topping hits played by a live pianist) and Rolling Stone Rock Room (for a live band playing classic rock), and World Stage, a theater with a 270-degree screen used for both special BBC Earth in Concert and theatrical productions.

Onboard specialty dining options (at an added cost) include Pinnacle Grill for steaks and seafood, Tamarind for Pan-Asian cuisine and Rudi's Sel de Mer for French Brasserie specialties and seafood.

Who should go: Mature travelers who prefer not to fly and who enjoy a more traditional cruise experience. They should also love sea days as much (or even more so) than port exploration.

Related: 16 mistakes cruisers make on cruise ship sea days

Princess Cruises' 15- or 16-night Hawaiian Islands

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter.

The majority of sailings are aboard the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess and Ruby Princess from San Francisco, and the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess and 3,080-passenger Emerald Princess from Los Angeles.

Ships are in port for nine to 11 hours in Hawaii (Hilo), Kauai and Maui and for 16 hours in Oahu. Itineraries include a stop in Ensenada, Mexico (so passports are required), plus nine or 10 sea days.

The ships feature many of Princess' popular dining venues, including Alfredo's Pizzeria (a sit-down venue serving personal-size pizzas), Crown Grill for steaks and Sabatini's Italian Trattoria. There's plenty of outdoor space for soaking up the sun — including an adults-only sun deck — and a dazzling Piazza for enjoying cocktails, gelato and pop-up street performers.

Fans of Princess' Movies Under the Stars poolside screenings (with free popcorn) and Discovery at SEA enrichment programming will have ample time to enjoy these perks on a Hawaii sailing.

Who should go: These sailings will appeal to couples or groups of friends who prefer to have a wide choice of sailing dates, can take the time to enjoy a leisurely Pacific crossing and appreciate Princess' focus on quality cuisine and a sun deck designed for relaxation rather than thrills.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise shore excursions

Celebrity's 9- to 12-night Hawaii Cruise

Travelers seeking modern interior decor on a ship designed with couples in mind can visit Hawaii aboard Celebrity Cruises ' 2,852-passenger Celebrity Solstice or 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge on itineraries ranging from nine to 13 nights — but only if the timing is right. That's because the line offers only two sailings per ship each year (in spring and fall) as the ships reposition between Alaska and destinations in the Pacific. The itineraries are one-way (Vancouver to Honolulu or vice versa) with passports required.

These cruises call on three ports on two islands: Honolulu (Oahu) and Hilo and Kona (Hawaii), with one or two overnights in port and 10 hours ashore on one-day visits. All include five days in a row at sea. Since the itineraries either begin or end in Honolulu, there's also a chance for some pre- or post-cruise exploration.

Sea days offer opportunities to enjoy the chic, grown-up ambience and amenities aboard these ships. Each vessel offers multiple complimentary and extra-fee specialty restaurants. Celebrity Solstice features Tuscan Grille for Italian specialties and steak and Murano for modern French cuisine, while Celebrity Edge offers the whimsical Le Petit Chef and the international Eden Restaurant.

Celebrity's signature Martini Bar and many other onboard watering holes keep the grown-up vibe going day and night. Choose cruise fares that include alcohol and Wi-Fi, or pay a lower rate and pay for your drinks as you go.

Who should go: The slightly shorter one-way sailings and the ships' contemporary ambience make these itineraries ideal for couples and groups of friends seeking a relaxing escape — especially Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s, who are Celebrity's target market.

Related: 6 national parks you can reach by cruise ship (and 2 are in Hawaii)

Carnival's 14- or 15-night Hawaii from Los Angeles

If fun is your cruise mantra, the "Fun Ship" brand Carnival Cruise Line offers a handful of round-trip sailings to Hawaii from Los Angeles (Long Beach) aboard the 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance. Like other roundtrips from the West Coast, these itineraries spend just five days in Hawaii, offering eight to 14 hours of shore time in ports on four islands: Maui, Kauai, Oahu and Hawaii. Along with enjoying eight sea days, guests will also call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Carnival Radiance first sailed under that name in 2021, but it's not a new ship. Before an epic makeover, it sailed for the cruise line as Carnival Victory. Ship features include many of Carnival's signature complimentary and extra-fee dining venues, including Guy's Burger Joint and Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse, BlueIguana Cantina, Fahrenheit 555 Steakhouse and Bonsai Sushi Express.

Additional guest favorite destinations on board include the RedFrog Pub, Alchemy Bar and WaterWorks aquapark. Expect high-voltage theater shows from Playlist Productions at night and poolside interactive contests by day.

Who should go: Socially inclined cruisers who love Carnival's emphasis on onboard fun and can appreciate a colorful ship with a lively ambience and lots of day and evening activities.

Related: Best Hawaii cruise tips for getting the most from your island-hopping trip

Royal Caribbean's 9- to 13-night Hawaii Cruises

A megaship cruise experience to Hawaii is available, too — with pricing that's quite affordable. Royal Caribbean cruises there on two vessels in one of its newer classes of ships: the 4,180-passenger Quantum of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.

All are one-way cruises just before or after the Alaska cruise season (so late April or early October) between Oahu and Vancouver (or vice versa). The ships call on two Hawaiian islands and spend four or five days in a row at sea. Passports are required since these itineraries begin or end in Vancouver.

Ovation of the Seas and Quantum of the Seas feature a mix of thrills for all ages. These include RipCord by iFly simulated sky diving, FlowRider simulated surfing, bumper car racing in the SeaPlex indoor activity complex and the North Star sightseeing capsule, which ascends 300 feet above the top deck for 360-degree views.

Both ships also offer 14 dining venues, including the innovative Wonderland, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver and kid-favorite Dog House, as well as bar options that include Schooner Bar for by-request piano tunes, Boleros for mojitos and merengue and Bionic Bar for drinks poured by robotic bartenders. Entertainment includes live cover bands in the Music Hall and multimedia music and dance performances in Two70.

Who should go: Cruisers who love a big ship with a wide array of dining choices, all kinds of evening entertainment and plenty of exciting activities to pass the time on sea days. Quantum-class ships are great for families, but the sail dates might not work for those with school-age kids.

Related: Do you need a passport for a cruise?

Viking's 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn

For a guaranteed adults-only sailing in a relaxed, boutique-style setting, upscale cruise line Viking also offers round-trip Hawaii cruises from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 on its 930-passenger Viking Neptune.

What sets Viking apart from most of the other lines offering Hawaii cruises is that it includes a free shore excursion in every port. These include a highlights tour of Honolulu and Pearl Harbor on Oahu and a visit to a scenic waterfall and the Kilohana sugar plantation on Kauai. Additional excursions can be booked at an extra charge.

The 16-night Hawaiian Islands Sojourn sailings visit four islands — Hawaii (Hilo), Oahu, Kauai and Maui — and like other round-trip sailings from the West Coast include 10 sea days and a call on Ensenada, Mexico, so passports are required.

Viking Neptune will also do 32-night Grand Hawaii and Polynesia sailings round-trip from Los Angeles in late 2024 and early 2025 that visit four islands in Hawaii and four in French Polynesia.

The ship, which debuted in 2022, features sleek Scandinavian-inspired decor, a soothing spa with a complimentary thermal area, an aft infinity pool and hot tub, a panoramic Explorer's Lounge and five onboard restaurants. Specialty restaurant Manfredi's serves an extensive menu of Italian specialties, while The Chef's Table offers rotating five-course themed menus, including Asian, French and California-inspired.

In addition to the free shore excursions, pricing includes complimentary wine or beer with lunch and dinner, specialty dining at no extra charge, crew gratuities and transfers.

Who should go: Couples who prefer the quieter ambience of a ship that doesn't allow anyone under 18 onboard, doesn't have a casino and offers presentations by regional experts that enhance immersion into local culture. Viking cruisers are generally over age 55.

A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Mysterious Misty Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon, Kauai, Hawaii

THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Elektrostal

Restaurants in elektrostal, establishment type, traveler rating, dietary restrictions, restaurant features.

Amsterdam Moments
Beer Club Tolsty Medved
Restaurant Globus
Cafe Antresole
Fabrika Obedov
Prima Bolshogo
Coffee Shop Usy Teodora Glagoleva

Guy's Burger Joint. Take a big juicy bite of one of the best burgers at sea, brought to you by none other than celebrity chef Guy Fieri. EXPLORE DINING. Check out the list of dining options aboard Carnival Cruise Line. We have exclusive restaurants onboard to provide you the best dining experience on a cruise ship.

That's why Carnival's new vegan dining room menu is so important to making sure everyone finds food they love. Look for plant-based options like Baked Vegetable Au Gratin, Eggplant Cutlet a la Parmigiana — and even modified versions of Hawaiian Salmon Poke and Spaghetti Carbonara! Our chefs always work to accommodate dietary needs, but ...

Carnival Cruise Line and Emeril Lagasse have entered into a partnership to enhance the onboard dining experience for Carnival's guests. As part of this collaboration, Emeril Lagasse, a renowned chef known for his New Orleans-style cuisine, has created exclusive menus and signature dishes for select dining venues across Carnival's fleet of ships.

Here are some menu items you'll find on the From The Grill menu: Dinner in the Carnival Vista's main dining room. Salmon Filet: Citrus and pepper rubbed salmon served with broccoli, carrots ...

Main Dining Room is included in the cruise fare so there is no additional cost to eat at this venue. Remember, beverages are not usually included and will be extra. ... Main Dining Room Dinner Menu. From Carnival Celebration February 2023. Main Dining Room Seaday Brunch Menu. From Carnival Celebration February 2023.

Dining Room "Hey, which side does the fork go on?" is a question you'll never have to ask at a dining room dinner aboard a Carnival cruise… we set the table for you. We also bring to the table a full three courses in an experience that's filling, but never stuffy — after all, you're just as likely to catch waiters table-dancing as ...

Night 4 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu. Night 5 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu. Night 6 - Elegant Night 2 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu *. Night 7 - Main Dining Room Dinner Menu. *Please note: For cruises 7 days or longer, the second Elegant Night will be happen on the second to last night of the cruise with lobster being added to this menu ...

Guy's Burger Joint. In an enclave between the upper level of the RedFrog Tiki Bar and Club 02 on Deck 17, Guy's Burger Joint is one of two Guy Fieri-partnered dining venues on the Carnival ...

Get pancakes, waffles or french toast hot off the griddle — each comes with a surprising and delicious flavor twist like vanilla, pecan or salted caramel. There's breakfast standards like oatmeal, granola and a generous selection of fresh fruits and cereals. Add crispy bacon, awesome sausage — which is actually the only kind — or ham to ...

dijon mustard, chives, sage. BONSAI SUSHI SHIP* ( FOR 2) $26.00. California roll, Bang Bang Bonsai roll, 6 pcs assor ted sushi (tuna, salmon, shrimp) 18% service charge will automatically be added to your order.

Carnival also has Your Time Dining, which allows for open seating at dinner in the main dining room any time between 5:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Your Time Dining is available on every Carnival ship. Dress Code: With the exception of one formal night for 2 to 5 day cruises and two formal nights for cruises 6 days or longer, the dress code is casual ...

Main dining rooms on large ships will serve breakfast, lunch (possibly only on sea days) and dinner. Occasionally, a buffet might be set up within the restaurant to complement the menu choices ...

These main dining rooms share the same rotating menus. Port Day Breakfast: Pacific Restaurant 7:00-9:00am. Sea Day Brunch: Pacific Restaurant 8:30am-12pm. Sea Day Tea Time: Atlantic Restaurant 3:00-4:00pm. Dinner: Early seating 5:00pm • Late seating 7:45pm • Anytime Dining 5:00-9:00pm. Click here to view the Carnival Main Dining Room Menus.

At the heart of the Carnival Celebration's dining experience are the Festivale and Carnivale Restaurants, offering a sophisticated atmosphere for breakfast, brunch, and dinner. These main dining rooms share the same rotating menus. Port Day Breakfast: Festivale Restaurant 7:00-9:00am. Sea Day Brunch: Festivale Restaurant 8:30am-12pm.

0. 1. The Rudi's menu includes five sections from which you can choose your meal's three courses: starters, soups and salads, entrees, grill items and desserts. For your first course, you can choose an item from starters, soups or salads. For your second course, select from entrees or the grill.

Requested dates and times will be honored on a first come, first served basis. To secure your reservation, payment is required at time of making your dining reservation. Online reservations can be made up to 48 hours prior to your sail date. Reservations can also be made on board at the specialty restaurant or by calling from your stateroom.

Guests may choose: Splendor: Early dining at 5:15pm, Late dining at 7:45pm or 'Your Time' open seating, between 5:00pm and 8:30pm. Luminosa: Early dining at 5:15pm, Late dining at 7:30pm or 'Your Time' open seating, between 5:00pm and 8:30pm. Dining times are subject to change due to conflict of time with port stays or other scheduled ...

