49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students

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opinion essay topics for high school

One of the most common essay types is the opinion, or persuasive, essay. In an opinion essay , the writer states a point of view, then provides facts and reasoned arguments to support that viewpoint. The goal of the essay is to convince the reader to share the writer’s opinion.

Students aren't always aware of how many strong opinions they already hold. Use the following opinion writing prompts to inspire them to start thinking and writing persuasively.

Prompts About School and Sports

School- and sports-related topics often elicit strong opinions in students. Use these writing prompts to kick off the brainstorming process.

  • Ch-ch-ch-changes . What is one thing about your school that needs to change? Is bullying an issue? Do students need longer breaks or a dress code? Choose one vital issue that needs to change and convince school leaders to make it happen.
  • Special guest. Your school is trying to decide on a famous person to give a speech or presentation to students. Who do you think they should choose? Write an essay to convince your principal.
  • Oxford or bust. Is the Oxford comma essential or obsolete?
  • Scribble scrabble. Do students still need to learn cursive handwriting?
  • Co-ed conflict. Would students perform better if more schools were single-gender rather than co-ed? Why or why not?
  • Participation awards. Should there be winners and losers in sports, or is participation the ultimate goal?
  • Homework overload. Write an essay to convince your teacher to assign less homework.
  • Sports. Which sport (or team) is the best? What makes it better than the others?
  • No slacking . Write an essay persuading a fellow student to do their homework.
  • Class trip. This year, students get to vote on where to go for a class trip. Write an essay convincing your fellow students to vote for the place you’d like to go.
  • Superlatives. Which would you rather be: a top student, a talented athlete, or an accomplished artist?
  • Virtual athletes . Video games competitions are often aired on TV and treated like sports competitions. Should video games be considered sports?
  • Class debate. Should classes that students may not use or that don’t interest them (such as physical education or foreign language) be required?

Prompts About Relationships

Friendships, dating, and other relationships can be both rewarding and exasperating. These writing prompts about relationships will help students explore their feelings about both the positive and the negative moments.

  • Snitch. Your best friend tells you about his plan to cheat on a test. Should you tell an adult? Why or why not?
  • Give it a chance. Your best friend is convinced that she would hate your favorite book, even though she's never read it. Convince her to read it.
  • Friendships vs. relationships. Are friendships or romantic relationships more important in life? Why?
  • Driving age. What age do kids start driving in your state? Is that age too old, too young, or just right? Why?
  • Truth or consequences. Your best friend asks your opinion about something, but you know that a truthful answer will hurt her feelings. What do you do?
  • Who chooses? Your best friend is visiting, and you want to watch TV together, but his favorite show is at the same time as your favorite show. Convince him that your show is a better choice.
  • Fun times. What is the most fun thing you and your best friend have ever experienced together? Why does it deserve the top spot?
  • Dating. Are long-term dating relationships good or bad for teens?
  • New friends. You want to spend time with a new student at school, but your best friend is jealous. Convince your friend of the importance of including the newcomer.
  • Be mine. Is Valentine’s Day worthwhile or just a scheme for the greeting card and chocolate industry to make more money?
  • Debbie Downer. Should you cut ties with friends or relatives who are always negative?
  • He loves me not. Is it really better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?
  • Elders. Should you respect your elders merely because they are older, or is respect something that must be earned?

Prompts About Family, Pets, and Leisure Time

The following writing prompts related to family, furry friends, and free time will help students reflect on preferences, ethics, and integrity.

  • Self-reflection. This time, you're the one who needs convincing! Write an essay to persuade yourself to start a healthy habit (or kick a bad habit).
  • Paper wars. Should toilet paper hang with the loose end resting on the top of the roll or hanging from the bottom?
  • Movie vs. book. Choose a book that has been made into a movie. Which version is better, and why?
  • Weekend wanderings . Do you prefer to stay home on the weekends or get out and do things around town? Write an essay to convince your parents to let you do what you prefer this weekend.
  • Sweepstakes. A travel agency is hosting an essay contest to give away an all-expenses-paid trip to the one place in the world you’d most love to visit. Craft a winning essay that convinces them they need to choose you.
  • Zoo debate. Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos? Why or why not?
  • Presence of pets. Should there be limits on the types of places pets can go (e.g. airplanes or restaurants)? Why or why not?
  • Inspiring stories. What is the most inspiring book you’ve ever read? Why is it so inspiring?
  • Dollar discovery. You find a $20 bill in the parking lot of a crowded store. Is it okay to keep it, or should you turn it in to customer service?
  • Vacation day. What is the very best way to spend an unexpected day off from school and why is it the best?
  • Digital or print? Is it better to read books in print or digitally? Why?

Prompts About Society and Technology

The people and technology around us have a significant impact on our lives. These writing prompts encourage students to consider the effect that society and technological advances have on our day-to-day lives.

  • Reverse technology. Pick one technological advancement that you think the world would be better off without. Explain your reasoning and persuade the reader.
  • Out of this world . Do aliens exist? Why or why not?
  • Social media. Is social media good or bad for society? Why?
  • Emoji. Has the use of emoji stunted our ability to express ourselves in writing, or does it help us identify our emotions more precisely?
  • Auto safety. Have advancements like self-driving cars, blind spot indicators, and lane departure warning systems made driving safer, or have they just made drivers less attentive?
  • Exploration Mars. Write a letter to Elon Musk convincing him that you should be part of a colony to Mars.
  • Fundraisers. Is it okay for kids to stand outside stores and ask shoppers for money for their sports teams, clubs, or band? Why or why not?
  • Inventions. What is the greatest invention ever made? Why is it the best?
  • Important cause. In your opinion, what global problem or issue deserves more attention than it currently receives? Why should more time and money be invested in this cause?
  • Minimalism. Does living a minimalist lifestyle make for a happier life? Why or why not?
  • Gaming gains. Are video games generally a positive or a negative influence? Why?
  • Rose-colored glasses. Is the current decade the best era in history? Why or why not?
  • Paper or plastic. Should plastic bags be outlawed?
  • Writing Prompts for 5th Grade
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  • Writing Prompt (Composition)
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • Fun March Writing Prompts for Journaling
  • 24 Journal Prompts for Creative Writing in the Elementary Classroom
  • 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

4-minute read

  • 11th June 2022

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

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

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

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

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

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

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

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

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

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

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

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

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

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

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

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

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

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

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

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

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

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

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

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

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

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

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

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

●  Should higher education be free?

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

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

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

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

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

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

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331 Opinion Essay Topics & Good Ideas

  • 18 January 2024
  • 13 min read

Opinion essay topics offer expressing personal viewpoints on a variety of issues. Some themes include politics, social norms, environment, technology, culture, and ethics. These topics can deal with controversial subjects, such as gun control or climate change, allowing writers to delve into multiple perspectives and present reasoned arguments. Alternatively, they can revolve around lifestyle choices, like vegetarianism or remote work. Other engaging themes may involve critiquing art or literature or expressing views on societal expectations and norms. In essence, these topics require one to reflect on personal experiences, observations, or research, stimulating thought-provoking conversations and encouraging critical thinking. Despite their diversity, all opinion essay topics offer readers a new insight into the author’s perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.

Top Opinion Essay Topics

  • Digital Privacy: A Fundamental Right or a Trade-Off for Security?
  • Vegetarianism: Is It a Healthier Lifestyle Choice?
  • Exploring Work-Life Balance in the Modern World
  • Global Warming: Time for Urgent Action
  • Social Media Influence on Teenagers
  • Public Funding for the Arts: Essential or Extravagant?
  • Examining Capital Punishment: An Ethical Dilemma
  • E-Sports Deserves Olympic Recognition
  • Paid Parental Leave: A Necessity in Modern Society
  • Books vs. E-Books: Battle of the Formats
  • Multilingual Education: A Path to Global Citizenship
  • Does Homework Enhance Student Learning?
  • Animal Testing: Is It Ethically Justifiable?
  • Online Learning: A Future of Education
  • Genetically Modified Foods: Solution to Global Hunger or a Pandora’s Box?
  • Feminism in the 21st Century
  • Plastic Bags: Should They Be Banned Globally?
  • Privatization of Space Exploration
  • Should Voting Be Made Mandatory?
  • Automation and Its Effects on Employment

Opinion Essay Topics & Good Ideas

Simple Opinion Essay Topics

  • Should Schools Have Uniforms?
  • Sports or Arts: Which Is More Important in School?
  • Pets in Every Home: A Good Idea?
  • Long Summer Holidays: Are They Necessary?
  • Handwriting Skills in the Digital Age
  • Should Junk Food Be Banned in Schools?
  • Public Libraries: Still Relevant?
  • Are Video Games Harmful?
  • Bicycles vs. Cars for City Travel
  • School Start Times: Should They Be Later?
  • Using Mobile Phones in Class
  • Where Is It Better to Settle: A City or a Village?
  • Should Homework Be Abolished?
  • Does Money Bring Happiness?
  • Recycling at Home: How Important Is It?
  • Comparative Analysis of Whom I Would Rather Be Oldest or Youngest Sibling?
  • Should Students Grade Their Teachers?
  • Paper Books or E-Books: Which Is Better?
  • Is Fast Food Really Bad for You?

Interesting Opinion Essay Topics

  • Should Privacy or Security Take Precedence Online?
  • Rising Popularity of Electric Vehicles
  • Effects of Social Media on Personal Relationships
  • Mandatory Community Service in High School
  • Influence of Celebrity Culture on Young People
  • Extraterrestrial Life: Probability and Possibilities
  • Animal Testing: Necessary Evil or Avoidable Cruelty?
  • Capital Punishment: Ethical Considerations
  • Perceived Impact of Reality Television on Society
  • Veganism: Lifestyle Choice or Necessary Shift?
  • Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane?
  • Online Class vs. Traditional One: Which is More Effective?
  • Keeping Exotic Pets: A Question of Ethics
  • Influence of Violent Video Games on Behavior
  • Immigration Policies: A Global Perspective
  • Climate Change: Is It Already Too Late?
  • Space Travel: Should It Be Commercialized?
  • Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech: Finding the Balance
  • Parenting Styles: Do They Shape a Child’s Future?
  • Physical Education in Schools: Luxury or Necessity?

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

  • Virtual Learning: A Replacement for Traditional Schooling?
  • Are Uniforms Beneficial in Schools?
  • Influence of Pop Music on Teenagers
  • Ban Junk Food in Schools
  • Need for More Diversity in Literature Classes
  • Inclusion of Financial Literacy in Curriculum
  • Mandatory Participation in Sports: Pros and Cons
  • Benefits of Studying a Foreign Language
  • Value of Art Education in Schools
  • Social Media: Boon or Bane for Teenagers?
  • Cyberbullying: Measures for Prevention
  • Importance of Volunteering and Community Service
  • Online Privacy Concerns for Young People
  • Homework: Necessary Practice or Outdated Method?
  • Are Standardized Tests an Accurate Measure of Intelligence?
  • Inclusion of Mental Health Education in Schools
  • Increasing Popularity of eSports in Youth Culture
  • Peer Pressure: Understanding Its Influence

Opinion Essay Topics for College Students

  • Tuition Fees: An Unnecessary Burden or a Fair Payment for Education?
  • Sex Education: A Necessity in College Curriculum
  • Ethics of College Athletes’ Compensation
  • Influence of Celebrity Culture on Body Image
  • Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad
  • Legal Drinking Age: Is Lowering a Good Idea?
  • Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
  • Benefits of Joining a College Fraternity or Sorority
  • Sustainability Efforts on College Campuses
  • Importance of Internships for College Students
  • Rising Popularity of Online Education
  • How Technology Affects Learning Efficiency
  • Should Universities Be Free?
  • Influence of Social Media on Personal Relationships
  • Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Colleges
  • LGBTQ+ Rights and College Policies
  • Bystander Intervention in College Hazing
  • Effectiveness of Gap Year Between High School and College
  • Inclusion of Life Skills in College Curriculum
  • Politics and Activism on College Campuses

Opinion Essay Topics on Environment

  • Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities
  • Greenwashing: Deception or Effective Marketing?
  • Climate Change Policy: A Global Perspective
  • Debate on Genetically Modified Crops: A Solution to Food Scarcity?
  • Economic Viability of Renewable Energy Sources
  • Sustainability in Urban Planning: Myth or Reality?
  • Environmental Ethics: Anthropocentrism vs. Biocentrism
  • Fracking: Economic Boon or Environmental Disaster?
  • Consumerism’s Influence on Waste Production
  • Endangered Species Act: Effectiveness and Controversies
  • Coral Reef Conservation: Importance and Challenges
  • Pros and Cons of Carbon Tax Implementation
  • Dilemmas in Forest Management: Logging vs. Conservation
  • Global Water Crisis and Potential Solutions
  • Nuclear Power: Environmental Savior or Potential Hazard?
  • Ecological Footprint: Reflection of Individual Responsibility
  • Population Control: Necessary Measure for Sustainability?
  • Ocean Acidification and Marine Life
  • Advocacy of Green Technology in Industries
  • The Resurgence of Wildlife in Urban Areas

Psychology Opinion Essay Topics

  • Psychoanalysis: An Outdated Method or Still Relevant?
  • Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Depression Treatment
  • Bilingualism’s Effect on Cognitive Development
  • Violent Video Games and Adolescent Aggression: Is There a Link?
  • Meditation as a Mental Health Tool: Hype or Reality?
  • Interplay of Genetics and Environment in Personality Development
  • Social Media Usage and Its Relation to Self-Esteem
  • Psychological Impacts of Body Shaming in Society
  • Significance of Emotional Intelligence in Career Success
  • Animal-Assisted Therapy: Valid Treatment or Placebo Effect?
  • Understanding the Psychological Effects of Poverty
  • Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Life
  • Music Therapy’s Role in Mental Health Management
  • Cultural Differences in Expressing and Perceiving Emotions
  • Mindfulness Practice: A Cure or Overhyped Trend?
  • The Dichotomy of Nature vs. Nurture in Shaping Individual Behavior
  • Impacts of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functions
  • Is Hypnosis a Genuine Psychological Therapy or Merely Placebo?
  • The Effect of Color Psychology on Human Mood and Behavior

