argumentative essay topics about drugs

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Drug Topics For School Projects And Academic Research

Research papers and essays on drug topics address sociology, pharmacology, medicine, psychology, statistics, history, and criminology issues. Drug abuse is a serious problem in modern society. It’s a serious issue that different countries are trying to combat. As such, educators ask learners to write academic papers and essays on drug abuse topics to understand this subject better.

Many countries have spent billions of dollars fighting addiction and treating drug addicts. Countless lives have been lost to drug addiction. The increasing crime rates in many countries have also been attributed to drug abuse and addiction. What’s more, people in different social groups gave initiated campaigns against drug use and trade. It’s, therefore, reasonable for educators to ask learners to write about drug and alcohol topics.

Choosing Drug Research Topics

• Interesting Drug Topics for Papers and Essays
• Effects of Drug Addiction Topics

Argumentative Research Topics about Drug Use

Drug and alcohol group topics, drug legislation research essay topics.

As students write academic papers on drug related research topics, they engage in research that helps them come to terms with the extent of this problem. They also learn how illicit drug use affects human life. War on drugs research topics helps learners to know the number of resources their governments are spending trying to deal with this problem. Such knowledge can help learners avoid addictive drugs.

But, choosing the drug research topics to write about is not easy. That’s because learners should choose interesting topics for which they can find adequate information to write about. If struggling to pick topics on drug abuse for your academic papers and essays, here are 100 great ideas from our assignment service .

Interesting Drug Topics for Papers and Essays

• The government should legalize marijuana use
• Drug users should go to rehabs, not jail
• The government should eliminate cash bail and legalize marijuana
• How illicit drugs benefit society
• Interesting medical uses of cannabis
• Effects of illicit drugs on society
• Why teens abuse drugs
• Possible solutions to the drug abuse problem among teenagers
• What are the effects of early drug abuse?
• Health benefits of marijuana
• Why athletes need marijuana
• Discuss the long-term effects of illicit drug use
• History of drug abuse
• What prompts a person to abuse drugs?
• Is the war against drug abuse necessary?
• Can the government win the war against illicit drugs?
• Can technology be used to fight drug abuse and addiction?
• How do movies promote drug abuse?
• Are modern celebrities promoting drug abuse?
• How can the government deal with prescription drug abuse?

These are interesting ideas for research papers and essays, especially for learners that want to write about controversial drug topics. Nevertheless, be ready to invest time and effort in research, analysis, and writing if you pick any of these research paper topics on drug abuse.

Effects of Drug Addiction Topics

Some people want to know how drug addiction affects a person’s life. As such, this category comprises some of the most interesting drug related topics for learners. Here are some of the best drug addiction research topics to consider if interested in the consequences of addictive substances.

• Does the amount of abused drugs affect its impact?
• Why are some people more addicted to drugs than others?
• How does drug addiction differ between men and women?
• Why are there differences in drug addiction levels between men and women?
• What influences the effects of illicit drugs?
• Why do different drugs affect humans differently?
• What are the major signs of alcoholism?
• What are the effects of abusing marijuana?
• What are the effects of psychoactive substances on the human brain?
• Explain the main social issues caused by alcohol abuse
• How does drug abuse affect the social life of a person?
• How do addicts try to hide the effects of addictive substances?
• Can family members help an addict deal with the effects of an illicit drug?
• Can a person deal with the effects of illicit drug abuse alone?
• Why is rehab necessary when dealing with the effects of illicit drugs?
• Is withdrawal syndrome an effect of illicit drug addiction
• Can abusing alcohol affect the judgment of a person?
• Why is it not advisable to drink alcohol and operate machinery or drive?
• Common myths about the effects of alcohol
• Common myths about the effects of marijuana

Choose any of these drug research paper topics if interested in learning how illicit substances affect the users. Nevertheless, be prepared to research extensively to come up with a solid paper about any of these essay topics on drug addiction.

Maybe you hold a certain perspective about drug use. Some people may not agree with you but you would like to persuade them. In that case, you might consider argumentative essay topics drug addiction ideas. That way, you can express your views on the topic professionally. Here are some of the best persuasive essay topics about drugs to consider.

• Addiction is a disease
• The genetic makeup of a person can prompt them to abuse drugs
• The environment of a person can influence them to abuse drugs
• Social and cultural factors play a role in drug addiction
• Drug abuse does not always lead to bad behaviors
• Mass media can encourage drug abuse and addiction
• Celebrities can influence drug abuse among teenagers
• Drug addiction treatments should focus on inner motivations
• Imprisonment does not help a drug addict
• Interactions with drug addicts can have a negative influence on kids
• The environment is not to blame for drug addiction
• Schools can help prevent drug abuse among the teens
• The perceived correlation between delinquency and drug abuse is wrong
• The effect of drugs on a person’s perception is not always negative
• Parents are partly to blame for drug abuse by teens
• A person who has never had an addiction can’t understand how it feels to battle drug addiction
• Drug addiction takes control over a person
• Behavioral and cognitive problems can also affect the academic performance of students that abuse drugs and alcohol
• Isolating drug addicts will only escalate their addiction
• Family members should play a role in the treatment of drug addicts

Pick a topic on drug addiction from this category if ready to research extensively and come up with strong points to support your argument. That’s because you must convince readers to support your position in your argument.

Perhaps, you’re looking for drug project ideas that touch on group mentality or perception. In that case, this category has some of the best academic papers and essay topics for drug abuse that you should consider.

• What are the major social aspects of drug addiction?
• Which are the most vulnerable social groups when it comes to drug addiction?
• Is drug abuse part of sacred rituals in some religions?
• Minors and drug abuse
• Irreversible effects of drug abuse among teens
• What is the psychological defense of drug abuse by human trafficking victims
• Cultural and ethnic traditions that compel some social groups to abuse drugs
• Can legalizing marijuana make some social groups abuse it more?
• Why do most women abuse painkiller drugs?
• How does the “club culture” enhance drug abuse?
• Who can benefit from the mandatory examination for drug abuse?
• How drug abuse affects social relations
• Can a family be affected negatively by substance abuse by one of its members?
• Drug abuse among the LGBTQ
• Why drug abuse is considered cool among teenagers
• How college culture enhances drug abuse
• How does attitude towards drugs differ among social groups?
• How does the legal drinking age differ based on cultural diversity?
• Should countries have similar laws on drug abuse?
• What are the main causes of drug abuse in various social groups?

These are also great drug debate topics for students in different study levels. However, they also require extensive research to come up with good papers and essays.

If you decide to write about topics for a paper on drug war, you may want to talk about policies, laws, and regulations that touch on different illicit substances. This category has research paper topics drugs ideas that may also focus on legislation.

• Common substance abuse laws in most countries
• Effects of drug abuse policies
• How some legislations compel people to abuse drugs
• How substance abuse laws can help in the war against the drug trade
• Top drug laws in the U.S
• Explain the confidentiality of drug and alcohol abuse patients’ records
• Explain the disparity in drug law among people of different races
• How governments can use legislation to fight drug abuse
• Should the government legalize marijuana?
• Scaling up the war against drug abuse through legislation
• Important legislations for enhancing the war against drugs
• Legislations for preventing underage alcohol consumption
• How can the government use legislation to fight drug abuse without infringing on human rights?
• Legislation to channel more resources to the war on drug abuse
• Causes of illegal drug use among women
• Vaping legislation to prevent drug abuse
• Important legislation to prevent prescription drug abuse
• Legislations to curb military populations’ drug abuse
• Enforcing law to curb college drug abuse
• Addressing the increasing cases of people drinking under the influence of alcohol

Drug abuse is a broad subject. Pick some of these drugs essay topics and then research them extensively to come up with papers that will earn you the top scores. Also, you can take a look at these health topics .

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140 Drug Abuse Essay Topics & Project Topics on Drug Abuse

Looking for an interesting essay title about drugs? You will find it here! This list contains a variety of drug topics to write about, including addiction among students and other issues. But that’s not all of it! In addition to drug abuse research topics, we’ve also included plenty of essay samples for you to check out.

🏆 Best Project Topics on Drug Abuse

✍️ drug abuse essay topics for college, 👍 good drug abuse research topics & essay examples, 🎓 most interesting drug abuse research titles, 💡 simple drug abuse essay ideas, ❓ research questions on drug abuse.

