argumentative essay prompt middle school

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94 Excellent Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School 

December 4, 2023 //  by  Brittany Ray

Middle schoolers are always ready for a feisty debate and to argue their points! This list of excellent argumentative essay topics for middle school is sure to give your students the practice they need in getting their arguments down on paper, in a persuasive way. With a variety of topics ranging from whether or not to outlaw animal testing to debating a 3-day weekend, this curated collection will give your kiddos lots of fun choices to explore! Take a look and see which topics are sure to spark some interest in your classroom!

School Rules and Policies

1. should cell phones be allowed at school.

2. Should gym class (physical education) be a requirement?

3. Explain why or why not: Should students have homework on weekends?

4. Should the school day be extended in exchange for a long weekend?

5. Do you feel the government should dictate what you get for school lunch?

6. Do you believe brick-and-mortar schools are still necessary for today’s post-pandemic society?

7. Is the student-per-class limit too high?

8. Should high school students be required to take a civics exam before graduation?

9. Should school security be improved?

10. Should students be allowed to use smartwatches during examinations?

11. Should there be a limit to the amount of homework a school can assign to students?

12. Is the traditional grading system effective, or does it need an overhaul?

13. Should schools offer more extracurricular activities to cater to diverse interests?

14. Do schools place too much emphasis on sports and athletes at the expense of academic pursuits?

15. Explain your stance as to whether schools should or should not require students to wear uniforms.

16. Do you believe that school field trips are beneficial or merely recreational?

17. Should students be required to learn a second language starting in middle school?

18. Should the government have the ability to ban certain books in the classroom?

19. Should school cafeterias serve exclusively vegetarian meals to promote health?

20. Should schools have mandatory classes on financial literacy?

21. Should schools have strict policies against cyberbullying?

22. Should schools have mandatory mental health classes and counseling sessions?

23. Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?

24. Should schools have mindfulness and meditation sessions as part of the daily routine?

25. Should schools emphasize more on teaching critical thinking skills rather than just memorizing things?

26. Should there be more emphasis on vocational training in middle school?

27. Should students be taught the dangers of misinformation and “fake news” as part of their curriculum?

28. Should schools introduce mandatory community service as part of the curriculum?

29. Should schools allow students to bring their pets to school?

30. Should schools be allowed to monitor students’ online activities?

31. Should education about global warming and environmental conservation be a mandatory part of the curriculum?

32. Should schools introduce more practical skills courses like basic cooking, sewing, or home repair?

33. Do school dress codes infringe on personal expression?

34. Should middle school students be allowed to bring and use laptops in class?

35. Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling for some students?

36. Is learning to write in cursive still a necessary skill in the digital age?

37. Should school libraries invest in more digital resources or in physical books?

38. Should students be taught about controversial historical figures objectively or with a critical lens?

39. Should students have a more significant say in the creation of school rules and policies?

40. Do schools focus too much on college preparation at the expense of life skills?

41. Should parents be held more accountable for their children’s misbehavior at school?

42. Are parent-teacher conferences still effective or have they become outdated?

43. Should middle schools have later start times to accommodate adolescent sleep patterns?

College Admission and Tuition 

44. should excellent grades guarantee a scholarship.

45. Should a college degree earned through online education have the same worth as a degree earned at a brick-and-mortar university?

46. Do you feel art courses should be a required part of earning a college degree?

47. Should college admission criteria be less stringent?

48. Should college athletes be paid?

49. Do you believe that a college education is necessary for everyone?

50. Should public education at the college level be tuition-free?

Health and Wellbeing

51. do parents put too much pressure on their children to excel academically.

52. Should cigarettes be illegal?

53. Should employers have the right to require a Covid-19 vaccine?

54. Is milk beneficial to a person’s health?

55. Are hot dogs bad for you?

56. Do you agree or disagree that parents should be held responsible for childhood obesity?

57. Should the FDA allow GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) in our food?

58. Does the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) do a good job of regulating the production of food?

59. Should junk food advertisements be banned during children’s TV shows?

60. Should students be allowed to take “mental health days” off from school?

Government, Politics, and Civic Responsibilities

61. do you think electronic voting machines make the election procedure fair or unfair.

62. Explain whether or not the Electoral College should be eliminated.

63. Should the government have more say in what is or is not “fake news”?

64. Should a felon have the right to vote?

65. Should all political offices have term limits?

66. Should the voting age be lowered?

67. The moral stain of the slavery of African American people in early American History is undoubtedly present. Do you feel the government promotes hate or love with the way it currently speaks about racism?

68. Should the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour?

69. Should the government have more strict gun control policies?

70. With the separation of church and state, should churches be exempt from paying taxes?

71. Do you feel undocumented immigrants should be granted all the same rights as naturalized citizens?

72. Have Native American communities been given proper reparations for the United States’ long history of seizing land?

73. Do you think that the government should do more to fight against human trafficking?

Environmental and Moral Issues

74. is climate change something we can truly make a difference with.

75. If protecting the environment is of utmost importance, should bottled water be banned?

76. Should exotic animals be kept in captivity?

77. Explain your stance on whether wind farms are a good or bad idea.

78. Do “participation trophies” diminish the value of real achievement?

79. Should there be harsher punishments for bullying?

80. Explain whether or not animal testing should be outlawed.

81. Should the death penalty exist?

82. Should an individual be able to keep wild animals as pets if they have the means to care for them?

83. Do curfews for teenagers prevent them from getting in trouble or infringe on personal freedom?

84. Is scientific research on cloning DNA ethical?

85. Is daylight saving something the U.S. should keep, or should it be abolished?

86. Should schools ban single-use plastics?

Digital and Media

87. do children currently have too much screen time, and is it harmful.

88. Do you believe that the media and/or social media negatively impact body image among teens?

89. Do social media platforms need stricter age verification processes?

90. Should parents have access to their children’s social media accounts for monitoring purposes?

91. Should parents limit the time their children spend on video games?

92. Should violent video games be banned in the United States?

93. Do violent cartoons and animations impact a child’s behavior negatively?

94. Do video games have educational potential or are they merely distractions?

45 Argumentative Writing Prompts for Middle School

As students make their way through school, the types of writing they do will change—as will the difficulty.

Writing persuasive or argumentative essays and letters is a great skill for students to learn, and a wonderful way to help guide them on proper research techniques so they can view more than one opinion and form their own conclusions.

Below, we’ve put together a list of writing prompts to help students tackle persuasive writing and dig deeper for an opinion.

Using These Prompts

This writing guide can be used as homework or in tandem with your ELA curriculum. The point is to get students to work on their nonfiction writing skills in a way that is fun and engaging.

Here are a few ways you can use the list below:

• Use these prompts for students who finish work early and need something to do.
• To choose a prompt, have students pick a number between 1 and 45.
• Challenge your students to use one writing prompt every day for a full week.
• Pick prompts that line up with what students are learning in other classes (like history or art).
• Have each student pick a prompt for someone else in the class to use.

