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Discursive Essay Topics for Students

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Discursive Essay

Introduction

An essay paper is one of the shortest forms of academic tasks, but it isn’t exactly the easiest. Conducting thorough research, preparing a thesis statement, drafting the essay, and proofreading can be quite hectic if you are chased by a stringent deadline. Besides, if you have to write a new type of essay, things may get a lot more challenging for you. A discursive essay is a perfect example of a task that challenges students beyond limits.

Unfortunately, most students don’t know much about a discursive essay. To put it simply, a discursive essay presents both sides of an argument, and then discusses the stance of the author. Here, you need to maintain a formal tone. You need to write the whole paper from the perspective of a third person, even while expressing your opinion. The outline of a discursive essay is quite simple.

Choosing the topic for your discursive essay

Since you have no experience in working on this essay type, it might seem difficult to prepare an essay all by yourself. Before you can get to the writing part, you need to pick a topic first. Selecting a topic is the most time-consuming segment of drafting an essay. To find the right topic for your discursive essay, you can consider the following factors:

  • Brainstorm :

To generate some effective topic ideas for your essay, try brainstorming with your friends. This process is used in various professions (including creative writing) worldwide to find innovative ideas. People try many ways to brainstorm for ideas. See what suits you the best and jot down the potential ideas for further consideration.

  • Preferences of the instructor :

While selecting a topic, you need to ensure that it is relevant to the readers, which in your case is the essay instructor. If you want to leave a lasting impression on the instructor, choosing a topic of his/her interests is essential. Communicate with the instructor and try to know about the topics he/she likes. This will help you boost your chances of scoring better marks.

  • Things that you are interested in:

Most students don’t enjoy academic writing as they find the task to be boring. If you need to draft a discursive essay, consider the topics that genuinely interest you. You will be excited to work on the essay help and you will put in more efforts to excel in the task. If you have already learned about the interests of the instructor, select a topic preferred by both of you.

  • Availability of research material :

Since you have to present both sides of the argument in a discursive essay, you need a significant amount of data to support your claim as well as the counter-argument. It is better to confirm the availability of necessary data on the chosen essay topic. Scan the internet with proper keywords. If you don’t find any reliable data on the topic, you should consider a different topic.

By considering the four aforementioned factors, you can find a remarkable topic for your discursive essay. In case you are running short on time, you can take ideas from the following list of discursive essay topic ideas.

Impressive topic ideas for a discursive essay

  • Can violence in video games cause behavioral problems in children?
  • Is it beneficial to enroll a child in a single-sex school than a co-ed school?
  • Do firewalls keep the users away from bad content?
  • Is there any possibility of having another world war in the near future?
  • Are teachers and schools responsible for the low-test score of a student?
  • Is the advancement of technology responsible for the increasing number of Cancer patients?
  • Is Facebook a great tool for socializing or a terrible place for privacy?
  • Has the internet brought more harm than good?
  • No one is above the law – is it true?
  • Is there too much pressure on teens to attend college?
  • Should there be a legal curfew for minors?
  • Do mainstream media have the responsibility to promote more diversity?
  • Should parents push their kids into extracurricular activities?
  • Should advertisements highlight warnings and side effects?
  • Do movies create unrealistic expectations for relationships and marriage?
  • Do children really need an allowance?
  • Is today's music educating young listeners?
  • Should parents be on social media platforms?
  • Should media representatives be punished for an unfair presentation of facts?
  • Was the war in Iraq justified?
  • Should court proceedings be televised?
  • Should gay marriages be accepted in all democratic nations?
  • Do the police favour law offenders based on their race?
  • Should parents go for advanced training in parenthood?
  • Is peer pressure bad?
  • Using animals as test subjects: necessary or cruelty?
  • Is a college degree important for success?
  • Sex education in schools: Should it be stopped or increased?
  • Should schools teach foreign languages right from kindergarten?
  • Should there be a dress code for every professional?
  • Should working places have afternoon nap facilities for the employees?
  • Is a vegan diet healthy?
  • Is being broke a habit?
  • Space exploration is just a huge waste of money.
  • Destroying forests is a crime against the planet.
  • Being wealthy and being happy are two different things.
  • Artificial Intelligence is not a danger to humanity.
  • Technologies used in space exploration can solve critical problems on earth.
  • Unmanned probes are not a great choice for space exploration.
  • Smoking zones should be brought down.
  • Is it possible to live a healthy life without eating meat?
  • Do curfews keep children out of trouble?
  • Are beauty pageants exploitative?
  • Should men get paternity leave from work?
  • Do photoshopped images affect self-image and self-esteem?
  • Passive smokers suffer more than active ones.
  • Everyone should have free access to healthcare.
  • Is online censorship critical for internet users?
  • Cross-cultural marriages have a positive impact on racial tolerance.
  • Working hours must be reduced to let people spend more time with their family.

You can use these topic ideas for reference and generate an impressive topic idea of your own. You can also use one of these ideas to get started with your discursive essay. However, it is always better to work on a unique topic idea to grab the attention of your instructor.

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You might need some time to understand the basics of a discursive essay. If you think you will be unable to draft a stellar paper on your own, you can ask the experts of Essayhack.io for academic assistance. You can hire expert support for a variety of essay types, including a discursive essay.

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155 Exceptional Discursive Essay Topics To Try

Discursive Essay Topics

Do you have a discursive essay to prepare, and getting the right topic is proving challenging? Selecting the best title for your essay can be challenging because it requires a lot of research and a deep understanding of the respective discipline. For others, it is simply a lack of confidence and materials for research. So, what is the way out?

To help you get high grades, this post provides a list of 155 hot topics that you can use. Consider using them as they are or tweak a little to fit your preference. Do not just select any topic for your discursive essay; select the best.

How to Select a Good Discursive Essay Topic

Before we can list the best topics to write a discursive essay on, it is important to answer the question, “How do you pick the best?” Here are some expert tips:

Interesting to You No matter the study discipline, the topic you select should be interesting. This can help you to develop a stronger attachment with the work, increasing the chances of crafting a high-quality paper. If you select a topic that is not interesting, the chances are that it will become challenging midway. Relevant As a college or university student, every paper you do should help push you higher into your career ladder. Therefore, it is important to select topics that are relevant to your field, especially the latest happenings. For example, a student pursuing international relations might want to explore areas such as the recent withdrawal of the US from Afghanistan, the recent Israel-Hamas war, or the American policy on climate change. Enough Materials As you select the topic, it will be an excellent idea to also think about the resources that will be used to prepare it. If you do not have ample books, journals, and other publications, there is a danger of getting stuck. Focused and Catchy

When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade.

Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher English discursive essay topics. We will also tell you why it is important to work with an expert writer.

Good Discursive Essay Topics for Higher English

  • Should foreign languages be taught in all schools?
  • Both safe sex and abstinence should be taught in high school.
  • In education, are motivational theories effective?
  • Teenagers and children should always speak out about domestic violence.
  • Should the government ban all types of sports betting?
  • Cheating during college examinations should be punished severely.
  • Alternative sources of energy are excellent in addressing global warming phenomena.
  • Good communication skills are crucial for success in business.
  • Should we make recycling mandatory for all?
  • E-books should not replace conventional books in college and university.
  • Should we reduce the legal age for acquiring a driving license in the UK?
  • Every business should invest in innovation.
  • Competition: Is it a good thing?
  • Are girls too mean in relationships?
  • Is fashion important?

Discursive Writing Topics in Sports

  • Can you keep children out of danger through sports?
  • Girls should be allowed to participate in the same sports as boys.
  • Should we legalize the use of steroid alternatives in athletics?
  • Students should be paid for participating in school sports.
  • All females should be banned from taking part in extreme sports.
  • Alcohol and tobacco adverts should be banned from school sports events.
  • The rules used to guide how coaches treat players are not strict enough.
  • Parents should disallow their students from participating in school soccer.
  • Should sports betting be made legal in all countries?
  • Are video games sports?
  • Is there a way of preventing injuries in soccer?
  • Engaging in professional sports is a way of life and not a hobby.
  • Being gay in sports draws a lot of attention from the media.
  • Is it acceptable for a soccer coach to lose his/her emotions on the field?
  • Sports can result in both positive and negative impacts on a person’s health.
  • Chess: Should it be considered a fully-fledged type of sport like basketball and soccer?
  • Do athletes experience stress?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics for You

  • Death penalty: Is it effective?
  • What are the main causes of war?

Should we abolish all tobacco products?

  • Abortion should be abolished.
  • Illegal migrants: Should they be granted the right of abode?
  • What should society do to reduce payment inequality between men and women?
  • Capitalism is the best economic model.
  • Should we use animals for research?
  • BREXIT was a huge mistake.
  • Computer games are bad for children.
  • Ballarat Rebellion: Why did it end in just 30 minutes?
  • Sex before marriage should be forbidden.
  • Is homeschooling better than normal schooling?
  • To succeed in business, communication is the most important thing?
  • Fast foods should be disqualified as food.
  • Parents are to blame for high levels of overweight and obesity among children.
  • Is globalization really important?
  • Should human cloning be allowed?
  • Online dating has ruined the importance of traditional romance.
  • Can politics be free and fair?

Interesting Topics for Discursive Essays

  • Uniforms in school limit student’s freedom of expression.
  • Should all steroid users be banned from all sports in the UK?
  • Should all court proceedings be captured on camera?
  • Same-sex marriages: Should they be banned?
  • Does workplace diversity result in higher productivity?
  • What is the main challenge for women in the workplace?
  • Post-WWII America: How did it grow?
  • Should parents select careers for their children?
  • Reading non-fiction books helps to improve a person’s writing skills.
  • Should famous people get involved in leadership, especially politics?
  • Is Yoga a more spiritual event than fasting?
  • Short dresses should be banned from schools and workplaces.
  • Is space exploration a worthy undertaking?
  • Do we really require social media to stay in touch with each other?
  • Are vegetarians healthier than meat lovers?
  • WWI: What was the potential of the Russian Army?
  • Can virtual reality become dangerous to young people?
  • Rock music: Is it related to Satanism?

Unique Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do video games have an advantage for adults?
  • Punishing students that include physical torture should be banned in schools.
  • Is the global society becoming over-regulated?
  • Should we allow students to rate their trainers?
  • What is the biggest challenge faced by learners in college today?
  • Movies are better than cartoons.
  • Should America and Canada merge to form one country?
  • Smartphones are excellent learning tools.
  • Why do teenagers feel freer to talk on social media as opposed to face-to-face?
  • Does the training offered in college prepare students adequately for the real world?
  • To be successful, hard work alone is not enough.
  • Is the taxation system in the US effective?
  • Is college tuition in the UK too expensive?
  • Is studying Shakespeare in college a good idea today?
  • Without faith, life is incomplete.

Good Discursive Essay Topics in History

  • What was the impact of colonization on the Native Americans?
  • The main causes of the American Revolution.
  • History of racism in the UK.
  • What role did women play in WWII?
  • How significant are the measures adopted by the US to control terrorism?
  • What issues caused major conflicts between the South and North, resulting in the American Civil-war?
  • Were Egyptian pyramids constructed using slave labor?
  • Did WWII spur the creation of a new set of professionals?
  • During WWII, soldiers were the main spreaders of the Spanish Flu.
  • The results of WWI caused WWII: Is it correct?
  • The Second Civil War in South Sudan resulted in the creation of the independent republic of South Sudan.
  • Spanish-American War: Was it the cheapest war in history?
  • Why did the Soviet invade Afghanistan?
  • The Haiti Revolution of 1791-1804: Was it the only successful rebellion of liberated slaves?
  • Socio-economic and political revolution: What is the main difference?
  • The Panama Canal made the country one of the fastest-growing nations in Latin America.
  • Mexican-American War: Why did America Carry the Day?
  • How are the weapons of ancient Asian Civilization reflected in their culture?
  • How did the decolonized African states try to decolonize their history?

List of Discursive Essay Topics in Sociology

  • Should governments put some limits on the freedom of speech?
  • Giving male workers paternity leave: Is it a good idea?
  • Are there circumstances when torture is acceptable?
  • Failed parenting: What is the right form of punishment?
  • What are the main causes of single-parenthood in society today?
  • Socialism or capitalism: What is more beneficial to society?
  • Are women less privileged in society?
  • Increase in youth crime in the society: What are the major causes?
  • Is beauty more perceived than intelligence?
  • Racial stereotyping: What are the implications?
  • Society and culture: What is the meeting point?
  • Modern technology: Has it made the globe a better place?
  • Ethnicity: How does it impact social class?
  • Is it possible to stop social violence?
  • What are the psychological impacts of war on children?
  • Family structure: Does it influence societal development?
  • What is the best way to encourage society to have good morals?
  • Is the gay culture a threat to the traditional family?
  • Single parenting: Has it been accepted in society?

Top Discursive Essay Topics on Nature

  • Why is underground water not considered clean for drinking?
  • Tourism is one of the main reasons for animal theft.
  • Should all countries make recycling compulsory?
  • Plastic manufacturing factories: Should they be banned?
  • Between the public and government, who is more responsible for disturbing nature?
  • How does a vegan diet help the environment?
  • Is global warming real?
  • Can deaths caused by earthquakes be prevented?
  • Is scientific advancement creating an imbalance in nature?
  • Deforestation: How does it degrade the standard of life?
  • Is it possible to dump nuclear waste safely?
  • Can renewable sources of energy meet the growing demand?
  • Imagining the globe in 2300: How will it be when the oil is exhausted?
  • Should environmental conservation be introduced as a core course for all students?
  • Does smoking outdoors have any impact on the environment?
  • Should governments advocate for more artificial environments?
  • Is it a good idea to buy bottled water?
  • Are environmental awareness forums important?

Ideas for Discursive Essays in Nursing

  • Who between nurses and doctors is exposed to more health hazards?
  • Racial discrimination: Is it a major issue in nursing?
  • Do nurses play a bigger role than doctors in defining a patient’s recovery?
  • Should the government ban costumes that sexualize nurses?
  • What is the right number of nurses to have in a hospital?
  • Are female nurses more indifferent to patients than male ones?
  • Night shift nurses and day-time nurses: Who should earn more?
  • Nurses’ remuneration: Should their wages be at par with that of doctors?
  • Are most nurses negligent?
  • The importance of interpersonal skills in nursing?
  • What is the impact of nursing theories in nursing practice?
  • The importance of leadership and managerial skills in nursing.
  • Sociological issues in nursing.
  • Do nurses face racial issues in their course of work?

Use Essay Writing Help to Craft A-Rated Discursive Essays

Once you have selected the preferred topic to write a discursive essay on, it marks the start of the next phase, which is the actual writing of the paper. Here, you need to have top-notch research and writing skills to be able to prepare high-quality work. You also require a good mastery of the subject under consideration and enough time to work on the paper. Rarely do students have this combination, and their best way out is working with online academic writing experts.

The professionals offering academic writing services have been on this type of job for years and amassed enough experience. Indeed, they are likely to have handled similar types of paper before, and yours will be pretty easy to complete. The services are also cheap and the writers can work really fast to complete even the essays with the tightest deadlines. You can never go wrong with an expert holding your hand!

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Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

Here are all of our Student Opinion questions from the 2020-21 school year. Each question is based on a different New York Times article, interactive feature or video.

discursive essay topics 2021

By The Learning Network

Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and respond to current events unfolding around them. To introduce each question, we provide an excerpt from a related New York Times article or Opinion piece as well as a free link to the original article.

During the 2020-21 school year, we asked 176 questions, and you can find them all below or here as a PDF . The questions are divided into two categories — those that provide opportunities for debate and persuasive writing, and those that lend themselves to creative, personal or reflective writing.

Teachers can use these prompts to help students practice narrative and persuasive writing, start classroom debates and even spark conversation between students around the world via our comments section. For more ideas on how to use our Student Opinion questions, we offer a short tutorial along with a nine-minute video on how one high school English teacher and her students use this feature .