• Drug Abuse among Teenagers Causes and Effects
• Drug Abuse and Theories Explaining It
• Drug Abuse in Homeless Community
• The Link Between Drug Abuse and Corruption
• Adolescent Drug Abuse, Their Awareness and Prevention
• Drug Abuse Relation to the Violent Behavior
• Social Factors of Substance Drug Abuse
• The Theme of Drug Abuse in Egan’s Book In her novel “A Visit from the Goon Squad”, Jennifer Egan discusses a number of problems of modern society. Among them is the problem of drug abuse.
• Drug Abuse and Its Effects on Families Because of the lack of control that a substance abuse patient has over their actions, families of the people that develop chemical dependency are under constant threat.
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse in the Workplace Alcohol and drug abuse is one of the major causes of accidents in the workplace. Random alcohol and drug tests would discourage employees of organization from abusing alcohol or drugs.
• Drug Abuse and Alcohol-Related Crimes in Adolescents The current paper focuses on the topic of drug abuse and alcohol-related crimes among teenagers, showing that substances remain the most notable factor in juvenile crime.
• Drug Abuse in the United States’ Social Context Drug abuse is one of the problems affecting people in the United States. Society has contributed to the continued misuse of drugs today, through bad parenting or the environment.
• Juvenile Drug Abuse Problems Analysis This essay describes the problem of juvenile drug use and applies the relevant delinquency theory. Additionally, the interventions or programs to fix the issue will be highlighted.
• Psychotherapy and Counseling for Drug Abuse Treatment Drugs are the biggest vice of humanity, along with the mental and moral deviations, horrible diseases of modern times, social neglect and abuse it causes and goes along with.
• The Drug Courts: The Question of Drug Abuse Drug abuse is one of the most prevalent crimes in the world. It is a concern for both local governments and international organizations.
• Drug Abuse Among Teenagers Before analyzing the causes of addiction among teenagers, we have to look at this issue from sociological point of view.
• Drug Abuse Case: Jenny G This paper present the case of drug abuse. Jenny G., a 48-year-old recovering IV drug abuser, presents with general malaise, anorexia, abdominal pain, and slight jaundice.
• Drug Abuse Treatment in Nursing Jenny G., a 48-year-old recovering IV drug abuser, presents with general malaise, anorexia, abdominal pain, and slight jaundice. She is currently staying in a women’s shelter and looking for a job.
• Drug Abuse Among Homeless People in Miami This paper aims to better assess the disaster of drug abuse among homeless people in Miami, and develop ways to counter this issue.
• Drug Abuse During Pregnancy: Policy Options Heated discussions on whether or not drug abuse during pregnancy should be illegal due to the potential risks to the developing fetus or child persist.
• Leadership in Drug Abuse Program Development Within the context of a potential intervention for drug abuse, the roles and competencies of leaders are the primary emphasis of this paper.
• Drug Abuse and Its Impact on Creativity The boosting effect of drugs on creativity is a myth because changes in thinking are a brain reaction to a narcotic that is temporary yet severe.
• The Drug Abuse Problem in Indiana Drug usage is one of Indiana’s most serious societal problems, affecting the state’s health, economy, behavioral, and criminal elements.
• Overcoming the Drug Abuse Addiction The use of narcotic drugs brings irreparable harm to health and diminishes the quality of life. Opioid abuse is a predominant problem that continues to be a concern.
• Drug Abuse Demographics in Prisons Drug abuse, including alcohol, is a big problem for the people contained in prisons, both in the United States and worldwide.
• Drug Abuse at the Workplace and a Policy to Address It In this proposal, a policy to address worker substance abuse and addiction, will be discussed, with both its major goals and potential benefits being outlines.
• Victimless Crimes: Drug Abuse and Sex Work This work’s primary objective is to research and analyze victimless crimes, namely drug abuse and sex work, from the viewpoint of criminology.
• National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors This paper will consider the fourth principle of the organization’s ethical code, which reads: “Working in a culturally diverse world.”
• Prescription Drug Abuse Problem Providing access to prescription drugs is among the key tasks that the modern healthcare system should fulfill to increase recovery rates.
• Accessory Plus Incorporated’s Drug Abuse Case In the case of Accessory Plus Incorporated, the issue of drug abuse has been suspected. However, there is no policy framework for the company to deal with the case.
• Prescription Drug Abuse as a Community Health Issue Consumption of prescription drugs in a manner that has not been prescribed by the doctor is an outstanding community health issue. This can be more harmful than people understand.
• Crime Trends: Drug Abuse in Adults and Juveniles One notes a mixed trend in the different crimes over the years. Drug abuse, for example, increased steadily from the 1970s in both the adult and juvenile populations.
• Drug Abuse in Correction Facilities The purpose of this article is to consider the problem of drug abuse in correctional facilities, as well as to suggest possible solutions to this problem.
• Community Health: Prescription Drug Abuse The rising access to frequently abused prescription drugs via the internet has created public anxieties within the healthcare system in the United States.
• Health Issue Analysis: Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse is a rapidly growing epidemic that spreads worldwide. Various national and international health organizations research this field.
• The Drug Abuse in the U.S. Navy: The Problem Analysis The purpose of this report is to capture drug abuse in the U.S. Navy and to analyze some of the measures that the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) has put in place.
• Drug Abuse Factors: Substance Use Disorder The various reasons for the abuse of opioids, alcohol, and nicotine account for the challenge in research and treatment.
• Drug Abuse and Addiction: Risk Factors People with drug abuse issues have enhanced motivation to take drugs, increased probability of reacting to stress, emotional dysregulation, and impaired self-control.
• The Relations Between Drug Abuse and Criminal Justice The purpose of this article is to use conflict theory to analyze how race, class, and gender affect drug abuse and crime in the United States.
• Drug Abuse: Impaired American Society The history of American society as far as drug abuse is concerned has had a dark past where drugs and alcohol were considered a lifestyle.
• The Issue of Drug Abuse in the Community of Kinsburg This paper aims to research the community of the city of Keansburg, located in the state of New Jersey and its issue of substance abuse.
• Adolescent Drug Abuse: Diagnosis and Cultural Awareness The paper examines the effect of amphetamine on human and, as a consequence, the development of mental illness, namely, mood disorder.
• The Problem of Prescription Drug Abuse in the United States Prescription drug abuse is a serious health concern that causes an overdose crisis in the United States. There are determinants such as social, economic, and healthcare-related issues.
• A Health Issue Analysis: Prescription Drug Abuse Prescription drug abuse is one of the acutest problems of healthcare systems in the USA. In the past decade, the rate of deaths due to prescription drug overdose grew by 142%.
• Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction and Various Policies Related to Drugs The harm reduction policy is concerned with reducing or minimizing the risks that are accrued to drug abuse in various societies.
• Drug Abuse and Crime Correlation The correlation between drug use and crimes go, most prisoners said they commit crimes for obtaining money for drugs, so drugs are the motivation.
• Fear Appeal in Anti-Drug Abuse Public Campaign The problem of prescription drug abuse has become a crucial concern for Florida residents. The public campaign proposes raising awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs.
• Drug Abuse, HIV/AIDS, and Songs on Social Issues Drug abuse and HIV/AIDS are some of the major social issues affecting society today. Songs have been used in raising awareness about social issues that affect the world.
• Minimizing Prescription Drug Abuse in Oklahoma Over the past few years, the rates of prescription drug abuse in Oklahoma have grown impressively. The issue must be addressed by raising awareness via modern media.
• Crisis of Chemical Dependence: Drug Abuse Drug abuse mainly begins during teenage. The first part of this essay discusses social and cultural determinants of substance abuse. The second part focuses on the dynamics of addiction.
• Drug Abuse Among Adolescents and Behavior Therapy
• Pharmacists and Prescription Drug Abuse
• Recognizing Drug Abuse and Addiction in Older Adults
• American Drug Abuse McCuen and Winkler
• Prescription Drugs and Drug Abuse in the United
• Drug Abuse Has Become a Real Problem
• Combating Combat Drug Abuse at Australian Music Festivals
• Prevention of Drug Abuse and Mental Disorders
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Are The Most Common Issues of Today‘s
• Drug Abuse and Adolescent Risky Behavior
• Drug Abuse Hazards Across the Board in Fiji
• Drug Abuse Sociological and Psychological Causative Factors
• Drug Abuse and Mental Illness in Nursing
• Drug Abuse and Smoking in Our Society
• Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970
• Drug Abuse and Addiction Among Teenagers
• Neuroticism and Drug Abuse
• Drug Abuse and Its Effects on the World
• Drug Abuse and Its Effects on Other Members of Society
• The Relationship Between the Type of Crime and Drugs
• Drug Abuse Among American Teenagers
• Adolescent Drug Abuse and Alcohol
• Drug Abuse and Heroin Epidemic
• Addiction and Opioid Use for Drug Abuse
• Drug Abuse Within Teens in Hazleton
• Past and Current Trends of Drug Abuse
• Emergency Medical Services and Drug Abuse Among the Personnel
• Impetus Toward Drug Abuse
• Drug Abuse Among Professional Athletes
• Drug Abuse and Treatment Centers in Afghanistan
• Physiological and Behavior Effects on Drug Abuse
• Psychological and Physical Aspects of Drug Abuse in Adolescent
• Drug Abuse Among College Students
• Alcoholism and Prescription Drug Abuse and the Elderly
• Drug Abuse Within University Students in Ottawa
• Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse in the United States
• Capitalism, Drug Abuse, and the American Dream
• Drug Abuse, Prison and Justice in Hungary
• Drug Abuse and Associated Problems in Ireland
• Role of the Limbic System in Drug Abuse
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Causes Domestic Violence
• Drug Abuse and Its Effects on a Person’s Behavior
• Drug Abuse During Central Ohio
• Drug Abuse Among Health Care Professionals
• Medication Addiction and Drug Abuse Problems
• Drug Abuse Among Teenagers in Malaysia
• Juvenile Delinquents and Drug Abuse
• Factors That Are Associated With Women and Drug Abuse
• Alcoholism and Drug Abuse: The Pressures and Temptations of a Teenager
• Athletes’ Motivation for Performance-Enhancement Drug Abuse
• Drug Abuse and the Drug Industry
• Adolescent Drug Abuse and Its Effects
• American Universities, Colleges, Drug Abuse and Effects
• Alcohol and Drug Abuse During Pregnancy
• Juveniles and Drug Abuse in America
• The Link Between Schizophrenia and Drug Abuse
• Drug Abuse and Its Effects on the Health and Choice of Lifestyle
• Alcoholism and Drug Abuse: Roots, Effects, and Prevention
• Drug Abuse and the Views of Saint Augustine, Aristotle, and Plato
• Drug Abuse and Addiction Among America
• How Does Drug Abuse Affect the Personal Development of Hong Kong Teenagers?
• What Are Influences That Cause Drug Abuse on Youth?
• How Does Prescription Drug Abuse Affect Teens?
• What Are the Primary Causes and Effects of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Among Young People?
• How Does Drug Abuse Ruin Families and Destroy Relationships?
• What Causes Teenage Drug Abuse?
• How Can We Prevent Prescription Drug Abuse?
• Why Do Children Need to Be Educated About Drug Abuse?
• Who Is Most Affected by Prescription Drug Abuse?
• How Does Drug Abuse Affect a Person’s Social Life?
• What Are the Side Effects of Drug Abuse?
• Why Do We Need to Prevent Drug Abuse?
• How Does Drug Abuse Affect Public Health?
• What Are the Causes and Effects of Drug Abuse?
• How Can the Government Reduce Drug Abuse?
• What Are the Six Forms of Drug Abuse?
• Can We Reduce Drug Abuse in the Community?
• What Are the 4 Steps That Lead to Drug Abuse?
• How to Educate Youth About Drug Abuse?
• What Are the Effects of Drug Abuse on the School?
• How Does Drug Abuse Affect the Brain?
• What Profession Has the Highest Rate of Drug Abuse?
• How Are Drug Abuse and Crime Related?
• Why Is It Important to Learn About the Risk Factors of Drug Use and Abuse?
• What Is the Role of the Youth in Preventing Drug Abuse?
• Are There Social Factors That Contribute to Drug Abuse?
• What Is the Impact of Drug Abuse on Society?
• Is There a Connection Between Drug Abuse and Crime?
• What Can Be Done to Overcome the Problem of Drug Abuse?
• How Can Drug Abuse Cause Violence?

