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94 Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School: Protocols, Health, Politics, And More

January 4, 2024 //  by  Brittany Ray

Middle schoolers are always ready for a feisty debate and to argue their points! This list of excellent argumentative essay topics for middle school is sure to give your students the practice they need in getting their arguments down on paper, in a persuasive way. With a variety of topics ranging from whether or not to outlaw animal testing to debating a 3-day weekend, this curated collection will give your kiddos lots of fun choices to explore! Take a look and see which topics are sure to spark some interest in your classroom!

School Rules and Policies

1. should cell phones be allowed at school.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

2. Should gym class (physical education) be a requirement?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

3. Explain why or why not: Should students have homework on weekends?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

4. Should the school day be extended in exchange for a long weekend?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

5. Do you feel the government should dictate what you get for school lunch?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

6. Do you believe brick-and-mortar schools are still necessary for today’s post-pandemic society?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

7. Is the student-per-class limit too high?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

8. Should high school students be required to take a civics exam before graduation?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

9. Should school security be improved?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

10. Should students be allowed to use smartwatches during examinations?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

11. Should there be a limit to the amount of homework a school can assign to students?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

12. Is the traditional grading system effective, or does it need an overhaul?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

13. Should schools offer more extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

14. Do schools place too much emphasis on sports and athletes at the expense of academic pursuits?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

15. Explain your stance as to whether schools should or should not require students to wear uniforms.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

16. Do you believe that school field trips are beneficial or merely recreational?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

17. Should students be required to learn a second language starting in middle school?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

18. Should the government have the ability to ban certain books in the classroom?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

19. Should school cafeterias serve exclusively vegetarian meals to promote health?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

20. Should schools have mandatory classes on financial literacy?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

21. Should schools have strict policies against cyberbullying?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

22. Should schools have mandatory mental health classes and counseling sessions?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

23. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

24. Should schools have mindfulness and meditation sessions as part of the daily routine?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

25. Should schools emphasize more on teaching critical thinking skills rather than just memorizing things?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

26. Should there be more emphasis on vocational training in middle school?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

27. Should students be taught the dangers of misinformation and “fake news” as part of their curriculum?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

28. Should schools introduce mandatory community service as part of the curriculum?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

29. Should schools allow students to bring their pets to school?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

30. Should schools be allowed to monitor students’ online activities?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

31. Should education about global warming and environmental conservation be a mandatory part of the curriculum?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

32. Should schools introduce more practical skills courses like basic cooking, sewing, or home repair?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

33. Do school dress codes infringe on personal expression?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

34. Should middle school students be allowed to bring and use laptops in class?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

35. Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling for some students?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

36. Is learning to write in cursive still a necessary skill in the digital age?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

37. Should school libraries invest in more digital resources or in physical books?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

38. Should students be taught about controversial historical figures objectively or with a critical lens?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

39. Should students have a more significant say in the creation of school rules and policies?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

40. Do schools focus too much on college preparation at the expense of life skills?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

41. Should parents be held more accountable for their children’s misbehavior at school?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

42. Are parent-teacher conferences still effective or have they become outdated?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

43. Should middle schools have later start times to accommodate adolescent sleep patterns?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

College Admission and Tuition 

44. should excellent grades guarantee a scholarship.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

45. Should a college degree earned through online education have the same worth as a degree earned at a brick-and-mortar university?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

46. Do you feel art courses should be a required part of earning a college degree?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

47. Should college admission criteria be less stringent?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

48. Should college athletes be paid?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

49. Do you believe that a college education is necessary for everyone?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

50. Should public education at the college level be tuition-free?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

Health and Wellbeing

51. do parents put too much pressure on their children to excel academically.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

52. Should cigarettes be illegal?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

53. Should employers have the right to require a Covid-19 vaccine?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

54. Is milk beneficial to a person’s health?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

55. Are hot dogs bad for you?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

56. Do you agree or disagree that parents should be held responsible for childhood obesity?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

57. Should the FDA allow GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in our food?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

58. Does the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) do a good job of regulating the production of food?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

59. Should junk food advertisements be banned during children’s TV shows?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

60. Should students be allowed to take “mental health days” off from school?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

Government, Politics, and Civic Responsibilities

61. do you think electronic voting machines make the election procedure fair or unfair.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

62. Explain whether or not the Electoral College should be eliminated.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

63. Should the government have more say in what is or is not “fake news”?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

64. Should a felon have the right to vote?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

65. Should all political offices have term limits?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

66. Should the voting age be lowered?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

67. The moral stain of the slavery of African American people in early American History is undoubtedly present. Do you feel the government promotes hate or love with the way it currently speaks about racism?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

68. Should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

69. Should the government have more strict gun control policies?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

70. With the separation of church and state, should churches be exempt from paying taxes?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

71. Do you feel undocumented immigrants should be granted all the same rights as naturalized citizens?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

72. Have Native American communities been given proper reparations for the United States’ long history of seizing land?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

73. Do you think that the government should do more to fight against human trafficking?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

Environmental and Moral Issues

74. is climate change something we can truly make a difference with.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

75. If protecting the environment is of utmost importance, should bottled water be banned?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

76. Should exotic animals be kept in captivity?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

77. Explain your stance on whether wind farms are a good or bad idea.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

78. Do “participation trophies” diminish the value of real achievement?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

79. Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

80. Explain whether or not animal testing should be outlawed.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

81. Should the death penalty exist?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

82. Should an individual be able to keep wild animals as pets if they have the means to care for them?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

83. Do curfews for teenagers prevent them from getting in trouble or infringe on personal freedom?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

84. Is scientific research on cloning DNA ethical?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

85. Is daylight saving something the U.S. should keep, or should it be abolished?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

86. Should schools ban single-use plastics?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

Digital and Media

87. do children currently have too much screen time, and is it harmful.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

88. Do you believe that the media and/or social media negatively impact body image among teens?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

89. Do social media platforms need stricter age verification processes?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

90. Should parents have access to their children’s social media accounts for monitoring purposes?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

91. Should parents limit the time their children spend on video games?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

92. Should violent video games be banned in the United States?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

93. Do violent cartoons and animations impact a child’s behavior negatively?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

94. Do video games have educational potential or are they merely distractions?

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

Argument Writing Topics for Students

20 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

What is an argument essay.

An argument essay uses logic and reasoning to defend a position or point of view. In an argument essay, research, evidence, and examples are used to convince the reader to consider a different point of view. A strong argument essay also acknowledges the opposing viewpoint. This is known as the counterargument. Ultimately, the counterargument is disputed with evidence in an attempt to convince the reader to support the writer’s  initial claim. 

Argument Writing vs. Opinion Writing

It’s easy to confuse opinion writing and argument writing. Both types of writing require students to take a stand and support it with reasons and evidence. To keep things straight, think of opinion writing as the stepping stone to argument writing.  Most states require students make the switch from opinion writing to argument writing in 5th or 6th grade.

