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Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

84. What Does Your Unique Style Say About You? 85. How Do You Spend Your Downtime? 86. Would You Want to Live to 200? 87. How Do You Connect to Your Heritage? 88. What Do You Think Are the Secrets to Happiness? 89. Are You a Sneakerhead? 90. What Role Have Mentors Played in Your Life? 91. If You Could Make Your Own Podcast, What Would It Be About? 92. Have You Ever Felt Pressure to ‘Sell Your Pain’? 93. Do You Think You Make Good Climate Choices? 94. What Does TikTok Mean to You? 95. Do Your Parents Overpraise You? 96. Do You Want to Travel in Space? 97. Do You Feel You’re Friends With Celebrities or Influencers You Follow Online? 98. Would You Eat Food Grown in a Lab? 99. What Makes You Cringe? 100. What Volunteer Work Would You Most Like to Do? 101. How Do You Respond When People Ask, ‘Where Are You From?’ 102. Has a School Assignment or Activity Ever Made You Uncomfortable? 103. How Does Your Identity Inform Your Political Beliefs and Values? 104. Are You an Orchid, a Tulip or a Dandelion? 105. Are You Having a Tough Time Maintaining Friendships These Days? 106. How Is Your Mental Health These Days? 107. Do You Love Writing or Receiving Letters? 108. What Has Television Taught You About Social Class? 109. Are You Easily Distracted? 110. What Objects Bring You Comfort? 111. What Is Your Favorite Memory of PBS? 112. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Your Parents? 113. What Are You Doing to Combat Pandemic Fatigue? 114. Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression? 115. What Do You Want Your Parents to Know About What It’s Like to Be a Teenager During the Pandemic? 116. How Have You Collaborated From a Distance During the Pandemic? 117. How Important Is It to You to Have Similar Political Beliefs to Your Family and Friends? 118. How Are You Feeling About Winter This Year? 119. Which Celebrity Performer Would You Like to Challenge to a Friendly Battle? 120. How Mentally Tough Are You? 121. What Smells Trigger Powerful Memories for You? 122. What Are You Thankful for This Year? 123. Do You Miss Hugs? 124. Are You a Good Conversationalist? 125. What Habits Have You Started or Left Behind in 2020? 126. What Was the Best Art and Culture You Experienced in 2020? 127. What’s Your Relationship With Masks? 128. What Role Does Religion Play in Your Life? 129. How Will You Be Celebrating the Holidays This Year? 130. What Is Something Good That Happened in 2020? 131. What New Flavor Ideas Do You Have for Your Favorite Foods? 132. What Are Your Hopes and Concerns for the New School Year? 133. How Has 2020 Challenged or Changed You? 134. What Do You Hope for Most in 2021? 135. How Do You View Death? 136. What Is Your Favorite Fact You Learned in 2020? 137. What Are the Places in the World That You Love Most? 138. Have You Ever Experienced ‘Impostor Syndrome’? 139. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 140. Do You Talk to Your Family About the Cost of College? 141. Do You Have a Healthy Diet? 142. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping? 143. Do You Believe in Manifesting? 144. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 145. What Are Your Family’s House Rules During the Covid Crisis? 146. What Online Communities Do You Participate In? 147. Have You Experienced Any Embarrassing Zoom Mishaps? 148. What Does Your Country’s National Anthem Mean to You? 149. Are Sports Just Not the Same Without Spectators in the Stands? 150. Would You Volunteer for a Covid-19 Vaccine Trial? 151. What ‘Old’ Technology Do You Think Is Cool? 152. Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something? 153. How Has the Pandemic Changed Your Relationship to Your Body? 154. How Do You Find New Books, Music, Movies or Television Shows? 155. Are You Nervous About Returning to Normal Life? 156. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 157. How Do You Talk With People Who Don’t Share Your Views? 158. Would You Want to Be a Teacher Someday? 159. What Would You Recommend That Is ‘Overlooked and Underappreciated’? 160. What Children’s Books Have Had the Biggest Impact on You? 161. What Is Your Gender Identity? 162. Have You Hit a Wall? 163. What Is the Code You Live By? 164. Do You Think You Have Experienced ‘Learning Loss’ During the Pandemic? 165. What Are the Most Memorable Things You’ve Seen or Experienced in Nature? 166. Do You Want to Have Children Someday? 167. What Have You Learned About Friendship This Year? 168. What Seemingly Mundane Feats Have You Accomplished? 169. Has a Celebrity Ever Convinced You to Do Something? 170. How Have You Commemorated Milestones During the Pandemic? 171. How Often Do You Read, Watch or Listen to Things Outside of Your Comfort Zone? 172. Do You Think You Live in a Political Bubble? 173. What Is Your Relationship With the Weight-Loss Industry? 174. What Have You Made This Year? 175. How Are You Right Now? 176. What Are You Grateful For?

Want more writing prompts?

You can find even more Student Opinion questions in our 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing , 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing and 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing . We also publish daily Picture Prompts , which are image-centered posts that provide space for many different kinds of writing. You can find all of our writing prompts, added as they publish, here .

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Ultimate guide to writing an opinion essay: 50 inspiring examples and topics, carla johnson.

• June 14, 2023
• Essay Topics and Ideas , How to Guides

An opinion essay is often given to students at all levels of schooling. In this type of essay, the writer has to say what they think about a certain topic or issue and back up their point with evidence and examples. Students should learn how to write opinion essays because they teach them how to think critically and how to explain and defend a point of view. Opinion essays are an important part of academic writing, but they are also a great way to learn persuasive communication skills that you can use in your personal and professional life. This article will tell you everything you need to know about how to write an opinion essay. It will also give you 50 examples and ideas to help you get started. We will talk about the basic structure of an opinion essay and how to make a strong argument and back it up with facts and examples.

This guide will give you the tools you need to learn how to write a good opinion essay, whether you are a student looking to improve your academic writing or a professional looking to improve your persuasive communication skills .

What You'll Learn

Understanding Opinion Essays

Opinion essays are a type of academic writing in which the writer has to say what they think about a certain topic or issue. In an opinion essay, the writer should back up their point of view with evidence and examples and try to get the reader to agree with them. The point of opinion essays is to teach students how to think critically and talk in a way that makes others want to agree with them. If students want to do well in school, on the job, and in their personal lives, they need to have these skills. Opinion essays are different from descriptive or narrative essays because the writer has to take a clear stance on a certain topic and back up their claim with evidence and examples. It’s also important to have a clear thesis statement that explains the writer’s point of view.

Elements of an Opinion Essay

An opinion essay typically includes the following elements:

1. Introduction paragraph : The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide background information on the topic. It should also include a clear thesis statement that outlines the writer’s position.

2. Body paragraphs: The body of the essay should provide supporting evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and should begin with a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement .

3. Supporting evidence and examples: It is important to use evidence and examples to support the writer’s argument. This can include statistics, facts, quotes, and personal experiences.

4. Counter arguments: It’s also important to address counter arguments or opposing viewpoints in an opinion essay. This shows the reader that the writer has considered alternative perspectives and has still arrived at their own position. Addressing counter arguments can also strengthen the writer’s position by showing that they have thought critically about the issue .

5. Conclusion paragraph: The conclusion should summarize the main points of the essay and restate the thesis statement . It should also leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Opinion essays are an important genre of academic writing that require critical thinking and persuasive communication skills. To write an effective opinion essay, it is important to have a clear thesis statement , use supporting evidence and examples, address counter arguments, and provide a strong conclusion. By mastering the elements of an opinion essay, students can develop their writing skills and become more effective communicators.

Writing Process of an Opinion Essay

Writing an opinion essay requires careful planning and organization. Here are the steps to follow when writing an opinion essay:

1. Pre-writing strategies: Before you start writing, it’s important to brainstorm ideas and gather information on your topic . This can include researching your topic , making a list of arguments and counterarguments, and creating a mind map or outline.

2. Outlining an opinion essay : Once you have gathered your ideas, create an outline to organize your thoughts and develop a clear structure for your essay . Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

3. Writing the introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention and provide some background information on the topic. It should end with a thesis statement that clearly states your position on the issue.

4. Developing body paragraphs: The body of the essay should provide supporting evidence and examples to support your argument. Each paragraph should focus on a single point and should begin with a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis statement.

5. Using evidence and examples to support your argument: Use evidence and examples to support your argument. This can include statistics, facts, quotes, and personal experiences.

6. Addressing counter arguments: It’s important to address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints in an opinion essay. This shows the reader that you have considered alternative perspectives and have still arrived at your own position. Addressing counter arguments can also strengthen your position by showing that you have thought critically about theissue.

7. Writing the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points of your essay and restate your thesis statement . It should also leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Tips and Techniques for Writing a Strong Opinion Essay

To write a strong opinion essay, follow these tips and techniques:

1. Writing with clarity and precision: Use clear and concise language to express your ideas. Avoid using too many complex words or phrases that may confuse the reader.

2. Crafting an effective thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be clear and concise, and it should clearly state your position on the issue.

3. Using transitional words and phrases: Use transitional words and phrases to connect your ideas and make your essay flow smoothly. Examples include “however,” “on the other hand,” and “in addition.”

4. Avoiding logical fallacies: Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning that can weaken your argument. Examples include ad hominem attacks, straw man arguments, and false causality.

5. Editing and proofreading: After you have written your essay, take the time to edit and proofread it carefully. Look for spelling and grammar errors, and make sure that your ideas are presented clearly and logically.

Writing an opinion essay requires careful planning, organization, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined above and using the tips and techniques provided, you can craft a strong and persuasive opinion essay that effectively communicates your position on the issue at hand.

10 Inspiring Opinion Essay Examples

To help you understand what makes a strong opinion essay, here are 10 examples of well-written opinion essays, along with a detailed analysis of what makes each essay effective:

1. “The Benefits of a Vegetarian Diet” by Jane Smith

2. The Importance of Early Childhood Education” by John Doe

3. The Negative Effects of Social Media on Teenagers” by Sarah Johnson

4. The Pros and Cons of Online Learning” by Tom Brown

5. “The Need for Stricter Gun Control Laws” by Emily Davis

6. “The Ethics of Animal Testing” by Rachel Lee

7. The Benefits of Exercise for Mental Health” by David Nguyen

8. “The Importance of Diversity in the Workplace” by Maria Hernandez

9. The Harmful Effects of Plastic Pollution on the Environment” by Alex Lee

10. The Need for Universal Healthcare in the United States” by Samantha Jones

Each of these essays effectively communicates the writer’s position on a particular issue and provides strong supporting evidence and examples. By analyzing these essays , you can learn important lessons about how to effectively structure and develop an opinion essay.

50 Opinion Essay Topics That Will Impress Your Professors

To help you choose a topic for your opinion essay, here are 50 unique and engaging opinion essay topics that are relevant and important:

1. The impact of social media on interpersonal communication

2. The benefits and drawbacks of homeschooling

3. The role of technology in modern education

4. The need for stricter penalties for hate crimes

5. The impact of climate change on the global economy

6. The ethics of genetically modified foods

7. The impact of automation on jobs and the workforce

8. The effects of video games on children’s behavior

9. The need for better mental health support in schools

10. The benefits and drawbacks of remote work

11. The impact of social media on mental health

12. The need for stronger anti-bullying policies in schools

13. The effects of the gig economy on workers’ rights

14. The benefits and drawbacks of artificial intelligence

15. The impact of fast fashion on the environment

16. The ethics of animal agriculture

17. The need for more affordable housing in urban areas

18. The impact of immigration on local communities

19. The effects of screen time on children’s development

20. The need for stronger gun control laws

21. The impact of social media on political discourse

22. The benefits and drawbacks of renewable energy sources

23. The need for stronger anti-discrimination laws

24. The effects of legalization of marijuana on society

25. The impact of automation on the environment

26. The ethics of human cloning

27. The need for more accessible healthcare in rural areas

28. The effects of income inequality on society

29. The benefits and drawbacks of online dating

30. The impact of virtual reality on society

31. The need for stronger data privacy laws

32. The ethics of artificial intelligence in decision-making

33. The effects of social media on democracy

34. The impact of globalization on local economies

35. The benefits and drawbacks of autonomous vehicles

36. The need for stronger measures to combat cyberbullying

37. The effects of air pollution on public health

38. The ethics of euthanasia and assisted suicide

39. The impact of the sharing economy on traditional industries

40. The need for better access to mental health care for veterans

41. The benefits and drawbacks of cryptocurrency

42. The impact of space exploration on society

43. The ethics of gene editing

44. The need for stronger measures to combat human trafficking

45. The effects of social media on body image and self-esteem

46. The impact of automation on the future of work

47. The benefits and drawbacks of a cashless society

48. The need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence

49. The effects of social media on relationships

50. The impact of artificial intelligence on education

Choose a topic for your opinion essay that is important to you and about which you have strong feelings. Use the ideas and tips in this article to come up with a strong argument and back it up with proof and examples . With these tools, you can write a great opinion essay that will impress your professors and get your point across clearly.

1. What is the difference between an opinion essay and a persuasive essay?

An opinion essay and a persuasive essay are similar in that they both require the writer to express their viewpoint on a particular topic or issue. However, a persuasive essay is more focused on convincing the reader to take a particular action or adopt a particular viewpoint, while an opinion essay is more focused on expressing the writer’s personal perspective on the issue.

2. Can I include personal anecdotes in my opinion essay?

Yes, personal anecdotes can be a powerful tool for supporting your argument and making your essay more engaging. However, it’s important to ensure that your anecdotes are relevant to the topic and that they support your overall argument .

3. How do I address counterarguments in my essay?

To address counterarguments in your essay, consider presenting them in a separate paragraph or section of your essay . Then, explain why you disagree with the counterargument and provide evidence and examples to support your position.

4. How do I choose a topic for my opinion essay?

Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you have a strong opinion on. Consider current events , social issues, or topics related to your field of study.

5. What is the recommended length for an opinion essay?

The length of an opinion essay can vary depending on the assignment requirements. However, a typical opinion essay is usually around 500-800 words.

6. What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing an opinion essay?

When writing an opinion essay, some common mistakes to avoid are not having a clear thesis statement, using weak or irrelevant evidence to back up your argument, not addressing counterarguments, and not proofreading your essay for mistakes. It’s important to take the time to carefully plan and edit your essay to make sure it clearly shows your point of view and gives strong evidence and examples to back up your argument.

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170 Opinion Essay Topics to Choose in 2023 for Your Writings

• by Lesley V.
• August 16, 2023 November 10, 2023

Whether in high school or college, opinion writing prompts will follow you. This essay type is a must to master:

Teachers will assign oped papers to check your critical thinking skills. They want to ensure you know how to build arguments and prove your point of view. Academic writing skills are also here: Opinion essays have a structure (1) to follow.

In this article, you’ll find a massive list of good opinion essay topics and ideas to consider for your work. All are strong, divided by subject, and with actionable writing tips to get an A+ for your piece.

What Is an Opinion Essay?

Op-ed essays are formal, representing an author’s personal take on a specific subject. They aren’t about college work only. You could see op-ed posts on social media or journalistic articles in newspapers.

In academia, you’ll also need to mention the opposite point of view in opinion essays. The final paragraph before a conclusion should contain counterarguments (for a fuller discussion).

How to Choose Good Opinion Essay Topics

While teachers can assign a topic for op-ed writing, college students often have freedom of choice here. And that’s where a challenge comes in:

How to choose a good opinion essay topic? How to ensure it’s controversial enough to trigger a discussion? Is it possible to know of it gives you enough argumentation and evidence to support your point?

What is a Good Topic for an Opinion Paper?

Good opinion writing topics have 3 specific characteristics:

• They allow you to develop a strong thesis statement (2).
• You can find enough facts to support your point: examples, reliable sources, quotes, etc.
• They have opposite viewpoints . Avoid topics presenting the ultimate truth: There’s nothing to discuss there.

How to Choose Your Perfect Opinion Writing Prompt?

Opinion essay topics are many. Follow these 5 steps when choosing yours:

• Recheck the requirements. How long should your essay be? Do you need to cover a single issue or discuss a few? Depending on the prompt, not all topics may appear to be appropriate.
• Consider the audience. Who’ll read your paper? Do you write for everyone or a specific group? Choose topics that are relevant and interesting to whom you’ll write.
• Remember about your interests, too. Consider issues of your knowledge and passion. Write about something bothering or exciting you: Such opinion essay topics are easier to craft.
• Recheck the essay’s purpose. Will it educate, persuade, or entertain readers? It can help you narrow down the topic choices.
• Do pre-research. Check if you can find enough sources with reliable information on your chosen topic. Will you have evidence to support your point if writing on this?

Opinion Essay Writing Tips: Start With Easy Prompts

When choosing opinion essay topics, remember you’ll need to structure your paper on it. It’s an academic paper, so please follow the format requirements . Also, you’ll need to cover all the questions related to your chosen topic.

The below writing tips will help ensure you’ve chosen a proper op-ed idea for your essay:

• Brainstorm several topics before writing. Which one does meet the prompt’s requirements best?
• Research . Are there other people investigating and discussing your chosen issue? Will you have enough supporting evidence to use throughout the paper?
• Choose a side . What point of view will you support about the topic?
• Develop a strong thesis and think of arguments you’ll use to prove it.
• Remember to mention an opposite viewpoint. What counterarguments do your opponents have? Choose controversial topics, open to discussions.

20 Opinion Topics to Practice Your Writing Skills

Below are 20 elementary topics teachers assign for 5th-grade or for middle school students. They are easy opinion essay topics to practice writing. Also, they are great to consider when you have no idea what to write about in your piece:

Opinion Essay Topics: Choose Yours And Get A+

So, now you have them: 170 topics for opinion writing! Choose yours:

• Consider the prompt requirements and the target audience of your paper.
• Check if you have enough arguments and evidence to state and support a thesis in the paper.
• Choose a topic that interests you but with counterarguments to add to a paper for discussion.

Which opinion essay topics from the list above have you already covered? And which one would you choose for your next paper or article?

References:

• https://writingcenter.fas.harvard.edu/pages/essay-structure
• https://www.vwu.edu/academics/academic-support/learning-center/pdfs/Thesis-Statement.pdf
• https://www.jscc.edu/academics/programs/writing-center/writing-resources/five-paragraph-essay.html

6 thoughts on “170 Opinion Essay Topics to Choose in 2023 for Your Writings”

Wow! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely different topic but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Outstanding choice of colors!

Thank you for providing me with these article examples!

Nice blog! I love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I am wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I’ve subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have a nice day!

Your articles are extremely helpful to me. May I ask for more information?

Thank you for providing so many examples! Now I know what to write in my next paper. 🙂

Many thanks for this list! It’s my top struggle – to decide on a topic for my next essay or article. You’ve nailed it! All the best!

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Lori Ballen

Digital Marketing Strategies

65 Opinion Writing Prompts that Get Results

Writing / September 15, 2023 by Lori Ballen / Leave a Comment

This website contains affiliate links and offers that benefit Lori Ballen with no additional cost to you.

Opinion writing is a powerful tool that equips students with critical thinking, communication skills, and the confidence to express their ideas and opinions on a wide range of topics. Can you imagine the intellectual growth and vibrant discussions that would follow if every student could effectively communicate their perspective on subjects such as climate change or their favorite sports team?

Table of Contents

In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of opinion writing, exploring its importance, the difference between opinion writing and persuasive writing, and providing a treasure trove of stimulating opinion writing prompts covering current events, personal interests, and school life. So buckle up and let’s embark on a journey that will ignite your passion for opinion writing!

Key Takeaways

• Opinion writing has the power to sharpen students’ skills, stimulate critical thinking and provide an outlet for self-expression.
• Explore diverse perspectives & build reasoned arguments to strengthen opinion writing skills & craft persuasive essays.
• Stimulating prompts cover current events, social issues, hobbies and personal interests – encouraging open dialogue & respectful debates!

The Power of Opinion Writing

Opinion writing is invaluable for students because it sharpens their writing abilities, encourages critical thinking, and provides a platform for self-expression. Imagine a classroom where every student feels confident discussing controversial topics, such as the question “should video games be allowed in schools?” The result would be an environment that cultivates intellectual curiosity and fosters a love for learning.

Persuasive writing aims to sway the reader towards the writer’s viewpoint, while opinion writing focuses on students expressing their individual beliefs and substantiating them with solid arguments. The ability to articulate strong opinions and back them up with evidence is an essential skill that will serve students well throughout their academic and professional lives.

Embracing Diverse Perspectives

To embrace diverse perspectives, you should be open to various ideas and consider them thoughtfully while forming your opinions. This process can lead to a deeper understanding of the issue at hand and a more informed and open-minded perspective, which is especially important for high school students as they prepare for their future.

Reading articles from various sources and listening to alternate viewpoints is an effective method to consider different perspectives. For example, when forming an opinion on school sports and their impact on students, it’s important to consider the perspectives of:

• student athletes

By exploring diverse perspectives, students can develop more well-rounded opinions and engage in richer classroom discussions.

Building Reasoned Arguments

The aim of providing evidence and reasoning in opinion writing is to bolster the writer’s opinion and persuade the reader to agree with it. For instance, when discussing the pros and cons of being an only child, a well-supported argument can be far more convincing than a simple statement of personal preference.

Opinion writing can help students develop their personal opinions, provide supportive reasons, think critically, and use evidence. It also hones their skills in presenting logical reasoning and persuasive arguments. Engaging in opinion writing allows students to:

• Construct stronger, well-reasoned arguments on a variety of topics, like the effectiveness of e-learning
• Strengthen their opinion writing skills
• Improve their overall academic performance

Opinion Writing vs Persuasive Writing

Upon initial observation, opinion writing and persuasive writing might appear similar; yet, a significant difference exists between them. Opinion writing is about expressing your viewpoint and elucidating why you feel or think that way, whereas persuasive writing is focused on persuading others that your opinion is accurate.

For example, in an opinion essay about your favorite song, you would share your thoughts and feelings about the song and explain why it resonates with you. In a persuasive piece, on the other hand, you would strive to convince your readers that your favorite song is the best one out there. Both styles of writing require strong opinions, but opinion writing places a greater emphasis on personal beliefs and experiences.

Stimulating Opinion Writing Prompts

One of the most effective ways to engage students in opinion writing is to provide them with thought-provoking prompts that span a wide range of topics and interests. From current events to personal passions, these prompts will ignite students’ creativity and encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas.

The subsequent sections will delve into three categories of prompts, namely current events and social issues, hobbies and personal interests, and school life and extracurricular activities. Each category offers a variety of prompts that will challenge students to think critically, develop their own opinions, and hone their writing skills.

Current Events and Social Issues

Current events and social issues offer a treasure trove of fascinating topics for opinion writing. By engaging with these subjects, students can develop their understanding of the world, form well-informed opinions, and participate in meaningful conversations about important matters.

Thought-provoking opinion writing prompts related to current events and social issues can be found in a well-written blog post. These prompts include topics such as climate change, gun control, and immigration, encouraging students to explore new perspectives, engage with complex issues, and develop empathy for others.

Expressing their viewpoints on current events and social issues, students express their potential to impact the world and influence their future as students perform in various activities.

Hobbies and Personal Interests

Opinion writing prompts about hobbies, personal interests, and favorite pastimes allow students to explore their preferences and passions. These prompts encourage students to reflect on their own experiences and share what makes them unique.

Examples of engaging prompts related to hobbies and personal interests include:

• Writing about the ultimate vacation spot
• The all-time greatest movie
• The most thrilling sport to play
• Your favorite board game
• The best T.V. show right now

Connecting with their personal interests can make students feel more invested in their writing, thereby enhancing their enjoyment of crafting opinion essays and allowing their creative juices to flow. By expressing their own opinion, students can develop a deeper connection to the topic at hand.

School Life and Extracurricular Activities

Prompts related to school experiences, extracurricular activities, and educational policies provide students with an opportunity to engage with topics that directly impact their lives. These prompts can inspire passionate discussions and encourage students to think critically about their educational experiences.

Examples of school life and extracurricular activities prompts include debating the merits of homework, discussing the pros and cons of school uniforms, and exploring the effectiveness of online learning. Engaging with these topics can provide students with a deeper understanding of their educational environment and help them form well-reasoned opinions on the issues that are most significant to them.

Tools and Resources for Opinion Writing

In addition to engaging prompts, there are a variety of tools and resources available that can assist students in improving their opinion writing skills. These resources can provide guidance, inspiration, and feedback to help students take their writing to the next level.

In the following subsections, we’ll explore some of these helpful tools and resources, including mentor texts and examples, as well as assessment and feedback tools. Utilizing these resources can bolster students’ confidence in their opinion writing abilities and equip them better for meaningful classroom discussions.

Mentor Texts and Examples

Mentor texts and examples can serve as valuable references for students when writing their opinion essays. These texts demonstrate how to craft an opinion piece effectively and provide an understanding of the elements of opinion writing. They can inspire students and guide them in their own writing endeavors.

Some excellent mentor texts for teaching opinion writing include:

• “The Case for and Against Homework” by Etta Kralovec and John Buell
• “The Benefits of Year-Round School” by Jennifer Brozak
• “The Pros and Cons of Social Media” by Sarah Miller

Studying these examples can provide students with insight into the structure, style, and substance of effective opinion essays, which they can then apply to their own writing.

Assessment and Feedback Tools

Assessment and feedback tools, such as WriQ, can help students enhance their writing abilities by pinpointing areas where they can refine their writing, such as grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure. These tools can also provide feedback on the overall structure and content of their writing, enabling them to take their writing to the next level.

Some other great assessment tools to consider include Teachers Pay Teachers, Thoughtful Learning, and ELLii. These resources can empower students to become more confident in their opinion writing skills and better equipped to tackle various aspects of their education.

