Debate Topics

Need to write an argumentative essay? Preparing for an upcoming debate? ProCon.org has over 100 topics complete with pro and con arguments, quotes and statistics from experts, historical information, and other pertinent research.

Abortion – Should abortion be legal?

Alternative Energy – Can alternative energy effectively replace fossil fuels?

American Socialism – Should the U.S. become socialist?

Animal Dissection – Should K-12 students dissect animals in science classrooms?

Animal Testing – Should animals be used for scientific or commercial testing?

Artificial Intelligence – Is artificial intelligence good for society?

Banned Books – Should parents or other adults be able to ban books from schools and libraries?

Binge-Watching – Is binge-watching good for you?

Bottled Water Ban – Should bottled water be banned?

Cancel Culture – Is cancel culture (or callout culture) good for society?

CBD for Pets – Is CBD good for pets?

Cell Phone Radiation – Is cell phone radiation safe?

Cheerleading – Is cheerleading a sport?

Churches & Taxes – Should churches (including mosques, synagogues, etc.) remain tax-exempt?

College Education – Is a college education worth it?

Congressional Term Limits  – Should term limits be imposed on U.S. Senators and Representatives?

Constitutional Carry of Handguns – Should permitless, “constitutional carry” of guns be legal?

Corporal Punishment – Should corporal punishment be used in K-12 schools?

Corporate Tax Rate – Should the federal corporate income tax rate be raised?

Cuba Embargo – Should the United States maintain its embargo against Cuba?

DACA & Dreamers – Are DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and the DREAM Act good for America?

Daylight Saving Time – Should the United States keep daylight saving time?

DC AND Puerto Rico Statehood – Should Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico be granted U.S. statehood?

Death Penalty – Should the death penalty be legal?

Defund the Police – Should police departments be defunded, if not abolished?

Dress Codes – Should dress codes be implemented and enforced?

Drinking Age – Should the drinking age be lowered from 21 to a younger age?

Drone Strikes – Should the United States continue its use of drone strikes abroad?

Drug Use in Sports – Should performance-enhancing drugs be accepted in sports?

Election Day National Holiday – Should the election day be made a national holiday?

Electoral College – Should the United States use the electoral college in presidential elections?

Employer Vaccine Mandates – Should employers be able to mandate vaccinations?

Felon Voting – Should people who have completed felony sentences be allowed to vote?

Fighting in Hockey – Should fighting be allowed in hockey?

Filibuster – Should the U.S. Senate keep the filibuster?

Fracking – Should the United States continue fracking

Free College – Should public college be tuition-free?

Fur Clothing Bans – Should fur clothing be banned?

GMOS – Should genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be grown?

Gold Standard – Should the United States return to a gold standard?

Golf – Is golf a sport and are golfers athletes?

Gun Control – Should more gun control laws be enacted?

Historic Statue Removal – Should historic statues be taken down?

Homework – Is homework beneficial?

Illegal Immigration – Should the U.S. government provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants?

Internet – Is the internet “making us stupid?”

Kneeling during the National Anthem – Is kneeling during the national anthem an appropriate form of protest?

Mandatory National Service – Should the United States have mandatory national service?

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) – Should medical aid in dying be legal?

Medical Marijuana – Should medical marijuana be legal?

Milk – Should humans consume dairy milk?

Minimum Wage – Should the federal minimum wage be increased?

Net Neutrality – Should the U.S. have net neutrality laws?

Obesity – Is obesity a disease?

Olympics – Are the Olympic games an overall benefit for their host countries and cities?

OTC Birth Control Pills – Should birth control pills be available over-the-counter (OTC)?

Penny – Should the penny stay in circulation?

Pit Bull Bans – Should breed-specific legislation (“pit bull bans”) be enacted?

Pokémon – Is Pokémon Go good for our society?

Police Body Cameras – Should police officers wear body cameras?

Prescription Drug Costs – Should the U.S. federal government regulate prescription drug prices?

Presidential Election, 2024 – 2024 Presidential Election Site

Private Prisons – Should prisons be privatized?

Recreational Marijuana – Should recreational marijuana be legal?

Reparations for Slavery – Should the federal government pay reparations to the descendants of slaves?

Right to Healthcare – Should all Americans have the right (be entitled) to health care?

Sanctuary Cities – Should sanctuary cities receive federal funding?

Santa Claus – Is there really a Santa Claus?

Saturday Halloween – Should Halloween be moved permanently to Saturday?

School Uniforms – Should students have to wear school uniforms?

Social Media & Digital Addiction – Does social media spur digital addiction and other social ills?

Social Security Privatization – Should social security be privatized?

Space Colonization – Should humans colonize space?

Standardized Tests – Do standardized tests improve education in America?

Student Loan Debt – Should student loan debt be eliminated via forgiveness or bankruptcy?

TikTok Bans – Should TikTok be banned?

Uber & Lyft – Are ride-sharing companies a benefit to society?

Universal Basic Income (UBI) – Should the United States implement a universal basic income?

U.S. Supreme Court Packing – Should packing the U.S. Supreme Court ever be considered?

Vaccines for Kids – Should states be allowed to mandate vaccines for school attendance??

Vaping E-Cigarettes – Is vaping e-cigarettes safe?

Vegetarianism – Should people become vegetarian?

Video Games & Violence – Do violent video games contribute to youth violence?

Voting Age – Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

Voting Machines – Are electronic voting machines the best method for voting?

Zoos – Should zoos exist?

Archived Topics

Please note that ProCon no longer updates these debates.

ACLU – Is the ACLU good for America?

Big Three Bailout – Should the big three car manufacturers be bailed out by the U.S. government?

Born Gay – Is sexual orientation determined at birth?

Climate Change – Is human activity primarily responsible for global climate change?

College Football Playoffs – Should college football replace the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) with a playoff system?

Dakota Access Pipeline – Should the Dakota Access Pipeline be completed?

D.A.R.E. – Is the D.A.R.E. program good for America’s kids (K-12)?

Gay Marriage – Should gay marriage be legal?

Congressional Insider Trading – Should insider trading by Congress be allowed?

Israeli-Palestinian Conflict – What are the solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?

Obamacare – Is the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) good for America?

Paying College Athletes – Should colleges and universities pay college athletes?

President Bill Clinton – Was Bill Clinton a good president?

President Ronald Reagan – Was Ronald Reagan a good president?

Presidential Election, 2008 – Which candidate would make the best U.S. president?

Presidential Election, 2012 – Which candidate should be U.S. president in 2012?

Presidential Election, 2016 – The candidates and where they stand on the issues

Presidential Election, 2020 – 2020 Presidential Election Site

Prostitution – Should prostitution be legal?

School Vouchers – Should states have school voucher programs?

Tablets v. Textbooks -Should tablets replace textbooks in K-12 schools?

Teacher Tenure – Should teachers get tenure?

Under God in the Pledge – Should the words “under god” be in the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance?

U.S. Drone Shot down by Iran – Was the U.S. drone shot down by Iran over international waters?

U.S.-Iraq War – Should the U.S. have attacked Iraq?

WTC Muslim Center – Is it appropriate to build a muslim community center (aka the ”ground zero mosque”) near the World Trade Center site?

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Natalie Leppard Managing Editor [email protected]

© 2023 Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc. All rights reserved

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100 Engaging Controversial Essay Topics

When students are asked to write an argumentative paper, they start with looking for controversial argumentative essay topics. It’s a good decision: if you succeed in finding something great to write about, you stand more chances at getting a satisfying grade. But despite knowing this, making a choice is not easy. For one thing, you should have a clear idea of what a controversial essay even is. It is a genre of writing where you present an opinion others could dispute and prove its validity as well as accuracy. In other words, you pick a subject that causes arguments among society members, voice your point of view, and work hard to prove it by relying on scientific evidence.

In the long run, you’ll benefit from completing a fair number of similar essays: you’ll understand what it takes to participate in debates and how to defend your position. The choice of topic is tough since while there are many potentially interesting things to discuss, only some of them will be to your liking, and even fewer will be something you understand well enough to argue about. We’ll be glad to show you how to approach the choosing process and how to settle on the best theme possible.

How to Pick Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics for College

At times, students are given a list from which they should pick their essay topics. This is a frustrating experience since they don’t get a right to really choose the topic they like. But fortunately, it doesn’t happen often, so if you are studying at college, you can expect to be given a free reign. Four tips below will show you how to go about picking an essay topic for a controversial paper.

  • Go through things you find engaging.  Good controversial topics for essays are the ones that evoke some intense feelings in you. They could be positive or negative, but in any way, they should be something that makes you want to speak up. Recall the arguments you had online or with your friends and family recently. Maybe you saw something in the news and got angry? Did you read an article that got you passionate about the discussed topic? It could be anything, so think carefully.
  • Play a choosing game.  If you have some essay ideas in mind but cannot settle on any of them, try a choosing game. This could also work in case you haven’t decided on anything at all yet. Pick a place, sit there, and note down everything you see or hear. Assign numbers to these things, and then ask a friend to choose one. Such an approach is fun, and it’s an easy way to arrive at a decision regarding your topic.
  • Check sources.  When preparing for essay tasks, your first question should be, what are some controversial topics to write about? The second question should concern sources. Whatever subject you selected, it should be supported by credible resources that are peer-reviewed and have a DOI. Having an opposing position could be great, but if you are the only person who shares it, it’ll create some difficulties. Academic essays should be supported with some evidence, so your analysis cannot be performed merely based on your opinions. If you cannot locate trustworthy sources, better choose another topic.
  • Discuss with the supervisor.  Once you made a decision, consult with your professor. They could give you valuable advice or warn you against some topics. If you are moving in the wrong direction, they will let you know in advance so that you wouldn’t waste your time for no reason.

100 Top Controversial Topics to Write About

There are many classical ways of choosing between topics on debatable issues, but with the evolution of the Internet, things have become much easier. You can search for online lists with suggestions, and they’ll give you the inspiration you need. We prepared this kind of list just below. There are ten popular topic categories there, with ten diverse themes in each. Take whichever you like best!

Controversial Essay Ideas on Education

Here are some traditional controversial argument topics related to education. All students will likely find them relatable!

  • Education Gained in the US Has Lost Its Prestige
  • The Importance of Doing Homework Diligently Is Overestimated
  • Education Has become Redundant Today Because You Can Find a Job Anyway
  • Governments & Universities Should Pay Full Tuition For All Their Students
  • Physical Punishments for Children and Animals Should Be Made a Crime
  • Minors Should Have the Right for Purchasing Condoms
  • Children Should Be Taught About Different Kinds of Sexuality From Early Age
  • Parents Should Never Supervise Their Children’s Online Actions
  • No Student Should Ever Be Expelled From Educational Establishments
  • Competitions Among Students Encourage Hurt and Feeling of Inadequacy

Controversial Essay Prompts on Technology

Technological progress has changed our lives to a profound extent. These controversial persuasive essay topics reflect this.

  • iPhone Is an Uncomfortable and Highly Overrated Phone
  • Cloning Must Be Provided for Acceptable Prices to Grieving Families
  • Drones Could Be Used for Turning Wars into Soldier-less Fights
  • Wi-Fi Has Many Serious Drawbacks & Should Be Used with Care
  • Youth Depend on Technology Too Much & Become Helpless in the Process
  • No One Should Be Punished for Saying Anything Online
  • GPS Poses Serious Threats to Privacy & Safety
  • Most Surveillance Cameras Should Have Better Level of Quality
  • Internet Helped Queer Community Meet New People
  • Cancer Rates Have Increased Due to Technological Developments

Controversial Topics for Philosophy Essay

Philosophy is a dreamy but also precise science, so you could find some good controversial topics to write about here.

  • Some Universal Truths Are Actually Falsehoods
  • We Underestimate Philosophy Because We’re Scared of Its Truth
  • Existentialism Is Caused By Flawed Social Expectations
  • Feminism Has Turned Into a Movement of Violence & Bigotry
  • Some Problems Do Not Have Any Resolution
  • Not All Mysteries Should Be Solved by Humans
  • Every Person Should Be Allowed to Rebel Against Government
  • Being Loved Is More Important Than Loving
  • Emotions Could Be Hindrance to Having Successful Life
  • Animals Do Not Differ From Human Beings In Any Relevant Aspects

Controversial Essays Ideas About Environment

Environment is a sphere that always fuels fierce debates. There is a big number of great controversial arguments topics here.

  • Humans Should Be Forbidden to Eat Animals
  • Recycling Must Be an Obligatory Part Of Every Person’s Life
  • No Country Could Be Allowed to Have Nuclear Weapon
  • People Who Actively Work to Protect Environment Should Receive Money For It
  • Companies Who Break Environmental Laws Should Be Stopped from Operating
  • Current Air Quality in Big Cities Is Unacceptably Bad & This Issue Must Be Resolved
  • Alternative Fuels In Their Current State Are Not Effective
  • Deserts Should Be Forcefully Turned Green Areas
  • Global Warming Is More Dangerous Than We Believe
  • Preventing Pollution Under Current Conditions Is Not Realistic

Science, Biology, and Health Topics

When writing controversial topics essay, these days, scientific and medical spheres are definitely among the most popular ones.

  • Assisted Suicide Must Be Officially Permitted in All Countries
  • Deadliness of COVID Is Overstated
  • Food Created With Science Is More Useful Than Natural Food
  • Some Illnesses Will Never Be Cured
  • People Producing & Selling Alcoholic Beverages Must Be Imprisoned
  • Biology Should Be Taught in All Schools From the First Year
  • Eugenics Should Not Exist for Perfecting People
  • GMO Is Not As Dangerous as We’re Led to Believe
  • Fish Can Feel Emotional Attachment to Their Owners
  • Science Is Not as Precise as We Think

Religious environment is relevant for many people, so it has plenty of controversial argumentative essay ideas.

  • The Fact of Life Existing After Death Could Be Proven Scientifically
  • Idea of Humans Evolving From Animals Is Not Sustainable
  • Religion Kills More People Than It Saves
  • Bible Has Been Written by Multiple Individuals
  • People Should Be Allowed to Pray to Whichever God They Believe In
  • Religion Is Not Based on Science
  • Faith Is the Most Important Part of Life
  • Violence Promoted by Religions Should Partly Discredit Them
  • Words of Prayers Do Not Matter: Only Feelings Behind Them Do
  • Stereotypes About Religions Unleash Violence Among People

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Controversial Essays Topics for Law and Politics

Controversial writing topics about justice and politics never end, considering how passionate everyone feels about them. Everyone wants the best for their country, so why not explore ways of achieving this in an essay?

  • Death Penalty In Its Present Form Is Useless
  • Death Penalty Is a Useful Method of Fight Against Human Monsters
  • Multiculturalism Fuels Tolerance in the Society
  • American Women Have Equal Opportunities with Men
  • Electronic Voting Is Ineffective: Too Much Cheating
  • Gun Control Is Not as Relevant as It Is Presented
  • Free Journalism No Longer Exists
  • Racist Allegations Are Often Exaggerated
  • Hate Crimes Should Automatically Receive Death Penalty
  • Presidents Who Allow Wars to Break Out Must Be Removed from Power

Current Events

The world is constantly undergoing changes, so unique controversial essay topics about it are in perpetual supply.

  • Amount of Taxes People Pay Does Not Correspond to Benefits They Get
  • Concept of Fashion Is Invented Solely by People
  • Trump Should Have Never Been a President in US
  • Trump Brought Positive Changes to Some Parts of the World
  • World Has Become Too Demanding & Unfair to Still Live in It
  • Mental Health Therapy Should Receive Additional Funding Due to COVID Impacts
  • Quarantine Measures Should Be the Same in All Parts of the World
  • People Should Be More Caring In These Difficult Times
  • Food Should Be Made Free During COVID
  • Rich & Poor People Should Be Treated in Equal Conditions

Prompts on Entertainment

How about some fun and easy controversial topics about things that work as distractions from everyday worries?

  • Violent Games Do Not Affect People Playing Them Negatively
  • Modern Ads Could Be a Form of Art
  • Fiction Is the Best Way to Distract Yourself From Troubles
  • Media Should Be Regulated More Strictly
  • Having Fun Is Essential for Mental Health
  • Modern Entertainments Are Dangerous & Should Be Modified
  • Nobody Falls In Love at the First Sight
  • Entertainment Is Not to Blame For People Becoming Addicted
  • Reality Shows Create Impossible Expectations
  • Home Alone Is Still an Excellent Movie

Controversial Essay Ideas For College Students

College essays are more complex than those in high school, but they are also easier than those at universities. If you are a college student, take a look at these good controversial essay topics.

  • Teenagers Should Be Allowed to Work Whenever They Want
  • Teens Should Not Be the Ones Paying for Their Education
  • College Students Do Not Need Cars Because They Are Not Prepared to Drive Them
  • Internet Addiction Is a Myth in Most Cases
  • Students Should Not Expect That They Will Find Love in College
  • Gender Expectations Among Students Are Not Equal
  • Serving the Military Is Romanticized to a Dangerous Degree
  • Sororities and Fraternities Must Be Forbidden in the US
  • Polygamy Is Vastly Misunderstood in Modern Society
  • Love is Portrayed in Harmful Ways in Fiction

Controversial Essay Topic Ideas to Transform Your Writing

As you can see, topics are vital. You should pay extra attention when choosing them because your final success depends on it. Take your time and think carefully. In case nothing comes to your mind right away, try utilizing the tips we offered above. Still, we understand that writing is a tricky process that could be frustratingly difficult. If you have any questions, contact our support team via our website. They’ll be happy to help you with your problems! Whether you’d like us to guide you or write an essay in its entirety, we can do that. Drop a message and tell us what needs to be done. Your unique controversial essay on an original topic will be delivered on time.

Can’t come up with a topic for you paper? We’ve prepared a collection of essay topics for you

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205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate

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Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

controversial speech topics

Do you think social media platforms should censor politicians? No matter how important you feel this issue is relative to other issues of the day, you’re likely to have an opinion one way or the other. Why? Because it’s a controversial matter, and it immediately pushes some buttons in our brains.

What makes issues like this so engaging?

Controversial topics have two features that almost instantly grab people’s attention. On one side, they are both simple and familiar, and so are understandable without any effort. On the other side, they touch on sensitive matters that society as a whole has not yet come to terms with. This makes them tickle our inherent desire for closure. We want to make up our minds once and for all!

So if you’re looking for such a topic for your essay, speech, or debate, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve compiled a list of hundreds of controversial issues organized by subject matter (You can visit our page on how to write a persuasive controversial essay if you want to improve your base skills). Whether you’re trying to come up with a topic for your science, psychology, history class – or nearly any other topic! – you’re sure to find an issue below that will keep your audience engaged, and even stir up some discussion.

In this article:

Political Debate Topics

Controversial criminal justice topics, controversial religious topics, controversial topics for teens, controversial science topics, controversial sports topics, controversial food topics, controversial nutrition topics, controversial animal topics, controversial topics in psychology, controversial relationship topics, controversial medical topics, controversial topics in nursing, controversial topics in biology, music controversial topics, controversial art topics, controversial history topics, funny controversial topics, what are the pros and cons of controversial topics.

As mentioned earlier, picking a controversial topic almost guarantees that you’ll command your audience’s attention. But such issues have downsides too. We go over the advantages and disadvantages of hot-button issues to help you make the right choice for your essay, speech, or debate.

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  • Immediately engaging – Your readers or listeners are unlikely to doze off.
  • Easy to find information on – You won’t have to look far to find credible information on controversial issues.
  • Likely to keep you absorbed while researching – What’s interesting for your audience will probably keep boredom at bay for you too.
  • Too sensitive for some people – These issues often have a strong emotional charge and may even be taboo for some, causing awkward situations.
  • Hard to review all points – A huge debate has probably been raging on such topics, so it’s not so easy to cover all your bases and appear knowledgeable on the issue at hand.
  • Hard to wrap up – These matters are controversial for a reason. It may be hard to come to a satisfactory conclusion, whether you’re presenting or debating.

Interesting Controversial Topics by Field

Below, we’ve compiled a catalog of fascinating controversial topics by field. Keep in mind that many of these spill over from one category to another, so there is some overlap. Is climate change a political or scientific issue? There’s a controversial question for you!

Controversy is where politics are born. There’s usually some point of disagreement about any matter related to public affairs – that’s why a politician’s main job is to debate and come to an agreement (ideally) on how to handle these issues. Or, as political scientist Harold Lasswell put it succinctly, politics is, “Who gets what, when, how.”

So political issues are controversial by definition. We’ve worked hard to provide you with the longest, most comprehensive list you’ll find anywhere, and any of these topics may be instantly captivating.

  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Should there be a minimum wage?
  • Should the government intervene in the free market?
  • Should the US government intervene in foreign affairs?
  • Should there be term limits for US senators?
  • Should the Electoral College be abolished in the US?
  • Are there exceptions to the freedom of speech?
  • Should hate speech be banned?
  • Should the government ensure the protection of privacy?
  • Is the gender pay gap real?
  • Does institutional racism exist in the US?
  • Is affirmative action helping or hurting?
  • Is immigration helping or hurting the US?
  • Should all illicit drugs be legalized?
  • Should prostitution be legalized?
  • Should abortion be banned?
  • Should there be stricter gun control laws?
  • Should automatic weapons be banned?
  • Should military service be mandatory?
  • Should water be a commodity or a human right?
  • Should the government forgive all student debt?

Is justice being served? Few things get under people’s skin as much as perceived injustices. We are more or less programmed to seek fairness both for ourselves and for others. That’s why, similar to political topics, criminal justice issues are naturally engaging.

Appropriate punishment is salient now especially in the US after years of debates and protests related to the killings of minorities like George Floyd, Michael Brown, and Tamir Rice. More recently, the storming of the US Capitol, the role the President’s words had in inciting the perpetrators, and how liable they are when following their President’s words, are also hot-button issues. It’s hard to go wrong with a criminal justice topic.

