Students gain superior thinking expertise along with writing persuasion skills and decision-making capacity through discursive essays. Students can study various perspective statements before making decisions across multiple topics. Your selection of top-tier discursive essay subjects proves essential because it helps readers stay interested while showing your writing skills. This guide offers students the best discursive essay subjects that promote insightful conversations and develop their intellectual thinking.
1. Do teenagers get more harm from using social media than useful benefits?
Social media use is critical for teens because 95% of them are active every day. Students can research how Instagram and TikTok affect how young people feel about themselves and their mental health, plus their face-to-face social life.
Discussion Angles:
- Cyberbullying statistics and emotional toll
- Social media’s impact on academic performance
- Positive aspects like activism and community support
Expert Insight:
The American Psychological Association shows that social media habits strongly affect teenage anxiety, especially in female teens.
2. Should young adults aged 16 gain the right to vote?
Many nations across the globe now evaluate whether keeping the traditional voting age makes sense anymore. 16-year-olds in Austria, Scotland, and Brazil currently vote in specific elected offices.
Explore:
- Political awareness in teens today
- Arguments for civic responsibility
- Being emotionally grown-up while also being more open to being persuaded by others
Interesting Fact:
Results from a UK opinion poll in 2023 showed that 68% of people between 16 and 18 wanted to take part in elections.
3. People debate whether video games push players to violence or teach better mind skills.
People continue to debate this discursive essay topic because the video game industry makes more than $200 billion globally.
Arguments For:
- Strategic thinking, hand-eye coordination, and decision-making skills
- Teamwork in multiplayer settings
Arguments Against:
- Desensitization to violence
- Aggression and addiction in youth
Case Study:
Research released by Stanford University in 2022 showed that regular light gaming routines enhance memory skills and make users focus better for up to twelve minutes longer.
4. Exams do not accurately define how much students grasp classroom material.
The evaluation method most widely used in education is for testing, but time may show this approach to have limitations.
Alternatives:
- Portfolio-based evaluations
- Practical demonstrations and real-world projects
- Self and peer assessments
Stat:
As Finland stands out for its effective education system, it emphasizes ongoing learning checks, which produce outstanding results in international student rankings.
5. Who ought to bear primary responsibility for addressing climate change issues, the government or individual citizens
This interesting discursive essay topic links self-accountability to making transformations at a larger scale.
Discuss:
- Role of policies and green technology
- The carbon footprint of individuals
- Corporate accountability vs. grassroots activism
Stat Highlight:
According to the Carbon Majors Report from 2023, more than 70% of worldwide releases originate from only 100 corporations.
6. Should Schools Ban Homework?
Educational psychology professionals have discussed homework as a subject for many years.
For the Motion:
- Reduced stress and burnout
- More time for extracurriculars and family
Against:
- Reinforcement of learning outside class
- Discipline and time management
Global Trend:
Though students in Finland get less homework than other nations, they perform equally well on literacy and numeracy tests.
7. Scientists should continue using animals for experimental subjects.
People need to evaluate medical advancement against moral standards in this topic.
Explore:
- Alternatives: AI simulations, cell cultures
- Medical breakthroughs due to animal testing
- Ethical treatment and animal rights
Regulatory Insight:
In 2013, the European Union prohibited the use of animals to test cosmetic products, prompting other countries to adopt similar regulations on animal testing for cosmetics.
8. Should University Education Be Free?
A top concern for students and families worldwide.
For Free Education:
- Equal access to higher learning
- Reduced debt burden
Against:
- Budgetary limitations
- Risk of lower academic seriousness
Data Point:
Many international students now study at German public universities for free because the country canceled tuition fees.
9. School cafeterias should limit junk food availability.
Because students create their food patterns at an early age, this subject is crucial for student wellness.
Debate Points:
- Obesity rates among school children
- Food choice autonomy
- Educational value of nutrition awareness
Fact:
According to WHO statistics overweight children has tripled since 1980.
10. Can current technology do all the functions humans do in workplaces today?
People now need to engage with this subject while ChatGPT and technology tools change work settings.
Arguments For:
- Increased efficiency and cost savings
- The use of Artificial Intelligence technology helps services run more efficiently in multiple business sectors such as customer support, production, and supply chain operations.
Arguments Against:
- Loss of creativity, empathy, and human touch
- Employment gaps and economic inequality
Quote:
Some companies do not view job elimination as a sign that they must get rid of work activities. — Kai-Fu Lee, AI expert.
11. People disagree about whether notable personalities must always follow ethical behavior.
The writing topic explores the moral responsibility of famous people in their public lives.
Explore:
- Role model expectations
- Impact on younger fans
- Media scrutiny and mental health
Case Study:
People’s anger toward Logan Paul made them discuss whether audiences should hold influencers responsible for their actions.
12. Does Educational Learning Through The Internet Deliver Equal Results To Conventional Classes
Educational decision makers now face this question because online programs at Coursera and Khan Academy are getting more popular.