Encouraging Open Dialogue and Respectful Debates

Creating an environment where students feel comfortable expressing their opinions and engaging in respectful debates with their peers is essential for encouraging critical thinking, promoting understanding of different perspectives, and helping students develop empathy. An open and respectful classroom atmosphere can foster meaningful conversations and inspire students to explore new ideas.

Teachers can foster open dialogue and respectful debates by creating a safe and supportive environment, modeling respectful behaviour, and encouraging students to actively listen to each other. By promoting a culture of open discussion, students can develop their critical thinking skills, broaden their perspectives, and become more empathetic individuals.

Tips for Effective Opinion Writing

Providing students with practical tips and strategies is crucial in helping them improve their opinion writing skills. Some key points to consider include conducting thorough research, organizing ideas effectively, and editing for clarity and conciseness. Incorporating these tips into their writing process can enable students to compose more engaging and persuasive opinion essays.

In addition to these tips, students should also strive to:

• Express their opinions early in their writing
• Connect their opinions to the subject
• Uncover unique facts to support their arguments
• Avoid stating the obvious
• Tailor their writing to their audience

Following these guidelines can boost students’ confidence in their opinion writing abilities and aid them in excelling in their academic pursuits.

Opinion Writing Prompts

The main purpose of opinion writing is to effectively communicate and persuade the reader to share the writer’s opinion.

(1) In today’s world, many people feel that technology is moving too quickly. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

2) As reading on screens becomes more common, many people are concerned that our society will become less literate and knowledgeable. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

3) When it comes to watching television, most viewers enjoy using their DVRs to skip commercials. What are some benefits of watching television with the use of DVRs?

4) An increasing number of people now believe that obesity is a public health crisis in America. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

5) Some teachers say using technology for long periods during class time is distracting to students and inhibits their learning. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

6) In today’s world, many people feel that technology is moving too quickly. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

7) As reading on screens becomes more common, many people are concerned that our society will become less literate and knowledgeable. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

8) When it comes to watching television, most viewers enjoy using their DVRs to skip commercials. What are some benefits of watching television with the use of DVRs?

9) An increasing number of people now believe that obesity is a public health crisis in America. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

10) Some teachers say using technology for long periods during class time is distracting to students and inhibits their learning. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

11) There are plenty of people who believe that violent video games are just as bad for children as smoking cigarettes. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

12) Many parents think that too many educational toys can be detrimental to their child’s learning. Others say these toys help children develop important skills. Which do you think is true?

14) When children are young, most parents believe that they should be spanked for misbehaving. Do you think that children should ever be spanked?

15) Some people claim that popular music is no longer about talent and has lost its value as an art form. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

16) Miley Cyrus is an extremely popular celebrity. Many people think that Miley’s behavior has become increasingly inappropriate over the years. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

17) Children are often told not to play with their food, but children who do usually have more fun eating it. Does playing with your food make it taste better?

18) Some people say that there is no longer any originality in Hollywood. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

19) Many people think that “talking” toys are a good idea, but children should never play alone with a stuffed animal. Do you agree or disagree? Why?

20) Teachers who take their students on field trips say they are very helpful. Do you think that field trips are essential to a good education?

21) Some people believe that children should never be left at home alone before the age of 14. Other parents say it is fine for kids as young as 10 to stay home alone after school until their parents get home from work. Do you agree or disagree that 10-year olds can be left alone after school until their parents get home? Why or why not?

22) Many people use social media websites regularly, but some feel these websites are detrimental to society. What are some negative aspects of using sites like Facebook regularly?

23) Although most people have become more health-conscious in recent years, many still drink soda regularly which is high in sugar and caffeine. Which do you think is worse for your health, soda or coffee?

24) Many people believe that talking on a cell phone while driving endangers the lives of drivers and their passengers. What are some ways to reduce this danger when possible?

25) Some say that having robots in nursing homes would be beneficial because they could help with difficult tasks. Do you agree or disagree with this view? Why or why not?

26) Many people think it’s harmful to eat at fast-food restaurants regularly because these establishments use poor quality ingredients, etc. On the other hand, others say that it’s fine to eat fast food occasionally because there are times when one just needs to grab a quick bite between activities/appointments and cooking would take too much time. Which do you agree with more? Why?

27) For some people, using their smartphones during family dinners is considered disrespectful of the time together. Do you think this attitude is warranted or not?

28) Many parents believe that playing sports in school is vital for social development. Others are concerned that children who spend too many hours on sports are missing out of important opportunities to develop other skills. What are your thoughts on these opposing views of extracurricular activities?

29) A new study says that high-fructose corn syrup can lead to an increase in obesity, but there’s no conclusive evidence that it’s harmful to one’s health. Do you agree with the study’s findings? Why or why not?

30) Some people say that students should never use Wikipedia as a source for research papers. Do you think it is acceptable to use Wikipedia for this purpose, or do you agree with those who oppose it? Why?

31) Watching TV shows and movies depicting violence can desensitize viewers to the real thing. What are some examples of shows or movies that can have this effect on people?

32) Many people think that drive-through windows at restaurants are convenient, but they increase the risk of contamination by allowing orders to be prepared ahead of time. Do you agree with these opposing views? Why or why not?

33) Spending time outdoors in nature is becoming less popular among people of the younger generations. What are some possible reasons for this trend?

34) Some people think that using a cell phone while driving is a dangerous habit, while others think that it’s not any more dangerous than eating or drinking in a car. Are you in agreement with either of these two opinions? Why or why not?

35) In general, do you agree with the idea that women should earn less money than men because they typically work fewer hours outside the home?

36) Many people agree that it’s not necessary to be in a committed relationship in order to have children. Given this attitude, do you think the number of single mothers will increase? Why or why not?

37) Some people believe that cell phones should be banned from all classrooms, while others say that phones can actually benefit learning environments. What are some ways that using cell phones can help students perform better academically and personally?

38) Most people agree that driving through city streets is more complicated than driving on freeways. However, some people argue that driving around town isn’t as difficult as it seems because slower speeds give drivers more time to react if need be. Do you agree with one of these opinions over the other? Why or why not?

39) Should a woman be paid equally for doing the same job as a man who has more experience? Why or why not?

40) Some people say that students should study one hour for each grade level, while others argue that this rule isn’t necessary. What are your thoughts on these two opposing views?

41) Many people believe that it’s possible to be both fit and overweight at the same time. Do you agree with this idea, or do you think being fit requires maintaining a healthy weight?

42) It’s common for teenagers to spend less time reading than they did in previous generations because of technology. However, many experts claim that young adults need to read more often in order to become good writers. Do you agree with this statement or do you think technology is more important in developing writing skills?

43) Some people say that teens should never lie to their parents, while others argue that there are some situations when it’s acceptable. For example, the teen might not be in trouble for asking a question or may have uncovered something that makes them believe they need to lie for their own safety. Do you agree with one of these points of view over the other? Why or why not?

44) Some people say that men are better at reading maps because they are taught from an early age to read directions and street signs. However, others claim that women are actually better at both reading maps and finding their way around new cities because they typically pay attention to various landmarks along the way. Do you agree with one of these two opinions over the other? Why or whynot?

45) Many people are beginning to realize that violence in movies doesn’t lead to more violence in real life. However, some experts claim that there’s still a link between violent movies and aggression. Based on your own experience and knowledge about this issue, do you think movies can cause aggressive behavior in viewers?

46) Some teenagers believe that they will be able to afford anything they want as long as their parents pay for it. Other teens understand that even though their parents may help them out financially, they cannot expect money whenever they ask for it. Which opinion seems more accurate to you based on what you about parenting and teens today?

47) A growing number of people believe that elderly parents should be allowed to live on their own as long as they are healthy and feel comfortable doing so. In your opinion, do elderly parents have the right to disagree with their children about where they should live? Why or why not?

48) Some people think that online education provides an equal learning experience as traditional classroom experiences, while others argue that there’s something special about being able to interact with other students and a teacher face-to-face. Do you agree with one of these opinions over the other? Why or why not?

49) Many employers understand that potential employees will more likely succeed if they have a work-life balance rather than working all hours of the day and night. Do you agree with one of these points of view over the other? Why or why not?

50) Many people believe that students should learn foreign languages in order to succeed in their careers, while others argue that knowing a second language isn’t as important as having skills like computer literacy. Which opinion do you think is more accurate?

51) Some people say that children will grow up to be productive members of society if they go through an organized sports program at an early age, while others claim that children who aren’t athletically inclined can still lead healthy lives without participating in team sports. Do you agree with one of these opinions over the other? Why or why not?

52) A growing number of people believe that the use of marijuana should be legalized. However, many others claim that legalizing marijuana will lead to increased drug addiction in America. Which opinion do you agree with more? Why or why not?

53) Some experts believe that exercise is necessary for maintaining good health, while others argue that it’s possible to have a healthy diet without performing any kind of physical exertion. Based on your knowledge of this issue, which opinion do you think is most accurate about exercise?

54) Most people are aware of the dangers associated with smoking cigarettes and other tobacco products. However, some teens believe that it’s okay to smoke because they feel confident they can avoid developing a nicotine addiction. Why or why not?

55) Many experts claim that young children should be exposed to a variety of foods and flavors in their diets because it will help them develop healthier eating habits for life. Do you agree with one of these opinions over the other? Why or why not?

56) Some people believe that adults should be required to learn English before they move to America, while others feel that it’s possible for immigrants to integrate into an English-speaking society even if they don’t know the language. Which opinion do you think is accurate based on what you’ve learned about immigration issues today?

57) A growing number of experts believe that standardized tests are unfair to students who don’t have access to private tutoring programs. Do you agree with one of these points of view over the other? Why or why not?

58) Most people understand that a variety of factors can influence a person’s weight, but some believe that it is possible to be overweight simply because someone eats too much and doesn’t exercise enough. Which opinion do you agree with more? Why or why not?

59) A growing number of parents think that there is such thing as teaching too early when it comes to learning complicated academic skills like reading and math before elementary school age. However, others feel that children aren’t given enough opportunities to learn new skills in overcrowded classrooms. Do you agree with one of these opinions over the other? Why or why not?

60) Many experts believe that children will grow up to be productive members of society if they are exposed to a variety of activities outside of school, while others argue that parents should spend most of their time encouraging kids to excel only in the activities that provide academic credentials. Which opinion do you think is more accurate?

61) A new study claims that people get better results when they meditate for ten minutes before beginning an exercise program rather than waiting until after exercising. Do you agree with one of these points of view over the other? Why or why not?

62) Some experts suggest that students benefit from restorative practices like meditation in order to stay focused and emotionally balanced in stressful environments, while others feel that traditional methods like discipline, rewards, and punishments are the only effective ways to achieve educational goals. Which opinion do you agree with more? Why or why not?

63) A growing number of parents have begun homeschooling their families in order to protect them from the risks associated with peer pressure for activities like drugs, and violence in public schools. However, other parents feel that it’s important for children to learn how to manage potential dangers in social situations when they are supervised by adults. Do you agree with one of these opinions over the other? Why or why not?

64) Schools across America require students to provide proof of vaccinations before entering kindergarten; however, many people believe that this practice places an unfair burden on certain families who may not be able to afford the necessary vaccinations or live in an area where they are not accessible. Which opinion do you think is more accurate based on what you’ve learned about this controversial issue?

65) While most teachers encourage students to work hard at school so they can attend college later in life, some research has suggested that many young people might be happier and more successful if they chose to pursue a career that didn’t require a college degree. Which opinion do you think is most accurate based on the information that has been shared about school and future success?

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The New York Times

The learning network | 200 prompts for argumentative writing.

200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

Updated, March 2, 2017 | We published an updated version of this list, “401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing,” as well as a companion piece, “650 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing.” We also now have a PDF of these 200 prompts .

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter and get five new Student Opinion questions delivered to you every week.

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

Our annual Student Editorial Contest invites you to write an evidence-based persuasive piece on an issue that matters to you. To help jump-start your brainstorming, we have gathered a list of 200 writing prompts from our daily Student Opinion feature that invite you to take a stand.

Though you won’t be limited to these topics for the contest, you’ll see that our list touches on every aspect of modern life, from politics to sports, culture, education and technology. We hope the range inspires you, and we hope the fact that each question links to at least one related Times article gives you a starting point for finding evidence.

So skim the list below to think about the topic you’d most like to take on.

For more information, here are links to our spring 2014 editorial-writing contest , a list of winners from that contest and a related lesson plan on argumentative writing .

• Is Cheating Getting Worse?
• Should Students Be Able to Grade Their Teachers?
• Does Your School Hand Out Too Many A’s?
• Should Middle School Students Be Drug Tested?
• Should Reading and Math Be Taught in Gym Class Too?
• How Seriously Should We Take Standardized Tests?
• How Well Do You Think Standardized Tests Measure Your Abilities?
• Do You Spend Too Much Time Preparing for Standardized Tests?
• Should Schools Offer Cash Bonuses for Good Test Scores?
• Should We Rethink How Long Students Spend in High School?
• Do Schools Provide Students With Enough Opportunities to Be Creative?
• What Are You Really Learning at School?
• How Important Is Arts Education?
• Does Gym Help Students Perform Better in All Their Classes?
• Who Should Be Able to See Students’ Records?
• Are Children of Illegal Immigrants Entitled to a Public Education?
• What Is the Right Amount of Group Work in School?
• Is Your School Day Too Short?
• Do You Think a Longer School Calendar Is a Good Idea?
• Should the Dropout Age Be Raised?
• Should Students Be Allowed to Skip Senior Year of High School?
• How Does Your School Deal With Students Who Misbehave?
• Should Schools Be Allowed to Use Corporal Punishment?
• How Big a Problem Is Bullying or Cyberbullying in Your School or Community?
• How Should Schools Address Bullying?
• Should Schools Put Tracking Devices in Students’ ID Cards?
• What Do You Think of Grouping Students by Ability in Schools?
• Do We Need a New Way to Teach Math?
• Does Class Size Matter?
• Should All Students Get Equal Space in a Yearbook?
• Is Prom Worth It?
• How Important Are Parent-Teacher Conferences?
• Should All Children Be Able to Go to Preschool?
• Should Colleges Use Admissions Criteria Other Than SAT Scores and Grades?
• What Criteria Should Be Used in Awarding Scholarships for College?
• Do You Support Affirmative Action?
• Do College Rankings Matter?
• How Necessary Is a College Education?
• Should Engineers Pay Less for College Than English Majors?

Technology and Social Media

• Are the Web Filters at Your School Too Restrictive?
• Does Technology Make Us More Alone?
• Are You Distracted by Technology?
• Do Apps Help You or Just Waste Your Time?
• Do You Spend Too Much Time on Smart Phones Playing ‘Stupid Games’?
• Has Facebook Lost Its Edge?
• Does Facebook Ever Make You Feel Bad?
• Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired?
• Should People Be Allowed to Obscure Their Identities Online?
• What Should the Punishment Be for Acts of Cyberbullying?
• Is Online Learning as Good as Face-to-Face Learning?
• Do Your Teachers Use Technology Well?
• Should Tablet Computers Become the Primary Way Students Learn in Class?
• Can Cellphones Be Educational Tools?
• Should Computer Games Be Used for Classroom Instruction?
• How Young Is Too Young for an iPhone?
• Should Companies Collect Information About You?
• Would You Trade Your Paper Books for Digital Versions?
• Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful?
• Do You Worry We Are Filming Too Much?
• Would You Want a Pair of Google’s Computer Glasses?
• How Would You Feel About a Computer Grading Your Essays?
• What Role Will Robots Play in Our Future?
• How Many Text Messages Are Too Many?
• How Much Do You Trust Online Reviews?

Arts and Media: TV, Music, Video Games and Literature

• Why Do We Like to Watch Rich People on TV and in the Movies?
• Do TV Shows Like ‘16 and Pregnant’ Promote or Discourage Teenage Pregnancy?
• Does TV Capture the Diversity of America Yet?
• Is TV Too White?
• Is TV Stronger Than Ever, or Becoming Obsolete?
• Does Reality TV Promote Dangerous Stereotypes?
• What Current Musicians Do You Think Will Stand the Test of Time?
• What Artists or Bands of Today Are Destined for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
• What Musician, Actor or Author Should Be a Superstar, but Hasn’t Quite Made It Yet?
• Will Musical Training Make You More Successful?
• Should Video Games Be Considered a Sport?
• Should Stores Sell Violent Video Games to Minors?
• Can a Video Game Be a Work of Art?
• Do Violent Video Games Make People More Violent in Real Life?
• When Should You Feel Guilty for Killing Zombies?
• What Game Would You Like to Redesign?
• What Were the Best Movies You Saw in the Past Year?
• To What Writer Would You Award a Prize?
• Do You Prefer Your Children’s Book Characters Obedient or Contrary?
• Where Is the Line Between Truth and Fiction?
• Can Graffiti Ever Be Considered Art?
• Do We Need Art in Our Lives?
• What Makes a Good Commercial?
• Why Did a Cheerios Ad Attract So Many Angry Comments Online?
• Does Pop Culture Deserve Serious Study?

Gender Issues

• Do Parents Have Different Hopes and Standards for Their Sons Than for Their Daughters?
• Is School Designed More for Girls Than Boys?
• Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies?
• How Much Pressure Do Boys Face to Have the Perfect Body?
• Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks?
• Is It O.K. for Men and Boys to Comment on Women and Girls on the Street?
• What Should We Do to Fight Sexual Violence Against Young Women?
• How Do You Feel About Rihanna and Chris Brown Getting Back Together?
• Do Fraternities Promote Misogyny?
• Why Aren’t There More Girls in Leadership Roles?
• Why Aren’t More Girls Choosing to Pursue Careers in Math and Science?
• Should Women Be Allowed to Fight on the Front Lines Alongside Men?
• Do You Believe in Equal Rights for Women and Men?
• Are Women Better at Compromising and Collaborating?
• Do Boys Have Less Intense Friendships Than Girls?

Sports and Athletics

• If Football Is So Dangerous to Players, Should We Be Watching It?
• Should Parents Let Their Children Play Football?
• Should College Football Players Get Paid?
• When Do Pranks Cross the Line to Become Bullying?
• Has Baseball Lost Its Cool?
• Are Some Youth Sports Too Intense?
• Is It Offensive for Sports Teams to Use Native American Names and Mascots?
• Where Should Colleges and Sports Teams Draw the Line in Selling Naming Rights?
• Should Colleges Fund Wellness Programs Instead of Sports?
• Is Cheerleading a Sport?
• How Big a Deal Is It That an N.B.A. Player Came Out as Gay?
• Should There Be Stricter Rules About How Coaches Treat Their Players?
• Should Athletes Who Dope Have to Forfeit Their Titles and Medals?
• Should Sports Betting Be Legal Everywhere?
• Should Home-Schoolers Be Allowed to Play Public School Sports?
• Would You Want a Bike Share Program for Your Community?

Politics and the Legal System

• What Local Problems Do You Think Your Mayor Should Try to Solve?
• If You Were Governor of Your State, How Would You Spend a Budget Surplus?
• When Is the Use of Military Force Justified?
• What Is More Important: Our Privacy or National Security?
• California Notice
• Should the U.S. Be Spying on Its Friends?
• Do You Trust Your Government?
• What Do You Think of the Police Tactic of Stop-and-Frisk?
• Do Rich People Get Off Easier When They Break the Law?
• Should Rich People Have to Pay More Taxes?
• Do Laws That Ban Offensive Words Make the World a Better Place?
• Is It Principled, or Irresponsible, for Politicians to Threaten a Shutdown?
• Do Leaders Have Moral Obligations?
• Do Great Leaders Have to Be Outgoing?
• How Should We Prevent Future Mass Shootings?
• Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses?
• Would You Feel Safer With Armed Guards Patrolling Your School?
• What Is Your Relationship With Guns?
• Do You Support or Oppose the Death Penalty?
• When Should Juvenile Offenders Receive Life Sentences?

Parenting and Childhood

• Do We Give Children Too Many Trophies?
• When Do You Become an Adult?

When Should You Be Able to Buy Cigarettes, Drink Alcohol, Vote, Drive and Fight in Wars?

• Should the Morning-After Pill Be Sold Over the Counter to People Under 17?
• Should Birth Control Pills Be Available to Teenage Girls Without a Prescription?
• Is Modern Culture Ruining Childhood?
• Are Adults Hurting Young Children by Pushing Them to Achieve?
• How, and by Whom, Should Children Be Taught Appropriate Behavior?
• What Can Older People Learn From Your Generation?
• Do ‘Shame and Blame’ Work to Change Teenage Behavior?
• How Should Children Be Taught About Puberty and Sex?
• Is Dating a Thing of the Past?
• How Should Parents Handle a Bad Report Card?
• Should Children Be Allowed to Wear Whatever They Want?
• How Should Educators and Legislators Deal With Minors Who ‘Sext’?
• Do You Think Child Stars Have It Rough?

Health and Nutrition

• Is Smoking Still a Problem Among Teenagers?
• Are Antismoking Ads Effective?
• Is Drinking and Driving Still a Problem for Teenagers?
• Do You Think a Healthier School Lunch Program Is a Lost Cause?
• How Concerned Are You About Where Your Food Comes From?
• Is It Ethical to Eat Meat?
• Do You Prefer Your Tacos ‘Authentic’ or ‘Appropriated’?
• Should the Government Limit the Size of Sugary Drinks?
• Should Marijuana Be Legal?
• Should Students Be Required to Take Drug Tests?

Personal Character and Morality Questions

• Do Bystanders Have a Responsibility to Intervene When There is Trouble?
• Should You Care About the Health and Safety of Those Making Your Clothing?
• Can Money Buy You Happiness?
• Does Buying and Accumulating More and More Stuff Make Us Happier?
• Are We Losing the Art of Listening?
• Do People Complain Too Much?
• Can Kindness Become Cool?
• Which Is More Important: Talent or Hard Work?
• How Important Is Keeping Your Cool?
• When Should You Compromise?
• Is Your Generation More Self-Centered Than Earlier Generations?
• Can You Be Good Without God?
• Have Curse Words Become So Common They Have Lost Their Shock Value?
• What Words or Phrases Should Be Retired in 2014?
• What Words or Phrases Do You Think Are Overused?
• Should Couples Live Together Before Marriage?
• How Important Do You Think It Is to Marry Someone With the Same Religion?
• How Long Is It O.K. to Linger in a Cafe or Restaurant?
• Does Keeping a Messy Desk Make People More Creative?
• How Important Is Keeping a Clean House?
• Should Scientists Try to Help People Beat Old Age So We Can Live Longer Lives?
• Given Unlimited Resources, What Scientific or Medical Problem Would You Investigate?
• When Is It O.K. to Replace Human Limbs With Technology?
• Do You Think Life Exists — or Has Ever Existed — Somewhere Besides Earth?
• Should Fertilized Eggs Be Given Legal ‘Personhood’?
• How Concerned Are You About Climate Change?

Other Questions

• Is It Wrong for a Newspaper to Publish a Front-Page Photo of a Man About to Die?
• What Causes Should Philanthropic Groups Finance?
• Should Charities Focus More on America?
• Should the Private Lives of Famous People Be Off Limits?
• Did a Newspaper Act Irresponsibly by Publishing the Addresses of Gun Owners?
• Would You Rather Work From Home or in an Office?
• What Time Should Black Friday Sales Start?
• Do You Shop at Locally Owned Businesses?
• How Much Does Your Neighborhood Define Who You Are?

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Argumentative prompts – 200

So i was thinking about doing a topic of Nuclear War for school and i am not able to take and find it on here does anyone know were i can find it?

Many of these questions aren’t at all appropriate for someone writing a persuasive speech. Take the question about life existing other than on earth. The only argument that should convince anyone that life exists other than on earth would use definitive scientific evidence. And if we had that, there wouldn’t be an argument in the first place.

Regarding the section on Gender Issues:

Where are the questions regarding transgender teens or adults? Where are the questions regarding sexuality? Where are the questions regarding whether or not gender roles have an impact on teens? Where are the questions regarding society’s view on the LGBT(etc.) community?

Hi Tasha, We have touched on all of these issues on the blog numerous times, but for this collection of questions, we only highlighted those asked in a way that most naturally led to argumentative writing. But, for example, we have a whole collection on teaching about LGBT issues here, and we ask questions and run lesson plans around aspects of teenage sexuality regularly. (For instance, just off the top of my head, here , here , here , here , here, here , here and here .) But we’re always open to suggestions, so let us know what else you’d like to see. –Katherine

I have another persuasive argument-should students have recess in junior high?

Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? Have you ever seen an image of a model in a magazine and thought to yourself “wow, I wish I looked that remarkable”? You are not the only one. They are perfect, however, the images we view of these women and men are 99.9% not how they actually look. They use a tremendous amount of photoshop to create a look they could not even achieve themselves. Yes, looking at these images have an outcome of someone staring unhappily in the mirror, not seeing perfect skin and chiseled abs. Looking at perfect people in pictures for hours and then looking at yourself, you seem to come across every blemish and fault that the models in the pictures did not have. Having the idea that you could never look as flawless as the unreal people in magazines does have the power to lower your self-esteem. You do not really know how bad you feel about your looks until you see teeth as bright as the sun, the perfect coke bottle shape, and the flawless sun kissed skin in your favorite magazine. Photoshopped images make you look and feel better, but then again it portrays an unrealistic person that is hardly yourself. Everyone has flaws and with this photoshop madness, the flaws are erased. With no flaws in these images there is no limit to how far someone will go to get that level of perfection, even though that level is unachievable because a great deal of lightening, smoothing, and shrinking has been added to the image. The more photoshop is being used to clear up insecurities; the more it is just adding to ours. If you see before and after photos, you will realize that people in the photoshopped images are not as perfect as they claim to be. And we should not feel bad about ourselves because of this, but we do. Seeing how a size 10 model can be photoshopped down to a size 1 is ridiculous. How can wrinkles vanish inconspicuously, uneven skin tones be evened out, dark circles erased, and stretch marks blurred? In real life this is not possible to be completely without a blemish or flaw. So, when we see all of these photoshopped images we start putting our heads down in shame knowing we cannot look as impeccable as these fake images display. Altering images to try and fit the society’s way of how people should look is nonsense. We will never look like that and it is just making people self-esteem worse because we will go to the end of the world and back to figure out every secret to acquire glowing skin and youthful looking skin like the individuals in our magazine. But the secret is all in the image, it is a little thing called photoshop and it is ruining the way we look at ourselves.