Questions for Debate and Persuasive Writing

1. Should Athletes Speak Out On Social and Political Issues? 2. Should All Young People Learn How to Invest in the Stock Market? 3. What Are the Greatest Songs of All Time? 4. Should There Be More Gender Options on Identification Documents? 5. Should We End the Practice of Tipping? 6. Should There Be Separate Social Media Apps for Children? 7. Do Marriage Proposals Still Have a Place in Today’s Society? 8. How Do You Feel About Cancel Culture? 9. Should the United States Decriminalize the Possession of Drugs? 10. Does Reality TV Deserve Its Bad Rap? 11. Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? 12. How Should Parents Support a Student Who Has Fallen Behind in School? 13. When Is It OK to Be a Snitch? 14. Should People Be Required to Show Proof of Vaccination? 15. How Much Have You and Your Community Changed Since George Floyd’s Death? 16. Can Empathy Be Taught? Should Schools Try to Help Us Feel One Another’s Pain? 17. Should Schools or Employers Be Allowed to Tell People How They Should Wear Their Hair? 18. Is Your Generation Doing Its Part to Strengthen Our Democracy? 19. Should Corporations Take Political Stands? 20. Should We Rename Schools Named for Historical Figures With Ties to Racism, Sexism or Slavery? 21. How Should Schools Hold Students Accountable for Hurting Others? 22. What Ideas Do You Have to Improve Your Favorite Sport? 23. Are Presidential Debates Helpful to Voters? Or Should They Be Scrapped? 24. Is the Electoral College a Problem? Does It Need to Be Fixed? 25. Do You Care Who Sits on the Supreme Court? Should We Care? 26. Should Museums Return Looted Artifacts to Their Countries of Origin? 27. Should Schools Provide Free Pads and Tampons? 28. Should Teachers Be Allowed to Wear Political Symbols? 29. Do You Think People Have Gotten Too Relaxed About Covid? 30. Who Do You Think Should Be Person of the Year for 2020? 31. How Should Racial Slurs in Literature Be Handled in the Classroom? 32. Should There Still Be Snow Days? 33. What Are Your Reactions to the Storming of the Capitol by a Pro-Trump Mob? 34. What Do You Think of the Decision by Tech Companies to Block President Trump? 35. If You Were a Member of Congress, Would You Vote to Impeach President Trump? 36. What Would You Do First if You Were the New President? 37. Who Do You Hope Will Win the 2020 Presidential Election? 38. Should Media Literacy Be a Required Course in School? 39. What Are Your Reactions to the Results of Election 2020? Where Do We Go From Here? 40. How Should We Remember the Problematic Actions of the Nation’s Founders? 41. As Coronavirus Cases Surge, How Should Leaders Decide What Stays Open and What Closes? 42. What Is Your Reaction to the Inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? 43. How Worried Should We Be About Screen Time During the Pandemic? 44. Should Schools Be Able to Discipline Students for What They Say on Social Media? 45. What Works of Art, Culture and Technology Flopped in 2020? 46. How Do You Feel About Censored Music? 47. Why Do You Think ‘Drivers License’ Became Such a Smash Hit? 48. Justice Ginsburg Fought for Gender Equality. How Close Are We to Achieving That Goal? 49. How Well Do You Think Our Leaders Have Responded to the Coronavirus Crisis? 50. To What Extent Is the Legacy of Slavery and Racism Still Present in America in 2020? 51. How Should We Reimagine Our Schools So That All Students Receive a Quality Education? 52. How Concerned Do You Think We Should Be About the Integrity of the 2020 Election? 53. What Issues in This Election Season Matter Most to You? 54. Is Summer School a Smart Way to Make Up for Learning Lost This School Year? 55. What Is Your Reaction to the Senate’s Acquittal of Former President Trump? 56. What Is the Worst Toy Ever? 57. How Should We Balance Safety and Urgency in Developing a Covid-19 Vaccine? 58. What Are Your Reactions to Oprah’s Interview With Harry and Meghan? 59. Should the Government Provide a Guaranteed Income for Families With Children? 60. Should There Be More Public Restrooms? 61. Should High School-Age Basketball Players Be Able to Get Paid? 62. Should Team Sports Happen This Year? 63. Who Are the Best Musical Artists of the Past Year? What Are the Best Songs? 64. Should We Cancel Student Debt? 65. How Closely Should Actors’ Identities Reflect the Roles They Play? 66. Should White Writers Translate a Black Author’s Work? 67. Would You Buy an NFT? 68. Should Kids Still Learn to Tell Time? 69. Should All Schools Teach Financial Literacy? 70. What Is Your Reaction to the Verdict in the Derek Chauvin Trial? 71. What Is the Best Way to Stop Abusive Language Online? 72. What Are the Underlying Systems That Hold a Society Together? 73. What Grade Would You Give President Biden on His First 100 Days? 74. Should High Schools Post Their Annual College Lists? 75. Are C.E.O.s Paid Too Much? 76. Should We Rethink Thanksgiving? 77. What Is the Best Way to Get Teenagers Vaccinated? 78. Do You Want Your Parents and Grandparents to Get the New Coronavirus Vaccine? 79. What Is Your Reaction to New Guidelines That Loosen Mask Requirements? 80. Who Should We Honor on Our Money? 81. Is Your School’s Dress Code Outdated? 82. Does Everyone Have a Responsibility to Vote? 83. How Is Your Generation Changing Politics?

Questions for Creative and Personal Writing

84. What Does Your Unique Style Say About You? 85. How Do You Spend Your Downtime? 86. Would You Want to Live to 200? 87. How Do You Connect to Your Heritage? 88. What Do You Think Are the Secrets to Happiness? 89. Are You a Sneakerhead? 90. What Role Have Mentors Played in Your Life? 91. If You Could Make Your Own Podcast, What Would It Be About? 92. Have You Ever Felt Pressure to ‘Sell Your Pain’? 93. Do You Think You Make Good Climate Choices? 94. What Does TikTok Mean to You? 95. Do Your Parents Overpraise You? 96. Do You Want to Travel in Space? 97. Do You Feel You’re Friends With Celebrities or Influencers You Follow Online? 98. Would You Eat Food Grown in a Lab? 99. What Makes You Cringe? 100. What Volunteer Work Would You Most Like to Do? 101. How Do You Respond When People Ask, ‘Where Are You From?’ 102. Has a School Assignment or Activity Ever Made You Uncomfortable? 103. How Does Your Identity Inform Your Political Beliefs and Values? 104. Are You an Orchid, a Tulip or a Dandelion? 105. Are You Having a Tough Time Maintaining Friendships These Days? 106. How Is Your Mental Health These Days? 107. Do You Love Writing or Receiving Letters? 108. What Has Television Taught You About Social Class? 109. Are You Easily Distracted? 110. What Objects Bring You Comfort? 111. What Is Your Favorite Memory of PBS? 112. Have You Ever Felt Embarrassed by Your Parents? 113. What Are You Doing to Combat Pandemic Fatigue? 114. Have You Ever Worried About Making a Good First Impression? 115. What Do You Want Your Parents to Know About What It’s Like to Be a Teenager During the Pandemic? 116. How Have You Collaborated From a Distance During the Pandemic? 117. How Important Is It to You to Have Similar Political Beliefs to Your Family and Friends? 118. How Are You Feeling About Winter This Year? 119. Which Celebrity Performer Would You Like to Challenge to a Friendly Battle? 120. How Mentally Tough Are You? 121. What Smells Trigger Powerful Memories for You? 122. What Are You Thankful for This Year? 123. Do You Miss Hugs? 124. Are You a Good Conversationalist? 125. What Habits Have You Started or Left Behind in 2020? 126. What Was the Best Art and Culture You Experienced in 2020? 127. What’s Your Relationship With Masks? 128. What Role Does Religion Play in Your Life? 129. How Will You Be Celebrating the Holidays This Year? 130. What Is Something Good That Happened in 2020? 131. What New Flavor Ideas Do You Have for Your Favorite Foods? 132. What Are Your Hopes and Concerns for the New School Year? 133. How Has 2020 Challenged or Changed You? 134. What Do You Hope for Most in 2021? 135. How Do You View Death? 136. What Is Your Favorite Fact You Learned in 2020? 137. What Are the Places in the World That You Love Most? 138. Have You Ever Experienced ‘Impostor Syndrome’? 139. How Well Do You Get Along With Your Siblings? 140. Do You Talk to Your Family About the Cost of College? 141. Do You Have a Healthy Diet? 142. How Do You Feel About Mask-Slipping? 143. Do You Believe in Manifesting? 144. How Do You Express Yourself Creatively? 145. What Are Your Family’s House Rules During the Covid Crisis? 146. What Online Communities Do You Participate In? 147. Have You Experienced Any Embarrassing Zoom Mishaps? 148. What Does Your Country’s National Anthem Mean to You? 149. Are Sports Just Not the Same Without Spectators in the Stands? 150. Would You Volunteer for a Covid-19 Vaccine Trial? 151. What ‘Old’ Technology Do You Think Is Cool? 152. Have You Ever Tried to Grow Something? 153. How Has the Pandemic Changed Your Relationship to Your Body? 154. How Do You Find New Books, Music, Movies or Television Shows? 155. Are You Nervous About Returning to Normal Life? 156. How Do You Celebrate Spring? 157. How Do You Talk With People Who Don’t Share Your Views? 158. Would You Want to Be a Teacher Someday? 159. What Would You Recommend That Is ‘Overlooked and Underappreciated’? 160. What Children’s Books Have Had the Biggest Impact on You? 161. What Is Your Gender Identity? 162. Have You Hit a Wall? 163. What Is the Code You Live By? 164. Do You Think You Have Experienced ‘Learning Loss’ During the Pandemic? 165. What Are the Most Memorable Things You’ve Seen or Experienced in Nature? 166. Do You Want to Have Children Someday? 167. What Have You Learned About Friendship This Year? 168. What Seemingly Mundane Feats Have You Accomplished? 169. Has a Celebrity Ever Convinced You to Do Something? 170. How Have You Commemorated Milestones During the Pandemic? 171. How Often Do You Read, Watch or Listen to Things Outside of Your Comfort Zone? 172. Do You Think You Live in a Political Bubble? 173. What Is Your Relationship With the Weight-Loss Industry? 174. What Have You Made This Year? 175. How Are You Right Now? 176. What Are You Grateful For?

Want more writing prompts?

You can find even more Student Opinion questions in our 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing , 550 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing and 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing . We also publish daily Picture Prompts , which are image-centered posts that provide space for many different kinds of writing. You can find all of our writing prompts, added as they publish, here .

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How To Write Discursive Essays

  • Essay Writing Lower Secondary

How To Write Discursive Essays

1. What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is an essay which involves a discussion. You’re encouraged to examine different perspectives on the issue so that the discussion you provide is a balanced one! You are on the right track if your essay sheds light on the issue by looking at it from different viewpoints.

But before you go on reading… You might want to download a pdf copy of this article as it is quite long!

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2. How do I Identify a Discursive Essay Topic?

Let’s take a look at some of the discursive essay topics from past year papers:

2021 O-Level: “Young people are changing the world for the better.” What is your opinion?

  • 2019 O-Level: “Most young people today are obsessed with fame and imitating celebrities.” What are your views?

In recent years, “What is your opinion?” and “What are your views?” are common signposts used to indicate a discursive essay topic. However, there are also instances where such questions are not used. Consider:

  • 2012 O-Level: People all over the world are living longer. What are the advantages and disadvantages of their increased life expectancy?
  • 2010 O-Level: What important lessons in life are learned away from school?

So note that the question can still indicate discursive writing even when it does not contain “What is your opinion?” or “What are your views?”

3. What is the Difference Between a Discursive Essay, an Argumentative Essay and an Expository Essay?

shrub vector

Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s look at the differences in requirements for a discursive and an argumentative essay.

Argumentative: you are required to take an explicit stand on the issue. Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand.

Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that’s perfectly fine! Just note that the goal here is not to persuade or to convince; it is to provide the reader with a balanced discussion by examining the issue from various viewpoints.

Now that you’ve learnt how to identify a discursive question and gotten a better idea of what it requires, let’s look at how to plan a discursive essay.

4. How do I Approach or Structure a Discursive Essay?

vector image of thinking

Some essays require  a binary approach , meaning to say you tackle the issue by addressing the positive and the negative aspects of the question at hand. 

Here is how you can plan your body paragraphs for such topics:

Now, it’s your turn! Try planning an outline for the following topics:

  • 2017 O-Level: It is often said that people
  • are too concerned with getting things and spending money. What is your opinion? 

On the other hand, there are topics which are not suited for such a binary approach. Consider questions such as:

  • Give 3 x features (1 per body paragraph)
  • Give 3 x important lessons (1 per body paragraph)

vector image of balance

5. How do I Brainstorm Ideas for a Discursive Essay to Achieve a Balanced Discussion?

Give yourself 10 minutes to do a proper planning. It’s useful to approach the issue at hand by exploring its significance and relevance in different spheres and domains : Education, Ethics or Morals, Technology, Law etc.

Instead of giving 3 different points from an education perspective, why not broaden your scope and look at the issue from not just an educational perspective, but also a technological perspective and an ethical perspective?

This is what makes for a matured, holistic response. 

Let’s use the following topic as an example:

vector image of man working

If you run out of ideas, you can also examine two sides of a coin in a single domain. For example, you’ll see that in the example, that for the technological sphere, there are instances of youths making and  not changing the world for the better.  

Now that the brainstorming is done, let’s put pen to paper and start writing!

6. How do I Write an Introduction for a Discursive Essay?

  • Share an insight or observation regarding the issue. Why is this issue worth discussing? What are the implications of the issue? You can also use 5W1H questions to help you generate ideas.
  • Define your scope of discussion and if needed, define the keywords in the topic by setting out what is meant by, for instance, “young people” and “for the better”.

You can ask yourself these questions to help you with your intro:

  • Who are “young people”?
  • In which domains are youths making significant impact?
  • Why do some people believe that they are making the world a better place?
  • Why do other people not trust youth to positively impact the world?
  • What is my thesis?

Simply answer these questions + include your thesis. Voila, you have a solid introduction!

7. How do I Write the Body Paragraphs for a Discursive Essay?

Students, you must have heard of the PEEL method by now. We introduce the POINT in the first sentence, ELABORATE on the point, then substantiate with EVIDENCE or EXAMPLES , and finally, we round it all off by LINKING back to the point.

It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?

vector image of good job

Each body paragraph should only discuss one main idea , and only one! Introduce the main idea in your topic sentence (the first sentence of your body paragraph), not after you’ve given your example or when you’re wrapping up the paragraph.

A good topic sentence is straightforward and clear .

Here is an example of a coherent and concise topic sentence:  

  • In the sphere of education, youth activists are making positive changes by advocating to make education available to girls in less developed societies.

After you have crafted your topic sentence, it’s time to elaborate on your main point. A well-developed body paragraph elaborates by delving deeper into the main point and substantiating with relevant examples or evidence.

For our point on “education”, consider asking and answering the following questions:

  • Education imparts knowledge and skills to girls, which then grants more employment opportunities. In turn, they break free from the poverty cycle.
  • Don’t stop here! Make sure to link back to the idea of “making the world a better place”.
  • This means lower poverty rates in the world and society also benefits from the contributions that the girls go on to make in the workforce.

Important Reminders:

vector image of warning sign

a. Your essay  must not be example-driven ! It must always be point-driven. 

b. Remember to make the link from your examples/ evidence back to your topic sentence. This illustrates the relevance and strength of your evidence and reinforces your main point. 

For our example, a coherent body paragraph could look like this: 

8. How to Write a Conclusion for a Discursive Essay?

vector image of man lifting a star

Many students just reiterate the points in conclusion. But that is… you guessed it, boring. Last impression lasts!   You want to provide an insight to this issue to demonstrate your maturity of thought. Apart from summarising your points, link your conclusion back to the introduction so that your essay comes a full circle. You can also use a quote or thought-provoking question for readers to make their own conclusion.

Students, this is how you tackle a discursive essay. Try applying these tips to one of the topics above!

Visit other related articles on Writing Samurai:

How to write argumentative essays.

  • 7 Exam-Smart Tips For Language Editing
  • 9 Tips for English Summary Writing
  • Practice Past Years O-Level English Essay Questions
  • Exam Smart Tips for Secondary English Paper 1 and Paper 2

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150 Excellent Discursive Essay Topics for Students To Consider

Table of Contents

Do you want to write an engaging discursive essay? Are you struggling to come up with the best discursive essay topics for your assignment? Don’t worry! To help you with discursive essay writing, here, in this blog post, we have explained what a discursive essay means, its types, and the simple steps for writing it. Also, we have shared some interesting discursive essay topics and ideas to consider for assignments.

Discursive Essay Topics

If you don’t know where to begin your essay, then keep on reading this blog post and update your knowledge on discursive essay writing.

What is a Discursive Essay?

A discursive essay is a type of academic essay in which you have to share your opinions or views in support of the topic or against the topic. Even at certain times, this essay would permit you to present your views on both sides of a topic in a neutral manner.

The ultimate aim of a discursive essay is to provide the readers with multiple viewpoints on a particular essay help topic or idea. Therefore, while writing a discursive essay, you will have to think deeper from various perspectives and review all the aspects of the subject.