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StudyCorgi . "140 Drug Abuse Essay Topics & Project Topics on Drug Abuse." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/drug-abuse-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2022. "140 Drug Abuse Essay Topics & Project Topics on Drug Abuse." March 1, 2022. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/drug-abuse-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on Drug Abuse were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 8, 2024 .

Argumentative Essay On Drugs

Drugs are illegal in many states of the United States, and are becoming more legal in certain areas in the U.S. because they are becoming more popular. There are many different kinds of drugs and they are almost all illegal, except for the prescription drugs that people use wrongly. A few examples of these drugs are marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin , LSD, Crocodile. All of these drugs have major effects on the body and their users have to quit. Researchers are noticing the major effects drugs cause on the body, but many ignore their warnings because they are addicted. When you are addicted to a drug , it’s all you can think about, they take over your life. They ruin your life, and usually make you end in a bad situation, whether your in jail, lose you friends, get kicked off the team. If you do not want these horrible things to happen to you don’t try them. Trying them is the worst thing to do, because all it take is a little try, and your addicted. Over the years researchers are finding more and more effects drugs cause on the body, such as the heart, brain, liver, and why every drug addict should stop, because of the bazare effects different kinds drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and many more, have on the body. As drugs are becoming more widespread across the U.S. many new drugs are being created. Usually the makers of the drugs upgrade them and they become worse for the body. But all drugs are bad, but some are a lot worse for you. One example is Krokodil.

Argumentative Essay On Recreational Marijuana

Let me begin by warning you, this is an extremely controversial topic. Legalizing recreational marijuana should be a top priority for the state of Florida. When put on a scale the benefits outweigh the cons. For one, the crime rate in our state will lower. Secondly, many people cannot afford prescription drugs, recreational marijuana can be used for various ailments and its health benefits exceed expectation.

Drugs In The 1970's

Illicit drugs are drugs that have been considered illegal, such as, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, in some locations (Levinthal, 2016). Legislating drugs began around 1900. In essence, the government let society govern the use and opinions of drugs. Most of society looked down upon the nonmedical use of drugs.

Argumentative Essay On Opioids

Within the last 22 years, from 1991 to 2013, the prescriptions written by doctors for opioids have increased from 76 million to 207 million. Opioids are a drug class that were developed originally, to treat severe pain for people who are dying of cancer or other severe illnesses. This began when pharmaceutical companies assured the medical community that people would not become addicted to opioid pain relievers. As a result doctors began to prescribe opioids more frequently. There are different kinds of opioids.

Argumentative Essay On The Opioid Crisis

I. Importance: As American deaths from drug overdoses continue to rise in the United States, the nation is faced with a public health crisis so profound that in October 2017, President Trump declared the opioid epidemic to be a national public health emergency (Merica). President Trump’s declaration came after numerous studies indicating the danger opioid addiction posed; for example, a 2016 study entitled “Increases in Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths—United States, 2010-2015” claimed that drug overdose deaths “nearly tripled during 1999-2014,” reaching a startling high 52,404 deaths in 2015 (Rudd, et al). These statistics are more than just disturbing revelations regarding the opioid crisis; they are evidence of a serious problem that is rapidly affecting the lives of more and more Americans every year. Death by overdose is not the only public policy concern, however, as millions of Americans are also addicted to prescription opioids.

Opioids Satire

Opioids is a big issue because Americans are addicted to drugs especially opioids. After a surgery doctors give patients opioids because they are a pain killer. After patients have been taking opioids they soon are not in pain anymore but they keep taking the pills because it makes their body feel relieved. People get addicted to this and can’t function without them.

Adderall Argumentative Essay

Drugs such as Adderall is help for health purposes but taking it incorrectly or too much can cause major harm to the body. Everyday Health warns,“Adderall can increase your risk for heart problems, high blood pressure, and stroke. If the person taking Adderall has a history of a heart defect or other heart problems, there is a risk for sudden death.” It can also damage the mind and create mental problems that were not there before taking the medication. “Adderall may increase your risk for mental health problems, including depression, bipolar disorder, and unusual behaviors including aggressive or hostile behavior.

Prescription Drug Abuse Essay

Across the world abusing prescription drugs causes more deaths than street drugs do combined (“International Statistics”). Prescription drugs are so easy to get ahold of and so easy to get addicted to. The misuse of prescription drugs have gotten out of hand. These drugs can cause unintentional overdoses easily. The misuse of prescription drugs can lead to addiction, affect the health of users in a dramatic way, and even cause death.

