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271 Strong Argumentative Research Paper Topics You Must Know

argumentative research paper topics

Writing good argumentative research paper topics can always place you in a rock and a hard place. Writing from scratch can be daunting, but writing to a deadline is worse. Creating a terrific academic argumentative research paper takes a few tweaks. Through them, you will eventually craft a standardized paper that would earn you all points and, if not all, perhaps better grades.

This article will discuss the various angles you could take flawlessly to finish an argumentative research paper. Consequently, do not let terror take over you when writing a research paper.

Instead, it will be your forte after reading through this article’s steps.

What Is An Argumentative Research Paper?

An argumentative research paper is a paper that is structured in a way that allows you to present and defend your ideas about the topic, and that’s what definitional argument paper topics involve. The main purpose of an argumentative research paper is to make it possible for you to demonstrate your arguments. They may be based on either scientific knowledge or personal experience.

College argumentative research paper topics can be a single paper or a collection of several papers that you have written. Alternatively, it can be a series of papers in which you have analyzed different aspects of the topic. It will take you a while of introspection to understand this.

An award-winning research paper or one that could earn you better grades must be deeply rooted in facts. Generally, you must employ extensive evidence to defend your opinion or point.

What Are The Different Types Of Argumentative Research Paper Topics?

The are many different types of argumentative research paper topics. Here we explore the classic classification of the topics and their characteristics

  • Classical Western Argument These types of classical argument paper topics have always been footed on two bases: to convince the audience that they are right and give well-reasoned answers to questionsThey are easy argument paper topics. Topics for argumentative research paper tasks do not necessarily have to be complicated. An introduction is imperative for a classical western argument since it welcomes the audience and builds goodwill and a connection with the readers. It also announces the overall theme or thesis of the argument.It must have a narration that portrays necessary background facts. It is intended to inform the listener about the setting and occurrences that produced the argument.A classic western argument must have confirmation, refutation, and summation. Remember, the summary must be concrete, echoing the gravity of the argument and equally reflecting the best solution to the readers.
  • Toulon Argument The primary goal of a Toulmin argument is frequently to gather the most compelling proof in favor of the presented statements. For example, if you take “Philosophy argument paper topics”, you have to work through this topic well and understand it.The goal of a Toulmin argument is precise, unlike the previous types. It is made up of six parts, namely: introduction, data, warrants, qualifiers, rebuttal, and backing. It has a conclusion intended to trigger evocative thought among the readers.
  • Rogerian Argument The Rogerian argument seeks the greatest plausible solution based on the wants and preferences of everyone concerned, or, in other words, some form of unanimity. The essay structure of this type of argument does not bear innate disparities to the different types. It has a structure that aims at reaching a consensus amidst the contest.The Rogerian argument topics for a paper focus on expanding comprehension between conflicting viewpoints by noting that an issue can be viewed from various perspectives. Its building blocks are; an introduction, an acknowledgement of the opposition, a thesis statement, support for the thesis, and a conclusion.Notably, the summary has to highlight the imperatives of a classical argument paper topic, even if it cannot resolve the problem wholly. Also, it has to acknowledge that more work needs to be done in the future to find lasting remedies.

How To Write A Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement outlines the topic of your assignments, that is, argumentative research essay topics, and provides a summary of the article’s content, particularly your position on the subject. It is helpful to pose a concern before making your assertion in a thesis, so that your thesis can provide a resolution.

This is a powerful strategy for getting the reader interested in your subject and the viewpoint you advocate. The basic custom of any argument should be briefly covered in a thesis. By accomplishing this-getting thesis writing help, you can assist the reader in becoming ready for the essay’s main body.

When writing a thesis statement, you must include: A question A provocative statement A well-laid description An anecdote that compels the readers to find out more about the essay

Whenever you start writing, make an effort to define your aim explicitly. This is what argumentative research paper topics college institutions demand. Constantly write on your subject if you cannot express your purpose effectively.

How To Select A Topic For An Argumentative Essay

You might occasionally find yourself debating points you do not particularly agree with. That is just good – making a convincing argument does not need you to believe what you are saying fervently.

However, picking a subject you are passionate about is a fantastic option when you have complete freedom over it. A strong perspective and various supporting arguments are the two essential elements of a high quality successful argumentative essay.

It will be simpler for a student to obtain proof to back up an argument if they are fascinated and enthusiastic about the issue that they chose. The evidence itself is what matters most.

Decide on a topic by considering issues that are important to you, irrespective of whether they are good or bad. Create a list of concepts, and then pick a couple to focus on. You will then elaborate upon such concepts by addressing a few compensatory picks.

Making these lists may lead you to discover that a few are more powerful than others. The greater the issue, the more proof you have and the more compelling you believe that proved to be.

Again, choosing a different argument research topic is acceptable if you think one issue would have more verifiable data, but you would prefer not to pen about it. If you are enthusiastic about our topic, it might be much simpler to uncover solid arguments and evidence to support your claims than if you are not.

Well, here is a list of sample argumentative research paper topics you could decide to choose from and develop a terrific essay.

Good Argument Paper Topics On Education

Here are some ingenious argumentative essay sample topics touching on matters of education:

  • Can parents be able to alter their unborn children’s characteristics?
  • Should pupils need to be immunized to attend a public school?
  • Should global governments take action to combat climate change?
  • Should physical education classes have an impact on a student’s grades?
  • Is free college a good idea?
  • Should Greek life be banned from academic institutions?
  • Should comprehensive sex education be given to scholars?
  • It should be possible for pupils to choose the high school curriculum.
  • The importance of physical education in education.
  • Schools should not permit the use of cell phones.
  • Like scholars, teachers need to pass a professional exam.
  • Less work should be assigned to pupils in schools.
  • High schools should be required to include sex education.
  • The Best Alternative to Regular School is Home Schooling
  • Scholars should only spend three months studying and nine months vacationing.
  • Sporting Activities Can Help You Change Your Life.
  • Lies Are a Vital Component of a Healthy Relationship
  • There Are Aliens
  • Keeping a Journal Is a Fun Stress Reduction Technique
  • Colleges need medical facilities to aid scholars in overcoming stress and depression.
  • You Can Learn Important Life Skills from Video Games
  • Having a pet is a way to improve your happiness.
  • Better Off Renting Than Buying a Home
  • Is the American educational system ideal for the modern world?

Interesting Argument Paper Topics On Ethics

When faced with an argumentative essay touching on ethics, here are samples to jog your mind:

  • Do GMOs benefit or hurt humans?
  • Should Facebook be permitted to gather user data?
  • Should autonomous vehicles be made legal?
  • Is it moral to use automation to replace human labor?
  • Should use a cell phone while driving is prohibited by law?
  • Has the Internet had a good or bad impact on society?
  • Should college athletes receive compensation for playing on teams?
  • Must fracking be permitted?
  • Same-sex couples ought to be permitted to wed.
  • Death Penalties: Are They Still Valid in the Twenty-First Century?
  • Benefits of Medical Marijuana Legalization
  • Without organized religion, the world might be a better place.
  • More harm than good is caused by technology.
  • What would life be like if animals ruled the world?
  • What if scholars and teachers switched places?
  • How will having flying automobiles affect our daily lives?
  • The most prosperous people are school dropouts.
  • Why drinking is advisable before a test
  • What if humans were to view the world as dogs do?
  • The causes behind Starbucks’ delicious flavor
  • How defying your parents can help you succeed?
  • Why passing the driving test is crucial
  • The top pupils are those who do not attend class.
  • The best visitors are those who arrived already stuffed.
  • Why I enjoy junk mail
  • Why setting your school on fire is not an option
  • Clowns are not as terrifying as you would imagine.
  • The reason why your washing won’t do itself
  • Why you should continue to wear a mask even after COVID-19
  • Which film has ever been the worst?
  • How playing video games can benefit your career search
  • Why I don’t like country music
  • Why films are superior to books
  • Is it wrong to show sex scenes on television?
  • Should learning institutions condone cheating?
  • Should young people have access to birth control?
  • Is religion a valid justification for terrorism?
  • Does bullying make one stronger?
  • Do you think young kids should have access to cell phones and tablets?
  • Should minors be allowed to obtain contraception without their parent’s permission?
  • Is it time for single-payer healthcare in the US?
  • Should assisted suicide be allowed to exist?
  • Should nutritional supplements and products for weight loss, such as teas, be allowed to use influencer marketing?
  • Should physicians be permitted to promote medications?
  • Is the electoral college still a useful mechanism in contemporary America?
  • Should Puerto Rico gain statehood?
  • Is automatic voter registration a good idea?
  • Should prisoners have the right to vote?
  • Should justices of the Supreme Court be voted into power?
  • Children should not be served soda at restaurants.
  • Should sexual labor be made legal?
  • Should Indigenous Peoples’ Day take the place of Columbus Day?
  • Should executions be permitted?
  • Are uniforms for schools a good idea?
  • Should using animals for clinical tests be permitted?
  • Should the crime of drug possession be dropped?
  • Must unpaid internships be permitted?
  • Must abortion be outlawed?
  • Do individuals misuse their freedom to carry weapons?
  • Is there a racial component to police violence?
  • It is time to raise the legal drinking age.
  • A child’s sexual orientation is established when they are young.
  • All around the world, same-sex unions should be permitted.
  • Inmates should not be kept as illegal immigrants.
  • Should all women have access to reproductive health care and birth control?
  • Would anyone benefit equally from our tax system?
  • Is vaping just as dangerous as cigarette smoking?
  • Is global consumption a serious problem?
  • Is social media a privacy infringement?
  • Does everyone need to get vaccinated?
  • Do food firms have a say in what we eat?
  • Does our system of education fit our culture?
  • Why should certain languages be recognized as official in the US?
  • Is the death penalty ever justified?
  • Victims of rape ought to abort their unborn children.
  • Equal paternity leave should be granted to fathers.
  • Do trouble-making behaviors among teenagers stem from boredom?
  • Parents who have failed their children should be disciplined.
  • Animal testing ought to be prohibited.
  • Gaming that is violent needs to be prohibited.
  • Adopting parents with mental impairments should not be permitted.
  • Islamist nations should allow alcohol usage.
  • Everyone should receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • School dress codes ought to be abolished
  • Assignments should not be required
  • Pets ought to be allowed in learning institutions
  • Cellphone use should be permitted in class for scholars.
  • The daily schooling hours ought to be cut shorter
  • Why longer school breaks are necessary
  • Every classroom needs a TV.
  • We must extend our summer vacation.
  • Schools ought to have recess in between class sessions.
  • A pet belongs in every classroom.
  • Is a College Education Still Required?
  • Should High School Graduates Have a Gap Year?
  • Cyberbullying in High School Is a Serious Problem
  • Scholars ought to be permitted to dress however they like.
  • The Existing Grading System Does Not Reflect Scholars’ Knowledge in the Contemporary World
  • Is a Lower Voting Age Needed?
  • The Benefits of Offering Free Condoms to Scholars
  • Partners expecting a child ought to take parenting classes
  • Sex education ought to be taught in schools.
  • Should the legal drinking age be lowered?
  • Standardized Tests Need to Be Banned
  • Scholar loans: Are They Favorable or Bad?
  • Is drug use on campuses a test or a genuine issue?
  • Do College Relationships Last a Long Time?
  • Children should not be permitted to attend college classes by scholars.
  • Fraternities’ detrimental effects on scholars’ behavior and performance
  • When Is a Gap Year a Welcomed Idea?
  • There should be more benefits for college athletes when schooling.
  • Most college units are already obsolete and unfit for the contemporary world.
  • The cost of lodging in universities ought to be zero.
  • Celebs ought not to serve as teenage girls’ role models.
  • Diet obsession can result in a variety of eating conditions and health complications.
  • School uniforms ought to be required.
  • Males and females can have friendships that are limited to just that.
  • The vegetarian lifestyle is not practical
  • Democracy is currently the sanest form of government.
  • GMO diets aren’t as risky as we once thought
  • Horror films may harm one’s mental health.
  • Junk food ought not to be offered in school lunches.

Easy Argument Paper Topics On Sports

Sports argumentative essay topics can prove hard to formulate. Here are samples:

  • Should there be a gender divide in sports?
  • Should baseball’s designated hitter system be eliminated?
  • Should American sports treat soccer with more respect?
  • Should players and coaches receive the same compensation?
  • Girls should be urged to participate in sports and put just as much effort into their studies as boys do.
  • College Sports Players Must Be Paid
  • Sports should allow women to compete against men.
  • Countries benefit economically and socially by hosting the Olympic Games.
  • Media coverage of female athletes is still sexist.
  • Certain sports can encourage violent behavior.
  • Injury Has a Significant Impact on an Athlete’s Mental Health
  • Among Athletes, Eating Disorders Are a Common Issue
  • Schools and Colleges should emphasize physical education more
  • Taking part in sports can have calming, resonant effects on the body and mind.
  • Motivating girls to participate in sports is important.

Argument Paper Topics On Religion

Argumentative essay topics on religion could prove contentious. Below are samples:

  • Should religious institutions be subject to taxation?
  • Should schools allow religious clubs?
  • Should the pledge of allegiance include “one nation under God”?
  • Should religion be covered in the classroom?
  • Should clerics be permitted to wed?

Professional Argument  Paper Topics On Economics

Argumentative topics in economics essays are easy. Here are some examples:

  • Is raising the minimum wage necessary?
  • Do monopolies deserve to exist?
  • Is the concept of universal basic income wisely?
  • Should the tax rate on companies be higher or cheap?

Argument Paper Topics On Society And Culture

Formulating argumentative essay topics on culture and society, in general, should not bother you that much. Here are samples. But if you have problems with your writing you can order a dissertation online .

  • Is graffiti considered destruction or art?
  • Should books with offensive language be prohibited?
  • Should YouTube content be more strictly regulated?
  • Is the study of art important?
  • Should people be able to share their art and music online?
  • Current assessments do not match the scholar’s ability.
  • Breastfeeding in public should be permitted for women.
  • To bring about change, the Internet was developed.
  • When it comes to giving their kids a nutritious diet, parents should be accountable.
  • Churches ought to be taxed as well.
  • The Contribution of Art to the Evolution of Our World
  • Using Art Therapy to Treat Mental Illness
  • Scholars that participate in the arts excel academically.
  • Unlike traditional art, digital art lacks soul.
  • Everybody ought to enrol in art classes in school
  • Is Art Actually Required?
  • What Inner Fears Do Children Express in Their Art?
  • What Is Art For?
  • How Has the Representation of Women in Art Changed Over the Centuries?
  • Most art forms were created in ancient Greece, which is where they originated.
  • A potent treatment for psychological issues is music.
  • Hard Rock Harmfully influences teenage Behavior
  • If You Pay Attention, You Can Hear Music in the Natural World
  • Billie Eilish Is Not Your Average Teen Pop Star-Star
  • The Human Brain is Positively affected by Music
  • The Calming Power of Celtic Music
  • Modern music is largely commercial rather than artistic.
  • Rap music encourages aggression.
  • A better pregnancy can be ensured by classical music.
  • College scholars’ academic performance is improved through music

Technology Argument Paper Topics

Many learners avoid technology-related argumentative topics due to their technicality. Below are samples:

  • Owners of social media platforms should keep an eye on and delete comments that use offensive language.
  • Does technology contribute to individuals feeling more alone?
  • Will there ever be a moment when no new technological developments take place?
  • Vlogging is not a legitimate career.
  • Is LinkedIn useful in terms of job search?
  • The number of business opportunities has significantly increased thanks to social media.
  • Is Java going out of style?
  • Are social media profiles of candidates something employers should look through?
  • Social media cause teenage despair.

Science Argument Paper Topics

Below are argumentative topics touching on the science field:

  • The Morality of Cloning the Benefits of Genetic Engineering and How They Can Change the World the Potential Benefits of Investing in Space Exploration
  • Universities should spend more money on scientific programs.
  • How Do New Scientific Discoveries Affect Our Everyday Lives?
  • Do New Technologies Pose Health Risks?
  • The use of animals in scientific research should be prohibited
  • The Science of Medical Marijuana’s Healing Effect
  • Food that has been genetically modified: Is it healthy for us or not?
  • Why Science Should Be Taught to Everyone.

Argument Paper Topics On The Environment

Argumentative topics on the environment tend to be broad. Here are useful samples:

  • Existing environmental statutes do not avert human encroachment and habitat obliteration
  • Human encroachment endangers the lives of plants and animals
  • Climate change is real
  • Developed nations primarily cause global warming
  • A change in farming practices is required to cease environmental obliteration.
  • Environment-friendly effects of vegetarianism
  • The worst polluters of air and water are industrial by-products and farming additives
  • Overpopulation is the root cause of city pollution
  • We must protect the world’s resources.
  • Hunting is a sinful activity.
  • Is using animals in a circus acceptable?
  • Evil dogs ought to be put to sleep.
  • Recycling ought to be required.
  • Should recycling be made required?
  • Is competition advantageous?
  • Does blogging as a profession have a future?
  • Is it possible for people to ever exist without the Internet?
  • Should everyone volunteer and donate to charities?
  • Does the media infringe on famous people’s privacy?

Argument Paper Topics On Government

Politics is not everyone. Below are argumentative topics on governance you could exploit:

  • In wealthy nations, unlawful immigration is a serious problem.
  • Citizenship should always be granted to persons sired within a particular country’s borders. Stricter immigration laws should be enforced against illegal immigration
  • Border restrictions should be tightened to stop illegal immigration.
  • The main driver of unlawful immigration is poverty.
  • Deporting illegal immigrants to their nations of origin is usually pointless.
  • High Illegal Immigration Rates May Encourage Prostitution
  • High levels of unlawful immigration are one of the main causes of terrorism.
  • Lowering immigration costs may help avert illegal immigration
  • Refugee applicants ought not to be viewed as unauthorized immigrants.
  • Is Racial Profiling Still Appropriate in Today’s World?
  • Euthanasia for terminally ill patients should be made legal.
  • All should have access to free higher education.
  • Is Donald Trump’s presidency detrimental to the US and the rest of the world, or beneficial?
  • In colleges and schools, energy drinks have to be prohibited.
  • In the US, gambling ought to be outlawed.
  • Should abortion be outlawed globally?
  • Should the death penalty be carried out universally?
  • Certain kinds of animal experimentation and other forms of study ought to be prohibited.
  • Should the government take additional steps to provide accessibility for the physically challenged?
  • Are people born with the skill to be a politician, or do they learn it?

High Quality Argument Paper Topics On Health

There are numerous argumentative topics on health to choose from. Below are samples:

  • Everyone should have access to free health care.
  • It is possible to discover a working cure for AIDs
  • Art therapy can be effective for a wide range of health issues
  • Healthy alternatives: benefits and drawbacks
  • The negative consequences of a head injury
  • Does the media accurately represent the risk of coronavirus?
  • Are electronic cigarettes more harmless than smoke?
  • Could 3D printing help the medical field?
  • Nanotechnology can aid in cancer treatment
  • How would stem cells reduce cardiac arrest patients’ mortality rates?
  • Pro-life vs. Pro-choice views on abortion
  • Alcoholism harms all aspects of life, not just health
  • The production and sale of tobacco should be prohibited
  • Vaping is safer than cigarette smoking.
  • The risks of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the benefits.

Get Professional Help

Working students can consider our consulting and thesis writing services when faced with tough argumentative research paper assignments. Our writers are some of the best experts and can provide a fast turnaround with your argumentative research essays to help you beat the deadlines. Even so, writing essays and coming up with good argument paper topics can be strenuous. Our team of writers can help you get the best argumentative research paper topics that will earn you grades generously.

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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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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
  • Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
  • Complete List of Transition Words
  • Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
  • 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
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3 Strong Argumentative Essay Examples, Analyzed

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Need to defend your opinion on an issue? Argumentative essays are one of the most popular types of essays you’ll write in school. They combine persuasive arguments with fact-based research, and, when done well, can be powerful tools for making someone agree with your point of view. If you’re struggling to write an argumentative essay or just want to learn more about them, seeing examples can be a big help.

After giving an overview of this type of essay, we provide three argumentative essay examples. After each essay, we explain in-depth how the essay was structured, what worked, and where the essay could be improved. We end with tips for making your own argumentative essay as strong as possible.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is an essay that uses evidence and facts to support the claim it’s making. Its purpose is to persuade the reader to agree with the argument being made.

A good argumentative essay will use facts and evidence to support the argument, rather than just the author’s thoughts and opinions. For example, say you wanted to write an argumentative essay stating that Charleston, SC is a great destination for families. You couldn’t just say that it’s a great place because you took your family there and enjoyed it. For it to be an argumentative essay, you need to have facts and data to support your argument, such as the number of child-friendly attractions in Charleston, special deals you can get with kids, and surveys of people who visited Charleston as a family and enjoyed it. The first argument is based entirely on feelings, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven.

The standard five paragraph format is common, but not required, for argumentative essays. These essays typically follow one of two formats: the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

  • The Toulmin model is the most common. It begins with an introduction, follows with a thesis/claim, and gives data and evidence to support that claim. This style of essay also includes rebuttals of counterarguments.
  • The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

3 Good Argumentative Essay Examples + Analysis

Below are three examples of argumentative essays, written by yours truly in my school days, as well as analysis of what each did well and where it could be improved.

Argumentative Essay Example 1

Proponents of this idea state that it will save local cities and towns money because libraries are expensive to maintain. They also believe it will encourage more people to read because they won’t have to travel to a library to get a book; they can simply click on what they want to read and read it from wherever they are. They could also access more materials because libraries won’t have to buy physical copies of books; they can simply rent out as many digital copies as they need.