-Opinion writing builds the foundational skill set for argument writing. Opinion writing requires students to take a stand and support their choice with clear and relevant reasons. The purpose of opinion writing is to share a point of view. 

-Argument writing takes the same process a step further. Argument writing requires students to make a claim and support it with research, evidence, and logic. The purpose of argument writing is to convince the reader to consider a different point of view. 

Argument Essay Topics

Should playing video games be considered a sport? Is online school better than in-person school? Should graffiti be considered art? Should college be free? Do we still need libraries? Is physical education important? Is homework necessary? Should cellphones be allowed in school? Which branch of government is the most important?
Should pets be allowed on airplanes? Should internet access be free? Should the Pledge of Allegiance be optional? Are dogs better than cats? Is math the most important school subject? Should the school day be shorter? Are Macs better than PCs? Is social media harmful for kids? Should schools have surveillance cameras in classrooms? Should all people be vegetarians? Should plastic bottles be banned?

Questions to Consider When Picking an Argument Essay Topic:

  • Do you feel strongly about the topic?
  • Does the topic have opposing viewpoints? 
  • Do you have solid reasons to support your argument? 
  • Can you find valid evidence to support your reasons? 

Argumentative Writing Unit for Grades 5-8

Click here to see the step-by-step process for writing argumentative essay. Examples and tips for students are included!

Introduce argumentative writing to all levels of learners with this comprehensive unit! Everything you need to differentiate and scaffold instruction is included with this printable and digital argument writing lesson! Use this bundle of step-by-step materials to guide students through every paragraph and element of argument writing. Make it easy for all students to plan, draft, and revise their essays.

Argument Essay Graphic Organizer for Introduction

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300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

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

A PDF version of this document with embedded text is available at the link below:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

20 Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

An argumentative essay is designed to explain to your reader information about one side of an argument. It is a lot like a persuasive essay because the idea is to explain one side of an issue but the idea is to present the facts without your opinion involved. A persuasive essay would display personal opinions. So for an argumentative essay simply state which side of the issue you believe in and then give your reasoning as to why you believe it.

There are some great topics to consider when choosing a topic for your argumentative essay. You would choose a topic that interests you. Once you have the topic, answer the question and then support your answer with at least three reasons why you believe it. For example, if you take the first option on the list, you can write that sports should not be coed and then tell your reader three reasons why it shouldn’t be coed.

  • Should sports be coed?
  • Should schools sell fast food?
  • Should students wear school uniforms?
  • Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?
  • Is it fair to ban preteenagers and teenagers from the mall without adult supervision?
  • Should there be less homework?
  • When are you old enough to stay home alone?
  • Should middle school students still have a bed time?
  • Does summer school benefit the student?
  • How would you change the school lunch menu?
  • Should school sports be mandatory?
  • Do kids watch too much television?
  • Should kids have chores?
  • Should you have to wear your seat belt on the bus?
  • Should students who play sports still have to take Gym class?
  • Should children be more concerned with what they eat so that they don’t have health problems when they get older?
  • Should you get a larger allowance?
  • Should school be year round with more breaks to improve education?
  • Do violent games and television shows make kids violent?
  • Should your school have a school newspaper?

Any one of these topics would work well. They are designed to establish a question pertaining to a conflicted view and then challenge yourself to prove your stance. Therefore, you would tell your side of the dispute and then for each body paragraph talk about a different reason why you believe it.

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100 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Writers aged 8 to 18

femal-student-persuasive-writing

Being able to state your ideas and offer evidence for your arguments is an excellent skill to have! If you can convince people that you are right, you will be able to achieve so much more within your job, with your friends and new people that you meet.

Persuasive writing is about trying to get the reader to agree with your opinion or ideas. To be able to express what you want and what you believe to be true, we at Summer Boarding Courses have put together these 100 persuasive writing prompts to help you exercise your tactics!

Persuasive Writing Prompts for Writers

We have 25 fun writing prompts for each age group below that we teach at Summer Boarding Courses in the UK.

Present your arguments like a pro, build upon your critical thinking skills and communicate seamlessly through your writing with these opinion writing prompts.

But first, before you begin to write, you must consider the following…

Which audience are you trying to persuade?

Who are your trying to persuade? Is it your friends, your teachers, the manager of a company or the whole community that you live within? Different groups of people have different wishes, ideas, needs and wants. Think carefully about what appeals to the group you are trying to convince.

For example, if you are student arguing that school break times should be longer to your student friends, they may be easier to persuade than the teachers!

Students love to hang out with their friends, go outside, do sport and eat delicious food.

However, if you are trying to convince the teachers at your school that break times should be longer, they may feel stressed and unsure about this. They have lessons that they need to deliver to you, work goals to meet, and your education and learning is at the forefront of their minds.

If you can convince them that you can complete your learning is less time, they might just agree that longer break times are a good idea!

Always try and appeal to each person’s perspective so that you can convince as best as you can.

male-student-writing-on-whiteboard.j

Be kind and respectful

We can all have different ideas about what is right, wrong, correct and unusual. Be respectful and kind when arguing in your speech or writing about what you are standing for. We are all entitled to our opinion, and for many issues, there are pros and cons for each side that we take.

Here are some key phrases that you can use to help yourself get your point across clearly and politely:

‘In my opinion…’

‘I feel that…’

‘Others must agree that…’

‘It seems to me that…’

‘Some people believe that…’

‘For this reason…’

‘I agree that…’

‘On the other hand…’

Firstly…Secondly….’

two-female-students-in-english-class

Introduce your argument in the first paragraph

Start your piece with an introductory paragraph that states your argument. This paragraph will clearly tell the reader what your opinion is and what you are standing for.

Support your argument with at least three pieces of evidence

Most people will not be convinced of your ideas unless you can show them evidence. This evidence can be qualitative or quantitative.

Qualitative evidence

Qualitative evidence is descriptive information that can come from a personal story, an interview, a drawing or a photograph. You can find this information from personally talking to people about their experiences.

Quantitative evidence

Quantitative evidence is about numbers, statistics and concrete data. This information can come from surveys, official records and experiments which carefully follow methods to try and ensure accurate information. Many people prefer to see quantitative evidence, as personal stories collected for qualitative evidence can sometimes be inaccurate.

Show that you understand the different sides to your argument

A clear and coherent writer who is putting their argument forward will have taken the time to consider other points of view different to their own. Show the reader that you understand and can see what else people may argue. Try and have a good answer back to these thoughts.

If you have evidence to support your counterargument, even better!

Ask questions

Ask your reader questions to get them to think about what you are arguing. This way, you can challenge their point of view.

They will start thinking about other perspectives that they may not have considered before.