Do Photoshopped Images Make You Feel Bad About Your Own Looks? Have you ever seen an image of Kim Kardashian in a magazine and thought to yourself “wow, I wish I looked that remarkable”? You are not the only one to think in this fantasizing way. Kim is perfect; however, the images we view of her are 99.9% retouched. Photographers use a tremendous amount of photoshop to create a look of pure perfection they could not achieve themselves. Yes, looking at these images has an outcome of staring unhappily in the mirror, not seeing perfect skin and chiseled abs. Looking at perfect people in pictures for hours and then looking at yourself, you seem to come across every blemish and fault that the models in the pictures did not have. Having the idea buried in your mind that you could never look as flawless as the unreal people in magazines does have the power to lower your self-esteem. You do not really know how bad you feel about your looks until you see teeth as bright as the sun, the perfect coke bottle shape, and the flawless sun kissed skin on your idle, in your favorite magazine. Photoshopped images make them look and feel better about themselves, but then again it portrays an unrealistic person that is hardly close to the real you. Everyone has flaws and with this photoshop madness, the flaws are erased. With no flaws in these images there is no limit to how far someone will go to get that level of perfection, even though that level is unachievable because a great deal of lightening, smoothing, and shrinking has been added to the image. The more images being photoshopped to clear up insecurities; the more insecurity there is being piled on the viewers. If you see before and after photos, you will realize that people in the photoshopped images are not as perfect as they claim to be. And we should not feel bad about ourselves because of this, but we do. Seeing how a size 10 model can be photoshopped down to a size 1 is ridiculous. How can wrinkles vanish inconspicuously, uneven skin tones be evened out, dark circles erased, and stretch marks blurred? In real life this is not possible to be completely without a blemish or flaw. So, when we see all of these photoshopped images we start putting our heads down in shame knowing we cannot look as impeccable as these fake images display. Altering images to try and fit into society’s way of how people should look is nonsense. We will never look like that and it is just making people self-esteem worse because we will go to the end of the world and back to figure out every secret to acquire glowing and youthful looking skin like the individuals in our magazine. But the secret is all in the image, it is a little thing called photoshop and it is ruining the way we look at ourselves.

Carly H & Maggie W Galvin Middle School Canton, MA 02021

Should student be able to wear whatever they want?

Many adults argue there is a line between skimpy and sweet. More than 75 % of schools in the United States have issued dress codes that limit what boy and girls are allowed to wear on school grounds. Unless schools are supplying uniforms or paying money for students’ wardrobes we believe schools should not have a say. Although many teachers would say middle school and high school students’ choice of clothing is rather inappropriate and distracting, almost all parents and students would beg to differ. As middle schoolers we strongly believe schools have taken away students right to express themselves. Middle school and high school age kids are just starting to come out of their shells. Some students feel more comfortable in their own clothes than they would feel in a uniform. Nowadays students have been bullied due to what they are wearing. Kids have been called “ugly” or “weird” and “gay”. Kids want to fit in and wear the newest styles. It seems though these styles have been getting skimpier and skimpier. Letting a child wear clothing of their choice it can boost their self confidence. We feel that as long as your parents let you out of the house the way that you are dressed then the schools should not have a say. About 63% percent of kids in middle school get bullied because of what they are wearing. Without a dress code students have that chance to fit in and develop a personal style. Many teachers and faculty believe schools without dress codes have lower test scores. People say that these low test scores can be because students are dressing inappropriately. Dressing inappropriately can distract other students and faculty. Some people have a hard time paying attention in school and then skimpy clothing can just make it worse. One theory suggests that students who wear uniforms and who don’t not have freedom to wear what they want get better grades in school. Even though wearing uniforms might seem like it can solve all problems no matter what people choose to do clothing will always be a debate in schools. All in all wearing whatever you want has its advantages but also disadvantages. When you have the freedom to wear what you want there is always going to be the kids that take that for granted. But then having that freedom can be a way for children to fit in and express themselves. We believe that students should be able to wear whatever they want.

Colleen B. Sofia C. Galvin Middle School Canton, MA 02021

Why women are not pursuing careers in the S.T.E.M. field.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Throughout history humans haven’t been treated equally, most of this injustice has to do with sex, race, or ethnicity. As humanity has developed we have created rights for the discrimination. Women have always been thought as the inferior gender, however as time has progressed women have earned more rights. Unfortunately many women still think of themselves as secondary.

One reason the majority of female has not been choosing careers in math and science has to do with encouragement. Repetition builds a muscle, a muscle builds a habit and habit builds a character that sticks. If children are not encourage from a young age, or don’t get exposed to S.T.E.M. careers, their mind has already been developed and is not focused on exploring the science and math fields. Most children of this generation are steered toward sports from a young age, which does not allow females in particular to see a variety of career options in their future. Its not that the majority of women don’t want to work in the S.T.E.M. field but their upbringing does not promote these callings.

Throughout history, women have always been stereotyped as the inferior gender. Women are usually thought as less intelligent and are relegated to lower paying jobs. Females in the past have had a very small work selection. From the 1950s to the 1970s, women commonly had two job options, becoming a teacher or a nurse. However, as time has progressed women have begun to expand their career choices but still make less than males. The Media can make a big impact on how women are seen through pop culture.

Even though statistics state that the percentage of females in the S.T.E.M. field has decreased, people still believe that our country has a stable science and math field. Many believe that in our future, the science fields will open up to women population more. This may be true but the fields are already open for females to enter. However, the majority of females still do not choose to pursue these careers.

Just as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Until more women explore the S.T.E.M. fields we can never quite tell how strong and intelligent women are.

Is Prom Worth it?

As teenagers we all want to have one perfect night, especially girls. For us prom is the only chance to have a complete Cinderella dream. You wait all these years until the day finally comes, dress hunting. That’s the moment when you doubt and say the unspeakable, “Is prom worth it?” Some might say yes while others may say no whatever the reason is the glitz or the thought of getting rejected. People come in and out of our lives, but many articles say this is our last chance to be with our peers. It isn’t really because there is still graduation but to have a lot of fun with our peers, proms the night. In that one night you become the person you were when you walked into to high school for the first time and now you get to leave as the person you have become. In high school you change, you make new types of choices and maybe become mature. Sometimes in growing up we forget the things that makes us, us and in this night you get a chance to remember and become that graduating class that you were always meant to be. To some people they still say no, however I think it is still worth it. Other articles say that prom is a big memorable moment. You all fall into places like in a story, there is a king and queen and moments to remember. Moments aren’t only captured in pictures but in places, in our minds, in people, in heartbeats. These moments are what brings a class together and helps us say, “Don’t you remember…” This will definitely be something you will remember. Many of us want to do everything, trying anything, and do them with the people they love. We have choices in our lives which sometimes get’s in the way of doing things but is prom a choice which helps us accomplish this? About twenty five percent of the teen population don’t attend prom. Some might not want to go after seeing the price on the dress tag or the ticket itself. Most families spend about a thousand one hundred thirty nine dollars. For most families this is a lot and people don’t plan to spend this much unless it’s their wedding. In this economy college tuition also seems a lot to families and this seems like an unnecessary expense. Despite the cost and the drama that prom brings on, it is a night to remember. From the moment you meet your date to the moment the limo picks you up there is a story to be told within.

• //learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/02/is-prom-worth-it/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0 • //www.lifeway.com/Article/parenting-teens-family-Prom-in-Perspective

Grace K and John A Galvin Middle School Canton MA 02021

School Dress Codes . In middle schools and high schools all over the country, administrators are punishing children for their clothing choices. The reason for this being that girl specifically, dress too provocatively. Therefore, stricter dress codes are being enforced, but is it worth it? It isn’t appropriate for anyone besides a child’s parents to tell them what they can and can not wear. Period. Most people buy their kids shorter, smaller and lighter clothes for the warmer months, spending their own hard earned money. For a public school to then proceed to tell those parents that their child is not permitted to wear that clothing on school grounds, where they spend over 7 hours of their day, just isn’t right. If a child’s legal guardian is perfectly fine with their kids wearing a pair of “short-shorts” then why should a school policy be allowed to them they can’t? Especially when the school isn’t providing uniforms or money to buy clothing that fit into their particular dress codes. Another reason why schools shouldn’t enforce such strict dress codes is because of basic human rights. Freedom of expression, by definition, is the right to express one’s ideas and opinions freely through speech, writing, and other communication. For centuries, clothing has been one of those forms of other communication. To deny people their rights is illegal, no matter what age, race, or sex and schools not allowing students to wear clothing of their choice is no exception. Besides it being against the law, schools are supposed to encourage kids to be themselves, stand up for what they believe in, and help them find their identities. One of the best ways for our country’s youth to accomplish these things is to allow them to be as unique and personal with their clothes as possible. If this means letting a child wear a tank top with straps that are less than 3 inches wide, so be it. Many people don’t want to give kids, girls in particular; the freedom to wear whatever they want to school because they think it will be too much of a distraction for boys. While I agree with that, I think it is more important for children to be able to express themselves freely. Besides that, who’s to say that girls aren’t distracted by the clothing that boys wear? There are almost no restrictions or limitations towards the clothing that boys are allowed to wear yet there are several for girls. It shouldn’t be a female student’s problem that some young boys get too “distracted” by what they wear when boys are hardly even affected by the dress code at schools anyways. In conclusion, school dress codes are harsh and unnecessary and should be lessened at the least. Plenty of people agree with this as well as disagree. Hopefully, schools will see the error of their ways and adjust their clothing policies, as they are currently unfair and too strict for many different reasons.

Colleen B. Sofia C. Galvin Middle School Canton, MA 02021 Why women are not pursuing careers in the S.T.E.M. field. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Throughout history humans haven’t been treated equally, most of this injustice has to do with sex, race, or ethnicity. As humanity has developed we have created rights for the discrimination. Women have always been thought as the inferior gender, however as time has progressed women have earned more rights. Unfortunately many women still think of themselves as secondary. One reason the majority of female has not been choosing careers in math and science has to do with encouragement. Repetition builds a muscle, a muscle builds a habit and habit builds a character that sticks. If children are not encourage from a young age, or don’t get exposed to S.T.E.M. careers, their mind has already been developed and is not focused on exploring the science and math fields. Most children of this generation are steered toward sports from a young age, which does not allow females in particular to see a variety of career options in their future. Its not that the majority of women don’t want to work in the S.T.E.M. field but their upbringing does not promote these callings. Throughout history, women have always been stereotyped as the inferior gender. Women are usually thought as less intelligent and are relegated to lower paying jobs. Females in the past have had a very small work selection. From the 1950s to the 1970s, women commonly had two job options, becoming a teacher or a nurse. However, as time has progressed women have begun to expand their career choices but still make less than males. The Media can make a big impact on how women are seen through pop culture. Even though statistics state that the percentage of females in the S.T.E.M. field has decreased, people still believe that our country has a stable science and math field. Many believe that in our future, the science fields will open up to women population more. This may be true but the fields are already open for females to enter. However, the majority of females still do not choose to pursue these careers. Just as Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag – you can’t tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.” Until more women explore the S.T.E.M. fields we can never quite tell how strong and intelligent women are. -//learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/11/22/why-arent-more-girls-choosing-to-pursue-careers-in-math-and-science/ -//www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/sept09/vol67/num01/Encouraging-Girls-to-Pursue-Math-and-Science.aspx

Should cyber-bullying laws be passed?

Cyber-bullying is extremely serious, no one should suffer from cyber-bullying, those doing the bullying should not get away with it they need to be punished. More laws on cyberbullying and punishments need to be passed. If cyber bullying doesn’t get prevented it will drastically increase over the years due to the progress of new technology. Cyberbullying is cruel and hurtful, it can cause depression, thoughts of suicide and low self esteem. Anna Maria Chavez the chief executive officer of girl scouts once said “unless and until our society recognizes cyberbullying for what it is, the suffering of thousands of silent victims will continue.” Hurtful words take a toll on the individual, at times they may feel worthless and believe the world would be a better place without them. In the United States 49 states have bullying laws only 19 states include cyberbullying, meaning 31 states have yet passed a cyberbullying law. How much longer until more cyberbullying laws are passed? How many more lives will be lost? Each year over 13 million individuals are bullied, there are about 4,400 deaths in the United States by suicide those being bullied have a greater chance to be one of those individuals. No one should be cyber bullied, bullies need to be punished for their actions. Megan Meier from Dardenne Prairie, Missouri committed suicide on October 17, 2006 at the age of 13 due to cyberbullying. After Megan’s death, her mother Tina Meier urged that Megans bully must be punished, and was able to get “Megans Law” passed which protects individuals from harassment on social networking sites. The majority of parents plead for more cyberbullying laws, why aren’t they passing? Therefore each state should pass laws preventing cyberbullying and punishments for bullies. Bullying is a stab in the heart after the constant fighting,trying to get through the pain, the heart gives up as the individual cannot take it anymore. Katherine Jenkins, a classical crossover singer has said “children should be able to live free from bullying and harassment and it is time that we all took a stand.” Cyber Bullying must end before it´s too late.

Sources The Associated Press. “Mother Wants Maximum Penalty in Cyberbullying Case.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 Nov. 2008. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. //www.nytimes.com/2008/11/29/us/29internet.html?ref=meganmeier “About Tina Meier.” Megan Meier Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. //www.meganmeierfoundation.org/about-tina-meier.html “State Cyberbullying Laws.” N.p., Feb.-Mar. 2014. Web. Feb.-Mar. 2014. < //www.cyberbullying.us/Bullying_and_Cyberbullying_Laws.pdf>. “Bullying and Suicide.” Bullying Statistics. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2014. //www.bullyingstatistics.org/content/bullying-and-suicide.html Jenkins, Katherine. “Beatbullying’s The Big March 2012.” Beatbullying’s The Big March 2012. Feb.-Mar. 2014. Address. Chavez, Anna Maria. “Confronting Cyber Violence in the Digital Age.” The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 25 Apr. 2013. Web. 04 Mar. 2014. //www.huffingtonpost.com/anna-maria-chavez/confronting-cyber-violenc_b_3157086.html

It can’t be worked out systematically. Young people need to leap beyond the assumption that at 18 they can do everything; buy cigarettes, drink alcohol, vote, drive and fight in wars—but it actuality, not until they’re 21.

Young people need to be protected by law since a majority is ignorant of the consequences that follow every decision. Anemona Hartocollis found that many young people thought they weren’t mature enough in making life-or-death decisions before 21. It not only applied to drinking and smoking, but combat as well. When both parties are in agreement that one is in need of guidance, justifies raising the age limit, making it equivalent, provides consistency.

Dealing with consumption, privileges and the civic engagement, privileges are the least controversial of the three. At 16, young people can receive their license. There should be regulations—which some states have already implemented. The ‘We Check to Protect-Vertical Identification Program’ requires those under 21 a vertical (portrait) style driver’s license (Johnson). This ensures health and safety of young people as reminder for teenagers, parents, businesses, law enforcement, retailers and merchants.

Buying cigarettes and drinking alcohol is next controversial. Enforcing an age limit is virtually impossible (by society’s standards, since keeping up with our standard of living in our culture of instant gratification, where underage this that and the other, are the best things these days) it wouldn’t make a difference. It would receive outcry.

“If [loved ones] condone it, then… it’s acceptable,” says Patrick Brown who sought the consultation of his mother before enlisting. Even though it may not be idealistic with underage consumption, ‘Older adults with the benefit of a lot of hindsight might tend to agree’ (Hartocollis).

Immaturity extends beyond a person’s legal entrance into adulthood. Cheryl G. Healton, dean of Global Health at N.Y.U. says, “The executive function [of the brain]…is really not fully developed until…over 21” (Hartocollis). If, through someone else’s experience, has better knowledge about these issues, then the government raising the age limit to 21, for a majority of them, is right when young people aren’t fully prepared to comprehend such actions psychologically.

Some will argue about the consistency. Keeping the age limit to drive at 16, treating them like minors until 21, and raising it to 21 for the other issues, will receive different levels of criticism. It’s simpler to have a bit of difference than to have no congruity.

Buying cigarettes, drinking alcohol, voting, driving and fighting in wars shouldn’t be given freedom until 21. Young people are supposed to make mistakes and everyone is a life lesson learned. We don’t want to be guilty by association of not trying to prevent such lessons learned at severe expenses and/or too early.

Hartocollis, Anemona. “Smoking? Combat? Wait Till 21, Young Recruits Say.” New York Times [New York] 23 Apr 2013, early ed. A19. Web. 4 Mar. 2014. < //www.nytimes.com/2013/04/24/health/smoking-combat-wait-until-21-to-decide-young-recruits-say.html>.

Johnson, Ruth. Michigan. Department of State. Vertical Driver’s License Helps with Age Verification!. State of Michigan, 2003. Web. < //www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7-127-1627_8669-70561–,00.html>.

Nathaniel Skinner

Are we Ever Without God?

People often wonder “Can we be good without God?” . It’s a common question; one may argue that there are good atheists all around us. This is true, even by Christian standards; there are atheists practice good deeds and some who practice evil deeds, just like there are Christians who practice good deeds and some who practice evil deeds. Some atheists give to the poor, help those in jail, feed the hungry, clothe the naked and do other things a good Christian should do. Being an atheist does not always equate to being an immoral or bad person. So yes you can be good and you can do this without believing in God. What is God, is there a single definition or are there multiple? According to Roman Catholic belief, what we refer to as God is an all powerful deity consisting of The Father, the son, and the Holy spirit. A common understanding of this God, to many non-Christians is the guy in the white garb standing on the clouds with the beard and sandals;this is not the sole image of God. God is all powerful, so why would ‘he’ maintain one form for all the 7 billion plus people on earth now, not to mention all the people who have come before us? In truth God is all things good, God is happiness, God is love, God is faith, God is truth and God is compassion. Truly whatever religion whatever race what ever culture, if you are just and honest and practice these things then God is with you. So The more prevalent question here instead of can you be good without god is: are people ever without God?

God is not bound to human form nor is God bound to any of the laws of physics or reality that are recognized by modern day science(Proverbs 15:3) This means that God can and does appear in a multitude of forms and situations. We must be careful not to put God into human restraints: God is not subject to the same terms that we judge our fellow men and women(Job 11:7-9). In this way God is all around us, even inside our hearts. God knows us like we know ourselves because we all have a little piece of God in ourselves, this furthers the fact that no one can be without God. Even people who are commonly considered immoral or evil have God in them or around them; just because one does not believe in God does not mean God is not present so even murderers and stone cold criminals have God in their life.

God is also all knowing, meaning that god knows the future, the present and the past by “heart”. The argument can be made that if God knows a certain person will go to hell after they die from the beginning why does he not just send them straight to hell? The answer is that life is a journey and if God were to send people straight to hell without giving them a chance to walk the path of life and understand what they are called to do, then it would be extremely unfair. Just because a person is an atheist does not mean they are doomed to hell; actions speak louder than words. It really is true. So if you worship god in your actions but don’t do it in your voice or mind then this still counts as being with God.

God loves all of us; every human to walk this earth have received love from God even if they don’t know it. God has a roundabout way of getting things done. Every Action is weaved into God’s design: running like a perfect machine every action affects somebody,then somebody else then somebody else and so on. God is in fact everywhere and we cannot and will not part unto death. until then there is never a step one person walks without God

“I believe in God, but not as one thing, not as an old man in the sky. I believe that what people call God is something in all of us. I believe that what Jesus and Mohammed and Buddha and all the rest said was right. It’s just that the translations have gone wrong.”

― John Lennon

Due to the controversial and seemingly almost unique view included in this editorial, there are no New York Times sources that support the ideas expressed. I hope to receive a slight pardon for not having a NY times source. If this essay does not qualify, I understand. N. Skinner

//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job+11%3A7-9&version=ESV

Proverbs 15:3

//www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+15%3A3&version=ESV

Why does society (men and women) tell women that they have to appeal a certain way to the public eye? Women are the most beautiful creation God has made because without women, there wouldn’t be a population to grow to carry out the future. Since this is true who do we as a society tend to present to women that they need to change. keep in thought that we don’t have to make something perfect, if it was already perfect to begin with. In some cases women have always been told what to do or how to appeal a certain way to the public eye. I believe that society’s appeal to the preconceived image of the perfect woman is unjust because no two women are the same and no to women should have to conform to look like one another. Society, both men and women, have been putting pressure on women to have that ‘perfect’ body. From the New York Times, Katherine Schulten had said that “the ads show girls of different races and sizes, and others playing sports in a wheelchair. Each one with the campaign’s slogan: ‘I’m beautiful the way I am.’” This describes how women shouldn’t be discriminated on how their body appears in the public eye. The woman should see herself just as worthy as she sees all the other women. In some circumstances, women have always been told that they have to take the second seat to man. There’s a song that compares women and society, it shows how “we say to girls: ‘You can have ambition but not too much. You should am t be successful, but not too successful, otherwise you will threaten the man’ (Knowles). Throughout this song i can confer that some women are able to handle the pressure of the workplace, whereas other women like the role of being a domestic engineer. However, Maybelline expresses through their campaign that women should indeed wear makeup. Maybelline’s President, David Greenberg, claimed that “makeup helps women feel more comfortable with going out in public.” Mr. Greenberg says that they’re not trying to make women have a false identity, but instead trying to make them have a secure sense of security. Women shouldn’t be judged by their appeal to the public eye. Society needs to stop advertising a certain type of woman, and show all types of women. If a woman were to walk down the street, either she is insecure, obese, and/or depressed, and she were to look up to a beautiful woman on the billboard, shes going to feel more insecure and want to change how she appears. A life of a woman shouldn’t be based on their physical appearance, because every woman is beautiful in their own way and it shouldn’t be hidden due to what society says. – Schulten, Katherine. “Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have ‘Perfect’ Bodies?” The Learning Network Is There Too Much Pressure on Girls to Have Perfect Bodies Comments. New Yorks Times, 03 Oct. 2013. Web. 02 Mar. 2014. < //learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/is-there-too-much-pressure-on-girls-to-have-perfect-bodies/>.

Does Technology make us more alone? As a greatness that has increased the way that we perceive the world, technology can be a burden. Unlike the many screen glossed eyes and over exerted thumbs, technology is doing something far worse than hand cramps: it is making the human mind more comfortable with being alone and devoid of human contact. Technology has created, based upon evidence stated by Sherry Turkle, the desire ‘to customize our lives’ through the vast creativity that technology provides. It forces people to only ‘pay attention to what interests them’. But who wouldn’t? People typically pay more attention to the subjects that interest them and would most likely try to find those subjects online where they are easiest to access. Yes, despite increasing our knowledge, it is decreasing our ability to converse with one another. The fear of being judged all gone with eye contact glued to a screen. It is as if no one wants to be bothered by others around them, but is willing to have millions follow them on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Even Sherry Turkle- a psychologist and professor employed at M.I.T- states in her article The Flight from Conversation that ‘people are comforted by being in touch with a lot of people- carefully kept at bay’. This need to be important and loved by a persona is a reassuring concept that provides those two wants without having to deal with actual human emotion. The need for interaction with living, breathing people seems to be cast aside for the more accurate version from a nonliving thing such as a robot. We live in an age where technology is a necessity in life, but it is becoming a way to destroy connecting and feeling emotions from other people, enforcing being alone in a world that is barely real.

“The Flight From Conversation”. New York Times. April 21, 2012. Web. March 2, 2014. //www.nytimes.com/2012/04/22/opinion/sunday/the-flight-from-conversation.html?pagewanted=all

Legalize Marijuana Drugs aren’t as harmful as people believe them to be. Marijuana is more helpful than harmful. Statistics state that 88,000 people die from alcohol and more than 480,000 people die from cigars. While less than a hundred people die from the marijuana usage. This drug benefits people with diseases such as cancer. It seems that many people would rather drink alcohol that can become addictive rather than smoke marijuana which is a drug that most people value for medical needs. Marijuana is being legalized in many places for different reasons. In Mexico City officials suggest “Legalization of marijuana, not other drugs.” People smoke the drug instead of having any other addictions such as shopping, sex, tv and video games. In Guatemala, the president has put forward a plan for the government to legalize and sell the drug. While these two places are allowing the drug, majority of the U.S is still against the use of marijuana. “The U.S has rejected legalization as a solution to drug use.” Citizens in the U.S have different emotions about this debate with many citizens not accepting the drug. Marijuana isn’t harmful because it is a natural substance. People should be able to smoke a substance that is natural rather than tobacco which is mixed with a highly addictive substance called nicotine. Allen St. Pierre a Executive Director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws agrees that the drug marijuana should be legalized. He stated that he hopes more Americans would legalize it. “Since 1996, 18 states approved marijuana for medical use.” And also “13 states have decriminalized the possession of marijuana, removing the possibility of jail time.” This suggest that many of the world’s population are able to persuade their government that marijuana isn’t as much as an addictive drug as society believes it to be. Marijuana isn’t a harmful substance unless it is laced with another drug. Marijuana has been proven to be a palliative drug and should be legalized in the U.S

Archibold, Randal C. “Americas Coalition Suggests Marijuana Laws Be Relaxed.” New York Times. 18 May. 2013: A.7. SIRS Issues Researcher. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

Gonchar,Michael. Should marijuana be legalized?.Ny times. 31, May 2013. Web. 10, March 2014

Sexual Violence against Young Women According to American Medical Association, Sexual violence and rape are considered the most under reported violent crime. In the Steubenville case 2 high school football players were found guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl. After being found guilty of raping and sending nude images of the girl around, 1 boy got 1 year in juvenile jail and the other boy got 2 years. After the case one of the boys apologized to the victims family stating “No pictures should have been sent around, let alone ever taken.” The fact that the 2 high school boys raped and took pictures shows that we as a society are not teaching the effects and consequences of rape to young adults. According to an article in the New York Times, “the judge of the case noted that the boys could have had far worse punishments and said that this was a cautionary lesson.” The fact that the judge is giving them a cautionary lesson astounds me. Rape is rape and no matter what age the rapists are the consequences should be served based on the crime not their age.