However, it would be a serious mistake to replace libraries with tablets. First, digital books and resources are associated with less learning and more problems than print resources. A study done on tablet vs book reading found that people read 20-30% slower on tablets, retain 20% less information, and understand 10% less of what they read compared to people who read the same information in print. Additionally, staring too long at a screen has been shown to cause numerous health problems, including blurred vision, dizziness, dry eyes, headaches, and eye strain, at much higher instances than reading print does. People who use tablets and mobile devices excessively also have a higher incidence of more serious health issues such as fibromyalgia, shoulder and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle strain. I know that whenever I read from my e-reader for too long, my eyes begin to feel tired and my neck hurts. We should not add to these problems by giving people, especially young people, more reasons to look at screens.

Second, it is incredibly narrow-minded to assume that the only service libraries offer is book lending. Libraries have a multitude of benefits, and many are only available if the library has a physical location. Some of these benefits include acting as a quiet study space, giving people a way to converse with their neighbors, holding classes on a variety of topics, providing jobs, answering patron questions, and keeping the community connected. One neighborhood found that, after a local library instituted community events such as play times for toddlers and parents, job fairs for teenagers, and meeting spaces for senior citizens, over a third of residents reported feeling more connected to their community. Similarly, a Pew survey conducted in 2015 found that nearly two-thirds of American adults feel that closing their local library would have a major impact on their community. People see libraries as a way to connect with others and get their questions answered, benefits tablets can’t offer nearly as well or as easily.

While replacing libraries with tablets may seem like a simple solution, it would encourage people to spend even more time looking at digital screens, despite the myriad issues surrounding them. It would also end access to many of the benefits of libraries that people have come to rely on. In many areas, libraries are such an important part of the community network that they could never be replaced by a simple object.

The author begins by giving an overview of the counter-argument, then the thesis appears as the first sentence in the third paragraph. The essay then spends the rest of the paper dismantling the counter argument and showing why readers should believe the other side.

What this essay does well:

  • Although it’s a bit unusual to have the thesis appear fairly far into the essay, it works because, once the thesis is stated, the rest of the essay focuses on supporting it since the counter-argument has already been discussed earlier in the paper.
  • This essay includes numerous facts and cites studies to support its case. By having specific data to rely on, the author’s argument is stronger and readers will be more inclined to agree with it.
  • For every argument the other side makes, the author makes sure to refute it and follow up with why her opinion is the stronger one. In order to make a strong argument, it’s important to dismantle the other side, which this essay does this by making the author's view appear stronger.
  • This is a shorter paper, and if it needed to be expanded to meet length requirements, it could include more examples and go more into depth with them, such as by explaining specific cases where people benefited from local libraries.
  • Additionally, while the paper uses lots of data, the author also mentions their own experience with using tablets. This should be removed since argumentative essays focus on facts and data to support an argument, not the author’s own opinion or experiences. Replacing that with more data on health issues associated with screen time would strengthen the essay.
  • Some of the points made aren't completely accurate , particularly the one about digital books being cheaper. It actually often costs a library more money to rent out numerous digital copies of a book compared to buying a single physical copy. Make sure in your own essay you thoroughly research each of the points and rebuttals you make, otherwise you'll look like you don't know the issue that well.

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Argumentative Essay Example 2

There are multiple drugs available to treat malaria, and many of them work well and save lives, but malaria eradication programs that focus too much on them and not enough on prevention haven’t seen long-term success in Sub-Saharan Africa. A major program to combat malaria was WHO’s Global Malaria Eradication Programme. Started in 1955, it had a goal of eliminating malaria in Africa within the next ten years. Based upon previously successful programs in Brazil and the United States, the program focused mainly on vector control. This included widely distributing chloroquine and spraying large amounts of DDT. More than one billion dollars was spent trying to abolish malaria. However, the program suffered from many problems and in 1969, WHO was forced to admit that the program had not succeeded in eradicating malaria. The number of people in Sub-Saharan Africa who contracted malaria as well as the number of malaria deaths had actually increased over 10% during the time the program was active.

One of the major reasons for the failure of the project was that it set uniform strategies and policies. By failing to consider variations between governments, geography, and infrastructure, the program was not nearly as successful as it could have been. Sub-Saharan Africa has neither the money nor the infrastructure to support such an elaborate program, and it couldn’t be run the way it was meant to. Most African countries don't have the resources to send all their people to doctors and get shots, nor can they afford to clear wetlands or other malaria prone areas. The continent’s spending per person for eradicating malaria was just a quarter of what Brazil spent. Sub-Saharan Africa simply can’t rely on a plan that requires more money, infrastructure, and expertise than they have to spare.

Additionally, the widespread use of chloroquine has created drug resistant parasites which are now plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Because chloroquine was used widely but inconsistently, mosquitoes developed resistance, and chloroquine is now nearly completely ineffective in Sub-Saharan Africa, with over 95% of mosquitoes resistant to it. As a result, newer, more expensive drugs need to be used to prevent and treat malaria, which further drives up the cost of malaria treatment for a region that can ill afford it.

Instead of developing plans to treat malaria after the infection has incurred, programs should focus on preventing infection from occurring in the first place. Not only is this plan cheaper and more effective, reducing the number of people who contract malaria also reduces loss of work/school days which can further bring down the productivity of the region.

One of the cheapest and most effective ways of preventing malaria is to implement insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs).  These nets provide a protective barrier around the person or people using them. While untreated bed nets are still helpful, those treated with insecticides are much more useful because they stop mosquitoes from biting people through the nets, and they help reduce mosquito populations in a community, thus helping people who don’t even own bed nets.  Bed nets are also very effective because most mosquito bites occur while the person is sleeping, so bed nets would be able to drastically reduce the number of transmissions during the night. In fact, transmission of malaria can be reduced by as much as 90% in areas where the use of ITNs is widespread. Because money is so scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa, the low cost is a great benefit and a major reason why the program is so successful. Bed nets cost roughly 2 USD to make, last several years, and can protect two adults. Studies have shown that, for every 100-1000 more nets are being used, one less child dies of malaria. With an estimated 300 million people in Africa not being protected by mosquito nets, there’s the potential to save three million lives by spending just a few dollars per person.

Reducing the number of people who contract malaria would also reduce poverty levels in Africa significantly, thus improving other aspects of society like education levels and the economy. Vector control is more effective than treatment strategies because it means fewer people are getting sick. When fewer people get sick, the working population is stronger as a whole because people are not put out of work from malaria, nor are they caring for sick relatives. Malaria-afflicted families can typically only harvest 40% of the crops that healthy families can harvest. Additionally, a family with members who have malaria spends roughly a quarter of its income treatment, not including the loss of work they also must deal with due to the illness. It’s estimated that malaria costs Africa 12 billion USD in lost income every year. A strong working population creates a stronger economy, which Sub-Saharan Africa is in desperate need of.  

This essay begins with an introduction, which ends with the thesis (that malaria eradication plans in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on prevention rather than treatment). The first part of the essay lays out why the counter argument (treatment rather than prevention) is not as effective, and the second part of the essay focuses on why prevention of malaria is the better path to take.

  • The thesis appears early, is stated clearly, and is supported throughout the rest of the essay. This makes the argument clear for readers to understand and follow throughout the essay.
  • There’s lots of solid research in this essay, including specific programs that were conducted and how successful they were, as well as specific data mentioned throughout. This evidence helps strengthen the author’s argument.
  • The author makes a case for using expanding bed net use over waiting until malaria occurs and beginning treatment, but not much of a plan is given for how the bed nets would be distributed or how to ensure they’re being used properly. By going more into detail of what she believes should be done, the author would be making a stronger argument.
  • The introduction of the essay does a good job of laying out the seriousness of the problem, but the conclusion is short and abrupt. Expanding it into its own paragraph would give the author a final way to convince readers of her side of the argument.

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Argumentative Essay Example 3

There are many ways payments could work. They could be in the form of a free-market approach, where athletes are able to earn whatever the market is willing to pay them, it could be a set amount of money per athlete, or student athletes could earn income from endorsements, autographs, and control of their likeness, similar to the way top Olympians earn money.

Proponents of the idea believe that, because college athletes are the ones who are training, participating in games, and bringing in audiences, they should receive some sort of compensation for their work. If there were no college athletes, the NCAA wouldn’t exist, college coaches wouldn’t receive there (sometimes very high) salaries, and brands like Nike couldn’t profit from college sports. In fact, the NCAA brings in roughly $1 billion in revenue a year, but college athletes don’t receive any of that money in the form of a paycheck. Additionally, people who believe college athletes should be paid state that paying college athletes will actually encourage them to remain in college longer and not turn pro as quickly, either by giving them a way to begin earning money in college or requiring them to sign a contract stating they’ll stay at the university for a certain number of years while making an agreed-upon salary.  

Supporters of this idea point to Zion Williamson, the Duke basketball superstar, who, during his freshman year, sustained a serious knee injury. Many argued that, even if he enjoyed playing for Duke, it wasn’t worth risking another injury and ending his professional career before it even began for a program that wasn’t paying him. Williamson seems to have agreed with them and declared his eligibility for the NCAA draft later that year. If he was being paid, he may have stayed at Duke longer. In fact, roughly a third of student athletes surveyed stated that receiving a salary while in college would make them “strongly consider” remaining collegiate athletes longer before turning pro.

Paying athletes could also stop the recruitment scandals that have plagued the NCAA. In 2018, the NCAA stripped the University of Louisville's men's basketball team of its 2013 national championship title because it was discovered coaches were using sex workers to entice recruits to join the team. There have been dozens of other recruitment scandals where college athletes and recruits have been bribed with anything from having their grades changed, to getting free cars, to being straight out bribed. By paying college athletes and putting their salaries out in the open, the NCAA could end the illegal and underhanded ways some schools and coaches try to entice athletes to join.

People who argue against the idea of paying college athletes believe the practice could be disastrous for college sports. By paying athletes, they argue, they’d turn college sports into a bidding war, where only the richest schools could afford top athletes, and the majority of schools would be shut out from developing a talented team (though some argue this already happens because the best players often go to the most established college sports programs, who typically pay their coaches millions of dollars per year). It could also ruin the tight camaraderie of many college teams if players become jealous that certain teammates are making more money than they are.

They also argue that paying college athletes actually means only a small fraction would make significant money. Out of the 350 Division I athletic departments, fewer than a dozen earn any money. Nearly all the money the NCAA makes comes from men’s football and basketball, so paying college athletes would make a small group of men--who likely will be signed to pro teams and begin making millions immediately out of college--rich at the expense of other players.

Those against paying college athletes also believe that the athletes are receiving enough benefits already. The top athletes already receive scholarships that are worth tens of thousands per year, they receive free food/housing/textbooks, have access to top medical care if they are injured, receive top coaching, get travel perks and free gear, and can use their time in college as a way to capture the attention of professional recruiters. No other college students receive anywhere near as much from their schools.

People on this side also point out that, while the NCAA brings in a massive amount of money each year, it is still a non-profit organization. How? Because over 95% of those profits are redistributed to its members’ institutions in the form of scholarships, grants, conferences, support for Division II and Division III teams, and educational programs. Taking away a significant part of that revenue would hurt smaller programs that rely on that money to keep running.

While both sides have good points, it’s clear that the negatives of paying college athletes far outweigh the positives. College athletes spend a significant amount of time and energy playing for their school, but they are compensated for it by the scholarships and perks they receive. Adding a salary to that would result in a college athletic system where only a small handful of athletes (those likely to become millionaires in the professional leagues) are paid by a handful of schools who enter bidding wars to recruit them, while the majority of student athletics and college athletic programs suffer or even shut down for lack of money. Continuing to offer the current level of benefits to student athletes makes it possible for as many people to benefit from and enjoy college sports as possible.

This argumentative essay follows the Rogerian model. It discusses each side, first laying out multiple reasons people believe student athletes should be paid, then discussing reasons why the athletes shouldn’t be paid. It ends by stating that college athletes shouldn’t be paid by arguing that paying them would destroy college athletics programs and cause them to have many of the issues professional sports leagues have.

  • Both sides of the argument are well developed, with multiple reasons why people agree with each side. It allows readers to get a full view of the argument and its nuances.
  • Certain statements on both sides are directly rebuffed in order to show where the strengths and weaknesses of each side lie and give a more complete and sophisticated look at the argument.
  • Using the Rogerian model can be tricky because oftentimes you don’t explicitly state your argument until the end of the paper. Here, the thesis doesn’t appear until the first sentence of the final paragraph. That doesn’t give readers a lot of time to be convinced that your argument is the right one, compared to a paper where the thesis is stated in the beginning and then supported throughout the paper. This paper could be strengthened if the final paragraph was expanded to more fully explain why the author supports the view, or if the paper had made it clearer that paying athletes was the weaker argument throughout.

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3 Tips for Writing a Good Argumentative Essay

Now that you’ve seen examples of what good argumentative essay samples look like, follow these three tips when crafting your own essay.

#1: Make Your Thesis Crystal Clear

The thesis is the key to your argumentative essay; if it isn’t clear or readers can’t find it easily, your entire essay will be weak as a result. Always make sure that your thesis statement is easy to find. The typical spot for it is the final sentence of the introduction paragraph, but if it doesn’t fit in that spot for your essay, try to at least put it as the first or last sentence of a different paragraph so it stands out more.

Also make sure that your thesis makes clear what side of the argument you’re on. After you’ve written it, it’s a great idea to show your thesis to a couple different people--classmates are great for this. Just by reading your thesis they should be able to understand what point you’ll be trying to make with the rest of your essay.

#2: Show Why the Other Side Is Weak

When writing your essay, you may be tempted to ignore the other side of the argument and just focus on your side, but don’t do this. The best argumentative essays really tear apart the other side to show why readers shouldn’t believe it. Before you begin writing your essay, research what the other side believes, and what their strongest points are. Then, in your essay, be sure to mention each of these and use evidence to explain why they’re incorrect/weak arguments. That’ll make your essay much more effective than if you only focused on your side of the argument.

#3: Use Evidence to Support Your Side

Remember, an essay can’t be an argumentative essay if it doesn’t support its argument with evidence. For every point you make, make sure you have facts to back it up. Some examples are previous studies done on the topic, surveys of large groups of people, data points, etc. There should be lots of numbers in your argumentative essay that support your side of the argument. This will make your essay much stronger compared to only relying on your own opinions to support your argument.

Summary: Argumentative Essay Sample

Argumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model. By reading good argumentative essay examples, you can learn how to develop your essay and provide enough support to make readers agree with your opinion. When writing your essay, remember to always make your thesis clear, show where the other side is weak, and back up your opinion with data and evidence.

What's Next?

Do you need to write an argumentative essay as well? Check out our guide on the best argumentative essay topics for ideas!

You'll probably also need to write research papers for school. We've got you covered with 113 potential topics for research papers.

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  • How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

  • Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
  • Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
  • Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
  • Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
  • Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
  • Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

  • Make a claim
  • Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
  • Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
  • Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

  • Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
  • Cite data to support your claim
  • Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
  • Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

  • Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
  • Highlight the problems with this position
  • Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
  • Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

  • Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
  • Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
  • Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
  • Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

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An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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150 Argumentative Research Paper Topics [2024 Upd.]

Argumentative research paper topics are a lot easier to find than to come up with. We always try to make your life easier. That’s why you should feel free to check out this list of the hottest and most controversial argumentative essay topics for 2024. In the article prepared by custom writing experts, you’ll find unique ideas for college, high school, and middle school. You might want to take your favorite topic as it is, or use it as an example and formulate one by yourself. Another option would be to tale the main keywords and try them on a research paper topic generator in order to get more choices.

OK, let’s cut to the chase, and continue with our suggested argumentative topics for 2024!

🔝 Top 10 Argumentative Research Paper Topics

  • ⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics
  • 📱 Topics on Social Media
  • 👪 Topics on Family
  • 👨‍⚕️ Topics on Health and Nutrition
  • 🗳️ Topics on Government
  • 💡 Other Topic Ideas
  • 🕵️‍♂️ Choosing a Topic
  • 🧱 Writing Rules
  • 📑 Organizing Your Paper

🔍 References

  • The benefits of GMOs
  • Is online dating dangerous?
  • Ways to reduce college tuitions
  • Should school athletes get paid?
  • Alternatives to the death penalty
  • Why is passive smoking dangerous?
  • How can we regulate YouTube content?
  • Should junk food advertisements be banned?
  • Should parents answer for children’s misbehavior?
  • How do wildfires contribute to global warming?

⭐ Top 10 Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

🚬 Should vaping be illegal?
🎨 Are NFTs the future of art?
🌳 Benefits of pandemics for the nature
🧪 Why vaccinations should be mandatory
📱 Should TikTok be banned in schools?
👓 The drawbacks of VR technologies
🏥 Artificial intelligence benefits for the healthcare
🌐 Can the Internet of Things be used in education?
🔗 Is blockchain damaging for the environment?
💬 Does censorship negate the freedom of speech?

📱 Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Social Media

  • Hiding identities online: should it be allowed? Anonymous surveys are not an unusual thing anymore. However, people can leave pretty offensive comments without naming themselves. It all leads to them feeling invincible. Should this function be removed for the sake of equality and justice?
  • Will GIFs become a new way of communication? People are getting more used to exchanging emoji and GIFs as a reaction to something. But is it a good idea? Can it affect our behavior patterns and the way we express our emotions in real life?
  • Online shaming and bullying: where is the limit? Since practically anyone can be active online these days, shaming has become an enormous problem. No one watches it, and only turning off the comment option is a way out. But other than that, who is in control of the unstopping flow of abusive comments?
  • Punctuation and spelling mistakes in texting. We all know someone who goes crazy when they see the slightest mistake in the text message. They may get pretty annoying, that’s true. But does it really matter? Or should we take it easy on spelling mistakes in the text messages?
  • Social media: helping us connect or contributing to loneliness? They say social media connects people from all over the world. But despite having thousands of friends online and hundreds of likes under photos, we can still feel lonely. Why is it happening?
  • How has Snapchat changed the social media industry?
  • Should there be a limit for sending text messages?
  • The impact of social media on the phenomenon of narcissism.
  • The issue of missing real life while filming?
  • Advantages and disadvantages of social media for college students. 
  • What is the value of digital photos compared to those taken by film cameras?
  • What would make people delete their Facebook account?
  • Are new popular game apps a part of the culture?
  • Should social media consider adding a “dislike” function?
  • Screen time matters: what makes people stare at their phones so much?
  • The decline of Facebook’s popularity and its reasons.
  • How to only choose useful apps for your smartphone.
  • Employers on Facebook: why should you be careful with your content?
  • They are watching you: how to keep your privacy online?
  • The issue of fake profiles online.
  • Is there still a deep meaning in digital photography?
  • Do influencers have fun spending hours taking a perfect shot?
  • Mental health and social media: is there anyone to help?
  • The optimal age restriction for new social media users.
  • Manipulating people’s feelings online: dangers.

👪 Family Argumentative Topics 2024

  • How traumatic is the divorce of the parents for a child? There is no doubt that children are sensitive in terms of the relationship between their parents. Usually, kids blame themselves for the split of the family. As it often happens, they also go through a divorce in their adulthood.
  • Kids’ rooms: why privacy matters? Parents don’t usually think about the privacy of their children. They rush to invade in their rooms without permission and go through their stuff. How does it affect the perception of trust in kids?
  • Should we reconsider the age restrictions for starting a family? The age when young couples decide to get married and start a family varies from culture to culture. However, sometimes it appears that they are not ready for that. Should we think about implementing some restrictions to protect their mental and physical health?
  • What is the optimal age for children to travel without supervision? It is also a matter of personal preference. However, there must be some limits. Up until a specific age, parents are fully responsible for the safety of their children. But kids need some freedom. What should be a solution?
  • Where is the line between discipline and child abuse? Unfortunately, some parents don’t know when to stop. It is normal to practice some disciplinary methods, but crossing the line is dangerous. A child’s mental health is on stake. What parents see as a light punishment, may look like an act of hate and abuse for a child. 
  • Should fathers spend as much time with their kids as mothers do?
  • Choosing the teenagers’ outfits or letting them do it?
  • Sharing the records of the students with parents: is it the right decision?
  • Limiting the screen time of children and the benefits.
  • Who should teach kids how to behave?
  • The community approach to building families and raising kids.
  • Traveling around as a family: benefits for the relationship between the family members.
  • Are parents violating children’s rights by posting pictures of them online?
  • Pursuing parents’ dreams: do children have a choice?
  • Bribing kids: is it for their sake or to spare a minute of peace for parents?
  • The effect of modern culture on childhood.
  • No punishment: what is the effect on children?
  • Teaching children responsibility without pushing them to do chores.
  • Buying your kids expensive technology: is it worth it?
  • A life without store-bought toys: the benefits.
  • Pros and cons of moving outside the city as a family.
  • Is it appropriate for kids to watch horror movies?
  • Are there restrictions for Halloween costumes, and what are they?
  • Encouraging children without giving them too many trophies.
  • How are parents shaping the children’s behavior unconsciously?

