Argumentative Research Paper Topics & Writing Examples

Writing an argumentative research paper is an assignment that is likely to be given in high schools, colleges and universities. This type of research paper requires the student to pick one side of an argument or controversy and defend it against opposing views.

A basic argumentative research paper or argumentative essay will require you to:

Show total understanding of the topic.
Take a stand on an issue and defend it.
Carry our extensive research on the topic before writing.
Use facts and evidence from research.
Organize your arguments well.
Format the paper as per the requirements.

Writing an argumentative research paper is not easy. It requires students to do a lot of specific and focused research on their topic before they can begin writing the paper. They will need to learn how to differentiate between primary and secondary sources of information. Primary sources are those that were written at the time or shortly after a particular event occurred, such as court records from a certain era. Secondary sources of information are those which comment on or interpret primary resources, such as biographies of people who lived during a certain time in history.

How to write an argumentative research paper on any topic

Writing an argumentative research paper can be an extremely valuable learning experience for students. It teaches students to take a stand on an issue, but also to back up their views with facts and evidence that is specific, relevant and accurate. With this type of essay writing comes the possibility that the student may actually change their mind about an issue, based on the research they have done. This is why it is important for students to approach this type of writing assignment with an open mind and a willingness to see both sides of the argument even if their personal opinion might be different from what they uncover in their research.

These are steps to write an argumentative research paper on any topic:

Step 1: Choose a topic and brainstorm

Picking a topic for your argumentative research paper can be very difficult. For many students, choosing an argument topic is the most challenging part of this process. A good way to make the decision easier is to brainstorm with like minded classmates or friends to find one you all agree on. Also, go back through your notes from your previous classes and see if any new ideas for argumentative paper topics come up. You can also try to use a quote from the text book of one of your class lectures as inspiration to write an essay on that subject.

Step 2: Decide on a thesis statement

After you have decided on a topic, it is time to develop a thesis statement. A thesis statement is the central argument, or main idea of your research paper. It will consist of a topic and one or more reasons to support that topic. For example:

“Slavery was wrong because it violated the rights promised in the Declaration of Independence.”

In this instance, the topic would be slavery, and reason would be that it violates the rights promised in the Declaration of Independence.

Step 3: Organize your ideas

Now that you have a topic and a thesis statement, it is time to start organizing your ideas. The best way to create a foundation for your argumentative research paper is to make an outline. Most instructors will use the same formatting for their outlines, to make this easier for you.

The basic argumentative research paper outline should include the following:

Title
Introduction (with thesis)
Primary argument with sub-arguments listed under it
Secondary argument with sub-arguments listed under it
Concluding statement

The information you put in your argumentative research paper outline needs to come from the books, articles or other sources that you will be using for research.

Step 4: Do the research

Now that you have a central idea and a general direction in which to take your argumentative research paper, it is time to start finding information. For this part of the process, there are two types of sources you can use: primary and secondary. These sources should help you see both sides of the argument.

Primary sources are based on firsthand accounts, such as an eye witness describing what he or she saw at a certain time and place. This person would have no ulterior motive, unlike someone else reporting on the events later. Books written by experts in their field can also be primary sources, since they are based on personal research and experience.

Secondary sources, on the other hand, are written by people who did not witness the events themselves. They include newspaper or magazine articles, books written about a certain topic, or websites created by other individuals to report on something they saw or experienced.

When doing your argumentative research paper , it is important that you look at both types of sources. This way, you can find out what others are saying about your topic and see how they support their arguments.

Step 5: Write your argumentative research paper

The final step in writing an effective argumentative research paper is to actually put it all together. This involves several different elements that need to be included. Make sure to include your thesis statement early on, in the introduction.

The body of your argumentative research paper should consist of several paragraphs. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that clearly states what it is about and then use an explanation or example to back up the main idea. The typical number of sentences for each paragraph will vary by topic, but generally will fall somewhere between five and eight sentences.

