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Amazing Essay Topics & Ideas for Your Next Project (2024)

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Published on: Jan 25, 2021

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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Are you a student struggling to find interesting and engaging essay topics for your next essay?

Choosing the right essay topic can be a daunting task. It often feels overwhelming to find a topic that is both captivating and meets the requirements of your essay. 

Without a compelling topic, you may struggle to engage your readers and convey your ideas effectively.

But fear not! In this blog post, we provide a list of topics to choose from. 

By exploring these diverse topics, students will not only find inspiration but also develop their critical thinking and analytical skills.

Let's dive in and explore the endless possibilities together!

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Good Essay Topics for Students

A good essay topic will make your writing phase easy and help you get good grades from the teacher. When you pick the essay topic, make sure it is interesting and meets your teacher’s requirements.

We compiled some simple essay topics that will help you in creating a great essay. 

Essay Topics for Kids

• Describe your worst nightmare.
• Football vs. baseball.
• Why is math hard?
• How to help animals?
• If I Could Fly.
• Benefits of drinking tea Vs. Coffee.
• Is your school day too short?
• Our school library.
• What do you like best about winter?
• Christmas Eve with family and friends. 

Essay Topics for Grade 3 

• My Favorite Season
• My Best Friend
• If I Were a Superhero
• A Place I Like to Visit
• My Dream Job
• The Best Day of My Life
• My Favorite Animal
• The Importance of Kindness
• My Favorite Book

Essay Topics for Grade 4 

• My last summer vacation.
• What is the funniest thing you've ever seen?
• How to prevent bullying?
• Why is it important to be honest and not lie? 
• What do you like about how you look?
• What is your favorite television show, and why?
• Can you live without television?
• How are we affecting the environment?
• Importance of recycling.
• If I Could Have a Superpower

Essay Topics for Grade 5 

• Write a poem about your favorite season.
• Skating and running have a lot in common.
• Who is your hero, and why?
• What if the president were a kid?
• Being rich vs. being famous.
• Cereal is not a healthy breakfast.
• A random act of kindness.
• Are boys too dominating?
• The rainy season.
• The Value of Honesty

Essay Topics for Middle School Students 

• What is your favorite children’s literature?
• From your point of view, what factors contribute to a good movie?
• Write about a vacation that you will never forget.
• Should people be allowed to keep exotic animals like chimpanzees or tigers?
• Should sports marketing professionals earn more money?
• Difference between effects of books and video games on morals.
• How many friends do teens need to have?
• How do online high schools compare to traditional education?
• What are the best informative essay topics?
• Should students be able to pick their teachers?

Essay Topics for Grade 6 

• Tom and Jerry are the best cartoons.
• Reading is more important than math.
• A field trip that your class took.
• Annual day in my school.
• How to deal with a bully
• A world where dogs take over. 
• Should boys and girls be in separate classes?
• Describe your future life.
• How should parents be an example to their children?
• Technology and education.

Essay Topics for Grade 7 

• The value of volunteerism
• The impact of social media on relationships
• A good diet means good health.
• Zoos are unsafe for young children.
• My favorite academic writing website.
• Why is it important to set goals?
• What is the best decision you ever made?
• Schools and colleges should minimize the fees.
• Effects of social media on youth.
• How fair is our election process?

Essay Topics for Class 8 

• The importance of financial literacy
• Exploring gender equality.
• Technology makes people's lives better.
• Is the death penalty right?
• Youth activism
• The power of literature
• Do you prefer weekdays or weekends?
• The matter of age in a relationship.
• Do your teachers use technology well?
• Do you make friends slowly or quickly? 

Essay Topics for Class 9 

• The impact of social media on young people's mental health
• Should school uniforms be mandatory? Why or why not?
• How can we reduce bullying in schools?
• The importance of physical exercise for students
• Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?
• The benefits and drawbacks of online learning
• The impact of technology on communication skills
• The impact of fast food on public health
• The effects of climate change on the environment
• The importance of conserving natural resources for future generations

Essay Topics for Class 10 

• The impact of chemical fertilizers on the environment
• The role of mathematics in daily life 
• The importance of vaccines in preventing diseases
• The physics of roller coasters
• The impact of social media on mental health
• The benefits of learning a second language
• The impact of computers on modern society
• The role of art and music in promoting mental health
• The history and significance of the Indian Constitution
• The impact of globalization on Indian economy 

Essay Topics for O levels 

• Why is education important for personal and societal development?
• How has social media changed the way we communicate and interact with one another?
• How can sports help individuals develop discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills?
• What are some of the drawbacks of technological advancements in our daily lives?
• What can individuals and governments do to promote sustainable development?
• How has globalization affected cultural diversity and individual identity?
• Why is it important to prioritize mental health?
• Should animals be used for scientific research?
• How have historical events shaped the world we live in today?
• How can volunteerism and community service benefit both individuals and society?

Essay Topics for High School Students

• Does social media negatively impact teenagers’ social lives?
• Do you always have your phone or tablet at your side?
• Should children be punished for inappropriate behavior?
• What is the most important thing in the world to you?
• Is there a connection between real-life violence and video games?
• Ways to deal with insomnia and other sleeping disorders.
• Do advancements in modern technologies ruin childhood?   
• The implementation of capital punishment should be adopted universally.
• Methods of preventing excessive air pollution from factories.
• Pros and cons of getting admission to an expensive university.

Essay Topics for Grade 12 

• The Benefits and Challenges of Online Learning
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
• The Role of Social Media in Politics
• The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace
• The Impact of Climate Change on Global Health
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering
• The Pros and Cons of Universal Basic Income
• The Future of Space Exploration
• The Value of Intercultural Competence
• The Role of Art and Culture in Society

Essay Topics for College Students 

• What are the advantages the US educational system offers to international students?
• Explain the possible consequences of dropping out of college.
• Social media has played a big role in increasing business opportunities.
• What is one thing you want to accomplish in college?
• How would you feel about a computer grading your essays?
• What is an extracurricular activity that has been meaningful to you?
• Professional athletes are overpaid.
• Do you know the secret to Taylor Swift's popularity?
• The day you decided to change your life.
• Can you succeed in life working in the field of art?

Essay Topics for University Level 

• The Ethics of Human Cloning
• The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
• The Role of Mass Media in Shaping Public Opinion
• The Relationship between Technology and Privacy
• The Pros and Cons of Renewable Energy
• The Future of Healthcare
• The Impact of Globalization on Economic Inequality
• The Ethics of Animal Rights
• The Importance of Cultural Diversity in Education
• The Role of Government in Addressing Climate Change

COVID-19 Topics

As the world continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic, it's worth examining some of the topics that emerged during this unprecedented time.

Here are some potential COVID-19 topics to reflect on:

• How does the current situation compare with other major outbreaks in history?
• What steps need to be taken now, or soon inaction might lead?
• How do you get COVID-19?
• Where do coronaviruses come from?
• School life during COVID-19
• How is coronavirus diagnosed?
• Mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Pros and cons of self-isolation
• The effects of Covid-19 on business
• A person or special friend you lost due to COVID-19

Essay Topics by Category

Here are some essay topics that can be categorized into different types of essays.

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

An  argumentative essay  presents arguments for and against an issue. You have to show both sides of the issue, but you only need to focus on the side that you support the most.

Some good argumentative essay topics are below:

• What should be done to reduce income inequality?
• Should self-driving cars be legal?
• Should companies market to children?
• Is it still important to teach English in schools?
• Are emojis beneficial or destructive to communication?
• Should women be allowed to fight on the front lines alongside men?
• Is cheese a good enough substitute for milk?
• Should the United States have one official language?
• Are the public school policies reasonable?
• The sales and production of tobacco should be made illegal.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics 

Essay topics are sometimes controversial. For your help, check this list that gives you ideas for a great essay.  

• Are hot dogs bad for you?
• Should euthanasia be illegal?
• Paper books vs. E-books.
• Are school uniforms advantageous?
• Should torture be acceptable?
• Sports make you a good student.
• Is bottled water safe?
• Monarchy: pros and cons.
• Is prostitution a crime?
• Should gym classes be required?

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics 

Do you want to make your essay more interesting? Why not try a funny topic? Humor is a great way to get your reader's attention and keep them interested in what you have to say.

Look at the below-mentioned interesting essay topics and write a great one.

• Why is wearing braces fun?
• Why are dogs, irreplaceable friends?
• Can a diamond be a girl’s best friend?
• Does Google make us smart?
• Things your mother is always saying.
• How to deal with breakups?
• Is music class necessary?
• Why do women like evening outs?
• Can I join your family?
• How not to sleep?

If there's a specific topic or type of writing that interests you, be sure to check more argumentative essay topics .

Persuasive Essay Topics

A  persuasive essay  is a type of writing that you are often asked to do in high school, college, and university. It shows how well you can persuade people with facts and logic.

Here are some topics that you can use for your help.

• Should healthcare be universal?
• Should students learn cursive writing in school?
• School should take place in the evenings.
• What is the funniest movie you’ve ever seen?
• Do hobbies help people with their careers?
• How does it benefit nature to reduce human paper consumption?
• Dreamers must obtain permission to stay in the US.
• Schools should have playtime in between classes.
• Churches should pay taxes too.
• Is solar energy worth the cost?

Continue reading our blog persuasive essay topics and get some more interesting topics. 

Narrative Essay Topics

A  narrative essay  is a type of writing that tells the writer's story and experiences. The writer's point of view and life events entertain the audience in this essay type.

Below are some good narrative essay topics for your help.

• The story of how you got your first pet.
• How did you write your first essay?
• The beginning of a friendship or relationship.
• What I remember most about my childhood.
• The best songwriters of modern times.
• Write about a time when you felt on top of the world.
• Growing up in New York.
• How much time do you spend alone?
• A day in the life of a flight attendant.
• Did you like any particular subject when in school?

You can also get more interesting narrative essay topics and choose the one that suits your needs. 

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

In a  compare and contrast essay , you show how two things are similar and different. This essay type is easy to write because you don’t need to use facts, but you have to express your thoughts.

The following are the topics for your ease.

• Mobile healthcare units or stationary clinics.
• Formulas of two different chemical reactions.
• Public vs. private transportation.
• Chocolate and marmalade candies.
• How do education and employment compare?
• British colonization and Spanish colonization.
• Eating fast food against consuming healthy meals.
• African countries vs. European countries.
• Differences and similarities: Writing emails and letters.
• Plagiarizing content vs. cheating on exams.

You can also check more compare and contrast essay topics an d get ideas for your next essay. 

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

It is fascinating to discuss the effects and causes of two subjects in an essay. An essay that discusses the effects and causes of two subjects enhances the students’ creative and analytical skills.

Take a look at the below topics and choose the best one for your essay.

• How happy relationships affect a person.
• Coke and Pepsi: Their influence on our health.
• What causes social media sites to lose popularity?
• Why would you mix Coke and Pepsi at breakfast?
• How does college differ from university?
• Explain the outcomes of low social status.
• Microplastic in food damages human health.
• What are the main reasons couples get divorced?
• What are the consequences of drinking and driving?
• How does social media help in overcoming shyness?

Choose from the best cause and effect essay topics for your academic assignment. 

Informative Essay Topics

An  informative essay  is a type of essay that provides detailed information to the readers. This type of essay requires good research skills.

Check out the below topics for your informative essay assignment.

• Kindness is the utmost personal trait.
• Things that cause eating disorders.
• What is the importance of oxygen?
• How can tanning be dangerous for your skin?
• The events that led up to World War II.
• Trump presidency outcomes.
• The important human health vitamins.
• How to clean your room?
• Eating Maggi destroys your health.
• Importance of vitamin C.

You can also get more informative essay topics from our blog for your essay assignment.  

Research Essay Topics

When you write a research essay, you present an issue based on the work of scholars and scientists.

Here are some interesting research essay topics that you can use or alter according to your teacher’s requirements:

• What is the future of religion?
• Effects of homeschooling.
• What are the pros and cons of cloud computing?
• How does a search engine work?
• Should prayer be a part of high school?
• Can bullying be a cause for murder?
• Effects of vaccination.
• How do behavioral patterns develop?
• The importance of mental health.
• Explain the art of Ancient Egypt.

Expository Essay Topics

An expository essay's main goal is to explain a process or a cause-and-effect relationship. You have to use facts and research to support what you say. The biggest difference between an expository essay  and other types of essays is that the point you are trying to argue is based on analysis, not just your opinion.

Some good expository essay topics below for your essay assignment:

• Explain why teens do drugs.
• How would you stop racism?
• How was your first day at school?
• Explain how a seed becomes a plant?
• Describe the state of the cure for cancer
• What makes a good friend?
• Explain how tobacco companies target teenagers.
• How to become a leader?
• Why do kids lie?
• Autocorrect could ruin your life.

Explore more expository essay topics and begin your essay with ease!

Definition Essay Topics

In a  definition essay , the essay writer gives a clear and concise definition of a term. In most cases, these essays are about terms that are not concrete and which can have different meanings depending on the culture or personal perspective.

Here are some excellent topics for a definition essay:

• Does money matter?
• Is one friend enough?
• What is honesty?
• Social media
• Define smelly cats/
• What is college for you?
• What is physics?
• Are bananas fruit?
• Explain the word “agility.”

Get more outstanding definition essay topics from our blog and make your topic selection process easy.

Descriptive Essay Topics

A  descriptive essay  focuses on describing details of a particular person, place, event, etc. Descriptive essays are usually about personal experiences or things that are vivid in the writer's memory.

Any topic can be used for a descriptive essay. For your help, we gathered some great topics, so take a look at them and pick the best one.

• Describe a lucky object.
• The best singer
• My first flight
• My favorite singer
• Going fishing.
• The traffic signal
• An inspiring view
• Best summer vacation
• Piece of art

If you're looking for more great descriptive essay topics , check out this blog. 

Personal Essay Topics

A personal essay is a story about your life. It should be written in a friendly, intimate tone. The essay should reflect your character and examine the emotions you have felt because of certain events that have happened to you.

Here is a great list of topics for your help.

• Your biggest loss
• What makes you a good coworker or friend?
• How did you get hurt?
• What was your most precious childhood possession?
• Why do people like karaoke?
• Your bucket list of wishes
• Why do some people avoid vaccines?
• Child discipline
• Your family traditions.
• Why don’t I smoke?

Problem Solution Essay Topics

A  problem-solution essay  is a persuasive type of writing. It presents a problem and then describes it in detail. The writer must show how to fix the problem, and they must be convincing. The essay must have strong evidence and arguments that prove that the given solution is the best.

Below are some topics that can make your essay great.

• What obstacles prevent people from getting help?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• How can schools promote tolerance?
• Educating women on self-defense
• Helping young people create a healthy family.
• What are the ways of avoiding cheating?
• The films are just not very good
• Cyberbullying
• Business problems
• Rising costs of bills

Classification Essay Topics

A  classification essay  is a formal piece of writing that shows how you group things together. You might put things with similar characteristics together or with things that are different.

Check out some great essay topics.

• Types of Music Genres
• Healthy breakfast foods
• Types of fashion brands.
• Reasons why graffiti is an art form.
• Types of lectures
• Portable music players
• Types of Food Cuisines
• Types of therapies
• Examples of women
• Types of internet commerce

Proposal Essay Topics

A proposal essay is a type of essay where you propose an idea and try to convince the reader why it is a good or bad idea.

You can pick any of the topics from the below-mentioned list and write a great essay.

• Can vaccines cause autism?
• The impact of gender roles in Roman society.
• A program for attracting more men nurses.
• What tests should be eliminated?
• Offer simple ways to deal with stray animals.
• Best ways to handle overbearing parents.
• Do statistical arguments in sports help?
• Turning points in personal life
• Should teens have jobs?
• How to decrease the number of smokers?

Essay Topics on Technology 

• The impact of blockchain technology on supply chain management
• The ethics of using drones in military operations
• The role of technology in promoting sustainable agriculture
• The use of biometrics in modern security systems
• The impact of technology on the music industry
• The benefits and drawbacks of self-driving cars
• The potential of nanotechnology in medical research
• The impact of technology on modern art
• The role of artificial intelligence in improving cybersecurity
• The impact of technology on the gig economy

Tips for Choosing the Best Topics 

Choosing the perfect essay topic is one of those things you really should do before starting your essay. If it's not something that interests or excites you, then how will anyone else find any passion in reading about it?

A good backbone for an interesting essay starts with a strong idea. For your help, we gathered some tips that will help you in choosing a good essay topic. 

• Identify your interests: Choose a topic that you are interested in or passionate about. This will make the research and writing process more enjoyable and engaging for you.
• Consider your audience: Think about who will be reading your essay. Choose a topic that is relevant and interesting to your audience.
• Research your options: Do some preliminary research on your topic options. Ensure that there is enough information available to write a comprehensive essay.
• Narrow your focus: If a topic seems too broad or general, try to narrow it down to a specific aspect or angle that you can explore in more detail.
• Brainstorm multiple ideas: Generate a list of potential essay topics and then narrow down the options based on your interests, research, and audience.
• Be creative: Don't be afraid to explore unique or unconventional topics that may not have been covered extensively before. This can help your essay stand out and capture the reader's attention.

Now, you get a list of several essay topics for your college essay assignment. You can experiment with generating new topics using an AI essay writer as well. However, if you need help in the essay writing phase, simply consult CollegeEssay.org .

Our professional essay writers will help you in writing top-notch essays. So, place your " write my essay " request now and get an experienced writer’s help for your assignments.

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Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

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Essay Writing Guide

Essay Topics

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

Essay Topics: 100+ Best Essay Topics for your Guidance

By: Nova A.

13 min read

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Jan 29, 2019

Let’s face it, essay writing can be tedious and boring. Spending hours to write a good essay is difficult, and brainstorming essay topic ideas can be even more confusing.

This is what makes writing essays difficult and time-consuming. Luckily, you can learn  essay writing  with practice and by following some good examples. But before that, you should know how to choose a good and engaging topic for your essay.

To help you get started, we have categorized a list of a number of different types of essay topic lists.

On this Page

Argumentative Essay Topics

An argumentative essay investigates a topic in great detail, forms an argument over it, and defends it using supporting data.

Below are some good argumentative essay topic ideas to help you draft winning essays.

• School students should be allowed to curate their high school curriculum.
• The role of physical education in the school system.
• Should the death sentence be implemented globally?
• It should be illegal to use certain types of animals for experiments and other research purposes.
• Should the government do more to improve accessibility for people with physical disabilities?
• Do people learn the art of becoming a politician, or are they born with it?
• Social media platform owners should monitor and block comments containing hateful language.
• Does technology play a role in making people feel more isolated?
• Will there ever be a time when there will be no further technological advancements?
• It should be illegal to produce and sell tobacco.
• Girls should be motivated to take part in sports.
• Rape victims should abort their unborn children.
• Fathers should get equal paternity leave.
• Do teenagers get into trouble because they are bored?
• Individuals who have failed at parenting should be punished.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes.
• Covid-19 vaccination has more cons than pros.
• Social media is the real cause of teenage depression.
• Is the American education system perfect for society?
• Recycling should be made compulsory.

Choosing a strong topic is key to writing a great essay. Have a look at our blog to select good  argumentative essay topics  to impress the audience.

Persuasive Essay Topics

A persuasive essay is similar to an argumentative paper. However, in it, the writer wants to convince the readers of their point of view. Simple essay topics would make better essays as they help the students stay focused.

Below is a list of some good persuasive essay topics for you:

• Energy drinks should be banned in schools and colleges.
• Gambling should be banned in the United States.
• Should abortions be banned worldwide?
• Hunting is an immoral act.
• Is it okay to use animals in a circus?
• Harmful dogs should be euthanized.
• Cell phones should not be allowed in schools.
• Teachers should pass a professional exam, just like students.
• Schools should reduce the workload on students.
• Sex education should be mandatory in high schools.
• Vlogging isn’t an actual profession.
• Is LinkedIn helpful for finding a job?
• Social media has played a big role in increasing business opportunities.
• Is Java becoming obsolete?
• Should employers go through the candidate’s social media profiles?
• Animal testing should be banned.
• Violent video games should be banned.
• Parents with mental disabilities should not be allowed to adopt children.
• Alcohol consumption should be legalized in Muslim countries.
• Every person should get Covid-19 vaccination.

For your help, we have gathered a wide range of  persuasive essay topics . Give it a read.

Descriptive Essay Topics

A descriptive essay describes a specific thing by using sensory data. It is done to engage the reader’s five senses (taste, touch, smell, hearing, sight).

The following is a list of descriptive essay topic ideas for the students.