👨‍⚕️ Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Health and Nutrition

  • What is the role of nutrition in professional sports (e.g., soccer)? We all know professional athletes train a lot. But how important is nutrition in that process? Why do they follow different diets and still get pretty much the same results? Are there specific foods that help them win?
  • Are French fries considered a part of your vegetable intake? Most of us probably wish it was true. Well, potatoes are vegetables, frying oils are made of plants as well. What’s the problem? It appears it is not that simple.
  • Why are school diets not as healthy as we wish they were? Parents all over the world would surely like to see some nutritious and healthy lunches at schools. But the reality is far from that, especially in the US. Why do only some schools implement healthy diets for school lunches?
  • Why is reading the lists of ingredients on the products so important? Unfortunately, most people don’t have a clue about what they eat and where it comes from. The worst part is that it may contribute to their health issues in the future. Reading the labels can save people from consuming harmful foods.
  • E-cigarettes and under-aged: should teenagers use them? Maybe e-cigarettes are not as harmful as the usual smoke, but they still carry some risks. Moreover, they increase the chance that people would start smoking tobacco later. So why do we allow teens to use them?
  • The age restrictions on alcohol: should the limits be lowered?
  • What is the effectiveness of the pictures on the tobacco packs?
  • The health risks connected with cosmetic surgeries.
  • Are the diets that models follow healthy enough?
  • Marijuana and science: what are the effects of this drug on our health?
  • Why do looks matter more in our society than being healthy?
  • Implementing required drug tests for school students: pros and cons.
  • The hidden harm of the regular consumption of energy drinks.
  • The phenomenon of binge drinking in the US.
  • What are the restrictions on the amount of sugar in soft drinks?
  • The methods colleges can implement to reduce the drinking problem among students.
  • Distracted driving: is it as serious and drunk driving?
  • What is the real importance of not skipping breakfast?
  • The issue of texting while driving from the perspective of being illegal.
  • The best and healthiest variation of the school lunch.
  • Do schools have the right to ban unvaccinated students?
  • Legal suicides from the perspective of ethics.
  • Terminal diseases: should patients decide how they end their lives?
  • Is there a way to prevent teenagers from smoking?
  • Why do people keep eating chips even when they know it’s not healthy?

🗳️ Government Argumentative Essay Topics 2024

  • Authorities and values: what moral obligations should people with power have? Power doesn’t mean permission to do anything they want. Political leaders are obligated to use it wisely. But what are the standards? Should it be just a common sense of morality or something more?
  • Do our political leaders lead us in the right direction? Everybody must have wondered about it at least once. It is undoubtedly hard to trust our leaders without any doubts. They set the course of our lives. But how do we know whether they do it for the good of each and every citizen without exceptions?
  • To raise or not to raise: the question of the minimum wage. Many people are struggling with finances, and the rise of the minimum wage would help them out. This research can focus on supporting this idea by presenting strong arguments.
  • How achievable is the American dream when you start in the US from scratch? We all heard successful stories about the poor becoming millionaires in the US. But how far is it from reality? What are the real chances of people with low income to become self-made wealthy business owners?
  • Global crisis: who is responsible for refugees? It’s not the refugees’ fault that wars have come to their home countries. Just like any other human being, they need our help. But who decides which country should take them? Who is responsible?
  • American democracy: how strongly citizens believe in it?
  • Politics becoming more friendly and outgoing: pros and cons.
  • Are we paying back enough to the veterans?
  • Why is the US considered to be the best country?
  • Illegal immigrants and education: the rights and responsibilities.
  • The new authorities: should the opposition still deny it or become open-minded?
  • Immigrants with no documentation: what are the consequences of leaving them in peace? 
  • The importance of the first lady nowadays.
  • Pay-offs: should we just pay terrorists to free the hostages?
  • Why is the current voting system failing?
  • Some of the most effective ways to encourage people to vote.
  • The morality of spying on fellow countries.
  • The most beneficial way to spend the city’s extra budget.
  • Knowing the right time: negotiating with opponent countries.
  • The most common issues city mayors should address immediately.
  • In what situations the military is allowed to use force without doubts?
  • How much taxes should millionaires pay?
  • Why do governments prefer national safety over our privacy?
  • Should all governments allow same-sex marriages?
  • Young leaders: at what age should people start pursuing politics?

💡 Other Research Paper Topic Ideas

  • Fallacies of Afrocentrism.
  • Antisemitism in the world today.
  • Controversy over children being made into models.
  • Money is the root of all evil.
  • Corporal punishment.
  • The right age for drinking.
  • Doping and sports: possible misunderstandings
  • Extended breastfeeding: pros and cons.
  • Do we have to talk about feminism that much?
  • Food safety training and its outcomes.
  • U.S. border control: the insights.
  • Incest: why is this love forbidden?
  • Child advocacy: is it effective enough?
  • Child adoption by a gay family. 
  • DADT repeal and its importance.
  • The minimum wage in your state.
  • The impact of the Gold Rush on California’s native communities.
  • Native American sovereignty issues.
  • The Pledge of Allegiance: was adding “under God” in 1954 to it the right choice?
  • The effectiveness of military action against terrorism.
  • What isn’t worth going to war for?
  • War tax: to pay or to resist?
  • You’re allowed to be cast in pornographic movies when you’re 18. But it’s not OK for you to buy alcohol until you’re 21? Where’s the logic?
  • Homelessness: whose fault is it?
  • Premarital sex: is it a problem in American society?
  • Legalized prostitution.
  • Tolerance for nudism and naturism.
  • Shorter work weeks.
  • Video games: leisure, or abuse?
  • What’s happening at the zoo? Animal abuse and problems of animals living in captivity.

Research paper writing is not the most complicated academic assignment; and still, it does take a lot of time! Our argumentative essay topic ideas are meant to save your time when you need to choose what to write about.

Also be sure to check out our great article with 50 more argumentative research paper topics – it has a lot of useful ideas for your next amazing essay.

🕵️‍♂️ Choosing an Argumentative Paper Topic

Writing a college argumentative research paper is not as easy as it may seem at first glance. In fact, the difficulties start right from the beginning—choosing the right topic. We may have handed you a great list of argumentative topics, but still it takes a careful eye to pick a topic to write about. If you choose the wrong topic, you might get stuck with your writing and have a hard time moving forward.

But don’t worry! Soon you will have no more questions about how to write an argumentative essay.

Why is that?

There are several essential criteria to be considered when choosing easy topics to write on. And you will discover them right now.

Argumentative Essay: Writing Rules

Here are the basic rules:

  • Write about what you know. Although this may seem obvious to some students, you need to have some basic knowledge about the chosen topic. You probably already have some topics you are familiar with, so opting for one of them will save you time and effort. Even research won’t frighten you away because you will know where to start.
  • Find things that you’re passionate about and write about them. Essentially, this is a recommendation rather than a rule. The more you like your essay topic, the easier it will be to generate solid and engaging content that your audience will like.
  • Don’t choose anything too broad; stay specific. It’s okay to think of some general topics at first, but then you should gradually narrow your topics down to just a few. The last remaining ones will be the ones you feel most comfortable with.
  • Make sure your thesis has enough defense. Choosing a wonderful topic that is not protected against potential counterarguments is a common mistake among students. So think twice before making your final choice, and consider the evidence you have available.
  • Opt for an argument that will appeal to your audience’s emotions. By making your readers emotionally relate to your words and position, you’ll connect them with what you’re trying to express. You’ll certainly have to include rational arguments in your paper, but choosing a topic that doesn’t trigger any feeling isn’t the best choice.
  • Choose a topic that is directly related to your assignment. Before starting to research and write, you’ll need to get closely acquainted with your task instead of just scanning it. Carefully check all the keywords to understand the essence of the assignment. Missing even minor details or instructions can break your paper!
  • Stay away from topics that don’t have two sides of the problem. Don’t forget that an argumentative essay is all about the argument. No argument means no argumentative essay. Before you start writing, take some notes: write down your thesis and an opposing thesis or an argument with its counterargument. Thinking carefully and writing it all down will save you time!

📑 Organizing Your Argumentative Paper

Here we’ll explain how to organize your argumentative essay. Keep in mind that your paper structure still has to stay flexible to meet the needs of your purpose and your readers. Our recommendation? Create an argumentative essay outline to make the writing process faster and easier.

Introduction

This part lays a solid foundation for your argumentative paper by providing answers to the reader’s questions:

  • What is in front of me?
  • Why should I read it?
  • What do you want me to do?

Let’s see how these three questions can be answered in the basic steps for how to write an essay introduction:

  • Give some background information about the main idea and provide an explanation of the issue and the situation. Your reader should understand the topic, as well as your claims and their support.
  • Explain the importance of the main idea. This step will convince the reader to keep reading and really care about the content.
  • Describe your thesis/claim with logos, pathos, and ethos . Compose a few sentences that support your position with writer’s logic (logos), emotional appeals (pathos), and author’s trustworthiness/credibility (ethos).

Body paragraphs

Your argumentative essay should have body paragraphs that each look like an inverted pyramid: moving from general to specific. The broadest idea is located at the top, and as you continue writing, you become more concentrated on the main point, eventually coming to specific evidence to support your claim.

Good Argumentative Essay Paragraph

The following four elements are present in a good argumentative essay paragraph (also called TTEB ):

  • A transition sentence assures smooth reading by leading from one paragraph to the next.
  • A topic sentence explains to the reader what will be discussed in a paragraph.
  • Specific evidence and analysis support your claim. They provide more detail than a topic sentence.
  • A brief wrap-up (or a warrant) explains to the reader why and in what way this information supports the thesis. Basically, it connects your evidence to your main argument. It also demonstrates how the paragraph is connected to your thesis and assists in defending it.

This part of your essay concludes the discussion in your paper. The conclusion is a generalization and restating of the argument’s main points. It may also include a call to action or suggest further research. Here’s what any conclusion should do:

  • Restate the topic.
  • Tell why the chosen topic is important.
  • Restate the specific thesis/claim.
  • Cover opposing points of view.
  • Make readers align with the writer’s position.
  • Call readers to action or propose further research.

These core elements are the critical final steps in writing an argumentative essay.

Our advice is to discover more tips and ideas for choosing argumentative essay samples to know what exactly argumentative essays look like. You can also get professional help from qualified essay writers from Custom-Writing.org.

Learn more on this topic:

  • Top Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
  • 97 Inspirational & Motivational Argumentative Essay Topics
  • Great Persuasive & Argumentative Essay on Divorce
  • Gun Control Essay: How-to Guide + Argumentative Topics
  • Proposal Essay Topics and Ideas – Easy and Interesting
  • Free Exemplification Essay Examples

✏️ Argumentative Research Paper FAQ

An argumentative research paper is a piece of writing you work on when you need to defend your position. You have an issue, and you have your point of view. All you need to do is to write an essay strong enough to persuade your opponents. There are specific writing steps, too.

Some good argumentative research paper topics would always be related to the theme you feel passionate about. For example, if you think that every life is precious, consider writing about the death penalty. Or if you enjoy promoting a healthy lifestyle, you can write a persuasive statement on youth alcoholism.

A debatable question is such a question that can encourage the start of a debate. Some people would support the issue, while others would disagree because they have doubts. It means that the opposition would try to persuade others. Mostly, such questions are related to moral issues, politics, and gender equality.

Today, the most debated topics are controversial and related to human rights, environmental issues, gender equality, as well as women’s rights. For instance, some people insist that climate change is not the most important problem now. Others would disagree and argue that we need to take action immediately to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem.

  • Research Papers | KU Writing Center
  • Purdue OWL: Research Papers–Choosing a Topic
  • What is a Research Paper? | Online Writing Center
  • Project Topics Research Papers – Academia.edu
  • 200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing – The New York Times
  • Thesis Generator | Ashford Writing Center
  • Social Media Studies | SAGE Publications Inc
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  • Journal of Child and Family Studies | Home – Springer
  • Nutrition | Nutrition Studies Research Group | Stanford Medicine
  • American Society for Nutrition – Nutrition Research & Practice
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  • Argumentative Paper Format. University of Washington
  • Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays. UC Berkeley
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Research topic about TVL, please

The best one!

Hi guys, I’m stuck in the mind of blankness. I have to do a term paper by Monday on Corporate social responsibilities on Shell Corrib Gas and can’t think off my heading or argument. I have a lot of information. Just don’t know where to begin. Please help 🙁

Thank you so much for providing these topics! I have been searching and searching for topics for the English course, which I will be taking for the third time! I am most definitely sure that one of these topics will be suitable! I appreciate it very much! Again, thank you!

:)This is so helpful! I will use this again for sure.

Oh my God, I was searching for all of these. Thank you so… must. Best argumentative topics!

What about the rainforest? I know people have arguments about the trees getting cut down. Why don’t kids have a say in this all too?

Custom Writing

Well, you certainly can use that topic – as long as you feel the most comfortable and confident about it. It’s essential to be able to prove your point of view. The ideas which we are offering are just suggestions for possible topics:) We wish you good luck with your argumentative research paper:)

This is amazing! Thank you very much for this list of topics!

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Writing an Argumentative Research Paper

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Examples of argumentative essays

Skyline College libguides: MLA Sample Argumentative Papers

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Structure & Outline

Usually written in the five-paragraph structure, the argumentative essay format consists of an introduction, 2-3 body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

A works cited page or reference page (depending on format) will be included at the end of the essay along with in-text citations within the essay.

When writing an argumentative research essay, create an outline to structure the research you find as well as help with the writing process. The outline of an argumentative essay should include an introduction with thesis statement, 3 main body paragraphs with supporting evidence and opposing viewpoints with evidence to disprove, along with an conclusion.

The example below is just a basic outline and structure

I. Introduction: tells what you are going to write about. Basic information about the issue along with your thesis statement.

 A. Basic information

B. Thesis Statement

II. Body 1 : Reason 1 write about the first reason that proves your claim on the issue and give supporting evidence

A. supporting evidence 

B. Supporting evidence 

II. Body 2 .: Reason 2 write about the third reason that proves your claim on the issue and give supporting evidence

A. supporting evidence

III. Body 3 : Reason 3 write about the fourth reason that proves your claim on the issue and give supporting evidence

IV. Counter arguments and responses. Write about opposing viewpoints and use evidence to refute their argument and persuade audience in your direction or viewpoint

A. Arguments from other side of the issue

B. Refute the arguments

V. Conclusion

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Argumentative Essays

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What is an argumentative essay?

The argumentative essay is a genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner.

Please note : Some confusion may occur between the argumentative essay and the expository essay. These two genres are similar, but the argumentative essay differs from the expository essay in the amount of pre-writing (invention) and research involved. The argumentative essay is commonly assigned as a capstone or final project in first year writing or advanced composition courses and involves lengthy, detailed research. Expository essays involve less research and are shorter in length. Expository essays are often used for in-class writing exercises or tests, such as the GED or GRE.

Argumentative essay assignments generally call for extensive research of literature or previously published material. Argumentative assignments may also require empirical research where the student collects data through interviews, surveys, observations, or experiments. Detailed research allows the student to learn about the topic and to understand different points of view regarding the topic so that she/he may choose a position and support it with the evidence collected during research. Regardless of the amount or type of research involved, argumentative essays must establish a clear thesis and follow sound reasoning.

The structure of the argumentative essay is held together by the following.

  • A clear, concise, and defined thesis statement that occurs in the first paragraph of the essay.

In the first paragraph of an argument essay, students should set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way. Next the author should explain why the topic is important ( exigence ) or why readers should care about the issue. Lastly, students should present the thesis statement. It is essential that this thesis statement be appropriately narrowed to follow the guidelines set forth in the assignment. If the student does not master this portion of the essay, it will be quite difficult to compose an effective or persuasive essay.

  • Clear and logical transitions between the introduction, body, and conclusion.

Transitions are the mortar that holds the foundation of the essay together. Without logical progression of thought, the reader is unable to follow the essay’s argument, and the structure will collapse. Transitions should wrap up the idea from the previous section and introduce the idea that is to follow in the next section.

  • Body paragraphs that include evidential support.

Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one general idea. This will allow for clarity and direction throughout the essay. In addition, such conciseness creates an ease of readability for one’s audience. It is important to note that each paragraph in the body of the essay must have some logical connection to the thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Some paragraphs will directly support the thesis statement with evidence collected during research. It is also important to explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis ( warrant ).

However, argumentative essays should also consider and explain differing points of view regarding the topic. Depending on the length of the assignment, students should dedicate one or two paragraphs of an argumentative essay to discussing conflicting opinions on the topic. Rather than explaining how these differing opinions are wrong outright, students should note how opinions that do not align with their thesis might not be well informed or how they might be out of date.

  • Evidential support (whether factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal).

The argumentative essay requires well-researched, accurate, detailed, and current information to support the thesis statement and consider other points of view. Some factual, logical, statistical, or anecdotal evidence should support the thesis. However, students must consider multiple points of view when collecting evidence. As noted in the paragraph above, a successful and well-rounded argumentative essay will also discuss opinions not aligning with the thesis. It is unethical to exclude evidence that may not support the thesis. It is not the student’s job to point out how other positions are wrong outright, but rather to explain how other positions may not be well informed or up to date on the topic.

  • A conclusion that does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

It is at this point of the essay that students may begin to struggle. This is the portion of the essay that will leave the most immediate impression on the mind of the reader. Therefore, it must be effective and logical. Do not introduce any new information into the conclusion; rather, synthesize the information presented in the body of the essay. Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and review your thesis. You may also want to include a short discussion of more research that should be completed in light of your work.

A complete argument

Perhaps it is helpful to think of an essay in terms of a conversation or debate with a classmate. If I were to discuss the cause of World War II and its current effect on those who lived through the tumultuous time, there would be a beginning, middle, and end to the conversation. In fact, if I were to end the argument in the middle of my second point, questions would arise concerning the current effects on those who lived through the conflict. Therefore, the argumentative essay must be complete, and logically so, leaving no doubt as to its intent or argument.

The five-paragraph essay

A common method for writing an argumentative essay is the five-paragraph approach. This is, however, by no means the only formula for writing such essays. If it sounds straightforward, that is because it is; in fact, the method consists of (a) an introductory paragraph (b) three evidentiary body paragraphs that may include discussion of opposing views and (c) a conclusion.

Longer argumentative essays

Complex issues and detailed research call for complex and detailed essays. Argumentative essays discussing a number of research sources or empirical research will most certainly be longer than five paragraphs. Authors may have to discuss the context surrounding the topic, sources of information and their credibility, as well as a number of different opinions on the issue before concluding the essay. Many of these factors will be determined by the assignment.

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How To Write An Argumentative Essay

Monali Ghosh

Table of Contents

Crafting a convincing argumentative essay can be challenging. You might feel lost about where to begin. But with a systematic approach and helpful tools that simplify sourcing and structuring, mastering good argumentative essay writing becomes achievable.

In this article, we'll explore what argumentative essays are, the critical steps to crafting a compelling argumentative essay, and best practices for essay organization.

What is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay asserts a clear position on a controversial or debatable topic and backs it up with evidence and reasoning. They are written to hone critical thinking, structure clear arguments, influence academic and public discourse, underpin reform proposals, and change popular narratives.

What-is-argumentative-essay

The fundamentals of a good argumentative essay

Let's explore the essential components that make argumentative essays compelling.

1 . The foundation: crafting a compelling claim for your argumentative essay

The claim is the cornerstone of your argumentative essay. It represents your main argument or thesis statement , setting the stage for the discussion.

A robust claim is straightforward, debatable, and focused, challenging readers to consider your viewpoint. It's not merely an observation but a stance you're prepared to defend with logic and evidence.

The strength of your essay hinges on the clarity and assertiveness of your claim, guiding readers through your argumentative journey.

2. The structure: Organizing your argument strategically

An effective argumentative essay should follow a logical structure to present your case persuasively. There are three models for structuring your argument essay:

  • Classical: Introduce the topic, present the main argument, address counterarguments, and conclude . It is ideal for complex topics and prioritizes logical reasoning.
  • Rogerian: Introduce the issue neutrally, acknowledge opposing views, find common ground, and seek compromise. It works well for audiences who dislike confrontational approaches.
  • Toulmin: Introduce the issue, state the claim, provide evidence, explain the reasoning, address counterarguments, and reinforce the original claim. It confidently showcases an evidence-backed argument as superior.

Each model provides a framework for methodically supporting your position using evidence and logic. Your chosen structure depends on your argument's complexity, audience, and purpose.

3. The support: Leveraging evidence for your argumentative essay

The key is to select evidence that directly supports your claim, lending weight to your arguments and bolstering your position.

Effective use of evidence strengthens your argument and enhances your credibility, demonstrating thorough research and a deep understanding of the topic at hand.

4. The balance: Acknowledging counterarguments for the argumentative essay

A well-rounded argumentative essay acknowledges that there are two sides to every story. Introducing counterarguments and opposing viewpoints in an argument essay is a strategic move that showcases your awareness of alternative viewpoints.

This element of your argumentative essay demonstrates intellectual honesty and fairness, indicating that you have considered other perspectives before solidifying your position.

5. The counter: Mastering the art of rebuttal

A compelling rebuttal anticipates the counterclaims and methodically counters them, ensuring your position stands unchallenged. By engaging critically with counterarguments in this manner, your essay becomes more resilient and persuasive.

Ultimately, the strength of an argumentative essay is not in avoiding opposing views but in directly confronting them through reasoned debate and evidence-based.

How to write an argumentative essay

The workflow for crafting an effective argumentative essay involves several key steps:

Step 1 — Choosing a topic

Argumentative essay writing starts with selecting a topic with two or more main points so you can argue your position. Avoid topics that are too broad or have a clear right or wrong answer.

How-to-choose-a-topic-for-argumentative-essays

Use a semantic search engine to search for papers. Refine by subject area, publication date, citation count, institution, author, journal, and more to narrow down on promising topics. Explore citation interlinkages to ensure you pick a topic with sufficient academic discourse to allow crafting a compelling, evidence-based argument.

