night argumentative essay prompt

105 Night by Elie Wiesel : Night Essay Topics & Examples

Night by Elie Wiesel is one of the most powerful books on Holocaust and Nazi German concentration camps. If you’re looking for Night essay topics and tips on how to master your Night essay , you have come to the right place.

✍️ Night Essay: How to Write

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Night’s major themes include faith and dehumanization, but there are many other aspects that you can explore. This article will provide you with topics, samples, and tips on how to write your essay, including Night thesis statement.

This article will show a few essential tips on how to write the paper and provide you with ideas for your Night by Elie Wiesel essay thesis.

Before you start your work on the paper, we’d suggest you to wipe out all the distractions: turn off the phone and TV. Use app- and website-blocking tools to concentrate on your research and writing.

Now, when you’re concentrated enough, check the next steps to write an A+ paper.

• Pick up a topic and narrow it. Read the book and choose a topic that you find interesting. Then narrow it as much as possible. The key idea of this step is the narrower your topic will be, the easier will be your writing process.
• Clarify your ideas and arguments. Think about what you’re going to discuss in your paper. Define key arguments you will use. You can use mindmapping tools that will help you to organize your ideas in a logical flow. Later, this will help you to write a Night essay outline.
• Search for examples and quotes to support your arguments. Research quotes to support your point of view. You can also use examples from other literary masterpieces, especially if you’re writing a compare and contrast essay. Make sure not to use too many citations: use 3 to 5 quotes and examples as evidence. You may also use a quote as an essay hook.
• Create an outline of your paper. Outlining helps you to structure your ideas and arguments. Moreover, a detailed outline makes the writing process much easier.

When writing your essay’s introduction, pay attention to the thesis statement. The function of paper thesis is to state your opinion and give your readers an understanding of what the essay is about. If you’re struggling with your Night thesis statement, check out these examples:

• In Night , Elie Wiesel demonstrates how extreme circumstances challenge a person’s religious beliefs.
• The author shows how dehumanization affected the main character and made him gradually lose his humanity.
• The atrocities suffered by the main character made him lose his childhood in a traumatic way.
• Father and son in “Night”: relationship dynamic.
• Destructive power of family ties in “Night.”
• Analysis of Death March in “Night.”
• “Night’s” ending: is it hopeful?
• Power and violence in Wiesel’s “Night.”
• “Night”: the significance of the title.
• What does Elie Wiesel write about the death of God?

If you’re struggling with a Night theme to choose for your paper, you may find some interesting ideas below:

• Theme of family. Analyze the relations between the father and son. Why it is important to stay with your family, especially during challenging times?
• Theme of faith and God. Analyze, why does the author writes about the death of God? Provide your own reflection on God and faith. What makes people believe in gods even when there is no hope?
• Power and violence. Think, why Germans who had a power made use violence to force Jews into concentration camps. Read the episode about the Death March and explore why German Soldiers never deprived themselves of killing prisoners who could not keep up.

If writing Night by Elie Wiesel Essay is still a challenging process, check our selection of free paper samples and other useful information at IvyPanda to get advice and find an inspiration!

• The Relationship Between Eliezer and His Father Essay Their experience at the concentration camp changes the relationship between son and father, and the despicable treatment by the Nazis helps Eliezer and his father develop a strong connection.
• Night by Elie Wiesel: Eliezer’s Changing Relationship With His Father He began to feel the loss and gripped with fear of losing his father, the forthcoming experiences and need for protection; he clings to his father.
• Understanding of God – “Night” by Elie Wiesel Although Elie questions the whole concept of faith in God, he never stops to ask questions that connect him with God.
• Elizer’s Struggle to Keep Faith in God This was an indication that although his faith had started to change, he still had faith in God. He was able to come out of the holocaust with a stronger faith.
• Conceptual Inconsistency in “Night” by Elie Wiesel For people who have not been completely deprived of their ability to utilize their sense of logic, as a result of being continuously brainwashed by hawks of political correctness, it does not make a whole […]
• Nazi Deception and “Night” by Elie Wiesel Eliezer, the main character of the novel and the prototype of the author, became one of the victims of the Nazi occupation in Europe.
• Night by Elie Wiesel The book notes that when the Jews were forced into the concentration camps, Elie and his family remained calm and obeyed every directive from their oppressors. The author attributed the enmity among the Jews to […]
• Critique of Elie Wiesel’s Holocaust Book “Night” Like many books on the Holocaust, Elie Wiesel’s Night is a dramatic picture of the horror times in the history of humankind and particularly in the history of the Jewish people.
• “Night” by Elie Wiesel and the Book of Job Comparison Job’s friends tell him that sins caused his sufferings; yet, he refuses to accept it and claims that God still cares for him.
• The Central Themes in “Night” by Elie Wiesel Literature Analysis At the beginning of the novel, we meet Eliezer and his father, the main characters, the destinies of whom we will follow up to the end of the novel.
• Wiesel’s Night and Solzhenitsyn’s A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich: Concentration Camps Comparison Nowadays, it has become a commonplace practice to refer to the novels Night by Elie Wiesel and A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn as such that is concerned with revealing […]
• The Relation Between Eliezer and His Father in Night by Elie Wiesel Soon after that, the Nazis sent them to Auschwitz, but, because of the hardships of the way, only Eliezer and his father arrived there alive. That is how the author’s attitude to and relations with […]
• The Narrative of “Night” by Elie Wiesel The recurring themes of Night, by Elie Wiesel reflect the poignant feelings of disgust of writer against mankind and gradually his loss of faith in God, helplessness and hopelessness of a child who entirely disgusts […]
• Nazi Deception and the Demoralization and Dehumanization of Eliezer and His Fellow Prisoners The novel describes one of the most horrible periods in the history of humanity. The prisoners of the Nazis little knew about their future and they were likely to deceive themselves.
• Understanding of God in Eliezer’s “Night” His unshakable and unconditional faith in God is demonstrated at the beginning of the text through his interest in Talmud, and expressing grief over the destruction of the Temple.
• The Book “Night” by Elie Wiesel The book is a powerful testimony to the horrors of the holocaust and how people can lose their humanity and innocence.
• Eliezer’s Transformations Throughout Night by Wiesel One of the first stages in the main character’s Eliezer transformation is his childhood and the desire to study Talmud and Kabbalah at a young age.
• The Book “Night” by Elie Wiesel Eliezer is the narrator in the tale and experiences multiple challenges throughout the story. Faith, guilt and inaction, and inhumanity are some of the narratives themes that readers can analyze when focusing on the various […]
• The Memoir “Night” by Elie Wiesel The incident changed Eliezer’s attitude where the fulfillment of getting the bread at that particular period outweighed the life of his father.
• Contemplation of Indifference in Elie Wiesel’s “Night” The theme of disregard is especially prevalent in the interaction of the Jews on their way to the camps and those that remain in Wiesel’s native Sighet.
• “Night” by Elie Wiesel: Holocaust and Genocide Given that the events are seen through the eyes of the young person, the major emphasis is placed upon the main character’s perception of the violence and death taking place around him and gradual loss […]
• Holocaust Experience in the Book ‘Night’ by Elie Wiesel Eliezer’s depiction in the story as the main character in the story is that of a humble and religious young man.
• The Jewish Holocaust Novel ‘Night’ by Eliezer Wiesel Generally, Eliezer admired the fact that his father was prayerful and he kept his utmost faith in God even in the time of oppression.
• Eliezer’s Faith in God – “Night” by Elie Wiesel Literature Analysis Eliezer’s faith in God changes throughout the book, as Eliezer experiences the challenges of the Holocaust. The events in the book regarding Elizer’s faith are quite sarcastic and dramatic as Eliezer’s faith moves from an […]
• Night by Ellie Wiesel The paper summarizes the reasoning of the writer and goes a notch higher to analyze some of the themes in order to establish the relevance of the book to the modern political environment.
• Eliezer’s Struggle to Keep His Faith in God It was after he joined the camp that his faith decreased as he could not clearly understand why God could not rescue him and others that he deemed to have suffered more than he did, […]
• Eliezer’s Lost Childhood and the Image in the Mirror The author of the book presents his hero in two ways: on the one hand, he depicts the boy, who is full of hopes and expectations; on the other hand, he shows the boy whose […]
• Night by Elie Wiesel: Eliezer’s Relationship With His Father The relationship Eliezer has with his father at the beginning of the story can be compared to the one he has with God soon after the tough experiences and problems at the Nazi concentration camps […]
• Change in Wiesel’s Understanding of God But this did not change the faith he had in God and he continued believing that God was going to safe them. He believed that the Jews were faithful to God but his understanding was […]
• Wiesel’s Changing Understanding of God The faith that Wiesel had in God was enormous, in spite of the increasing abuse and hatred that the Nazis had for the Jews.
• Comparison of Night by Elie Weisel and Cry of the Beloved Country by Paton Wiesel was brought up in the mountains of the present day Romania and in 1944, at fifteen years old, his family was captured as part of a mission by the Germans to torture the Jews.
• The Importance of Maintaining Faith and Goal to Endure and Overcome Situation in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Terrifying Encounters of the “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Examples of Extreme Dehumanization and Genocide Portrayed in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Dehumanizing Sufferings During the Holocaust in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Meaning of the Poem in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• Violations of Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
• The Symbol of Fire During the Holocaust in the Novel “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Power of the Nazis, Death, Loss of Humanity and of Faith in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Portrayal of the Hard Life in a Concentration Camp in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
• Reliability of Testimonies of the Holocaust Survivors: Elie Wiesel’s “Night” and Binjamin Wilkomirski’s “Fragments”
• The Theme of Peer Pressure in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Father-Son Relationship Theme in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Transformation of Eliezer’s Relationship With God in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Survival of the Jewish People in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Inhumanity of the Genocide During the Holocaust in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Psychological Transformation of Holocaust Victims Caused by the Fight to Survive in Two Novels: Elie Wiesel’s “Night” and Art Spiegelman’s “Maus”
• The Experiences at the Nazi Death Camp as Described in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
• The Life Journey of Elie From Schoolboy to Corpse in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Importance of Studying the Holocaust in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Heartbreaking Stories and Memories of Holocaust Survivors in Elie Wiesel’s “Night” and John Chua’s “Marion’s Triumph”
• The Lose of Faith in God in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Transformation of Eliezer’s Personality Throughout the “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Significance of Family Ties in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Human History and the Desire for the Agony in the Novel “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• Theme of Self Respect in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Horrors of Genocide: “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Loss of Faith in Humanity in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Role of Spirituality and Religion in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Theme of Darkness in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The True Picture of the Holocaust in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
• The Three Levels of Racism in the Holocaust in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Use of Literary Techniques in Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
• The Genocide and the Holocaust of “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Issues of the World War Two as Portrayed in the Novel “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Role of Religion in James McBride’s “Color of Water” and Elie Wiesel’s “Night”
• The Creation of Suspense in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Significance of “Night” by Elie Wiesel for the Audience of the 21st Century
• The Frightened and Lonely Attitude of the Speaker in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Struggle of the Holocaust Survivor in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Unique Perspective of Elie on Human Rights Due to His Holocaust Experiences in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• The Value of Time in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• A Life After the Concentration Camp in “Night” by Elie Wiesel
• What Was Hitler’s Reasoning for His War on Jews in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Are the Imagery and Literary Devices in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• How Life Through the Holocaust Is Imaged in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• Does the Book “Night” by Elie Wiesel Lead to Hope or Despair?
• What Psychological Changes in Victims Are Showed in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Is the Most Devastating Choice Made in the Book “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• How Trauma, Memory, and Timelessness Are Illustrated in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Is the Historical Context of “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• How Can Reading “Night” by Elie Wiesel Change Views on the Holocaust?
• How Does “Night” by Elie Wiesel Contribute to Modern Society?
• What Does the Title “Night” by Elie Wiesel Evoke?
• What Is the Thematic Message of “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• Why Is Contextual Knowledge Important When Reading “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Is the Overriding Tone of the Book “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Are a Few Examples of a Thesis Sentence About “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• Can Death Be a Motif in the Book “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• How Does Symbolism in “Night” by Elie Wiesel Further the Authorial Message?
• What Does Elie Mean by the Ordinary World in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• Why Is Juliek’s Violin So Important in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Are the Examples of Perseverance in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• Is Survival Selfish in the Book “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Is the Desire for the Agony in the Novel “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Is Elie’s Relationship With God in the “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Are the Experiences That Can Change a Person’s Life in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
• What Are Some Examples of Dehumanization in “Night” by Elie Wiesel?
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Night by Elie Wiesel: Essay Topics & Samples

Do you need to write an essay on Elie Wiesel’s Night ? Are you feeling too overwhelmed and don’t know how to start? No worries!

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

In this article, we’ve gathered everything you need to create an outstanding Night essay: topics, the most insightful questions, valuable prompts, and useful examples.