The Prompts

• Do you think teachers should assign homework over the weekend? Explain.
• Is America ready to have a woman president? Why or why not?
• Should kids have chores? Explain.
•  Should GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) be allowed in our food?
• Is life more challenging for your generation than your parents’ generation at your age? Explain.
• Should gym class be required for all students?
• Do you think your school treats boys and girls equally? Explain.
• Do athletes and actors deserve to make more money than the average worker? Explain.
• Do beauty pageants objectify the participants?
• Should teachers accept late work? Explain.
• Should cell phones be allowed in school? Why?
• Do you think community college should be free? Explain.
• Should schools have harsher punishments for bullies?
• Does snail mail (handwritten cards or letters) still have value in the digital age?
• Do you think parents should limit screen time for their children?
• Should a student’s behavior be a factor in their overall grade in a class?
• Explain your stance on alternative energy.
• Do you think the media puts too much pressure on high school and college athletes?
• At what age do you think kids should be allowed to use social media?
• Do you think Native Americans have had justice for having their land stolen?
• Should the US invest more money in the space program, or should that money be spent elsewhere?
• Does society rely too heavily on technology?
• Should single-use plastics be eliminated entirely?
• Do you think students should be given letter grades, or should classes be graded as pass/fail?
• Explain the benefits of learning a second language.
• Does your school mascot represent your school well?
• If your school mascot could be changed, what would you propose? Why?
• Defend your position on recreational hunting.
• Explain the benefits of going away to summer camp.
• Do you think there is anything we can do about climate change, or is it already too late?
• Explain why students should have more say in what they learn.
• What do you think is the perfect pet?
• Is online learning or in-person learning better? Why?
• How has reality TV had an impact on real life?
• At what age are you old enough to stay home alone?
• Should children be required to attend church with their families? Explain your reasoning.
• Do you think the dress code is harmful or helpful to daily school life?
• Is it better to be liked or to be respected?
• Should school start later for teenagers?
• Should students be required to participate in a sport or extracurricular activity?
• Is the glass half-empty or half-full? Explain.
• Should the United States keep daylight savings time, or do away with it?
• What is something every household should do to conserve energy?
• Should beauty standards be more inclusive?
• What is the greatest song of all time? Explain.

Looking For More Resources?

We offer an abundance of free writing resources for parents, guardians, and teachers to help give young writers the tools they need to succeed.

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are looking for something specific and can’t find it on our site. We love hearing all of your ideas!

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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive writing is one of those skills that can help students succeed in real life.  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 reading some mentor texts to show kids great examples of opinion writing. Then use these persuasive essay topics for practice.

School and Education Persuasive Essay Topics

Life and ethics persuasive essay topics, science and technology persuasive essay topics, sports and entertainment persuasive essay topics, just for fun persuasive essay topics.

• Do you think homework should be required, optional, or not given at all?

• 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?
• Should we stop giving final exams?
• Is it better to be good at academics or good at sports?

• Which is better, private schools or public schools?
• Should every student have to participate in athletics?
• Do you think schools should ban junk food from their cafeterias?
• Should students be required to volunteer in their communities?
• What is the most important school subject?
• Are letter grades helpful, or should we replace them with something else?

• Is it ever OK to cheat on homework or a test?
• Should students get to grade their teachers?
• Do you think college should be free for anyone who wants to attend?
• Should schools be allowed to ban some books from their libraries?
• Which is better, book smarts or street smarts?

• Should all students have to learn a foreign language?
• Are single-gender schools better or worse for students?
• Is it OK to eat animals?
• 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.
• If you find money on the ground, should you try to find the person who lost it, or is it yours to keep?

• Who faces more peer pressure, girls or boys?
• Should all Americans be required to vote?
• Is it better to be kind or truthful?
• Which is better, giving or receiving?
• Is it OK to keep animals in zoos?
• Should we change the minimum driving age in the United States?

• Which is more important, happiness or success?
• Is democracy the best form of government?
• Is social media helpful or harmful?
• Should parents be punished for their children’s mistakes or crimes?
• Should kids have set bedtimes or just go to bed when they’re sleepy?
• Do you think the government should find a way to provide free health care for everyone?

• Is it better to save your allowance or spend it?
• Should we ban plastic bags and bottles?
• Which is better, living in the city or in the country?
• If I could make a new law, it would be …
• Is Pluto a planet?
• Should human cloning be legal?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?
• Is it right for countries to still maintain nuclear weapon arsenals?

• Should testing on animals be made illegal?
• Will expanded use of artificial intelligence be good for humanity?
• Should all people have free Internet access in their homes?
• Is there intelligent life on other planets?
• Does technology create more jobs than it eliminates?
• Should parents use their children’s cell phones to track where they are?
• Should scientists try to develop a way for people to live forever?

• What’s the best type of smartphone: Android or iPhone?
• Which is better, Macs or PCs?
• Do people rely too much on technology in the modern world?
• Should cryptocurrencies replace cash?
• Should there be a minimum age requirement to own a smartphone?
• Is it important to keep spending money on space exploration, or should we use the money for other things?

• Should kids under 13 be allowed to use social media sites?
• Should we ban cigarette smoking and vaping entirely?
• Is it better to be an animal that lives in the water or on land?
• Should kids be allowed to watch TV on school nights?
• Which is better, paper books or e-books?
• Is the current movie rating system (G, PG, PG-13, etc.) effective?
• Are video games better than board games?
• Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

• Which is better, reading books or watching TV?
• Does playing violent video games make people more violent in real life?
• Are graphic novels just as valuable as traditional fictional books?
• Should everyone play on the same sports teams, regardless of gender?
• Choose a book that’s been made into a movie. Which was better, the movie or the book?

• Who is the world’s best athlete, present or past?
• Are professional athletes/musicians/actors overpaid?
• Which is better, fiction or nonfiction?
• The best music genre is …
• What is one book that everyone should read?
• What new sport should be added to the Olympics?

• What’s the best video game system?
• Does playing video games make you smarter?
• Does reality TV actually depict real life?
• Should all neighborhoods have free parks and playgrounds?
• What’s the best holiday?
• The very best food of all time is …
• Which is better, artificial Christmas trees or real ones?

• What’s the best season of the year?
• Should you put ketchup on a hot dog?
• Is a taco a sandwich?
• Does fruit count as dessert?
• Should people have to go to school or work on their birthday?
• Are clowns scary or funny?
• Which is more dangerous, werewolves or vampires?

• The best pizza topping is …
• What would be the best superpower to have?
• Should everyone make their bed every day?
• Which came first, the chicken or the egg?
• Should you put pineapple on a pizza?
• Should you eat macaroni and cheese with a spoon or a fork?

• Describe the world’s best ice cream sundae.
• Is Monday the worst day of the week?
• Would you rather travel back in time or forward in time?
• Is it better to be too hot or too cold?
• Are there aliens living among us here on Earth?