Basically, a discursive essay appears like an argumentative essay or persuasive essay , but it is actually different from them in certain ways. In a nutshell, a discursive essay discusses arguments in a balanced way taking into account all the factors that are for and against the topic.

Types of Discursive Essays

The discursive essay is classified into three types as listed below.

Discursive Essay Topics

For and Against Essay

It is a form of discursive essay that will argumentatively discuss either for or against the topic or theme. When writing an essay of this type, you should make sure to concentrate on both the advantages and disadvantages of the topic and present your views neutrally. Particularly, before wrapping up the essay, you should showcase your opinion on the topic by specifying your preference.

Solutions Recommending Essay

This discursive essay type will outline the issue and will recommend several possible solutions for that issue. But when you wrap up this essay, in the conclusion paragraph, you should highlight your opinion on the best solution to the issue and explain why that solution is effective.

Opinion Essay

It is a kind of discursive essay in which you have to share your opinions or arguments on a specific topic with supporting evidence from credible sources. Most importantly, while concluding this essay, you should remember to put forward your arguments against the topic and explain the reason why they are not persuasive.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

Do you wonder how to prepare a discursive essay? Cool! Writing a discursive essay will not be so hard when you have a proper essay plan and idea about the essay structure. In general, a discursive essay is a formal essay in which you have to organize and present the ideas in a way that is easy for the readers to understand.

Here are some essential steps that would guide you to craft an excellent discursive essay.

  • First, read and understand the essay writing guidelines shared by your instructor.
  • Matching your instructor’s instructions, find a perfect discursive essay topic that allows you to share your opinions.
  • Next, research the selected topic and gather the important points or arguments for discussion.
  • After analyzing the topic, prepare a well-structured discursive essay outline that includes sections such as introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • With the help of the prepared essay outline, start preparing the first draft of the essay according to the standard essay structure.
  • Open the essay with a catchy introductory paragraph. The introduction should have an engaging hook statement, background information, and a strong thesis statement relevant to the essay topic.
  • Craft the body paragraphs. The body of the essay should discuss in detail all the major arguments supporting your thesis statement with valid evidence.
  • Wrap up the essay with a conclusion paragraph. The conclusion section should portray your feelings about the topic and list out all the necessary findings.
  • Add a reference page and list out the original source of the ideas you have used in your essay.
  • Before submission, double-check the entire draft of the essay and edit the grammar, spelling, or logical errors in it. The final draft of the essay should be original and free from errors.

Discursive Essay Writing Tips

By following all the above-mentioned steps in order, you can come up with a great discursive essay. But besides, we also recommend you stick to the below-mentioned tips when writing a discursive essay because it would help you to fine-tune your essay format and structure.

Tips for Writing a Brilliant Discursive Essay

  • Write the discursive essay in a formal third-person speech.
  • When writing this essay, use the right choice of words and formal language conventions.
  • Avoid using emotional writing style and clichés to exaggerate your opinions.
  • Follow the standard essay structure that contains separate sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Explain the arguments using a balanced and calm tone.
  • Use well-known real-life examples as proof to explain the main arguments.
  • Never change the original structure of a discursive essay.
  • Add references to all the ideas taken from external sources.
  • Make sure to use transition words in between the paragraphs to maintain a smooth and seamless narration flow.
  • Include persuasive writing techniques such as hyperbole, imagery, metaphors, oxymoron, repetition, and similes at the appropriate places, if needed.

Tips For Choosing a Good Discursive Essay Topic

In the discursive essay writing process, topic selection is the first step that you can’t skip. Generally, you won’t find it hard to identify a topic when your instructor provides a list of discursive essay prompts for you to choose from. But the real challenge comes only when you are given the option to choose a topic of your choice.

For writing a discursive essay, there are numerous topics available on various subjects. Out of them all, based on your interest, you can search and identify any good topic. But the problem here is, when you have many topics, then finding one perfect topic from them would become too hard to handle.

So, to help you identify the right essay topic, here we have shared some key tips to keep in mind during the discursive essay topic selection phase.

  • Pick a topic in which you have a strong opinion or knowledge.
  • Go with the topic that is convenient for you to write about.
  • Avoid selecting a frequently discussed topic.
  • Identify a topic that is interesting for you and your readers.
  • Choose a controversial topic in which you can raise varying viewpoints or opinions.
  • Select a complex topic with two sides, so that you can extract more arguments that are for and against it.
  • Give preference to the topic that has many valid facts or evidence to prove your arguments.
  • Finalize the essay topic only if it meets your instructor’s essay writing guidelines, if there are any.

List of Discursive Essay Topics

Here are some unique discursive essay topic ideas on various disciplines.

Discursive Essay Topics

If you don’t know what topic to choose for your discursive essay, feel free to access the entire list below and spot any topic that suits you perfectly.

Best Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do space explorations assure long-term survival?
  • Is the current education system productive?
  • Is English one of the toughest languages to learn?
  • Does reading non-fiction build up the writers’ creativity?
  • Do parents have to reward their children for behaving well?
  • Describe the best kind of parenting observed in your country.
  • Should tobacco production be made illegal across the world?
  • Which is better: reading e-book or paperback?
  • Discuss the effective ways to keep children away from the use of drugs.
  • Are acts of sex and violence acceptable on TV?
  • Is the dependency on technology making us dumber?
  • Is rock music related to Satanism?
  • Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mobile phones.
  • Has blockchain enhanced trade finance in 2018?
  • Can virtual reality turn out to be dangerous for youngsters?
  • Should social media platforms be banned from collecting their users’ data?
  • Do companies have to hire human workers instead of using autonomous machines?
  • Should cell phones be banned from vehicles?
  • Has the internet made society better?
  • Should parents limit screen time for kids?

Excellent Discursive Essay Topics

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of globalization?
  • Is it essential to ban steroid takers from sports?
  • Are political authorities involved in illegal activities?
  • Discuss the association between food, fitness, and weight.
  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of video games among teenagers?
  • Should schools avoid punishing students that include physical torture?
  • Is society becoming over-regulated?
  • How can students contribute to the safety of nature?
  • Do schools have to ban uniforms?
  • Explain the adverse effects of detox diets.
  • Why are policymakers pushing STEM education nowadays?
  • Should the government ban same-sex marriages?
  • Should there be restrictions on freedom of speech?
  • What are the workplace challenges faced by women?
  • Will robots in the future add to our efficiency?
  • Does every country have to ban capital punishment?
  • Should court proceedings in the UK be documented for television?
  • Is print media almost dead?
  • Is social media having a positive impact on our lives?
  • Is home-schooling good for students?
  • Discuss the need for employees to use social networks at work
  • Cite reasons why internet slang like LOL should be in the dictionary
  • Explain the challenges of over-dependence on technology for modern schools
  • Critique any innovation that has made us lazier than before
  • Discuss why so many college athletes struggle with schoolwork

Interesting Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is a college education mandatory to be successful in life?
  • Which is better: listening to the mind or the heart?
  • Which is better: watching a movie on the big screen or in your home?
  • Should parents be honest with their kids?
  • Share your views about the marriage of convenience.
  • Is Graffiti an art?
  • Are plastic water bottles spoiling the environment?
  • Are athletes the best role models for children?
  • Is social media presence necessary for a small business to succeed?
  • Should people in Muslim countries develop a religious tolerance?
  • Should public schools have a responsibility to teach social-emotional skills to students?
  • Is the best music founded on social oppression?
  • Should animal sports be banned?
  • Should zoos be abolished?
  • Is cutting hands the only way to stop corruption?
  • Should polio vaccinations be compulsory for every citizen of the United States?
  • Is it good to believe that car seats are effective to keep children safe in car crashes?
  • Should social media sites be banned from collecting their users’ data?
  • Should healthcare professionals be allowed to market and sell drugs to their patients?
  • Should companies switch to hiring employees using autonomous machines?

Amazing Discursive Essay Prompts

  • Explain the scenario of healthcare and medicine in the 1900s.
  • Is Facebook really needed to stay in touch with each other?
  • Should short dresses be restricted from the workplace?
  • Should offshore drilling be widened?
  • Should famous people in society stay active in politics?
  • Is social media contributing to a more narcissistic society?
  • Is IoT no longer a tool that screws up privacy and security?
  • Is studying Shakespeare outdated in today’s world?
  • Does workplace diversity contribute to increased productivity?
  • Are contemporary people across the world depending too much on technology?
  • Should the average driving age in your country be reduced or increased?
  • Is yoga a more spiritual activity than fasting?
  • Discuss the pros and cons of peer pressure.
  • Are non-vegetarians healthier than vegetarians?
  • Discuss your viewpoints on cryptocurrency.
  • Analyze the future of cryptocurrencies
  • Should there be more parties in the United States?
  • Should college students be restricted from participating in Greek life?
  • Is co-education better than single-sex education?
  • Should college students get to autonomy to choose which professor’s class they attain?

Read more: Amazing Descriptive Essay Topics and Ideas for Students

Top Discursive Essay Questions

  • Are tattoos a work of art?
  • Is exercising mandatory for losing weight?
  • Is plastic surgery good?
  • Do parents have to be on the same social network as their children?
  • Is MBA necessary to be successful in business?
  • Are technological advancements making us lazier?
  • Does slavery have a positive influence on world economics?
  • Explain your views about the child-free movement.
  • Should cell phones be allowed in school?
  • What should be the penalty for internet trolling or cyberbullying?
  • Which is better: traditional medicine or alternative medicine?
  • Is texting and texting apps like WhatsApp ruining the English language?
  • Should companies allow employees to take a nap in the afternoon?
  • At what age should a child start doing household chores?
  • Should cheerleading be recognized as a sport and played in the Olympics?
  • Discuss the correlation between wealth and happiness.
  • Which is better: Single-sex School or Co-ed School?
  • Will Google bring about the end of privacy?
  • Is good grammar necessary?
  • Which is worse: White-collar crime or Blue-collar crime?

Captivating Discursive Essay Ideas

  • Is radio important as a form of media in the 21st century?
  • Discuss the prospect of having a woman president.
  • Discuss the mortgage crisis in the economy.
  • Is it important to heavily regulate newspapers?
  • Is earning money through the lottery a good idea?
  • Does technology isolate the individual?
  • Why an assassination can never be justified?
  • Discuss the challenges in outsourcing to foreign countries.
  • Should rape victims be hanged to death?
  • Explain how the celebrity culture is spoiling the moral values of young teenagers.

Outstanding Discursive Essay Topics

  • Do social media platforms affect the academic performance of students?
  • Should the government censor rap music culture?
  • Are tattoos and paganism related to each other?
  • Do airlines have to provide a two-seat policy for heavier people?
  • Are dating websites a good place to meet romantic partners?
  • Are drug abuse commercials effective?
  • Is the military’s use of drones an invasion of privacy?
  • Should GMOs be allowed in food?
  • Discuss the negative and positive effects of Blockchain on energy.
  • Why should we prohibit the destruction of rainforests?
  • Do energy drinks cause health risks to teenagers?
  • Should text message acronyms be added to dictionaries?
  • Does the gaming world promote problematic gender and racial stereotypes?
  • Do all adults need eight hours of sleep?
  • Is cheerleading a way to objectify young women?

Read more: Sample GRE Essay Topics To Practice

Compelling Discursive Essay Topics

  • Which is better: nuclear families or joint families?
  • Is social media more relevant these days than traditional media?
  • Is it essential to emphasize etiquette in all curriculums?
  • Are apps more of a help or a waste of time?
  • Do contact sports encourage aggression?
  • Do video games have educational value?
  • Is it possible to create a society based on matriarchy?
  • Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum?
  • Is it important to ban beauty contests?
  • Do politicians rely on the media in order to remain in power?

Incredible Discursive Essay Topics

  • Discuss the prospect of making education a free for all affair
  • Explain how the concept of consumer debt affects purchasing ability.
  • Discuss the correlation between the price of textbooks and education
  • Should zoos, circuses, and aquariums be closed for the violation of animal rights?
  • Discuss the ethical prospect of bringing back extinct species through cloning
  • Is it necessary to abolish the grading system in the education field?
  • Explain the challenges that different countries face when trying to end poaching.
  • Should the case for equal pay for equal work be advanced?
  • Explain how the sitting government perpetuates poverty.
  • Why is it important to allow college students to choose the course they wish to study?

From the above-recommended list of unique discursive essay topics, without any hesitation, select a topic matching your interest and prepare an extraordinary discursive essay. Haven’t you identified the right discursive essay topic for your assignment yet? Do you need instant discursive essay writing help? Contact us now!

discursive essay topics 2021

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I am an Academic Writer and have affection to share my knowledge through posts’. I do not feel tiredness while research and analyzing the things. Sometime, I write down hundred of research topics as per the students requirements. I want to share solution oriented content to the students.

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26 Planning a Discursive Essay

Discursive essay – description.

A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence. It requires critical thinking, as well as sound and valid arguments (see Chapter 25) that acknowledge and analyse arguments both for and against any given topic, plus discursive essay writing appeals to reason, not emotions or opinions. While it may draw some tentative conclusions, based on evidence, the main aim of a discursive essay is to inform the reader of the key arguments and allow them to arrive at their own conclusion.

The writer needs to research the topic thoroughly to present more than one perspective and should check their own biases and assumptions through critical reflection (see Chapter 30).

Unlike persuasive writing, the writer does not need to have knowledge of the audience, though should write using academic tone and language (see Chapter 20).

Choose Your Topic Carefully

A basic guide to choosing an assignment topic is available in Chapter 23, however choosing a topic for a discursive essay means considering more than one perspective. Not only do you need to find information about the topic via academic sources, you need to be able to construct a worthwhile discussion, moving from idea to idea. Therefore, more forward planning is required. The following are decisions that need to be considered when choosing a discursive essay topic:

  • These will become the controlling ideas for your three body paragraphs (some essays may require more). Each controlling idea will need arguments both for and against.
  • For example, if my topic is “renewable energy” and my three main (controlling) ideas are “cost”, “storage”, “environmental impact”, then I will need to consider arguments both for and against each of these three concepts. I will also need to have good academic sources with examples or evidence to support my claim and counter claim for each controlling idea (More about this in Chapter 27).
  • Am I able to write a thesis statement about this topic based on the available research? In other words, do my own ideas align with the available research, or am I going to be struggling to support my own ideas due to a lack of academic sources or research? You need to be smart about your topic choice. Do not make it harder than it has to be. Writing a discursive essay is challenging enough without struggling to find appropriate sources.
  • For example, perhaps I find a great academic journal article about the uptake of solar panel installation in suburban Australia and how this household decision is cost-effective long-term, locally stored, and has minimal, even beneficial environmental impact due to the lowering of carbon emissions. Seems too good to be true, yet it is perfect for my assignment. I would have to then find arguments AGAINST everything in the article that supports transitioning suburbs to solar power. I would have to challenge the cost-effectiveness, the storage, and the environmental impact study. Now, all of a sudden my task just became much more challenging.
  • There may be vast numbers of journal articles written about your topic, but consider how relevant they may be to your tentative thesis statement. It takes a great deal of time to search for appropriate academic sources. Do you have a good internet connection at home or will you need to spend some quality time at the library? Setting time aside to complete your essay research is crucial for success.

It is only through complete forward planning about the shape and content of your essay that you may be able to choose the topic that best suits your interests, academic ability and time management. Consider how you will approach the overall project, not only the next step.

Research Your Topic

When completing a library search for online peer reviewed journal articles, do not forget to use Boolean Operators to refine or narrow your search field. Standard Boolean Operators are (capitalized) AND, OR and NOT. While using OR will expand your search, AND and NOT will reduce the scope of your search. For example, if I want information on ageism and care giving, but I only want it to relate to the elderly, I might use the following to search a database: ageism AND care NOT children. Remember to keep track of your search strings (like the one just used) and then you’ll know what worked and what didn’t as you come and go from your academic research.

The UQ Library provides an excellent step-by-step guide to searching databases:

Searching in databases – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Did you know that you can also link the UQ Library to Google Scholar? This link tells you how:

Google Scholar – Library – University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)

Write the Thesis Statement

The concept of a thesis statement was introduced in Chapter 21. The information below relates specifically to a discursive essay thesis statement.

As noted in the introduction to this chapter, the discursive essay should not take a stance and therefore the thesis statement must also impartially indicate more than one perspective. The goal is to present both sides of an argument equally and allow the reader to make an informed and well-reasoned choice after providing supporting evidence for each side of the argument.

Sample thesis statements: Solar energy is a cost -effective solution to burning fossil fuels for electricity , however lower income families cannot afford the installation costs .

