Oooooh, you’re looking for some argumentative writing prompts?! They’re some of our favorite prompts out there!
Is it because they’re thought-provoking? Is it because we’re argumentative? It’s hard to say!
But either way, let’s get ready to ruuuuumbleeeee!
50 Argumentative Writing Prompts to Kick Us Off
Not here to learn the art of argument writing? Just looking for some argumentative essay prompts?
We understand! Here are 50 to get you going.
(Bonus: If you keep reading after this list, you’ll learn how to position your point of view on these topics in the most effective way possible!)
School & Education Argumentative Writing Prompts
- Should homework be banned in schools?
- Is it better to learn online or in a classroom?
- Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
- Are school uniforms necessary?
- Should schools start later in the morning?
- Is it important for schools to teach financial literacy?
- Should physical education be required every year?
- Should students have to do community service to graduate?
- Is it better to have year-round school or a long summer break?
- Should students be allowed to use cell phones in class?
- Should schools eliminate letter grades?
- Should art and music be required subjects?
- Should schools provide free lunch for all students?
- Should students be allowed to pick their own classes?
- Should there be more field trips in school?
Technology & Media Argumentative Essay Prompts
- Is social media more harmful than helpful to teens?
- Should video games be considered a sport?
- Is it better to read a book or watch the movie version?
- Should parents limit their children’s screen time?
- Are smartphones making people less social?
- Should schools ban social media on campus?
- Is artificial intelligence a threat or a benefit to society?
- Should online comments be anonymous?
- Is technology making us smarter or lazier?
- Should news outlets be required to report only verified facts?
Society & Ethics Argumentative Writing Prompts
- Should animal testing be banned?
- Is it ever okay to break the law?
- Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
- Should public transportation be free?
- Is climate change the most important issue facing us today?
- Should the government regulate what people eat and drink?
- Should plastic bags be banned?
- Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos?
- Should there be stricter laws for cyberbullying?
- Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
Personal & Family Argumentative Essay Prompts
- Should kids get paid for doing chores?
- Is it better to be an only child or have siblings?
- Should parents be allowed to track their children’s location?
- Is it better to save money or spend it?
- Should teens have curfews?
- Is it better to have a few close friends or many friends?
- Should children be allowed to have pets?
- Should parents be responsible for their children’s bad behavior?
- Is it important to eat meals together as a family?
- Should kids be allowed to watch PG-13 movies?
Culture & Lifestyle Argumentative Writing Prompts
- Should athletes and celebrities be considered role models?
- Is it better to live in the city or the country?
- Should uniforms be required for all jobs?
- Is it better to travel or stay at home during vacations?
- Should people be required to learn a second language?
These argumentative essay prompts cover a wide variety of interesting argumentative essay topics and are designed to spark thoughtful discussion and persuasive writing!
What Is Argumentative Writing?
Alright…back to business!
Argumentative writing is about stating a clear position on a topic and backing it up with evidence. You use reasons, facts, and examples to show why your point of view is the strongest, while also examining different viewpoints and addressing them logically.
Defining an Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay prompts you to choose a side on an issue, explain the reasons for your point of view, and support them using facts and examples. You’re expected to research and explore both sides of the topic before making your case.
In an argumentative essay, strong evidence is key.
You have to gather evidence like facts, statistics, quotes, and real-life examples to convince readers that your stance is the most reasonable. Listing your opinions isn’t enough—you have to provide solid proof.
A strong argumentative essay centers around a clear thesis statement and includes at least one paragraph that addresses counterclaims. This shows your readers that you’ve fairly considered different viewpoints and aren’t just ignoring evidence that disagrees with your opinions.
How Argumentative Writing Differs from a Persuasive Essay
This sounds a lot like a persuasive essay, right? It’s common to confuse an argument essay with a persuasive essay, but there are a few key differences.
Persuasive essays rely more on emotional appeal and personal opinions. They encourage the reader to agree with your feelings.
Argumentative writing, on the other hand, focuses on logic, proof, and research. You’re not just trying to change the reader’s mind—you’re explaining to them the reasons behind your position, supported by credible evidence.
While both styles ask you to choose a side, a strong argumentative essay requires you to address the other side’s point of view and arguments. You must acknowledge possible objections and provide strong evidence to rebut them, making your essay more balanced and convincing.
Key Elements of Logical Arguments
To create logical arguments, you’ll want to include these main elements:
- Claim: What you believe about the topic (your thesis statement).
- Strong Evidence: Facts, statistics, and examples that support your claim.
- Warrant: The explanation of how your evidence supports your claim.
- Counterclaim: Recognizing an opposing view.
- Rebuttal: Your response to the counterclaim.
Logical arguments should also demonstrate clear organization.
Each paragraph should focus on a single point, making it easy for readers to follow. You’ll also want to use clear transitions between ideas so the writing flows smoothly.
Using these elements will help you create a strong argumentative essay with logical reasoning, credible evidence, and respect for different viewpoints.
Effective Argumentative Writing Topic Selection
Picking the right topic means more than just choosing what’s most popular. Let’s talk about why it’s a good idea to focus on the subject, consider the prompt’s features, and think about how current events can make your writing more meaningful.