Night by Elie Wiesel Essay Topics

• The transformation of Eliezer’s personality throughout the book. Describe the main character’s personality at the beginning of the book. What were the boy’s interests? How did he perceive the world living in Sighet? Examine how the concentration camp changed Eliezer’s attitude towards life.
• The significance of family ties in Night by Elie Wiesel. Analyze the relationship between Eliezer and his father . In your opinion, are family ties a powerful or a destructive force for the main character? State your position and support it with good examples.
• Night : just a title or a powerful symbol? Does night itself symbolize anything in the book? If yes, what? What role does the symbol of the night play for the comprehension of the entire story? To make your essay more dynamic, consider inserting relevant quotes from the book.
• The religious context in Night, a novel by Elie Wiesel. Investigate Eliezer’s attitude towards God . Compare and contrast his perception of divine powers in the beginning and at the end of the book. What factors influenced the transformation of the main character’s worldview?
• Did Eliezer become a stronger or a weaker person? Analyze Eliezer’s transformation . Did the obstacles he went through make him feel weaker or stronger? Present your point of view and support it with valid arguments and appropriate evidence from the text.
• Is there a life after the concentration camp? “From the depths of the mirror, a corpse was contemplating me” (Eliezer, Night ). How do you think Eliezer’s life will look like after the camp? Is there any chance he will be able to get back to everyday life?
• Eliezer’s relief after his father’s death: a betrayal or a normal reaction? Why do you think Eliezer felt like he got rid of the burden after his father passed away? Should the main character be ashamed about it? Analyze how the trials Eliezer went through transformed his attitude towards his dad.
• Hell on Earth. Describe the Nazi’s inhuman actions toward the deported Jews. What were the Nazi’s intentions? After Eliezer witnessed the tourers in the concentration camp, did he lose faith in God? Or did he only started questioning God’s justice and kindness?
• The unexpected interpretation of the symbol of fire. The fire is the central symbol Elie Wiesel includes in his book. Analyze its meaning and significance. Compare and contrast the role of the fire in Night and the Bible. Why do you think the author interprets fire in quite an unusual way?
• The significance of Night by Elie Wiesel for the audience of the 21 st century. Think about the lessons the modern readers could learn from this book. Will you suggest reading it to your children? In your opinion, can Night become outdated and irrelevant one day?

Night by Elie Wiesel: Essay Samples

In case you lack the inspiration to compose your Night essay, we collected the most insightful samples. Read their summaries, choose the one you most liked, and create your outstanding piece of writing!

• Father-Son Relationships in Eliezer Wiesel’s Book “Night” Are you about to write an essay on the evolution of the relationship between Eliezer and his father? Take a look at this example! You will find an analysis of the family ties and a bunch of crucial quotes.
• Jews’ Suffering in “Night” by Elie Wiesel Literature Analysis The given essay sample explores the trials the Jews were forced to go through during the Holocaust. Also, you will find some insights into Eliezer’s struggle to maintain his faith in God. Check it out!
• Events in the Concentration Camps: “Night” by Elie Wiesel This essay gives a general overview of the events that occurred to Eliezer and his fellow Jews in several concentration camps. Also, the author focuses on the effect of hardships on the relationship between Eliezer and his father.
• Eliezer and His Father in Elie Wiesel’s Night How did Eliezer change his attitude towards his father as the plot progresses? Curious about the reasons for the main character’s personality transformation? Read this essay and grasp the answers to all of your questions!
• Elie’s Life in “Night” by Elie Wiesel The following essay will take you into a long journey of Eliezer’s life, starting from Sighet and ending in the hospital in front of the mirror. Are you ready to feel compassion towards the main character? Check this essay out!
• Elie Wiesel’s “Night” – Eliezer’s Faith in God Eliezer’s relationship with God takes a separate storyline in the book. Do you want to investigate it? Take a look at this essay!
• Family Relationship in ”Night” by Elie Wiesel At the beginning of the book, Eliezer’s family is an exemplary one in Sighet. But how do the family ties shift throughout the story? Do they weaken or strengthen? Read this sample and figure it out!
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The New York Times

The learning network | 301 prompts for argumentative writing.

301 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Updated, March 2, 2017 | We published an updated version of this list, “401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing,” as well as a companion piece, “650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing.”

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get five new Student Opinion questions delivered to you every week.

If anything ever published on The Learning Network could be said to have “gone viral,” it is last February’s “ 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing ,” which we created to help teachers and students participate in our inaugural Student Editorial Contest .

We’ve now updated last year’s list with new questions and what we hope is more useful categorization.

So scroll through the 301 prompts below that touch on every aspect of contemporary life — from politics to sports, culture, education and technology — and see which ones most inspire you to take a stand. Each question comes from our daily Student Opinion feature, and each provides links to free Times resources for finding more information.

What issues do you care about most? Find something to write about here, or post a comment if you think we’ve missed a topic you would like to see us cover.

And if these 301 questions aren’t enough, the Room for Debate blog provides many, many more.

• Does Technology Make Us More Alone?

Are You Distracted by Technology?

• Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time?
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• What Role Will Robots Play in Our Future?
• How Many Text Messages Are Too Many?

Internet and Social Media

• Has Facebook Lost Its Edge?
• Does Facebook Ever Make You Feel Bad?
• Would You Consider Deleting Your Facebook Account?
• Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired?
• Should People Be Allowed to Obscure Their Identities Online?
• How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews?

Technology in Schools

• Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive?
• Do Your Teachers Use Technology Well?
• Should Tablet Computers Become the Primary Way Students Learn in Class?
• Can Cellphones Be Educational Tools?
• Should Computer Games Be Used for Classroom Instruction?
• Is Online Learning as Good as Face-to-Face Learning?
• How Would You Feel About a Computer Grading Your Essays?

ART, FILM, BOOKS, VIDEO GAMES AND OTHER MEDIA

Are Video Games a Sport?

A look at e-sports, the fast-growing, lucrative world of professional competitive video gaming.

Movies, TV and Theater

• Is TV Stronger Than Ever, or Becoming Obsolete?
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Video Games

• Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport?
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GENDER AND RELATIONSHIPS

Gender Issues

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• Why Aren’t There More Girls in Leadership Roles?
• Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing to Pursue Careers in Math and Science?
• Should Women Be Allowed to Fight on the Front Lines Alongside Men?
• Do You Believe in Equal Rights for Women and Men?
• Are Women Better at Compromising and Collaborating?
• Do Boys Have Less Intense Friendships Than Girls?
• Can a Boy Wear a Skirt to School?
• Is It O.K. to Refuse to Serve Same-Sex Couples Based on Religious Beliefs?

Dating and Sex

• Should Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls Without a Prescription?
• Should the Morning-After Pill Be Sold Over the Counter to People Under 17?
• How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex?
• Is Dating a Thing of the Past?
• Is Hookup Culture Leaving Your Generation Unhappy and Unprepared for Love?
• Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage?
• Could Following These Directions Make You Fall in Love With a Stranger?
• How Should Educators and Legislators Deal With Minors Who ‘Sext’?
• How Should Parents Address Internet Pornography?

SPORTS AND ATHLETICS

• If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It?
• Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football?
• Should College Football Players Get Paid?
• Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots?

Sportsmanship

• Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense?
• Should There Be Stricter Rules About How Coaches Treat Their Players?
• Do Sports Teams Have a Responsibility to Hold Players to a Standard for Their Personal Conduct?
• Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals?
• Do Fans Put Too Much Pressure on Their Favorite Professional Athletes?
• Does a Championship Game Always Need to Have a Winner (and a Loser)?
• Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere?
• Should Colleges Fund Wellness Programs Instead of Sports?
• Where Should Colleges and Sports Teams Draw the Line in Selling Naming Rights?

Other Sports

• Has Baseball Lost Its Cool?
• Is Cheerleading a Sport?
• How Big a Deal Is It That an N.B.A. Player Came Out as Gay?
• Would You Want a Bike Share Program for Your Community?
• How Young Is Too Young to Climb Mount Everest?

POLITICS AND POLICY

• Do You Trust Your Government?
• If You Were Governor of Your State, How Would You Spend a Budget Surplus?
• What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve?
• Should Rich People Have to Pay More Taxes?
• What Is More Important: Our Privacy or National Security?
• California Notice

Leadership and Politics

• Do Leaders Have Moral Obligations?
• Do Great Leaders Have to Be Outgoing?
• Is It Principled, or Irresponsible, for Politicians to Threaten a Shutdown?

International Relations

• Should the U.S. Be Spying on Its Friends?
• When Is the Use of Military Force Justified?
• Should Countries Pay Ransoms to Free Hostages Held by Terrorists?

Police, Prisons and Justice System

• Should the United States Stop Using the Death Penalty?
• When Should Juvenile Offenders Receive Life Sentences?
• What Do You Think of the Police Tactic of Stop-and-Frisk?
• Do Rich People Get Off Easier When They Break the Law?
• Should All Police Officers Wear Body Cameras?
• Will What Happened in Ferguson Change Anything?
• Should Felons Be Allowed to Vote After They Have Served Their Time?
• How Should We Prevent Future Mass Shootings?
• Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School?
• What Is Your Relationship With Guns?
• Where Do You Stand on Unconcealed Handguns?
• Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses?
• Did a Newspaper Act Irresponsibly by Publishing the Addresses of Gun Owners?

Immigration

• Should Millions of Undocumented Immigrants Be Allowed to Live in the U.S. Without Fear of Getting Deported?
• Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a Public Education?

PARENTS AND FAMILIES

Parenting and Childhood

• How Much Freedom Should Parents Give Their Children?
• How Should Parents Discipline Their Kids?
• When Does Discipline Become Child Abuse?
• Do ‘Shame and Blame’ Work to Change Teenage Behavior?
• Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies?
• Are Adults Hurting Young Children by Pushing Them to Achieve?
• Is Modern Culture Ruining Childhood?
• How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior?
• Are ‘Dark’ Movies O.K. for Kids?
• Should Halloween Costumes Portray Only ‘Positive Images’?
• Are Parents Violating Their Children’s Privacy When They Share Photos and Videos of Them Online?
• Should Children Be Allowed to Compete on TV?
• How Young Is Too Young for an iPhone?
• Should Parents Limit How Much Time Children Spend on Tech Devices?

Parents and School

• How Should Parents Handle a Bad Report Card?
• How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences?
• Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records?
• Would You Want to Be Home-Schooled?
• Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool?

House and Home

• How Important Is Keeping a Clean House?
• Does Keeping a Messy Desk Make People More Creative?

Millennial Generation

• What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation?
• Does Your Generation Have Too Much Self-Esteem?
• Is Your Generation Really ‘Postracial’?

Becoming an Adult

• When Do You Become an Adult?
• When Should You Be Able to Buy Cigarettes, Drink Alcohol, Vote, Drive and Fight in Wars?
• When You Are Old Enough to Vote, Will You?

CHARACTER AND MORALITY

Personal Character

• Can Money Buy You Happiness?
• Does Buying and Accumulating More and More Stuff Make Us Happier?
• Are We Losing the Art of Listening?
• Do People Complain Too Much?
• Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work?
• How Important Is Keeping Your Cool?
• When Should You Compromise?
• Is Your Generation More Self-Centered Than Earlier Generations?

Religion and Spirituality

• Do You Believe That Everything Happens for a Reason?
• How Much Control Do You Think You Have Over Your Fate?
• Can You Be Good Without God?
• How Important Do You Think It Is to Marry Someone With the Same Religion?

Morality and Personal Responsibility

• Does Suffering Make Us Stronger and Lead to Success?
• Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble?
• When Is Looting Morally O.K.?
• Can Kindness Become Cool?

Language and Standards

• Have Curse Words Become So Common They Have Lost Their Shock Value?
• What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused?
• What Words or Phrases Should Be Retired?
• Do Laws That Ban Offensive Words Make the World a Better Place?
• Should Newspapers Reprint Cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad That Some Deem Offensive?
• Is It Wrong for a Newspaper to Publish a Front-Page Photo of a Man About to Die?

Teaching and Learning

• Do Teachers Assign Too Much Homework?
• Does Your Homework Help You Learn?
• What Are You Really Learning at School?
• Does Class Size Matter?
• Do We Need a New Way to Teach Math?
• Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes?
• Should Reading and Math Be Taught in Gym Class Too?
• What Are the Best Ways to Learn About History?
• What Is the Right Amount of Group Work in School?
• What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools?
• How Important Is Arts Education?
• Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative?
• Does the Way Your Classroom Is Decorated Affect Your Learning?

Discipline and School Rules

• What Are the Best Teaching Methods for Getting Students to Behave Well in Class?
• How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave?
• Should Schools Be Allowed to Use Corporal Punishment?
• Is Cheating Getting Worse?
• Should Schools Put Tracking Devices in Students’ ID Cards?
• Should Middle School Students Be Drug Tested?
• Should Students Be Barred From Taking Cellphones to School?
• How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community?
• How Should Schools Address Bullying?
• How Should Schools Address Cyberbullying?
• What Should the Punishment Be for Acts of Cyberbullying?
• When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying?
• How Should Schools Respond to Hazing Incidents?

Time in School

Should the School Day Start Later?

• Is Your School Day Too Short?
• Do You Think a Longer School Calendar Is a Good Idea?
• Should the Dropout Age Be Raised?
• Should We Rethink How Long Students Spend in High School?
• Should Students Be Allowed to Skip Senior Year of High School?
• Should Kids Head to College Early?
• Class Time + Substitute = Waste?
• Do Kids Need Recess?
• Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers?
• Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s?
• Do Girls Get Better Grades Than Boys in Your School?
• Does Separating Boys and Girls Help Students Perform Better in School?
• Why Do Boys Lag Behind Girls in Reading?
• Should Discomfort Excuse Students From Having to Complete an Assignment?