Discussion Points:
- Flexibility and accessibility
- Lack of social interaction and practical learning
- Hybrid learning models
Stat:
Students at Harvard Business School participated more actively in their combined school/work environment by 27% when compared to regular classroom teaching.
13. Should Countries Have Open Borders?
A critical conversation in today’s political climate.
Debate Angles:
- Economic benefits of immigration
- National security concerns
- Humanitarian considerations and refugee support
Example:
Canadian immigration authorities use their points-based system to welcome newcomers effectively while maintaining immigration control.
14. How do Social Years of Physical Appearance Bring Unwanted Anxiety in Youth?
A powerful and personal discursive essay topic for many students.
Discuss:
- Unrealistic body expectations
- Influence of filters and cosmetic trends
- Mental health implications
Study:
According to Dove’s 2022 research, 80% of adolescent girls from 10 to 17 typically edited their selfie pictures before they shared them online.
15. Should the government place a permanent end to death penalties?
This subject offers students a chance to completely examine criminal justice systems based on ethical principles.
Points to Cover:
- Irreversibility and wrongful convictions
- Cultural and legal differences
- Deterrent effect vs. human rights
Stat:
Today death penalty exists legally in only a third of all nations, as documented by Amnesty International in 2024.
16. The need for controlling arts and media publications remains up for debate
These issues bring up arguments between creators and defenders of cultural values.
Consider:
- Artistic freedom and satire
- Protection of vulnerable groups
- Social media platform responsibilities
Real-World Example:
Students and community members almost always try to ban “To Kill a Mockingbird” from school libraries.
17. People Need Clear Messages on Genetically Modified Food in Their Products
This topic affects both customer rights and scientific knowledge about food transparency.
Discussion Points:
- Health and environmental impact
- Informed consumer choice
- Agricultural innovation
Stat:
GMO foods must be labeled in every country within the European Union and its member states.
18. Are Influencers Replacing Traditional Celebrities?
In thought provoking A fresh topic exploring media and culture shifts.
Consider:
- Accessibility and relatability of influencers
- Trust metrics in influencer marketing
- Rise of micro-influencers and niche communities
Fact:
According to Influencer Marketing Hub reports, influencer marketing will reach $22 billion in business value by 2025.
19. Should School Uniforms Be Mandatory?
Students frequently take up this fundamental topic for their academic discursive essays.
Arguments For:
- Equality and discipline
- Reduced peer pressure
Arguments Against:
- Limiting self-expression
- Financial burden on families
20. Does School Have to Require Students to Participate in Sports?
Should schools require students to do physical activities, or should students have complete freedom to choose?
Explore:
- Health benefits and team building
- Student autonomy
- Alternative activities for non-athletic students
Stat:
Student athletes achieve better marks at school than other students by 15%.
21. People question whether space exploration brings enough value for such resources.
A blend of science, economics, and philosophy.
Debate:
- Economic resources vs. discovery benefits
- Environmental issues on Earth
- Private vs. public space missions
Quote:
Space exploration has its independent natural power, according to Carl Sagan. — Carl Sagan
22. Students Should Not Have Authority to Rate Their Teachers
Students face the challenge of challenging standard school power relationships.
For:
- Accountability in teaching
- Constructive feedback loops
Against:
- Bias and immaturity
- Undermining respect in classrooms
23. We believe that money alone cannot make us happy.
The topic mixes psychology and social behavior to create an interesting paper idea.
Explore:
- Relationship between wealth and life satisfaction
- Minimalist lifestyle trends
- Impact of economic security on mental health
Stat:
According to research from Princeton University, happiness grows with income but stops at $75,000 per year.
24. Mankind Needs To Determine If Competitive E-Sports Belong In The Sports World
Today, e-sports competitions across the globe, along with scholarship options for college students, have redefined the meaning of athletic performance.
Pros:
- Strategy, practice, and teamwork
- Viewer engagement and sponsorship
Cons:
- Lack of physical activity
- Perceptions of legitimacy
25. Are Traditional Gender Roles Outdated?
People in our fast-changing society must continue this important topic of discussion.
Debate Points:
- Media portrayals of gender
- Workplace equity and family dynamics
- Gender-fluid identities
Fact:
People from Generation Z and Millennial generations recognize their genders outside the traditional male/female boundaries.
Final Thoughts: How to Write an Outstanding Discursive Essay
After reviewing the top 25 discursive essay topics, apply these last guidelines when you write.
1. Choose a timely, relevant topic
2. Structure your discursive essay with a clear introduction, arguments, counterarguments, and conclusion.
4. Include only factual evidence from authoritative sources when you share data.
3. Maintain a formal yet conversational tone
Acknowledge the pros and cons before you explain your last thoughts.
Conclusion
These discursive essay writing tasks teach students to create strong reasoning while looking at multiple viewpoints during their learning process. A good decision on your topic significantly impacts your ability to discuss essential issues of the modern world.
Ready to start writing? Pursue this selection of subjects to create your discursive essay with full authority. If you require assistance with your discursive essay, please contact us anytime.