If you’re stuck: think about a time where you did convince someone

Has there been a time in the past where you did successfully manage to persuade someone to see your point of view? Think about this time carefully.

How did you manage to convince the person? What strategies and language did you use?

Has there been a time where you were persuaded by someone?

Channel these techniques into your writing to put forward the best argument you can.

group-summer-school-students-watching-tutor.

Finish your argument with a strong closing statement

Summarise your ideas and reinforce your argument so that readers are reminded about why your argument is valid. This is your last chance to sway their opinion!

Find below our 100 essay writing prompts to help you practice your persuasive skills.

25 Persuasive Young Kids Writing Prompts

Are you looking for 4th grade and 5th grade writing prompts? Or prompts for ages a little younger or older for kids? Here are our 20 writing persuasive prompts for students aged 8 to 12!

I should be able to go to bed when I want.

All classrooms should have a class pet.

There needs to a be a non-school uniform day every week.

You can only eat apples or oranges for the next week. Which one will you eat? Why?

I should be allowed to stay home alone.

There should be no homework at school.

Break times at school should be longer.

People should be fined for dropping litter.

I should be allowed to eat ice cream every day.

All students should learn how to cook.

Persuade your family to let you open a birthday present the day before your birthday.

Persuade your family to give you twice as much pocket money.

If you could have any pet, what would it be? Convince your family why you should care for it.

Convince your friend to swap their packed lunch with yours.

Students should be allowed to pick their own seats in class.

Persuade your family to watch the film you want to watch.

Dogs are better than cats.

School holidays should be longer.

Imagine in the future, you can live on land or underwater. Which one would you choose? Why?

You have to live in another country. Which one do you choose? Why?

Convince your family to let you watch your favourite TV programme.

Students should be allowed to choose their teacher.

Students should have 3-day weekends.

You can only play one sport for the next month. What is it? Why?

Students who are late to school should do a chore for their class.

You can choose one superhero power to help others: fly or stop time. Which one do you choose? Why?

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25 Prompts for Persuasive Writing for Older Kids

Here are 25 writing persuasive prompts for students aged 11 to 15. If you’re looking for 7th grade and 8th grade writing prompts particularly, these are for you!

Mobile phones should be allowed to be used in the classroom.

It should be made mandatory to eat vegetables every day at school.

The school day should start later and end later in the day.

There should be a computer game room at school.

All students should learn at least 2 languages in school.

Students should be able to wear whatever they want at school.

Students should be taught only how to type; not write with pen and paper.

The first lesson of school every day should be exercise.

Facebook states that you must be at least 13 years old to have a Facebook account. Is this fair?

Persuade your brother/sister to do your house chores for one week.

Smoking should be banned in all public areas.

Teachers must wear a uniform to school. What is the uniform? Why?

Family should only give pocket money if chores are completed.

Persuade your teacher to let you eat your favourite snacks in class.

We should all learn how to grow our own fruit and vegetables.

Persuade your family to take you on holiday to a destination you want to go to.

Persuade your friend who doesn’t like sports to play your favourite sport with you.

Fast food like chips and pizza should be served everyday in the school canteen. Yes or no?

Persuade your family to let you stay at your friend’s house.

Teachers should not be allowed to have their cell phone in the classroom.

There should be one day per week where the whole nation must be vegetarian.

Fizzy drinks should be banned from school.

Students should be paid for getting good grades.

Is it better to have enough money, or too much money?

I should decide what time my bedtime is.

Headington-summer-school-students-in-geogrpahy-lesson

25 Ideas for Argumentative Writing Prompts for Teenagers

These writing prompts are great for students aged 13 to 16!

Teenagers should not do any chores at home.

All students should teach one lesson to their class each term.

Students should be allowed to use their mobile phones at any time in school.

All students should volunteer in their community once every week.

Persuade your friend to help you with your homework.

Imagine you can create a new class to be taught in your school. What subject would it be? Why should it be taught?

Students who commit cyber-bullying should be suspended from school. Yes or no? Why?

The voting age should be lowered to age 13.

Persuade your teacher to have their lessons outside in the Summer.

Persuade your family to let you redecorate your bedroom.

Imagine that you have been granted a ticket to live on Mars. If you go, you are not allowed to come back to Earth. Would you go? Why?

Textbooks should be replaced by tablets or e-readers.

Persuade your teacher to end their class 10 minutes early.

Persuade your teacher to let your class have a party.

Imagine that you are given 1 million pounds to improve your neighbourhood. What would you do with the money? Why are your ideas the right thing to do?

Persuade your teacher to not set your class homework for the next month.

Everyone under the age of 17 should have to stay in after 9pm.

People should only be allowed to drive their cars 4 days a week to minimise pollution.

Country life is better than city life.

All students should be allowed to study abroad once per year.

Teenagers under the age of 15 should not be allowed to have a Facebook page.

The internet should be free for everyone.

Everyone should eat vegan food one day per week.

All school classes should be outdoors in the forest.

25 Young Adult Persuasive Essay Prompts

These quick writing prompts for students aged 15 to 17 will have you scribbling away to get your point across!

All students should learn how to make YouTube videos.

People should pay extra tax when they buy drinks in plastic bottles.

Humans are living longer, to the point where we may become immortal in the future. Would living forever be a good? Argue your point of view.

Students should be allowed to listen to their own music on headphones when working in class. Argue your viewpoint.

Teenagers around the world should not be allowed to drive until they are 18.

You have been given money to hold a major event in your hometown. What would the event be about or for? Why should people come?

Imagine you want to be the next president of your country. Why should people vote for you?

Convince your friend to lend you something special of theirs.

Persuade your family to let you study overseas at a Summer School next year.

Imagine that you have been given the chance to interview for your dream job. Convince the boss that you are the person they should choose.

Persuade your family to watch a movie on Netflix that you want to watch.

You have just started a new business making a phone better than the iPhone. Explain what features your phone has, that makes it much better than Apple’s.

Persuade a friend to come to a new activity group with you that they are feeling anxious about.

Aliens exist. True or false? Argue your point of view.

All young adults should be required by law to volunteer in their community once every week. Yes or no?

Mathematics class is more important than music class. Yes or no? Why?

City life is better than country life.

Driving tests should be mandatory every year after you are 65 years old.

Students who bully others should be suspended from school.

There should be one currency for the whole world.

Recycling should be a legal requirement for every household.

Life is better than it was 10 years ago.

Girls and boys should study separately in school.

You can choose to put one celebrity on your country’s highest-value banknote. Who is the celebrity? Why should they be placed on the note?

Life is better without a computer.

Are you ready to improve your persuasive writing?

We hope you have enjoyed these free writing prompts! This is your chance to change the world in which we live through your thoughts!