Adderall Argument Essay

The lack of knowledge concerning the effects Adderall has on one’s health and the misuse of the drug has led many students to believe that there are no negative side effects of the drug. The negative effects of Adderall on the human body outweigh the positive effects that are better known by college students. Ninety-five percent of the articles in media reports “mentioned at least one possible benefit of using prescription drugs for neuro-enhancement, but only fifty-eight percent mentioned any risks or side effects” (Lakhan). Since the negative effects of Adderall are not talked about much by the media not many college students are aware of what they are taking and what could happen. Negative side effects of Adderall and drugs similar to it

Argumentative Essay: The Impact Of Drug Testing On Welfare

Thirty-five percent of Americans recieve help from welfare every day, and if we drug test them that number would suddenly drop. Some individuals claim that drug testing would help individuals by putting them into treatment; however, there are several reasons why drug testing would not help recipients. While drug testing could recognize the individuals who need help, problems would be caused such as impacts on the person, the cost, and other impacts such as on children and poverty levels. I A. First, drug testing will cause problems with the money people are receiving. If the test is positive the recipient will have reduced income and they may not get any income at all (US Department of Health and Human Services 8).

Argumentative Essay: The Decriminalization Of Marijuana

As a nation we have come to point where we must take a unified stand on the issue of marijuana. Since 1937 the drug has been deemed illegal by the U.S. government but over the best decade, people have been pushing for the decriminalization of the cannabis plant. As a non drug user, i have researched the internet in search of unbiased information regarding the drugs health, economic, and crime influences on society. The fruits of my labor have brought me to the undisputable conclusion that our continued restriction on possession and use of the drug not only violates the liberties of U.S. citizens, but it also is costing Americans Billions of dollars, and something, our lives.

Persuasive Essay On Drugs In Sports

Picture this every athlete in sports using drugs no one depends on skill anymore everyone depends on performance enhancing drugs like adrenaline and steroids. Many athletes today use drugs to enhance their skills in all sports. This is a problem because some athletes use their own skills and are getting beaten by athletes who use drugs. Performance enhancement drugs create an unfair advantage over those athletes who choose to rely on their own skill. Banning drugs in sports can make a difference in the athlete 's health Drugs like steroids could decrease the user 's lifespan Performance enhancers, like steroids and other forms of doping have a negative effect on long term health ¨Gary Becker, PhD Professor in the Departments

Arguments Against Big Pharma

Prescription drugs (opiates only) have caused over 165,000 deaths within the last 15 years and is currently on the rise. Over 2 million Americans in 2014 were addicted to Opiate prescription narcotics. The most troubling fact is listed directly on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: “As many as 1 in 4

Argumentative Essay: Keeping Marijuana Illegal

Keeping Marijuana Illegal. Marijuana is a drug that is used by approximately 38% in America. Recently, there has been a movement to legalize marijuana for both medical and recreational use. Some states and communities have already passed laws to legalize marijuana and many more have plans to bring legalization to a vote in the near future.

Argumentative Essay: Why Marijuana Should Be Legal

Why Marijuana Should be Legal Marijuana is a very prominent issue in society today. Many false and slanderous things have been said about marijuana in recent times. But the truth about marijuana continues to reveal itself. Sadly these truths are being criticised because of the stereotypical view that many people call the typical “pot smoker”.

Argumentative Essay On The War On Drugs

As of recent, the war on drugs has been a very often discussed topic due to many controversial issues. Some people believe the War on Drugs has been quite successful due to the amount of drugs seized and the amount of drug kingpins arrested. I believe this to be the wrong mindset when it comes to the war on drugs. The war on drugs isn’t a winnable one so we must do all that is possible to assist those who struggle with drug addiction and decriminalize small amounts of drugs. These minor changes in the way we combat drugs will create significant change and have lasting effects.

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Should Addiction Be Viewed as a Disease?

More from our inbox:, conservatives and climate change, those undeserving of political donations, olympians, join the rest of us, my refuge: shooting hoops.

To the Editor:

Re “ Calling Addiction a Disease Is Misleading ,” by Carl Erik Fisher (Opinion guest essay, Sunday Review, Jan. 16):

Dr. Fisher’s opinion piece about addiction was misleading and polarizing. His arguments ignore decades of biomedical and behavioral research that have taught so much about the nature of substance use disorder, as it is now called, and what to do about it.

First, the originators of the concept did not say that addiction is only a brain disease; we acknowledged how important behavioral and social elements are to its development and to recovery.

Moreover, the concept that substance use disorder is a brain disease does not at all imply that “drugs hold all the power.” No one would ever assert, for example, that people are powerless to affect their hypertension or diabetes by changing their behavior, as well as taking their medicine.

Let’s not revert to an outdated conception of the drug problem as only either biological or behavioral and ignore the decades of scientific research that have led to combined treatments and policy approaches that work far better than either alone.

Alan I. Leshner Potomac, Md. The writer is former director (1994-2001) of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Carl Erik Fisher is correct in arguing that thinking of addiction as a disease has the risk of simplifying a very complex interaction of factors, overemphasizing the biological factors at the expense of the myriad social and psychological factors that are also major contributors to addiction.

However, emphasizing the fact that addiction, like other mental disorders such as depression, has a significant biological component has served to reduce the stigma and shame surrounding addiction and increased individuals’ willingness to seek treatment.

While the pendulum has perhaps swung so far in the direction of biology that other important factors are being overlooked, it is important not to jeopardize the headway made over the past 50 years.

Michael B. First Richard B. Kruger New York The writers are doctors with the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. Dr. First is the editor of the forthcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 text revision.

Dr. Carl Erik Fisher did not mention the most important reason that alcoholism was classified as a disease. Before Alcoholics Anonymous, alcoholism was widely considered a human failing, a weakness of character, a sin. These people could stop drinking if they wanted to!

But this was not true. Many wanted to stop but could not. By defining alcoholism as a disease the shame of being an alcoholic was removed. No longer were alcoholics seen as morally deficient. Alcoholism/addiction has nothing to do with morals.

This understanding of addiction as a disease has opened the door of recovery wide to many of us who may not have sought help for an affliction if we thought we should be able to “fix” it by ourselves — by just being “better” people. We are not bad people. We are sick people, deserving of help. Classifying addiction as a disease does not narrow the opportunities for healing; it expands them.

Vanessa S. Oakland, Calif. The writer, 35 years sober, requested anonymity in keeping with A.A.’s tradition.

I believe that Dr. Carl Erik Fisher is correct in his view that addiction is not just one thing, which is to say “a disease.” There are certainly medical elements, for example our imperfect but growing understanding of the genetics of addictive behavior. But, in essence, addiction must still be seen and treated as a behavior . And, as with most behaviors, addiction has huge sociologic and economic inputs.

By making medicine the principal portal for accessing treatment of any harmful behavior is to seriously tie our hands as a society seeking a cure. As a practicing physician of 40 years, I might feel differently if we had had more success treating behavioral problems as medical problems. We’ve had our chance.

John R. Bennett Snohomish, Wash.

Having lost a father (to alcoholism), a sister (to smoking cigarettes and alcoholism) and a son (to opioid addiction), I believe it would be a tremendous boon if research could determine the difference between those who can be treated successfully for their addiction and those who are not helped by the current methods of treatment.

Dr. Carl Erik Fisher concludes by saying that dropping the idea of disease and opening a fuller picture of addiction will allow for more nuance, care and compassion. I think there is an abundance of those currently. What is needed is an understanding of the biology and differences that lead to addiction as a death sentence for some and a chronic disease for others.

Amie Schantz Arlington, Mass.

One of the important reasons to call addiction a disease is that it reframes the discussion away from the court system/incarceration and toward treatment. This is extremely important as the United States leads the world in incarceration , much of which is related to illicit drug use or trade.

Steven Persky Marina del Rey, Calif.

Re “ U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Bounced Back Sharply in 2021 ” (news article, Jan. 10):

Many Republicans oppose Build Back Better simply because the Democrats support it, others because it limits coal and oil industries, which they perceive as critical to their states. But many oppose it because it is a key culture war issue.

It and other initiatives like the Green New Deal represent the things conservatives fear most: change, a substitution of a new order for the old, and the possibility that they will lose their hard-earned place in the world.

Despite the climate disasters of the past year, programs that limit greenhouse gas emissions are going nowhere. The fact that the recovery of the economy is so closely tied to a rise in greenhouse gases is sobering and deeply worrying.

Climate change will soon be a problem so large that even conservatives won’t be able to deny it. Whether we will then be able to do anything about it remains to be seen.

Tim Shaw Cambridge, Mass.

Re “ After Jan. 6, Donor Pause Was Short ” (Business, Jan. 7):

As the former chair of a major biopharmaceutical company’s political action committee and general counsel of the industry’s principal trade association, I appreciate the importance of making contributions to supportive lawmakers, regardless of their positions on unrelated issues.