What are your favorite persuasive essay topics for students? Come exchange ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (120+ ideas) ..

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The New York Times

The learning network | 200 prompts for argumentative writing.

200 Prompts for Argumentative Writing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology and Social Media

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

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

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

Gender Issues

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

Sports and Athletics

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

Politics and the Legal System

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

Parenting and Childhood

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

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

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

Health and Nutrition

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

Personal Character and Morality Questions

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

Other Questions

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

Comments are no longer being accepted.

Argumentative prompts – 200

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

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

Regarding the section on Gender Issues:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should student be able to wear whatever they want?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Prom Worth it?

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

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

Grace K and John A Galvin Middle School Canton MA 02021

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

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

Should cyber-bullying laws be passed?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nathaniel Skinner

Are we Ever Without God?

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

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

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

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

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

― John Lennon

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

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

Proverbs 15:3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Books not Guns

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

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

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

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

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

IS Music The Key to Success?

Music. It’s Not Just For Entertainment

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

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

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

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A Selection Of Argumentative Essay Topics For Middle School

The argumentative essay lessons begin in middle school, when the young minds are ready to start defending ideas with logic and reason. Even though the classes talk about serious educational content, middle school students still love to have fun. For argumentative essays to be taken seriously, the topics need to be geared toward those young minds. Here are some topic ideas that will get the creativity and arguments flowing:

Young teens enjoy writing about their school experiences.

• Should students in middle school be tested for drugs?
• Are too many students in your school getting A’s?
• Should every student be required to take gym and music classes?
• Should your teachers use more group work in their classes?
• Should the school day be longer so you can go to school for four days instead of five?
• What should be done with bullies and cyberbullies?
• Should corporal punishment be reinstituted in schools?
• Should schools have more dances?
• Should students be able to choose their own schedules?
• Do class sizes affect the success of students?

Students are interested in entertainment.

• Does TV need more diverse actors and actresses?
• Does TV still matter?
• What musician will be the next legendary performer?
• Is video gaming a sport?
• What makes a television commercial a hit?
• What are three best movies of the year?
• Do TV shows promote risky behavior?
• What children’s book characters could be the next TV hit?

Sports is always a good topic for junior high students.

• Is football too violent to be a part of school athletics?
• Should college athletes get paid?
• Is baseball still a relevant sport?
• Is cheerleading a sport?
• Should athletic organizations establish rules for coaches about the way the talk to players?
• Are travel sports necessary?

Junior high students love their technology as much as high school students do.

• What is the right age to get a cell phone?
• Should students be allowed to have cell phones in class?
• Do you have more good friends or fewer because of technology?
• Do people use their smartphones for useful reasons or to waste time?
• What is the next social media platform that will be popular?
• Is online learning or face-to-face learning better?
• Should companies be allowed to collect information about your spending habits?
• Are printed books or ebooks better?
• Are online product reviews reliable?
• How much time should people spend on social media each day?

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Bell Ringers

Teaching argumentative writing in middle school ela: part one.

If you teach middle school, you know that teenagers have a lot of opinions! Luckily, you can use that to your advantage when teaching students how to write an argumentative essay. The key is to help students learn to craft well-written arguments with evidence (not just arguing for the sake of it, which middle schoolers can be prone to). 

While learning to craft argumentative essays will help students in school, being able to craft and defend an argument is also an important skill for the real world. Writing an argumentative essay or having a debate requires critical thinking skills and the ability to take a stance and back it up. 

What is Argumentative Writing?

In order for students to understand how to write an argumentative essay, they need to understand what argumentative writing is.

Argumentative essays usually require that students do some investigation or research on a topic and then choose a clear stance. When writing, students will spend the body of the essay explaining points and providing evidence that supports their stance. A counterargument is also typically given as a way to counteract how “nay-sayers” would disagree with the writer. At the end of the essay, students will restate their argument and summarize their evidence.

How to Introduce Argumentative Writing: The Debate

Now that we know what to expect from argumentative writing, we can get into how to write an argumentative essay. You’ll want to start by introducing argumentative writing, which I liked to do through debates. Just like in an essay, to successfully debate a topic, students must do some investigation, choose a stance, and then argue their point in a meaningful way. Holding a class debate is a great place to start when introducing argumentative writing. Debating a topic verbally can actually be used as a brainstorming session before students ever even put pen to paper. For students new to argumentative writing, this takes some of the pressure off of jumping right into the writing process and helps them generate ideas.

There are a few ways you can use debates. For instance, you can choose a topic you’d like students to debate or let them choose a topic they’re already passionate about. 

I liked to give students a few minutes to think through the topic and prep on their own, and then I partner them up. They can either debate the topic with their partner, or they can work together with their partner to debate another pair. 

Depending on your class size, you could also split the class in half and make it a whole group debate. As long as students are researching or investigating in some way, choosing a stance, and finding reasons to back up their position, there is no wrong way to hold a debate in your class – and you can try out a few different formats to see what works best.

After the debates, it’s a great idea to debrief. This is a good time to bring in some key vocabulary and reinforce how to write an argumentative essay. For example, you can look over some of the evidence presented and ask students to rate the “strength” of the argument. You can also brainstorm a counterargument together.

How to Introduce Argumentative Writing: The Flash Draft

After students debate, they move on to the flash draft. A flash draft is essentially a giant brain dump. Students do not have to worry about spelling, grammar, organization, or even structure. They will simply be taking their thoughts from the debate and getting them down on paper. 

One benefit to the flash draft is it removes the barrier of intimidation for a lot of students. For many kids, the actual work of starting to write can be daunting. A flash draft removes that intimidation of perfection and just requires something to be on the page. Again, the flash draft portion can be completely tailored to best suit your students and classroom. You can set a timer for a specific amount of time, you can provide students with an outline or guiding questions, or you can give them sentence stems to start. 

If you have access to technology in your classroom, you can even let students verbalize their flash draft and use transcription technology to get it on paper. 

Expanding Knowledge of Argumentative Writing

By now, you might be wondering when you’ll actually dive deeper into how to write an argumentative essay. That will start with a mini-lesson. These mini-lessons should cover the key parts of argumentative essays, like how to take a stance, ways to support your position, how to transition between thoughts, and even how to craft a counterargument. 

You could have a mini-lesson before each flash draft to focus on a particular skill, or you can hold the mini-lesson after the flash draft and let students focus on that skill during revisions. During mini-lessons, I highly suggest using mentor texts, guided examples, or other reference materials. When it comes to writing, many students need to see the process in action, so modeling and having a place for them to reference will be super key to their success.

Argumentative Writing Unit for Middle School 

Want support putting together your argumentative essay unit? My done-for-you Argumentative Writing Unit scaffolds how to write an argumentative essay for you and your students.