  • Is the death penalty ethical?
  • Should people be jailed for drug-related offenses?
  • Should police officers be charged for inappropriate use of force?
  • Why are minorities disproportionately represented in the US prison population?
  • Why does the US have the largest prison population in the world?
  • Should mentally unstable people be charged with crimes?
  • Should underage repeat offenders be tried as adults?
  • Should there be more than 12 jurors in a jury?
  • Should felons be allowed to vote?

Religion is a sensitive issue everywhere. Since it often concerns people’s innermost beliefs and principles, it’s not difficult to capture your audience’s attention with a religious topic. But beware that it’s also very easy to offend someone if you’re not careful.

Take religious freedom, for example – a concept interpreted in very different ways by different people. When in 2012 a Christian baker in Colorado refused to bake a wedding cake for a gay couple, was he exercising his religious freedom or discriminating against LGBTQ people?

  • Is atheism a religion?
  • Does religion do more harm than good?
  • Should creationism be taught in schools?
  • Should there be religious education in schools?
  • Should religious symbols be banned from schools?
  • Should schools’ curriculums consider religious points of view?
  • Should public prayer be allowed in schools?
  • Should religious institutions pay taxes?
  • Are most religions inherently sexist?
  • Is Buddhism more peaceful than other religions?

The teenage years are a transition period between childhood and adulthood, which causes a natural struggle between treating teens as children or adults. Can we hold teenagers accountable for crimes they committed? Or should their parents be responsible? Issues like this make a lively debate inevitable.

  • Should we lower the voting age to 16?
  • Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
  • At what age should teens be allowed to date?
  • At what age is it appropriate for teens to have sex?
  • Should sex education be mandatory in school?
  • Should teenage pregnancies be terminated?
  • Should teens have access to birth control?
  • Is cyberbullying as bad as real-life bullying?
  • Is peer pressure good or bad?
  • Does social media cause an increase in teenage suicide?
  • Are beauty pageants harmful to teenagers’ self-esteem?
  • Should teens be allowed to keep secrets from parents?
  • Should energy drinks be banned for teenagers?
  • Should mobile devices be banned at school?
  • Is the school grading system effective?
  • Should school uniforms be mandatory?
  • Should teens be allowed to get tattoos?
  • Should vaping be prohibited for teens?

Are you looking for more controversial topics for teens? Check out our other article where you can find 170+ controversial debate topics for teens , as well as the dos and don’ts when debating controversial topics.

Science has a very specific way of addressing controversies – by looking at evidence. When scientists disagree on something, they have to back their views with data and logical arguments. But scientific questions are often taken outside the realm of the experts and turn into social, political, or economic issues.

That’s why it’s important to be familiar with the concept of false equivalence – a fallacy in which a flawed or misleading argument is presented as equivalent to a sound and logical one. For instance, scientists have shown that the preponderance of evidence points to the reality of climate change. Media outlets and some politicians, however, sometimes present the issue as not settled. No matter whether climate change is real or not, saying that a politician’s opinion is as valid as a scientist’s – when we’re talking about that scientist’s field – is a false equivalence. Issues like that are bound to create a heated (pun intended) debate.

  • Can scientists ever be objective?
  • Should corporations fund research?
  • Should science be optional in school?
  • Why are women underrepresented in science?
  • Is STEM education more valuable than training in humanities?
  • Should cryptocurrencies be regulated?
  • Should net neutrality be restored?
  • Should robots have rights?
  • Is AI a menace to humans?
  • Is AI the next stage in evolution?
  • Is technology helping or destroying Earth?
  • Can renewable sources of energy replace fossil fuels?
  • Is climate change a threat to humanity?
  • Is cell phone radiation dangerous?
  • Is climate change reversible?
  • Should all cars be electric?
  • Is nuclear energy safe?
  • Does alien life exist?
  • Could alien life have found Earth?
  • Should humans try to colonize Mars?

Professional sports hold a lot of potential to create controversy. Hardly a week goes by without some major sports issue making the news. Whether it’s deflated footballs, kneeling during the anthem, or equal pay for male and female athletes, sports topics usually carry an emotional charge as most people have a strong opinion one way or the other .

  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • Are professional athletes paid too much?
  • Are professional athletes good role models?
  • Should college athletes be paid beyond scholarships?
  • Should college athletes be tested for drugs?
  • Is dance a real sport?
  • Is video gaming a real sport?
  • Is bodybuilding a real sport?
  • Is cheerleading a real sport?
  • Should mixed martial arts be banned?
  • Should women compete against men in sports?
  • Should female athletes be paid the same as male athletes?
  • Should transgender athletes who used to be male compete in women’s sports?
  • Do the Olympics do more harm than good for the cities hosting them?
  • Are professional sports too damaging to athletes’ health?
  • Is American football too dangerous for athletes?
  • Should athletes who kneel for the anthem be sanctioned?

Sharing a meal with others unites us, but our opinions on food often divide us. Why is one part of the world starving, while another struggles with obesity? Is famine a result of a shortage or a distribution problem? Questions about food are important for humanity, which makes them compelling topics for discussion.

  • Are genetically modified foods dangerous?
  • Should genetically modified foods be labeled?
  • Is organic food better than regular food?
  • Is fast food responsible for obesity?
  • Is food waste unavoidable?
  • Is organic farming sustainable?
  • Is factory farming unsustainable?
  • Is grass-fed beef better than corn-fed beef?
  • Is palm oil production causing deforestation?
  • Can biotech foods save us from hunger?
  • Should butter be stored in the fridge?

Nutrition is one of the most controversial scientific fields – dietary guidelines seem to be changing by the day. Is it OK to eat more than two eggs a day? Are carbs more unhealthy than fats? Issues like that are notoriously hard to resolve as even a carefully designed scientific study struggles to untangle the many factors that go into human health.

  • Should we have nutrition classes in schools?
  • Can a vegan diet help the environment?
  • Is it healthier to be vegetarian?
  • Is an all-meat diet healthy?
  • Is dieting ever effective?
  • Does fasting help or harm the body?
  • Are gluten-free diets overhyped?
  • Should we ban trans fat?
  • Is sugar addictive?
  • Are artificial sweeteners unhealthy?

Bring up the practice of eating dog meat in some countries to a dog lover, and you’ll more than likely evoke a very strong reaction. But how is it different from eating other social and intelligent mammals, such as pigs? There are many unresolved animal issues that can make for a captivating paper or presentation.

  • Should animals have the same rights as humans?
  • Should animals be considered individuals?
  • Do animals have emotions?
  • Do animals have consciousness?
  • Is animal testing ethical?
  • Should the fur industry be restricted?
  • Are zoos helping or hurting animals?
  • Should there be animals in circuses?
  • Should we try to reverse extinction?
  • Are humans destroying animal habitats?
  • Is selective dog breeding unethical?
  • Should bullfighting be banned?
  • Should whaling be banned?

Many argue that psychology as a science is still in its infancy. There’s no consensus on a lot of the big questions related to people’s minds. Is there even a way to know what’s happening inside someone else’s head besides our own? A behaviorist would insist there isn’t.

  • Is psychology a real science?
  • Is depression a real disease?
  • Are antidepressants effective?
  • Is ADHD a real mental disorder?
  • Is drug abuse a mental health issue?
  • Is mental illness equivalent to physical illness?
  • Should psychologists be allowed to prescribe drugs?
  • Is prejudice against different people inherent?
  • Is it ethical to “treat” homosexuality?
  • Are social media sites addictive?
  • Is social media connecting us or making us more isolated?
  • Is pornography harmful to the psyche?
  • Do video games cause violence?
  • Is intelligence inherited?

Being in a romantic relationship involves constantly negotiating and renegotiating issues ranging from the most mundane to the most profound. On top of that, most adults are or have been part of a couple, making this a relatable and attention-grabbing subject.

  • Is monogamy natural?
  • Does divorce harm children?
  • Should dating between co-workers be allowed?
  • Should people date people much older than themselves?
  • Is romantic love a prerequisite to marital satisfaction?
  • Should arguments in a couple be avoided or encouraged?
  • Should men and women have different functions in a relationship?
  • Is it OK to keep secrets from your partner?
  • Are long-distance relationships worth it?
  • Is sex before marriage wrong?
  • Is online dating good or bad?
  • Are homosexual relationships natural?
  • Should same-sex marriage be banned?
  • Should LGBTQ people be allowed to adopt children?

Health is arguably the most important thing for a person. So it’s no surprise that we take issues related to health and medicine very seriously. Is there any point in prolonging a dying patient’s pain through life support? Questions like this are hard to give a definitive answer to, making them potent discussion topics.

  • Are vaccines safe?
  • Is Covid-19 manmade?
  • Should immunization be mandatory?
  • Should euthanasia be allowed?
  • Is alternative medicine any good?
  • Should healthcare be free?
  • Is obesity a disease?
  • Is circumcision healthy?
  • Is stem cell research ethical?
  • How harshly should medical malpractice be punished?
  • Should Big Pharma be banned from charging too much for life-saving drugs?
  • Should prescription drug manufacturers be held responsible for the opioid crisis?
  • Should cannabis be prescribed as medicine?
  • Should surrogate pregnancy be allowed?
  • Should we use gene-editing in humans?
  • Should the sale of human organs be allowed?
  • Should genetic screening of embryos be legal?

If nurses are essential workers, why do they get paid so little? To get to the bottom of this, we need to go beyond the nursing profession and take a hard look at society as a whole. Besides, just like doctors, nurses face ethical dilemmas in their work every day, which creates a lot of room for debate.

  • Are nurses compensated fairly?
  • Should nurses’ shifts be shortened?
  • Should nurses be allowed to prescribe drugs?
  • Is the nursing profession better suited for women?
  • Should nurses use artificial hydration and nutrition?
  • Should nurses treat non-compliant patients?

Biology deals with nothing less than life itself! And what’s a more fascinating question than the origin of life? Although we seem to be far from deciphering this mystery, there are many other issues that both scientists and laypeople have good reason to debate.

  • Is evolution up for debate?
  • Did life emerge out of inorganic matter?
  • Is there a viable alternative to the theory of evolution?
  • How significant are the physiological differences between men and women?
  • Is behavior determined by our genes or by our upbringing?
  • Are there more than two genders?

If you’re a classical music lover, you’ll very likely scoff at the assertion that rock ‘n’ roll is the best musical genre. But who’s to say? Maybe someone will argue that there are objective measures of the quality of music. As with any issue that’s close to many people’s hearts, music can be an excellent topic for discussion.

  • Is music getting worse over time?
  • Is the pursuit of profit ruining music?
  • Do music streaming services such as Spotify help or harm musical artists?
  • Are violent or explicit lyrics harmful to society?
  • Are rock stars a bad influence on children?
  • Are The Beatles overrated?

Do you think Banksy will go down in history as one of the great artists, or do you see his works as cheap stunts? Either way, you’ll probably agree that art has changed almost beyond recognition since the time of Rembrandt. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is just one topic worth exploring.

  • Is the value of art subjective?
  • Should explicit art be censored?
  • Who decides what constitutes art?
  • Should an art piece always carry a message?
  • Is contemporary art as good as classical art?
  • Should any topic be out of bounds for art?

Hardly anyone would disagree that we should learn from history to avoid making the same mistake twice. But what exactly are history’s lessons is up for debate, and so make for great discussion topics.

  • Are the two World Wars responsible for the relative state of peace since?
  • Should the US pay reparations to African Americans because of slavery?
  • Should Confederate statues in the US be taken down?
  • Was Christopher Columbus a hero or a villain?
  • Was the French Revolution inevitable?
  • Is history always written by the victors?
  • Is history bound to be repeated?

Are cats better pets than dogs? Does pineapple belong on a pizza? These are the kind of age-old debates we look into in our Funny Controversial Topics page.

Top 5 Extraordinary Motivational Speakers

130 Awesome Speech Topics for Kids

7 thoughts on “205 Controversial Topics for your Essay, Speech, or Debate”

Which is better, Chicago pizza or New York pizza?

Hey Nicole, just to answer your question personally I think Chicago pizza is too thick and I would choose New York pizza any day.

In my opinion Chicago pizza is clearly superior, and its thickness is one of its best attributes.

In my opinion New York pizza is clearly superior, and its thinness is one of its best attributes.

I second Chicago pizza lover’s statement, I think that Chicagos pizzas are much better!

In my very Italian opinion, true real pizza is Made in Italy only – the best. Cheers x 🙂

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics

Illustration by Catherine Song. ThoughtCo. 

  • M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
  • B.A., History, Armstrong State University

An argumentative essay requires you to decide on a topic and argue for or against it. You'll need to back up your viewpoint with well-researched facts and information as well. One of the hardest parts is deciding which topic to write about, but there are plenty of ideas available to get you started. Then you need to take a position, do some research, and present your viewpoint convincingly.

Choosing a Great Argumentative Essay Topic

Students often find that most of their work on these essays is done before they even start writing. This means that it's best if you have a general interest in your subject. Otherwise, you might get bored or frustrated while trying to gather information. You don't need to know everything, though; part of what makes this experience rewarding is learning something new.

It's best if you have a general interest in your subject, but the argument you choose doesn't have to be one that you agree with.

The subject you choose may not necessarily be one you are in full agreement with, either. You may even be asked to write a paper from the opposing point of view. Researching a different viewpoint helps students broaden their perspectives. 

Ideas for Argument Essays

Sometimes, the best ideas are sparked by looking at many different options. Explore this list of possible topics and see if a few pique your interest. Write those down as you come across them, then think about each for a few minutes.

Which would you enjoy researching? Do you have a firm position on a particular subject? Is there a point you would like to make sure you get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

List of 50 Possible Argumentative Essay Topics

A number of these topics are rather controversial—that's the point. In an argumentative essay , opinions matter, and controversy is based on opinions. Just make sure your opinions are backed up by facts in the essay.   If these topics are a little too controversial or you don't find the right one for you, try browsing through persuasive essay and speech topics  as well.

  • Is global climate change  caused by humans?
  • Is the death penalty effective?
  • Is the U.S. election process fair?
  • Is torture ever acceptable?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Are school uniforms beneficial?
  • Does the U.S. have a fair tax system?
  • Do curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  • Is cheating out of control?
  • Are we too dependent on computers?
  • Should animals be used for research?
  • Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  • Are cell phones dangerous?
  • Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
  • Do we have a throwaway society ?
  • Is child behavior better or worse than it was years ago?
  • Should companies market to children?
  • Should the government have a say in our diets?
  • Does access to condoms prevent teen pregnancy?
  • Should members of Congress have term limits?
  • Are actors and professional athletes paid too much?
  • Are CEOs paid too much?
  • Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
  • Do violent video games cause behavior problems?
  • Should creationism be taught in public schools?
  • Are beauty pageants exploitative ?
  • Should English be the official language of the United States?
  • Should the racing industry be forced to use biofuels?
  • Should the alcohol-drinking age be increased or decreased?
  • Should everyone be required to recycle?
  • Is it okay for prisoners to vote (as they are in some states)?
  • Should same-sex marriage be legalized in more countries?
  • Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school ?
  • Does boredom lead to trouble?
  • Should schools be in session year-round ?
  • Does religion cause war?
  • Should the government provide health care?
  • Should abortion be illegal?
  • Should more companies expand their reproductive health benefits for employees?
  • Is homework harmful or helpful?
  • Is the cost of college too high?
  • Is college admission too competitive?
  • Should euthanasia be illegal?
  • Should the federal government legalize marijuana use nationally ?
  • Should rich people be required to pay more taxes?
  • Should schools require foreign language or physical education?
  • Is affirmative action fair?
  • Is public prayer okay in schools?
  • Are schools and teachers responsible for low test scores?
  • Is greater gun control a good idea?

How to Craft a Persuasive Argument

After you've decided on your essay topic, gather evidence to make your argument as strong as possible. Your research could even help shape the position your essay ultimately takes. As you craft your essay, remember to utilize persuasive writing techniques , such as invoking emotional language or citing facts from authoritative figures. 

  • 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
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  • 100 Persuasive Speech Topics for Students
  • Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
  • Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
  • Controversial Speech Topics
  • How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
  • High School Debate Topics
  • MBA Essay Tips
  • 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay
  • A Sample Essay for Common Application Option #7: Topic of Your Choice
  • Common Application Essay Option 6: Losing Track of Time

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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

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

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Format

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

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

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

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argument Essay Topics

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

Sports Argument Essay Topics

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

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Business Argument Essay Topics

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

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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

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

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

Lauren Green

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

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student opinion

130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Questions on everything from mental health and sports to video games and dating. Which ones inspire you to take a stand?

controversial topic essays

By The Learning Network

Note: We have an updated version of this list, with 300 new argumentative writing prompts .

What issues do you care most about? What topics do you find yourself discussing passionately, whether online, at the dinner table, in the classroom or with your friends?

In Unit 5 of our free yearlong writing curriculum and related Student Editorial Contest , we invite students to research and write about the issues that matter to them, whether that’s Shakespeare , health care , standardized testing or being messy .

But with so many possibilities, where does one even begin? Try our student writing prompts.

In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts , all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column . Now, we’re rounding up 130 more we’ve published since then ( available here as a PDF ). Each prompt links to a free Times article as well as additional subquestions that can help you think more deeply about it.

You might use this list to inspire your own writing and to find links to reliable resources about the issues that intrigue you. But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you can use these prompts to practice the kind of low-stakes writing that can help you hone your argumentation skills.

So scroll through the list below with questions on everything from sports and mental health to dating and video games and see which ones inspire you to take a stand.

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Speech Supports

200 Controversial argumentative essay topics

Controversial argumentative essay topics ignite debates, challenge norms, and inspire critical thinking. These contentious subjects compel individuals to confront differing perspectives, question societal conventions, and defend their beliefs.

Exploring controversial topics in an essay offers a platform for discourse, enabling readers to delve into complex issues and examine them from various angles. From politics to ethics, religion to technology, controversial argumentative essay topics push boundaries, fostering intellectual growth and stimulating dialogue.

What is Controversial argumentative essay?

Controversial argumentative essay topics

A controversial argumentative essay is an academic piece of writing that focuses on a contentious issue or topic. Unlike other types of essays, where the aim might be to inform or persuade without stirring controversy, the purpose of a controversial argumentative essay is to explore a topic that elicits strong opinions and heated debate.

In such essays, writers present their arguments and evidence to support their viewpoint on the controversial topic. However, they must also acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints, providing counterarguments and rebuttals where necessary. The goal is not only to express one’s own perspective but also to engage critically with alternative viewpoints and contribute to a deeper understanding of the issue.

Controversial argumentative essays require careful research, thoughtful analysis, and persuasive writing to effectively present and defend a stance on a contentious topic. They often tackle subjects related to politics, ethics, social issues, religion, science, technology, and more, where there is significant disagreement or ambiguity.

Importance of choosing the right Controversial argumentative essay topics

Choosing the right controversial argumentative essay topics is crucial for several reasons:

  • Engagement: Selecting a compelling topic ensures that both the writer and the audience are deeply engaged in the essay. Controversial topics tend to evoke strong emotions and opinions, sparking interest and fostering debate.
  • Relevance: Opting for a relevant topic ensures that the essay addresses issues that are significant and impactful in contemporary society. By tackling pressing issues, the essay can contribute to ongoing discussions and potentially influence opinions and policies.
  • Depth of Analysis: The right topic provides ample opportunities for in-depth analysis and exploration. It allows the writer to delve into complex issues, examine multiple perspectives, and consider various aspects of the topic, resulting in a more thorough and nuanced argument.
  • Critical Thinking: Controversial topics often require critical thinking and analytical skills to navigate conflicting viewpoints and evidence. Choosing the right topic encourages the writer to critically evaluate arguments, assess evidence, and develop well-reasoned conclusions.
  • Impact: A well-chosen controversial topic has the potential to make a meaningful impact by raising awareness, challenging assumptions, and prompting reflection and action. It can contribute to social change, policy reform, or increased understanding of complex issues.
  • Audience Engagement: Selecting a topic that resonates with the target audience increases the likelihood of capturing their attention and sparking meaningful dialogue. By addressing issues that matter to the audience, the essay can foster greater engagement and participation in the discussion.

Controversial argumentative essay topics

Here are 10 categories with 20 controversial argumentative essay topics each that you can consider to use for your next contest.

1. Politics and Government:

  • Gun control laws: Should they be stricter or more lenient?
  • Electoral college: Should it be abolished in favor of a popular vote?
  • Immigration policy: Should there be stricter border controls or more lenient pathways to citizenship?
  • Universal healthcare: Should healthcare be a right guaranteed by the government?
  • Capital punishment: Should it be abolished or retained as a form of punishment?
  • Affirmative action: Is it necessary to promote diversity, or does it promote reverse discrimination?
  • Military intervention: Should countries intervene in foreign conflicts for humanitarian reasons?
  • Taxation: Should the wealthy be taxed more heavily to address income inequality?
  • Surveillance: Is mass surveillance justified for national security purposes?
  • Freedom of speech: Should hate speech be protected under the First Amendment?

2. Social Issues:

  • Abortion: Should it be legal, and under what circumstances?
  • LGBTQ+ rights: Should there be more protections and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • Racial profiling: Is it an effective law enforcement tactic or a form of discrimination?
  • Gender equality: Are gender disparities still prevalent in society, and how should they be addressed?
  • Animal testing: Is it ethical to use animals for scientific experimentation?
  • Legalization of drugs: Should drugs like marijuana be legalized for recreational use?
  • Poverty and welfare: How should society address poverty and provide assistance to those in need?
  • Cyberbullying: What measures should be taken to combat cyberbullying?
  • Climate change: Is it primarily caused by human activity, and how should it be addressed?
  • Prostitution: Should it be legalized and regulated, or remain illegal?

