topics for essay beginner

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

List of 500+ essay writing topics and ideas.

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

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

Get the Huge list of 100+ Speech Topics here

Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Essay Topics on Technology

• Wonder Of Science
• Mobile Phone

Essay Topics on Festivals on Events

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

Essay Topics on Education

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

Essay Topics on Famous Leaders

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

Essay Topics on Animals and Birds

• My Favorite Animal

Essays Topics About Yourself

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

Essay Topics Based on Environment and Nature

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

Essay Topics Based on Proverbs

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Last updated on: Jun 28, 2024

Essay Topics: 100+ Best Essay Topics for your Guidance

By: Nova A.

13 min read

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Jan 29, 2019

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

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

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

On this Page

Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Persuasive Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Descriptive Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Discover Captivating Topics in a Click!

Narrative Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Research Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Expository Essay Topics

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

Below is a list of expository essay topics:

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

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

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Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics

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

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

Informative Essay Topics for Students

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

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

Essay Topics for College Students

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

Essay Topics for High School

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

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

Essay Topics for Middle School

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

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

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

As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.

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50 Easy Essay Topics To Write About

Are you tired of complicated writing prompts? Explore our list of easy essay topics that cater to different interests, plus writing tips to guide you.

Easy essay topics are straightforward and are not complex. Writers won’t have a problem researching information about these essay topic ideas as there are many details available they can use to whip up thesis statements or start an argument to stimulate the readers. When writing easy essay topics, you should focus on the quality of your writing, not the difficulty of your chosen subject. Try out some of the best essay checkers when writing your next essay!

Easy Narrative Essay Topics

Easy descriptive essay topics, easy persuasive essay topics, easy argumentative essay topics, easy expository essay topics, easy informative essay topics , easy compare-and-contrast essay topics, easy cause and effect essay topics, easy college (application) topics.

Narrative essays show the writers’ point of view as they share their stories with the readers. These descriptive essays are often from personal experience and let the writers be as creative as they want.

• My first childhood memory

Think back to your earliest memory and describe what happened. Try to recreate it through words by adding as many details as possible. Then, describe the emotions you feel when recalling this memory.

• A travel experience that I want to relive

Pick an adventure you want to do again and recount your journey. Begin your essay with how you planned your travel and arrived at the destination, then tell the reader things you did there. Your essay should make the readers feel like they are on the trip with you.

• The day I met my best friend

Write how you met your best friend, what you felt, and what you talked about or did that day. Point out what made them your best friend and share how your friendship developed over time.

•  My first day as a student

Take the readers with you on your first day as either a middle school, high school, or college student. Talk about your first impression of the school, teachers, and classmates. You can also compare your expectations to your first day’s actual events.

• My most embarrassing moment

Write about what led to the embarrassing scene, how you reacted to it, and other details that made it a vivid memory for you. Add what you learned from the experience, and if other people still tease you.

• My most recent summer vacation

Pick a recent memory so you can recall as much detail as possible. Discuss how you spent your summer vacation, whether you stayed home because it was too hot or visited the beach and got sunburned.

As the name suggests, a descriptive essay asks writers to describe a subject, including their thoughts and experiences. The key to writing this type of essay is to be imaginative and focused on the details of your writing.

• My treasured place

Pick the place that holds a special meaning to you. It can be a local park where you and your friends play, your childhood home, etc., and describe the location’s sounds, colors, and other details. For instance, if it’s the park, you can say that the sun is shining bright, and the kid’s laughter is loud.

• My best friend

Describe your best friend – their appearance, personality, and habits. Paint a picture of them through words and additional reasons why you consider them your closest friend. 

• My favorite food

When writing about your favorite food, ensure to describe its appearance, taste, texture, and anything else that can make the reader feel like they are eating the same thing as you. Then, share why you enjoy it so much.

• My hometown

Stroll around your neighborhood to get more details about your hometown to let readers visualize it better. Point out any landmark and detail the scenery, history, and culture of where you live.

• My dream vacation

Select a place you want to visit someday and describe what you’re most excited to see there. For instance, you may want to visit Japan to watch the white and cherry blossoms floating in the wind.