The unit includes 23 full lesson plans, slide presentations, notebook pages for students, teacher keys and examples, student references pages, and more for a well-rounded unit.

Plus, this unit goes through the exact process I talked about in the blog, using debate, flash drafts, and mini-lessons to scaffold students through the writing process.

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Short Argumentative Essay Samples for Middle School

Argumentative essays play a significant role in helping students develop critical thinking and persuasive writing skills. Middle school is the perfect time to introduce young learners to practice writing well-structured argumentative essays. In this article, we’ll give you some short argumentative essay samples for middle school students.

The Significance of Argumentative Essays in Middle School

Argumentative essays serve as a powerful tool in the middle school curriculum for several reasons:

• Critical Thinking : Writing argumentative essays encourages students to think critically. They must evaluate evidence, analyze different perspectives, and form their own opinions.
• Persuasive Writing Skills : Developing the ability to persuade others through well-reasoned arguments is a valuable skill that extends beyond the classroom.
• Research Skills : Writing an argumentative essay often requires students to research and cite credible sources, enhancing their research skills.
• Communication Skills : Crafting a coherent argument helps students improve their written and oral communication skills.

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You can see the following argumentative essay samples which are really relatable to your homework, project, assignments or personal practice to develop your skills in writing an effective argumentative essays.

Short Argumentative Essay Samples 1

Should students be allowed to have cellphones in school?

Have you ever left one of your books at home when you needed it in the class? You might answer ‘yes’ to the question, but this problem won’t be a big deal if you can just call your family home, right? However, there are some schools that do not allow you to bring your cellphone to school. This situation has created the question of whether students should be allowed to have cell phones in school or not. While some argue that cell phones are disruptive and can hinder learning, I believe that there are strong reasons to support their use in educational settings.

One of the primary reasons students should be allowed to have cell phones in school is for communication purposes. In emergency situations, having a cell phone can be a lifesaver. Parents can reach their children in case of unforeseen circumstances, ensuring their safety. Moreover, students can communicate with their peers and teachers, fostering a collaborative and communicative learning environment.

Cell phones offer access to a vast array of educational resources. With the internet at their fingertips, students can easily look up information, conduct research, and access educational apps. This access can significantly enhance their learning experience, allowing them to delve deeper into subjects and explore a wealth of knowledge beyond traditional classroom materials.

Permitting cell phones in schools can also be a valuable lesson in responsibility. Students must learn to manage their devices appropriately and refrain from using them during class unless instructed otherwise. This promotes self-discipline and helps prepare them for responsible technology use in their future careers.

It’s true that cell phones can be a source of distraction. Critics argue that students may use them to text, play games, or engage in social media during class, diverting their attention from the lesson. However, this challenge can be effectively addressed through policies and guidelines that restrict cell phone use during the class. For example, teachers ask students to collect their cell phones on the designated shelf in the class. At recess, the students can have the phone and use it. When the break time is over, they have to put the phone back; therefore, there will not be any distraction during the next classroom activities.

In conclusion, allowing students to have cell phones in school can be a wise decision if managed effectively. These devices can enhance communication, provide access to educational resources, and teach responsibility. While concerns about distractions are valid, they can be reduced with well-defined guidelines and supervision. Ultimately, embracing technology in the classroom can help students prepare for the digital world they will encounter in the future.

Short Argumentative Essay Samples 2

Is homework necessary for student success, or should it be eliminated?

Homework has long been a subject of debate in our school. Some argue that it is a fundamental component of our success, while others believe it should be eliminated. In my opinion, the merits of homework as a tool for enriching our achievements are irreplaceable. 

Homework fosters our responsibility and time management skills. It encourages us to allocate our time wisely, ensuring that we complete our assignments within the given deadlines. These skills are invaluable in the real world, where meeting deadlines and managing one’s time efficiently are crucial. As we know, if we cannot meet the deadline, problems will arise. These problems teach us to avoid delaying something. At the end of the day, the time management skills we learn from doing homework are really crucial in our daily lives.

Homework reinforces what we have learned in the classroom. Repetition is an essential aspect of learning, and homework provides us with the opportunity to practice what we have been taught. This practice leads to better retention of information and an improved understanding of the subject matter. The more we practice, the better we understand the matter. On top of that, some of us might miss something the teacher explains to us. By doing homework, we can get the point that you have missed. Personally, I often feel that I understand more after doing homework.

Homework promotes independent learning. It allows us to dig deeper into a topic, conduct research, and develop problem-solving skills. Independent learning is an invaluable skill that empowers us to take charge of our education and prepares us for lifelong learning.

However, some of us argue that homework can lead to stress and burnout. It is important to acknowledge this concern, but the key is to strike a balance. Teachers should assign reasonable amounts of homework, taking into consideration of our age and extracurricular activities. Additionally, teachers should also design homework that is interesting to do. Therefore, we can enjoy doing the task. Besides, teachers should also wisely provide enough time for us to do the homework. Giving enough can reduce the pressure that the homework might cause. So, we can avoid stress and burnout if teachers properly manage the homework.

To summarize, homework plays a vital role in enhancing student success. It instills responsibility, reinforces learning, and promotes independent study. While concerns about excessive homework are valid, the solution lies in thoughtful assignments and effective time management. Homework is not an enemy but a valuable ally in the pursuit of academic excellence.

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Short Argumentative Essay Samples 3

Should school uniforms be mandatory?

In recent years, people debate over whether school uniforms should be mandatory or not. Some argue that uniforms can create a sense of belonging, improve discipline, and reduce socio-economic inequalities. On the other hand, opponents contend that they limit self-expression and can be costly for families. In my opinion, we, students, must wear uniforms for many beneficial reasons.

To begin with, mandating school uniforms can foster a sense of belonging among us. When we wear the same attire, it reduces the visibility of economic disparities, making us feel equal. This, in turn, can contribute to a more inclusive and cohesive school environment. By having uniforms, we feel that we belong to one another. We feel like we are one family.

Uniforms can be a tool for improving discipline, safety, and security. First, when we are dressed uniformly, it becomes easier to identify outsiders, reducing the likelihood of intruders on school grounds. This enhanced security can contribute to a safer learning environment. Secondly, wearing uniforms train us to abide by the rules and regulations. Having uniforms teaches us discipline because we realize that only certain dress is allowed at school. Finally, having a well-designed uniform can also improve our safety. The connection between the dress materials, the size, and the style with types of motion and activities the students do can only be measured by design experts. Not having uniforms will lead us to carelessly choose what kind of dress we wear. At the end of the day, it will reduce our safety. So, I think it is safer to wear school uniforms.

School uniforms can help reduce socio-economic inequalities. Without the pressure to wear expensive, trendy clothing, we can focus on their studies rather than competing in the fashion arena. This levels the playing field, ensuring that we are not judged based on our clothes. As we know, people always want to be the center of attention. School uniforms prevent us from abusing the capability of purchasing attractive clothes, which will demotivate some of us who have less money.