In Ms. Nathman’s article “Raising children who will speak up tot prevent rape, not defend it,” she discusses the “Cult of Masculinity” and how male power and strength are being praised upon especially since these 2 boys were football stars. The teenage boys thought that because they were football stars that they were unstoppable and could get away with anything until they were caught and found guilty. Nathman states that there is often and impulse to “Blame the victim” and that is one thing I disagree with her. There in any case is never an impulse to blame the victim noted on what she was wearing. So the amount of insincerity people are showing to the victim of this case is unbearable. Social media also had a big role on the insincerity people showed the victim.

In my opinion, the work of these college activists is impressive, but we need to do more. I also agree with the college activists saying that colleges and high schools are falling short in educating students about sexual assaults since most young adults are defending the rapists of this case. Also many people are tweeting to the victim that she “ruined their life” when the rapist ruined their own life. “Rape is not a recreational activity. We, as a society, have an obligation to do more to educate our young people about rape. They need to know that it is a horrible crime of violence. And it is simply not ok.” Stated Ohio attorney of the Steubenville case Dr. DeWine.

Guarino, Mark “Steubenville’s Troubling Question: Is Rape Just a Part of ‘Hook-up Culture?’ Christian Science Monitor, March 20, 2013 n.p

Oppel, Richard “Ohio Teenagers Guilty in Rape That Social Media Brought to Light”. New York Times, March 17, 2013

Books not Guns

In 2002 at a Arizona university, an irate student shot three professors to death. This event and many other school shootings lead to one of the biggest questions in Arizona’s and other states government and schools… “Should weapons be aloud on campus?” Guns and other weapons should not be permitted in schools and on campuses. They can cause danger to other students and professors. Students or teachers may use them without a cause or for the wrong reasons, and bringing weapons to campus can be the cause of more school shootings. If students bring weapons to school, it can put everyone in that building or on that campus in danger. Students or professors may feel unsafe and not comfortable there, even though a campus is supposed to be a comfortable, friendly environment. Having people on campus able to carry weapons on them can cause students and/or teachers to have violent outburst. For example, if the student thinks it’s unfair to have an assessment or finds the material they are learning too difficult, they might use their weapon upon the teacher. The number of students bringing weapons to school is sky rocketing and the number teachers being threatened by their students is increasing as well. As of now the risk of a student accidentally getting shot or obtaining a gun during a school year has increased by 40 percent in the past four decades. Because of one child carrying a gun on campus, others may feel they can too. “Campus shootouts are a relative rarity, but they do occur. The most notorious shooting at an Arizona university took place in 2002 when a disgruntled nursing student shot three professors to death.” Just from being angry and dissatisfied, she shot the people there to help her. Exactly as Carmen Themar stated, “…and bullets don’t always go where they are aimed.” Taking out your frustration on someone may impact another’s life. The shooting victims most likely have families that are devastated. The anger could cause those certain people to shoot others. A gun shooting is more than just injuring or killing that human; whole families are affected. Guns should stay out of any educational environment because schools are for learning and guns have no purpose to be there.

“Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses?” The Learning Network Should Guns Be Permitted on College Campuses Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Mar. 2014.

Szabo, Liz. “Guns in the Home Are Proving Deadly for Kids.” //sks.sirs.com . Newspaper USA Today, 29 May 2013. Web.

Is it really worth calling a sport? From experience, I can tell you cheerleading is a sport. Girls train endless, tiring hours each week perfecting a routine that includes a combination of gymnastics, dance, and stunting. Not only do you need a high level of strength and skill, cheerleading offers a high risk of injury. And what is that cheerleading doesn’t have that other sports do? “An athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature” is the definition of a sport according to Dictionary.com. Cheerleading exceeds all these criteria. According to the Women’s Sport Foundation, a sport must include a physical activity which involves propelling a mass through space or overcoming the resistance of mass, like a football, baseball, or in cheerleading, a person.Of course it takes strength and skill to throw a ball accurately, but to throw a person up into the air takes a tremendous amount of strength. All sports are governed by rules, and have some element of competitiveness. Cheerleading has rules that restrict skills in each level and performance time, and as far as I know, cheerleading is the most competitive sport I’ve ever participated in. Cheerleaders travel the U.S. all year round to compete in different states. There is even a competition called The World Championship that is broadcasted on ESPN. If its broadcasted on television, then its definitely a sport. 65.1% of all catastrophic sports injuries in high school females are from cheerleading, according to livescience.com. So, over half of all injuries in high schools in girls are from cheerleading, so what makes it not a sport? Injuries are sadly common in every sport, and I have experienced one before. As a backspot, my job is to catch and make sure my flyer stays up safely in the air. While putting their safety before mine, I have numerous girls fall on me, especially my head. After many visits to the doctors, I was diagnosed with a concussion. Missing many days of school, I had left my team stranded with one less team member. Injuries really take a toll on life, especially when you play a sport that has a high risk of it occurring. According to, George W. Bush was the head cheerleader at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. Since, cheerleading has grown tremendously. Numerous cheer gyms are opening in every state, why would there be such a demand for them if cheerleading wasn’t a sport. Not only are their gyms continuously opening, but cheerleading is all over the media, television and online shows are dedicated to the sport. So, if you still don’t think cheerleading is a sport, ask cheerleader, and they will tell you countless reasons why it is.

Sources Thomas, Katie. “Cheering Clamors to Be Sport.” The New York Times 22 May 2011: 1-5.

IS Music The Key to Success?

Music. It’s Not Just For Entertainment

Collaboration. Creativity. Discipline. Three important qualities that are hard to come by in society today. As people, we need to find a way to acquire these traits. Many people look to music for entertainment. Unfortunately they are missing the big picture. Music can encourage these desired qualities within us. In fact, many successful people in business, acting and newscasting have been classically trained in music. Coincidence? I think not. Alan Greenspan, a man who served as the chairman of the federal reserve,and grew up playing the clarinet and piano, told the New York Times that he himself, knows that this is no coincidence. “The probability that this is just chance is extremely small.” Greenspan explains. In agreement, many pose the question, “Why does this connection exist?” Most would simply say “It just does.” Paul Allen says otherwise. The co founder of Microsoft has played both the violin and the guitar. He informed the New York Times that at the end of a long day of programming, he would pull his guitar out and play, learning to express himself in a brand new way. The sad part is that music isn’t being taught to many students. In a 2003 Gallup Poll, only 54% of American households said they have have at least one musician. Since 1978, this statistic has dropped by 15%. Sooner or later, there will be nobody playing musicians. Parents have argued that the arts do nothing for our students, but do gym classes really do anything for us? At a small middle school in Holliston Massachusetts, kids are required to take a form of music class. Students can play instruments, sing in the chorus or study general music. Holliston has ranked number 18 in the state. Interestingly, all of the schools ranked ahead of Holliston require music to graduate. In an article in Forbes Magazine, a writer says that if a scientist were to have musical training it would have no relevance on how great a scientist they are. Thus, countering the fact that musical training will lead to success. This may be true but most would agree that listening to music can help us concentrate on work. Music being a branch of performing arts also can give us confidence. SInging in front of a crowd could help with public speaking. Playing an instrument in front of thousands shares the language of melody, sharing our ideas in front of a crowd shares the language of our knowledge. Many instrumentalists refer to music as a “hidden language.” If we believe that languages of countries will help us to be successful, then we believe that the language of music will help too.

Works Cited: Lipman, Joanne. “Is Music the Key to Success?.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 12 Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. < //www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/is-music-the-key-to-success.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0> .Ubel, Peter. “An Embarrassingly Unscientific New York Times Op-Ed On Music And Success.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 10 Jan. 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2014. < //www.forbes.com/sites/peterubel/2014/01/10/an-embarrassingly-unscientific-new-york-times-op-edon-music-and-success/>.

Collaboration. Creativity. Discipline. Three important qualities that are hard to come by in society today. As people, we need to find a way to acquire these traits. Many people look to music for entertainment. Unfortunately they are missing the big picture. Music can encourage these desired qualities within us. In fact, many successful people in business, acting and newscasting have been classically trained in music. Coincidence? I think not. Alan Greenspan, a man who served as the chairman of the federal reserve,and grew up playing the clarinet and piano, told the New York Times that he himself, knows that this is no coincidence. “The probability that this is just chance is extremely small.” Greenspan explains. In agreement, many pose the question, “Why does this connection exist?” Most would simply say “It just does.” Paul Allen says otherwise. The co founder of Microsoft has played both the violin and the guitar. He informed the New York Times that at the end of a long day of programming, he would pull his guitar out and play, learning to express himself in a brand new way. The sad part is that music isn’t being taught to many students. In a 2003 Gallup Poll, only 54% of American households said they have have at least one musician. Since 1978, this statistic has dropped by 15%. Sooner or later, there will be no musicians left. Parents have argued that the arts do nothing for our students, but do gym classes really do anything for us? At a small middle school in Holliston Massachusetts, kids are required to take a form of music class. Students can play instruments, sing in the chorus or study general music. Holliston has ranked number 18 in the state. Interestingly, all of the schools ranked ahead of Holliston require music to graduate. In an article in Forbes Magazine, a writer says that if a scientist were to have musical training it would have no relevance on how great a scientist they are. Thus, countering the fact that musical training will lead to success. This may be true but most would agree that listening to music can help us concentrate on work. Music being a branch of performing arts also can give us confidence. SInging in front of a crowd could help with public speaking. Playing an instrument in front of thousands shares the language of melody. Sharing our ideas in front of a crowd shares the language of our knowledge. Many instrumentalists refer to music as a “hidden language.” If we believe that languages of countries will help us to be successful, then we believe that the language of music will help too.

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331 Opinion Essay Topics & Good Ideas

18 January 2024

last updated

Opinion essay topics offer expressing personal viewpoints on a variety of issues. Some themes include politics, social norms, environment, technology, culture, and ethics. These topics can deal with controversial subjects, such as gun control or climate change, allowing writers to delve into multiple perspectives and present reasoned arguments. Alternatively, they can revolve around lifestyle choices, like vegetarianism or remote work. Other engaging themes may involve critiquing art or literature or expressing views on societal expectations and norms. In essence, these topics require one to reflect on personal experiences, observations, or research, stimulating thought-provoking conversations and encouraging critical thinking. Despite their diversity, all opinion essay topics offer readers a new insight into the author’s perspective, fostering a deeper understanding of the world.

Top Opinion Essay Topics

• Digital Privacy: A Fundamental Right or a Trade-Off for Security?
• Vegetarianism: Is It a Healthier Lifestyle Choice?
• Exploring Work-Life Balance in the Modern World
• Global Warming: Time for Urgent Action
• Social Media Influence on Teenagers
• Public Funding for the Arts: Essential or Extravagant?
• Examining Capital Punishment: An Ethical Dilemma
• E-Sports Deserves Olympic Recognition
• Paid Parental Leave: A Necessity in Modern Society
• Books vs. E-Books: Battle of the Formats
• Multilingual Education: A Path to Global Citizenship
• Does Homework Enhance Student Learning?
• Animal Testing: Is It Ethically Justifiable?
• Online Learning: A Future of Education
• Genetically Modified Foods: Solution to Global Hunger or a Pandora’s Box?
• Feminism in the 21st Century
• Plastic Bags: Should They Be Banned Globally?
• Privatization of Space Exploration
• Should Voting Be Made Mandatory?
• Automation and Its Effects on Employment

Simple Opinion Essay Topics

• Should Schools Have Uniforms?
• Sports or Arts: Which Is More Important in School?
• Pets in Every Home: A Good Idea?
• Long Summer Holidays: Are They Necessary?
• Handwriting Skills in the Digital Age
• Should Junk Food Be Banned in Schools?
• Public Libraries: Still Relevant?
• Are Video Games Harmful?
• Bicycles vs. Cars for City Travel
• School Start Times: Should They Be Later?
• Using Mobile Phones in Class
• Where Is It Better to Settle: A City or a Village?
• Should Homework Be Abolished?
• Does Money Bring Happiness?
• Recycling at Home: How Important Is It?
• Comparative Analysis of Whom I Would Rather Be Oldest or Youngest Sibling?
• Should Students Grade Their Teachers?
• Paper Books or E-Books: Which Is Better?
• Is Fast Food Really Bad for You?

Interesting Opinion Essay Topics

• Should Privacy or Security Take Precedence Online?
• Rising Popularity of Electric Vehicles
• Effects of Social Media on Personal Relationships
• Mandatory Community Service in High School
• Influence of Celebrity Culture on Young People
• Extraterrestrial Life: Probability and Possibilities
• Animal Testing: Necessary Evil or Avoidable Cruelty?
• Capital Punishment: Ethical Considerations
• Perceived Impact of Reality Television on Society
• Veganism: Lifestyle Choice or Necessary Shift?
• Artificial Intelligence: Boon or Bane?
• Online Class vs. Traditional One: Which is More Effective?
• Keeping Exotic Pets: A Question of Ethics
• Influence of Violent Video Games on Behavior
• Immigration Policies: A Global Perspective
• Climate Change: Is It Already Too Late?
• Space Travel: Should It Be Commercialized?
• Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech: Finding the Balance
• Parenting Styles: Do They Shape a Child’s Future?
• Physical Education in Schools: Luxury or Necessity?

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

• Virtual Learning: A Replacement for Traditional Schooling?
• Are Uniforms Beneficial in Schools?
• Influence of Pop Music on Teenagers
• Ban Junk Food in Schools
• Need for More Diversity in Literature Classes
• Inclusion of Financial Literacy in Curriculum
• Mandatory Participation in Sports: Pros and Cons
• Benefits of Studying a Foreign Language
• Value of Art Education in Schools
• Social Media: Boon or Bane for Teenagers?
• Cyberbullying: Measures for Prevention
• Importance of Volunteering and Community Service
• Online Privacy Concerns for Young People
• Homework: Necessary Practice or Outdated Method?
• Are Standardized Tests an Accurate Measure of Intelligence?
• Inclusion of Mental Health Education in Schools
• Increasing Popularity of eSports in Youth Culture
• Peer Pressure: Understanding Its Influence

Opinion Essay Topics for College Students

• Tuition Fees: An Unnecessary Burden or a Fair Payment for Education?
• Sex Education: A Necessity in College Curriculum
• Ethics of College Athletes’ Compensation
• Influence of Celebrity Culture on Body Image
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Studying Abroad
• Legal Drinking Age: Is Lowering a Good Idea?
• Plagiarism and Academic Integrity
• Benefits of Joining a College Fraternity or Sorority
• Sustainability Efforts on College Campuses
• Importance of Internships for College Students
• Rising Popularity of Online Education
• How Technology Affects Learning Efficiency
• Should Universities Be Free?
• Influence of Social Media on Personal Relationships
• Racial and Ethnic Diversity in Colleges
• LGBTQ+ Rights and College Policies
• Bystander Intervention in College Hazing
• Effectiveness of Gap Year Between High School and College
• Inclusion of Life Skills in College Curriculum
• Politics and Activism on College Campuses

Opinion Essay Topics on Environment

• Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities
• Greenwashing: Deception or Effective Marketing?
• Climate Change Policy: A Global Perspective
• Debate on Genetically Modified Crops: A Solution to Food Scarcity?
• Economic Viability of Renewable Energy Sources
• Sustainability in Urban Planning: Myth or Reality?
• Environmental Ethics: Anthropocentrism vs. Biocentrism
• Fracking: Economic Boon or Environmental Disaster?
• Consumerism’s Influence on Waste Production
• Endangered Species Act: Effectiveness and Controversies
• Coral Reef Conservation: Importance and Challenges
• Pros and Cons of Carbon Tax Implementation
• Dilemmas in Forest Management: Logging vs. Conservation
• Global Water Crisis and Potential Solutions
• Nuclear Power: Environmental Savior or Potential Hazard?
• Ecological Footprint: Reflection of Individual Responsibility
• Population Control: Necessary Measure for Sustainability?
• Ocean Acidification and Marine Life
• Advocacy of Green Technology in Industries
• The Resurgence of Wildlife in Urban Areas

Psychology Opinion Essay Topics

• Psychoanalysis: An Outdated Method or Still Relevant?
• Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Depression Treatment
• Bilingualism’s Effect on Cognitive Development
• Violent Video Games and Adolescent Aggression: Is There a Link?
• Meditation as a Mental Health Tool: Hype or Reality?
• Interplay of Genetics and Environment in Personality Development
• Social Media Usage and Its Relation to Self-Esteem
• Psychological Impacts of Body Shaming in Society
• Significance of Emotional Intelligence in Career Success
• Animal-Assisted Therapy: Valid Treatment or Placebo Effect?
• Understanding the Psychological Effects of Poverty
• Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma on Adult Life
• Music Therapy’s Role in Mental Health Management
• Cultural Differences in Expressing and Perceiving Emotions
• Mindfulness Practice: A Cure or Overhyped Trend?
• The Dichotomy of Nature vs. Nurture in Shaping Individual Behavior
• Impacts of Sleep Deprivation on Cognitive Functions
• Is Hypnosis a Genuine Psychological Therapy or Merely Placebo?
• The Effect of Color Psychology on Human Mood and Behavior

Social Media Opinion Ideas

• Social Media as a Modern Public Sphere: Democratic Potential or Echo Chambers?
• Debating the Ethics of Data Privacy in Social Media Platforms
• Influence of Social Media on Political Campaigns and Election Outcomes
• Rethinking Social Media’s Contribution to Social Activism
• Can Social Media Addiction Be Classified as a Genuine Psychological Disorder?
• The Pervasiveness of Fake News in Social Media and Its Implications for Society
• Effectiveness of Social Media Marketing Strategies in Brand Building
• Cyberbullying: A Dark Side of Social Media Usage
• Mental Health Implications of Chronic Social Media Usage
• Social Media: The Link Between Body Image and Eating Disorders
• Social Media and the Evolution of Modern Communication Patterns
• Shift in Journalism: Social Media’s Role in News Dissemination
• The Culture of Influencers: Impact on Consumer Behavior
• Social Media in Education: An Effective Learning Tool or a Distraction?
• Examining the Power Dynamics in Social Media Censorship
• Online Persona: Real Identity vs. Social Media Identity
• Can Social Media Be a Credible Source of Information?
• Implications of Social Media Algorithms on User Behavior and Content
• Understanding the Phenomenon of Social Media FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
• Sustainable Business Models for Social Media Platforms

Opinion Essay Topics About Nursing

• Nursing and Patient Safety: Strategies to Improve Outcomes
• Is Full Autonomy Possible for Nurse Practitioners in Every State?
• The Influence of Nurses on Health Policy Development
• Balancing Emotional Labor and Compassionate Care in Nursing
• Burnout in Nursing: Investigating Causes and Solutions
• Pediatric Palliative Care: The Crucial Role of Nurses
• Cultural Competence in Nursing: How Vital Is It?
• Ethical Dilemmas Faced by Nurses: A Qualitative Study
• The Significance of Interprofessional Collaboration in Nursing
• Can Technology Be Effectively Integrated Into Nursing Education?
• Critical Thinking in Nursing: Its Importance and Ways to Enhance It
• Is there a Need to Revise Current Nurse Staffing Ratios?
• Nursing Leadership Styles: Impact on Patient Care and Satisfaction
• Health Literacy Promotion: An Unexplored Responsibility of Nurses?
• Home Care Nursing: Opportunities and Challenges
• The Future of Telehealth Nursing: Opportunities and Risks
• Nursing in Disaster Management: Understanding Its Importance
• Bridging the Gap: Nurse Scientists in Clinical Settings
• How Can Nurses Promote Mental Health Awareness and Education?

Opinion Ideas on Education

• Incorporating Critical Thinking Skills Into Curriculum: How Important Is It?
• The Effectiveness of Blended Learning Models in Higher Education
• Inclusive Education Policies: Analyzing Their Implementation and Effectiveness
• Examining the Ethical Implications of Standardized Testing
• Do Traditional Grading Systems Truly Reflect Student Learning?
• Transforming Classroom Environments With Educational Technology
• Bilingual Education: Unraveling Its Effects on Cognitive Development
• Personalized Learning: A Sustainable Solution or Just a Trend?
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Educational Leadership
• How Can Teachers Promote Mental Health Awareness in Schools?
• Educational Policy and Its Effect on Teacher Retention Rates
• Exploring the Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Learning
• Curriculum Design and Its Influence on Student Engagement
• Education for Sustainability: The Need for Integrating It in Schools
• Pedagogical Approaches in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education
• The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Education
• Digital Literacy in Education: An Unavoidable Necessity?
• Does the Current Education System Adequately Prepare Students for the Future Workforce?

Opinion Essay Topics for History Class

• Deciphering Ancient Egypt: Hieroglyphs and Their Cultural Significance
• Power Dynamics in the French Revolution
• World War II: Unseen Influences on Modern Political Landscapes
• Assessing the Mongol Empire’s Influence on Eurasian History
• Apartheid’s Legacy in Contemporary South African Society
• Did Roman Architecture Influence Modern City Planning?
• Slavery and the Shaping of American Political Institutions
• Renaissance Humanism: Its Influence on Modern Intellectual Thought
• Examination of Feminist Movements in the 20th Century
• Influence of the Industrial Revolution on Modern Economic Systems
• Soviet Union: Evaluating Its Influence on Space Exploration
• Medieval Guilds: Their Influence on Modern Trade Unions
• Cultural Exchange During the Silk Road Era
• Pax Britannica and Globalization: A Historical Perspective
• Debunking the Myth of the ‘Dark Ages’
• Are There Parallels Between the Fall of Rome and Today’s Societies?
• Cold War and Its Effect on International Relations
• Colonialism’s Residual Effects on Modern Developing Nations
• Impact of the Protestant Reformation on European Societies
• Greek Philosophy: Its Contribution to Modern Scientific Methodologies

Literature Opinion Topics

• Contemporary Interpretations of Classical Literature: Are They Necessary?
• Exploring the Influence of Postcolonial Literature on Cultural Identities
• How Does Gender Representation Affect the Reading Experience?
• Is There an Overemphasis on Western Canon in Literature Studies?
• Transformative Nature of Magical Realism in Latin American Literature
• Analyzing the Power Dynamics in Dystopian Literature
• Female Protagonists in Gothic Literature: An Examination of Characterization
• Dissecting the Notion of Heroism in Epic Poetry
• Eco-Criticism: A New Perspective to Interpret Nature in Literature
• How Has Digital Media Influenced Literary Consumption?
• Ethics of Storytelling: A Look at Narratives of Trauma in Contemporary Fiction
• Intersectionality in African American Literature: A Critical Analysis
• The Aesthetics of Food Description in Novels: An Overlooked Tool for Storytelling?
• Depiction of Mental Health in Young Adult Literature: Does It Raise Awareness or Perpetuate Stereotypes?
• Intertextuality in Modern Novels: An Analytical Study
• Shakespearean Tragedies: An Insight Into Human Nature or a Reflection of Elizabethan Society?
• Can Translation Maintain the Aesthetics and Cultural Nuances of a Literary Piece?
• Decoding Symbolism in Surrealist Literature
• Understanding the Politics of Gender and Sexuality in LGBTQ+ Literature

Opinion Essay Topics on Culture

• Decoding the Influence of Popular Culture on Youth Identities
• Rethinking Cultural Appropriation: When Does Appreciation Become Offensive?
• Cultural Globalization: A Threat or Opportunity for Indigenous Cultures?
• Comparative Analysis of Collectivist vs. Individualist Cultures
• How Is Gender Constructed Differently Across Cultures?
• Influence of Technological Advancements on Cultural Shifts
• Cultural Adaptations in Literature: Preserving or Distorting Cultural Heritage?
• Impact of Language Revitalization Movements on Indigenous Cultures
• Cultural Perspectives on Environmental Sustainability
• Exploring the Intersection of Culture and Religion: A Case Study Approach
• Feminism in Non-Western Cultures: How Is It Perceived?
• Cultural Diplomacy: Effective Tool for Conflict Resolution or Soft Power Strategy?
• Preservation of Cultural Heritage Sites: How Essential Is It for Cultural Identity?
• Assessing the Influence of Cultural Stereotypes on Inter-Cultural Communication
• Is the Concept of National Culture Becoming Obsolete in the Globalized World?
• Cultural Symbolism in Visual Art: A Thematic Analysis
• How Do Immigration and Acculturation Affect an Individual’s Cultural Identity?
• Assimilation vs. Multiculturalism: Which Promotes More Inclusive Societies?
• Food Culture: An Insight Into Historical and Socioeconomic Dynamics
• What Does the Rise of Internet Memes Signify for Modern Pop Culture?