Standardized Tests

• How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities?
• How Seriously Should We Take Standardized Tests?
• Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests?
• Should Schools Offer Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores?

School Life

Would You Rather Attend a Public or a Private High School?

• How Much Does It Matter to You Which High School You Attend?
• Are Small Schools More Effective Than Large Schools?
• Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports?
• Should All Students Get Equal Space in a Yearbook?
• Should School Newspapers Be Subject to Prior Review?
• Is Prom Worth It?
• Is Prom Just an Excuse to Drink?

COLLEGE AND CAREER

• How Necessary Is a College Education?
• Is College Overrated?
• Should a College Education be Free?
• What Is the Perfect Number of College Applications to Send?
• Should Colleges Find a Better Way to Admit Students?
• Should Colleges Use Admissions Criteria Other Than SAT Scores and Grades?
• Do You Support Affirmative Action in College Admissions?
• Does It Matter Where You Go to College?
• Do College Rankings Matter?
• What Criteria Should Be Used in Awarding Scholarships for College?
• Should Engineers Pay Less for College Than English Majors?
• Do Fraternities Promote Misogyny?
• Should Colleges Ban Fraternities?

Jobs and Careers

• Would You Quit if Your Values Did Not Match Your Employer’s?
• Should Employers Be Able to Review Job Applicants’ SAT Scores?
• Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday?
• Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office?
• Is ‘Doing Nothing’ a Good Use of Your Time?

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

Drugs, Cigarettes and Alcohol

• Is Smoking Still a Problem Among Teenagers?
• Are Antismoking Ads Effective?
• Is Drinking and Driving Still a Problem for Teenagers?
• Should Marijuana Be Legal?
• Should Students Be Required to Take Drug Tests?
• Why Is Binge Drinking So Common Among Young People in the United States?

Nutrition and Food

• Do You Think a Healthier School Lunch Program Is a Lost Cause?
• Should French Fries and Pizza Sauce Count as Vegetables?
• How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From?
• Is It Ethical to Eat Meat?
• Is Breakfast Really the Most Important Meal of the Day?
• Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’?
• Should Sugary Drinks Be Taxed?
• Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks?

Health Issues

• How Should Schools Handle Unvaccinated Students?
• Should Physician-Assisted Suicide Be Legal in Every State?
• Should Texting While Driving Be Illegal in Every State?
• Should Terminally Ill Patients Be Allowed to Die on Their Own Terms?

Appearance and Fashion

• Should Children Be Allowed to Wear Whatever They Want?
• What Are Your Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery?
• Do ‘Saggy Pants’ Mean Disrespect?
• Should You Care About the Health and Safety of Those Making Your Clothing?

SCIENCE TOPICS

Science and the Environment

• How Concerned Are You About Climate Change?
• How Should Nations and Individuals Address Climate Change?
• Should Developers Be Allowed to Build in and Near the Grand Canyon?
• Should Scientists Try to Help People Beat Old Age So We Can Live Longer Lives?
• Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate?
• When Is It O.K. to Replace Human Limbs With Technology?
• Should Fertilized Eggs Be Given Legal ‘Personhood’?

Outer Space

• Do You Think Life Exists — or Has Ever Existed — Somewhere Besides Earth?
• Do You Believe in Intelligent Alien Life?
• Will Humans Live on Mars Someday?
• Would You Want to Be a Space Tourist?
• Should Certain Animals Have Some of the Same Legal Rights As People?
• Is It Unethical for a Zoo to Kill a Healthy Giraffe?
• Should You Go to Jail for Kicking a Cat?
• Should You Feel Guilty About Killing Spiders, Ants or Other Bugs?
• How Do You Think Dinosaurs Went Extinct?

MISCELLANEOUS

Rich and Famous

• Should the Private Lives of Famous People Be Off Limits?
• Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough?

American Dream

• Should the United States Care That It’s Not No. 1?
• Is It Possible to Start Out Poor in This Country, Work Hard and Become Well-Off?
• Do Poor People ‘Have It Easy’?
• How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are?

Charity and Philanthropy

• Should Charities Focus More on America?
• What Causes Should Philanthropic Groups Finance?
• Is Teenage ‘Voluntourism’ Wrong?
• Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses?
• Is Amazon Becoming Too Powerful?
• Should Companies Collect Information About You?
• What Time Should Black Friday Sales Start?
• How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant?

Comments are no longer being accepted.

This is an awesome list! Is there a way to print it as a PDF like some of the other lists you have posted?

Liza B, Thank you for your comment. We can try to get a PDF of the list on the website next week some time. So stop by again by the end of the week. – Michael

The ‘argumentative’ writing prompts are so on point! Unreal! I am going to present them to the members of my future workshops for especially women and girls. Please do share a PDF list — that would be so helpful.

Thank you. We will try to publish a PDF by the end of next week. Please stay tuned. – Michael

Hi! I was wondering, is it too late to update the list? I think a good topic would be environmental problems. For example, global warming, or tourism on the Galapagos islands.

Hi Sidney — The list is of questions we’ve already asked, so we can’t add more now, but we’ll keep the tourism question in mind (and for our contest, you’re welcome to write about whatever you like!). We’ve asked about global warming many times, however — for instance: How Concerned Are You About Climate Change? and How Should Nations and Individuals Address Climate Change? — Katherine

I would like to see information on Euthanasia.

Great list. But you really should use the term “global warming” rather than “climate change,” which was dreamed up by a PR guy for the oil companies because it sounded more neutral.

You should get some about girls ice hockey.

The evolution of the of our society has resulted in the immense amount of opportunities being made especially in school attendance. New York Times’ article, Affluent, Born Abroad and Choosing New York’s Public Schools by Kirk Semple and the passage Benefits of Private Education presented by the Council of Private Education discuss opposing sides on private verse public school benefits for a student in their school years. Public schools today presents a more favorable academic career in comparison to what private schools offer a student. Public schools have developed into a chance for a steady and high education with a more realistic approach on the process of their schooling. An education, although revolved around academics, can also have an actuality and real life sense playing a key role in decision making; for many parents have chosen public schools over private schools because of its authentic fortuity. For instance, in Semple’s article an instance described by conclusive mother, Miriam Rengier explained the cafeteria of the private school they were viewing. With the option of seven different meals for lunch, some being as decorative as sushi, gives an availability to a learning child that is not accessible in real life deterring her away from it’s education. The accessibility private schools offer to convey themselves as superior gives its students an unrealistic sense of what life offers evidently not preparing them for what comes in their lives. Additionally, amplifying the realistic approach public schools offer, the diversity is a favorable quality. In the article, Lynn Bollen states, “When they go to public school, they’re in a whole new world, a whole world of different people and different values, which is what the world is like.” By placing a growing person in a scenario in which brings challenges or change with mixture it is expected that they will learn to adapt and grow to diversity, just like needed in real life. According to other belief’s, private schools are beneficial because of their higher academics offered. Essentially, the passage states that their surpassing scores on standardized test and more challenging graduation requirements lead to a excelling and successful student for the future. However, the future of a student is not specifically dictated by grades and test scores, which is a main quality that private schools take pride in. Academic careers are a time for children to flourish into young adults ready to combat real life, and public schools offer the setting of just that. That is the reason for the exponentially increasing amount of parents choosing public schools, proven by the evidence given by Semple, “73 percent of native-born couples and 76 percent of foreign-born couples send their children only to public school.”

Work Cited- “CAPE | Council for American Private Education.” CAPE. Council for American Education, n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2015. < //www.capenet.org/benefits.html>.

Semple, Kirk. “Affluent, Born Abroad and Choosing New York?s Public Schools.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 14 Feb. 2012. Web. 02 Mar. 2015. < //www.nytimes.com/2012/02/15/nyregion/foreign-parents-in-new-york-prefer-public-schools.html>.

Does Technology Make Us More Alone? Many people agree that technology has made long distance communication easier for society. In the passage “Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone?” by Nick Bilton and in the passage “Does Social Media Cause a More Isolated Society” by Yukio Strachan discusses the effects of technology on our social lives. Technology is separating us from each other rather than connecting us through social media. Technology has taken a turn in our social lives, creating separation between face to face communications. In the passage by Nick Bilton, he talks about a YouTube video the he had encounter called “I Forgot My Phone” and it describes the negative effects of technology on our lives. In the passage by Nick Bilton it states that an actor in the film, Ms. deGuzman, goes through a day of people ignoring her due to the distraction of them being on their phones during lunch, at a concert, while bowling and at a birthday party. This demonstrates how people are more into their phones than they are to actual stepping back from the technology and watching reality go bye. In the passage by Yukio Strachan, it talks about Sherry Tukle’s perception on our social networks. In the passage by Yukio Strachan it states that parents text and email at breakfast and at dinner while their children complain about not having their parents’ full attention. This means that technology is taking away a person attention to something of greater importance than their text messages and emails. I have noticed that while I’m with a group of my friends, everyone would have their attention towards their phone screens instead of to the people around them. This is a perfect example of how technology is making us more alone. Another example is when I was at the movies with my friends and they were all on their phones while the movie was playing. Technology is taking away our ability to be social with the people around us and it’s taking our attentions away from the present moments in life that shouldn’t be interrupted by technology. On the other hand, technology still gives people the ability to communicate with someone who is far away. Technology has come a long way. The new advancements in technology now allow people to talk to each other face to face on front facing camera phones. Now phones allow us to text, take pictures, and go on social media networks and more. Even though technology has made long distance communication easier, this advancement is still separating us from the reality of face to face communication with our peers. //bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/09/01/disruptions-more-connected-yet-more-alone/?_r=0

Sex and puberty are among topics that are often swept under the rug until it starts to be questioned. Today, how kids or teens learn about body changes or sex is what they see or hear from friends, technology, and even music. While some of this information can be reliable, it can also set false or unrealistic ideas of the subject. At a time where technology is ruling the world, kids and teens shouldn’t have to rely on it as much for information that they can get from their parents. Questions such as “How does it happen?” or “What should I do?” should be answered by their parents or even by a school program. If parents or the school address the subject earlier rather than later, it can help educate the child about what will happen when puberty hits, or even when they are questioning sex. Often more than not, I hear people cross the topic as “it” when referring to sex and even whispering the word as if it was some unlawful or secretive act. Sex shouldn’t be a hush-hush matter as it can often lead to consequences if one isn’t sure of it. When puberty hits, there are many changes happening on the inside and outside of the body. As this happens, teens are usually made fun of for those occurrences. Therefore schools and parents must take the responsibility to teach their children that it’s nothing to make fun or to be afraid of, that it is all perfectly normal. Books such as “The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls” can help inform girls going through changes of what is happening. KJ Dell ’Antonia, explained that instead of handing the body informational books over to her kids and leaving them to it, she would instead “…sit down and turn some pages together, and maybe that’s the best thing to do with my younger son as well.” The Complete Guide to Baby and Child Care, exclaims that by “Giving a child facts about reproduction, including details about intercourse, does not rob him of innocence.” This is one reason why most parents are afraid to start a conversation about these areas, although they shouldn’t be because it’s only the body’s natural functioning.

While parents and schools shouldn’t dump all this information at once on to a child, they should ease into it and just make sure their child is getting all the right information they need, and to not be afraid of what comes with it. By interacting with the child about sex and puberty, their questions can be answered and they can feel more rested about the subject. Learning these things from my parents and from my school helped me feel more comfortable and confident about talking about this with anyone.

Works cited: Gonchar, Michael. “How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex?” The Learning Network How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex Comments. 27 Feb. 2013. Web. 3 Mar. 2015. < //learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/27/how-should-children-be-taught-about-puberty-and-sex/comment-page-2/>.

“Talking About Sex and Puberty.” Focus on the Family. Web. 3 Mar. 2015. < //www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/schoolage-children/talking-about-sex-and-puberty/talking-about-sex-and-puberty>.

Plastic surgery has become fairly commonplace within today’s society. Men and women see procedures as easy fixes to curing whatever part of their bodies they seem to find unsatisfying. The plastic surgery work field is growing tremendously because more and more people are becoming comfortable with the fact that money can buy the physical appearance that they want. What seems to be the problem is the fact that people who get altering procedures done, especially when their reasoning is solely based on a negative personal body image, usually are not satisfied for long with the procedure they have done. This in turn, motivates more procedures to be performed. Plastic surgery that is not brought on because of a medical reason, is usually the misled solution for those who suffer from a distorted mental image of their bodies, and therefore try to “fix” things about themselves that there is nothing wrong with. While there are justified reasons for having cosmetic surgeries performed, the sad reality is that more often than not the surgeries are performed with skewed intentions.