Some people claim that uniforms limit self-expression. While this is an understandable concern, it is important to note that self-expression can still thrive through various means, such as creative accessories or personal grooming choices. Uniforms need not suffocate individuality. Students also have a lot of chances of wearing their favorite clothes outside the school.

To sum up, the mandatory use of school uniforms can create a sense of belonging, improve discipline, and reduce socio-economic inequalities. The benefits of school uniforms in fostering a positive educational environment are vital.

See Descriptive Essay here, or a comparison and contrast essay example here.

To Remember

Creating effective short argumentative essay samples for middle school students is a vital step in their academic development. These essays not only sharpen critical thinking and writing skills but also prepare students for the challenges of the real world. By choosing relevant topics, maintaining a clear structure, and encouraging thoughtful arguments, educators can help middle school students become proficient in the art of persuasion and critical thinking.

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100 Argumentative Essay Prompts For Your Secondary ELA Students

Gearing up to teach argumentative writing? This list of 100 argumentative essay prompts for secondary students is the perfect place to start.

What secondary student doesn’t like to argue? (I’ll wait.)

From research papers to persuasive speeches, the secondary ELA classroom is buzzing with opportunities to teach argumentative writing. As they research and craft their arguments, students will learn the importance of evaluating sources and finding strong evidence to clearly define and support their position, as well as present the opposing sides. Therefore, it serves as a reminder that a good argumentative essay is based on research rather than solely rooted in their thoughts and emotions.

In other words, it’s a perfect time to hone in on research, analysis, and critical thinking skills imperative to the 21st century.

100 Argumentative Essay Prompts For Your Secondary Students.

Whether students are excited about or dreading their writing assignment, topic selection can be an overwhelming task. However, providing students with some choices over their essay prompts allows them to take an active role in their learning. In most cases, students will be more engaged in the writing process if they’re working on a prompt they’re passionate about.

Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of 100 argumentative essay prompts to help your students get started.

Argumentative Essay Prompts: Hot Topics To Get Students Engaged.

While some of the following topics may be labeled with a red “C” (for controversy), that might be just the reason why students will eat them up! However, it’s also a great opportunity to teach students how to effectively and appropriately navigate arguing such emotionally charged topics.

• Do social media sites have the right to regulate and censor user posts?
• Do violent video games lead to more violence in society?
• Is the election process in the U.S. fair?
• Should marijuana be legalized in all states?
• Does the government have the right to control what we do to our bodies? (Given the recent pandemic and abortion laws, this topic is more relevant now than ever before.)
• Should the minimum wage in your state be raised? (Encourage students to begin by researching the state’s current minimum wage, average income, and cost of living.)
• Is online learning an effective substitute for in-person education? Alternatively, should all schools offer online learning alternatives?
• Should companies/websites be allowed to collect data from customers/users? What about selling and sharing that information?
• Is healthcare a fundamental human right? If so, should there be universal healthcare?
• Would stricter gun control laws be better for society? (Given the rise in mass-shootings over the past decade, this topic remains “hot” and highly debated.)
• Should single-use plastic be banned for the benefit of the environment?
• Should vaping be illegal?
• Is “cancel culture” an effective approach to social change?
• Is racism still an issue in modern society?
• Is the MLM (multi-level-marketing) business model ethical? (I’m looking at you, Lularoe.)

Argumentative Essay Prompts About Science and Technology.

There’s no denying that science and technology are improving at record rates. But is that always a good thing? Let’s see what your students think…

• Should social media have stricter age requirements?
• Is social media helping or harming the mental health crisis? It can bring people together, yet make us feel so alone…
• Should social media companies take responsibility for the negative impact it has on users?
• Should it be allowed for companies to consider candidate social media profiles in the hiring process?
• Should there be more regulations around social media influencers?
• Should photoshop be banned?
• Is modern technology making us more dependent or independent? (I love learning from YouTube, but I can’t get anywhere without my GPS…)
• Does technology promote or impede modern-day communication?
• Is technology helping or harming the development of communication and/or social skills?
• Should the government be investing more in space exploration or focusing on issues here on Earth?
• Is it ethical to replace human workers with automation and AI?
• Is it ethical for technology companies to use designed obsolescence?
• Designer babies– should parents be able to “modify” their unborn child?
• Do we have control over technology or is it controlling us ?

Argumentative Essay Prompts About School and Education

I mean, come on. How much more relevant can a topic get for your students ? And who knows? You might be surprised by what your students have to say about the following topics.

• Should more secondary students have access to school vouchers?
• Should standardized testing be used as a measure of student success?
• Should community service be a graduation requirement?
• Should schools emphasize STEM education over Liberal Arts and Humanities?
• Should financial literacy be a high school graduation requirement?
• Should school grading be based on traditional or competency-based methods?
• Should  community service be a graduation requirement?
• Does traditional education meet the needs of modern society?
• Should public schools be funded by local taxes? (Most are, but many believe this creates gaps in educational resources and opportunity.)
• Are the stigmas around community college fair?
• Should college education be free for everyone?
• Should an online degree have any less value than a degree earned at a traditional university?
• Should companies be allowed to require degree minimums for entry-level jobs?
• Should teachers get paid more? (I’d love to read these ones. Scratch that– can I just write my own?)

Argumentative Essay Prompts About Animals and the Environment

Thanks to the surge in young activists (I’m looking at you  Greta Thunberg), young people are more involved in and enthusiastic about conversations regarding the natural world.

• Do businesses have an ethical responsibility to protect the environment?
• Can alternative energy sources be effective substitutes for fossil fuels?
• Should fracking be illegal?
• Should factory farming be banned?
• Should recreational hunting and fishing be banned?
• Should there be stricter regulation around pesticide use?
• Animal testing in the beauty industry– should it be illegal?
• Is pedigree breeding an ethical practice?

Argumentative Essay Prompts About Government and Policy

Given the highly politicized and polarized society we live in today, students are sure to find a topic they are eager to argue. You just might want to remind them to do some respectfully, as political topics are typically highly controversial and emotionally charged.

• Which branch of government is the most important?
• Is the four-year presidential term sufficient? Or should it be extended?
• Should there be limitations regarding Freedom of Speech?
• Should the government be allowed to invade personal privacy for the sake of national security?
• Should the US prison system include for-profit prisons?
• Should the U.S. abolish the death penalty?
• Should Confederate statues and memorials come down?
• Should Governments impose higher taxes on junk food?
• Should there be more regulation around fast-food?
• Should people who make more money pay taxes on a higher percentage of their income?
• Are gender-specific toys harming childhood development?
• Do corporations have social responsibilities to their customers?
• What is the most important trait of an effective leader?

Argumentative Essay Prompts About Health.

As students prepare to become active citizens in modern society, this is a great opportunity to dive into relevant topics in the health industry.