3. Ethics and Morality:

  • Euthanasia: Should individuals have the right to end their own lives, and under what circumstances?
  • Genetic engineering: Should there be limitations on genetic modification of humans?
  • Animal rights: Do animals have rights, and if so, how should they be protected?
  • Cloning: Is human cloning ethically acceptable?
  • Environmental conservation: How much should society sacrifice for the sake of environmental preservation?
  • Cultural appropriation: Where is the line between appreciation and appropriation of other cultures?
  • Stem cell research: Should government funding be allocated to stem cell research?
  • Endangered species protection: How far should society go to protect endangered species?
  • Pornography: Is it a form of expression or exploitation?
  • Organ donation: Should there be an opt-out system for organ donation?

4. Technology and Privacy:

  • Online privacy: Should individuals have the right to complete online privacy, or should there be limits for security reasons?
  • Artificial intelligence: Should there be regulations on the development and use of AI?
  • Surveillance technology: How much surveillance is too much in the name of public safety?
  • Social media: Should there be stricter regulations on social media platforms to prevent misinformation and hate speech?
  • Encryption: Should governments have backdoor access to encrypted communication for national security reasons?
  • Autonomous vehicles: Should they be allowed on the roads, and who is responsible in case of accidents?
  • Data mining: Should companies be allowed to collect and sell personal data without consent?
  • Internet censorship: Should governments have the authority to censor the internet for national security or moral reasons?
  • 3D printing: What are the ethical implications of 3D printing, especially in terms of copyright infringement and weapon manufacturing?
  • Virtual reality: How will virtual reality impact society, and what ethical considerations should be taken into account?

5. Education:

  • Standardized testing: Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student achievement?
  • School vouchers: Should public funds be used to support private education through vouchers?
  • Affirmative action in education: Does affirmative action in college admissions promote diversity or perpetuate discrimination?
  • Sex education: What should be included in comprehensive sex education programs in schools?
  • Homeschooling: Should parents have the right to homeschool their children, and what regulations should be in place?
  • Free college tuition: Should college education be free for all students?
  • Teaching evolution in schools: Should creationism be taught alongside evolution in science classes?
  • Bullying prevention: What measures should schools take to prevent bullying?
  • Technology in the classroom: How should technology be integrated into education to enhance learning?
  • Critical race theory: Should critical race theory be taught in schools, and how should it be approached?

6. Health and Medicine:

  • Vaccination: Should vaccines be mandatory, and should there be consequences for those who refuse?
  • Mental health care: Is there enough support and resources for mental health care in society?
  • Physician-assisted suicide: Should terminally ill patients have the right to end their own lives with medical assistance?
  • Obesity: How should society address the obesity epidemic?
  • Alternative medicine: Should alternative medicine practices be regulated, and should they be covered by insurance?
  • Prescription drug prices: How should society address the rising costs of prescription drugs?
  • Healthcare for undocumented immigrants: Should undocumented immigrants have access to healthcare services?
  • Organ transplantation: Should organs be sold for transplantation, and if so, under what circumstances?
  • Plastic surgery: Should cosmetic surgery be regulated more strictly?
  • Mental health stigma: How can society reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness?

7. Economics and Business:

  • Minimum wage: Should the minimum wage be raised, and if so, to what level?
  • Income inequality: How should society address the growing gap between the rich and the poor?
  • Corporate responsibility: Should corporations prioritize profits or social responsibility?
  • Globalization: Is globalization beneficial for everyone, or does it primarily benefit the wealthy?
  • Sweatshops: Should consumers boycott companies that use sweatshop labor?
  • Universal basic income: Should every citizen receive a basic income from the government?
  • Trade tariffs: Are tariffs an effective way to protect domestic industries, or do they harm consumers?
  • Monopolies: Should government regulate or break up monopolies to promote competition?
  • Environmental regulations: Should businesses be subject to stricter environmental regulations?
  • Corporate taxation: Should corporations be taxed more heavily to fund social programs?

8. Media and Entertainment:

  • Media bias: How should society address bias in the media?
  • Violence in media: Does exposure to violent media contribute to real-life violence?
  • Censorship in the arts: Should governments censor art and literature for moral or political reasons?
  • Celebrity culture: Does celebrity culture have a negative impact on society?
  • Representation in media: How can media better represent marginalized groups?
  • Video game violence: Does exposure to violent video games contribute to aggression in players?
  • Reality television: Does reality TV have a negative impact on society?
  • Freedom of the press: Should there be limitations on freedom of the press to prevent misinformation?
  • Internet piracy: How should society address internet piracy and copyright infringement?
  • Advertising to children: Should there be restrictions on advertising targeted at children?

9. Religion and Spirituality:

  • Separation of church and state: How should the relationship between religion and government be defined?
  • Religious freedom: To what extent should religious beliefs be protected in society?
  • Evolution vs. creationism: Should intelligent design be taught alongside evolution in schools?
  • Abortion rights: How do religious beliefs influence views on abortion?
  • LGBTQ+ rights and religion: How do religious beliefs impact attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals?
  • Religious extremism: How should society address religious extremism and terrorism?
  • Interfaith marriage: Should there be restrictions on interfaith marriages?
  • Religious education: Should religious education be mandatory in schools?
  • Women’s rights and religion: How do religious beliefs influence attitudes towards women’s rights?
  • Blasphemy laws: Should blasphemy laws be enforced to protect religious sentiments?

10. Miscellaneous:

  • Space exploration: Should space exploration be prioritized over other societal needs?
  • Legalization of prostitution: Should prostitution be legalized and regulated?
  • Gambling: Should gambling be legalized and regulated, or remain illegal?
  • Right to die: Should terminally ill patients have the right to end their own lives with medical assistance?
  • Artificial sweeteners: Are artificial sweeteners safe for consumption, or do they pose health risks?
  • Mandatory voting: Should voting be mandatory for all citizens?
  • Plastic bag ban: Should single-use plastic bags be banned to reduce environmental pollution?
  • Body modification: Should body modification practices such as piercings and tattoos be regulated?
  • Legalization of euthanasia: Should individuals have the right to end their own lives, and under what circumstances?

These topics cover a wide range of controversial issues across various fields, providing ample opportunities for in-depth analysis and discussion.

Controversial argumentative essay topics serve as catalysts for critical thinking, engaging discourse, and societal progress. By delving into contentious issues across various domains, these topics challenge perspectives, prompt reflection, and inspire meaningful dialogue.

Through rigorous analysis and the exploration of opposing viewpoints, writers and readers alike are empowered to broaden their understanding, challenge societal norms, and contribute to a more informed and inclusive discourse. Controversial argumentative essay topics are not just subjects for debate; they are vehicles for intellectual growth, empathy, and positive change.

controversial topic essays

Controversial Topics for Essays and Speeches

31 July, 2020

10 minutes read

Author:  Mathieu Johnson

When professors leave the choice of essay or speech topic on you, there's a myriad of options to choose from. It's easy to drown in a sea of subjects to write or talk about, and the list can extend to hundreds and hundreds of issues. However, there's likewise a collection of notorious topics, writing or talking about which can ignite heated arguments and vivid discussions. In this article, we'll share controversial topics for essays and speeches which will hopefully help you with the ultimate decision for your next assignment topic.

Controversial Topics

How to Find the Best Debate Topics?

You cannot make a sandwich without the necessary ingredients, right? The same goes for provocative essays and speeches: you need to have all the tools and enough confidence to make readers stroked with your piece of writing. But how do you find the best debate topics to spark that interest?

We could say that surfing the Internet space for this purpose is the best solution, but we won’t. Of course, you can pick a random topic from the first site, but the point here is not about the fastest way to find the right controversial topic, but about the quality of your search. Thus, the best way to pick topics for a debate is to understand the audience which you address in the first place and estimate their intellectual level. This is a necessary step that’ll help you know for sure if the target readers will even bear your ideas and statements. Otherwise, people might not understand you or refuse to read your controversial topic whatsoever. The same net effect goes for speeches: listeners will be simply reluctant to hear the words that are too offensive or too provocative for them.

You can also find multiple controversial topics easily by following a couple of easy steps:

  • Brainstorm. Don’t search for essay or speech issues panically in a hope to get the best one in a matter of minutes. Think carefully of at least three topics you can potentially use for your debate and list them down.
  • Focus on Relevant Issues. Exclude the matters and questions that might be too difficult to reveal or too wide or narrow. Moreover, the topic should by no means be boring – in this case, the interest will be lost as well.
  • Make the Ultimate Choice. Once you’ve filtered controversial topics, concentrate on the most appropriate and acceptable one for the audience. Finally, start writing and enjoy the process.

Choosing the best debate topics

Feel free to buy essay tasks if you’re facing some problems with your essay !

Funny Controversial Topics

Causing sincere laughter is one of the most significant points which your audience will certainly appreciate either on speech or in writing. Because ultimately, everybody enjoys a good laugh. However, you need to be ready to write or speak about those issues that are mildly humorous, not sarcastic or mocking. In two words, you’ll need to come up with something that’ll cheer up the crowd and give them positive energy. Luckily, you don’t have to search for endless lists of funny controversial topics because we’ve gathered them for you. Take a look at the examples below and use them as a guide to your topic selection.

  • Is it even okay to have coulrophobia?
  • Is reggae music the best genre in the world today?
  • How can you use the skills of playing video games to work in a great company?
  • When she laughs at your jokes, does it mean she likes you?
  • Is there any secret thing which women do that men don’t know about?
  • Best Star Wars character
  • Men gossip more than women
  • What pizza toppings are the best?
  • Is it weird if your boss is your best friend?
  • What is more real: a pirate or a ninja?
  • Who are more likely to achieve success in life: introverts or extroverts?
  • Why should homework be banned from the education system for good?
  • Does the practice of playing video games increase IQ levels?
  • Friends or How I Met Your Mother?
  • Why Coke is better than Pepsi
  • Should humans eat to live or live to eat?
  • Why fish make the ultimate pets
  • If Harry Potter magic was real, should it be made legal for all to practice?
  • Santa’s elves should be paid minimum wage
  • Why cute pets videos are ruining the Internet
  • Why the Kardashians family is more popular than the president
  • Should juveniles be treated as adults
  • Is there life with unicorns after death?
  • Is eating ice cream with fries actually a good idea?

List of Controversial Topics for Essays

If you or your professor decide to depart from humor and give readers some real food for thought, consider these argumentative essays topics

  • What is the correlation between food, fitness, and weight?
  • What are the side effects of different diets?
  • Is swimming the best type of sport?
  • The most appropriate age for people to vote
  • Are electric vehicles the best solution to global pollution?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of globalization
  • Is gun control an ultimate way to diminish crime levels?
  • Violent video games should be prohibited
  • Does technology make people feel alone?
  • Are people gradually transforming into technological zombies?
  • Will people even reach a time when there will be no more technological advancement?
  • The impact of communication on social networks for contemporary education
  • Is censorship of Internet necessary?
  • Parents should not control their children above 16 years old
  • What is the division of roles of partners in terms of relationship and family?
  • Is online dating effective and reasonable?
  • Will people reach the point of marrying their computers soon?
  • Is abstract art the most admirable and progressive in history?
  • Why is the majority of up-to-date movies deprived of a meaningful plot?
  • Should abortion be made illegal?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Should animals be used for research?
  • Does boredom lead to trouble?
  • Are girls too mean to each other?
  • Is college admission too competitive?

Choosing Controversial Topics

Arguable Topics for Research Papers

  • Is obesity a problem of the American population?
  • Modern diets are not as effective as people expect them to be
  • Eight hours is the most optimal duration of sleep for every student
  • Sports with high-risk levels should be banned
  • Parents should by no means allow their children to watch films with cruel or adult scenes
  • Marijuana should be forbidden in the majority of countries
  • The US government should implement strict rules to fight with alcoholism
  • Energetic drinks consumption can be more dangerous than usual alcohol drinks intake
  • Documenting court cases shouldn’t be forbidden in any court
  • All people should be given the right to start voting at the age of 25
  • The usage of animals in research and for testing should be banned
  • Every individual who contributes to the development of environmental pollution should be punished
  • Local authorities need to work more on protection after tornadoes
  • Indians residing in America are not real representatives of their kind
  • Every financial crisis to come will bring worse consequences than previous
  • Acceptance rates in colleges and universities should be significantly higher than now
  • The official permission of gay marriages displays a high level of development in societies
  • What are the means of combating corruption more effectively?
  • The current political system is not the most effective ideology for today’s world
  • Interactive computer-mediated technologies are not as safe as they were told to be
  • The effects of contemporary teaching methods
  • How to stop wasting paper and save trees?
  • Can the overpopulation issue be managed?
  • How tv shows impose fake moral standards?
  • Do beauty contests set non-achievable beauty standards?

Current Controversial Issues 2023

  • What is your stance on abortion?
  • Should local authorities continue to support Planned Parenthood financially?
  • Should gay couples have equal adoption rights as those of straight couples?
  • Should marital rape be considered and punished as severely as non-marital rape?
  • Should “gender identity” complement the list of anti-discrimination laws?
  • Should an enterprise be in force for refusing to serve a customer if the request contradicts the owner’s religious beliefs?
  • Should the military give women a permission to participate in combat roles?
  • Should transgender athletes be given the right to participate in athletic competitions?
  • Do you support the death penalty?
  • Should businesses allow women to become members of their board of directors?
  • Should all states be permitted to show the Confederate flag on government property?
  • How should we stop massive shootings from occurring?
  • What are the sustainable development programs for the next four years?
  • How do we overcome inequality in society and defend human rights?
  • What should the relevant education funding in America be?
  • How do we rebuild the old energy infrastructure?
  • Should we redesign the immigration policy?
  • Benefits and negative consequences of developing genetically modified children
  • Using Photoshop in the media promotes an unhealthy body image
  • The positive effects of dealing with stress through music
  • Should Bottled Water Be Banned?
  • Is human activity a substantial cause of global climate change?
  • Should adults carry a concealed handgun and use it for self-protection?
  • What are the solutions to illegal immigration in America?
  • Is the implementation of standardized tests bettering the state of education in America?

The next time you’ll write an essay or think of a speech idea, take into account the list of our controversial topics suggestions. These examples can give you a helping hand during the selection of the most burning issue and provide some guidance for the creation of an excellent essay or speech. 

Problems with writing Your Essay? Try our  Essay Writer  Service!

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110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students

Don’t be surprised when the discussion gets heated…

controversial topic essays

It can be tempting to steer away from controversial debate topics in the classroom. But teaching students to discuss hot topics calmly and rationally is vital. Show them how to think critically about a subject, then use facts to support their point of view. These controversial topics can work well for classroom debates, persuasive essays , or fishbowl discussions .

Note: Each topic includes a link to an article from a reliable source that provides pros and/or cons to help kids make their arguments.

Education Controversial Debate Topics

Science and health controversial debate topics, civics controversial debate topics, social justice controversial debate topics, more controversial debate topics.

  • Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
  • Should schools eliminate dress codes?

Should schools eliminate dress codes?

  • Are private schools better than public schools?
  • Should schools be allowed to teach critical race theory?
  • Are standardized tests effective?
  • Should schools teach abstinence instead of sexual education?
  • Should schools make condoms available to students?
  • Is year-round school better for students?
  • Should schools ban junk food?
  • Are single-gender schools better for students?
  • Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
  • Should we make college free for everyone?
  • Should we allow schools to ban books from their libraries?
  • Does religion have a place in public schools?
  • Should charter schools receive public school funds?
  • Are school voucher systems a good idea?

Are school voucher systems a good idea?

  • Is in-person school better than online school?
  • Should schools have surveillance cameras in classrooms and hallways?
  • Should schools install safe rooms in case of mass shootings or natural disasters?
  • Should all teachers be armed in the classroom to help protect their students?
  • Is it important for schools to provide mental health support to students?
  • Should schools allow students to use phones during the school day?
  • Is recess important at every grade level?
  • Should we put equal value on vocational education and academics?
  • Is homeschooling good for children?
  • How much emphasis should school put on reading from the “canon” versus reading more contemporary voices?
  • Should humans eat animals?
  • Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
  • Should we completely ban cigarette smoking and vaping?

Should we completely ban cigarette smoking and vaping?

  • Should we ban plastic bottles and bags?
  • Is it worth it to spend money exploring space?
  • Should vaccines be mandatory?
  • Are GMOs more helpful than harmful?
  • Is animal cloning ethical?
  • Should human cloning be legal?
  • Should we use stem cells from human embryos for scientific research?
  • Is it better to provide drug addicts with treatment instead of punishment?
  • Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?

Should we ban the use of fossil fuels?

  • Should assisted suicide be legal?
  • Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
  • Should all countries have to give up their nuclear weapons?
  • Is universal government-sponsored healthcare a good idea?
  • Should we ban testing on animals?
  • Should net neutrality be mandatory for internet service providers?
  • Is our society too reliant on technology?
  • Can we truly do anything about human-caused global warming?
  • Are electric vehicles better than gas-powered ones?
  • Does our society have a harmful “diet culture”?
  • Would taxing unhealthy foods help fight obesity?

Would taxing unhealthy foods help fight obesity?

  • Can alternative energies replace fossil fuels?
  • Is nurture more important than nature when raising a child?
  • Should we lower the voting age to 16?
  • Should we lower the drinking age to 18?
  • Is democracy the best form of government?
  • Should all Americans be required to vote?
  • Should we raise the driving age to 18?

Should we raise the driving age to 18?

  • Is a progressive income tax better than a flat tax?
  • Should parents be punished legally for their children’s crimes?
  • Should abortion be legal?
  • Would it be better to appoint Supreme Court judges for fixed terms?
  • Should people have to take a parenting class before having a child?
  • Should we legalize marijuana at the federal level?
  • Would it be better to legalize, tax, and regulate all drugs (including alcohol) instead of banning them?
  • Should the United States implement a universal basic income?
  • Should we redirect some or all police force funding to social services?
  • Do gun safety laws infringe on the Second Amendment?
  • Should we require people of all genders to register for the draft?
  • Should anyone over 12 be tried as an adult in court?

Should anyone over 12 be tried as an adult in court?

  • Is it right to require people to take drug tests before receiving government aid like welfare?
  • Should we do away with gender-specific public bathrooms?
  • Is the local minimum wage truly a living wage?
  • Why haven’t we had a female U.S. president yet?
  • Should men be allowed to make laws that affect women’s bodies?
  • Should the government provide funding for public art programs?
  • Are there any reasonable limits to freedom of speech?
  • Is security more important than freedom?

Is security more important than freedom?

  • Should we abolish the death penalty?
  • Is a strong middle class vital to the economy?
  • Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?

Should we make the path to American citizenship easier?

  • Is the American justice system inherently racist?
  • Will stricter gun control laws help stop mass shootings?
  • Is it logical to continue building a wall between the United States and Mexico?
  • How much of a problem is ageism in our society?
  • Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their time in prison?

Should felons be allowed to vote after serving their time in prison?

  • Does socioeconomic prejudice affect our society?
  • Should we automatically deport illegal immigrants, regardless of how long they’ve been in the country?
  • What is the role of media in fighting systemic racism?
  • Does segregation still exist in the United States?
  • Are white-collar jobs better than blue-collar jobs?
  • Does religion do more harm than good?
  • Will we ever achieve world peace?
  • Should parents use their kids’ cell phones to track where they are?
  • Should we let young children play contact sports like football?

Should we let young children play contact sports like football?

  • Are the prices of pharmaceutical drugs reasonable?
  • Who should cover the medical costs of people without insurance?
  • Is video gaming a sport?
  • Should parents be allowed to pierce a baby’s ears?
  • Should we ban all violent video games?
  • Are beauty pageants sexist?
  • Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

Should kids get participation trophies for sports?

  • Should there be a minimum age for owning a smartphone?
  • Is it possible to be an ethical hunter?
  • What is the best way to deal with homelessness?
  • Was Russia justified in attacking Ukraine?
  • Should both parents receive equal amounts of paid leave when they have or adopt a child?
  • Are stereotypes ever right?
  • Do people have a responsibility to step in when they see a crime in action?
  • Are “Stand Your Ground” laws effective?
  • Is there any benefit to teaching proper grammar and spelling, or should we allow language to be descriptive instead of prescriptive?
  • What gives people true power in the United States?

What gives people true power in the United States?

  • Is conflict necessary for change?
  • Is war ever justified?

What controversial debate topics do you use with your students? Come share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, 35 strong persuasive writing examples (speeches, essays, ads, and more) ., you might also like.

How I Use FishBowl Discussions to Engage Every Student

How I Use Fishbowl Discussions To Engage Every Student

This technique puts five students in the hot seat to debate a question while the rest of the class watches and takes notes. Continue Reading

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601 Controversial Questions & Topics for Research, Essays, & Debate

601 Controversial Questions & Topics for Research, Essays, & Debate

People constantly participate in passionate debates about sensitive and divisive societal issues. Some may utilize memes or social media to discuss hot topics, while others join online forums and blogs. Even though controversial topics are believed to address trivial issues, many may have a tangible impact on the world and global problems.

Below, you’ll find a list of controversial questions and topics for research that can come in handy on days when you lack inspiration!

🔝 Top 10 Controversial Questions in 2024

🤔 most controversial questions — and why.

  • 🏫 Topics for High School Students
  • 🎓 Topics for College Students

🔎 Controversial Research Topics

  • 📝 Controversial Argumentative Topics

💼 Controversial Business Topics

🏥 controversial medical topics, 🔬 controversial science topics, 💡 controversial philosophical questions, 😛 funny controversial topics, 🗣️ controversial debate topics, 🔗 references.