Opinion Topics on Sports

• Analyzing the Effectiveness of Anti-Doping Policies in Professional Sports
• Gender Equality in Sports: How Far Have We Come?
• Pros and Cons of Commercialization of Sports
• Fair Play: Myth or Reality in Today’s Competitive Sports?
• How Essential Is Talent Scouting for the Growth of Underrepresented Sports?
• Controversies and Ethical Dilemmas Surrounding Sports Betting
• Performance Enhancing Drugs: Unfair Advantage or a Necessary Evil?
• Does Hosting Major Sports Events Provide Sustainable Economic Growth?
• Inclusion of eSports in Olympic Games: Futuristic Vision or a Mere Fantasy?
• Is There Overemphasis on Physical Conditioning in Youth Sports?
• How Do Sports Influence National Identity Construction?
• Exploitation in College Sports: A Look at NCAA Regulations
• The Rise of Women’s Football: A Shift in Sports Culture?
• Why Are Certain Sports More Popular in Certain Countries?
• Relevance of Traditional Sports in the 21st Century
• Varying Concepts of Sportsmanship Across Different Cultures
• Should Extreme Sports be Included in the Olympic Games?
• How Have Advances in Technology Affected the Authenticity of Sports?
• Analyzing the Representation of Disabled Athletes in Mainstream Sports Media

Economics & Finance Opinion Topics

• Deciphering the Crypto Economy: An Asset or a Liability?
• Does Universal Basic Income Provide an Economic Safety Net?
• Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in Regulating Inflation
• Are Financial Regulations a Hindrance to Economic Growth?
• Relevance of Keynesian Economics in Today’s Economic Structure
• Economic Consequences of Climate Change: What’s the Real Cost?
• Global Financial Inequality: Solutions for a Balanced World Economy
• Challenges in Implementing Green Finance Globally
• Examining the Relationship Between Economic Growth and Income Inequality
• Analyzing the Economic Implications of Brexit
• Can Economic Sanctions Be Justified as Foreign Policy Tools?
• Is the Gig Economy a Progressive Labor Market Change?
• Understanding the Effects of Automated Trading on Financial Markets
• Redefining Prosperity: Is GDP a Comprehensive Measure of Economic Success?
• Economic Impact of Immigration: A Boon or a Bane?
• Future of Cash: How Relevant Are Physical Currencies in the Digital Age?
• How Effective Is Quantitative Easing as an Economic Strategy?
• Ethics in Finance: A Necessity or a Luxury?
• Consequences of Wealth Tax on Economic Stability
• Is Financial Literacy the Key to Reducing Income Inequality?

Technology & Science Opinion Essay Topics

• Cybersecurity in Quantum Computing: Paradigms and Challenges
• Synthetic Biology: Harnessing Nature’s Code for Novel Solutions
• Climate Change Mitigation: Innovative Approaches Using Geoengineering
• Examining AI Bias: Socio-Ethical Implications for Machine Learning Algorithms
• Is Nanotechnology the Future of Medicine?
• Fostering Sustainable Innovation in Biotechnology
• Ethical Considerations of Genetic Engineering in Humans
• Brain-Computer Interfaces: Bridging Neural Pathways and Digital Worlds
• Disruptive Influence of Blockchain on Financial Markets
• Are We Prepared for Artificial General Intelligence?
• Augmented Reality in Education: Reinventing Learning Environments
• Virtual Reality Use in Mental Health Treatments
• Integrating Renewable Energy Sources: Challenges and Prospects
• Dark Matter and Energy: Unsolved Mysteries of the Universe
• Exoplanet Discovery and the Potential for Extraterrestrial Life
• Bioinformatics and Personalized Medicine: A New Frontier
• Can Deep Learning Models Outperform Humans in Creativity?
• Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart Cities: Privacy Concerns
• Advances in Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Safety and Regulation Issues

Opinion Essay Topics on Sustainable Development

• Sustainable Cities: Architectural Innovations and Urban Planning
• Innovative Approaches to Water Management in Agriculture
• Transitional Challenges in Adapting to Circular Economy Models
• Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability: More Than Just Greenwashing?
• Eco-Tourism and Local Economies: Symbiosis or Exploitation?
• Does Organic Farming Offer a Sustainable Solution for Global Food Security?
• Carbon Neutral Technologies: Pathways to a Greener Future
• Green Investment and Sustainable Economic Growth
• Climate Change Adaptation in Agriculture: Strategies for the 21st Century
• Is Zero Waste an Achievable or Utopian Goal?
• Rethinking Energy Consumption: Electrification and Decarbonization
• Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: A Comparative Analysis
• Biodiversity Conservation and Its Interplay With Local Communities
• Social Sustainability: Addressing Inequalities in the Global South
• Beyond Recycling: Waste-to-Energy Solutions for the Circular Economy
• Inclusive Growth: Intersection of Sustainability and Social Equity
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management: Challenges and Strategies
• Can Regenerative Agriculture Counteract Climate Change?
• Smart Grids and Renewable Energy Integration: An Exploration
• Green Building Design: Innovative Approaches for Energy Efficiency

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Opinion essay , like other academic papers, requires writers to express their take on a given subject. Many may confuse this essay type with a persuasive paper, which is wrong. As a writer, you are required to take a side and provide an argument that will support your point of view. Since opinion essays are commonly written across different educational levels, it is important to learn about potential research topics. Students often struggle to identify and work on good opinion essay topics. Are you looking for excellent opinion subjects or means to develop one? Continue reading this blog from our professional writing service to learn the definition of an opinion paper and explore different opinion writing topics that you can use in essays.

What Are Opinion Essay Topics?

Opinion papers rank among the commonly issued assignments in learning institutions. So, what is an opinion essay topic? It is a subject that attracts divergent outlooks and ideas from readers and thus enables writers to develop arguments that support a certain take. It is even much easier to write about an opinion topic if it has many differing sentiments. If the title is controversial, a writer can select and build on broad scopes of argumentation available. Unlike when writing a persuasive essay, students do not need to convince readers about a given stand. Although one can draw discussions from different fields – education, healthcare, social media, technology, government, and music, among others – opinion topics share some common characteristics.

Characteristics of Good Opinion Topics

Although people pick subject matters from a wide array of disciplines, good opinion essay topics share some traits. Some of these attributes are discussed below:

• A writer can find supportive evidence from reliable research and sources. A quality opinion topic should have examples, facts, and clear evidence that can be used to support a given standpoint.
• It should have opposite viewpoints. A topic that has different angles is preferred when developing an opinion paper.
• The topic should accommodate development of a strong thesis statement.

How to Choose an Opinion Topic Idea?

There are many subject areas to pick issues from. To select an exceptional opinion essay topic, you need to follow these steps:

• Determine a field that you are passionate about. Your topic should be related to your individual experience, personal skills, or a subject you have researched exhaustively.
• Conduct a brainstorming session to help select and adjust opinions to write about within your preferred discipline.
• Once you create your potential opinion ideas list, conduct research to ascertain viability of all options. A good topic should have evidence, facts, and examples from reliable sources.
• You should have a strong opinion on topics you wish to discuss.

If you follow these steps, you will choose a topic that appeals to your personal interests and can be developed comprehensively with good evidence. Feel free to contact StudyCrumb for expert advice and college essay writing help .

List of the Best Opinion Writing Topics

A student should be able to select good topics for opinion writing. Today, you can find numerous opinion subjects online. You just need a smartphone with access to the internet! Although you can find various opinion essay topics online, you should strive to choose the best titles. Below are sample best opinion topics:

• Is gun control used as a political control tool among Americans?
• Is global warming a true phenomenon?
• Does access to social media content and video negatively affect children’s behaviors?
• Should smartphone usage be accepted in colleges and other higher education institutions?
• Does watching action films promote violence among children?
• Role of music in different age groups.
• Role of government in promoting freedom of speech.
• Should parents learn to use the internet and communicate online?
• Are human beings putting adequate effort toward environmental management?
• What is your take on right to privacy?

Interesting Opinion Essay Topics

You should consider opinion essay topics that would easily capture your target audience’s attention. Lucky for you, there are many different opinion editorials topics to choose from. Examples of such captivating issues include:

• Is an electric car better than a petrol vehicle?
• Impact of World War II on the issue of racism in America.
• Is religion important in school curricula?
• Gender roles in modern society.
• Should the COVID-19 jab be mandatory for all?
• Disparities in services and racial bias in USA's healthcare industry.
• Impact of gender neutrality and fluidity on modern language.
• Are virtual classes better than physical sessions?
• Pop stars influence fashion and present-day societal norms.
• Role of physical exercise in alleviating the obesity pandemic in the United States.
• Impact of vegetarianism on human health.
• Is medical research on human subjects ethical?
• Impact of World War II on gender roles in Europe and America.
• Police brutality and its impact on the fight against racism.
• Ownership of firearms by people improves safety and security of private citizens.

Easy Opinion Paper Topics

Unlike other complex subjects, easy opinion essay topics take writers a shorter period to develop. You also do not need to put too much effort into writing such a paper. Teachers in lower education levels rely on these types of opinion papers topics to train better writing skills. Below is a list of simplest opinion topics that you can use:

• Effect of the Cold War on the relationship between Russia and the USA.
• Role of Presidents from your own perspective.
• Social media platforms do more harm than good.
• The USA is the best country in the world.
• Are men and women treated equally in the USA?
• Are print books better than e-books in this modern era?
• What is your ethical opinion on caged wild animals?
• Impact of exercise and physical education on stress.
• Should children have full access to the internet?
• Virtual learning and its benefits.
• Are social media platforms making people less social?
• Reason why politicians should rely on technology.
• How can you stay healthy during a lockdown?
• Can solar power alleviate climate change?
• Impact of the cancellation culture on public discussions.

Good Topics for Opinion Essays

If people select good opinion writing topics, they can express their point of view on such subjects in a better way. One can find deep and extensive topical knowledge on the issue online. A writer can comfortably defend their belief and inclinations with solid, reliable evidence. Common good op ed ideas include:

• Should parents take part in their children’s educational journey?
• What is the overall impact of making marijuana legal?
• How can gender-based violence issues be resolved in America?
• Weaknesses of current US immigration policies.
• Is depression a public health issue in the United States?
• Gender equity policies and affirmative action in US military departments.
• Does social media promote depression among teenagers and young adults?
• Role of government social welfare programs in promoting poverty.
• Anger management and its relationship with gender-based violence.
• Office versus virtual working environment.
• Is there a connection between drug abuse and gender-based violence?
• Will the world ever attain total peace?
• Can genetically modified organisms (GMOs) be a solution to world hunger?
• Are people doing enough to negate climate change effects?
• Is euthanasia ethical and justified?

Opinion Editorial Topics

Senior authors and editors usually have a section in newspapers, magazines, or any other publication, where they express their viewpoints on a given matter. Good op ed topics attract wide audiences and thus can be used to influence readers. Examples of topics for opinion articles are outlined below:

• Is the existing gun control legislation adequate in addressing increased mass shootings in America?
• The future of GMOs and food security.
• Are we winning the war against global warming?
• In your opinion, what should be the minimum marrying age in America?
• Impact of oil spillage on the marine ecosystem.
• Benefits of physical exercise on physiological and mental health.
• Can the human race inhabit Mars successfully?
• Is it viable to replace fossil fuels with alternative clean energy sources in the aviation industry?
• Should doping be accepted in sports?
• Sex education should be taught to children by their parents.

Topics and Ideas for Opinion Writing by Subject

People can choose essay topics from various disciplines. With adequate research, you can list and develop arguments on numerous issues within every subject. There is a wide variety of options, which can ensure that you always discuss issues that interest you. As a writer, you can select a topic from various subjects, including political science, history, public opinion, environmental issues, technology, parenting, education, social media, and psychology, among others. Irrespective of the discipline, opinion writing ideas must be written in a specific format and structure. This section discusses common topics for opinion essays from different disciplines.

Opinion Topics in Political Science

Politics ranks among the most discussed subjects worldwide. Besides, people have diverging and contradicting takes on topics related to political science. Furthermore, since these decisions affect almost everyone, Political Science opinion essay topics attract great interest from the public. Below is a list of opinion topics in this discipline:

• Rule of law and its unbiased application to everyone.
• Strengths and weaknesses of the US electoral system.
• Terrorism as a political tool.
• Immigration policy and its effect on minority families.
• US foreign policies in the Middle Eastern countries.
• Relationship between politics and climate change initiatives.
• How politics affect mainstream media.
• Political conflicts between Israel and Palestine.
• The collision between federal and state legislation.
• Should governments regulate religious practices?
• Should the minimum age for voting be reduced?
• How can governments address corruption problems?
• Capitalism is superior to socialism.
• Strengths and weaknesses of the American system of governance.

>> View more: Topics of Political Science

History Opinion Essay Ideas

Historical events influence our current decisions. It is, therefore, no surprise that many people take a keen interest in History opinion essay topics. Issues related to past wars, civil riots, and political decisions have drawn great debates over the years. Check a list of top 15 essay topics on the subject below:

• Thanksgiving from Native Americans’ historical view.
• United States’ role in World War I.
• Industrial Revolution and its effect on population distribution.
• Contribution of Slavery to current economic and social inequalities in USA.
• The Holocaust and its role in shaping current world politics.
• Abolition of slavery in the United States.
• Did the Election of President Barack Obama influence the issue of racism in America?
• Impact of the 9/11 tragedy on United States foreign policy.
• Importance of the American Civil Rights movement in promoting gender and racism equity in America.
• Was the Vietnam war justified from the American point of view?
• Martin Luther King’s contribution to the fight against racial discrimination.
• How did the 19th Amendment empower women in the 1920s?
• Are history lessons important in present-day school curricula?
• What was the role of the trade union movement in promoting workers’ rights?
• Impact of colonialism on current economic inequalities between countries worldwide.

Public Opinion Essay Topics

Public opinion, as a discipline, encompasses common beliefs, ideas, perspectives, and attitudes shared among many members of the community. Information on public opinion essay topics is often collected through polls. In many cases, the public is concerned with topic opinion related to politics. Take a look at examples outlined below:

• Public transportation systems should be free.
• The public transportation system in New York is inconvenient.
• Should abortion be fully legal?
• The Obamacare program was a disaster.
• Mainstream media is nowadays a tool for propagating political agendas and narratives.
• Should COVID-19 vaccine injection be compulsory?
• Medical and recreational use of marijuana should be legal.
• Should teachers carry firearms in classrooms?
• Social media has increased cyberbullying among youths.
• The US healthcare system is incompetent in dealing with increased mental health and suicide cases.
• Should military qualification test standards be lowered to accommodate women?
• Police departments in America have failed in their community outreach programs.
• Police racism has negatively affected the relationship between law enforcement departments and the public.
• How can the government deal with the increased homelessness problem in American cities?
• The COVID-19 vaccine should be offered free of charge.

Environmental Topics for Opinion Essays

With the fight against climate change growing in momentum, people are increasingly reading op-ed topics related to environmental change and management. This subject attracts controversial viewpoints, which makes it very interesting. You can find an issue that resonates with you from the environmental opinion essay topics below:

• Dangers of large-scale commercial farming to the environment.
• Overfishing should be regulated globally.
• Is global warming a real phenomenon?
• Effect of human activity on flora and fauna.
• Can solar power alleviate the problem of air pollution?
• Effect of mass concrete construction on environment.
• Does excessive consumption of beef have a negative effect on the environment?
• Alternative clean energy solutions can slow down climate change.
• Electric cars are better for the environment compared to petrol engine vehicles.
• Impact of oil spillage on marine and dry-land ecosystems.
• Tree planting is a viable solution for rapid climate change.
• Effect of farm inputs on the environment.
• How can wildfires be prevented?
• Effect of global warming on human health.
• The government should introduce legislation to regulate emissions.

Education Opinion Topics to Write About

The existence and continuous growth of the human race rely on education hugely. It is, therefore, only fair for people to express their opinions on topics on the subject. Some of the common education opinion essay topics are outlined in this section:

• Is distance learning a viable replacement for face-to-face learning in classrooms?
• How does the expensive cost of education affect learners in the United States?
• Student loans in tertiary education negatively affect the economic well-being of students after school.
• How can the government address the issue of mass shootings in schools?
• How soon should sex education be taught in school?
• What is the effect of social media on student learning?
• How can technology improve learning outcomes in schools?
• Should instructors punish learners in schools?
• Educational institutions should introduce healthier meals in their cafeteria.
• Gender equality in education has positively affected economic development.
• Should religious education be incorporated into school curricula?
• What are the effects of social and economic classes on student performance?
• Impact of career choice decisions in school on pay gap between men and women.
• Are private schools better than public schools?
• Disparities in the quality of educational facilities across various ethnic communities in the US.

You can browse special education research topics  and get some new ideas for your opinion essay.

Psychology Opinion Based Questions

The increased cases of mental health issues and suicide have made Psychology opinion essay topics very popular. Today, these opinion essay questions are raised among medical professionals, legislators, and even the general public. Below are the top 15 talking points on this subject:

• What is the impact of physical exercise on mental health?
• Psychological effects of yoga and meditation.
• What are the effects of social media on an individual’s mental health?
• How does an unhealthy work/life balance affect the psychological health of people?
• Effects of violent films on the mental development of children.
• How can the healthcare sector better address increased cases of depression?
• Role of pop stars in shaping the psychological growth and well-being of children.
• How emotional support pets help in improving mental health.
• Should parents regulate children’s access to the internet?
• How can schools better utilize guidance and counseling departments to prevent mass shootings by students?
• How does bullying affect mental health of students?
• How does negative stigma toward autistic students affect their performance in school?
• What teaching methods can be used for students who are mentally disabled?
• Effect of childhood experience on adults.
• Effect of divorce and domestic violence on children’s mental development.

Philosophy Opinion Essay Topics

Human beings have, for the longest time, expressed their opinion on different philosophies. Since society and laws are built on various schools of thought, opinion piece topics on this subject are very common. Below are some of the Philosophy opinion paper ideas:

• Strengths of the utilitarian school of thought.
• Should capital punishment be abolished?
• What are the ethical issues linked to abortion?
• What are the effects of environment and nurture on child development?
• The difference between determinism and freedom.
• Benefits of democracy over absolutism.
• The spread of Confucianism around the world.
• How does a personal fable lead people to commit life-changing mistakes?
• What is the true meaning of happiness?
• Critical evaluation of Puritan culture and beliefs.
• Effect of the “world revolves around me” fallacy on quality of life.
• The theory of deontology and consequentialism in America’s correction system.
• Impact of Confucianism on western culture.
• Does God Exist?
• The discordance between free will and determinism.

Social Media Opinion Article Ideas

In the current age of smartphones and the internet, social media is huge. Almost every person has some level of presence on social media platforms. The effect of social media on people’s daily lives has caused a significant interest in op ed topics on the subject. Some of the common opinion article topics on Social Media are listed below:

• Effect of social media on students’ performance in school.
• How does social media impact the psychological and behavioral growth of children?
• Should parents limit children’s access to social media content?
• How should children be protected from cyberbullying on social media?
• Evolving roles of social media in online marketing.
• Social media is a source of depression among some young adults.
• Has social media normalized hate speech and behaviors?
• How can social media be used in the current education system?
• The role of social media in promoting a sedentary lifestyle.
• How can social media be used to promote environmental management and climate change awareness?
• Effect of social media on face-to-face relationships.
• Impact of social media on group mind and social pressure.
• How can online messaging platforms be used to promote activism and revolution globally?
• Role of social media on cultural exchange across communities.
• Effect of social media on individuals’ self-esteem and confidence.

Culture Opinion Essay Topics

This discipline focuses on language, religion, art, and mentality. Since these aspects vary from one community to another, many opinion essays topics attract a great deal of debate. Common opinion piece ideas include:

• Is present-day culture based on recent decades?
• The internet has revolutionized the music industry and destroyed record companies.
• Changes in cultural stereotypes and social prejudice across various age groups.
• Effect of internet and globalization on traditional fashion styles.
• The replacement of traditional acoustic instruments by computer programs has changed the music culture globally.
• The widespread access to the internet has resulted in the rise of social media stars.
• Stars and popular figures have the potential to influence public opinion.
• Are high divorce rates an indicator of the changing marriage culture in the US?
• Is recreational use of drugs part of modern US culture?
• Will classical music ever grow out of fashion?
• Development of hybrid culture due to intercultural exchange.
• Effect of religion and culture on legislation.
• Should culture be taught in a school setup?
• Role of movies in propagating cultural information.
• Effect of diversity on America’s food culture.

Literature Opinion Essay Topics

People have enjoyed literature throughout human history. It is common to find persons discussing and exploring different interpretations of a given literature opinion paragraph topic. Below are some of the good topics for opinion writing in Literature:

• Do you prefer reading an entire classic book in an e-books format and in hardcopy?
• Why has the reading culture been reduced recently?
• Gender bigotry and prejudice in 17th-century English literature.
• Are books on the verge of elimination due to technological advancement?
• Themes of love and death in Shakespearean literature .
• Does reading result in better spelling skills?
• Difference between Western and Eastern literature.
• Can reading a book help relieve stress?
• What can be done to reclaim the lost Native American literature?
• Challenges of teaching foreign literature.
• Is there a need to limit English literature in institutions of higher education?
• Importance of the internet in facilitating the sharing of literature around the world.
• Classic literature should be made available at no cost.
• How can English language grammar be preserved?

Sports Opinion Paper Topics

Whether you are an athlete or a sports fan, you must have had a heated sports debate at least once. The emotional aspect of sports makes opinionated essay topics on Sports very common. Examples of opinion topic ideas are presented here:

• Nutrition is necessary for athletic success.
• Is bodybuilding a sport?
• Are professional athletes over or underpaid?
• Should psychological and mental health be considered in sports training programs?
• Is doping ethical?
• Should controlled doping be allowed in some sports?
• Is animal sport ethical?
• How vital are sports in school curricula?
• Why do some athletes struggle after retirement?
• Importance of statistics in sports analysis and match preparation.
• How can the gap between male and female sports be reduced?
• Are injuries indicators of an athlete’s level of physical fitness?
• How can you reduce the dangers associated with extreme sports and motorsport?
• Can supplements improve the performance of an athlete?
• How can you incorporate the LGBTQ+ community into sports?

Ideas for Opinion Essay for Students

Teachers often require students to compose opinion essays. These articles train learners to better express their opinion and build their argument skills. Opinion essay topic ideas vary depending on the student’s education level. Since each education level has different learning objectives and outcomes, the complexity and the research levels required to complete such assignments differ. The format for this academic paper does not, however, vary, irrespective of the level. This section explores op-ed ideas for different education levels, particularly high school and college levels. You may also browse our persuasive essay topics  and find some interesting ideas for your writing.

Opinion Essay Topics for High School

Even high school students have personal views! They are perfectly able to prepare essays on opinionated topics. Opinion essay topics for high school can be derived from a variety of disciplines. Below are titles that learners can discuss:

• Is social media negatively affecting social interaction?
• What are the benefits and disadvantages of homework?
• Should parents limit social media usage among high school students?
• Does cheating count as academic misconduct?
• Should gym classes be made mandatory in high school?
• Should students wear uniform attire to school?
• Should the use of mobile phones be allowed in classrooms?
• What are the advantages of group tasks?
• How can bullying be prevented in school?
• Do reading novels and fictional literature improve academic performance?

Opinion Essay Topics for College

The opinion paragraph topics for college students are a little bit more complex compared to articles written by high schoolers. Other than that, opinion essay topics for college level, just like high school, can be drawn from any subject. Below are some examples:

• Are traditional family values under threat in the United States?
• Should the death penalty be considered in capital crime cases?
• How can the government address the existing economic inequality in the United States?
• Should unintentional plagiarism be penalized?
• How can schools reduce depression among college students?
• How does the virtual education model compare with physical classrooms?
• How does social media promote cultural bias?
• Application of technology in college education.
• Is it ethical for students to develop intimate relationships with students?
• The weaknesses of the United States immigration policy.

Bottom Line on Opinion Essay Topics

In sum, you can choose opinion story ideas from various disciplines depending on your interest. With adequate research, anybody can write a good opinion article. This type of essay should follow a specific format. Irrespective of the issue, your paper should have a strong thesis statement. The quality of your essay will also depend on the amount of clear supporting evidence you’ve provided. Also, always remember to mention and talk about opposing points of view.

Our academic writing service is just what you need. Order an essay from experts and forget about stress. Backed by solid experience, our writers compose great essays on any topic.

FAQ About Opinion Essay Topics

1. what are some opinion topics.

Depending on your passion, you can choose opinion topics from your preferred subject. Below are some of the opinion topics:

• Impact of divorce on child development.
• What are the potential solutions for human trafficking?
• How does poor education in low-income communities promote crime?
• Why has the United States not had a female president so far?

3. How to come up with topics for an opinion essay?

To select good topics for opinion essays, you need to know your passion. You are more likely to write a better paper if you have a great interest in topics. Once you have identified your preferred discipline, select a topic you can develop with adequate evidence. You can also have a brainstorming session to come up with topics.

2. What are intriguing opinion essay topics?

You might find opinion essay topics listed below to be interesting:

• What measures can be taken to reverse the climate change process?
• New roles of social media in business operations.
• The role of technology in improving learning outcomes.
• Taming wild animals within a restricted zoo area is unethical.

4. What are some examples of opinion writing topics?

Below are some examples of topics for opinion writing:

• Learning institutions should help parents and guardians in controlling children’s screen time.
• Does racial profiling negatively affect the relationship between police departments and the American public?
• Is America’s middle class getting overwhelmed by the high class?
• Are physical and cyberbullying indications that perpetrators are insecure?