2. Big Chicken. The Carnival Celebration's Big Chicken is a complimentary venue created by Carnival's Chief Fun Officer, Shaq, and offers a variety of fried chicken sandwiches, a fried chicken basket, fries, potato salad, and jalapeno slaw. Guests can also get chicken tenders or a basket of fried chicken.

Princess Cruises restructured the dining options in its fleet's main dining rooms, offering three distinct types of services: traditional, reservable, and walk-in anytime, effective with cruises ...

Princess Cruises is also a good option for longer sailings. The cruise line offers numerous round-trip itineraries to Hawaii from Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego in the fall and winter ...

At a ceremony Duffy was inducted into CLIA's Hall of Fame, introduced by her boss, Josh Weinstein, president/CEO, Carnival Corp. & plc. Leads 48,000 team members, 27 Fun Ships and more. Duffy leads more than 48,000 Carnival team members who deliver fun and memorable cruises to more than 5.5m passengers each year.

Speciality Museums. Write a review. Be the first to upload a photo. Upload a photo. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing. The area. Raskovoi ul., d. 37, Elektrostal 144003 Russia. Reach out directly.

Art MuseumsHistory Museums. Write a review. Full view. All photos (22) Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing. The area. Nikolaeva ul., d. 30A, Elektrostal 144003 Russia. Reach out directly.

Apelsin Hotel, Elektrostal: See 43 traveler reviews, 19 candid photos, and great deals for Apelsin Hotel, ranked #1 of 4 hotels in Elektrostal and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.

Best Dining in Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast: See 603 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 37 Elektrostal restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. ... Elektrostal Hotels with Banquet hall Elektrostal Hotels with Game room. More Elektrostal Categories. ... Flights Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars More. Add a Place Airlines ...

College Essay Topics for 2022

Overwhelmed by the many college essay topics you can write about? Don’t be. We’ll show you potential topics you can choose for your college essay.

As discussed in the post about How to Choose an Essay Topic , don’t start with the Common App, Coalition App, or other college application essay prompts. Instead, begin writing your essay and go back and choose the prompt it answers best later.

Key Takeaways

The college essay starts with a compelling essay topic.
It's not easy to come up with a college essay topic that is interesting, original, and supports the overall theme of your college application.
Start here for ideas on the best college essay topics of 2022

What is the college essay.

The college essay is the piece of writing in your college application where you tell admission officers:

Who you are
What value you’d bring to the campus community
Why they should accept you.

The college essay brings color to your file and can give “aha” moments to highlight or bring clarity about why you’re a good candidate for the college. Your college essay is so important that a great essay can push you over the edge if it’s between you and another candidate. A bad college essay will likely lead to a decision to decline your application. College essay topics set the tone of the entire essay.

2020 is the first year that most colleges considered files without test scores. They placed more emphasis on the college essay. Things will be the same in 2020. The University of California and many other colleges have announced that 2021-2022 will also be test-optional.

While we never know the exact impact of the college essay on admissions, before COVID-19, 75% of admissions officers responded that they found the college essay to be a factor in their decisions . This shows that the college essay is important. The essay you write is guided by the college essay topics you choose. With so many things happening in your life, how do you choose which to write about?

This post digs into the most compelling topics of the 2022 college application season. The examples presented here will get you started on writing an essay that is unique to you and makes the case for your admissions.

Something you're afraid of

Fear is a great topic to explore in your college essay. It’s one of the most primal of all human emotions. Fear keeps us from making decisions that can hurt us. But more often than not, fear also holds us back from doing things that will help us grow. With a key objective in your essay to show growth, writing your essay about something that keeps you up at night is sure to be a winner.

Some examples can include the fear of loneliness, fear of failure, or the fear of success . I had a former student write an essay about his fear of heights and how he overcame that fear and worked his way up to riding the Tower of Terror at Hollywood Studios. Here’s an excerpt from the student’s essay:

"I am scared of many things (needles, sharks, blood), but no fear has conquered me more than height fright. I spent a decade visiting Disney World with my mom, dad, and younger brother and never set foot on a thrill ride. I especially feared The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, a Hollywood Studios headliner, engineered to drop at accelerated speeds while being struck by lightning bolts or what epitomized my waking nightmare. In August 2011, when my dad suggested we ride Terror, I profusely refused. His stone-cold face glared at me down when he said, "Logan, this ride isn't even scary!" But I, arms crossed and standing my ground, wouldn't waver. Of course, I got my way, and he stayed back with me. Although relieved for the time being, upon returning to New York, I felt bad that I had burdened my family with my fear, which persisted for five more years. Then, last year, I rode Terror and haven't looked back since. Here's how I did it." Student Writer

Something you're grateful for

girl on the bus laughing looking outside

This topic perfectly aligns with the Common Apps new 2021-2022 essay prompt that says:

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

The motivation for this question update is that so much has happened in the last two years. After the COVID-19 pandemic, the world will never be the same. We have lost so many lives. Also, there is social unrest, economic decline, and lots of uncertainty. Some people liken what’s happening to the early 20th century, ironically in the same 20s decade. If you’re alive, breathing, and have had good fortunes this year, this may be an excellent topic for you to dig into further.

Someone who has inspired you

Dad and daugther posing for picture studying in the library

For this essay topic, you’d write about a real person in your life . Avoid choosing a celebrity, popular politician or pubic figure, out of the risk of being too clich é . The person you choose should have a direct or indirect influence on the person you have become.

This could be someone like your mom or dad, a grandparent, aunt or uncle, cousin, friend, teacher, coach, or anyone else who you can speak vividly and candidly about lessons they have taught you. This person can be living or may have passed on. The essay you write will illustrate what insights and learnings you can apply to your life because of the influence they have had on you.

Here’s an excerpt from a sample student who wrote about her late father:

"In his final days, I recall my father reclining on a plush black couch. His expressionless face was attached to a gas mask and oxygen tank. It still brings me to tears that the father I loved - the man who walked ten blocks every Sunday to Parisi's Bakery to buy his little girl strawberry-filled bread cookies - was losing his battle with lung cancer. Even as his health started to deteriorate, my father proved himself to be a hero. Like a devout Muslim, he read his favorite Koran passages and prayed five times daily until the eleventh hour. Oblivious to his weakening condition, I sat by his side, asking questions about everything like spelling a word, the question to a Jeopardy answer, and what a fact means. Hoarse and out of breath, my father always gave me an answer. He was aware that this moment might be the last time we would have together. But I believed that he would pull through cancer and be around forever. After all, real heroes never die, right? While difficult to be fully expressed in words, my father strived to be a good parent to my brothers and me. He made sure we got to school on time, taught us how to save for the future, and encouraged us to value our Muslim beliefs. Still, more importantly, he made us earn his approval. On those rare occasions, when I could get him to share a proud smile for something that I achieved, I felt like my world was complete. For example, my father walked with my brothers and me to Rainey Park on Saturdays, where he challenged us to a relay race. Of course, he always won. But during each race, he yelled at me to run faster, pull through the pain gushing through my legs, and pump harder and harder. After following his advice, on one particular Saturday afternoon, I beat him! And when I waited for his expression, his grave eyes finally gave me the approval I yearned for. On the way home, he stopped at the store to buy me red Baby Bottle Pop candy. It was the perfect day!" Student Writer

Something you're fighting for

2020 is arguably the year of the most protests in your lifetime (and my lifetime!). Mashable featured a great article about the 15 protests of 2020 that you’ll tell your children about. Why wait? Your college essay is a great place to start, especially if you’ve been part of any of the protests. Nothing explains who you are and what you stand for than sharing causes that you care about.

Something you're sacrificing for

One of the most incredible moves you can make in your life is sacrificing something in your life for the greater good. For example, maybe you’re an aspiring teen entrepreneur and next founder or creator. You’re building a business, like a few of my students.

One has a jewelry company and sells her products on Etsy. Another is buying and selling cryptocurrency on an exchange. Running a business comes with sacrifices, such as missing out on having fun with friends. Or perhaps your grades. Many of my entrepreneurial students have less than stellar grades or limited extracurricular involvement because they’ve spent more time building their businesses.

This essay would serve a dual purpose of explaining why their grades aren’t perfect (addressing something that admissions officers would want to know) and showing their passion for something worth sacrificing the time and energy they’d spend elsewhere that wasn’t as significant.

Something or someone you value

A classic topic, you can use it as your general essay. Some schools, like Stanford University, use this topic as a supplemental essay. At its core, motivation, and passion lead to action. In this essay, you can show admissions officers what type of person you are, how you show up in the world, and your plans for the future – for yourself, the campus community, and society.

To be sure, this is a BIG essay to write. If you select this topic, be sure to focus on one thing (as opposed to ten) that is meaningful and most important to you. Avoid repeating anything you have said in another part of your application. A great example of this essay is a student who wrote about a memory box where she keeps her most precious treasures. She speaks about each treasure, a book from her mom and a pair of gold hoop earrings, and the significance they’ve had in her life. Here’s an excerpt:

Here’s a college essay excerpt from a student who wrote about a box for her most precious treasures:

I am a collector. It started with a box. But my head is ingrained with the idea that every object worth saving has a story worth remembering. Peeking out from the edge of the box was Our Moon Has Blood Clots, a book my mom had given me two years ago to read. It vividly details Kashmir's purge of the Kashmiri Pandit community, a part of our history my mom felt was important to understand. But I avoided it. For me, it was too uncomfortable to face a past ridden with war, violence, rape, and exile. I didn't want to relive my parents escaping their homes with only a few documents, living in tents, and everything they worked for and knew was gone and forced to restart their lives from ground zero. Instead of reading it, I buried it, deep, in my memory box. Although I was born 13 years later, I read in a PBS article that trauma is an inherited trait. And like so many victims of trauma, be it first-hand or through DNA, we hold on to things but put memories away. I am without a piece of myself. One day, I'll face the truth and accept how the mass exodus has shaped me. But today, I find solace in understanding that my parents' struggle gave rise to more opportunities I could hope for given their arrival as American refugees. By taking advantage of everything at my disposal, I am grateful for my education and relationships, all assets no one can ever take away." Student Writer

Something you're passionate about

This essay topic is a great way to show your curiosity and hunger for knowledge or mastering a skill . You wouldn’t want to write this essay about anything already in your college application, like why you enjoy biology or why you joined your school’s video club. Instead, you’d write about something that shows your interest in something that would not fit anywhere else. You enjoy something so unique that your application would not be complete unless they knew this about you.

Interests you can write about like:

Podcasting and video blogging
Bitcoin and cryptocurrency
Real estate investing
Running your own business or nonprofit
Spoken word poetry
Knitting, scrapbooking, or other creative arts
Social media and being an influencer

These are a few examples, and you likely have your own examples of interests you’re passionate about that you do on your own and outside of school. Speaking about your hobbies and interests can give insight into what else you’ve been up to during your high school years. Often for students, these interests may lead to career options or influence how you’ll engage in the campus community, both of which admissions officers are very interested in learning about you.

Your cultural roots and background

If you’re a newcomer to the United States or a first-generation American with parents who migrated to our country, this may be a good topic for you to explore. You have a unique voice and perspective that college admissions officers highly value. You can speak about so many things — experiences, culture, food — what meaning these things have had in your life, how you’re balancing with ideals in American culture.

You can speak about it directly, such as telling the reader about your journey as a newcomer or first-generation American student. Or you can talk about it indirectly, as one of my students from last year did. The student wrote about his joy in making empanadas. He shares his grandmother’s recipe and what it’s like making them with her and ties it to his cultural ties to Equador and being of Italian heritage. Here’s an excerpt from his essay:

Here’s a college essay excerpt from a student who wrote about his joy of cooking empanadas for his family:

"I have become more comfortable with the recipe, and I am confident that I can make any empanada I want. I like making empanadas for several reasons. First, I can be very creative with them, changing the ingredients every time I make them. Over the years, I have made empanadas with all kinds of varieties of beef, chicken, cheese, and vegetables. But if I wanted to, I could fill it with tomato sauce and cheese to make a pizza empanada or American cheese and beef to make a cheeseburger empanada. From start to finish, no matter what you put inside, it takes half an hour, and you have yourself a meal. Also, around the time that I made my first empanadas, it was not often that I would find a restaurant that sold them. I had to make them myself. However, as time has passed, I have seen more restaurants and food trucks that strictly serve empanadas open in my neighborhood, where there are few from my Ecuadorian culture living here. And like so many other things, empanadas have arrived in mainstream American culture, making their mark on the world, something so unique, diverse, and delicious. But most importantly, empanadas represent a significant part of Ecuadorian culture, to which I've always felt connected through my grandma's stories. Growing up, I remember vivid stories about her life in Ecuador. She eventually moved to the United States at 18-years-old and was immersed in American culture as a young woman and immigrant. Learning to cook empanadas and staying true to her recipe has strengthened my relationship with my grandma. While I have never traveled to Quito, Ecuador's capital city, where she was born, the empanadas link me to my cultural roots." Student Writer

Once you decide on a topic, then you can proceed to write your college essay. Start here with this post about Writing a College Essay. Also, you can check out an upcoming College Essay Workshop .