If you want to work on your writing in English, try and aim to make these your daily writing prompts! We also recommend using pictures as writing prompts. Looking at pictures with writing prompts, rather than just seeing a sentence, can help you create your arguments and ideas if you are a  visual learner .

Want more inspiration for your next writing tasks? If so, explore our rundown of the best books for essay writing.

Or, if you are ready to fully immerse yourself in a thriving and educational setting, come and study with us this Summer!

At Summer Boarding Courses, we run many courses for all international students aged 8 to 17 years old and would love for you to join us. We can help you improve your ESL writing as well as your English speaking, listening and reading skills with many other nationalities.

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Upper Elementary Teaching Blog

Engaging Persuasive Writing Prompts (Free Download)

Persuasive writing is one of my favorite writing genres to teach. The students get so excited about the different topics and love debating and supporting their arguments and claims. On this post, I will share some of my students’ favorite persuasive writing prompts with a free download of a printable list and task card version of the writing prompts.

Free engaging persuasive writing prompts available on this post! Get some new ideas for persuasive writing topics and grab the free download to use for writing stations, centers, or student-choice.

Student-Approved Persuasive Writing Prompts

The list below (available as a free download at the end of this post) contains a variety of engaging persuasive writing prompts and topics that students will enjoy researching, debating, and writing about.

As you will see, the writing topics are varied as our students are often varied in their interests. However, these topics are ones that most students enjoy debating and writing about. Some lend themselves to research-based persuasive writing and some are more opinion-based.

  • Should children be paid for good grades?
  • Should fidget spinners be allowed in classrooms?
  • Are professional athletes overpaid?
  • Should cell phones be allowed in classrooms?
  • Is bottled water or tap water better?
  • Do children need strict bedtimes?
  • Should we resurrect extinct species via cloning?
  • Should schools be year round?
  • Should students have homework?
  • Should students be required to wear uniforms?
  • Should students be required to learn cursive?
  • Should girls and boys play competitive sports against each other?
  • Should Columbus Day be removed as a holiday?
  • Are white lies okay?
  • Are zoos beneficial or harmful for animals?
  • Should animal testing be banned?
  • Should school lunches be free for all students?
  • Should we move to driverless cars in the near future?
  • Should screen time be limited for children?
  • Should we keep the penny as a unit of currency?
  • Should all forms of sugar be eliminated from school lunch options?
  • Should pets be allowed in school?
  • Are reusable or recyclable bottles better?
  • Should textbooks be replaced with tablets in schools?
  • Should schools have sports?
  • Should school buses be discontinued?
  • Do classrooms have too much unneeded technology?
  • Should schools be funded with taxpayer money?
  • Should children be paid for chores?
  • Should schools have extended or multiple recesses?
  • Should school weeks be shorter?
  • Should animals be illegal to have in circuses?
  • Do video game sports count as actual sports?
  • Should chocolate milk be served in school cafeterias?
  • Should junk food and candy be banned in schools?
  • Is graffiti an expression of art or vandalism?
  • Should gum be allowed in classrooms?
  • If you find $100, is it yours to keep?
  • Should schools have dress codes?
  • Are earbuds or headphones better for children?
  • If you find a historical treasure, does it belong to you?
  • Should college athletes be paid?
  • Should schools or classrooms be separated by gender?
  • Should students be able to choose their seats?
  • Should people be allowed to go barefoot anywhere they want?
  • Should students get paid for attending school?
  • Should skateboarding be banned in public places?
  • Is space exploration worth the money we spend on it?

About the Digital Writing Prompts

The persuasive writing prompts are also available in Google Slides. In this ready-to-assign version, students can scroll through the prompts and respond to the ones they choose in text boxes on each slide.

Persuasive writing prompts are available digitally, too!

Using the Persuasive Prompts

Here are some ideas for using these persuasive writing prompts in your classroom:

  • Use the list format as a teacher-guide when choosing engaging persuasive writing topics for your students.
  • Use the prompts at a writing center or station.
  • Allow students to choose from the list topics that interest them.
  • Use the writing prompts as early finisher options… Need more early finisher ideas? Click here.
  • Use these in conjunction with research. Allow the students to choose a topic (or assign a topic) with two clear sides to debate, have them research facts and information to support both sides of the debate, then have them choose the one to write about, bringing in facts from their research to support their opinion or claim.

Download the Persuasive Writing Prompts

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Welcome Friends!

I’m Jennifer Findley: a teacher, mother, and avid reader. I believe that with the right resources, mindset, and strategies, all students can achieve at high levels and learn to love learning. My goal is to provide resources and strategies to inspire you and help make this belief a reality for your students.

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101 Argument Essay Prompts for High School

101 Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

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

Here are 101 Argument Essay Prompts:

Argument essay topics teens love.

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

Argument Essay  Prompts About Technology

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

Argument Essay  Topics about the Environment

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

Argument Essay  Prompts about Entrepreneurship

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

Teaching Argument Essay: Instructional Unit

Argument Essay Teaching Unit

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

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

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

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

Argument Essay  Topics about Animals

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

Argument Essay  Prompts about Sports

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

Argument Essay Topics about School

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

Argument Essay  Prompts about Teens and Politics

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

Argument Essay  Topics about Vehicles

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

Argument Essay  Prompts about Space and Space Exploration

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

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

Need argument essay instructional materials?

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

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125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

Teach students to make effective arguments.

argumentative essay prompts 8th grade

When students learn to debate, they gain valuable life skills. Debates teach kids to research their topic, make informed choices, and argue effectively using facts instead of emotion. This list of middle school debate topics encompasses both serious and lighthearted ideas for kids ages 10 to 14. Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

School and Education Debate Topics

Technology and entertainment debate topics, life and ethics debate topics, fun and funny debate topics.

  • Controversial Debate Topics
  • It’s better to be good at academics than to be good at sports.
  • Homework should be banned.
  • Schools should require all students to wear uniforms.
  • We should punish students for using curse words.
  • Year-round school is better for students.

Year-round school is better for students.- middle school debate topics

  • Schools should require physical education (gym class) through 12th grade.
  • All students should be required to volunteer in their community.
  • Junk food should be banned in schools.
  • All middle school students should learn a foreign language.
  • Single-gender schools are better for students.
  • Math is the most important school subject.
  • Letter grades should be abolished.
  • Teachers should be replaced by computers.
  • Students should be graded on their handwriting.
  • Kids who get better grades in school will be more successful in life.
  • Sometimes it’s OK to cheat on homework or a test.
  • Students who fail a test should be given the chance to take it again.
  • Students should be allowed to grade teachers.
  • Kids should be able to bring their pets to school.
  • Schools should give middle school students more recess time.

