Step 1 Write a paper.
In a one- to two-page (250- to 500-word) paper, consider a controversial topic that people are usually on one side or the other of (e.g. whether or not marijuana should be legalized) and address the following:
- Use the four main elements of an argument to try and change your reader’s opinion.
- Use techniques that draw the reader in and make them want to read your paper, even if they may not agree with you.
- List the critical thinking skills you employed to devise the argument in your paper.
- REMEMBER to present both sides of the argument equally and use peer-reviewed research without any personal opinion.
Argumentative Essay Topics
- Are men and women equally emotional?
- Are printed books better than e-readers?
- Should the drinking age be lowered?
- Are parents responsible for childhood obesity?
- Should college be free of charge?
- Should beauty standards be more inclusive?
- Are all college majors equally important?
- Is social media bad for children?
- Is it worth exploring space?
- Should all internships be paid?
- Should income be tied to the cost of a degree?
- Is climate change the most serious threat to the world?
- Is feminism still important?
- Has society made the necessary reparations for slavery?
- Should elections be decided by popular vote?
- Are all people entitled to free health care?
- Do anti-discrimination laws do enough to protect disabled students?
- Is a degree from an online college as legitimate as a degree from a brick-and-mortar school?
- Is it a conflict of interest for a professor to require students to purchase his book?