After the body paragraphs, end your argumentative research paper with a strong conclusion that restates your main idea. If you write about why something is true or false, be sure to include at least one example of what you are referring to. This can help strengthen your argument more than simply stating your opinion.

Step 6: Proofreading and editing

Once you have finished writing, it is time to edit your argumentative research paper . You should check for punctuation errors and typos in the body of your paper. If you are not 100% confident in the statements you made, look up information that would prove or disprove them to further strengthen your argument.

When you are finished editing, your argumentative research paper will be ready for submission.

Step 7: Turn in your argumentative research paper

After you have written and edited your argumentative research paper , it is important to turn it in on time. This allows the instructor or professor to grade your work and return it to you so that you can make any necessary changes. It also helps you to see where you need improvement before submitting your final argumentative essay. Make sure that you include all of the required components, including an introduction with a thesis statement, subtopics listed in the body of the paper and a conclusion at the end.

If you follow these steps when writing your argumentative research paper, you will have an easier time working on it. You may also have a better understanding of the main ideas, which can help you to form your own opinions better. When writing an argumentative research paper, it is important to include both sides of the topic in order to provide more information for your reader. Doing so can help you to come up with your own conclusion based on the facts, rather than simply following what someone else thinks.

Finding and choosing argumentative research paper topics

Wondering how to choose a good argumentative research topic for your college paper?

Here are a few tips that will help you find great and interesting argumentative research paper topics:

Determine what type of argumentative research paper you would like to write.
Brainstorm for good ideas.
Choose a topic that is easy to research. This will make the writing process easier for you.
Know your audience and choose a topic that everyone will have an opinion about.
A good argumentative research paper topic is simple and easy to understand. Try to pick a topic that people can relate to and understand.
Make sure your topic isn’t too short or too broad. Your paper should have enough information to fill at least three pages.

Let us now review some great argumentative research paper topics on various topic.

Argumentative research paper topics about art

Here is a list of argumentative research paper topics about art to write about in your art argumentative research paper.

What is the role of artists in society?
How do people define art?
What makes art different from craft?
What are the modern trends in art?
How has society changed the way artists think?
What are the different types of art that you can find today?
Why do we need art?
Is art important in our lives?
Is there a difference between fine arts and visual arts?
Why is music considered to be an art form and not a science?
What role does the artist play in society today?
Should current artists follow in the footsteps of their predecessors or break out from the past and create new works that reflect contemporary times?
How do you define art, craft, or both?
How has society changed how artists think about creating art pieces over time (i.e., past vs present)?
What makes music an art note: i.e., different from other types of music) as opposed to a science (e.g., physics)?
What is the relationship between art and our world?
What role does art play in civilization today?
How has society’s view of art evolved over time (i.e., past vs present)?
Art has been one of the oldest forms of expression for years. The question is, ‘Is it still relevant today?”
How would you define what makes a piece of artwork fine art as opposed to craft?
Do paintings have an intrinsic value or are they just pieces of canvas with paint on them?
Why do we need artists in our culture today?
Are images more powerful than words? If so, why? What differences can you find between text-based media and image-based media that explains this argument?

Argumentative research paper topics about the holocaust

When writing an argumentative paper about the Holocaust, you need to identify good holocaust argumentative research paper topics in order to create a well-educated and informative paper. Addressing the Holocaust in your research can be an emotional experience for some, but thesis writing need not be sensational. In fact, many writers find that creating a thesis with balance and thoughtfulness is one of the best ways to express their feelings about the holocaust without getting too carried away with emotion.