Discover-research-papers-using-SciSpace

Seek an AI research assistant's help to assess a topic's potential and explore various angles quickly. They can generate both generic and custom questions tailored to each research paper. Additionally, look for tools that offer browser extensions . These allow you to interact with papers from sources like ArXiv, PubMed, and Wiley and evaluate potential topics from a broader range of academic databases and repositories.

Review-the-papers-online-using-SciSpace-chrome-extension

Step 2 — Develop a thesis statement

Your thesis statement should clearly and concisely state your position on the topic identified. Ensure to develop a clear thesis statement which is a focused, assertive declaration that guides your discussion. Use strong, active language — avoid vague or passive statements.  Keep it narrowly focused enough to be adequately supported in your essay.

Develop-a-thesis-statement

The SciSpace literature review tool can help you extract thesis statements from existing papers on your chosen topic. Create a custom column called 'thesis statement' to compare multiple perspectives in one place, allowing you to uncover various viewpoints and position your concise thesis statement appropriately.

Use-SciSpace-AI-literature-review-tool-to-extract-thesis-statements

Ask AI assistants questions or summarize key sections to clarify the positions taken in existing papers. This helps sharpen your thesis statement stance and identify gaps. Locate related papers in similar stances.

Step 3 — Researching and gathering evidence

The evidence you collect lends credibility and weight to your claims, convincing readers of your viewpoint. Effective evidence includes facts, statistics, expert opinions, and real-world examples reinforcing your thesis statement.

Use the SciSpace literature review tool to locate and evaluate high-quality studies. It quickly extracts vital insights, methodologies, findings, and conclusions from papers and presents them in a table format. Build custom tables with your uploaded PDFs or bookmarked papers. These tables can be saved for future reference or exported as CSV for further analysis or sharing.

Automate-literature-review-using-SciSpace

AI-powered summarization tools can help you quickly grasp the core arguments and positions from lengthy papers. These can condense long sections or entire author viewpoints into concise summaries. Make PDF annotations to add custom notes and highlights to papers for easy reference. Data extraction tools can automatically pull key statistics from PDFs into spreadsheets for detailed quantitative analysis.

Use-SciSpace-Copilot-AI-Research-assistants-to-extract-core-arguments

Step 4 — Build an outline

The argumentative model you choose will impact your outline's specific structure and progression. If you select the Classical model, your outline will follow a linear structure. On the other hand, if you opt for the Toulmin model, your outline will focus on meticulously mapping out the logical progression of your entire argument. Lastly, if you select the Rogerian model, your outline should explore the opposing viewpoint and seek a middle ground.

While the specific outline structure may vary, always begin the process by stating your central thesis or claim. Identify and organize your argument claims and main supporting points logically, adding 2-3 pieces of evidence under each point. Consider potential counterarguments to your position. Include 1-2 counterarguments for each main point and plan rebuttals to dismantle the opposition's reasoning. This balanced approach strengthens your overall argument.

As you outline, consider saving your notes, highlights, AI-generated summaries, and extracts in a digital notebook. Aggregating all your sources and ideas in one centralized location allows you to quickly refer to them as you draft your outline and essay.

Save-notes-from-research-papers-for-argumentative-essays

To further enhance your workflow, you can use AI-powered writing or GPT tools to help generate an initial structure based on your crucial essay components, such as your thesis statement, main arguments, supporting evidence, counterarguments, and rebuttals.

Step 5 — Write your essay

Begin the introductory paragraph with a hook — a question, a startling statistic, or a bold statement to draw in your readers. Always logically structure your arguments with smooth transitions between ideas. Ensure the body paragraphs of argumentative essays focus on one central point backed by robust quantitative evidence from credible studies, properly cited.

Refer to the notes, highlights, and evidence you've gathered as you write. Organize these materials so that you can easily access and incorporate them into your draft while maintaining a logical flow. Literature review tables or spreadsheets can be beneficial for keeping track of crucial evidence from multiple sources.

argument essay research project

Quote others in a way that blends seamlessly with the narrative flow. For numerical data, contextualize figures with practical examples. Try to pre-empt counterarguments and systematically dismantle them. Maintain an evidence-based, objective tone that avoids absolutism and emotional appeals. If you encounter overly complex sections during the writing process, use a paraphraser tool to rephrase and clarify the language. Finally, neatly tie together the rationale behind your position and directions for further discourse or research.

Step 6 — Edit, revise, and add references

Set the draft aside so that you review it with fresh eyes. Check for clarity, conciseness, logical flow, and grammar. Ensure the body reflects your thesis well. Fill gaps in reasoning. Check that every claim links back to credible evidence. Replace weak arguments. Finally, format your citations and bibliography using your preferred style.

Chat-with-PDF-using-SciSpace-Copilot

To simplify editing, save the rough draft or entire essay as a PDF and upload it to an AI-based chat-with-PDF tool. Use it to identify gaps in reasoning, weaker arguments requiring ample evidence, structural issues hampering the clarity of ideas, and suggestions for strengthening your essay.

SciSpace-AI-Citation-Generator

Use a citation tool to generate citations for sources instantly quoted and quickly compile your bibliography or works cited in RIS/BibTex formats. Export the updated literature review tables as handy CSV files to share with co-authors or reviewers in collaborative projects or attach them as supplementary data for journal submissions. You can also refer to this article that provides you with argumentative essay writing tips .

Final thoughts

Remember, the strength of your argumentative essay lies in the clarity of your strong argument, the robustness of supporting evidence, and the consideration with which you treat opposing viewpoints. Refining these core skills will make you a sharper, more convincing writer and communicator.

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392 Proposal Essay Topics for Arguments, Projects, and More

392 Proposal Essay Topics for Arguments, Projects, and More

An academic proposal is a starting point in creating a thesis or research project. There are different forms of proposals: a proposal essay, a research proposal, and an argument proposal. Each presents a clearly formulated problem for research, proves its importance, and provides possible solutions, similar to the problem-solution essay. In addition to identifying your action plan, an academic proposal should indicate your theoretical perspective and link to previous works in the field.

In this article, we’ve combined a list of engaging proposal essay topics on different subjects. You’ll also learn about various types of academic proposals and get familiar with a proposal essay structure.

⭐ 15 Best Proposal Topics

🔤 what is a proposal essay, 🗝️ proposal essay topics with solutions, 🙂 easy proposal essay topics, 🎓 proposal topics for college students, 📝 proposal argument topics, 📚 proposal essay topics: subjects, 🥼 project proposal topics, 🔀 random topics for proposal essays, 🤪 fun issue proposal topics, 📋 proposal essay example, 🔗 references.

  • The efficiency of urban rooftop farming in improving food security.
  • The gender pay gap in the workplace.
  • Urban air pollution in major cities and possible solutions.
  • How to protect personal information on Instagram?
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder in the military.
  • E-books: disadvantages of the use of modern technologies.
  • Childhood obesity and ways to deal with it.
  • How to decrease the number of smokers?
  • Tolerant behavior as a way to live in a multi-cultured society.
  • Interracial adoption and its consequences.
  • Business and politics: the issue of corruption.
  • Low self-esteem and strategies to raise it.
  • The dangers of unrestrained alcohol drinking.
  • Can cyberbullying alerts reduce online harassment?
  • Ways to deal with daily information overload.

A proposal essay is a type of writing that presents an idea and gives evidence to convince the target audience why that idea is a good or bad one. Proposal assignments are common among students majoring in Economics, Business Management, and Engineering.

The structure of the proposal essay may look as follows.

An should present a subject and demonstrate its value to the target audience. Since proposals are produced to solve a problem, you should discuss your chosen issue to highlight the benefits of your proposal.
This section should be concise and only describe the gist of what you propose.
Here, you should explain how the proposal will be carried out. Also, this section should convince the audience of the proposal’s and ways to overcome potential barriers to implementation.
In this part, you should present the core goals of your proposal.
You should mention all the tangible (money, technologies, etc.) and intangible (time, people) things needed to complete the proposal.
The final paragraph should quickly each section and explain all the “why’s” of the paper.

Below, we will break down related terms that can be misleading for you to understand the structure of the proposal essay better!

Proposal Argument

A proposal argument is a piece of writing that presents a solution to a problem. It aims to outline the main points and offer compelling proof to support it. The proposal argument and proposal essay are closely connected in that both describe an issue, propose a solution, and give evidence and reasoning to back up the suggested solution.

Essay Proposal

An essay proposal is a brief description of your future paper. It outlines your topic, literature review , and proposed solutions. It helps organize thoughts, gather feedback, and maintain coherence. Writing an essay proposal is essential if you want to find a clear direction for the paper and receive assistance before the writing process.

Research Proposal

A research proposal is a paper that outlines the proposed research project, including the study question, objectives, methods, and expected results. It aims to obtain funds, secure approval, or establish the viability and relevance of the research. A research proposal should include a clear issue description, study objectives, methodology , anticipated findings, and a project timeframe.

This image shows three types of academic proposals.

Below is a list of issues with solutions you can argue for in your proposal essay. We hope this selection will help you understand what topics can be used for this paper type.

  • Teach children how to recognize and avoid sexual abuse.
  • Talk during the lessons about the 5 personal safety boundary rules.
  • Develop a child abuse program in your school.
  • Give parents instructions on how to talk to children about sexual abuse.
  • Reduce the consumption of single-use plastics.
  • Educate people about the benefits of recycling.
  • Use fewer chemicals.
  • Make homes more energy-efficient.
  • Reform public administration and finance management.
  • Increase public activity and awareness.
  • Encourage transparency in the political system.
  • Strengthen legal frameworks and regulations.
  • Pass gun laws that reduce gun violence.
  • Invest in gun safety programs and coalitions to stop gun violence.
  • End legal immunity for gun manufacturers.
  • Encourage responsible gun ownership and safety education.
  • Educate all students about the signs of bullying and cyberbullying.
  • Create an inclusive school environment.
  • Provide comprehensive support for bullied students.
  • Implement strict anti-bullying policies and laws.
  • Raise public awareness of a problem.
  • Impose strict legal penalties on violators.
  • Support organizations and programs aimed at protecting human rights.
  • Get the media to talk about discrimination.
  • Invest in infrastructure and resources for schools and hospitals.
  • Encourage education for both children and adults in less developed countries.
  • Increase parental and community participation in education .
  • Provide clean water and healthy food to poor regions.
  • Encourage diplomacy and conflict resolution through peaceful methods.
  • Address the leading causes of conflict, such as poverty and inequality.
  • Help with humanitarian efforts and conflict resolution in conflict zones.
  • Create arms control laws for conflict prevention.
  • Teach youngsters to use positive affirmations about themselves.
  • Praise children when they achieve their goals.
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive classroom environment.
  • Offer opportunities for skill development and personal growth.
  • Utilize strong and unique passwords for online accounts.
  • Install anti-virus software.
  • Avoid reading suspicious emails or opening suspicious links.
  • Back up important data and files.
  • Young people’s unemployment: possible solutions.
  • Assisted Suicide as a Humane Solution .
  • The causes of car accidents in the US and ways to address them.
  • What measures should be taken to prevent global warming?
  • Plagiarism, Its Reasons and Solutions .
  • Ways to avoid sexual harassment in high school.
  • Internet safety: methods to prevent cyberbullying.
  • Environmental Problems and Their Potential Solutions .
  • Paper recycling as a way to address environmental concerns.
  • How to avoid workplace discrimination based on race and religion?
  • Should Illegal Immigrants be Made Legal Citizens?
  • The education access issue: practical solutions.
  • Strategies for dealing with epidemics in the 21st century.
  • Should Smoking Be Illegal?
  • How to deal with smoking addiction in teenagers?
  • Should Same-Sex Marriages be Legalized?
  • Recycling as the best way to reduce environmental waste.
  • A step towards overcoming the financial challenges confronting higher education.
  • The Best Way to Address Obesity in the United States .
  • The causes of deforestation and its solutions.
  • Ways to protect oneself from stress and anxiety.
  • Social Media in Aviation Crisis Management .
  • Eating and weight-related disorders in adults.
  • How to solve the problem of fast fashion?
  • Mistakes in Marketing and How to Resolve Them .
  • The impact of texting on face-to-face communication.
  • Advertisements of harmful products: ethical and safety issues.
  • Eco-Friendly Packaging and Its Issues .
  • Put an end to suicide among people with mental disorders.
  • Addiction to prescription drugs and ways to overcome it.
  • Group Problem-Solving Techniques and Ethical Law .
  • How to reduce animal experimentation for beauty products?
  • The issue of toxic relationships and methods to solve it.
  • Health Promotion Strategies for Obesity .
  • Migration: a global problem that needs a solution.
  • What are the leading causes of heart attack, and how can we protect ourselves?
  • E-Marketing Strategies Proposal .
  • The use of steroids in professional sports.
  • Racial discrimination in the workplace and possible solutions.
  • Wal-Mart Stores Learning and Growth Perspective .
  • Capitalism as the main reason for the conflict between capital and labor.
  • Business development during COVID-19.
  • Breastfeeding Challenges in Post-Partum Mothers .
  • The pitfalls of the current student grading system.
  • Community Colleges: Making Education More Affordable .
  • What are the methods for reducing tobacco consumption?
  • Teen pregnancy as a result of sex education absence.
  • Should Public Colleges and Universities Be Tuition-Free?
  • The lack of modern technologies and their impact on work efficiency.
  • What are the leading causes of crime and violence?
  • Infection Prevention and Educational Interventions .
  • Dependence on social media and ways to overcome this problem.
  • Corruption and referee bias in the football industry.
  • Why It Is Important to Fight Social Inequality .
  • Key urban issues: bad roads, garbage, and parking on sidewalks.
  • The issue of homeless people in Los Angeles.
  • Challenges of Transgender Patients .
  • How can we encourage more tolerant behavior in European society?
  • Texting While Driving: Risks and Prevention .
  • Excess weight and physical inactivity as the key causes of diabetes.
  • Effects of sunlight on visible signs of aging.
  • Smoking in Public Places: Should It Be Banned?
  • The influence of rap music on the behavior of modern teenagers.
  • What actions should be taken to make the electoral system more transparent?
  • The Treatment of Alcohol Abuse among the Elderly .
  • Domestic violence and its impact on children’s self-esteem.
  • Online educational platforms as the new approach to affordable education.
  • Sexual Harassment in the Nursing Workplace .
  • The issue of unrealistic body perfection of Victoria’s Secret brand.
  • Governments must prohibit single-use plastics to ensure environmental safety.
  • Best Practices in Addiction Treatment .
  • Pharmaceutical companies should increase transparency in drug pricing to ensure medication affordability.
  • Educational institutions should prioritize physical education to promote students’ health.
  • Local law enforcement agencies must implement community policing programs to foster the population’s security.
  • Addressing Homelessness Issue: Current Policies .
  • Schools should incorporate technology into the curriculum to prepare students for the digital age.
  • Communities should develop peer-led recovery groups to help those suffering from alcoholism.
  • The Problem of Overpopulation and Energy Scarcity .
  • Food retailers should donate surplus food to reduce food waste and address food insecurity.
  • Fashion brands must prioritize showing various body types to promote inclusivity.
  • Strategic Preparedness for Disasters .
  • Governments must invest in public campaigns promoting the use of SPF to reduce the incidence of skin cancer.
  • Should the Federal Government Legalize the Use of Marijuana?
  • Beauty enterprises should develop natural beauty products to avoid the harmful effects of cosmetics.
  • Violent Computer Games Must Be Banned .
  • Companies should invest in renewable energy sources to enhance sustainability and minimize carbon footprints.
  • Translators should uphold ethical standards in their practice to maintain client trust.
  • Renewable Energy: Why Do We Need It?
  • Employers must establish paid maternity leave and flexible work arrangements to accommodate pregnant employees.
  • Educational institutions should develop programs on healthy relationships to reduce violence among teenagers .
  • How to Manage Stress as a Student?
  • Tattoo studios must provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to minimize potential complications.
  • Apple should enhance its support for educational initiatives to raise the next generation of creators and innovators.
  • Gender is an Often Culturally-Prescribed Role .
  • Religious organizations should dialogue with LGBT communities to combat discrimination and prejudice.
  • Parents should limit screen time for children to reduce sedentary behavior.
  • Why Humans Should Not Visit Mars .
  • Neighbors should be proactive in helping one other in times of need to foster a friendly neighborhood atmosphere.
  • Pop music should prioritize artistic experimentation and creativity to push the boundaries of mainstream pop.
  • Water Recycling: Why Is It Important?
  • Ecologists must actively participate in restoration initiatives to improve ecosystem resilience.
  • McDonald’s should enhance its workers’ working conditions to solve its labor problems.
  • Animals Should Have the Same Rights as Humans: Pros and Cons .
  • People should prioritize their mental health to build positive life experiences and strengthen resiliency.
  • Doctors must actively set boundaries between work and personal life to avoid burnout and keep high productivity.
  • Sexual Assault Female Victims Avoid Reporting to Police .
  • Instagram should work with mental health professionals to create and promote digital well-being tools.
  • Logistics organizations must hold regular training programs to help employees adapt to shifting logistics trends.
  • The Role of Nurses in Environmental Health .
  • People should actively participate in community eco-friendly initiatives to restore the natural environment.
  • Governments must prioritize the training and capacity building of their diplomatic corps and intelligence personnel to prevent potential war conflicts.
  • Mental Health Needs of Patients with Comorbidities .
  • Bilingual schools should promote cultural awareness to develop cross-cultural communication skills in their students.
  • Gaming Influence on Psychology and Personality .
  • COVID-19 patients should receive psychological and mental health treatment to reduce anxiety and stress.

Business Proposal Topics

  • Is sustainable packaging effective for reducing environmental pollution?
  • Lack of Leadership in Pharmaceutical and Medical Companies .
  • How to improve customer satisfaction with the help of AI-driven customer service chatbots?
  • Flexible remote work policy and its impact on reducing employees’ stress.
  • The Importance of Planning in the Establishment of a Small Business .
  • Personalized loyalty program as the best way to boost customer retention rates.
  • The leading causes of small business failure.
  • A Discussion on Whether Financial Rewards is the Best Way to Increase Work Motivation .
  • How to reduce waste in the manufacturing processes of big corporations?
  • Data analytics : new technologies and their role in optimizing business decision-making processes.
  • Market Globalization and Global Marketing Pitfalls .
  • The lack of a customer feedback system and its consequences.
  • Social media marketing as a method to increase brand awareness.
  • How Can American Cities Raise More Money?
  • The issue of low-value customers and its possible solutions.
  • Why does automation play an essential role in business growth?
  • Procurement Process Improvement: Supply Chain’ Data Transfer .
  • Remote monitoring solution for better asset management and maintenance.
  • The everyday challenges of SMEs at the start of trade.
  • Digital Marketing Activities to Sell High-Involvement Products .
  • The impact of gender inequality on employees’ performance.
  • The balance between employee expectations and the organization’s profit.
  • Nurse Staffing Levels and Employee Retention .
  • Misleading advertisements as a way to destroy the trust between the brand and customers.
  • US Banking Expansion in Emerging Markets .
  • How to cope with a crisis in an organization?
  • Abuse of laborers: involuntary servitude, forced labor, and sex trafficking.
  • Nokia Corporation’s Development and Change .
  • Workplace diversity as a way to increase productivity.
  • The value of a business plan in starting a small business .

Sociology Research Proposal Topics

  • The influence of government policies on the family structure.
  • Use of Technologies in the Educational Process .
  • How does poverty affect the educational system?
  • The issue of harassment in social media and its possible solutions.
  • Cultural Diversity in the Workforce .
  • The efficiency of using social media in increasing self-esteem.
  • The impact of increased meat consumption on ecology.
  • Use of Social Programs by Social Class in Canada .
  • Immigrant cultures: positive and negative sides.
  • Transsexuality as a new social dimension of self-definition.
  • The Impact of Divorce and Separation on Family Relationships .
  • What role does the US government play in the healthcare system?
  • Toxic friendship: emotional abuse among teenagers.
  • Unequal Opportunity of Urban Youth .
  • The feminine forms of words as a solution to gender discrimination.
  • The effectiveness of the one-child-per-family policy in addressing overpopulation in China.
  • Relations Between Women Equality, Cultural Prerequisites and Feminism .
  • How does a global crisis affect social institutions?
  • The influence of cultural values on marriage patterns.
  • Problems With Blaming Poor Workplace Performance on Low Motivation .
  • Social movements in the US: Black Lives Matter and its purpose.
  • Does globalization make national governments weaker?
  • Obesity, Its Demographics and Health Effects .
  • Same-sex marriage as a religious issue.
  • The impact of technological progress on people’s health.
  • Burnout Syndrome and the Ways It Is Manifested in Trauma Nurses .
  • Beauty standards in the fashion industry and their negative consequences.
  • Women’s Health: Predictors of Postpartum Depression .
  • Intellectual property security as a number one issue in the 21st century.
  • How can physical appearance affect various social situations?