Features of a Good Argumentative Prompt
A strong argumentative writing prompt is clear and specific.
It asks a question or makes a statement that has more than one (truly) reasonable side. The prompt should excite you to provide facts, examples, and your own reasoning right off the bat.
The best argumentative writing prompts won’t just ask for your point of view, but will challenge you to think deeper about a particular subject. For example, “Should schools require students to wear uniforms?” allows you to weigh the pros and cons.
If the prompt is too broad or vague, you’ll find it challenging to write a focused argument essay.
Look for these features:
- Clear language
- Room for debate
- Relevance to real life
- Encourages critical thinking
Writing is easier when argumentative essay prompts give you direction and allow you to build a strong argument using strong evidence and examples.
How to Select the Right Topic
Choosing the right topic starts with what interests you, since if you care about the subject, your argument writing will sound more convincing.
List a few possible subjects before deciding. For example, you might choose from topics like “Is homework necessary for learning?” or “Should plastic bags be banned?”
Avoid topics that are either too simple or too complex — they can make it tough to build a clear argument. The right topic will also match your grade level and allow for well-researched facts.
Using Current Events and Hot Topics
Current events can make your argumentative essay more interesting and relevant.
Hot topics are things people are already talking about, such as climate change, new technology, or school policies. Readers may connect more with your essay if you use recent news or trends.
For example, consider prompts such as “Should social media be regulated?” or “Is remote learning better than classroom learning?” These topics allow you to use up-to-date examples to support your point of view.
It’s helpful to pick subjects you can research easily, with news stories or articles available for credible evidence. Using current and relevant topics makes your writing stand out and feel connected to the real world.
Grade-Level Considerations for Argumentative Prompts
Students at different grade levels need writing prompts that reflect their abilities, interests, and different viewpoints. Choosing the right prompt can help you think more deeply and make strong, clear arguments in your writing.
Prompts for Elementary Students
Younger students like those in 2nd grade or 3rd grade do better with simple, relatable topics.
It’s a good idea to use words like “should” or “do you think” to help kickstart critical thinking. For example, “Should students have recess every day?” or “Do you think pets should be allowed in school?”
These kinds of topics encourage elementary students to use personal opinions and basic facts, as well as practice sharing their point of view.
Good prompts for younger students:
- Use familiar situations from daily life
- Avoid complex social or political issues
- Encourage giving reasons and examples
At this age, you’re just beginning to explain your ideas with full sentences. Clear guidance and structure in prompts help you focus and develop your thoughts in writing.
Here are 20 argumentative writing prompts perfect for 2nd grade, 3rd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade students:
- Should students have homework every night?
- Is it better to read books or watch TV?
- Should pets be allowed in school?
- Is it more fun to play inside or outside?
- Should school lunch be pizza every day?
- Is it better to be the oldest or youngest in your family?
- Should kids have to wear uniforms to school?
- Is summer or winter the best season?
- Should kids be allowed to pick their own bedtime?
- Is it more important to be smart or kind?
- Should every classroom have a class pet?
- Are cats or dogs better pets?
- Should recess be longer?
- Is it better to have one best friend or many friends?
- Should you clean your room every day?
- Is it better to eat breakfast or skip it?
- Should video games be allowed during the school week?
- Is it better to travel by car or by bike?
- Should birthday parties be at home or somewhere else?
- Is it better to share or keep things to yourself?
These prompts encourage young students to form an opinion and support it with reasons, perfect for practicing argumentative writing!
Prompts for Middle School Students
By the time you reach 6th grade, 7th grade, or 8th grade, prompts can start to include more challenging subjects. At this level, you’re expected to support your opinions with facts and examples, so prompts like “Should schools give homework over weekends?” or “Is it better to work alone or in a group?” work well.
Middle school prompts often let you discuss everyday school issues, technology use, or friendships. You might also be asked to take a side on more controversial topics in a safe classroom setting.
Here are 20 argumentative writing prompts well-suited for middle school students, including 6th grade, 7th grade, and 8th grade:
- Should school start later in the morning?
- Is homework helpful or harmful to students?
- Should students be allowed to use cell phones in class?
- Is it better to have year-round school or a long summer break?
- Should junk food be banned in school cafeterias?
- Do video games have a negative effect on children?
- Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
- Is social media good or bad for teens?
- Should schools eliminate grades and use written feedback instead?
- Is it better to work in a group or alone on school projects?
- Should animals be kept in zoos?
- Should students have to participate in physical education classes?
- Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
- Is it better to read the book or watch the movie first?
- Should students be allowed to choose their own classes?
- Are single-gender schools better than co-ed schools?
- Should students be responsible for cleaning their school?
- Should sports be required in middle school?
- Is it fair to have a dress code at school?
- Should students grade their teachers?
- How much screen time is too much?
These prompts encourage middle schoolers to think critically, develop their opinions, and support their arguments with well-researched facts and examples. They also allow them to practice using strong evidence and logic in their writing.
Prompts for Secondary Students
When you’re in high school, you’re ready for prompts that deal with civic issues, history, ethics, or even current events. You’re less concerned about getting good grades (though those are still important!) and more focused on making a positive impact on the world.