Here is a list of great holocaust argumentative research paper topics:

The Holocaust as a human behavior.
A comparison of the killing methods used during the holocaust and those used in current wars.
How can countries prevent future holocausts from occurring?
A discussion of the reasons why some nations deny that the Holocaust occurred while others believe it is an undeniable fact.
Can you compare some historical genocides to what happened during WWII?
What was the role of the Jewish people during WWII?
The impact that current perceptions of Hitler and Nazi Germany have on modern politics.
Why did some organizations such as the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum choose to show harrowing scenes while others chose scenes where survivors tried to lighten their moods.
How can we preserve historical records so that future generations will know what occurred during this dark period in human history.
The differences between the US and German people during WWII.
Why did some Germans willingly participated in Nazi Germany while others did not?
How can we learn holocaust mistakes and prevent them from reoccurring in the future?
What was the responsibility of other countries such as France, Poland, and Russia for allowing concentration camps to exist?
Why has it taken over 70 years for historians to finally agree on what actually occurred during this time period?
Which methods do you think will be used next time a dictator tries to exterminate a certain population of people.
How have survivors tried to cope with their experiences after being released from the camps?
Was it necessary for Hitler to kill all Jews using a method that prolonged pain and suffering or could he have used another method to quickly and efficiently kill all the Jews?
What is the importance of recognizing past mistakes so we can prevent future ones from occurring.
How did German society change after the Holocaust.
A comparison between the methods used by Hitler during WWII and those used by other countries in modern times.

As you can see, there are many interesting topics that students could address when writing an argumentative paper about the holocaust. If one topic isnât enough research for your thesis, try looking at multiple topics to help build ideas for your paper.

Argumentative research paper topics on social media

Writing a social media argumentative research paper can be tough, but if you choose the right topic it can be very rewarding.

There are hundreds of social media topics to choose from, including censorship laws on social media platforms, cyberbullying on Twitter, Facebook’s privacy policies – and many more!

Even with so many topics to choose from, one of the hardest parts of writing an argumentative research paper is choosing a topic that interests you AND that will present good information for your argument.

Here are some argumentative research paper topics on social media to write about:

Social media censorship laws.
Is social media censorship legal?
The Downside of Social Media Popularity: Do people who post too much on social media get obsessed with their number of followers? Is there such thing as “social media addiction?”
Cyberbullying on Twitter. How prevalent is cyberbullying on Twitter? Is it worse than Facebook cyberbullying? How can we stop cyberbullying on Twitter?
Social Media Privacy Policies: Is social media privacy worth the “openness” of these platforms? Should social media privacy be regulated by law? What should websites like Facebook do to protect privacy without losing loyal users who want their information shared with others online.
Social Media in the Workplace. How does social media affect the workplace? Should employees be allowed to friend their boss on Facebook or discuss company business on Twitter? How can we keep work and personal lives separate, especially in this age of increasing globalization and online interaction?
Is Social Media Making Us Anti-Social? Is social media taking away from our real life relationships with other people and making us more isolated and antisocial than ever before? Do we spend too much time “living” online and not enough time interacting face-to-face with others?
The Benefits of Social Media. Are there any benefits to social media – or is it all bad? Has it made political activism easier for people worldwide by allowing them to communicate quickly via Twitter about current events such as the Arab Spring or Occupy Wall Street? Are social media sites like Facebook and Twitter allowing us to interact with people we otherwise wouldn’t be able to “meet?”
Social Media and the Arab Spring. What role did social media play in the Arab Spring? Can social media be credited for helping Egyptian citizens topple their dictator, Hosni Mubarak?
The Pros and Cons of Social Media Platforms: What are some positives to using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.? What are the negatives – do they outweigh the benefits? How can we decide whether or not to use these types of platforms without feeling lost in a sea of online information?
Facebook Privacy Policies: Are Facebook’s privacy policies fair to its users? Should Facebook make all user information public instead of allowing it to be private by default (as is currently done)?
Twitter Privacy Policies: Is Twitter really open with their users’ information, or does it get rid of information that makes them look bad? What changes should be made to their privacy policies, and what can we do to protect our privacy online?
Instagram Privacy Policies. Are Instagram’s privacy policies too lax, allowing stalkers to follow their users and learn intimate details about their lives? What can Instagram users do to make sure their accounts are more private, and what changes should be made to the site’s overall privacy policies?
The Ethics of Social Media. Are there any ethical issues involved with sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.? Should these companies do more to protect the privacy of their users, or are they justified in how they handle our information?