Some studies indicate that teacher comments written in red may have no effect on students’ emotions , however other studies suggest that seeing red ink on papers could cause some students unnecessary stress. [1]

According to social justice principles, education should be available to all , yet historically, the intellectually and physically impaired may have been exempt from participation due to their supposed inability to learn. [2]

This is where your pros and cons list comes into play. For each pro, or positive statement you make, about your topic, create an equivalent con, or negative statement and this will enable you to arrive at two opposing assertions – the claim and counter claim.

While there may be multiple arguments or perspectives related to your essay topic, it is important that you match each claim with a counter-claim. This applies to the thesis statement and each supporting argument within the body paragraphs of the essay.

It is not just a matter of agreeing or disagreeing. A neutral tone is crucial. Do not include positive or negative leading statements, such as “It is undeniable that…” or “One should not accept the view that…”. You are NOT attempting to persuade the reader to choose one viewpoint over another.

Leading statements / language will be discussed further, in class, within term three of the Academic English course.

Thesis Structure:

  • Note the two sides (indicated in green and orange)
  • Note the use of tentative language: “Some studies”, “may have”, “could cause”, “some students”
  • As the thesis is yet to be discussed in-depth, and you are not an expert in the field, do not use definitive language
  • The statement is also one sentence, with a “pivot point” in the middle, with a comma and signposting to indicate a contradictory perspective (in black). Other examples include, nevertheless, though, although, regardless, yet, albeit. DO NOT use the word “but” as it lacks academic tone. Some signposts (e.g., although, though, while) may be placed at the start of the two clauses rather than in the middle – just remember the comma, for example, “While some studies suggest solar energy is cost-effective, other critical research questions its affordability.”
  • Also note that it is based on preliminary research and not opinion: “some studies”, “other studies”, “according to social justice principles”, “critical research”.

Claims and Counter Claims

NOTE: Please do not confuse the words ‘claim’ and ‘counter-claim’ with moral or value judgements about right/wrong, good/bad, successful/unsuccessful, or the like. The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

In a discursive essay the goal is to present both sides equally and then draw some tentative conclusions based on the evidence presented.

  • To formulate your claims and counter claims, write a list of pros and cons.
  • For each pro there should be a corresponding con.
  • Three sets of pros and cons will be required for your discursive essay. One set for each body paragraph. These become your claims and counter claims.
  • For a longer essay, you would need further claims and counter claims.
  • Some instructors prefer students to keep the pros and cons in the same order across the body paragraphs. Each paragraph would then have a pro followed by a con or else a con followed by a pro. The order should align with your thesis; if the thesis gives a pro view of the topic followed by a negative view (con) then the paragraphs should also start with the pro and follow with the con, or else vice versa. If not aligned and consistent, the reader may easily become confused as the argument proceeds. Ask your teacher if this is a requirement for your assessment.

discursive essay topics 2021

Use previous chapters to explore your chosen topic through concept mapping (Chapter 18) and essay outlining (Chapter 19), with one variance; you must include your proposed claims and counter claims in your proposed paragraph structures. What follows is a generic model for a discursive essay. The following Chapter 27 will examine this in further details.

Sample Discursive Essay Outline 

The paragraphs are continuous; the dot-points are only meant to indicate content.

Introduction

  • Thesis statement
  • Essay outline (including 3 controlling ideas)

Body Paragraphs X 3 (Elaboration and evidence will be more than one sentence, though the topic, claim and counter claim should be succinct)

  • T opic sentence, including 1/3 controlling ideas (the topic remains the same throughout the entire essay; it is the controlling idea that changes)
  • A claim/assertion about the controlling idea
  • E laboration – more information about the claim
  • E vidence -academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
  • A counter claim (remember it must be COUNTER to the claim you made, not about something different)
  • E laboration – more information about the counter claim
  • E vidence – academic research (Don’t forget to tell the reader how / why the evidence supports the claim. Be explicit in your E valuation rather than assuming the connection is obvious to the reader)
  • Concluding sentence – L inks back to the topic and/or the next controlling idea in the following paragraph

Mirror the introduction. The essay outline should have stated the plan for the essay – “This essay will discuss…”, therefore the conclusion should identify that this has been fulfilled, “This essay has discussed…”, plus summarise the controlling ideas and key arguments. ONLY draw tentative conclusions BOTH for and against, allowing the reader to make up their own mind about the topic. Also remember to re-state the thesis in the conclusion. If it is part of the marking criteria, you should also include a recommendation or prediction about the future use or cost/benefit of the chosen topic/concept.

A word of warning, many students fall into the generic realm of stating that there should be further research on their topic or in the field of study. This is a gross statement of the obvious as all academia is ongoing. Try to be more practical with your recommendations and also think about who would instigate them and where the funding might come from.

This chapter gives an overview of what a discursive essay is and a few things to consider when choosing your topic. It also provides a generic outline for a discursive essay structure. The following chapter examines the structure in further detail.

  • Inez, S. M. (2018, September 10). What is a discursive essay, and how do you write a good one? Kibin. ↵
  • Hale, A., & Basides, H. (2013). The keys to academic English. Palgrave ↵

researched, reliable, written by academics and published by reputable publishers; often, but not always peer reviewed

assertion, maintain as fact

The term ‘claim’ simply refers to the first position or argument you put forward (whether for or against), and ‘counter-claim’ is the alternate position or argument.

Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2021 by Patricia Williamson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

  • 4-minute read
  • 11th June 2022

The goal of an argumentative essay is to persuade the reader to understand and support your position on an issue by presenting your reasoning along with supporting evidence. It’s important to find the right balance between giving your opinions and presenting established research.

These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you’re a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we’ve compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started!

●  Does texting hinder interpersonal communication skills?

●  Should there be laws against using devices while driving?

●  Do violent video games teach or encourage people to behave violently?

●  Should social media sites be allowed to collect users’ data?

●  Should parents limit how long their children spend in front of screens?

●  Is AI helping or hurting society?

●  Should cyber-bullying carry legal consequences?

●  Should Supreme Court justices be elected?

●  Is war always a political decision?

●  Should people join a political party?

●  Is capitalism ethical?

●  Is the electoral college an effective system?

●  Should prisoners be allowed to vote?

●  Should the death penalty be legal?

●  Are governments around the world doing enough to combat global warming?

●  Is healthcare a fundamental human right?

●  Should vaccinations be mandated for children?

●  Are there any circumstances under which physician-assisted suicides should be legal?

●  Should parents be able to choose specific genetic modifications of their future children?

●  Should abortion be legal?

●  Is it ethical to perform medical experiments on animals?

●  Should patients who lead unhealthy lifestyles be denied organ transplants?

●  Should doctors be able to provide medical care to children against their parents’ wishes?

Mental Healthcare

●  What causes the stigma around mental health?

●  Discuss the link between insufficient access to mental health services and the high suicide rates among veterans.

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●  Should cannabis be used as a treatment for patients with mental disorders?

●  Is there a link between social media use and mental disorders?

●  Discuss the effect of physical activity on mental health.

●  Should sports be segregated by gender?

●  Should male and female athletes be given the same pay and opportunities?

●  Are professional athletes overpaid?

●  Should college athletes be paid?

●  Should sports betting be legal?

●  Should online access to art such as music be free?

●  Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?

●  Are there any circumstances under which books should be banned?

●  Should schools be required to offer art courses?

●  Is art necessary to society?

●  Should schools require uniforms?

●  Should reciting the Pledge of Allegiance be required in schools?

●  Do standardized tests effectively measure intelligence?

●  Should high school students take a gap year before pursuing higher education?

●  Should higher education be free?

●  Is there too much pressure on high school students to attend college?

●  Are children better off in two-parent households?

●  Should LGBTQ+ partners be allowed to adopt?

●  Should single people be able to adopt children as easily as couples?

●  Is it okay for parents to physically discipline their children?

●  Does helicopter parenting help or hurt children?

●  Should parents monitor their children’s Internet use?

Proofreading & Editing

An argument could also be made for the importance of proofreading your essay ! The reader can focus more on your message when your writing is clear, concise, and error-free, and they won’t question whether you’re knowledgeable on the issues you’re presenting. Once you have a draft ready, you can submit a free trial document to start working with our expert editors!

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How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples

So, you need to accomplish your discursive essay writing. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is discursive essay?

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A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be required to write a paper wherein you have to do one of the following:

  • argue for the issue or against it;
  • present your points of view on both sides;
  • provide your unprejudiced opinion on that matter.

Don’t panic!

Check out the tips from  Custom-writing.org  experts below. They will assist you in discursive writing and encourage you to examine essay examples. Moreover, in this article, you’ll also learn about different types of discursive essay, and its introduction, main body, and conclusion structure.

  • ❓ What Is It?
  • 🏁 Main Types

Introduction

  • Basic Don’Ts
  • ✏️ Frequent Questions

❓ What Is a Discursive Essay?

First of all, let’s figure out what the discursive essay is.

You may think it’s similar to the argumentative essay. Yes, but there’s a difference between them in the structure and purpose of these two types of assignments:

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We will take a detailed look at how to structure a discursive essay later, and now let’s find out what are the types of this assignment.

Keep reading!

🏁 Discursive Essay: Main Types

You have to think more critically and more in-depth when reviewing all viewpoints and aspects of discursive writing. Check these three main types of essay writing:

  • Opinion Essay  requires the author’s opinion on an issue which is stated in the introductory paragraph. It should be clearly presented and followed by reasons and supporting examples. Also, this essay paper should contain an opposing argument that comes before the conclusion. The writer must explain to readers why the mentioned argument is considered to be unconvincing. The writer’s opinion should be restated/summarized in the conclusion.
  • For and Against Essay  provides readers with a thorough debate on the topic with the help of opposing points of view. Each point should be discussed objectively and described in details. The introductory paragraph puts the issue under consideration. The main body of this essay paper should present examples, reasons, and arguments supported by justifications. The author’s own opinion with balanced reflections on the topic should be stated only in conclusion.
  • Essay Suggesting Solution to a Problem  discusses problems and finds the main solutions. The introduction paragraph explicitly declares a problem and analyses its causes and consequences. The main body of the essay should offer some suggestions for a possible solution to the problem and potential state consequences or expected results. In conclusion, author’s opinion should be distinctly summarized.

📑 How to Write a Discursive Essay

Well, it’s time to talk about the structure of a discursive essay. Like most of the assignments, a discursive paper starts with an introduction and ends with a conclusion:

The first question you may ask is how to start a discursive essay introduction. Simple!

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  • Give your readers a hook – something that would sound interesting to them.
  • Provide a short explanation of the problem. You may use quotations, as well as rhetorical questions.
  • Show your readers both sides of the arguments and sum up.

You may be wondering…

Is there something I should avoid in my discursive essay introduction?

Yes. No stereotypes and generalizations, please!

The next step under formal essay writing you should take is to compose the body.

Tips on how to write a discursive essay.

There are a few points you should remember:

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  • First and foremost: stay unprejudiced . Assess all of the aspects of an issue. Leave your feelings behind or for another essay type.
  • Second: build your argumentation . If you have several arguments for your viewpoint—provide them in separate paragraphs. This will help you to keep your essay comprehensible and distinct. Don’t forget to submit supporting evidence.
  • Third: write the body of an essay in an alternate manner. What does it mean? If your first paragraph supports the paper’s argument, then in the second paragraph you should write something in the opposite of it. Such a combination of supporting and opposite paragraphs will make your essay look apparent, and well researched. Besides, it will help you to remain neutral.
  • Fourth: include topic sentences and evidence . Write a summary of the argument at the beginning of the paragraph. It will allow the reader to easier understand what the paragraph is about. Provide evidence to show that you’re not making the facts up.

Well, you’ve almost finished your writing. Now you should focus on the last section. Keep reading, and you will learn how to write a conclusion for a discursive essay.

  • In the last section, you should summarize your article including the main points, specified in the body paragraphs.
  • You may also logically express your opinion. Remember: it should resonate with your evidence stated in the body paragraphs.
  • Don’t repeat findings, just summarize them.

Keep it short. Your conclusion length should not exceed one paragraph.

👍 Do’s and Don’ts

Do you want more discursive essay writing tips? Fine! Just check them below:

Basic Do’s of a Discursive Essay

  • Write in formal, impersonal style.
  • Introduce each point in a separate paragraph
  • Use topic sentences for each paragraph
  • Write well-developed paragraphs
  • Give reasons and examples for each point
  • Use sequencing
  • Use linking words and phrases
  • Make references to other sources and make sure that you follow proper citation style
  • Identify used sources

Basic Don’Ts of a Discursive Essay

  • Don’t use short forms, like I’ll, don’t, they’ve
  • Don’t use informal/colloquial language, for example: old as the hills, ain’t, gonna, etc.
  • Don’t use very emotional language, since it might make your discursive article look prejudiced
  • Don’t use over-generalizations. Extending the features of some elements from a group more than it is reasonable will lead to generous and inaccurate conclusions.
  • Don’t express your personal opinion too insistently
  • Don’t refer to statistics without proper referencing (check our citation guides )
  • Don’t use personal examples, leave it for a personal experience essay

Well, now you know what discursive essay means, what are its main types, and how to structure it.

Tips on how to write a discursive essay.

Discursive Essay Topics

  • Discussion of risk factors that impact human health.
  • Discuss the necessity of understanding cultural heritage to provide efficient health care.
  • Analyze different opinions on withdrawing patients’ treatment.
  • Examine different views on the Civil War. 
  • Discuss what hostile emotional states are and how they impact human life.
  • Discuss the meaning of metaphors used by Virgil in Aeneid .
  • Describe different opinions on telehealth in nursing homes.
  • The ethicality of stem cell technology.
  • Explore the effectiveness of motivational interviewing .
  • Discuss how people present themselves online .
  • Discuss the reasons for Coca-Cola’s marketing success.
  • Analyze the food safety issues and the ways to improve the situation.
  • Examine the essential meaning of sleep for people’s physical and mental health.  
  • Explore various complications of working with groups. 
  • Discussion of the modern issues with virtue ethics .
  • Describe different views on the definition of love .
  • Give the for and against arguments considering food security technologies .
  • Discuss how the concept of the American dream is presented in the film The Great Gatsby.  
  • Analyze the influence of family problems on children and suggest ways to improve the situation.
  • Present the various points of view on the ethical concepts of Buddhism. 
  • Examine the attitudes towards the problem of homelessness and the suggested ways of its solution.
  • Explore different opinions on the American revolution and its consequences.  
  • Discuss various policies and views around the globe on abortion .
  • Discussion of the history of food foraging in different communities. 
  • Multiple thoughts on civility on the Internet .
  • Analyze arguments on the effectiveness of hand sanitizers. 
  • Discuss the importance of visual aids in learning.
  • Present and evaluate the theories of international development .
  • Discuss how to prevent the spread of the West Nile Virus (WNV).
  • Is embracing renewable energy sources beneficial for both environment and the global economy?
  • Examine the correctness of the statement that the ideology of pleasure is the foundation of social activism.  
  • Discussion of the ethical dilemma of population control. 
  • Discuss the ethics of experimental studies .
  • Analyze the topic of gun violence and gun control laws.  
  • Explore the reasons for opioid crises in the US.  
  • Give arguments for and against random drug testing. 
  • Discuss the problem of endangered species .
  • Express your opinion on the necessity of parents to be included in children’s education .
  • Present your attitude towards working in a bureaucratic organization. 
  • Discuss the issue of the nursing shortage and suggest a solution.
  • Give different viewpoints on the definition of beauty .
  • Analyze the problem of police misconduct .
  • Discuss the description of violence of African people in literature. 
  • Examine the views on Gardner’s multiple intelligence theory .
  • Describe the various opinions on mysticism and express your attitude towards it.  
  • Discuss the diverse standpoints on spirituality. 
  • Is nature protection an urgent problem?
  • Analyze different ideas on physical privacy at work. 
  • Discussion on the Jewish heritage in nursing.
  • Examine the views on the meaning of life .

Good luck with your discussions and discursive essays! Be sure to check out the articles on our blog for more academic wisdom. By the way, on the Custom-Writing website, you may find the best essay topics for your academic writing.

And don’t forget to share your opinion in the comments below.

You might also be interested in:

  • Friendship Essay: Writing Guide & Topic Ideas about Friendship
  • Teamwork Essay: Quick Guide on How to Write a Good Paper
  • Compare and Contrast Essay Writing Tips and Examples
  • Transportation Essay: Writing Tips and Brilliant Topics

✏️ Discursive Essay FAQ

There is no one definitely correct answer to this question. Like any other essay, the text should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion. The most important thing is that the overall book needs to be cohesive, persuasive, and exciting to read.