• My favorite book or movie

Choose what stands out the most among the many books and movies you’ve read and watched. Present a summary of its plot, including your favorite characters, and explain why it stands out. Your reasons can also be the movie’s atmosphere or the author’s writing style. Just describe them as best you can. You might also be wondering what is a synthesis essay ?

Persuasive essay topics have one goal: to urge the readers to take their stance and convince them that the writer is correct. Good essays about challenges using persuasive writing often rely on opinions, are more personal, and have a more emotional or passionate tone.

• You should exercise regularly

Encourage your readers to exercise regularly by listing benefits such as improved physical and mental health. You can include your experience and share its impacts on your life.

• We should practice recycling

Tap on your readers’ emotions by identifying the adverse effects of waste on the environment. Then, discuss how recycling can reduce those consequences by citing successful recycling programs.

• Why we should help illegal immigrants

Choose this topic if you want to support undocumented immigrants and help them settle down legally. Encourage your readers to do the same by showing this group’s contributions to the economy and debunking immigration myths.

• We should advocate for mental health awareness

Increased awareness of mental health issues reduces the stigma around the subject and improves treatment options for those who suffer from it. If you also live with mental health problems, share your experience and include campaigns and initiatives you appreciate.

• We should volunteer often

Volunteering opens up many opportunities through social connections and improved networks. Plus, it offers the feeling of personal fulfillment. Use your essay to persuade your readers to consider volunteering and positively impacting their communities.

• Why we should set goals and deadlines to combat procrastination

Everyone has procrastinated before, so we all have our tales about it. Focus your essay on the benefits of setting goals to improve productivity. Include any prior experience of how doing this helped you or someone you know.

Argumentative writing presents facts to get the readers to see the writer’s point of view. These interesting essay topics acknowledge that another side exists and counter the other side’s points. Argumentative essay topics present credible evidence to show the readers the writer’s perspective on the issue.

• Should college be free for everyone? 

Indicate your stance on the matter and identify the disadvantages and drawbacks of free college. Present a clear argument supporting the side you choose.

• Is social media harmful to society?

Discuss the impact of social media sites on mental health, privacy, and communication. Show how social media helps or harms society by sharing your experience and citing examples. Then, you can add tips on how we can use social media in a way that isn’t harmful to our well-being.

• Should schools ban junk foods in cafeterias?

Ensure to tackle the pros and cons of banning junk foods in school. Some pros can include teaching students to choose healthier foods. Cons may include increased food prices, which not every student can afford.

• Should animal testing be illegal? 

Start your essay by discussing the history and purpose of animal testing and the available alternatives today. Pick a side on whether you support animal testing and make your case by considering ethics and scientific validity.

• Is capital punishment effective?

One of the most important social issues includes the death penalty. Argue for or against the effectiveness of capital punishment in deterring crime through statistics and case studies. You can also add the cost of capital punishment and identify other related inmate expenses, like healthcare.

Expository essay writers explain, evaluate, and inform. The thesis statement in expository essay topics should be in the first paragraph, with the supporting arguments and evidence scattered over the essay body to convince the readers that the logic presented is credible.

•  Reading is vital for personal growth

Start by defining what personal growth means and why it’s crucial. Then, explore the benefits of reading on personal growth through much research already available online. Some benefits are improved vocabulary and broader knowledge. If you’re a bookworm, include any other effects you observe in yourself.

• The history of the internet

Provide a brief overview of the subject and delve into how the internet was created. Add key events and technological advancements that led to the development of the internet as we know it today.

• The process of becoming a licensed driver

Begin by explaining why obtaining a driver’s license is important. Then, provide a step-by-step breakdown of the process, including driver education, practice driving hours, and taking the driver’s test.

• Types of natural disasters and their causes

Explain what natural disasters are and enumerate their types. Then, dive into their causes, like seismic activity, climate change, and human actions. Add the impacts of these disasters on the environment, people, and the economy.

• The importance of a college education

Explain what a college education is and its purpose in one’s life. Survey the benefits one can reap from college, like increased job options and higher earning potential. Discuss the possible downsides of pursuing higher education, such as needing more technical skills and incurring a large debt.