• The person who is responsible for making a difference in my life.
• Describe a smartphone and its benefits to someone from the ‘60s.
• The most interesting piece of art I have ever seen.
• Describe the experience of falling in love.
• What does a place that only exists in your imagination look like?
• Describe meeting a famous person.
• Describe yourself and your personality to a stranger.
• What will life be like in 2050?
• An experience that changed my life forever.
• Your idea of the perfect day.
• My first trip abroad.
• The most significant event in American History.
• A popular book series that disappointed you.
• A look into my daily life.
• A day in the life of an ER doctor.
• A trip to the museum.
• The most interesting movie I watched during my summer vacation.
• My favorite childhood memory.
• An incident that changed my life.
• An incident that restored my faith in humanity.

Here are some more  descriptive essay topics  to help you find a good idea for your essay.

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Narrative Essay Topics

In a narrative essay, your goal is to share a personal experience by telling a story. This creative form of writing depends on how strong and exciting the theme is. The article topics for students given here are carefully curated and would help the students do good in their essays.

Some examples and topics of narrative topic ideas are presented below.

• The experience that taught me how looks could be deceiving.
• A week without internet and technology.
• The impact your first love had on your life.
• How much did your teachers contribute to making you the person you are today?
• An experience that made you realize your parents were or weren’t always right.
• A moment when someone you didn’t like surprised you with kindness.
• The influence technology has had on your hobbies and life.
• An achievement outside of academic life?
• Which school lesson had the biggest influence on your life?
• A day when you fought procrastination.
• The time you faced rejection.
• The time when you stood against your parents.
• An experience that left you helpless.
• The time you prayed to be an only child.
• An act of kindness you can never forget.
• Death of a loved one.
• Your biggest pet peeve.
• Your definition of a perfect weekend.
• The things you regret most in life.
• Your first experience of an air trip.

Choosing interesting  narrative essay topics  is essential to make the content compelling for the readers.

Research Essay Topics

While writing a research essay, the most crucial step is choosing a topic for your essay. Select a topic that is broad enough to compose an entire research essay on it.

Below are some of the best topics for your research essay.

• Effects of violent cartoons on children.
• Should universities provide accommodations to disabled students?
• Events and experiences I agree are causing the increase in terrorism.
• How do technology and gadgets affect the studies of children?
• Do children who attend preschool do better in school?
• Universities are becoming business-driven.
• Does college debt affect the future lives of students?
• Why has the divorce rate changed in the past decade?
• Schools should allow the use of smartphones in school.
• Effective ways to decrease depression among our youth.
• Analyze the relationship between the United States of America and North Korea.
• Why did the UK decide to leave the EU?
• Is it true that students learn better in a same-sex school?
• How does giving kids different gadgets affect their studies?
• Compare the immigration policies of two different countries.
• Events that lead to World War I.
• Pros and cons of studying abroad.
• How has Covid-19 influenced the education system of the world?
• Individual acts that lead to Global Warming.
• Effectiveness of the policies made to control Covid-19.

Looking for more? We have an extensive range of  research essay topics  to make the audience fall in love with your work.

Expository Essay Topics

While writing an expository essay, you have to explain and clarify your topic clearly to the readers.

Below is a list of expository essay topics:

• Why do teenagers commit suicide?
• What is the impact of music on our youth?
• What are the consequences of skipping school?
• Why do teenagers use drugs?
• How can pets make you happy and improve your life?
• Consequences of having alcoholic drinks within a school campus.
• How does drug use affect relationships?
• Is global warming a cause of skin cancer?
• Is sodium bad for your health?
• What is the line between being overweight and being obese?
• Why do you want to pursue your desired career?
• Explain how advancements in science improve the quality of life for humans.
• What are some unconventional ways of relieving stress?
• If you could swap your lives with someone, who would it be and why?
• What are some major stress factors in a teenager’s life?
• Why is getting a degree important for job life?
• Pros and cons of getting financial aid.
• How emotional support animals help in treating mental conditions.
• How does prostitution influence society?
• The environmental causes of smoking.

5StarEssays.com has gathered an additional and extensive list of  expository essay topics .

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

In a compare and contrast essay, you evaluate and analyze the similarities and differences between the two subjects. Your reader must be able to form an opinion after weighing the pros and cons you have set forth.

Below are some topics for you to choose for your compare and contrast paper:

• Extroverts and introverts.
• Generation Y Vs. Generation Z.
• Traditional Helicopters Vs. Lifesize Drones.
• Unemployed students Vs. students with a part-time job.
• SAT and TOEFL.
• Persuasive and argumentative essays - How are they similar?
• How were the causes of World War I different from the causes of World War II?
• Education vs. professional career: what is more difficult?
• Real-life or spending your time daydreaming.
• Consequences of earthquake and tsunami: what’s worse?
• Being popular in high school or alone?
• Part-time work or studying for a higher degree?
• Getting married at an old age or a young age?
• Fashion today Vs. twenty years ago.
• Donald Trump Vs. Hillary Clinton.
• Democracy Vs. Dictatorship
• Vietnam War Vs. War on Terror.
• Benefits of drinking tea Vs. coffee.
• Greek and Roman methodologies - Similarities and differences.
• Traditional Vs. distant learning.

Get more interesting  compare and contrast essay topics  at 5StarEssays.com to impress your instructors.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

The cause and effect essay explains why something happens and what happens as a result of those happenings. A cause and effect essay is a type of expository essay.

Here are a few topics for your cause and effect essay:

• What are the causes of eating disorders?
• Effects of climate change and global warming.
• The effects of the Feminism movement.
• What are the causes of increasing depression among teenagers?
• What are the causes of suicidal thoughts?
• Is keeping a pet effective in calming your mind?
• How does divorce affects children?
• Why are men afraid of commitment?
• Effects of social media on youth.
• Has social media affected relationships among families?
• Discuss the effects of homeschooling on children.
• Causes of heart diseases.
• Causes of sibling rivalry.
• Cramming doesn't help improve test scores.
• Cause and effect of depression in the workplace.
• How do abusive parents influence the mental stability of a child?
• Causes and effects of bullying.
• Causes of obesity in teenagers.
• Effects of taking a balanced diet on health?
• Causes and effects of insomnia.

To get more ideas, visit our  cause and effect essay topics  that are remarkable and well-suited for a great essay.

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics are quite popular assignments in universities. If you are a student searching for a captivating argumentative essay topic, here is a list of ideas you can consider.

• Third world war should be prevented by the Russian and US governments.
• Political policies and practices affecting students.
• Is gun control effective in reducing crime?
• Same-sex marriage and constitutional law.
• Is society over-regulated?
• Are leaders born or made?
• No one should be above the law.
• Monarchy: pros and cons.
• Rules on Political Activities by Federal Employees.
• The most corrupt countries in the world.
• Mercy killing should be legalized in all countries of the world.
• Death penalties should be abolished.
• Third-world countries should be provided with education plans by the developed countries.
• Muslims should not be labeled as terrorists.
• Illegal immigrants should be given equal rights.
• Abortions should be legalized.
• Live-in relationships should be encouraged.
• Professional athletes should be allowed to consume steroids.
• Should physical punishments be given to children?
• Smoking in public should be an offensive crime.

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

Are you looking for some funny argumentative essay topics for your essay? If so, choose a topic from the following list.

• Why do people like watching funny videos?
• What your cat is really thinking.
• Why spam emails should be your favorite type of email.
• Why wearing braces is fun.
• School dropouts are the best in our society.
• Why I don't like country music.
• Types of dates.
• A better way to get things done.
• What organic food really is.
• Things guys do that girls hate.
• How to annoy your friend.
• Why do women pretend that they enjoy sports?
• Things preventing you from completing your homework in time.
• Funny things we see in wedding ceremonies.
• Why are spam emails more interesting?
• Why does Starbucks coffee taste better?
• Why are backbenchers smarter than other students?
• Clowns are scarier than funny.
• Should we be maintaining social distancing even after Covid-19?
• Why is watching movies better than reading books?

Informative Essay Topics for Students

Essay writing requires depth. However, you don’t have to choose a complex topic in middle school, high school, or college.

Here is a list of interesting essay topics for middle school, high school, and college students.

Essay Topics for College Students

• Virtual classes cannot replace the traditional class system.
• Advantages and disadvantages of online classes.
• Is there a need to reform the college education system?
• Assault weapons should not be legal.
• People with a history of mental illness should not be allowed to purchase firearms.
• The taxation system needs to be changed around the globe.
• Kids should not be the target audience in advertising.
• The number of calories should be mentioned with every meal.
• Feminists have effectively improved the workforce for women.
• Is the death penalty effective?
• How to identify fake news?
• How to maintain a healthy life?
• How to treat PTSD naturally?
• Should people be judged on their appearance?
• How is technology influencing the work performance of people?
• Private Vs. public schools
• How to choose majors in high school?
• Impact of legalizing drugs on society.
• Significance of learning social values.
• How to prevent bullying on campus?

Essay Topics for High School

• The choice to join the armed forces should be an individual decision.
• Listening to music can increase work efficiency.
• Being honest has more cons than pros.
• People who have been in an accident value life more than others.
• Embarrassing moments help boost your confidence.
• Kindness is the most valuable personal trait.
• Spontaneity can improve your life.
• Can hobbies help improve the richness of one’s life?
• Dressing properly in the office improves work efficiency
• Being organized can help in school as well as the office.
• Impact of homosexuality on society.
• What is feminism?
• How to overcome fears and phobias?
• Significance of having leadership skills in job life?
• Causes and treatments for bipolar disorder.
• Side effects of consuming antidepressants.
• How important is mental health in succeeding professionally?
• How do teaching methods influence learning abilities?
• Should specially-abled people be allowed to work in offices?
• Discrimination and racism in the US.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Essay Topics for Middle School

• Every child should have chores at home.
• There should not be any summer classes.
• Should students continue studying during summer vacation?
• Parents should pay attention to the amount of time their children spend watching television.
• Favorite family summer vacation.
• Sports should be mandatory in every school.
• Processed foods should not be part of private and public school lunch.
• Do students still use newspapers for research?
• Every individual should spend a year doing community service.
• The weekend should be 3 days long.

Still need help choosing an essay topic? 5StarEssays is a professional  essay writing service  that helps you get a high quality essay. We have a team of essay writers who are professionals and can do your essay . 

We also have an AI-powered paper writer  for you to help you generate an essay in seconds to use as a reference!

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Essay Topics – List of 500+ Essay Writing Topics and Ideas

List of 500+ essay writing topics and ideas.

Essay topics in English can be difficult to come up with. While writing essays , many college and high school students face writer’s block and have a hard time to think about topics and ideas for an essay. In this article, we will list out many good essay topics from different categories like argumentative essays, essays on technology, environment essays for students from 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th grades. Following list of essay topics are for all – from kids to college students. We have the largest collection of essays. An essay is nothing but a piece of content which is written from the perception of writer or author. Essays are similar to a story, pamphlet, thesis, etc. The best thing about Essay is you can use any type of language – formal or informal. It can biography, the autobiography of anyone. Following is a great list of 100 essay topics. We will be adding 400 more soon!

But Before that you may wanna read some awesome Essay Writing Tips here .

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

• Should plastic be banned?
• Pollution due to Urbanization
• Education should be free
• Should Students get limited access to the Internet?
• Selling Tobacco should be banned
• Smoking in public places should be banned
• Facebook should be banned
• Students should not be allowed to play PUBG

Essay Topics on Technology

• Wonder Of Science
• Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

• Independence Day (15 August)
• Teachers Day
• Summer Vacation
• Children’s Day
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
• Janmashtami
• Republic Day

Essay Topics on Education

• Education Essay
• Importance of Education
• Contribution of Technology in Education

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

• Mahatma Gandhi
• APJ Abdul Kalam
• Jawaharlal Nehru
• Swami Vivekananda
• Mother Teresa
• Rabindranath Tagore
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• Subhash Chandra Bose
• Abraham Lincoln
• Martin Luther King
• Lal Bahadur Shashtri

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

• My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

• My Best Friend
• My Favourite Teacher
• My Aim In Life
• My Favourite Game – Badminton
• My Favourite Game – Essay
• My Favourite Book
• My Ambition
• How I Spent My Summer Vacation
• India of My Dreams
• My School Life
• I Love My Family
• My Favourite Subject
• My Favourite Game Badminton
• My Father My Hero
• My School Library
• My Favourite Author
• My plans for summer vacation

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

• Global Warming
• Environment
• Air Pollution
• Environmental Pollution
• Water Pollution
• Rainy Season
• Climate Change
• Importance Of Trees
• Winter Season
• Deforestation
• Natural Disasters
• Save Environment
• Summer Season
• Trees Our Best Friend Essay In English

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

• Health Is Wealth
• A Stitch in Time Saves Nine
• An Apple a Day Keeps Doctor Away
• Where there is a will, there is way
• Time and Tide wait for none

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Essay Topics for Students from 6th, 7th, 8th Grade

• Noise Pollution
• Environment Pollution
• Women Empowerment
• Time and Tide Wait for none
• Science and Technology
• Importance of Sports
• Sports and Games
• Time Management
• Cleanliness is next to Godliness
• Cleanliness
• Rome was not Built in a Day
• Unemployment
• Clean India
• Cow Essay In English
• Describe Yourself
• Festivals Of India
• Ganesh Chaturthi
• Healthy Food
• Importance Of Water
• Plastic Pollution
• Value of Time
• Honesty is the Best Policy
• Gandhi Jayanti
• Human Rights
• Knowledge Is Power
• Same Sex Marriage
• Childhood Memories
• Cyber Crime
• Kalpana Chawla
• Punctuality
• Rani Lakshmi Bai
• Spring Season
• Unity In Diversity
• Artificial Intelligence
• Online Shopping
• Indian Culture
• Healthy Lifestyle
• Indian Education System
• Disaster Management
• Environmental Issues
• Freedom Fighters
• Grandparents
• Save Fuel For Better Environment
• Importance Of Newspaper
• Lal Bahadur Shastri
• Raksha Bandhan
• World Environment Day
• Narendra Modi
• What Is Religion
• Charity Begins at Home
• A Journey by Train
• Ideal student
• Save Water Save Earth
• Indian Farmer
• Safety of Women in India
• Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
• Capital Punishment
• College Life
• Natural Resources
• Peer Pressure
• Nature Vs Nurture
• Romeo And Juliet
• Generation Gap
• Makar Sankranti
• Constitution of India
• Girl Education
• Importance of Family
• Importance of Independence Day
• Brain Drain
• A Friend In Need Is A Friend Indeed
• Action Speaks Louder Than Words
• All That Glitters Is Not Gold
• Bhagat Singh
• Demonetization
• Agriculture
• Importance of Discipline
• Population Explosion
• Poverty in India
• Uses Of Mobile Phones
• Water Scarcity
• Train Journey
• Land Pollution
• Environment Protection
• Indian Army
• Uses of Internet
• All that Glitters is not Gold
• Balanced Diet
• Blood Donation
• Digital India
• Dussehra Essay
• Energy Conservation
• National Integration
• Railway Station
• Sachin Tendulkar
• Health And Hygiene
• Importance Of Forest
• Indira Gandhi
• Laughter Is The Best Medicine
• Career Goals
• Mental Health
• Save Water Save Life
• International Yoga Day
• Winter Vacation
• Soil Pollution
• Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining
• Indian Culture And Tradition
• Unity Is Strength
• Unity is Diversity
• Wildlife Conservation
• Cruelty To Animals
• Nelson Mandela
• Of Mice And Men
• Organ Donation
• Life in a Big City
• Democracy in India
• Waste Management
• Biodiversity
• Afforestation
• Female Foeticide
• Harmful Effects Of Junk Food
• Rain Water Harvesting
• Save Electricity
• Social Media
• Social Networking Sites
• Sound Pollution
• Procrastination
• Life in an Indian Village
• Life in Big City
• Population Growth
• World Population Day
• Greenhouse Effect
• Statue of Unity
• Traffic Jam
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
• Importance of Good Manners
• Good Manners
• Cyber Security
• Green Revolution
• Health And Fitness
• Incredible India
• Make In India
• Surgical Strike
• Triple Talaq
• A Good Friend
• Importance of Friends in our Life
• Should Plastic be Banned
• Nationalism
• Traffic Rules
• Effects of Global Warming
• Fundamental Rights
• Solar System
• National Constitution Day
• Good Mother
• Importance of Trees in our Life
• City Life Vs Village Life
• Importance of Communication
• Conservation of Nature
• Man vs. Machine
• Indian Economy
• Mothers Love
• Importance of National Integration
• Black Money
• Greenhouse effect
• Untouchability
• Self Discipline
• Global Terrorism
• Conservation of Biodiversity
• Newspaper and Its Uses
• World Health Day
• Conservation of Natural Resources
• A Picnic with Family
• Indian Heritage
• Status of Women in India
• Child is Father of the Man
• Reading is Good Habit
• Plastic Bag
• Terrorism in India
• Library and Its Uses
• Life on Mars
• Urbanization
• Pollution Due to Diwali
• National Flag of India
• Vocational Education
• Importance of Tree Plantation
• Summer Camp
• Vehicle Pollution
• Women Education in India
• Seasons in India
• Freedom of the Press
• Caste System
• Environment and Human Health
• Mountain Climbing
• Depletion of Natural Resources
• Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar
• Health Education
• Effects of Deforestation
• Life after School
• Starvation in India
• Jan Dhan Yojana
• Impact of Privatization
• Election Commission of India
• Election and Democracy
• Prevention of Global Warming
• Impact of Cinema in Life
• Subhas Chandra Bose
• Dowry System
• Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
• Role of Science in Making India
• Impact of Global Warming on Oceans
• Pollution due to Festivals
• Ambedkar Jayanti
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
• Family Planning in India
• Democracy vs Dictatorship
• National Festivals of India
• Sri Aurobindo
• Casteism in India
• Organ trafficking
• Consequences of Global Warming
• Role of Human Activities in Global Warming
• Issues and Problems faced by Women in India
• Role of Judiciary in the Country Today
• Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan
• PUBG Mobile Game Addiction
• Role of Youths in Nation Building
• Value of Oxygen and Water in Life/Earth
• Farmer Suicides in India
• Start-up India
• Pollution Due to Firecrackers
• Life of Soldiers
• Child Labour
• Save Girl Child
• Morning Walk
• My School Fete
• Essay on Financial Literacy
• Essay On Sustainable Development
• Essay On Punjab
• Essay On Travel
• My Home Essay
• Child Marriage Essay
• Importance Of English Language Essay
• Essay On Mass Media
• Essay On Horse
• Essay On Police
• Essay On Eid
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• Essay On Mango
• Gender Discrimination Essay
• Essay On Advertisement
• My First Day At School Essay
• My Neighborhood Essay
• True Friendship Essay
• Work Is Worship Essay
• Essay On Self Confidence
• Essay On Superstition
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• Sex Vs Gender Essay
• Essay On Social Issues
• Time Is Money Essay
• Essay About Grandmothers
• Essay On Hard Work
• First Day Of School Essay
• Flowers Essay
• My Favorite Food Essay
• Essay on Birds
• Essay on Humanity
• Essay on Sun
• Essay on Kargil War
• Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining Essay
• Francis Bacon Essays
• Importance of Cleanliness Essay
• My Sister Essay
• Self Introduction Essay
• Solar Energy Essay
• Sports Day Essa
• Value Of Education Essay
• Essay On Isro
• Essay On Balance Is Beneficial
• Essay On Reservation In India
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• Essay On Smoking
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• Essay On William Shakespeare
• Essay on Apple
• Essay On Albert Einstein
• Essay On Feminism
• Essay On Kindness
• Essay On Domestic Violence
• Essay on English as a Global Language
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• Overpopulation Essay
• Smartphone Essay
• Essay on River
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• Essay On Facebook
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• Essay on Quotes
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• Essay On Sexual Harassment
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• Essay on coronavirus tips
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• Essay on essay on trees
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• Gender inequality essay
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• Essay on Gurpurab
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• My pet essay
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• Essay on Railway station
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• My parents essay
• Our country essay
• Picnic essay
• Travelling essay

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Crafting a college essay can be a pivotal moment in your academic journey. It’s an opportunity to showcase your voice, share your experiences, and stand out from the crowd. 

Picking from a vast array of college essay topics can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled an exhaustive list of 100 college essay topics. These topics are categorized to boost your creativity and help you find the perfect theme that resonates with your story. 

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We’ve also given helpful tips on how to choose and write the perfect essay for college. So let’s start by understanding how to pick the perfect college essay topic:

How to pick the perfect college essay topic

Selecting good college essay topics is more than just finding a subject that sounds impressive. It’s about finding a genuine fit for your personality and experiences. Here’s how to identify the best college essay topics for your unique narrative:

Reflect on your passions: What excites you? What are you eager to explore further?

Consider your experiences: Which life events have shaped who you are?

Identify your growth: How have challenges and obstacles contributed to your personal development?

Think about relevance: Will this topic be engaging for the admissions committee?