  • Why should brain control techniques in psychology be banned?
  • How to stop sexual abuse in the motion picture industry?
  • How is homosexuality discriminated against in the 21st century?
  • Does drug control help to reduce drug consumption among teenagers?
  • What is the role of plastic pollution in global warming?
  • How to make domestic violence victims speak out?
  • Why are alternatives to prison sentences more effective?
  • What is the impact of human overpopulation on food security?
  • What is the positive impact of free trade on the international market?
  • Why do abusive power and control often take part in modern relationships?

A controversial topic differs from others in that it causes considerable disagreement, debate, and varied emotional reactions in society. It usually involves opposing points of view, beliefs, or interests.

Below, we’ve listed several most controversial questions and explained what makes them such.

❔ Should abortion be legalized around the world?

Abortion is controversial due to its ethical, moral, and legal consequences. It raises the question of the fetus’ rights to life and a person’s right to govern their own body.

❔ What are the most effective measures to prevent gun violence?

Gun control is among the most controversial and emotional topics in many nations. Its discussion is mainly centered around two questions:

  • Can the limit on people’s right to bear weapons be considered an unfair restriction on liberty?
  • Is there a link between gun ownership and crime?

❔ Should capital punishment be canceled?

Opponents of the death sentence point out its inhumanity, irreversibility, and unfairness due to the persistence of racial and economic inequalities. Proponents believe that it is reasonable retribution for specific acts and is effective in deterring crime and protecting society.

❔ To what degree should freedom of speech be protected?

Freedom of speech is controversial because society struggles to define its limits. There is still a need to find a balance between safeguarding the freedom of expression and protecting individuals against the harm caused by speech.

❔ What measures should be taken to stop global warming?

The global warming controversy refers to the public dispute over whether the planet is getting warmer. Also, people argue about the leading causes of climate change, its consequences, and methods to stop it.

This image shows the most controversial topics.

🏫 Controversial Topics for High School Students

Investigating controversial topics may help high school students develop critical thinking skills, engage in meaningful dialogues, and expand their awareness of challenging social issues. Below you can find some controversial questions for students!

  • Should sports classes in school be mandatory?
  • Abortion as a controversy .
  • Why can technologies destroy the world?
  • The benefits of year-round school.
  • Circumcision as a controversial topic in the United States .
  • Social networks make people less social.
  • Alcohol should be banned under 25.
  • Child labor and exploitation controversies .
  • Bad parenting is a leading reason for childhood obesity .
  • Is it time to decriminalize prostitution ?
  • Same-sex marriage as a moral controversy .
  • Happiness is more crucial than a career.
  • Zoos around the world should be closed.
  • The controversy over marijuana legalization .
  • Why will cryptocurrencies replace cash?
  • The institution of marriage is a relic of the past.
  • Genetic engineering and cloning controversy .
  • Climate change has already become irreversible.
  • Why is playing online games a sport?
  • Controversy about global warming: skepticism and reality .
  • Alternative medicines are more dangerous than helpful.
  • Why is remote studying the future of education?
  • Victorian period corset controversy .
  • Leisure time is critical for working productivity.
  • Is nationalism beneficial or harmful?
  • The Barbie doll controversy in a Latinx community .
  • The government should permit gay couples to adopt children .
  • The positive side of smoking and vaping .
  • Why is immigration a controversial topic in the US ?
  • Should we outlaw the use of fatal force by police ?

🎓 Controversial Topics for College Students

Controversial topics often reflect current social challenges , allowing college students to contribute to discussions and decisions that influence the world around them. Look at the most interesting controversial debate questions for college that we have prepared for you!

  • The crime behind animal testing in the beauty industry. 
  • Biracial adoption and its controversies .
  • Why are many people ignoring cybersecurity ? 
  • The benefits of expanding stem cell research .
  • The gun control controversy in the constitutional context .
  • Why should churches and religious institutions pay taxes? 
  • The issue of media bias and discrimination in the modern world. 
  • Women in army infantry: controversial issues .
  • Non-chemical cleaning products: worth the cost or not? 
  • Capitalism is an economic system that perpetuates inequality. 
  • The United States Patriot Act controversies .
  • Should the death penalty be abolished in the US? 
  • The effectiveness of using hacking skills in business. 
  • Ethical controversies in COVID-19 pandemic regulations .
  • Why is being transgender not a gender disorder ? 
  • The risk of religious discrimination in a multi-cultured society. 
  • Controversial art and censorship .
  • Does a smoking ban reduce lung cancer rates? 
  • The influence of mixed-race backgrounds on personal development. 
  • Minimum wage policy and its impact: controversy .
  • The importance of policies and religious accommodations at the workplace. 
  • How to raise awareness of women’s rights in society? 
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnosis controversy .
  • Legalization of marijuana for medical usage: for and against. 
  • What are the potentially harmful effects of consuming genetically modified food ? 
  • Dementia and its controversial treatment .
  • The effects of globalization on national economies and job losses. 
  • How to reduce the incidence of alcoholism and drug addiction in society? 
  • The Jamestown massacre controversy .
  • The efficiency of drug testing programs in schools . 

Controversial research topics inspire discussions and push limits on established beliefs. In the following paragraphs, you can find risky but interesting controversial questions for your future study!

Controversial Topics in Education

  • How do cell phones decrease learning productivity?
  • The role of textbooks in education .
  • The impact of fast food on students’ learning skills.
  • Do armed guards reduce crime rates in schools?
  • Why does education require political intervention ?
  • The negative side of individualized approach in education .
  • Advantages and disadvantages of tracking and grouping in classes.
  • School sex education and teenage pregnancy in the United States .
  • Does a college education lower the unemployment rate ?
  • Early childhood education and its influence on success in the future.
  • Education: internet courses versus traditional courses .
  • Does a low level of IQ affect academic performance?
  • The importance of detention in disciplining students.
  • Labeling in special education .
  • Does homeschooling provide a better education than traditional schooling?

Controversial Psychology Topics

  • What factors contribute to the persistence of stereotypes in diverse societies? 
  • Happiness as a Way of Living and Perceiving Reality .
  • The impact of advertising on the human brain and mental health. 
  • How does yoga affect a person’s mental state? 
  • Gaming influence on psychology and personality .
  • The effect of biological factors on sexual orientation . 
  • Do violent video games influence real-life aggression? 
  • Psychology: does a criminal mind exist ?
  • Placebo effect and its role in demonstrating the power of the mind. 
  • Can psychological profiling accurately forecast criminal behavior? 
  • Psychological testing: beneficial or harmful ?
  • The impact of subconscious biases on decision-making. 
  • Does testimony from witnesses properly represent historical events?
  • Experimental psychology: science vs. ideology .
  • Do near-death experiences provide evidence of an afterlife? 

Controversial Criminal Justice Topics

  • Do mandatory minimum sentences lower crime rates?
  • Racial bas in criminal justice systems and workplaces .
  • The ethical side of capital punishment in the US .
  • The role of racial bias in the criminal justice system.
  • Recidivism in criminal justice: the prison system of America .
  • Do private prisons put profit above inmate welfare?
  • The effectiveness of body cameras in maintaining accountability and transparency.
  • Ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice system .
  • Is the drug war successful in lowering drug abuse?
  • The impact of solitary confinement on the occurrence of mental disorders in prisoners.
  • Non-inclusiveness of the criminal justice system .
  • How to prevent sexual assault in the military ?
  • The role of restitution in dealing with prison overcrowding .
  • Cyberbullying as a criminal offense in Singapore .
  • How does the prison system impact the mental health of prisoners ?

This image shows current controversial criminal justice topics.

Controversial Political Questions

  • Is wealth redistribution a successful way of addressing income inequality?
  • Political culture: failure of democracy in Iraq .
  • Do restrictive abortion policies decrease the abortion rates among teens?
  • What impact do campaign funding regulations have on political corruption ?
  • Mexican immigration as a political controversy .
  • How do religious factors shape public opinion on LGBTQ+ rights?
  • How to regulate the misinformation or propaganda inside the country?
  • Abortion in Texas as a political issue .
  • How does the accessibility of weapons affect the frequency of mass shootings ?
  • What effect does immigration have on crime and public safety in host countries?
  • Tolerance and political diversity in the US .
  • Why does power concentration negatively affect press freedom?
  • How do politicians reconcile private power interests and democratic values?
  • Political ecologies of electronic waste: does it really make a difference ?
  • What is the role of government in providing affordable healthcare ?

Controversial Environmental Topics

  • Does the ban on plastic help to stop climate change?
  • Environment: oil drilling in the Arctic National Refuge .
  • Nuclear power as the solution for sustainable energy production.
  • Can banning fast fashion be beneficial to the environment?
  • The controversies of climate change .
  • How does noise pollution affect marine life?
  • Does recycling cause more trash in the environment?
  • Global warming and the free rider problem .
  • The benefits of efficient toilets in conserving water.
  • The establishment of the carbon tax as a way to reduce carbon footprint.
  • Global warming: myth or reality ?
  • What threat to the Earth does overpopulation pose?
  • The negative consequences of leftover foods in restaurants.
  • It’s not my fault: global warming and moral responsibility .
  • Would the ban on mining aid in preserving the environment?

📝 Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Controversial argumentative essay topics require the student to investigate a problem, examine the evidence, and present a concise viewpoint on an issue. Some of the hottest topics are already waiting for you below!

  • Should athletes be checked for steroid usage regularly?
  • The controversy between free will and determinism .
  • Procrastination has a negative influence on critical thinking.
  • Pharmacies should provide teenagers with free contraception.
  • Operation Geronimo: controversy and the legal authority .
  • Torture can be efficient in solving some crimes.
  • Why should computer addiction be treated seriously?
  • Should illegal immigrants be made legal citizens ?
  • Prenuptial agreements can strengthen families’ relationships.
  • Why should media violence be censored?
  • Should smoking be illegal ?
  • Are social networks helpful, or are they just a waste of time?
  • Cyberbullying should have legal consequences.
  • Have “three-strikes” laws been effective and should they be continued ?
  • Religious courses should be mandatory for everyone.
  • Why is modern technology too isolating?
  • Should Georgia legalize gambling to raise revenue ?
  • Tourist tax is essential to protect cultural heritage .
  • All individuals should have the right to possess firearms.
  • The Right-to-Die bill: why all states should pass it .
  • Do TV shows reinforce harmful stereotypes?
  • Values of fashion should not contradict the healthy body image .

Controversial Questions About Art

  • Why is the depiction of nudity in art considered vulgar?
  • Pornography vs. artistic nude photographs .
  • Should obscene artistic expression without “serious artistic value” be censored?
  • Why is art not an objective branch of human culture?
  • Graffiti as a monumental form of art .
  • Can governments stop the trafficking of antiquities?
  • What role does criticism play in modern art?
  • Art and entertainment: is there any difference ?
  • Are museums ready to cope with competition and demands for change?
  • Why is visiting a theater good for cultural growth?
  • Freedom of expression in artworks .
  • Why are new directions in architecture widely criticized?
  • Is an artwork’s worth determined by its price?
  • Defining art in the past and present .
  • Can graffiti be considered a legitimate form of art?

Controversial History Questions

  • Is the existence of Atlantis not entirely mythical?
  • How has the invention of gunpowder affected the world ?
  • Why is it not true that pyramids were built by slaves in Egypt?
  • What would be with Germany if Hitler had not happened?
  • How did WWI change women’s role in America ?
  • What was the leading cause of the American Civil War ?
  • Who funded the assassins of Archduke Ferdinand?
  • What led up to the assassination of Julius Caesar ?
  • Why was slavery unprofitable for enslavers?
  • From whom did Charles Darwin get his idea of evolution?
  • Jacksonian democracy: who benefitted ?
  • Why was Galileo tortured for his beliefs?
  • Who actually wrote Shakespeare’s plays?
  • Was the Industrial Revolution positive for society ?
  • How did European pathogens cause the decline of the Cahokia and Mississippian mounds?

Controversial Opinion Questions

  • Why should religion be separated from politics?
  • Euthanasia in public opinion and policy-making .
  • Do a person’s thoughts and behavior contribute to mental illnesses?
  • How can curfews keep teens out of trouble?
  • Internet in our life: personal opinion .
  • Why are immigrants more of a benefit rather than a problem?
  • Are social media platforms accountable for the material they publish?
  • Money and expenditures: personal opinion .
  • What is the harmful impact of homework ?
  • Should LGBT+ problems be discussed during school sex education classes?
  • Our opinions on vaccines and what factors influence them .
  • Why allowing a child to be overweight is a form of child abuse ?
  • How can smartphones damage our IQs?
  • Opinions about euthanasia: for and against .
  • Why is war never an option for solving international disputes?

Like any other sphere, business has many exciting topics that provoke deep discussion and boost people’s curiosity. Here are some ideas that you can use for your papers!

  • The issue of discrimination and harassment at the workplace.
  • Business ethics and CSR: when corporate values must be upgraded .
  • How does abuse of leadership authority impact employees’ productivity?
  • The risks of nepotism and favoritism in big corporations.
  • Samsung and child labor: business ethics case .
  • How to find the balance between work and personal life?
  • The ethical side of corporate espionage.
  • Business ethics: Indian tea plantation workers .
  • Social media networks should be blocked at work.
  • Why are remote workers more productive?
  • Business ethics of concealing facts in a report .
  • The efficiency of open-space offices in creating fresh business ideas.
  • Companies should provide health care to part-time employees.
  • Management issues: diversity in the workplace .
  • How to avoid ethical issues in the business industry?
  • A casual dress code should be mandatory in the office.
  • Socialization of people with disabilities in the workplace .
  • Will AI replace human jobs soon?
  • Minimum wages should be increased around the world.
  • Workplace sexual harassment and legal boundaries .
  • Stakeholder capitalism as a fundamental violation of fiduciary duty.
  • How to deal with a toxic working environment?

Controversial Topics in Business Management

  • How to obtain an advantage over competitors ethically?
  • Artificial intelligence in strategic business management .
  • The importance of workforce diversity in global organizations.
  • Participative management approach as a method to empower the workforce.
  • Women minorities in business management .
  • Why is it vital to implement quality management systems ?
  • Employers should make accommodations for employees with mental health issues.
  • The marginal productivity of labor in business management .
  • All workplace relationships should be banned.
  • Time management as a way to boost productivity.
  • Moral wayfinding for a business manager .
  • Outsourcing as a way of redirecting the company’s resources.
  • The effectiveness of banning political discussion in resolving labor conflicts.
  • Technological changes in business management .
  • Why is focusing on customer service not vital in the business industry?

Controversial Marketing Topics

  • Overpromising as a harmful way to gain customers’ trust.
  • Marketing: social responsibility and the law .
  • Misusing customer data should be punished by the government.
  • How does misleading pricing affect the number of sales?
  • Is it necessary to develop a marketing plan ?
  • The risks and benefits of controversial marketing.
  • The impact of colors on the brand and marketing campaigns .
  • Advertising to children and social responsibility .
  • Why should advertising potentially dangerous products be banned?
  • Virtual influencers in marketing and their impact on teenagers.
  • Sex in advertising and its harmful effects .
  • Recycling content as a way to draw more customers.
  • What is the role of social justice issues in ads of popular brands?
  • Pharmaceutical advertising is propaganda .
  • The role of racial diversity in marketing campaigns.

This image shows examples of controversial marketing campaigns.

Controversial medical topics can inspire passionate discussions within healthcare. In the following paragraphs, you can check out the hottest ideas to discuss in the medical field!

Controversial Nursing Topics

  • The importance of nurses in end-of-life care .
  • Staffing issues in nursing .
  • How long should nurses rest between patients?
  • The benefits and drawbacks of nurse-physician collaboration .
  • Circumcision ethical dilemma and a nurse’s role in it .
  • The efficiency of nursing unions in defending nurses’ rights.
  • Medical errors and disclosure in pediatric nursing .
  • Nurse Robaczynski’s case: crime or mercy killing ?
  • Nursing approaches to ophthalmic care for older adults.
  • What is the value of informed consent in nursing practice?
  • Drug addiction among nurses .
  • The worth of nursing leadership in fostering a culture of transparency.
  • The role of nurses in addressing medical futility.
  • Nurses’ work-life balance and patient safety .
  • How to balance patient autonomy and healthcare professional expertise?

Controversial Public Health Topics

  • Should medical experiments on humans be legalized?
  • Vaccination as a public health policy issue .
  • The pros and cons of exercising for pregnant women.
  • Social media disinformation as a key cause of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy .
  • Abortion from legal and public health perspectives .
  • How should the issue of obesity be treated?
  • The impact of the coronavirus on a specific vulnerable population.
  • Sugary drink tax as a public health policy .
  • Did COVID-19 give a boost to telemedicine ?
  • The opioid crisis is a public health catastrophe.
  • Is bottled water safe for public health ?
  • The impact of aging water and sewer infrastructure on health.
  • Why are electronic cigarettes more harmful than regular ones?
  • Firearm violence as a public health issue .
  • Federal privacy laws should protect the privacy of patients.

Controversial Medical Ethics Topics

  • Medical students’ involvement in patient care: for or against.
  • Patient’s violence and the use of the doctor’s force .
  • Is it ethical for healthcare workers to accept gifts from patients?
  • The peculiarities of working with surrogate decision-makers.
  • Medical ethics: a do-not-resuscitate order .
  • How to address disparities in health care professionally?
  • The importance of patient privacy and confidentiality.
  • Medical ethics: performing an unnecessary test .
  • The possible pitfalls of legalization of organ transplantation .
  • Euthanasia should be a free choice of a patient.
  • Is lying to patients against medical ethics ?
  • What is the ethical side of DNR orders ?
  • Moral dilemmas concerning physician-assisted suicide .
  • Medical ethics: pet euthanasia .
  • How should malpractice and negligence in healthcare be punished?

Controversial Questions about Mental Health

  • Why is self-help in coping with mental disorders a waste of time?
  • What are the dangers of fad diets for mental health ?
  • Are mental health issues a result of personality weakness or character flaws?
  • Do children experience mental health issues?
  • What causes medication administration errors in a mental health hospital ?
  • How to prevent a mental health condition?
  • What is the role of psychosurgery in treating depression?
  • How does ageism affect mental health and addiction ?
  • Why do people use self-harm to overcome traumatic experiences?
  • Is hearing voices the first symptom of schizophrenia ?
  • What are the mental health issues in incarcerated adults ?
  • Why is having bipolar disorder considered fancy among teenagers?
  • What is the role of practical pharmacotherapy in child psychiatry ?
  • How can violence potential be assessed in forensic psychiatric institutions ?
  • How can suicidal behavior be unnoticed in society?

Do you need a controversial scientific topic for your term paper or essay? Read on to find the perfect topics on science that you can use in your favor!

  • Science should try to revive extinct species.
  • Vaccines and autism: does the controversy persist ?
  • Will expanding stem cell research be beneficial?
  • The role of genes in determining a person’s behavior.
  • Controversies related to technology: newborn screening .
  • What is the evidence of life on other planets?
  • The scientific side of reincarnation .
  • Controversies between religion and science .
  • Why should alternative medicine be forbidden?
  • Genetic variations as the leading cause of alcoholism.
  • How is science demarcated from pseudoscience ?
  • The efficiency of symptomatic care in the separation of conjoined twins .
  • Is it possible to create a virus in the lab?
  • Faith and science: did Darwin kill God ?
  • The impact of scientific creationism on education.
  • Why should the development of neural lace technology be banned?
  • Cyber-science: fiction or modern reality ?
  • Why should people have the right to refuse vaccinations?
  • Should governments invest significant resources in space exploration ?
  • The promises and perils of artificial intelligence .
  • The ethical aspects of human cloning for medical purposes.
  • Why is animal testing necessary?

Controversial Biology Topics

  • Drinking a lot of water wipes away the vital nutrients the body needs.
  • Is gender a culturally or biologically perscribed role ?
  • Why are overweight people more likely to develop chronic diseases ?
  • Current generations are responsible for preventing climate change.
  • Mind-body problem in psychobiology .
  • Charles Darwin’s evolution hypothesis may not be flawless.
  • The potential for gene editing to heal genetic diseases .
  • Substance abuse: environmental influences and biology .
  • Cancer treatment does additional harm to the health.
  • The debate in evolutionary biology regarding the validity of the molecular clock.
  • Biotechnology: impact on biological warfare and biodefense .
  • What are healthy bacteria that should remain in the body?
  • The impact of synthetic biology on the environment.
  • Advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research .
  • What are the evolutionary origins of homosexuality ?

Controversial Engineering Topics

  • The design and construction of weaponry should be banned.
  • Engineering professionalism and ethics .
  • What is the ethical side of bioengineering?
  • The possible consequences of the “conflict mineral” exploitation.
  • Loudness war in sound engineering .
  • How can AI replace humans in engineering processes?
  • The debate between imperial and metric measurements.
  • Green engineering: principles, benefits, and constraints .
  • Why do environmental engineers play a huge role in mitigating climate change?
  • The safety of products and structures is a crucial concern for engineers.
  • Human factor engineering problem: carpal tunnel syndrome .
  • Manipulation of organisms with the help of genetic engineering .
  • Why do males dominate the engineering industry?
  • Ethical dilemmas in software engineering: Volkswagen ethical dilemma .
  • The efficiency of chemical engineering technologies in diagnosing diseases.

Controversial Chemistry Topics

  • How do chemical agendas impact cultural values or religious ideas?
  • Government preparedness to chemical and bio terrorism .
  • The role of chemistry in the prediction of environmental or health problems.
  • Chemical weapons as a primary threat to the world.
  • Chemical pollution and loans in business ethics .
  • The role of chemical laboratories in increasing drug abuse rates.
  • How does desalinated water impact human health?
  • Dumping chemical wastes in the lake .
  • The negative side of using nuclear energy .
  • Why is avoiding pesticides in agriculture vital?
  • An unethical decision of the Rongping Chemical Company .
  • The use of radiant energy in making food safer.
  • What is the potential side effect of fluoridation?
  • Chemical impact on the US vulnerable communities .
  • The safety of using BPA in food packaging .