Social Media Opinion Ideas

  • Social Media as a Modern Public Sphere: Democratic Potential or Echo Chambers?
  • Debating the Ethics of Data Privacy in Social Media Platforms
  • Influence of Social Media on Political Campaigns and Election Outcomes
  • Rethinking Social Media’s Contribution to Social Activism
  • Can Social Media Addiction Be Classified as a Genuine Psychological Disorder?
  • The Pervasiveness of Fake News in Social Media and Its Implications for Society
  • Effectiveness of Social Media Marketing Strategies in Brand Building
  • Cyberbullying: A Dark Side of Social Media Usage
  • Mental Health Implications of Chronic Social Media Usage
  • Social Media: The Link Between Body Image and Eating Disorders
  • Social Media and the Evolution of Modern Communication Patterns
  • Shift in Journalism: Social Media’s Role in News Dissemination
  • The Culture of Influencers: Impact on Consumer Behavior
  • Social Media in Education: An Effective Learning Tool or a Distraction?
  • Examining the Power Dynamics in Social Media Censorship
  • Online Persona: Real Identity vs. Social Media Identity
  • Can Social Media Be a Credible Source of Information?
  • Implications of Social Media Algorithms on User Behavior and Content
  • Understanding the Phenomenon of Social Media FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
  • Sustainable Business Models for Social Media Platforms

Opinion Essay Topics About Nursing

  • Nursing and Patient Safety: Strategies to Improve Outcomes
  • Is Full Autonomy Possible for Nurse Practitioners in Every State?
  • The Influence of Nurses on Health Policy Development
  • Balancing Emotional Labor and Compassionate Care in Nursing
  • Burnout in Nursing: Investigating Causes and Solutions
  • Pediatric Palliative Care: The Crucial Role of Nurses
  • Cultural Competence in Nursing: How Vital Is It?
  • Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Nurses: A Qualitative Study
  • The Significance of Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing
  • Can Technology Be Effectively Integrated Into Nursing Education?
  • Critical Thinking in Nursing: Its Importance and Ways to Enhance It
  • Is there a Need to Revise Current Nurse Staffing Ratios?
  • Nursing Leadership Styles: Impact on Patient Care and Satisfaction
  • Health Literacy Promotion: An Unexplored Responsibility of Nurses?
  • Home Care Nursing: Opportunities and Challenges
  • The Future of Telehealth Nursing: Opportunities and Risks
  • Nursing in Disaster Management: Understanding Its Importance
  • Bridging the Gap: Nurse Scientists in Clinical Settings
  • How Can Nurses Promote Mental Health Awareness and Education?

Opinion Ideas on Education

  • Incorporating Critical Thinking Skills Into Curriculum: How Important Is It?
  • The Effectiveness of Blended Learning Models in Higher Education
  • Inclusive Education Policies: Analyzing Their Implementation and Effectiveness
  • Examining the Ethical Implications of Standardized Testing
  • Do Traditional Grading Systems Truly Reflect Student Learning?
  • Transforming Classroom Environments With Educational Technology
  • Bilingual Education: Unraveling Its Effects on Cognitive Development
  • Personalized Learning: A Sustainable Solution or Just a Trend?
  • The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Educational Leadership
  • How Can Teachers Promote Mental Health Awareness in Schools?
  • Educational Policy and Its Effect on Teacher Retention Rates
  • Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Learning
  • Curriculum Design and Its Influence on Student Engagement
  • Education for Sustainability: The Need for Integrating It in Schools
  • Pedagogical Approaches in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education
  • The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Digital Literacy in Education: An Unavoidable Necessity?
  • Does the Current Education System Adequately Prepare Students for the Future Workforce?

Opinion Essay Topics for History Class

  • Deciphering Ancient Egypt: Hieroglyphs and Their Cultural Significance
  • Power Dynamics in the French Revolution
  • World War II: Unseen Influences on Modern Political Landscapes
  • Assessing the Mongol Empire’s Influence on Eurasian History
  • Apartheid’s Legacy in Contemporary South African Society
  • Did Roman Architecture Influence Modern City Planning?
  • Slavery and the Shaping of American Political Institutions
  • Renaissance Humanism: Its Influence on Modern Intellectual Thought
  • Examination of Feminist Movements in the 20th Century
  • Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Economic Systems
  • Soviet Union: Evaluating Its Influence on Space Exploration
  • Medieval Guilds: Their Influence on Modern Trade Unions
  • Cultural Exchange During the Silk Road Era
  • Pax Britannica and Globalization: A Historical Perspective
  • Debunking the Myth of the ‘Dark Ages’
  • Are There Parallels Between the Fall of Rome and Today’s Societies?
  • Cold War and Its Effect on International Relations
  • Colonialism’s Residual Effects on Modern Developing Nations
  • Impact of the Protestant Reformation on European Societies
  • Greek Philosophy: Its Contribution to Modern Scientific Methodologies

Literature Opinion Topics

  • Contemporary Interpretations of Classical Literature: Are They Necessary?
  • Exploring the Influence of Postcolonial Literature on Cultural Identities
  • How Does Gender Representation Affect the Reading Experience?
  • Is There an Overemphasis on Western Canon in Literature Studies?
  • Transformative Nature of Magical Realism in Latin American Literature
  • Analyzing the Power Dynamics in Dystopian Literature
  • Female Protagonists in Gothic Literature: An Examination of Characterization
  • Dissecting the Notion of Heroism in Epic Poetry
  • Eco-Criticism: A New Perspective to Interpret Nature in Literature
  • How Has Digital Media Influenced Literary Consumption?
  • Ethics of Storytelling: A Look at Narratives of Trauma in Contemporary Fiction
  • Intersectionality in African American Literature: A Critical Analysis
  • The Aesthetics of Food Description in Novels: An Overlooked Tool for Storytelling?
  • Depiction of Mental Health in Young Adult Literature: Does It Raise Awareness or Perpetuate Stereotypes?
  • Intertextuality in Modern Novels: An Analytical Study
  • Shakespearean Tragedies: An Insight Into Human Nature or a Reflection of Elizabethan Society?
  • Can Translation Maintain the Aesthetics and Cultural Nuances of a Literary Piece?
  • Decoding Symbolism in Surrealist Literature
  • Understanding the Politics of Gender and Sexuality in LGBTQ+ Literature

Opinion Essay Topics on Culture

  • Decoding the Influence of Popular Culture on Youth Identities
  • Rethinking Cultural Appropriation: When Does Appreciation Become Offensive?
  • Cultural Globalization: A Threat or Opportunity for Indigenous Cultures?
  • Comparative Analysis of Collectivist vs. Individualist Cultures
  • How Is Gender Constructed Differently Across Cultures?
  • Influence of Technological Advancements on Cultural Shifts
  • Cultural Adaptations in Literature: Preserving or Distorting Cultural Heritage?
  • Impact of Language Revitalization Movements on Indigenous Cultures
  • Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability
  • Exploring the Intersection of Culture and Religion: A Case Study Approach
  • Feminism in Non-Western Cultures: How Is It Perceived?
  • Cultural Diplomacy: Effective Tool for Conflict Resolution or Soft Power Strategy?
  • Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites: How Essential Is It for Cultural Identity?
  • Assessing the Influence of Cultural Stereotypes on Inter-Cultural Communication
  • Is the Concept of National Culture Becoming Obsolete in the Globalized World?
  • Cultural Symbolism in Visual Art: A Thematic Analysis
  • How Do Immigration and Acculturation Affect an Individual’s Cultural Identity?
  • Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism: Which Promotes More Inclusive Societies?
  • Food Culture: An Insight Into Historical and Socioeconomic Dynamics
  • What Does the Rise of Internet Memes Signify for Modern Pop Culture?

Opinion Topics on Sports

  • Analyzing the Effectiveness of Anti-Doping Policies in Professional Sports
  • Gender Equality in Sports: How Far Have We Come?
  • Pros and Cons of Commercialization of Sports
  • Fair Play: Myth or Reality in Today’s Competitive Sports?
  • How Essential Is Talent Scouting for the Growth of Underrepresented Sports?
  • Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding Sports Betting
  • Performance Enhancing Drugs: Unfair Advantage or a Necessary Evil?
  • Does Hosting Major Sports Events Provide Sustainable Economic Growth?
  • Inclusion of eSports in Olympic Games: Futuristic Vision or a Mere Fantasy?
  • Is There Overemphasis on Physical Conditioning in Youth Sports?
  • How Do Sports Influence National Identity Construction?
  • Exploitation in College Sports: A Look at NCAA Regulations
  • The Rise of Women’s Football: A Shift in Sports Culture?
  • Why Are Certain Sports More Popular in Certain Countries?
  • Relevance of Traditional Sports in the 21st Century
  • Varying Concepts of Sportsmanship Across Different Cultures
  • Should Extreme Sports be Included in the Olympic Games?
  • How Have Advances in Technology Affected the Authenticity of Sports?
  • Analyzing the Representation of Disabled Athletes in Mainstream Sports Media

Economics & Finance Opinion Topics

  • Deciphering the Crypto Economy: An Asset or a Liability?
  • Does Universal Basic Income Provide an Economic Safety Net?
  • Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in Regulating Inflation
  • Are Financial Regulations a Hindrance to Economic Growth?
  • Relevance of Keynesian Economics in Today’s Economic Structure
  • Economic Consequences of Climate Change: What’s the Real Cost?
  • Global Financial Inequality: Solutions for a Balanced World Economy
  • Challenges in Implementing Green Finance Globally
  • Examining the Relationship Between Economic Growth and Income Inequality
  • Analyzing the Economic Implications of Brexit
  • Can Economic Sanctions Be Justified as Foreign Policy Tools?
  • Is the Gig Economy a Progressive Labor Market Change?
  • Understanding the Effects of Automated Trading on Financial Markets
  • Redefining Prosperity: Is GDP a Comprehensive Measure of Economic Success?
  • Economic Impact of Immigration: A Boon or a Bane?
  • Future of Cash: How Relevant Are Physical Currencies in the Digital Age?
  • How Effective Is Quantitative Easing as an Economic Strategy?
  • Ethics in Finance: A Necessity or a Luxury?
  • Consequences of Wealth Tax on Economic Stability
  • Is Financial Literacy the Key to Reducing Income Inequality?

Technology & Science Opinion Essay Topics

  • Cybersecurity in Quantum Computing: Paradigms and Challenges
  • Synthetic Biology: Harnessing Nature’s Code for Novel Solutions
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Innovative Approaches Using Geoengineering
  • Examining AI Bias: Socio-Ethical Implications for Machine Learning Algorithms
  • Is Nanotechnology the Future of Medicine?
  • Fostering Sustainable Innovation in Biotechnology
  • Ethical Considerations of Genetic Engineering in Humans
  • Brain-Computer Interfaces: Bridging Neural Pathways and Digital Worlds
  • Disruptive Influence of Blockchain on Financial Markets
  • Are We Prepared for Artificial General Intelligence?
  • Augmented Reality in Education: Reinventing Learning Environments
  • Virtual Reality Use in Mental Health Treatments
  • Integrating Renewable Energy Sources: Challenges and Prospects
  • Dark Matter and Energy: Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe
  • Exoplanet Discovery and the Potential for Extraterrestrial Life
  • Bioinformatics and Personalized Medicine: A New Frontier
  • Can Deep Learning Models Outperform Humans in Creativity?
  • Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart Cities: Privacy Concerns
  • Advances in Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Safety and Regulation Issues

Opinion Essay Topics on Sustainable Development

  • Sustainable Cities: Architectural Innovations and Urban Planning
  • Innovative Approaches to Water Management in Agriculture
  • Transitional Challenges in Adapting to Circular Economy Models
  • Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability: More Than Just Greenwashing?
  • Eco-Tourism and Local Economies: Symbiosis or Exploitation?
  • Does Organic Farming Offer a Sustainable Solution for Global Food Security?
  • Carbon Neutral Technologies: Pathways to a Greener Future
  • Green Investment and Sustainable Economic Growth
  • Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture: Strategies for the 21st Century
  • Is Zero Waste an Achievable or Utopian Goal?
  • Rethinking Energy Consumption: Electrification and Decarbonization
  • Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: A Comparative Analysis
  • Biodiversity Conservation and Its Interplay With Local Communities
  • Social Sustainability: Addressing Inequalities in the Global South
  • Beyond Recycling: Waste-to-Energy Solutions for the Circular Economy
  • Inclusive Growth: Intersection of Sustainability and Social Equity
  • Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Challenges and Strategies
  • Can Regenerative Agriculture Counteract Climate Change?
  • Smart Grids and Renewable Energy Integration: An Exploration
  • Green Building Design: Innovative Approaches for Energy Efficiency

To Learn More, Read Relevant Articles

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117 Great Persuasive Essay Topics for High School Level Students

persuasive essay topics

When working on any essay, the first thing you’ll have to figure out is your topic. In high school, you are supposed to pick the kind of topic you will be able to dig into — that is, you have to make sure you can find enough info on the subject. Sure, today it seems that getting your hands on any kind of information is simple and question how long is a thesis isn't on the table yet. Still, you have to remember that apart from being available, the info you discuss should be engaging. So, that’s something to think about.

Argumentative and persuasive essays are most commonly assigned to high school students. So, there are plenty of papers in public domains that are written in one of these styles — and you can take a look at those if you need some inspiration. When working on an argumentative paper, for example, a student is supposed to present two polar different opinions on the subject and present enough evidence to support each point of view. But simply discussing two sides of the argument is not enough — a writer should also come up with a comprehensible conclusion. The same goes for persuasive essays — after all, the student’s primary goal here is to persuade the reader in his/her point of view.

In fact, a lot of argumentative essays are actually persuasive papers. So, if you’ve written at least one of those, you'll know how to write the other one. If you haven’t, here is a tip for you: choose a topic you feel strongly about. This is the certain way to make sure you will have enough ideas for a truly engaging paper; and, since you feel strongly about the subject, it will be way easier to prove your point of view to the reader.