Be authentic: Choose a topic that allows your genuine self to shine through.

With these considerations in mind, let’s dive into a curated list of essay topics for college students, designed to spark inspiration and provoke thought.

100 Best college essay topics

We’ve created a list of the unique college essay topics that stand out to help you ace your essay!

Argumentative college essay topics

Here is a list of top argumentative essay topics for college:

1. The role of government in regulating internet content.

2. Should higher education be a right or a privilege?

3. The ethical implications of gene editing in humans.

4. Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student intelligence?

5. The impact of social media on youth and society.

6. Should college athletes be paid for playing sports?

7. The viability of a four-day workweek.

8. Is a gap year beneficial before starting college?

9. The influence of advertising on consumer behavior.

10. Privacy vs. security: How much surveillance is too much?

Persuasive essay topics for college

Here is a list of top persuasive essay topics for college:

1. The importance of arts education in schools.

2. Why volunteering should be part of the college curriculum.

3. The benefits of bilingual education.

4. The necessity of making public transport free.

5. Why we must invest in renewable energy sources.

6. The case for banning single-use plastics.

7. Should voting be mandatory?

8. The importance of preserving historical monuments.

9. Why we need stricter regulations on animal testing.

10. The need for more progressive tax systems.

Compare and contrast essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top compare-and-contrast essay topics for college:

1. Living on campus vs. commuting: Which is better for college students?

2. Online classes vs. traditional classes: A comparison of effectiveness.

3. The pros and cons of private vs. public universities.

4. Western vs. Eastern philosophies of education.

5. Fast food vs. home-cooked meals: Implications on health.

6. Traditional vs. alternative medicine: A comparative study.

7. The leadership styles of two prominent figures in history.

8. Book adaptations: When the book or the movie is better?

9. Comparing two different approaches to environmental conservation.

10. The impact of different parenting styles on child development.

Cause and effect essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top cause-and-effect essay topics for college:

1. The effects of social networking sites on communication.

2. How does consumerism affect the global economy?

3. The impact of college debt on future life choices of students.

4. The effects of global warming on polar ice caps.

5. The causes and effects of insomnia during exam periods.

6. How does stress affect health and well-being?

7. The influence of diet on cognitive functions.

8. The effects of music on mood and productivity.

9. The impact of technology on the job market.

10. Causes and effects of cultural appropriation.

Creative college essay topics

Here is a list of top creative essay topics for college:

1. Imagine a day in the life of your favorite book character.

2. If you could invent something, what would it be and why?

3. The adventures of living in a parallel universe.

4. Writing a eulogy for a historical villain.

5. A world without smartphones: Chaos or calm?

6. If you could converse with an artist from the past, who would it be?

7. The experience of time travel to your most and least favorite historical periods.

8. What if you were the president for a week?

9. If animals could form their own society, how would it look?

10. A letter to a future generation about life in the 21st century.

College essay topics about life goals

Here is a list of top life goals essay topics for college:

1. How your career goals have evolved over time.

2. The influence of a family business on your professional aspirations.

3. The importance of role models in shaping your future ambitions.

4. A major life goal and the steps you’re taking to achieve it.

5. How overcoming a significant challenge has refocused your life goals.

6. The impact of travel on your personal and professional objectives.

7. The importance of lifelong learning in your career path.

8. The role of mentorship in achieving success.

9. How do you plan to give back to your community in your future career?

10. The pursuit of happiness: Defining and achieving your life’s goals.

Informative essay topics for college

Here is a list of top informative essay topics for college:

1. The history and impact of the feminist movement.

2. The process of neural network development in artificial intelligence.

3. Exploring the causes of economic recessions.

4. The role of genetics in determining personality.

5. The significance of the Green Revolution in agriculture.

6. The evolution of space exploration technology.

7. The impact of colonialism on modern-day global relations.

8. The fundamentals of quantum computing.

9. Understanding the human impact on ocean life.

10. The rise of virtual reality and its potential applications.

Research essay topics for college

Here is a list of top research essay topics for college:

1. Analyzing the efficacy of the current educational model in fostering innovation.

2. The role of social media influencers in shaping youth culture.

3. The effects of urbanization on biodiversity.

4. The relationship between mental health and modern work culture.

5. The impact of cryptocurrencies on global finance.

6. The evolution of gender roles over the past century.

7. The influence of climate change policies on international relations.

8. The effects of diet trends on public health.

9. The future of genetic engineering in medicine.

10. The role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of employment.

Narrative essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top narrative essay topics for college:

1. The moment you overcame a profound fear.

2. An encounter that changed your perspective on life.

3. The experience of losing something or someone important.

4. A moment of failure that turned into a lesson of success.

5. Your first day at college and how it met your expectations.

6. A journey that was more than just travel.

7. A significant memory that defines your childhood.

8. The challenge of adapting to a new culture.

9. An act of kindness that left a lasting impact on you.

10. A situation where you had to stand up for what you believed in.

Personal essay topics for college students

Here is a list of top personal essay topics for college:

1. How has a book or movie influenced your understanding of the world?

2. The role of a particular extracurricular activity in shaping who you are.

3. A personal philosophy or mantra that guides your life.

4. The journey of self-discovery during your teenage years.

5. Overcoming a personal struggle to achieve a goal.

6. A cultural tradition that holds significant meaning for you.

7. The impact of a mentor or teacher on your life.

8. A pivotal moment of realization about your identity.

9. How do you cope with stress and maintain mental well-being?

10. The importance of a work-life balance in your personal vision.

Now that we have a list of 100 college essay topics that cover many types of essays and writing styles, let’s delve into how to write an essay , perfect for college!

How to write the perfect college essay

Writing an essay for college admission is not just about showcasing your knowledge; it’s about telling a story that reflects your identity, aspirations, and the value you can bring to a college community. Whether you’re starting an essay or aiming to conclude an essay , here are steps to ensure your essay stands out:

Understanding the prompt

Before you begin writing, understand the academic writing prompt thoroughly. Make sure you know what the question is asking and how you can address it in a unique way that showcases your strengths and experiences.

Choosing your topic wisely

Select a topic that resonates with you and allows you to share something personal and significant. Know which common college essay topics to avoid, and instead, choose unique college essay topics that allow your personality and voice to shine through.

Crafting a compelling introduction

Your introduction should hook the reader and set the tone for the rest of the essay. Start with an anecdote, a surprising fact, or a thought-provoking question to draw the reader in.

Developing a clear structure

Organize and format your college essay with a clear essay structure , including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should support the main thesis outline of your essay with evidence and personal reflections.

Showcasing your voice

Your essay should sound like you. Use your own voice and avoid overly formal language. The goal is to make the reader feel as though they are getting to know the real you.

Being honest and reflective

Be honest in your writing and reflect on your experiences. Admissions officers can tell when a student is being genuine versus when they’re saying what they think the college wants to hear.

Proofreading and revising

After you’ve written your essay, take the time to do essay proofreading and edit your essay if necessary. Look for grammatical errors , check for flow, and make sure your essay is clear and concise. It can be helpful to have someone else read your essay to provide feedback. You can also use tools like essay checkers to make your work easier.

Avoiding taboo topics

There are certain college essay topics to avoid, such as those that are overly controversial, inappropriate, or cliché. Choose a topic that is meaningful but also appropriate for a diverse audience.

Some examples of essay topics to avoid include:

1. Grandiose tales of heroism that seem exaggerated or implausible.

2. The story of your achievements without reflection on the journey or challenges.

3. Controversial topics that do not contribute to a positive discourse or understanding.

4. Overly polarizing political or religious topics that may not resonate with the reader.

5. Cliched volunteer experiences that don’t reveal anything unique about you.

Ending with impact

Your conclusion should wrap up your essay without simply summarizing what you’ve already said. End with a reflection on how the topic has shaped you or how you’ve grown from the experience.

Your college essay is more than an assignment; it’s a canvas for your experiences and dreams. Choose a topic that resonates with you, and let your passion shine through your words. And while AI essay writers can provide assistance with the initial stages of drafting, the real magic comes from your personal touch and insights. 

To ensure your essay truly stands out, consider the expert editing and proofreading services offered by PaperTrue. Our team can sharpen your narrative, correct any linguistic errors, and enhance your essay’s clarity, allowing your unique voice to captivate the admissions committee. Happy writing!

Keep on reading for more useful tips:

• Guide to a Perfect Descriptive Essay [Examples & Outline Included]
• What Is an Adverb? Definition, Types, Differences & Examples

Frequently Asked Questions

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113 Perfect Persuasive Essay Topics for Any Assignment

General Education

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

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

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

All persuasive essays have the following:

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

What Makes a Good Persuasive Essay Topic?

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

It’s a Topic You Care About

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

You Have Enough Evidence to Support Your Argument

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

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

It’s a Manageable Topic

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

List of 113 Good Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Arts/Culture

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

Government/Politics

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

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

Tips for Writing a Strong Persuasive Essay

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

Do Your Research

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

Make Your Thesis Perfect

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

Consider the Other Side

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

Summary: Persuasive Essay Ideas

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

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

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

What's Next?

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

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

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

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

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• Choosing Your College Essay Topic | Ideas & Examples

Choosing Your College Essay Topic | Ideas & Examples

Published on October 25, 2021 by Kirsten Courault . Revised on July 3, 2023.

A strong essay topic sets you up to write a unique, memorable college application essay . Your topic should be personal, original, and specific. Take time to brainstorm the right topic for you.

Table of contents

What makes a good topic, brainstorming questions to get started, discover the best topic for you, how to make a common topic compelling, frequently asked questions about college application essays, other interesting articles.

Here are some guidelines for a good essay topic:

• It’s focused on you and your experience
• It shares something different from the rest of your application
• It’s specific and original (not many students could write a similar essay)
• It affords the opportunity to share your positive stories and qualities

In most cases, avoid topics that

• Reflect poorly on your character and behavior
• Deal with a challenge or traumatic experience without a lesson learned or positive outlook

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

Spend time reflecting on and writing out answers to the following questions. After doing this exercise, you should be able to identify a few strong topics for your college essay.

Writing about yourself can be difficult. If you’re struggling to identify your topic, try these two strategies.

Start with your qualities

After identifying your positive qualities or values, brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities.

Start with a story

If you already have some memorable stories in mind that you’d like to write about, think about which qualities and values you can demonstrate with those stories.

Talk it through

To make sure you choose the right topic, ask for advice from trusted friends or family members who know you well. They can help you brainstorm ideas and remember stories, and they can give you feedback on your potential essay topics.

You can also work with a guidance counselor, teacher, or other mentor to discuss which ideas are most promising. If you plan ahead , you can even workshop multiple draft essays to see which topic works best.

If you do choose a common topic, ensure you have the following to craft a unique essay:

• Surprising or unexpected story arcs
• Interesting insight or connections
• An advanced writing style

Here are a few examples of how to craft strong essays from cliché topics.

Here’s a checklist you can use to confirm that your college essay topic is right for you.

College essay topic checklist

My topic is focused on me, not on someone else.

My topic shares something different from the rest of my application.

My topic is specific and original (not many students could write a similar essay).

My topic reflects positively on my character and behavior.

If I chose to write about a traumatic or challenging experience, my essay will focus on how I overcame it or gained insight.

If I chose a common topic, my essay will have a surprising story arc, interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style.

Good topic!

It looks like your topic is a good choice. It's specific, it avoids clichés, and it reflects positively on you.

There are no foolproof college essay topics —whatever your topic, the key is to write about it effectively. However, a good topic

• Is meaningful, specific, and personal to you
• Focuses on you and your experiences
• Reveals something beyond your test scores, grades, and extracurriculars
• Is creative and original

Yes—admissions officers don’t expect everyone to have a totally unique college essay topic . But you must differentiate your essay from others by having a surprising story arc, an interesting insight, and/or an advanced writing style .

To decide on a good college essay topic , spend time thoughtfully answering brainstorming questions. If you still have trouble identifying topics, try the following two strategies:

• Identify your qualities → Brainstorm stories that demonstrate these qualities
• Identify memorable stories → Connect your qualities to these stories

You can also ask family, friends, or mentors to help you brainstorm topics, give feedback on your potential essay topics, or recall key stories that showcase your qualities.

Most topics are acceptable for college essays if you can use them to demonstrate personal growth or a lesson learned. However, there are a few difficult topics for college essays that should be avoided. Avoid topics that are:

• Overly personal (e.g. graphic details of illness or injury, romantic or sexual relationships)
• Not personal enough (e.g. broad solutions to world problems, inspiring people or things)
• Too negative (e.g. an in-depth look at your flaws, put-downs of others, criticizing the need for a college essay)
• Too boring (e.g. a resume of your academic achievements and extracurriculars)
• Inappropriate for a college essay (e.g. illegal activities, offensive humor, false accounts of yourself, bragging about privilege)

Here’s a brief list of college essay topics that may be considered cliché:

• Extracurriculars, especially sports
• Role models
• Dealing with a personal tragedy or death in the family
• Struggling with new life situations (immigrant stories, moving homes, parents’ divorce)
• Becoming a better person after community service, traveling, or summer camp
• Overcoming a difficult class
• Using a common object as an extended metaphor

It’s easier to write a standout essay with a unique topic. However, it’s possible to make a common topic compelling with interesting story arcs, uncommon connections, and an advanced writing style.

If you want to know more about academic writing , effective communication , or parts of speech , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Academic writing

• Writing process
• Transition words
• Passive voice
• Paraphrasing

 Communication

• How to end an email
• Ms, mrs, miss
• How to start an email
• I hope this email finds you well
• Hope you are doing well

 Parts of speech

• Personal pronouns
• Conjunctions

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101 Great Essay Writing Topics for Students

Before you sit down to write, you need a topic, and these essay writing topics can help you get started.

Writing an essay is an important skill for high school and college students. Essays show a writer’s ability to think through a topic, explore their point of view and persuade or inform others of that. Yet, finding essay writing topics can feel vague. 

This list will help students find the right topic for a descriptive essay or argumentative essay. It outlines a number of hot topics that students can delve into in order to express their opinions and showcase their writing skills. You can use these to practice your essay writing skills or as prompts for you or students.

1. Is Climate Change Real?

2. the benefits (or drawbacks) of homework , 3. a funny childhood memory, 4. video game addiction, 5. the role of pets in our lives, 6. my summer vacation, 7. a personal victory or success, 8. what will life be like in 2050, 9. a trip to the museum, 10. describe meeting a famous person, 11. the impact of social media on tweens, 12. importance of school uniforms, 13. extracurricular activities: essential or optional, 14. favorite book and its impact, 15. the influence of celebrities on youth, 16. the significance of recreational activities, 17. if i were the principal of my school, 18. why the sale and production of tobacco should get banned, 19. should every country have the death sentence, 20. is homeschooling better or worse than public school, 21. is the us election process fair, 22. how can we reduce climate change, 23. your responsibility in climate change, 24. are you politically influenced by media, 25. feminism then and now, 26. the impact of immigration on host countries, 27. are environmentalist groups doing the wrong protests, 28. should we cancel cancel culture, 29. is artificial intelligence a boon or bane to society, 30. is genetic engineering ethical, 31. the role of social movements in social change, 32. censorship in media: necessary or suppressive, 33. is technology making education lazy, 34. are we supposed to share culture, 35. why soda should not be on fast food kids meals, 36. illegal immigrants should not be jailed, 37. breastfeeding in public should be considered normal, 38. why gun control is needed, 39. a turning point in your life, 40. should religion be taught in schools, 41. recycling should be compulsory, 42. colleges are becoming business driven, 43. the necessity of art in education, 44. the importance of space exploration, 45. the future of renewable energy, 46. fast fashion’s environmental impact, 47. social media and its influence on body image, 48. the role of social media in interpersonal relationships, 49. the consequences of cyberbullying, 50. the relevance of standardized testing today, 51. the influence of video games on youth behavior, 52. homework vs. class assignments, 53. social media vs. in-person interaction, 54. physical education vs. nutritional education, 55. life before and after the internet, 56. right side vs left side of the brian thinkers, 57. tea vs coffee, 58. fashion today vs 20 years ago, 59. ebooks vs. physical books, 60. urban vs. rural living, 61. traditional vs. digital art, 62. freelance vs. full-time employment, 63. western vs. eastern philosophies, 64. democracy vs. dictatorship, 65. introverts vs. extroverts, 66. working in your country vs. working abroad, 67. science fiction vs. fantasy, 68. public vs. private healthcare, 69. first day of school memories, 70. a memorable act of kindness, 71. your best or worst holiday, 72. an experience with peer pressure, 73. a surprising event or change of fortune., 74. your first teacher, 75. your idea of the perfect day, 76. imagine a week without the internet or technology, 77. a day you overcame rejection, 78. overcoming my fear, 79. the day i lost my first pet, 80. that someone who influenced me, 81. the most embarrassing moment, 82. the time i stood up for what i believe, 83. the invention i wish i had thought of, 84. an unexpected friendship, 85. the day that defined my future, 86. how is global warming changing the environment, 87. the causes of world war ii, 88. what is racism, and how are people sometimes unaware of it, 89. does free will exist, 90. what reading means to me, 91. the role of journalists and the media, 92. animal testing should be banned, 93. why do teenagers commit suicide, 94. the role of the united nations, 95. the history and impact of the internet, 96. why is financial literacy crucial today, 97. the importance of technology in healthcare, 98. the rise of electric vehicles, 99. an analysis of a popular tv show, 100. the value of learning a second language, 101. the stigma around mental health, a final word on the best essay writing topics, what are some topics for a persuasive essay, what are some good topics for an essay, best essay writing topics for middle school students.

If you are picking an essay for a 7th or 8th-grade student, the topic needs to be something that students in that age range are interested in. This will help them want to do the research and explore their ideas. This age range will often write expository essays or narrative essays, rather than persuasive ones.

Here are some essay topics to consider:

Climate change is a hot topic with middle schoolers, and this essay topic idea lets them explore it. This essay topic can work well for a persuasive, informative, or cause-and-effect essay.

Few middle school students enjoy homework, but this can be a great way to get them to dig into why the education system relies on homework. Students can give their opinions about the need for homework or why homework should be eliminated.

Middle school students who are not ready to write on argumentative essay topics can practice their English essay writing skills by writing about a funny thing that happened as a child. This topic should focus on entertaining, engaging storytelling. 

Many young students spend a lot of time playing video games, and this can translate into an essay topic. Exploring the mental health effects of too much video gameplay is a good option. Ask them to write about games they live or spend too much time playing.

Do you have a pet at home that you can’t imagine not being there when you return? How do you treat it, and do you think of your pet as a best friend? Opt for a cause-and-effect essay on the role of pets in our lives to showcase this bond. Then, include the positive effects of owning a pet. Don’t forget to talk about the responsibilities that come with it.

This is a staple choice of teachers everywhere, particularly after the summer break. All younger students can write essays easily enough about how they spent a few weeks off school and where they went. Perhaps it was time with a family member or a best friend? There is a good reason that many elementary and middle school teachers assign this as a writing assignment at the start of school.

A student could start writing this essay by writing about when they felt like all was lost. Then, they could describe how they picked themselves up off the dirt and achieved a victory.

Will we find solutions to the problems we face today, like poverty and homelessness? Will technology enrich our lives further or be the cause of new issues?

Many young students often think about the future, and this topic allows them to let their imaginations run loose.

This way, they can express their ideas on how the world will look like in a few decades. It also gives you insight into the child’s personality. Do they see the positives in everything, or are they a bit more realistic?

As children, we loved going to the museum. Even today, it’s interesting to look at historical art, sculptures, and old vehicles. 

This essay topic works exceptionally well right after a school holiday. Maybe the young student just witnessed some of the best historical pieces. Writing about this topic allows them to reconnect with the emotions they felt.

In this essay, ask students what they liked most about visiting the museum, what important lessons they learned, and how they felt in the moment.

We all have favorite celebrities that we’d love to meet. This could be an actor, musician, or athlete.

In this essay topic, ask students to describe what it’s like to meet a famous person. How would they feel, what questions would the student ask them, and what activities would they do together?

By asking your student to write the essay as descriptively as possible, they’ll experience the positive emotions associated with meeting their idol.

For this prompt, your goal is to explore the balance between the good, the bad, and the unknown in social media platforms. As a middle schooler, you know better than anyone how integral social media is in your daily life. Think about it – how many people your age don’t have a phone connected to the internet?

A cause-and-effect essay on this subject will allow you to investigate how social networking systems influence people. Self-reflect and analyze how social media sites affect your feelings, friendships, and even schoolwork.

Have you ever wondered why some schools insist on their students having uniforms? This is despite other schools being more lenient and letting their students wear whatever they want. If you are, then satiate your curiosity via this prompt.

