LibGuides: Argumentative Essays: Home

Current Issues

Argumentative Essay - Topic Ideas

When your assignment is to write an essay on a controversial topic, it can help to write about something that you are interested in. For example, do you wish to argue about a more ethical treatment of animals? Do you wish to argue for or against fast food?

Below are some websites that can help you discover ideas for an argumentative essay. Also, you can search the pro/con library databases listed in the Finding Articles section of this guide.

ProCon.org
Scroll through the webpage to explore many potential topics and background information about the topics.
Research Paper Topics
This online chart lists over 150 potential essay topics.
Idebate
This "debatabase" contains over 700 topics from the International Debate Association
AllSides
AllSides presents how different news media outlets cover news topics. Go the AllStances page for background and perspectives about controversial topics (Click the menu icon on the upper left and click AllStances in the first column).
The Perspective
This site can help develop both supporting and opposing arguments of a topic. Use the center search bar to search for a topic or scroll down to see more topic ideas.

Writing Argumentative Essays

Tip Sheets
From the Communications Student Support Center at Valencia College. Use the handouts within the Writing section for assistance in writing the argumentative essay.
Writing for Success: Argument
From Lumen Learning (QuillBot)
Suggestions for Developing Argumentative Essays
From UC Berkeley Student Learning Center
Tips for Organizing an Argumentative Essay
From Valparaiso University
Argumentative Essays: A Guide for Argumentative Writing
From the Tutoring and Writing Center at Rollins College
Argument and Critical Thinking
From Excelsior Online Writing Lab
Argumentative Essays
From Purdue Online Writing Lab
Incorporating Sources into Research Writing
From the Academic Center for Excellence at Germanna Community College

Library News

Library Hours

Franklin 757-569-6741	Suffolk 757-925-6345
Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM	Monday - Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 - 5:00 PM	Friday: CLOSED Do you want Friday hours in Suffolk? Tell us here!

Student IDs are available in the libraries and at the Smithfield Center!

Library Assistance

Ask A Librarian