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IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2024

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IELTS Essay Questions for 2022

Below is a list of predicted IELTS Writing Task 2 essay topics for this year, 2022. As usual, these topics are based on common topics, current world issues and trending topics. Both GT and Academic candidates should prepare from the list below.

On this page, you will find:

List of types of essay questions
Essay Topics for 2022
Useful Links for lessons & tips

IELTS Essay Types in 2022

There are five types of essay questions in IELTS Writing Task 2. You will not know which type of essay you will be given. So, you must prepare for all types. When you read the 2022 Essay Topics list below, be ready for that topic to be phrased in different ways for different essay types. Be prepared to be flexible!!

Opinion Essay – agree/disagree/ partial agreement
Discussion Essay – discuss both sides
Advantage / Disadvantage – includes outweigh essay
Cause / Problem / Solution Essays
Direct Question Essays – Positive . Negative Development / one question / two question / three question essays

Click here to learn how to spot which type of essay you have: IELTS Essay Types

IELTS Essay Topics for 2022

I’ve organised the predicted IELTS essay questions below and highlighted the topics I feel are more likely to appear. All topics in IELTS essays are current world issues and known society concerns. Our world today is mainly focused on health, work, technology, internet and other aspects of life.

is art important
what can children learn from art, drama etc
is literature important to teach in schools
should the government fund artists
what people gain from live events
should art be censored
does art transcend the language barrier

Books & Reading

e-books – pros and cons
are libraries a thing of the past
children reading story books in their free time
adults reading children’s stories

Business & Money

family run businesses – pros and cons
should we save or spend
should companies be responsible for their employees’ health
why some people do not save
should money management be taught in schools
is dress code or uniforms important in a company
why do some people get into debt
spending money on unnecessary items / luxury goods
supporting small local businesses
buying local or foreign products
relocating companies to the countryside away from city centers – pros and cons
factors in business success
is the layout of an office important

Character & People

is leadership innate
factors behind success
are people more impatient than before
are older people as respected as they should be
people who follow fashion trends
keeping up with the Joneses
individuality or conformity in schools
why do some people struggle with change
are people less respectful of the elderly nowadays
are people becoming less formal

Crime & Punishment

fixed punishment for a crime or should circumstances play a role in deciding punishment
prisons – pros and cons
stopping ex-convicts from re-offending
how to reduce crime in society
do some films encourage criminal behaviour
should teenage offenders get the same punishment as adult offenders
why people watch crime shows on TV
online crimes
is safety a personal or government responsibility
are museums and art galleries important
can children gain from visiting museums and galleries
should the government support artists
should schools prioritise science over the Arts
importance of traditional clothes and music
how tourism is changing local cultures
how can the government / schools preserve traditional culture
globalisation – will cultures be lost
how has the internet affect culture around the world
are public celebrations important for culture
people spending a lot of money on weddings and celebrations
do foreign films change local culture
discipline in schools
pros and cons of learning online
is science and technology important to teach
are university degrees more important than experience
how can people learn soft skills, such as communication, personal skills etc
homework for children – an aid to learning or too much pressure
who influences children most – teachers or parents
teaching good values – teachers or parents
are children from poor backgrounds disadvantaged in education
is history important to learn
studying abroad
children of different abilities should be taught separately
home schooling pros and cons
education in cities compared to rural areas
how to make learning interesting for children
all education should be free

Environment, Nature & Wildlife

protecting trees/ endangered species – causes / problems / solutions
how to educate people about environmental problems
noise pollution / air pollution / water pollution – causes / solutions
how to tackle littering
importance of tackling climate change – causes, problems, solutions
importance of spending time in nature
are wild animals important
testing consumer products on animals
children having pets
who should protect the environment: individuals or governments
what is the generation gap and how can it be tackled
can children benefit from a close relationship with their grandparents
should women with children go to work
are family roles changing within the family
who should support elderly family members: family or government
is it important for family members to spend time together
why do some couples choose not to have children
parents should give children the freedom to make their own mistakes
is our food culture changing
is it important to keep traditional meals
why do people eat junk food if it is unhealthy
should families eat together
is animal welfare important to know about when buying meat in supermarkets
what information would stop you buying a certain product
what is a balanced diet
why are some people vegetarian
should all health care be free – pros and cons
is public health a personal responsibility or the responsibility of the government
sugar as a cause of health problems
problems with junk food
importance of mental health
tackling obesity in society / in children
health problems connected to using screens
how to encourage children to do more exercise
why people take up meditation, yoga or taichi
walking, cycling to work pros and cons
funding prevention or treatments

Language & Communication

are text messages / emails / video calls a good form of communication
pros and cons of one global language
how has the internet changed the way we communicate and socialise
should children learn a foreign language at an early age
is handwriting a thing of the past
will snail mail one day disappear
difficulties learning a foreign language
are holidays important
why is leisure time important
are hobbies important
spending time in nature
children spending time playing together
do people value leisure time more nowadays
why do people watch so much TV in their free time
Is watching TV a good leisure activity
what leisure activities are best for children
should children do homework or have fun in their leisure time

Media & The Internet

social media and our image of beauty
shopping online pros and cons
how the internet has changed the way we work
importance of accuracy in historical films
does the internet make people feel more connected
online streaming for films – pros and cons
problems sharing personal information online
reality TV stars
what makes a film successful – stars, special effects or story
meeting new people online
how advertising influences people – billboards, internet pop ups, brand placement in films, social media
celebrities as role models for children
are newspapers a thing of the past now that news can be found online
unreliable news or information online
technology makes people lazy
pros and cons of smart phones
technology in the work place results in job losses
technology and solving pollution / environmental problems
technology, science and health
government spending on space exploration or health care social services
how has technology changed our lives / the way we work
how has technology helped mankind
pros and cons of a traffic free zone in city centers
way to reduce pollution from cars
should driving tests be obligatory every 5 years
how to reduce traffic congestion in city centers
pros and cons of plane travel
how to ensure road safety
should we all use electric cars
people over 80 should not be allowed to drive
experiencing foreign countries on TV rather than travelling there
conforming to the culture of the country you are visiting
pros and cons of tourism on the domestic economy
adventure holidays
tourism and environmental factors (including wildlife)
pros and cons of taking holidays on your own country
tourism and its impact on the country
what children learn from team sports and individual sports
should sports teach competition or cooperation
should schools increase physical education lessons
benefits of exercise, walking, cycling
should sports stars be paid so much
companies sponsor sports events and teams for advertising – pros and cons
sports professionals earning high salaries compared to doctors or nurses
why people do adventure sports
importance of international sports competitions

World Issues & Social Issues

how can homelessness be tackled
should world issues be solved nationally or internationally
closing the gap between rich and poor countries
rich countries should support poor countries at any cost
overpopulation – problems / solutions
people are living longer – pros and cons
should charities help people locally or nationally
are charities important
more people are raising money for charities – why, is this a good thing
living in the countryside or city – pros and cons
food wastage / increase in world food demand
(affordable) housing shortage – solutions
migration of workers from rural to urban areas
taking care of the elderly – family or government responsibility
lack of good education in under-developed countries
pros and cons of working from home
work-life balance
pros and cons of being self-employed / working for a company
bosses contacting people on their days off
importance of holidays from work
both parents working – how it impacts children
is team working skills
job satisfaction or salary
working online pros and cons
pros and cons of technology / machines at work
Was this list useful to you?
Did you get one of these topics in your test?

USEFUL IELTS WRITING TASK 2 LINKS:

Click below to access some useful lessons and tips for your IELTS essay

How to write an introduction

List of keywords for essay writing

How to use the last 5 mins in your writing test

How long should your essay be

All Free Writing Task 2 Lessons and Tips

hello everyone. I am preparing for the IELTS exam. kindly read my essay and suggests me with better writing skills. TOPIC “Newspaper less important nowadays” agree or disagree? Comments

Answer: Few people considered newspapers less important nowadays but others do differ with the statement In present world the demand of newspapers are declined as the people are more tend towards news and updates from internet and they focus least on hands-on paper as they found them of no use as the same stuff is available through internet (in the form of online newspaper).On the other hand people do have collection of newspaper piled up and they found them of no use. People are now well thought out that newspaper printing is useless and waste of resources; above mention are the views of few people not everyone. Moreover other people agree with the fact that reading newspaper online is better than collecting and piling them at home but they also don’t let the fact go away that continuously reading newspaper online may affect the eyes and it may create eyesight disease. After mentioning few general public views about newspaper I will proceed further along with the advantages of newspapers ,Firstly newspapers consists of interesting articles and write-ups that provides vast knowledge ,Secondly we can improve reading skills ,grammar vocabulary and speaking power too. Old newspapers can be used in projects by students in the form of recycle material as an example of solid waste management. I will conclude by saying that newspaper is less important for few people but for other people it is still very useful nowadays.

Please see this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-writing-task-2/

Scientists agree that many people are eating too much junk food and it is damaging their health. Some people think that these problems can be solved by educating people to eat less junk food. Other people believe that education will not work. Discuss both opinions and give your own opinion.

hello dear Liz. I’m going to take my exam on 10th of July. Is it possible if these topics would come in my exam too? thanks in advance

Yes, these topics as well as the common essay topics could easily appear with different wording.

I’m confused. The predicted topics don’t have any essay type. How to know the essay type of predicted topics that u have highlighted?

There are topics, not questions. As long as you can prepare ideas for topics, you can adapt them to any type of essay.

Hii , Liz I’m beginner in this field Nd don’t know how can I collect good ideas to do better in writing task 2 … And how to practice for it

See my Ideas E-book: https://elizabethferguson.podia.com/

Hi Liz, I was wondering if your correction service is active now.

Regards, Aya

Sorry, not at present. Once my health has improved, I’ll set it up.

Thank you Liz. I scored a band 8 overall!

That’s brilliant!! Very well done to you 🙂

Greeting Liz. I hope you’re good. I prepared for IELTS academic in just three weeks using your materials. I needed a minimum of 7 in all aspects and an overall of 7.5. These are my scores: Listening 8.5, Reading 8.5, Writing 7.0, Speaking 7.5. Overall 8.0. Thanks alot for your kindness. God bless you.

That’s a great score! Well done 🙂

Hi Liz, I love your videos in YouTube and your blog has been extremely helpful for my preparation of IELTS exam. Thank you. Sending you lots of love and best wishes from Bhutan 💜❤

Thanks 🙂 Greetings to Bhutan!!

Hello Liz, I just gave a mock writing test and it deducted my band score by 1 for using a clichés which was ‘a waste of time’. Will the same happen in the real test? Can you give a list of other clichés which we cannot use in the test [ apart from the ones given on the site ].

I’m not sure precisely the expressions you use as you mention only one. The expression “a waste of time” is completely fine to use in any Writing Task 2 essay. It is idiomatic, suitable for formal writing and good to use.

Okay. Thank you.😇

Thank you do much Liz.i started reading your tips recently and that Is when I started to understand what I need to do.your content is so easy to understand.

I’m so glad. I built this website to make learning IELTS easy 🙂

I’ve purchased your grammar book and all I can say is I should’ve bought this book ages ago. It was really useful and there so many “oo..” moments when I was learning using the pdf. I also agree with you that it’s not just for students who are taking Ielts, but also for life! this has helped me to unlearn and learn the correct ways of speaking and writing English. Thanks once again.

Thank you so much for leaving your comment. I really love hearing feedback on my work, particularly on that Grammar E-book. I poured my health and soul into it and tried to find ways to make grammar easy. I often feel that grammar is written by academics for academic people, but not for normal everyday people. I always felt that if grammar was explained and illustrated more clearly, it wouldn’t be so difficult. This really gives me a great boost. I’m going in the right direction with my teaching. Thank you very very much 🙂

Hi liz, I just want to express my joy on your comeback. I tried to contact you concerning your health. With your recent activity on your website, i am convinced that your have recovered.

Unfortunately, I haven’t recovered yet. I feel a bit stronger which is why I’m trying to get new posts out on my site. Hopefully this year will see me get stronger as times passes.

Praying for you, Liz. Please know that I have been learning from all your posts. You are a very smart teacher and content-creator. All are useful!

God bless you with better and improved health this 2022

Thank you 🙂

Thanks mum wish you speedy recovery.

You are a real teacher who can effectively deliver the lesson. Looks very kind and cool teacher.May thanks. Stay blessed.

Thanks for your kind comment 🙂

I need contact someone of Ieltsliz. I bought this year in the store but I cant access to it. Can someone help me PLEASE!

I’ve just emailed you. Can you check your inbox and spam folder for my email. Thanks.

Thank you so much Mam Liz . We all miss you so much . I pray to Allah that you get well soon and get you back on youtube .

Thanks for the useful information but I miss you on you tube. Why don’t you make videos again?