An argumentative essay will help you understand both sides of the debate. You can discuss why schools make uniforms mandatory or optional and investigate how uniforms affect students’ behavior, academic performance, and school pride.

Are you a part of your school’s sports team or another club, or do you prefer to focus your time on academics only? If you have ever wondered what extracurricular activities are for, use this prompt to write an informative essay on the importance of extracurricular activities.

Write about the exact details of the role of extracurricular activities in a student’s overall development. Explore and add the benefits and drawbacks of these activities as well. Through your essay, other students can make informed choices about how they spend their time at school.

Books are all about exploration. When you use books for school, they aim to make you more knowledgeable. But they are also doors to fantasy lands and help you learn more about yourself.

Do you have a favorite book that left a mark on you? For this prompt, write a personal narrative essay sharing that experience. Analyze why the book matters, then add how it has changed or defined you. Your essay might sway others to read your favorite book.

Celebrities and influences are everywhere – so much so that you can’t avoid them no matter how hard you try. They’re in the music you listen to, the streets you drive through, and even the boxes of your favorite cereals. For this prompt, write an argumentative essay about these celebrities and their critical influence on younger people.

Focus on celebrities’ sway on youth’s behavior, values, and aspirations. Argue whether they are positive role models or if they set unrealistic expectations. It’s best to choose celebrities everyone knows, like the Kardashians or the Bangtan Boys.

What do you do when you have time off from school? Aside from the instances you attend family events, do you like swimming, biking, or drawing? This prompt is perfect for a descriptive essay where you can detail your favored recreational activity.

Start with how you discovered the activity and why you got hooked on it. Include its significance to your life. Does it help you relax, meet new people, etc.? You can also talk about the skills you gained by doing this recreational activity regularly.

Have you ever dreamt of calling the shots at school? What about imagining being the principal? In this essay, share ideas on what parts of your school you want to keep or change. Analyze each critically and propose the improvements the school needs. Via this prompt, you can showcase your leadership skills. Remember to express your thoughts respectfully and constructively, and don’t forget to offer rational explanations for each proposed change. 

Controversial Essay Writing Topics for Older Students

As they enter high school and college, students should start transitioning from informative essays to persuasive ones. Controversial essay topics are a good way to do this. They help students develop their critical thinking skills and learn how to reason an argument. The below topics the bill well:

Few people would argue about the health benefits of tobacco, yet it remains a top-selling product. This essay will explore the benefits of banning the sale of the product altogether.

The death sentence is a controversial ethical and social issue. This essay will explore whether or not it is a suitable method of punishment and deterrent for serious crimes and the benefits or drawbacks of adding it to every country across the globe.

Homeschooling is growing in popularity, and this school essay topic will explore the benefits or drawbacks of this particular school choice. It may be pulled from personal experience if the student is homeschooled. 

Elections are an essential part of our lives. It gives us the power to determine who will govern our country. However, is the election process fair?

In the essay, your student will get an opportunity to voice their ideas, describe what changes they’d like to see, and how those changes will positively impact the nation.

This essay topic requires more research, and students walk away with knowledge that can help them in the long term.

Climate change is a serious topic that impacts everyone’s life. Sea levels are rising, which makes it difficult for animals like polar bears to survive.

When writing about this essay topic, students will have to research the effect of climate change, what causes it, and how to reduce its impact.

This requires logical thinking and creativity. It’ll encourage students to come up with a plan of action. Maybe they’ll limit the number of carbon emissions released by companies, promote solar power, or decrease the price of energy-efficient appliances.

Climate change has always been a controversial topic. There are many protests about it, but despite the protests, there are still no proper solutions. For this prompt, focus on what you, as a student, can do to help stop or slow down climate change. Identify your personal role in this phenomenon. Examine both your positive and negative contributions. As you write this essay, you can also discover sustainable life changes to add to your life. You can even encourage your future readers to follow your example.

Keeping up to date with world news is easy because we’re connected to the media 24/7. With this in mind, create a cause-and-effect essay and inspect the power of media in shaping your political views.

For instance, have you sided with a viewpoint because of a convincing social media post? For sure, many have experienced this once or twice. Dig deeper via your essay, analyze the media’s role and motivations, and present your findings.

If you plan to create a compare-and-contrast essay, go for this prompt. Analyze the evolution of feminist movements. Then, examine their origins, goals, and the changes they’ve brought about.

Have you ever wondered how the feminism of your grandma’s era differed from today’s? By researching this topic, you’ll not only increase your knowledge – you’ll also be able to educate others.

Are you looking at writing about globally relevant issues? If so, immigration is a complex subject you can explore—research immigration in the news, books, or even movies. You can even ask your teacher for help if you need to. For this prompt, connect your findings to the issues of the countries receiving immigrants. Make sure to differentiate the legal from illegal immigrants to relay your points better.

The environment is a sacred and essential part of our lives. And so it’s easy to understand the movements and the organizations that want to protect it. But do you think their actions will make others appreciate their cause in the long run?

This is why this controversial prompt is perfect for a persuasive essay. Talk about the recent protests. It can be the protestor’s destruction of paintings of legendary artists, glueing their hands on airport runways, or stopping people on the streets. Critique the strategies of environmental activist groups. Are they properly raising awareness? Or are their methods causing more harm than good?

Cancel culture is often based on limited evidence and incites blind hate. As an older student, you’re likely familiar with the term and its implications. In your essay, list cancel culture’s pros and cons and analyze each in depth.

Is cancel culture helpful? Is it only spreading misinformation? Is the hive mentality it encourages good? Share your thoughts on this recent societal development. Then, offer ways on how to better interact with cancel culture. For instance, you can recommend holding off judgment and thoroughly researching the issue first to make up your own mind.

Artificial intelligence is here to stay, but how helpful is it? For this prompt, create an expository essay that analyzes how AI is both a boon and a bane. For example, AI can make companies’ systems more efficient. But at the same time, it takes jobs away from writers, artists, and even tech devs.

Cite recent happenings, like the Texas A&M Commerce professor who failed his entire class to show the issue’s relevancy. As a student, you’re pretty familiar with AI developments. You might even have experienced it first-hand. Stop and think about AI’s broader implications via your essay.

Genetic engineering has always been a controversial subject. Since you’re an older student, you’ve probably had debates about this in class or with friends. To better understand the issue, construct a well-researched, argumentative essay on genetic engineering and the ethics that surround it.

As a student and a general public member, you are not just an observer of what happens in society. You are an active participant in social dynamics. So, for this prompt, opt for a cause-and-effect essay where you analyze how collective actions and thinking shape societies. Support your thoughts with evidence and share your realizations.

For this prompt, start by defining freedom of expression and comparing it with censorship. Then, present cases (preferably recent ones) to explain why censorship is necessary or repressive. This will help you create an informative essay that educates your readers.

In your essay, answer the question: “Is technology helpful or detrimental to education?” As a student, you’re at the center of this revolution. For instance, online classes are more prevalent now than some years ago. Submitting soft copies of papers online wasn’t even a thing then. Write an expository essay about whether technology aids or hampers your learning process.

If you want to write a thought-provoking descriptive essay, consider this prompt: There are unique cultures. But should these cultures remain exclusive? Think about your own culture and what it means to you. Would you like to share your culture? It’s time to share your thoughts and experiences.

In the same essay, you can also mention cultural appreciation versus cultural appropriation. Talk about these ideas’ differences and similarities.

Persuasive Essay Topics for Older Students

Persuasive essays work to convince a reader of the writer’s point of view. These topics lend themselves well to a great essay that focuses on persuasion.

Fast food kids meals target young consumers, and soda is often included. Making junk food a way of life contributes to childhood obesity, and this topic could explore alternatives to soda for these kid-centered meals.

When people enter a country illegally, putting them in jail does not solve the problem. Instead, alternative punishments or even help with attaining legal immigrant status can reduce the strain on an overloaded system while also helping these individuals become part of society. 

Babies need breast milk to survive, yet many places in society frown on women feeding their babies in public. This essay  will  explore why this is an outdated and unhealthy idea.

The best topics for persuasive essays are ones that are a little controversial. Gun control fits the bill well, and it can be a good topic for an essay. Other topics include alcohol, drugs and, in some cases, religion. That said, it depends on the nature of your students and school.

All the students can typically point to an occasion or life event when their worldview or concept changed. Ask them to write about a defining life experience.

This essay topic is for older students and adult learners who can take a thoughtful but critical stance on the role of religion in schools today. Should it be taught or removed from schools, and why?

The average American produces 1,704 pounds of garbage per year. Most of this is thrown in landfills, which can be equally as damaging to the environment as littering. Oceans are also filled with plastic that negatively affects the lives of marine life.

However, if we can recycle all that waste, we won’t damage the environment. This essay topic encourages older students to research recycling and the pros and cons of making it mandatory. 

Getting a tertiary education is essential. It allows you to learn a marketable skill that other people pay you for. 

However, private colleges are becoming more common, leading people to think that these institutions are more focused on making money.

When writing about this topic, students need to research the cost of college tuition, how this high price negatively impacts their adult lives, and how the government can fix it.

Through this prompt, explore and express the value of creativity and aesthetics in one’s learning. Explain why art is essential. How does it influence your learning and perception of the world? Consider this: art is a medium of expression and critical thinking. To write this essay effectively, identify, describe, and reflect on different art forms. You can also focus on art forms that you’ve experienced.

Have you ever looked at the night sky and wondered what’s out there? Space exploration is all about the curiosity to discover the unknown. In your essay, go beyond rockets or astronauts and highlight man’s thirst for knowledge.

Start with the historical record of space exploration. Mention how it started and how it became possible. You can even include its milestone achievements. Then, move on to experts’ predictions on the future of space exploration. Discuss its benefits to humans, common challenges, and implications for our future.

Let’s now jump to another vital global discourse. Are you aware of the environmental and economic connotations of renewable energy? You may be young now, but you’re not a stranger to the problems of this planet. Through this prompt, you can become a part of the solution. In your essay, define and discuss different types of renewable energy. Underscore their potential, pros, and cons versus traditional energy sources.

Have you ever wondered where your clothes come from and where they end up? Sadly, most of us consume fast fashion. But have you considered fast fashion’s environmental consequences?

In your essay, identify facts about fast fashion. Credible sources should support these facts so readers can realize how detrimental it is to the environment. Review the lifecycle of a typical fast fashion item. Include the environmental cost at each stage. Then, look for ways to promote sustainable fashion choices.

Today, social media dominates our lives. But have you thought about how it affects how you view your body image? This is a sensitive issue, but timely nonetheless.

For this prompt, voice your experiences and insights about social media and the unrealistic body standards it presents. By doing so, you can help others navigate through the maze of internet likes and shares. Talk about how social networking services impact how people view themselves, including their self-esteem. Then, offer ways on how to circumvent these problems.

It’s a fact today that most of our relationships start and are maintained online. But does this virtual connection hamper real-life relationships?

Through your essay, explore the link between social media and interpersonal relationships. You can tell it from your perspective. How have your relationships evolved in the age of social media? Review the dynamics of online friendships, mentioning the blurred lines between the virtual and real world. It would be useful to talk to someone you know who remembers a time before mobile phones and social media, which only became prevalent in recent decades.

Sadly, the rise of social networks also gives bullies more channels to hurt others. Now, they can also hide behind screens. In your essay, define cyberbullying and its effects on the victim’s mental health. You can even include real-life cases for illustration. End your paper by presenting measures to prevent cyberbullying.

The education system needs some updating. If you want to delve into this issue, use a prompt that critiques its current methods. One of the most timely is standardized testing. What’s your take on it? Does it measure intelligence, or is it merely rote learning? List the pros and cons of standardized testing from your perspective as a student. Write as if you want to spark a conversation about educational reform.

At your age, you’ve probably experienced the evolution of video games first-hand. If you’re a gamer, have you ever questioned how it influenced your behavior? What about your peers?

For this prompt, focus on the psychological aspects of gaming. Mention the impact of different gaming genres on mental health and behavior. Don’t just talk about the adverse effects. It’s best to also consider the potential benefits of gaming as a learning tool.

Compare and Contrast Essays for Older Students

This type of essay compares two like or unlike things, drawing ways they are the same or different. It’s useful as it provides a structure for aspiring essayists that they can use to outline a longer work. Some ideas include:

Which has more value, homework or assignments completed in class? This essay topic will explore the contrast between these two types of school assignments. For fun, give it to students to complete in class… and then ask them to revise it at home.

Social media can keep people connected, but the increased push for social media connection can detract from in-person communication. This essay will explore the contrast between the two types of communication.

Both exercise and diet play a role in health. This essay  will  explore the impact of both through the education system.

Older students and adult learners can remember a time before we spend so much time. Is life any better now that we spend so much time connected to the Internet? This essay explores what it means to be constantly connected.

Right side of the brain thinkers are typically more creative and artistic. The left side of the brain thinkers are analytical and mathematical. What’s more valuable in today’s society? What can each type learn from its counterpart? And are you truly one type exclusively?

Caffeine is a staple for many students and workers. It gives you a boost of energy in the morning, which allows you to get more done. It also helps if you have a test coming up and need to study hard.

However, larger amounts of caffeine are known to cause heart palpitations, anxiety, and increased stress.

In this essay, students look at the benefits and drawbacks of tea and coffee. It empowers them with knowledge on when to limit their consumption.

Fashion is constantly changing. What looked cool 20 years ago might look weird today. Older students will also notice how their fashion choices changed from middle school to high school and from high school to college.

In this essay, students talk about what causes this change and how long it takes for the public to accept a specific style.

You’ve likely used ebooks and physical books for your studies and hobbies. In your essay, use your experience to analyze these different reading mediums. Are you an avid Kindle user? Or do you thrive on the feel of a physical book? Write about relevant aspects like convenience, feel, accessibility, and cost. Always support your arguments with personal anecdotes and factual data.

Do you live in the city or the outskirts? Both have pros and cons. If you’ve always been a city student, maybe you’ve wondered what life is like on the other side. If so, then this prompt lets you delve into these contrasting lifestyles.

Feel free to discuss factors such as access to amenities, social interactions, and lifestyle choices. Try to visualize and put yourself in both scenarios to offer an authentic perspective.

There’s been a divide between traditional and digital art for a long time. In this prompt, uncover the why . Consider aspects like skill set, accessibility, impact, and audience reach. Then, add your thoughts on the issue. Are you drawn to the authenticity of traditional art? Or do you admire the versatility of digital art? Bring in your observations and experiences to make your essay stand out.

You might still be a student, but you’ve thought about what your job will be like in the future, right? Then, have you ever wondered about the benefits of being your boss versus the security of a full-time job? Explore these contrasting work styles. By the end of your essay, you will also better understand what awaits you after graduation.

Talk about job stability, work-life balance, income potential, and personal growth. You can draw on real-life examples from people you know.

For a more intriguing essay, explore different philosophical frameworks. Are you drawn to Western philosophy’s empirical approach? Or do you prefer Eastern thought’s spiritual aspects? Explore themes such as the self, ethics, knowledge, and reality. Then, compare how these philosophies approach these ideas differently. This is your chance to show off your critical thinking skills.

Another complicated but interesting prompt is analyzing two contrasting political systems, democracy and dictatorship. Inspect how each system impacts citizens’ rights, economic development, social equality, and international relations. Don’t shy away from using historical and current examples to solidify your arguments.

Are you an introvert, extrovert, or something in between? Picking this topic will not only give you an exciting essay. You will also learn more about yourself. This encourages you to delve into the psychological aspects of these personality types.

In your essay, analyze how these traits affect one’s social interactions, career choices, and personal well-being. Be critical of stereotypes and delve into the potential benefits and challenges of both.

Have you ever dreamed of living and working abroad? Or do you want to stay where you are now, close to home? Here, you can explore the pros and cons of working or leaving your home country. Mention cultural exposure, career opportunities, and personal growth. Contrast it with the challenges of adapting to a new environment.

Science fiction and fantasy are both popular, even today. Why not when it opens doors to various imaginations? For your essay, dive into why these genres are favored and highlight their unique characteristics. Include their societal implications and why they appeal to certain readers.

Debate has been raging on the implications of public and private healthcare systems. These debates often concern a country’s economy and its citizens’ lives. When writing this essay, you can use your personal experience or rely on secondary research. Discuss aspects like accessibility, cost, quality of care, and efficiency. For this prompt, add real-world examples and facts to strengthen your arguments.

Narrative Essay Topics for Older Students

Sometimes, an everyday life experience can make great essay material, and writing about your own life means less risk of plagiarism. Here are some ideas:

The first day of school in a new school can be the fodder for a number of personal stories about school life and the social aspects of it. Writers can capture those emotions in this type of essay. It’s also a suitable type of essay to write as it can serve as a gateway into other types of writing, like a memoir.

If someone did something for you once that really stood out, transform that into an essay topic. You will enjoy remembering the action while creating your essay.

What you did or didn’t do on your summer vacation as a child can be a great starting point for a narrative essay. Older students can use this essay prompt to write about past experiences and reflect on them beyond simply reporting.

Peer pressure can be positive or negative, but everyone has experienced it. This essay will explore a time when peer pressure made you do something or not do something and what the effect of that decision was.

Was this change in your life for the best or the worst, and how did you respond? Describe in detail.

When you first met your mentor, teacher or guide. How did you respond to them, and what did they have to show you? Similarly, a student could also write an essay about a teacher they shunned or turned away from.

When waking up in the morning, we all strive to have the perfect day. Ask students what their perfect day will look like, what activities they’d do, and with whom.

By being as descriptive as possible, students picture the perfect day in their minds. This improves students’ storytelling skills and helps them structure events in chronological order.

This fun experiment gives students insight into how reliant they are on technology and how their lives will look without it.

By imagining this week in their heads, it’ll give them an idea of what other activities they’ll engage in. This could be working out, socializing, or learning a new skill.

Rejection is something everyone must face at some point. Few things are scarier than rejection. But when you overcome it, you get a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction.

For example, this could be asking that cute guy or girl out on a date or applying for a job at your dream company.

Are you interested in writing an essay while also self-reflecting? When you use this prompt, you also demonstrate your tenacity to overcome obstacles. Think back to any fear you have had. It doesn’t matter if they’re big or small as long as they shape your character.

Begin your essay by describing the fear you had and why. Then, narrate what you did to overcome it. Remember to discuss the aftermath and the personal growth you experienced.

Losing a pet is a personal experience. How you handled your emotions at that time shows your nature. When you write your essay, paint a vivid picture of your pet by describing quirks and traits. Explain how losing a pet changed you; don’t avoid the pain. Then, talk about your grieving process and eventual acceptance.

Did someone come to mind when you read the prompt? It’s unsurprising if they did, considering that every person has that one person who left a significant impact on their life. 

For your essay, choose and write about that individual who helps you appreciate life. Give specific details, such as when they made you realize something, and then connect them to how their teachings shaped you. This prompt also allows students to reflect on their character description and development. 

For a fun narrative essay, share the moment you felt the most embarrassed. You don’t have to be specific about it; you can instead focus on what you felt then and how you cope during that awkward situation. You can also mention what you think of the memory now that you’re looking back at it. Is it as embarrassing as you’ve thought back then?

Here is a medium to exhibit your ethics and the strength of your convictions. For this prompt, narrate the situation and explain why you must stand up. What were your thoughts during that moment? Talk about your emotions then and the consequences you’ve faced, if any. Mention how the experience shaped your approach to similar situations.

Is there any invention that made you go, “Ah, I wish I thought of that before!” It can be because of the fame that came with it, the profit, or just the sheer genius of its inventor. Select an invention that fascinates you and explain why it interests you. Think of why you wish you’d come up with it. Talk about its impact on the world and how it aligns with your interests or passions.

Friendships often form in the most unexpected places and situations. For this prompt, highlight your openness to diverse experiences and people.

In your essay, describe the circumstances that led to this unexpected friendship. Add why you found it so surprising. Speak about the qualities you appreciate in your friend and include how this relationship has affected your life. Your objective is to encourage others to broaden their social circles.

For this prompt, share a turning point in your life that set your future course. Present a comprehensive account of the event or decision that significantly impacted your future by mentioning factors that influenced it. Add your thoughts and feelings then and how things have unfolded since then.

Informative Essay Topics for Older Students

Sometimes, the goal of an essay is not to persuade but to inform. Informative or expository essay topics need to have a lot of information behind them so students have something to write about. These topics lend themselves well to that:

Global warming has many effects, and this essay  will  explore those thoroughly. The goal is to inform, not persuade or create change.

Exploring the causes behind a global war, like World War II, can create a long essay. You can spin this essay topic easily enough by picking other historical events.

Racism is a hot topic today, and this essay will explore how it can often hide in someone’s way of thinking. 

A popular essay topic in many philosophy and art classes, this is an open-ended subject. A student can use it to explore their personal philosophy and develop their critical thinking skills.