An example of a step by step guide is:

1. Take a closer look at the topic, think about the points to cover.

2. Choose the most relevant points and compose the Body of the essay.

3. Add an appropriate Introduction and Conclusion.

To write a good conclusion, you need to have the rest of the essay finished. Does the body of your essay present well-structured points? Great, then see what you can conclude based on that. If possible, make a connection between the introduction and the conclusion.

To ensure that your essay has a perfect structure, start with creating an outline. Based on such a plan, you can present your points step by step. Your text should have a relevant introduction, several points in the main body (with examples), and a logical conclusion.

🔗 References

  • Writing an Opinion Essay: Grace Fleming, ThoughtCo
  • How to Write a Good Argumentative Essay: Easy Step-by-Step Guide: Master Class
  • Ending the Essay: Conclusions: Harvard College Writing Center
  • Academic Writing Style: University of Southern California
  • Cite Your Sources: Library Guides at University of California, Santa Cruz
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187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024]

discursive essay topics 2021

Persuasive essay writing is a popular assignment for students in high school and college alike. This is not surprising. After all, it is a basic of the learning process. However, finding ideas for such a task isn’t easy, especially if you’re looking for higher persuasive essay topics.

One of the subjects that requires you to write such a paper is higher English. To pass this class, you have to deal with and compose quite tricky texts. Thus, if you are studying this subject, you will have to be ready to face many writing challenges.

This is why our team has created a list of the most fruitful ideas for academic writing. For your convenience, we divided the higher English persuasive essay topics into several sections. So, navigate our page, look through all the examples, and make your search even more effective.

❓ What Is Higher English?

  • 💭 How to Choose?
  • 📎 For High School
  • ✒️ For College
  • 📖 Literature
  • 🙊 Controversial Issues
  • 🏫 Education
  • 🗳️ Politics
  • 💭 Philosophy

📃 References

If you’ve studied in any country other than the UK, you may be wondering what higher English is. Is it a course? Is it a level? Well, in this section, we dive into the definition of the phrase.

Higher English is a course typical for the UK, particularly for England and Scotland. It investigates the English language and literature on a deep level.

It can be taught both:

  • as an independent subject
  • alongside other higher science programs

Through the course of higher English, students learn to think critically and creatively.

Developing a portfolio is one of the requirements for completing an advanced higher English course. It takes 30% of the overall grade. Thus, folio plays a vital role in accomplishing the course. For a successful portfolio, students have to write two texts, no less than 1300 words each. Composing them, they have to use creative and discursive writing techniques.

Generally, higher English is focused on advancing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following:

  • use complex language;
  • apply literature knowledge in everyday life;
  • understand the core of language operation.

Students are required to write an impressive number of persuasive essays. Here is where they may face difficulties with the appropriate topic selection.

We will not let you worry about that.

You can find a list of useful higher English persuasive topics created by our team on our page. Take a look at it and choose the most exciting idea for your essay!

Before selecting a topic for a higher English essay, reread your assignment if you have one.

💭 How to Choose a Persuasive Topic for Higher Folio?

A higher folio has to include a persuasive essay in it. Therefore, first, let’s figure out what it is.

A persuasive essay is one of the types of discursive essays. Its distinctive feature is the presence of a particular situation. Discuss a problem or issue is essential to its purpose.

Now, let’s narrow down the focus:

What is the nature of persuasive writing? It is a writing technique that aims to convince readers to accept the author’s point of view. Moreover, it often includes a call to action. It motivates the audience to take specific steps to achieve the desired result.

Be careful there! Learn how to distinguish an argumentative essay from a persuasive one.

An argumentative essay is often based on a consistent explanation and logical reasoning. It shows the readers the writer’s point of view, yet doesn’t call them for any action. In contrast, a persuasive essay relies on emotions and expressions of personal opinions. A perfect way to see those differences would be by going to an essay examples database that certainly would contain a variety of paper types.

Persuasive essays attempt to make readers follow the author’s idea.

Now, let’s move to the issue of an effective selection of a persuasive topic for higher English. Our team prepared some useful tips for you. Don’t hesitate to use them.

  • Keep your goal in mind. The persuasive essay aims to present all the arguments that can convince the reader that the writer is right. So, choosing a topic, pick the one that you can elaborate on and persuade in.
  • Choose the essay idea wisely. Ensure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the tutor who will check and grade your paper. You’re writing for them.
  • Make sure to have enough resources. Evaluate whether there is enough information on the topic so that you can write a compelling essay. Check the possible trustworthy sources for the evidence that you’ll use in the paper.
  • Show your best side. Consider whether you can demonstrate your skills, composing on the chosen idea. Remember that you’re writing an essay for your portfolio. You may want it to look as perfect as possible and highlight your strengths. That is to say, see if you can elaborate on the topic.
  • Compose a strong introductory paragraph. An introduction is crucial because it grabs the reader’s attention and presents a thesis. Think of a strong thesis statement and whether you can come up with one. If you cannot compose a powerful thesis statement, better choose a more successful topic.
  • Don’t choose an overused topic. Determine the originality of your idea and your willingness to write about it. Try to google persuasive essay examples and figure out what topics are the most common and widely used. Based on your observations, come up with a unique issue and surprise your readers with it.

Find and consider as many persuasive topics as you can to form one unique idea.

⭐ Top 12 Higher Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Unions are important.
  • Zoos are unacceptable.
  • Paper books are obsolete.
  • Graffiti is art.
  • We will live on Mars.
  • English is universal .
  • Plastic bags are useful.
  • Cloning is unethical.
  • Student uniform is obsolete.
  • UK schools are better.
  • Most effective propaganda techniques.
  • Internships should be paid.

☝️ Amazing Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics

Just like any other assignment, an essay may be of different degrees of complexity. This is how we divided our higher English persuasive essay ideas into several sections.

So don’t waste your time. Go to the corresponding section and select the most appropriate topic.

📎 Higher English Topics for High School

A subject of higher English may seem very unfamiliar and bizarre at school. Being unprepared for the complexity of the course can scare you. Pupils get extremely confused when it comes to the topic search.

You are lucky:

We prepared a list of exceptional topics for middle school and high school students. Feel free to use it. Be prepared to face any challenges of the higher English course!

  • The significance of literacy .
  • Football has a direct impact on the culture of England.
  • Foreign languages should be taught in every school.

Foreign language programs improve students’ academic performance.

  • Both abstinence and safe sex should be taught in high schools.
  • School uniforms should be mandatory to maintain discipline.
  • People should quit smoking .
  • Eating disorders among teenage girls is an issue that shouldn’t be underestimated.
  • Motivation theories are incredibly effective in education .
  • Self-esteem plays a crucial role in students’ health condition .
  • Alcohol negatively affects adolescent health , so their parents should monitor alcohol consumption by teens.
  • Children and teenagers should not be silent about domestic violence .
  • The government should ban sports betting.
  • We should drink enough water.
  • The minimization of a generation gap is crucial for a healthy relationship in a family.
  • Drug tests should be mandatory for high school sportspeople.
  • A gap year is a great idea . Convince your readers about the usefulness of taking a gap year after finishing school. Prove the rightness of your position by providing strong arguments. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide well-developed counterarguments.
  • Alcohol consumption in the UK. The government of the UK should introduce measures to limit alcohol consumption. We have to avoid possible adverse ramifications. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Prove your point of view by providing strong arguments.
  • Studying in the United Kingdom is a great experience. What are the positive sides of gaining an education in the UK? Convince your readers to study the UK.
  • A grade does not reflect students’ knowledge. Give your readers a clear explanation of why grades do not demonstrate a student’s performance in the class. Persuade them to pay more attention to education. You might believe that grades reflect a student’s academic performance. Then, support your position by providing counterarguments.
  • Violent video games should be banned . What are the possible negative consequences caused by video games? Prove your audience the necessity to ban violent video games.

The influence of video games on children is inconclusive.

✒️ Higher English Topics for College

The majority of UK colleges require their students to take the course of higher English. Therefore, you need to be ready. Difficulties caused by this subject should not be your worry.

Since we care about college students, we gathered persuasive essay ideas in one place. So, if you are seeking help, you are on the right page! Scroll through our topics and chose the most appropriate for you.

  • Cheating during college exams should be strictly punished because it is demoralizing.
  • The benefits of active listening are crucial in demonstrating high performance in the workplace.
  • Students’ time management strategies should be taken into consideration by every student.
  • Sleep is essential because deprivation affects college students’ academic performance.
  • Should fast food qualify as ‘food’?
  • A healthy lifestyle and eating should become the norm for every person.
  • Alternative energy sources are crucial for saving the planet.
  • A family should promote mobility, not limit it.
  • We have to implement specific strategies to combat the sexist language.
  • Communication skills are essential in a successful business leading.
  • Teaching deaf children how to read is a vital part of deaf kids’ mental development.
  • Parents should control the impact of TV cartoons on their children’s behavior .
  • Community services for mentally disabled people should be highly-developed.
  • Recycling should become mandatory.
  • Businesses should invest money in innovations.
  • Genetically modified food should not be a threat to the population. Give a clear explanation of why GMO products are safe to consume. If you disagree with the statement, provide strong counterarguments to prove your position.
  • Should smoking be banned in public places? Decide on whether it should be prohibited on not and prove your position. Your arguments should support only one side of the issue. Don’t stay somewhere in the middle.
  • We should expand the legal age for getting a driving license in the UK . Explain why 17 years old adolescents are not mature enough to drive a car. If you don’t agree with the statement, provide counterarguments to prove the rightness of your point of view.
  • E-books should not replace paper books. Express your position regarding this statement. Provide clear arguments or counterarguments to prove your point of view.

Consider every side of the debate concerning paper books and E-books.

  • English language learning should be mandatory in every country. The main idea of the essay: English is a global language. Support this statement and persuade the readers about the significance of English knowledge in the modern world.

💪 Persuasive Essay Topics: Advanced Higher English

If you are a university student in Scotland, you will be familiar with higher English. You may have to be ready for an advanced one as well.

Choose the most appropriate idea among a wide variety of persuasive essay topics about Scotland. Although the task is quite challenging, you don’t need to worry. Consider our list of cool essay topics. With it, you will write an outstanding paper without any struggles.

  • Gender equity issues in work practices should be considered while creating a healthy working environment.
  • The application of social concepts and theories is a part of the general well-being.
  • Functionalism, conflict, and interactionism are the most significant aspects of sociological theories .
  • Data collect regarding customer should be considered as a future of e-commerce.
  • Scotland’s tourism products and destination identity develop the tourism market economy.
  • Organizational behavior issues and theories are vital in leading a successful business.
  • ICT impacts curriculum development and reforms in the United Kingdom to a great extent.
  • Public sector financial management plays a crucial role in the general well-being of the country.
  • Scottish routes company establishment is a turning point in the online marketing platform development.
  • The city authorities should prevent senior citizens’ abuse .
  • Women’s rights violations should not exist in modern society.
  • Freedom of speech, religion, and religious tolerance are the fundamental concepts of modern civilized society.
  • E-Commerce adoption results in wise business positioning. How will e-commerce help to increase the dynamics of any business? Convince your audience about the significance of e-commerce by providing strong arguments.
  • Human rights play a vital role in public opinion-making. Support this idea with well-developed arguments and examples. If you disagree with the statement, provide compelling counterarguments to prove the rightness of your opinion.
  • Globalization ruins the cultural heritage of the nations . Comment on the impact of the world globalization on the national identity of every country. Persuade the readers to preserve the national culture of their home countries.

👍 Good Persuasive Essay Topics for Higher English

Our team’s main aim is to help the students in all the possible ways. So, we decided to develop one more method to divide the academic essay topics.

Find different sections that focus on specific fields for your persuasive essay.

Look through the sections, decide what is the most suitable for you, and choose a fascinating essay topic. An essay idea search has never been so easy, right?

💬 Persuasive Essay Topics on Language

Language is one of the most potent tools for communication within one nation and internationally. Moreover, it carries the cultural identity of the country, preserving a spirit.

The topic of language is too diverse and has a lot of aspects to discuss. Consequently, professors of higher English course usually give essays on it.

The section Topics For Persuasive Essay UK will provide you with a wide variety of ideas. Don’t waste your time! Choose an appropriate topic for your paper right away.

  • Language influences our attitude to a great extent.
  • Sexism is present in the English Language.
  • Language and communication are two different concepts .
  • Language has a direct influence on cognition.
  • Shakespeare affected the modern English language to a great extent.
  • To understand how language operates, we should first examine English Language Evolution .
  • Multilingualism should be accepted and encouraged in modern society.
  • Accents and dialects are the critical components of language intervention.
  • The teachers should learn linguistics.
  • The change in languages over time is harmful to the nation.
  • Scottish Gaelic and Goidelic Celtic languages should not have been restricted in the 16th century.
  • Text autocorrect negatively influences the level of literacy and language knowledge.
  • We should consider Scots Gaelic as a separate language from Irish.
  • English should become an official international language.
  • Body language can say more than verbal communication.
  • Joking or expressing love in a foreign language is harder than in a native one . Either support or contradict this statement by providing appropriate examples and clear arguments.
  • The implementation of one universal language is a bad idea . Why and how it can impact the national diversity of the world? Prove the importance of preserving national languages.
  • The Scottish language will soon disappear. Conduct research on the usage of Scottish nowadays. Is it very wide-spread? How many people know and use it in everyday life?

Try to predict the future of the Scottish language.

  • “As many languages you know, as many times you are a human being.” – Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk. Develop this thought by providing strong arguments and examples. Persuade your readers about the importance of foreign language learning.
  • Irish language learning should become mandatory in the educational institutions of Ireland . Explain the significance of the Irish language for the population of Ireland. In case you don’t agree with the statement, provide clear counterarguments to prove your position.

🙊 Persuasive Essay Topics on Controversial Issues

  • Is attention deficit disorder a real disorder?
  • To deal with girls’ discrimination in the modern educational system , girls need to receive more attention than boys.
  • Should cigarette smoking be banned?
  • LGBTQ+ communities should have equal rights all over the world.
  • Adoption, childlessness, or reproductive technology – which one is the most effective and ethical?
  • Abortion should be legalized for underaged girls.
  • Should smoking tobacco be classified as an illegal drug?
  • Are surrogacy and its effects on families harmful for children?
  • Should student diversity be present in a school classroom?
  • Tuition fees should become lower.
  • Should homelessness become a concern of city authorities or governmental representatives?
  • Should the death penalty be legalized in the United Kingdom?
  • Should sex education become mandatory in all high schools in Scotland?
  • The mental health of employees should be a concern of employers.
  • Health care should be free.
  • Should women develop a career and have a stable income before giving birth to kids?
  • Should the production and selling of energy drinks be banned? Explain the harm of energetics on the health of a human being. Decide whether energy drinks are worth consuming. Persuade the readers about the rightness of your position by presenting strong arguments.

Energy drinks can promote adverse effects on children and teenagers.

  • Suicides among male teen homosexuals: harassment, shame, or stigma? In your opinion, what is the main reason for suicides among them? Support your position with clear evidence and appropriate examples.
  • Does studying abroad result in better education? Analyze the positive and negative aspects of gaining higher education abroad. Express your own opinion regarding this issue and convince your readers about your rightness.
  • Should birth control be monitored on a governmental level? Why is birth control crucial in modern society? What are the religious, cultural, and political aspects of birth control? Explain the link between birth control and gender and sexuality issues. Support your opinion by providing well-structured arguments.

🏫 Persuasive Essay Topics on Education

  • The college students should be ready to face challenges and pressures.
  • There is a strong correlation between wearing a school uniform and academic performance .
  • Sex education plays an essential role in preventing teenage pregnancy.
  • Student diversity in school classroom influences the educational process in a positive way.
  • The curriculum approaches in England and Scotland differ to a great extent.
  • At university, acquiring skills is more significant than getting grades.
  • Cheating on college exams is demoralizing.
  • Could electronic cigarettes help university students give smoking up?
  • Athletes that represent educational institutions should receive scholarships covering their tuition fees.
  • In schools, we should teach colorblind children what colors are.
  • Art oriented activities like drama clubs, music lessons, and handicraft classes are essential for the all-round development of children.
  • A university should be a dry campus. Comment on the negative influence of alcohol on the learning process. Persuade your readers about the importance of controlling alcohol consumption while being a student.
  • Single-sex schooling in education is effective. Convince the readers about the effectiveness of single-sex education by providing strong evidence. If you don’t agree with the statement, express the opposing position. Elaborate on your arguments and provide counterarguments.

Resultsof the studies on single-sex education are inconclusive.