This image shows controversial topics in science.

Deep, controversial questions can challenge our beliefs and prompt introspection. Check out the most contentious philosophical questions that you can use for your essay or paper below!

  • How can we identify good without knowing what evil is?
  • What is the problem of evil in relation to philosophy and religion ?
  • Do you have control over your destiny, or does everything happen by fate?
  • Is happiness the most essential goal in life?
  • Philosophy prospectus: why should we be moral ?
  • Does life exist somewhere else in the universe?
  • Is it immoral to distribute riches inequitably?
  • Issues in philosophy: does God exist ?
  • Is love simply a physical desire or something more?
  • Can a life without friends still be fulfilling?
  • Are there limits to what should be questioned ?
  • What will happen when the world ends?
  • Does religion have an impact on scientific thinking?
  • Is euthanasia morally acceptable ?
  • How can you know that your perceptions are accurate?
  • What is the distinction between being alive and living?
  • Is watching football morally acceptable ?
  • Is beauty a subjective or objective concept?
  • Are we ethically obliged to help others?
  • Are rich countries morally obligated to assist poor countries ?
  • Is suffering an unavoidable aspect of human life?
  • What does an afterlife look like?
  • When is the use of military force justified ?

Moral Controversial Topics

  • Would you kill one person to save the lives of hundreds?
  • What is the moral doctrine of active and passive euthanasia ?
  • Why is there no absolute morality in the world?
  • Is refusing life-saving medical care morally wrong?
  • What is the moral status of an abnormal fetus ?
  • Would you lie in the name of love?
  • Does putting others before yourself give your life purpose?
  • Should athletes be held to a higher moral standard ?
  • Would you want to know when you are going to die?
  • Would you go against the law to save someone you care about?
  • What is the moral status of the human embryo ?
  • Would you use a dating service to find a lover?
  • Can money buy happiness?
  • Is it morally permissible to drive after having one drink ?
  • What would you change in the world if you could?

Controversial Religious Topics

  • How does religion impact a woman’s right to have an abortion?
  • Religion in schools: is there a place for it ?
  • What are the negative consequences of blasphemy laws?
  • Why should animal sacrifice be banned in every religion?
  • What are the consequences of religious freedom in America ?
  • Why do autopsy laws conflict with religious objections?
  • Is there scientific evidence for God’s existence ?
  • Is religion the root of terrorism ?
  • Why is gay marriage not supported in many religions?
  • Can prayer affect the fate of events?
  • What are the religious and moral aspects of slavery ?
  • How should the church respond to racial injustice and discrimination ?
  • Why can’t Satanism be a valid religion?
  • Is Islam a religion that practices just war ?
  • Do religions cause more conflict than they solve?

Do you know that funny, controversial questions can provide you with a dose of laughter and debate at the same time? Look at the entertaining topics we have prepared for you!

  • Why are women often used as inspiration for writing poems?
  • Should apartments ban dogs based on breed ?
  • How quickly can children become addicted to video games?
  • Why is procrastination necessary for achieving goals?
  • Should stimulants be prescribed to boost grades ?
  • What impact does noise pollution have on human well-being?
  • Why should guys avoid wearing skinny jeans?
  • Should plant-based dairy be labeled as milk ?
  • How to choose a role model for your children?
  • Why do people enjoy making things complicated?
  • Should schools distribute condoms ?
  • Why may clowns frighten both children and adults?
  • How to win an argument with the husband?
  • Why pitbulls should not be banned .
  • What are the most effective ways to survive a zombie apocalypse?
  • What is the most useless talent in the world?
  • Should spamming be illegal ?
  • Why is listening to podcasts instead of music more beneficial?
  • The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
  • Should people be paid to stay healthy ?
  • Only hardworking people can achieve their goals.
  • What makes someone a “good person”?

Random Controversial Questions

  • What are the leading causes of awkward dates?
  • Gender stereotypes: should real men wear pink ?
  • What is the importance of mandatory napping hours for adults?
  • What is the proper technique for applying toothpaste on a brush?
  • Should wolves come back to Colorado ?
  • How does laughter influence academic success in elementary school?
  • When is it useful to be a good liar?
  • Why shouldn’t you have grades in school ?
  • Why should pajamas be a part of the work dress code ?
  • Why is retail therapy an effective method for boosting happiness?
  • Repatriate or keep: should museums return artifacts ?
  • What are the possible consequences of falling coconuts for human health?
  • Why should wearing socks with sandals be banned?
  • Should societies impose monogamy ?
  • Why are emojis the superior way of communication?

Controversial Sports Topics

  • Why should the use of animals in the sports industry be banned?
  • The issue of violence in sports .
  • The benefits and drawbacks of social media’s influence on the sports world.
  • Why does money play an essential role in professional sports?
  • Steroid use and sports .
  • Advertising during football matches should be banned.
  • Why should sports betting be legalized?
  • Transgender women athletes in professional sports .
  • The impact of funny nicknames on sports career.
  • Gender discrimination is the biggest problem in the sports industry.
  • Accessibility of sports facilities for people with disabilities .
  • What are the risks and rewards of steroids in sports?
  • The role of sport in preventing mental problems.
  • Public funding for professional sports facilities .
  • Why are all Brazilian athletes good at soccer?

Controversial Music Topics

  • Why is rap music considered to promote rape?
  • The need for censorship in the music industry .
  • Michael Jackson : a musical genius or a mentally ill man?
  • The role of classical music in improving learning skills.
  • Hip-hop and violence: does this music genre promote crime ?
  • The effectiveness of piracy laws in curbing illegal copying of songs.
  • What is the secret behind the success of Justin Bieber?
  • Tupac’s fake death conspiracy theory .
  • The impact of music types on sleep quality .
  • Why isn’t auto-tuned music real music?
  • Controversies about how to interpret music .
  • The importance of lyrics in modern pop songs.
  • The relationship between music and lifestyle of a music fan.
  • Legalizing free downloads of music and movies .
  • Why is talent not important in the music industry in the 21st century?

Controversial Animal Topics

  • Why is animal testing never justified?
  • Is animal creativity possible ?
  • The efficiency of government laws in protecting animals’ rights.
  • The ethical drawbacks of horse racing.
  • Using animals in medical experiments .
  • What should there be the penalty for animal poachers?
  • What are the effective ways to prevent animal extinctions?
  • Animal welfare: why animals should be treated with kindness and respect .
  • Sacrificing an animal for religious reasons: an ethical side.
  • What are humans’ responsibilities to animals?
  • Captivity in zoos adversely affects animals .
  • Using animals for food should be banned.
  • The impact of farming on the environment.
  • Animal transplantation and commerce in organs .
  • Why should keeping exotic animals as pets be illegal?

Social Media Controversial Topics

  • The influence of social networks on self-esteem.
  • Social media’s influence on the children and teens .
  • Social networks as a method to manipulate people.
  • The importance of digital connectedness in modern society.
  • Transparency of services: social media and the Internet usage .
  • How to stop the dissemination of fake news on Twitter?
  • Digital friendship: benefits and possible drawbacks.
  • Social media for children: threat or opportunity ?
  • How does the platform BeReal differ from other social networks?
  • The impact of Instagram masks on the perception of one’s appearance.
  • Law enforcement: online crimes and social media .
  • Why should politicians be banned from social media?
  • Social networks as a platform for the emergence of new professions.
  • Nursing professionalism in social media .
  • Social media destroys creativity in teenagers.

Controversial Relationship Questions

  • How does divorce impact a child’s mental health?
  • Money issues in romantic and marital relationships .
  • Is there a place for monogamy in today’s world?
  • Why are mothers expected to prioritize their children’s needs over their own?
  • Family relationships and dominant culture .
  • Why is it important for a couple to move in together before marriage?
  • How does violence in a family affect a child?
  • Family relationships and response to health issues .
  • Why is a man considered the head of the family?
  • Is it good for spouses to have different religious beliefs?
  • Domestic violence in same-sex relationships .
  • Should couples put their careers above their relationships?
  • Why should adoptive parents not hide information about a child’s biological origins?
  • Interpersonal qualities for good relationships .
  • How does betrayal impact relationships?

Controversial Food Questions

  • What are the health risks of genetically modified foods?
  • Labeling food with genetically modified organisms .
  • Why should pineapple on pizza be banned?
  • How does food misinformation in the media impact consumers’ choices?
  • Food additives: dangers and health impacts .
  • Why is McDonald’s the best fast-food restaurant in the world?
  • What is bad about taking photos of food at restaurants?
  • Is fast food really harmful and can it be healthy ?
  • Why should people not eat meat daily?
  • What is the role of a healthy diet in dealing with childhood obesity?
  • Food consumption: enjoyment and ethics .
  • Can your diet be modified to match your genetic profile?
  • Why do people in different countries have opposite views on nutrition?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of biotechnology in improving the nutritive value of foods .
  • What are the main risks of eating too much sweets?

Looking for controversial questions to debate in the classroom or during the conversation? Check out the list we’ve created especially for you!

  • Addicts should receive help rather than punishment. 
  • Breastfeeding and bottle feeding controversies .
  • Why does the beauty industry create unrealistic beauty standards ? 
  • Is it possible for alternative energy to replace fossil fuels effectively? 
  • Rationalism and empiricism controversy .
  • The possible drawbacks of binge-watching . 
  • The importance of a parenting class before having a child. 
  • Holocaust denial and antisemitism ideas .
  • Why is war never justified? 
  • Smoking e-cigarettes should be made illegal. 
  • Contemporary global controversies: labor standards .
  • The single-gender schools are better for teenagers. 
  • Why should we ban “diet culture”? 
  • Debate on circumcision: is it unethical and unlawful ?
  • Effective ways of solving the problem of ageism in society. 
  • The drawbacks of patriotism exceed the advantages. 
  • Mass starvation: is it a real danger for humans ?
  • Why is it impossible to achieve world peace ? 
  • The negative impact of beauty pageants on self-esteem. 
  • Graffiti: is it art or vandalism ?
  • Are pharmaceutical medication prices reasonable? 
  • Women are better at managing large corporations than men. 
  • Sport hunting: is it cruel to kill animals for sport ?
  • Organ donation should be made compulsory. 
  • Why is feminism out of date in the 21st century? 
  • Criminal profiling: is it science ?
  • Cryptocurrencies will replace traditional currencies soon. 
  • Corporate jobs are a new form of slavery. 
  • Obesity: is it a disease ?
  • Why is blockchain technology the future? 

❓ Controversial Questions FAQ

What is a controversial topic.

Controversial topics are topics that elicit strong emotions and divide opinions. Dealing with controversial issues may be highly emotional, especially if they involve values, beliefs, and ethical standards. At the same time, such topics help distinguish between fact and opinion and teach respect for other people’s viewpoints.

What Are Some Controversial Questions?

  • Is freedom of speech essential in a functional society?
  • Should burning the flag be punished?
  • Is solar power the energy of the future?
  • Should more people become vegetarian?
  • Is tourism harmful to the environment?
  • Will technology kill the world?

How to Present a Controversial Topic?

  • Ensure you have all the necessary information and are well-versed in the subject.
  • Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terminology.
  • Consider your target listeners’ age, gender, and ethnicity.
  • Establish credibility by sharing accurate facts or relevant stories.
  • Present both sides of the argument to be objective.
  • Hot Topics and Controversial Issues | Texas State University  
  • Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics | University of Michigan  
  • What Do Americans Think About Controversial Topics in Schools? | USC Dornsife  
  • Topics | Brookings  
  • Issues and Controversies: Find a Topic | Marquette University  
  • Political Issues | Pew Research Center  
  • Issues & Controversies: topics on Crime and Juvenile Justice | A&M University  
  • Engaging in Discussions about Controversial Issues | Alys Avalos-Rivera  
  • Business Management Topics | The University of Maine  
  • Topics: Issues Related to Religion | The First Amendment Encyclopedia  
  • 5 Major Controversies and Challenges in Engineering | Interesting Engineering  
  • What Are the Top 10 Public Health Challenges in 2023? | News Medical
  • Select a Research Topic: Current Events and Controversial Issues | Southern Adventist University  
  • 110+ Controversial Debate Topics to Challenge Your Students | We Are Teachers  
  • Addressing Controversial Issues | Council of Europe  
  • 100+ Interesting Debate Topics | Owlcation
  • Room for Debate | The New York Times
  • The 22 Debates That Made Us Rage, Roll Our Eyes, and Change Our Minds In 2022 | The New York Times  
  • Current Debates | SAGE edge
  • Current Debates in Health Care Policy: A Brief Overview | Brookings
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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Convincing Thesis Statement

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

Ample Research

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

Clear Structure

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

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

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

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

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

Art / Culture

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

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

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

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150+ Controversial Topics For Essays For College Students

Updated 13 Jun 2024

The popularity of controversial essays these days cannot be overestimated since the majority of college professors want to see students explore, debate, and research as they discuss politics, healthcare, education, and many other subjects where various controversies can be encountered. The purpose of such essays is to test your research and analysis skills, which is why it is vital to discover good controversial essay topics. They must inspire you in the first place and keep things accessible regarding your attitude and position. Professional writers from our essay writing service will help you with academic papers of any difficulty.

How to Choose Controversial Topics For Essays?

As you receive essay help online and start with any academic writing, remember that your controversial topic choice must address the following elements:

  • Narrow Your Subject Down As You Choose Controversial Topics For Essay.
  • Research Similar Publications To Gain More Knowledge.
  • Include Relevant Facts and Statistics To Make Things Credible.
  • Research Opposite Sides & Include References.

By doing so, you should think about your wording to help it reflect your thesis statement and add more sense to it. In simple terms, saying that smoking is bad is not enough because you should explain why and come up with some controversy like smokers living up to 90 years of age! Do some research and make it sound controversial and inspiring with authentic and high-quality help provided by Edubirdie college essay service.

An Ultimate List of Controversial Essay Topics Across Subjects

Regardless if you need argumentative essay topics  or would like to find something unique for college debates, have a look at various ideas to keep your creative juices flow. Take your time to look at our good controversial essay topics below:

Politics and Government

  • Should voting be mandatory for all citizens?
  • Is a two-party system effective in modern politics?
  • The ethics of political lobbying: good or bad for democracy?
  • Should the electoral college be abolished?
  • The impact of social media on political campaigns.
  • Is nationalism a positive or negative political force?
  • Should governments regulate fake news?
  • The role of whistleblowers in democracy.
  • Is universal basic income a viable political policy?
  • Should there be term limits for politicians?
  • The effectiveness of sanctions as a foreign policy tool.
  • Should there be a global governing body with binding powers over nations?
  • The implications of surveillance technology on personal privacy and government power.
  • Is compulsory military service beneficial for a country?
  • The role of lobbyists in shaping government policy: beneficial or harmful?
  • Should political campaigns be publicly funded to reduce corruption?
  • The impact of gerrymandering on democratic processes.
  • Is a one-world government a realistic or desirable goal?
  • The balance between free speech and hate speech in political discourse.
  • The influence of corporate interests in shaping environmental policies.

Social and Cultural Issues

  • The influence of reality TV on society.
  • Should cultural appropriation in fashion and music be regulated?
  • The impact of social media on body image.
  • Is cancel culture a form of social justice or censorship?
  • The role of gender in modern society.
  • Should the age of consent be uniform worldwide?
  • The ethics of beauty pageants.
  • Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
  • The impact of violent video games on youth behavior.
  • Should public figures have a right to a private life?
  • The impact of social media influencers on youth culture and values.
  • Should cultural traditions be adapted to align with modern values?
  • The role of censorship in art and media: protecting society or stifling creativity?
  • Is the concept of a universal language beneficial or detrimental to cultural diversity?
  • The influence of celebrity endorsements in political campaigns.
  • Should there be legal consequences for spreading misinformation online?
  • The ethical implications of AI in replicating human creativity and art.
  • Is the gig economy empowering freelancers or exploiting workers?
  • The impact of globalization on indigenous cultures and traditions.
  • Should governments regulate the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces?

Ethics and Morality

  • Is euthanasia morally acceptable?
  • The ethical implications of animal testing.
  • Should there be a global standard for human rights?
  • The morality of the death penalty.
  • Is it ethical to use drones in warfare?
  • The ethics of genetic cloning.
  • Should we have the right to own guns?
  • Is torture ever justified in interrogation?
  • The ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence.
  • Should we prioritize privacy over security?
  • The moral implications of wealth inequality and redistribution.
  • Is it ethical to impose population control measures?
  • The morality of using AI in decision-making processes affecting human lives.
  • Should there be ethical standards for artificial intelligence and robotics?
  • The ethical considerations of data privacy in the digital age.
  • Is it morally acceptable to use animals in sports and entertainment (like horse racing, bullfighting)?
  • The ethical dilemmas posed by virtual reality technologies.
  • Should parents have the right to genetically modify their unborn children?
  • The morality of using deepfake technology in media and information.
  • Is it ethical to keep animals in zoos and aquariums for educational purposes?

Health and Medicine

  • Should vaccination be mandatory?
  • The ethics of placebo treatments in medicine.
  • Is healthcare a right or a privilege?
  • The impact of pharmaceutical companies on healthcare.
  • Should alternative medicine be covered by insurance?
  • The legalization of assisted suicide.
  • The ethics of organ donation from deceased donors.
  • Should parents have the right to refuse medical treatment for their children?
  • The impact of diet culture on health.
  • Should performance-enhancing drugs be allowed in sports?
  • The ethical implications of using AI and big data in healthcare decision-making.
  • Should there be a global standard for drug pricing to improve access to medications?
  • The debate over compulsory mental health screenings in schools and workplaces.
  • The impact of direct-to-consumer genetic testing on privacy and discrimination.
  • Should life-extension treatments be available if they are only affordable to the wealthy?
  • The ethical considerations of using placebo surgeries in clinical trials.
  • Is it ethical to prioritize organ transplants for patients with healthier lifestyles?
  • The implications of using neurotechnology to enhance cognitive abilities.
  • Should parents have the right to refuse conventional medical treatment for their children in favor of alternative remedies?
  • The controversy over patenting medical and pharmaceutical innovations.

Environment and Science

  • Is climate change primarily a political issue?
  • Should there be more investment in renewable energy?
  • The ethics of space exploration.
  • Is nuclear energy safe and sustainable?
  • Should we engineer genetically modified organisms?
  • The impact of plastic waste on the environment.
  • Is animal conservation more important than economic development?
  • The role of science in policy-making.
  • Should we colonize other planets?
  • The ethics of water privatization.
  • The ethical implications of geoengineering as a solution to climate change.
  • Should there be international regulations on deep-sea mining for resources?
  • The debate over the long-term storage and disposal of nuclear waste.
  • Is it ethical to use biotechnology to create drought-resistant crops?
  • The impact of human population growth on wildlife and natural habitats.
  • Should private companies be allowed to own and exploit extraterrestrial resources?
  • The controversy surrounding the reintroduction of extinct species through genetic engineering.
  • Is it ethical to manipulate weather patterns through cloud seeding?
  • The debate over the use of hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil and gas extraction.
  • The ethical considerations of creating artificial intelligence with consciousness.
  • Should college education be free?
  • The effectiveness of standardized testing.
  • Should sex education be mandatory in schools?
  • The role of technology in education.
  • Should schools teach religious studies?
  • The impact of school uniforms on student behavior.
  • Should teachers be allowed to carry guns in school?
  • The importance of arts education.
  • Should schools have the right to monitor students' social media?
  • The impact of student loan debt on young adults.
  • The impact of standardized testing on the quality of education.
  • Should education systems focus more on practical skills than theoretical knowledge?
  • The debate over single-gender classrooms and their effectiveness.
  • The role of technology in classrooms: enhancing learning or causing distractions?
  • Should parents or educators have more influence over curriculum design?
  • The ethics of using AI systems for grading student work.
  • The impact of school vouchers on public education systems.
  • Should schools implement life skills classes as a mandatory part of the curriculum?
  • The debate over teaching evolution versus creationism in schools.
  • The effectiveness of zero-tolerance policies in maintaining school discipline.

Economics and Business

  • Is capitalism the best economic system?
  • Should corporations be allowed to donate to political campaigns?
  • The ethics of offshore banking.
  • Is the gig economy exploitative?
  • Should minimum wage be a living wage?
  • The impact of globalization on local economies.
  • Should companies be held responsible for environmental damage?
  • The ethics of consumerism.
  • Is universal basic income a solution to poverty?
  • The role of cryptocurrency in modern finance.
  • The ethical implications of automation and its impact on the workforce.
  • Should there be a global minimum wage?
  • The role of cryptocurrency in the future of global finance: a boon or a bane?
  • The impact of multinational corporations on local economies and cultures.
  • Is the sharing economy (like Uber, Airbnb) beneficial or harmful to society?
  • The debate over implementing a wealth tax on the ultra-rich.
  • The ethics of consumer data collection by businesses for marketing.
  • Should governments bail out big corporations in financial crises?
  • The controversy around unpaid internships and their impact on career opportunities.
  • The role of corporate social responsibility in modern business practices.

International Relations

  • Should countries have open borders?
  • The effectiveness of the United Nations.
  • Is foreign aid beneficial or harmful?
  • The impact of trade wars on global economies.
  • Should military intervention be used for humanitarian purposes?
  • The effectiveness of international sanctions in changing the behavior of nations.
  • Should global superpowers have the right to intervene in the internal affairs of other countries?
  • The impact of global trade agreements on national sovereignty.
  • The role of international organizations in managing global health crises.
  • Is the concept of nation-states becoming obsolete in a globalized world?
  • The ethical implications of foreign military bases on sovereign soil.
  • Should there be an international protocol for internet governance and cybersecurity?
  • The debate over repatriation of cultural artifacts to their countries of origin.
  • The impact of climate change on international security and migration.
  • The effectiveness of the United Nations in resolving modern conflicts.
  • The role of international law in governing maritime disputes.
  • The ethical considerations of humanitarian intervention versus national sovereignty.
  • The impact of global surveillance programs on international trust and diplomacy.
  • The debate over global wealth redistribution to address poverty and inequality.
  • The role of emerging economies in shaping the new world order.