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

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Opinion Writing: a Guide to Writing a Successful Essay Easily

An opinion essay requires students to write their thoughts regarding a subject matter. Relevant examples and explanations back their point of view. Before starting an opinion paper, it is important to study the definition, topics, requirements, and structure. Referring to examples is also highly useful. Perhaps you need help with our admission essay writing service ? Take a look at this guide from our dissertation writing service to learn how to write an opinion essay like an expert.

What Is an Opinion Essay

A common question among students is: ‘What is an Opinion Essay?' It is an assignment that contains questions that allow students to share their point-of-view on a subject matter. Students should express their thoughts precisely while providing opinions on the issue related to the field within reasonable logic. Some opinion essays type require references to back the writer's claims.

Opinion writing involves using a student's personal point-of-view, which is segregated into a point. It is backed by examples and explanations. The paper addresses the audience directly by stating ‘Dear Readers' or the equivalent. The introduction involves a reference to a speech, book, or play. This is normally followed by a rhetorical question like ‘is the pope Catholic?' or something along those lines.

What Kind of Student Faces an Opinion Essay

Non-native English-speaking students enrolled in the International English Language Testing System by the British Council & Cambridge Assessment English are tasked with learning how to write the opinion essays. This can be high-school or college students. It is designed to enhance the level of English among students. It enables them to express their thoughts and opinions while writing good opinion essay in English.

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What Are the Requirements of an Opinion Essay?

Avoid Going Off-Topic: Always write an opinion essay within relevance to answer the assigned question. This is also known as ‘beating around the bush' and should not be included in any opinion paragraph as it may lower your grade.

Indent the First Paragraph: With most academic papers, opinion writing is not different. Therefore, it contains the rule of indenting the first line of the introduction.

A Well-Thought Thesis: The full thesis statement is a brief description of the opinion essay. It determines the rest of the paper. Include all the information that you wish to include in the body paragraphs

The Use of Formal Languages: Although it is okay to write informally, keep a wide range of professional and formal words. This includes: ‘Furthermore,' ‘As Stated By,' ‘However', & ‘Thus'.

Avoid Internet Slang: In the opinion paper, avoid writing using slang words. Don'tDon't include words like ‘LOL', ‘OMG', ‘LMAO', etc.

The Use of First Person Language (Optional): For the reason of providing personal thought, it is acceptable to write your personal opinion essay in the first person.

Avoid Informal Punctuation: Although the requirements allow custom essay for the first-person language, they do not permit informal punctuation. This includes dashes, exclamation marks, and emojis.

Avoid Including Contradictions: Always make sure all spelling and grammar is correct.

We also recommend reading about types of sentences with examples .

Opinion Essay Topics

Before learning about the structure, choosing from a wide range of opinion essay topics is important. Picking an essay theme is something that can be done very simply. Choosing an excellent opinion essay topic that you are interested in or have a passion for is advisable. Otherwise, you may find the writing process boring. This also ensures that your paper will be both effective and well-written.

• Do sports differ from ordinary board games?
• Is using animals in circus performances immoral?
• Why should we be honest with our peers?
• Should all humans be entitled to a 4-day workweek?
• Should all humans become vegetarians?
• Does a CEO earn too much?
• Should teens be barred from having sleepovers?
• Should everyone vote for their leader?
• The Pros & Cons of Day-Light Saving Hours.
• What are the most energy-efficient and safest cars of X year?

Opinion Essay Structure

When it comes to opinion paragraphs, students may struggle with the opinion essay format. The standard five-paragraph-essay structure usually works well for opinion essays. Figuring out what one is supposed to include in each section may be difficult for beginners. This is why following the opinion essay structure is something all beginners should do, for their own revision before writing the entire essay.

You might also be interested in getting more information about: 5 PARAGRAPH ESSAY

Opinion essay introduction

• Address the audience directly, and state the subject matter.
• Reference a speech, poem, book, or play.
• Include the author's name and date of publication in brackets.
• 1 or 2 sentences to make up a short description.
• 1 or 2 summarizing sentences of the entire paper.
• 1 sentence that links to the first body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 1

• Supporting arguments
• Explanation
• A linking sentence to the second body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 2

• Supporting argument
• A linking sentence to the third body paragraph.

Body Paragraph 3

• A linking sentence to the conclusion.

Conclusion paragraph

• Summary of the entire paper
• A conclusive sentence (the bigger picture in conclusion)

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Opinion Essay Examples

Do you need something for reference? Reading opinion essay examples can expand your knowledge of this style of writing, as you get to see exactly how this form of an essay is written. Take a look at our samples to get an insight into this form of academic writing.

Over the past, American popular culture has been strong in creating racial stereotypes. Images displayed through television, music, and the internet have an impact on how individuals behave and what individuals believe. People find their identities and belief systems from popular culture. Evidently, I believe that American pop culture has created racial stereotypes that predominantly affect other ethnic minorities. Analyzing the history of America reveals that African Americans have always had a problem defining themselves as Americans ever since the era of slavery. AfricanAmericans have always had a hard time being integrated into American culture. The result is that African Americans have been subjected to ridicule and shame. American pop culture has compounded the problem by enhancing the negative stereotypes ofAfrican American. In theatre, film, and music, African Americans have been associated with vices such as murder, theft, and violence.

The family systems theory has a significant revelation on family relations. I firmly agree that to understand a particular family or a member, they should be around other family members. The emotional connection among different family members may create functional or dysfunctional coexistence, which is not easy to identify when an individual is further from the other members. Taking an example of the extended family, the relationship between the mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law may be tense, but once they are outside the family, they can pretend to have a good relationship. Therefore, I agree with the theory that the existing emotional attachment and developed culture in the family is distinctively understood when the family is together.

Opinion writing is a form of academic paper that asks students to include their thoughts on a particular topic. This is then backed by a logical explanation and examples. Becoming more knowledgeable is a practical way to successfully learn how to write an opinion paper. Before writing anything, it is essential to refer to important information. That includes the definition, topics, opinion writing examples, and requirements. This is what turns amateur writers into master writers.

Feeling like you need some assistance with your essay? No matter what kind of writer you need, opinion or persuasive essay writer , our team consists of experts in all fields. Our college essay writing service helps those students who need an extra push when it comes to their assignments.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 perfect persuasive essay topics for any assignment.

General Education

Do you need to write a persuasive essay but aren’t sure what topic to focus on? Were you thrilled when your teacher said you could write about whatever you wanted but are now overwhelmed by the possibilities? We’re here to help!

Read on for a list of 113 top-notch persuasive essay topics, organized into ten categories. To help get you started, we also discuss what a persuasive essay is, how to choose a great topic, and what tips to keep in mind as you write your persuasive essay.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

In a persuasive essay, you attempt to convince readers to agree with your point of view on an argument. For example, an essay analyzing changes in Italian art during the Renaissance wouldn’t be a persuasive essay, because there’s no argument, but an essay where you argue that Italian art reached its peak during the Renaissance would be a persuasive essay because you’re trying to get your audience to agree with your viewpoint.

Persuasive and argumentative essays both try to convince readers to agree with the author, but the two essay types have key differences. Argumentative essays show a more balanced view of the issue and discuss both sides. Persuasive essays focus more heavily on the side the author agrees with. They also often include more of the author’s opinion than argumentative essays, which tend to use only facts and data to support their argument.

All persuasive essays have the following:

• Introduction: Introduces the topic, explains why it’s important, and ends with the thesis.
• Thesis: A sentence that sums up what the essay be discussing and what your stance on the issue is.
• Reasons you believe your side of the argument: Why do you support the side you do? Typically each main point will have its own body paragraph.
• Evidence supporting your argument: Facts or examples to back up your main points. Even though your opinion is allowed in persuasive essays more than most other essays, having concrete examples will make a stronger argument than relying on your opinion alone.
• Conclusion: Restatement of thesis, summary of main points, and a recap of why the issue is important.

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

Theoretically, you could write a persuasive essay about any subject under the sun, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Certain topics are easier to write a strong persuasive essay on, and below are tips to follow when deciding what you should write about.

It’s a Topic You Care About

Obviously, it’s possible to write an essay about a topic you find completely boring. You’ve probably done it! However, if possible, it’s always better to choose a topic that you care about and are interested in. When this is the case, you’ll find doing the research more enjoyable, writing the essay easier, and your writing will likely be better because you’ll be more passionate about and informed on the topic.

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

Just being passionate about a subject isn’t enough to make it a good persuasive essay topic, though. You need to make sure your argument is complex enough to have at least two potential sides to root for, and you need to be able to back up your side with evidence and examples. Even though persuasive essays allow your opinion to feature more than many other essays, you still need concrete evidence to back up your claims, or you’ll end up with a weak essay.

For example, you may passionately believe that mint chocolate chip ice cream is the best ice cream flavor (I agree!), but could you really write an entire essay on this? What would be your reasons for believing mint chocolate chip is the best (besides the fact that it’s delicious)? How would you support your belief? Have enough studies been done on preferred ice cream flavors to support an entire essay? When choosing a persuasive essay idea, you want to find the right balance between something you care about (so you can write well on it) and something the rest of the world cares about (so you can reference evidence to strengthen your position).

It’s a Manageable Topic

Bigger isn’t always better, especially with essay topics. While it may seem like a great idea to choose a huge, complex topic to write about, you’ll likely struggle to sift through all the information and different sides of the issue and winnow them down to one streamlined essay. For example, choosing to write an essay about how WWII impacted American life more than WWI wouldn’t be a great idea because you’d need to analyze all the impacts of both the wars in numerous areas of American life. It’d be a huge undertaking. A better idea would be to choose one impact on American life the wars had (such as changes in female employment) and focus on that. Doing so will make researching and writing your persuasive essay much more feasible.

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

Below are over 100 persuasive essay ideas, organized into ten categories. When you find an idea that piques your interest, you’ll choose one side of it to argue for in your essay. For example, if you choose the topic, “should fracking be legal?” you’d decide whether you believe fracking should be legal or illegal, then you’d write an essay arguing all the reasons why your audience should agree with you.

Arts/Culture

• Should students be required to learn an instrument in school?
• Did the end of Game of Thrones fit with the rest of the series?
• Can music be an effective way to treat mental illness?
• With e-readers so popular, have libraries become obsolete?
• Are the Harry Potter books more popular than they deserve to be?
• Should music with offensive language come with a warning label?
• What’s the best way for museums to get more people to visit?
• Should students be able to substitute an art or music class for a PE class in school?
• Are the Kardashians good or bad role models for young people?
• Should people in higher income brackets pay more taxes?
• Should all high school students be required to take a class on financial literacy?
• Is it possible to achieve the American dream, or is it only a myth?
• Is it better to spend a summer as an unpaid intern at a prestigious company or as a paid worker at a local store/restaurant?
• Should the United States impose more or fewer tariffs?
• Should college graduates have their student loans forgiven?
• Should restaurants eliminate tipping and raise staff wages instead?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• Which is more important: PE class or music class?
• Is it better to have year-round school with shorter breaks throughout the year?
• Should class rank be abolished in schools?
• Should students be taught sex education in school?
• Should students be able to attend public universities for free?
• What’s the most effective way to change the behavior of school bullies?
• Are the SAT and ACT accurate ways to measure intelligence?
• Should students be able to learn sign language instead of a foreign language?
• Do the benefits of Greek life at colleges outweigh the negatives?
• Does doing homework actually help students learn more?
• Why do students in many other countries score higher than American students on math exams?
• Should parents/teachers be able to ban certain books from schools?
• What’s the best way to reduce cheating in school?
• Should colleges take a student’s race into account when making admissions decisions?
• Should there be limits to free speech?
• Should students be required to perform community service to graduate high school?
• Should convicted felons who have completed their sentence be allowed to vote?
• Should gun ownership be more tightly regulated?
• Should recycling be made mandatory?
• Should employers be required to offer paid leave to new parents?
• Are there any circumstances where torture should be allowed?
• Should children under the age of 18 be able to get plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons?
• Should white supremacy groups be allowed to hold rallies in public places?
• Does making abortion illegal make women more or less safe?
• Does foreign aid actually help developing countries?
• Are there times a person’s freedom of speech should be curtailed?
• Should people over a certain age not be allowed to adopt children?

Government/Politics

• Should the minimum voting age be raised/lowered/kept the same?
• Should Puerto Rico be granted statehood?
• Should the United States build a border wall with Mexico?
• Who should be the next person printed on American banknotes?
• Should the United States’ military budget be reduced?
• Did China’s one child policy have overall positive or negative impacts on the country?
• Should DREAMers be granted US citizenship?
• Is national security more important than individual privacy?
• What responsibility does the government have to help homeless people?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?
• Should the US increase or decrease the number of refugees it allows in each year?
• Should privately-run prisons be abolished?
• Who was the most/least effective US president?
• Will Brexit end up helping or harming the UK?

• What’s the best way to reduce the spread of Ebola?
• Is the Keto diet a safe and effective way to lose weight?
• Should the FDA regulate vitamins and supplements more strictly?
• Should public schools require all students who attend to be vaccinated?
• Is eating genetically modified food safe?
• What’s the best way to make health insurance more affordable?
• What’s the best way to lower the teen pregnancy rate?
• Should recreational marijuana be legalized nationwide?
• Should birth control pills be available without a prescription?
• Should pregnant women be forbidden from buying cigarettes and alcohol?
• Why has anxiety increased in adolescents?
• Are low-carb or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• What caused the destruction of the USS Maine?
• Was King Arthur a mythical legend or actual Dark Ages king?
• Was the US justified in dropping atomic bombs during WWII?
• What was the primary cause of the Rwandan genocide?
• What happened to the settlers of the Roanoke colony?
• Was disagreement over slavery the primary cause of the US Civil War?
• What has caused the numerous disappearances in the Bermuda triangle?
• Should nuclear power be banned?
• Is scientific testing on animals necessary?
• Do zoos help or harm animals?
• Should scientists be allowed to clone humans?
• Should animals in circuses be banned?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals as pets?
• What’s the best way to reduce illegal poaching in Africa?
• What is the best way to reduce the impact of global warming?
• Should euthanasia be legalized?
• Is there legitimate evidence of extraterrestrial life?
• Should people be banned from owning aggressive dog breeds?
• Should the United States devote more money towards space exploration?
• Should the government subsidize renewable forms of energy?
• Is solar energy worth the cost?
• Should stem cells be used in medicine?
• Is it right for the US to leave the Paris Climate Agreement?
• Should athletes who fail a drug test receive a lifetime ban from the sport?
• Should college athletes receive a salary?
• Should the NFL do more to prevent concussions in players?
• Do PE classes help students stay in shape?
• Should horse racing be banned?
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Should children younger than 18 be allowed to play tackle football?
• Are the costs of hosting an Olympic Games worth it?
• Can online schools be as effective as traditional schools?
• Do violent video games encourage players to be violent in real life?
• Should facial recognition technology be banned?
• Does excessive social media use lead to depression/anxiety?
• Has the rise of translation technology made knowing multiple languages obsolete?
• Was Steve Jobs a visionary or just a great marketer?
• Should social media be banned for children younger than a certain age?
• Which 21st-century invention has had the largest impact on society?
• Are ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft good or bad for society?
• Should Facebook have done more to protect the privacy of its users?
• Will technology end up increasing or decreasing inequality worldwide?

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

After you’ve chosen the perfect topic for your persuasive essay, your work isn’t over. Follow the three tips below to create a top-notch essay.

Do Your Research

Your argument will fall apart if you don’t fully understand the issue you’re discussing or you overlook an important piece of it. Readers won’t be convinced by someone who doesn’t know the subject, and you likely won’t persuade any of them to begin supporting your viewpoint. Before you begin writing a single word of your essay, research your topic thoroughly. Study different sources, learn about the different sides of the argument, ask anyone who’s an expert on the topic what their opinion is, etc. You might be tempted to start writing right away, but by doing your research, you’ll make the writing process much easier when the time comes.

Make Your Thesis Perfect

Your thesis is the most important sentence in your persuasive essay. Just by reading that single sentence, your audience should know exactly what topic you’ll be discussing and where you stand on the issue. You want your thesis to be crystal clear and to accurately set up the rest of your essay. Asking classmates or your teacher to look it over before you begin writing the rest of your essay can be a big help if you’re not entirely confident in your thesis.

Consider the Other Side

You’ll spend most of your essay focusing on your side of the argument since that’s what you want readers to come away believing. However, don’t think that means you can ignore other sides of the issue. In your essay, be sure to discuss the other side’s argument, as well as why you believe this view is weak or untrue. Researching all the different viewpoints and including them in your essay will increase the quality of your writing by making your essay more complete and nuanced.

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

Good persuasive essay topics can be difficult to come up with, but in this guide we’ve created a list of 113 excellent essay topics for you to browse. The best persuasive essay ideas will be those that you are interested in, have enough evidence to support your argument, and aren’t too complicated to be summarized in an essay.

After you’ve chosen your essay topic, keep these three tips in mind when you begin writing:

• Do your research
• Make your thesis perfect
• Consider the other side

What's Next?

Need ideas for a research paper topic as well? Our guide to research paper topics has over 100 topics in ten categories so you can be sure to find the perfect topic for you.

Thinking about taking an AP English class? Read our guide on AP English classes to learn whether you should take AP English Language or AP English Literature (or both!)

Deciding between the SAT or ACT? Find out for sure which you will do the best on . Also read a detailed comparison between the two tests .

Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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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 take a position on 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.

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 that 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 to get across? Did the topic give you something new to think about? Can you see why someone else may feel differently?

50 Possible 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, which are, hopefully, backed up by facts.   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 our election process fair?
• Is torture ever acceptable?
• Should men get paternity leave from work?
• Are school uniforms beneficial?
• Do we 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)?
• Is it good that same-sex couples are able to marry?
• 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?
• Are girls too mean to each other?
• 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?
• Preparing an Argument Essay: Exploring Both Sides of an Issue
• Controversial Speech Topics
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• Bad Essay Topics for College Admissions
• 25 Essay Topics for American Government Classes
• Topic In Composition and Speech
• MBA Essay Tips
• How to Write a Solid Thesis Statement
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech
• 61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing
• 40 Writing Topics for Argumentative and Persuasive Essays
• Expository Essay Genre With Suggested Prompts
• Middle School Debate Topics
• Topical Organization Essay
• Supporting Detail in Composition and Speech
• Writing an Opinion Essay

Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — Great Opinion Essay Topics for Everyone

Great Opinion Essay Topics for Everyone

An opinion essay is about expressing your point of view. You can fully agree with a certain statement, partially or express complete disagreement. In this case, each argument in support of your point of view should be devoted to a paragraph. In this type of essay, you indicate your opinion in the introduction and conclusion.

Choosing a balanced approach, you should not only describe the problem from two sides (one paragraph – points for, and the second – points against) but also indicate which position is closer to you. In this case, it is advisable to start with an idea that is less close to you and devote the second paragraph to the one you adhere to. You must indicate your position in three places: in the introduction, in the conclusion, and in the topic sentence of the second paragraph.

In the introduction, the author expresses his opinion, starting with the words in my opinion. In the first paragraph, he indicates the position that is less close to him, and in the second, the one to which he is more inclined. At the same time, he gives consistent and convincing arguments in support of his opinion with the help of introductory constructions on the one hand, on the other hand. In the conclusion, the author uses the introductory phrase in conclusion and summarizes his opinion with the phrase I am still convinced that.

Next, we will look at opinion essay topics that will help you get inspired to write your own work.

Top 15 Opinion Essay Topics

Here we will analyze the 15 most popular topics for an opinion essay .

• Do you think that technology has reduced the social interaction of people?
• How has science influenced modern education?
• How do you feel about dating apps?
• Do you think social media filters are bad for mental health?
• Do you think smartphones can be used in the classroom?
• How do you think social media should be censored?
• How do you think the Internet harms or benefits?
• Is global warming real and how can it be combated?
• Is it true that strict parents harm children more than they help?
• Do you think parents should provide privacy to their children?
• Is it true that it is easier for a younger person to learn a language?
• Do you think medical marijuana should be banned?
• Is it true that all legends are based on false facts?
• Is it normal for college students to be tech-savvy?
• Is it true that dolphins carry death to the dam?

Public Opinion Essay Topics

Public opinion papers topics include the general beliefs, desires, and reasoning of most people.

• Can we continue to trust news resources and channels?
• Do you think health insurance should be more affordable?
• Is it true that domestic violence harms the public?
• Do you think that abortion can remain legal ?
• Do you think the legalization of cannabis is more harmful or beneficial?
• Does owning a firearm make people feel safer?
• Do you think national parks are endangered?
• How do you think social networks affect the split of the public in the country?
• Can mass depression be considered a global health problem in the country?
• Should school help parents control the amount of time their children spend on gadgets?
• How can you fight fake news?
• What solutions to economic inequality would you suggest?
• Can we trust the voting system?
• Does our country need to reform its military policy?
• Do you think that the death penalty should be abolished everywhere?
• Do you think it is possible to fight corruption in the police?
• How can the rise of homelessness be tackled in the country?
• Do you think the public will ever be satisfied with their president?
• How does the appearance of a person affect his mood and performance?
• Is it necessary to play sports in schools on a mandatory basis?

Personal Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some ideas for opinion essays on personal topics.

• Is it true that social networks contribute to the development of depression in adolescents?
• Do you think that respect is a key aspect of success in a person’s life?
• How do you think close friendships should imply ethics?
• Can self-pity harm a person?
• How do you know when a romantic relationship is over?
• In your opinion, should the public education system provide healthy nutrition to students?
• Is it acceptable that students’ homework takes up all their free time?
• How important is rest to ensure good academic performance?
• Does travel really help broaden your horizons and worldview?
• Is it true that journaling has a positive effect on a person’s emotions?
• How do you think students should be allowed to use e-books during class?
• Can I feel safe at school ?
• Is bullying really a sign of a person’s insecurity?
• Does a modern business need offices?
• Should the age limit for drivers be raised to 18?
• Do you think working women can be good mothers?
• Does military training really have a positive effect on the development of a person’s character?
• How can evil parents harm their children?
• Does a person need time management?
• What benefits and harms can energy drinks bring to the human body?

Opinion Topics in History

Here are some historical topics for opinion writing .

• Benefits of learning the history of other countries.
• US role in World War II.
• Religion and State: An Unobvious Connection.
• Why do students need to study subjects that they will not need in the future?
• History of cinema: how did it all begin?
• Echoes of Slavery Today: The Black Lives Matter Movement.
• Views and true intentions of Che Guevara.
• Benefits of capitalism.
• Causes of the Caribbean Crisis.
• Causes of the Cold War.
• The difference between the monarchy in Spain and Great Britain.
• Religion and the Amish: A Conservative Religious Movement in Christianity.
• Displacement by the British colonizers of the indigenous population of the United States.
• The viability of communism today. 

Good Opinion Writing Topics: Elementary

Here are good opinion writing topics for an essay on elementary themes.

• Time management in elementary grades.
• The role of extracurricular reading in education.
• The role of social networks in shaping the personality of a child.
• Creative subjects as the basis for the versatile development of the student.
• The role of pocket money in the development of interpersonal relationships between primary school students.
• No use of smartphones during lessons.
• The influence of pets on the socialization of students.
• Food and education: they are more connected than you think.
• Change as an important part of your child’s socialization.
• Drawing and singing: two things you can’t refuse.
• The role of classical music in stimulating the brain activity of students.
• Warming up between classes is a way to improve the learning process.
• Gamification of classes: pros and cons.
• Is it worth it to completely replace physical media with digital ones?
• What is the complexity and size of the ideal homework assignment?

Opinion Essay Topics: Sports

Here are some sports topics for essay writing .

• How do you think the use of doping in sports is ethical?
• Does success in sports really depends on eating a healthy diet?
• Do athletes have a life after retirement?
• Is it possible to justify sporting achievements by getting serious injuries?
• Is it true that athletes must meet high moral standards?
• Is it true that successful coaches make their teams successful?
• How much do professional athletes get paid?
• Is it true that female athletes are engaged in traditionally male sports?
• The role of the Olympic Games in strengthening friendly relations between countries.
• Is there any ethics in sports exports involving animals?
• Can a break from sports be beneficial?
• Do good shoes really provide a part of success in sports?
• Do college athletes deserve professional coaching?
• Is it true that athletes are less susceptible to depression?
• Is it true that basketball players are more vulnerable to racist discrimination?

Opinion Essay Topics on Culture

Here are some cultural opinion topics .

• The role of modern pop music in shaping public attitudes.
• Unrealistic beauty standards of today.
• Electronic music as a tribute to universal digitalization.
• Advantages and disadvantages of online communication.
• The Internet as a Cause of Inappropriate Expectations in Interpersonal Relationships.
• Globalization of the fashion industry as a reason for the destruction of cultural heritage.
• The cycle of fashion.
• K-pop as a unique phenomenon in modern culture.
• Rock and pop industry: they have more in common than you think.
• YouTube as the main platform for identifying talents.
• Copyright in the music industry.
• Twitch and Instagram as tools for female objectification.
• Digital technologies in politics.
• Features of the cuisines of the people of the world.
• Pacifism in modern culture.

Nursing Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some best opinion nursing essay topics 

• Cases of exaggeration of the powers of nurses.
• Features of communication of medical staff with relatives of patients.
• The problem of interaction between medical staff and patients planning a gender transition.
• Digitalization of work processes of medical staff.
• Digitalization as one of the reasons for the reduction of medical staff.
• Forced vaccination: pros and cons.
• Globalization of medical control of the population.
• The role of homeopathy in modern medicine.
• The problem of alternative medicine.
• The problem of euthanasia in different countries.
• Patient Data Privacy.
• Expansion of the ban on the free sale of drugs.
• Genetics and diseases.
• The effectiveness of patient participation in the treatment process.
• Gender dependence of the nursing profession.

Social Media Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some social media essays writing ideas.