  • Online education cannot fully replace the regular one . Compare and contrast these two ways of gaining knowledge. Provide clear arguments to prove the significance of attending educational institutions. Explain why having in-class discussions is crucial for students’ development. Do you believe that regular education is replaceable by the remote one? Then provide counterarguments to support your position.
  • The internet has a negative influence on the educational process . How the internet stops the mental development of kids, teenagers, and grown-ups? Persuade readers to limit internet usage while studying.

🗳️ Persuasive Essay Topics on Politics

  • To prevent the adverse effects of corruption, we should eliminate its causes.
  • The political parties of the United Kingdom are way more reliable than in the United States .
  • Human rights should not intervene in public opinion-making.
  • Politics and religion interdependence impacts the general political situation of a country.
  • Political freedom is a significant key to the general well- being of modern society.
  • Terrorism should not be used as a political instrument.
  • Civil disobedience in contemporary society is a massive threat to civilians and governments.
  • International humanitarian law is a useful tool to reduce the hazardous effects of military conflicts.
  • The royal family is the indicator of the UK political system’s uniqueness.
  • We should protect the confidentiality in the health care system.
  • The voting system should be fair and transparent.
  • The COVID-19 outbreak of 2019-2020 has a direct influence on international political relations.
  • Scotland would not be a stronger country if it existed independently from the UK. What are the benefits for Scotland of being in a political union with the United Kingdom? Persuade your readers in a mutually beneficial economic and political cooperation.
  • Brexit happened against Scotland’s will. Elaborate on the wish of the Scottish population to remain the part of the European Union. Prove that the negotiation of the conflict between England, Wales, and Scotland was not diplomatic enough.
  • The retirement policy of the UK should be changed. What are the main weaknesses of the current British retirement system? Give your suggestions on how it can be improved. Convince your readers in the usefulness of the retirement policy modifications.

💭 Persuasive Essay Topics on Philosophy

  • Dystopia idea in movies and novels influences people’s perception of life in a negative way.
  • Philosophy ideology of success and failure plays a vital role in reaching high results.
  • Suicide conflicts with moral philosophy and human values.
  • Classic philosophical problems embodied in films can help people in dealing with them.
  • We cannot ignore the philosophy of critical issues in today’s society .
  • Spiritual and physical journeys play a vital role in human life.
  • The philosophy of religion helps people to dive deep into their beliefs and values.

Philosophy of religion is the examination of the themes and concepts involved in religious traditions.

  • Unethical treatment of animals contradicts the moral concepts of philosophy.
  • From the philosophical perspective, heroism should be considered as a dedication to principles.
  • Specific philosophical values help develop resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Should human rights be violated if it may help the life of a person?
  • Abortion should be band because it contradicts the ethical ideas of humanity.
  • In the battle well-paid job vs. vocation, vocation should win . Explain the philosophy of vocation. Persuade the readers to follow their hearts when it comes to a choice of profession.
  • Philosophy Issue: Truth vs. Happiness. While choosing between these two notions, what would you select? Persuade your audience about the rightness of your position by presenting well-structured and clear arguments.
  • Philosophy plays a significant role in education . Convince your readers about the importance of philosophy while gaining knowledge. In case you don’t agree with the position of philosophy in school, present the opposing opinion. Provide counterarguments to support your ideas.

🗿 Persuasive Essay Topics on History

  • The black death disease should be perceived as one of the most horrible pandemics that hit the medieval world.
  • Industrial Revolution in England opened a new era of technical advancement.
  • The conditions of the working class in England is one of the causes of the industrial revolution.
  • Great Britain Empire’ Alliances led to the break out of the European Great War.
  • Enlightenment and Romantic Age pushed the development of the British culture forward.
  • History of Celtic Christianity has a direct impact on the development of religion in the UK.
  • The provisional Irish republican army is one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations.
  • The British ideal of an orderly world shaped the world we live in today.
  • English Civil War has a direct impact on American colonists.
  • The Wars of the Three Kingdoms formed the history of modern England, Scotland, and Ireland.

The Wars of the Three Kingdoms lasted 12 years.

  • Elizabeth II -is the legend of contemporary world history . Provide a brief overview of the queen’s achievements. Convince the readers about the uniqueness of Elizabeth’s II as a historical figure.
  • The Great Fire of London is one of the darkest events in British history. Comment on the terrific outcomes of the tragedy. How did the fire impact the economic situation in the entire county?
  • Oxford University is the place where ordinary people turn into upstanding figures . Introduce three of the most influential alumnae of Oxford University. What was their input in the scientific development of the UK? Prove the crucial role of Oxford University in the British educational system.
  • William Wallace is a person who successfully fought for Scottish independence . Elaborate on his role in British history and prove the importance of his actions.
  • History, culture, and language of Wales directly influenced the development of the United Kingdom. Give a brief overview of Wales formation starting from the ancient times and mowing to the 21st century. Prove the connection between Wales and the UK historical and cultural progress.

Thank you for visiting our page! We hope our article was insightful and full of useful ideas. Don’t forget to share it with the other students!

  • Higher English, Course Overview and Resources: SQA, Scottish Qualifications Authority
  • Higher English: Planit National Qualifications
  • The Complete Guide to English-Language Certificates: Preparation Courses Portal
  • How to Create a Thesis Statement for a Persuasive Essay: Amy Mahoney, Pen and the Pad
  • 434 Good Persuasive Topics for Speech or Essay: My Speech Class
  • Senior Fiction Suggestions for Advanced Higher English Dissertations: Senior Reading by Subject, Shetland Library
  • Persuasive Essay Examples: AcademicHelp.net
  • Choose Bright Persuasive Essay Topics 6 Main Steps: Persuasive Papers
  • Strong Thesis Statements: Purdue Online Writing Lab, College of Liberal Arts, Purdue University
  • Basic Steps in the Research Process: North Hennepin Community College
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay: Esther Lombardi, ThoughtCo
  • Persuasive Essay: Writing Resources, Hamilton College
  • Persuasive Writing: Read Write Think
  • Distinguishing Argumentation from Persuasion: Thoughtful Learning, K-12
  • Find Your Argument: Australian National University, Canberra
  • Argument: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • What Is an Essay: Library University of Leeds
  • Counterargument: Gordon Harvey (adapted from The Academic Essay: A Brief Anatomy), for the Writing Center at Harvard University
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This is so helpful, I’m going to use some of these topics with my students!

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20+ Impressive Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

Best Ways to Pick the Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

Table Of Contents

What is higher english what do you understand, how to choose higher english discursive essay topics, amazing higher english discursive essay topics suggestions, experts assistance for choosing best essay discursive topic.

When it comes to choosing the  higher English discursive essay topics ? Then it becomes one of the hectic tasks for the students. During the time of writing the discursive essay topic, it helps to provide the rare opportunity that students can walk the fine line that helps them to separate a discursive essay from the other sections like the argumentative or the persuasive essay. On the other hand, when we talk about certain key points for the same, the discursive essay might help to resemble the other essay types we discussed previously. They are still very distinct from it. While writing an argumentative essay convinces the students of an argument, but when it comes to the discursive essay seeks to examine the arguments on the opposing sides of the issue.

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If you are one of those students who have studied in a country other than the UK, you may wonder what higher English is. Is it a course or here talking about the level? First, let us clarify that it is one of the sections that help students dive into the definition of some of the courses. In the UK, higher English is one of the courses for the students, particularly in England and Scotland. It helps to determine the English language and the literature very deeply. Below are some tips students can learn by studying higher English. They are:

  • Higher English as an independent subject
  • Additionally, other higher science programs

Most of the time, discursive essay examples higher English  is one of the sections that help to focus on the students' advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following mentioned things:

  • They can able to use the complex languages
  • Students can able to apply the literature knowledge in life
  • Understand the base of the language operation

Every student is required to write an impressive and catchy discursive higher English essay, but specific issues arise in their academic life. One of them is choosing a unique and catchy for the  higher English discursive essay topics . Suppose you are also one of those students facing a problem selecting the topic, then go through the below-mentioned tips. Here we discuss how students can choose the best topic for their write-up. 

Also Read:  How to Write Discursive Essay | Everything You Need to Know

Once you are done knowing what is higher English discursive essay. Then it is time to move to the challenging part of selecting the topic. Below mentioned are the useful tips that students can use for choosing the topic for their topic. Also, you can ask for  discursive essay examples higher English . 

Motive of Writing

With the help of the discursive essay, students can present all the arguments that can convince their readers that the writer is talking about the right scenario and the relevant things. This is why you choose the topic you can elaborate on and persuade. Also, they can choose law essay writing service .

Pick the Theme Wisely

When choosing the topic, make sure that the topic is appropriate and relevant for the professor, who will go through the same and grade the paper as the requirements. Focus on covering all the pointers to meet the expectation of the professor.

Utilise the Resources

First, evaluate that you have enough information on your chosen topic. Also, choose the things that are compelling essays. Finally, check for the possible relevant and trustworthy sources for the statement you will use in the essay writeup.

The above are some tips students can use to choose the best higher English discursive essay . These helpful tips make it easy for students to pick the best topic. However, if you still have doubts and cannot choose a reliable topic, we are providing some suggestions for higher English discursive essay topics that students can use for their writeup.

Below mentioned are the higher E nglish discursive essay examples . Let’s have a look

  • The importance of literacy
  • Football has a direct influence on English culture.
  • Every school should teach foreign languages.
  • High schools should teach both abstinence and safe.
  • To ensure discipline, school uniforms should be required.
  • People should give off smoking.
  • Eating disorders in adolescent females are a serious problem that should not be overlooked.
  • In education, motivation theories are quite successful.
  • Their self-esteem greatly influences students' health.
  • Because alcohol harms teenage health, parents should keep an eye on their children's alcohol usage.
  • Children and teens should not remain silent in the face of domestic violence.
  • Sports betting should be prohibited by the government.
  • We should drink plenty of water.
  • The reduction of the generation gap is critical for good family interaction.
  • High school athletes should be subjected to drug tests.
  • Cheating on college examinations should be penalised severely since it is discouraging.
  • The advantages of active listening are critical in exhibiting excellent performance at work.
  • Every student should evaluate the time management practices of their peers.
  • Sleep is vital since sleep loss impacts college students' academic performance.
  • Should fast food be considered "food"?
  • A healthy way of life and eating should become the standard for everyone.
  • Alternative energy sources are critical to the planet's survival.

Above are some suggestions for choosing the d iscursive e ssay i deas f or h igher English . If you are still not able to grasp the concept and not able to choose the best one for your write-up, then get the consultation of our expert writer . They will help you in completing the essay within a short period. So let’s get a consultation with professionals.

Several students stuck with choosing the right higher English discursive essay topics . At that time Assignment Desk is the saviour for students. They provide assignment writing help to students. You can consult professional writers if you are also going through the same scenario or not getting a solution for educational issues. They have vast knowledge and rich experience in providing the best essay writing services. Also, many students in the UK take assistance from experts to complete their work within the given period. Experts will offer a wide range of topics to students.

With the help of those suggestions, students can choose the best one for their essay help online  and secure higher academic grades.

Additionally, at some point, students face issues in drafting the whole write-up. So, in this case, also they can take consultation from an academic writing service provider. So what are you waiting for? Want help with essay writing tasks? Get reliable consultation.

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Discursive Essay Topics for Students

discursive essay topics by Your Academic Writer

A discursive essay is a type of writing that explores different sides of an argument or issue in a balanced way. Unlike argumentative essays that focus on persuading the reader to agree with a particular point of view, discursive essays present an objective and comprehensive analysis of a topic.

100+ Discursive Essay Topics for Students

Writing a discursive essay is an excellent way to develop critical thinking by exploring various viewpoints on a range of topics. Whether you are a student looking to improve your writing skills or a teacher in search of engaging content for your classroom, choosing the right topic can set the stage for successful and discussions.

Here, we provide more than 100 discursive essay topics of different categories such as social issues, technology, environment, and others so that you can opt the topic of your own choice to write your essay.

Discursive Essay Topics for High School Students

  • Should high school students be allowed to choose their own curriculum?
  • Is a four-day school week better for student well-being and education?
  • Should schools replace traditional textbooks with digital versions?
  • Do school uniforms contribute to a better learning environment?
  • Should students be allowed to grade their teachers?
  • Is participation in extracurricular activities as important as academics?
  • Should schools enforce a strict cell phone policy during school hours?
  • Are parent-teacher conferences necessary?
  • Should community service be a compulsory part of high school education?
  • Is it effective to have closed campus lunch policies for high school students?

Related Blog: Persuasive Essay Topics

Discursive Essay Topics for College Students

  • Should college education be free for everyone?
  • Is the pressure to obtain a college degree worth it in today’s job market?
  • Should colleges be allowed to enforce mandatory drug tests?
  • Are student loans more harmful than beneficial?
  • Should colleges have quotas for minority students?
  • Is there a need for reform in Greek life on college campuses?
  • Are online courses as effective as in-person classes?
  • Should universities ban fraternities and sororities?
  • Is it ethical for colleges to use animals for research?
  • Should university students be required to learn a second language?

Discursive Essay Topics on Social Issues

  • The impact of social media on interpersonal relationships.
  • Does the modern education system prepare students for real-life challenges?
  • Should voting age be lowered or raised?
  • The pros and cons of gun control policies in the United States.
  • Is the death penalty an effective crime deterrent?
  • The ethical implications of euthanasia.
  • Should countries have open or closed immigration policies?
  • Is feminism still relevant in today’s society?
  • The influence of advertisements on consumer behavior.
  • Should schools enforce uniforms?

Political Topics for Discursive Essays

  • Is democracy the most effective form of government?
  • The implications of Brexit on the UK and the EU.
  • Should political leaders have term limits?
  • The role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace.
  • Is a global government feasible or desirable?
  • Can censorship be justified under any circumstances?
  • The impact of lobbying on public policy.
  • Should voting be mandatory?
  • The ethics of political propaganda.
  • Is nationalism a threat or a boon to global stability?

Technology Related Discursive Topics

  • Will artificial intelligence eventually surpass human intelligence?
  • Should there be regulations on the use of drones by civilians?
  • The ethical concerns of genetic cloning.
  • Is dependence on technology making humanity less capable?
  • Can privacy exist in the age of the Internet?
  • The effects of video games on youth behavior.
  • Should the internet be considered a basic human right?
  • The potential dangers of artificial superintelligence.
  • How has technology changed the workplace?
  • The future of space exploration.

Related Blog: Narrative Essay Topics for Students

Discursive Essay Topics on Health 

  • Should there be a global policy on healthcare?
  • The effects of fast food on the nation’s health.
  • The ethical dilemmas of assisted suicide.
  • Should vaccination be mandatory for all?
  • The impact of pharmaceutical companies on healthcare.
  • Is dieting effective for long-term weight loss?
  • Should alternative medicine be covered by insurance?
  • The consequences of legalizing drugs.
  • Is there a right to die?
  • The role of mental health awareness in schools.

Environmental Topics for Discursive Essays

  • Should there be a worldwide ban on single-use plastics?
  • The effects of global warming on biodiversity.
  • Is nuclear energy a safe and sustainable option?
  • The pros and cons of zoos and animal sanctuaries.
  • Can industrial growth and environmental protection coexist?
  • The effectiveness of the Paris Climate Agreement.
  • Are electric vehicles the future of transportation?
  • The impact of urban sprawl on the environment.
  • Is organic farming the future of agriculture?
  • The consequences of deforestation.

Ethical Discursive Essay Topics

  • Is it ethical to use animals for testing?
  • The moral implications of buying luxury goods.
  • Should we modify our eating habits for ethical reasons?
  • The ethics of using placebo in medical trials.
  • Is it justifiable to break the law for a good cause?
  • Should parents track their children with GPS devices?
  • The moral questions surrounding abortion.
  • Is wealth distribution a moral obligation of society?
  • The ethics of surveillance for security purposes.
  • Is honesty always the best policy?

Culture and Media Related Topics

  • The representation of minorities in media.
  • The impact of reality TV on society.
  • Should art be censored?
  • The influence of music on youth culture.
  • Is the book always better than the movie?
  • How does pop culture influence individual identity?
  • The role of newspapers in the digital age.
  • Should celebrities be considered role models?
  • How has the internet affected traditional cultures?
  • The commercialization of cultural festivals.

Related Blog: Video Gaming Essay Topics

Funny Discursive Essay Topics

  • Should schools teach students how to become famous YouTubers?
  • Is watching cartoons beneficial for adults?
  • Should there be an upper age limit for people posting on TikTok ?
  • Are cats plotting to take over the world?
  • Is pineapple on pizza a crime against cuisine?
  • Should robots replace teachers?
  • Are smartphones actually making us dumber?
  • Is living in space better than living on Earth?
  • Should there be a reality show in the White House?
  • Is binge-watching TV shows better than reading books?