Another word of advice while choosing a persuasive essay topic is to pick something that would be neither too broad, nor too narrow. Remember that most high school papers are no longer than five pages (often, even shorter than that), so it’s best to choose just one question and focus on it in your work. Also, remember that you will have to provide some factual evidence for your opinion (after all, any academic paper should be supported by academically recognized sources), so do not go for subjects that are purely opinionated and do not have any chance of justification.

Now that we’ve highlighted how important choosing a persuasive topic is for a student, let’s give you some great topic ideas to get you started.

50 Simple Essay Topics for High School

  • How can a person overcome fear?
  • Describe a piece of art (book, painting, poem) that changed your life.
  • Should students evaluate their teachers?
  • Do standardized tests really reveal student knowledge?
  • Should there be extra incentives for good grades at school?
  • Should Gym classes be obligatory?
  • Should we make our school calendar longer?
  • Can a class size influence student performance?
  • Should schools punish inappropriate student behavior?
  • Is there a connection between real-life violence and video games?
  • Should illegal immigrants’ children get an education?
  • Is there a way to deal with bullies in schools?
  • How reality TV is enforcing dangerous stereotypes
  • Is pop culture encouraging students not to pursue education?
  • White lies: what are they and should we really believe them to be innocent?
  • Should violent video games be sold to minors?
  • Using cell phones for education: the pros and cons
  • Should we conceal our real identities on the web?
  • Technology: distraction or a bonus?
  • Educational apps: how helpful are they?
  • Should everyone go for a college education?
  • The role of affirmative action in the modern world
  • College admission criteria: is there anything else apart from SAT?
  • The skinny model stereotype and its pressure on average girls
  • Do we really have equal rights for men and women?
  • Why so few girls pursue careers in exact sciences?
  • Stopping sexual abuse against young women
  • Should sports bets be legalized?
  • Can cheerleading be considered a sport?
  • Homosexual rights for sportsmen
  • The role of sports in our world
  • Are sports in the US too commercialized?
  • The benefits of local sports franchises
  • Should colleges pay their baseball players?
  • The debate of the naming rights
  • How should we treat juvenile offenders?
  • Pros and cons of death penalty
  • Leadership and the moral obligations that come with it
  • A cure against mass shootings
  • Should we change our gun control policy?
  • Is there too much digital censorship these days?
  • Should rich people pay higher taxes?
  • Government and the confidence we place in it
  • Privacy Vs. Security: which one comes first?
  • Should the US monitor its allies and citizens?
  • Should students be able to pick their teachers?
  • Is it reasonable to lower the voting age?
  • How important is fashion?
  • The appropriate dating age
  • Can older generation learn from the new one?

50 Persuasive topic ideas for high school

  • The pros and cons of allowing cell phones in schools
  • Free state college attendance for the state residents
  • The pros and cons of marijuana treatment
  • Is death penalty justifiable for violent offenders?
  • Should illegal immigrants be granted same rights as citizens?
  • Airport security: do we really need that many screenings?
  • Should we allow birth control for minors?
  • Free condoms at schools: atrocity or necessity?
  • Should schools separate gym grades from the grade list?
  • Free wi-fi in the cities: pros and cons
  • How often should teachers pass qualification tests?
  • Universal wealthy: how reasonable it is in the US realia?
  • Animal product testing: ethical vs. practical
  • Civil unions: should the government recognize them?
  • Is it reasonable to keep suspected terrorists under custody?
  • Should students be allowed to bring their music players to school?
  • Can we charge plus size citizens double ticket fair?
  • Corporate lobbyists and political campaigns: is their support legal?
  • Should school dedicate more attention to world religions?
  • Introducing obligatory community service in schools
  • Is it safe to keep exotic pets?
  • Cellphones in the classroom: should the teachers have them?
  • Violent crimes and minors: should the government treat them as adults?
  • Should we legalize euthanasia?
  • Should federal government control and restrict certain content on the Internet?
  • Sexual education as an obligatory subject in high schools
  • Should ESL students pass state tests in their native languages?
  • Can digital devices replace traditional textbooks?
  • Is it reasonable to test professional sportsmen for drugs?
  • Should corporate advertising be allowed in schools?
  • Can students and over be friends on social media?
  • How ethical it is to use stem cells from aborted children for the research?
  • Should the USA spend more time on internal affairs and less on overseas issues?
  • Drunk driving: should we enforce stricter punishment?
  • Is it ethical for a rape victim to go for an abortion?
  • Driving without a seat-belt: should it be considered a crime?
  • Is it necessary for high school sportsmen to take drug tests?
  • Should schools increase their budgets by selling food and drinks to students?
  • Is it ethical to advertise alcohol on TV?
  • Should foreign goods be taxed higher than internal products?
  • Free bus rides for seniors: do we need them?
  • Should the government ban sports betting?
  • Should the government lower the budget for schools that show weak results on SAT?
  • Would it be reasonable to euthanize dogs that have shown aggressive behavior towards people?
  • Should we introduce government censorship on certain online content?
  • Should we lower the minimal working age to 14 years old?
  • The pros and cons of wearing uniforms in schools
  • Should we allow getting a driving permit starting the age of 21?
  • Should schools introduce fast food in their menus?
  • Should booster seats for children be made obligatory?

12 Controversial Topics for School

  • Are there any moral grounds that can justify torture?
  • Should we consider police cameras an invasion of our privacy?
  • Should we ban tobacco once and for all?
  • Is the access to condoms affecting teenage irresponsible behavior?
  • Is the mankind really responsible for global warming?
  • Is it reasonable to teach creationism in schools?
  • How fair is our election process?
  • Should fathers get a paternity leave just as mothers do?
  • Are parents disrupting their children’s privacy by posting photos online?
  • Is advertising to children ethical?
  • Is average CEO salary justifiable?
  • Should the army promote their programs to high school students?

Best Topics for high school that are interesting and fun to read

  • The positive aspects of rivalry
  • The matter of age in a relationship
  • Is boredom is the surest way to trouble?
  • Should we increase or lower the drinking age?
  • Are the college tuition fees too high?

Those are some of the most interesting, opinionated essay topics for high school level. The biggest perk of the above examples is that most of them are based on a student’s opinion. At the same time, most of these topics presuppose some research — so any idea you’re proving will not be without confirmation. If you want to get more inspiration check out exploratory essay topics as well.

The final word of advice would be to pay your attention not only to the topic you choose but also to the way you present and organize your ideas. Do not forget that any essay should have an intro, main body and conclusion. The main body should be divided into a series of logically connected paragraphs, each presenting a certain point.

Finally, if you are to write and essay but have little knowledge or interest in the subject, do not forget that there are plenty of custom essay writers that will gladly do the job for you. Perhaps, the toughest thing to do when looking for an essay writing service or lab report example is determining which of them are reliable and which are not. But, with a little bit of time and patience (and attention to detail, of course), you will have no problem figuring out which service is worth a shot. A tip: these companies usually have a great number of positive customer reviews, are available through multiple support channels and have no problem sharing useful information for free.

Proposal Essay Topics: How To Choose Them And How To Make Them Work In Your Paper

  • The Technical Rules of Writing and Writing Mechanics
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • Tops 50 Literary Essay Topics
  • Writing an Expository Essay that will get you an A+
  • How To Write a Law Essay

opinion essay topics for high school

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23 Persuasive writing Topics for High School students

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Persuasive Writing Topics for High School Students

Writing a persuasive essay can be difficult for teachers and students if you don’t have a great idea to help get those creative juices flowing.  These prompts cover a range of issues and topics that are pertinent to middle school and high school students and can be easily adapted to work with a topic you have been teaching in your own class.

Students really enjoy the opportunity to try and change the world in which they live, and hopefully, these prompts might be a great starting point.

Remember that if you are looking for more excellent free resources and structured guides to teach all aspects of English, especially writing, be sure to visit literacyideas.com and check out our vast collection of prompts here.

Year Long Inference Based Writing Activities

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 TOP PERSUASIVE WRITING TOPICS

  • Some parents give children a weekly or monthly allowance regardless of their behavior because they believe an allowance teaches children to be financially responsible. Other parents only give children an allowance as a reward for completing chores or when they have behaved properly. Explain what you think parents should do and why.
  • Many schools now require teenagers to spend a certain number of hours each term doing volunteer work or community service. Some people believe this is an excellent idea as it promotes good citizenship and cultivates compassion. Others feel that forced volunteerism is not volunteering at all. How do you feel about this issue? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
  • Some parts of the world allow people to get a driver’s license at age sixteen. Many feel this age is much too young for the responsibility that comes with driving a car and that teenagers should not be allowed to drive until the age of 18. In your opinion, at what age should people be allowed to drive, and why?
  • What is your all-time favorite book or movie and why? Write an essay persuading readers to watch this film or read this book.
  • Have you ever made a life changing action that has had a positive effect on you or the lives of others? Write an essay that convinces readers to make a change for the better.
  • You have been asked to write a letter that would convince a organizers of a major event to be hosted in your hometown. Write an essay that convinces these delegates that your town would be great host.
  • Top professional athletes often have salaries and bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars. Do you think these athletes deserve this type of income? Why or why not? Explain your position and use specific reasons and examples.
  • Humans have always wondered about the possibility of life on other planets in the universe. Do you believe extraterrestrial life exists? Write an essay persuading others to share your point of view .
  • If someone discovered the ‘Elixir of life’ that would enable us to live forever, would it be a blessing or a curse? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  • If you have you ever traveled to a place that you found very meaningful and rewarding? Write an essay that persuades others to visit this important place.
  • Nearly all private schools require students to wear uniforms. Should public school students wear uniforms too? Argue for or against school uniforms for public school students. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
  • You are to select one item from the twenty-first century to place in a time capsule for future generations, what would you choose? Use specific reasons and examples to support your choice, explaining both the item’s significance and the reasons why it embodies the culture of the early twenty-first century.
  • What would improve your town or city? Write an essay convincing officials to make a change that would improve your neighborhood.
  • Some studies have shown students often perform better on exams if music is played softly in the background. However, some students may find the music distracting. Should schools play classical music during exams and/or allow students to listen to headphones whilst working? Take a position and explain your answer.
  • Should parents be a child’s disciplinarian, or their best friend?
  • Take a position and explain your answer using specific reasons and examples.
  • Millions of people visit zoos around the world. But some people believe that zoos are inhumane and that animals should not be kept in captivity. Do you agree? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
  • In most countries people pay taxes based upon how much they earn: the higher their income, the higher the percentage of that income they must pay in taxes. Many people argue that a flat tax, in which everyone pays the same rate regardless of income, would be a more equitable and desirable tax system. Which of these two tax systems do you think is best, and why? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.
  • Is it wise to devote time and money to building a space station on the moon or Mars? Why or why not? Explain your answer.
  • An ancient Greek proverb states, “All things good to know are difficult to learn.” Do you agree? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to explain your answer.
  • Imagine that you know someone who is unfamiliar with computers and has never been on the Internet. Write an essay convincing this relative to get a computer and get online.
  • Imagine that you have made it to the final round of interviews for your dream job. Convince your prospective employers that you are the one who most deserves the position.
  • Is there something that you believe is truly worth fighting for? Write an essay persuading others that this cause is worth a fight.

If you have any other great ideas for persuasive prompts please post them in the comments section below. 

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

argumentative essay topics

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

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Format

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

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

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

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argument Essay Topics

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

Sports Argument Essay Topics

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

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Business Argument Essay Topics

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

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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

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

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

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Lauren Green

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

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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive Essay Topics: Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

  

  • Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

Persuasive Essay Topics: Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

  • Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • If I could change one school rule, it would be …
  • Is year-round school a good idea?
  • Should we stop giving final exams?
  • Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

  • Which is better, private schools or public schools?
  • Should every student have to participate in athletics?
  • Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
  • Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
  • What is the most important school subject?
  • Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

Persuasive Essay Topics: Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

  • Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
  • Should students get to grade their teachers?
  • Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
  • Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
  • Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

  • Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
  • Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
  • Is it OK to eat animals?
  • What animal makes the best pet?
  • Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
  • If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

  • Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
  • Should all Americans be required to vote?
  • Is it better to be kind or truthful?
  • Which is better, giving or receiving?
  • Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
  • Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

  • Which is more important, happiness or success?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Is social media helpful or harmful?
  • Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
  • Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
  • Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

  • Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
  • Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
  • Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
  • If I could make a new law, it would be …
  • Is Pluto a planet?
  • Should human cloning be legal?
  • Should vaccines be mandatory?
  • Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

  • Should testing on animals be made illegal?
  • Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
  • Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
  • Is there intelligent life on other planets?
  • Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
  • Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
  • Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

  • What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
  • Which is better, Macs or PCs?
  • Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
  • Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
  • Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
  • Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

  • Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
  • Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
  • Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
  • Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
  • Which is better, paper books or e-books?
  • Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
  • Are video games better than board games?
  • Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

  • Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
  • Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
  • Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
  • Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
  • Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

Choose a book that's been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

  • Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
  • Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
  • Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
  • The best music genre is …
  • What is one book that everyone should read?
  • What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

  • What’s the best video game system?
  • Does playing video games make you smarter?
  • Does reality TV actually depict real life?
  • Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
  • What’s the best holiday?
  • The very best food of all time is …
  • Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

  • What’s the best season of the year?
  • Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
  • Is a taco a sandwich?
  • Does fruit count as dessert?
  • Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
  • Are clowns scary or funny?
  • Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

  • The best pizza topping is …
  • What would be the best superpower to have?
  • Should everyone make their bed every day?
  • Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
  • Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
  • Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

  • Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
  • Is Monday the worst day of the week?
  • Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
  • Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
  • Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

Need some ideas for practicing persuasive writing skills? These persuasive essay topics provide lots of scope for students of all ages.

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What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer! Continue Reading

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student opinion

177 Questions to Inspire Writing, Discussion, Debate and Reflection

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2019-20 school year. A New York Times article, interactive feature or video is the jumping-off point for each question.

opinion essay topics for high school

By The Learning Network

Each school day, we publish a new Student Opinion question. The questions explore everything from family, school and friendships to race, gender and social media. Not surprisingly, this past year, many of our Student Opinion prompts also touched on how the coronavirus pandemic affected nearly all aspects of our lives.