Check out this list for other philosophy questions .

Becoming a better writer means spending a lot of time reading great books. One of the best ways to encourage reading is asking readers and students to reflect on why they love reading what they learned from previous books. It’s good subject matter for an essay too.

Many people are skeptical and or don’t trust news produced by journalists. But are they right? Surely there is a bar between trustworthy and untrustworthy sources? In this essay, explore how to tell good journalism apart from bad journalism.

When testing products to see if it’s safe for humans, scientists will run tests on animals. However, this testing isn’t only cruel but ineffective. Animals don’t get certain diseases that humans do. This includes HIV, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and certain types of cancers.

In this essay, students must conduct research and present a case for why animal testing is unethical.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those between the ages of 10 to 24. This is a complex topic since there could be several different factors at play. Some of these include bullying, abuse, and traumatic stress.

When writing this essay, students will be encouraged to dig deeper into the main reasons why teenagers commit suicide and how we can help them as a community. This spreads awareness and gets people to take positive action.

How much do you know about the United Nations? This prompt will test your knowledge of international relations and politics as you have to pen a paper that’s easy to understand. Include the intricacies of global leadership and peacekeeping by explaining the critical functions of the UN. Then, add how it helps society and how its efforts benefit you as a student.

Where did the internet come from? How did it develop to be what it is today? In your essay, recall the history of the World Wide Web and its profound impact on our daily lives. As an older student, you’ve lived through some of the internet’s transformative phases. How has that shaped the way you live, work, or study? Answer all of these in your paper.

Many people still get confused about handling their incomes, budgets, and expenses. In your essay, explain why many fumble their finances. Include how understanding one’s finances matters now more than ever.

For a more relatable paper, you can narrate your personal journey towards financial literacy. You can also analyze current financial trends and their implications for the average person.

Technology has revolutionized healthcare, so it’ll always be a timely topic. For this prompt, delve into the impact of technological advancements on health and medicine. It’s a brilliant way to explore subjects like telemedicine or electronic health records. You can even include the role of AI in disease diagnosis.

Have you noticed more electric vehicles on the road recently? In your essay, analyze the surge in popularity of electric vehicles. Add their environmental impact and the technological advances that have made them viable. Don’t forget to include your thoughts on a future dominated by electric vehicles.

If you have a TV show you’re fond of, then you can talk about it in your essay. Explore the show’s central themes, character developments, and narrative techniques. It might even give you an excuse to rewatch your favorite series!

Parlez-vous Français? If you have a second language or are interested in learning one someday, this prompt is for you. Remember to focus your essay on the benefits of bilingualism or multilingualism. If you have any, include your memories of learning a new language. You can also ask others who speak more than one language about their experiences. Add the challenges, triumphs, and doors it has opened for you.

Today, there is the question of whether we’re doing enough to address mental health. In your paper, be open and talk about the stigma around mental health issues. You can opt to share your personal experiences or observations. Then, don’t forget to add the consequences of ignoring mental health. It’s a powerful way to raise awareness and promote empathy.

Whether you are a high school student writing an essay for homework or you are sitting down to write a college essay as you apply for school, procrastination often occurs because you do not know what to write about. Having a list of topics  handy will help. 

To choose a topic, first, decide what type of essay you need to write. Then, browse this list of writing topics to find one that is interesting to you, or use the list to think of a different, similar topic. Soon, you will have an essay that is engaging and informative and can showcase your writing abilities well. 

If you need more inspiration, check out our guide to the 101+ best writing prompts .

FAQs About the Best Essay Writing Topics

Persuasive essays require a controversial topic in order to give the writer the freedom to write in a persuasive manner. Some good topics for these essays include: Soda in fast food meals Breastfeeding in public Using jail to deter illegal immigrants Banning cell phones for young children

Some good topics for an essay include: Gun control Social media Personal experiences Health Social issues A life event

Essay Topics: 450+ Awesome Picks

Picking the perfect essay topic can feel like a real head-scratcher, can't it? But trust me, it's worth the effort. A great topic doesn't just make the writing process more enjoyable - it's like a magnet for your readers, pulling them in from the very first sentence.

I remember when I was a student, staring at a blank page, feeling completely stumped. Whether you're in those shoes right now, tackling a school assignment, or you're a writer looking for that spark of inspiration, having a treasure trove of topic ideas can be a real lifesaver.

That's why I've put together this article with over 450 essay topics. It's like a buffet for your brain! We've got everything from persuasive and argumentative topics that'll get your debating juices flowing, to narrative and descriptive ideas that'll let your creativity soar.

I've organized these topics into neat categories, so you can easily browse and find something that clicks with you. Maybe you'll stumble upon a topic you're passionate about but never considered writing about before. Or perhaps you'll find a fresh angle on a familiar subject.

Remember, the goal here is to find a topic that not only meets your assignment requirements but also gets you excited to write. When you're genuinely interested in your subject, it shows in your writing, and that enthusiasm is contagious for your readers.

So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if that's more your style), get comfy, and let's dive into this smorgasbord of essay topics. I'm confident you'll find something that makes you think, "Yes, that's it! That's what I want to write about!" Happy browsing, and here's to finding your perfect essay topic!

Struggling to find the perfect essay topic? EssayPro offers a plethora of choices to spark your creativity. From academic to personal, we have topics that will ignite your writing passion and help you produce exceptional essays.

Topics for Technology Essay

As the advancements in technology shape human civilization, choosing great essay topics in this field gives you plenty to write about. Let's check out some recommendations by our custom essay writing experts.

• The impact of 5G networks on global connectivity
• Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence development
• The role of quantum computing in scientific research
• Cybersecurity challenges in the age of IoT
• The future of wearable technology in healthcare
• Virtual reality applications in education and training
• The environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining
• Robotics in manufacturing: benefits and challenges
• The evolution of cloud computing and its business implications
• Augmented reality in retail and e-commerce
• The potential of brain-computer interfaces
• Nanotechnology in medicine: current applications and future prospects
• The impact of social media algorithms on information consumption
• 3D printing revolution: implications for various industries
• The role of big data in personalized marketing
• Autonomous vehicles and the future of transportation
• Ethical considerations in facial recognition technology
• The impact of streaming services on traditional media
• Space technology and its applications in everyday life
• The role of artificial intelligence in climate change mitigation
• Blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies
• The future of human-robot interaction
• Biometric technology and privacy concerns
• The impact of automation on the job market
• Edge computing and its role in the Internet of Things

Cause and Effect Essay Ideas

To write a cause and effect essay, first, find a situation where an action has consequences. Then, describe what happened. If you're stuck for ideas, check out this list for inspiration.

• How social media usage affects mental health
• The impact of fast fashion on the environment
• Effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive function
• How childhood nutrition influences long-term health
• The consequences of overfishing on marine ecosystems
• Impact of remote work on urban development
• Effects of screen time on child development
• How air pollution affects respiratory health
• The influence of advertising on consumer behavior
• Effects of stress on the immune system
• How deforestation contributes to climate change
• The impact of video games on cognitive skills
• Effects of single-use plastics on marine life
• How parenting styles influence child behavior
• The consequences of antibiotic resistance on public health
• Impact of digital technology on interpersonal communication
• How urbanization affects wildlife habitats
• The effects of multitasking on productivity
• How music education influences academic performance
• The impact of social isolation on mental well-being
• Effects of caffeine consumption on sleep patterns
• How college debt influences career choices
• The consequences of microplastics in the food chain
• Impact of gentrification on local communities
• How mindfulness practices affect stress levels

Problem Solution Essay Topics

In a problem-solution essay you simply state the problem, talk about why it matters, suggest a solution, and explain why it's the best choice. Our essay writer can assist you by providing a list of topics to explore in your writing.

• Addressing the global plastic waste crisis
• Combating the spread of misinformation online
• Reducing traffic congestion in major cities
• Improving access to quality education in rural areas
• Tackling the rising cost of healthcare
• Solving food waste in the restaurant industry
• Addressing the shortage of affordable housing
• Combating cyberbullying among teenagers
• Reducing carbon emissions in urban areas
• Improving water conservation in agriculture
• Addressing the opioid epidemic
• Enhancing workplace diversity and inclusion
• Reducing e-waste through sustainable electronics
• Improving public transportation in suburban areas
• Addressing the decline of bee populations
• Combating obesity through community initiatives
• Reducing school dropout rates in low-income areas
• Improving mental health support for college students
• Addressing the gender pay gap in various industries
• Reducing noise pollution in urban environments
• Improving financial literacy among young adults
• Addressing food deserts in low-income neighborhoods
• Reducing plastic packaging in consumer goods
• Improving emergency preparedness for natural disasters
• Addressing digital privacy concerns in smart cities

Informative Essay Topics

Let's look at some essay topic ideas that allow you to demonstrate your knowledge without attempting to convince or express an opinion.

• The history and cultural significance of tea ceremonies
• How the human immune system works
• The process of making artisanal cheese
• The evolution of written language
• Understanding the basics of quantum physics
• The life cycle of stars
• The history and techniques of glassblowing
• How weather forecasting works
• The process of film production
• The science behind dreams
• The history and development of cryptography
• How solar panels convert sunlight into electricity
• The process of writing and publishing a book
• The mechanics of 3D printing
• The history and cultural impact of tattoos
• How vaccines are developed and tested
• The process of archaeological excavation
• The science of composting
• How political polling works
• The process of wine making
• The history and techniques of origami
• How nuclear power plants function
• The process of creating animated films
• The science behind memory formation
• How tsunamis form and propagate
• The process of coffee production from bean to cup
• The mechanics of earthquakes and plate tectonics
• How perfumes are created and formulated
• The history and techniques of bonsai cultivation
• The process of diamond mining and processing

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Research Essay Topics

When it comes to delivering research papers on time, it could leave you feeling overloaded and drained. Thankfully, our dissertation writing help provided you with excellent research essay topics for students.

• The long-term effects of social media on adolescent development
• The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems
• The effectiveness of various renewable energy sources
• The role of gut bacteria in mental health
• The economic impact of automation on different industries
• The influence of diet on cognitive function in older adults
• The effects of urbanization on biodiversity
• The psychological impact of long-term space travel
• The role of sleep in memory consolidation
• The effectiveness of mindfulness-based therapies for anxiety disorders
• The impact of climate change on global food security
• The role of genetics in addiction susceptibility
• The effects of music education on cognitive development in children
• The impact of air pollution on cardiovascular health
• The role of exercise in preventing cognitive decline
• The effectiveness of various conservation strategies for endangered species
• The impact of artificial intelligence on job markets
• The role of epigenetics in human health and disease
• The effects of screen time on child development
• The impact of microfinance on poverty reduction in developing countries
• The role of gut health in autoimmune diseases
• The effects of virtual reality on pain management
• The impact of social isolation on mental health in older adults
• The role of probiotics in digestive health
• The effects of meditation on brain structure and function
• The impact of deforestation on global climate patterns
• The role of stem cells in regenerative medicine
• The effects of pesticides on pollinator populations
• The impact of ocean acidification on marine life
• The role of artificial light at night on wildlife behavior

Education Essay Topics

Certain themes always seem to come up while writing an essay on education. To assist you in your quest for knowledge, we have compiled a list of ideas below, among which we have good college topics, essay on school and student life essay topics:

• The impact of technology integration in classrooms
• The effectiveness of standardized testing in measuring student achievement
• The role of arts education in overall academic performance
• The benefits and challenges of homeschooling
• The impact of class size on student learning outcomes
• The effectiveness of single-sex education versus co-education
• The role of physical education in academic performance
• The impact of school start times on student performance
• The effectiveness of project-based learning in STEM education
• The role of extracurricular activities in student development
• The impact of teacher quality on student achievement
• The effectiveness of peer tutoring programs
• The role of parental involvement in student success
• The impact of school nutrition programs on academic performance
• The effectiveness of bilingual education programs
• The role of outdoor education in student development
• The impact of homework on student learning and well-being
• The effectiveness of flipped classroom models
• The role of mindfulness practices in education
• The impact of school discipline policies on student behavior
• The effectiveness of gamification in education
• The role of vocational education in career readiness
• The impact of socioeconomic status on educational outcomes
• The effectiveness of inclusive education for students with disabilities
• The role of critical thinking skills in education
• The impact of student-teacher relationships on academic success
• The effectiveness of online learning platforms
• The role of emotional intelligence in education
• The impact of school architecture on learning environments
• The effectiveness of mentorship programs in higher education

Personal Essay Topics

In your personal essay, readers will gain insight into your most private life events and thoughts from this kind of paper. The secret is to try to merge viewpoints and storytelling. The ideas listed below might serve as inspiration:

• A life-changing moment that shaped your worldview
• The most challenging decision you've ever made
• A person who has had a significant influence on your life
• An experience that taught you the value of perseverance
• A time when you had to overcome a fear
• The role of cultural heritage in shaping your identity
• A moment when you realized the importance of family
• An experience that changed your perspective on success
• A time when you had to stand up for what you believe in
• The impact of a particular book or movie on your life
• A childhood memory that still affects you today
• An experience that taught you the importance of honesty
• A time when you had to adapt to a new environment
• The most valuable lesson you learned from a mistake
• An experience that taught you the power of kindness
• A moment when you discovered a hidden talent or passion
• The role of friendship in your personal growth
• An experience that taught you the importance of self-care
• A time when you had to overcome a personal prejudice
• The impact of technology on your personal relationships
• An experience that changed your career aspirations
• A moment when you felt truly proud of yourself
• The role of nature in your personal well-being
• An experience that taught you the value of empathy
• A time when you had to forgive someone
• The impact of a travel experience on your worldview
• An experience that taught you the importance of time management
• A moment when you realized the power of words
• The role of creativity in your personal development
• An experience that taught you the value of diversity

Ideas for an Opinion Essay

A good opinion essay poses an issue, formulates a question, and then makes a statement. Below are some inspirational opinion topic examples. 

• Should voting be mandatory in democratic countries?
• Is human genetic editing ethically justifiable?
• Should governments impose a sugar tax to combat obesity?
• Is universal basic income a viable solution to poverty?
• Should animal testing be completely banned?
• Is space colonization a necessary step for human survival?
• Should schools replace textbooks with digital devices?
• Is social media doing more harm than good to society?
• Should countries adopt a four-day workweek?
• Is nuclear energy the solution to climate change?
• Should governments regulate cryptocurrency?
• Is AI-generated art real art?
• Should college education be free for all?
• Is cancel culture beneficial or harmful to society?
• Should euthanasia be legalized globally?
• Is veganism the most ethical diet choice?
• Should violent video games be banned?
• Is homeschooling better than traditional schooling?
• Should voting age be lowered to 16?
• Is social media addiction a mental health disorder?

While you’re still on the lookout for a perfect topic, check out our guide on different types of sentences . They’ll surely come in handy during your essay writing process. 

Ideas for Nature Essay

Nature essays may examine how human activity affects the environment or how nature affects people. There are several directions that nature essays might go in. 

Ones that describe how beautiful nature is might motivate readers. On the other hand, an essay on pollution can be thought-provoking and encourage one to act. 

You may also use an informative essay on environmental pollution to explain how people harm the environment. Below you’ll find ample nature essay topics for students that allow for interesting exploration. 

Environment Essay

• The impact of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems
• Sustainable urban planning: Creating green cities for the future
• The role of renewable energy in combating climate change
• Deforestation: Causes, effects, and potential solutions
• The importance of biodiversity conservation in maintaining ecological balance
• Climate change and its effects on global water resources
• The environmental impact of fast fashion and sustainable alternatives
• Overfishing and its consequences on ocean ecosystems
• The pros and cons of nuclear energy as a clean energy source
• Air pollution in megacities: Causes, health impacts, and mitigation strategies
• The role of individual action in environmental conservation
• E-waste management: Challenges and innovative solutions
• The impact of agriculture on soil degradation and potential sustainable practices
• Coral reef destruction: Causes, consequences, and conservation efforts
• The effectiveness of international environmental agreements and policies
• Sustainable transportation: Reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector
• The environmental impact of meat consumption and the rise of plant-based diets
• Microplastics in the environment: Sources, effects, and potential solutions
• The role of indigenous knowledge in environmental conservation
• Green technology innovations: Their potential in addressing environmental challenges

Essay on Deforestation

• The primary causes of deforestation: Agriculture, logging, and urban expansion
• The impact of deforestation on global climate change and carbon emissions
• Deforestation and biodiversity loss: Threats to endangered species and ecosystems
• The role of palm oil production in tropical deforestation
• Indigenous communities and deforestation: Rights, conflicts, and conservation efforts
• The economic consequences of deforestation on local and global scales
• Reforestation and afforestation: Strategies for combating deforestation
• The link between deforestation and increased risk of zoonotic diseases
• Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest: Causes, consequences, and international responses
• Technological solutions for monitoring and preventing illegal deforestation

Pollution Essay

• The impact of industrial waste on water pollution and aquatic ecosystems
• Air pollution in urban areas: Sources, health effects, and mitigation strategies
• Plastic pollution in oceans: Long-term consequences and global initiatives
• Noise pollution: Its effects on human health and wildlife
• Agricultural runoff and its role in water pollution and eutrophication
• The growing problem of electronic waste (e-waste) and its environmental impact
• Light pollution: Consequences for wildlife and human health
• Soil contamination: Causes, effects on food security, and remediation techniques
• Thermal pollution in water bodies: Sources and impacts on aquatic life
• Atmospheric pollution and its role in climate change and global warming

Water Pollution Essay

• The impact of industrial effluents on freshwater ecosystems
• Agricultural runoff: A major source of water pollution and its effects on aquatic life
• Microplastics in water bodies: Sources, consequences, and potential solutions
• Eutrophication: Causes, effects, and strategies for prevention
• Oil spills and their long-term impact on marine ecosystems
• The role of urbanization in water pollution: Stormwater runoff and sewage contamination
• Groundwater pollution: Sources, health risks, and remediation techniques
• Thermal pollution in rivers and lakes: Causes and ecological consequences
• The effects of water pollution on human health and access to clean drinking water
• International cooperation and policies to address transboundary water pollution

My Favorite Season

• Why autumn is my favorite season: The beauty of changing colors
• Summer: My favorite season for outdoor adventures and family vacations
• The magic of winter: Why I love the snow and holiday spirit
• Spring awakening: My favorite season of renewal and growth
• The comfort of fall: Cozy activities that make autumn my favorite season
• Summer nights: Why warm evenings make it my preferred time of year
• Winter wonderland: The joys of winter sports and snowy landscapes
• The energy of spring: Why I love the season of new beginnings
• Fall flavors and festivities: Culinary delights that make autumn special
• The long days of summer: Why extended daylight makes it my favorite season

A Raining Day Essay

• The Simple Joys of a Rainy Day: Finding Comfort in Gray Skies
• Why should we appreciate beauty in rain-soaked moments
• How do I find cozy comfort on rainy days
• My favorite indoor activities for rainy day adventures
• Discovering the benefits of a refreshing rainy day

Psychology Topics for Essay

Psychology has multiple subfields, so if you need ideas, have a look at the following topics:

• The impact of social media on self-esteem and body image
• The psychology of conspiracy theory belief
• The role of attachment styles in adult relationships
• The effects of mindfulness meditation on stress reduction
• The psychology of procrastination and strategies to overcome it
• The impact of color on mood and behavior
• The role of birth order in personality development
• The psychological effects of long-term space travel
• The impact of music on cognitive performance
• The psychology of addiction and recovery
• The role of dreams in psychological processing
• The effects of sleep deprivation on decision-making
• The psychology of consumer behavior and marketing
• The impact of nature exposure on mental health
• The role of cognitive biases in decision-making
• The psychological effects of social isolation
• The impact of parenting styles on child development
• The psychology of political polarization
• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership
• The effects of violent video games on aggression
• The psychology of habit formation and breaking
• The impact of childhood trauma on adult mental health
• The role of placebo effect in psychological treatment
• The psychology of creativity and innovation
• The impact of social comparison on well-being
• The psychology of resilience in the face of adversity
• The role of unconscious bias in decision-making
• The effects of gratitude practices on mental health
• The psychology of moral decision-making and ethical behavior

Gender Equality Essay

There are many different concerns in the field of gender studies, such as the salary gap, the bias against women in the classroom, women empowerment, etc. Here are a few pointers that may help you choose an excellent topic.