Schools should give middle school students more recess time.- middle school debate topics

  • The school day should be shorter.
  • Schools should eliminate dress codes.
  • College should be free for everyone who wants to attend.
  • Schools should be allowed to ban some books from their libraries.
  • Book smarts are better than street smarts.
  • All people should have free internet access.
  • Playing violent video games makes people more likely to be violent in real life.
  • Reality television depicts real life.
  • The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

The minimum age to own a smartphone should be 16.

  • Students should be allowed to use phones in class.
  • Macs are better than PCs.
  • Androids are better than iPhones.
  • Kids under 13 should be allowed to use social media sites like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
  • Students should not be allowed to watch TV on school nights.
  • Social media does more harm than good.
  • Video games are better than board games.
  • Reading books is better than watching TV.
  • All paper documents should be replaced with electronic versions.
  • Books are always better than the movies that are made from them.
  • Parents should use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are.
  • Playing video games makes you smarter.

Playing video games makes you smarter.- middle school debate topics

  • Scientists should try to develop a way for everyone to live forever.
  • Paper books are better than e-books.
  • Schools should have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways.
  • Movie ratings (G, PG, PG-13, and R) should be done away with.
  • Professional athletes and celebrities deserve to make more money than the average person.
  • People have a responsibility to help one another out.
  • No one should ever tell a lie.
  • Girls face more peer pressure than boys.
  • We should lower the voting age to 12.
  • Every member of a family should have daily chores.
  • All museums and zoos should be free to everyone.
  • All people should be vegetarians.

All people should be vegetarians.

  • Democracy is the best form of government.
  • All Americans should be required to vote.
  • Cigarette smoking and vaping should be banned entirely.
  • Parents should be allowed to read their children’s private diaries.
  • Giving is better than receiving.
  • Receiving a regular allowance is good for kids.
  • Parents should be punished for their children’s mistakes.
  • Real Christmas trees are better than artificial ones.
  • We should not keep animals in zoos.
  • All kids should play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender.
  • It is better to save some of your allowance than to spend it all.
  • Kids should be allowed to stay up as late as they want.
  • Happiness is more important than success.
  • The driving age should be lowered to 14.

The driving age should be lowered to 14.- middle school debate topics

  • We should completely ban plastic bottles.
  • Parents should have to take a parenting class before having a child.
  • If you find money on the ground, it’s automatically yours to keep.
  • It is better to be kind than to be truthful.
  • All kids should have a playground or park within walking distance of their home.
  • Kids should be allowed to have credit cards.
  • It’s important to spend money exploring space.
  • All families should have a pet.
  • Dogs are better pets than cats.
  • Summer is better than winter.
  • Pepperoni is the best pizza topping.
  • Teachers shouldn’t give rewards and prizes in the classroom.
  • Clowns are more scary than funny.
  • Every home should have a robot.
  • There is intelligent life on other planets.

There is intelligent life on other planets.

  • The egg came before the chicken.
  • Pop music is better than classical music.
  • Xbox is better than PlayStation.
  • Peanut butter is better than Nutella.
  • Football is better than soccer.
  • Everyone should make their bed every day.
  • It would be better to be able to fly than to be able to turn invisible.
  • Harry Potter is better than The Lord of the Rings .
  • Pluto should still be considered a planet.
  • Santa Claus’ elves should be paid minimum wage.
  • Hot chocolate is better than a chocolate milkshake.
  • Fruit counts as dessert.
  • People should be allowed to go barefoot anywhere if they want to.
  • Fiction is better than nonfiction.

Fiction is better than non-fiction.

  • Everyone should learn to play a musical instrument.
  • Werewolves are more dangerous than vampires.
  • Kids shouldn’t have to go to school on their birthdays.

Controversial Middle School Debate Topics

These middle school debate topics are pretty contentious and might not be appropriate for all students or every classroom. But if your middle schoolers are ready to take on more serious debates, try these important questions.

  • We should abolish the death penalty.
  • Stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings.
  • It’s necessary to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico.
  • Segregation still exist in the United States.
  • Religion does more harm than good.
  • We will never achieve world peace.
  • We shouldn’t allow young children to play contact sports like football.

We shouldn't allow young children to play contact sports like football.

  • Parents shouldn’t be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears.
  • Beauty pageants are sexist.
  • Kids shouldn’t get participation trophies for sports.
  • It’s possible to be an ethical hunter.
  • Some stereotypes are accurate.
  • People have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action.
  • War is sometimes necessary.
  • There are times when we must limit freedom of speech.
  • Security is more important than freedom.
  • We should do away with gender-specific public bathrooms.
  • Anyone over age 12 should be tried as an adult in court.
  • Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

Electric vehicles are better than gas-powered ones.

  • Our society has a harmful “diet culture.”
  • All countries should have to give up their nuclear weapons.
  • We should ban testing on animals.
  • We should ban the use of fossil fuels.
  • Human cloning should be legal.
  • Vaccines should be mandatory.

What are your favorite middle school debate topics? Come share in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out 75 funny debate topics for kids of all ages ..

Looking for debate topics for middle school and junior high students? This roundup ranges from lighthearted to serious, ideal for any class.

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Debate Graphic Organizer (Free Printables)

Help students keep track of their ideas during argumentative writing or debate lessons. Continue Reading

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Free Printable Argument Writing Worksheets for 8th Grade

Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8 Reading & Writing teachers: Discover a variety of free printable resources to help students develop strong arguments and enhance their writing skills.

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Explore printable Argument Writing worksheets for 8th Grade

Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are essential tools for teachers looking to enhance their students' reading and writing skills. These worksheets focus on developing critical thinking and analytical abilities in students, enabling them to construct well-reasoned and persuasive arguments in their writing. By incorporating nonfiction writing exercises, teachers can expose their students to a variety of topics and help them develop a strong foundation in research and fact-checking. Reading and writing activities in these worksheets are designed to cater to the unique needs of Grade 8 students, ensuring that they are appropriately challenged and engaged. With Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8, teachers can effectively prepare their students for more advanced writing tasks in the future.

Quizizz offers a comprehensive platform that complements Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8, providing teachers with an interactive and engaging way to assess their students' progress. In addition to offering a wide range of quizzes and games that cover various aspects of reading and writing, Quizizz also allows teachers to create their own customized quizzes to target specific skills and concepts. This flexibility makes it an invaluable resource for educators looking to supplement their Grade 8 curriculum with fun and interactive learning experiences. Furthermore, Quizizz's extensive library of resources, including nonfiction writing prompts and reading comprehension activities, ensures that teachers have access to a diverse array of materials to support their students' growth in reading and writing. By integrating Quizizz into their lesson plans, teachers can provide their Grade 8 students with a well-rounded and engaging approach to developing their argument writing skills.

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8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

The picture introduces to the requirements of an 8th grade essay.

If you find yourself on this page, you are probably going to another level of your education – the final year of Middle school!

Isn’t it exciting?