During the 2019-20 school year, we asked 177 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

A New York Times article, interactive feature or video is the jumping-off point for each question, and students can view each linked Times article without a digital subscription.

These questions are used by some teachers as a way to spark class discussion and debate, while other teachers use them as an entry point for practicing narrative or persuasive writing. Our Student Opinion questions offer an authentic audience for student voices as well as a way to encourage students to engage with current events and peers from around the world.

We also have a free, on-demand webinar that offers other ideas on how to use our writing prompts in the classroom for everyday low-stakes writing practice across the curriculum.

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Students Get Mental Health Days Off From School? 2. Do Video Games Deserve the Bad Rap They Often Get? 3. Should College Be Free? 4. Where Should We Draw the Line Between Community Health and Safety and Individual Liberty and Privacy? 5. Does the United States Owe Reparations to the Descendants of Enslaved People? 6. What Topics Do You Wish You Could Learn About in School? 7. Should Parents Track Their Children? 8. When Do You Become an Adult? 9. Is the Mona Lisa Bad for Art? 10. Would You Return a Lost Wallet? (What if It Had Lots of Money in It?) 11. Do You Believe Aliens Exist? 12. Is Animal Testing Ever Justified? 13. Should Gifted and Talented Education Be Eliminated? 14. Do Films Like ‘Joker’ Endorse (or Even Promote) Violence? 15. Why Is It Important for People With Different Political Beliefs to Talk to Each Other? 16. What Rules, if Any, Should There Be About Phone Use During Live Performances? 17. Should Stay-at-Home Parents Be Paid? 18. Should We Feel Guilty When We Travel? 19. Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense? 20. Can Social Media Be a Tool for Learning and Growth in Schools? 21. Should Students Be Required to Take the SAT and ACT to Apply to College? 22. Should Your School Day Start Later? 23. Should Facebook Fact-Check Political Speech? 24. Should Blowouts Be Allowed in Youth Sports? 25. Should the Week Be Four Days Instead of Five? 26. Should Sports Journalism ‘Stick To Sports’? 27. Should Students Be Punished for Not Having Lunch Money? 28. Should Schools Test Their Students for Nicotine and Drug Use? 29. Is Racial and Economic Diversity in Schools Important? 30. Should Texting While Driving Be Treated Like Drunken Driving? 31. Why Do Bystanders Sometimes Fail to Help When They See Someone in Danger? 32. Are Comic-Book Movies Ruining Film? 33. How Do You Think American Education Could Be Improved? 34. Should All Schools Teach Cursive? 35. What Suggestions Do You Have for Improving Lunch at Your School? 36. Should Musicians Be Allowed to Copy or Borrow From Other Artists? 37. What Do You Think About Prince Harry and Meghan ‘Stepping Back’? 38. What Role Should Textbooks Play in Education? 39. Should Public Transit Be Free? 40. How Should We Punish Sports Cheaters? 41. Is There a ‘Right Way’ to Be a Tourist? 42. Do the Grammy Awards Represent the Best in Music Today? 43. Do You Think the World Is Getting Closer to Securing the Promise of ‘Never Again’? 44. Should the Adults in Your Life Be Worried by How Much You Use You Use Your Phone? 45. Is It Offensive for Sports Teams and Their Fans to Use Native American Names, Imagery and Gestures? 46. Should Facial Recognition Technology Be Used in Schools? 47. In the Age of Digital Streaming, Are Movie Theaters Still Relevant? 48. Do Memes Make the Internet a Better Place? 49. Is Childhood Today Over-Supervised? 50. How Do You Decide What News to Believe, What to Question and What to Dismiss? 51. Should Plastic Bags Be Banned Everywhere? 52. Do You Think Online Conspiracy Theories Can Be Dangerous? 53. What Should #MeToo Mean for Teenage Boys? 54. Is It Immoral to Increase the Price of Goods During a Crisis? 55. Should Public Preschool Be a Right for All Children? 56. What Are Your Reactions to the Impeachment Inquiry of President Trump? 57. Is the Impeachment Inquiry a Teachable Moment? Or Should Politics Stay Out of the Classroom? 58. What Is Your Reaction to the Results of the Iowa Caucuses? 59. How Do You Think the Primaries and 2020 Presidential Election Should Proceed? 60. What Role Should Celebrities Have During the Coronavirus Crisis? 61. Should Schools Change How They Grade Students During the Pandemic? 62. Should We All Be Able to Vote by Mail? 63. Is It OK to Laugh During Dark Times? 64. When the Pandemic Ends, Will School Change Forever? 65. What Makes a Great Leader? 66. Should Students Be Monitored When Taking Online Tests? 67. Should National Service Be Required for All Young Americans?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

68. How Is What You Are Studying in School Relevant to Your Life and the Larger World? 69. How Much Racism Do You Face in Your Daily Life? 70. Do You Ever Laugh at the Misfortune of Others? 71. How Much Has Your ZIP Code Determined Your Opportunities? 72. What Weaknesses and Strengths About Our World Are Being Exposed By This Pandemic? 73. What Have You Learned About Yourself During This Lockdown? 74. What’s the Most Memorable Thing That Happened to You This Summer? 75. Does Your Life Ever Feel Too Busy? 76. How Do You Feel About Active-Shooter Drills in Schools? 77. When Have You Either Forgiven Someone or Been Forgiven Yourself? 78. How Do You Deal With Self-Doubt? 79. What Are Your Hometown’s Shortcomings? 80. Have You Ever Had a Significant Friendship End? 81. Are You Going to a Youth Climate Strike? 82. How Well Do Your Parents Deal With Sibling Conflicts? 83. How Similar Are Your Political Views to Those of Your Parents? 84. Have You Ever Read a Book You Weren’t Supposed to Read? 85. What Do You Eat for Dinner on a Typical Weeknight? 86. What’s Your Favorite Punctuation Mark? 87. Do You Get an Allowance? 88. Have You Ever Encountered Racist or Extremist Content Online? 89. What Do You Think of the Field of Democratic Presidential Candidates? 90. What Is Your Favorite Rivalry? 91. Who Do You Turn To in a Crisis? 92. Are You a Worrier? 93. What Grievances Do You Have With Your Local Community? 94. What’s Your Favorite Halloween Costume, Past or Present? 95. How Good Are You at Spending Time Alone? 96. What Could You Read, Listen to or Watch to Stretch Your Cultural Imagination? 97. Do You Read Reviews? 98. Do You Want to Get Married Someday? 99. Do You Seek Out New Experiences? Or Stick With the Things You Know and Love? 100. How Well Do You Read Other People? 101. What Does Thanksgiving Mean to You? 102. Do You Have Any Close Friends? 103. Have You Ever Tried to Make Money Online? 104. Do You Feel Safer When You Know You’re Being Watched? 105. What Are Your Experiences With Meditation? 106. How Will You Remember the 2010s? 107. Do You See Yourself in the Books You Read? 108. What Were the Best and Worst Things About 2019 for You? 109. Are You Good at Giving Gifts? 110. What Is Your Choice for Word of the Year? 111. How Have You Coped With the Death of an Idol? 112. Who Are the Ordinary Heroes of 2019? 113. What Are Your Predictions for the New Year and the New Decade? 114. What Era Do You Wish You Had Grown Up In? 115. Would You Want to Live and Breathe Creating Content for Social Media? 116. Do You Complain Too Much, Too Little or Just the Right Amount? 117. How Would You Rate Your Listening Skills and Those of the People Around You? 118. Would You Consider Serving in the U.S. Armed Forces? 119. Have You Ever Quit Something? 120. What Are You Doing to Change Your School? 121. What Does Kobe Bryant’s Death Mean to You? 122. Did You Watch the Super Bowl? What Did You Think? 123. How Have You Learned About Slavery? 124. Would You Ever Consider Becoming Vegetarian? 125. Do You Turn to Your Parents for Advice? 126. What Role Have Coaches Played in Your Life? 127. How Would You Design Your Ideal Museum? 128. Are You Able to Be Your Whole Self at School? 129. Do You Have More Good Habits Than Bad? 130. We Document Life’s Milestones. How Should We Document Death? 131. How Concerned Are You About the Coronavirus Outbreak? 132. Are You a Good Person? 133. Would You Allow an Ex-Prisoner to Live With You? 134. How Would Your Life Be Different if You Didn’t Have Wi-Fi and Cellular Service? 135. Stress, Worry and Anxiety Are All Different. How Do You Cope With Each? 136. Is the Diversity of Your School Accurately Reflected in Its Promotional Materials? 137. What Is Your Reaction to the Latest News About the Coronavirus Outbreak? 138. What Role Does Poetry Play in Your Life? 139. How Can We Help One Another During the Coronavirus Outbreak? 140. What Songs Matter to You Now? 141. How Is the Coronavirus Outbreak Affecting Your Life? 142. What Are You Reading, Watching, Listening To, Playing and Cooking? A Place for Recommendations 143. How Are You Staying Healthy and Fit? 144. What Questions Do You Have About the Coronavirus? 145. Has Your School Switched to Remote Learning? How Is It Going So Far? 146. How Do Animals Provide Comfort in Your Life? 147. Is the Coronavirus Pandemic Bringing Your Extended Family Closer Together? 148. What Are Some Ways to “Travel” Without Traveling During the Pandemic? 149 Holidays and Birthdays Are Moments to Come Together. How Are You Adapting During the Pandemic? 150. How Has the Coronavirus Changed How You Use the Internet? 151. How Are You Getting Your Sports Watching Fix? 152. What Acts of Kindness Have You Heard About or Participated In During Coronavirus? 153. When Has Starting Over Worked for You? 154. Is Your Family Experiencing Greater Conflict During a Time of Self-Quarantine? 155. How Are You Feeling About Missing Prom? 156. How Can You Tell a Story About Your Life Right Now Through a Few Simple Numbers? 157. What Does Your Accent Say About Who You Are? 158. How Do You Greet Your Friends and Family? 159. What Are Your Favorite Games? 160. What Do You Miss Most About Your Life Before the Pandemic? 161. What Are Your Hopes for Summer 2020? What Are Your Worries? 162. How Do You Connect With Your Parents? 163. Are You an Optimist or a Pessimist? 164. What Do the Objects in Your Home Say About You? 165. What’s the First Thing You Plan to Do After Quarantine? 166. Do You Enjoy Going On a Walk — Especially Now? 167. What’s the Best Book You Ever Read for School? 168. What’s the Craziest Thing You Did as a Kid? 169. How Is Your Family Dividing Responsibilities During the Quarantine 170. How Has Social Distancing Changed Dating for Teenagers? 171. Do You Believe in Ghosts? 172. What Issues in the 2020 Presidential Race Are Most Important to You? 173. Do You Prefer to Dwell in the Past, Live in the Present or Dream of the Future? 174. Does the Future of Robots Get You Excited, or Fill You With Dread? 175. How Do You Practice Self-Care? 176. How Will We Remember the Coronavirus Pandemic? 177. What Is Your Reaction to the Days of Protest That Have Followed the Death of George Floyd?

Want more writing prompts?

You can find even more Student Opinion questions in our 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing and 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing . We also publish daily Picture Prompts , which are image-centered posts that provide space for many different kinds of writing. You can find all of our writing prompts, added as they publish, here .

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250 Good Topics for an Opinion Essay

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  • Basics of Research Paper Writing
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  • Chicago/ Turabian
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  • Methodology
  • Admission Writing Tips
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  • Student Life
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250 Good Topics for an Opinion Essay

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Analytical Essay Topics

Opinion essay , like other academic papers, requires writers to express their take on a given subject. Many may confuse this essay type with a persuasive paper, which is wrong. As a writer, you are required to take a side and provide an argument that will support your point of view. Since opinion essays are commonly written across different educational levels, it is important to learn about potential research topics. Students often struggle to identify and work on good opinion essay topics. Are you looking for excellent opinion subjects or means to develop one? Continue reading this blog from our professional writing service to learn the definition of an opinion paper and explore different opinion writing topics that you can use in essays.

What Are Opinion Essay Topics?

Opinion papers rank among the commonly issued assignments in learning institutions. So, what is an opinion essay topic? It is a subject that attracts divergent outlooks and ideas from readers and thus enables writers to develop arguments that support a certain take. It is even much easier to write about an opinion topic if it has many differing sentiments. If the title is controversial, a writer can select and build on broad scopes of argumentation available. Unlike when writing a persuasive essay, students do not need to convince readers about a given stand. Although one can draw discussions from different fields – education, healthcare, social media, technology, government, and music, among others – opinion topics share some common characteristics.

Characteristics of Good Opinion Topics

Although people pick subject matters from a wide array of disciplines, good opinion essay topics share some traits. Some of these attributes are discussed below:

  • A writer can find supportive evidence from reliable research and sources. A quality opinion topic should have examples, facts, and clear evidence that can be used to support a given standpoint.
  • It should have opposite viewpoints. A topic that has different angles is preferred when developing an opinion paper.
  • The topic should accommodate development of a strong thesis statement.

How to Choose an Opinion Topic Idea?

There are many subject areas to pick issues from. To select an exceptional opinion essay topic, you need to follow these steps:

  • Determine a field that you are passionate about. Your topic should be related to your individual experience, personal skills, or a subject you have researched exhaustively.
  • Conduct a brainstorming session to help select and adjust opinions to write about within your preferred discipline.
  • Once you create your potential opinion ideas list, conduct research to ascertain viability of all options. A good topic should have evidence, facts, and examples from reliable sources.
  • You should have a strong opinion on topics you wish to discuss.

If you follow these steps, you will choose a topic that appeals to your personal interests and can be developed comprehensively with good evidence. Feel free to contact StudyCrumb for expert advice and college essay writing help .