• The impact of gender quotas in corporate leadership
• Addressing the gender pay gap in sports
• The role of education in promoting gender equality
• Gender bias in healthcare: Recognizing and addressing disparities
• The importance of intersectionality in feminism
• Challenging gender stereotypes in career choices
• The impact of gender-neutral parenting on child development
• Addressing gender inequality in STEM fields
• The role of men in promoting gender equality
• Gender representation in media and its societal impact
• The effectiveness of gender mainstreaming in policy-making
• Addressing gender-based violence in conflict zones
• The impact of menstrual leave policies on workplace equality
• Gender equality in inheritance laws across cultures
• The role of language in perpetuating gender stereotypes
• Addressing gender bias in artificial intelligence and algorithms
• The impact of gender-inclusive restrooms on social equality
• Gender equality in access to financial services and credit
• The role of gender equality in achieving sustainable development goals
• Addressing gender disparities in unpaid care work

Process Analysis Essay Topics

Process essay topics allow you to format your piece effectively and offer your ideas to the target audience in a way they can grasp. Let's go through the list for inspiration:

• How to plan and execute a successful crowdfunding campaign
• The process of writing and publishing a novel
• How to start a successful podcast from scratch
• The step-by-step process of brewing craft beer
• How to create a sustainable urban garden
• The process of developing a mobile application
• How to plan and execute a zero-waste event
• The step-by-step process of restoring a classic car
• How to create a successful social media marketing strategy
• The process of training for a marathon
• How to start a successful e-commerce business
• The step-by-step process of making artisanal cheese
• How to create and maintain a successful blog
• The process of becoming a certified scuba diver
• How to plan and execute a destination wedding
• The step-by-step process of building a tiny house
• How to create a successful YouTube channel
• The process of adopting a child internationally
• How to start and manage a successful beehive
• The step-by-step process of creating a documentary film

Essay Ideas on Stereotypes

Because stereotypes are such a pervasive societal problem, educators often encourage students to reflect on them. Here are some great topic examples for your essay:

• The impact of racial stereotypes in the criminal justice system
• Gender stereotypes in children's toys and media
• Age stereotypes in the workplace and their effect on hiring practices
• Cultural stereotypes in travel and tourism
• The role of media in perpetuating and challenging stereotypes
• Stereotypes surrounding mental health and their impact on treatment
• The effect of religious stereotypes on interfaith dialogue
• Body type stereotypes in the fashion industry
• Stereotypes about introverts and extroverts in social settings
• The impact of socioeconomic stereotypes on educational opportunities
• Stereotypes about disabilities and their effect on accessibility
• The role of stereotypes in political campaigns and voting behavior
• Stereotypes about different generations (Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z) in the workplace
• The impact of LGBTQ+ stereotypes on coming out experiences
• Stereotypes about athletes and their effect on career opportunities
• The role of stereotypes in international relations and diplomacy
• Stereotypes about single parents and their impact on social support
• The effect of accent and language stereotypes on job opportunities
• Stereotypes about artistic careers and their impact on career choices
• The role of stereotypes in healthcare diagnosis and treatment

Ideas on Essay about COVID-19

The Coronavirus has overrun the planet, which has kept us indoors. Life, as we know it, has transformed. As a result, leaving us with far more questions than solutions. As the epidemic has affected practically every aspect of our lives, it is crucial to comprehend it by composing interesting essay topics on this matter:

• The impact of COVID-19 on global mental health
• How the pandemic has reshaped the future of work
• The role of technology in pandemic response and management
• COVID-19's effect on the global economy and wealth inequality
• The impact of the pandemic on education systems worldwide
• How COVID-19 has changed social norms and behavior
• The role of misinformation in the pandemic response
• COVID-19's impact on the healthcare system and medical professionals
• The pandemic's effect on international relations and global cooperation
• How COVID-19 has accelerated digital transformation across industries
• The impact of the pandemic on the travel and tourism industry
• COVID-19's role in highlighting racial and socioeconomic disparities
• The pandemic's influence on urban planning and architecture
• How COVID-19 has affected the arts and entertainment industry
• The impact of the pandemic on global supply chains
• COVID-19's role in advancing telemedicine and remote healthcare
• The pandemic's effect on environmental conservation efforts
• How COVID-19 has changed consumer behavior and marketing strategies
• The impact of the pandemic on sports and athletic competitions
• COVID-19's influence on vaccine development and global health initiatives

Topics for Essay Based on Proverbs

Proverbs are a powerful tool for writing that may increase the impact of your points and assist your readers in believing you when you employ them. Let's examine some sayings that will make powerful topics for essays:

• "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step": Overcoming procrastination and achieving long-term goals
• "Don't judge a book by its cover": The dangers of stereotyping and prejudice in modern society
• "The early bird catches the worm": The benefits and drawbacks of being proactive in various aspects of life
• "Too many cooks spoil the broth": Examining the effectiveness of group decision-making vs. individual leadership
• "When in Rome, do as the Romans do": The importance of cultural adaptability in a globalized world

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

If you've been assigned to write a compare and contrast essay, you should seek engaging topics. So, take a look at some related essay questions examples created by our essay help platform:

• Online education vs. traditional classroom learning
• Renewable energy vs. fossil fuels: environmental and economic impacts
• Introverts vs. extroverts: social and professional experiences
• Traditional medicine vs. alternative therapies
• Rural living vs. urban living: quality of life comparison
• Print books vs. e-books: reading experience and environmental impact
• Social media marketing vs. traditional advertising methods
• Monarchy vs. democracy: governance structures and societal impacts
• Veganism vs. omnivorous diets: health and environmental considerations
• Public transportation vs. private vehicles in urban settings
• Artificial intelligence vs. human intelligence in problem-solving
• Freelance work vs. traditional employment: benefits and challenges
• Virtual reality vs. augmented reality: applications and potential
• Nuclear family vs. extended family structures across cultures
• Disposable products vs. reusable alternatives: convenience and environmental impact
• Traditional banking vs. cryptocurrency: security and accessibility
• Team sports vs. individual sports: personal development and social skills
• Fast fashion vs. sustainable fashion: industry practices and consumer impact
• Vertical farming vs. traditional agriculture: efficiency and sustainability
• In-person therapy vs. online counseling: effectiveness and accessibility

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How to Choose a Topic for an Essay

If you're still searching for the right topic and prefer brainstorming on your own, our college paper writing service is here to assist you in making your writing stand out. 

• Stay Updated : Keep abreast of current affairs and choose a topic that relates to contemporary issues or ongoing debates. This not only makes your essay timely but also demonstrates your awareness of the world around you.
• Think Outside the Box : Approach common topics from unconventional angles to find fresh perspectives or unique aspects that haven't been explored extensively. Unexpected twists can transform a standard essay into something extraordinary.
• Draw from Personal Experiences : Reflect on your own experiences and observations to find a personal story or moment that connects with your essay's theme. Sharing your perspective adds authenticity and depth to your writing, making it more relatable to your audience.
• Understand Your Audience : Consider your target audience and what matters to them. Choosing a topic that resonates with your readers creates an immediate connection, enhancing the impact of your essay.
• Test Your Ideas : Before committing to a topic, test it out by writing a brief outline or paragraph. This preliminary step helps you gauge your interest and ensures you have enough material to develop a great essay.

Once you've settled on a topic, consider the following to ensure it fits both your interests and the requirements of your assignment:

• Am I genuinely interested in this topic?
• Is the topic suitable for my audience?
• What is my purpose in writing about this topic?
• Can I adequately research and develop this topic within the assignment's time frame and word limit?
• Is the topic's scope narrow or broad enough to meet the assignment's requirements?
• Will I have access to sufficient sources to research this topic thoroughly?

Ideas for Essay by Category

Academic writing encompasses various essay types, but let's focus on four common categories that you're likely to encounter during your undergraduate studies:

• In persuasive essays , your mission is clear: persuade your reader. Unlike expository essays that rely on facts, persuasive essays thrive on opinion-based writing. Here, you craft arguments to convince others, relying on compelling rhetoric rather than specific facts.
• Expository essays prioritize facts. They require you to research, analyze a topic, and present a position based solely on factual data, without injecting personal opinions. Expository essay topics provide a platform for showcasing your logical thinking and engagement with scientific articles.
• Descriptive writing is about painting a vivid picture with words. When working on descriptive essays, you immerse yourself in the subject, employing abundant descriptive language. Whether describing a person, place, event, or feeling, the goal is to convey it vividly without using first-person language.
• Narrative essays are for those who love storytelling. They aim to captivate readers by weaving personal experiences into a narrative structure. Following the standard essay format of introduction, body, and conclusion, narrative essay topics introduce characters, describe actions, and explore central themes.

What Are Good Essay Topics?

What are some good argumentative essay topics, what college essay topics to avoid.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Updated each category with new topics, worded more clearly 
• Added more discussion and tips for choosing an essay topic
• Choosing and Narrowing an Essay Topic Choosing the topic . (n.d.). https://www.stcloudstate.edu/writeplace/_files/documents/writing%20process/choosing-and-narrowing-an-essay-topic.pdf  
• ‌ How to Choose an Essay Topic - Pre-writing, Writing and Revising . (n.d.). Gallaudet University. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://gallaudet.edu/student-success/tutorial-center/english-center/writing/pre-writing-writing-and-revising/how-to-choose-an-essay-topic/  

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Over 1,000 Writing Prompts for Students

Compiled by Michael Gonchar

• April 12, 2018

Note: We have 300 new argumentative writing prompts to add to this list.

Sign up for our free Learning Network newsletter. Receive new writing prompts in your inbox every week.

Of all the resources we publish on The Learning Network, perhaps it’s our vast collection of writing prompts that is our most widely used resource for teaching and learning with The Times.

We’ve published iterations of this post in the past — 200 , 401 and even 650 prompts — but never before have we gathered all our prompts, for both personal and argument writing, into one categorized list.

Admittedly, the list is huge. In fact, there are 1,219 questions below on everything from video games and fashion to smartphones and parenting, and each prompt links to a Times article as well as to additional subquestions that can encourage deeper thinking.

To help you navigate this page, here’s an index of topics:

Technology (1-74): Social Media • Smartphones • Internet & Tech Arts & Entertainment (75-248): Music • Television • Video Games • Movies & Theater • Books & Reading • Writing • The Arts • Language & Speech School & Career (249-449): School • Learning & Studying • Education Tech • Teachers & Grading • School Rules & Student Life • College • Work & Careers Identity & Family (450-828): Parenting • Family • Childhood Memories • Growing Up • Overcoming Adversity • Your Personality • Religion & Morality • Role Models • Gender • Race & Ethnicity • Neighborhood & Home • Money & Social Class • What If... Social Life & Leisure Time (829-1,059): Friendship • Dating & Sex • Looks & Fashion • Food • Sports & Games • Travel • Holidays & Seasons • Shopping & Cars Science & Health (1,060-1,140): Science & Environment • Animals & Pets • Exercise & Health Civics & History (1,141-1,219): Guns & the Justice System • Government Policy • History & News

So dive into the hundreds of writing prompts below — and let us know in the comments how you might use them in your classroom.

Social Media

1. Is Social Media Making Us More Narcissistic? 2. Are You the Same Person on Social Media as You Are in Real Life? 3. How Young Is Too Young to Use Social Media? 4. What Advice Do You Have for Younger Kids About Navigating Social Media? 5. How Do You Use Facebook? 6. What Is Your Facebook Persona? 7. How Real Are You on Social Media? 8. What Memorable Experiences Have You Had on Facebook? 9. Does Facebook Ever Make You Feel Bad? 10. Does Facebook Need a ‘Dislike’ Button? 11. Has Facebook Lost Its Edge? 12. Would You Consider Deleting Your Facebook Account? 13. Would You Quit Social Media? 14. Do You Have ‘Instagram Envy’? 15. Who Is Your Favorite Social Media Star? 16. What’s So Great About YouTube? 17. What Has YouTube Taught You? 18. What Are Your Favorite Viral Videos? 19. What Are Your Favorite Internet Spoofs? 20. What Would You Teach the World in an Online Video? 21. Do You Ever Seek Advice on the Internet? 22. Would You Share an Embarrassing Story Online? 23. Do You Use Twitter? 24. Is Snapchat a Revolutionary Form of Social Media? 25. Why Do You Share Photos? 26. How Do You Archive Your Life? 27. What Ordinary Moments Would You Include in a Video About Your Life? 28. Are Digital Photographs Too Plentiful to Be Meaningful? 29. Do You Worry We Are Filming Too Much? 30. Have You Ever Posted, Emailed or Texted Something You Wish You Could Take Back? 31. Would You Want Your Photo or Video to Go Viral? 32. Do You Worry Colleges or Employers Might Read Your Social Media Posts Someday? 33. Will Social Media Help or Hurt Your College and Career Goals? 34. Should What You Say on Facebook Be Grounds for Getting Fired? 35. Are Anonymous Social Media Networks Dangerous? 36. Should People Be Allowed to Obscure Their Identities Online? 37. Are Parents Violating Their Children’s Privacy When They Share Photos and Videos of Them Online? 38. Would You Mind if Your Parents Blogged About You?

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• Writing Tips

50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

5-minute read

• 19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics! 

In this post, we’ll provide a list of 50 persuasive essay topics to help you get started on your next assignment. 

We’ll also include some tips for writing a persuasive essay to help you craft a strong and effective argument. Whether you’re a student or a professional writer, these persuasive essay topics are sure to inspire and challenge you.

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

Persuasive essays are a type of argumentative essay that encourage the reader to accept a particular point of view or take a specific action.

They typically open with a question, followed by a series of arguments intended to persuade the reader to take the same side as the author.

In a persuasive essay, the author will usually appeal to the readers’ emotions in order to prove that their opinion is the correct one. But this doesn’t mean that persuasive essays ignore evidence , facts, and figures; an effective persuasive essay makes use of a combination of logical argument and emotive language to sway the audience.

A persuasive essay can cover just about anything from pop culture to politics. With that in mind, we’ve put together this list of 50 persuasive essay topics to inspire your next assignment!

Top 50 Persuasive Essay Topics

• Should the government censor the internet?
• Should the government regulate the sale of violent video games?
• Should self-driving cars be banned?
• Is facial recognition software unethical?
• Should mental health apps collect users’ personal data?
• Should children under 13 have cell phones?
• Should internet access be treated as a human right?
• Should all paperwork be digitized?

Science and the Environment

• Should the use of plastic bags be banned?
• Should genetically modified organisms be labeled?
• Should we clone human beings?
• Should animal testing be allowed?
• Should the government fund space exploration?
• Should the government regulate the use of pesticides in farming?
• Should the government regulate the use of antibiotics in livestock?
• Should the government fine people who drive gas-powered vehicles?
• Should climate change be declared a national emergency?

Crime and Politics

• Should the death penalty be abolished?
• Should all American citizens have to serve a year of community service?
• Should the US voting age be lowered to 16?
• Should the government adopt a tougher immigration policy?
• Should the government cut its military spending?
• Should the government introduce a national living wage?
• Should politicians be banned from social media?
• Should the electoral college be abolished?

Health and Fitness

• Should the government provide universal healthcare?
• Should the government ban the use of certain chemicals in cosmetics?
• Should parents be allowed to choose the gender of their unborn child?
• Should physical exercise be mandatory at work?
• Should employees have to disclose health conditions to their employers?
• Should fast food commercials be banned?
• Should herbal medicines be better regulated?
• Should regular mental health checkups be mandatory?
• Should schools offer fast food options like McDonald’s or Taco Bell?
• Should students be required to wear uniforms?
• Should the government provide free college education?
• Should schools offer comprehensive sex education?
• Are high school students given too much homework?
• Should humanities and arts subjects receive more funding?
• Should military recruiters be allowed on school grounds?
• Is the school day too long?
• Should every US citizen be required to learn another language?

Lifestyle and Culture

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• Should the drinking age be lowered or raised?
• Should the use of tobacco be banned?
• Should marijuana be legalized?
• Should all museums and art galleries be free?
• Should kids be encouraged to read more?
• Should public spaces provide unisex bathrooms?
• Is pet ownership a human right?
• Should extreme sports be banned?

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

Once you’ve chosen your topic, it’s time to start writing your persuasive essay. Here are our tips:

Choose a Side

When you’ve picked the question you’re going to address in your essay, you also need to choose one side – or answer – that you’re going to write in favor of.

It helps if you’re passionate about the topic, as this will enable you to write from an emotional perspective.

Do Your Research

In order to write persuasively , you need to understand the topic you’re writing about. 

Make sure you know the details of your subject matter, and can provide facts and figures to back up your appeal to your readers’ emotions.

You should also read up about different points of view on the topic, so that you can bring them up in the form of counterarguments and rebuttals .

Keep Your Audience in Mind

When you’re writing your essay, think about who it is you’re trying to persuade. The way you speak to a student, for example, will be different to how you address a parent.

Consider what your potential audience will value, and how you can reach them on an emotional level. 

Outline Your Essay

Now you’ve got all the information you need, it’s time to plan and write your essay.

You should break it down into the follow sections:

• An introduction, which sets up the question you’re going to answer and what side of the argument you are aiming to persuade the reader of.
• The body of the essay, with a paragraph for each of the points you want to make.
• A conclusion, where you summarize your points and main arguments.

Get It Proofread

As with any essay, your finished persuasive essay will need proofreading to make sure it’s the best it can be.

Our academic proofreading team here at Proofed can help with that. You can even get your first 500 words proofread for free !

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501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches

Melissa Ling / ThoughtCo

• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

If getting started is the hardest part of the writing process , close behind it (and closely related to it) may be the challenge of finding a ​ good topic to write about. Of course, sometimes an instructor will solve that problem for you by assigning a topic. But other times you'll have the opportunity to choose a topic yourself, and you should really think of this as a great opportunity to write about something you care about and know well.

So relax. Don't worry if a great topic doesn't immediately spring to mind. Be ready to play with a number of ideas until you settle on one that truly interests you. To help get you thinking, we've prepared more than 500 writing suggestions—but they are only suggestions. Together with some freewriting and brainstorming (and maybe a good long walk), these should inspire you to come up with plenty of fresh ideas of your own.

501 Topics You Could Write About

We've organized the suggested topics into nine broad categories, loosely based on some of the most common types of essays. But don't feel limited by these categories. You'll find that many of the topics can be adapted to suit almost any kind of writing assignment.

Now follow the links to find more than 500 topic suggestions and see where they take you.

40 Descriptive Topics

Descriptive writing calls for close attention to details —details of sight and sound, smell, touch, and taste. Read these 40 topic suggestions for descriptive paragraphs or essays to get started. It shouldn't take you long to discover at least 40 more on your own.

50 Narrative Topics

Another word for "narration" is "storytelling," and narrative essays give accounts of events that actually happened. Narratives can serve to illustrate an idea, report an experience, explain a problem, or simply entertain and they are the perfect opportunity to practice countless writing techniques. Here are 50 ideas for a narrative paragraph or essay. Remember to tell a story of your own.

50 Process Analysis Topics

Process analysis essays explain how something is done or should be done, one step at a time. You don't have to be an expert on a topic to write a process analysis essay for it, but you should have at least some familiarity beforehand. These 50 topics will help you start thinking about potential processes you might be equipped to explain.

101 Compare and Contrast Topics

Anything that you've ever had to make a decision about could form the basis of a compare and contrast essay. Here you'll find 101 more ideas that might be explored in a piece of writing meant to find similarities and differences between two things.

30 Analogy Topics

A good analogy can help your readers understand the ways in which two or more vastly dissimilar subjects or concepts are alike. You can think of an analogy like a compare and contrast essay without the contrast (often, two things compared via analogy are naturally contrasted in obvious ways). Consider each of these 30 topics from multiple different perspectives to uncover original analogies of your own.

50 Classification Topics

Are you ready to get organized? If so, you'll probably be applying the principle of classification —perhaps to one of these 50 topics or to a brand new topic of your own.

50 Cause and Effect Topics

Cause and effect composition is an important skill for writers to master if they are to be effective at illustrating important connections. These 50 topic suggestions should get you started thinking about why? and so what?

60 Topics for Developing Extended Definitions

Abstract and/or controversial ideas can often be clarified through extended definitions . The 60 concepts listed here can be defined in various ways and from different points of view, a craft that all writers should hone.

70 Persuasive Essay Topics

These 70 statements may be defended or attacked in an argument essay, also called a persuasive essay. Students are taught to write persuasively as early as second grade, but the ability to craft a well-supported argument takes years to master. Consider what issues really matter to you when deciding on a persuasive essay or speech topic .

• 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
• 67 Causal Essay Topics to Consider
• Practice in Supporting a Topic Sentence with Specific Details
• Topical Organization Essay
• Personal Essay Topics
• Ecology Essay Ideas
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
• List of Topics for How-to Essays
• What Is Expository Writing?
• Cause and Effect Essay Topics
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• Venn Diagrams to Plan Essays and More
• The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

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The Big List of Essay Topics for High School (120+ Ideas!)

Ideas to inspire every young writer!

High school students generally do a lot of writing, learning to use language clearly, concisely, and persuasively. When it’s time to choose an essay topic, though, it’s easy to come up blank. If that’s the case, check out this huge round-up of essay topics for high school. You’ll find choices for every subject and writing style.