The New York Times article What Are Your Opinions on Cosmetic Surgery? by Katherine Schulten explores the views of various writers who answer the question of aging. One writer Cindy Jackson says that “Plastic surgery is simply a symptom. Ageism in our country, specifically against women, has gone too far.” While both men and women abuse their ability to have a cosmetic procedure done for any reason, women seem to be more commonly observed doing so. In reality, society owes a lot of credit for the value that women place on themselves to celebrities and how the media portrays them. In Mark Shallenberger’s article “The Psychology of Cosmetic Surgery” he speaks of how public figures that are scrutinized at a higher magnitude such as actors, models, and on air spokes people are more likely to get procedures done in order to increase their chances of getting hired in certain fields if they have a more youthful appearance. What ends up happening is that the women in society see the cosmetic altered and airbrushed models and stars and aspire to look like them. This is usually the beginning of the downward spiral that is plastic surgery. Under some circumstances, cosmetic surgery is justified and well needed for different purposes. A prime example of such a circumstance would be a woman who had to have a double mastectomy. In order to bring normalcy back into her life, an appropriate size breast implant would be helpful. This kind of cosmetic procedure is called reconstructive surgery. It is used to improve the function of body parts, or to attempt to approximate a normal appearance. In some parts of the world, cosmetic surgery is termed as elective surgery or nonessential surgery, while the term plastic surgery is used to mean surgery used to reconstruct or improve appearance after injury or illness. Unless there is a viable reason for the procedure, cosmetic surgery is not needed and essentially harmful to the human body. In this instance, the question of what a “viable reason” is might come up. A sustainable reasoning for getting procedures done would be in order to revert to normality after an illness has caused undesirable physical appearance , to fix injuries, or to make a body part function with more ease.

Dawson Stage P.#4

Many people are pushed towards getting a good education because they think that it will help them in life. Grade school is pretty much a necessity for getting anywhere in life, but what if you want to go further? An education is one thing, but a college education can help you go that extra distance that you need and the articles “How necessary is a College Education” from the New York Times and “How Important is a College Education” from Education Portal will show you that. A college education is becoming more of a necessity in today’s world than it was several years ago. Unemployment rate are high and millions of people are fighting to try and get regular jobs. What separate a college graduate from a regular person in the workforce? The answer is the extra experience and knowledge that college graduates have. Getting a job is much easier with a college degree than it is with a high school diploma. “College graduates have an unemployment rate half that of people with only high school degrees,” (NYT Article). That extra four years in college makes your life much easier and much better in the long run. A college education is becoming more of a necessity each year and has many perks, but it also has its downsides. Going to college takes away years of your life that you could spend in the workforce making money. College is also expensive and with today’s economy people are stuck paying their student loans debt back for years. Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars to get a college degree people can join the workforce with a high school diploma and start making money while college students are entering debt. The extra money that college students make versus a regular working person is probably evened out when they have to pay back their student loans. College students also do not just gain a higher education than high school graduates, they also develop better life skills. “During their classes, college students often develop the reasoning skills needed to make life decisions, ranging from buying a house to helping their children choose their own college” (Education-Portal). “In fact, college graduates are more likely to have children who also complete a college education” (Education-Portal). All in all, a college education is becoming more and more of a necessity in everyday life and having that college education can allow people to have a better life with less things to worry about. Having a college educations makes life easier and makes life something that you can enjoy. In today’s world, a college education is the icing on the cake.

Works Cited “How Important Is a College Education?” Education Portal, n.d. Web. 03 Mar. 2015. B, Frank. “How Necessary Is a College Education?” The Learning Network How Necessary Is a College Education Comments. The New York Times, 30 Apr. 2012. Web. 03 Mar. 2015.

Please post more prompts! Am writing for school and cant find a good one for me!

Although none of us want to admit to it, we are all distracted by technology. There are many places where we are susceptible to the distraction of technology. The most popular being at school and in the car. However, the effect of these distractions most significantly affect our relationships and productiveness.

“With the red thumb no-texting campaign sponsored by Nissan, many of us are putting our cell phones in our glove box or our trunk as we drive” (Graham). We all know better than to text or talk while driving because not eliminating this distraction could potentially lead to a life-or-death situation. According to The Daily Mail, “cell phone use while driving is a contributing factor to more than one-in-four car accidents across the country” (Gorman). This is only one example of how technology distracts us.

The Common Sense project surveyed 685 teachers on how technology affects students (Richtel). About 60 percent said technology impeded students’ ability to communicate face to face, and almost half said it hurt their ability to do homework. As a junior in high-school I have first-hand experience of how technology affects my school work. I’ve found that technology is both a gift and curse. Because of technology, it is not a lot easier for me to complete and turn in homework online as well as contact my teachers. However, before my school restricted the use of “Airdrop” on our school-issued iPads, I was constantly receiving notes and pictures from my peers during class.

Two weeks ago my parents took away my cell phone because they believed it was a distraction that hindered both my productiveness and my relationships. At first I strongly believed that because of how the world is today, not being able to access the internet at my convenience would serve as a severe disability. My parents then challenged my to go one whole week without using technology for reasons other than educational. As a result, my grades significantly increased and I noticed I was able to be more productive in getting my work done. Also, I noticed a change in my relationship with my friends and family. I was forced to communicate face-to-face with them and valued the time I had to talk with them more than when I could just text them instead. Now I almost don’t want to ask for my phone back!

I encourage everyone to think about how different their lives would be if they didn’t have technology. If you think, “I cannot live without my iPhone”, you may be in need of a priority change. This world has so much more to offer than what you can see on a screen.

Gorman, Ryan. “One in Four Car Accidents Caused by Cell Phone Use While Driving… but Only Five per Cent Blamed on Texting.” Mail Online. The Daily Mail, 27 Mar. 2014. Web. 07 Mar. 2015.

Graham, Stedman. “Relationships Matter: The Importance of Social Intelligence.”Technology Distractions. The Huffington Post, 26 Dec. 2014. Web. 7 Mar. 2015. .

Richtel, Matt. “Technology Changing How Students Learn, Teachers Say.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 31 Oct. 2012. Web. 07 Mar. 2015. < //www.nytimes.com/2012/11/01/education/technology-is-changing-how-students-learn-teachers-say.html>.

Art, Impacting our World “Art is the desire of a man to express himself, to record the reactions of his personality to the world he lives in,” said by Amy Lowell; a nineteenth century poet. Art is all around us, and impacts every aspect of who we are. Art is anything from Eminem, to Beethoven, the Mona Lisa, to graffiti. Art has been a part of mankind before we could even speak; charcoal paintings in cave walls and design covered pottery have shown us this. Art is a critical part of humanity. Artists Jeroen Koolhaas and Dre Urhahn tell us an amazing story of Vila Cruzeiro in Rio, a community of violence and poverty. Koolhaas and Urbahn got the idea to transform Vila Cruzeiro into a great big piece of art. They re-painted buildings, and turned a concrete path for mudslides into a detailed painting of carp jumping in a river. People heard about the transformation and impact art made on this community. From “North Philly, which is one of the poorest neighborhoods in the United States,” a request was sent asking if they could repaint their community like they had done in Rio. Community volunteers, “were trained as painters, and together they transformed their own neighborhood” “into a giant patchwork of color.” Through community involvement of transforming their neighborhood through art, it not only created unity for the project, it painted a bridge of understanding and cooperation that still exists today. The art project brought the community closer together than ever imagined. “Life without the collective resources of our libraries, museums, theaters and galleries, or without the personal expression of literature, music and art, would be static and sterile- no creative arguments about the past, no diverse and stimulating present, and no dreams of the future,” from The Value of Arts and Culture to People and Society, by the England Arts council. If we didn’t have art in our lives, then we wouldn’t have lives. Art is a crucial part of humanity that has led the human race through inspiration and has posed as a stress relief for many. Art surrounds us and makes us who we are, giving us a way to express ourselves. Every single person is involved in art whether they recognize or acknowledge it. Another example of art impacting lives is Bittersweet farms, an assisted living facility for autistic adults. Upset patients get sent to professional artist Valerie French. She works with patients to express themselves through art. They are given a voice through art and are provided a way to relieve stress in a healthy way. Art is everywhere, and without it, we would not be nearly as advanced nor humane as we are.

Koolhass, Jeroen and Urhahn, Dre. “How Painting Can Transform Communities.” TED. Oct. 2014. Lecture England Arts Council. “The Values of Arts and Culture to People and Society.” Valerie French

The Scripture to Love “Would you like to go to church with us today honey?” This is the persistent question my mom asks my dad on Sunday mornings before loading up into the Chevy, spouseless. But, no matter how much she asks she always gets the same response: “No.” I could tell you she is used to it by now, but I know it still hurts to have her husband not believe in the one thing she devotes her whole life to-God-if it didn’t she wouldn’t squirm or get emotional whenever our pastor talks about how “It is important to have your spouse in your walk with god.” Of course, I think it is extremely important for couples to have the same religion but, at the same time we can’t always help that we fall in love with the Christian, or a Muslim, or even the bad boy that believes “God is bull crap.” Naomi Schaffer Riley states many interfaith couples may be “Unaware or unwilling to acknowledge that religion can be a serious dividing in a marriage.” She may be right. Religion is all around us it’s a part of our daily lives but that doesn’t mean everyone has to believe in the same god, or the same entity, or a higher power, or anything at all for that matter. After all, people tell you all the time that love is blind when it comes to height, race, color, and weight but have we ever considered that love is blind to religion? Maria Peyer, the wife in an interfaith relationship even says that she “can love you and think you’re wrong” just like how her husband Mike Bixby can love her and think she is wrong. Or even Erika Seamon, a woman who studies and teaches religion and interfaith relationships at Georgetown University, who says “couples find common ground on love, ethics, and even spirituality while maintaining very different religious identities.” Interfaith marriage is defined as the occurring between persons of a different religion. This type of marriage is up to a whopping 42 percent. My mom has made it clear to me that my father has never judged her being a Christian and that she has never judged him for being an atheist. But, that will not stop her from being an example of Christ in his life. In interfaith relationships there can be big obstacles to jump over, but not impossible ones. We need to be informed that even though a “Rocky road may lie ahead” we can always remember that “Love conquers all.”   Works cited Chideya, Farai. “Finding Love of a Different Faith.” Interview. Audio blog post. Npr.org. N.p., 30 July 2007. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. < //www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=12348757>. Fish, Stanley. “Marrying Out of the Faith.” New York Times 1 Apr. 2013: n. pag. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. “”Making Marrriage Work When Only One Spouse Believes in God”” Interview by Deena Prichep. Audio blog post. Npr.org. N.p., 17 Jan. 2013. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. < //www.npr.org/2013/01/17/168954402/making-marriage-work-when-only-one-spouse-believes-in-god>.

THE ART OF TRYING Why Critically Acclaimed Video Games have always been Art

By: Emma Rogers

Games are just a form of interactive art. Video games that appeal to all who play them usually have an amazing music score, fantastic and creative visuals, as well as an emotionally resonant story. A great example of a phenomenal game is Ōkami. Originally released in 2006 for SONY’s PlayStation 2, and published by Capcom, IGN gave it a score of 9.1/10, and Metacritic a 4.5/5 for the re-released version on the Nintendo Wii (2008). In 2007, it was nominated and later won BAFTA’s (The British Academy of Film and Television Arts) Academy Video Game Award for best artistic achievement, as well as their award for best original score (also in the gaming category).

What makes up a great game is exactly what makes up a great anything—only there is more of it, because a great game has to be great in all aspects. Roger Ebert, a famous film critic, claims “no one in or out of the field has ever been able to cite a game worthy of comparison with the great dramatists, poets, filmmakers, novelists and composers.” Ebert has never played a video game, and never will. And you can tell.

Having played Ōkami myself, I can attest to its visual beauty, in the form of a gorgeous art style, laden with thick, inky-black brush strokes as outlines. The characters move with natural fluidity, and the atmosphere—with music and art style combined—is magical. By the end of my near 50-hour endeavor, I was sad to see the adventure come to a close. But isn’t that the same feeling you get from a good film, or book? No matter how long you have spent with those beloved characters, there is still a craving for more to chow on. The fact that this game can invoke such emotion in me that I let a few tears drop over a digital wolf (did I forget to mention that the main protagonist is not only a glorified mutt, but a sun goddess?) is simply astounding. Tom Bissel, a journalist, critic, and writer, even wrote a book on games being art, titled Why Video Games Matter. He claims that video games are “ambitious works of narrative fiction,” and can be compared with even the most engaging of books. Perhaps gaming was simply ahead of Ebert’s time, but in the end, it wouldn’t have hurt to dip a toe into the vast ocean of wonderful experiences you can find in the ever-changing market of gaming. Perhaps mindless shooters will always dominate, but hidden gems will always surface every once in a while—just to keep it fresh.

Works Cited:

Ebert, Roger. “Video Games Can Never Be Art.” Rogerebert. Roger Ebert, 16 Apr. 2010. Web.

Staff. “2007 UK BAFTA Game Award Winners Led By Nintendo.” Gamustra. UBM Tech, 24 Oct. 2007. Web

Schulten, Katherine. “Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art?” Learning.blogs.nytimes. The Learning Network/The New York Times, 25 June 2010. Web

Should schools offer cash bonuses for good test scores?