Causal argument topics for a research paper

The topic of a causal argument should be a claim or question that asks whether a specific event or trend is the result of another one. For example, one might argue that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior (cause and effect), or that poverty rates are the result of low literacy rates (effect and cause).

Below is a list of causal argument topics for research papers:

What is the cause of high student dropout rates?
What caused the recent rise in teen pregnancy?
Is an increase in pre-marital sex causing a decrease in divorce rates?
Does violence on TV trigger violent behavior in children and teens?
Is the effectiveness of graphic anti-drug campaigns declining?
What caused the recent rise in autism diagnoses?
Is there a cause and effect relationship between gun control laws and gun violence?
Does poor parenting cause obesity among children?
Did the repeal of DADT cause a rise in HIV infections among active service members?
Is global warming causing an increase in natural disasters such as hurricanes and tsunamis?
Is fracking the cause of earthquakes occurring near fracking sites?”
Has our reliance on technology increased feelings of isolation and alienation among teens and young adults, leading to an increase in teen suicide rates (cause and effect)?
Are students who participate in school sports more likely to do better academically than those who don’t (cause and effect)?
How has the surge in the popularity of e-cigarettes caused an increase in the number of young people who use traditional cigarettes and other tobacco products?
How has the rise in online dating caused people to become less independent and more isolated from the world around them?
What is causing an increase in learning disabilities among children?
Is there a causal relationship between obesity and poverty rates?
Is our increasing reliance on technology causing a decrease in interpersonal communication skills (cause and effect)?”
What has caused the recent rise in number of measles outbreaks? “Are video games causing a decrease in reading comprehension and retention amongst teens?”
Does eating breakfast cause improved academic performance (cause and effect)?
Has globalization caused an increase or decrease in child labor throughout much of Asia?
Do the increasing number of women in the workplace cause an increase in divorce rates (cause and effect)?

Argumentative research paper topics on education

Below is a list of education argumentative research paper topics:

Should students be required to pass an algebra test in order to graduate?
What is the best way to improve American education standards?
What are the pros/cons of paying students to attend school?
Are all teachers qualified for their profession?
How can test scores be improved in public schools?
Is it fair that some students have easier access to college than others?
How can the arts be improved in secondary education?
Should online classes replace traditional classrooms?
The best way to improve education in America is…
What are the most effective ways of teaching children with learning disabilities?
What are the pros/cons of co-ed classroom environments?
Does tenure give teachers an unfair advantage when it comes to pay raises and promotions ?
Can a student’s performance in one school influence how they’re viewed by colleges in other states/countries?

10 page argumentative research paper topics

Writing a 10 page argumentative research paper and need help finding a good 10 page argumentative research paper topic?

Here is a list of best 10 page argumentative research paper topics:

Should cities allow public drinking?
The purpose of the United States’ Food and Drug Administration is to:
How has social media contributed to relationship breakdowns?
Is Google making us stupid?
Does everyone deserve an education?
Is it ethical for environmental activists to break the law in order to save the environment?
Do school dress codes violate students’ individual rights or restrict their freedom?
Gun control should be stricter than it currently is in the U S.
Do prisoners sentenced with unconstitutional laws deserve financial compensation from the state, if so how much?
Does crime pay, even when you are caught?
Are college athletes exploited by universities and coaches?
Does society place too much emphasis on professional sports and not enough of an emphasis on academics for young children?

Now you that know how to write a 10 page research paper and the best topics to use, start writing a research paper now or read on for more paper ideas.

Argumentative research paper topics psychology

When writing a psychology argumentative research paper, it is important to have a clear direction about the psychology research topics in mind.