• Social networks as an element of approval in education.
• The impact of social media on everyday life.
• Censorship on the modern web.
• Problems with using digital sources of information in education.
• Eco activity in social networks.
• The role of influencers in changing the moral values of society.
• Social engineering as a scourge of modern society.
• Cyberbullying and reality.
• Children and social networks: are restrictions necessary?
• Digitalization and modern culture.
• The role of Twitter in politics.
• Smartphones and parental controls.
• Piracy on social media.
• Popularization of deep fakes.
• Success in reality and success in social networks: is there a difference?

Education Opinion Essay Topics

Here are the best interesting education essay themes.

• Should children be taught to write in elementary schools?
• Should students be allowed to carry phones to school?
• What benefits do students get from participating in extracurricular activities?
• Do you think it is worth raising the age of graduates?
• Do you think e-learning is effective enough?
• The role of gamification in increasing the involvement of students in the educational process.
• Why is learning a foreign language critical for a student?
• Why grade is not an indicator of a student’s mental development?
• Are e-books dangerous?
• Is it acceptable to punish students by teachers?
• How reliable can online sources be for research?
• Should students study only those subjects they like?
• And how relevant are Gender Schools today?
• Are there any advantages to distance learning?
• What is the role of Latin in modern education?

 Literature Opinion Essay Topics

Here are some literature opinion essay topics.

• What caused gender bias in 17th-century English literature?
• What is the satire in Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn?
• How did Shakespeare present love and death in his works?
• Do you think English grammar should be preserved?
• The more a person reads, the better he can write.
• How do you think reducing the amount of literature in college will positively affect the level of education of students?
• Do engineering students need English?
• How can essay writing help in building a successful career?
• Taras Shevchenko as an image of Ukrainian society.
• Is Martin Luther King Jr. the voice of the African American people?
• How can science fiction contribute to the development of technology?
• Does reading have a positive effect on PTSD patients?
• How quickly will e-books be replaced by paper ones?
• Should the works of the classics become free?
• How to get kids to read? 

Psychology Opinion Essay Topics

Here are the best topics for an essay on psychology. 

• What is causing the rise of racism in the United States of America?
• What is the importance of personal perception?
• Is love really a chemical reaction
• Identify examples of the effective use of propaganda.
• How important is it for people to understand non-verbal communication?
• What are the most pressing issues in the field of social cognition?
• How to force yourself not to put off homework until later?
• How do commercials affect the human brain?
• Is it true that laughter is good for a person?
• What are the consequences of cyberbullying?
• What non-standard methods can increase productivity in the workplace?
• How does aging affect human behavior?
• Are there effective treatments for a personality disorder?
• Does exercise really have a positive effect on the human brain?
• Is it the right decision to give a small child access to a smartphone?

Opinion Essay Sample for Students

Here are interesting ideas for opinion essays for students.

• The problem of the high cost of education in capitalist countries.
• Issues of the safety of public places.
• The attitude of different generations to social networks.
• The value of the institution of marriage in modern society.
• Maternity leave and the problems of restoring former labor duties.
• Antidepressants as an addiction.
• The out-of-school pastime of students.
• Gender and economic inequality in third world countries.
• Interpersonal relationships and the covid-19 pandemic.
• IVF privacy issues.
• Changes in US government policy related to Russian aggression.
• The environmental aspect of using private transport.
• DNA examination in the investigation: how expedient is it to rely on its results?
• The problem of life imprisonment in states that have abolished the death penalty.
• The influence of the opinion of the people of the United States on the foreign policy of the state.
• The effectiveness of the state in solving drug addiction problems.

We hope that the topics that we have suggested will help you write a good topic for an essay . In case you need help with writing a paper, you can always refer to our free database, which contains thousands of essays and topics for writing them. On our website, you will find many prompts and topics you can write about   in good opinion essays.

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210 Good Opinion Topics for Essays

An opinion essay requires a student to present a point of view on a chosen subject and back it up with substantial evidence . Like in a debate, the writer has to give their opinion and defend it while using scholarly resources.

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This article will help you find a good opinion essay topic to write about. You’ll be able to choose between opinion writing topics in different fields: sports, history, or culture. And remember: our custom writing service is always there for you in case you need help with any paper.

• 🔝 Top 10 Topics
• ☝️ How to Choose an Opinion Topic
• 📢 Public Opinion
• 🙋🏻 Personal Opinion
• 🌎 Environment
• 🤔 Thought-Provoking
• 🧒 Elementary

🔎 References

🔝 top 10 opinion essay topics.

• Can zoos be ethical?
• Is education overrated?
• Is homework beneficial?
• Do we need space exploration?
• Should we colonize other planets?
• Why shouldn’t we idolize celebrities?
• How much money should athletes make?
• Should there be more electives in schools?
• Are single-gender schools better for students?
• Should parents be involved in the educational process?

☝️ Good Opinion Topic: How to Choose

With opinion essays, the challenge comes in finding the right topic, doing the research, and giving it an academic frame. But no need to worry! If you find an interesting topic to write about, the rest will flow. So, how do you find a good topic?

Each person has their opinions on different subjects. Determining the area of personal interest will help narrow down the choice of essay topics. Besides, Purdue University recommends brainstorming as a way to choose and adjust the topic. To do it, you write down all ideas that come into your mind. Somewhere among these ideas you may find your perfect topic, as well as supporting points. You may even use those as keywords to put into an article topic generator .

📢 Public Opinion Essay Topics

Public opinion involves shared beliefs, desires, and reasoning of the majority. It is usually detected by various polls, which can be a useful resource for your future paper. Keep in mind that public opinion is often concerned with politics. And it might change very quickly! Choose a viewpoint that has been consistent over time. Take a look at these public opinion topics:

• News channels can no longer be trusted.
• The U.S. government has to make health insurance more affordable.
• Legalizing cannabis does more damage than good.
• Owning a firearm makes civilians feel safer.
• Domestic violence is damaging America.
• Should abortion remain legal?
• The high cost of education keeps Americans from the “American dream.”
• The safety of national parks cannot be compromised.
• Social media encourages division in the U.S .
• Is the value of family in the U.S. compromised?
• Should the U.S. adopt the british tradition of a gap year?
• The U.S. must treat massive depression as a public health issue.
• Schools should help parents control the screen time of teenagers.
• America is fed up with fake news .
• There is a resolution to economic inequality in the U.S.
• Did the U.S. respond well to the COVID-19 pandemic ?
• Can Americans trust the voting system ?
• Does the U.S. need a military policy reform?
• The public transportation system is inconvenient in most parts of the U.S.
• The government should not use DNA testing results.
• Death penalties should be abolished in all states.
• Not all policemen are corrupt .
• Will America ever be satisfied with its president ?
• The government has to react towards the spread of homelessness in the U.S .
• Is the U.S. middle class getting overpowered by the upper class ?

🙋🏻 Personal Opinion Essay Topics

As you can guess, a personal opinion essay will flow from the writer’s convictions or concerns. Examine yourself and develop a clear position on a chosen issue. The following list is for essay assignment as well as opinion editorial topics.

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• Social media is feeding depression amongst teenagers.
• Respect is the key to success in life.
• Should there be room for ethics in close friendships?
• Self-pity leads to self-damage.
• When does a romantic relationship end?
• The education system has to provide healthier meals.
• Should homework occupy all the free time of college students?
• Rest is essential for academic success .
• Traveling widens one’s worldview .
• Journaling has a positive effect on one’s emotional state.
• Cultural shock within your own country is real.
• Students should be allowed to use e-books in class.
• Is my school a safe place?
• Bullying is a sign of insecurity.
• Academic dishonesty can lead to a destructive lifestyle.
• Modern businesses don’t need an office.
• Should the driving age be moved to 18 years?
• Are working women better mothers?
• Military training positively affects one’s character.
• Angry parenting is dysfunctional.
• Is time management suitable for everybody?
• Energy drinks : pros and cons.
• Clothes affect one’s mood and performance.
• Should schools have sports as mandatory?
• Is a yearbook worth the effort?

📜 Opinion Topics in History

Human history is full of important events and individuals that are worthy of notice. Topics concerning wars, civil riots, political decisions, or specific individuals often split opinion. The opinion essay topics in history might involve questions about morals, reasonability of choices, sacrifice, and heroism. Here are some topic examples.

• Is it ethical to charge people for visiting museums ?
• The Sons of Liberty played a crucial role in U.S. history.
• Gender equality in education stirred up a positive change in society.
• Did the election of the African American president influence the issue of racism?
• Can America be called “the land of opportunities”?
• American initiative made the fight for diversity possible.
• Americans take the 9/11 tragedy personally.
• Holocaust was a catastrophe for humanity.
• History has proven communism to be dysfunctional.
• The Renaissance art is still influencing us today.
• Catholic Church has played a vital role in world history.
• Is there less violence in the world now than it was in the Roman empire ?
• The U.S. should’ve switched to the metric system long ago.
• The industrial revolution : pros and cons.
• World countries teach different stories about World War II .
• Is Hatshepsut a good female role model?
• Should Germany be blamed for Hitler’s rise to power?
• Will humanity ever come to a war-free time?
• Does Asian culture dominate the world?
• Dyslexia didn’t get on the way to Da Vinci’s success.
• Middle age doctors should’ve listened to Hippocrates about abnormal behaviors.
• Tea has connected cultures throughout the ages.
• Gorbachev’s governance led to the Soviet Union’s collapse.
• Can obsessive book reading in past centuries be called an addiction?
• International trade is an ancient means of cross-cultural connections.

🌎 Environment Opinion Topics to Write About

The environment affects all people, which makes it an important topic. Some people take this subject too lightly; others are taking environmental problems personally. It is an excellent field for the opinion essay because it generates controversial views. One of these topics might seem compelling to you.

• Is it possible to grow organic food on a polluted planet?
• Is mass-produced chicken healthy?
• Will the environmental degradation affect women farmers?
• Can wildfires be prevented?
• Can solar-powered batteries solve the problem of air pollution ?
• Does global warming affect our health?
• Recycling must be mandatory worldwide.
• Can deforestation be prevented?
• The government has to invest in curing the soil.
• Organic fertilizers should replace chemicals.
• U.N. countries must resolve the problem of polluted oceans .
• Abandoned buildings have to be reused.
• Humanity is to blame for the climate change.
• Local government must preserve public parks.
• Does air pollution slow down the advancement of astronomy ?
• Hydraulic fracturing damages the planet.
• Can an individual make a difference in the environment?
• Does air traveling contribute to air pollution?
• Is the animal exhibition threatening for the environment?
• Is sustainability a viable aspiration for a community?
• Light pollution carries massive consequences.
• Multinational corporations should participate in combating climate change.
• Radical global change is worth saving the planet.
• Do modern cemeteries contribute to soil pollution ?
• Ecology-saving projects must be well-funded.

🤔 Thought-Provoking Opinion Writing Topics

If you are looking for a topic that will stir up a range of emotions and thoughts in your reader, this category is for you. At its core, the opinion essay is about sharing one’s standpoint. A good essay can make the audience reconsider their views on the subject. Take a look at the list of thought-provoking topics for intriguing writing.

• Does social media normalize hateful behavior?
• Can a woman pursue a career and be a good mother?
• Will there be iPhone-level inventions in the future?
• Can suicide rates amongst the elderly be lowered?
• Should there be cyber police?
• Is there such a thing as a victimless crime?
• Should technological progress happen at the expense of people’s health?
• Is it possible to stop global human trafficking ?
• Schools must maintain sex education .
• Can children be allowed to engage in hard labor by free choice?
• Are zoos ethical?
• Same-sex couples should be allowed adopting children.
• Religious beliefs have a positive effect on one’s character.
• The medicine that causes suicidal ideations should be banned.
• Movies create a disturbing image of people with psychological abnormalities.
• What’s the role of a father in parenting?
• Should parents have mandatory classes on parenting ?
• Each family has to take care of elderly relatives.
• Religious education: pros and cons.
• Will artificial intelligence lead the world into chaos?
• Can people make free choices in the presence of online ads ?
• Modern fashion normalizes promiscuous clothing.
• Can we call pasta an American dish?
• Should abstract painters be paid millions?
• Is it ethical to lie to children?

🧒 Good Opinion Writing Topics: Elementary

Opinion writing isn’t just for college, and opinion sharing isn’t for adults only. There are many subjects that students of all ages can write about because they too have personal views. If you are looking for an easy topic for an elementary, middle, or high school assignment, this list is for you.

• Should a person control their screen time ?
• Are vegetarians healthier than meat-eaters?
• Should schools have a uniform ?
• Does cybersport have benefits?
• Homework : pros and cons.
• Should children be required to do chores at home?
• Does reading books improve academic abilities?
• Do emojis help people express themselves better?
• What does it take to be a good cat owner?
• Group assignments : pros and cons.
• Social media promotes an unrealistic lifestyle.
• Prom should be fun, not stressful.
• Can bullying be prevented?
• Schools should include road trips in their curriculum.
• Gestures in cartoons are more important than speech.
• Should smartphones be allowed in class?
• Will e-books replace paper books?
• Daily sport exercise is necessary for health.
• Classical music has a positive effect on one’s thinking.
• Can music be taught online?
• Every child should be allowed to have a pet.
• Pocket money can teach children about finances.
• Chocolate is good for brain activity.
• Long school breaks: pros and cons.
• Every person has to take painting classes.

⚽ Opinion Essay Topics: Sports

Countless people are into sports. Some are athletes themselves, and some are rooters. The sports industry is almost its own universe. It has its expressions, philosophies, techniques, and even special nutrition. Sport is a deep subject that is often at the center of a debate. Here is a list of sports-related topics for opinion paragraphs that will boost your paper:

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• Doping is unethical.
• Athletic success depends on proper nutrition .
• Is there life for athletes after retirement?
• Do serious injuries justify athletic achievements?
• Should athletes be held to a higher moral standard?
• Successful coaches build successful teams.
• Should cheerleading be considered a sport?
• Do professional athletes get paid too much?
• Female athletes can take part in traditionally male sports.
• Do Olympic games bring more unity or strive between countries?
• Should athletes continue receiving full-ride scholarships?
• Is animal sport ethical?

• Do sports psychologists contribute to team achievements?
• Is pausing playing sports a good thing?
• Quality shoes are essential for quality results in sports.
• Do queer colors play a psychological role in sports?
• Should Super Ball winners be considered world champions?
• College athletes deserve professional coaches.
• Do athletes have a lower rate of depression?
• Athletes in gymnastics are at risk of developing eating disorders.
• Are wealthy people good at golf ?
• Lifesaving should be included in the Olympics.
• Quality helmets save lives of winter sports athletes.
• Are basketball players more vulnerable to racist discrimination?
• Water sports are no more dangerous than other kinds of sports.

🎨 Opinion Essay Topics on Culture

You may be wondering how to choose a topic on culture. Since this subject involves things such as language, religion, mentality, and art, there are many viewpoints to be shared. Which part of culture do you value the most? Take a look at these opinion piece topic options:

• Does the internet influence global fashion trends ?
• Culture should be incorporated in early childhood education.
• Monuments have a crucial role in preserving the essence of the culture.
• American patriotism : pros and cons.
• The movie industry is a storehouse for cultural memories.
• Europe influenced American society and culture.
• Can video editing be considered a form of art?
• The internet makes music worldwide sound the same.
• Food carries cultural memories throughout the centuries.
• Language reflects the cultural mindset.
• Cultural superstitions are the echo of national history.
• Does religion affect legal systems ?
• Primary religion directs national values.
• American inclusiveness : pros and cons.
• Culture and biology are interconnected.
• Accent diversity in the U.S. mirrors its individualistic core.
• Celebrities have the power to influence public opinion .
• Is drug use becoming a part of the U.S. culture?
• Physical books cannot die out.
• Will classical music ever become outdated?
• Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s I Have a Dream speech will always be influential.
• America carries out Abraham Lincoln’s legacy to this day.
• Gender equality changes the global culture.
• Two political sides in the U.S.: pros and cons.
• Should America deal with high divorce rates ?

Good luck on your opinion essay! And before you go, don’t forget to check our ultimate guide on opinion essay writing .

Further reading:

• 420 Good Compare and Contrast Essay Topics
• 180 Excellent Evaluation Essay Topics
• 140 Classification Essay Topics and Ideas
• 150+ Excellent Narrative Essay Topics
• 260 Good Descriptive Essay Topics and Writing Tips
• 135 Creative Definition Essay Topics and Writing Tips
• Choosing a Topic: Purdue University
• Topics in Public Opinion: The University of Vermont
• U.S Politics and Policy Topics: Pew Research Center
• Topics: History.com
• Public Opinion: Encyclopedia Britannica
• Climate Change Communication: Yale University
• Internet and Culture: Researchgate.net
• Essay Writing: The University of Wollongong
• 2020 Election: ProCon.org
• The Evolution of the Presidency: American Government
• Interesting Sports Facts: Sportkeeda
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Top 100 opinion essay topics in 2020.

August 5, 2020

When you need some great opinion essay topics, you just read our list of 100 amazing ideas and pick the opinion essay topic you like. It’s that simple, and it is 100% free. Our seasoned writers are experts at writing opinion essay topics and they can even teach you how to write opinion essay – if you need our help.

Get an A+ With Our Awesome Opinion Essay Topics

Let’s be honest: writing an opinion essay can be so much easier if you have the right topic. Our amazing writers have put together a list of awesome ideas for opinion essays for you. You can use any one of our topics for free and you can even reword them as you see fit. Pick one of the following topics and start writing right away!

Environment Opinion Essay

If you are interested in the environment and have something to prove, you are more than welcome to write your paper on an environmental topic:

• Is global warming a big lie?
• The creation of the Panama Canal.
• Should we chip animals to keep track of them?
• The Polar Ice Cap is at risk.
• Polar bears are on the brink of extinction.
• Will electric cars save our environment?

Opinion Essay Topics 5th Grade

5th grade students will be thrilled to learn that we have some excellent topics that they can use in 2020:

• Do we really need to eat animals?
• What is true friendship really?
• Why you need at least a second language.
• What is the best TV show right now?
• Family time is very important.

Best 5-paragraph Opinion Paper Topics

If you want to make sure the topic you choose is perfect for a 5 paragraph essay, just pick one of the topics below:

• Should we abolish the death penalty in the US?
• What’s the best place for a summer vacation?
• Music helps you do your homework quicker.
• Reasons to ban smoking.
• Problems of the current United States tax system.
• We should ban the export of weapons.

IELTS Opinion Essay Topics

Are you preparing for the IELTS test? Take a look at our IELTS opinion essay topics, pick the one you like, and then go ahead and write the best essay you can:

• Why do you think prevention is better than cure?
• Information security problems in the 21st century.
• Single-sex schools vs. co-ed schools.
• Can children learn by watching TV?
• Advantages and disadvantages of buying online.

Easy Topics for Writing an Opinion Essay

There are some easy topics that you can write an essay on in a matter of hours. Here are some of the best examples we can think of:

• We need free Wi-Fi in all public places in the US.
• Do we really need the death penalty?
• The Internet should not be censored in any way.
• I support the 3-day weekend.
• The benefits of learning history.
• We should clone people.

Social Media Opinion Topics

Are you interested in writing about social media? Or perhaps you want people to know your option about something related to social media. Here are some topics for you:

• Censorship on the Internet in the 21st century.
• Does Twitter act like a political messenger?
• Is Facebook ruining our social life?
• Students rely too much on their gadgets.
• Not using social media for 3 days in a row.
• Identity theft on social media platforms.

College-level Opinion Writing Topics

College-level opinion essay topics are more complex than high school ones (we have those in our list as well). Here are some examples you can use right now:

• College education should be free for everyone in the US.
• College lectures should be made shorter.
• Children should not be targeted by ads.
• The disadvantages of e-learning.
• COVID-19 used to suppress our constitutional rights.

Funny Opinion Paper Topics

Did you know that making your professor laugh is one of the easiest ways to get some bonus points? Just use one of our funny opinion paper topics:

• KFC is my least favorite restaurant.
• Drinking wine every day is recommended.
• The benefits of being a gaming pro.
• The things your driving instructor didn’t tell you.
• No, the client is almost never right.
• Here is what your dog thinks about you.

Political Science Opinion Topics

We have some of the best political science opinion paper topics that you can think of (updated for 2020). Here are some examples:

• The true face of political leaders.
• Gun control and the politics behind it.
• Is socialism better than capitalism?
• Does the US economy depend on migrants?
• Why I love the US foreign policy.
• The media today has no freedom of speech.

Some Unpopular Opinion Topics

You are free to write your opinion about anything you like, including unpopular opinion topics. Give one of these ideas a try right now:

• Abortion should be made illegal everywhere.
• Why we need to be able to own guns.
• Mandatory death penalty offences.
• The Mexico border wall.
• Students are getting too much homework. (one of the greatest opinion essay topics)
• The United States lost the Vietnam War.

Topics About Nursing

Are you interested in writing about nursing? Finding the right topic in nursing has never been easier. Just pick one of our ideas:

• Should we force people to vaccinate their children?
• Healthcare and racial problems.
• The benefits of Obama Care.
• What causes Autism?
• Stress in the ER room.

Some Ideas for Opinion Articles

You can find opinion essay examples free of charge on the Internet, but you can’t find excellent topics. Here are some interesting ideas for you:

• We should tax the rich more.
• The real number of calories in fast food products.
• How to dress for success.
• Legalizing marijuana in the United Kingdom.
• Why I hate my last name. (one of the best topics for opinion essay papers)
• We need genetically modified crops.
• Why are Stem cells so useful?

Opinion Essay Topics About Education

You are more than welcome to write an essay about education, of course. You can find some excellent opinion essay examples on our blog as well.

• Benefits of non-traditional schools.
• Should we trust online sources?
• Ways to fight campus violence.
• The best alternative to the GPA. (one of the best ideas for opinion writing)
• Gender schools should not exist in the 21st century.

Good Opinion Topics for High School

Looking for some good opinion essay topics for high school? We are here to help! Choose one of the topics below and start writing right away:

• Humans will be on Mars by 2030.
• Herbal practitioners are con artists.
• The problem with tsunami warning systems.
• Is remote education any good?
• Are e-books reliable sources of information?
• Identifying the generation gap.

History Topics

We have some opinion paper topics related to history that we think you will love. Here are some of the best:

• The history of the smartphone.
• The Abolition of Slavery in the US.
• Discuss symbolism in Ancient Rome.
• How WW II started.
• Racial bias in Ancient Egypt.
• What caused the Pearl Harbor attack?

A Couple of Public Opinion Topics

Looking for some opinion ideas related to public opinion? Stop struggling to find the perfect topic and pick one of the ideas from our list:

• Gun control enforcement problems.
• Best way to prevent illegal abortions.
• Should Obama Care be eliminated?
• Signs our foreign policy is not working.
• Does the US have the right to police the world?
• Bernie Sanders of Donald Trump?
• Should the US focus on preventing global warming?

Topics About Animals

Read a great opinion essay sample to get an idea about how to write the paper and then pick one of our topics related to animals:

• Poaching is putting African elephants at risk.
• Should we train our pets?
• Pets should be kept only outside.
• We would perish without bees. (one of the best opinion writing ideas)
• Exotic animals as pets.
• Banning the use of animals in circuses.
• Zoo animals are unhappy.

Writing an Opinion Essay: Tips and Tricks

When writing an opinion essay, you need to know how to start. Before you get to writing the paper, learn how do you start off an opinion essay. Remember that the opening statement in opinion essay is very important. It can make or break your paper.

To learn how to start an opinion essay quickly, you should read a few good opinion essay samples. Our academic writers and editors can help you with some samples or simply show you how to write an opinion essay. And remember, starting with an opinion essay outline is an extremely important step towards an A+!

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100 Top Opinion Essay Topics For Academic Writing

Most students turn to the internet when looking for opinion essay topics to write about. Luckily, the internet has many resources that feature brilliant ideas for opinion writing. Most learners find writing an opinion essay quite fascinating. That’s because they just express their opinions in writing.

Many people learn to handle this kind of task early in school. However, most students are given topics to write about by their teachers. As such, finding the best opinion topics to write about when used to getting them from educators can seem challenging for some learners. if you’re writing a critical essay , you might need more specific topics. Nevertheless, you’ve come to the right place because here, you will find a wide range of opinion paper topics that you can choose from.

Opinion Essay Topics for Young Children

Most people learn how to write an opinion essay from an early age. That’s because opinion writing is among the skills that are taught to youngsters. But, if you or your youngster is struggling to find good topics for their opinion essays, you can consider these ideas. These are some of the opinion essay topics 5th grade pupils won’t struggle to write about.

• Cats can reduce stress
• Online streaming is beneficial
• What is the role of my president?
• Why it is important to know your history
• How can corruption be eliminated?
• Is parental supervision important?
• The best present for a boy
• How to improve my school
• What girls like the most
• The best advice for a child that fears the dark
• Life would be better without homework
• What to do if you’re the last person on earth
• What a dream vacation should be like
• Dogs are friendlier than cats
• How to deal with school bullies
• Minecraft is the best video game

These are good opinion topics for young children that can earn them the top grade if they get creative. However, children should always remember to express their opinions when writing about any of these topics.

Good Opinion Essay Topics for High School

Opinion writing topics for high school enable students to express their views to teachers and friends. This task enables students to make their opinions and personalities known. At this time, students are discovering the world. They are also trying to be independent and strong. Here is a list of some of the best opinion writing ideas for high school students.

• Children should be allowed to carry and use cell phones in their schools
• I think zoos should be established in special centers that have animals living in special but unrestricted conditions
• What does success mean to you?
• I think modern TV series exaggerates money as an important aspect of success
• Why do people like celebrities?
• The best way to complete homework
• Should the use of foul language by musicians be acceptable?
• Should the government be stricter in enforcing laws against smoking in public?
• Should school provide additional lessons?
• Will e-learning replace textbooks and traditional classrooms?