List of the Best Opinion Writing Topics

A student should be able to select good topics for opinion writing. Today, you can find numerous opinion subjects online. You just need a smartphone with access to the internet! Although you can find various opinion essay topics online, you should strive to choose the best titles. Below are sample best opinion topics:

  • Is gun control used as a political control tool among Americans?
  • Is global warming a true phenomenon?
  • Does access to social media content and video negatively affect children’s behaviors?
  • Should smartphone usage be accepted in colleges and other higher education institutions?
  • Does watching action films promote violence among children?
  • Role of music in different age groups.
  • Role of government in promoting freedom of speech.
  • Should parents learn to use the internet and communicate online?
  • Are human beings putting adequate effort toward environmental management?
  • What is your take on right to privacy?

Interesting Opinion Essay Topics

You should consider opinion essay topics that would easily capture your target audience’s attention. Lucky for you, there are many different opinion editorials topics to choose from. Examples of such captivating issues include:

  • Is an electric car better than a petrol vehicle?
  • Impact of World War II on the issue of racism in America.
  • Is religion important in school curricula?
  • Gender roles in modern society.
  • Should the COVID-19 jab be mandatory for all?
  • Disparities in services and racial bias in USA's healthcare industry.
  • Impact of gender neutrality and fluidity on modern language.
  • Are virtual classes better than physical sessions?
  • Pop stars influence fashion and present-day societal norms.
  • Role of physical exercise in alleviating the obesity pandemic in the United States.
  • Impact of vegetarianism on human health.
  • Is medical research on human subjects ethical?
  • Impact of World War II on gender roles in Europe and America.
  • Police brutality and its impact on the fight against racism.
  • Ownership of firearms by people improves safety and security of private citizens.

Easy Opinion Paper Topics

Unlike other complex subjects, easy opinion essay topics take writers a shorter period to develop. You also do not need to put too much effort into writing such a paper. Teachers in lower education levels rely on these types of opinion papers topics to train better writing skills. Below is a list of simplest opinion topics that you can use:

  • Effect of the Cold War on the relationship between Russia and the USA.
  • Role of Presidents from your own perspective.
  • Social media platforms do more harm than good.
  • The USA is the best country in the world.
  • Are men and women treated equally in the USA?
  • Are print books better than e-books in this modern era?
  • What is your ethical opinion on caged wild animals?
  • Impact of exercise and physical education on stress.
  • Should children have full access to the internet?
  • Virtual learning and its benefits.
  • Are social media platforms making people less social?
  • Reason why politicians should rely on technology.
  • How can you stay healthy during a lockdown?
  • Can solar power alleviate climate change?
  • Impact of the cancellation culture on public discussions.

Good Topics for Opinion Essays

If people select good opinion writing topics, they can express their point of view on such subjects in a better way. One can find deep and extensive topical knowledge on the issue online. A writer can comfortably defend their belief and inclinations with solid, reliable evidence. Common good op ed ideas include:

  • Should parents take part in their children’s educational journey?
  • What is the overall impact of making marijuana legal?
  • How can gender-based violence issues be resolved in America?
  • Weaknesses of current US immigration policies.
  • Is depression a public health issue in the United States?
  • Gender equity policies and affirmative action in US military departments.
  • Does social media promote depression among teenagers and young adults?
  • Role of government social welfare programs in promoting poverty.
  • Anger management and its relationship with gender-based violence.
  • Office versus virtual working environment.
  • Is there a connection between drug abuse and gender-based violence?
  • Will the world ever attain total peace?
  • Can genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be a solution to world hunger?
  • Are people doing enough to negate climate change effects?
  • Is euthanasia ethical and justified?

Opinion Editorial Topics

Senior authors and editors usually have a section in newspapers, magazines, or any other publication, where they express their viewpoints on a given matter. Good op ed topics attract wide audiences and thus can be used to influence readers. Examples of topics for opinion articles are outlined below:

  • Is the existing gun control legislation adequate in addressing increased mass shootings in America?
  • The future of GMOs and food security.
  • Are we winning the war against global warming?
  • In your opinion, what should be the minimum marrying age in America?
  • Impact of oil spillage on the marine ecosystem.
  • Benefits of physical exercise on physiological and mental health.
  • Can the human race inhabit Mars successfully?
  • Is it viable to replace fossil fuels with alternative clean energy sources in the aviation industry?
  • Should doping be accepted in sports?
  • Sex education should be taught to children by their parents.

Topics and Ideas for Opinion Writing by Subject

People can choose essay topics from various disciplines. With adequate research, you can list and develop arguments on numerous issues within every subject. There is a wide variety of options, which can ensure that you always discuss issues that interest you. As a writer, you can select a topic from various subjects, including political science, history, public opinion, environmental issues, technology, parenting, education, social media, and psychology, among others. Irrespective of the discipline, opinion writing ideas must be written in a specific format and structure. This section discusses common topics for opinion essays from different disciplines.

Opinion Topics in Political Science

Politics ranks among the most discussed subjects worldwide. Besides, people have diverging and contradicting takes on topics related to political science. Furthermore, since these decisions affect almost everyone, Political Science opinion essay topics attract great interest from the public. Below is a list of opinion topics in this discipline:

  • Rule of law and its unbiased application to everyone.
  • Strengths and weaknesses of the US electoral system.
  • Terrorism as a political tool.
  • Immigration policy and its effect on minority families.
  • US foreign policies in the Middle Eastern countries.
  • Relationship between politics and climate change initiatives.
  • How politics affect mainstream media.
  • Political conflicts between Israel and Palestine.
  • The collision between federal and state legislation.
  • Should governments regulate religious practices?
  • Should the minimum age for voting be reduced?
  • How can governments address corruption problems?
  • Capitalism is superior to socialism.
  • Strengths and weaknesses of the American system of governance.

>> View more: Topics of Political Science

History Opinion Essay Ideas

Historical events influence our current decisions. It is, therefore, no surprise that many people take a keen interest in History opinion essay topics. Issues related to past wars, civil riots, and political decisions have drawn great debates over the years. Check a list of top 15 essay topics on the subject below:

  • Thanksgiving from Native Americans’ historical view.
  • United States’ role in World War I.
  • Industrial Revolution and its effect on population distribution.
  • Contribution of Slavery to current economic and social inequalities in USA.
  • The Holocaust and its role in shaping current world politics.
  • Abolition of slavery in the United States.
  • Did the Election of President Barack Obama influence the issue of racism in America?
  • Impact of the 9/11 tragedy on United States foreign policy.
  • Importance of the American Civil Rights movement in promoting gender and racism equity in America.
  • Was the Vietnam war justified from the American point of view?
  • Martin Luther King’s contribution to the fight against racial discrimination.
  • How did the 19th Amendment empower women in the 1920s?
  • Are history lessons important in present-day school curricula?
  • What was the role of the trade union movement in promoting workers’ rights?
  • Impact of colonialism on current economic inequalities between countries worldwide.

Public Opinion Essay Topics

Public opinion, as a discipline, encompasses common beliefs, ideas, perspectives, and attitudes shared among many members of the community. Information on public opinion essay topics is often collected through polls. In many cases, the public is concerned with topic opinion related to politics. Take a look at examples outlined below:

  • Public transportation systems should be free.
  • The public transportation system in New York is inconvenient.
  • Should abortion be fully legal?
  • The Obamacare program was a disaster.
  • Mainstream media is nowadays a tool for propagating political agendas and narratives.
  • Should COVID-19 vaccine injection be compulsory?
  • Medical and recreational use of marijuana should be legal.
  • Should teachers carry firearms in classrooms?
  • Social media has increased cyberbullying among youths.
  • The US healthcare system is incompetent in dealing with increased mental health and suicide cases.
  • Should military qualification test standards be lowered to accommodate women?
  • Police departments in America have failed in their community outreach programs.
  • Police racism has negatively affected the relationship between law enforcement departments and the public.
  • How can the government deal with the increased homelessness problem in American cities?
  • The COVID-19 vaccine should be offered free of charge.

Environmental Topics for Opinion Essays

With the fight against climate change growing in momentum, people are increasingly reading op-ed topics related to environmental change and management. This subject attracts controversial viewpoints, which makes it very interesting. You can find an issue that resonates with you from the environmental opinion essay topics below:

  • Dangers of large-scale commercial farming to the environment.
  • Overfishing should be regulated globally.
  • Is global warming a real phenomenon?
  • Effect of human activity on flora and fauna.
  • Can solar power alleviate the problem of air pollution?
  • Effect of mass concrete construction on environment.
  • Does excessive consumption of beef have a negative effect on the environment?
  • Alternative clean energy solutions can slow down climate change.
  • Electric cars are better for the environment compared to petrol engine vehicles.
  • Impact of oil spillage on marine and dry-land ecosystems.
  • Tree planting is a viable solution for rapid climate change.
  • Effect of farm inputs on the environment.
  • How can wildfires be prevented?
  • Effect of global warming on human health.
  • The government should introduce legislation to regulate emissions.

Education Opinion Topics to Write About

The existence and continuous growth of the human race rely on education hugely. It is, therefore, only fair for people to express their opinions on topics on the subject. Some of the common education opinion essay topics are outlined in this section:

  • Is distance learning a viable replacement for face-to-face learning in classrooms?
  • How does the expensive cost of education affect learners in the United States?
  • Student loans in tertiary education negatively affect the economic well-being of students after school.
  • How can the government address the issue of mass shootings in schools?
  • How soon should sex education be taught in school?
  • What is the effect of social media on student learning?
  • How can technology improve learning outcomes in schools?
  • Should instructors punish learners in schools?
  • Educational institutions should introduce healthier meals in their cafeteria.
  • Gender equality in education has positively affected economic development.
  • Should religious education be incorporated into school curricula?
  • What are the effects of social and economic classes on student performance?
  • Impact of career choice decisions in school on pay gap between men and women.
  • Are private schools better than public schools?
  • Disparities in the quality of educational facilities across various ethnic communities in the US.

You can browse special education research topics  and get some new ideas for your opinion essay.

Psychology Opinion Based Questions

The increased cases of mental health issues and suicide have made Psychology opinion essay topics very popular. Today, these opinion essay questions are raised among medical professionals, legislators, and even the general public. Below are the top 15 talking points on this subject:

  • What is the impact of physical exercise on mental health?
  • Psychological effects of yoga and meditation.
  • What are the effects of social media on an individual’s mental health?
  • How does an unhealthy work/life balance affect the psychological health of people?
  • Effects of violent films on the mental development of children.
  • How can the healthcare sector better address increased cases of depression?
  • Role of pop stars in shaping the psychological growth and well-being of children.
  • How emotional support pets help in improving mental health.
  • Should parents regulate children’s access to the internet?
  • How can schools better utilize guidance and counseling departments to prevent mass shootings by students?
  • How does bullying affect mental health of students?
  • How does negative stigma toward autistic students affect their performance in school?
  • What teaching methods can be used for students who are mentally disabled?
  • Effect of childhood experience on adults.
  • Effect of divorce and domestic violence on children’s mental development.

Philosophy Opinion Essay Topics

Human beings have, for the longest time, expressed their opinion on different philosophies. Since society and laws are built on various schools of thought, opinion piece topics on this subject are very common. Below are some of the Philosophy opinion paper ideas:

  • Strengths of the utilitarian school of thought.
  • Should capital punishment be abolished?
  • What are the ethical issues linked to abortion?
  • What are the effects of environment and nurture on child development?
  • The difference between determinism and freedom.
  • Benefits of democracy over absolutism.
  • The spread of Confucianism around the world.
  • How does a personal fable lead people to commit life-changing mistakes?
  • What is the true meaning of happiness?
  • Critical evaluation of Puritan culture and beliefs.
  • Effect of the “world revolves around me” fallacy on quality of life.
  • The theory of deontology and consequentialism in America’s correction system.
  • Impact of Confucianism on western culture.
  • Does God Exist?
  • The discordance between free will and determinism.

Social Media Opinion Article Ideas

In the current age of smartphones and the internet, social media is huge. Almost every person has some level of presence on social media platforms. The effect of social media on people’s daily lives has caused a significant interest in op ed topics on the subject. Some of the common opinion article topics on Social Media are listed below:

  • Effect of social media on students’ performance in school.
  • How does social media impact the psychological and behavioral growth of children?
  • Should parents limit children’s access to social media content?
  • How should children be protected from cyberbullying on social media?
  • Evolving roles of social media in online marketing.
  • Social media is a source of depression among some young adults.
  • Has social media normalized hate speech and behaviors?
  • How can social media be used in the current education system?
  • The role of social media in promoting a sedentary lifestyle.
  • How can social media be used to promote environmental management and climate change awareness?
  • Effect of social media on face-to-face relationships.
  • Impact of social media on group mind and social pressure.
  • How can online messaging platforms be used to promote activism and revolution globally?
  • Role of social media on cultural exchange across communities.
  • Effect of social media on individuals’ self-esteem and confidence.

Culture Opinion Essay Topics

This discipline focuses on language, religion, art, and mentality. Since these aspects vary from one community to another, many opinion essays topics attract a great deal of debate. Common opinion piece ideas include:

  • Is present-day culture based on recent decades?
  • The internet has revolutionized the music industry and destroyed record companies.
  • Changes in cultural stereotypes and social prejudice across various age groups.
  • Effect of internet and globalization on traditional fashion styles.
  • The replacement of traditional acoustic instruments by computer programs has changed the music culture globally.
  • The widespread access to the internet has resulted in the rise of social media stars.
  • Stars and popular figures have the potential to influence public opinion.
  • Are high divorce rates an indicator of the changing marriage culture in the US?
  • Is recreational use of drugs part of modern US culture?
  • Will classical music ever grow out of fashion?
  • Development of hybrid culture due to intercultural exchange.
  • Effect of religion and culture on legislation.
  • Should culture be taught in a school setup?
  • Role of movies in propagating cultural information.
  • Effect of diversity on America’s food culture.