I’ve been sick for a long time and I’m still sick which prevents me making videos. You can read my story here: https://ieltsliz.com/determination-my-story/

HI liz.. thank you so much for your sharing. How strong you are Liz. Even I have never met you before but I really admire you. Thank you..thank you so much for your dedication. As you said knowing that help a lot of people reach their goals is the best way to live . We extremely appreciate your time, your support Liz. Wish you all the best.

It’s truly helpful for preparing oneself with these resources particularly writing task 2 topics and ideas. I got a lot of websites for Ielts preparation but this one is well organised to follow. Thanks a lot liz for providing us such quality materials.❤️

You’re welcome 🙂

LIZ , I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH. SCORED A BAND 8 ON MY FIRST TRY!!! 8.5 in listening , 8.5 in reading , 7.5 in writing , 7 in speaking – overall 8.

A great result!! Very well done 🙂

Thank You So Much Liz! You are gem of a person. I also got an overall band 8.5 on my first attempt. Your methodological teaching videos on youtube and this website’s practice lessons were my prime source of preparation. Much love. Regards, Dr. Yash

Wonderful news! Band score 8.5 is fantastic! Very well done 🙂

Thank you Liz for providing these topics.. Are these predicted topics only for paper based ielts or for computer based as well???

They are for the IELTS test this year. It makes no difference if you take the test on the computer or on paper.

So helpful topics. Thanks for providing such valuable content🥰.

Thankyou liz..its very very helpful

A very big thank you for these essay topics.It is indeed valuable.

Thank you very much, this information was very useful for us🙏🥰

Thank you so much,Liz for providing such valuable information.

Many thanks for your constant support for the students, stay blessed 🙏🏻

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FREE interesting essay topics FOR STUDENTS

essay topics | Screenshot 2021 08 25 at 19 58 00 Top 25 Essay topics for 2021 — Literacy Ideas | Top 25 Essay Topics for 2024 | literacyideas.com

FOR STUDENTS NEEDING A VISUAL PROMPT TO WRITE A GREAT ESSAY

essay topics | Screenshot 2021 08 25 at 20 03 42 FREE essay writing prompts for students — Innovative Teaching Ideas Teaching Resources | Top 25 Essay Topics for 2024 | literacyideas.com

ESSAY TOPICS YOUR STUDENTS WILL LOVE TO WRITE ABOUT

Zoos are sometimes seen as necessary but not poor alternatives to a natural environment. Discuss some of the arguments for and/or against keeping animals in zoos.
Imagine that your teacher wants to teach a new subject for the next few weeks. Your teacher will take suggestions, and then let the students vote on the new subject. What subject should your class choose? Write an essay to support your choice and to persuade the other students to vote for your choice.
Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
Should teachers have to wear uniforms or have a dress code?
Since the invention of nuclear weapons we have had a long period of GLOBAL peace and stability. Are nuclear weapons global peacemakers or killing devices?
Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
Is the death penalty effective?
To what extent is the use of animals in scientific research acceptable?
What age is appropriate for dating?
Pretend you woke up one day and there were no rules. People could suddenly do whatever they wanted! Explain what the world would be like. Use your imagination!
Should student’s textbooks be replaced by notebook computers?
Should students be allowed to have cell phones in elementary and high schools?
Should wealthy nations be required to share their wealth among poorer nations?
Should money be spent on space exploration?
Is fashion important?
Are we too dependent on computers?
If you had the opportunity to bring any person — past or present, fictional or nonfictional — to a place that is special to you (your hometown or country, a favorite location, etc.), who would you bring and why? Tell us what you would share with that person
Most high level jobs are done by men. Should the government encourage a certain percentage of these jobs to be reserved for women?
Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
In your opinion what factors contribute to a good movie?
The destruction of the world’s forests is inevitable as our need for land and food grows. Do you agree?
Many parents give their children certain chores or tasks to do at home. Should children have to do chores or tasks at home? Be sure to explain why you think it is a good idea or a bad idea. Include examples to support your reasons.
Should the voting age be lowered to thirteen?
Should the government place a tax on junk food and fatty snacks?
Should more be done to protect and preserve endangered animals?

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Banned Books, Censored Topics: Teaching About the Battle Over What Students Should Learn

Suggestions for using recent Times and Learning Network articles, videos, podcasts, student forums and more.

By Katherine Schulten

Parents, activists, school board officials and lawmakers are challenging books at a pace not seen in decades. At the same time, schools are mired in debates over what students should learn about in U.S. history. In the last two years, dozens of state legislatures introduced bills that would limit what teachers can say about race, gender, sexuality and inequality.

All of this is part of a larger debate over politics in public school education. Across the United States, parents have demanded more oversight over curriculums, and school board meetings have erupted into fiery discussions.

How much do your students know and understand about these battles? To what extent have they affected your community, school and students? Why do they matter?

Below, we have collected articles, podcasts, videos and essays, from both The Times and other sources, that can help students think about these issues, and consider what they can do in response. We have also linked to our own related lesson plans, as well as to our Student Opinion forums , where your students are invited to join young people around the world to discuss their opinions.

And though we are publishing this collection during Banned Books Week , these issues are relevant far beyond one week in September. With the approach of midterm elections, for example, challenges to books and the conflicts that surround them are only likely to escalate. And, of course, all of these battles raise deeper questions about education, democracy and citizenship. We hope your students will find something in this collection that will engage them.

What’s happening right now and why?

True or False?

Attempts to ban books in the United States surged in 2021 to the highest level since the American Library Association began tracking book challenges 20 years ago.

The top 10 most-targeted books last year were all classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Polls show a majority of Americans support banning books.

Police reports have been filed this year against library staff over the books on their shelves.

A Florida law limits teaching on race and racism, including prohibiting instruction that would compel students to feel responsibility, guilt or anguish for what other members of their race did in the past.

(Answers: True ; False ; False ; True ; True )

How would your students do on that quiz? Invite them to brainstorm what they know — or think they know — about book bans and curriculum challenges around the country. As they work, ask them to be as specific as possible: Which books and topics have come under scrutiny? Why? They can also compile a list of the questions they have about these bans and challenges.

Depending on the time you have to devote, here are several ways to provide an overview:

Watch the video embedded above, from PBS News Hour.

Read this New York Times that summarizes the issue from September 2022: “ Attempts to Ban Books Are Accelerating and Becoming More Divisive .”

Use some of the statistics, charts, summaries and more in this comprehensive report from Pen America, “ Banned in the USA: The Growing Movement to Censor Books in Schools .”

Or, to understand the implications of these battles through the story of one small town, read or listen to an article from The Times Magazine, “ How Book Bans Turned a Texas Town Upside Down .”

Finally, if your students are ready, they can join young people around the world to post their thoughts in our Student Opinion forum that asks, What Is Your Reaction to the Growing Fight Over What Young People Can Read? You can also have them read and react to a selection of student comments responding to that prompt . (Or, they can view the answers students gave in 2019 to our question, Have You Ever Read a Book You Weren’t Supposed to Read? or to our 2017 question, Are There Books That Should Be Banned From Your School Library? )

Where do your students stand?

A December 2021 lesson plan, written in response to the Times article “ In Texas, a Battle Over What Can Be Taught, and What Books Can Be Read ,” includes an exercise in which students are given a series of statements adapted from the article and asked to decide to what extent they agree or disagree with them. Here are some of them:

Public schools are where a society transmits values and beliefs, so it makes sense that in this fraught and deeply divided time these kinds of arguments are happening.

Books or topics that make students feel discomfort, guilt or anguish because of race, gender or sexuality should not be taught in school.

Understanding our country’s history — including failures to live up to the promises of democracy — is an important part of education.

Teachers should explore contentious subjects in a manner free from political bias.

Lawmakers, politicians and parents should be able to tell teachers which books, articles, videos and other materials they are allowed to use in their classrooms.

It is the responsibility of schools to prepare students emotionally and intellectually with a diversity of voices, including some that challenge dominant historical and literary narratives.

Depending on your students’ background knowledge, the sensitivity of these issues in your community, and other considerations, you might do a similar exercise, either with these statements or with others.

You might distribute the statements to students and have them determine individually to what extent they “strongly agree,” “agree,” “disagree,” “strongly disagree” or are neutral or unsure. If you want them to turn these answers in to you, you might allow students to be anonymous. Or, if your class is ready to discuss these topics as a group, you can use the statements as a “ Four Corners ” exercise; as a “ Big Paper ” silent conversation in writing; or as prompts for partner, small group or whole-class discussions.

We are suggesting this exercise here as a kind of “warm-up” to deeper conversations, but it could also be used after your students have delved into any of the topics below.

What should we read in English class?

Listen to ‘The Argument’: What Should High Schoolers Read?

Kaitlyn greenidge and esau mccaulley on why america’s schools can’t get on the same page about required reading lists..

It’s “The Argument.” I’m Jane Coaston.

What should high schoolers read? It seems like a simple question, but it’s not. Book bans are at a historic high. Recently, the free-speech group, PEN America, has recorded more than 1,500 examples of books being banned to remove from schools. This isn’t new, exactly. There have been debates over “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” or “To Kill a Mockingbird.” But now, contemporary books like “Gender Queer,” by Maia Kobabe, and “The Hate U Give,” by Angie Thomas, are under scrutiny too.

What students can access at school matters. To me, English class is one of the few spaces we have left where students are forced to wrestle with big ideas, especially with people who disagree with them. So today, I want to get into what we’re really talking about when we debate high school reading. What ideas and experiences are we saying are OK, or not, to teach in the classroom? My guests today are Kaitlyn Greenidge and Esau McCaulley. Kaitlyn is a contributing opinion writer and the author of two novels, including “Libertie.” She’s helped design English curriculum for schools and taught writing for nearly 15 years. Esau is also a contributing opinion writer and a professor at Wheaton College. He’s the author of “Reading While Black: African-American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope.”

Hi Kaitlyn. Hi, Esau.

Thank you so much for joining me to talk about school. It’s funny, you know, when I graduated from high school, I was like, great, never have to talk about school again, never have to wake up at 6:30 in the morning again. Here we are.

So I thought it would be helpful to start out the conversation with a throwback question just to get us grounded. Kaitlyn, what was high school English class like for you?

Oh, that’s a great question. So I went to a really tiny high school in Boston where there’s only, like, 30 people in each class — in each grade, I should say. So it was sort of like college-seminar style. We all sat around a really big, grand table and what we read was very traditional, kind of like the great 19th-century novels.

Every term we read at least one Shakespeare play. And when you started in the school, every single person had to read the “Odyssey” over the summer. And then, the first semester you were there you were just talking about the “Odyssey.” So that was what high school English was like.

Wow. Esau, what was high school English class like for you?

I went to a school that was a lot bigger. It had about a thousand students in it. It was inner city, which is often code for Black. It was like a Black high school in Huntsville, Alabama. And so I went into Advanced English, mostly because I wanted to have some space to discuss things. And in some ways, it was similar.

I had two English teachers. One was a Black English teacher. And then, later, I had a white English teacher. And the Black English teacher really focused on our ability to read well, to write well and to argue well. And the same thing with the white teacher, but the Black teacher made it almost like a point of racial pride that you will read and write well for the people.

And so I remember English as a place where I fell in love with reading and ideas. And we read some of the traditional stuff as well. And we read Shakespeare, but I think we also squeezed in some Black novels here and there.

So I went to an all-girls private school in Cincinnati, Ohio. It’s a Catholic school, which in Cincinnati, which is very Catholic city, is very common. I went to Ursuline Academy. Go Lions. And I remember being — it’s an all-girls school, so every other girl in my class loved “Pride and Prejudice.” And I loved “Catch-22.” And I was like, we are not the same.

But I actually never had a Black teacher while I was in high school. It was a majority white high school. I grew up having access to all of my parents’ books. My dad is a retired librarian. So I just read all the time, and my dad brought home books all the time.

But we’re going to be talking about what kinds of books we think should be taught in the classroom. And I think my perspective is very, like, teach them all, teach everything. But I want to give some context to where we’re each coming from. So let’s start with this. What do you think is the goal of high school English class? Kaitlyn, do you want to start?

Sure. I mean, I think the goal of high school English is, number one, learning how to read a text, learning how to distinguish in a text between different figures of speech. You know, I taught writing to this age group, to high school students, off and on for about 15 years. I was like a creative writing instructor in various modes in Boston and New York. And I also used to write curriculum for a for-profit company for a number of years.

And through my work as a novelist, I often get asked to go to a lot of classrooms and interact with a lot of high school students around texts. And so I think, particularly in this moment, the most important thing is sort of, number one, learning how to read a text and understanding different modes of communication. So what’s the difference between hyperbole versus what is being used in metaphorical language versus literal language? All those things that —

What is satire?

What is satire.

Which seems to be something we fail at all the time.