•  How to start a small business

Talk about the concept of a small business and the gains of owning one. Outline the steps in starting a small business, like planning, securing funds, and marketing your product or service.

Informative writing aims to educate the readers with uncomplicated facts, often to help understand how something came about or works and is never about personal opinions. Informative essay topics can be anything as long as the readers learn something new.

• Global warming and the planet

Research and gather information about how global warming and the greenhouse effect affect the environment, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather patterns, and animal and plant extinctions. Organize your essay into different sections, each focusing on one of the effects of global warming, and provide scientific evidence and statistics.

•  COVID-19 and vaccination

Since there has been a lot of information during the spread of the pandemic, you already have ample knowledge of the vaccination process. In your essay, relay how the vaccine was made and used to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

• All about modern homeschooling

This prompt is best if you’re homeschooled or know someone who is homeschooled. Briefly discuss the history of homeschooling, then explain how modern schooling is done. Include the best practices that help parents and their children manage their time and efficiently learn.

• World War II and women’s rights

Delve into how World War II affected women’s rights and societal roles during and after the war. Explore how women contributed to the war effort and how this led to today’s changing social and political landscape.

• English as an international communication tool

Analyze the importance of English as a global language and how it is used for international communication in business, education, and diplomacy. Add how English works with other languages and cultures.

• The history of chocolate

Begin with the origins of chocolate, then trace its history through time, with special attention to its cultural significance and evolution as a food item. Include methods of making chocolates and examples of different types of chocolate.

Compare and contrast essay topics focus on two subjects to highlight the subtle differences or similarities between the two. It’s best to present your thesis statement in the introduction and tell your readers why you compare and contrast the ideas.

• Online Classes vs. In-Person Classes

This is a timely and relevant topic in today’s world, as more and more people prefer online classes. In your essay, compare and contrast the benefits and drawbacks of online and traditional courses regarding convenience, flexibility, student engagement, and learning outcomes.

• Dogs vs. Cats

Dogs versus cats is a classic comparison topic you can use to develop your writing skills. Do this by discussing the differences between the two animals regarding their behavior, care needs, and popularity as pets. You can even explore the advantages and disadvantages of owning each animal.

• City Life vs. Rural life

Get your readers’ attention by describing the lifestyle in the city and rural areas and point out what sets the two apart. Include relevant factors like the cost of living, job opportunities, social life, and environmental conditions. Conclude the essay by giving your opinion on which lifestyle you prefer and why.

• The Harry Potter books vs. the Harry Potter movies

This topic would be perfect for fans of the series. Compare and contrast the books’ and films’ plots, characters, and themes, then discuss which medium you feel was more effective in telling the story. It’s best to focus on a few key aspects of the series and provide specific examples from the books and movies to support your assertions.

• High school vs. College

This common compare-and-contrast topic is still relevant and easy to write about today. Talk about the differences between the two regarding academic pressures, expectations, and level of independence between college and high school students. You can draw from your experiences or research and compare high school and college educational systems and cultures.

Cause and effect essay topics highlight the connection between a subject and its consequences. School essays in this category help develop student writers’ critical thinking skills.

• The causes and effects of obesity

Review the various factors contributing to obesity, like poor diet, inactive lifestyle, and genetics. Then, move on to the harmful effects of the disease, such as the increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other health issues. Obesity is a topic that still demands attention for its devastating impacts.

• Video games and children

For this topic, explain what video games are and comment on their impacts on children’s behavior and cognitive development. Be sure to cite relevant research and studies. You can also share ways parents and educators can mitigate any negative effects.

• The impact of technology on communication

This is an easy topic to write about, as technology’s effect on communication is a prevalent and often-discussed topic. Begin by describing what technology is all about, including its various forms and how it changed communication. Point out technology’s positive and negative impacts on communication and offer suggestions to reduce any cons.

•  Stress and our physical and mental health

For this prompt, explore the impact of stress on the body and mind, including its effects on the immune system, sleep, and mental health. Research the causes and effects of stress, such as how it influences an individual’s work, relationships, and lifestyle choices. You can also discuss stress management methods like exercise, mindfulness, and therapy.