• ​​Should there be more regulations regarding the pharmaceutical industry’s pricing?
• Should healthcare professionals be allowed to promote specific medications?
• Should healthcare workers be held responsible for over-prescribing addictive medications?
• Are antibiotics helping or harming our immune system?
• Are we an overmedicated society?
• Should health insurance cover alternative medicine?
• Should euthenasia be legal?
• Should life support continue for a patient who has been declared brain dead?
• Should medical professionals be allowed to take organs from a deceased person for the purposes of donation or scientific research without consent?
• Are GMOs doing more harm than good? Or vice versa?
• Should adoption fees be more affordable, making adoptions more widely accessible?

Argumentative Essay Prompts About Sports and Recreation.

• Should school sports count as physical education credit?
• Given what we know about the dangers of the sport, should football be banned from high school? (Invite students to substitute football with another sport of their choosing!)
• Should athletes be allowed to sign professional contracts out of high school?
• Should college athletes be paid? Alternatively, should they have the right to earn money through endorsements?
• Should the “one and done” rule be allowed for basketball? If so, should the same be applied to all s ports?
• Is there an issue of equal access to facilities and equipment for male and female athletes?
• Should professional coaches be paid the same as professional athletes?
• Should there be more equal pay across athletes playing on the same professional team and/or sport?
• Should salary caps be incorporated in the MLB?
• All professional athletes should be paid a livable wage– agree or disagree? (Including players on minor league and farm teams.)
• Should steroid users be allowed to be (or remain) in the Hall of Fame?

Argumentative Essay Prompts for Beginners.

These 14 “Beginner” prompts are a great way for younger audiences or struggling writers to dip their toes into this style of writing. Many of these prompts are tried and true or have plenty of resources students can dive into as they clarify their stance.

• Should all schools have school uniforms?
• Should school lunches be free for all students?
• Is technology more of a benefit or a distraction in the classroom?
• Should students have more freedom in what classes they take in school?
• Is homework an effective component of education? Or should it be abolished?
• Is a year-long school approach better for student learning?
• Should school start at a later time?
• Do video games help build beneficial skills or are they a waste of time?
• Should parents give their children allowances for completing chores?
• Should junk food packaging come with health warnings?
• Does social media have a more positive or negative impact on society? (Many students will say both. Encourage them to consider which outweighs the other.)
• Is technology making us more efficient or lazy? Even if the answer is “both,” encourage students to consider which of the two has a greater impact.
• Students who fail a test or assignment should be given the chance to do it again– agree or disagree?
• Internet access should be free to all.

Teacher Tip: Choosing the Right Argumentative Essay Topic

As you walk your students through choosing their argumentative essay topic, consider guiding them through a few essential elements of finding the right topic for them. Because not all topics they could argue make for a good argumentative topic. Students often need to be reminded that a strong argumentative essay topic should be debatable , with at least two points of views. With that said, they also need to be willing to research and consider the other side of the coin– errr topic. After all, the strongest arguments are the ones that do justice to the alternative perspective(s) while still coming out on top. And hey, perhaps this is a great time to remind students that not everyone shares the same thoughts and perspectives– and that’s okay .

Finally, if you’re giving students any level of choice in their argumentative essay topic, have them begin with a brainstorm. They can create a list of their top three or five topics. Then, encourage them to do some preliminary research before finalizing their topic selection. This prep work can help prevent the dreaded “I couldn’t find any research” in the days leading up to the assignment’s due date. (Insert eye-roll here.)

With so many topic choices out there, even the most independent students can easily become overwhelmed. Hopefully, this list can serve as a place for inspiration for teachers and students alike.

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Writing curriculum

Argumentative Writing Unit

Writing prompts, lesson plans, webinars, mentor texts and a culminating contest, all to inspire your students to tell us what matters to them.

By The Learning Network

Unit Overview

On our site, we’ve been offering teenagers ways to tell the world what they think for over 20 years. Our student writing prompt forums encourage them to weigh in on current events and issues daily, while our contests have offered an annual outlet since 2014 for formalizing those opinions into evidence-based essays.

In this unit, we’re bringing together all the resources we’ve developed along the way to help students figure out what they want to say, and how to say it effectively.

Here is what this unit offers, but we would love to hear from both teachers and students if there is more we could include. Let us know in the comments, or by writing to [email protected].

Start With Our Prompts for Argumentative Writing

How young is too young to use social media? Should students get mental health days off from school? Is $1 billion too much money for any one person to have?

These are the kinds of questions we ask every day on our site. In 2017 we published a list of 401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing categorized to provoke thinking on aspects of contemporary life from social media to sports, politics, gender issues and school. In 2021, we followed it up with 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing , which catalogs all our argument-focused Student Opinion prompts since then, plus our more accessible Picture Prompts.

Teachers tell us their students love looking at these lists, both to inspire their own writing and to find links to reliable sources about the issues that intrigue them. In fact, every year we get many contest submissions that grow directly out of these questions. Several, like this one , have even gone on to win.

But even if you’re not participating in our contest, you might use these prompts to invite the kind of casual, low-stakes writing that can help your students build skills — in developing their voices, making claims and backing them up with solid reasoning and evidence.

And, if your students respond to our most recent prompts by posting comments on our site, they can also practice making arguments for an authentic audience of fellow students from around the world. Each week we choose our favorites to honor in our Current Events Conversation column .

Find Lesson Plans on Every Aspect of Argument Writing

Over the years, we’ve published quite a few lesson plans to support our annual argument writing contests — so many, in fact, that we finally rounded them all up into one easy list.

In “ 10 Ways to Teach Argument-Writing With The New York Times ,” you’ll find resources for:

Exploring the role of a newspaper opinion section

Understanding the difference between fact and opinion

Analyzing the use of rhetorical strategies like ethos, pathos and logos

Working with claims, evidence and counterarguments

Helping students discover the issues that matter to them

Breaking out of the “echo chamber” when researching hot-button issues

Experimenting with visual argument-making

In 2021, we also developed An Argumentative-Writing Unit for Students Doing Remote Learning that can help teenagers guide their own learning.

Teach and Learn With Mentor Texts

You probably already know that you can find arguments to admire — and “writer’s moves” to emulate — all over the Times Opinion section . But have you thought about using the work of our previous Student Editorial Contest winners as mentor texts too?

Here are ways to use both:

Learn from the Op-Ed columnist Nicholas Kristof’s writing process : One edition of our “Annotated by the Author” Mentor Text series is by Mr. Kristof. See what he has to say about the writing challenges he faced in a recent column and how he did the kinds of things students will have to do, too, from fact-checking to fixing grammar errors to balancing storytelling with making a larger point.

Get to know one writer’s rhetorical style : Many teachers use an “adopt a columnist” method, inviting students to focus on the work of one of the Times Opinion columnists to get to know his or her issues and rhetorical style. In 2019, an English teacher in Connecticut wrote for our site about how he does this exercise, in which his students choose from among columnists at The Times, The Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.