Below is a list of good psychology argumentative research paper topics that you can consider when writing your research paper:

Is there any relationship between the development of language and cognitive processes?
What is the role of social perception in influencing our interpersonal relationships?
How do children learn to become independent individuals?
Is it possible for an individual to behave ‘normally’ in abnormal circumstances?
Is stress necessary for personal growth and development?
Reaction paper on the statement “the ability of a person to perform well under pressure is genetically determined.”
How do people deal with their fear of death?
What are the different ways in which people deal with loneliness?
How do music preferences relate to personality traits?
How does poverty affect social life?
How exactly can religious practices help individuals cope up with their daily lives?
Partial birth abortions should be legal. Discuss the ethical issues involved.
The United States should lower its criminal age. Use utilitarian theory to support your argument.
Stigmatizing mental illness is more counter-productive than helpful. Discuss this statement using social psychology research.
A proper balance of free speech and privacy is necessary for a harmonious society. Add your own argumentative research thesis statement to this topic.
What are some of the techniques that can promote creativity in children? How do these techniques affect the creative process?
What is the difference between humanistic and psychoanalytic therapies?
How does symbolism play a role in everyday life?
One should always trust his/her instinct as it can never be wrong. Evaluate this statement with supporting examples.
There are many cultures that value conformity over individualism. Discuss this statement using psychological research findings and theories.
People behave differently when they know there is an audience watching them, regardless of whether their behavior is positive or negative. Use social psychology research to back your argument.
What are the implications of social networking sites on an individual’s social life? How have teenagers changed their concept about friendships based on these studies?
How do media representations affect people’s perceptions of different racial groups, genders, sexualities, etc.?
Why are minority groups still at risk of being discriminated against even after all anti-discrimination laws have been passed by the state? What are some examples to back up your thesis statement?

College research paper topics argumentative

Here is a list of great argumentative college research paper topics to write about

Smoking bans in public places
The drinking age of 21 is related to the drinking culture of college students and binge drinking
Educational reform – one size doesn’t fit all
Gay marriage: An argument against its legalization and then for it and then an argument against it (randomly pick three or four points)
Death penalty is a deterrent, justice, state-sanctioned murder, discrimination against minorities etc…pick two or three of these points and argue your point with supporting evidence from research study statistics, data, news articles or books on the subject (write at least 1200 words)
Drug testing should be required for all students and all employees at public schools and public places to ensure safety
The Patriot Act is an infringement on people’s rights, violates the Fourth Amendment etc…pick two or three of these points and argue your point with supporting evidence from research study statistics, data, news articles or books on the subject (write at least 1200 words)
Healthcare should be a basic human right
Puppy mills should be banned; they are inhumane for dogs as well as cruel for those who work there. Puppies lack socialization skills because they are removed from their mother too early. The cost of buying a puppy from a pet store supports these inhumane practices and should be stopped immediately (at least 1200 words).
Texting while driving should be illegal
The United States needs a national unified missile defense system to protect its citizens from rogue countries and terrorist organizations (at least 1000 words).
Athletes should be paid a salary on a graduated scale based on performance, seniority and marketability similar to sports or entertainment celebrities.

Easy argumentative research paper topics

Here is a list of easy argumentative research paper topics.

The negative effects of social media on teenagers.
The effects of how children are raised on their future.
The role of propaganda in governmental control.
If all crimes were legal, what would happen to society?
The role of propaganda in governmental control.
What is purpose of punishment for criminals?
Prejudice caused by genre preference in music.
Why people should be allowed to take hallucinogenic drugs.
The negative effects of a purely capitalistic society on lower income citizens.
How children are raised and their future success or failure in life.
There are too many obese people in America today and it reflects badly on our country’s image overseas.
How much personal space is necessary for a person’s well being?
Are violent video games responsible for violence in teens?
What kinds of foods should schools serve students during lunchtime?
What is the purpose of punishment in a criminal justice system?
Why people should be allowed to take hallucinogenic drugs.
How children are raised and their future success or failure in life.
Are violent video games responsible for violence in teens?
There are too many obese people in America today and it reflects badly on our country’s image overseas.
Prejudice caused by genre preference in music.
How much personal space is necessary for a person’s well being?
What kinds of foods should schools serve students during lunchtime?
What is the purpose of punishment for criminals?

These are 23 easy argumentative research paper topics that you can write fast and earn a good grade.