Criminal Justice Research Proposal Topics

  • Racism in the criminal justice system.
  • Crime Prevention Programs and Criminal Rehabilitation .
  • The effectiveness of restorative justice programs in lowering recidivism rates.
  • The impact of socioeconomic status on criminal behavior.
  • Illegal Immigrants and Its Effects on Crime .
  • How do psychological factors affect criminality?
  • Death penalty : the method of lethal injection and why it is wrong.
  • How Local Television News Viewing Relates to Fear of Crime?
  • Domestic violence as a form of child abuse: methods of prevention.
  • The efficiency of modern technology in combating cybercrime.
  • Parental Responsibility for Children’s Crimes .
  • How does community policing reduce crime rates?
  • Cultural and racial prejudices in the criminal justice system.
  • Cybercrimes: How to Protect Yourself?
  • Gun control policies and their impact on crime rates in the US.
  • The factors contributing to police misconduct and corruption.
  • The Impact of Crime and Violence on Tourism in Jamaica .
  • The influence of media portrayal on public perceptions of crime.
  • The effects of reentry programs on the integration of ex-offenders into society.
  • Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Pretrial Criminal Processing .
  • Budget reduction in criminal justice administrations and its consequences.
  • Major social issues affecting criminal justice professionals.
  • Capital Punishment Is Not a Fair Method of Punishing Criminals .
  • The issue of suicide in people with a criminal justice history.
  • Drugs and alcohol as the key triggers of robbery and crime.
  • Getting Involved in Advocacy Practice for Social Justice .
  • How does racial profiling impact community trust in law enforcement?
  • Males and females: the difference in treatment in the criminal justice system.
  • Gender Equity and Social Justice in Schoolchildren .
  • The problem of confidentiality and ethics in criminology.
  • Code of Professional Responsibility for Lawyers .

Psychology Research Proposal Topics

  • Fat shaming as a type of mental harm.
  • Mental Health Services: Public Spending and Usage .
  • The influence of childhood trauma on adult mental health.
  • How does sleep quality affect our mental health?
  • Anxiety Disorders Psychology: Managing Panic Attack .
  • The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression.
  • Job burnout: how to spot it and take action.
  • Communication Anxiety and Treatment Methods .
  • How to discuss race with black teens and their families?
  • The role of optimism in coping with adversity.
  • Major Depression’ Symptoms and Treatment – Psychology .
  • Perfectionism as a leading cause of psychological distress.
  • Meditation effects on reducing stress and anxiety.
  • Smoking Cessation and Depression .
  • Trauma-related symptoms: methods and strategies to overcome the problem.
  • A history of weight bullying as a major cause of eating disorders.
  • Stress and Coping: Social Support and Social Ties .
  • Social media impact on body image and self-esteem.
  • Group therapy as a strategy to deal with social anxiety disorder.
  • Risk of Burnout Syndrome in the Nursing Profession .
  • How can social media isolation aid in improving mental health and well-being?
  • The effects of childhood attachment on adult romantic relationships.
  • Work-Life Balance and Social Intelligence .
  • Head trauma and its role in developing Tourette’s syndrome.
  • Importance of mindfulness practices in improving academic performance.
  • Peer Support for Intellectually Disabled People .
  • Social factors triggering panic attacks and ways to address them.
  • How can stress lead to memory formation?
  • Effectiveness of Acupuncture on the Treatment of Nervous System Diseases .
  • Brain development and the impact of early childhood experiences.
  • How can a playground promote physical activity and social interaction?
  • Gender Stereotyping Experiment: The Level of Gender Stereotyping in Society .
  • Literacy campaign as a way to improve reading skills in underprivileged communities.
  • Introducing sex education in primary school.
  • The Stanford Experiment by Philip Zimbardo .
  • Promotion of responsible water usage and its consequences.
  • The role of environment documentaries in raising awareness about climate change.
  • Computer Intelligence Tested With Human Tests .
  • Impact of social networks on students’ academic performance.
  • Cultural exchange program as a way to build cross-cultural understanding .
  • Self-expression with the help of a community-based art project.
  • How to engage students in the greening of parks?
  • Evaluation Essay: How To Achieve High Grade .
  • Designing a website to attract more customers to a small company.
  • Environmental project: Making your university campus more sustainable.
  • How to Become an International Businessman?
  • Sustainable farming initiative as a method to support local agriculture.
  • How to stop homophobic attitudes among children?
  • Cybersecurity Threats for Students & How to Fight Them .
  • The role of digital marketing strategy in increasing brand visibility.
  • Gender-neutral beauty products and their importance in promoting inclusivity.
  • How to Use Company Assessment Tools .
  • Improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in urban areas: methods and strategies.
  • Meditation practices in school curricula as a way to improve student well-being.
  • How to Address Obesity in the United States ?
  • Sustainable fashion: promoting eco-friendly practices in the industry.
  • How can mobile apps assist in language learning to promote bilingualism in communities?
  • Seven Ways to Find Help in Starting a Business .
  • Cybersecurity education program and its role in improving students’ online safety.
  • The effectiveness of sustainable transportation initiatives in reducing carbon emissions.
  • Environmental Pollution Impact and Ways to Reduce It .
  • How to promote cultural inclusivity through community festivals and events?
  • Mentorship programs as a method to support women in leadership roles.
  • Vital Issues of Terrorism and Ways to Counter Terrorism .
  • Reducing plastic waste with the help of reusable alternatives promotion.
  • The role of storytelling programs in improving children’s communication skills.
  • Strategies to Help Students Retain Information .
  • How to foster entrepreneurship skills in high school students?
  • Accessibility audit and improvement plan for public spaces and buildings.
  • Development Strategies to Protect Natural Assets .
  • The issue of support and integration for immigrants and possible solutions.
  • Strategies to Cope with Ethical Dilemmas .
  • LGBTQ+ inclusivity through awareness campaigns and safe space initiatives.
  • The importance of sports facilities to accommodate individuals with disabilities.
  • Rising Sea Levels: Solutions to Global Concern .
  • The role of mandatory financial literacy courses in high school.
  • Enterprise Resources Planning System Implementation .
  • Why using renewable energy sources can save the environment?
  • Texting while driving: possible solutions to the problem.
  • Nursing Core Competencies: Comparison and Implementation .
  • Meditation practices in the workplace and their impact on work quality.
  • Food insecurity among college students and how to deal with it.
  • The efficiency of recycling incentive programs in decreasing plastic waste.
  • Natural Disasters and Disaster Management in Katmandu .
  • Implementing survival skill classes as a part of the school curriculum.
  • Why are healthy eating habits vital since early childhood?
  • Health Promotion Proposal Obesity Prevention .
  • The importance of menstrual products in public restrooms.
  • Increasing employment and income as a way to reduce homelessness.
  • Capital Punishment Applied Research Proposal .
  • The issue of air pollution from industrial sources and possible solutions.
  • Workplace diversity: the use of inclusive hiring practices.
  • Training Design Proposal for Employees .
  • The effectiveness of free education for underprivileged students.
  • Strategies to raise awareness about mental health issues among students.
  • Nurse Understaffing and Change Proposal .
  • How to reduce food waste in restaurants and grocery stores?
  • Bike-sharing programs as a way to cope with traffic jams.
  • Technology for Patient Safety: Change Proposal .
  • The impact of voting on country development.
  • What are the effective ways of protecting wildlife and their habitats?
  • Gun violence and control measures to reduce it.
  • Proposal for New Leadership Training .
  • Reducing smoking rates with the help of stricter regulations on the tobacco industry.
  • How can awareness about organ donation aid in saving millions of lives?
  • Green Supply Chain Management Research Proposal .
  • The role of income inequality on access to education.
  • Childhood vaccinations and their influence on public health.
  • Proposal for Providing Healthier Food Choices for Elementary Students .
  • The relationship between the media portrayal of beauty and body image.
  • How can sugar consumption lead to obesity and chronic diseases?
  • Air Pollution as a Health Risk Factor: Policy Proposal .
  • The benefits and challenges of autonomous vehicles.
  • Parental divorce and its impact on the mental health of children.
  • Heart Disease and Stroke: Project Proposal and Budgeting .
  • The drawbacks of genetically modified crops for agricultural productivity.
  • Deforestation : how to save the lungs of the Earth?
  • Biodiversity conservation against the backdrop of climate change.
  • The role of smoking in making acquaintances.
  • What are the ethical issues of cloning people?
  • Ethical Concerns of Advertising .
  • Noise pollution and its influence on mental health.
  • Optional lecture attendance as a new approach to educational methods.
  • Genetically Modified Foods and Their Impact on Human Health .
  • Placebo treatment as a method to cope with physical disorders.
  • Tinder: the app that kills romantics .
  • Music in shopping malls and its negative impact on employees’ productivity.
  • Role-Playing Games as a Learning Tool .
  • Distribution of condoms in high school and its importance.
  • Why are conflicts necessary for healthy relationships?
  • Parents Need Help: Restricting Access to Video Games .
  • Radical solutions: legalizing marijuana to reduce drug-related crime.
  • The role of color psychology in marketing and consumer behavior.
  • Is Bilingualism Beneficial or Harmful for America?
  • The strategies for preventing divorce.
  • Casual veganism as a way to manage food resources with a growing population.
  • Harry Potter and the Magic at Hogwarts .
  • The rise of cat memes and their impact on internet culture.
  • Robot delivery service as a new approach to the restaurant industry.
  • How can GIFs and memes in workplace communication boost productivity?
  • Mars and Earth Comparison .
  • The alleged moon landing conspiracy and its impact on public perception.
  • The issue of persuasion techniques of politicians.
  • Home Training and the Issue of Dancing Outside of the Home .
  • Why should mind reading during exams be banned?
  • The effectiveness of crush tests for parents before giving birth to a child.
  • Prime Time Ideology: The Hegemonic Process in Television Entertainment .
  • The problem of human innovation addiction and possible solutions.
  • The lie about Santa Claus and its impact on children’s world perception.
  • COVID-19 Influence on the Entertainment Industry .
  • How to deal with hyperactive students in elementary school?
  • The role of personality in placebo effects.
  • The Robots Are Coming – For as Many as 800 Million Jobs .
  • Early marriage and its possible consequences.
  • Implementing mandatory “nap time” for adults in the workplace.
  • Androids and Iphones: Operating Systems Comparison .
  • The effectiveness of Wednesday off in increasing employees’ productivity.
  • Laughing yoga championship as a way to overcome depression.
  • The Benefits of a Home Gym .
  • Procrastination Day: new national holiday and its positive influence.
  • Why will modern teenagers never survive one-on-one with wild nature?

We have prepared a proposal essay example to show how everything works in practice!

Topic How to avoid the dangers of AI in education?
AI has significant promise for revolutionizing education by providing new instruments and personalized learning experiences. However, it is critical to address the risks associated with implementing AI in education, namely, and ethical issues.
Promoting responsible and ethical use of AI in education is vital to mitigate the potential dangers and maximize the benefits of tools like .
One way to promote the ethical use of AI in the classroom is to revise student assignments. Teachers can give more in-class assignments and develop prompts requiring students to demonstrate their personal experience and intelligence. This way, students will have less temptation and fewer opportunities to cheat with AI.
Another way to encourage the responsible use of AI is to integrate it into the curriculum. Testing AI tools with students and discussing their strengths and limitations seems more feasible than banning these tools altogether. By using this strategy, students and teachers will reap the benefits of AI in education while avoiding plagiarism and other .
Finally, collaboration between educators and AI developers is critical. Involving teachers in the design and development of AI systems can help tailor them to specific educational aims and address the most pressing ethical issues. This partnership can lower the danger of algorithmic bias and support the ethical use of AI in education.
If nothing is done about the irresponsible use of AI in education, teachers risk nurturing a generation of students with poor writing and skills and low ethical standards. Therefore, it is vital to promote the responsible use of AI with such strategies as student-centered assignments, thoughtful integration of AI into the curriculum, and collaboration between educators and software developers.

A proposal essay offers an opportunity to address pressing issues and explore potential solutions. By carefully selecting relevant and compelling topics, writers can engage readers and spark meaningful discussions. Whether advocating for social change, proposing innovative ideas, or addressing practical concerns, proposal essays provide a platform for constructive dialogue.

❓ Proposal Essay Topics FAQ

What is a proposal essay.

A proposal essay is a piece of writing in which the author proposes a specific solution for an issue and then convinces the audience to accept the writer’s position. Typically, proposal writing presents an overview of the problem, suggests a course of action, and includes supporting evidence and reasoning.

What are good proposal topics?

Good proposal essay topics have several characteristics:

  • Relevance to current issues.
  • Availability of research and evidence.
  • Clear objectives.

For example:

  • The impact of childhood bullying on social and emotional development.
  • The effectiveness of rehabilitation programs for juvenile offenders.

How to start a proposal essay?

Begin a proposal essay with a compelling introduction that captures the reader’s attention and gives background information on the problem. State the problem and its relevance, then provide your recommended solution. Also, it is crucial to include a thesis statement summarizing the key ideas you will explore in the essay.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is a paper that outlines your strategy for carrying out a study. It defines the research objectives, methodology, analysis techniques, expected findings, and importance of the study. Its purpose is to get approval and finance for the research project.

How to write a research proposal?

You should take these steps to write an effective research proposal:

  • Choose a topic that piques your curiosity.
  • Research helpful information for your paper.
  • Create a detailed outline.
  • Review the materials and the outline.
  • Start writing the research proposal.
  • A Sample Research Proposal with Comments | University of Houston
  • Outline for Research Project Proposal | Lynn Santelmann
  • Elements of a Research Project or Proposal: Questions to Consider | The University of Maine
  • Writing Research Proposals | Harvard University
  • Research Proposals | Northeastern University
  • Steps in Developing a Research Proposal | Writing for Success
  • How to Write a Research Proposal | Louisiana State University
  • Academic Proposals | Purdue Online Writing Lab
  • How to Write a Paper Topic Proposal & Thesis Statement | Dean’s Book w/ Prof. Connie Griffin
  • Valencia Campus Library: Proposal Essay Model | The University of New Mexico-Valencia Campus
  • What Is a Proposal Argument Essay? | Classroom
  • Proposal Components | Stanford University
  • Practical Proposal Essay Topics for Students | Your Dictionary
  • Choosing a Topic and the Research Proposal | SAGE
  • Proposal Writing Guides | University of California, Davis
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Argument and Persuasion: Structuring and Writing an Argument Essay

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  • Structuring and Writing an Argument Essay

Page Overview

This page deals with the process of writing the argument: planning, structuring, strategies, writing, revision.

Pre-Writing Considerations

There are things that should be given some attention before you begin writing your argument.  Thoughtful planning in the pre-writing stage increases the chances of your argument successfully convincing your audience.  A well-executed piece of writing should be unified, coherent, and complete.

unified = the paper presents only a single idea or, if more than one idea, one point is made the principal one and the others are subordinated to it 

coherent = the discussion flows smoothly and logically and is easy for the reader to follow; trying to make sense of the writing does not become an ordeal

complete = everything that should be said, has been said; no questions are left in the mind of the reader

Achieving a coherent, complete, unified piece of Argumentative Writing 

1.  Clearly state the argument/proposition of your essay.

2.  Analyze the proposition.  First, jot down points of conflict between your view and the opposing view.  Second, think over your jottings and try to decide which points are the issues on which your argument should hinge.  Third, arrange your jottings in order to give unity and coherence to your essay.

3.  Write a paragraph (or more if necessary) on each point of conflict.  (This step will have some variation, depending on whether you are using the block or point pattern of organization.)

4.  Analyze and evaluate what you have written to see whether (a) the evidence seems reliable and (b) the reasoning free of fallacies.

5.  Establish effective transitions between the discussions of the various points ( coherence ), keeping in mind that your objective is to connect each point to the main contention of your theme, the main proposition.

6.  Think of your introduction.  What makes the topic worth arguing about now (purpose)?  (NOTE:  Your topic should be broad enough to interest a large number of people, yet narrow enough that you can focus and manage the discussion.)  What kind of people are you writing for (audience)?  Can you depend on an interested and sympathetic hearing, or must you strive to gain attention and win people over?  If you have to gain attention, how will you go about it?  After you have thought about these things and written a first draft of your introduction, do you think it necessary to go back and revise the discussion in the body of your essay to make it better adapted to your audience?

7.  Treat your conclusion as the last impression you will leave on your readers.  Do you return here to your key point (your thesis), showing how your whole argument essay bears on and supports it?  Do you leave your readers with a positive impression of your effort, even if you cannot be sure of having totally convinced them by reason? 

Outlines for an Argument Essay

Pattern Outlines for an Argument Essay

 

 

I. Introduction 

A. Main Point 1

B. Main Point 2

C. Main Point 3

D. Main Point 4

II. Response Section 

A. Summarize the opposition argument against your Main Point 1, offering counter argument that uses explanation and proof to defend your point of view.

Follow this strategy for the other points of your argument.

III. Summary

A. Briefly restate the arguments  pro and con on the topic 

IV. Conclusion

A. Give a strong defense of your position, referencing your supporting evidence

I. Introduction

II. Main point 1

A. Summarize Point 1

B. Refute opposing arguments to Point 1, supporting  your statements with explanation

III. Main Point 2

A. Summarize Point 2  

B. Refute opposing arguments to Point 2, supporting  your statements with explanation

IV. Main Point 3

A. Summarize Point 3

B. Refute opposing arguments to Point 3, supporting  your statements with explanation

V. Main Point 4

A. Summarize Point 4

B. Refute opposing arguments to Point 4, supporting  your statements with explanation

VI. Conclusion

(Based on https://apps.spokane.edu/.../Summary%20Response%20Essay%20Assignment.pdf

     In the context of argument, "pro" means agree/support, and "con" means disagree/oppose.   Whether you structure your argument to follow the block style or point-by-point pattern, the three principal components of presentation, support, and refutation must be included.  A point-by-point structure probably will be easier to follow, as the block style creates some separation between the "pro" and "con" sides of an argument which may require readers to do some up-and-down "scrolling" of the text.

Breaking it Down in Detail

  • Argument Deconstructed Source: Mesa Community College. Provides multiple links to cover argument in-depth and from many aspects. Includes argument essay charts, outlines, and worksheets.

Defining Arguments:  defines what argument is and is not while providing some insights on laying the groundwork before the writing begins

How To Create an Argument:  covers the stages of pre-writng, writing, and revising an argument

Argument at a Glance: P.A.P.A.: a blank page with no content

Argument Claims:  discusses types of claims and perspectives from which to launch your argument; includes links to sample readings

Argument Outline:  provides outlines for various argument structures and types and also contains worksheets for preparing an argument

Rogerian Argument:  explains an alternative approach to the "traditional" argumentative style

Ethos, Logos, and Pathos:  offers tips on how to interact with the audience in an argumentative context

Fallacies:   a glossary of things to avoid

Sample Essays:  a selection of seven argumentative essays written by students

Argument on the Web

The Purdue OWL:   The OWL is the Online Writing Laboratory maintained by Purdue University.  It is a comprehensive, encyclopedic online reference source for nearly all aspects of research and writing, from topic selection to citation styles and source evaluation.  Every serious researcher should bookmark the OWL. 

For information regarding writing argumentative papers, either type "Purdue OWL"   argument  into an internet search box.  The first page of results provides links to more specific aspects of writing argument.  Or, you can type the word argument into the "Search the OWL" box (https://owl.purdue.edu/search.html).   Once you have landed on any OWL screen, it is good to scan the left pane for other pages which you may find useful.  

CAVEAT:  Purdue OWL has merged with Chegg, a for-profit company who has created a citation machine service for citation management.  This partnership has resulted in pop-up advertisements appearing on OWL screens as well as permitting Chegg influence on OWL's citation help pages.  Those using the OWL may wish to keep these things in mind.

Useful options besides the Purdue OWL are 

  • Excelsior College Online Writing Lab  ( https://owl.excelsior.edu/ )
  • Massey University OWLL ( http://owll.massey.ac.nz/index.php )

To locate information on the internet on argument, in the search box type argument along with a modifying term such as writing or structure.

To locate additional LibGuides on argument on the internet, in the search box type argument libguide.

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Argument Essay: Building an Argument Essay

  • Introduction
  • Building an Argument Essay
  • Explore & Research
  • Document & Outline
  • Write & Share
  • Bibliography

One step at a time...

You will be using the 6 step research model from badgerlink to "build an argument". just follow the steps. all the resources you will need to complete your essay can be found here., research process.

Step 1: Explore 

T hink about ways to approach your topic.

Step 2: Research

Find ways to search for resources on your topic.

Step 3: Document

Figure out how you record what you find.

Step 4: Outline

Plan how to arrange your information.

Step 5: Write

Use the research gathered to write your paper.

Step 6: Share

Finish your paper and turn it in.

Building an Argument

Useful graphic organizer to help students build an argument.

ACTIVITY: Trace an Argument

argument essay research project

Reading argument essay examples is a great way to understand the elements and structure of a well-written piece. Read one of the following arguments and trace the argument using the graphic organizer.

  • << Previous: Introduction
  • Next: Explore & Research >>
  • Last Updated: Jul 20, 2017 2:48 PM
  • URL: https://uwsslec.libguides.com/argumentessay

Enjoy a completely custom, expertly-written dissertation. Choose from hundreds of writers, all of whom are career specialists in your subject.

130 Argumentative Research Paper Topics for You

argumentative research topics

The spark of truth is struck on the anvil of discussion and the most passionate conversations are almost always debated. We all like to dispute over something, and if you believe arguing isn’t for you, you just haven’t found an interesting topic to argue about. Usually, teachers give you a topic to write about. But when you are asked to choose your topic, it might give you some serious headaches. And this is where we come in.  

In this article we’ll give you a list of captivating topics to write an argumentative research paper on. You’ll be able to choose any topic you like based on many different niches of a research paper, from cryptocurrencies to mental health. But first, let’s go into the basics of what an argumentative research paper topic is all about.  

What Are Argumentative Research Papers?

The main objective of an argumentative research paper is to convince the reader about a certain point of view and make them agree with it. It can also present counter-arguments so that the reader can see all sides of an argument, and then make up their mind about it. These are done by presenting facts, statistics, or any other type of information that supports the main thesis.