Right, right, what is satire. All these modes of address that are used interchangeably throughout our culture constantly, throughout different forms constantly, that many people sort of maybe have heard the word of and think they understand, but most of us are using either incorrectly or misunderstanding. And I think that’s a really important skill that I see people who have PhDs who don’t seem to be able to do that.

So, to me, it’s a really important issue because I think it decides so much of our public discourse. When you lose those abilities, when you lose that tendency, all else is lost. You can’t really have conversations. And you especially can’t have conversations across class lines, across race lines, across gender lines, if you don’t have those skills.

I mean, that’s one of the amazing things about American culture is all of our subcultures that have these particular languages and ways of speaking. And if you don’t have the ability to even just appreciate that that’s a fact, you are going to have a really hard time moving forward in this country.

Right. Can you give me an example of when you’ve seen, as you mentioned, people with PhDs, failing to close read?

Well, in that instance, I think it’s probably, for me, I think the thing that pops into my mind right now is the continual denigration of a word like woke, which Black people keep saying, like, this is the history of where this word came from. This is why we came up with this word. This is why we came up with this language around this word to describe a very particular experience of living in America that we have tracked since we’ve been here, that’s been a part of our literary tradition since we’ve been here.

And we also know, knowing that tradition, that it is also a tradition for white dominant cultures to come in and to corrupt our language and to turn it into something else. And that’s what’s happening here.

But that word is very seductive for a very large portion of white America to just sort of throw everywhere.

And so I think the arguments or the conversation you could have around what do you actually mean when you’re saying that word would be — I don’t think they’d be easier, but they would be — we could maybe have a little bit more traction if people had the ability to understand and talk about figurative language, the uses of language, how people have used language both as resistance and as self-determination.

And I think if you can talk about texts, and if teachers can have the ability and freedom to talk about texts in those sorts of ways, students can be prepared when they enter into the larger world to enter into these discussions in actually intelligent ways.

Esau, what do you think is the goal of high school English?

I think that she did a great job of capturing the discussion of the skills necessary and how those things are going to help you in life. But I want to speak a little bit about what I think texts do and how a text changed my life. When I think of reading a work, it’s like I’m entering into the narrative world of the writer. And normally, the writer has something to say about life, what it means to be human, about love, about joy, about sorrow.

And I think that great fiction writers and great fiction are driven by this question about making sense of the world. And so I think a good English class — this may be overly simplistic — it’s to get our students to lift their head above the question of how can I make the most money or acquire the most things, to ask the deeper questions of meaning.

And as a teacher — and I taught high school and I teach in college now — the hardest thing to do is to get the student to think. And so great literature and great English class just makes the students engage. It overcomes that cynicism. Cynicism, I think, is a manifestation of insecurity because you’re afraid to care. And if you care and you fail, then you hurt.

And so I think that the goal of good English is to get the students to think. Every time I read a book or I read an article, I’m opening myself up to someone who thinks differently than me, who can better inform how I live and move and breathe.

I think that’s really important. And I just want to add, the reason why great literature is great literature is because it’s often about people who hold vast contradictions in themselves, in which there are no easy answers, in which there is no real clear resolution, in which whenever you come back to that text, you find new questions to ask yourself. You know, there’s that famous James Baldwin quote, art is supposed to be asking you sort of continual questions.

And so I think probably for many people who have bad experiences in English classes, it’s because your teacher, or your curriculum, or your school is ignoring all those things. And it’s sort of treating literature as a moral high ground or treating literature as a place where you can’t have those questions, or you can’t dissent, or you can’t say I hate this book because it does X. I think those are probably the places where most people, when you ask them what book did you hate reading in high school, and everybody is sort of like, I hated “Catcher in the Rye” because I was the only person who understood Holden wasn’t an a-hole or whatever. Which you’re like —

Holden Caulfield was a giant jerk.

And I feel as if —

— we don’t talk about that enough.

But that’s the whole point of the book, right? The whole point of the book is, he’s a 13-year-old, or however he’s supposed to be year-old, a-hole who’s grown up rich and privileged. The author knows that.

They know that when they put that on the page. And so I think it’s a detriment to how that book is taught that so many people feel like that’s somehow a new revelation that nobody has talked about before, when, hopefully, a teacher teaches that book as like, this guy is an a-hole. We’re going to read about him. He’s going to piss you off. And we’re going to talk about how the author made that happen on the page and what are the things that are making you mad about this character. And then, hopefully, the next level is, you’re all the same age as this character, so what are the things that this character is doing that’s similar to what you are doing right now —

— that you may not particularly be happy or proud about in your own life. That, to me, is the entry point into a novel or getting a teenager into talking about a book. So then you can talk about those bigger things like metaphor, like imagery, like what is Salinger doing here on this page when he’s doing — like, that’s the entry conversation that you have into that book, to be able to have that higher-level conversation about how a book actually is built and operates.

Right. And I think that that gets to the conversation that we’re having about English class as a place to learn critical thinking skills, even about yourself, to think critically about yourself and the role that you play in the world, versus English class as a place to think about the big questions, which I kind of think it’s both.

And I remember my own experience with English class. And I think one of the most useful parts was being exposed to some of the classics because I felt as if I was connected to everyone else had ever read those books. Especially when we have so many different experiences of living in the same country, these books give us something to share and a common language to have.

And I think that that gets actually at why these conversations about what kids read in school are as contentious as they are. But I also think that the debates that we have about what we read in English class are actually debates about what kinds of communal values we hold as a country. What do you think, Kaitlyn?

I think that’s true. I think when you’re talking about what we should read in English class, you’re really talking about how to make a common language for people to talk across. And if we are such a diverse nation racially, economically, culturally, regionally, there has to be some sort of touchstone for people to be able to have common ways to talk about the human experience and to talk about themselves.

And a very good curriculum would do that, would have books sort of across the spectrum and books by people across time and across different cultures. Because I think what often tends to happen, too, is when we say we want books with big universal themes, a lot of times people interpret that to mean books in which Black people and people of color are not present because we are not universal. Our experiences are somehow not universal, right?

So, like, Jane Austen is universal. Toni Cade Bambara is not, right? That’s kind of the distinction that people make. And I think that when we say we want sort of like a big universal curriculum, we have to be really specific about what that means. And for me, the universality comes from taking texts from all of these different cultures and comparing texts across cultures to find a common denominator. I understand why we had to read the “Odyssey” in ninth grade. I’m grateful for it. I think it was very helpful. I also think it would have been really helpful to read alongside it epics from Mali and from precolonial India and other places to be able to understand the epic tradition. I think that would have been a more interesting class.

The Western canon was created before Black people got a vote. And after it was established, as society has progressed, we’ve tried to sneak in the occasional Black author. And now Zora Neale Hurston is often included there. Toni Morrison is often included there. But it’s a corrective. It’s almost like there’s not enough space because so much of the space was taken up before they really considered other voices.

And so I do I believe that we need to reconsider who and what makes up a common language, which seems to be impossible right now in a country that seems to be ripping itself apart around identity issues.

But I also want to say that there’s something to be said about the limits of something like a universal canon. So I think that it might be important, if I’m in the South, where I grew up, I might have two or three extra books about what it means to be in that region of the country, and literature that is distinctly Southern.

So I think there might needs to be a universal — like a shared canon with some kind of regional emphases. And I would also suggest that it is not so much that we all have read the same books, but if we could kind use our regional literature as a way of asking these questions, and then we’re bringing out people who have more empathy. Like, everybody can read the same books and come out equally racist or sexist, right?

Right. I’m always struck by how we talk about the canon. And I’m so glad that you brought that up. I am attracted to the idea that there is a set of texts that is so universally important and also so universally applicable that everyone should read them, even just to understand what we’re all talking about.

I talk all the time about how I think that reading religious texts as literature — Esau, you’ll get this — that there are times in which I make what I believe to be bog-standard biblical references, and people just have no idea what I’m talking about. And I’m just like, you know, like, the Prodigal Son.

Yeah, like, anyway, he left. It’s fine. But I’m curious, Esau, how do you define the canon, such as it exists?

Oh, man, I’m going to have to leave that statement that you tossed out about reading biblical text to the side because there’s probably no other thing plaguing America more than our poor reading of our religious texts, which is an issue for another day.

I would define that canon as those books that, by their very merit, stick with us. And we have to ask the question, why do we keep reading Tolstoy? And I think we keep reading Tolstoy because he’s amazing. And so part of it is something about quality. But there’s also times where books, they so much capture a moment in time and in history that you can’t talk about that portion of American life or world history without them.

So I think that the canon is those books.

And I don’t so much begrudge the — I call it the pre-integration canon, like the white canon that was constructed and given to students with little regard to Black people, except for the fact that we did not reconsider that, as a community, when we came of age. In other words, it was a settled group of texts to which you could then add a few Black voices here and there and then a few Latino voices here and there. But I think that we really need to step back and say, OK, now that we recognize that this was rooted in a hierarchy in which white culture is at the top and Black culture is at the bottom, what is our new understanding of what is valuable, and what are some of those books that we thought that we had to read that could actually be captured just as well by authors from other cultures?

I would also just add to that, books are not created in a vacuum. They’re written in the historical tensions of the times that they were written. So I think, even if you were to say we’re going to just stick with the Western canon that was created pre-integration or whatever, you can teach those books by talking about what is in them and what has been left out.

So you can teach “Persuasion” and point out that, when it was being written, there’s a whole question in the larger British empire of what’s going to happen around slavery and emancipation and the intense wealth that came from slavery for many of these characters. And that’s the subtext of all these questions about who’s getting married or whatever. They’re really talking about who’s transferring blood money from place to place.

What if we talked about “Persuasion” in that sort of way, and how everybody who is a part of that culture knows that that’s where the money is coming from? And how does that affect people’s sort of like interior lives, or doesn’t it affect their interior lives? I would make the argument that that’s perhaps where a lot of the emotional construction comes from in those cultures, is knowing that you can’t actually name sort of the great terror that is propping up your whole life.

That’s me as a novelist going off and way, way psychoanalyzing. But there’s a way where you could make that argument around those texts. And I keep thinking about there was the terrible shooting at the supermarket in Buffalo. And the shooter was talking about the Great Replacement theory. And at first, the sort of thing was like, this is such a fringe theory, fringe theory. And you know, you have to point out, they talk about the great replacement theory in “The Great Gatsby.” That is a important subplot of “The Great Gatsby,” that Daisy’s husband is a white supremacist, is afraid that white people are dying off.

So like, why aren’t we talking about that in those texts? That doesn’t have to be the sole discussion you have about “The Great Gatsby.” But that’s a really important point to talk about, that that was sort of like the milieu that this book was written in, and that fear of losing white power is a huge theme in the book. That’s what “The Great Gatsby” is about.

So I think we can talk about these books in a much more nuanced way. And unfortunately, I think a big part of it that we’re not saying is that now teachers have very, very good reason to fear even pointing those things out.

Right. And I think that that context is so important. I know that, in my entire life, there’s been this debate about taking out “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” from readings. And part of it is because, I think, of that lack of context in which Finn decides that he is not going to return Jim, the runaway slave, to his owners.

And he believes, in the context in which he is living, that the line is, all right, then, I’ll go to hell. This idea that if I have to decide between following societal norms and returning a runaway slave, who was believed, in his context, to be property, I would go to work and steal Jim out of slavery again. And as long as I was in, I would go whole hog.

And I think about that a lot and about how it seems to be very difficult to talk about the context in which these books are written. It’s difficult to talk about how “The Great Gatsby” is written at a time of both immense white success but immense white fear about what immigration means. Because in many ways, they’re not necessarily even talking about Black people.

No, they’re just talking about other slightly less white white people.

They’re talking about, like, Italians. Like, the passing of the great race is —

Spicy whites, yes, spicy whites.

The passing of the great race is like, we might have too many Czechoslovakians.

So what I’m hearing, Kaitlyn, is that this is not necessarily about the books. This is about the teaching.

Yeah, I think — you brought up “Huckleberry Finn.” That’s a fantastic example because that is a question of teaching. And the flip side of this great question of what Finn is doing is, I think, every single Black person who you talk to, who has gone to a school with mostly white teachers or with all white students, has a story about being forced to say the n-word by a teacher in reading that text out loud.

Yes, exactly.

So we have to talk about that part of it, of text used in domination by white teachers over students of color and Black students, in a very particular way. Which I think is the other side of this that people feel really strongly about the canon because of those white supremacist teaching techniques that are built into our education system and that many white teachers, both vindictively and thinking that they’re doing the right thing, force students into these interactions.

This is the thing that I think that people get wrong in this conversation if they think they can settle the proper formation of our students by the books that they choose to put in the canon. But I do want to say that a lot of this comes down to the formation of our teachers and the ways in which they teach students to engage text. And that’s something that you can’t do by the canon. You can’t have a book that a teacher can’t ruin.

So I guess one of the experiences that I remember being most traumatizing is, this book is so good that we need to just ignore the racism —

Uh-huh, yes.

— and look at it as literature. And it’s such great literature, let’s just ignore this kind of — no, no, no.