Would you study more for a good test score and a cash bonus? Those who score a high test score would get rewarded with a hundred dollar bonus, and the teacher would get a raise on his/her salary. For instance, Mr. Nystrom from South High had 43 of his students pass the exam this year, far above his target, he will add a $7,300 check to his $72,000 salary. This financial incentives is “making it cool for boys with low-slung jeans who idolize rappers like Lil Wayne to take the hardest classes.” If students knew that they were getting a cash bonus for a good test score, then they would obviously study more and try in their classes so they can get a good score on their next test, and their teachers would also want their students to do really good because they are also getting paid for their students good test score. A cash bonus can really help students get a higher test scores and let them attempts to take harder classes, and help teachers get more students in their classes, classes that are out of students comfort zone. At UChicago-led, students gained a 10 percentile increase in their score with incentives. this piece of evidence supports my claim because it shows students get better grades and scores with incentives. Another piece of evidence is from the NY-times, a teacher at South High, Mr. Nystrom teaches A.P. statistics to eight times as many students as he used to teach. in other words, this shows that if there is money involved students become more interested in school. Even though financial incentives sound great there could be some reasons why schools shouldn’t use them. The teachers might be able to receive the money from the school, but maybe not the students. In a New York City’s spark program, now going into their second year they reward fourth-graders and seventh-graders for high achievement. A fourth grader can earn up to $250 a year and a seventh grader up to $500. Therefore, that shows thats students are allowed to receive money from the schools. How is the school going to provide all the money they promised? Well, the school can host fundraisers for the money, and the schools can’t afford to give the students incentives to work harder, than they can reward what ever sound suitable for them. I realized that, it is a lot of money but its for students who need a push in their education. This idea also helps the students who are struggling in school to want to try harder, it would be like giving an extra push. At lake Hamilton High, Mr. Leonardo had a “quintessential average rural students: always wearing camo clothing.” That same kid took A.P. Statistics, Mr. Leonardo worked with him and he ended up passing his exam. Surely, This explains that anyone with a little push can succeed. Further more, South High had a reputation with two students which led to murder. The school holds underachieve students, but in 2009, 46 students enrolled in a class that would help them achieve greatness, and out if those 46 students 22 earned qualifying scores on exams in may 2010. Knowing the reputation of the school and their students, and hearing that out of those 46 students, 22 passes exams surprised me in a good way. I can not argue, thats cash incentives help students tremendously. Therefore, with incentives students thats are not doing so well in school are going to want to study harder and pay attention in their class, which later would benefit themselves. Dillon, Sam. “Incentives for Advanced Work Let Pupils and Teachers Cash In.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 02 Oct. 2011. Web. 06 Mar. 2015. Medina, Jennifer. “Next Question: Can Students Be Paid to Excel?” The New York Times. The New York Times, 04 Mar. 2008. Web. 08 Mar. 2015. “Student Performance Improves When Teachers given Incentives Upfront.” Student Performance Improves When Teachers given Incentives Upfront. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 Mar. 2015. “Cash for Good Grades? Some Schools Give It a Try.” GreatSchools. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2015.

Why Disney Princesses are Evolving

2013 was the year that Disney released its most popular blockbuster yet. Similar to many other thirteen year old girls at the time, Frozen earned a spot on my favorite movies of all time, for one reason that stood out above the others. It wasn’t the movie’s comic relief in the form of a talking snowman. It also wasn’t the catchy songs, although “Let it Go” will certainly be stuck in our heads as long as we live. Ultimately, Frozen incorporated an independent female character that’s just not available in male dominated films. Surprisingly, I didn’t see independence in the main character at all, but in her sister, Elsa. According to a study by San Diego State University, only thirteen percent of 2013’s top 100 films featured an equal number of male and female characters. In a world I previously believed to be sexism-free, a statistic like this confuses me. Why, in a world half occupied by women, are men dominating by eighty-seven percent in the film business? Perhaps it’s the lack of awareness in females. There is the idea that “women will go see films for men, but men will not see films for women”. This unfortunately seems to ring true, once you look at movies like Indiana Jones, Batman, and the infamous Star Wars. I don’t say “infamous” because of a negative audience reaction, but because of a point made by Colin Stokes in “The Hidden Meaning in Kids Movies,” observing that “there are only boys in the universe except for… [Princess Leia], who…waits around for most of the movie so she can award the hero with a medal and a wink.” Although many women have noticed it before, Stokes seems to be the first man to mention it. His observation leads into a theory much more bizarre, but possibly just as true. Instead of women fighting sexism alone, perhaps men should be taught to take a battle stance too. In Manohla Dargis’ words, “while individual men struggle in the industry, women struggle as a group”. Although this observation is true, it doesn’t have to be. Elsa proved she could do anything without the help of a man, however I now realize she could’ve been even more powerful and made a bigger impact if she worked together with a man as an equal part of a team. Men must be taught to respect and listen to women while they’re young. There are so many advancements happening right now, not only in film, but in technology, education, and politics, and women missing out on them may be putting their good ideas to waste. Only by working together as a team can we finally say “Let it Go” to sexism.

Works Cited Stokes, Colin. “The Hidden Meanings in Kids’ Movies.” TED. Dec. 2012. Lecture. Dockterman, Eliana. “Lena Dunham has a Point: New Research Documents Hollywood’s Sexism.” Time. Time, 11 March. 2014. Web. 3 March 2015. Dargis, Manohla. “Lights, Camera, Taking Action.” New York Times, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2015. Web. 3 March 2015.

Brandon Alter What grade should we give? Ever since 1860 students have been given letter grades by their teachers, is it time for students to be able to grade their teachers? The answer is yes. Most school systems decide on how well a teacher is doing by seeing how well the students did on a standardized test. “On most measures, Ms. Campbell and her fellow teachers at the Aspire Lionel Wilson Preparatory Academy were scoring at or above the average for Aspire, a charter system that runs more than a dozen schools in California and Tennessee. But the survey, conducted by a tech start-up called Panorama Education, also indicated that her students did not believe she was connecting with them” (Manjoo). This quote shows that although the students are doing well, they don’t think the teacher is teaching the right way. Most students would need a tutor or spend hours studying to do well on these standardized tests. Part of the problem is that schools spend too much time focusing on standardized tests. Most students in public schools do not have a teacher they can trust and talk to. Finally students usually have no voice on how good a teacher is, and this will give students more of a voice in their future of education.

Works Cited Bluemle, Stefanie. N.p.: n.p., 2002. 1. Web. 8 Mar. 2015. < //www.augustana.edu/x21668.xml>. Manjoo, Farhad. New York, NY, U.S.A: New York Times, n.d. N. pag. Web. 8 Mar. 2015. < //www.nytimes.com/2014/09/04/technology/students-grade-teachers-and-a-start-up-harnesses-the-data.html

“The Ironies of Reality TV” It has been said Americans spend ⅓ of their free time watching television and about ⅔ of that time is watching Reality TV according to Word Press Blog. And a reasonable question to have is does this consuming form of media affect our values? The 10th season of Keeping up with the Kardashians will premiere on E! network on March 15th! The Kardashian-Jenner family has been in the limelight since their Reality TV show first aired in 2007. The show has become increasingly popular and has made way to become extremely prominent through the years producing several spin-off shows, which is common for thriving reality television. The show follows the family known as the “Kardashian Klan”. The family is recognized for their glamorous, high spending lifestyle and ways, but the real question is; do families like the Kardashians affect our values in society and has viewers? It is called Reality TV, but unfortunately it is unrealistic and misleading to those who are ignorant towards the fact that it is merely there for the purpose of entertainment. According to The New York Times Article, “Yes, They’re Sleazy, but not Originals”, “Reality shows are staged, scripted and heavily edited”. Reality shows like “Buckwild” require hours of filming scenes and incidents in order for the producers to get the raging drama viewers are looking for. What we call “reality television” bluntly contradicts the real world. The truth is, everyday people can be harmed by the unrealistic lifestyles and open vulgarity which grasps the attention of consumers when viewed on reality television. Although you may think Reality Television is harmless, think again. According to a recent study by Bryan Gibson, a psychologist at Central Michigan University, people are more likely to act and think aggressively after watching these kinds of shows on television . Gibson also advises parents to take caution in what they allow their children to view through this form of media because it may appear harmless but can be damaging towards youth eyes. So how can we protect ourselves from bad influence? Instead of observing shows like “The Real Housewives” or “Jersey Shore” try options like “Cake Boss” where we see Buddy Valastro make magnificent desserts or “So You Think You Can Dance”where we get to watch individuals dance their heart out with amazing talent. Shows like such are where we can see everyday people doing amazing things we could never do ourselves. These are better options than viewing the same celebrities that are “famous for being famous” as Alessandra Stanley states from the New York Times. If we are not careful, reality television will influence our society for the worse rather than the better. Works Cited: Curtis, Mary. “In ‘Buckwild’ death, another case of a too real ‘reality’show.” The Washington Post. The Washington Post, 2 April 2013. Web. 24 February 2015. “Reality Television: Creating a World Where No One is Real.” Word Press. Word Press, Web. 8 March 2015. Stanley, Alessandra. “Yes, They’re Sleazy, but Not Originals.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 20 Aug. 2010. Web. 24 February 2015. “Viewer Beware: Watching Reality Tv Can Impact Real-Life Behavior.” NPR. NPR. 24 August 2014. General OneFile. Web. 24 February 2015.`

Connected Yet Isolated Five years ago, when a friend would ask to hang out, I assumed we would play outside, talk, or play board games, yet in current times, it is impossible to make these same assumptions. Current technology distracts us from each other, and attaches our eyes to the screen. Should we still call it hanging out if we are only paying attention to our phones?

Many teenagers today would rather be on their phones than be with friends or family. In a recent Pew internet survey, thirteen percent of people with cellphones were reported to have pretended to use their phones in order to avoid social interaction. Technology has its benefits: staying connected with people, making plans, and rediscovering old friends. However, its constant use can cause problems. Despite the benefits that technology brings, my generation often relies on it too much, resulting in our social isolation.

When I am hanging out with my friends, I feel like we are not necessarily hanging out. Most of my friends have smartphones which they can easily play games on or go to Instagram or Twitter. When we sit down at someone’s house, we don’t engage in as much conversation as I would like to. The person conversing is usually projecting their voice into their phone rather than everyone else. I catch myself doing this also. I find myself on my phone instead of engaging in conversation with my peers, which was the reason we decided to get together in the first place. Even though we are together, I feel as if we are all in our own worlds of the little screens on our phones.

Teenagers are not the only age group affected by technology. According to New York Times article, Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone, “Momofuku Ko and Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, have prohibited people from photographing their food.” These restaurants did a smart thing, in my opinion. They understand how some people are on their phones during dinner rather than socializing with the people they are eating with. In Sherry Turkle’s TED Talk, she mentions how “parents text and do email at breakfast and at dinner while the children complain about not having their parents’ full attention.” Parents are even isolating themselves from their own families.

Technology can overtake our social lives, but we have to fix that now or it could be harder to later. We can stop using technology all the time and spend time with others around us. We can pick a book up or actually converse instead of expressing our thoughts through hashtags.. Technology is great, but sometimes we have to put it aside for a little bit and enjoy the world as it is.

Bilton, Nick. “Disruptions: More Connected, Yet More Alone.” New York Times. New York Times, 1 Sep. 2013. Web. 25 Feb. 2015. “Does the Internet Make You More– Or Less– Connected?” NPR. NPR. 24 August 2011. NPR. Web. 25 February 2015. Turkle, Sherry. “Connected, but alone?” TED. Feb. 2012. Lecture.

How Is The Pressure for Girls to Be Perfect Affecting Them? A young girl stares at the bright screen in her hand. She is on Tumblr when she sees the photos of a young Victoria Secret model. As she looks at the photos, she begins to notice the difference between the model and herself. The model had a smaller waist and was tall and blonde and her skin looked flawless. She compared herself to the photos and said “I need to look like that.” Our media today flashes with airbrushed pictures of women constantly, showing up on our T.V.s and cell phones. Victoria Secret models, famous actresses and singers, even fast food commercials have began to show half naked woman eating their food.Yes, this is all for advertising but do they know what it is doing the girls’ self esteem? Girls are looking at these photos and comparing their body to them, I myself have done it many times. Several girls do not realize the images they are seeing are unattainable and are airbrushed or fake. Many girls go to extremes to try and become that image. According to 2004 survey published by the Canadian Medical Association Journal, 29% of girls ages 10-14 at a healthy weight, are trying to lose weight. Being that I am in that age group, I know the pressures of trying to meet the ‘perfect body’ image. This is the age that middle school ends and high school starts, and so do reputations, and no one wants to be the girl that looks different. Even celebrities like Mary Kate Olsen fell into the pressure of having a perfect body and suffered from an eating disorder. Many girls suffer from them everyday trying to become what they think is the acceptable and attractive weight. I think the media should show woman for how they really are and not the fake images shown now. Even models struggle with body image. I feel like if I was a model and saw the airbrushed pictures of myself, I would be disappointed when I looked in the mirror. For all women to feel more confident and feel like their body is the perfect body, woman should be shown for how they actually look. No airbrush or filters should mess with the pictures and not all, but a lot of pressure would be lifted off girls. The pressure that is left should be turned into pressure that they should be themselves. Pressure to be the beautiful individuals that girls are now trying to hide.

Works Cited: Wulff, Jennifer, Allison Adato, KC Baker, Mark Dagostino, Kathy Ehrich, Debbie Seaman, Tom Cunneff, Sean Daly, Alison SIngh Gee, Kwala Mandel, Brenda Rodriguez, Giovanna Brue, Kelly Williams, Wendy Grossman, and Sara Hammel. “Pressure To Be Perfect.” People 26 July 2004: 72-78. Academic Search Premier. Web. 24 Feb. 2015 Hartocollis, Anemona. “City Unveils Campaign to Improve Girls’ Self-Esteem.” The New York TImes 1 Oct. 2013: A22. Print.. Khadaroo, Stacy Teicher. “Sexy Halloween Costumes for Girls? Study Backs Up Concerned Parents.” Christian Science Monitor. N.p., 31 Oct. 2014. Web. 24 Feb. 2015.