However, the continuing strength of our democracy and the rule of law are not unrelated matters. They are as vital to the industry as prices and patents. No contributions should be made to lawmakers who refuse to recognize and act on the threats to our Constitution.

Bruce Kuhlik Washington The writer is former general counsel of Merck & Co. and of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Re “ To Avoid Virus, Olympians Bend Over Backward ” (front page, Jan. 24):

I chuckled with recognition at the extensive restrictions that Olympic athletes are putting on themselves to avoid being infected with Covid-19 before the Games begin next month. That’s how we seniors have been living for nearly two years! I believe we deserve a medal.

Debbie Duncan Stanford, Calif.

Dan Barry’s contemplative, healing story of outdoor solo basketball in wintertime resonates with my lifetime passion for the sport (“ A Story of Covid Exile, Told in Never-Ending Arcs, ” Sports, Jan. 18). The rhythm of shoot-miss/shoot-swish soothes my soul in times both good and troubled.

This phenomenon reached an unprecedented high a decade ago. After receiving a lifesaving stem transplant, I was confined to weeks of isolation to prevent post-procedure infection. Solo basketball on a neighborhood court was my refuge.

During my first outing, even as I missed most shots, I was overcome with the emotion of a medical procedure enabled by an anonymous donor, a young college student whom I would meet in person a year later. Weeping profusely, with the hoop as my witness, I shot my heart out, overcome with gratitude for life and for every shot, made and missed.

Now a septuagenarian, I continue to play solo in frigid weather, warmed by the hoop and ball that have been my companions during the ebb and flow over decades of a life well lived.

Allen White Brookline, Mass.

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?
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• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
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• 61 General Expository Essay Topic Ideas to Practice Academic Writing
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160 Good Argumentative Essay Topics for Students in 2024

April 3, 2024

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

What is an Argumentative Essay?

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

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

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

Argumentative Essay Format

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

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

How to Write an Effective Argumentative Essay, Step by Step

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

Tips for Revising an Argument Essay

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

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

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

Family argumentative essay topics.

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

Education Argument Essay Topics

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

Government Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Health/Bioethics Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics — Continued

Social media argumentative essay topics.

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

Religion Argument Essay Topics

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

Science Argument Essay Topics

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

Sports Argument Essay Topics

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

Technology Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Business Argument Essay Topics

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

In Conclusion – Argument Essay Topics

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

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

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

Lauren Green

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

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91 Drug Trafficking Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best drug trafficking topic ideas & essay examples, 🎓 good research topics about drug trafficking, 📌 simple & easy drug trafficking essay titles, ❓ research questions about drug trafficking.

• Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse Drug trafficking contributes to drug abuse in the society. Drug trafficking also contributes to increased criminal activities that affect the security of citizens.
• What Can Law Enforcement Do About Drug Trafficking Therefore, there is a need for the creation and implementation of new federal and local laws that would ensure the appropriateness of police operations in the field of drug trafficking prevention. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• International Drug Trafficking: Critical Thinking Moreover, it is of concern that the power of drug traffickers is constantly growing and that they are influencing the economic and political affairs of cities.
• International Drug Trafficking: Analysis and Solution If an attempt is made to unify the process for all significant areas of drug trafficking, such a system will fail.
• Drug Trafficking and Pablo Escobar Pablo Escobar created the largest drug cartel in the world, and the criminal activities affecting the population at the time still negatively impact the community.
• Drug Cartels Problem Overview Drugs have been the major cause of the rise in the levels of corruption, disobedience to the law, and human rights abuses The selection highlights the key challenge of drug cartels in Latin America.
• Drug Trafficking in the United States This shortage of cocaine has been brought due to low production of cocaine In Mexico, and this was as a result of pressure from the United States government to DTOs, large seizure of cocaine consignment […]
• Policy Project: The Drug Trafficking The committee was also in making reports to the convention. Reforms in judicial systems should be advocated to the countries that are signatories of UN convention.
• Drug Trafficking in the UK This is the extent of the information available at the start of the research. The first element that has to be developed is the list of organizations that could potentially be involved with the smuggling […]
• Economics of Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Three major conditions associated with the development and origins of mafias include the abdication of legitimate government power, excessive bureaucratic power, and the financial potential of illegal markets.
• Human and Drug Trafficking as Transnational Organised Crimes While a transnational crime implies illegal actions and the breaking of law across borders or between two or more countries, the UN Convention has not made an effort of listing the type of crimes for […]
• International Drug Trafficking and Its Legal Status The large-scale of the global drug trade has grown primarily due to the levels of financing and expansion that organized crime has invested in the industry.
• The Crown Court Case: Drug and Weapons Trafficking To continue the process of the trial, it is necessary to translate the found text and identify what the defendant was about to do before he was arrested, as it will help to proceed with […]
• Drug Trafficking, National Security and Intelligence In most of the cases, these cartels used carrot-and-stick approach when it came to dealing with security agencies both in their home country and in the United States. The drug cartels in this country use […]
• Drug Trafficking in Central Asia and US Interests The interests of the United States in the Central Asia Region increased significantly after the 9/11bomb attacks in the United States.
• Drug Traffickers Arrest: Intelligence Cycle The case study about the arrest of 7 drug traffickers by Drug Enforcement Agency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Homeland Security Investigations agents is a perfect case that required collection of information, processing it to […]
• Illegal Drug Trafficking Rates This is one of the most thriving trades in the world markets owing to the fact that, although majority of nations have criminalized drug trafficking, due to effects of the economic crisis that affected most […]
• Mexican Drug Cartels and Human Trafficking Reports from Mexico says that due to the pressure exerted on the drug cartels by the government, they have resolved in other means of getting revenue and the major one has been human trafficking alongside […]
• The Mexican Drugs Cartels Apparently, Mexican drug cartels have dominated the illegal drug trading in the United States, as there is increased co-operation with the prisoners and street peddlers in the United States; moreover, drug trafficking has spread rapidly […]
• Colombian Drug Cartels: Government Response For instance, the Cali cartel participated a great deal in the downfall of the Medellin cartel as it was involved in the manhunt of the leaders of the Medellin cartel which saw the killing of […]
• Mexican Drug Cartels and the War on Drugs The examination of the current research on Mexican drug cartels and the War on Drugs helps to understand the causes of the outburst of violence, define the major tendencies of the Mexican War on Drugs […]
• Drug Cartels in Mexico According to sociologist Luis Astorga, the history of drug cartels in Mexico has a correlation with the political eras in the region. As such, they are the eyes and ears of the drug cartels.
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At some point, you’re going to be asked to write an argumentative essay. An argumentative essay is exactly what it sounds like—an essay in which you’ll be making an argument, using examples and research to back up your point.

But not all argumentative essay topics are created equal. Not only do you have to structure your essay right to have a good impact on the reader, but even your choice of subject can impact how readers feel about your work.

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of writing argumentative essays, including what argumentative essays are, how to write a good one, and how to pick a topic that works for you. Then check out a list of argumentative essay ideas to help you get started.

What Is an Argumentative Essay?

An argumentative essay is one that makes an argument through research. These essays take a position and support it through evidence, but, unlike many other kinds of essays, they are interested in expressing a specific argument supported by research and evidence.

A good argumentative essay will be based on established or new research rather than only on your thoughts and feelings. Imagine that you’re trying to get your parents to raise your allowance, and you can offer one of two arguments in your favor:

You should raise my allowance because I want you to.

You should raise my allowance because I’ve been taking on more chores without complaining.

The first argument is based entirely in feelings without any factual backup, whereas the second is based on evidence that can be proven. Your parents are more likely to respond positively to the second argument because it demonstrates that you have done something to earn the increased allowance. Similarly, a well-researched and reasoned argument will show readers that your point has a basis in fact, not just feelings.

The standard five-paragraph essay is common in writing argumentative essays, but it’s not the only way to write one. An argumentative essay is typically written in one of two formats, the Toulmin model or the Rogerian model.

The Toulmin model is the most common, comprised of an introduction with a claim (otherwise known as a thesis), with data to support it. This style of essay will also include rebuttals, helping to strengthen your argument by anticipating counterarguments.

The Rogerian model analyzes two sides of an argument and reaches a conclusion after weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each.

Both essay styles rely on well-reasoned logic and supporting evidence to prove a point, just in two different ways.

The important thing to note about argumentative essays as opposed to other kinds of essays is that they aim to argue a specific point rather than to explain something or to tell a story. While they may have some things in common with analytical essays, the primary difference is in their objective—an argumentative essay aims to convince someone of something, whereas an analytical essay contextualizes a topic with research.