Remember that these are only the basic ideas to keep you inspired and provide you with some starting points!

No Stress and Fear!

If you are not comfortable with certain controversial topics for essays, choose an alternative topic that you know well. Always research it well and have a talk with your college professor to give you another option. Referencing controversial essays can also provide insights into how to effectively handle sensitive topics. After all, the purpose of good controversial research is to show that you can explore and clearly outline opposing opinions while keeping your position clear.

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How to Write an Essay on a Controversial Topic

Last Updated: June 4, 2023 References

This article was co-authored by Michelle Golden, PhD . Michelle Golden is an English teacher in Athens, Georgia. She received her MA in Language Arts Teacher Education in 2008 and received her PhD in English from Georgia State University in 2015. There are 19 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 22,526 times.

Essays on controversial topics can be hard to write, especially when you are passionate about the topic. Writing a good essay on a controversial topic involves establishing good faith between you and your readers, presenting your argument logically, and knowing and countering the opposing argument(s).

Establishing Good Faith with Your Readers

Step 1 Imagine the types of readers who might read your essay.

  • Don’t preach to the choir. This is where you imagine only those readers who agree with you. For instance, if you are for labeling GMO (genetically modified organism) products, don’t just talk to organizations or people who already support that. You’ll need to consider farmers who rely on GMO products for their livelihood, corporations with lobbyists in congress, scientists who don’t think GMO products need to be labeled, etc. How can you convince these groups of your position? [1] X Research source

Step 2 Demonstrate that you have your reader's best interest at heart.

Introducing Your Essay

Step 1 Create a hook.

Presenting Your Argument Logically

Step 1 Present your argument.

  • If you use scientific data, make sure it comes from a valid, peer-reviewed source. It should have a statistically significant sample size, and preferably should include a review of the literature (or summary of other studies doing similar things).
  • Specific examples can be useful in making a point in an essay, but beware of relying solely on anecdotal evidence, as it can be misleading. Just because one person has a specific experience does not mean that experience can be generalized.

Step 3 Take care with statistics.

  • How recent is it? Is a scientific paper from 1893 still valid? It may be so, but you’ll want to know whether more recent scientists cite it, and if there are any scientists since then who have refuted it.
  • Is it scholarly? While it may not be essential to use solely academic sources for a paper, they can add a lot of credibility to your work. This is because most scholarly papers go through an extensive peer-review process before being published. The same is not true for very many other sources, including the news, most magazines, and many blogs. That doesn’t mean those sources aren’t credible, but that they are often processed very quickly (especially online) and are more prone to factual errors and bias.
  • What sources does the source use? Do they use scholarly or other credible sources? Or do they cite personal blogs, or contain no citations at all?
  • What is the purpose of the piece? Is it an op-ed, the purpose of which is to express an opinion, not necessarily to provide evidence for that opinion.
  • Is the source biased? What biases does it have? It is important to know these before using it in a paper.

Step 5 Cite your sources.

Supporting Your Argument

Step 1 Analyze your evidence.

  • A cause and effect structure can help show the ways in which your preferred option is preferable to other options because of a cause or an effect of that option. For instance, you can show how labeling GMOs makes people feel safer about their food. The feeling of safety would be an effect of labeling. But you would have to show how this effect outweighs any negative effects caused by such labeling.
  • A compare and contrast essay is often the most effective in a persuasive essay, as it shows the similarities and differences among the different options your presenting, and can highlight why your view is preferable to others. You can compare and contrast in a point-by-point way or you can present your argument and then address the counterargument in separate parts of the paper.

Step 3 Avoid logical fallacies that mislead.

  • Hasty generalization is where you assume because a thing is true in a certain context, it must be true in a lot of other circumstances. For instance, if you say, “I got sick after eating GMO corn; therefore, GMO corn makes people sick,” then you are making a hasty generalization. You would need first to establish that it was the corn that made you sick, and that other people get sick not just from that particular brand of GMO corn, but from all GMO corn to prove your statement.
  • A red herring is something that distracts from an argument. Xenophobia is often such a red herring, as it stirs people up and causes them to blame certain groups of people for something like job loss (which is demonstrably false), while distracting them from the actual evidence in the case such as which factors in our economy actually lead to job loss.
  • A straw man is a false and easily disproven argument used to make another argument look good.
  • The either/or fallacy occurs when someone insists that there are only two options for a given situation, when in actuality there are many.
  • The slippery slope fallacy occurs when someone believes that because one thing happened, then it is inevitable that other (often negative) effects will follow.

Step 4 Avoid logical fallacies that are aggressive.

  • Ad Hominem is where you attack a person rather than their argument. For instance, if you say “Scientists are haughty know-it-alls—they don’t really know anything about GMOs,” you are attacking the scientists’ character rather than addressing their arguments about GMOs.
  • Appeals to emotion that turn on invoking people's anger, but do not actually address the situation are fallacies that are aggressive and not particularly convincing to other parties.
  • Tu quoque is where you turn the criticism back on the person making the criticism rather than addressing their argument. Children often turn to this when they are caught in the act of doing something wrong like coloring on the walls: "But you said I could use my crayons."
  • Personal incredulity is where you don't believe a fact or argument simply because you don't understand it or it seems "unnatural" or somehow wrong to you based on a gut feeling. Many people used this fallacy to fight marriage equality by implying that their own aversion to/lack of understanding of same-sex relations justified outlawing it.

Addressing the Counterarguments

Step 1 Research opposing views.

  • Confirmation bias is where you look only for evidence that confirms your views. [19] X Research source
  • Backfire effect is when you encounter evidence that calls into question deeply held beliefs and that makes you believe what you already believe all the stronger. [20] X Research source

Step 3 State the opposing views fairly.

Concluding Your Essay

Step 1 Revisit the counterarguments.

Expert Q&A

  • Keep an open mind. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Keep your audience in mind. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Cite all your sources. Failing to do so can be considered plagiarism. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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  • ↑ https://www.haverford.edu/sites/default/files/Department/Writing-Program/counter-argument.pdf
  • ↑ https://www.mesacc.edu/~paoih30491/ArgumentsBestFriends.html
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/589/01/
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/03/
  • ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/thanks-gwyneth-but-well-stick-with-the-scientists-on-this-issue_us_55c23d5ee4b0f7f0bebb34a4
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/evidence/
  • ↑ http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/how-to-make-sense-of-conflicting-confusing-and-misleading-crime-statistics/
  • ↑ http://www.tylervigen.com/spurious-correlations
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/02/
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/04/
  • ↑ https://yourlogicalfallacyis.com/personal-incredulity
  • ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/659/03/
  • ↑ https://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/newsletters/authentichappinesscoaching/open-mindedness
  • ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/science-choice/201504/what-is-confirmation-bias
  • ↑ https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/05/13/backfire-effect-mcraney/
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/counter-argument
  • ↑ http://www.slate.com/articles/health_and_science/science/2015/07/are_gmos_safe_yes_the_case_against_them_is_full_of_fraud_lies_and_errors.html
  • ↑ http://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/ending-essay-conclusions

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Michelle Golden, PhD

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15 Persuasive Essay Topics About Controversial Issues

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Controversial issues can be a great way to get your students engaged, and they also make perfect persuasive essay topics.

Whether your goal is to explore the controversial issue itself or to teach the mechanics of persuasive writing, controversial issues and persuasive essays go hand in hand.

In order to write a good persuasive essay, you need to feel passionately about an argument. Having a good prompt and a good issue let’s you do that.

The flip side is that to show you really understand a controversial issue, you have to make an argument about it. A persuasive essay is the perfect summative assessment to see whether a student really understands the issue and can articulate their opinion.

Below, I’ll share a list of 15 persuasive essay topics and writing prompts that you can use with your class. If you scroll down to the bottom, I’ll also wrap up with some other methods and resources that can help you teach these controversial issues and how to write argumentative essays.

List of Persuasive Essay Topics and Writing Prompts

So, without further ado, here’s a list of questions that would make great writing prompts for a persuasive essay.

Should the Government Ban or Regulate Indecency on Television?

This is a controversial issue as old as the airwaves. As long as there’s been radio and television, there have been arguments about what is acceptable and what is obscene.

If you’re studying constitutional law or taking AP U.S. Government, you’re probably familiar with George Carlin and his famous “ Seven Dirty Words ” bit. But for the average student, this persuasive writing topic is still relevant.

Think about the music you hear on the radio. What is bleeped out? Why do we have “dirty” and “clean” versions of hit songs? Why are some television shows allowed to curse, be violent, and have nudity, while others don’t?

You could definitely take this broader topic and make it more specific and timely by relating it to a current hit song or television show that your students are in to.

But however you phrase it, whether or not the government should regulate indecency on television is a great persuasive essay topic.

Should Voters Be Required to Show Identification?

For the last few years, this has been an increasingly hot topic as individual states have moved to implement various forms of voter ID laws. On the face of it, this sounds reasonable, but underneath the surface there are arguments about voter suppression and exclusion.

Is voter fraud a problem that needs to be dealt with? An answer to this question should likely depend on some research about the extent to which people are impersonating voters to enter the voting booth.

What kind of ID should be required? Different types of ID have different requirements to obtain them, and so this choice matters to.

Finally, how do you deal with the potential for discriminatory exclusion? Some people – the elderly, the young, low income – are more likely to not have ID, and for some people it can be a financial burden to secure the documentation necessary to get an ID.

Here’s a great, short NY Times Op-Doc video about the issue, which leans more to the “against” side of voter ID laws .

This ongoing policy debate about Voter ID laws makes for a great argumentative essay topic.

Should Race Be a Factor in Admissions to Universities?

Affirmative action has been a controversial issue for decades. Initially, the debate was over whether or not strict racial quotas were an appropriate way to make up for centuries of discrimination and segregation.

These early forms of affirmative action were struck down by the Supreme Court in Regents of the University of California vs Bakke , but other forms of affirmative action survived. Bakke affirmed that universities could use race as one factor in their admissions, and universities have been trying to strike the proper balance since.

A few years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in again – in Fisher v. University of Texas – and upheld more holistic processes designed to ensure diversity. But in the aftermath of Fisher , a group of students have brought a case against Harvard that is likely destined to find itself at the Supreme Court soon.

Which begs the original question – is it appropriate for a University to use race as a factor in admissions in order to guarantee diversity of its student body?

Should the Government Limit the Amount of Money Spent on Political Campaigns?

The influence of money in politics is another issue that has been fought out in the Supreme Court over the last 50 years. Money in politics is nothing new, and there are plenty examples of its corrupting influence in the early history of the United States.

But since the 1970’s, the federal government has struggled to strike a proper balance between regulation and free speech. Early campaign finance laws sought to restrict spending, and that was ultimately overturned. More recently, McCain-Feingold (aka BCRA) tried to funnel campaign spending into committees that have strict disclosure and contribution regulations.

Much of that came to an end with Citizens United , and since 2010 there has been a renewed surge of “dark” money in politics. So there’s really two parts to this question – a) should there be restrictions on how much money people can contribute and/or spend and b) does the public have a right to know who is contributing money to whom?

One way or another, the question of campaign finance is a great persuasive essay topic.

Should the Government Publicly Finance Campaigns?

Related to the previous question, you might also use this question as an argumentative essay prompt – should the government avoid the influence of money altogether by publicly funding campaigns?

There are some examples to look at. In 1974, the federal government set up a Presidential Election Campaign Fund, and candidates can use it to get matching dollar amounts if they agree to certain restrictions. But since Citizens United , the program has largely fallen out of favor.

New Jersey is one of several states with a public funding option for gubernatorial campaigns, and Arizona and Maine have more comprehensive systems offering public funding for state legislative elections. But these laws have also been challenged in court, and part of Arizona’s public financing law was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2011.

A simple version of this persuasive essay topic would focus on whether or not the government should publicly finance campaigns, while a more complex version might touch on how the government could do it in a way that withstood judicial scrutiny.

Should the United States Intervene When Foreign Dictators Use Chemical Weapons on Their Own People?

This is a more narrow version of the general question – should the United States intervene in foreign countries or mind its own business?

In some historical cases – like World War II and the Holocaust – it seems pretty obvious that intervention is a good idea. But in the present moment, it’s a little harder to identify that dividing line.

There have been a number of recent cases along these lines – Syria, Iraq, Bosnia & Herzegovina. Students will likely have a huge range of opinions on the issue, with some being fiercely isolationist and others advocating intervention on the slightest chance of abuse.

This is one of my favorite persuasive essay topics because it links up so directly with a theme that I talk a lot about in class – conflict. Read more about teaching with themes here.

Should the Federal Government Raise the Minimum Wage to $15 per hour?

The federal minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been there since 2009. With the Fight for $15 movement is gaining steam around the country, this would make a great persuasive writing topic.

What once seemed kind of crazy is slowly becoming more realistic. First, some progressive cities took the lead, like Seattle. Now, some states are following suit – including New Jersey and Illinois.

Of course, there’s still plenty of pushback against this idea and a national minimum wage hike doesn’t seem to be in the cards in the near future. But a student could certainly take a side and stake out an argument – and maybe even send it to their legislature.

This is another one of the persuasive essay topics that relates directly back to a major theme in social studies – this time the theme of economics, and whether or not the economy is fair. Read more here about essential questions related to economics.

Should Congress Require Annual Standardized Tests in Schools?

Here’s another essay topic that’s particularly relevant for students. Every student knows the pain of testing – in fact just this morning, I spent several hours proctoring the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA).

Testing has been around a long time, but the frequency of it increased – and was required nationwide – after the 2001 reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (aka “No Child Left Behind”). Congress took another look at the issue with the next reauthorization – the Every Student Succeeds Act – but they ended up leaving the testing mandate alone.

So what do your students think? Ask them and have them write an argumentative essay about it.

You could also put a twist on this question by focusing on the use of tests as an exit requirement. There’s no federal mandate for this, but some states do require students to pass a standardized test to graduate. For older students, this surely a topic about which they’ll have an opinion.

Should the United States Grant Asylum to Refugees?

This is another age old question that has taken on new relevance. From the beginning of its history, the United States took in people who could be considered refugees. Historically, the greatest test of this question may be the Holocaust, and early on the United States failed that test.

You can watch this PBS Frontline episode, Forever Prison , to learn about the plight of Haitian refugees to the United States in the 1990’s. More recently, there are refugees looking to come to the United States from the Middle East and from Latin America. If your students spend any time watching the news, they’ve surely heard something about this.

This topic could revolve around what people are fleeing from. Should we only accept refugees from religious persecution and human rights abuses? What about crime or poverty? Or natural disasters?

It’s a complex question that gets to the heart of the immigration policy debate – and makes a perfect argumentative essay prompt.

Should the Government Have Access to Encrypted Devices and Communications Platforms?

The topic of government surveillance pops up in the news from time to time. Under Bush, there was the warrantless wire-tapping, the use of phone metadata, and the FBI snooping on e-mails.

More recently, this question focuses on access to encrypted communication platforms – like WhatsApp. To your students, these are probably just convenient ways to chat with each other. But to people with security concerns, they’re also a way to make sure that no one is listening in on their conversations.

There could be some good reasons for that. There could also be some bad reasons. Apparently terrorist groups like ISIS have used these encrypted communication platforms to plan attacks, which begs the question – should the government have some kind of backdoor to get in?

Some students will shrug this off and think it’s no big deal, while others will probably react with quite a bit of concern.

Should the Federal Government Permit or Ban the Death Penalty?

This is a good argumentative essay topic to use in conjunction with the Bill of Rights. The Eighth Amendment says no cruel unusual punishment – which should mean no death penalty, right?

Of course, there’s a historical angle to this. The death penalty was widely accepted in 1789, so you can make an argument that the Eighth Amendment doesn’t forbid it.

But there’s also the angle of justice and equity. In the 1970’s, through a series of court cases, the death penalty was deemed arbitrary and capricious – because it tended to be used more against certain offenders (i.e. African Americans).

This led to some reforms, and some states have continued to use the death penalty. Texas is leading the way on that front. Other states, however, have banned it, while others have put a moratorium on executions because of concerns over the method of execution.

Should Hate Speech Be Protected by the First Amendment?

This is another great writing prompt to use with the Bill of Rights, and it’s one that’s sure to elicit strong reaction from your students.

Supreme Court caselaw has held that speech – even hate speech – is protected by the First Amendment. A pivotal case in this vein was Brandenburg v. Ohio . In that case, the Court decided that speech could only be limited if it created an imminent danger, not because it was hateful.

Another way to frame the question is to focus on social media platforms. Recently, Facebook, Twitter, and other companies have come under fire for allowing White Supremacists to share various forms of hate speech on their platforms. One could then make a connection to any number of violent incidents throughout the country (or the world).

So if the government can’t regulate hate speech because of the First Amendment, does a platform like Facebook have an obligation to do so? Great topic for a persuasive essay.

Should the Government Send a Manned Mission to Mars?

I love space, so this question really appeals to me. Fifty years ago, people might have thought JFK was crazy when he planned to send a man to the moon. I’m sure there were plenty of heated debates about that.

Today’s frontier is a bit further away, but is it any more crazy? Sure, there are some technological leaps that need to be taken before it’s possible. But in the early 1960’s, putting a man on the moon may have seemed crazy, too.

But it’s an important question for the space program. What’s next? Back to the moon, on to Mars, or something else? Or should we just hang out on Earth for a while and try to fix what we’ve got here?

Maybe it’s the science fiction fan in me, but I just think this is a great topic to think about. I’d love to see what students would write about this in an argumentative essay.

Should the Federal Government Have to Balance the Budget?

This is a question that should come with a heavy dose of economics and economic policy. But it’s one worth asking. It could also be a good vehicle for teaching some of these concepts that might otherwise seem boring and wonky.

You could also connect this back to history. When you teach about the early years of the nation and Alexander Hamilton’s role as the Secretary of the Treasury, there’s undoubtedly something that comes up about the National Debt. Instead of talking about that in historical isolation, you can connect that today and think about the current federal budget.

This is also back in the news this week, with moderate Democrats (i.e. the Blue Dog Coalition backing a concept that has traditionally been more closely associated with Republicans. Perhaps it’s a blip on the national scene and the topic will fade away, but if it’s in the headlines why not use it as a persuasive essay topic?

Should the Voting Age be Lowered to 16?

We’ll end with this one because it has a direct impact on students. Should teenagers be allowed to vote?

A few years ago, this might have sounded crazy. But over the last few years there have been several municipalities that lowered their voting age to 16. At the federal level, Rep. Ayanna Pressley introduced an amendment to a bill on federal election reform that would have lowered the age for participation in Congressional and Presidential elections.

There’s also a historical angle to this question. Once upon a time – not all that long ago – you couldn’t vote at 18. To today’s students it may seem like a fait accompli , but the 26th Amendment that lowered the voting age was less than fifty years ago. At the founding of the country, some states required voters to be as old as 25.

So let students wrestle with this writing prompt in an argumentative essay and put together an argument for (or against) lowering the voting age.

Other Methods and Resources for Teaching Controversial Issues and Persuasive Essays

A big piece of teaching how to write a persuasive essay is the topic, but – especially with controversial issues – it also helps to teach some background about the topics.

One place you can look for resources for these questions is C-SPAN’s Classrooms Deliberations . These are in depth lessons on current policy debates that come scaffolded with C-SPAN videos and other resources. Some of these questions are featured in these Deliberations lessons, and this can be a great place to find the factual resources your students need to write good arguments.

Two other methods that you could think about using with these controversial issues are Take a Stand and A/B Writing . With the Take a Stand activity, students arrange themselves on a continuum based on how they feel about a question. With A/B writing, students choose a statement to agree with and write down their reason for choosing it. Either method is a great way to get students to start thinking about a topic that’s going to turn into a persuasive essay.

Finally, a lot of these issues are things that are debates that are playing out in the country right now. If you follow the news, you’re bound to hear about many of these issues on a weekly basis. Better yet, if you teach current events on a regular basis in your class, you can have your students relate what they’ve learned in the news to these essays. Here are some resources on how to use CNN10 to teach current events in your class .

Which Issue Have You Used From These Persuasive Essay Topics?

Have you used one of these topics in your class? How did you students respond?

Do you have another controversial issue that you’ve used as a topic for a persuasive essay? What was it?

Drop a line in the comment below and share with our readers.

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  • Anna H. Smith
  • November 27, 2020

I really appreciate this website. I have learned some inciteful writing information. I feel strongly that I can go forward with the information that I have gained from this post. Great persuasive controversial essays you have shared. Thanks very much.

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Home — Essay Types — Controversial Essay

Controversial Essay Examples

Controversial essay topics are those that spark debate and disagreement among people. They often touch on sensitive issues such as politics, religion, ethics, and social issues. Some examples of controversial essay topics include gun control, abortion, capital punishment, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration policies, and climate change. These topics can be difficult to discuss because they often involve deeply held beliefs and strong emotions. However, they are also important because they encourage critical thinking and the exploration of different viewpoints. Writing an essay on a controversial topic requires careful research, thoughtful analysis, and the ability to present a balanced argument. It is important for writers to approach these topics with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging the diverse perspectives that exist. By engaging with controversial essay topics, individuals can broaden their understanding of complex issues and contribute to meaningful discussions within society.