One of the most common assignments in the 8th grade is an essay. Indeed, it gains new features. An eighth-grade essay is not the same as the sixth or seventh-grade one. It has more requirements and needs a deeper level of analysis.

How to write an 8th-grade essay? How many paragraphs should it contain? What is a standard 8th-grade essay format? On this page, you’ll find the answers to these and other questions that might arise. We’ve prepared creative 8th-grade essay topics, examples, and tips to write an A+ informative, narrative, or persuasive essay.

  • 🧩 8th Grade Essay 101
  • 📑 8th-Grade Essay Types
  • 💾 Topics for the 8 th -Graders

🍎 8th Grade Essay Examples

🧩 8th-grade essay format explained.

Once again: the 8th-grade essay format is a bit different from that of the previous years.

Below, we thoroughly explain how long an 8th-grade essay should be and how to write it. We guarantee you’ll have no questions about the format and assessment of this type of work.

What Is the 8 th Grade Essay Format?

In this section, you’ll know which parts comprise any 8th-grade essay.

The first thing to remember: you’ve got onto an entirely new level. So, your writing isn’t as simple and short as it used to be in the previous school years.

Let’s start with the structure. The fundamental parts are the same as in any type of essay:

Introduction should contain something intriguing to catch your audience’s attention. It’s usually a hook: a starting point that makes your readers keep reading your essay.

The next significant part of your introduction is the It’s the leading thought of your paper that reveals to the reader the essay’s subject matter.
Body paragraphs contain supportive arguments and evidence. They have to be solid and persuasive.
ConclusionAfter everything is written, you are to the ideas you’ve delivered.

The picture contains information about the language style required for an 8th grade essay.

8th Grade Essay: How to Write & Typical Mistakes

With the help of this section, you’ll get to know the most straightforward and helpful tips for 8th-grade essay writing.

These are the things that any 8th grader should know!

8 th Grade Essay Do’s

  • Look for reliable sources to find arguments and evidence.
  • Try to arouse eagerness for writing: it surely will ease the whole process for you.
  • Choose the topic that is interesting for you if you have such an option.
  • Use academic language, special terms, consistent phrases, and correct grammar.
  • Use good quotations from reputable sources to solidify your ideas.

8 th Grade Essay Don’ts

  • Don’t write dully: an essay is a story. It should be exciting and consistent.
  • Don’t make all your examples too similar: diversity is of the essence.
  • Don’t let your text look like an unreadable pile of words: use graphic tools to highlight the most critical points.
  • Don’t use unreliable sources and websites for citation.
  • Don’t be afraid of honest self-expression. Your identity and thoughts are what make your 8th-grade essay unique.
  • Don’t forget to revise your text after you’ve finished writing it.

8th Grade Essay Rubric

Meet the assessment strategies for 8th-grade writing. Here you’ll also find some prompts that improve your essay and lead you to a higher score.

So, the assessment pattern of a written piece comprises several main points. These are the things that assessors pay attention to:

🗣️FluencyIf it’s easy to follow the stream of your thoughts, you got it right. Pay attention to the variety of sentence patterns.
📄ContentYour writing has to give off credibility. Remember to spice it up with reliable facts & details.
🖋️GrammarWatch the syntactic structures in sentences of your essay carefully.
🧱StructureAn 8th-grade essay must be consistently and logically organized.

🔣
ConventionsYour writing must also include proper punctuation, capitalization, and smooth transitions between the parts.

📑 Eighth Grade Essay Types

We suppose that you come across different types of assignments during middle school. Among them, there indeed were descriptive and narrative essays.

However, now you are to face other exciting formats of writing. In the section below, you’ll get to know a few new types.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay

An argumentative essay is a piece of writing where you make a claim and prove your point of view with solid arguments. Your aim at this point is to make readers nod in contempt while reading and share your opinion.

The structure may be pretty familiar to you:

The picture contains an exemplary outline for an 8th grade argumentative essay.

In your argumentative essay, you should back up your opinion with some exact data: statistics, figures, research studies, and polls.

To solidify your claim, you can use three types of arguments:

  • Aristotelian . The classical way – you make a statement and try to persuade the audience that it is the one that is fair and right.
  • Rogerian . First, you display an issue, then present the opposing view. After that, reveal your own opinion and start convincing readers why they should take up your point.
  • Toulmin . Present your thesis statement, then provide the audience with the grounds to support it. The final touch is to connect these parts.

PRO TIP: Explain why you disagree with the opposing point of view on your issue.

8th Grade Persuasive Essay

A persuasive essay is very similar to argumentative writing. There you have to pick up a mainly burning issue and establish a firm opinion towards it. The primary goal is the same as in the argumentative essay: to make your readers believe you.

The picture contains an exemplary outline for an 8th grade persuasive essay.

Remember the three essentials of persuasive writing:

  • Logos appeals to logic, which is apparent. Deliver your thoughts cohesively and reasonably.
  • Ethos is about persuading the readers, appealing to their sense of ethics and morality.
  • Pathos helps you convince through emotions.

8th Grade Essay – Informative

An expository essay brings concepts to complete understanding. In other words, you explain something to give a clue about the subject in question. Successful expository writing makes the audience get the whole picture, leaving no questions or misunderstandings.

To familiarize yourself with expository essay structure, check our recently updated guide on writing an expository essay .

And briefly look at six major types of expository essays:

The picture contains brief descriptions of exposutory essay types.

💾 8th Grade Essay Topics

8th grade argumentative essay topics.

  • What is the main challenge you’ve ever met?
  • What was the happiest moment of your childhood?
  • Tell about the accomplishment you’re most proud of.
  • What are the personal qualities you like most?
  • Write about an inspiring celebrity.
  • What does emotional intelligence mean?
  • Write about the largest challenge of getting older.
  • How is adolescence different from childhood?

Read the list of topics we’ve prepared for an 8th-grade essay. Choose your favorite or use our Free Essay Topics Generator to find the best one.

Persuasive Essay Topics for 8th Grade

  • Would limited screen time be beneficial for health?
  • Will the global use of electric vehicles save us from the ecological crisis?
  • The government should provide citizens with more qualified psychological help.
  • What are the pros and cons of buying a pet for a child?
  • Should people use paper and textile bags instead of plastic ones?
  • Is it necessary to attend PE classes in school?
  • Is it ethical to use smartphones during the lesson?
  • Should parents forbid their children from watching TikTok?
  • Pros and cons of cheating on exams: immoral or beneficial?
  • Should there be only healthy snack vending machines at schools?
  • Is it acceptable for a teacher to raise the voice at a student?
  • Should modern rappers’ songs be put through censorship?
  • Is it ethical for students to discuss their teachers?
  • Should all cosmetic products become cruelty-free?
  • Should we stop the overconsumption of sugar for the sake of our health?
  • Should zoos and circuses be banned forever?