What Makes a Good Argumentative Essay?

To write an effective argumentative essay, you need to know what a good one looks like. In addition to a solid structure, you’ll need an argument, a strong thesis, and solid research.

An Argument

Unlike other forms of essays, you are trying to convince your reader of something. You’re not just teaching them a concept or demonstrating an idea—you’re constructing an argument to change the readers’ thinking.

You’ll need to develop a good argument, which encompasses not just your main point, but also all the pieces that make it up.

Think beyond what you are saying and include how you’re saying it. How will you take an idea and turn it into a complex and well thought out argument that is capable of changing somebody’s mind?

A Strong Thesis

The thesis is the core of your argument. What specific message are you trying to get across? State that message in one sentence, and that will be your thesis.

This is the foundation on which your essay is built, so it needs to be strong and well-reasoned. You need to be able to expand on it with facts and sources, not just feelings.

A good argumentative essay isn’t just based on your individual thoughts, but research. That can be citing sources and other arguments or it can mean direct research in the field, depending on what your argument is and the context in which you are arguing it.

Be prepared to back your thesis up with reporting from scientific journals, newspapers, or other forms of research. Having well-researched sources will help support your argument better than hearsay or assumptions. If you can’t find enough research to back up your point, it’s worth reconsidering your thesis or conducting original research, if possible.

How to Come Up With an Argumentative Essay Topic

Sometimes you may find yourself arguing things you don’t necessarily believe. That’s totally fine—you don’t actually have to wholeheartedly believe in what you’re arguing in order to construct a compelling argument.

However, if you have free choice of topic, it’s a good idea to pick something you feel strongly about. There are two key components to a good argumentative essay: a strong stance, and an assortment of evidence. If you’re interested and feel passionate about the topic you choose, you'll have an easier time finding evidence to support it, but it's the evidence that's most important. 

So, to choose a topic, think about things you feel strongly about, whether positively or negatively. You can make a list of ideas and narrow those down to a handful of things, then expand on those ideas with a few potential points you want to hit on.

For example, say you’re trying to decide whether you should write about how your neighborhood should ban weed killer, that your school’s lunch should be free for all students, or that the school day should be cut by one hour. To decide between these ideas, you can make a list of three to five points for each that cover the different evidence you could use to support each point.

For the weed killer ban, you could say that weed killer has been proven to have adverse impacts on bees, that there are simple, natural alternatives, and that weeds aren’t actually bad to have around. For the free lunch idea, you could suggest that some students have to go hungry because they can’t afford lunch, that funds could be diverted from other places to support free lunch, and that other items, like chips or pizza, could be sold to help make up lost revenue. And for the school day length example, you could argue that teenagers generally don’t get enough sleep, that you have too much homework and not enough time to do it, and that teenagers don’t spend enough time with their families.

You might find as you make these lists that some of them are stronger than others. The more evidence you have and the stronger you feel that that evidence is, the better the topic.  Of course, if you feel that one topic may have more evidence but you’d rather not write about it, it’s okay to pick another topic instead. When you’re making arguments, it can be much easier to find strong points and evidence if you feel passionate about our topic than if you don't.

50 Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you’re struggling to come up with topics on your own, read through this list of argumentative essay topics to help get you started!

• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be able to modify their unborn children?
• Do GMOs help or harm people?
• Should vaccinations be required for students to attend public school?
• Should world governments get involved in addressing climate change?
• Should Facebook be allowed to collect data from its users?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation?
• Should there be laws against using cell phones while driving?
• Has the internet positively or negatively impacted human society?

• Should college athletes be paid for being on sports teams?
• Should coaches and players make the same amount of money?
• Should sports be segregated by gender?
• Should the concept of designated hitters in baseball be abolished?
• Should US sports take soccer more seriously?
• Should religious organizations have to pay taxes?
• Should religious clubs be allowed in schools?
• Should “one nation under God” be in the pledge of allegiance?
• Should religion be taught in schools?
• Should clergy be allowed to marry?
• Should minors be able to purchase birth control without parental consent?
• Should the US switch to single-payer healthcare?
• Should assisted suicide be legal?
• Should dietary supplements and weight loss items like teas be allowed to advertise through influencers?
• Should doctors be allowed to promote medicines?

Government/Politics

• Is the electoral college an effective system for modern America?
• Should Puerto Rico become a state?
• Should voter registration be automatic?
• Should people in prison be allowed to vote?
• Should Supreme Court justices be elected?
• Should sex work be legalized?
• Should Columbus Day be replaced with Indigenous Peoples’ Day?
• Should the death penalty be legal?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should drug possession be decriminalized?

• Should unpaid internships be legal?
• Should minimum wage be increased?
• Should monopolies be allowed?
• Is universal basic income a good idea?
• Should corporations have a higher or lower tax rate?
• Are school uniforms a good idea?
• Should PE affect a student’s grades?
• Should college be free?
• Should Greek life in colleges be abolished?
• Should students be taught comprehensive sex ed?

Arts/Culture

• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should books with objectionable words be banned?
• Should content on YouTube be better regulated?
• Is art education important?
• Should art and music sharing online be allowed?

How to Argue Effectively

A strong argument isn’t just about having a good point. If you can’t support that point well, your argument falls apart.

One of the most important things you can do in writing a strong argumentative essay is organizing well. Your essay should have a distinct beginning, middle, and end, better known as the introduction, body and opposition, and conclusion.

This example follows the Toulmin model—if your essay follows the Rogerian model, the same basic premise is true, but your thesis will instead propose two conflicting viewpoints that will be resolved through evidence in the body, with your conclusion choosing the stronger of the two arguments.

Introduction

Your hook should draw the reader’s interest immediately. Questions are a common way of getting interest, as well as evocative language or a strong statistic

Don’t assume that your audience is already familiar with your topic. Give them some background information, such as a brief history of the issue or some additional context.

Your thesis is the crux of your argument. In an argumentative essay, your thesis should be clearly outlined so that readers know exactly what point you’ll be making. Don’t explain all your evidence in the opening, but do take a strong stance and make it clear what you’ll be discussing.

Your claims are the ideas you’ll use to support your thesis. For example, if you’re writing about how your neighborhood shouldn’t use weed killer, your claim might be that it’s bad for the environment. But you can’t just say that on its own—you need evidence to support it.

Evidence is the backbone of your argument. This can be things you glean from scientific studies, newspaper articles, or your own research. You might cite a study that says that weed killer has an adverse effect on bees, or a newspaper article that discusses how one town eliminated weed killer and saw an increase in water quality. These kinds of hard evidence support your point with demonstrable facts, strengthening your argument.

In your essay, you want to think about how the opposition would respond to your claims and respond to them. Don’t pick the weakest arguments, either— figure out what other people are saying and respond to those arguments with clearly reasoned arguments.

Demonstrating that you not only understand the opposition’s point, but that your argument is strong enough to withstand it, is one of the key pieces to a successful argumentative essay.

Conclusions are a place to clearly restate your original point, because doing so will remind readers exactly what you’re arguing and show them how well you’ve argued that point.

Summarize your main claims by restating them, though you don’t need to bring up the evidence again. This helps remind readers of everything you’ve said throughout the essay.

End by suggesting a picture of a world in which your argument and action are ignored. This increases the impact of your argument and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

A strong argumentative essay is one with good structure and a strong argument , but there are a few other things you can keep in mind to further strengthen your point.

When you’re crafting an argument, it can be easy to get distracted by all the information and complications in your argument. It’s important to stay focused—be clear in your thesis and home in on claims that directly support that thesis.

Be Rational

It’s important that your claims and evidence be based in facts, not just opinion. That’s why it’s important to use reliable sources based in science and reporting—otherwise, it’s easy for people to debunk your arguments.

Don’t rely solely on your feelings about the topic. If you can’t back a claim up with real evidence, it leaves room for counterarguments you may not anticipate. Make sure that you can support everything you say with clear and concrete evidence, and your claims will be a lot stronger!

What’s Next?

No matter what kind of essay you're writing, a strong plan will help you have a bigger impact. This guide to writing a college essay is a great way to get started on your essay organizing journey!

Brushing up on your essay format knowledge to prep for the SAT? Check out this list of SAT essay prompts to help you kickstart your studying!

A bunch of great essay examples can help you aspire to greatness, but bad essays can also be a warning for what not to do. This guide to bad college essays will help you better understand common mistakes to avoid in essay writing!