Soon-to-be college students write college application essays to demonstrate why they fit into their chosen school. These essays show the applicant’s personality and drive and present the writer’s academic and career goals.

•  Discuss an experience or accomplishment that significantly impacted your personal growth. 

To write a great essay on this topic, reflect on a specific experience or achievement that taught you a valuable lesson or changed your perspective about something. Describe the experience or achievement and explain how it influenced your growth. For example, you can talk about winning a marathon and how it helped you become more disciplined and focused.

•  Describe a challenge you have faced and how you overcame it.

In this essay, discuss a particular hardship you had to deal with. It can be an academic or personal situation. Make sure to explain the steps you took to solve or overcome the problem. This essay prompt will help you showcase your resilience and problem-solving skills.

• Discuss a person who has significantly influenced your life.

Think of the person you hold in high regard, like a parent, teacher, or mentor, and talk about why you consider them an important person in your life. Then, reflect on experiences that highlight their influence and impact on you. These can be moments such as when they stayed up all night helping you on a project or when they received a community award for volunteering. 

•  Discuss your favorite academic subject and explain why you enjoy it.

This prompt lets you showcase your passion for a particular subject and demonstrate your intellectual curiosity. To write this essay effectively, you must share specific examples of how you pursued your interest and how it affected your academic and personal goals. For instance, you enjoyed physical education and joined a sports team.

• Explain why you have chosen your intended major and how it aligns with your future goals.

This essay topic lets you illustrate your academic and career aspirations and showcase how you prepared for your chosen field of study. Start by explaining why you’re eager to be in your major and share any relevant coursework or experiences that influenced your choice. Then, describe your future career goals.

• Discuss an extracurricular activity or community service project that’s important to you and how it has impacted your life.

Talking about having extracurricular activities on top of your standard academic units demonstrates your leadership skills and commitment to serving others. To write this essay, describe the project or activity you’ve participated in and explain why it’s meaningful. Share any personal or community benefits that have resulted from your involvement.

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• Generate topic ideas for an essay or paper | Tips & techniques

Generate Topic Ideas For an Essay or Paper | Tips & Techniques

Published on November 17, 2014 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

If you haven’t been given a specific topic for your essay or paper , the first step is coming up with ideas and deciding what you want to write about. Generating ideas is the least methodical and most creative step in academic writing .

There are infinite ways to generate ideas, but no sure-fire way to come up with a good one. This article outlines some tips and techniques for choosing a topic – use the ones that work best for you.

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Table of contents

Understanding the assignment, techniques for generating topic ideas, tips for finding a good idea, other interesting articles.

First, you need to determine the scope of what you can write about. Make sure you understand the assignment you’ve been given, and make sure you know the answers to these questions:

• What is the required length of the paper (in words or pages)?
• What is the deadline?
• Should the paper relate to what you’ve studied in class?
• Do you have to do your own research and use sources that haven’t been taught in class?
• Are there any constraints on the subject matter or approach?

The length and deadline of the assignment determine how complex your topic can be. The prompt might tell you write a certain type of essay, or it might give you a broad subject area and hint at the kind of approach you should take.

This prompt gives us a very general subject. It doesn’t ask for a specific type of essay, but the word explain suggests that an expository essay is the most appropriate response.

This prompt takes a different approach to the same subject. It asks a question that requires you to take a strong position. This is an argumentative essay that requires you to use evidence from sources to support your argument.

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Getting started is often the hardest part. Try these 3 simple strategies to help get your mind moving.

Talk it out

Discussing ideas with a teacher, friend or fellow student often helps you find new avenues to approach the ideas you have and helps you uncover ideas you might not have considered.

Write down as many ideas as you can and make point form notes on them as you go. When you feel you’ve written down the obvious things that relate to an idea, move on to a new one, or explore a related idea in more depth.

You can also cluster related ideas together and draw connections between them on the page.

This strategy is similar to brainstorming, but it is faster and less reflective. Give yourself a broad topic to write about. Then, on a pad of paper or a word processor, write continuously for two or three minutes. Don’t stop, not even for a moment.

Write down anything that comes to mind, no matter how nonsensical it seems, as long as it somehow relates to the topic you began with. If you need to, time yourself to make sure you write for a few minutes straight.