Medical topics for argumentative research paper

Here is a list of good medical argumentative research topics that can be used as a guide for those who are looking into topics they may want to use in their own writing projects. Keep in mind that many of these topics have been written about previously so keep your eyes open and search through the Internet, books and magazines for something out of the ordinary to write about. You don’t want to simply regurgitate information you find from other sources but use it as a springboard from which to launch your own unique medical argumentative topic.

Vaccinations: Do vaccinations do more harm than good?
Sports Injuries: Are sports injuries more common today then they were 10 years ago?
Mental Health: Should people suffering from anxiety and depression be forced to get treatment?
Prescription Drug Abuse: Are there too many prescriptions for painkillers being written today?
Exercise/Fitness: What’s the best way to get good results with weight loss?
Obesity in America: How can obesity in America be addressed by the government?
Child Labor Laws: What impact do child labor laws have on the economy today?
Abortion Rights: Is it right for women to have an abortion if they are not ready for a baby?
Adoption Rights or Mothers Who Put Their Children Up For Adoption: What’s the difference between an adoption and foster care?
Laws Regarding Pregnant Women: Are pregnant women unfairly targeted by laws such as Child Endangerment?
Autism: What’s the leading cause of autism and what treatments are most successful for helping autistic people improve their lives?
Mental Health: Have the United States laws regarding mental health improved since the 1950s?

Argumentative research paper topics music

Here is a list of music argumentative research paper topics that will help you to start with your research. All these music research topics are well researched and can be started straight away.

The influence of music to the education system
Music and its influence on people in different countries
The negative effects of music to teenagers
Different types and genres of music throughout the world
The difference between music in the United States vs. other countries
Music in the US and its influence on people
Comparative research of different types of music from around the world
The history of jazz music
A comparison of country songs before 1950 to those after 1950
How does a teenager’s personality influence their taste in music?

American history argumentative research paper topics

Here is a list of american history argumentative research paper topics:

The impact of slavery on american economy can be seen today.
American capitalism as a legacy from slavery.
The American history of class and race.
Problems facing black Americans today can be traced to conditions created by slavery and Jim Crow.
How the rich corrupted African-American community.
How African-Americans were repressed in 19th century America, both north and south.
African-American presence in early american society, before Europeans arrived.
The impact of slavery, and the development of America as a nation, on the politics of today.
American history will not be complete until it takes into account perspectives other than those oriented to economics and politics.
From Africa to the Americas: African perspective on the Atlantic slave trade.
How African Americans won equality in US society after the abolition of slavery.
How the American system is still geared against the black population today.
The impact of reconstruction on African-American society then and now.
To what degree was “separate but equal” enforced in early american history?
American legacy of racism, from the Progressive movement to the present.

Argumentative history research paper topics

Here is a list of argumentative history research paper topics:

Is history nothing but the reconstruction of the past?
Whether historical research is value-free or not?
How much can archaeology contribute to history?
The advantages and disadvantages of progress in science, technology and culture.
The role of women in modern society; if it could be compared with the role in ancient times.
How the world would have looked if some historical events had never happened.
The development of science and culture is not uniform throughout the world. The reason for this diversity, as well as possible solutions to this problem.
Bias in American history textbooks: which group is represented more and which less (race, religion, gender).
What would happen if all wars would stop tomorrow?
The role of media in changing the perception of historical events.

For more topics on history, read: history research topics to write about.

Argumentative persuasive research paper topics

Here is a list of argumentative persuasive research paper topics to write about:

Does pornography corrupt teenage minds?
Do women face discrimination in the workplace?
Is it acceptable for an employer to ask about a woman’s family status and marital plans during job interview?
Should students be permitted to grade their teachers?
Is deforestation good for the environment?
What is the best way of addressing gender discrimination?
Does corporal punishment help students to become better disciplined?
Is it ethical for doctors to lie about their patients’ diagnosis?
How effective are abstinence-only programs in preventing teen pregnancy?
Do illegal immigrants threaten American jobs?

Check: persuasive essay topics and argumentative essay topics for more information.

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Argumentative Research Paper Topics