A good way to find these types of topics is to look for problems that are occurring in society or the world around you. For example, if you live near a beach and you see trash on the shoreline, this may be an argumentative research paper idea for you. You might take this idea and make a claim about why people should not litter their trash on the beach.

Another example would be if you read an article that said that smoking cigarettes were bad for your health, but then another article came out saying it wasn’t as bad as everyone thought. This would also be a good topic for an argumentative research paper because there is no definitive answer either way and both sides have valid points.

Argumentative research papers can be challenging to write, but they can also be a lot of fun. The key is to make sure you’re choosing a topic that you’re interested in. If you’re not into the subject, it’s going to be hard to convince other people to care about it! If you’re looking for some great topics for an argumentative research paper, here are some suggestions for high school, college, and different niches.  

Argumentative Research Paper Topics College

Every student has to be able to write an argumentative essay, especially when you’re in college. If you have problems with finding argumentative research topics for your college essay, we’ve got you covered! Here are some topics you can choose from!

  • Students should be required to take a course in politics/law/justice studies.
  • Should colleges offer free tuition for students who graduate high school with excellent grades?
  • Should colleges be allowed to have fraternities and sororities?
  • The impact of technology on college education
  • Should students be allowed to use laptops in class?
  • The importance of environmentalism
  • Should student loans exist?
  • Is it ethical to eat animals?

Good Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Many students find it difficult to come up with a decent arguing topic, especially if they are unfamiliar with how to do so. If you’re having trouble coming up with a solid topic for your argumentative college essay, here are some good topics for an argumentative research paper.  

  • Can online education be as effective as a traditional education?
  • Should universities have the right to decide what their students wear on campus?
  • Do you think that men and women should be treated equally in the workplace?
  • Should students who have already graduated high school be able to take college courses for free?
  • Rigorous testing is the best way to prepare students for college and career choices
  • The necessity of standardized tests as a measure of accountability
  • Should you take a nap after lunch?
  • Should we have a national health care system?
  • Is there such a thing as a perfect parent?

Easiest Argumentative Research Paper Topics

The easiest argumentative research paper ideas aren’t always easy to come up with. If you need easy topics to work on, here are some straightforward argumentative research topics.

  • Can you trust your dentist?
  • Is America racist?
  • Are you a good person?
  • Should you be allowed to say whatever you want on social media?
  • Should you be allowed to smoke weed?
  • The importance of sleeping well
  • What is the best way to handle the global warming problem?
  • Should there be harsher punishments for criminals who commit crimes against children?

Best Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Sometimes, it takes a lot of effort to come up with the best topics for an argumentative research paper. Here are some argumentative research paper topics that are sure to blow your mind.

  • Whether or not the United States should be involved in foreign wars, and if so, when it should become involved.
  • If a woman has the right to choose what happens with her body when it comes to abortion or birth control.
  • Whether or not there should be a law that requires all Americans to be vaccinated against measles before they turn 18 years old.
  • How to make America’s healthcare system better.
  • Should we allow people who have been convicted of sex crimes against children to be able to work as teachers?
  • The effectiveness of stricter gun control laws in preventing violent crime in the United States.
  • Who should be responsible for student discipline: the teacher or the principal?
  • How schools can better address students’ mental health needs without infringing on their privacy rights.

Argumentative Research Paper Topics High School

Are you looking for a list of high school argumentative research paper topics? We’ve put together a list of some high school argumentative research paper topics.

  • Should students be allowed to bring their dogs to school?
  • The benefits of working with a team
  • The benefits of taking online courses
  • The benefits of getting a college degree
  • The benefits of a vegan diet
  • Are cellphones a distraction in the classroom?
  • Is it possible to teach students how to be good citizens in school?
  • How can teachers use technology in the classroom more effectively?

Topics for Argumentative Research Paper

Sometimes, it can be really stressful to come up with topics for argumentative research papers. But no worries! Here are some argumentative topics for research paper you can choose from!

  • The evolution of social media and its impact on society.
  • The role of the media in influencing public opinion.
  • The best way to teach children about their gender identity and sexual orientation.
  • What are the pros and cons of standardized testing in schools?
  • Should people with disabilities be able to drive?
  • Is it better to be alone or in a relationship?
  • The environmental impact of using plastic straws
  • Do you prefer one-night stands or relationships?
  • The psychological impact of social media on mental health

Mental Health Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Finding an appropriate argumentation topic for mental health can be difficult. But if you’re seeking argumentative ideas about mental health for your research paper, this list of topics can help you!

  • Mental health can be improved with self-care activities and exercise, but not with medication
  • The effects of sleep deprivation on mental health
  • How technology is helping to treat mental health disorders
  • What’s the difference between a mental illness and an emotional disorder?
  • How do we know that mental health is just as important as physical health?
  • People with mental illnesses are more likely to commit crimes than those without mental illnesses
  • Mental health issues should be treated by medication, not by talking about them (or “counseling,” which is just another form of talking).
  • There’s no such thing as “mental illness” because it’s not an illness—it’s just a part of being human!
  • To be considered mentally healthy, one must be able to perform well at work, school, or in other areas of their life
  • Mental illness is a myth

Psychology Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Looking for debatable topics to write about for your upcoming psychology debate? We’ve got your back! The following is a list of ten good psychology research paper argument topics:

  • The relationship between creativity and mental illness
  • The effect of social media on the development of personalities in children
  • The role of stress in the development of mental illness
  • The impact of social media on the development of personalities in children
  • The connection between creativity and mental illness
  • The effect of sleep deprivation on thoughts and memory
  • How women and men perceive each other’s sexuality
  • The effects of music on early childhood development
  • The impact of social media on the self-esteem of young people
  • The effects of pornography on society (and vice versa)

Controversial Topics for Argumentative Research Paper

Finding a controversial topic for a debate is not easy, and many students struggle to come up with a topic worth discussing. That is why we have compiled a list of 10 controversial ideas for argumentative research papers from which you can choose.

  • Should the death penalty be abolished?
  • Should we allow same-sex marriage?
  • The legalization of marijuana
  • The use of genetically modified crops
  • Should we be allowed to eat genetically modified foods?
  • Is there such a thing as a war on women?
  • Publicly funded sports stadiums
  • The use of animals in scientific research
  • Gender equality: a fad?
  • The legalization of abortion

Argumentative Research Paper Topics on Social Media

The use of social media has risen dramatically in recent years, raising a slew of questions about how it influences the world. Are you seeking a good argumentative research paper topic to write on social media? You can choose from this list of topics.

  • Social media is destroying our ability to communicate with each other in the real world.
  • Social media is making us less human than we were before its invention.
  • The value of social media in healthcare
  • The usefulness of social media in law enforcement
  • What are the pros and cons of using social media?
  • Social media has created a society where we only care about ourselves and our feelings while ignoring the feelings of others.
  • Social media in education
  • Is social media addictive?
  • Social media is making people more depressed
  • What’s the most popular social media platform?

Sports Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Sports has evolved into a fascinating and engaging activity; virtually everyone has a favorite sport. Although sport is intriguing, coming up with topics to write about might be difficult! Here are ten sports-related argumentative research paper ideas to consider.

  • Is it fair to penalize an athlete’s entire team when one player violates a rule?
  • Should there be a cap on how much money professional athletes can make off their labor, or are they entitled to all that they earn?
  • The effect of steroids on professional sports
  • Is it right to give children sports scholarships?
  • Should sports be considered a professional career?
  • Why do people watch sports?
  • Who is the best athlete in the world today?
  • The role of sports in our society
  • What is the best way to contractually bind athletes and teams?
  • Is college athletics good for the academic experience of students?

Fun Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Sometimes, all you need is a fun argumentative topic to grab your audience’s attention and keep the debate exciting, But coming up with a fun topic to argue about isn’t easy because you’ll need to rack your brains for some ideas. That’s why we have compiled a list of some entertaining argumentative research paper topics!

  • Is it better to have a dog or cat as a pet?
  • Are you more likely to be the victim of a crime if you live in a big city or a small town?
  • Should we allow people to bring their dogs on planes with them?
  • Why people should not be forced to have fun
  • Why you shouldn’t drink and drive
  • Should we ban people from wearing flip-flops in public after Labor Day?
  • Are we all sociopaths?
  • What makes a great leader?
  • Is it ever okay to use a selfie stick?
  • Can you be gay and christian?

Cryptocurrency Argumentative Research Paper Topics

Cryptocurrency is a big thing right now. It’s been gaining popularity and attention from investors, governments, and other stakeholders for years. Writing or reading a cryptocurrency argumentative research paper is a great way to get started in the world of cryptocurrency. The topic area has a lot of potential for research, as there are many different viewpoints on cryptocurrencies and their place in our society today.

This list will give you some ideas for topics that would make great argumentative research papers about cryptocurrencies.

  • Should the government regulate cryptocurrencies?
  • Is cryptocurrency better than fiat money?
  • How do cryptocurrencies affect global economics?
  • What are the benefits of using cryptocurrency in our society?
  • Is cryptocurrency a bubble? Discuss
  • Is Bitcoin anonymous? How do governments regulate cryptocurrencies?
  • Should we use cryptocurrencies to buy goods and services?
  • What are the risks of investing in cryptocurrencies?
  • Is it possible to create a cryptocurrency that is not volatile?
  • Why are cryptocurrencies good for the world?

Historical Argumentative Research Paper Topics

When it comes to picking historical debate topics, who hasn’t been stumped? It’s difficult to retain all of the material presented in a classroom setting. Thankfully, any historical issue can be turned into a fantastic history argumentative research paper topic. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of unique world history argumentative research paper topics below.

  • What role did women play in WWII?
  • How did the Great Depression impact American society?
  • Was the Holocaust necessary to stop Adolf Hitler’s rise to power?
  • Did the Russians have a right to invade Afghanistan in 1979?
  • Did the world need a new religion?
  • Should the United States have invaded Iraq in 2003?
  • What is the cause of the current gun violence epidemic?
  • The causes of World War II in Europe
  • The effects of the Great Recession on the US economy. Discuss  
  • Was it right to execute Mary, Queen of Scots?

Conclusion  

So here we are! 130 argumentative research paper topics to write your research paper on! We hope that you’ve been able to choose the topic you’ll like to work on for your argumentative research paper. Don’t forget to choose a topic that you’re comfortable and excited about writing about. And if you need some help with writing your research paper, we can help you!

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414 Proposal Essay Topics for Projects, Research, & Proposal Arguments

Writing a proposal essay is an essential skill for students navigating academia and beyond. Whether you are advocating for change, proposing a solution to a problem, or presenting a new idea, your writing should be clear, convincing, and creative.

In this article, our expert team has listed proposal essay topics for school and college students. As a bonus, you will find an effective writing guide and a practical example of a proposal essay.

🔤 What Is a Proposal Essay?

  • ⭐ Best Topics in 2024
  • 💡 Easy Topics & Prompts

📝 Proposal Argument Topics

  • 📊 Project Proposal Ideas
  • 🔎 Research Proposal Topics
  • 😄 Funny Topics

🧩 Proposal Essay Structure

  • ✍️ Writing Guide
  • 📃 Proposal Essay Example

🔗 References

A proposal essay is an academic paper in which you propose something and justify your recommendation. Its goal is to convince the recipients to support your proposal and grant your request. Depending on what you are suggesting, there are three main types of proposal essays: proposal argument, research proposal, and topic proposal.

This image shows proposal essay types.

What Is a Proposal Argument Essay?

A proposal argument is an argumentative essay that offers a solution to a problem. It is often addressed to a particular company, non-profit organization, or government agency. It aims to persuade an organization to do something differently or perform a specific task. A proposal argument first describes a problem, then proposes a feasible solution to it, and explains why this particular solution is worth implementing.

What Is a Research Proposal Essay?

A research proposal essay is an academic paper that proposes a study and describes what, why, and how the author plans to investigate. This document should enable the audience to understand the quality and significance of the research and the author’s competence to perform it.

A research proposal usually includes a purpose statement , background and significance of the research topic, and methodology. It is also helpful to describe potential problems the researcher may encounter and how they will be solved.

What Is a Topic Proposal?

A topic proposal essay is a paper that suggests a topic for a major course assignment, such as a term paper. It usually presents your main argument or research question , explains why it is worth exploring, and outlines how you plan to support it. Also, it identifies a few scholarly sources to be used in the future paper.

⭐ 12 Best Proposal Essay Topics in 2024

  • The methods of reducing childhood obesity.
  • Do awareness campaigns increase funding for cancer research?
  • Why should schools add sex education to their curricula?
  • The role of government in protecting local businesses.
  • How to prevent cybercrime.
  • The impact of rap music on teenagers.
  • Do high cigarette prices reduce smoking rates?
  • The efficiency of using AI technology in education.
  • Why should the use of steroids be banned?
  • The use of art therapy in combating anxiety.
  • How can we combat the global warming?
  • The issue of bullying in high school.

💡 Easy Proposal Writing Topics & Prompts

Coming up with a good idea for your proposal essay can be challenging. Therefore, we’ve prepared writing prompts about common problems with possible solutions.

Proposal Essay on Texting and Driving

You can write a proposal suggesting a solution to the problem of driving while using a phone. First, describe the detrimental consequences of such behavior, proving that it’s worth paying attention to.

Then, focus on one solution that you consider to be the best. Check out some possible options:

  • Formation of a driver safety culture.
  • Implementation of a driver coaching program.
  • Use of real-time technology.
  • Execution of severe punishment.

Homelessness Proposal Essay

Highlight the issue of homelessness by indicating the root causes of this problem and its social and economic consequences. Then, provide your perspective on how to address it.

Here are some possible solutions to homelessness:

  • Rapid rehousing .
  • Permanent supportive or shared housing.
  • New career opportunities.
  • Volunteer initiatives.

Mental Health Proposal Essay

You can focus on the problem of the mental health crisis, manifesting in increasing rates of suicides and overdoses. Explore the causes and consequences of this issue and choose a solution to advocate for.

Consider the following solutions:

  • Investments in mental health apps .
  • Universal mental health screenings.
  • Raising people’s awareness of the problem.
  • Expanding access to psychological help.

Study Abroad Proposal Essay

You can focus on one of the issues that students face while studying abroad, such as language barriers, cultural differences, social isolation, financial difficulties, etc. Then, describe a solution to your selected problem.

Here are some possible solutions to international students’ issues:

  • Encouraging access to college resources.
  • The use of host families.
  • Establishing safe spaces on campuses .
  • Offering financial support and scholarships.
  • Conducting campus-wide cultural sensitivity training.

Abortion Proposal Essay

Your proposal can focus on the problem of supporting and expanding abortion rights. Explain how restricted abortion rights harm women, children, the healthcare system, and the economy. Then, explain how policymakers can address this issue.

Check out some solutions listed below:

  • Public and private insurance coverage of abortion.
  • Sex education for students.
  • Legal protections for abortion.
  • Prohibition of violence against abortion providers .

The proposal argument analyzes the problem and offers practical steps for its solution. Below, you’ll find interesting topics for your proposal argument!

Proposal Argument Essay Topics with Solutions

  • The use of replanting in combating climate change.
  • ABZ Cleaning Services marketing plan proposal.
  • Negotiation to stop military conflicts in the world.
  • Water disinfection and its efficiency in solving water pollution issues.
  • A business proposal for Kohl’s: improving product delivery.
  • Universal basic income to combat poverty.
  • The use of free education centers in improving people’s knowledge.
  • Luckin Coffee business problems-solutions proposal.
  • Ensuring refugees’ access to the labor market to protect their rights.
  • Decriminalization of homosexuality to protect LGBTQ+ rights.
  • Nestlé Inc.’s total quality challenge and solution.
  • The use of media in raising awareness of gender inequality.
  • Ensuring basic healthcare to protect children’s rights.
  • Food prices increase: causes and solutions.
  • The use of renewable energy to stop global temperatures rising.
  • Well-thought-out strategic plan to combat self-doubt in business.
  • Operations management: problem and solution.
  • Education about consumer responsibility to stop overconsumption.
  • The efficiency of book exchange for the promotion of reading.
  • Human resource management: problems and solutions.
  • Reduced cost of education to combat education inequality.
  • Electronic voting systems to increase citizen participation.
  • Truancy: causes, effects, and possible solutions .
  • AI technology and its application to help people with disabilities.
  • The effectiveness of wetland restoration in combating sanitation insecurity.
  • American educational system’s drawbacks and solutions.
  • Surveys of employee satisfaction to manage workflow.
  • The efficiency of the Arms Trade Treaty in decreasing weapons accessibility.
  • Sexual assault problem and solution.
  • Improved nutrition and sustainable agriculture to combat health inequality .

Practical Proposal Argument Ideas

  • Building buyer personas to find new customers.
  • Employee absenteeism and business proposal to address it.
  • Companies should make a shorter workweek to reduce unemployment.
  • Vertical farming technologies for improved land usage.
  • Proposal of employee training in Coca-Cola Company.
  • Plasma reactors as a way to create oxygen on Mars.
  • Community-based initiatives to encourage social interaction.
  • Organizational change proposal for healthcare institutions .
  • Entrepreneurship promotion to solve the wealth inequality issue.
  • Prioritizing border security to ensure national safety.
  • Public health legislation funding proposal.
  • Donating to charities to address third-world poverty.
  • Nutrition education to reduce obesity rates.
  • Business communication: proposal for receiving investment.
  • Implementation of Instagram restrictions to protect the self-esteem of teenagers.
  • The use of ADAS technologies to reduce the frequency of car accidents.
  • Vending machine “Great Coffee”: business proposal.
  • Employers should provide flexible hours to help workers with anxiety.
  • Expanding the range of services offered by postal providers to save postal service.
  • Wok to Walk: marketing plan proposal.
  • Work-life balance practices to prevent burnout at work.
  • Schools should implement year-round classes to improve student performance.
  • Cartier marketing analysis and strategy proposal for the post-pandemic era.
  • Application of sunscreen to reduce the risks of skin cancer.
  • Installation of sports facilities to encourage the population’s physical activity.
  • Leverage buyout proposal for CSL Limited.
  • Education about consumer responsibility to solve gun control issues.
  • Development of water resource management systems to avoid water scarcity.
  • Business ethics: business proposal for CEO.
  • The government should launch mHealth apps to make healthcare accessible.

📊 Project Proposal Ideas for College Students

Looking for a project proposal topic to write about? Below, you’ll find the best ideas for your paper!

Project Proposal Title Ideas in Health

  • The ban on tobacco to prevent illness and premature death.
  • Pressure ulcers: research proposal .
  • Recovery groups and their role in stopping substance abuse.
  • The efficiency of sex education in solving HIV/AIDS issues.
  • Community teaching work plan proposal: tuberculosis in Miami .
  • Accessible treatment centers to help people struggling with suicidal behavior.
  • Pediatric dentist training to create a positive experience for children.
  • Hospital-acquired pressure ulcers treatment proposal.
  • Water and sanitation projects to reduce water-borne disease rates.
  • The efficiency of regular balance training in preventing injuries.
  • Interdisciplinary plan proposal of a local hospital: objective and team organization .
  • Free screening for the early identification of breast cancer.
  • Workplace wellness initiatives to protect employee mental health.
  • Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: research proposal .
  • The use of online apps to improve patient-doctor communication.
  • Geriatric care innovations to meet the health demands of the elderly.
  • Hypertension prevention plan proposal .
  • Machine learning and AI technology in the personalization of healthcare.
  • The effectiveness of parental courses to prevent children obesity.
  • Patient safety policy proposal .
  • Yoga promotion programs to improve mental health.
  • E-health platforms for remote monitoring of chronic conditions.
  • Capstone project change proposal: new staffing policy .
  • Women’s medical literature and its role in preventing maternal deaths.
  • Accessible mental health services to decrease depression rates.
  • Dementia: health promotion proposal.
  • The use of a healthy diet in preventing cancers and diabetes.
  • Vaccine access in poor countries to promote immunization.
  • A bed alarm budget proposal for healthcare .
  • Educational programs for parents to promote oral health at home.

Project Proposal Topics for Business

  • The use of verification links to stop online scamming.
  • Ocean Beauty Center: business proposal.
  • Customer experience technology to deliver positive customer experience.
  • Research into competitors to create a better brand presence.
  • Service marketing plan proposal.
  • The use of Amazon and eBay to pitch and brand your product.
  • Instant online help tools to prevent shopping cart abandonment.
  • Notes Restore: business plan proposal.
  • The efficiency of valuable content in maintaining customer loyalty.
  • Unique products to thrive in a competitive market.
  • Avlon: market research proposal.
  • The use of plain English in preventing product returns and refunds.
  • Increasing sales by offering a product at a reduced price.
  • Business proposal: a fitness center in Australia.
  • Employment of cybersecurity services to protect a corporate website from viruses.
  • The use of a recruitment agency to find qualified IT personnel.
  • Leisure facility in Sherbury: business proposal.
  • Regular developer training to save business during a crisis.
  • Optimization of website speed through efficient coding.
  • Talent management plan proposal.
  • The use of the latest updates to solve unreliable internet connectivity issues.
  • Mobile-friendly apps to improve customer support.
  • Southwest Airlines human resource recruitment plan proposal.
  • Authentic customer reviews to solve customer trust issues.
  • The use of multi-factor authentication to maintain payment security.
  • Emotional intelligence training proposal.
  • Chatbots and their role in solving poor customer support issues.
  • Workplace diversity and inclusion for fast business development.
  • Utah Symphony and Utah Opera: merger proposal.
  • The efficiency of social media influencers in business promotion.