Melissa Brinks graduated from the University of Washington in 2014 with a Bachelor's in English with a creative writing emphasis. She has spent several years tutoring K-12 students in many subjects, including in SAT prep, to help them prepare for their college education.

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

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

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

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

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

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

Argumentative writing at college level

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

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

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

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

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

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

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

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

Toulmin arguments

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

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

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

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

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

Rogerian arguments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Argumentative Essay About Drug Abuse

Drug abuse is bad because it spoils people’s lives, increases drug access, and has serious consequences and effects on places the drugs are used. There are drugs everywhere they go, there is not one single place, that anyone could go to and there is not many person who is not using drugs or had drugs in their system. Teens between the age of fifteen to eighteen have problems with drug addiction ; teens who start to use drugs at a young age tend to have a problem with them once they get older. Eighty percent of the teens who use drugs do not get to graduate high school . The prevalence of drug use has gone up in the past years due to the people that keep consuming them. The United States has many programs to help kids with drug abuse because they want the best for them. Most programs may work, maybe not forever, but temporarily and at least many teenagers have stopped doing drugs and have rehabilitated themselves. Many teens tend to start drugs because maybe someone in their family consumes them or the friends they have around them do. Many times the people they are surrounded with tend to have a big affect on what they do. Most teenagers go to drugs to help them forget the problems that they have at home. Problems at home can include their parents fighting, arguing, and eventually splitting up and sometimes intimacy is not the only problem or the cause of that. Sometimes problems with money can split people up. Drugs cannot fix any problems going on, it only makes people feel better for a few hours and after drugs, wear off it can cause a person to be even more depressed than before. Many high school students use drugs for various reasons. Reasons that high schoolers use drugs are mainly pointless because they mostly want to fit in with the “cool kids” and that makes some kids make the wrong choices so that they are not humiliated by the others. In recent years, about 30 percent of seniors in high schools use drugs and about 65 percent of kids in high school that are sophomores use drugs (Cole 54). There are many ways to get a hold of drugs; some ways are easy and some ways are hard. Easy ways to get a hold of drugs are if the drug she want to consume is legal. Some states that have

Persuasive Essay On Substance Abuse

The victims have a master inside of them who controls every inch of their mind, body, and soul. It only takes a few slip ups to fall deep into the hole of despair. He deceives them but also brings them happiness. The victims have a mental battle with themselves but he is ruthless and shows no mercy. As they continue to disregard the few careless encounters, their condition deteriorates and leads to an addicted relationship with him. Society nowadays has become corrupted with addiction. Drug abuse has become prevalent and is impossible to avoid. There is so much influence around substance abuse that people are usually sucked into it before they learn the dangers of it. Nowadays, people are proposing solutions for this spreading epidemic and suggesting ways to treat people who are already affected. Addiction should be treated as a learning disorder that exacerbates as people mature rather than as there is something wrong with their character. The best feasible solution for treating this epidemic is early intervention. By doing this, potential victims can be educated about the dangers of it and be on the path to a healthy lifestyle.

What Causes Teenagers to Lose Motivation in School? Essay

These numbers reveal that teenagers face an apparent exposure to drugs, and have little trouble getting a hold of some if desired. This article concludes that drug use and its consequences are not stressed enough in the current high school curriculum. The statistics prove that more needs to be done to identify and educate students at risk for drug use.

Why Do Teens Use Opiate-Based Prescription Drugs?

Drugs can result in teens not doing well in school, which can lead to lower academic opportunities and career options.

Persuasive Essay: Random Drug Testing In High Schools

Drug abuse is an increasing problem in our society, and specifically among teenagers. This increased affiliation with substances is very detrimental to teens. It causes an inability to focus, increases the chance that you will continue your drug abuse through your adulthood and it greatly damages the brain and many other organs. Our brains are developing when we are in our adolescence, which is why it is very important to discourage kids experimenting with drugs.

Argumentative Essay On Addiction

Did you know that it is statistically proven that addiction is more common than diabetes? 10% of the human population is addicted to either a drug or alcohol. A person can be addicted to several substances, not just drugs and alcohol. By having more options of addiction, this will increase the percentage of addicts. There is so many scenarios to addiction that anyone around could be an addict without realizing it. Several people may believe addiction is something that can easily fixed or they may think it is rare. What people do not know is that addiction is a situation much more serious and goes in depth further than they may expect. It’s a desire that no one wants. It is a condition that is difficult to escape once you begin. Addicts can be so in depth with addiction that they can not get out of it. Addiction is an action that comes with negative yet impactful outcomes.

Teen Drug Abuse In The United States

In my hometown, I have noticed an abundance of drug use. Many teens get peer pressured into doing drugs by their friends. They tell it’s cool, and how it can easily clear your mind. Also on TV they act like are fine. But what they don’t tell you is how it can totally ruin your life. You can become addicted and get into a lot of trouble. After recent research, I conclude that teens using drugs are a major problem in Piedmont and nationwide.

Drugs : A Dominant Dilemma

Most people that use these illegal substances go on to doing more serious crimes such as rape, murder, and suicide. Drugs and alcohol have damaging effects on the mind, body, and personality, it is advisable to stay away from them. Most of teens are getting help from family members to get drugs, which is a huge part of the problem. As stated in the article Drugs Even Affect Kids, 65% of drug addicts get access to the drink via there closes family and friends. This is causing teens to think that it is okay to do drugs, and this is also showing lack of parental support. If teens see that other people are doing something, or people they look up to such as parents doing something then they are going to think it is okay. Being in high school, you are opened up to some of the teens and parents that are doing this for their children, so you see it going on.

Substance Abuse And The External Factors Affecting Teenage Youth

The social environment during high school can be confusing. At the start of puberty, the search for identity begins. Youth around this age follow the crowd and give into peer pressure. This is the time where you can be part of the "it" crowd, or refrain from it. Interestingly enough, friendships form by similar interests, in particular, drugs and alcohol. An excuse to rebel is exciting and deviant for teens. As this trend becomes more prominent, there are more substance abusers getting involved at a younger age. Between 13-17 years old, they come up with reasons as to why

Drug Abuse Among Teenagers And Young Adults

For several generations now drug abuse among teenagers and young adults has been a major problem in American society. To address the problem successfully in term of diminishing the amount of illegal drug use among this age demographic, we must first understand the patterns and trends over time in terms of what drugs teenagers use, how they obtain them and then use them, and what factors cause or influence them to engage in such activities. First we should define our terms and limits of discussion. “Drugs” here means not only substances that are illegal in themselves like marijuana and cocaine, but misused prescription medications as well as household substances not meant to be used as drugs such as glue and nutmeg. Doctors can actually sometimes prescribe drugs like cocaine, marijuana, and steroids for medical purposes but which are more often used illegally and harmfully. We are not going to consider alcohol even though perhaps it should be because it is a substance used to later mods and our mental states just like illegal drugs. Most of can recite the reason drug are bad for teenagers. Drug use can delay or even permanently damage adolescent brains that are still growing. Drug abuse can lead to poor life choices such as driving under their influence or engaging in criminal activity or just impairing teenagers ability to keep up with schoolwork. The reason we care about teenage drug use from the standpoint of developmental psychology has to do with the impact of drug use

The Psychological Effects Of Adolescent Substance Abuse

Adolescent substance abuse is one of the largest issues faced by our society today. According to Teenrehab.com, nearly 50% of all high school seniors have abused some form of illicit substance and according to National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism nearly 70% of 18 year olds have at the least tried alcohol. Many more adolescents are trying, and getting addicted to, drugs every year. In my opinion this is one of the most critical issues that we have to address as a society.

Thesis Statement On Mandatory Drug Testing

When people hear the word drugs,they always say that it is abusive. According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary,”drug is defined as a substance that is used as a medicine. It is also defined as a substance that is used as a medicine. It is also defined as an illegal and often harmful substance(such as heroin,cocaine,LSD or marijuana) that people take for pleasure. Nowadays, people took drugs as a hobby. Also teenagers are using drugs for some reasons. Some of them belong to a broken family. Others are lack of attention of parents. They taught

Teenagers and Drug Abuse Essay

• 7 Works Cited

It has been discovered that most people who struggle with drug addiction began experimenting with drugs in their teens. Teenage drug abuse is one of the largest problems in society today and the problem grows and larger every year. Drugs are a pervasive force in our culture today. To expect kids not to be influenced by the culture of their time is as unrealistic as believing in the tooth fairy (Bauman 140). Teens may feel pressured by their friends to try drugs, they may have easy access to drugs, they may use drugs to rebel against their family or society, or they may take an illegal drug because they are curious about it or the pleasure that it gives them.