These prompts often expect you to include research, multiple viewpoints, and more formal writing. Common topics might include “Is a college education worth the cost?” or “Should voting be mandatory?”
You may encounter prompts about politics, school policy, social media, or global issues. Practicing with these types of questions can help you improve your reasoning and writing skills.
As you advance, your writing will become more structured and persuasive, preparing you for academic and real-world arguments to better defend your point of view.
Here are 20 argumentative writing prompts for high school students from 9th grade up:
- Should college education be free for everyone?
- Is social media more harmful than beneficial to teenagers?
- Should voting be mandatory?
- Are standardized tests an effective way to measure student achievement?
- Should schools require students to wear uniforms?
- Is climate change the most important issue facing today’s youth?
- Should animal testing be banned?
- Are smartphones making people less social?
- Should high school students have part-time jobs?
- Is it ethical to use artificial intelligence in daily life?
- Should the driving age be raised to 18?
- Is a gap year after high school a good idea?
- Should schools offer classes in financial literacy?
- Is censorship ever justified in art or literature?
- Should high school athletes be paid?
- Are curfews for teenagers effective or necessary?
- Should the government regulate what people eat and drink?
- Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
- Should student loan debt be forgiven?
- Is it important for schools to teach about mental health?
These prompts encourage high schoolers to think deeply, consider multiple perspectives, and support their arguments with evidence.
Designing Strong Argumentative Prompts
Want to design some argumentative essay prompts of your own? Even better!
The best argumentative prompts help writers express their point of view clearly and support their ideas with real-world examples. They push writers to analyze issues like social studies topics, national security, public schools, and the best use of cell phones.
Encouraging Different Viewpoints
A strong argumentative prompt lets you explore more than one side of an issue. This means you can pick a position and explain why you agree or disagree, using well-researched facts to back up your ideas.
Good prompts might ask, “Should cell phones be allowed in public schools?” This format allows you to use personal experiences or evidence from research…or (hopefully) both!
You might look at how they help with safety or how they can distract students.
When you create or choose prompts, it’s a good idea to land on issues that don’t have easy answers. Topics like national security or gender and relationships offer a great way to open up discussions between vastly different viewpoints.
Promoting Critical Thinking
Effective argumentative prompts push you to look deeper than your initial thoughts. They encourage you to use facts, examples, reasoning, and even counterclaims.
For instance, a prompt on social studies might ask you to discuss if countries should give up some personal freedoms for national security. This kind of question makes you research, compare, and think about what you value most.
One great way to practice critical thinking is to make a table listing the pros and cons of each side before you write your essay.
For example:
| Issue | Pros of Position A | Pros of Position B |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Phones in Schools | Emergency use, quick access | Distraction in class, cheating |
| National Security vs. Freedom | Safety, peace of mind | Personal rights, privacy |
Prompts that ask you to defend your point but consider the opposite side help you build your argument. This strengthens your essay and helps you to better understand complex topics.
Supporting the Argumentative Writing Process
Getting better at argumentative writing is easier when you use tools like graphic organizers, locate and organize helpful research, and understand each step in the writing process.
Using Graphic Organizers and Planning Tools
Graphic organizers offer a great way to plan out your argument before you start writing. Tools like Venn diagrams, T-charts, and flowcharts help you lay out your main ideas and supporting details.
Using graphic organizers keeps your points clear and helps you organize counterclaims next to your own arguments. This makes it easier to make sure you address different views, which is important for a strong essay.
Other planning tools can also help you follow the writing process with a step-by-step approach.
For example, you can outline your introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. This structure reflects what many teachers want to see and fits well with common core writing standards.
Incorporating Research and Evidence
Research papers depend on strong facts from reliable sources.
You need to search for current information, statistics, or expert quotes that support your claims. The more specific and up-to-date your evidence is, the stronger your essay will be.
Take notes as you work on research papers and keep track of where your information comes from. One great way to do this is to write down important facts and examples in a simple table or list.
When you add research and evidence, remember to explain why each piece of information matters. Don’t just put in facts—show how they support your side.
Good evidence can persuade readers who might not already agree with you.
Steps in Writing an Effective Argumentative Essay
Writing a strong argumentative essay is easiest (and most effective) when you follow a series of steps in your writing process. Plus, depending on your teacher, sometimes good grades will depend on your writing process and essay structure.
First, you need to choose a clear topic and decide what side you’re on. Next, make a short outline of your main claim and three or four supporting points.
Then, it’s time to write an introduction with a hook to grab the reader’s attention and a sentence that clearly states your claim. Each body paragraph that follows should start with a topic sentence, followed by evidence and your explanation.
Don’t forget to add at least one paragraph showing and responding to the other side’s viewpoint. Finish your essay with a conclusion that restates your claim and sums up your strongest points.
Going step by step gives your writing clear direction and helps you stay focused on your argument.
Did these argumentative writing prompts and tips get you fired up?!
Do you have any favorite argumentative writing prompts that we missed? Be sure to share in the comments.
And friends…happy arguing!
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