Has Baseball Lost It’s Cool?

The school day should start a few hours later. 7:10 is way too early for students to start school. That leaves kids not getting enough sleep. Many people say that teens should get 8-10 hours of sleep every night, but getting up at 5:30-6:00, maybe even earlier, it barely leaves them getting eight hours of sleep. Many teens go to bed later than 10:30. I’m sure most adults think they should just go to bed earlier but they don’t seem to fall asleep that early. This may help kids do better mentally and physically. Not only in school, but in everything else as well. If school would start at 8:30 then that would put the ending around 3:30, leaving it okay for after school activities to not end too late. Teachers get mad at students because they fall asleep in class. That is because they have to get up so early and they’re not getting enough sleep. After a day of school and sports I am wore out. Maybe those few more hours of sleep at night would help.

Should the school day start later? Does the school day start too early for kids? Most teens say they don’t like school just because it starts to early. Some teens say they wouldn’t mind going to school if it didn’t start at seven in the morning. For me I would love for the school days to start later in the day. It would give the kids brains time to start working. The kids can’t think right if they are tired. Kids don’t like to wake up so early because they don’t go to sleep till late at night. If the day started later the kids can stay up late and get enough sleep. Kids need their sleep so they can work good and focus. You should let them start later in the day, there is a study saying kids brains don’t actually start working till being three hours awake. So really they aren’t learning anything till ten in the morning anyway. The kids know that if it started later it would end later , but if you cut the hours test scores might actually go up some. Why do you think that a lot of kids like to be home schooled. It is because they don’t have to wake up so early and get ready for school. Nobody in their right mind wants to be trapped in a building for eight hours just to get screamed at all day. So in my opinion that is why the school day should start later in the day than it does. Kids hate school and I don’t see why parents don’t see it. They should do what would make the kids happy and start the day later, and then maybe kids will actually show up and not hate it as much. It wouldn’t surprise me if they did start the school day later and kids showed up more than what they do now.

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How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

What’s covered:, how to pick a good argumentative essay topic, elements of a strong argumentative essay, argumentative essay idea example topics.

Are you having writer’s block? Coming up with an essay topic can be the hardest part of the process. You have very likely encountered argumentative essay writing in high school and have been asked to write your own. If you’re having trouble finding a topic, we’ve created a list of 52 essay ideas to help jumpstart your brainstorming process! In addition, this post will cover strategies for picking a topic and how to make your argument a strong one. Ultimately, the goal is to convince your reader. 

An argumentative essay tasks the writer with presenting an assertion and bolstering that assertion with proper research. You’ll present the claim’s authenticity. This means that whatever argument you’re making must be empirically true! Writing an argumentative essay without any evidence will leave you stranded without any facts to back up your claim. When choosing your essay topic, begin by thinking about themes that have been researched before. Readers will be more engaged with an argument that is supported by data.

This isn’t to say that your argumentative essay topic has to be as well-known, like “Gravity: Does it Exist?” but it shouldn’t be so obscure that there isn’t ample evidence. Finding a topic with multiple sources confirming its validity will help you support your thesis throughout your essay. If upon review of these articles you begin to doubt their worth due to small sample sizes, biased funding sources, or scientific disintegrity, don’t be afraid to move on to a different topic. Your ultimate goal should be proving to your audience that your argument is true because the data supports it.

The hardest essays to write are the ones that you don’t care about. If you don’t care about your topic, why should someone else? Topics that are more personal to the reader are immediately more thoughtful and meaningful because the author’s passion shines through. If you are free to choose an argumentative essay topic, find a topic where the papers you read and cite are fun to read. It’s much easier to write when the passion is already inside of you!

However, you won’t always have the choice to pick your topic. You may receive an assignment to write an argumentative essay that you feel is boring. There is still value in writing an argumentative essay on a topic that may not be of interest to you. It will push you to study a new topic, and broaden your ability to write on a variety of topics. Getting good at proving a point thoroughly and effectively will help you to both understand different fields more completely and increase your comfort with scientific writing.

Convincing Thesis Statement

It’s important to remember the general essay structure: an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A strong thesis statement will set your essay up for success. What is it? A succinct, concise, and pithy sentence found in your first paragraph that summarizes your main point. Pour over this statement to ensure that you can set up your reader to understand your essay. You should also restate your thesis throughout your essay to keep your reader focused on your point.

Ample Research

A typical argumentative essay prompt may look like this: “What has been the most important invention of the 21st century? Support your claim with evidence.” This question is open-ended and gives you flexibility. But that also means it requires research to prove your point convincingly. The strongest essays weave scientific quotes and results into your writing. You can use recent articles, primary sources, or news sources. Maybe you even cite your own research. Remember, this process takes time, so be sure you set aside enough time to dive deep into your topic.

Clear Structure

If the reader can’t follow your argument, all your research could be for nothing! Structure is key to persuading your audience. Below are two common argumentative essay structures that you can use to organize your essays.

The Toulmin argument and the Rogerian argument each contain the four sections mentioned above but executes them in different ways. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both essay structures so that your essay is the most effective it can be.

The Toulmin argument has a straightforward presentation. You begin with your assertion, your thesis statement. You then list the evidence that supports your point and why these are valid sources. The bulk of your essay should be explaining how your sources support your claim. You then end your essay by acknowledging and discussing the problems or flaws that readers may find in your presentation. Then, you should list the solutions to these and alternative perspectives and prove your argument is stronger.

The Rogerian argument has a more complex structure. You begin with a discussion of what opposing sides do right and the validity of their arguments. This is effective because it allows you to piece apart your opponent’s argument. The next section contains your position on the questions. In this section, it is important to list problems with your opponent’s argument that your argument fixes. This way, your position feels much stronger. Your essay ends with suggesting a possible compromise between the two sides. A combination of the two sides could be the most effective solution.

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• Is our election process fair?
• Is the electoral college outdated?
• Should we have lower taxes?
• How many Supreme Court Justices should there be?
• Should there be different term limits for elected officials?
• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the country legalize marijuana?
• Should the country have tighter gun control laws?
• Should men get paternity leave?
• Should maternity leave be longer?
• Should smoking be banned?
• Should the government have a say in our diet?
• Should birth control be free?
• Should we increase access to condoms for teens?
• Should abortion be legal?
• Do school uniforms help educational attainment?
• Are kids better or worse students than they were ten years ago?
• Should students be allowed to cheat?
• Is school too long?
• Does school start too early?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
• Is summer break still relevant?
• Is college too expensive?

Art / Culture

• How can you reform copyright law?
• What was the best decade for music?
• Do video games cause students to be more violent?
• Should content online be more harshly regulated?
• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should schools ban books?
• How important is art education?
• Should music be taught in school?
• Are music-sharing services helpful to artists?
• What is the best way to teach science in a religious school?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be allowed to modify their unborn children?
• Should vaccinations be required for attending school?
• Are GMOs helpful or harmful?
• Are we too dependent on our phones?
• Should everyone have internet access?
• Should internet access be free?
• Should the police force be required to wear body cams?
• Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
• How has the internet impacted human society?
• Should self-driving cars be allowed on the streets?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Are professional athletes paid too much?
• Should the U.S. have more professional sports teams?
• Should sports be separated by gender?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• What are the best ways to increase safety in sports?

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original argumentative essay ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

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300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

We categorized 300 of our recent Student Opinion and Picture Prompts by topic to help students practice writing arguments about the issues that matter to them. We look forward to seeing which questions inspire the most passionate arguments, and we invite students to submit their work to our Eighth Annual Editorial Contest.

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300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing a Technology & Social Media 23. Phone Warnings: Should tech devices come with addiction advisories? Article-Based Prompts 24. Phones in Church: Are there some places 1. How Worried Should We Be About Screen where phones just don't belong? Time During the Pandemic? 25. Driverless Cars: What do you think about 2. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? driverless cars? 3. Do Memes Make the Interne er Place? 26. Texting While Walking: Should looking at 4. Does Online Public Shaming Prevent Us From your phone while crossing the street be illegal? Being Able to Grow and Change? 27. Device Addiction?: As a society, are we too 5. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? addicted to our devices? 6. Where Should We Draw the Line Between 28. ‘A Man Needs His Nuggs': What do you think Community Health and Safety and Individual of Carter Wilkerson's quest, and its results? Liberty and Privacy? 29. Soothing Video Games: Can video games 7. Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can intended to calm the mind be fun? Worthwhile? Be Dangerous? 30. Our Lives on Social Media: How much do you 8. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech think we can judge our collective happiness by Companies to Block President Trump? what is posted on social media? 9. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by 31. “Bracelet of Silence': Would you wear privacy How Much You Use Your Phone? armor? 10. Is Your Phone Love Hurting Your 32. Baby Yoda: What are your favorite memes? Relationships? 33. Tesla's 'Cybertruck': What do you think of 11. Do You Trust Facebook? this “pickup of the future"? 12. Do You Think Recreational Drones Are Safe? 34. The ‘Bird Box’ Challenge: What do you think 13. Should Kids Be Social Media Influencers? of social media challenges like this one? 14. Does Grammar Still Matter in the Age of Twitter? School 15. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? Article-Based Prompts 16. How Do You Think Technology Affects 35. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course Dating? in School? 36. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Image-Based Prompts Students for What They Say on Social Media? 17. Online Video Games: Does more need to be 37. How Should Schools Hold Students done to make online gaming communities safer? Accountable for Hurting Others? 18. A Computer in Everything: Do “smart” 38. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and devices worry you? Tampons? 19. Snail Mail: Do you think handwritten cards 39. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try and letters still have value in the digital age? to Help Us Feel One Another's Pain? 20. Cyberbullying: Should social media 40. When the Pandemic Ends, Will School companies do more to prevent online Change Forever? harassment? 41. Should Schools Change How They Grade 21. Phone Manners: Are there times when you Students During the Pandemic? think using your phone while you're with other 42. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking people is rude? Online Tests? 22. Alarm Clocks: Are there any “dumb” devices 43. Should There Still Be Snow Days? that you think are better than “smart” devices? The New York Times Learning Network

Image-Based Prompts 72. Graduation in a Pandemic: Is your school doing enough to honor seniors? 73. Most Challenged Books: Are there books that don't belong in schools or public libraries? 74. Mascot: If you could choose one mascot to represent your school, what would it be? 75. Math: How do you feel about math? 76. Sleep Deprivation: Do you ink school should start later for teenagers? 77. Standardized Tests: Is there too much testing at your school? Why or why not? 78. Teacher Walkouts: Do you think teachers should be paid more? Why or why not? 79. Mermaid School: If there could be a special school that would teach you something you really want to learn, what would that school be? Coronavirus 44. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 45. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 46. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 47. Are Straight A's Always a Good Thing? 48. Should Schools Teach You How to Be Happy? 49. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 50. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 51. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 52. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 53. Should Your School Day Start Later? 54. Should Yearbooks Include Political News? 55. How Should Senior Year in High School Be Spent? 56. Should Teachers Be Armed With Guns? 57. Is School a place for Self-Expression? 58. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 59. Is Live-Streaming Classrooms a Good Idea? 60. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 61. What Are the Most Important Things Students Should Learn in School? 62. Should Schools Be Allowed to Censor Student Newspapers? 63. Do You Feel Your School and Teachers Welcome Both Conservative and Liberal Points of View? 64. Should Teachers and Professors Ban Student Use of Laptops in Class? 65. Should Schools Teach About Climate Change? 66. Should All Schools Offer Music Programs? 67. Does Your School Need More Money? 68. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 69. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 70. Do Kids Need Recess? 71. Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children? Article-Based Prompts 80. What Weaknesses and Strengths About Our World Are Being Exposed by This Pandemic? 81. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide what Stays Open and What Closes? 82. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 83. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 84. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 85. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping? Image-Based Prompts 86. Surge: How should the United States keep the coronavirus pandemic at bay? 87. Masks: What “civic rules” do you think we should all follow now? 88. Paid to Laugh: Would you attend a live TV show taping – if you got money for it? 89. Dolly's Donation: How do you feel about celebrity philanthropy? 90. Crowds and Covid: How do you feel about crowds during the pandemic? 91. Going Nowhere Fast: Would you take a flight to nowhere? The New York Times Learning Network