Use the work of teenage winners to help your students identify “writer’s moves” they can borrow: Teachers have told us there is no better way to prepare students to enter our contest than to have them examine the work of previous winners.

On our current site, you can find the essays of the top winners and the runners-up from 2017-202 3. Invite your students to read one and answer the questions we pose in all our Mentor Texts columns : “What do you notice or admire about this piece? What lessons might it have for your writing?” Then, have them borrow one or more of this student’s “writer’s moves” and imitate it in their own work.

We have also published two Learning Network books , one that collects 100 of the best student essays from this contest all in one place, categorized by subjects like “Teenage Life Online,” “Gender and Sexuality” and “Sports and Gaming,” and the other a related teacher’s guide to using them in the classroom.

Here is a roundup of ideas from 17 teachers and students for ways to use these “authentic, powerful and unafraid” student essays in several classroom contexts.

Finally, two new entries in our Annotated by the Author series feature student editorial contest winners from 2020 discussing their work and sharing tips: Ananya Udaygiri on “How Animal Crossing Will Save the World” and Abel John on “Collar the Cat!”

Get Practical Tips From Our Related Videos and Webinars

The video above, “ How to Write an Editorial ,” is only three minutes long, but in it Andy Rosenthal, the former editor of the Times Opinion page, gives students seven great pieces of advice.

Both students and teachers are welcome to watch our popular on-demand 2017 webinar, “ Write to Change the World: Crafting Persuasive Pieces With Help From Nicholas Kristof and the Times Op-Ed Page ,” which includes a wealth of practical tips from Mr. Kristof, as well as from Kabby Hong, a Wisconsin English teacher who works with this contest annually, and his student, Daina Kalnina, whose 2017 essay was one of our top winners that year.

Finally, you can watch our 2021 on-demand webinar, Teaching Argumentative Writing , that focuses on two key steps in the process: finding your argument, and using evidence to support it. You will also get broad overview of how to use our writing prompts and the work of our student winners to help your own students find topics they care about, and craft solid arguments around them. You can also watch an edited version of this webinar below.

Enter Our New Student Open Letter Contest: March 13-April 17, 2024

The culmination of this unit? Our new Open Letter Contest.

An open letter is a published letter of protest or appeal usually addressed to an individual but intended for the general public. Martin Luther King’s Letter From Birmingham Jail , the recent letter signed by over 1,000 tech leaders about the dangers of A.I. and this funny 2020 letter addressed to Harry and Meghan are all examples of this rich tradition.

Just as we did for our long-running Editorial Contest, we invite students to make an argument in 450 words about something that matters to them, and persuade us that we should care, too. But this time, students must address themselves to a specific target audience or recipient, institution or group — one that has the power to make meaningful change.

Whether students choose their parents, teachers, school board members or mayor; a member of Congress; the head of a corporation; or a metonym like “Silicon Valley” or “The Kremlin,” they should ask themselves, What do I care about? Who can make changes, big or small, local or global, to address my issue or problem? What specifically do I want them to understand and do? And how can I write this as an “open letter,” meaningful not just to me and the recipient, but to a general audience?

More information will be published soon. Until then, you can find ideas and inspiration in our related writing unit and via the work of past Editorial winners .

As always, all student work will be read by our staff, volunteers from the Times Opinion section, and/or by educators from around the country. Winners will have their work published on our site and, perhaps, in the print New York Times.

50 Argumentative Essay Prompts for Secondary ELA

When it comes to teaching argument essays , students prefer a choice in their argumentative essay topics. That is why I filled this page with 50 argumentative essay prompts for students to choose from. By including students in the essay topic selection process, they feel more included in the process, but they will also be more engaged because they will feel like they have a say in their assignment.

When assigning a hot topic or controversial issue argumentative essay , I always let students select a topic in which they are passionate. However, I also make it clear that their topic cannot be discriminatory or hateful in any way and that they must fund valid and credible evidence to back up their claims. When I do this in the classroom, I also like to make sure that only one student per class has the same topic.

I usually have essay topic sign-ups in two different ways, and both are first come first serve. One way that works is that I usually open up topic selection either before or after school. The students know about the day in advance, and they come into the classroom to sign up for it. For the students who cannot make it to the classroom before or after school, I have them email me their topics.

The other way that I have students sign up for topics is through a Google Form. In the Google Form, I have them select their top choice and a backup. Usually, every student gets either their first or second-choice topic.

Furthermore, I also make sure that students understand the status quo about their topic before selecting it. I cannot even tell you how many years it took me to realize this and how many “medical marijuana should be legal” essays I read before coming to this conclusion. Since I teach in a state where it is (and was at the time) legal, I would explain to the student that they needed to add in some detail to their argument so that they weren’t arguing the status quo.

If you are planning an argument or controversial issue essay assignment, here is a list of potential topics you can include in your classroom. If you need teaching materials, this argument writing teaching unit will help you walk your students through the process.

50 Argumentative Essay Prompts

Argument essay topics about technology.

• Is social media harmful?
• Is technology making people more dependent?
• Should the Internet be a public utility?
• Is technology more harmful or beneficial?
• Should students be allowed to use phones in class?
• Should schools provide students with laptops?
• Should there be a legal age limit for social media?
• Should the US invest more money in the space program?
• Are teens too reliant on technology?
• Are emojis beneficial or destructive to communication?

Argument Essay Topics about School

• Should the dress code be abolished?
• Is the school dress code sexist?
• Should students be required to wear school uniforms?
• Should school start later?
• Should the school year be year-round?
• Is homework necessary?
• Should students participate in standardized tests?
• Should there be a school voucher system?
• Should schools require physical education?
• Should teachers accept late work?

Argument Essay Topics about the Environment

• Should fracking be banned?
• Should single-use plastic be eliminated?
• Are humans responsible for global climate change?
• Are electric cars as environmentally friendly as they claim to be?
• Is vegetarian food good or bad for the environment?
• Who or what is responsible for deforestation?
• What is the biggest environmental threat?
• Should the US do more to prevent global climate change?
• Can nuclear waste be stored safely?
• Is the US doing enough to reduce CO2 emissions?

Argument Essay Topics about Animals

• Should factory farming be banned?
• Should recreational hunting and fishing be banned?
• Should wild animals be kept in captivity?
• Is animal testing for pharmaceuticals necessary?
• Is animal testing for beauty and skin products necessary?
• Should certain dog breeds be considered illegal?
• How should endangered animals be protected?
• Should people keep exotic animals as pets?
• Who or what is responsible for animal extinction?
• Should farm animals be treated with antibiotics?

Argument Essay Topics about Social and Political Issues

• What should the US do about the refugee crisis?
• Should the death penalty be banned?
• Should the US prison system include for-profit prisons?
• Should Confederate statues and memorials come down?
• Should the US switch to a single-payer health system?
• Should community college be free?
• Should the minimum wage remain the same?
• Should the government regulate big tech companies?
• Should the US participate in reparations?
• Should vaccines be mandatory?