8th Grade Informative Essay Topics

  • Compare and contrast the environmental policies of the USA and Europe.
  • What are the harmful effects of CO 2 emissions on the environment?
  • How is the concept of freedom reflected in 20th-century literature?
  • Reveal the details of the famous friendship of Hemingway and Fitzgerald.
  • Brush off or fight: how to act when you come across bullying at school?
  • What are the most significant challenges school attendees usually face?
  • How to overcome your fears without getting traumatized?
  • How to prepare for the exam period and overcome anxiety?
  • Freedom or despair: the history and concept of trailer parks in the USA.
  • Explain the concept of sustainability and what benefits it has.
  • Provide a classification of American lifestyles based on location.
  • A reasonable person: describe the concept and the features.

Look at our 8th grade essay examples. These are mostly just excerpts, but we included the most significant parts. Approach us in case you need a similar paper or have any questions.

8th Grade Argumentative Essay Example (#1)

The most notorious substance in the ecological discourse: is CO 2 really that bad?

Did you know that it’s better for the earth if you work out or jog with your mouth tightly shut? It’s not common knowledge, but professionals know: we need a considerable amount of CO 2 in our blood. In some terms, it’s even more vital than oxygen. Undoubtedly, there has to be a proper balance, and here is the point: CO 2 can be beneficial.

Though what good does it make to nature and the environment?

It’s all the same as with our body: CO 2 is not evil on earth, but there must be a proper balance. Now, this balance is critical, and we must make serious efforts to change the situation.

  • According to last year’s research, the USA is in the second place among countries producing the most significant part of CO 2 in the whole world. The website statista.com published striking figures. 4.57 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions were produced in 2020 by the energy consumption sphere in the United States.
  • Besides, a recently published report from the IEA agency reveals another piece of statistics. Compared to the previous year, the amount of CO 2 emissions will rise to 5% in 2021. This year we’re facing 33 billion tons of this greenhouse gas.
  • These figures mean nothing without context. Here you are: nature suffers greatly from CO 2 influence. Due to the greenhouse effect caused by an excess of CO 2 , the water temperature in oceans and seas is rising. This process is not positive at all because the natural habitat for sea creatures is altering. The changes are dramatic and lead to the extinction of many species.

In conclusion, we need to find an efficient way to improve the ecological situation regarding CO 2 emissions. The key is global social and individual awareness and consciousness. Each and every inhabitant of the Earth has to understand the meaning of CO 2 for global warming clearly. So, try to jog with your lips closed and choose a bike instead of a car.

Example #2: 8th Grade Persuasive Essay

Is it essential to stay away from social media for the sake of mental health?

Nielsen Company conducted research that says that the average US adult spends more than 10 hours interacting with social media each day. Indeed, social media plays a very considerable role in the life of a modern person. Most of us are more likely to spend time watching short videos than reading a good book. But is it harmful to our mental health to the extent that we have to quit using social media platforms?

To my mind, we are greatly dependent on our Instagram and TikTok accounts, and the content posted there. It certainly has a negative impact, too. However, the complete cancellation of social media is not a way out. The key to good mental condition is in the skill of managing your relations with them.

  • One of the recent surveys by the Lancet reports that Facebook users who scroll the newsfeed before sleep tend to be more depressed. Apparently, the deprivation of sleep affects mental well-being to a great extent.
  • FInancesOnline has recently posted the results of the research. According to this data, Facebook constitutes 72% of people’s FOMO and anxiety. Posts about traveling and active social life create most of these feelings.
  • At the same time, healthy rivalry can motivate development and growth. There’s a reasonable quotation saying that one should compare themselves yesterday instead of comparing to others. The best thing one can do to take care of their mental health is to take a digital detox for a while.

Thus, it is vital to trace your obsessions with social media and negative feelings caused by comparison with others on the Internet. Try to get more aware of it, take your time to rest from social media, and plunge into real life.

5 Paragraph Essay Example for 8th Grade (#3)

The Financier and American Tragedy : compare and contrast two main characters of Dreiser’s novels.

Do you know that Theodore Dreiser is sometimes called an American Fyodor Dostoevsky? Both writers touched upon the most sensitive social and existential issues. However, the subject of this paper is not the comparison of the authors but two famous Dreiser characters: Clyde Griffiths and Frank Cowperwood.

Both of these young American men were striving to reach financial and social success in a world of brutal struggle and hardships.

  • Clyde Griffiths represents the desperate strive for American Dream. Born in a poor and religious family, he grows greedy for money and status. In his blind obsession with gaining a high social position, he doesn’t notice his spiritual degradation. He is smart enough to struggle his way into high society but not so witty to solidify his standing with decent means. He cheats, lies, and finally commits a murder: Clyde seems to be already born guilty at times. On reading the story, there doesn’t appear any sympathy toward him. On the contrary, he provokes feelings of abomination and disgust.
  • Frank Cowperwood also aims to become wealthy and socially firm. He wants to improve his family’s life quality. Still, his ways and means astonish. Frank is a natural-born predator and strategist. His sophistication and sharp wit show up in him since his very childhood. He isn’t a man of high moral standards: Frank doesn’t mind cheating on his wife and manipulating city treasure money. However, he’s a passionate man, honest and open in his heart urges and impulses. That is the reason why fortune favors him.

However, having similar goals but different personalities and mindsets, Griffiths and Cowperwood reach completely different destination points.

How to Write an Essay in 8th Grade?

– You should pick up a good topic and formulate your attitude to the problem. – Write an outline. – Make a clear and brief thesis statement. – Think of at least 3 firm arguments if the essay type demands it. – Impress your readers with a firm conclusion. Voila! Do not forget to proofread!

How Long Is an Essay in 8th Grade?

The length of the 8th-grade essay slightly depends on the format and the particular type of writing. However, it varies from approximately 500 to 800 words. Within this framework, you have to make yourself clear and deliver all necessary points.

How Many Sentences Are in a Paragraph for 8th Grade?

The size of a paragraph in the 8th-grade essay has to be not less than 8 sentences in each. Besides that, mind that the sentences are primarily compound or complex, error-free, and coherent. Also, remember to connect the sentences and paragraphs with particular language means.

How to Write an Argumentative Essay in 8th Grade?

Choose an exciting and acute topic. Make up a thesis statement out of the problem. Draft an outline or a brief plan. Explore some reliable sources for the evidence and arguments for your essay. Organize the facts and information into a cohesive structure.