“Heart of Darkness,” yeah.

Like, it’s so good, ignore the racism. I was like, well, no, that is the thing that is making me feel uncomfortable in class. And had you sat down with me in that class and said, OK, we’ll have a session or two where we talk about this problematic aspect and then we can talk about their use of metaphor. OK, fine, right?

But I think that one of the things that is underneath that is this fear that if we acknowledge the racism that is in our literature and we make that a point of emphasis, then that reality runs through all of American history and culture.

In other words, you can’t tell the story of any aspect of American greatness without saying the place or that it’s tainted by racism. And when you speak about that tainting by racism, people feel like the greatness is all gone. And so they say, let’s just downplay the racist part and look at the glory. And I just can’t help but see the racism.

And so I think that’s what makes the discussions around the canon complicated. Because the teacher has to be able to see these texts as both powerful and profoundly broken because they’re written by humans who often have those contradictions in themselves.

Yeah, and I think another detriment to how teachers are supported is that, oftentimes, there is no space even to have that conversation and to point out that people have been noticing this about this book for generations. You’re not the first reader to notice this. So, you know, how helpful would it be if you were to read “Heart of Darkness,” say, and your teacher had the time and space to also put Chinua Achebe’s essay critiquing it beside you?

So I think one of the reasons why that doesn’t happen is, number one, teachers don’t have any space and time and money for it. And number two, subconsciously, to know that you are not the first person pointing this out, to know, in fact, that there’s a whole tradition of writers of color and Black writers who, for centuries, have pointed to places in the canon and said, actually, no, this is what is wrong. Actually, no, this seems to be here. Actually, no, I’m going to fill this space with something else.

That’s very, very, very profound and cuts sort of like at the heart of white supremacist culture. And so it’s much easier, in many ways, to say to a student, yeah, you’re the only one who noticed that “Heart of Darkness” is racist, instead of saying, you’re part of a long lineage of people who noticed this and who did work to try and point it out.

I think it’s worth acknowledging, and we know this, that the canon is always evolving, whether we like it or not. And some works become more meaningful over time, and some lose resonance. I remember when I was in sixth grade, we read “Our American Cousin,” which is the play that Abraham Lincoln was seeing when he was assassinated. Friends, it has —

it has not stood the test of time, because most things don’t. Our canon changes. Sometimes the book is going to last the test of time. Sometimes it’s going to be “Avatar.” So what do you see as the goal of revising the canon? Should it be to mirror what’s taking place or mirror what should be taking place? How do you think about this?

I think, in order to reform the canon, we have to get underneath this American fear as to relate to both the power and the limitations of books. So for example, I read “Crime and Punishment,” and I didn’t become Orthodox.

I read Malcolm X and I didn’t join the Nation of Islam. A book can be powerful, and it can change you, and you don’t have to adopt everything in the book. So I think that we overestimate the power of literature as it relates to an ideology. So I think that the first thing we have to do is get underneath this American fear of control and producing certain kinds of citizens that we think are going to help us be who we’re going to be, and just open ourselves up to great literature from wherever it arises.

When we begin to think about the canon, I think the first question is underrepresentation. Who have we historically underrepresented? And who from that community can lift those works up and say we missed it?

Yeah, I just want to say, you said so eloquently, Esau, this question of control, which is such a ribbon through American culture that just really corrupts so much, this desire to control. And so I think, again, thinking of the canon as a gateway and as a tool, and less as sort of like a prescriptive or as a way to judge who knows and who doesn’t know what’s in the canon, or a way to judge have you been taught correctly or are you an imbecile.

If we think of the canon as simply like a tool to help us, I think that opens up a lot, sort of thing. But ultimately making any sort of canon is propaganda. That’s just, like, the name of the game.

So I think this question of opening up, yeah, control, and understanding that students are going to come to the text in any sort of way that they come to it, and that’s part of what reading is. If someone’s takeaway is different than yours, that doesn’t mean that the text has failed or that the canon is corrupting people or the canon isn’t good anymore. It just means that you are two humans reading a book, and you came to different conclusions.

Esau, you brought this up, about how people seem to think that if you read a book, you will immediately be inculcated by what the book is telling you, which just like — if that’s how school worked, school would be very different.

And I would also argue — and I hate this term — but I do think, in some ways, historically, what we want kids to read in schools is often a form of signaling to other people, a form of virtue signaling even. And I actually see, in some ways, that the recent wave of attempted book bans, I think that there are some where people are like, oh, this book is too complicated for this age group, or something like that.

But at a same point, these gestures are kind of symbolic. Kids can find these books elsewhere or find them on the internet. So these bans actually say more about what ideas adults are afraid of their children getting exposed to, whether it’s the existence of racism or whether it is discussions of L.G.B.T. issues —

I just push back on it, them being symbolic. They actually affect the bottom line of what children’s and middle-grade literature will be published in the coming years because children in middle-grade literature marketplace is mostly libraries and schools. So when they are banned in a civic place like that, that means that those places won’t order those things, and book publishers will lose that very huge part of revenue. So it actually is not symbolic. It actually affects book acquisition and which books will be published about what subjects, three, four, five years down the line.

That’s a good point. But, Esau, you brought up that it’s hard to tell whether kids think about these books this way at all. So I’m curious about how should we think about the kinds of moral conversations that books are or aren’t able to offer us?

I have a teenager and now a soon-to-be teenager in my house. They’re my children. And so I used to have this idea of, like, that — I don’t know why you lie to yourself once you get older. Because once you have children, you begin to think that you have more influence over them than you do.

And so what I realized with my children, even my son, who’s the oldest, I can present opportunities for him to think about the world via stories that I tell, books that we engage, but ultimately, he has to make the decision for himself, the kind of person that he is going to be. And I’m his parent.

And I think that, in a similar way, and probably even a lesser way, teachers have that same responsibility. They can’t control what students become. They can present them options. And if there was a simple answer to what people are going to become, we would all become that thing.

And so what literature is are these different explorations into what it means to figure out how to be a human. And I think that a good teacher doesn’t say, I’ve solved the problem. It’s like, these were books that were formative to me as I began to make sense of myself. And I think that once we recognize how open the human person is, then we might begin to be a little bit less fearful.

And I’m sorry, this might be a strange analogy, but the Black experience is paradigmatic of that. They tried to convince us for hundreds of years. They limited our reading. They did everything to convince Black people that God wanted us to be enslaved and God wanted us to be submissive. And Black people said, nah, I’m good with that. We refused the propaganda.

And I think the human spirit refuses to believe something that it doesn’t know to be true. And so once we recognize that, we recognize the limits of any form of education and literature. And so then we begin to see education as a guided journey of discovery, where we present to students things that we or the world has found helpful in that process.

I would just say that one of the things that happens, especially around book banning, around, I would say, queer and L.G.B.T.Q. books, is the idea that you’re the only person who’s felt a certain way, or had certain feelings, or looked at the world in a certain way is very seductive for some people. But the negative side of that is the intense isolation that comes from it.

So I think, as much as it is about morals, it’s also about really trying to not let queer children know that their experience is a part of the human experience. Like, that’s what it’s about, right? It’s hoping to say, you can’t go to a book to know that, five years ago or 10 years ago or right now, someone is having these same feelings. You’re just going to suffer alone. And you’re going to stew in that shame and ignorance and sadness about yourself into adulthood. And maybe you’ll be able to figure it out then, but we’re not going to try and give you the tools to talk about any of the complications of that feeling now.

And that’s a real political project, right?

And that’s where, I think, this is where it’s an all-hands-on-deck type of situation. Public education in this country is why this country has done anything good. Let’s just be really clear. That’s the only reason, in this broken nation, why anything good has happened is because we’ve had public education for the last 160 years, or since Reconstruction, essentially.

So I think this is an all-hands-on-deck situation where, if you care about these things, you want to figure out how you can support the public school teachers in your community to make that happen. A teacher needs to feel that their community is going to stand behind them against these sort of outsized astroturfed assaults on what they’re doing.

This has been an incredibly insightful conversation. Kaitlyn, Esau, thank you so much for coming on the show. [MUSIC]

I love talking with you, Esau. I love talking with you, Jane. Thank you.

Thank you for having us.

Kaitlyn Greenidge is a contributing Opinion writer and the features director at “Harper’s Bazaar.” Her latest novel is “Libertie.” Esau McCaulley is a contributing Opinion writer, an associate professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, and a theologian-in-residence at Progressive Baptist Church in Chicago.

This episode is part of a series Times Opinion is doing right now, called “What is School For?” You can find a link to the other stories from parents, teachers and students, and more, in our episode notes.

“The Argument” is a production of New York Times Opinion. It’s produced by Kristin Lin, Phoebe Lett and Vishakha Darbha. Edited by Alison Bruzek and Anabel Bacon, with original music by Isaac Jones and Pat McCusker; mixing by Pat McCusker. Fact-checking by Kate Sinclair and Michelle Harris. Audience strategy by Shannon Busta, with editorial support from Kristina Samulewski.

What is the purpose of English class? Why do we read and talk about books together? What books should we read? Why?

In this podcast, for which you can also find a transcript , the host Jane Coaston interviews Kaitlyn Greenidge and Esau McCaulley, writers who have also been high school teachers. Their conversation is wide-ranging and full of possibilities for class discussion.

For instance, here is a snippet of a section on the questions of what to teach and why:

Kaitlyn Greenidge I think when you’re talking about what we should read in English class, you’re really talking about how to make a common language for people to talk across. And if we are such a diverse nation racially, economically, culturally, regionally, there has to be some sort of touchstone for people to be able to have common ways to talk about the human experience and to talk about themselves. And a very good curriculum would do that, would have books sort of across the spectrum and books by people across time and across different cultures. Because I think what often tends to happen, too, is when we say we want books with big universal themes, a lot of times people interpret that to mean books in which Black people and people of color are not present because we are not universal. Our experiences are somehow not universal, right?

What do your students think? What do they read in your class, and who or what determines that mix? What would they say should be the purpose of English class?

What ideas from this episode resonate with them — and with you?

What is the purpose of teaching U.S. history?

In the section above, we used a Times podcast to focus on the question of what English class is for. Now we turn to a Times video interactive that poses similar questions about U.S. history classes.

In the last year, 17 states have imposed laws or rules to limit how race and discrimination can be taught in public school classrooms. Some of the discussion has been fueled by the 1619 Project , developed by The New York Times Magazine, which argues that “the country’s very origin” traces to when the first ship carrying enslaved people touched Virginia’s shore that year. “Out of slavery — and the anti-Black racism it required — grew nearly everything that has truly made America exceptional,” it explains.

In response to bans on teaching with the 1619 Project in states like Florida and Texas, the editor in chief of the Times Magazine, Jake Silverstein, wrote an essay called “ The 1619 Project and the Long Battle Over U.S. History .” Here he describes how these bans seem to see history as somehow fixed and immutable:

In privileging “actual fact” over “narrative,” the governor [Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida], and many others, seem to proceed from the premise that history is a fixed thing; that somehow, long ago, the nation’s historians identified the relevant set of facts about our past, and it is the job of subsequent generations to simply protect and disseminate them. This conception denies history its own history — the dynamic, contested and frankly pretty thrilling process by which an understanding of the past is formed and reformed. The study of this is known as historiography, and a knowledge of American historiography, in particular the way our historical profession evolved to take fuller account of the role of slavery and racism in our past, is critical to understanding the debates of the past two years.

Many of these laws have also taken aim at what has been labeled critical race theory — an academic legal framework for understanding racism in the United States developed during the 1980s — while others are crafted more broadly to address what Republicans call “divisive concepts.”

What should students learn about our country’s history? What, if anything, shouldn’t they learn? In our recent lesson plan we quote a teacher from the video interactive and pose these questions for students:

“It’s the job of a history teacher to tell the full and complex story of U.S. history.” What does that mean to you? Do you think you have learned the “full and complex story” of U.S. history? If not, what do you think has been missing?

Here are three recent Learning Network lesson plans that can help you go further:

Lesson: The Debate Over the Teaching of U.S. History

Lesson: ‘Critical Race Theory: A Brief History’

Lesson: ‘Two States. Eight Textbooks. Two American Stories.’

And here are two Student Opinion forums to which your students are invited to contribute their thoughts — or read the responses of other young people:

What Is the Purpose of Teaching U.S. History?

What Is Your Reaction to Efforts to Limit Teaching on Race in Schools?

Were your students’ minds ever “disturbed by a book”?

Before your students read Viet Thanh Nguyen’s essay, “ My Young Mind Was Disturbed by a Book. It Changed My Life. ” you might ask them to write or talk about questions like these:

What book have you read, in or out of school, recently or when you were younger, that elicited a strong emotional reaction in you?

You might have felt joy, sorrow, anger or hope. You might have recognized yourself and your world in this book — or it might have introduced you to new ideas and worlds. How did it affect you?