Literature Opinion Essay Topics

People have enjoyed literature throughout human history. It is common to find persons discussing and exploring different interpretations of a given literature opinion paragraph topic. Below are some of the good topics for opinion writing in Literature:

  • Do you prefer reading an entire classic book in an e-books format and in hardcopy?
  • Why has the reading culture been reduced recently?
  • Gender bigotry and prejudice in 17th-century English literature.
  • Are books on the verge of elimination due to technological advancement?
  • Themes of love and death in Shakespearean literature .
  • Does reading result in better spelling skills?
  • Difference between Western and Eastern literature.
  • Can reading a book help relieve stress?
  • What can be done to reclaim the lost Native American literature?
  • Challenges of teaching foreign literature.
  • Is there a need to limit English literature in institutions of higher education?
  • Importance of the internet in facilitating the sharing of literature around the world.
  • Classic literature should be made available at no cost.
  • How can English language grammar be preserved?

Sports Opinion Paper Topics

Whether you are an athlete or a sports fan, you must have had a heated sports debate at least once. The emotional aspect of sports makes opinionated essay topics on Sports very common. Examples of opinion topic ideas are presented here:

  • Nutrition is necessary for athletic success.
  • Is bodybuilding a sport?
  • Are professional athletes over or underpaid?
  • Should psychological and mental health be considered in sports training programs?
  • Is doping ethical?
  • Should controlled doping be allowed in some sports?
  • Is animal sport ethical?
  • How vital are sports in school curricula?
  • Why do some athletes struggle after retirement?
  • Importance of statistics in sports analysis and match preparation.
  • How can the gap between male and female sports be reduced?
  • Are injuries indicators of an athlete’s level of physical fitness?
  • How can you reduce the dangers associated with extreme sports and motorsport?
  • Can supplements improve the performance of an athlete?
  • How can you incorporate the LGBTQ+ community into sports?

Ideas for Opinion Essay for Students

Teachers often require students to compose opinion essays. These articles train learners to better express their opinion and build their argument skills. Opinion essay topic ideas vary depending on the student’s education level. Since each education level has different learning objectives and outcomes, the complexity and the research levels required to complete such assignments differ. The format for this academic paper does not, however, vary, irrespective of the level. This section explores op-ed ideas for different education levels, particularly high school and college levels. You may also browse our persuasive essay topics  and find some interesting ideas for your writing.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

Even high school students have personal views! They are perfectly able to prepare essays on opinionated topics. Opinion essay topics for high school can be derived from a variety of disciplines. Below are titles that learners can discuss:

  • Is social media negatively affecting social interaction?
  • What are the benefits and disadvantages of homework?
  • Should parents limit social media usage among high school students?
  • Does cheating count as academic misconduct?
  • Should gym classes be made mandatory in high school?
  • Should students wear uniform attire to school?
  • Should the use of mobile phones be allowed in classrooms?
  • What are the advantages of group tasks?
  • How can bullying be prevented in school?
  • Do reading novels and fictional literature improve academic performance?

Opinion Essay Topics for College

The opinion paragraph topics for college students are a little bit more complex compared to articles written by high schoolers. Other than that, opinion essay topics for college level, just like high school, can be drawn from any subject. Below are some examples:

  • Are traditional family values under threat in the United States?
  • Should the death penalty be considered in capital crime cases?
  • How can the government address the existing economic inequality in the United States?
  • Should unintentional plagiarism be penalized?
  • How can schools reduce depression among college students?
  • How does the virtual education model compare with physical classrooms?
  • How does social media promote cultural bias?
  • Application of technology in college education.
  • Is it ethical for students to develop intimate relationships with students?
  • The weaknesses of the United States immigration policy.

Bottom Line on Opinion Essay Topics

In sum, you can choose opinion story ideas from various disciplines depending on your interest. With adequate research, anybody can write a good opinion article. This type of essay should follow a specific format. Irrespective of the issue, your paper should have a strong thesis statement. The quality of your essay will also depend on the amount of clear supporting evidence you’ve provided. Also, always remember to mention and talk about opposing points of view.

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FAQ About Opinion Essay Topics

1. what are some opinion topics.

Depending on your passion, you can choose opinion topics from your preferred subject. Below are some of the opinion topics:

  • Impact of divorce on child development.
  • What are the potential solutions for human trafficking?
  • How does poor education in low-income communities promote crime?
  • Why has the United States not had a female president so far?

3. How to come up with topics for an opinion essay?

To select good topics for opinion essays, you need to know your passion. You are more likely to write a better paper if you have a great interest in topics. Once you have identified your preferred discipline, select a topic you can develop with adequate evidence. You can also have a brainstorming session to come up with topics.

2. What are intriguing opinion essay topics?

You might find opinion essay topics listed below to be interesting:

  • What measures can be taken to reverse the climate change process?
  • New roles of social media in business operations.
  • The role of technology in improving learning outcomes.
  • Taming wild animals within a restricted zoo area is unethical.

4. What are some examples of opinion writing topics?

Below are some examples of topics for opinion writing:

  • Learning institutions should help parents and guardians in controlling children’s screen time.
  • Does racial profiling negatively affect the relationship between police departments and the American public?
  • Is America’s middle class getting overwhelmed by the high class?
  • Are physical and cyberbullying indications that perpetrators are insecure?

250+ Opinion Essay Topics to Write About

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Table of contents

  • 1 How to Select the Best Opinion Essay Topic?
  • 2 Opinion Essay Topics for High School
  • 3 Opinion Essay Topics for College Students
  • 4 Personal Opinion Essay Topics
  • 5 Public Opinion Essay Topics
  • 6 Nursing Opinion Essay Topics
  • 7 Opinion Essay Topics on Culture
  • 8 Social Media Opinion Essay Topics
  • 9 Sports Opinion Essay Topics
  • 10 Psychology Opinion Essay Topics
  • 11 Political Science Opinion Essay Topics
  • 12 Thought-Provoking Opinion Writing Topics
  • 13 History Opinion Essay Topics
  • 14 Environment Opinion Essay Topics
  • 15 Education Opinion Essay Topics
  • 16 Literature Opinion Essay Topics

Opinion essay topics and ideas can be a great way to express your thoughts and opinions on a variety of topics. Opinion essays allow you to explore a variety of topics and express your own opinion on them. You can choose to write about current events, social issues, political issues, or any other topic that you feel strongly about. When writing an essay , it is important to be clear and concise in your writing and to provide evidence to support your opinion. Additionally, it is important to consider the opinions of others and to be respectful of their views. By doing so, you can create a well-rounded and thoughtful opinion essay.

How to Select the Best Opinion Essay Topic?

When selecting an opinion essay topic, it is important to consider the purpose and audience of the essay. It is also important to choose a topic that is interesting and engaging to the reader. Consider the topics that you are passionate about and that you have a strong opinion on. It is also important to consider the amount of research that is required for the topic. Once you have narrowed down your list of topics, it is important to research the topic to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of it. Additionally, it is important to consider the opposing viewpoint and be prepared to address it in your essay. Finally, it is important to select a topic that is relevant and timely. By following these steps, you can be sure to select the best opinion essay topics.

  • Consider the purpose of your essay. Are you writing to inform, persuade, or entertain? Knowing the purpose of your essay will help you narrow down your topic choices.
  • Think about the audience you are writing for. Are you writing for a general audience or a specific group? Knowing your audience will help you choose a topic that is interesting and relevant.
  • Consider the scope of your essay. Is your essay going to be short or long? Is it going to focus on a single issue or a range of topics? Knowing the scope of your essay will help you determine which topics are appropriate.
  • Research the topics you are considering. Look for sources that provide reliable information, and explore different perspectives on the issue. This will help you make an informed decision about which topic is best for your essay.
  • Choose a topic that you are passionate about. Writing about something you are passionate about will make the process of writing your essay much easier and more enjoyable. With these tips, you can select the best opinion essay topic for your assignment.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

There is a variety of opinion writing ideas that high school students can choose from. Some popular opinion topics, for example, include the significance of staying physically fit, the importance of eating habits, the implications of eating disorders, how government controls religious practices, etc. The important point to note while selecting an opinion essay topic is to consider your personal beliefs and interests.

  • The benefits of a college education
  • Impact of social media on adolescent growth
  • The pros and cons of standardized testing
  • The importance of physical education
  • The benefits of extracurricular activities
  • The effects of bullying on teen development
  • Why are family bonds important?
  • An opinion essay on the benefits of positive self-esteem
  • The effects of teenage pregnancy on teen development
  • The pros and cons of co-ed schooling
  • The importance of volunteer work
  • The benefits of a healthy diet
  • The effects of teenage drinking and drug use
  • Is time management suitable for students?
  • The importance of a good education
  • Should students be allowed to have cell phones in school?
  • Should students have to wear uniforms?
  • Should students be required to take physical education classes?
  • Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
  • Should students be required to do community service?
  • Should students be allowed to pray in school?
  • Should students be allowed to eat during class?
  • Should students be allowed to listen to music during class?
  • Should students be allowed to use social media in school?
  • Should students be allowed to have part-time jobs?

Opinion Essay Topics for College Students

A college student usually navigates through a plethora of different controversial issues and dilemmas during his/her education. Students who want to express their thoughts and ideas while also engaging in meaningful debate can use opinion essay writing as an opportunity. From campus violence related issues to gun laws, students get the chance to express their views and beliefs. Some good opinion essay topics that are relevant to the experiences are as follows:

  • The impact of social media on the development of teenage social skills
  • The benefits of studying abroad for college students
  • The effects of a college education on future income potential
  • The importance of internships for college students
  • The value of a liberal arts education
  • How to choose the right college for you
  • How to pay for college
  • The role of college athletics in the educational experience
  • How to balance work and school
  • The challenges of returning to school as an adult
  • The impact of technology on the college experience
  • The changing role of the professor in the classroom
  • The benefits of study groups
  • How to stay motivated in college
  • The importance of college graduation

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Personal Opinion Essay Topics

Topics for personal opinion essays can encompass everything from current events to personal experiences. When selecting a topic for an opinion essay, it’s crucial to ensure that you have a strong stance and can back it up with solid evidence. Opinion topics provide an opportunity to persuade others and introduce them to a diverse range of perspectives.

  • The impact of social media on personal relationships
  • The dangers of smoking
  • The importance of regular exercise
  • The effects of stress on the body
  • The benefits of getting a good night’s sleep
  • The dangers of drinking alcohol
  • The importance of staying safe online
  • The effects of technology on the brain
  • The benefits of meditation
  • The dangers of using too much screen time
  • The benefits of a positive outlook on life
  • The effects of gratitude on happiness
  • The importance of spending time with loved ones
  • The importance of taking time for oneself
  • Should parents be allowed to choose their children’s education?
  • Should the government impose stricter gun control laws?
  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should the voting age be lowered?
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
  • Should marijuana be legalized?
  • Should the government provide free healthcare?
  • Should the government provide free college tuition?
  • Should the government increase taxes on the wealthy?
  • Should the government invest more in renewable energy sources?

Public Opinion Essay Topics

Public opinion refers to the attitudes and views held by a substantial segment of society regarding a specific issue. These opinions are typically impacted by a range of factors, such as government policies, personal experiences, and cultural values. Here are some ideas for public opinion essay topics to consider:

  • How does the media shape public opinion?
  • Are there any benefits to having a public opinion?
  • How much impact do social networking platforms have on us?
  • Does the public have a right to know everything?
  • How can we ensure that the public’s opinion is heard?
  • How does angry parenting affect children?
  • The pros and cons of health insurance
  • Modern pop stars and their influence on the youth
  • Does the government have a responsibility to act on the opinion of the public?
  • Is it possible to have a collective opinion?
  • How can we ensure that public opinion is not impacted by fake news?
  • Who should be responsible for shaping the opinion of the common man?
  • Analysing the impact of media coverage on public
  • The effectiveness of military training programs
  • The pros and cons of using medical marijuana

Nursing Opinion Essay Topics

  • What are the benefits of a career in nursing?
  • What challenges do nurses face in the healthcare system?
  • How can nurses best advocate for their patients?
  • What role does technology play in modern nursing?
  • How can nurses help to reduce medical errors?
  • How can nurses help to improve patient satisfaction?
  • What is the impact of nurse-patient ratios on patient care?
  • How can nurses help to reduce healthcare costs?
  • What ethical considerations are important for nurses to consider?
  • How can nurses help to reduce health disparities?

Opinion Essay Topics on Culture

  • The Impact of Social Media on Culture
  • The Role of Religion in Society
  • The Impact of Technology on Culture
  • The Influence of Music on Culture
  • The Impact of Immigration on Culture
  • The Role of Education in Shaping Culture
  • The Impact of Media on Culture
  • The Influence of Art on Culture
  • The Impact of Language on Culture
  • The Role of Family in Shaping Culture
  • The Impact of Social Class on Culture
  • The Role of Gender in Society
  • The Impact of Globalization on Culture
  • The Influence of Pop Culture on Society
  • The Role of Tradition in Culture

Social Media Opinion Essay Topics

Online social platforms have become a significant part of our daily existence. They affect various aspects of our lives in various ways. Hence, there are a multitude of potential essay topics to consider.

  • How have online social platforms changed the way we communicate?
  • Online social platforms shaping the way we think
  • Influence of social media on human behaviour
  • How can we use online social platforms for our benefit?
  • Drawbacks of using digital social platforms
  • Ways how online social platforms impact mental health
  • Is your physical health impacted by the excessive use of online social apps?
  • Influence of social media platforms on relationships.
  • How does excessive use of social media affect our productivity?
  • Is it ethical for parents to have access to social media control tools?
  • How are political leaders using online social apps for their own benefit?
  • How is social media shaping our societal norms?
  • Unleashing the power of social media platforms and online communication
  • Do online social platforms affect our control over privacy?
  • Navigating the dark side of online social platforms and their threat to our society

Sports Opinion Essay Topics

If you’re a sports fan, there are many aspects of sports that make for great opinion essay topics. Whether you choose to write about the impact of sports on youth growth or the evolving nature of the sports world, make sure to present a clear, well-supported opinion backed by relevant research and data.