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World Brief: U.S. ‘Outraged’ Over Deadly Israeli Strike on World Central Kitchen Convoy in Gaza

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U.S. ‘Outraged’ Over Deadly Israeli Strike on World Central Kitchen Convoy in Gaza

Nearly 200 aid workers have been killed in gaza since the israel-hamas war began..

• Human Rights

Israel-Hamas War

News, analysis, and background on the ongoing conflict .

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Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at a deadly Israeli strike on humanitarian workers in Gaza , Ukraine targeting Russian oil infrastructure, and a school shooting in Finland .

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Aid volunteers killed in gaza.

World Central Kitchen (WCK), an aid organization founded by celebrity chef José Andrés that provides meals to communities struck by humanitarian disasters, temporarily suspended food deliveries to Gaza on Tuesday after an Israeli strike killed seven of the group’s volunteers in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah late Monday. Three of the victims were British citizens, and the others were Australian, Polish, and dual U.S.-Canadian.

“This is not only an attack against WCK, this is an attack on humanitarian organizations showing up in the most dire of situations where food is being used as a weapon of war,” WCK CEO Erin Gore said , calling Israel’s actions “unforgivable.”

Israeli forces reportedly launched a strike on WCK’s three-car convoy over suspicions that a terrorist was traveling with the volunteers, defense sources told Haaretz . They said the convoy was escorting an aid truck allegedly transporting an armed man to a food warehouse in Deir al-Balah, where WCK said the team unloaded “more than 100 tons of humanitarian food aid.” When WCK left the warehouse, the suspect was believed to still be inside. Israeli drones then fired three consecutive missiles at the convoy, killing all seven volunteers.

World Central Kitchen said it had coordinated its movements with Israel’s military and that the convoy included two armored cars branded with WCK’s logo. “The attack on the seven WCK aid workers constitutes a clear violation of the International Court of Justice’s provisions,” said Washington-based aid organization American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), referring to a court ruling last month saying Israel must take “all necessary and effective measures” to ensure the unhindered provision of aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Anera is a nonprofit that collaborates with WCK to deliver 150,000 meals to Gaza daily alongside medical treatments and other emergency aid items.

Israel took responsibility for the strike. “Unfortunately, in the last 24 hours, there was a tragic case of our forces unintentionally hitting innocent people in the Gaza Strip,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “This happens in war, and we will investigate it to the end.”

Foreign leaders condemned Israel’s actions. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said the White House was “ outraged ,” and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called the attack “ completely unacceptable ,” summoning the Israeli ambassador to the U.K. to London.

At least 196 aid workers have been killed in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7, 2023, according to the U.S.-funded Aid Worker Security Database, including 173 employees with the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (known as UNRWA). Not all of these staffers were killed while carrying out their duties. Israel barred  UNRWA last week from delivering aid to northern Gaza despite the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warning last month that 70 percent of Palestinians in parts of northern Gaza face famine-scale food shortages .

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• America Must Act to Prevent a Rwanda-Congo War by Evan W. Nachtrieb
• NATO Is Unprepared for Russia’s Arctic Threats by Liselotte Odgaard

What We’re Following

Oil refinery attack. A Ukrainian drone strike hit Taneco, Russia’s third-largest oil refinery, in the Russian city of Nizhnekamsk on Tuesday, roughly 800 miles from the war’s front lines. Local authorities said the facility suffered no critical damage to its output despite a fire breaking out onsite. The refinery produces more than 17 million tons of crude per year—6.2 percent of Russia’s refining capacity—and the unit hit on Tuesday is responsible for roughly half of the facility’s total production.

Kyiv’s assault was in response to Russian strikes late Monday against energy facilities in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk and Kirovohrad oblasts, the Ukrainian military said. Kyiv has repeatedly targeted Russian oil refineries in recent weeks as a way “to strike at both the economic and logistic sinews of Russia’s war effort,” FP’s Keith Johnson wrote . As of the end of March, Ukrainian drone strikes had shut down around 14 percent of Russia’s total refining capacity, Reuters reported .

Finland’s school shooting. Finnish authorities apprehended a 12-year-old who opened fire at a secondary school north of Helsinki on Tuesday. One student was killed, and two others were seriously injured during the shooting. It is unclear what the student’s motive was, but Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said there will be an investigation.

The suspect was accused of murder and attempted murder “due to some degree of planning,” police said. However, Finland’s minimum age of criminal liability is 15 years, meaning the suspect cannot be formally arrested. The shooter will instead be handed to child welfare authorities after police finish their questioning.

The student was in possession of a licensed handgun registered to a close relative when they were arrested. Finland has one of the highest gun ownership rates in Europe, with around 430,000 license-holders and more than 1.5 million licensed firearms in the nation, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry. In response to school shootings in 2007 and 2008, Helsinki passed a law in 2011 raising the age to purchase firearms from 18 to 20, introducing an aptitude test, and requiring doctors to report anyone deemed unfit to own a gun.

New leadership across Africa. Senegal inaugurated Bassirou Diomaye Faye on Tuesday, making him the West African country’s youngest president. “I am aware that the results of the ballot box express a profound desire for systemic change,” Faye said . “Under my leadership, Senegal will be a country of hope, a peaceful country with an independent judiciary and a strengthened democracy.”

Just 10 days before Senegal’s March 24 presidential election, Faye was released from prison, where he had been held without trial on charges that included inciting insurrection. Experts and observers saw his incarceration as part of a broader undemocratic effort by then-outgoing President Macky Sall to cling to power. Analysts writing for the BBC say Faye’s swearing-in has “reinvigorated popular confidence in democracy.”

Also on Tuesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi was sworn in for a third six-year term. The ceremony took place in the nation’s new capital, called the New Administrative Capital (NAC), which is located around 28 miles southeast of Cairo. The NAC is the largest in a series of mega-projects that Sisi has touted as vital to the country’s economic development and growing population. Critics, however, have argued that the NAC and other multibillion-dollar mega-projects increase Cairo’s debt burden.

In more leadership changes, the Democratic Republic of the Congo appointed its first female prime minister on Monday. President Félix Tshisekedi chose former Planning Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka in a significant step for gender equality . Tuluka vowed to prioritize peace and development amid ongoing regional violence.

Odds and Ends

The world’s oldest continual monarchy has dipped its toe into social media. Japan’s imperial family joined Instagram on Monday to better connect with today’s young people. In just a few hours, the account had already published 60 pictures and five videos of Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their 22-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, attending diplomatic meetings, awards ceremonies, and a bonsai exhibition. The family will also consider joining Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) in the future. Too bad they missed out on the MySpace era.

Alexandra Sharp is the World Brief writer at Foreign Policy. Twitter:  @AlexandraSSharp

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