To follow up, you might ask them: Can a book be dangerous? Can a book harm a reader? How? If books can be harmful, is it appropriate for schools to protect students from them, either by taking them out of the curriculum or off library shelves? What examples can you offer?

In the essay, Mr. Nguyen writes about how, as a Vietnamese American teenager, he came across Larry Heinemann’s 1977 novel, “Close Quarters,” about the war in Vietnam, and “was not prepared for the racism, the brutality or the sexual assault.” He writes about how the book affected him, and how, years later, he wrote his own novel, “The Sympathizer,” about that war.

He continues:

Books can indeed be dangerous. Until “Close Quarters,” I believed stories had the power to save me. That novel taught me that stories also had the power to destroy me. I was driven to become a writer because of the complex power of stories. They are not inert tools of pedagogy. They are mind-changing, world-changing. But those who seek to ban books are wrong no matter how dangerous books can be. Books are inseparable from ideas, and this is really what is at stake: the struggle over what a child, a reader and a society are allowed to think, to know and to question. A book can open doors and show the possibility of new experiences, even new identities and futures.

As this essay points out, the questions around banning books “aren’t just political; they’re also deeply personal and intimate.” How have they affected your students? What stories can they tell about the role of a book, or some other form of culture, in their lives? Where do they stand on the idea that “those who seek to ban books are wrong no matter how dangerous books can be”?

What rights do your students have to speak up about these issues?

An A.C.L.U. “toolkit” for students called “ Right to Learn: Your Guide to Combatting Classroom Censorship ” states: “All young people have a First Amendment right to learn free from censorship or discrimination,” including a “right to read, learn and share ideas free from viewpoint-based censorship.” And, indeed, a famous 1969 Supreme Court decision declared that neither students nor teachers “shed their constitutional rights to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”

But in 1988, the Supreme Court placed a limit on the types of speech protected by the First Amendment in a school setting. As this site summarizes , “The case, Hazelwood v. Kuhlmeier, began with student journalists looking to push the envelope with articles they believed their classmates would relate to. And it ended with the Supreme Court creating a new rule on student speech.” Though courts since then have made it clear that school officials do not have an unlimited license to censor, the Hazelwood decision was, according to the Poynter Institute, “ a giant step back for student press and speech rights. ”

Recently, for instance, a Nebraska school shut down its student newspaper rather than allow it to focus on L.G.B.T.Q. issues. The Times article puts that news into context:

The shuttering of the paper was the latest instance of students contending with school officials seeking to prevent the distribution of yearbooks or the publication of articles , particularly in cases dealing with L.G.B.T.Q. issues. In May, school officials in Longwood, Fla., ordered stickers to be placed over a photo spread in the Lyman High School yearbook showing students protesting a new state law that prohibits classroom instruction and discussion about sexual orientation and gender identity in some elementary school grades. Last August, school officials in Arkansas removed a two-page year-in-review spread from one high school’s yearbook that mentioned the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd and the 2020 election. “It’s something we’re definitely seeing more of,” Mr. Hiestand said.

But, as the article points out, at least 16 states have “New Voices” laws intended to safeguard school publications from interference and counteract the Hazelwood decision. To learn more, visit the Student Press Law Center’s section about these laws .

After the 2018 Parkland shootings, planned student walkouts to protest gun violence again raised questions of students’ First Amendment rights. This A.C.L.U. guide addresses the question, “Do I have First Amendment rights in school?” in that context, pointing out that students have the rights to speak out, hand out fliers and wear expressive clothing “as long as you don’t disrupt the functioning of the school or violate the school’s content-neutral policies.”

Invite your students to investigate what laws and guidelines determine student speech and expression in their school. Do they feel they can comfortably speak their minds in their classes, no matter what their political viewpoints? Why or why not? Has their school ever faced a situation in which students were prevented by school administrators from saying, doing or writing something? Do your students think the move was necessary to protect students — or did it cross the line into stifling free speech?

What is published in their school newspaper and yearbook? How much freedom do students journalists who work on those publications have? Is your school in a state that has adopted a “New Voices” law? If so, what are the implications for student publications?

You might also ask them to think about broader questions like, Why would a school want to control student speech? When, if at all, do they think that is appropriate? For instance, are there any topics that should be off limits in school newspapers? Should these publications be allowed to criticize the school administration, investigate teachers or write about sensitive subjects like teenage sexuality and school shootings? Why or why not?

To help with some of these questions, we have a 2018 lesson plan that links to many resources:

Lesson: The Power to Change the World: A Teaching Unit on Student Activism in History and Today

We also have several related Student Opinion forums to which students might contribute — or read what other students have to say:

Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers?

What Do You Wish Lawmakers Knew About How Anti-L.G.B.T.Q. Legislation Affects Teenagers?

How Comfortably Can You Speak Your Mind at School?

What can young people do?

In 2021, Edha Gupta and Christina Ellis, two high school seniors in York County, Pa., were furious when they read in a local paper that their teachers had been effectively banned from using hundreds of books, documentary films and articles in their classrooms. This article describes what they did in response. In August 2022, the two gave a TEDx talk called “ How a Book Ban Helped Us Find Our Voice .”

Looking for another first-person account from a teenager? This article from School Library Journal, “ Uniting Against Censorship: A First-Person Account from Banned Books Week Youth Honorary Chair .”

If your students are interested in raising their voices on any of the issues they’ve investigated thus far, they can learn from students like these, or find out more from the following resources:

American Library Association: Unite Against Book Bans

We Need Diverse Books: How to Support Diverse Books During a Book Ban

A.C.L.U.: Right to Learn: Your Guide to Combatting Classroom Censorship

Pen America: The organization is keeping a regularly-updated Google Doc called “ The PEN America Index of Educational Gag Orders. ”

Find more lesson plans and teaching ideas here.

Katherine Schulten has been a Learning Network editor since 2006. Before that, she spent 19 years in New York City public schools as an English teacher, school-newspaper adviser and literacy coach. More about Katherine Schulten

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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Argumentative Essay Guide

Argumentative Essay Topics

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2023

Argumentative Essay Topics - Compelling Ideas to Get Started

By: Jared P.

18 min read

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Oct 22, 2019

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!

On this Page

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?

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

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!

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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100 Essay Topics for 2024

Government’s Vision of Amrit Kaal
Central Bank Digital Currency by RBI
How important is flow of money for the economy?
Need of the Hour is to Maximize Possibilities of Agriculture in India
50 Crore Jan Dhan Accounts: Giant leap towards financial inclusion
Privatization in Defence Manufacturing
RBI’s strategies to tackle inflation in Economy
Non-Performing Assets and their impact on economy
India to be the world’s third largest economy
Global Recession and shapes of Economy
India becoming a leader in Renewable Energy
Is a 70-Hour Work Week Healthy?
Crypto-currency and issues related to it
Growing trends of Privatisation
Fugitive Economic Offenders and the need to bring them back

EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES

Higher Education versus skill acquisition
Entrance exams versus Qualifying exams - what is the relevance of entrance exams for admissions to UG and PG courses in India?
Online schooling, can it be the future of education?
New Education Policy: A Progressive Policy with Diverse Challenges
Skills or knowledge: What matters more in today’s world?

ENVIRONMENT

Biodiversity Conservation– Our Solutions are in Nature
Hyper-globalism is threat to human prosperity
Net Zero Carbon Emission
Shifting of Earth's Geo-Magnetic field and its impact
Money Laundering and Illegal Wildlife trade
Ban on plastic: Environment vs. Economy
Seed Bombs: Solution to Man-Animal Conflict
Growing Pollution in Rivers
Organic Farming in India
Merger of Project Tiger and Project Elephant: Pros and Cons
Growing Intolerance in the world
Goodwill is the only asset that competition cannot undersell or destroy
Role of kindness in an utterly competitive world
Is defection becoming the new norm in Indian politics?
New India @75
Supreme Court Judgment on Jammu and Kashmir
Pro poor policies of Modi Government
Controversies surrounding the Present-day NDA government in India
Supreme Court Judgment on Demonetisation
India China border issues – Where is it headed?
Too much Democracy is Detrimental to Development
India needs aggressive and pragmatic neighborhood policy
Today India Needs ‘Harmony in Diversity’, Not Unity in Diversity
Atmanirbhar Bharat
India and SDGs
India’s Neighbourhood Policy
India’s Participation in Central Asian Region
India’s claim to UNSC permanent membership
Presidential vs Parliamentary form of government: which one India should go for?
India’s deepening malnutrition
India as the World’s fifth largest economy
One nation one election
Falling parliamentary morals in India
Is the era of coalitions over?
GST growth indicates India’s growth
Compatibility of the Contempt of Court with International Standards
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INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Russia-Ukraine War and its impact on geopolitics
India: From SAARC to BIMSTEC
Israel-Hamas Conflict and Operation Ajay
Has UNSC become redundant?
10 years of One Belt One Road (OBOR) Policy and India's Counter
Democracy in its neighbourhood is in India’s interest
Importance of regional trade blocs like NAFTA, RCEP etc.
G20 New Delhi Summit
SCO and its evolution
Rising Chinese hegemony in Indo-Pacific and implications for India
Climate Diplomacy and COP 28
NASA’s Artemis Program
IMEEEC and its prospects

PHILOSOPHICAL/ ABSTRACT

A smooth sea never makes a good sailor
Hour work week
Light at the end of the tunnel is not an illusion, the tunnel is.
Is humanity enough to handle crises and serve people in need?
Is being vegetarian the way to go for the world?
Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.
Knowledge will give you power, but character respect.
War is the ultimate Price we pay for lasting Peace
Artificial Intelligence is Not All Evil – It can Promote Social Good Too
Our World is in a Surplus of Multilateral Challenges and a Deficit of Solutions.
The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Does India need more missiles or more industries?
Genetically Modified Crops
National Infrastructure Pipeline
How will the FASTag project help in improving the logistics and transport sector?

SOCIAL ISSUES (Society, Gender, Caste)

Lack of civic sense among Indians is pushing the country backwards
Media’s duty is to inform public, not manufacture opinion
Urban exclusion of migrant workers in India is a reality and needs urgent robust policy measures.
Women who seek to be equal with men lack ambition
Economic Growth and Development are shaped by the societies in which they operate.
Social media is the fourth pillar of democracy
How does a leader impact the destiny of his country?
The Cry of Transgenders
Caste Census: Equity or casteism?
One Nation, One Ration Card
Legalizing Betting in India
The ‘Dunki’ route to illegal migration
Elderly Population in India
Transparent Taxation- honoring the honest platform
Sub-categorisation of castes in India
Group Discussions
Personality
Past Experiences

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Most popular 50+ Essay Topics of 2024

Updated On February 27, 2024
Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) writing section is a 1-hour test that comprises two questions: task 1 and task 2, which assess your vocabulary, grammar, word count, collocations, and ability to construct complex sentences with moderation and without repetition.

Table of Contents

To begin, it is pivotal to understand that the IELTS essay topics vary for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Tasks. In Task 1 of IELTS Academic, you must write a report on a graph, diagram or chart, whereas, for IELTS General Training Task 1, you must write a letter. Task 2 of the General and Academic modules is essay writing; while the topics for essays in both modules may differ, the essay writing strategy remains the same.

Examiners use the following criteria to calculate Academic IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2 scores: Task Achievement, Task Response, Coherence, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Lexical Resource.

IELTS Writing Task 2 for Academic

The IELTS Academic Writing section consists of two tasks that must be completed in one hour:

Writing Task 1

In Task 1, you are assigned a graph, visual information, table or chart, which you are required to describe in your own words. You must write a report in 150 words, accurately describing what the information in the graph or picture represents. The IELTS writing task 1 marking criteria accounts for 33% of the total IELTS writing evaluation score, and you should try to finish this part in 20 minutes or less because IELTS writing task 2 is more difficult and will take at least 40 minutes to complete.

Crack IELTS Exam in first attempt

IELTS Writing Task 2: Most popular 50+ Essay Topics of 2024

Attend Leap’s free masterclass to get tips, tricks and advance strategies to crack IELTS exam in first attempt

Writing Task 2

IELTS writing task 2 marking criteria has a 66% weightage, where you must complete a 250-word essay in 40 minutes. Candidates must respond to a problem, a point of view, or an argument in this task, with a curated response. The essay’s content should be written with perfect grammar and focused solely on the topic. As task 2 holds more weight, candidates should devote significant time to it and ensure a properly curated essay for a good band score.

Let us now review some fundamentals of IELTS essay structure that you can apply to this task. A typical writing piece includes an introduction, the main body consisting of a few paragraphs, and a conclusion. In the introduction, you should write the context of your issue and a thesis statement representing the main idea of your text.

The central section of your essay will discuss various facts and arguments that support or oppose the thesis statement. Finally, restate the thesis statement, bolstering it with new details from the main body.

Here’s a list of the latest IELTS essay topics and sample questions to help you efficiently prepare for task 2 of the IELTS Writing section.