  • The impact of sports on society
  • An opinion essay on the business of sports
  • Sports and its contribution to national identity
  • The impact of sports on individual development
  • The positive and negative effects of sports on mental health
  • Sports and the media
  • Sports and gender
  • Sports and disability
  • Elite sports and the exploitation of athletes
  • Amateur sports and the benefits for participants
  • Sports and obesity
  • Sports and violence
  • Sports and gambling today and in the past decades
  • The impact of sports on international relations
  • Envisioning the future of sports, trends and predictions

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Psychology Opinion Essay Topics

Psychology is a captivating field of study that has sparked numerous opinions and debates for years. If you’re seeking thought-provoking topics for your opinion essay within psychology, there are many fascinating options to choose from:

  • How does the human brain process information?
  • How do different cultures perceive mental illness?
  • How does the media affect the way people view mental illness?
  • What are the benefits of therapy?
  • What are the different types of therapy?
  • Assessing the Efficiency of Various Therapeutic Approaches
  • How do family dynamics affect mental health?
  • An opinion essay on stress and its effect on mental health?
  • How does trauma affect mental health?
  • How does poverty affect mental health?
  • How does immigration affect mental health?
  • How does discrimination affect mental health?
  • How does social media affect mental health?
  • Do Internal online platforms affect mental health?
  • Technological advancement in the field of psychology
  • The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
  • The Role of Genetics in Personality Development
  • The Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental Health
  • The Impact of Technology on Human Behavior
  • The Relationship Between Stress and Mental Health
  • The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health
  • The Role of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Sleep Deprivation on Mental Health
  • The Role of Attachment Theory in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Culture on Mental Health
  • The Role of Exercise in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Parenting Styles on Mental Health
  • The Role of Nature vs. Nurture in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Social Support on Mental Health
  • The Role of Gender in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Religion on Mental Health
  • The Role of Self-Esteem in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Media on Mental Health
  • The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
  • The Impact of Trauma on Mental Health

Political Science Opinion Essay Topics

The study of politics provides numerous opportunities for crafting thought-provoking opinion essays. There is a range of topics to choose from, covering everything from local politics to international governance and political control instruments.

  • The impact of social media on political participation
  • The impact of campaign finance on the political process
  • The role of the media in shaping public opinion
  • How does the voting system impact the political outcomes
  • The impact of political polarisation on legislative productivity
  • The impact of gerrymandering on electoral outcomes
  • The impact of term limits on the quality of representation
  • The impact of redistricting on political representation
  • Campaign advertising and its effect on voter behaviour
  • Political dynasties and how they shape political competition
  • The role and effect of youth engagement in the political process
  • The impact of women’s participation in politics
  • Does ethnic diversity contribute to political outcomes?
  • Religious diversity and how it shapes political outcomes
  • The influence of social media on political division

Thought-Provoking Opinion Writing Topics

A powerful way to communicate and engage your perspective with society is by opinion writing For instance, you can write about artificial intelligence, the slavery controversy, global warming, any philosophy essay topics , or modern society. In all cases, a successful opinion essay resonates with you on a personal level.

  • What is the key to academic success?
  • Does Asian culture dominate the business world?
  • Eating disorders—is the media to blame?
  • Vulgar power display and its impact on society – is this a good thing?
  • Is the current drinking age too high?
  • Are angry parents to blame for behavioral problems in children?
  • What are your personal views on domestic violence?
  • Is modern culture based on the ideology of feminism?
  • Do we need to rethink the way we approach education?
  • Is the internet a positive or negative force in our lives?
  • Should we be worried about the rise of artificial intelligence?
  • How do we deal with the challenges of globalization and economic inequality?
  • What is the future of the human race?
  • Should we be more environmentally conscious and take steps to help with global warming?
  • How can we create a better world?

History Opinion Essay Topics

History is a realm that lets you get a glimpse of the past and understand how events of the past shaped the world of today. There are many opinion essay topics that you can choose from, including the events leading up to World War, civil wars, and colonialism.

  • How has the role of women changed in society over the past few decades?
  • How has modern culture affected the way we view traditional values?
  • How do different cultures view slavery and the slave trade?
  • How does the rest of the world view our country and its politics?
  • How did World War II affect the entire world?
  • How has the internet changed the way we research and learn about history?
  • How do different cultures celebrate holidays and traditions?
  • What are some lesser-known historical facts about your own country?
  • What are some controversial topics in history that are still debated today?
  • How do we remember and commemorate historical events?
  • How do we balance historical accuracy with artistic license when telling historical stories?
  • What is the future of historical research and scholarship?
  • How do we ensure that the lessons of history are not forgotten?
  • What is the impact of historical revisionism on our understanding of the past?
  • How does history shape our understanding of the present and future?
  • The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Society
  • The Legacy of the American Revolution
  • The Role of Women in Ancient Civilizations
  • The Influence of Religion on Politics
  • The Causes of the French Revolution
  • The Impact of Imperialism on Colonialism
  • The Significance of the Cold War
  • The Legacies of the Civil Rights Movement
  • The Impact of the Scientific Revolution
  • The Role of Technology in Modern Society
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Environment Opinion Essay Topics

We cannot deny the fact that the environment is an important part of our planet, and it has a paramount impact on all of us. If you are an environment enthusiast, then you must be searching for an opinion essay topic that translates your beliefs.

  • What are the most effective ways to reduce air pollution?
  • Should governments impose stricter regulations on companies to reduce their environmental impact?
  • Should the use of plastic be banned?
  • Is nuclear energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels?
  • What are the most effective ways to reduce water pollution?
  • Should governments invest more in renewable energy sources?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of using genetically modified crops?
  • Should the use of pesticides be banned?
  • How can we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels?
  • What are the most effective ways to reduce deforestation?

Education Opinion Essay Topics

There are several opinion essay topics that can be explored in the field of education. This can include the role of technology in the education system, gender bias faced by students, and unequal access to quality education.

  • How can academic writing help students achieve academic success?
  • What are the benefits of distance learning for high school students?
  • Personal skills that students develop in single-gender schools.
  • Is sex education necessary in the school curriculum?
  • How effective is home-schooling as an educational option?
  • Is it a challenging task to educate modern children?
  • What are the flaws in the current educational system?
  • How can the school curriculum be improved?
  • What is the impact of age differences on the educational process?
  • How do modern children spend their free time?
  • What are the benefits of challenging tasks for students?
  • How can students balance their academic and personal lives?
  • Is there a way to reduce stress in the educational process?
  • What are the benefits of a healthy lifestyle for students?
  • Should standardized tests be abolished?
  • Should college tuition be free?
  • What is the best way to teach a foreign language?
  • Should the education system be more flexible?
  • Should online education be more widely available?
  • Should schools prioritize STEM education?
  • Should schools provide more vocational training?
  • Should schools have uniforms? Should schools have a longer school day?
  • Should schools have a longer school year?
  • Should schools have more extracurricular activities?
  • Should schools provide more mental health services?
  • Should schools provide more career guidance?
  • Should schools be more culturally inclusive?
  • Should schools provide more financial literacy education?
  • Should schools provide more technology education?
  • Should schools have more parental involvement?
  • Should schools have more community involvement?
  • Should schools have more global awareness education?
  • Should schools have more environmental education?

Literature Opinion Essay Topics

Literature is a landscape that is rich and offers the opportunity to explore the intangible, such as human experience and emotions.

  • Is there a universal classic book that everyone should read?
  • Is there a difference between classic literature and modern literature?
  • How has literature changed over the years?
  • What is the most important element of a successful novel?
  • What is the most important thing a reader should look for in a book?
  • Is there a difference between reading a book and watching a movie based on the book?
  • What is the most important lesson that literature can teach us?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about life?
  • How has literature influenced society?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about ourselves?
  • How has literature changed over time?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about the world?
  • How has literature shaped our culture?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about justice?
  • How has literature impacted our understanding of history?
  • How has literature shaped our understanding of morality?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about love?
  • How has literature helped to shape our understanding of gender roles?
  • What is the most important thing that literature can teach us about democracy?
  • How has literature helped to shape our understanding of race and ethnicity?

Opinion topics are not easy to decide on. But if you want to write a winning essay, you need to pick a topic that you have a good understanding of. No matter if you’re writing about education, politics, or sports, it’s important to have solid evidence and examples to back up your opinion. This way, you can write an interesting and convincing essay that will have a lasting impact on your reader.

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170 Opinion Essay Topics to Choose in 2023 for Your Writings

  • by Lesley V.
  • August 16, 2023 November 10, 2023

Whether in high school or college, opinion writing prompts will follow you. This essay type is a must to master:

Teachers will assign oped papers to check your critical thinking skills. They want to ensure you know how to build arguments and prove your point of view. Academic writing skills are also here: Opinion essays have a structure (1) to follow.

In this article, you’ll find a massive list of good opinion essay topics and ideas to consider for your work. All are strong, divided by subject, and with actionable writing tips to get an A+ for your piece.

What Is an Opinion Essay?

Op-ed essays are formal, representing an author’s personal take on a specific subject. They aren’t about college work only. You could see op-ed posts on social media or journalistic articles in newspapers.

In academia, you’ll also need to mention the opposite point of view in opinion essays. The final paragraph before a conclusion should contain counterarguments (for a fuller discussion).

How to Choose Good Opinion Essay Topics

While teachers can assign a topic for op-ed writing, college students often have freedom of choice here. And that’s where a challenge comes in:

How to choose a good opinion essay topic? How to ensure it’s controversial enough to trigger a discussion? Is it possible to know of it gives you enough argumentation and evidence to support your point?

What is a Good Topic for an Opinion Paper?

Good opinion writing topics have 3 specific characteristics:

  • They allow you to develop a strong thesis statement (2).
  • You can find enough facts to support your point: examples, reliable sources, quotes, etc.
  • They have opposite viewpoints . Avoid topics presenting the ultimate truth: There’s nothing to discuss there.

How to Choose Your Perfect Opinion Writing Prompt?

Opinion essay topics are many. Follow these 5 steps when choosing yours:

  • Recheck the requirements. How long should your essay be? Do you need to cover a single issue or discuss a few? Depending on the prompt, not all topics may appear to be appropriate.
  • Consider the audience. Who’ll read your paper? Do you write for everyone or a specific group? Choose topics that are relevant and interesting to whom you’ll write.
  • Remember about your interests, too. Consider issues of your knowledge and passion. Write about something bothering or exciting you: Such opinion essay topics are easier to craft.
  • Recheck the essay’s purpose. Will it educate, persuade, or entertain readers? It can help you narrow down the topic choices.
  • Do pre-research. Check if you can find enough sources with reliable information on your chosen topic. Will you have evidence to support your point if writing on this?

Opinion Essay Writing Tips: Start With Easy Prompts

When choosing opinion essay topics, remember you’ll need to structure your paper on it. It’s an academic paper, so please follow the format requirements . Also, you’ll need to cover all the questions related to your chosen topic.

The below writing tips will help ensure you’ve chosen a proper op-ed idea for your essay:

  • Brainstorm several topics before writing. Which one does meet the prompt’s requirements best?
  • Research . Are there other people investigating and discussing your chosen issue? Will you have enough supporting evidence to use throughout the paper?
  • Choose a side . What point of view will you support about the topic?
  • Develop a strong thesis and think of arguments you’ll use to prove it.
  • Remember to mention an opposite viewpoint. What counterarguments do your opponents have? Choose controversial topics, open to discussions.

20 Opinion Topics to Practice Your Writing Skills

Below are 20 elementary topics teachers assign for 5th-grade or for middle school students. They are easy opinion essay topics to practice writing. Also, they are great to consider when you have no idea what to write about in your piece:

Opinion Essay Topics: Choose Yours And Get A+

So, now you have them: 170 topics for opinion writing! Choose yours:

  • Consider the prompt requirements and the target audience of your paper.
  • Check if you have enough arguments and evidence to state and support a thesis in the paper.
  • Choose a topic that interests you but with counterarguments to add to a paper for discussion.

Which opinion essay topics from the list above have you already covered? And which one would you choose for your next paper or article?

References:

  • https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/essay-structure
  • https://www.vwu.edu/academics/academic-support/learning-center/pdfs/Thesis-Statement.pdf
  • https://www.jscc.edu/academics/programs/writing-center/writing-resources/five-paragraph-essay.html

6 thoughts on “170 Opinion Essay Topics to Choose in 2023 for Your Writings”

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Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!

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Thank you for providing me with these article examples!

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Nice blog! I love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

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Your articles are extremely helpful to me. May I ask for more information?

Thank you for providing so many examples! Now I know what to write in my next paper. 🙂

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Many thanks for this list! It’s my top struggle – to decide on a topic for my next essay or article. You’ve nailed it! All the best!

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How to Choose a Good Topic for a High School Essay

Brian H.

Table of contents

Facing the challenge of writing an essay in high school?

This time, it's different. You have the freedom to choose your own topic. While this might sound exciting, it's not always as simple as it seems. The right topic can be the difference between a compelling essay and a forgettable one.

Feeling the pressure? Don't worry. We're here to help.

In this blog post, we're diving into the world of essay topics, specifically tailored for high school students. We've got you covered with a variety of ideas, ranging from persuasive and discursive essays to opinion, expository, and narrative essays. Plus, we're throwing in an extra treat - five unique topics perfect for crafting a five-paragraph essay.

Our list of 65 topics isn't just a random collection. We've carefully mixed creative, fun, easy, and more challenging topics to cater to all tastes and interests. Whether you're looking to impress with your creativity or tackle something more traditional, we've got something for you.

Ready to find the perfect topic for your high school essay? Let's get started!

List of 65 Good Essay Topics for High School Students

Dive into our carefully curated list of 65 engaging essay topics designed for high school students. From thought-provoking to fun, these topics will spark your creativity and set the stage for compelling writing.

Persuasive topics

Starting a persuasive essay means choosing a topic you like and that can also convince others. It's about finding the perfect topic and making strong arguments. For high school students who are eager to look at things in new ways, here are ten persuasive essay topics that mix creative ideas with smart thinking:

  • Should School Start Later to Allow More Sleep?
  • Is Learning a Musical Instrument Important for Students?
  • Should Junk Food Be Banned in Schools?
  • Are School Uniforms Necessary or Outdated?
  • Should High Schools Have Later Start Times?
  • Is Year-Round Schooling Better than Traditional Schooling?
  • Should Students Have Homework Every Day?
  • Are School Cafeterias Offering Healthy Meal Choices?
  • Should Schools Limit the Use of Technology in the Classroom?
  • Is It Important to Have Physical Education Every Day?