College & Career Image-Based Prompts 116. Optimism: Is your glass half-empty or halffull? 117. Cursing: Is it ever OK, useful or even healthy to curse? Or is it always inappropriate? 118. Anger Rooms: Do you think places like this are a good idea? Race & Gender Article-Based Prompts 92. Should Students Be Required to Take the SAT and ACT to Apply to College? 93. Should National Service Be Required for All Young Americans? 94. What Your Reaction the College Admissions Cheating Scandal? 95. Is the College Admissions Process Fair? 96. Should Everyone Go to College? 97. Should College Be Free? 98. Are Lavish Amenities on College Campuses Useful or Frivolous? 99. Should 'Despised Dissenters' Be Allowed to Speak on College Campuses? 100. How Should the Problem of Sexual Assault on Campuses Be Addressed? 101. Should Fraternities Be Abolished? 102. Is Student Debt Worth It? 103. Do Other People Care Too Much About Your Post-High School Plans? 104. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? Article-Based Prompts 119. What Is Your Reaction to the Days of Protest That Followed the Death of George Floyd? 120. How Should Parents Teach Their Children About Race and Racism? 121. Is America 'Backsliding' on Race? 122. Should All Americans Receive Anti-Bias Education? 123. Should All Companies Require Anti-Bias Training for Employees? 124. Should Columbus Day Be Replaced With Indigenous Peoples Day? 125. Is Fear of 'The Other Poisoning Public Life? 126. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 127. What Should #MeToo Mean for Teenage Boys? 128. Should There Be More Boy Dolls? 129. Should the Boy Scouts Be Coed? 130. What Is Hard About Being a Boy? Image-Based Prompts 105. Jack-of-All-Trades: Is it better to focus on one thing early in life and get really good at it? Mental & Physical Health Article-Based Prompts 106. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 107. Is Struggle Essential to Happiness? 108. Does Every Country Need a ‘Loneliness Minister'? 109. Should Schools Teach Mindfulness? 110. Should All Children Be Vaccinated? 111. What Do You Think About Vegetarianism? 112. Do We Worry Too Much About Germs? 113. What Advice Should Parents and Counselors Give Teenagers About Sexting? 114. Are Emotional-Support Animals a Scam? 115. Do You Believe in Manifesting? Image-Based Prompts 131. Fashion-Show Diversity: What other industries or aspects of life need more diversity? 132. A Town's New Seal: Why do you think Whitesboro, N.Y., decided to change its seal? 133. Gender Expectations: Do you ever find gender expectations or norms confining? 134. Women's History Month: What does this holiday mean to you? 135. Boys and Men: What does it mean to "be a man”? 136. Women in Movies: Should some movies dominated by male actors be remade with largely female casts? The New York Times Learning Network

137. Unisex Clothing: Should clothing labeling be 160. 'The Image of the Revolution': What is it unisex? about this photograph that makes it so 138. Feminism: Do you consider yourself a powerful? feminist? 161. Book Covers: What are your favorite book 139. Gender and 'Genderless': Do you think that covers? Why? gender is binary? 162. Fashion Trends: What are your favorite fashion trends? What trends do you hate? Arts 163. Fashion Comebacks: What trends from the past would you like to see revived? Article-Based Prompts 164. Murals: Can art be an act of resistance? 140. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 165. An 18-Karat Throne: Is this art? 141. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to 166. A Hug Seen Around the World: Why do you Their Countries of Origin? think this image became so popular so quickly? 142. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 167. The Role of Public Broadcasting: Do you 143. What Role Should Celebrities Have During think programs like “Sesame Street” make the the Coronavirus Crisis? U.S. smarter, stronger and safer? 144. Can You Separate Art From the Artist? 168. Best Books?: What have you read and loved 145. Are There Subjects That Should Be Off this year? Limits to Artists, or to Certain Artists in Particular? Sports 146. Should Art Come With Trigger Warnings? 147. Should Graffiti Be Protected? Article-Based Prompts 148. Is the Digital Era Improving or Ruining the 169. Should Girls and Boys Sports Teams Experience of Art? Compete in the Same League? 149. Are Museums Still Important in the Digital 170. Should College Athletes Be Paid? Age? 171. Are Youth Sports Too Competitive? 150. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie 172. Is It Selfish to Pursue Risky Sports Like Theaters Still Relevant? Extreme Mountain Climbing? 151. Is Hollywood Becoming More Diverse? 173. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 152. What Stereotypical Characters Make You 174. Should Technology in Sports Be Limited? Cringe? 175. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth 153. Do We Need More Female Superheroes? Sports? 154. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They 176. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? Often Get? 177. Does Better Sports Equipment Unfairly 155. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Improve Athletic Ability? Borrow From Other Artists? 178. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their 156. Is Listening to a Book Just as Good as Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery Reading It? and Gestures? 157. Is There Any Benefit to Reading Books You Hate? Image-Based Prompts 179. Brady's Big Move: How do you feel about Image-Based Prompts Tom Brady leaving the Patriots? 158. Hologram Musicians: Which departed 180. Tiger Woods Wins: What are the greatest artists would you like to see perform live? comebacks in history? 159. Movie Theaters: In the age of digital 181. Referees: Do sports officials deserve more streaming, are movie theaters still relevant? respect? 182. $430 Million Deal: Is any athlete worth that amount of money? The New York Times Learning Network

205. Adults With Rainbow Hair: Are there some trends adults just should not try? 206. Parenting Skills: Should parents say “no” more often when their children ask for new things? Ethics & Morality 183. Super Bowl Commercials: Was it smart for advertisers to steer clear of controversy in 2019? 184. Champions: What team in any sport would you like to see win a championship? 185. The Outspoken N.B.A.: Should all sports leagues treat political speech as a right for their players? 186. Gymnastics on Horseback: What is the world's most difficult sport? 187. Tackle Football: Should children under the age of 12 play tackle football, in your opinion? 188. Breakdancing: Should dance be an Olympic event? 189. Coed Sports: Do you think women and men should compete against each other in sports? 190. Super Bowl Halftime Performer: Whom would you choose to perform at the Super Bowl, and why? 191. Colin Kaepernick's Protest: What do you think of this protest? Parenting & Childhood Article-Based Prompts 192. Should Parents Track Their Children? 193. Who Should Decide whether a Teenager Can Get a Tattoo or Piercing? 194. Is It Harder to Grow Up in the 21st Century Than It Was in the Past? 195. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 196. How Should Parents Talk to Their Children About Drugs? 197. What Should We Call Your Generation? 198. Do Parents Ever Cross a Line by Helping Too Much With Schoolwork? 199. What's the Best Way to Discipline Children? 200. What Are Your Thoughts on 'Snowplow Parents'? 201. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 202. When Do You Become an Adult? Article-Based Prompts 207. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 208. What Makes a Great Leader? 209. Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times? 210. Is It Immoral to Increase the Price of Goods During a Crisis? 211. Would You Allow an Ex-Prisoner to Live With You? 212. Would You Return a Lost Wallet? (What if It Had Lots of Money in It?) 213. Is It Wrong to Focus on Animal Welfare When Humans Are Suffering? 214. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 215. Should We Be Concerned With Where We Get Our Pets? 216. Is This Exhibit Animal Cruelty or Art? 217. Should Extinct Animals Be Resurrected? If So, Which Ones? 218. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 219. Is It Ethical to Create Genetically Edited Humans? 220. Should Reporters Ever Help the People They Are Covering? 221. Is It OK to Use Family Connections to Get a Job? 222. Is $1 Billion Too Much Money for Any One Person to Have? 223. Are We Being Bad Citizens If We Don't Keep Up With the News? 224. Should Prisons Offer Incarcerated People Education Opportunities? 225. Should Law Enforcement Be Able to Use DNA Data From Genealogy Websites for Criminal Investigations? 226. Should We Treat Robots Like People? Image-Based Prompts 203. Household Chores: Do you think children should help out around the house? 204. Spy Cams: Should parents use smart devices to keep tabs on their children when they're home alone? The New York Times Learning Network

Image-Based Prompts 249. Does the United States Owe Reparations to 227. World's Big Sleep Out: What lengths would the Descendants of Enslaved People? you go to in support of a worthy cause? 250. Do You Think It Is Important for Teenagers 228. Tipping: Do you leave a tip whenever to Participate in Political Activism? you're asked to? 251. Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16? 229. Cash Reward: Should you accept a cash 252. What Should Lawmakers Do About Guns reward for doing the right thing? and Gun Violence? 230. Cheating: Would you tell if you caught your 253. Should Confederate Statues Be Removed or classma cheating? Remain in Place? 231. Do Not Resuscitate: Should doctors have 254. Does the U.S. Constitution Need an Equal tried to revive this man? Rights Amendment? 232. Hitler and History: Should the bunker 255. Should National Monuments Be Protected where Hitler killed himself be a tourist by the Government? attraction? 256. Should Free Speech Protections Include Self 233. Solving Global Problems: As the head of a Expression That Discriminates? global foundation, what problem would you 257. How Important Is Freedom of the Press? solve? 258. Should Ex-Felons Have the Right to Vote? 259. Should Marijuana Be Legal? Government & Politics 260. Should the United States Abolish Daylight Saving Time? Article-Based Prompts 261. Should the U.S. Ban Military-Style 234. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? Semiautomatic Weapons? 235. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would 262. Should the U.S. Get Rid of the Electoral You Vote to Impeach President Trump? College? 236. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the 263. What Do You Think of President Trump's Year for 2020? Use of Twitter? 237. Should the United States Decriminalize the 264. Should Celebrities Weigh In on Politics? Possession of Drugs? 265. Why Is It Important for People With 238. What Would You Do First if You Were the Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other? New President? 266. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and 239. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Political Issues? Vote? 240. How Should We Remember the Image-Based Prompts Problematic Actions of the Nation's Founders? 267. Government Buildings: Should they all look 241. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme like the Lincoln Memorial? Court? Should We Care? 268. Oprah for President: Would you vote for 242. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It her if you could? Need to Be Fixed? 269. Peaceful Protesting: In what ways can you 243. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? demonstrate peacefully to express your views? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 270. Student Climate Strikes: What issues do you 244. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to think deserve more attention? Strengthen Our Democracy? 271. Pennies: Should the United States get rid of 245. Should We All Be Able to Vote by Mail? the penny? 246. What Issues in the 2020 Presidential Race 272. Mandatory Voting?: Should citizens who Are Most Important to You? are 18 or older be required to vote? 247. Do You Think the American Dream Is Real? 273. Dabbing in Congress: Should this teenager 248. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned Everywhere? have dabbed in his father's official swearing-in photo? The New York Times Learning Network

274. Baby Bonds: Should the government give money to babies? Other Questions 296. Tattoos: How do you feel about tattooing in general? 297. Brushing Beagle: What are the best dog breeds, in your opinion? 298. U.F.O.s: Do you believe that U.F.O.s are signs of alien life? 299. Small Talk: Do you have the gift of gab? 300. Lottery Winnings: Would you want to win the lottery? Why or why not Article-Based Prompts 275. We Document Life's Milestones. How Should We Document Death? 276. es Reality Deserve Its Bad Rap? 277. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today's Society? 278. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 279. How Do You Decide What News to Believe, What to Question and What to Dismiss? 280. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 281. Should Public Transit Be Free? 282. How Important Is Knowing a Foreign Language? 283. Is There a ‘Right Way' to Be a Tourist? 284. Should Your Significant Other Be Your Best Friend? 285. What Do You Think of the #WalkUpNotOut Movement? Image-Based Prompts 286. Teenage Drivers: What do you think of Georgia's decision to issue driver's licenses without road tests? 287. Snow Days: How do you feel about winter weather? 288. Fortune Tellers: Do you believe in psychics? 289. Big City, Small Town: Which would you rather live in? Why? 290. Game Show Winner: Would you ever want to be a contestant on a game show? 291. Fast-Food Buffet: Is this the feast of your dreams or your nightmares? 292. Public Libraries: Are libraries still relevant and important today? 293. Trans Fats: Should trans fats be banned around the world? 294. Dolls: If you could have your favorite toy company make a doll of someone, who would it be and why? 295. Creepy Clowns: How do you feel about clowns? The New York Times Learning Network

93 Argumentative Essay Prompts

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: November 22, 2022  - Last updated: April 4, 2023

Categories Writing

Do you enjoy a good argument? Well, then, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will provide 100 argumentative essay prompts. These prompts will help you generate ideas for your essay and allow you to practice your argumentative writing skills. Argumentative essays are a great way to improve your critical thinking skills and learn how to defend your opinions. So what are you waiting for? Start arguing!

• Is it ever morally acceptable to lie?
• Should people be allowed to own exotic animals?
• Is the death penalty morally justifiable?
• Is torture ever morally acceptable?
• Are there any moral absolutes?
• How do we determine what is right and wrong?
• Is there such a thing as objective morality?
• Does morality depend on religion?
• What is the difference between natural and artificial Selection?
• Should humans intervene in nature?
• Is it morally wrong to kill animals for food?
• Should zoos be banned?
• Are humans truly capable of being altruistic?
• Can selfishness ever be a good thing?
• Do we have a responsibility to take care of the environment?
• Is it ever justifiable to break the law?
• Do the ends justify the means?
• Do humans have the right to force their beliefs on others?
• Should gay marriage be legal?
• Should the government have control over what people watch on TV?
• Do politics and religion make good bedfellows?
• Are there any objective moral standards?
• Should there be a law against hate crimes?
• Does capitalism exploit the poor?
• Is public funding of the arts a good idea?
• Is affirmative action justified?
• Should euthanasia be legal?
• How can one determine what is right and wrong?
• What constitutes good parenting?
• What makes a person a hero?
• Should people be permitted to sell their organs?
• Can the government violate one right to protect another right?
• What makes someone a hero?
• Is interracial marriage acceptable?
• What is the purpose of marriage?
• Is divorce ever justified?
• Can humans be objectively moral?
• Can you be moral without being religious?
• Is the death penalty justified?
• Is religion necessary for morality?
• Is it okay to use animals for medical research?
• Is revenge ever justified?
• Does necessity justify hard work?
• What is your responsibility to society?
• What makes a work of art good?
• Do parents have more of a duty to their children than to society?
• Can you be religious without being a good person?
• What are your responsibilities as a citizen?
• Should there be a separation of church and state?
• Is censorship ever justified?
• Is it ever okay to steal?
• How does one define success?
• Who is personally most responsible for the well-being of a society?
• How do you define morality?
• Is killing ever justified?
• Should assisted suicide/euthanasia be legal?
• Can people ever be so rich as to have no moral obligation to others?
• Can ethics exist without religion?
• Do parents have a responsibility to their children?
• Do rich people have the right to use their wealth in any way they choose?
• What is art’s relation to reality?
• Is caring for the environment a moral necessity?
• What constitutes a good citizen?
• Do white people have a responsibility to support Native Americans?
• Is it morally right to use animals for medical research?
• Are politics and religion inevitably intertwined?
• Why are some people willing to kill or die for their cause?
• Should humans interfere in nature?
• Should marriage be considered a contract?
• Is the free market inherently good?
• Is there a difference between natural and artificial selection?
• Do the wealthy have a moral obligation to society?
• Is it ever okay to lie?
• What is the difference between concrete and abstract art?
• What makes a good parent?
• Is the death penalty ever justified?
• Is the government justified in censoring the media?
• How can you determine what is right and wrong?