Project Proposal Ideas for STEM Students

  • Floating gardens and rafts to grow food during a flood.
  • The use of innovative city technologies for solving a city’s design needs.
  • Navigating the engineering talent crisis.
  • Accessible infrastructure to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
  • Chemical dispersants to clean up an oil spill.
  • New technologies in retail supply chains.
  • The use of heat-absorbing materials to construct solar ovens.
  • AI healthcare diagnostics to provide patients with accurate results.
  • Uber case study: online technology development.
  • The use of monitoring systems to protect endangered species.
  • Making technologies more inclusive to help people with autism.
  • How can technology be used in healthcare?
  • Aerospace engineering strategies to ensure safe flights.
  • Eco-friendly packaging to stop plastic pollution.
  • How new heart-scanning technology could save your life.
  • Building earthquake-resistant structures to ensure urban safety.
  • The use of biodegradable plastics to reduce environmental impact.
  • Use of mathematics in a vocational context.
  • Building seawalls to protect beach erosion.
  • Solar farms for the production of renewable energy.
  • Computerized sewerage system in Bedford Town.
  • Creating artificial organs to save patients waiting for transplantation.
  • Increasing microbial diversity to create a healthy and balanced soil ecosystem.
  • Computerized accounting in an enterprise resource planning system.
  • Early warning systems to save vulnerable areas from flood.
  • The use of vitamin C bath to stop apple oxidization.
  • Effective supply chain practices for computer and phone repair shop.
  • Integration of damping systems to build earthquake-resistant structures.
  • AI technology to design resistant bridges in urban areas.

Project Proposal Topics for Students in Education

  • Funding for low-income schools to solve the problem of education access.
  • Digital citizenship education proposal in Saudi Arabia.
  • Inclusive teaching as a solution to inequalities in education.
  • Students’ portfolios as a better alternative to standardized testing.
  • Standardized testing: research proposal.
  • Incentives for teachers to provide highly professional classes.
  • Increasing federal school funding to improve education in low-income areas.
  • York College OneCard proposal.
  • A peer tutoring program to improve students’ performance.
  • Parent-teacher conferences to address a lack of parental involvement.
  • Proposal for the New National Constitution of Libya.
  • Mentorship programs to cope with ineffective teaching methods.
  • Anti-bullying policies to maintain a more positive school climate.
  • Proposal to reduce college textbook cost.
  • Video chats to address a lack of face-to-face communication in online courses.
  • Study skills workshops to cope with students’ poor study habits.
  • Virtual simulation curriculum technology proposal.
  • Flexible learning environments to help students with anxiety disorder.
  • The use of a rewards system to increase school attendance.
  • How semester exams affect students’ emotional stability: article proposal.
  • Monitoring cameras to ensure school safety and security.
  • Anti-cheating measures to solve the issue of academic dishonesty.
  • Analysis of student equity plan proposal.
  • Additional facilities to accommodate the growing number of students.
  • Global education partnerships to make higher education more accessible.
  • Education issues: group proposal.
  • Innovative classrooms to develop the creativity of students with disabilities.
  • Introducing a financial literacy class to improve students’ money management skills.
  • Proposal for the creation of K2 and K3-5 reading interventions.
  • Launching a community service learning program to promote social responsibility.

Project Proposal Ideas for Students about Environment

  • Buying e-books to protect the environment.
  • The issue of environmental pollution by Polipaks Group.
  • Extensive afforestation campaign to solve the deforestation problem.
  • Low consumption levels to avoid adverse ecological consequences.
  • Solar energy as an alternative energy source.
  • Fines and punishment to reduce illegal dumping.
  • Reusing things to stop climate change.
  • Business model of renewable energy.
  • Reducing single-use plastics on campus.
  • Collecting sunlight for energy to stop natural resource depletion.
  • Sustainable gas production in the UAE.
  • Tree planting programs to protect the environment.
  • Eco-friendly transportation methods to reduce carbon emissions.
  • Sustainable practices in the Coca-Cola Company.
  • Sustainable fashion and its role in reducing clothes consumption.
  • High taxes for activities that harm our planet to support eco-friendly behavior.
  • Carbon tax in the Australian industries.
  • Limiting time on the road to reduce vehicle emissions.
  • Supporting green businesses to encourage eco-friendly initiatives.
  • Optimizing food production to improve quality, reduce cost, and prevent waste.
  • Clean-up programs to remove litter and pollutants from public spaces.
  • Green roof technologies to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
  • Business plan: New Age Recyclers.
  • A carbon offset project to engage businesses in environment protection.
  • Education courses for people of any age to reduce their ecological footprint.
  • Recycling batteries: market analysis for a new product.
  • Replantation of native trees and plants to stop environmental degradation.
  • Investing in solar panels to solve the energy consumption problem.
  • Stanford University’s Habitat Conservation Plan.
  • Choosing recyclables to decrease waste production.

🔎 Research Proposal Essay Topics

If you’re looking for research proposal essay topics, check out the list below! We’ve collected ideas for a proposal in computer science, agriculture, history, and more.

  • Career counseling to support high school students.
  • Project proposal for counseling centers.
  • The effectiveness of advertisement in increasing brand awareness.
  • The reliability of criminological analysis in identifying the offender’s personality.
  • Research proposal on Ipad from Apple Inc.
  • Remote workplaces to save the small business during pandemics.
  • New therapeutic approaches to neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Research proposal: stress in the UK (England).
  • The effects of socioeconomic status on access to quality education.
  • The effectiveness of regular self-analysis in overcoming the psychological trauma of rape.
  • Mitigation of supply chain risk in disasters: research proposal.
  • Race to the Top program to improve students’ outcomes.
  • Effective business communication practices contributing to business growth.
  • A research proposal on banks and customer satisfaction.
  • Psychological tricks of media to exploit impulsive buying.
  • The advantages of using antipsychotics for preventing delirium .
  • Congestive heart failure: research proposal .
  • Therapies for school students to stop substance abuse.
  • Controlling school attendance to improve children’s social skills.
  • Research proposal: background of the problem of handoff communication in nursing.
  • The impact of urbanization on biodiversity preservation.
  • Trade globalization to create more job opportunities around the world.
  • Research proposal: Chlamydia Trachomatis .
  • Increase the age of smoking to 25 to reduce lung cancer rates.
  • Potential effects of stricter laws on corruption and transparency.
  • Primary prevention of HIV & AIDS: community teaching work plan proposal .
  • The effectiveness of smart home systems in reducing energy consumption.
  • Testing AI technologies to improve children’s diagnostics and treatment.
  • High-performance work system proposal for workers.
  • Including mental health topics in the school curriculum to protect students’ mental health.
  • Paid vacations to support nurses’ emotional health.
  • Non-profit National Kidney Foundation’s strategy proposal.
  • Meditation to treat mental disorders nonchemically during pregnancy.
  • Workplace diversity and its role in increasing business productivity.
  • Business proposal report for a child day care.
  • Face-to-face games to promote healthy child development.
  • Investigating the relationship between sleep patterns and mental health in youth.

Proposal Essay Ideas in Computer Science

  • New AI approaches to decrease the energy consumption of 5G networks.
  • Informatics solution proposal: general solution – EHR.
  • Ways to ensure data privacy in machine learning models.
  • Exploring new applications of quantum computing.
  • DesignIT Company: network consultation proposal.
  • AI in art: exploring the boundaries between art and technology.
  • Cognitive radio networks for improving future wireless systems.
  • Informatics solution proposal for a supply issue.
  • Quantum computing to advance medical predictive systems.
  • Using NLP for code generation to increase software development productivity.
  • Techfite firm’s emerging technology proposal.
  • Developing methods to make AI algorithms more transparent to users.
  • Investigating novel biometric authentication methods.
  • ElekTron Company’s network design proposal.
  • Methods to detect and mitigate biases in AI systems.
  • Usability in computer interface to ensure effective human-computer interactions.
  • Advanced education in computational science.
  • 3D object modeling to improve the architecture of large cities.
  • The use of one programming language to cut the costs of programming training.
  • Computer technologies to be installed at TVU Hotel.
  • Constant feedback to minimize algorithmic bias in AI technologies.
  • The use of computers to sequence human genes.
  • Data science in the energy management field.
  • Using machine learning for optimizing traffic flow in a smart city.
  • AI-based approaches to the early detection and mitigation of cyber threats.
  • The development of an information system to support inventory management.
  • The use of AI in automatic data analysis.
  • Web-based monitoring to improve healthcare services.
  • Scrum methodology to develop Agile software.

Interesting Proposal Essay Topics for Agriculture

  • The use of social media to improve agricultural marketing.
  • How China’s agricultural reform contributed to its success on economic growth.
  • Organic farming to minimize pollution from agriculture.
  • Farmer organizations to implement effective agricultural transformation procedures.
  • Financial profile of Oman Agriculture Development Company SAOG.
  • Increased availability of fertile land to prevent the agricultural land shortage.
  • Modern farming technology to solve the issue of inadequate drainage.
  • Obstacles and barriers of AIS in agriculture companies.
  • The use of antibiotics alternatives in animal agriculture for public health.
  • E-commerce platforms to promote farming on social media.
  • Al Ain Poultry Farm: management strategy and policy.
  • The incorporation of ecological practices into agricultural systems to protect the planet.
  • Maintaining ground cover to restore soil health and biodiversity.
  • Case study of Holly Farm: problems and solutions.
  • Farmers’ collaborations to maintain knowledge and resource sharing.
  • New technologies for storage of agricultural products.
  • Competitive advantage in farming, car, and restaurant industries.
  • Organic materials to recycle nutrients within the agricultural ecosystem.
  • Alternative farming methods to provide efficient resource use.
  • Political argument on farm subsidies.
  • Anti-discrimination policies to expand the rights of women in the agricultural sector.
  • Online podcasts to build trustful relationships between farmers and consumers.
  • Quillstine Farm’s start-up business plan.
  • Conserving genetic variety in crops and livestock for future resilience.
  • Increasing investment to address a lack of modern farming equipment.
  • Business plan: integrated farming.
  • Favoring crop rotation over monoculture farming to save natural habitats.
  • Waste management to cut down on agriculture’s environmental footprint.
  • State farm: addressing problematic intersections.
  • The use of mulch and cover crops to protect soil from wind and water erosion.

Proposal Topics for a History Paper

  • World War II lessons to prevent future conflicts.
  • The City of Dubai: history, development, and challenges.
  • Modern technology to restore the chronology of ancient events.
  • The lasting impact of the Silk Road on global trade.
  • History of supply chain management.
  • The evolution of democracy in Ancient Greece.
  • Anti-nationalism programs to prevent an imbalanced view of the past.
  • Major historical influences on Karl Marx’s materialist conception of history.
  • The impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures.
  • The evolution of human rights: from declaration to practice.
  • Corporate social responsibility and its historical background.
  • The history of urban legends and folklore: transmission and societal impact.
  • Environmental change and its impact on historical societies.
  • Management and its historical evolution.
  • The economic motivations and consequences of colonization.
  • The history of entertainment and its social influence.
  • Enron Company’s history of rise and fall.
  • Disinformation and misinformation campaigns throughout history.
  • The evolution of humanitarian aid and international relief efforts.
  • Islamic banking: history and economic crises.
  • Economic and social impact of pandemics throughout history.
  • The evolution of warfare ethics: from ancient codes to modern international law.
  • Justice is one of the key themes in human history.
  • The history of human-animal relationships and their cultural significance.
  • The Marshall Plan for European economic recovery post-WWII.
  • History of inclusion in early childhood education.
  • The influence of global trade routes on culinary traditions.
  • New historical approaches to overcome scientific doubt.
  • The history of Saudi Aramco from 1930 to 1940.
  • AI technology to indicate fabricated historical documents.

😄 Funny Topics for Proposal Essays

Are you looking for funny proposal topics? Then, we have something for you! Read on to find some of the most outstanding ideas!

  • Mobile apps to prevent people from running into objects while they are texting.
  • Mindbody app: proposed business plan.
  • Mental exercises to increase student productivity at school.
  • Pavlov’s dog experiment to teach pets to use the toilet.
  • Financial proposal for ‘SILK’ hair protection gel.
  • The use of humor to reduce stress and depression.
  • Surviving Monday mornings: a comprehensive guide to coffee consumption.
  • Goals and features of a proposed school library.
  • Online monitoring to stop students’ procrastination.
  • Mini lie detector to get away with telling a white lie.
  • Business proposal for the Al-Yamamah College and JavaNet.
  • New device to ensure your shampoo and conditioner are at the same rate.
  • Plants and their role in reviving the space where you are working.
  • Marketing proposal for Bikemate.
  • The art of organization to protect the house from clutter.
  • AI kitchen appliances to ensure food safety.
  • Business plan for the proposed Chinese medicine clinic in Kuwait.
  • Rap music to make home tasks fun and effective.
  • Second hand to save budget from unplanned shopping.
  • Zetech Organization’s proposed change: strengths and weaknesses.
  • Funny mugs to throw a perfect tea party.
  • Online books to not die from boredom in the queue.

Proposal Title Ideas about Animals

  • The use of langur pee smell to protect New Delhi from monkeys.
  • Animal Foodland organization’s marketing plan.
  • Conducting a study on dogs’ understanding of human emotional cues.
  • Purchasing cruelty-free cosmetics to protect animals from being killed.
  • Woolly Mammoth project – mythical animal.
  • Animal adoption programs solve the problem of animal homelessness.
  • Spaying and neutering to solve the pet overpopulation issue.
  • Traveling by train among animals and plants.
  • Taking part in Animal Rescue Team training to help animals in crisis.
  • Veterinary care standards to improve conditions for animals in captivity.
  • Cosmetic and medical animal testing .
  • Establishing training programs to provide certificates of pet ownership.
  • Natural habitat rehabilitation to save endangered species.
  • Animal-based therapy overview and analysis.
  • Creating protected areas to safeguard oceanic biodiversity.
  • Responsible tourism to ensure wildlife safety and security.
  • Red fluorescent protein transgenic dogs experiment.
  • Global cooperation to stop illegal cross-border animal trafficking.
  • Education programs to raise awareness of animal conservation.
  • Business ethics decision situation in veterinary practice.
  • Supporting fur-free fashion to protect wildlife.
  • Encouraging TV talk shows to discuss animal issues.
  • China Southern Airlines and monkey transportation.

Proposal Paper Ideas about Sports

  • Developing a community-based sports initiative for physical fitness and health.
  • How does social media influence sports brands marketing?
  • Education on sports ethics to create an inclusive environment in a team.
  • Anti-doping programs to reduce the cases of steroid use.
  • Sports marketing affected by the internet of things.
  • Financial rehabilitation services to help athletes with injuries.
  • Creating fitness programs for children to promote a culture of health.
  • Leadership in the sports club group.
  • Equal pay for female athletes in professional sports to stop discrimination.
  • Increasing access to sporting opportunities for people with disabilities.
  • Preparing to be an effective follower in sports.
  • Detailed protocols to prevent and manage dangerous situations in sports.
  • Equipment-sharing programs to make sports activities more affordable.
  • Kids and sports: lack of professional sports guides.
  • Physical education programs in the schools to promote healthy lifestyles.
  • Recovery strategies to prevent burnout and overtraining of athletes.
  • Balancing college sports and academic mission.
  • Supportive team program to assist athletes in coping with eating disorders.
  • Monitoring systems to ensure safe and sustainable workloads.
  • Advertising campaign for online sports nutrition store.
  • Sports psychologists and their role in helping athletes with mental toughness.
  • Sponsorship programs to reduce individual financial pressure in the sports industry.

Creating a well-developed structure is vital for any writing assignment. That’s why we’ve prepared a detailed template with the elements of a good proposal.

Give your proposal a clear and unambiguous title. It should let the reader understand the key idea of your project.
The introduction should outline the purpose of your proposal and present a .
Describe the problem in detail and outline its history and importance.
This section should include the proposal itself. Explain how your suggested research or solution would address the problem and how you plan to implement it.
Consider problems you may encounter when implementing the proposed project and explain how you plan to solve them. Also, anticipate and respond to the objections that the recipients of your proposal may have.
In your conclusion, and add a call to action for the audience.
The reference list should include all the sources you’ve used in your work. You should format them according to your required citation style, like APA or MLA.

✍️ How to Make a Proposal Essay

Whether you are writing a proposal argument or a research proposal, the writing steps will be the same. Below are the steps you should take to complete this assignment.

This image shows how to write a proposal essay.

1. Choose Your Topic

Choosing a good topic is vital in writing a proposal essay. Select the subject you are interested in. This way, you’ll be more willing to invest your time and efforts into this project. In addition, ensure that your topic is narrow, specific, and significant. If your topic is too broad, reading background information can help you limit its scope.

2. Research

Find trustworthy sources with the information you can use to support your proposal. It will help you write the background section and highlight the importance of the problem. In addition, reliable sources will help you provide evidence justifying your chosen solution to the problem.

Developing a detailed outline helps ensure that your paper is logical and cohesive. The outline will let you see how you will link all of the facts to support the thesis statement. Also, it can save you time by identifying any gaps and weaknesses in your argument before you start writing your paper.

4. Draft Your Proposal Essay

When drafting your proposal, remember that it is a type of persuasive writing. It should present a project and encourage the reader to go along with a plan of action outlined in the paper. So, ensure your proposal is convincing, logical, and credible and considers the audience, purpose, and tone.

Start your essay by presenting the purpose and essence of your project. The main body of your proposal essay should contain background information on the problem and persuasive reasons to support your proposal. Finally, the conclusion should underline the significance of the issue and call the audience to action.

5. Revise and Edit

Carefully revise and edit your draft. Consider whether the problem is described concisely, the solution is complete, and your evidence is used appropriately. Also, read your work to find any grammar or spelling mistakes. If you still have doubts about your paper, you can ask your professor or classmate to read it and give their feedback.

📃 Sample of a Proposal Essay

To help you understand how a proposal essay is structured, we’ve prepared a topic proposal example. Check it out!

Equipping Schools with Recycling Bins for Environmental Preservation

The purpose of this proposal is to implement a school-wide recycling program by strategically placing recycling bins across the campus. This initiative will promote zero waste culture, ensure the school’s sustainability, and contribute to environmental preservation.

The school is a perfect place to develop environmental awareness because it has the opportunity to build students’ knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental issues. One way to do so is to teach students to avoid improper waste disposal through recycling.

The proposal involves procuring and placing recycling bins across the school, including classrooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces. In addition, educational campaigns will be held to raise awareness among students, staff, and parents about the significance of waste segregation and recycling. Regular monitoring and evaluation will ensure the program’s effectiveness.

Several problems may arise while implementing this project, including resistance to change and logistical concerns about bin placement. Some may also object to the proposal due to the costs associated with it. However, the resistance to change can be mitigated by educational campaigns. The bin placement problem can be solved by involving staff and students in determining the optimal locations for recycling bins. Finally, financial constraints can be addressed by seeking partnerships with local businesses and community organizations.

Equipping the school with recycling bins is a step toward a sustainable future. By reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices, our school can lead by example and inspire positive changes within the community. This initiative gives a chance to raise environmentally conscious students and contribute to a healthier planet. Let us embrace this program to foster a sustainable school environment.

❓ Proposal Topics FAQ

How to write a proposal for an essay topic.

  • Choose a topic.
  • Identify your thesis or research question.
  • Look for sources that you can use to support your thesis/research question.
  • Create a detailed outline.
  • Write the first draft.
  • Edit the finished paper to fix grammar or spelling mistakes and ensure coherence.

How to write a proposal essay introduction?

Start with an attention-grabbing hook to pique your audience’s curiosity. Then, summarize the details of the problem and outline the purpose of your proposed project. Finally, add a strong thesis statement, summarizing your suggested solution and giving a preview of your supporting arguments.

How to write a proposal argument essay?

  • Summarize the details of the problem and present the thesis.
  • Give a detailed history of the problem.
  • Present your proposal in detail.
  • Examine the contrasting viewpoints.
  • Sum up the main points of your essay.

What to write a proposal essay on?

Since you advocate for a change or a solution to a problem in your proposal essay, you should choose a topic you care about. You can write a proposal essay on virtually everything, from presenting a solution to climate change to implementing a community-based reading program or raising awareness about the importance of gut microbiota.

  • Topic Proposals | University of Hawaii
  • Selecting a Research Topic: Overview | MIT Libraries
  • Proposals | University of Mary Washington
  • Research Proposals | University of New Hampshire
  • 10 Major Social Problems That Could Be Fixed with Innovative Solutions | Listverse
  • How to Write a Topic Proposal | LUC Writing Center
  • The Art of Proposal Writing: Proposal as Genre | Graduate College at Illinois
  • Outline for Research Project Proposal | Portland State University
  • Tips for Successful Proposal Writing | University of California, Davis
  • How to Write a Good Postgraduate Research Proposal | The University of Edinburgh
  • Proposal Argument Topic Ideas | Classroom
  • What Is a Proposal Argument Essay? | Classroom
  • Proposal Argument Essay | Madigan Library at Penn College
  • Practical Proposal Essay Topics for Students | YourDictionary
  • How to Write a Proposal Essay/Paper | Owlcation
  • Guidelines for Proposal and Essay | York University
  • The Academic Proposal | University of Toronto
  • Writing Process: Creating a Proposal | Openstax
  • How to Write a Research Proposal | University of Sheffield
  • How To Write a Project Proposal (With Tips and Example) | Indeed

How to Write an Animal Testing Essay: Tips for Argumentative & Persuasive Papers

Descriptive essay topics: examples, outline, & more.