Persuasive Essay On Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex problem in society today. Addiction is a condition that extremely affects the person’s mind and body. Addiction also has wide sweeping effects on that person’s social connection and functioning. Unfortunately, many addicts don’t realize the social influence of their addiction until much of their functioning has greatly deteriorated.

Persuasive Essay About Drug Addiction

In a home without parents, you’re drug addicted and dropped out of high school freshman year. How could God possibly use you for anything good? For 16 years you give others what they need to stay addicted. But it supports your unhealthy habits. You don’t want to be a drug dealer and all you want is to be clean and a good father but you just can’t do it. You ask yourself how can I stop? The situation I just described sounds like something from a movie or something you see on the news but this was the reality for Mr. Heath Duncan.

Drug Addiction Argumentative Essay

Alcohol and illicit drug consumption are all too prevalent today in high schools, colleges, and all across the globe. Students seeking to fit in or forget about the repetitiveness of school and homework have a tendency to experiment. Drug addiction is known by the scientific community to be a psychological condition based on excessive, obsessive, and compulsive actions. Once that regular user crosses the line into addiction their only concern is their self and their life revolves around the getting, using, and finding ways and means to get and use more. Most people start using drugs and alcohol occasionally, which is a voluntary decision,

Related Topics

• Drug addiction
• High school

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• Essay on Law

Argumentative Essay On Drug Trafficking

Type of paper: Argumentative Essay

Topic: Law , Government , Drugs , Criminal Justice , Social Issues , Politics , Countries , Crime

Words: 1400

Published: 03/05/2020

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Drug trafficking pertains to the illegal trading of drugs worldwide, which includes the actual cultivation, production, distribution, possession, and sale of drugs. All these are subject to federal and state laws that ban the selling of drugs, unless the drugs are used for medical purposes. Usually, these drugs are addictive in nature and with continuous use, it can considerably impair body and mental functions. Drug use could lead to loss of memory, heart diseases, cancer, and immune system deficiencies. It could also result to birth defects among children of drug users. It is also pointed out as one of the reasons for crime, violence, and social disintegration within society. Drug trafficking affects a country socially, economically, and politically. Countries that engage in the production and distribution of drugs are often the worst affected by drug trafficking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) constantly screen and research globally known drug markets to have a better understanding about the market and how drug traffickers work and think. As most of the drug trafficking problems occur in countries such as Mexico, Colombia, Honduras, and Afghanistan, among others, the routes where these countries pass through to complete their transactions are carefully watched, including Greece, Turkey, Russia and Western Europe. These markets alone have a market value of about $20 billion dollars annually (UNODC). In terms of politics, there are Federal and State laws that govern the distribution and manufacture of drugs in countries. However, these laws are often in conflict with one another in the sense that Federal laws consider all types of drugs as causes for drug addiction, making it a risky and potential agent for abuse (Miron & Varela 8). However, with the help of the INTERPOL, member countries are able to monitor and receive drug alerts about “unique cases, new trafficking techniques or emerging trends” (INTERPOL Fact Sheet) as the agency provide analytical studies that focus on drug cartels and how each occurrence in various countries could be linked with one another. Conferences on drug topics, latest techniques on investigation, and how to strengthen the bonds and cooperation of law enforcements also happen in order to curb the drug trafficking problem (INTERPOL Fact Sheet). In countries where rule of law institutions are weak, drug trafficking can prove to be a huge threat to its political environment, especially when governments are run by corrupt government officials as they can use politics and the country itself for the propagation of their criminal organizations. This is because such organizations can threaten whatever democratic processes a country has by interfering with the legitimate political arrangements in government as well as the country’s political stability. The problem snowballs as politicians involved in organized crimes such as drug trafficking lure others to join in their trade, leading to widespread corruption at the local and national political levels. In most cases, countries that engage in drug trafficking benefit when politicians in destination countries are corrupt as it becomes staple transactions for corrupt governments and politicians, including the development of organized crimes (Rios 2). Mexico’s drug trafficking industry is, in fact, considered a very profitable business considering the amount in dollars that it pumps into the Mexican economy. Its focus is on the production and distribution of cocaine, marijuana, and heroin (Rios 3). Bagley (2012) states that with the globalization of consumption of illegal drugs, source countries such as Colombia and Mexico would not produce as much drugs as they are producing now had the United States not been a good and high consumer of drugs (1). Despite this, the U.S. cannot be considered as the main consumer of drugs considering the drugs also proliferate in the European countries as well. However, as INTERPOL and the UNODC remain vigilant on their pursuit of drug traffickers, drug cartels become more cautious about their transactions in order to remain on top of their game. This has resulted to dispersion and fragmentation of drug trafficking organizations (Bagley 7) into smaller groups. For instance, Bolivia has been working with peasant cooperatives in producing cocaine and worked with guerilla movements to work as their intermediaries with other regional consumers. At times, even the military served the same purpose. The same thing happened in Peru and in Colombia. With the absence of organizations and a weak military intervention on production and distribution of drugs, drug transactions and criminal organizations proliferated, paving the way for these countries to be known as major drug suppliers (Bagley 7). Fragmentation has even resulted to more difficulties in tracking down drug cartels because cartels acted in smaller groups, thus, dismantling them was arduous than when they were acting as a bigger institution. The main message sent by these drug traffickers is that by acting as a small criminal organization, they become “less vulnerable to law enforcement and state repression” (Bagley 8). As a result, homicide rates and various types of crimes have increased. As citizens begin to feel insecure, some sectors of society begin to question the government’s stance on drug trafficking considering that organized crime is increasing. This resulted because “transnational organized crime, including but limited to narco-trafficking, exacerbates levels of violence, compromises state institutions, and undermines democratic quality and the rule of law” (Bagley 2). On the social level, the citizens are bound to suffer more as they fear for their lives because of drug-related crimes. Globally, violent crimes such as murder are associated with illegal drug trading. In addition, this has been linked to the rising unemployment statistics among young people from 15-35 years old, including those who just started working and those who are already in the workforce. There are also those who resort to drugs out of desperation to find favorable work (“Economic and Social Consequences of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 16). It has also been linked to low levels of employee productivity and accidents in the workplace and reduces employee competitiveness as an individual loses focus, determination, coherence, and ability to make sound judgment at work (“Economic and Social Consequences of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking 21). As a result, businesses are poised to lose more when they employ a drug-dependent workforce. These issues will continue to occur as the reality about drug control and trafficking continues to be a matter of criminal law worldwide. However, if influential governments continue to support the global drug control system and accentuate prohibition and apply criminal sanctions on drug trafficking, the so-called “war on drugs” could be stopped or demolished. Some Latin American countries have already begun adopting harsh drug laws, including stiff prison sentences; have saved lives that would normally be harmed due to exposure to illegal substances. But the governments must ensure that penalties and punishments are applied on drug traffickers themselves and not only the users who normally comes from the lower sectors of society such as those with low incomes, little to no formal education, and limited job opportunities.

Works Cited

Bagley, Bruce. “Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime in the Americas: Major Trends in the Twenty-First Century.” 2012. Web. 21 January 2014. <http://www.wilsoncenter.org/sites/default/files/BB%20Final.pdf>. “Economic and Social Consequences of Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.” N.d. Web. 21 January 2014. <http://www.unodc.org/pdf/technical_series_1998-01-01_1.pdf>. INTERPOL Fact Sheet. “Drug Trafficking.” 2012. Web. 21 January 2014. <http://www.google.com.ph/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=16&cad=rja&ved=0CFgQFjAFOAo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.interpol.int%2Fen%2FNews-and-media%2FPublications%2FFact-sheets%2FDrug-trafficking%2F&ei=anTeUt7hNaLoiAeh-IEY&usg=AFQjCNE_-AUxU1lTl_gKb1t4WiU8CEzhBA&bvm=bv.59568121,d.aGc>. Miron, Jeffrey, A. and Varela, Gladys. “Medical Marijuana: A Status Report.” 2011. Web. 21 January 2014. <http://catalyst.harvard.edu/pdf/chirp/Medical_Marijuana_Report.pdf>. Rios, Viridiana. “Evaluating the Economic Impact of Mexico’s Drug Trafficking Industry.” 2008. Web. 21 January 2014. <http://www.gov.harvard.edu/files/Rios2008_MexicanDrugMarket.pdf>. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime [UNODC]. “Drug Trafficking.” N.d. Web. 21 January 2014. <http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/drug-trafficking/>.

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