Discursive Essay Topics on Education

  • Is homeschooling a better option than traditional schooling?
  • Should physical education be optional in schools?
  • How effective is the no-homework policy at schools?
  • Should schools implement more technology in the classroom?
  • Is the education system outdated for today’s society?
  • Should moral education be taught in schools?
  • How significant is the role of arts in education?
  • Should sex education be mandatory in all schools?
  • Are standardized tests a fair measure of student ability and intelligence?
  • Should parents have a say in the curriculum?

These topics are suggested to encourage deep analysis and understanding from multiple angles, making them perfect for a discursive essay. Each topic provides you an opportunity to explore diverse viewpoints and provide a well-rounded discussion, perfect for academic assignments , let it be in any category i.e. educational, political, environmental etc. you can choose any topic of your interest. If you just don’t only need a topic, but need your essay to be written, you can always hire our academic writing service and get your essays done in high quality.

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Discursive Essay Writing Guide [+Examples]

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Students obtain various types of assignments during their studies. Each task is different and has strict requirements and guidelines to follow. A discursive essay example is considered to be one of the most challenging types of essay writing for college students. Many of them don’t see the difference between a discursive and argumentative essay. Yet, each essay type has distinct features that we are going to talk about here. If you were assigned to craft this paper and you have doubts, here are professional tips and advice on topics to select and create a stellar discursive essay plan.

How to Write a Discursive Essay

First of all, every college student who is assigned to craft this paper needs to understand that discursive essay topics can be different from those of an argumentative essay . On one hand, these pieces of writing can be similar as they both are essay types and have three main parts. On the other hand, discursive essay ideas differ in the purpose and structure.

Good discursive essay topics provide an unprejudiced and reliable assessment of a certain problem. Yes, the topic should also be controversial leaving each student an opportunity to select their point of view and arguments to support one side. But discursive essay examples demonstrate a more balanced and formal discussion. It shouldn’t be absolutely neutral but the author needs to reflect both sides of the problem and present enough arguments and facts to support each side.

What Is a Discursive Essay?

So, once you realize that this is a separate type of assignment that shouldn’t be crafted the same way you write other academic tasks, let’s talk about the discursive essay definition. So, its definition is rather simple: this is a type of academic assignment that is aimed to discuss a particular issue or problem. The author should demonstrate both sides of the problem without stating his or her personal opinion.

When choosing higher discursive essay topics, it is necessary to admit that the style of this task should be kept formal and impersonal compared to other written assignments. The structure is strict and similar to essay on science : you should submit an introduction, the main body, and the conclusion. Each separate question should be discussed in a separate paragraph so that the readers can distinguish what you are writing about and how many arguments you provide.

discursive essay examples

Main Types of Discursive Essay Writing

Did you know that there are three main types of this assignment? Depending on the type you were assigned or you select, there may be different features to include in your text. Here they are:

  • Opinion Essay – if you have this type of paper in your discursive essay topics list, you should keep in mind that it demands your opinion of a problem you are going to discuss. This opinion needs to be mentioned in the discursive essay introduction and followed by examples and reasons. Another fact is that the opposing argument should be stated before the conclusion and you should explain why you found this argument unconvincing. The summary needs to be present in the conclusion.
  • Essay Offering Solution to a Problem – as you can notice from the name of this discursive essay meaning, the author should discuss the issue and try to find solutions. The issue should be stated in the introduction, and possible solutions should be mentioned in the body paragraphs. Each solution goes for a separate paragraph of the main body. The writer’s opinion is usually summarized in the conclusion of a discursive essay template.
  • For and Against Essay – this is a task written in the form of a debate with opposing opinions. You should be ready to describe every point of view, present facts, and be objective. The introduction of discursive essay topics higher English states the problem you are going to discuss. The main body demonstrates reasons, examples, and facts. The conclusion is finally for the writer’s opinion on the problem.

Discursive Essay Structure

Now let’s talk more about the structure of this academic assignment. As a scholarship essay , almost all essays have a strict structure that should be followed by students who want to obtain the highest grades. Here is how to structure a discursive essay:

sample discursive essay

Introduction

Many students wonder how to start a discursive essay. What should they mention in the first part? It is simple as that – all you need to do is state the issue and show some “hook” for the readers to follow. Think about ways to attract the attention of the lecturer. You may want to start with a rhetorical question or add a famous quote. Either way, you need to demonstrate both sides of the issue even if it’s Scottish independence discursive essay.

Here is what you need to remember when building your main part of the assignment: assess every aspect of the problem and stay unbiased when describing the points of view. Your own opinion can be mentioned only in the conclusion of the discursive essay examples in higher English. More than that, it is essential to insert at least three arguments to support your opinion. Start each argument with the new paragraph so that the readers can distinguish each reason. Be precise and distinct when you provide evidence and facts. This is how to write a discursive essay in higher English.

There are many discursive essay topics UK – make certain you select the one you understand and know how to use this structure. So, the conclusion is the last section of your task. This is a part where you can summarize the viewpoints mentioned above and express your own point of view. Don’t write too many sentences here and don’t copy what you’ve written in the introduction.

Top Ten Discursive Essay Topics

Here are several examples of good discursive essay topics for higher English as well as just interesting discursive essay topics for students to select from. If you have doubts and don’t know what topic to choose, you can opt for one from our list.

  • Zoos present good sources of knowledge and entertainment but they foster the misery of cage animals. Should they be abolished?
  • Modern digital technology: is it good or bad?
  • Present education system: is it good or bad?
  • Healthy food is often more expensive than junk food. Should it be like that?
  • The influence of social media on teenagers today.
  • Is it true that Google is bringing the end to our privacy these days?
  • Uniforms limit expression and freedom. Should we ban them in schools?
  • A child with two parents is less hard-working compared to a child with a single parent.
  • What are the effects of cyberbullying and how harmful can it be?
  • Should schoolchildren learn religion as a part of their curriculum? 

To sum up, it can be challenging to select the right discursive essay topic and structure your paper in a proper way. If you follow the above-mentioned advice and remember to proofread your document at the end, you will increase your chances of receiving the highest grades at college. Good luck!

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  • Unique Discursive Essay Topics To Try In 2024

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Finding interesting discursive essay topics might be a difficult task, especially for students who aren’t fond of writing or dislike their subject. Fortunately, this problem has a quick and simple solution, but before we get to it, let’s shed light on the most common question first.

What is a discursive essay? This type of essay is a piece of academic writing that describes a topic, details its background, and explores all the main perspectives on it. When writing such an essay, it is essential to look into various points of view, analyzing and comparing them. Virginia Woolf once said, "It is the nature of the artist to mind excessively what is said about him. Literature is strewn with the wreckage of those who have minded beyond reason the opinions of others."   This quote underscores the importance of maintaining objectivity and embracing various perspectives without bias, which is a basic principle of writing balanced discussion essays.

These essays are a very common college writing assignment, so learners of all levels must know how best to write them. That’s why we are here! Today, we’ll discuss everything about discursive essay writing as well as outline some creative paper topics. If your professor assigned this type of task to you and now you’re searching for a good topic, consider it found! Our guide will not only explain how to write such essays but also answer questions and offer you a list of original topics you may like.

Five Tips on Choosing Good Topics for a Discursive Essay

Locating a great topic is important because students’ entire research depends on it. Here are five top ways to do it:

  • Consider your personal interests . High-quality custom essay writing always gets the highest praise from professors. To increase the uniqueness and value of your paper, dedicate it to a theme you genuinely like. Maybe there is something you constantly argue over on X; perhaps your favourite movie character has a hobby you’d like to explore scientifically. Choose a topic you feel connected to, and you’ll love writing your essay.
  • Choose something extra relevant . What worries the world most? The discursive essay topics example is great when it’s current and widely known. Staying up-to-date with the news and trends never fails to deliver great results.
  • Go for the most controversial areas . Exploring a subject that multiple people have the most passionate and heated debates over might be interesting. 
  • Pick the most researched topic . There is nothing wrong with going the easiest route and choosing a topic that has been researched to death. You’ll find many sources and opinions, so you’ll immediately have what to choose from.
  • Select the least researched topic . If you like challenges, working with a rare and under-researched subject might feel thrilling.

Key Features of a Strong Discursive Paper

So, what should premium quality discursive writing look like? Be sure your essay includes these four aspects:

  • Objectivity. Don’t try to make some arguments look weaker than they are just because you dislike them — and vice versa. 
  • Formal writing. Maintain a strict academic tone. Avoid contractions, phrasal verbs, and other informalities. 
  • Extensive research. Include plenty of credible sources in your essay. 
  • Equality. Present all the points equally. It’s not okay to dedicate 10 sentences to one argument and just 2 sentences to another one.

Top Ten Discursive Essay Topics for 2024/25 Academic Year

Are you interested in exploring the latest trends and news that concern students worldwide? Then check out these discursive topics:

  • What is the global opinion on Israel’s bombing of Gaza? 
  • Will the cost of college education in Britain continue to rise?
  • Can energy drinks truly increase one’s workability? 
  • How to make Africa’s economy flourish
  • Should violent movies be avoided by teens? 
  • Is racism still on the rise?  
  • Are more people becoming obese? 
  • Is hiring essay writers illegal in the UK?
  • Does anyone still watch TV?
  •  How efficient is marketing, and how it affects buying behaviour

Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

UK students who study higher English should know everything about it, from language to literature to its history. Does that sound intriguing? Then, on to the higher discursive essay topics!

  • What do such terms as “pro-ship” and “anti-ship” mean?
  • Is literacy important to an average person?
  • Explain what higher education means globally
  • Are scholarships becoming harder to obtain?
  • Have e-books replaced printed books?
  • AI versus human writers: who is better?
  • Is fanfiction a form of literature?
  • Are romance novels better now, or were they more compelling a century ago?
  • Does learning languages help understand diverse cultures?
  •  How many languages can a person realistically speak?

Good Discursive Essay Topics for High School

High-school students can get away with researching simpler concepts. Here are some examples of topics for discourse essays of this level:

  • Do bitcoins still have a future?
  • Is wearing a school uniform necessary?
  • Does love cause more pleasure or pain?
  • What was the best time for women historically?
  • How can students fight climate change?
  • Can killing ever be justified?
  • Is history, as modern people know it, trustworthy?
  • What harms health more, tea or coffee?
  • Have cell phones become better in the last 5 years?
  •  Is it better to be an extrovert or an introvert?

Discursive Essay Topics for College Students

College requires more complicated research. Look at these good discursive essay topics:

  • Should people participate in medical trials?
  • Ideal global drinking age
  • Should educational establishments use corporal punishment?
  • Has online education made students’ lives better?
  • Is social media dangerous?
  • Optimal number of work days per week
  • How many hours of sleep do people need?
  • Why is TikTok so popular among teens?
  • Are private schools necessary, or should public schools cater to everyone?
  •  Is a college education worth it in terms of effort and money?

Controversial Discursive Essay Topics

Controversy generates passion, making our blood run hotter. It intimidates some students, pushing them to contact us, asking, “Please write my essay for me” sometimes. That said, if you want to write your paper yourself, try these best discursive essay topics:

  • Should getting a COVID-19 vaccine be mandatory?
  • Is Elon Musk a visionary or a fraud?
  • Should the government have secrets from people?
  • Should reproduction be selective?
  • Are there more smart or stupid individuals in the world currently?
  • Should Ukraine agree to negotiate with Russia?
  • Is reading books overrated?
  • Who killed JonBenet Ramsey?
  • What is the explanation for the Bermuda Triangle?
  •  Is genetic engineering in humans ethical?

Mental Health Topics For a Discursive Essay

Life can be pressing, and mental health issues are becoming ever more relevant. That’s why writing discursive essays on them is always interesting. Here are just a few mental health-related essay topics you can explore:

  • Do rich people have more or fewer mental health problems?
  • Why are depression rates rising despite the increased awareness and more help avenues?
  • Is it possible to spot a person who plans on committing suicide?
  • Why do many psychologists have mental and emotional problems?
  • Is social media harmful to mental health?
  • Does the UK need more mental health awareness campaigns?
  • What is the most dangerous mental problem?
  • Is autism a form of mental illness?
  • Is there a link between sexuality and mental health?
  •  Are children brought up by same-sex parents happier than those raised in traditional families?

Funny Topics For a Discursive Essay

Enough of tragedies and depression. Have some amusing discursive writing topics instead:

  • Zombie apocalypse survival
  • What do pets do when their owners leave home?
  • Is napping at work beneficial?
  • Extraterrestrial neighbours. Why are aliens avoiding us?
  • Should adults have mandatory comfort toys?
  • Dangers of binge-watching TW shows
  • How to be an adult? Basic skills.
  • Daily challenges of left-handed people
  • Laziness as a survival skill
  •  Pets as political leaders

Interesting Topics For a Discursive Essay

Here’s a list of diverse topics that our experts find personally stimulating. Who knows, you might share some of their preferences.  

  • Why do people think about Eurovision 2024?
  • Is doomsday coming?
  • Does religion cause more harm than good?
  • Who is most children’s favourite parent by gender?
  • Are dogs smarter than cats?
  • What are the world’s biggest misconceptions?
  • What do all religions have in common?
  • Should we allow voting at 16?
  • What is the role of urban gardening in a big city?
  •  The world's most popular song and the key to its popularity

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Why Is It Difficult to Write Papers Even on the Greatest Discursive Essay Ideas?

Multiple UK students love their subjects. They pick a topic they’re interested in, but sometimes they choose to buy an essay anyway. Why is that? In truth, writing a powerful discursive paper might be frustrating. Look at these frequent problems and check our experts’ solutions:

FAQ About Finding the Right Topics for Discursive Essay

  • What is discursive writing in comparison to argumentative papers?

In argumentative papers, writers pick their points of view and argue in their favour. They might mention the opposition's views but focus on their personal beliefs. Discursive essays are more objective. You need to dedicate equal attention to all the points and limit your own thoughts to a minimum.

  • What 2 types of discursive papers do I need to know about?

Roughly, discursive writing is divided into persuasive and argumentative papers. They have their differences that students should learn before they attempt to write anything.

  • What is a discursive statement?

In most cases, this phrase refers to a thesis statement in a discursive paper. It has to reflect your topic in one single line. 

  • Is it bad if my topic is overly extensive?

It’s better to break broad topics into something more specific. Watch out for the word count: it’ll help you calculate how many points you can explore.

  • What formatting should I stick to when writing my discursive essay?

APA and MLA are both common formats. Unless your professors suggest differently, follow the academic rules you follow in other projects. Your title should be medium-sized; the discursive essay introduction and conclusion shouldn’t exceed 10% of your word count, and no informal words should be present.

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Discursive Essay Topics & Ideas 2022

Published by Alvin Nicolas at November 16th, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023

A discursive essay is a form of an academic essay in which you express your beliefs or points of view in favour of or against the issue. Even at times, this essay would allow you to impartially offer your points of view on all sides of a debate.

A discursive essay’s ultimate goal is to give readers many perspectives on a specific essay help topic or issue. As a result, when writing a discursive essay, you must think deeply from numerous viewpoints and evaluate all parts of the issue. Additionally, it is also important to come up with unique and appealing discursive essay topics .

A discursive essay, in a nutshell, explores arguments in a balanced manner, taking into account all of the elements for and against the issue.

Important links:   Research Essay Topics ,  Cause and Effect Essay Topics ,  Argumentative Business Essay Topics ,  Expository Essay Topics ,  84 Nursing Essay Topics

Topic Selection!

The first step in the discursive essay writing process you cannot omit is topic selection. In general, if your instructor gives a list of discursive essay topics from which to pick, you won’t have trouble coming up with a topic. However, the true test begins when you are given the option of selecting a topic of your choice.

There are countless themes accessible for writing a discursive essay on diverse issues. You can seek and identify any suitable topic from among them based on your interests. So, to assist you in identifying the best essay subject, we have included some crucial pointers to consider during the discursive essay topic choosing process:

  • Choose a topic on which you have strong feelings or knowledge.
  • Choose a topic that is both intriguing to you and your audience.
  • Pick a contentious issue on which you may provide opposing ideas or opinions.
  • Select a difficult issue with two sides to extract more arguments for and against it.
  • Choose a topic with many credible facts or proof to support your claims.

Only finalize the essay topic if it complies with your instructor’s essay writing criteria if any exist.