The Importance of Writing Controversial Essays

Writing controversial essays is crucial for fostering critical thinking and promoting open dialogue on contentious subjects. By delving into topics that elicit strong emotions and differing opinions, individuals can challenge their own beliefs, gain a deeper understanding of complex issues, and develop empathy for diverse perspectives. Controversial essays also serve as a platform for advocating social change and sparking meaningful conversations within society. Additionally, they provide an opportunity for individuals to practice respectful and thoughtful discourse, honing their skills in presenting well-researched, balanced arguments. Ultimately, writing controversial essays encourages individuals to engage with challenging topics and contribute to the ongoing discourse on important societal issues.

How to Choose a Good Topic for a Controversial Essay

When it comes to writing a controversial essay, choosing the right topic is crucial. A good controversial essay topic should be thought-provoking, debatable, and relevant to current societal issues. Here are some tips on how to choose a good topic for your controversial essay:

Consider current events: Look at recent news headlines and trending topics to find issues that are sparking debate and discussion. These topics are likely to be controversial and will provide a wealth of material for your essay.

Research different perspectives: Choose a topic that has multiple viewpoints and conflicting opinions. This will allow you to explore the complexities of the issue and present a well-rounded argument in your essay.

Choose a topic you are passionate about: Writing a controversial essay can be emotionally draining, so it's important to choose a topic that you feel strongly about. Your passion for the topic will shine through in your writing and make your essay more compelling.

Consider your audience: Think about who will be reading your essay and choose a topic that will resonate with them. Consider their interests, beliefs, and values when selecting a controversial topic.

By following these tips, you can choose a thought-provoking and relevant topic for your controversial essay that will engage readers and spark meaningful discussion.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Controversial essay topics spark debate and disagreement, touching on sensitive issues such as politics, religion, ethics, and social issues. Here are some controversial essay topics divided by popular categories.

  • The role of government in healthcare
  • Electoral college vs popular vote
  • Campaign finance reform
  • Voter ID laws
  • Term limits for politicians

Social Issues

  • Police brutality and racial profiling
  • Affirmative action in college admissions
  • Gender wage gap
  • Mandatory vaccination laws
  • Homelessness and poverty
  • Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide
  • Animal testing for medical research
  • Genetic engineering and designer babies
  • Cultural appropriation
  • Ethical considerations of artificial intelligence
  • Freedom of religion vs separation of church and state
  • Religious exemptions for vaccines
  • LGBTQ+ rights and religious freedom
  • Women's rights and religious traditions
  • Religious extremism and terrorism

Environment

  • Fracking and its impact on the environment
  • Keystone XL pipeline
  • Endangered species protection vs economic development
  • Plastic use and environmental pollution
  • Renewable energy vs fossil fuels

By exploring these controversial essay topics, individuals can engage in critical thinking and contribute to meaningful discussions within society.

In summary, controversial essay topics are essential for fostering critical thinking, promoting open dialogue, and advocating for social change. These topics touch on sensitive issues such as politics, religion, ethics, and social issues, and they encourage individuals to explore different viewpoints and develop empathy for diverse perspectives. By engaging with controversial essay topics, individuals can contribute to meaningful discussions within society and broaden their understanding of complex issues. It is important for writers to approach these topics with sensitivity and respect, acknowledging the diverse perspectives that exist. Ultimately, writing controversial essays encourages individuals to engage with challenging topics and contribute to the ongoing discourse on important societal issues.

A controversial essay type is an essay that addresses a topic that is widely debated, disputed or has strong opposing viewpoints. This type of essay requires the writer to present both sides of the argument in a fair and balanced manner, while also providing their own perspective on the issue. Controversial essays often deal with sensitive or contentious subjects such as politics, religion, social issues, ethics, and morality.

Writing a controversial essay requires careful consideration, extensive research, and the ability to present multiple viewpoints in a fair and balanced manner. By following the tips below and checking controversial essay examples, students can effectively navigate the complexities of controversial topics and produce compelling and thought-provoking essays.

Writing a Controversial Essay

Writing a controversial essay can be challenging, but with the right approach, you can effectively convey your ideas and engage readers in a thought-provoking discussion. Here are some tips to help you craft a compelling controversial essay:

  • Choose a Provocative Topic: Select a topic that is current, relevant, and sparks strong opinions. This will ensure that your essay generates interest and incites discussion.
  • Present Both Sides: A controversial essay should explore multiple perspectives on the issue. Presenting both sides of the argument demonstrates a well-rounded understanding of the topic and allows readers to form their own opinions.
  • Back Up Your Claims: Support your arguments with credible sources and evidence. This will strengthen your position and lend credibility to your essay.
  • Acknowledge Counterarguments: Address opposing viewpoints in your essay and explain why you disagree with them. This demonstrates critical thinking and shows that you have considered all angles of the issue.
  • Be Respectful: While controversial essays can be passionate and opinionated, it’s important to maintain a respectful tone. Avoid personal attacks or inflammatory language, and focus on presenting your ideas in a clear and persuasive manner.
  • Consider the Audience: Understand who your audience is and tailor your writing to resonate with them. Anticipate their potential objections and address them in your essay.

By following these tips, you can effectively navigate the complexities of writing a controversial essay and make a compelling argument that sparks meaningful discussion.

How to Start a Controversial Essay

Starting a controversial essay effectively involves several key steps to ensure that it engages readers and sets a clear tone for the discussion. Here’s a concise guide on how to begin:

  • Choose a Provocative Hook: Start with a statement, question, or anecdote that grabs attention and sets the stage for the controversial topic. This could be a striking statistic, a bold claim, or a rhetorical question that challenges conventional views.
  • State Your Topic Clearly: Introduce the subject of the essay directly and succinctly. Ensure that your audience understands exactly what controversial issue you’ll be addressing.
  • Present the Relevance: Explain why this topic is important and relevant to your audience. This could be due to its impact on society, its timeliness, or the strong opinions it evokes.
  • Outline the Main Arguments: Briefly preview the main points that will support your position in the essay. This helps to orient readers to your perspective and the structure of your argument.
  • Thesis Statement: Conclude your introduction with a strong thesis statement that clearly states your position on the issue. This statement should be assertive and clear, encapsulating your central argument in a way that prepares readers for the detailed discussion that will follow.

Structure Creation for a Controversial Essay

When writing a controversial essay, it is important to carefully structure your arguments and evidence in order to effectively convey your perspective on the topic. Here are some key elements to consider when structuring your controversial essay:

  • Introduction : Begin by introducing the topic and providing some background information. Clearly state your thesis statement, which should present your stance on the controversial issue.
  • Body paragraphs: Each body paragraph should focus on a single aspect of the controversy, presenting evidence and arguments to support your position. It is important to anticipate and address counterarguments in order to strengthen your own argument.
  • Evidence : Use reliable sources and evidence to support your claims. This can include statistics, expert opinions, case studies, and historical examples.
  • Counterarguments : Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and provide a thoughtful rebuttal to strengthen your own argument.
  • Conclusion : Summarize your main points and restate your thesis, emphasizing the significance of your argument and its implications.

By carefully structuring your controversial essay, you can effectively present your viewpoint and engage readers in a thoughtful discussion of the issue at hand.

The Importance of Controversial Essay Examples

Controversial essay examples are essential for understanding how to effectively present and argue a controversial topic. They provide a framework for students to analyze and learn from different perspectives, helping them to develop critical thinking skills and articulate their own opinions.

Controversial essay examples are useful for sparking discussions, challenging assumptions, and encouraging students to engage with complex and contentious issues. By examining how others have presented controversial topics, students can learn how to construct persuasive arguments, anticipate counterarguments, and develop a nuanced understanding of the topic at hand.

To use controversial essay examples effectively, students should first select a topic that is controversial and relevant to their interests. They should then research and read various essays on the topic to gain a comprehensive understanding of different viewpoints. Students should analyze the structure, evidence, and language used in the examples to identify effective strategies for presenting a controversial argument. Finally, students should practice writing their own controversial essay, incorporating the lessons learned from the examples they have studied.

In conclusion, controversial essay examples are a valuable resource for students to learn how to effectively engage with controversial topics. By studying and analyzing these examples, students can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to construct persuasive and well-reasoned arguments on contentious issues.

Controversial Essay Writing Checklist

🔘 Clearly define the controversial topic you will be discussing in your essay. 🔘 Research and gather evidence from credible sources to support your argument. 🔘 Address opposing viewpoints and counterarguments to strengthen your position. 🔘 Use logical reasoning and critical thinking to make your points. 🔘 Avoid emotional language and focus on presenting factual information. 🔘 Provide real-life examples and case studies to illustrate your arguments. 🔘 Acknowledge the complexity of the issue and avoid oversimplifying it. 🔘 Present a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines your position. 🔘 Use proper citation and referencing to give credit to the sources you have used. 🔘 Proofread and edit your essay to ensure clarity and coherence.

Writing a controversial essay requires careful research, critical analysis, and the ability to present a well-structured argument. By following this checklist, you can effectively navigate the complexities of controversial topics and present a compelling essay that challenges readers to think critically about the issues at hand.

Conclusion: Controversial Essay Examples

Controversial essay examples are valuable tools for students to learn how to effectively engage with contentious topics. By studying and analyzing these examples, students can develop the skills and knowledge necessary to construct persuasive and well-reasoned arguments on controversial issues. Controversial essay examples provide a framework for students to analyze and learn from different perspectives, helping them to develop critical thinking skills and articulate their own opinions. They are also useful for sparking discussions, challenging assumptions, and encouraging students to engage with complex and contentious issues.

Ultimately, controversial essay examples serve as a guide for students to understand how to effectively present and argue a controversial topic. By incorporating the lessons learned from these examples, students can develop the ability to construct well-structured and compelling essays that challenge readers to think critically about the issues at hand.

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What is a Controversial essay?

A Controversial essay type is a piece of writing that presents a contentious topic and argues for a specific stance on that issue.

How to write a Controversial essay?

To write a Controversial essay, research the topic thoroughly, present both sides of the argument, and clearly articulate your position with evidence and reasoning.

How to structure a Controversial essay?

A Controversial essay should have an introduction with a clear thesis statement, body paragraphs presenting evidence and arguments, and a conclusion summarizing the main points and restating the thesis.

What is the purpose of a Controversial essay?

The purpose of a Controversial essay is to engage readers in critical thinking and debate by presenting a controversial topic and arguing for a specific viewpoint.

How to choose the topic for a Controversial essay?

Choose a topic for a Controversial essay based on its relevance, personal interest, and the availability of credible sources and evidence to support both sides of the argument.

The most popular topics for Controversial Essay

  • Medical Marijuana
  • Electoral College
  • Government Surveillance
  • Gun Control
  • Freedom of Speech
  • Juvenile Justice System
  • Same Sex Marriage
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Vaccination
  • Assisted Suicide

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controversial topic essays

20 Best Topics for Your Position Paper in 2024

controversial topic essays

Poorly chosen topics for your position paper may result in insufficient research material, impacting your ability to build a strong and well-supported position. Over the years, I’ve guided college students in conveying arguments effectively with the right topic. For this guide, I’m listing the best position paper topics to make compelling and relevant arguments.

The Top Position Paper Topics

Affirmative action.

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Religious Freedom

Human Rights Violations

Black lives matter, charter schools, civil rights, climate change, animal testing, death penalty or capital punishment, electoral college, foreign aid.

  • Labor Unions

Nuclear Energy

Outsourcing, reparations.

  • Social Security

Women’s Rights

The top position paper topics.

Some of the most popular position paper topics include civil rights , which examines issues related to equality, discrimination, and social justice. You could also consider writing a paper about capital punishment and climate change , addressing their challenges and potential solutions. You may also explore the ethical and legal implications of health insurance, social security,  and human trafficking .

Man typing on his laptop while looking at printed reports on his table

Below is a list of topics you can use to write your argumentative essay and formulate your position on a particular issue. Improve your college study skills  by researching and writing about these position paper topics.

Civil rights refers to one of the most consequential struggles in American history. Often discussed in law, social justice, and human services degrees, the controversy pits groups, organizations, and communities that advocate for greater racial equality against those who work to maintain or advance a white racial hierarchy.

The climate change debate concerns the impact of human activity on the earth’s temperature and its impact on weather patterns, plant life, wildlife, and human health. This is particularly a good topic if you’re interested in pursuing a  degree in environmental science .

Capital punishment or the death penalty is a form of legal punishment administered by the state. It has long been the subject of constitutional, philosophical, and practical disagreement, and legal fluctuation in degrees like criminal justice and law.

Usually for law and criminal justice degrees, compelling essays on violations of human rights address critical issues that impact human dignity, freedom, and global stability. For instance, you can discuss the impact of human trafficking and its implications for criminal justice systems.

Social Security and Health Insurance

Often discussed in health systems management and social work degrees, the social security controversy is a complex economic and philosophical debate over how it should be funded, dispersed, and managed. You can also argue issues on health insurance, including access, healthcare expenses, and coverage based on employment and socioeconomic status.

Artificial Intelligence and Genetic Engineering

Technological advancements behind AI, machine learning, and automation are among the highly debated topics in data science and analytics . With your training and knowledge from college, you can write arguments on genetic studies and artificial intelligence issues.

Arguments on animal tests present an ethical dilemma regarding the use of animals in scientific research for the animal science and veterinary technology fields. When writing, you can weigh the potential benefits against concerns for animal welfare and cruelty.

White rabbit on a wooden table

Advancing the public discussion on women’s rights is among the most discussed topics in a  gender studies degree.  Arguments for women’s rights aim to improve gender equity through legislation, activism, public service, and political participation.

Religious Freedom and Atheism

In religious studies degree programs, debate persists over the meaning of religious freedom and whether this freedom can be used to exempt groups from certain laws, including anti-discrimination laws. The controversy over atheism concerns disagreement between those who believe in the existence of deities and those who do not.

Minimum Wage and Labor Unions

Concerns about the minimum wage> are common arguments college students may encounter in economics and labor law courses. The controversy over labor unions shows conflicting ideals, methods, and goals between labor leaders and businesses.

Often discussed in degrees with reparatory justice courses, reparations controversies remain relevant, as advocates, activists, and public leaders continue to call for some form of reparations. This applies to both compensation for slavery and for the injustices visited upon succeeding generations of Black Americans.

Students completing a degree in cybersecurity  can also use research to fight against criminal hacking. In your position paper, you can discuss the lawful, unlawful, ethical, and unethical aspects of hacking.

For those considering a degree in psychology , your position paper can discuss extremism’s ideologies, methods, and prevention. You can investigate how psychological factors can lead people to get involved with extremism.

In political science degrees, the debate over the Electoral College is an ongoing controversy because critics argue that this model renders the national popular vote meaningless, undermines the principle of “one person, one vote,” and results in widespread voter disenfranchisement.

The outsourcing topic in the field of economics centers on the conflicting interests of corporate profitability and free market capitalism on one side. On the other side, there are concerns over heightened American unemployment and the exploitation of low-wage workers.

Often discussed in social science and international relations degrees, the issues over foreign aid divide those who believe there are strategic, economic, and moral imperatives justifying this use of American resources. Some believe this is a misappropriation of funding that should instead be spent on domestic priorities.

Smoke coming out of nuclear power plants

Nuclear energy aims to replace the use of fossil fuels to generate electricity. Generally part of nuclear physics and engineering degree programs, the debate over nuclear energy concerns its safety, environmental impact, capacity for civil energy production, and proliferation as a source of potentially catastrophic weaponry.

Frequently debated in social justice and human rights law degree programs, the issues concerning affirmative action divide those who believe this is an effective way to push back against the sociological impact of systemic discrimination versus those who believe affirmative action is either ineffective or is, itself, a discriminatory policy.

Position paper arguments over charter schools concern the belief that charter schools are a valuable alternative to traditional public schooling. Especially for education management-related programs, papers can also discuss its implications for disadvantaged or at-risk student populations versus the belief that charter schools divert funding and resources from traditional public schools.

Black Lives Matter is a modern protest movement centered around civil rights causes impacting Black Americans. As a common topic in sociology and political science programs, your paper can discuss and make arguments based on police brutality, vigilante violence, and institutional inequality in the American legal system.

What Is a Position Paper Topic and Why Should College Students Present One?

A position paper topic is a prolonged public dispute or debate. Many of these issues raise strong enough disagreements, contributing to a student’s political action, protest, and policy development through research and arguments.

  • As you build a career based on the ideas you’re learning to defend today, you will encounter controversy in modern education. College offers an amazing opportunity to explore these issues, and to determine where you fit into the conversation.
  • With your research paper, you can question your assumptions, defend your ideas, and train to probe for a more complete understanding of the controversial issues defining our times.
  • Wherever you are in your educational journey , you should embrace the opportunity to explore some of the most important debate topics.

Methodology: How I Choose These Topics and What Are the Limitations

At AcademicInfluence, influence rankings are used to identify and rank the best topics for a position paper. The methodology includes a point-based way of scoring the permeation, visibility, frequency, and quality of mentions.

Table with laptop, lamp, stack of books and printed reports

  • Using my ranking analytics tool, I applied the same standard to measuring the breadth of a given topic. Those topics that scored the most “influence points,” based on page views and social media links.
  • While some historical notes included may touch on controversy in countries other than the U.S., this is, by design, an ethnocentric list of American issues.
  • You will agree with some of the figures on each list, while you will disagree with some of them. You may even be offended by the inclusion of some influencers in our discussion. Inclusion is not an endorsement; it is merely an acknowledgment of influence, for better or worse.

Related Questions

What makes a good position paper topic.

Good position paper topics should allow for a strong argument and thesis to be developed. You also need to support it with comprehensive research or interviews from credible sources.

How can I Develop a Topic for a Position Essay?

To select position paper topics, start by identifying a field of interest, then brainstorm broad ideas and conduct preliminary research to narrow the scope. Gather printed materials and analyze similar papers by other authors, making sure your topic is societally relevant and allows for solid arguments backed by research.

What Should a Position Paper Include?

A position paper should follow a clear five-paragraph essay subtopics and headings to present information effectively. It should also include a concise introduction and summary to make the central argument comprehensible.

Understanding the importance of choosing compelling position paper topics is valuable for effective persuasive writing. With a well-chosen topic, you can captivate your audience, present a strong argument, and potentially influence their perspectives on the issue at hand.

Find additional study resources with a look at our study guides for students at every stage of the educational journey.

Or get valuable study tips, advice on adjusting to campus life, and much more at our student resource homepage .

40+ Most Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

controversial argumentative essay topics

Table of Contents

Argumentative essay writing.

In a nutshell, argumentative essay writing is about convincing the readers by formulating strong arguments and then providing empirical evidence to back those claims. Like other essay types, argumentative essays follow a rigid structure so that readers find it easy to follow and understand the theme or central idea.

The hallmarks of argumentative essays include an unbiased tone and voice, an objective approach toward the subject matter, and structured information. The same around found in expository essays, but they can have multiple arguments and postulates regarding the thesis statement. Whereas an argumentative essay has only one.

Writers need to carry it throughout the essay by providing both logical explanations as well as references and citations from other publications. 

It has three common types, including research papers, analysis papers, and persuasive essays.

What is A Controversial Argumentative Essay?

Controversy can stem from anywhere. It is defined as prolonged debate or public displeasure over any idea or its manifestation. Throughout history, there were many controversial publications, including essays and dissertations, that charged the public against the writers.

When a writer supports an argument that is against general public perception, the essay becomes controversial because many disagree with its contents. Argumentative essays have the potential to become controversial because they are neither subjective nor speculative. When a writer provides proof and evidence for his “controversial”, it enhances its potency as well as controversy.

Students in schools and colleges enjoy some artistic freedom as they can explore controversial topics. But they have to be careful and highly detail-oriented to ensure quality and acceptance.

Why Controversy And Disagreement Is Important

Many people believe that controversy and disagreement are bad for academia and society as a whole. Since people have opposing views of the same thing, they become hostile to one another. The reality is quite contradictory to these views.

For the advancement of society, controversy and disagreement are important. The established ideas and norms should be challenged, intellectually, to gauge their worth in both academic and practical matters. People come to believe certain things without peeking much under the hood. Argumentative essays with their far reach and strong command of the facts can help readers and writers uncover new truths about the things that have been established for millennia. To do that, controversy and disagreement should be welcomed.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

We have encouraged students to take up controversial ideas and treat them academically to uncover truths. But they could be at odds as to what ideas or things to explore in these areas. We understand this and that’s why we have dedicated this whole section to providing 40+ controversial argumentative essay topics for students.

These topics range from social issues, politics, culture, academics, and more. If students cannot come up with one, they are welcome to pick one as it is or modifies it to meet their criteria.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Ideas On Social Issues

Society was formed before the political and economic institutions. Both social structure and the underlying issues were born when two human beings decided to depend on each other for survival. Argumentative essays cover different social issues and provide clear insight into their causes and effects. For a controversial topic, this list will help students to base their argumentative essay on social issues that are not easy to take and treat because of public outcry.

  • Is global warming a myth pedaled by naysayers to scare us off?
  • What can be the suitable course of action to decelerate global warming?
  • Can governments enforce measures on people to improve the environment?
  • Is the death penalty effective in eradicating crimes in society?
  • Should it be banned permanently?
  • What kind of offenses warrant as severe punishment as the death penalty?
  • Do common causes of war stem from our nature as killing machines?
  • Can non-combatants justify war?
  • Is there a way to outcast war as a solution to social issues?
  • Should tobacco products be banned for good?
  • Why society will be a better place without tobacco products?
  • What will happen to the people who are addicted to tobacco if it is eradicated?
  • Is it controversial to employ animals for scientific research?
  • Will it be practical to ban animals from scientific research?
  • Is it morally acceptable to have coitus before getting married? 