Latest IELTS Essay Topics for 202 4

IELTS essay writing topics are usually based on current events and world affairs. You will find a series of essay writing topics for IELTS in the following listicles. Also, one of the most effective ways to prepare for answering essays in the Writing section of IELTS is to work on the sample essay questions. The topic categories and essay writing samples to help students looking for the latest IELTS essay topics are stated below:

Environment

Environmental Crisis: One of the most common topics in IELTS is the environment essay IELTS band 9. Many students, however, do not see the need to prepare for this because it is one of the most specific topics resulting in a loss of marks.

Click here for the Environmental Crisis essay sample and answers for practice.

Global Warming: It is common for IELTS speaking and writing sections to include questions about broad discussion topics, such as climate change, the greenhouse effect, global warming, and deforestation.

Click here for the Global Warming essay format, sample and answers for practice.

Sustainable Energy: If you are unfamiliar with the framework and concepts of an essay, it can be a daunting task. All of the sentences must be related and formed in such a way that they provide a clear view and information. You may be penalised if you veer off-topic while writing your essay. Sustainable energy and nuclear power topics are debated topics; hence practising them will give you an edge over your peers.

Click here for the Sustainable Energy essay structure, sample and answers for practice.

Fossil Fuels: The IELTS essay topics for writing task 2 are usually based on common themes frequently discussed in the average aspirant’s daily life. One such theme is the use of renewable energy sources in place of nonrenewable resources such as fossil fuels.

Click here for the Fossil Fuels essay sample and answers for practice.

Personality

Importance of First Impression: IELTS examiners have a short attention span and read hundreds of essays daily. Hence, it is pivotal for you to get the start right and make a good first impression in your First Impression is Important IELTS essay.

Click here for the Personality essay sample and answers for practice.

Hobbies: ‘Hobbies’ is a common theme in both the IELTS Writing Task 2 and the Speaking section. This is a simple, mark-fetching topic with few challenges for students taking the exam.

Click here for the Hobbies essay sample and answers for practice.

Fashion: Fashion is a recurring topic with global themes and one of the best topics to practise your public speaking skills.

Click here for the Fashion essay sample and answers for practice.

Importance of Leisure Activities and School Values: The IELTS Essay on Education is one of the most challenging tasks, with unpredictable questions in the exam. These education essay topics, like the Importance of leisure activities, are opinion-driven and assess students’ ability to express their knowledge and skills thoughtfully.

Click here for the Education essay sample and answers for practice.

Government and Society: As an IELTS exam candidate, you should review as many common topics for Writing Task 2 as possible. One such common IELTS test theme is government and society, with which you should be well-acquainted.

Click here for the Government and Society essay sample and answers for practice.

Ideal Society: Candidates should practise sample questions and answers for the Ideal Society IELTS essay to gain a firm grasp on writing and vocabulary and improve their overall band score.

Click here for the Ideal Society essay sample and answers for practice.

Social Media: Social media essays are a popular topic in IELTS writing task 2. For a social media IELTS essay band 9 and similar topics, the most straightforward approach is maintaining the proper word count and being aware of various approaches to the topic.

Click here for the Social Media essay sample and answers for practice.

Business & Global Consumerism

International Trade: Over the years, one of the topics covered in the IELTS exam has been global business. Your answer for such topics should contain everything; your responses, solutions, arguments, reasons, opinions, and evidence are critical to answering the question.

Click here for the International Trade essay sample and answers for practice.

Management and Leadership: In any organisation, leadership and management are critical roles. Your essay for such topics should always be pertinent to the question.

Click here for the Management and Leadership essay sample and answers for practice.

Foreign Languages: Foreign languages and language barriers are recurring themes in the IELTS writing task 2. Express your own opinions on such topics.

Click here for the Culture essay sample and answers for practice.

Sports and children: Sport is a recurring theme, and the essay content should not deviate from the main points at any point in the essay.

Click here for the Sports essay sample and answers for practice. Covid 19

Covid impact: The topics of IELTS Writing task 2 are usually drawn from current events worldwide, making Covid-19 an anticipated topic.

Click here for the Covid 19 essay sample and answers for practice.

Obesity: Overweight essays are among the most common topics in IELTS writing task 2. Obesity, recent trends in health among children and adults, and other similar topics may also be discussed in relation to overweight.

Click here for the Health essay sample and answers for practice.

Types of IELTS Essays

IELTS essay writing topics are usually classified under various sections. You can expect essays in the IELTS exam from any of the following types:

Opinion Essays

In this essay category, you must discuss your opinion on the given topic. Naturally, the best way to score high in such essays is to have prior knowledge of common topics that are popular in the IELTS exam.

Sample Questions:

Most teenagers today own a smartphone. Provide your opinion to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Crime novels and TV series have become quite popular in recent years. What is your opinion about these crime dramas?
Developing nations often require international assistance. Many believe that this assistance should be monetary, while some think practical help and advice would be more beneficial. Discuss both these views along with your opinion.
Many consider automobiles to be the biggest source of pollution in urban areas, while some believe industries are responsible for it. Explain both views and provide your opinion.
Many people believe individuals involved with creative arts should be financially supported by the government. Some others believe they should find separate resources. Discuss each of the views and give your opinion.
Some believe success in life comes from hard work, dedication, and motivation. While many believe success depends on other important factors like money and appearance. Discuss both views and provide your opinion.
Many think that governments should fund programs in search of life on other planets. However, others believe governments should focus on unresolved issues on the planet. Provide your opinion and discuss both views.

You can also check out this detailed guide on Opinion Essays to learn the appropriate structure for maximum scores!

Discussion Essays

In the case of discussion essays, the candidates need to put forward an explanation for or against any given topic. Such essays are the most common to appear in the IELTS exam.

Sample Questions:

Many believe living in big cities comes with more advantages than residing in the countryside. Do you agree or disagree with this?
The shopping habits of people depend more on their age group than on any other factors. Do you agree or disagree with this?
More and more children and minors are becoming overweight in developed nations. This is a major problem for most wealthy countries. Explain the causes and impacts of this issue.
The internet is a great invention that brings a host of advantages for the world population. However, there are several issues in terms of security and control of personal data. Do you agree or disagree with this?
Advertising prevents originality in people and makes them look the same and do the same. Do you agree or disagree with this?
Parents today often tend to organise extra classes on weekends or even after school. Do you believe this is at all useful? Or do you think the education provided in school is sufficient?
Some people believe that capital punishment should be done away with. Do you agree or disagree with this?

We have covered valuable tips & tricks to attempt Discussion Essays that can come in handy in your exam.

Solution Essays

For solution essays, you will have to provide a solution to a particular issue. At times, questions might be provided as to why a specific issue has occurred, and candidates have to provide their opinion on the answer.

The massive movement of people from agricultural areas to cities in search of employment can lead to serious problems in both places. What are the problems, and how can these be solved?

Check out our sample question and answer on Solution Essays for a more thorough explanation.

Advantage or Disadvantage Essays

In this type of essay, students have to write about a particular topic’s positive and negative sides. Such essays test your argument construction skills and how well you can use English to communicate your views as clearly and coherently as possible.

International tourism has greatly benefited many places. However, there have been major concerns about its impact on the local environment and inhabitants. Do the negative impacts of international tourism outweigh the benefits?
Some countries have recently passed laws to restrict the daily working hours of employees. Explain whether this will have a positive or negative impact.
More and more people today are visiting extreme places such as Antarctica or the Sahara desert. What are the advantages or disadvantages of such travels?
Social media is gradually replacing in-person face-to-face contact with many people worldwide. Do the benefits of social media outweigh the disadvantages?

Use the sample questions from the Advantage/Disadvantage Essay type to practise your writing skills.

Direct Question Essays

For this type of essay, the topics will be provided as direct questions, which students have to answer based on their experiences and thoughts.

Shopping used to be a routine domestic task in the past. However, today, it has become more of a hobby. Is this a positive trend?
You can get more information on these rare essay-type questions on our Direct question essay structure blog.

Preparation Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

Many students believe they don’t need to prepare much because they speak English reasonably well. Well, the IELTS exam is not that easy. In fact, even native English speakers may find the test difficult. As a result, candidates should prepare for this section rigorously and methodically and start early preparation.

Begin your IELTS preparations at least 6 months before your intended test date, and ensure to devote some time daily to all 4 sections.
Choose writing topics for both tasks, especially writing task 2, and try to write about them daily. Time yourself; remember that you must complete both tasks in one hour.
Spend significant time learning new vocabulary and brushing up on your grammatical skills. Following that is structured thinking, allowing you to convey your ideas logically. While writing, pay close attention to lucidity, logic, and clarity.
You should expand your ideas because the IELTS writing task 2 could cover any topic. Go through all the resources like magazines, books, and online materials to expand your knowledge and vocabulary. Additionally, practice as many mock tests as possible.

As mentioned above it’s only practice that can get you the desire scores. But along with it you also need the best preparation materials and guidance. And the best solution we suggest is to register for the LeapScholar IELTS courses . Along with live classes from the best IELTS tutors, you’ll also have access to mock tests, speaking and writing evaluations and comprehensive study materials. As a reward you’ll also receive a course completion certificate.

How to Answer Task 2 Essays in IELTS Writing Section?

Students can employ the following steps to successfully enhance their ability to answer essays in the Writing section:

Step 1: Read and Understand the Question

The first step to nailing task 2 essays is to read and understand the question carefully. Most of the time, candidates answer the question without understanding what it demands. Candidates should carefully analyse the question, identify the question type and try to identify the keywords. Finally, they should clearly understand the instructions and then attempt to answer.

Step 2: Plan the Answer

Once students have understood the question, they need to plan the structure of the answer. This will allow candidates to organise their ideas and produce a clear and coherent response.

Step 3: Write a Solid Introduction

The introduction of the essay should give an idea of what the essay is all about. Make sure to write an appropriate introduction conveying the gist of the essay.

Step 4: Carefully Curate the Main Body

The main body is the essential part of the essay, where you must provide the necessary details. State your points accordingly and substantiate them with explanations, examples, and other relevant data. Once done, you need to give a proper conclusion.

Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2

Candidates can use the following tips to ace their IELTS Writing test:

Although IELTS is a difficult test to master, one can achieve a good score with systematic and consistent preparation. If you require assistance in acing your IELTS Writing Task 1 and 2, our Leap Scholar experts will provide the necessary guidance, tips, and tricks to help you pass your IELTS test with flying colours. If you are planning to prepare for the essay task in the Writing section, you can go through this comprehensive guide to get an idea about the latest IELTS essay topics. You can prepare for the essay task accordingly with the help of sample essay topics and questions provided in the above sections.

Still unclear about some portions of IELTS, then enrol for IELTS professional coaching. IELTS Prep app by Leap Scholar is a one-stop solution for your study abroad dream. You can access specially crafted lessons by experts accredited by IDP, British Council, and Cambridge. About 1M + students have trusted us with their IELTS prep journey. Join us, download our IELTS prep app and get access to the best resources!

Frequently asked questions

How can you score well in ielts writing task 2.

Ans. IELTS Writing Task 2 mainly has four performance descriptors: Task Response, Cohesion & Coherence , Lexical Resource, and finally Grammatical range and accuracy. The scoring happens on four parameters, so follow these and prepare with the correct books and practice questions.

What are the most popular questions asked in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Ans. The different types of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2 include: Problem/ Causes questions, Opinion questions, Advantage/ Disadvantage questions, Discussion of views, etc.

What are the main themes on which IELTS Writing Task 2 questions are based on?

Ans. Some of the broad themes include Environment, Food, Health, Art, Business, Communication, Crime & Punishment and more. Ideas and topics are taken under these broad themes for question framing.

Is it necessary to use complex words in IELTS Writing section?

Ans. Having a good vocabulary is an added advantage. However, difficult words should not be forcefully put in sentences. Your sentences should be organic and should fit the meaning and the context of your essays.

How to develop ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 2024?

Ans. The easiest ways to generate ideas for IELTS Writing Task 2 are by analyzing model essays, finding ideas on google, talking to experts, watching movies, asking yourself some questions about the topic, generating main ideas from specific examples.

How many mistakes are acceptable in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Ans. Making one or two mistakes is overlooked by the examiner if the overall essay is good. However, making more mistakes than that can lead to lower IELTS band score.

What are the basic topics in IELTS writing task 2?

Some of the common IELTS topics for Writing Task 2 are Art, Environment, Education, Health, Jobs and Employment, Sport, Science and Technology Friends and Family, Government and Society etc.

Know more about IELTS

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Describe a Skill That you can teach other people
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Describe a Beautiful City
Describe something you do regularly that helps you work and study better
Describe a photo that you took and are proud of
Describe a party that you enjoyed
Describe a useful object in your home that you can’t live without
Describe a good advertisement that you think is useful
Describe an occasion when someone or something made noise
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Every year several languages die out
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Experienced IELTS prep trainer and education management industry veteran. Specializes in public speaking, international education, market research, mentoring, and management.

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