Everything You Wanted to Know About Argumentative and Persuasive Essays (But Were Afraid to Ask)

If you’re a student, chances are good that you’ve written at least one of these essays for a class. But do you know the difference between argumentative and persuasive essays? Keep reading to find out!

The Differences between Argumentative and Persuasive Essays

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to write each type of essay, let’s go over some basic similarities first. Both argumentative and persuasive essays are typically assigned in English classes, using evidence and explanation to make a point. However, that’s really where the similarities end. Let’s take a closer look at each type of essay.

Argumentative Essays: The Basics

An argumentative essay is, quite simply, an essay in which the writer seeks to make a persuasive argument for a particular position. This means that the writer will take a stance on an issue—either for or against it—and then use evidence and explanations to convince the reader to see things from his or her perspective. Argumentative essays often consider debating another person or group’s point of view on an issue to disprove it or show that it is invalid. In other words, argumentative essays are all about winning arguments!

Here Are Some Basic Tips for Writing a Successful Argumentative Essay:

• Choose a debatable topic that you feel passionate about.

• Take a clear stance on your chosen topic and stick to it throughout your essay.

• Support your argument with concrete evidence from reliable sources.

• Be sure to refute any counterarguments your reader might pose.

• Convince your reader that your opinion is correct by providing sound reasoning and convincing arguments.

• Remember to restate your main argument in your conclusion.

Sounding like a broken record is always better than sounding like you don’t know what you’re talking about!

Persuasive Essays: The Basics

Now let’s move on to persuasive essays, which are very similar but also have some key differences.

Like argumentative essays, persuasive essays are also assigned in English classes and attempt to make a persuasive argument for or against something. However, what separates persuasive essays from argumentative ones is that they don’t necessarily have to be unbiased; in fact, most persuasive essays have quite the opposite goal.

Writers of persuasive essays often try to sway their readers by playing on their emotions instead of using logic and reason to convince them—hence the name “persuasive.” While this may seem underhanded at first glance, keep in mind that everyone uses emotional appeals from time to time; think about how nearly every commercial on television tries to evoke an emotional response in its viewers (i.e., “Buy our product, and you’ll be happy/sexy/successful/rich!”)

Persuasive writers take this concept one step further by trying to influence their readers’ opinions on certain topics directly.

So How Can You Write a Successful Persuasive Essay? Check Out These Tips

• Pick a topic that interests you and that you feel strongly about—you’ll be much more likely to write passionately about it if it matters to you!

• Take a clear stance on your chosen topic from the beginning—remember, there’s no room for neutrality in persuasive writing!

• Use concrete evidence from reliable sources throughout your body paragraphs—opinions unsupported by facts will only get you so far

• Try not just to disprove your readers’ counterarguments but also provide convincing refutations for why they should see things from your perspective

• Sum up your main points in your conclusion so that your readers will walk away remembering what they read

• Always remember who your audience is—you’re writing this essay to persuade THEM, not just yourself!

The Point of an Argumentative Essay

Everyone knows there are two sides to every story. And, usually, we’re only presented with one. It’s the nature of human communication to choose a single perspective and stick to it. This is fine when discussing our weekend plans with friends, but what about when the stakes are higher? When we’re trying to persuade someone of our point of view on a controversial issue? That’s where argumentative essays come in.

Argumentative essays aren’t about taking sides. They’re about taking a stand. They’re an opportunity to present your point of view on a hot-button issue and back it up with evidence and logic. In other words, they’re an opportunity to argue. And if you’re going to argue, you might as well do it right. So let’s take a look at what makes a solid argumentative essay.

The Three Components of a Good Argumentative Essay

A good topic, a clear thesis statement, evidence that supports your thesis.

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Compare and Contrast Night and Maus

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101 Argument Essay Prompts for High School

Teaching argument writing can be very exciting, especially if you have great argument essay prompts for your students to choose from. It provides students with an opportunity to explore interesting topics. I give my students choices when I am teaching argument writing in my classroom. Students who select their argument essay prompts are more engaged with and connected to their writing.

When assigning a hot topic or controversial issue argumentative essay, I always let students select a topic. That way, they are more passionate about their writing. However, I also make it clear that their topic cannot be discriminatory or hateful in any way and that they must fund valid and credible evidence to back up their claims. When I do this in the classroom, I also like to make sure that only one student per class has the same topic.

If you are planning an argument or controversial issue essay assignment, here is a list of potential topics you can include in your classroom. If you need teaching materials, this argument writing teaching unit will help you walk your students through the process.

Here are 101 Argument Essay Prompts:

Argument essay topics teens love.

• Should teenagers be allowed to vote in elections?
• Is social media a positive or negative influence on teenagers’ mental health and well-being?
• Should schools have a dress code that is gender-neutral?
• Should teenage drivers be subject to stricter regulations, such as curfews and passenger limits, to reduce accidents and fatalities?
• Is it ethical for teenagers to participate in protests and other forms of civil disobedience?
• Should teenagers have access to birth control and sexual health services?
• Should schools provide more opportunities for creative expression and the arts, or is the focus on STEM subjects more important for future success?
• Should teenagers have their own credit card to establish credit history?
• Should teenagers be allowed to work part-time jobs while in school?
• How important is academic honesty for future success?

Argument Essay  Prompts About Technology

• Should social media platforms be held accountable for the spread of fake news?
• Are video games a harmful or beneficial form of entertainment for young people?
• Should schools replace textbooks with tablets and laptops?
• Is technology making us more or less productive in the workplace?
• Should there be stricter regulations on the collection and use of personal data by tech companies?
• Is artificial intelligence a threat to human jobs and job security?
• Should there be limitations on using facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies?
• Has the internet made us more connected or more isolated from each other?
• Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies?
• Is technology creating a more unequal society by widening the gap between the rich and the poor?

Argument Essay  Topics about the Environment

• Should governments impose stricter regulations on corporations to reduce their carbon footprint?
• Should government agencies regulate residential thermostats?
• Should plastic bags be banned to reduce pollution and protect wildlife?
• Is fracking a viable method of energy production, or does it pose significant risks to the environment and public health?
• Should individuals be encouraged to adopt a plant-based diet to reduce the carbon emissions caused by the meat industry?
• Should the use of pesticides be restricted to protect pollinators and other wildlife?
• Is nuclear energy a viable solution to the world’s energy needs, or does it pose too significant an environmental risk?
• Should governments invest more in renewable energy technologies such as wind and solar power?
• Should individuals and companies be required to pay a carbon tax to encourage them to reduce their carbon emissions?
• Is deforestation a significant contributor to climate change?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Entrepreneurship

• Is entrepreneurship a viable path to economic success for individuals and communities?
• Should governments provide more support and incentives for small businesses and startups?
• Is social entrepreneurship a more effective way to address social and environmental challenges than traditional methods?
• Should entrepreneurs be required to consider the environmental impact of their business operations?
• Is it better for entrepreneurs to focus on creating a new product or service, or to improve upon an existing one?
• Should entrepreneurs be required to have a certain level of education or experience before starting a business?
• Is it ethical for entrepreneurs to use investor funding to support a luxurious lifestyle instead of reinvesting in their business?
• Should entrepreneurs be held accountable for the social and environmental impacts of their products or services?
• Should entrepreneurs be allowed to patent ideas and concepts, or should all innovations be open for public use?
• Is the current system of venture capital funding fair and equitable for all entrepreneurs?

Teaching Argument Essay: Instructional Unit

Help your students master the art of argumentative writing with this argument writing teaching unit!

I created this argumentative essay writing teaching unit with secondary ELA students in mind, and it includes step-by-step and engaging writing instructional materials. This argument essay writing unit includes everything you need for a complete argumentative writing instructional unit, including the print & digital materials.

This essay writing instructional unit includes an editable instructional presentation for direct instruction and student resources to help you and your students work through an argument essay.

With a focus on argument writing and informational text, this unit fuses together key ELA standards as it covers the differences between persuasive and argumentative writing. Thus unit also teaches purpose, audience, tone, diction, and the rhetorical triangle.

Argument Essay  Topics about Animals

• Should animals be used for scientific research, or are there alternative methods that can be used?
• Should exotic animals be kept as pets?
• Is hunting a legitimate way to control animal populations and manage ecosystems?
• Should animal agriculture be banned or significantly reduced to address concerns about animal welfare, environmental impact, and public health?
• Should circuses and other entertainment venues that feature animal acts be banned to prevent animal abuse and exploitation?
• Is it ethical to use animals for entertainment purposes such as horse racing, dog shows, or bullfighting?
• Should animals have legal rights and be granted personhood, or is that concept reserved only for humans?
• Should zoos and aquariums be banned or improved to better serve the welfare and conservation of the animals they hold?
• Should invasive species be removed from ecosystems?
• Is animal testing justified in developing cosmetic and personal care products?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Sports

• Should college athletes be paid for their participation in sports?
• Should high school athletes be excused from certain class assignments?
• Should high school sports be required to prioritize safety over competition, especially in contact sports like football and hockey?
• Is esports a legitimate form of competition?
• Should performance-enhancing drugs be legalized in professional sports?
• Should women’s sports receive the same funding and support as men’s sports?
• Should athletes be allowed to protest social and political issues during games, or should sports be kept separate from politics?
• Should athletes be held to higher standards of conduct and behavior, given their public profile and influence on young people?
• Is it ethical for cities to use taxpayer money to fund sports stadiums and arenas?
• Should high schools drop athletics and solely focus on academics?

Argument Essay Topics about School

• Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
• Is standardized testing an effective way to measure student achievement?
• Should schools offer more vocational training programs to prepare students for the workforce?
• Should schools ban cell phones and other electronic devices?
• Should schools offer more extracurricular activities and sports programs?
• Is it essential for schools to provide sex education to students?
• Should schools be required to offer courses on financial literacy and personal finance management?
• Should schools offer more mental health resources and support to students?
• Should schools offer more diversity and inclusion training for staff and students?
• Should private schools receive tax-payer funding?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Teens and Politics

• Should the voting age be lowered to 16 to allow teenagers to have a say in political decisions?
• Is it important for teenagers to be politically engaged and active?
• Should schools offer more civic education and government classes to prepare teenagers for their roles as future voters and leaders?
• Should teenagers be allowed to run for political office?
• Should political parties and candidates specifically target and appeal to teenage voters?
• Should teenagers be allowed to participate in political protests and rallies?
• Is it essential for teenagers to be knowledgeable about political issues and current events?
• Should teenagers be allowed to donate to political campaigns?
• Should schools be required to remain politically neutral and avoid any bias or preference towards certain parties or candidates?
• Should teenagers be encouraged to pursue careers in politics and public service?

Argument Essay  Topics about Vehicles

• Should governments promote and subsidize electric cars to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability?
• Should autonomous cars be allowed on public roads?
• Should car manufacturers be held responsible for the environmental impact of their products?
• Should speed limits be increased on highways and freeways?
• Should car ownership be discouraged in favor of public transportation and ride-sharing services?
• Should car insurance be mandatory for all drivers?
• Should older cars be banned from the road due to higher emissions and safety risks?
• Should governments invest more in developing and promoting alternative fuels and energy sources for cars?
• Should car manufacturers be required to disclose all safety and performance data about their products?
• Should car-sharing services like Zipcar and Car2Go be encouraged and subsidized by governments?

Argument Essay  Prompts about Space and Space Exploration

• Is space exploration worth the cost?
• Should governments fund space exploration and research?
• Is it ethical to mine resources and exploit the commercial potential of other planets?
• Should humans establish permanent settlements on other planets?
• Should space agencies prioritize manned missions to Mars?
• Is space exploration a necessary pursuit for scientific advancement and discovery?
• Should international cooperation be a priority in space exploration?
• Should space tourism be encouraged and expanded?
• Should space debris and junk be regulated and monitored more closely?
• Is space exploration an inherently human endeavor, or should we prioritize the development of AI and robotics to take on the challenges of space exploration and colonization

And lastly, here is my all-time favorite argument essay topic that I use to teach argument writing. I use this topic for all of my instruction, for all of my examples, and for modeling the process to students: who makes the best fast-food cheeseburger?

Need argument essay instructional materials?

My argument writing teaching unit has everything you need to teach your students all about argument writing! You can pair this unit with any of the argument essay prompts on this page, and you will be teaching argument writing in no time!

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