Discursive Essay Topics

  • Social networking sites are to blame for the creeping loss of the reading habit among schoolchildren. Explain.
  • Should parents reward their children for good behaviour?
  • Describe the finest type of parenting in your nation.
  • Should tobacco manufacture be made illegal globally?
  • Is our greater reliance on technology making us stupider?
  • Is rock music associated with Satanism?
  • A child raised by a single parent matures quicker than a youngster raised by both parents.
  • Discuss the benefits and drawbacks of using mobile phones.
  • Is blockchain improving trade finance in 2018?
  • Can virtual reality end up being hazardous to children?
  • Explain some of our concerns regarding first impressions and their influence on encounters.
  • Explain why energy drinks are as dangerous as alcoholic beverages.
  • Explain ways to prevent online students from cheating.
  • Discuss why children should not have easy access to virtual reality.
  • Discuss if peacekeeping operations bring peace to countries or if they are simply a pretext for countries to attack one another and cause more violence than before.
  • Explain the remedies that should be made available to hyperactive children.
  • Using an entertainment industry case study, discuss how bad PR may help someone become more successful.
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of globalization?
  • Should steroid users be barred from participating in sports?
  • Are political leaders engaging in illicit activities?
  • Examine the relationship between diet, fitness, and weight.
  • What are the benefits and drawbacks of video gaming among teenagers?
  • Should schools refrain from using physical torture to punish students?
  • Why are legislators now emphasizing STEM education?
  • Should the government outlaw same-gender marriage?
  • Should there be limitations on free speech?
  • What are the workplace issues that women face?
  • Will robots improve our efficiency in the future?
  • Should the death penalty be prohibited in all countries?
  • Should judicial hearings in the United Kingdom be televised?
  • Is it true that plastic water bottles harm the environment?
  • Are athletes good role models for kids?
  • Is a presence on social media required for a small business to succeed?
  • Should Muslims in Muslim nations cultivate religious tolerance?
  • Should public schools be responsible for teaching pupils social and emotional skills?
  • Is the Internet of Things no longer a technology that compromises privacy and security?
  • Is Shakespeare still relevant in today’s world?
  • Is workplace diversity beneficial to productivity?
  • Are modern people all across the world overly reliant on technology?
  • Should your country’s average driving age be decreased or increased?
  • Should mobile phones be permitted in the classroom?
  • What should the penalty be for trolling or cyberbullying on the internet?
  • Which is superior, traditional or alternative medicine?
  • Is texting and messaging applications such as WhatsApp destroying the English language?
  • Should workplace afternoon naps be permitted?
  • When should a youngster begin doing domestic chores?
  • Should cheering be considered a sport and competed in the Olympics?
  • Discuss the good and bad implications of blockchain technology on energy.
  • Why should we make it illegal to destroy rainforests?
  • Do energy drinks endanger the health of teenagers?
  • Should text messaging abbreviations be included in dictionaries?
  • Is the game industry responsible for negative gender and racial stereotypes?
  • Do all people require eight hours of sleep every night?
  • Is cheerleading a method of objectifying young women?
  • Do video games teach us anything?
  • Is it feasible to build a matriarchal society?
  • Should religion be taught in schools as part of the curriculum?
  • Should beauty pageants be outlawed?
  • Do politicians rely on the media to stay in power?
  • Is social media more important than conventional media these days?

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Select a topic that interests you from the list mentioned above of unique discursive essay topics and produce an outstanding discursive essay. Have you chosen the best discursive essay topic for your assignment? Do you require immediate assistance with creating a discursive essay? Please contact us right away!

Our team’s expert essay writers will aid you in generating a plagiarism-free academic essay according to your specifications on time and at a reasonable price. As a part of our online custom essay writing service , and etc. we will also provide you with 24/7 customer assistance and limitless essay revisions until you are completely satisfied.

How to write a discursive essay?

A discursive essay requires presenting multiple viewpoints on a topic, providing evidence, and forming a balanced argument. Start with an introduction, present arguments with supporting evidence in body paragraphs, and conclude by summarizing the main points.

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Students in high school and college must complete many academic tasks. Writing a persuasive essay is also an unavoidable part of academic writing. If you are wondering how to create a persuasive essay, you should realise that it is difficult.

Looking for some unique and workable argumentative essay topics? Need to select a topic for your argumentative essay but unsure where to begin?

Are you looking to select the best Descriptive Essay Topics for your Essay? To help you get started with brainstorming for Descriptive Essay Topics, we have developed a list of the latest topics that can be used for writing your Descriptive Essay Topics or Narrative Essay.

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101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Use your words to sway the reader.

Persuasive Essay Topics: Should we allow little kids to play competitive sports?

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?

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?

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?

Persuasive Essay Topics: 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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 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?

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?

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?

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) ..

Need some ideas for practicing persuasive writing skills? These persuasive essay topics provide lots of scope for students of all ages.

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What one class should all high schools students be required to take and pass in order to graduate?

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

Ideas to inspire every young writer! Continue Reading

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discursive essay topics 2021

How to write a Discursive Introduction

The background of discursive essays.

Up until 2021, it was actually possible to get through the entire Cambridge International A-Level English Language (9093) without having to write a discursive essay.

Up until 2021, Paper 3 was a comparative analysis of two texts per question.

Up until 2021 Paper 4 allowed a choice of Child Language Acquisition (analytical), English as a Global Language (discursive) and Language and Social Groups (analytical).

So, in short, A-Level English Language students were once given the chance to train as high-level analytical linguists and leave the discursive stuff for university.

Now, however, we have the entire of Paper 4 which asks you to demonstrate how good you are at taking texts and using them to bounce into a discussion of the big ideas at the heart of unit of study.

For ‘Language and the Self’ this might be ‘is gendered language a social construct?’, ‘are interruptions a form of domination?’, ‘how do we adapt our speech patterns to different social situations?’, ‘does the language we learn mould the way we view the world?’… to name just a few of the debates.

For ‘Language and the World’, this could be questions such as ‘is English a killer language?’, ‘will English die out as a global language?’, ‘is the spread of English a form of cultural imperialism?’, ‘what are the risks posed through language death?’, ‘would it be better if we all spoke one language?’… and other such discussions.

Thanks for reading! If you find this useful, take a look at our other English Language and Literature courses here .

But isn’t discussion and debate for the arts? Isn’t this a science?

For most of IGCSE and some aspects of AS Level, we can get through by learning the ‘right’ answer to questions. This isn’t always true, but on average we notice that the exams we sit in the sciences and the humanities at KS4 often are testing our ability to remember the ‘right’ or ‘correct’ information.

As we get older and more expert, however, we are called upon to suggest and test hypotheses. What do you think? Why do you think it? How can you prove it? What are the alternatives? 

At A-Level, we need to suggest ways of ‘reading’ or ‘measuring’ a situation and testing how ‘valid’ your claim is. This is true in the arts and the sciences – we start pushing at the edges of what can be ‘known’ in the hopes that we might notice something that was previously ‘unknown’. Or at least we try to find a better way of saying something that everyone sort of ‘knew’, but nobody had properly articulated.

OK, so what makes a good discursive essay?

There is a reason why Joe Rogan’s podcast has made him a multi-millionaire. Put simply – he is exploiting the most valuable asset that people have: their ability to debate and learn from one another. In fact, the epidemiologist, Nicholas Christakis, recently suggested to Sam Harris that viral pandemics are the price we pay for the ability to share ideas and experiences with one another. It is interesting when you consider the phrase ‘germ of an idea’, for sure.

Being able to see several sides of a discussion is unbelievably important when handling complex topics. Putting one side of an argument up against its strongest possible opponent is the best way of sharpening the minds of both sides.

As social scientists and linguists, it is important to find ways to do this internally, as we sometimes need to debate many sides of a topic before laying down our stance. I have illustrated below what one of my internal debates might look like if thinking about the topic of cultural imperialism.

A good discursive essay, like a good discussion, is one that acknowledges a wide breadth of valid claims which may seem to contradict one another, but can ultimately be assimilated to get towards some kind of truth.

This is why the smartest people we know always seem like they have an answer for everything. It’s because they also have a question for everything, and they are constantly working these questions through in their heads until they know that the way they see the world can put up with a lot of hassle.

So, how do I start?

In the last lesson, we looked at annotating the extracts from the examination, forming arguments and counter-arguments, and making sure you have the theorists in place you wish to refer to. We will revisit this later on in the course to make sure we have the right planning techniques. 

But for now, let’s say that is out the way and we are ready to write our introduction.

The BBC gives the advice that introductions to discursive essays might be provocative, balanced, illustrative, anecdotal or start with a quotation. Or any combination of them all! Do visit their website for more information on what they mean by this if you aren’t sure.

Let’s get started with planning out an introduction to the essay we began to formulate earlier this week.

One of the over-arching questions that arises from the topic of English in the World is ‘will English continue to be the world’s dominant global language?’

Try out some options in the table below to see what you can come up with… for each one, make sure you have some sort of link with the sources from the exam question:

‘Will English continue to be the world’s dominant global language’?

Then when you have done this, try to work it into an introductory paragraph for your essay:

For those of you who are stuck… here is an example of how I might do this for the ‘Language and the Self’ question:

‘Does language suffer from people using slang’?

Example of how this could become an introductory paragraph:

‘The whites have become black’ and Jamaican patois has been ‘intruded into our country, giving some us the sense of a foreign country’. This was historian David Starkey’s analysis of the London riots when he was interviewed on the BBC in 2011. The idea of language ‘degradation’ being at the heart of moral decline is a topic that has been debated for hundreds of years. From the elitist categorisation of ‘U’ and ‘non-U’ terminology, the ‘Deficit Model’ used to provide early explanations for female speech patterns and the cultural outcry when Prince Harry showed signs of an ‘Estuary English’ accent in his first podcast – linguistic variation and innovation has been a controversial topic, not least of all in the era of identity politics. But what some see as lazy-slang, others may view as shrewd code-switching; what some view as linguistic ‘mistakes’, others may view as cultural innovation and refinement of the language. Both Texts A and B touch upon this fundamental question of value in linguistics – ‘is language a tool to serve the needs of the individual, or is it a tool to help the individual serve the needs to society’? Should it be a tool for the individual to express themselves to society or a means for society to leave its impression on the individual? These politically and morally fraught questions are at the heart of the two texts under discussion in this essay.

Phil Brown, 2021

Thanks for reading! If you found this useful, take a look at our other English Language and Literature courses here .

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  1. 150 Excellent Discursive Essay Topics for Students To Consider

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  4. How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples

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  1. 50 Unique Discursive Essay Topics for Students

    Find out what a discursive essay is and how to choose a topic for it. Browse 50 unique discursive essay topics for students or get professional help from Essayhack.io.

  2. 155 Hot Discursive Essay Topics To Use Right Now

    Focused and Catchy. When your lecturer checks the essay, the topic is what you will get first, and, therefore, you should make it catchy. This makes the reader want to go deeper into the paper and see what you have to say. A good topic is also likely to earn you a higher grade. Next, we will highlight the main essay ideas, starting with higher ...

  3. 20 Discursive Essay Topics That Make the Grade

    I've linked topics 1-16 to a related argumentative essay or discursive essay to give you a few ideas of what a complete essay might look like. Topics 17-20 are topics that generally won't require research , but I've still provided a link to a related article that might help spark your creative genius.

  4. 30 Professor Recommended Discursive Essay Topics (Updated for 2022)

    Higher English Topics. #21 Studying Shakespeare is obsolete in today's world. Discuss. While modern day scholars have lauded the plays of Shakespeare, the style of writing is so inaccessible that one might argue many of his plays are just over-hyped tedious tales.

  5. 130 New Prompts for Argumentative Writing

    Try our student writing prompts. In 2017, we compiled a list of 401 argumentative writing prompts, all drawn from our daily Student Opinion column. Now, we're rounding up 130 more we've ...

  6. 300 Questions and Images to Inspire Argument Writing

    19. Snail Mail: Do you think handwritten cards and letters still have value in the digital age? 20. Cyberbullying: Should social media companies do more to prevent online harassment? 21. Phone ...

  7. Over 170 Prompts to Inspire Writing and Discussion

    Published June 3, 2021 Updated Aug. 4, 2021 Each school day we publish a new Student Opinion question, and students use these writing prompts to reflect on their experiences and identities and ...

  8. How To Write Discursive Essays

    Your essay is structured in a manner that argues towards this stand. When writing an argumentative essay, your goal is to persuade, to convince the reader to be in support of your stand. Discursive: you are not required to take an explicit stand on the issue. In other words, you do not need to pick a side. You may choose to pick a side; that ...

  9. 150 Excellent Discursive Essay Topics for Students To Consider

    Write the discursive essay in a formal third-person speech. When writing this essay, use the right choice of words and formal language conventions. Avoid using emotional writing style and clichés to exaggerate your opinions. Follow the standard essay structure that contains separate sections for the introduction, body, and conclusion.

  10. Planning a Discursive Essay

    A discursive essay is a form of critical essay that attempts to provide the reader with a balanced argument on a topic, supported by evidence. It requires critical thinking, as well as sound and valid arguments (see Chapter 25) that acknowledge and analyse arguments both for and against any given topic, plus discursive essay writing appeals to ...

  11. 50 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

    These essays discuss issues around a range of topics, including science, technology, politics, and healthcare. Whether you're a teacher looking for essay topics for your students or a student tasked with developing an idea of your own, we've compiled a list of 50 argumentative essay topics to help you get started! 50 Argumentative Essay Topics.

  12. Exploring English Discursive Essay Topics

    Writing a discursive essay can be an exciting endeavor, allowing you to delve into various perspectives on a given topic. Whether you're a student tackling an assignment or a writer seeking…

  13. How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips, Dos & Don'ts

    State your opinion in the introduction, supported by examples and reasons. Present the opposing argument before the conclusion, explaining why you find it unconvincing. Summarize your important points in the conclusion. 2. Essay providing a solution to a problem. Focus on discussing an issue and proposing solutions.

  14. How to Write a Discursive Essay: Tips to Succeed & Examples

    Start with an introduction to the topic. Discuss each essay question in a single paragraph. Begin each paragraph with a powerful issue sentence. Paragraphs with one point usually followed by a counterpoint paragraph. Its style is general for essays as the reader should understand what you stand for.

  15. 187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024]

    187 Impressive Higher English Persuasive Essay Topics [2024] by IvyPanda. 17 min. 50,330. Updated on. Dec 28th, 2023. Persuasive essay writing is a popular assignment for students in high school and college alike. This is not surprising. After all, it is a basic of the learning process.

  16. 20+ Impressive Higher English Discursive Essay Topics

    Additionally, other higher science programs. Most of the time, discursive essay examples higher English is one of the sections that help to focus on the students' advanced reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. By the end of the course, students should be able to do the following mentioned things: They can able to use the complex ...

  17. Discursive Essay Topics

    A discursive essay is a type of writing that explores different sides of an argument or issue in a balanced way. Unlike argumentative essays that focus on persuading the reader to agree with a particular point of view, discursive essays present an objective and comprehensive analysis of a topic.

  18. Discursive Essay [Topics, Examples, Ideas]

    For and Against Essay - this is a task written in the form of a debate with opposing opinions. You should be ready to describe every point of view, present facts, and be objective. The introduction of discursive essay topics higher English states the problem you are going to discuss. The main body demonstrates reasons, examples, and facts.

  19. Discursive Essay Topics

    The discursive essay topics example is great when it's current and widely known. Staying up-to-date with the news and trends never fails to deliver great results. Go for the most controversial areas. Exploring a subject that multiple people have the most passionate and heated debates over might be interesting.

  20. Discursive Essay Topics & Ideas 2022

    Discursive Essay Topics & Ideas 2022. Published by Alvin Nicolas at November 16th, 2022 , Revised On November 3, 2023. A discursive essay is a form of an academic essay in which you express your beliefs or points of view in favour of or against the issue. Even at times, this essay would allow you to impartially offer your points of view on all ...

  21. 101 Interesting Persuasive Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    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.

  22. How to write a Discursive Introduction

    Up until 2021, it was actually possible to get through the entire Cambridge International A-Level English Language (9093) without having to write a discursive essay. Up until 2021, Paper 3 was a comparative analysis of two texts per question. Up until 2021 Paper 4 allowed a choice of Child Language Acquisition (analytical), English as a Global ...

  23. PDF Student-Written Versus ChatGPT-Generated Discursive Essays: A

    This article reports on a comparative analysis of two sets of essays, student-discursive essays (SDEs) and ChatGPT-generated discursive essays (ChatGPT-GDEs) on the same essay topic using Coh-Metrix. It focused on three Coh-Metrix indices, lexical density, syntactic complexity, and referential cohesion as the basis for the comparative analysis.