This list may feature complex topics for writing an opinion essay. However, they are great to research and write about because they enable high school students to explore and discover more about life and the world.

Unpopular Opinion Topics

Some topics are generally unpopular. That’s because not many people would be interested in writing about them. Here are examples of unpopular writing opinion essay topics to consider.

• People should be served ketchup when cold
• People overrate some musicians
• A rare steak is dangerous
• Vegetarian is not better than vegan
• Why should you pay taxes?
• Smartphones are dangerous

IELTS Opinion Essay Topics

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the standard check for proficiency in the English language. It is used to test non-native speakers. Coming up with ideas for opinion essays when English is not your native language can be a challenge. Here are some of the topics that non-native English speaking students can consider for their opinion essays.

• Spending funds on problem prevention is better than wasting them on new medications
• Social media enhances understanding between people of different cultures
• E-learning and the internet take the physical human element of learning away
• Do you think taking children to single-gender schools makes them feel disadvantaged?
• Artists and musicians are as important as technology experts and scientists
• Does the internet need more control and security?
• Preventing disease is better than curing it
• Co-educational schools are better than single-sex schools
• Should more money be invested in the protection of endangered species?
• Is job satisfaction better than a good wage?

Most people that are not native English speakers can write on any of these topics for opinion essay. However, they may need to research the topic before they start writing.

Opinion Topics for College Students

College students can also express their opinion in essays. Here are some of the best topics that college students can use to express their opinions.

• More ecological education is required
• Distance learning has problems
• Students should not be punished in school
• Students should be given longer breaks from school
• More religion is required in education
• Students should learn only what they like
• College professors are biased
• College professors exhibit favoritism
• College debt makes learning a financial challenge
• College debt makes education less favorable to some students
• There are inadequate tools for addressing campus safety
• College students are the major fast-food victims
• Most college students do not have healthy eating habits
• Social and volunteering work in college boosts the image of students
• College professors are overly strict on plagiarism
• Private tutoring is increasing because modern learners are lazy
• A college education is a waste of money
• A college education is a waste of time

When writing an opinion essay on any of these topics, college students should include the opposite views. That way, their objectivity won’t be questioned by the readers.

Public Opinion Topics

Public opinion may involve the shared desires, beliefs, and reasoning of most people. This category features some of the most common ideas for opinion articles. Here are some of the topics about public opinion.

• The government should make health insurance affordable to more people
• Most people do not trust news channels
• Cannabis legalization does more harm than good
• Domestic violence is ruining America
• Firearm possession makes people feel safer
• Abortion should remain legal
• High education costs prevent many people from achieving their dreams
• Social media causes divisions among people
• Family value is compromised in the current world
• National park safety can’t be compromised
• Most people are tired of fake news
• Massive depression should be treated as a public health matter
• Schools should assist in the control of teenagers’ screen time
• Can the U.S voting system be trusted?
• Were you satisfied by the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic?
• Is a military reform policy necessary in the U.S?
• DNA testing results should not be used by the government
• Not every policeman is corrupt
• The government should address the increasing homelessness
• Are you satisfied with your president?

You can find opinion essay examples on topics that are related to these online. However, you should choose a unique opinion essay topic. Also, don’t copy an opinion essay sample and present it as your work. Instead, research further to gather more information and take a unique perspective in your writing.

Personal Opinion Ideas for Essays

Writing an essay on a personal opinion is about expressing your concerns or convictions. You take a position on your chosen issue or topic and develop it. Here are sample topics in this category.

• Discipline is key to a person’s success
• Social media causes depression among the youth
• Self-pity can cause self-damage
• Schools should provide healthy meals
• Close friendships should be guided by ethics
• Traveling widens your view of the world
• E-books should be allowed in modern classrooms
• My school is not a safe place
• Bullying indicates insecurity
• Homework should not occupy the free time of a student
• Rest is important for the academic success of students
• Journaling can boost the emotional state of a person
• A person can experience culture shock in their country
• Angry parents are dysfunctional
• Energy drinks are not healthy
• Should you invest in a yearbook?
• Sports should be mandatory in schools
• Clothes affect the performance and mood of a person
• Time management is important in daily life
• Military training affects the character of a person positively

Although there are many topics and opinion essay examples free resources, students should research further before they start writing.

Tips on How to Write Opinion Essay

You can have a topic but still not know how to start an opinion essay. That’s why you should probably read more opinion essay samples to familiarize yourself with this write-up.

What’s more, you should come up with an opinion essay outline. This should guide you when it comes to structuring your essay. A good outline will help you determine where and how to present information in your essay.

Many students wonder, how do you start off an opinion essay? Well, the first thing is to read a great sample from a trusted custom essay writing service. Once you’ve done that, research your topic and then draft an outline. Once you’ve done that, start writing without minding about grammar. The opening statement in opinion essay is very important. Make sure that it captures the attention of the readers and motivate them to keep reading.

Follow these to write an essay with an introduction, body, and conclusion, and then edit your work before you submit it for marking.

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Essay: The New Idea of India

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The New Idea of India

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Spring 2024 Issue

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Narendra Modi’s reign is producing a less liberal but more assured nation.

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This article appears in the Spring 2024 print issue of FP. Read more from the issue.

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From the middle of April until early June, staggered over the course of several weeks, the world’s biggest election will take place. More than 960 million Indians—out of a population of 1.4 billion—are eligible to vote in parliamentary elections that polls strongly suggest will return Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power for a third consecutive term.

Modi is probably the world’s most popular leader. According to a recent Morning Consult poll , 78 percent of Indians approve of his leadership. (The next three highest-ranked leaders, from Mexico, Argentina, and Switzerland, generate approval ratings of 63, 62, and 56 percent, respectively.) It is not hard to see why Modi is admired. He is a charismatic leader, a masterful orator in Hindi, and widely perceived as hard-working and committed to the country’s success. He is regarded as unlikely to turn to nepotism or corruption, often attributed to the fact that he is a 73-year-old man without a partner or children. Modi has few genuine competitors. His power within his party is absolute, and his opponents are fractured, weak, and dynastic—a quality usually equated with graft. Whether it is through maximizing his opportunity to host the G-20 or through his high-profile visits abroad, Modi has expanded India’s presence on the world stage and, with it, his own popularity. New Delhi is also becoming more assertive in its foreign policy, prioritizing self-interest over ideology and morality—another choice that is not without considerable domestic appeal.

Modi’s success can confuse his detractors. After all, he has increasingly authoritarian tendencies: Modi only rarely attends press conferences, has stopped sitting down for interviews with the few remaining journalists who would ask him difficult questions, and has largely sidestepped parliamentary debate. He has centralized power and built a cult of personality while weakening India’s system of federalism. Under his leadership, the country’s Hindu majority has become dominant. This salience of one religion can have ugly impacts, harming minority groups and calling into question the country’s commitment to secularism. Key pillars of democracy, such as a free press and an independent judiciary, have been eroded.

Yet Modi wins—democratically. The political scientist Sunil Khilnani argued in his 1997 book, The Idea of India , that it was democracy, rather than culture or religion, that shaped what was then a 50-year-old country. The primary embodiment of this idea, according to Khilnani, was India’s first prime minister, the anglicized, University of Cambridge-educated Jawaharlal Nehru, who went by the nickname “Joe” into his 20s. Nehru believed in a vision of a liberal, secular country that would serve as a contrast to Pakistan, which was formed explicitly as a Muslim homeland. Modi is, in many ways, Nehru’s opposite. Born into a lower-caste, lower-middle-class family, the current prime minister’s formative education came from years of traveling around the country as a Hindu community organizer, sleeping in ordinary people’s homes and building an understanding of their collective frustrations and aspirations. Modi’s idea of India, while premised on electoral democracy and welfarism, is substantially different from Nehru’s. It centers culture and religion in the state’s affairs; it defines nationhood through Hinduism; and it believes a powerful chief executive is preferable to a liberal one, even if that means the curtailment of individual rights and civil liberties. This alternative vision—a form of illiberal democracy—is an increasingly winning proposition for Modi and his BJP.

Hindus represent 80 percent of India’s population. The BJP courts this mega-majority by making them feel proud of their religion and culture. Sometimes, it aids this project by stirring up resentment of the country’s 200 million Muslims, who form 14 percent of the population. The BJP also attempts to further a version of history that interprets Hindus as victimized by successive hordes of invaders. Hindus hardly comprise a monolith, divided as they are by caste and language, but the BJP requires only half their support to win national elections. In 2014, it secured 31 percent of the national vote to gain a majority of seats in Parliament—the first time in three decades a single party had done so. It did even better in 2019, with 37 percent of the vote.

An illiberal, Hindi-dominated, and Hindu-first nation is emerging, and it is challenging—even eclipsing—other ideas of India, including Jawaharlal Nehru’s.

At least some part of the BJP’s success can be attributed to Modi’s name recognition and tireless performances on the campaign trail. But focusing too much on one man can be a distraction from understanding India’s trajectory. Even though Modi has acquired a greater concentration of power than any Indian leader in a generation, his core religious agenda has long been telegraphed by his party, as well as by its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu social society and paramilitary group that counts more than 5 million members. While Modi has been the primary face of the BJP since 2014, the party itself has existed in its current form since 1980. (The RSS, to which Modi traces his true ideological roots, is even older. It will mark its 100th anniversary next year.) The BJP’s vision—its idea of India—is hardly new or hidden. It is clearly described in its election manifestos and, combined with Modi’s salesmanship, is increasingly successful at the ballot box.

Put another way, while India’s current political moment has much to do with supply—in the form of a once-in-a-generation leader and few convincing alternatives—it may also have something to do with shifting demand. The success of the BJP’s political project reveals a clearer picture of what India is becoming. Nearly half the country’s population is under the age of 25. Many of these young Indians are looking to assert a new cultural and social vision of nationhood. An illiberal, Hindi-dominated, and Hindu-first nation is emerging, and it is challenging—even eclipsing—other ideas of India, including Nehru’s. This has profound impacts for both domestic and foreign policy. The sooner India’s would-be partners and rivals realize this, the better they will be able to manage New Delhi’s growing global clout. “The Nehruvian idea of India is dead,” said Vinay Sitapati, the author of India Before Modi . “Something is definitely lost. But the question is whether that idea was alien to India in the first place.”

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Indians bristle at reports of how their country has fallen in recent years on key markers of the health of its civil society. It is nonetheless worth contending with those assessments. According to Reporters Without Borders, India ranked 161st out of 180 countries for press freedom in 2023, down from 80th out of 139 countries in 2002. Freedom House, which measures democracy around the world, marked India as only “partly free” in its 2024 report, with Indian-administered Kashmir receiving a “not free” designation. Only a handful of countries and territories, such as Russia and Hong Kong, experienced a greater decline in freedom over the last decade than India. The World Economic Forum’s 2023 Global Gender Gap Index ranks India 127th out of 146 countries. The World Justice Project ranks India 79th out of 142 countries for adherence to the rule of law, down from 59th in 2015. As one legal scholar wrote in Scroll.in , the judiciary has “placed its enormous arsenal at the government’s disposal in pursuit of its radical majoritarian agenda.” Consider, as well, access to the web: India has administered more internet shutdowns than any country in the last decade, even more than Iran and Myanmar.

The social indicator that worries observers of India the most is religious freedom. Troubles between Hindus and Muslims are not new. But in its decade in power, Modi’s BJP has been remarkably successful in furthering its Hindu-first agenda through legislation. It has done so by revoking the semi-autonomous status of majority-Muslim Kashmir in 2019 and later that year—an election year—passing an immigration law that fast-tracked citizenship for non-Muslims from three neighboring countries, each of which has a large Muslim majority. (The law, which makes it more difficult for Indian Muslims to prove their citizenship, was implemented in March. The timing of this announcement seemed to highlight its electoral benefits.)

Perhaps more damaging than these legislative maneuvers has been the Modi administration’s silence, and often its dog whistles of encouragement, amid an increasingly menacing climate for Indian Muslims. While Nehru’s emphasis on secularism once imposed implicit rules in the public sphere, Hindus can now question Muslims’ loyalty to India with relative impunity. Hindu supremacy has become the norm; critics are branded “anti-national.” This dominance culminated on Jan. 22, when Modi consecrated a giant temple to the Hindu god Ram in the northern Indian city of Ayodhya. The temple, which cost $250 million to build, was constructed on the site of a mosque that was demolished by a Hindu mob in 1992. When that happened three decades ago, top BJP leaders recoiled from the violence they had unleashed. Today, that embarrassment has morphed into an expression of national pride. “It is the beginning of a new era,” said Modi, adorned in a Hindu priest’s garb at the temple’s opening, in front of an audience of top Bollywood stars and the country’s business elite.

“The BJP’s dominance is primarily demand-driven,” Sitapati said. “Progressives are in denial about this.”

Modi’s vision of what it means to be Indian is at least partly borne out in public opinion. When the Pew Research Center conducted a major survey of religion in India between late 2019 and early 2020, it found that 64 percent of Hindus believed being Hindu was very important to being “truly Indian,” while 59 percent said speaking Hindi was similarly foundational in defining Indianness; 84 percent considered religion to be “very important” in their lives; and 59 percent prayed daily. “The BJP’s dominance is primarily demand-driven,” said Sitapati, who also teaches law and politics at Shiv Nadar University Chennai. “Progressives are in denial about this.”

Sitapati has critics on the left who claim his scholarship underplays the militant roots of the BJP and RSS, helping to rehabilitate their image. But on the question of demand and supply: The BJP’s dominance is limited to the country’s north, where most people speak Hindi. In the wealthier south, where tech firms are flourishing, literacy rates are higher, and most people speak languages such as Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, the BJP is decidedly less popular. Southern leaders harbor a growing resentment that their taxes are subsidizing the Hindi Belt in the north. This geographic cleavage could come to a head in 2026, when a national process of redistricting is expected to take place. Opposition leaders fear the BJP could redraw parliamentary constituencies to its advantage. If the BJP succeeds, it could continue winning at the polls long beyond Modi’s time.

Despite all this, Sitapati contends that the country remains democratic: “Political participation is higher than ever. Elections are free and fair. The BJP regularly loses state elections. If your definition of democracy is focused on the sanctity of elections and the substance of policies, then democracy is thriving.” In Indian society, he said, culture is not centered on liberalism and individual rights; Modi’s rise must be viewed within that context.

Liberal Indians who might disagree are vanishing from the public eye. One clear exception is the Booker Prize-winning novelist Arundhati Roy. Speaking in Lausanne, Switzerland, last September, she described an India descending into fascism . The ruling BJP’s “message of Hindu supremacism has relentlessly been disseminated to a population of 1.4 billion people,” Roy said. “Consequently, elections are a season of murder, lynching, and dog-whistling. … It is no longer just our leaders we must fear but a whole section of the population.”

Is the mobilization of more than a billion Hindus a form of tyranny of the majority? Not quite, says Pratap Bhanu Mehta, an Indian political scientist who teaches at Princeton University. “Hindu nationalists will say that theirs is a classic nation-building project,” he said, underscoring how independent India is still a young country. Populism, too, is an unsatisfying term for describing Modi’s politics. Even though he plays up his modest background, he is hardly anti-elitist and in fact frequently courts top Indian and global business leaders to invest in the country. Sometimes, they directly finance Modi’s success: A 2017 provision for electoral bonds brought in more than $600 million in anonymous donations to the BJP. The Supreme Court scrapped the scheme in March, calling it “unconstitutional,” but the ruling is likely too late to have prevented the influence of big donors in this year’s election.

Mukul Kesavan, a historian based in New Delhi, argues that it would be more accurate to describe the BJP’s agenda as majoritarianism. “Majoritarianism just needs a minority to mobilize against—a hatred of the internal other,” he said. “India is at the vanguard of this. There is no one else doing what we are doing. I am continually astonished that the West doesn’t see this.”

What the West also doesn’t always see is that Modi is substantially different from strongmen such as Donald Trump in the United States. While Trump propagated an ideology that eclipsed that of the Republican Party, Modi is fulfilling the RSS’s century-old movement to equate Indianness more closely with Hinduism. Surveys and elections both reveal this movement’s time has come.

“People aren’t blinkered. They’re willing to accept trade-offs,” said Mehta, explaining how growing numbers of Indians have accepted the BJP’s premise of a Hindu state, even if there are elements of that project that make them uncomfortable. “They don’t think the majoritarian agenda presents a deal-breaker.” For now, at least. A key question is what happens when majoritarianism provokes something that challenges public acceptance of this trade-off. The greatest risk here lies in a potential surge of communal violence, the likes of which have pockmarked Indian history. In 2002, for example, 58 Hindu pilgrims were killed in Godhra, in the western state of Gujarat, after a train that was returning from Ayodhya caught fire. Modi, then chief minister of Gujarat, declared the incident an act of terrorism. After rumors circulated that Muslims were responsible for the fire, a mob embarked on three days of violence in the state, killing more than a thousand people. An overwhelming majority of the dead were Muslim. Modi has never been convicted of any involvement, but the tragedy has followed him in ways both damaging and to his advantage. Liberal Indians were horrified that he didn’t do more to stop the violence, but the message for a substantial number of Hindus was that he would stop at nothing to protect them.

Twenty-two years later, Modi is a mainstream leader catering to a national constituency that is much more diverse than that of Gujarat. While the riots once loomed large in his biography, Indians now see them as just one part of a complicated career in the public eye. What is unknown is how they might react to another mass outbreak of communal violence and whether civil society retains the muscle to rein in the worst excesses of its people. Optimists will point out that India has been through tough moments and emerged stronger. When Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared a state of emergency in 1975, giving her the license to rule by decree, voters kicked her out of power the first chance they got. Modi, however, has a stronger grip on the country—and he continues to expand his powers while winning at the ballot box.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets a crowd in Varanasi, India, on March 4, 2022. Ritesh Shukla/Getty Images

Just as citizens can’t subsist purely on the ideals of secularism and liberalism, it’s the same with nationalism and majoritarianism. In the end, the state must deliver. Here, Modi’s record is mixed. “Modi sees Japan as a model—modern in an industrial sense without being Western in a cultural sense,” Sitapati said. “He has delivered on an ideological project that is Hindu revivalism mixed with industrialization.”

India is undertaking a vast national project of state-building under Modi. Since 2014, spending on transport has more than tripled as a share of GDP. India is currently building more than 6,000 miles of highways a year and has doubled the length of its rural road network since 2014. In 2022, capitalizing on a red-hot aviation market, New Delhi privatized its creaky national carrier, Air India. India has twice as many airports today than it did a decade ago, with domestic passengers more than doubling in quantity to top 200 million. Its middle classes are spending more money: Average monthly per capita consumption expenditure in urban areas rose by 146 percent in the last decade. Meanwhile, India is whittling down its infamous bureaucratic hurdles to become an easier place for industry. According to the World Bank’s annual Doing Business report, India rose from a rank of 134th in 2014 to 63rd in 2020. Investors seem bullish. The country’s main stock index, the BSE Sensex, has increased in value by 250 percent in the last decade.

Strongmen are usually more popular among men than women. It is a strange paradox, then, that the BJP won a record number of votes by women in the 2019 national election and is projected to do so again in 2024, as voter participation , and voting by women, continues to climb. Modi has targeted female voters through the canny deployment of services that make domestic life easier. Rural access to piped water, for example, has climbed to more than 75 percent from just 16.8 percent in 2019. Modi declared India free of open defecation in 2019 after a campaign to build more than 110 million toilets. And according to the International Energy Agency, 45 percent of India’s electricity transmission lines have been installed in the last decade.

The most transformative force in the country is the ongoing proliferation of the internet, as I wrote in my 2018 book, India Connected . Just as the invention of the car more than a century ago shaped modern America, with the corresponding building out of the interstate system and suburbia, cheap smartphones have enabled Indians to partake in a burgeoning digital ecosystem. Though it didn’t have much to do with the smartphone and internet boom, the government has capitalized on it. India’s Unified Payments Interface, a government-run instant payment system, now accounts for three-fourths of all non-cash retail transactions in the country. With the help of digital banking and a new national biometric identification system, New Delhi has been able to sidestep corruption by directly transferring subsidies to citizens, saving billions of dollars in wastage.

Modi is projecting an image of a more powerful, muscular, prideful nation—and Indians are in thrall to the self-portrait.

The private sector has been a willing participant in India’s new digital and physical economy. But it has also been strangely leery of investing more, as two leading economists describe in this issue (Page 42). Businesses remain concerned that Modi has a cabal of preferred partners in his plans for industrialization—for example, he is seen as too cozy with the country’s two richest men, Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani, both of whom hail from his native state of Gujarat. Fears abound that New Delhi’s history of retroactive taxation and protectionism could blow up the best laid corporate plans.

Because he has corralled great power, when Modi missteps, the consequences tend to be enormous. In 2016, he suddenly announced a process of demonetization, recalling high-value notes of currency as legal tender. While the move attempted to reduce corruption by outing people with large amounts of untaxed income, it was in fact a stunt that reduced India’s growth by nearly 2 percentage points. Similarly, panicked by the onset of COVID-19 in 2020, Modi announced a sudden national lockdown, leading to millions of migrant workers racing home—and likely spreading the virus. A year later, New Delhi largely stood by when the delta variant of COVID-19 surged through the country, killing untold thousands of Indians. No amount of nationalism or pride could cover up for the fact that, on that occasion, the state had let its people down.

Now, with a population hungry for good news, India is looking to take advantage of the best foreign-policy deals. There are plenty to be struck in a shifting global order. The United States’ power is in relative decline, China’s has risen, and a range of so-called middle powers are looking to benchmark their status. Modi is projecting an image of a more powerful, muscular, prideful nation—and Indians are in thrall to the self-portrait.

Modi is seen through a video camera as he speaks at the final session of the G-20 summit in New Delhi on Sept. 10, 2023. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

One window into India’s newfound status on the world stage came last September, after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the stunning announcement that Ottawa was investigating “credible allegations” that Indian government agents had orchestrated the murder of a Sikh community leader in British Columbia. New Delhi flatly denied his accusations, calling them “absurd.” The person who was killed, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, had sought to establish a nation called Khalistan, carved out of territory in his native Punjab, a state in northwestern India. In 2020, New Delhi declared Nijjar a terrorist.

A Canadian leader publicly accusing India of a murder on Canadian soil could have been a major embarrassment for Modi. Instead, the incident galvanized his supporters. The national mood seemed to agree with the government line that New Delhi didn’t do it but with an important subtext: If it did, it did the right thing.

“It’s this idea that ‘We have arrived. Now we can talk on equal terms to the white man,’” Sitapati said. It’s not just revisionism to examine how colonial powers masterminded the plunder of India’s land and resources; even the word “loot” is stolen from Hindi, as the writer and parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor has pointed out. The BJP’s project of nation-building attempts to reinstill a sense of self-pride, often by painting Hindus as the victims of centuries of wrongs but who have now awoken to claim their true status. This is why the Jan. 22 opening of the Ram temple took on epic significance, reviving among Hindus a sense that they were rightfully claiming the primacy they once enjoyed.

The flashier the stage, the better. For much of 2023, India flaunted its hosting of the G-20, a rotating presidency that most other countries see as perfunctory. For Modi, it became a marketing machine, with giant billboards advertising New Delhi’s pride in playing host (always alongside a portrait of the prime minister). When the summit began in September, TV channels dutifully carried key parts live, showing Modi welcoming a series of top world leaders.

Weeks earlier, Indians united around another celebratory moment. The country landed two robots on the moon, making it only the fourth country to do so and the first to reach the moon’s southern polar region. As TV channels ran a live broadcast of the landing, Modi beamed into mission control at the key moment of touchdown, his face on a split screen with the landing. The self-promotion can seem garish, but it feeds into a sense of collective accomplishment and national identity.

Also popular is New Delhi’s stance on Moscow, thumbing its nose at Western countries seeking to sanction Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. While Russia exported less than 1 percent of its crude to India before 2022, it now sends more than half of its supplies there. China and India are together purchasing 80 percent of Russia’s seaborne oil exports—and they do so at below-market rates because of a price cap imposed by the West. There is little consideration for morality, in part because Indians, like many in the global south, now widely perceive the West as applying double standards to world affairs. As a result, there’s no moral benchmark. For India, an advantageous oil deal is just that: good economics and smart politics. (India and Russia also share a historic friendship, which both sides are keen to continue.)

New Delhi’s growing foreign-policy assertiveness stems from a knowledge that it is increasingly needed by other countries. Allies seem aware of this new dynamic. For the United States, even if India doesn’t come to its aid in a potential tussle with China in the Taiwan Strait, merely preventing New Delhi from growing closer to Beijing represents a geopolitical win that papers over other disagreements. For other countries, access to India’s growing market is paramount. Despite the BJP’s hostility to Muslims, Modi receives a red-carpet welcome when he visits countries in the Persian Gulf.

India’s embrace of its strategic interests—and its confidence in articulating that choice—is of a piece with broader changes in how the country views itself. Modi and his BJP have succeeded in furthering an idea of India that makes a virtue of sacrificing Western liberalism for a homegrown sense of self-interest. By appealing to young people’s economic aspirations and their desire for identity in an increasingly interconnected world, the BJP has found room to advance a religious and cultural agenda that would have been unimaginable a generation ago. This vision cannot be purely top-down; the will of a nation evolves over time. In the future, there will likely be further contests among other ideas of India. But if Modi’s BJP continues to win at the ballot box, history may show that the country’s liberal experiment wasn’t just interrupted—it may have been an aberration.

Ravi Agrawal is the editor in chief of Foreign Policy . Twitter:  @RaviReports

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