When you’ve finished, read through what you’ve written and identify any useful ideas that have come out of the exercise.

Whichever strategy you use, you’ll probably come up with lots of ideas, but follow these tips to help you choose the best one.

Don’t feel you need to work logically

Good ideas often have strange origins. An apple fell on Isaac Newton’s head, and this gave us the idea of gravity. Mary Shelley had a dream, and this gave us her famous literary classic, Frankenstein .

It does not matter how you get your idea; what matters is that you find a good one.

Work from general to specific

Your first good idea won’t take the form of a fully-formed thesis statement . Find a topic before you find an argument.

You’ll need to think about your topic in broad, general terms before you can narrow it down and make it more precise.

Maintain momentum

Don’t be critical of your ideas at this stage – it can hinder your creativity. If you think too much about the flaws in your ideas, you will lose momentum.

Creative momentum is important: the first ten in a string of related ideas might be garbage, but the eleventh could be pure gold. You’ll never reach the eleventh if you shut down your thought process at the second.

Let ideas go

Don’t get too attached to the first appealing topic you think of. It might be a great idea, but it also might turn out to be a dud once you start researching and give it some critical thought .

Thinking about a new topic doesn’t mean abandoning an old one – you can easily come back to your original ideas later and decide which ones work best.

Choose a topic that interests you

A bored writer makes for boring writing. Try to find an idea that you’ll enjoy writing about, or a way to integrate your interests with your topic.

In the worst case scenario, pick the least boring topic of all of the boring topics you’re faced with.

Keep a notepad close

Good ideas will cross your mind when you least expect it. When they do, make sure that you can hold onto them.

Many people come up with their best ideas just before falling asleep; you might find it useful to keep a notepad by your bed.

Once you’ve settled on an idea, you’ll need to start working on your thesis statement and planning your paper’s structure.

If you find yourself struggling to come up with a good thesis on your topic, it might not be the right choice – you can always change your mind and go back to previous ideas.

Write a thesis statement Make an essay outline

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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Shane finished his master's degree in English literature in 2013 and has been working as a writing tutor and editor since 2009. He began proofreading and editing essays with Scribbr in early summer, 2014.

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Beginners Writing Prompts: 25 Ideas to Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on August 3, 2023

Categories Writing

Writing is an art form that can be challenging to master. Beginners may find it difficult to know where to start, what to write about, or how to develop their ideas.

That’s where writing prompts come in. Writing prompts are a useful tool for beginners to help them get started with writing and develop their skills.

Understanding writing prompts is essential for beginners. Writing prompts are ideas or topics that provide inspiration for writing. They can be anything from a single word to a complete sentence or paragraph. Writing prompts can help writers overcome writer’s block, develop their writing skills, and explore different genres and styles.

There are various types of writing prompts, including prompts for different genres, character development, setting and atmosphere, and unique writing prompts. Writing prompts can also be used for daily writing and journaling, which can help writers develop a writing habit and improve their skills.

Incorporating personal elements into writing prompts can also help writers explore their own experiences and emotions through writing.

Key Takeaways

• Writing prompts are a useful tool for beginners to help them get started with writing and develop their skills.
• Understanding writing prompts is essential for beginners to overcome writer’s block, develop their writing skills, and explore different genres and styles.
• Writing prompts can be used for daily writing and journaling, character development, setting and atmosphere, and unique writing prompts.

25 Beginners Writing Prompts

Here are 25 writing prompts for beginner writers:

1. Write about your ideal day. What would you do, where would you go, who would you see?

2. Describe your favorite place in the world. What makes it so special?

3. Write a letter to your future self 10 years from now. What advice would you give your future self?

4. Describe a memorable event from your childhood. Why was it meaningful to you?

5. If you could have any superpower, what would you choose and why? How would you use this power?

6. Who is someone you admire? Why do you look up to this person?

7. What is your biggest accomplishment so far? Why does it make you proud?

8. If you could take any animal from the zoo home as a pet, which would you choose and why?

9. What is your biggest goal in life right now? Why is this goal important to you?

10. What is one thing that brings you happiness every day? Describe why it brightens your day.

11. If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? Describe what you would do there.

12. What is your favorite holiday? Describe your ideal celebration of this holiday.

13. Who makes you laugh the most? Describe why this person is so funny.

14. What is your favorite food? Describe what it tastes and smells like.

15. What is one thing you want to accomplish this year? Why is this goal important?

16. Describe your perfect weekend. What activities would you do and who would you spend time with?

17. What is the best gift you’ve ever given someone? Why did you choose this gift?

18. Describe your favorite memory with a grandparent or elder in your life. Why was this time meaningful?

19. Who is your role model or hero? Why do you look up to this person?

20. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be? Why does this skill appeal to you?

21. What is the kindest act you’ve ever witnessed? What did this act teach you?

22. What is one cause you care deeply about? Why is it meaningful to you?

23. Describe your perfect day off from school. What would make it an amazing day?

24. What is one thing that always makes you smile? Why does this bring you joy?

25. What is your favorite season? Describe what you love about this time of year.

Understanding Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are an essential tool for beginning writers or those seeking to improve their writing skills. Writing prompts provide direction and inspiration for creative writing, helping writers overcome writer’s block, and encouraging them to explore new topics and ideas.

A writing prompt is a sentence, paragraph, or image that provides inspiration and guidance for creative writing. It may be used as a possible topic or starting point for an original essay, report, journal entry, story, poem, etc.

Writing prompts can be general or specific, and they can be tailored to suit the needs of different writers.

Understanding writing prompts is essential for beginning writers. Decoding what a prompt is asking can sometimes be overwhelming, but the sooner you understand a prompt, the sooner you can start writing. To understand a writing prompt, you need to identify the key elements and determine what type of writing the prompt is asking for.

Here are some tips for understanding writing prompts:

• Read the prompt carefully and identify the key elements, such as the topic, purpose, and audience.
• Determine the type of writing the prompt is asking for, such as a narrative, expository, persuasive, or descriptive essay.
• Consider the tone and style of the writing prompt and how it should be reflected in your writing.
• Use brainstorming techniques to generate ideas for your writing, such as mind mapping, free writing, or listing.
• Create an outline or plan for your writing, including an introduction, body, and conclusion.

By following these tips, beginning writers can gain a better understanding of writing prompts and use them to improve their writing skills. Writing prompts can be a valuable tool for writers of all levels, providing direction, inspiration, and encouragement for creative writing.

Types of Writing Prompts

When it comes to writing prompts, there are various types that can help beginners get started. Here are some of the most common types of writing prompts:

Story Prompts

Story prompts are great for those who want to write short stories. These prompts can be in the form of a sentence, a paragraph, or even a few words. They can be based on a specific theme or genre, or they can be completely random. Some examples of story prompts include:

• Write a story about a person who discovers they have magical powers.
• Write a story about a character who is stranded on a deserted island.
• Write a story about a time traveler who goes back in time to prevent a disaster.

Photo Prompts

Photo prompts are great for those who want to write descriptive pieces. These prompts involve looking at a photo and writing a story, poem, or essay about what you see. They can be based on a specific theme or genre, or they can be completely random. Some examples of photo prompts include:

• Write a descriptive piece about a sunset over the ocean.
• Write a story about a character who lives in a treehouse.
• Write a poem about a flower in a field.

Social Media Prompts

Social media prompts are great for those who want to practice writing in a more casual and conversational tone. These prompts involve writing short pieces that are meant to be shared on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. Some examples of social media prompts include:

• Write a tweet about your favorite book.
• Write an Instagram caption about your morning routine.
• Write a Facebook post about a recent vacation.

Random Word Prompts

Random word prompts are great for those who want to challenge themselves and get creative. These prompts involve choosing a random word and writing a piece based on that word. They can be based on a specific theme or genre, or they can be completely random. Some examples of random word prompts include:

• Write a story that includes the word “serendipity.”
• Write a poem that includes the word “nostalgia.”
• Write an essay that includes the word “perseverance.”

Overall, writing prompts are a great way for beginners to get started with writing. By using different types of prompts, beginners can practice writing in different styles and genres, and develop their skills over time.