I’m an 8th grade student at a private school, and my teacher assigns us up to 4-6 pages most to write. First of all we get other essays on top of this, and usually have nearly to a week to finish. Me and my classmates struggle with this. Do you guys think this is too much for an average 8th grade student?

i am writin apaper right now and it is averreding and its about the changes we woud make to our cafeteria it has to be 5 paragraphs long

Thanks for stopping by at our blog. We would be happy to help you with your paper. You can be interested in some other posts on this blog (https://overnightessay.com/blog/category/essay-tips/) or contact our friendly Support Team to get professional writign help from experienced writers. Good luck with your paper! Best regards,

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8th Grade Argumentative Essay Outline

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Essay Writing BUNDLE, Informational Narrative & Argumentative Unit 6th- 8th Grade

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How To Write an Argumentative Essay Writing Workshop Common Core

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  1. 33 Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School

    Good Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas (and Free, too!) With these 33 new argumentative essay topics for middle school students, you can help your students learn more about what makes a good argument and how to evaluate and decipher so-called "evidence.". As they explore topics like the ways in which schools handle bullying and whether or not ...

  2. 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 ...

  3. 401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

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

  4. 94 Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School: Protocols, Health

    This list of excellent argumentative essay topics for middle school is sure to give your students the practice they need in getting their arguments down on paper, in a persuasive way. With a variety of topics ranging from whether or not to outlaw animal testing to debating a 3-day weekend, this curated collection will give your kiddos lots of ...

  5. 20 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

    Engaging and relevant argumentative essay topics for students in upper elementary and middle school. This list of 20 argument writing prompts is appropriate for students in 5th - 8th grades. ... Most states require students make the switch from opinion writing to argument writing in 5th or 6th grade.

  6. 101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    All Grades K-5 All Grades 6-12 PreK 6th Grade Kindergarten 7th Grade 1st Grade 8th Grade 2nd Grade 9th Grade 3rd Grade 10th Grade 4th Grade 11th Grade 5th Grade 12th Grade. ... Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice. Jump to: School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics; Life and Ethics Persuasive Essay Topics;

  7. 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

    300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing. We categorized 300 of our recent Student Opinion and Picture Prompts by topic to help students practice writing arguments about the issues ...

  8. PDF 8th Grade Argumentative Prompt: Shut Down Your Screen

    8th Grade Argument: SAGE Writing Rubric Scores Statement of Purpose/Focus and Organization 4 Evidence/Elaboration 4 Conventions/Editing 2 This essay makes a strong, concise argument and focuses exclusively on the prompt. It has a clear organizational structure, including an introduction and conclusion. The claim is stated in the

  9. 101 Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics

    Persuasive Essay and Speech Topics. Whether you are a student in need of a persuasive essay topic, or a teacher looking to assign a persuasive essay, this list of 101 persuasive essay topics is a great resource. I taxed my brain to create this huge list of persuasive essay topics relevant to today's society, but I believe it was worth the effort.

  10. Middle School Argumentative Topics: 20 Excellent Prompts

    An argumentative essay is designed to explain to your reader information about one side of an argument. It is a lot like a persuasive essay because the idea is to explain one side of an issue but the idea is to present the facts without your opinion involved. A persuasive essay would display personal opinions.

  11. 100 Interesting 8th Grade Writing Prompts

    These fun and interesting 8th-grade writing prompts will inspire older students to write longer and more in-depth work. ... These exciting prompts will help them get started writing everything from informational essays to journals, and even reluctant writers will enjoy the process. ... 8th Grade Counter-Argument Writing Prompts.

  12. 8th Grade Persuasive Writing Prompts

    8th Grade Persuasive Writing Prompts. Adam owns a Master's degree in Professional and Digital Media Writing. During his time as a graduate assistant, he developed lesson plans for upper-level ...

  13. 100 Persuasive Writing Prompts for Writers aged 8 to 18

    25 Prompts for Persuasive Writing for Older Kids. Here are 25 writing persuasive prompts for students aged 11 to 15. If you're looking for 7th grade and 8th grade writing prompts particularly, these are for you! Mobile phones should be allowed to be used in the classroom. It should be made mandatory to eat vegetables every day at school.

  14. Printable 8th Grade Argument Writing Worksheets

    Browse Printable 8th Grade Argument Writing Worksheets. Award winning educational materials designed to help kids succeed. ... Argue your stance in this argument writing prompt worksheet and rubric for middle school! 6th grade. Reading & Writing. ... Use this sixth-grade graphic organizer worksheet to plan an argumentative essay about whether ...

  15. Engaging Persuasive Writing Prompts (Free Download)

    Student-Approved Persuasive Writing Prompts. The list below (available as a free download at the end of this post) contains a variety of engaging persuasive writing prompts and topics that students will enjoy researching, debating, and writing about. As you will see, the writing topics are varied as our students are often varied in their interests.

  16. ELA G8: Writing an Argument Essay

    The prompt for the argument essay is set up to guide students toward the same position: It does make sense for Atticus to defend Tom Robinson. An answer to the contrary may show a lack of comprehension of Atticus as a character or of how best to use evidence. The goal of this essay is to teach students the basic skills involved in writing an ...

  17. 50 Argumentative Essay Prompts for Secondary ELA

    Christina. When it comes to teaching argument essays, students prefer a choice in their argumentative essay topics. That is why I filled this page with 50 argumentative essay prompts for students to choose from. By including students in the essay topic selection process, they feel more included in the process, but they will also be more engaged ...

  18. 101 Argument Essay Prompts for High School

    101 Argument Essay Prompts for High School. Teaching argument writing can be very exciting, especially if you have great argument essay prompts for your students to choose from. It provides students with an opportunity to explore interesting topics. I give my students choices when I am teaching argument writing in my classroom.

  19. Argumentative Writing Prompts 8th Grade Teaching Resources

    4.9. (13) $3.29. Google Slides™. These digital writing prompts make excellent bell-ringers or review for eighth, ninth, or tenth language arts classes. Eleven pictures and prompts are included to cover narrative, expository, and argumentative standards each—for 33 writing prompts total. The prompts are editable, but the pictures are not.

  20. 125 Winning Debate Topics for Middle School Students

    Junk food should be banned in schools. All middle school students should learn a foreign language. Single-gender schools are better for students. Math is the most important school subject. Letter grades should be abolished. Teachers should be replaced by computers. Students should be graded on their handwriting.

  21. Free Printable Argument Writing Worksheets for 8th Grade

    Explore printable Argument Writing worksheets for 8th Grade Argument Writing worksheets for Grade 8 are essential tools for teachers looking to enhance their students' reading and writing skills. These worksheets focus on developing critical thinking and analytical abilities in students, enabling them to construct well-reasoned and persuasive ...

  22. 8th Grade Essay: Examples, Topics, & Writing Tips

    ⚪: Introduction : An intro should contain something intriguing to catch your audience's attention. It's usually a hook: a starting point that makes your readers keep reading your essay. The next significant part of your introduction is the thesis statement. It's the leading thought of your paper that reveals to the reader the essay's subject matter.

  23. Argumentative Essay 8th Grade Teaching Resources

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