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics On Politics

Politics is still one of the most unifying and polarizing phenomena in the world. People often flock to one side and contest and detest others, mostly visible during public debates and elections. Controversial political topics can be perfect for students who want to unearth underlying issues and factors behind the force and potency of politics. In that spirit, here are some topic suggestions for argumentative essays that can be controversial.

  • What are the deepening effects of the current state of gun laws?
  • Should there be a mechanism to provide guns to only eligible people?
  • Is globalization a good idea for nation-states?
  • What are the effects of globalization on major and regional powers?
  • Can we foresee the effects of globalization ten years from now?
  • Should abortion get a green light around the world?
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing abortion?
  • Is there a way to de-stigmatize abortion in conservative societies?
  • Is torture an acceptable form of interrogation?
  • Is torture more effective than other humane methods?
  • What are the moral grounds that are against torture?
  • The interconnection of religion and politics
  • Should the church be more active in politics?
  • How can we separate the church and the state in public affairs?
  • Is universal peace a dream?

Controversial Argumentative Essay Ideas On Culture

Culture is hard to define but you can tell when you see one. Apart from social issues and politics, culture is another thing that is a hot topic that people explore or refrain from it due to personal reasons. As an academic, you can explore different things about culture including the controversial aspects. The best thing to do is to look at the topics for argumentative essays that we have covered in this section for a quick start.

  • Should prostitution be legalized in every country?
  • Should the laws be amended to accommodate commercial sex workers?
  • Do interracial marriages improve tolerance?
  • Should interracial marriages be encouraged?
  • Should controlled substances be legalized?
  • What is the condition of the black market because of the banning of controlled substances?
  • Are people paying too much taxes or too less?
  • Should the rich pay more taxes to alleviate the condition of the poor?
  • Are school homework and assignment affecting students’ mental welfare?
  • Should home assignments be scrapped from the system?
  • Are college tuition fees too high?
  • What will happen to the job market if the college fee is zero?
  • Should human beings be masters of their lives to end them?
  • Should euthanasia be legalized to give rights to people?
  • What happens to the professionals who are found guilty in euthanasia cases?

Choosing A Controversial Argumentative Essay Topic

It takes guts to make up your mind about writing a controversial argumentative essay. Still, this part is easy. The hardest part is choosing a topic that is controversial but provides true value to the discourse. Students often find it hard to pick and polish a topic for their argumentative essays that can set the direction and scope for the essay. This section is dedicated to helping students to choose and work on the best topics.

Brainstorm Ideas

It all starts with brainstorming. Students need to explore more than one idea in depth before settling on one. Often one idea comes as an epiphany and it seems perfect. But further scrutiny can only determine whether it is worth it to explore or not. That’s why brainstorming can help students to have multiple ideas to explore and test. All of them should be written and dissected properly before settling on one.

Do Research

Research is the key to argumentative essay writing, especially when it is on a controversial topic. Sometimes students do not even know that their essay would create controversy. They have to conduct extensive research and ensure that their arguments and evidence are based on sound foundations. If that is not the case, it will not take much time for the opposition to discredit the essay and the writer.

Develop A Thesis

A thesis is the essence of the argument that a writer is putting forward in the essay. It is a distillation of the thought and the postulates that will make rounds in controversial argumentative essays. Developing a thesis requires the exploration of possibilities and testing assumptions against established norms. It will not be an overstatement to say that an argumentative essay is as good as the thesis it depends on.

Test Validity of The Idea

Before moving forward with an idea, either explored through the body of the essay or done so succinctly through the thesis statement, testing its depth and endurance is a must. To do so, writers should go through multiple credible sources to rally support for the idea. If they can find enough support from established literature, it will help them in explaining and establishing the supremacy of their ideas.

What makes a good argumentative essay topic?

Following are some of the attributes that make a good argumentative essay topic:

  • It should have novel elements
  • The premise should not be readily accepted by the majority
  • It should not reveal everything nor hold everything back
  • It should grad readers’ attention and make them read the whole essay

What are some good argumentative essay topics?

Good argumentative essays are thought-provoking and cover the ground that the essay itself cannot. Many instances have proved that they can add much more value to the essay than merely covering space for the heading. Good argumentative essays can be about society, culture, sports, politics, and so on.

What is an argumentative research essay?

An argumentative research essay is a type of argumentative essay in which writers rely on extensive research to base their arguments. They are more like definition essays where they have to reveal certain qualities or characters of the subject through reliable references and citations from already accepted sources.

How do you write a strong argumentative essay?

To write a strong argumentative essay that can garner support for the writer, here are the steps to follow:

  • Brainstorm multiple ideas
  • Develop a strong thesis
  • Test your thesis against logical and evidential information
  • Find validation through further scrutiny

How should an argumentative essay start?

An argumentative essay should start with a hook to get readers invested in the essay. It can be a question, a statistic, or a bold or shocking statement. Whatever you do, it needs to connect the dots with the topic and make readers care for the essay.

What is the importance of structure in an argumentative essay?

Since writers want to convince and persuade readers about their side of the argument, structure is a must. It will help the writers to present their arguments in an easy-to-follow manner. Readers will understand it better and decide easily whether they want to endorse that thought or not.

Learning Through Controversy

The controversy should not be considered a bad thing as it helps us to learn more and question the established norms. Argumentative essays can be controversial, especially when writers determine to explore topics and areas that are not welcomed by both academics and people. In this post, we have shared multiple threads on topic suggestions for your argumentative essays that can be controversial to many. We have also shed ample light on how to choose the perfect topic for your essay .

Other things were covered by frequently asked questions.

So, if you are going to write a controversial argumentative essay , this is the resource to start your journey by picking the right topic!

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The Controversial Legacy of Dr. Jack Kevorkian

This essay about Dr. Jack Kevorkian examines his controversial role in advocating for euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Kevorkian, known for assisting over 130 patients to die, ignited intense ethical debates and legal battles. His actions led to legislative changes and increased awareness of end-of-life issues. However, his methods and confrontational approach also complicated the discourse. Kevorkian’s legacy is a complex mix of compassion, controversy, and significant influence on the discussions surrounding patients’ rights to die with dignity.

How it works

Doctor Jack Kevorkian, often imposed till Death of “Doctor,” stands, how one of the most polarizing figures in modern anamnesis. His career and actions sparkled intensive debates above ethics of euthanasia and to lekarz-pomóg? suicide. Defence of Kevorkian for a right to die, together with his simple bringing in to death incurably sick patients, has deeply influenced on discussions about the vital caring. Then bottoms of essay are in the motives of Kevorkian, methods, and his more wide values of work, shedding light on his difficulties of debatable inheritance.

Bringing in of Kevorkian to euthanasia began in earnest at the end of 1980 – ?. How the taught pathologist, he was deeply disturbed by suffering experienced incurably sick patients. His conviction, that individuals must have an autonomy, to make off their lives, when runs into unbearable pain and terminal illness tucked in his fuel of action. To facilitate then, Kevorkian sought out a device, he named “Mercitron,” that allowed to the patients of jednorodny-administrowa? mortal dose of medicinal means. This invention marked his beginning of public cross hike for physician-assisted for the doctor of suicide.

Between 1990 and 1998, Kevorkian required to help in deaths over 130 patients. His methods were unusually contentious, often digging distances of legal and ethic standards. Then, a right for Michigan obviously did not declare assisted suicide out of right, allowing to operate Kevorkian in a legal grey circumference. His actions stocked how praises, so and convictions. Supporters welcomed him how a merciful defender for rights for patients’, while saw detractors him how a changeable doctor, playing God. Legal troubles of Kevorkian climaxed in 1999, when he was confessed guilty in murder of the second degree for the rule of mortal injection to Foma Youk, man, what suffers from Als. Unlike his previous cases, where patients operated with Mercitron directly, Kevorkian personally delivered fatal dose to Youk. Operate then, broadcast on national television, left the little world for legal ambiguity and took to his conviction and arrangement. Kevorkian served eight years in clink before that, to be released on parole in 2007. The implications of Kevorkian’s actions and subsequent legal battles were profound for the debate on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. On one hand, he brought significant attention to the suffering of terminally ill patients and the ethical dilemmas faced by the medical community. His work prompted legislative changes in some states, resulting in the legalization of physician-assisted suicide in Oregon, Washington, and eventually other states. These laws, often referred to as Death with Dignity Acts, provide a regulated framework for terminally ill patients to end their lives under medical supervision.

Conversely, Kevorkian’s methods and persona complicated the discourse. His willingness to flout legal boundaries and his often confrontational approach alienated many potential allies within the medical and legal communities. Critics argue that his actions set back the cause of euthanasia by associating it with recklessness and a disregard for due process. Kevorkian’s legacy is thus a double-edged sword, serving both as a catalyst for change and a cautionary tale.

To fully understand Kevorkian’s legacy, one must consider the broader context of his actions. The ethical principle of autonomy, which underpins much of the argument for physician-assisted suicide, is a cornerstone of modern medical ethics. The right of patients to make informed decisions about their own bodies and lives is fundamental. However, this autonomy must be balanced with the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, which require healthcare providers to act in the best interest of their patients and to do no harm.

Kevorkian’s work undeniably underscored the need for a compassionate approach to end-of-life care. His advocacy forced society to confront difficult questions about suffering, dignity, and the role of medical intervention in death. While his methods were often contentious, the conversations he sparked continue to influence policy and practice.

In summary, Dr. Jack Kevorkian’s legacy is a complex blend of compassion, controversy, and change. His relentless pursuit of patients’ rights to die with dignity has left a lasting impact on the medical and legal landscapes. Despite the ethical and legal controversies surrounding his actions, Kevorkian’s contributions to the discourse on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide remain significant. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the delicate balance between autonomy and ethical responsibility in the realm of end-of-life care.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 55 great debate topics for any project.

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General Education

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A debate is a formal discussion about a topic where two sides present opposing viewpoints. Debates follow a specific structure: each side is given time to speak either for or against the topic at hand.

Many students study debate in high school to improve their speaking skills. As a debater, you learn how to clearly structure and present an argument. The skills you develop as a debater will help you on everything from a college admissions interview to a job presentation.

Selecting debate topics is one of the most important parts of debating. In this article, we’ll explain how to select a good debate topic and give suggestions for debate topics you can use.

How to Select Good Debate Topics

A good debate topic is one that lets the participants and the audience learn about both sides of an issue. Consider the following factors when selecting a debate topic:

Interest: Are you interested in the topic? Would the topic be interesting to your fellow classmates, as well as to the audience listening to the debate? Selecting a topic that you’re interested in makes the preparation part of the debate more exciting , as well as the debate more lively.

Argument Potential: You want to choose a debate topic that has solid argument potential. If one side is clearly right, or if there isn’t a lot of available information, you’ll have a hard time crafting a solid debate.

Availability of Data: Data points make an argument more robust. You’ll want to select a topic with lots of empirical data that you can pull from to bolster your argument.

Now that we know how to select a debate topic, let’s look at a list of good debate topics.

Debate Topics Master List

If you’re searching for your next debate topic, here are some suggestions.

Social and Political Issues Debate Topics

  • All people should have the right to own guns.
  • The death penalty should be abolished.
  • Human cloning should be legalized.
  • All drugs should be legalized.
  • Animal testing should be banned.
  • Juveniles should be tried and treated as adults.
  • Climate change is the greatest threat facing humanity today.
  • Violent video games should be banned.
  • The minimum wage should be $15 per hour.
  • All people should have Universal Basic Income.
  • Sex work should be legal.
  • Countries should be isolationist.
  • Abortion should be banned.
  • Every citizen should be mandated to perform national public service.
  • Bottled water should be banned.
  • Plastic bags should be banned.

Education Debate Topics

  • Homework should be banned.
  • Public prayer should not be allowed in schools.
  • Schools should block sites like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram on their computers.
  • School uniforms should be required.
  • Standardized testing should be abolished.
  • All students should have an after-school job or internship.
  • School should be in session year-round.
  • All high school athletes should be drug tested.
  • Detention should be abolished.
  • All student loan debt should be eliminated.
  • Homeschooling is better than traditional schooling.
  • All schools should have armed security guards.
  • Religion should be taught in schools.
  • All schools should be private schools.
  • All students should go to boarding schools.
  • Sexual education should be mandatory in schools.
  • Public college should be tuition free.
  • All teachers should get tenure.
  • All school districts should offer school vouchers.

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Health Debate Topics

  • Healthcare should be universal.
  • Cosmetic procedures should be covered by health insurance.
  • All people should be vegetarians.
  • Euthanasia should be banned.
  • The drinking age should be 18.
  • Vaping should be banned.
  • Smoking should be banned in all public places.
  • People should be legally required to get vaccines.
  • Obesity should be labeled a disease.
  • Sexual orientation is determined at birth.
  • The sale of human organs should be legalized.
  • Birth control should be for sale over the counter.

Technology Debate Topics

  • Social media has improved human communication.
  • The development of artificial intelligence will help humanity.
  • Individuals should own their own DNA.
  • Humans should invest in technology to explore and colonize other planets.
  • Governments should invest in alternative energy sources.
  • Net neutrality should be restored.
  • Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies should be encouraged or banned.
  • Alternative energy can effectively replace fossil fuels.
  • Cell phone radiation is dangerous and should be limited.

How to Prepare for a Debate

Once you’ve selected your debate topic, the next step is to prepare for your debate. Follow these steps as you get ready to take the podium.

Read Your Evidence

The most important step to building your debate confidence is to familiarize yourself with the evidence available. You’ll want to select reputable sources and use empirical data effectively.

The more well read on your topic you are, the better you’ll be able to defend your position and anticipate the other side’s arguments.

Anticipate the Other Side’s Arguments

As part of your debate, you’ll need to rebut the other side’s arguments. It’s important to prepare ahead of time to guess what they’ll be talking about. You’ll bolster your own side’s argument if you’re able to effectively dismantle what the other side is saying.

Plan to Fill Your Speech Time

Each speaker at a debate is limited to a certain amount of time. You should plan to use every second of the time that you’re allotted. Make sure you practice your talking points so that you know you’re within the time frame. If you’re short, add in more evidence.

Practice to Build Confidence

It can be scary to take the stage for a debate! Practicing ahead of time will help you build confidence. Remember to speak slowly and clearly. Even if your argument is great, it won’t matter if no one can understand it.

Final Thoughts

Debate is a great way to hone your public speaking skills and get practice crafting and defending an argument. Use these debate topics if you're searching for a focus for your next debate.

What's Next?

Looking for ways to keep the debate going in non-academic life? Then you'll love our list of 101 "this or that" questions to argue over with your friends.

Thinking about how you can use your argumentative skills in a future career? Read up on the five steps to becoming a lawyer to see if that's a path you want to pursue.

Getting ready to take an AP test? Here’s a list of practice tests for every AP exam, including the AP literature exam .

It can be hard to schedule time to study for an AP test on top of your extracurriculars and normal classwork. Check out this article on when you need to start studying for your AP tests to make sure you’re staying on track.

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Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Mental Health Misinformation and Pseudoscience Are Rampant

Why it's so important to make science-informed decisions about your mental health..

Updated June 25, 2024 | Reviewed by Devon Frye

  • There are at least 600 types of psychotherapy, and counting.
  • Yet many of these have no evidence in their favor; some are even known to be ineffective and harmful.
  • There exist countless unregulated providers of mental health services in the alternative medicine community.
  • It's critical to mind the science when it comes to your mental health.
"When people become sick, any promise of a cure is beguiling. Common sense and the demand for evidence are easily supplanted by false hope. In this vulnerable state, the need for critical appraisal of treatment options is more—rather than less—necessary." —Dr. Barry Beyerstein

You shouldn’t need to shop for mental health care as if you’re purchasing an appliance, but that’s the dismal reality: Your mental health is for sale.

In other words, if you or your loved ones are looking for care with respect to mental health, then you need to be prepared to navigate a market with at least 600 “brands” of psychotherapy —and counting. Many of these psychotherapies have not been subjected to rigorous scientific scrutiny, which means we don’t know for sure which ones are effective, ineffective, or harmful.

There also exist countless unregulated providers of mental health services in the $5.6 trillion USD wellness industry and alternative medicine community, many of whom are only looking to exploit people’s financial and emotional vulnerabilities. They may market themselves as "life coaches," or "wellness consultants," or—depending on particular countries and jurisdictions—other various non-legally protected titles, such as "counselors" or "practitioners." The world of mental health care is very much caveat emptor: buyer beware.

Source: u_5785qxtfen/Pixabay

I’ve been a full-time practicing clinical psychologist for over a decade. During that time, I’ve seen so many patients hurt by pseudoscience circulating in the wellness industry. I’ve seen an explosion of mental health misinformation on social media and in popular culture. I’ve had enough of the harm. I even wrote a book, entitled Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry , to expose and debunk that predatory pseudoscience, grift, and misinformation with a view toward providing real information to those who have been touched by mental illness, have been misled by false marketing , or are simply curious about the relationship between science and mental health.

From the perspective of legitimate mental health professionals, providing evidence-based treatment for mental health concerns is an ethical imperative. The notion of evidence-based practice owes its history to a movement called evidence-based medicine (EBM), which became fully articulated in 1992. It means that clinicians need to engage in a delicate dance between three pillars:

  • The best available scientific evidence.
  • Their own clinical judgement and experience.
  • The preferences and values that patients bring.

The idea of evidence-based practice is now philosophically baked into the codes of ethics and legal standards of practice of bonafide mental health professions, such as psychology, psychiatry , social work, and nursing.

The irksome reality is that non-evidence-based and pseudoscientific treatments for mental health concerns are promoted widely and used within various healthcare systems and outside of them. It’s not uncommon for mental health professionals to regularly encounter patients who have received such treatments, which can include unequivocal pseudoscientific practices (e.g., naturopathy, energy medicine, neuro-linguistic programming, past life regression therapy, etc.) and controversial ones that are in some cases much more scientifically plausible but still plagued by low-quality or mixed evidence to support their use (e.g., cannabis, psychedelics, mindfulness , 12-step programs, animal-assisted therapies, etc.).

While the demarcation between science and pseudoscience has always remained fuzzy, it’s in the service of safe, ethical, and competent patient care to critically appraise and identify potential pseudoscientific therapies for mental health concerns. There’s a reason that evidence-based practice is the foundation of our care models—and that’s because adopting an approach to care that elevates pseudoscience can be harmful in at least three ways:

  • It can directly produce harm.
  • It can indirectly take time and financial resources away from evidence-based services.
  • It can further erode the scientific foundations and trust of our profession.

The idea behind using science to guide psychological practice is not new. Clinical psychology adopted science as an explicit value as early as 1947 when the idea that psychologists should be trained as both scientists and practitioners became American Psychological Association (APA) policy. In 1949, the “scientist-practitioner model” (sometimes referred to as the “Boulder model”) was born at the Conference on Graduate Education in Psychology in Boulder, Colorado to reflect the realization that psychologists should be trained in both research and clinical practice—and that these elements of our profession should inform each other.

controversial topic essays

Today, the term “scientist-practitioner” refers to both a model of training and a model of practice. It means that clinical psychologists should be skilled consumers of the scientific literature and possess both the ability and willingness to incorporate that knowledge into their practice. It also champions the idea that psychologists have an ethical responsibility to promote and practice evidence-based patient care that is devoid of unequivocal pseudoscience and leery of its shades of gray.

Unfortunately, there exists a notorious gap between science and practice in clinical psychology insofar as we know that the scientific literature is often not utilized by practitioners for a variety of reasons, which can include variable attitudes in relation to evidence-based practice; concerns about the generalizability of research findings; and concerns about the importance of randomized controlled trials.

This gap between science and practice stretches to epic proportions outside of psychology when it is extended to other mental health professions and beyond to unregulated health providers in the alternative medicine community and the wellness industry. Providers who advertise their services to address mental health concerns but do not value, respect, or understand the role of science in mental health care risk compromising the safety of patients and treatment effectiveness.

Unfortunately for patients, a buyer beware approach to their mental health must be adopted both within healthcare systems and in the unregulated space where mental health care is marketed and sold. Improving the science and mental health literacy skills of both the general public and healthcare professionals can help mitigate this alarming problem.

At the end of the day, your mental health is on the line when you’re seeking care. It’s important to make informed decisions about your mental health by understanding how to become science and mental health literate; how to spot mental health misinformation and develop a keen eye for the propaganda tactics and tropes that are used to market pseudoscientific practices; and how to know what to look for when seeking real professional help.

In a landscape where we’re up against an onslaught of bogus mental health treatments and products that have increasingly flooded our culture, it’s all the more important to learn how to steer clear of misguided and predatory practices, and to understand what mental health really means.

Dozois, D. (2013). Psychological treatments: Putting evi­dence into practice and practice into evidence. Canadian Psychology, 54, 1-11.

Lilienfeld, S. O., Lynn, S. J., & Lohr, J. M. (2014). Science and Pseudoscience in Clinical Psychology. The Guilford Press.

Stea, J. N. (2024). Mind the Science: Saving Your Mental Health from the Wellness Industry . Random House Canada.

Stea, J. N., & Hupp, S. (2023). Investigating Clinical Psychology: Pseudoscience, Fringe Science, and Controversies . Routledge.

Stea, J. N., Yakovenko, I., Kim, H. S., & Hodgins, D. C. (2023). Substance use and addictive disorders (p.179-202). In Hupp, S., & Santa Maria, C. L. Pseudoscience and Psychotherapy: A Skeptical Field Guide . Cambridge University Press.

Jonathan N. Stea Ph.D., R. Psych

Jonathan N. Stea, Ph.D., R. Psych, is a registered and practicing clinical psychologist in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of Calgary.

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At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that could derail our entire day. Here’s how we can face triggers with less reactivity and get on with our lives.

  • Emotional Intelligence
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COMMENTS

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