Writing Prompts for Different Genres

If you’re looking for writing prompts to jumpstart your creativity, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some writing prompts for different genres to help you get started.

Fantasy Prompts

Fantasy is a genre that allows you to create your own world, characters, and rules. Here are some prompts to help you get started:

• Write about a character who discovers they have magical powers.
• Write about a world where humans and mythical creatures coexist.
• Write about a quest to find a lost artifact that has the power to save the world.
• Write about a character who must choose between good and evil.

Romance Prompts

Romance is a genre that explores the complexities of love and relationships. Here are some prompts to help you get started:

• Write about a love triangle between three friends.
• Write about a second chance at love between two former lovers.
• Write about a forbidden love between two people from different worlds.
• Write about a character who must choose between their career and their love life.

Adventure Prompts

Adventure is a genre that takes readers on a journey to new and exciting places. Here are some prompts to help you get started:

• Write about a character who sets out to explore a mysterious island.
• Write about a group of friends who embark on a road trip across the country.
• Write about a character who discovers a hidden treasure map and sets out to find the treasure.
• Write about a character who must survive in the wilderness after a plane crash.

Horror Prompts

Horror is a genre that explores the darker side of human nature. Here are some prompts to help you get started:

• Write about a haunted house that is rumored to be cursed.
• Write about a character who is being stalked by a serial killer.
• Write about a group of friends who go camping in the woods and encounter a supernatural entity.
• Write about a character who becomes possessed by a demon.

Remember, these are just prompts to help you get started. Use them as a jumping off point and let your imagination take over. Happy writing!

Using Writing Prompts to Overcome Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a common phenomenon that can affect writers of all levels. It can be frustrating and can hinder the creative process. However, using writing prompts can be an effective way to overcome writer’s block and get the creative juices flowing.

Writing prompts are a great way to inspire and encourage creativity. They can be used to generate new ideas, explore different perspectives, and challenge yourself to think outside the box. Writing prompts can be anything from a single word to a full sentence or paragraph.

When using writing prompts, it’s important to keep an open mind and let your imagination run wild. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. The goal is to inspire creativity and get the words flowing.

Here are some tips for using writing prompts to overcome writer’s block:

• Choose a prompt that speaks to you. Look for prompts that inspire you and that you feel a connection to.
• Set a timer. Give yourself a set amount of time to write without stopping. This can help to get your creative juices flowing and prevent you from getting stuck.
• Don’t worry about grammar or spelling. The goal is to get your ideas down on paper. You can always go back and edit later.
• Use the prompt as a starting point. Don’t feel like you have to stick to the prompt exactly. Use it as a jumping-off point to explore new ideas and perspectives.

In conclusion, using writing prompts can be an effective way to overcome writer’s block and inspire creativity. By choosing the right prompt, setting a timer, and letting your imagination run wild, you can break through the barriers that are holding you back and unleash your inner writer.

Incorporating Personal Elements into Writing Prompts

When it comes to writing prompts, incorporating personal elements can make the writing process more enjoyable and meaningful. By including personal experiences, interests, and goals, writers can create more engaging and authentic pieces.

One way to incorporate personal elements is to use prompts that relate to family and home. For example, a prompt could ask writers to describe a favorite family tradition or a memorable moment from their childhood home.

These prompts can evoke strong emotions and memories, making the writing process more personal and meaningful.

Another way to incorporate personal elements is to use prompts that relate to favorite movies, words, and meals. These prompts can encourage writers to explore their preferences and reflect on what makes them unique. For example, a prompt could ask writers to describe their favorite movie and explain why it resonates with them. This can help writers develop their voice and style.

Writing prompts can also encourage writers to think about their relationships and goals. Prompts that ask about best friends or bucket lists can inspire writers to reflect on their values and aspirations.

For example, a prompt could ask writers to describe their dream job and explain why it is meaningful to them. This can help writers develop a sense of purpose and direction.

Overall, incorporating personal elements into writing prompts can help writers create more engaging and authentic pieces. By using prompts that relate to family, home, favorite movies, words, meals, best friends, bucket lists, and dream jobs, writers can explore their interests and experiences in a meaningful way.