• Argumentative Essay Topics
• Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics
• Compare-Contrast Essay Topics
• Descriptive Essay Topics
• Expository and Informative Essay Topics
• Humorous Essay Topics

Literary Essay Topics

• Narrative and Personal Essay Topics
• Personal Essay Topics
• Persuasive Essay Topics

Research Essay Topics

Argumentative essay topics for high school.

When writing an argumentative essay, remember to do the research and lay out the facts clearly. Your goal is not necessarily to persuade someone to agree with you, but to encourage your reader to accept your point of view as valid. Here are some possible argumentative topics to try. ( Here are 100 more compelling argumentative essay topics. )

• The most important challenge our country is currently facing is … (e.g., immigration, gun control, economy)
• The government should provide free internet access for every citizen.
• All drugs should be legalized, regulated, and taxed.
• Vaping is less harmful than smoking tobacco.
• The best country in the world is …
• Parents should be punished for their minor children’s crimes.
• Should all students have the ability to attend college for free?
• Should physical education be part of the standard high school curriculum?

WeAreTeachers

• Schools should require recommended vaccines for all students, with very limited exceptions.
• Is it acceptable to use animals for experiments and research?
• Does social media do more harm than good?
• Capital punishment does/does not deter crime.
• What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?
• Do we really learn anything from history, or does it just repeat itself over and over?
• Are men and women treated equally?

Cause-and-Effect Essay Topics for High School

A cause-and-effect essay is a type of argumentative essay. Your goal is to show how one specific thing directly influences another specific thing. You’ll likely need to do some research to make your point. Here are some ideas for cause-and-effect essays. ( Get a big list of 100 cause-and-effect essay topics here. )

• Humans are causing accelerated climate change.
• Fast-food restaurants have made human health worse over the decades.
• What caused World War II? (Choose any conflict for this one.)
• Describe the effects social media has on young adults.

• How does playing sports affect people?
• What are the effects of loving to read?
• Being an only/oldest/youngest/middle child makes you …
• What effect does violence in movies or video games have on kids?
• Traveling to new places opens people’s minds to new ideas.
• Racism is caused by …

Compare-Contrast Essay Topics for High School

As the name indicates, in compare-and-contrast essays, writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. The following ideas work well for compare-contrast essays. ( Find 80+ compare-contrast essay topics for all ages here. )

• Public and private schools
• Capitalism vs. communism
• Monarchy or democracy
• Dogs vs. cats as pets

• Paper books or e-books
• Two political candidates in a current race
• Going to college vs. starting work full-time
• Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
• iPhone or Android
• Instagram vs. Twitter (or choose any other two social media platforms)

Descriptive Essay Topics for High School

Bring on the adjectives! Descriptive writing is all about creating a rich picture for the reader. Take readers on a journey to far-off places, help them understand an experience, or introduce them to a new person. Remember: Show, don’t tell. These topics make excellent descriptive essays.

• Who is the funniest person you know?
• What is your happiest memory?
• Tell about the most inspirational person in your life.
• Write about your favorite place.
• When you were little, what was your favorite thing to do?
• Choose a piece of art or music and explain how it makes you feel.
• What is your earliest memory?

• What’s the best/worst vacation you’ve ever taken?
• Describe your favorite pet.
• What is the most important item in the world to you?
• Give a tour of your bedroom (or another favorite room in your home).
• Describe yourself to someone who has never met you.
• Lay out your perfect day from start to finish.
• Explain what it’s like to move to a new town or start a new school.
• Tell what it would be like to live on the moon.

Expository and Informative Essay Topics for High School

Expository essays set out clear explanations of a particular topic. You might be defining a word or phrase or explaining how something works. Expository or informative essays are based on facts, and while you might explore different points of view, you won’t necessarily say which one is “better” or “right.” Remember: Expository essays educate the reader. Here are some expository and informative essay topics to explore. ( See 70+ expository and informative essay topics here. )

• What makes a good leader?
• Explain why a given school subject (math, history, science, etc.) is important for students to learn.
• What is the “glass ceiling” and how does it affect society?
• Describe how the internet changed the world.
• What does it mean to be a good teacher?

• Explain how we could colonize the moon or another planet.
• Discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Describe a healthy lifestyle for a teenager.
• Choose an American president and explain how their time in office affected the country.
• What does “financial responsibility” mean?

Humorous Essay Topics for High School

Humorous essays can take on any form, like narrative, persuasive, or expository. You might employ sarcasm or satire, or simply tell a story about a funny person or event. Even though these essay topics are lighthearted, they still take some skill to tackle well. Give these ideas a try.

• What would happen if cats (or any other animal) ruled the world?
• What do newborn babies wish their parents knew?
• Explain the best ways to be annoying on social media.
• Invent a wacky new sport, explain the rules, and describe a game or match.

• Imagine a discussion between two historic figures from very different times, like Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth I.
• Retell a familiar story in tweets or other social media posts.
• Describe present-day Earth from an alien’s point of view.
• Choose a fictional character and explain why they should be the next president.
• Describe a day when kids are in charge of everything, at school and at home.

Literary essays analyze a piece of writing, like a book or a play. In high school, students usually write literary essays about the works they study in class. These literary essay topic ideas focus on books students often read in high school, but many of them can be tweaked to fit other works as well.

• Discuss the portrayal of women in Shakespeare’s Othello .
• Explore the symbolism used in The Scarlet Letter .
• Explain the importance of dreams in Of Mice and Men .
• Compare and contrast the romantic relationships in Pride and Prejudice .

• Dissect the allegory of Animal Farm and its relation to contemporary events.
• Interpret the author’s take on society and class structure in The Great Gatsby .
• Explore the relationship between Hamlet and Ophelia.
• Discuss whether Shakespeare’s portrayal of young love in Romeo and Juliet is accurate.
• Explain the imagery used in Beowulf .

Narrative and Personal Essay Topics for High School

Think of a narrative essay like telling a story. Use some of the same techniques that you would for a descriptive essay, but be sure you have a beginning, middle, and end. A narrative essay doesn’t necessarily need to be personal, but they often are. Take inspiration from these narrative and personal essay topics.

• Describe a performance or sporting event you took part in.
• Explain the process of cooking and eating your favorite meal.
• Write about meeting your best friend for the first time and how your relationship developed.
• Tell about learning to ride a bike or drive a car.
• Describe a time in your life when you’ve been scared.

• Share the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you.
• Tell about a time when you overcame a big challenge.
• Tell the story of how you learned an important life lesson.
• Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced prejudice or oppression.
• Explain a family tradition, how it developed, and its importance today.
• What is your favorite holiday? How does your family celebrate it?
• Retell a familiar story from the point of view of a different character.
• Describe a time when you had to make a difficult decision.
• Tell about your proudest moment.

Persuasive Essay Topics for High School

Persuasive essays are similar to argumentative , but they rely less on facts and more on emotion to sway the reader. It’s important to know your audience, so you can anticipate any counterarguments they might make and try to overcome them. Try these topics to persuade someone to come around to your point of view. ( Discover 60 more intriguing persuasive essay topics here. )

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?
• Everyone should be vegetarian or vegan.
• What animal makes the best pet?
• Visit an animal shelter, choose an animal that needs a home, and write an essay persuading someone to adopt that animal.
• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Should little kids be allowed to play competitive sports?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• The best music genre is …

• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is capitalism the best form of economy?
• Students should/should not be able to use their phones during the school day.
• Should schools have dress codes?
• If I could change one school rule, it would be …
• Is year-round school a good idea?

A research essay is a classic high school assignment. These papers require deep research into primary source documents, with lots of supporting facts and evidence that’s properly cited. Research essays can be in any of the styles shown above. Here are some possible topics, across a variety of subjects.

• Which country’s style of government is best for the people who live there?
• Choose a country and analyze its development from founding to present day.
• Describe the causes and effects of a specific war.
• Formulate an ideal economic plan for our country.
• What scientific discovery has had the biggest impact on life today?

• Analyze the way mental health is viewed and treated in this country.
• Explore the ways systemic racism impacts people in all walks of life.
• Defend the importance of teaching music and the arts in public schools.
• Choose one animal from the endangered species list, and propose a realistic plan to protect it.

What are some of your favorite essay topics for high school? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the ultimate guide to student writing contests .

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A List of Great Personal Essays to Dig Into this Week...

Plus, workshops, open submissions, and more in the announcements section at the bottom....

Welcome to Memoir Land —a newsletter edited by Sari Botton , now featuring four verticals:

Memoir Monday , a weekly curation of the best personal essays from around the web brought to you by  Narratively ,  The Rumpus ,   Granta ,  Guernica , Oldster Magazine ,  Literary Hub , Orion Magazine , The Walrus , and Electric Literature . Below is this week’s curation.

First Person Singular , featuring original personal essays. Recently I published

“ The Roads She’s Traveled ,” by Karen Salyer McElmurray .

The Lit Lab , featuring interviews and essays on craft and publishing. There are also week writing prompts and other exercises from, ahem, a New York Times bestselling ghostwriter of memoirs (that’s me) for paid subscribers . Most recently I posted “ The Prompt-O-Matic #31 ,” “ The Memoir Land Author Questionnaire #36: Heather McCalden ,” and “ The Memoir Land Author Questionnaire #37: Ian Karmel ”

Goodbye to All That , where I’m continuing to explore my fascination with the most wonderful and terrible city in the world, something I began doing with two NYC-centric anthologies, Goodbye to All That , and Never Can Say Goodbye . Recently I reprinted “ Minnesota Nice ” by Cheryl Strayed , which appears in both editions of Goodbye to All That .

Memoir Land is a reader-supported publication that pays contributors for original writing. To support this work, become a paid subscriber.

*Please note: I am no longer posting about these roundups on X/Twitter.*

Essays from partner publications…

Chicken crazy, by thom sliwowski.

“For many years I didn’t eat chicken. My aversion was the visceral reaction to a bad encounter. I remember the event as follows…I am sitting in traffic on the Cross-Bronx Expressway. Alone in my car, I am hungry, or bored, or distracted. The truck in front of me is wide enough to obscure my view. A tarpaulin covers its rear, but it’s not tied down and flaps a little. I fiddle with the radio controls, or my phone, or my pack of cigarettes. Then I see, under the corners of the tarpaulin, the truck is carrying stacks of metal cages.”

The Magic of a Mass Dip in the Nip

By dena levitz.

“As a result, my involvement in that Dip — and two more the following years, including with a close friend who joined me — turned into a celebratory tribute to my mother’s fierce and kindhearted spirit. To me, Strip and Dips offer an unexpectedly vibrant atmosphere in which to have a profound collective experience that feels safe, emotionally layered and — because of all the singing that occurs, the over-the-top costumes people wear and the party vibes — also absurdly jubilant.”

Narratively

The World Wasn’t Made Straight Up and Down

By heather lanier.

“If there is a God who brought all of creation into being, then this God only made the world slanted. And this God brought humans to this slanted world. The justice, I think, is up to us. Maybe this Maker slanted the world so that we have to reach for each other. So that our abundance of tomatoes must be shared. So that we sometimes need, and cannot ever, any of us, go it alone.”

Electric Literature

Regrets, I’ve Had a Few…Or Have I?

By ann hood.

“I am the age my father was when he died—67. A lifetime smoker, lung cancer took him in just five months. I’ve never smoked a cigarette, I walk miles a day, take my vitamins and the occasional Pilates class. In other words, unlike him, I’m pretty healthy. Still, I can’t help thinking about how this was all he got: sixty-seven years. And that leads me to look back at my life, stretching backwards like a map unfolding, rivers of blue lines branching off in different directions. Why had I said yes? Why did I choose that? Why did I stay home? Why did I go there?”

Oldster Magazine

Essays from around the web…

Friends for 16 years. lovers for one night., by elizabeth laura nelson.

“‘I’m such a jerk,’ I said, sobbing. ‘You’re the love of my life, and all this time I’ve been too dumb to know it.’…‘I think things happen the way they’re meant to. Anyway, it wasn’t just you. I was a bit of a player,’ he said, waggling his eyebrows…That night I curled up with him, listening to him breathe. I thought he might be slipping away when he startled awake, dropping a heavy hand on my head.”

Modern Love/NYTimes

The Divorce Tapes

By beth raymer.

“I began to see the Divorce Tapes as an official record that our family had failed my sister. Yet despite how damning and candid this record  felt,  I still couldn’t quite grasp the nature of the offense. Had my family neglected a duty? Was it psychological abuse? In my mind, it seemed like Colleen had been abandoned. Maybe, when presented with the evidence, my mother would finally be swayed to have an honest conversation about the rape. It was something that Colleen felt she had asked her for many times, but it had gotten her nowhere. And as the ghost in the family, I had contributed to her isolation.”

The Cut/NYMag

He Doesn’t Linger: Processing the Trauma of Black Lives 

By regina cash-clark.

“How do you explain to others that in our community there is multi-generational trauma that lives in our bones, lives in the desecrated names we refuse to forget? There is a lasting trauma in senseless death and murder, a communal grief that has followed us from the watery graves sunken beneath abandoned slave ships to the trees that held the battered and “strange fruit” of our ancestors. And those deaths continue.”

Raising Mothers

Stress Position

By deirdre sugiuchi.

“My second night at reform school, after we finished washing dishes, the housefather told us to line up by rank— the nine of us girls were organized in levels according to our compliance. The schedule said after dinner we’d have free time. I was looking forward to journaling. I wanted to make sense of my new world on paper, but instead the housefather told the high rankers they could have free time. He told the mid-rankers to scrub floors. ‘Low rankers,’ he said, ‘Come with me.’”

Action, Spectacle

Reading My Mother

By pamela gwyn kripke.

“As children, we know that our parents will miss a lot when they're gone. We just hope they don't leave before the good parts. My father never met my daughters. And now this, another milestone.”

For Caregivers, a Friend Who ‘Gets It’ Can Be a Lifeline

By abby alten schwartz.

“Within our friendship bubble, we can parade our neuroses and relieve our stress with gallows humor — unfiltered, unashamed. What we provide each other is as vital as breath.”

Washington Post

Two Tin Trunks

By liesl schwabe.

“I was a white, American professor on a Fulbright in Kolkata, and ‘teaching writing’ is a messy exchange in any context, especially in twenty-first-century India, where English is widely considered a class as much as a language. This was also Presidency University, formerly Hindu College, founded in 1817, and an elite, English-medium institution originally established exclusively for upper-caste Bengali men. At Presidency, we were inheriting and perpetuating all sorts of historic complexities. But despite what I hoped was my sensitivity toward the potentially thorny dynamics at play, I also didn’t expect for concrete nouns to become a flashpoint.”

World Literature Today

And These Too Are Defensive Wounds

By erin mcreynolds.

“‘I’m not here to change your mind,’ he says. ‘Some victims’ families don’t want the offender to stay in prison, for some of the reasons you outlined in your statement. Some people even choose to work with or counsel the offender. It’s, like, a way for them to heal and find peace.’..I cringe. This was the exact fantasy I used to entertain after it happened: Maynard and I would begin writing to each other, healing together as only the two people closest to a crime victim could.”

After a Splashy Book Deal, I Got Dropped By My Publisher, But I Kept On Writing

By rob hart.

“That’s the thing I’m not supposed to say. Because it conveys weakness. It’s an admission that my sales track isn’t where it should be. That there are cracks in the carefully-constructed facade. I told this tale of woe to writer friends, at conventions and book release parties, and they were shocked…Optics are funny like that. Everything around the books looked so splashy that success was assumed. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been introduced as an award-winning, bestselling author. Neither of those things were true.”

Open Secrets Magazine

My Child’s “Possession”

By alicia garceau.

“Her voice, normally lilting and punctuated with laughter, turned flat and devoid of emotion. Her speech, previously precocious, became nonsensical words strung together. Then she fell completely silent, sitting in strange positions with her dark, vacant eyes fixed on a faraway point. One day, after I hadn’t heard her voice for some time, Rory turned her head slowly, looked at me intently, and said, ‘Mama, can you turn off the TV? It’s telling me to die.’ Chilled to my core, I snapped off the cartoons and held her tightly in my arms.”

🚨Announcements:

📢 electric literature is accepting applications for its first-ever writing workshop, led by executive director and founding editor of recommended reading halimah marcus..

This intimate six-week workshop will be held from 6 – 8 PM on Tuesdays beginning November 12 through December 17, 2024 in Kingston, NY . The cohort is limited to 12 participants, with two writers workshopped per class (each student will be workshopped once). The class will also discuss a selection of iconic and influential short stories, as time allows. Tuition: $625. (Electric Literature members receive a 5% discount.)

Learn More/Apply

📢 Writing With Your Ancestors: A New Narratively Academy Class with Kerra Bolton

Starting next Monday, September 23 at Narratively Academy, Kerra Bolton's Writing With Your Ancestors is an intensive five-week workshop class that combines practical family history research tips with guidance for navigating the emotional and cultural impact of connecting with your heritage.

Learn More/Sign Up

📢 Raising Mothers is open for submissions!

Raising Mothers publishes experimental and traditional fiction, micro and flash, creative nonfiction, interviews, book reviews, photo essays, and comic/graphic narratives written exclusively by the global majority. We are particularly interested in unique column pitches, serialized fiction and our Books on Books section. 

Learn More/Submit

📢 New Writing Classes from Literary Liberation

Literary Liberation has announced their final three workshops for 2024. On Sunday, September 29, Natasha Thomas will lead  Women, Writing & Resistance —a three week course where you will explore the literary works of influential figures such as Audre Lorde, bell hooks, Alice Walker, and others, understanding how these writers used writing as a tool for societal change and liberation. For more information on our courses, visit our  workshop calendar . 

Literary Liberation Workshop Calendar

📢 Attention Publications and writers interested in having published essays considered for inclusion in our weekly curation:

By Thursday of each week, please send to [email protected]:

The title of the essay and a link to it.

The name of the author, and the author’s Twitter handle. Nope…not doing Twitter anymore! Read and share the newsletter to find out/spread the word about whose pieces are featured.

A paragraph or a few lines from the piece that will most entice readers.

Please be advised that we cannot accept all submissions, nor respond to the overwhelming number of emails received. Also, please note that we don’t accept author submissions from our partner publications.

Discussion about this post

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50 The Chrysanthemums Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on the chrysanthemums, 🎓 most interesting the chrysanthemums research titles, 💡 simple the chrysanthemums essay ideas.

• Symbolism in Steinbeck’s Story “The Chrysanthemums”
• Gender in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
• Social, Economic, and Cultural Values in Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• Allegory and Symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums” and “The Yellow Wallpaper”
• Symbolism in Steinbeck’s The Chrysanthemums
• The Chrysanthemums Short Story Analysis
• Symbolism in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
• “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
• Gender Attitudes in Steinbeck’s Chrysanthemums
• Organizational and Gendered Imagery in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• Exploring the Tone of John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• Steinbeck’s Engagement With Public Issues in “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Lost Dream of Sex and Childbirth in “The Chrysanthemums”
• An Analysis of “The Chrysanthemums” From the Perspective of Archetypal Criticism
• Intrinsic Elements in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Portrayal of Female Character in “The Chrysanthemums”: A Stylistic Analysis
• Elisa Allen as a Complex Character in “The Chrysanthemums”
• Repressed Desire in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Marriage of Hysteria and Feminism in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• “The Chrysanthemums”: A Study of a Woman’s Sexuality
• Steinbeck’s Strong Women: Feminine Identity in “The Chrysanthemums”
• Sexual Imagery in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• 20th-Century Countrywoman in Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”: A Sociocultural Study of Oppression
• An Eco-Feminist Study of Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Failure of Women’s Spiritual Pursuit in “The Chrysanthemums” From the Economic Independence Standpoint
• An Analysis of Mind Style in the Short Story “The Chrysanthemums”
• On the Artistic Functions of the Garden Images in “The Chrysanthemums”
• Historical Context and Background of John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• Point of View in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
• John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”: A Woman Bound by Society
• Sense of Betrayal and Suppression in Elisa Allen in Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• Characterization in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Role and Foreshadowing Function of the Setting in “The Chrysanthemums”
• Literary Devices John Steinbeck Uses in “The Chrysanthemums”
• A Woman’s Conflicting Dream: Contrasting Descriptions of “The Chrysanthemums”
• Dramatic Elements in Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Theme and Central Idea of “The Chrysanthemums”
• Gender Roles and Marriage in “The Chrysanthemums” by John Steinbeck
• Analyzing the Primary Source of Irony in “The Chrysanthemums”
• Symbolism and Its Effects in John Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums” as an Example of Naturalism
• The Chrysanthemums and Their Representation of Elisa Allen’s Personality in “The Chrysanthemums”
• Identifying Metaphors and Hyperbole in “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Influence of the Salinas Valley Setting on “The Chrysanthemums”
• Attention Leads to Confidence as Depicted in “The Chrysanthemums”
• Elisa’s Strengths and Weaknesses in “The Chrysanthemums”
• “The Chrysanthemums” and Its Portrayal of Women’s Roles and Rights as Compared to Men
• Analyzing the Use of Literary Devices in “The Chrysanthemums” by Steinbeck
• Deception & Authenticity Theme in Steinbeck’s “The Chrysanthemums”
• The Symbolism of Scissors Throughout “The Chrysanthemums” Short Story

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StudyCorgi. (2024, September 9). 50 The Chrysanthemums Essay Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-chrysanthemums-essay-topics/

"50 The Chrysanthemums Essay Topics." StudyCorgi , 9 Sept. 2024, studycorgi.com/ideas/the-chrysanthemums-essay-topics/.