These topics are great for encouraging students to think critically and develop persuasive arguments about relevant issues. Remember, a successful persuasive essay doesn't just present facts; it convinces the reader to see things from a new perspective.

Discursive topics

Starting a discursive essay means picking a topic where you can explore different sides fairly. It's about discussing the pros and cons and sharing different viewpoints. Here are ten simple yet engaging discursive essay topics perfect for high school students:

  • School Cafeterias: Should Junk Food Be Banned?
  • Homework: Helpful Practice or Too Much Pressure?
  • Online Learning: Is It as Good as Being in the Classroom?
  • Uniforms at School: Good for Everyone or Too Restrictive?
  • Reality TV: Fun Entertainment or Bad Influence?
  • Zoos: Are They Safe Havens for Animals or Just for Show?
  • Social Media: Connecting People or Causing Stress?
  • Sports: Just for Fun or Important for Health?
  • Public Libraries: Still Needed or Outdated?
  • Group Projects: Best Way to Learn or Too Much Trouble?

These topics are great for discussing different views and will help you see things from more than one angle. Remember, a good discursive essay isn't about picking a side but rather about showing you understand both sides of the story. Pick a topic that makes you curious, and dive into the discussion!

Opinion topics

Writing an opinion essay is all about sharing your views and explaining why you feel that way. It's your chance to express yourself on topics that matter to you. Here are ten fun and easy opinion essay topics perfect for high school students:

  • Cartoons vs. Real-life Shows: Which Are More Entertaining?
  • Are Pets Better Friends Than People Sometimes?
  • Should Schools Start Later in the Morning?
  • Is Playing Video Games Better Than Watching TV?
  • Are Books More Fun to Read on Paper or on a Screen?
  • Should Everyone Learn to Cook?
  • Can Listening to Music Help You Study Better?
  • Is It Better to Travel or Stay Home During Vacations?
  • Are Superheroes the Best Kind of Movies?
  • Should Every Student Learn to Play a Musical Instrument?

These topics are perfect for sharing your personal viewpoint and can be really fun to write about. Remember, the best opinion essays come from what you're really interested in or feel strongly about. So pick a topic that sparks your interest and share your thoughts!

Expository topics

Expository essays are great for diving deep into a topic and explaining it clearly. It's all about laying out the facts and explaining how things work or why they are the way they are. Here are ten good and interesting expository essay topics perfect for high school students:

  • How Does Recycling Help the Environment?
  • What Steps Can You Take to Save Money as a Teenager?
  • How Do Video Games Affect Your Brain?
  • What Are the Benefits of Learning a Second Language?
  • How Does the Weather Affect Your Mood?
  • What Are the Best Ways to Stay Healthy in School?
  • How Do Plants Grow and Why Are They Important?
  • What Makes a Good Leader?
  • How Does the Internet Work?
  • What Are the Effects of Listening to Music on Productivity?

These topics are not only good for writing but also interesting to research and learn about. Expository essays are a chance to explore and explain, so pick a topic that you find fascinating and dive into the details!

Cause and effect topics

Cause and effect essays are about understanding why things happen (the cause) and what happens as a result (the effect). It's like being a detective, looking for clues and connecting the dots. Here are ten easy and creative cause and effect essay topics perfect for high school students:

  • What Happens When You Get Enough Sleep vs. Not Enough?
  • How Does Spending Time Outdoors Affect Your Health?
  • What Are the Effects of Eating Too Much Sugar?
  • How Does Being Organized Help You in School?
  • What Happens When You Regularly Exercise?
  • How Does Watching Too Much TV Affect Your Brain?
  • What Are the Effects of Having a Hobby?
  • How Does Bullying Affect Students in School?
  • What Happens When You Drink Enough Water Every Day?
  • How Does Using Social Media Affect Friendships?

These topics are not only easy to write about but also allow you to be creative in exploring the reasons behind things and their outcomes. Cause and effect essays help you think critically, so choose a topic you're curious about and start investigating!

Narrative topics

Narrative essays are all about telling a story. They allow you to be creative and share experiences or imaginative scenarios. Here are ten easy and interesting narrative essay topics perfect for high school students:

  • A Day You'll Never Forget
  • Your First Day at a New School
  • The Time You Learned a Valuable Lesson from a Mistake
  • A Memorable Trip with Your Family or Friends
  • The Moment You Stood Up for What You Believe In
  • An Unexpected Adventure in Your Neighborhood
  • The Day You Met Someone Who Changed Your Life
  • A Special Family Tradition You Cherish
  • Your Experience of Overcoming a Fear
  • A Funny or Embarrassing Moment You Experienced

Narrative essays are like your personal stories. They're a chance to share a part of your life or your imagination with others. So pick a topic that means something to you or that you find exciting, and let your creativity flow!

Five-paragraph essay topics

5 paragraph essays are a great way to organize your thoughts and keep your writing focused. Here are five creative topics perfect for high school students:

  • "If I Could Invent Something New": Imagine you're an inventor. Describe your invention, how it works, and how it would change the world.
  • "A World Without Smartphones": Describe how daily life would change if smartphones suddenly disappeared. Cover both the challenges and the unexpected benefits.
  • "The Secret Life of My Pet": Narrate a day from the perspective of your pet. What adventures do they have when you're not around?
  • "The Book That Changed My Life": Discuss a book that had a significant impact on you. Explain how it changed your thoughts or behavior.
  • "When Time Stopped": Imagine a day where the clock stopped ticking. How would you spend those endless hours? Describe the events of the day and how the experience changed your view of time.

These topics allow you to be creative and explore different scenarios while keeping your writing structured. Pick a topic that sparks your imagination and start crafting your story!

As we wrap up this journey through diverse and engaging essay topics for high school students, remember that the key to a memorable essay lies in the choice of topic. It's the spark that ignites your writing and captures the reader's interest. Whether you choose a persuasive, discursive, opinion, expository, cause and effect, narrative, or five-paragraph essay, ensure it's a topic that resonates with you personally. Your passion and interest in the subject will shine through your writing, making your essay stand out.

If you're still feeling unsure or pressed for time, remember, Writers per Hour is here to assist. Our essay writing service is tailored for high school students like you, offering guidance and support to help you craft the perfect essay.

But the most important tip :  Choose a topic that speaks to you, one that sparks your curiosity and ignites your desire to write. With the right topic in hand, your essay is already on the path to success.

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Picking Powerful Opinion Essay Topics for High School

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing that requires a writer to express his or her opinion on certain subject. The main goal of this kind of essay is to be provided in your thesis statement, which is written at the end of your introductory paragraph. You need to clearly present your point of view regarding the statement and the reasons behind your opinion. It is also important to address opposing points of view in the paper.

A good high school opinion essay should have a clear structure:

  • Introduction, where you present your topic and your opinion on the matter.
  • Main body, which consists of a few paragraphs. Each paragraph should present one point of view regarding the main theme and should be supported by good arguments. You can use different methods, such as compare and contrast, examples and illustrations, cause and effect reasoning, etc. to prove your argument. It is also imperative to address an opposing viewpoint in one paragraph.
  • Conclusion, where you restate your thesis in different words.

Opinion papers are quite interesting to read, because they are usually controversial in nature. Choosing a good topic for essay is the first step. With your paper you need to provoke thoughts and feelings regarding the subject matter. Pick a theme that will be interesting to argue about. Your readers should have a strong feeling toward one position. If you do not know where to start, here is a list of provoking topics for high school opinion essay.

  • Should plastic surgery be used for cosmetic reasons?
  • Should women have access to abortions?
  • Is it ethical to use animals to conduct experiments?
  • How does television influence people’s behavior? Is it useful or not?
  • Where would you prefer to live in a big city or a small town? Why?
  • Should teenagers have an opportunity to have jobs? Why or why not?
  • Is it better to travel alone or with a companion?
  • What is more important for success – taking risks or careful planning?
  • Is it important to win a competition or is participation enough?
  • Should smoking in public places be forbidden? Why or why not?
  • Should sex education be taught in schools?
  • Is physical punishment required for good discipline?
  • Do a person’s looks affect his or her success in career?
  • Do the advantages of internet outweigh the disadvantages?
  • Do you think actors and famous athletes deserve such high salaries?

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COMMENTS

  1. 49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students

    49 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students. One of the most common essay types is the opinion, or persuasive, essay. In an opinion essay, the writer states a point of view, then provides facts and reasoned arguments to support that viewpoint. The goal of the essay is to convince the reader to share the writer's opinion.

  2. 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...

  3. Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

    During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF. The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for ...

  4. 120+ Fascinating Essay Topics for High School Students

    The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here.) Public and private schools. Capitalism vs. communism. Monarchy or democracy. Dogs vs. cats as pets. WeAreTeachers. Paper books or e-books. Two political candidates in a current race.

  5. 2022-23 Student Opinion Writing Prompts

    2022-23 Student Opinion Writing Prompts. July 14, 2023. Share full article.

  6. 36 Opinion Writing Prompts for Students » JournalBuddies.com

    Opinion essays, or persuasive writing, require that writers — of any age — present opinions on a specific topic. They usually begin with a strong opinion statement and then use supporting examples and evidence to support the argument. This type of writing requires critical thinking, helps to develop writing skills, and, best of all, boosts ...

  7. 100 Compelling Argumentative Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    100 Thought-Provoking Argumentative Writing Prompts for Kids and Teens. Practice making well-reasoned arguments using research and facts. Writing a strong argumentative essay teaches students to make a case for their own point of view without relying on emotion or passion. These argumentative essay topics provide options for kids of all ages ...

  8. 50 Great Essay Topics for High School Students (Updated)

    Here are some themes they could explore from their unique point of view: Internet (see 50 privacy essay topics here) Climate change and global warming (see our list of 53 Earth and Environmental prompts) Fake news. Obesity in the United States. Immigration, illegal immigrants, and a path to becoming a citizen.

  9. 50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

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

  10. 55 Great Argumentative Topics » JournalBuddies.com

    Here are 35 more essay prompts for High Schoolers. And see these fabulous writing prompts for High School free resources. Until next time, keep on writing! If you enjoyed these Argumentative Topics and Essay Ideas for High School, please share them on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Pinterest. I appreciate it! Sincerely, Jill journalbuddies.com ...

  11. Argumentative Articles to Prompt Essay Writing for High School Students

    This argumentative article for students is a great model of opinion writing. Have students follow the development of the author's argument through their annotations while reading. This not only supports students reading comprehension, but it will also prepare them for Assessment Question 3, "How does Paragraph 7 develop the idea that mobile ...

  12. 331 Opinion Essay Topics & Good Ideas

    331 Opinion Essay Topics & Good Ideas. Opinion essay topics offer expressing personal viewpoints on a variety of issues. Some themes include politics, social norms, environment, technology, culture, and ethics. These topics can deal with controversial subjects, such as gun control or climate change, allowing writers to delve into multiple ...

  13. 117 Great Persuasive Essay Topics for High School Level Students

    Those are some of the most interesting, opinionated essay topics for high school level. The biggest perk of the above examples is that most of them are based on a student's opinion. At the same time, most of these topics presuppose some research — so any idea you're proving will not be without confirmation. If you want to get more ...

  14. 23 Persuasive writing Topics for High School students

    Persuasive Writing Topics for High School Students. Writing a persuasive essay can be difficult for teachers and students if you don't have a great idea to help get those creative juices flowing. These prompts cover a range of issues and topics that are pertinent to middle school and high school students and can be easily adapted to work with ...

  15. 160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

    April 3, 2024. The skill of writing an excellent argumentative essay is a crucial one for every high school or college student to master. In sum, argumentative essays teach students how to organize their thoughts logically and present them in a convincing way. This skill is helpful not only for those pursuing degrees in law, international ...

  16. 101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    Try reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice. Jump to: School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics ... check out The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!). Share this article. Yes, I want teaching tips & resources! Subscribe. Choose your grade ...

  17. 177 Questions to Inspire Writing, Discussion, Debate and Reflection

    Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2019-20 school year. A New York Times article, interactive feature or video is the jumping-off point for each question. Share full article

  18. 250 Opinion Essay Topics & Ideas to Write About

    Opinion Essay Topics for College. The opinion paragraph topics for college students are a little bit more complex compared to articles written by high schoolers. Other than that, opinion essay topics for college level, just like high school, can be drawn from any subject. Below are some examples:

  19. 250+ Original Opinion Essay Topics to Write about

    Opinion Essay Topics for High School. There is a variety of opinion writing ideas that high school students can choose from. Some popular opinion topics, for example, include the significance of staying physically fit, the importance of eating habits, the implications of eating disorders, how government controls religious practices, etc.

  20. 170 New Opinion Essay Topics [All Subjects + Example]

    Whether in high school or college, opinion writing prompts will follow you. This essay type is a must to master: Teachers will assign oped papers to check your critical thinking skills. They want to ensure you know how to build arguments and prove your point of view. Academic writing skills are also here: Opinion essays have a structure (1) to ...

  21. 65 Essay Topics for High School Students

    Five-paragraph essay topics. 5 paragraph essays are a great way to organize your thoughts and keep your writing focused. Here are five creative topics perfect for high school students: "If I Could Invent Something New": Imagine you're an inventor. Describe your invention, how it works, and how it would change the world.

  22. 15 Thought-Provoking Opinion Essay Topics For High School

    It is also important to address opposing points of view in the paper. A good high school opinion essay should have a clear structure: Introduction, where you present your topic and your opinion on the matter. Main body, which consists of a few paragraphs. Each paragraph should present one point of view regarding the main theme and should be ...

  23. 200+ Best Opinion Essay Topics for Any Subject

    History Opinion Essay Topics. The True Motivations Behind European Colonization of the Americas. The Impact of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Society. The Role of Women in World War II and Its Long-Term Effects. The Historical Accuracy of the 'Great Man' Theory of History.