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101 Argument Essay Prompts for High School

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

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

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

Here are 101 Argument Essay Prompts:

Argument essay topics teens love.

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

Argument Essay Prompts About Technology

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

Argument Essay Topics about the Environment

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

Argument Essay Prompts about Entrepreneurship

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

Teaching Argument Essay: Instructional Unit

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

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

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

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

Argument Essay Topics about Animals

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

Argument Essay Prompts about Sports

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

Argument Essay Topics about School

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

Argument Essay Prompts about Teens and Politics

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

Argument Essay Topics about Vehicles

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

Argument Essay Prompts about Space and Space Exploration

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

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

Need argument essay instructional materials?

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

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50 Engaging Narrative Essay Topics for High Schoolers

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What’s Covered:

Narrative essays vs. analytical essays, how to pick the right narrative essay topic, elements of a strong narrative essay, engaging narrative essay topics for high schoolers, where to get your narrative essay edited for free.

Narrative essays are an extensive form of writing that gives readers the opportunity to follow along as a person goes through a journey or sets of experiences. Rather than providing analytic insight, narrative essays simply share a story and offer a first-person account. These essays may seem easy to write at first, but it takes a certain finesse to write a narrative essay that is interesting, cohesive, and well-researched. Whether you’re looking for a unique topic to write about, or just want some new inspiration, CollegeVine is here to help! These 50 narrative essay topics are engaging, unique and will have you writing in no time.

A narrative essay is a great way to express your personal experiences and opinions, but it is important to remember that this type of essay is different from an analytical paper. In a narrative essay, you do not need to provide background information or explain your thoughts and feelings; instead, you simply tell a story. It’s important to avoid too much telling in your writing; instead, use creative details and vivid imagery to make readers feel as if they are actually right there with you.

Where You Will Encounter Narrative Essays

This type of essay is typically encountered in high school, where students may be required to write personal statements to prepare for their Common App essay . Narrative essays are also commonly seen in AP Language and Composition. Therefore, it’s important you are aware of the style because you are bound to have a narrative essay assignment.

Of course, before you start writing, it is important to pick the right essay topic. There are many factors involved in the process of picking the perfect narrative essay topic for your story.

You should always choose a topic that you are passionate about, since writing on something you care about will make the process much easier. Not only will it be more interesting to create your paper around something that truly interests you, but it will also allow you to fully express yourself in your essay. You also want to be sure that the topic has enough material to work with. If your chosen topic is too short, you will not have enough content to write a complete paper. For example, if you are writing about your experience getting lost at the mall, make sure that you have enough information to work with to craft an engaging narrative.

The best topic for an engaging narrative essay is one that focuses on showing versus telling, has a clear structure, and provides a dialogue. These elements come together to form an engaging narrative essay. Regardless of what subject you pick, any topic may be turned into a fascinating, A+ worthy narrative using the tips below.

Show, Don’t Tell

To write a good narrative essay, it’s important to show, not tell. Instead of simply informing your audience, show them what you mean. For example, instead of saying “I was nervous,” you could say “My heart began to race and my stomach filled with butterflies.” Also make sure to use sensory details, such as sights, sounds and tastes, and include a personal reflection at the end of your narrative.

Begin with a Strong Opening Line

A good narrative essay will begin with an attention-grabbing opening line. But make sure to avoid common clichés, such as “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Instead, come up with something original and specific to you and your situation. For example: “My pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles. I mean, he even used circular note cards.” Or, “It all started the day my mom brought home a guinea pig.”

Follows a Three-Act Structure

A strong narrative essay follows the same three-act structure as other essays. But in order to make it interesting, you’ll need to come up with a creative way to break things down into sections. For example, using the guinea pig example from above, you could write the following:

Act 1 – Introduction: The day my mom brought home a guinea pig.
Act 2 – Conflict: The day I had to say goodbye to my beloved pet.
Act 3 – Conclusion: Looking back at how much I miss him now that he’s gone.

Conclude with Personal Reflection

To conclude your narrative essay, you’ll want to explain what this specific experience taught you or how you’ve changed. For example, upon realizing that her pre-calc teacher was obsessed with circles, the writer of the previous example begins to notice circular shapes everywhere. Another way to conclude your narrative essay is by touching on how this experience impacted you emotionally. For example, after losing his guinea pig, the writer explains how much he missed it.

Use Dialogue

Include a conversation in your essay to make it come alive. For example, instead of simply saying that you met a new friend, talk about how you introduced yourselves or what they were wearing when you met them.

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The following list of 50 narrative essay topics is divided into categories. This will make it easier to find a topic that fits your writing style.

1. What is a childhood song that still sticks with you today?

2. Your first day of Kindergarten

3. Talk about a time when you’re siblings looked up to you

4. Describe the best birthday party you’ve ever had

5. Talk about the best day you ever spent with a childhood friend

6. Explain your first childhood hobby

7. Describe your first halloween costume

8. A family vacation gone wrong

9. Your first family reunion

10. Describe a tradition that is unique to your family

11. Describe your family to a person who’s never met them before

12. What frustrates you most about your family

13. If you could only keep one memory of your family, what would it be and why?

14. Describe a time your family embarrassed you in public

15. The most beautiful place in the world

16. Your favorite season and why

17. If you were a part of nature, what element would you be? Why?

18. When you go outside, which of your senses are you most thankful to have?

19. Describe the first time you witnessed a tornado

20. Write a poem about your favorite season

21. Describe yourself as one of the four seasons

22. Describe a time in which you felt connected with nature

23. Describe the first time you played an instrument and how you felt

24. What major event would be much worse if music was removed, and why?

25. If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

26. What would a life without music look like?

27. If you could master one instrument, what would it be and why?

Relationships

28. What if you had never met your best friend?

29. Describe a time when you fixed a broken relationship

30. Talk about a movie that defined a relationship for you

31. Describe your first date

32. Describe the first time you made a friend

33. Describe your relationship with your parents

Self Reflection

34. Have you ever fooled someone? If so, describe what happened and how you felt about it

35. What is the worst thing you’ve done to someone else?

36. Write about the difference between how things seem and how they really are.

37. Have you ever been embarrassed in some way? If so, describe the situation and how it affected you as well as those around you

38. Have you ever witnessed something really beautiful? Describe it

39. Is your glass half empty or half full?

Overcoming Adversity

40. Have you ever been very afraid of something but tried your hardest to appear fearless? If so, describe that experience

41. When have you ever succeeded when you thought you might fail

42. What are your secret survival strategies?

43. Describe the last time you were stressed and why?

44. Describe a time when you were discriminated against

45. The most memorable class you’ve had and why

46. Your favorite study abroad memory

47. Describe your kindergarten classroom

48. Describe your first teacher

49. The first time you experienced detention

50. Your first field trip

Hopefully these topics will get you thinking about a personal experience that could make for a thoughtful and engaging narrative essay. Remember, a strong narrative essay must contain relatable details and a clear flow that keeps the reader entertained and engaged to read all the way to the end.

If you need some additional guidance on your narrative essay, use CollegeVine’s free peer review essay tool to get feedback for free!