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StudyCorgi . "50 The Chrysanthemums Essay Topics." September 9, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-chrysanthemums-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2024. "50 The Chrysanthemums Essay Topics." September 9, 2024. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/the-chrysanthemums-essay-topics/.

These essay examples and topics on The Chrysanthemums 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 September 16, 2024 .

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Talking to Science Deniers: Critical Writing Program Fall 2024: Researching the Op-Ed

• Getting started
• News and Opinion Sites
• Academic Sources
• Grey Literature
• Substantive News Sources
• What to Do When You Are Stuck
• Understanding a citation
• Examples of Quotation
• Examples of Paraphrase
• Chicago Manual of Style: Citing Images

Researching the Op-Ed

• Researching Prospective Employers
• Resume Resources
• Cover Letter Resources

Many of the same research techniques you learned during the white paper can be applied to your op-ed research (e.g., finding images, searching news articles, ethical treatment of sources).  To get started, you will want to search for a publication that features Op-Eds and that would have an interest in your topic.  As a college student, you are likely to find your local newspaper receptive to publishing an Op-Ed by you, because they are eager to present the views of younger writers and to attract a younger, college-educated market. However, if you wish to publish your views in your hometown paper, you will need to make your topic relevant to hometown readers, as we’ll discuss in the next section.   

• To find your hometown newspaper information, visit ProQuest News & Newspaper - Go to "Advanced Search" located above the search box; enter your hometown and into the search box; under "Document type," select "Editorial" and click on the "Search" button to see your results. 

ReThink Media - A Millennial Guide Companion: Where to Pitch your Op-Ed 

Move-On - How to Place an Op-Ed in your Local Newspaper

The OpEdProject - Submission Guidelines for Online and Print Publications

The WriteLife - 22 Websites and Magazines That Want to Publish Your Personal Essay

You can also find publications that feature Op-Eds by typing “Op-Ed and (your topic) into the search box of Google.  This will provide you with a range of publications that have already focused on your or a related topic.

Finding Op-Eds; Analyzing the Publication’s Genre

Once you have identified a venue, it’s important to see if they have already published Op-Eds on your intended topic or a related topic. For example, let’s say you wish to publish an Op-Ed on the housing shortage. You search your target publication to see if they have written other Op-Eds on the housing shortage, rental shortage, housing affordability, and related kinds of Op-Eds. This will tell you if they are receptive to your topic, and also tell you if what you wish to write about has already been covered by this publication. If so, you will either need to move on or take a different angle. As you peruse the history of their prior editorials on your topic, you will also get a feel for whether they will only publish a certain viewpoint (say, conservative or liberal, teens or seniors, and so forth). Whenever you encounter a new genre, it’s important to do a genre analysis. As a professional writer (one who is publishing Op-Eds, in this case) you should be sure to research your target publication before pitching an editorial to them.  Individual newspapers and other publications often have a very distinct style and set of conventions.    Along with the search tools mentioned above, you can also search for Op-Eds using the following databases: 

• Academic Search Premier (EBSCO) or Business Source Complete (EBSCO)  - Enter your term(s) into the search box; in the "Document Type" box, select "Editorial;" click on the "Search" button at the bottom of the page to see your results. 
• Nexis Uni  - To the left of the large search box, click on the " All Nexis Uni " dropdown. Select " News ," and under " Article Type ," check the box next to "Editorials & Opinions;" enter your search terms into the search box and click on the magnifying lens to the right to see your results.   
• Factiva  - Under the "Free Text Search" box, click on the "Subject" arrow; click on the + sign next to "Content Types," then click on the word "Editorial," which will highlight it in yellow; enter your term(s) into the "Free Text Search" box; adjust the "Date" under the "Free Search Box;" scroll down and click on the arrow next to "More Options," and select “Headline and Lead Paragraph” from the drop down menu labeled "Search for free-text terms in" so that you get better, more relevant results; click on the "Search" button to see your results. 

Linking Current News to Your Op-Ed Topic

Editors of Op-Eds generally prefer that your editorial is linked to current news, particularly in their market.  For example, the Philadelphia Inquirer will favor Op-Eds that are discussing matters of direct interest to Philadelphians, and will welcome it if you have links in your Op-Ed to other stories or Op-Eds the Inquirer has published. If you are writing about a topic that is of interest to your selected venue’s readership, but its not linked to current news or to the venue, do your best to emphasize its relevance to the venue’s readership. Use the tools above, and the search box of your target publication, to see if there are any news stories related to your topic.

Where to Send your Pitch and Op-Ed

Once you settle on your intended publication, use their search box to find their “submission guidelines.”  For example, here is the link to The Philadelphia Inquirer - Opinion Submission Guidelines: Op-Eds, Commentary and Letters to the Editor

Typically if you cannot find a “submission guidelines” link for a newspaper, you will likely find that information on the paper’s Op-Ed Page. The same is true for most online publications. If you cannot find submission guidelines, look for the "Contact Us" section of their website, which is where they sometimes list the submission guidelines. If not, send an email to the person listed as the editor of the Op-Ed, editorial, or opinion page. Failing that, send an inquiry to whomever seems to be the most logical choice for advising you of where to send an Op-Ed.

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• Next: Researching the Job Letter >>
• Last Updated: Sep 16, 2024 8:46 AM
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Credit: Edmon de Haro

Writing within prison walls

Johns hopkins houses the country's largest digital collection of writings by incarcerated people. can their powerful words elicit change.

By Allen Arthur

A s a kid, Levert Brookshire III remembers running away from his father's house. After his parents separated when he was 7, he split his time between them. But around 11 years old, he began sneaking off to see his mother, with whom he had a deep connection, to escape his father's rigidity. Now in his 50s, Brookshire still describes himself as a mama's boy.

"It's always been that way," he laughs.

His desire to make her proud endures. But it was during that time, bouncing between households, when Brookshire got involved in the streets around San Bernardino and Los Angeles. He wasn't committed to the lifestyle at first, he says. Instead, he was drawn to the persona. He possessed a dangerously common mix of qualities he still sees in youth who grow up in low-income, low-opportunity environments—a lack of hope, a deep yearning for approval, and no belief they can succeed in anything else. That blend, he says, convinces many to "play gangsters" whether they want to or not.

"You don't have much of an identity to cling to," Brookshire says. "You really don't have nothing to be proud of. And so, the gangster life, it becomes what you hear at the dinner table, with your parents, teachers at school. Everyone knows the bad guys in the neighborhood. Everyone's fascinated by that."

Brookshire's path dead-ended in an Arizona prison. In his cell, he looked back on what he'd hoped his life would be—and grew suicidal. The sense that he'd disappointed his mother, now much older and living on disability, felt too heavy to bear. So he began penning a goodbye to her.

His plan never came to pass, in part because he couldn't stop writing. He estimates the letter ended up running more than 30 pages. In what was supposed to be his suicide note were his life's hopes and regrets, released on the page as he faced down decades of incarceration. He also began writing about his life after prison.

He didn't know it at the time, but his writing would connect him to that future, beginning his journey of laying out a detailed post-release plan that he follows to this day. Anyone can read some of them: More than 40 of his letters and essays live in the American Prison Writing Archive .

Now housed at Johns Hopkins University, the digital archive hosts nearly 4,000 pieces, each submitted by an incarcerated writer. It offers an unfiltered glimpse into the massive and troubled United States prison system, one that prison corrections departments often work diligently to keep from public view. And while such a collection might sound dispiriting, the writings showcase a panorama of human feeling and complexity—the misery of watching one's individuality deteriorate, the joy of creating theatrical productions, the strangeness of Sarah Palin making a prison visit—much of which is missing from common media narratives about prison.

"There's a body of expertise and beauty and creativity and ways that people are able to be keen observers," says Vesla Weaver , a professor of political science and sociology at Johns Hopkins and the archive's director. "They have unmatched insights into the world because they've lived at the receiving end of institutions that often fail them and have had to build from within those crevices ideas, aspirations, new ways of surviving, ways of giving back to one another."

Used by researchers, educators, advocates, and anyone interested in learning the realities of prison, the archive offers a home for those who rarely have a chance to express themselves to be valued and—ideally—understood. The writing serves as prison oversight and human insight, a window into the system and the souls.

"I literally shed tears when I first saw my writings inside [the archive]," Brookshire says. "The only way I can describe it is 'humility' because I know the person I was, and I know where I was at when I wrote those exact words."

T he archive's creation began in 2006, when educator and author Doran Larson started a writer's workshop in Attica, the infamous upstate New York prison. Though men often came and went from the writer's group because of releases, transfers, or disciplinary problems, Larson remembers "a core of about seven or eight men that kept coming back."

"And that's really what kept me coming back: their consistency and dedication to the work," he recalls.

Exposed to these deeply emotional and creative works, Larson crafted an undergraduate course on American prison writing at Hamilton University, where he's a professor of literature and creative writing. During summers spent reading at the Library of Congress, he found little reflecting present-day prison life.

"The textbook I wanted to use basically didn't exist," Larson says.

Bereft of options but convinced of the quality of the work, Larson put out a call in 2012 for writing submissions through Prison Legal News , a publication distributed inside. He received 154, turning more than 70 of them into the book Fourth City: Essays From the Prison in America (Michigan State University Press, 2014).

The book's release didn't stop the submissions. Around half a dozen arrived each week, creating what Larson describes as "an ethical problem": a growing collection of writings with nowhere to put them.

"People would put in their cover letter: 'I know the deadline's passed. I know you're not going to be able to publish this. I just want someone to hear my story.'"

From these submissions, the American Prison Writing Archive began. Initially hosted at Hamilton, the project survived for years with a small staff and a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities . As the archive grew, it became clear that while Hamilton valued the project, the liberal arts school simply didn't have the resources to keep it going.

Larson began searching for other possibilities. Around this time, colleagues of Larson's received a grant from the Mellon Foundation to launch a digital humanities project. Armed with both funding and a thriving archive, he just needed an institutional partner.

Enter Vesla Weaver.

F or years, Weaver had studied prisons as an essential space for understanding U.S. democracy. Despite being taught politics that valued freedom, Weaver saw a huge portion of the country facing intense repression.

"The lived experience of the people I was talking to basically had no resemblance to the things that were being taught in American politics textbooks," Weaver remembers. "And at that time there wasn't even a mention of incarceration or prisons as a crucial site of the deployment of state power."

The two academics paired up, with Larson as the program executive, Weaver as the director, and Johns Hopkins as the new home.

JHU now hosts a one-of-a-kind collection, "a living archive" as Larson calls it, which gathers work not easily accessed. But its value runs deeper than that. Exploring the array of entries—essays, cultural criticism, poetry, and more—exposes one to an incredible breadth of experiences and emotions not often seen in portrayals of prison.

"I wish you could see into the hearts of these actors and poets," Beverly Jaynes wrote in 2017 of theater and poetry classes she took inside the women's prison in Vandalia, Missouri, "to see their gained self-confidence from meeting challenges and reaching goals, to see their joy in understanding their ability to take direction with self-discipline, to see their bonding and how far they've come together in personal growth."

In "Federal Felines," from 1993, the archive's oldest piece, writer John L. Orr chronicles a tense stare-down with another prison resident at the Federal Correctional Institution Terminal Island, a low-security prison sticking out into the Los Angeles harbor. That resident, it turns out, is a cat, and the rest of the story unfolds as Orr's tender reflection on the surprising fulfillment of caregiving and the meaning found in moments free from society's labels.

"The nursery became a refuge for me," Orr writes of the cats' makeshift home. "An island on an island, and l retreated to its confines every chance I got: writing letters, reading, and just to escape the desolation of the general population. Slowly the kittens accepted me and occasionally used my legs as scratching posts if I didn't flinch. I guess I was part of their playground."

Many of the reflections in the archive grapple with the full complexity of incarceration, with dozens of writers pointing out the absurdity of violent, destructive institutions advertised as spaces for personal growth and reform.

Writing from the notoriously violent Alabama prison system, Donald D. Hairgrove in a "A Single Unheard Voice" broke down the miseries the system inflicts—from violent officers to deprivation of contact—while presenting it to the taxpaying public as a place for people to change.

"Far from rehabilitating or 'correcting' past errors, it constitutes a setting that helps drive people to anger, frustration, and despair," Hairgrove wrote in 2015.

At the same time, writers wrestle with their own mindsets, investigating themselves and their behaviors.

"Through Zen Buddhist meditation and contemplation," writes Diana W. in an essay from an Alaskan prison , "I have learned about myself—all the ugly, dark, and scary stuff: the fear, self-pity, anger, and deep sadness; and, surprisingly, some good stuff too: a sense of humor, intelligence, compassion, and true remorse."

Brookshire himself embodies this experience, writing about society's vicious treatment of the poor and mentally ill in one passage, then saying he deserved consequences for his behavior soon after. Yet he, like many incarcerated people, says that none of what he needed for meaningful change could be found inside.

"It's not an environment for learning," Brookshire says, "It's not an environment for teaching, and it's not an environment for growing. You have to make it an environment for growing."

That tension—between understanding the need for rehabilitation and experiencing its near impossibility inside—is perhaps best encapsulated by Chanell Burnette.

"I am simply a human being who has made a very costly mistake," she wrote from Virginia in 2019 , "and am making the best effort to understand why we all do the things that we do … and also a desperate attempt to open the eyes of those in charge of passing judgment on us."

I f there's a throughline in the archive, it's a powerful desire to be viewed as human. Piece after piece beckons the reader to understand incarcerated people as people, complete with the same talents, desires, and flaws as everyone else. This acceptance, many pieces assert, would make the public's faith in punishment much harder to sustain.

That punishment extends to prison communication itself. Ostensibly to prevent contraband from entering facilities, prisons and jails have increasingly adopted mail scanning: a process by which the system itself or a third-party contractor digitizes mail and sends it to the incarcerated person, often completely disposing of the original paper copy. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, at least 14 states deployed the practice between 2017 and 2022 alone. The federal system and many local jails have done the same.

This crackdown extends to reading as well, with many facilities prohibiting books sent by anyone other than approved vendors, or banning books entirely. PEN America , a nonprofit supporting free expression, analyzed the 28 states reporting information on banned books and found more than 22,000 titles banned in Florida's prisons and more than 10,000 in Texas '. These restrictions are growing more common, decreasing the ability of incarcerated people to communicate with loved ones, limiting their options for positive forms of expression, and cracking down on a key method of prison oversight.

"It's all part of cost-cutting and efficiency," says Yukari Kane, co-founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief of the Prison Journalism Project . "I think part of the impetus for that was the labor shortage [in prisons] after the pandemic. And as they've done that, they've realized that doing that allows them to control information a lot more."

The Prison Journalism Project was also inspired in part by the pandemic. Kane and PJP co-founder Shaheen Pasha were teaching journalism in prisons. When prisons and jails cut off visitation at the dawn of the pandemic, information from inside became even more scarce, all while the virus and staffing issues were decimating facilities.

PJP's newspaper and the stories it helped place in other outlets became one of the few ways the outside world learned of the devastating effects of COVID-19 on prisons.

Like many with incarcerated loved ones, Mc­kenna Deluca sees access to literature inside mingling the political and personal. As co-director of the Claremont Forum's Prison Library Project , she helps ship thousands of books each month to incarcerated people and sees firsthand the power of creativity inside.

"My dad was incarcerated when I was in high school," Deluca says. "He's since passed away, so I'm kind of doing this in memory of him. But also, when he was incarcerated and got out, he kept saying [he'd] not gotten involved with gangs or any other kind of malicious activity because he was reading all the time."

Increasing opportunities for education and expression are how society shows the people inside we still care, she says.

Even when those inside can find time and space to consume or create literature, its survival is not guaranteed.

Brookshire remembers "meticulously" writing pages and pages of deeply important thoughts, only to have them destroyed during a confrontation or a move.

"Sometimes we've had people send us a 200-page manuscript, and they say, 'I know that you may not be able to take this. Please don't send it back. It'll get destroyed,'" Weaver says.

Bringing visibility, security, and respect to prison writings is a primary goal of both Weaver and Larson. For Larson, the American Prison Writing Archive represents a sharp turn from seeing incarcerated people as problems to seeing them as a vast resource of creativity and experience, able to help society answer difficult questions.

"What the archive is seeking to do is to turn that around and say, This is a pool of incredible human resources for understanding not only the criminal legal system but literally every factor that leads people into this system," Larson says.

For Weaver, it's a way for the country to look at itself, to question rigorously whether we live up to our ideals.

"We'll be able to have a collective testimonial account that wasn't focused on one prison. It was a mass of writing that is better than any social survey poll of incarcerated people. I mean, the power of the archive is that," she says. "We don't tell people what to write about or what to say. And yet, through their writings, we have amassed an incredible documentary evidence base."

That sense of treating incarcerated people inside as unique personalities, rather than as a monolith, infuses Deluca's ambitions, too. She's seen change come about when "we looked at this one individual—if we could change this person's life and they could change that person's life—more on a one-on-one basis, instead of a collective 'you' or 'other.'"

If the crackdowns on prison communication make prison seem even more isolated, they also make the archive and other endeavors to give prison writers outlets that much more valuable. The archive is part of a small but notable boom within prison journalism and writing, with new organizations, such as PJP and Empowerment Avenue , training and publishing prison journalists. Outlets like Prism and The Appeal also offer publishing opportunities. The Marshall Project launched News Inside , a free publication for incarcerated people, and recently prison newspapers have started growing again.

Still, the challenges seem to grow as the archive does.

A team of eight now runs the American Prison Writing Archive, opening about 700 submissions per month and responding to each. Together, they navigate thorny ethical questions.

"What happens when a journalist comes along and wants to republish some of the work and the person has died?" Weaver asks. "Or they're transferred to the prison hospital because they've been beaten up or neglected, or we can't get back in touch with them for whatever reason? What happens when what they write could expose them to further retaliation and violence?"

Larson and Weaver both teach with the archive. For those inside, its value keeps revealing itself to new writers.

What Brookshire wrote continues to guide his life, starting all the way back to the letter to his mother. Together, his writings collectively chronicle his new understanding of society and the "elaborate charade of the so-called gangsta's code." And across nearly four dozen pieces, he painstakingly plans his life after prison. Slowly, the obstacles before him seem more solvable. Possibilities inch closer.

For the American Prison Writing Archive, a 'shadow canon' sheds light

The american prison writing archive moves to baltimore, larson publishes new book on american prison system.

Now a peer support specialist with Community Bridges , a nonprofit in Arizona, Brookshire hopes those who discover the archive will see what he calls the "absurdity" of prison but also the power of providing people inside with an opportunity.

"It gives life. That's life for people who are in a dark place," he says of being in the archive. "Just know [the writers] are sitting in a room where they're supposed to be depressed, where they're supposed to be downtrodden, where they're supposed to be melancholy. But yet that beautiful creation came from their head through their arms through the tip of their pen onto that paper. And that's what you read. And that's beautiful to me."

Larson and Weaver say the archive doesn't need a hard sell. Just give it a try, and you'll understand why it's needed. "I tell my students: It's like walking into a dark room that's full of furniture, and you have to arrange the furniture," Larson says. "But first you're going to have to bruise your knees badly by just running into it. … When they go into the archive, they're getting their moral compasses so thrown off balance because it just doesn't fit the world that they believed they operated in."

The archive also represents a microcosm of the country: birth and death, meeting and parting, violence and redemption, labor and segregation, attempts at change both successful and thwarted.

"It's so much more than just, 'This is the injustice of these institutions,'" Weaver says. "It's people who have seen a range of failures, even before they got to prison. So to me, it's a story of America—all wrapped up in this one place." For others, it's something they carry with them.

"I know that [my plan] would always slip my mind if I didn't have it written down," Brookshire says. "If I forget, I could look at my master plan. It'll always be posted in that archive. And I'm literally living it. Now I'm just living what I wrote."

Allen Arthur is a freelance journalist working predominantly with people who have been incarcerated.

Posted in Politics+Society

Tagged writing , prison-industrial complex , incarceration , prison reform

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