Simon Fraser University

  • Library Catalogue

Templates for structuring argumentative essays with practice exercises and solutions

On this page, thesis statement, referring to others’ work.

  • Using impersonal language

Agreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “They say” section

Disagreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “they say” section.

  • Agreeing and disagreeing simultaneously

My critics say

This page introduces a framework for writing argumentative/analytical essays, following a structure dubbed “They Say, I Say, My Critics Say, I Respond.” [1]

This page also includes a number of templates [2]   or examples that you may find helpful for writing argumentative/analytical essays. Keep in mind that it is possible to change the sequence of the framework sections. Also, the templates can be used interchangeably.

A principal element of an argumentative/analytical essay is the thesis statement.

A thesis statement is one or two sentences (maybe more in longer essays) typically occurring near the end of an essay introduction; it shows your position regarding the topic you are investigating or your answer(s) to the question(s) that you are responding to.

Here are some templates that may help you write an effective thesis statement:

  • In this paper, I argue that .......... because ..........
  • In the pages that follow, I will argue that .......... because ..........
  • Although/Even though .......... this essay argues that/I will argue that .......... because ..........
  • This paper attempts to show that ..........
  • This paper contests the claim that ..........
  • This paper argues that .......... 
  • The central thesis of this paper is ..........
  • In this essay, I attempt to defend the view that ..........

Thesis statement exercise and solutions

Imagine that you have been asked to write an argumentative essay about physical education in the Canadian high school system. Use one of the templates suggested to write a thesis statement about this topic.

  • In the pages that follow, I will argue that physical education in the Canadian high school system has been largely ineffective because it has remained limited in its range of exercises and has failed to connect with students’ actual interests, such a dance and martial arts.
  • This paper attempts to show that physical education is a crucial aspect of the Canadian high school system because many teenagers do not experience encouragement to do physical activity outside of school and contemporary life is increasingly sedentary for people of all ages.

The body of an essay usually begins by providing a background of the topic or a summary of the resources that you have reviewed (this is sometimes called a literature review). Here, you bring other people’s views into the paper. You want to show your readers what other scholars say (“they say”) about the topic, using techniques like paraphrasing, summarizing, and direct quotation.

You can start this section using one the following templates or examples to delve into the topic.

Previous

Several

studies of X

surveys of X

investigations of X

have

found ...

revealed ...

reported ...

identified ...

established ...

demonstrated ...

shown significant increases in ...

To date,

Thus far,

Until now,

several studies

previous studies

a number of studies

prior studies

have

used ...

found ...

reported ...

shown that...

indicated that ...

linked X with Y.

suggested that ...

demonstrated that ...

identified a link between ...

investigated the effects of...

confirmed the effectiveness of ...

attempted to evaluate the impact of …

They say exercise and solutions

Imagine that you are now trying to incorporate some sources into your academic paper about physical education in the Canadian high school system. Try using a couple of templates from the “They Say” section of the handout.

Bonus exercise: See if you can identify the “template” structure that each of the sentences below is using (hint, they are different from the templates provided above).

  • Brown (2018) rejects the idea that the levels of climate change we are currently seeing can be considered “natural” or “cyclical” (p. 108).
  • According to Marshall (2017), we can see evidence of both code-switching and code-meshing in students’ reflective essay writing (p. 88).
  • Previous studies of physical education have revealed that teenagers experience a significant degree of dissatisfaction with their gym classes (Wilson, 2010; Vowel et al, 1999; Mossman, 1986).
  • A number of studies conducted prior to the 1990s have demonstrated that teenagers used to experience more encouragement to engage in physical activities outside of school hours (Sohal, 1954; Silverman, 1965; Lu, 1970; Mossman, 1986).
  • Jones’ (2017) investigations of sedentariness among young people have shown significant increases in illness among teenagers who do not engage in regular physical activity.

After the background section (e.g., summary or literature review), you need to include your own position on the topic (“I say”). Tell your reader if, for instance, you agree, disagree, or even both agree and disagree with the work you have reviewed.

You can use one of the following templates or samples to bring your voice in:

  • It could be argued that ..........
  • It is evident/clear/obvious that the role of modern arts is ..........
  • Clearly/Evidently, the role of education is ..........
  • There is no little doubt that ..........
  • I agree (that) ..........
  • I support the view that ...........
  • I concur with the view that ..........
  • I disagree (that) ..........
  • I disagree with the view that ..........
  • I challenge/contest the view that ..........
  • I oppose/am opposed to ..........
  • I disagree with X’s view that .......... because, as recent research has shown, ..........
  • X contradicts herself/can’t have it both ways. On the one hand, she argues ........... On the other hand, she also says ..........
  • By focusing on .........., X overlooks the deeper problem of ..........
  • Although I agree with X up to a point, I cannot accept his overriding assumption that ..........
  • Although I disagree with much that X says, I fully endorse his final conclusion that ..........
  • Though I concede that .........., I still insist that ..........
  • X is right that .........., but she seems on more dubious ground that when she claims that ..........
  • While X is probably wrong when she claims tha ..........., she is right that ..........
  • Whereas X provides ample evidence that .........., Y and Z’s research on .......... and .......... convinces me that .......... instead.
  • I’m of two minds about X’s claim that ........... On the one hand, I agree that .......... On the other hand, I’m not sure if ..........
  • My feelings on the issue are mixed. I do support X’s position that .........., but I find Y’s argument about .......... and Z’s research on .......... to be equally persuasive.

I say exercises and solutions

Try using a template from each of the sections below to bring your own position into your writing:

  • Agreeing with what you’ve reviewed
  • Disagreeing with that you’ve reviewed

Using impersonal language There is little doubt that the teenage years are important for establishing life-long habits.

Agreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “They say” section I support the view, presented by Vowel et al (1999) that effective physical education needs to consider the heightened self-consciousness that many teenagers experience and, in particular, needs to be sensitive to the body image issues that can be pervasive among young people.

Disagreeing with what you’ve reviewed in the “They say” section By focusing on school physical education programs and their shortcomings, Wilson (2010) overlooks the deeper problem that young people are experiencing a lack of motivation to incorporate healthy exercise into their daily lives.

Agreeing and Disagreeing simultaneously Though I concede that school physical education programs are valuable, I still insist that they cannot be the sole or even the primary way that we promote an active lifestyle among young people.

In a good argumentative essay, in addition to expressing your position and argument, you should consider possible opposing views to your argument: refer to what your opponents say (“my critics say”) and why they may disagree with your argument.

Including the ideas of those who may disagree with you makes up the counterargument section of your paper. You can refer to actual people, including other research scholars who may disagree with you, or try and imagine what those who disagree with you might say.

Remember, a thesis should be debatable, so you should be able to imagine someone disagreeing you’re your position. Here are some templates that may help you in writing counterargument:

Opponents of ( )

Sociocultural theorists

Some, however,

Critics

One may offer a contrasting perspective

It might/may/could

may call this into question/may question this

might object here that...

might argue that my interpretation overlooks...

believe that...

and state that...

be argued that...

and would argue that…

 

My critics say exercise and solutions

Using one of the templates, try imagining a counterargument for the thesis you drafted earlier.

Sociocultural theorists used to believe that adolescence was a time of “natural defiance” (Fung, 1995) and therefore discounted the role of educational programs aimed at supporting teenagers to form healthy habits. Much of the focus of schooling therefore became about teaching specific content and skills.

Critics may call into question my assumption that effective physical education can help establish life-long healthy living habits.

After explaining what your opponents say, you have to refute them. This is sometimes called the rebuttal. Here, you can show your readers that your opponents either fail to provide enough evidence to support their argument or their evidence lacks credibility and/or is flawed.

This argument fails to

find

show

demonstrate

account for

acknowledge

a (any) benefit in ...

a (any) link between ...

a (any) correlation between ...

a (any) connection between ...

a (any) causal relationship between ...

a (any) consistent association between ...

a (any) statistically significant difference...

(any) convincing evidence of ...

(any) benefits associated with ...

 (any) support for the X hypothesis.

Alternatively, you may argue that your opponents’ argument is valid, but not persuasive enough to be used in your study, or that their argument could be valid in a different context.

This argument is

Vygotsky's (1978) sociocultural theory is

Although Piaget's (1936) theory of ………is

useful in the sense that………… 

extremely useful because……..

a comprehensive theory about….

However, …

However, I argue that…

I argue that….

While it is true that…

While I agree with sociocultural theory that…

Although Maslow's hierarchy can be a
useful tool for

 

I argue that…

I maintain that…

I disagree that…

Don’t forget that for each part of your argument, you must provide enough evidence for the claims that you make. This means that if you include one of these templates in your essays, you have to explain the evidence it presents in a way that is clear and convincing for your reader.

I respond exercise and solutions

Using one of the templates, craft a rebuttal to the counterargument you just created.

Sociocultural theorists used to believe that adolescence was a time of “natural defiance” (Fung, 1995) and therefore discounted the role of educational programs aimed at supporting teenagers to form healthy habits. Much of the focus of schooling therefore became about teaching specific content and skills. However, this argument fails to demonstrate that the defiance observed during adolescence was “natural” or inherent and not a product of a specific cultural environment. It therefore does not convince me that education during the adolescent years needs to remain rigidly focused on content and skills.

Critics may call into question my assumption that effective physical education can help establish life-long healthy living habits. While it is true that we cannot assume that physical education will automatically lead to the establishment of healthy habits, I maintain that the creation of such habits, rather than simply teaching specific physical education content or skills, should be the central goal of an effective physical education program.

Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2017). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing, with readings (3rd ed.). New York: Norton W. W. Company.

Marshall, S. (2017). Advance in academic writing: Integrating research, critical thinking, academic reading and writing. Toronto, Canada: Pearson Education ESL.

Morley, J. (2014). Academic phrasebank. Retrieved from http://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/

[1] Adapted from Graff and Birkenstein (2016).

[2] The templates used in this handout are adapted from Morley (2014), Marshall (2017), and Graff and Birkenstein (2016).

argument essay research project

How to Write a Research Proposal: (with Examples & Templates)

how to write a research proposal

Table of Contents

Before conducting a study, a research proposal should be created that outlines researchers’ plans and methodology and is submitted to the concerned evaluating organization or person. Creating a research proposal is an important step to ensure that researchers are on track and are moving forward as intended. A research proposal can be defined as a detailed plan or blueprint for the proposed research that you intend to undertake. It provides readers with a snapshot of your project by describing what you will investigate, why it is needed, and how you will conduct the research.  

Your research proposal should aim to explain to the readers why your research is relevant and original, that you understand the context and current scenario in the field, have the appropriate resources to conduct the research, and that the research is feasible given the usual constraints.  

This article will describe in detail the purpose and typical structure of a research proposal , along with examples and templates to help you ace this step in your research journey.  

What is a Research Proposal ?  

A research proposal¹ ,²  can be defined as a formal report that describes your proposed research, its objectives, methodology, implications, and other important details. Research proposals are the framework of your research and are used to obtain approvals or grants to conduct the study from various committees or organizations. Consequently, research proposals should convince readers of your study’s credibility, accuracy, achievability, practicality, and reproducibility.   

With research proposals , researchers usually aim to persuade the readers, funding agencies, educational institutions, and supervisors to approve the proposal. To achieve this, the report should be well structured with the objectives written in clear, understandable language devoid of jargon. A well-organized research proposal conveys to the readers or evaluators that the writer has thought out the research plan meticulously and has the resources to ensure timely completion.  

Purpose of Research Proposals  

A research proposal is a sales pitch and therefore should be detailed enough to convince your readers, who could be supervisors, ethics committees, universities, etc., that what you’re proposing has merit and is feasible . Research proposals can help students discuss their dissertation with their faculty or fulfill course requirements and also help researchers obtain funding. A well-structured proposal instills confidence among readers about your ability to conduct and complete the study as proposed.  

Research proposals can be written for several reasons:³  

  • To describe the importance of research in the specific topic  
  • Address any potential challenges you may encounter  
  • Showcase knowledge in the field and your ability to conduct a study  
  • Apply for a role at a research institute  
  • Convince a research supervisor or university that your research can satisfy the requirements of a degree program  
  • Highlight the importance of your research to organizations that may sponsor your project  
  • Identify implications of your project and how it can benefit the audience  

What Goes in a Research Proposal?    

Research proposals should aim to answer the three basic questions—what, why, and how.  

The What question should be answered by describing the specific subject being researched. It should typically include the objectives, the cohort details, and the location or setting.  

The Why question should be answered by describing the existing scenario of the subject, listing unanswered questions, identifying gaps in the existing research, and describing how your study can address these gaps, along with the implications and significance.  

The How question should be answered by describing the proposed research methodology, data analysis tools expected to be used, and other details to describe your proposed methodology.   

Research Proposal Example  

Here is a research proposal sample template (with examples) from the University of Rochester Medical Center. 4 The sections in all research proposals are essentially the same although different terminology and other specific sections may be used depending on the subject.  

Research Proposal Template

Structure of a Research Proposal  

If you want to know how to make a research proposal impactful, include the following components:¹  

1. Introduction  

This section provides a background of the study, including the research topic, what is already known about it and the gaps, and the significance of the proposed research.  

2. Literature review  

This section contains descriptions of all the previous relevant studies pertaining to the research topic. Every study cited should be described in a few sentences, starting with the general studies to the more specific ones. This section builds on the understanding gained by readers in the Introduction section and supports it by citing relevant prior literature, indicating to readers that you have thoroughly researched your subject.  

3. Objectives  

Once the background and gaps in the research topic have been established, authors must now state the aims of the research clearly. Hypotheses should be mentioned here. This section further helps readers understand what your study’s specific goals are.  

4. Research design and methodology  

Here, authors should clearly describe the methods they intend to use to achieve their proposed objectives. Important components of this section include the population and sample size, data collection and analysis methods and duration, statistical analysis software, measures to avoid bias (randomization, blinding), etc.  

5. Ethical considerations  

This refers to the protection of participants’ rights, such as the right to privacy, right to confidentiality, etc. Researchers need to obtain informed consent and institutional review approval by the required authorities and mention this clearly for transparency.  

6. Budget/funding  

Researchers should prepare their budget and include all expected expenditures. An additional allowance for contingencies such as delays should also be factored in.  

7. Appendices  

This section typically includes information that supports the research proposal and may include informed consent forms, questionnaires, participant information, measurement tools, etc.  

8. Citations  

argument essay research project

Important Tips for Writing a Research Proposal  

Writing a research proposal begins much before the actual task of writing. Planning the research proposal structure and content is an important stage, which if done efficiently, can help you seamlessly transition into the writing stage. 3,5  

The Planning Stage  

  • Manage your time efficiently. Plan to have the draft version ready at least two weeks before your deadline and the final version at least two to three days before the deadline.
  • What is the primary objective of your research?  
  • Will your research address any existing gap?  
  • What is the impact of your proposed research?  
  • Do people outside your field find your research applicable in other areas?  
  • If your research is unsuccessful, would there still be other useful research outcomes?  

  The Writing Stage  

  • Create an outline with main section headings that are typically used.  
  • Focus only on writing and getting your points across without worrying about the format of the research proposal , grammar, punctuation, etc. These can be fixed during the subsequent passes. Add details to each section heading you created in the beginning.   
  • Ensure your sentences are concise and use plain language. A research proposal usually contains about 2,000 to 4,000 words or four to seven pages.  
  • Don’t use too many technical terms and abbreviations assuming that the readers would know them. Define the abbreviations and technical terms.  
  • Ensure that the entire content is readable. Avoid using long paragraphs because they affect the continuity in reading. Break them into shorter paragraphs and introduce some white space for readability.  
  • Focus on only the major research issues and cite sources accordingly. Don’t include generic information or their sources in the literature review.  
  • Proofread your final document to ensure there are no grammatical errors so readers can enjoy a seamless, uninterrupted read.  
  • Use academic, scholarly language because it brings formality into a document.  
  • Ensure that your title is created using the keywords in the document and is neither too long and specific nor too short and general.  
  • Cite all sources appropriately to avoid plagiarism.  
  • Make sure that you follow guidelines, if provided. This includes rules as simple as using a specific font or a hyphen or en dash between numerical ranges.  
  • Ensure that you’ve answered all questions requested by the evaluating authority.  

Key Takeaways   

Here’s a summary of the main points about research proposals discussed in the previous sections:  

  • A research proposal is a document that outlines the details of a proposed study and is created by researchers to submit to evaluators who could be research institutions, universities, faculty, etc.  
  • Research proposals are usually about 2,000-4,000 words long, but this depends on the evaluating authority’s guidelines.  
  • A good research proposal ensures that you’ve done your background research and assessed the feasibility of the research.  
  • Research proposals have the following main sections—introduction, literature review, objectives, methodology, ethical considerations, and budget.  

argument essay research project

Frequently Asked Questions  

Q1. How is a research proposal evaluated?  

A1. In general, most evaluators, including universities, broadly use the following criteria to evaluate research proposals . 6  

  • Significance —Does the research address any important subject or issue, which may or may not be specific to the evaluator or university?  
  • Content and design —Is the proposed methodology appropriate to answer the research question? Are the objectives clear and well aligned with the proposed methodology?  
  • Sample size and selection —Is the target population or cohort size clearly mentioned? Is the sampling process used to select participants randomized, appropriate, and free of bias?  
  • Timing —Are the proposed data collection dates mentioned clearly? Is the project feasible given the specified resources and timeline?  
  • Data management and dissemination —Who will have access to the data? What is the plan for data analysis?  

Q2. What is the difference between the Introduction and Literature Review sections in a research proposal ?  

A2. The Introduction or Background section in a research proposal sets the context of the study by describing the current scenario of the subject and identifying the gaps and need for the research. A Literature Review, on the other hand, provides references to all prior relevant literature to help corroborate the gaps identified and the research need.  

Q3. How long should a research proposal be?  

A3. Research proposal lengths vary with the evaluating authority like universities or committees and also the subject. Here’s a table that lists the typical research proposal lengths for a few universities.  

     
  Arts programs  1,000-1,500 
University of Birmingham  Law School programs  2,500 
  PhD  2,500 
    2,000 
  Research degrees  2,000-3,500 

Q4. What are the common mistakes to avoid in a research proposal ?  

A4. Here are a few common mistakes that you must avoid while writing a research proposal . 7  

  • No clear objectives: Objectives should be clear, specific, and measurable for the easy understanding among readers.  
  • Incomplete or unconvincing background research: Background research usually includes a review of the current scenario of the particular industry and also a review of the previous literature on the subject. This helps readers understand your reasons for undertaking this research because you identified gaps in the existing research.  
  • Overlooking project feasibility: The project scope and estimates should be realistic considering the resources and time available.   
  • Neglecting the impact and significance of the study: In a research proposal , readers and evaluators look for the implications or significance of your research and how it contributes to the existing research. This information should always be included.  
  • Unstructured format of a research proposal : A well-structured document gives confidence to evaluators that you have read the guidelines carefully and are well organized in your approach, consequently affirming that you will be able to undertake the research as mentioned in your proposal.  
  • Ineffective writing style: The language used should be formal and grammatically correct. If required, editors could be consulted, including AI-based tools such as Paperpal , to refine the research proposal structure and language.  

Thus, a research proposal is an essential document that can help you promote your research and secure funds and grants for conducting your research. Consequently, it should be well written in clear language and include all essential details to convince the evaluators of your ability to conduct the research as proposed.  

This article has described all the important components of a research proposal and has also provided tips to improve your writing style. We hope all these tips will help you write a well-structured research proposal to ensure receipt of grants or any other purpose.  

References  

  • Sudheesh K, Duggappa DR, Nethra SS. How to write a research proposal? Indian J Anaesth. 2016;60(9):631-634. Accessed July 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5037942/  
  • Writing research proposals. Harvard College Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships. Harvard University. Accessed July 14, 2024. https://uraf.harvard.edu/apply-opportunities/app-components/essays/research-proposals  
  • What is a research proposal? Plus how to write one. Indeed website. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/research-proposal  
  • Research proposal template. University of Rochester Medical Center. Accessed July 16, 2024. https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/MediaLibraries/URMCMedia/pediatrics/research/documents/Research-proposal-Template.pdf  
  • Tips for successful proposal writing. Johns Hopkins University. Accessed July 17, 2024. https://research.jhu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Tips-for-Successful-Proposal-Writing.pdf  
  • Formal review of research proposals. Cornell University. Accessed July 18, 2024. https://irp.dpb.cornell.edu/surveys/survey-assessment-review-group/research-proposals  
  • 7 Mistakes you must avoid in your research proposal. Aveksana (via LinkedIn). Accessed July 17, 2024. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/7-mistakes-you-must-avoid-your-research-proposal-aveksana-cmtwf/  

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Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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APA format: Basic Guide for Researchers

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Incentives and Habit Formation in Health Screenings: Evidence from the Illinois Workplace Wellness Study

We study habit formation in annual biometric health screenings using a field experiment that randomly assigned financial incentives to 4,799 employees over three years. Completing the first screening raised subsequent screenings by 32.4-36.0 percentage points (84%-90%) annually. Habit formation was similar whether employees were offered screenings as part of a comprehensive wellness program or just screenings alone, suggesting such habits can develop without frequent interactions. We rule out inattention as an explanation, using a subsample assigned more salient incentives. The long-run effect stems from the initial decision to participate, indicating a habit formation process with a one-shot mechanism.

This research was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under award number R01AG050701; the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1730546; the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) North America U.S. Health Care Delivery Initiative; Evidence for Action (E4A), a program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; and the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

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