Writing Prompts for Character Development

When it comes to writing a story, character development is a crucial aspect that can make or break the entire plot. Creating compelling characters that readers can relate to and empathize with is essential to keeping them engaged from beginning to end. Here are some writing prompts to help you develop your characters.

Hero Prompts

• Describe your hero’s personality in three words.
• What is your hero’s greatest strength and how does it help them achieve their goals?
• What is your hero’s biggest fear and how does it hold them back?
• Write a scene where your hero is faced with a difficult decision that tests their morals and values.
• How does your hero handle failure and setbacks? Write a scene where they face a major setback and how they overcome it.

Villain Prompts

• What motivates your villain’s actions? Is it envy, power, or something else?
• What is your villain’s biggest weakness and how does it lead to their downfall?
• Write a scene where your villain is faced with a moral dilemma and how they choose to act.
• What is your villain’s backstory and how did they become the way they are?
• How does your villain justify their actions to themselves? Write a scene where they have an internal conflict about their actions.

Secondary Character Prompts

• What is your secondary character’s role in the story?
• How does your secondary character feel about the hero or villain?
• Write a scene where your secondary character has to make a difficult decision that affects the hero or villain.
• What is your secondary character’s backstory and how does it affect their actions in the story?
• What is your secondary character’s relationship with the hero or villain? Write a scene that shows their dynamic.

Character development is an essential part of writing a story that readers will love. By using these prompts, you can create characters that are relatable, complex, and engaging. Remember to use these prompts as a starting point and let your imagination take over to create unique and memorable characters.

Writing Prompts for Setting and Atmosphere

When it comes to creative writing, setting and atmosphere can help create a vivid and engaging story. Here are some writing prompts to help you get started:

Weather Prompts

Weather can set the mood and tone for a story. Use these prompts to explore different weather conditions:

• Write about a character who gets lost in a dense fog.
• Describe a scene where a character is caught in a sudden rainstorm.
• Create a story that takes place during a snowstorm.
• Write about a character who is stranded in a desert during a sandstorm.

Location Prompts

The location of a story can be just as important as the characters themselves. Use these prompts to explore different locations:

• Write about a character who explores an abandoned warehouse.
• Describe a scene that takes place in a Hollywood movie studio.
• Create a story that takes place in a small desert town.

Time of Day Prompts

The time of day can also set the mood and tone for a story. Use these prompts to explore different times of day:

• Write about a character who goes for a midnight walk.
• Describe a scene that takes place during a sunrise.
• Create a story that takes place during a sunset.

Remember, these prompts are just a starting point. Use them to spark your imagination and create unique stories that are engaging and entertaining.

Unique Writing Prompts

If you’re looking for writing prompts that are a little different from the usual, here are some unique ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

• Tea time: Write a story or poem that revolves around a cup of tea. Who is drinking it? What is their mood? What memories or emotions does it bring up for them?
• Animal kingdom: Write a story from the point of view of an animal. It could be a pet, a wild animal, or even a mythical creature. What do they see, hear, and feel in their world?
• Phone call: Write a scene that takes place entirely over the phone. Who is calling whom? What is the conversation about? Is it a happy or tense exchange?
• Kindness challenge: Write about a character who sets out to do one act of kindness every day for a month. What challenges do they face? How do their actions affect those around them?
• Mirror, mirror: Write a story that involves a magical mirror. What does it show the person who looks into it? Is it a force for good or evil?
• Moving on: Write a story about someone who is moving to a new place. How do they feel about leaving their old life behind? What adventures await them in their new home?
• Halloween hijinks: Write a spooky story that takes place on Halloween night. Will your characters encounter ghosts, witches, or something even more terrifying?
• Alien invasion: Write a story about an alien invasion. How do humans react? Is there a hero who saves the day, or is it a hopeless battle?
• Legend has it: Write a story based on a local legend or myth. Is there any truth to the tale, or is it just a fanciful story?
• Teddy bear: Write a story about a teddy bear that comes to life. What adventures does it have with its new human friend?
• Getaway: Write a story about a character who takes a spontaneous trip. Where do they go, and what do they discover about themselves along the way?
• Zombie apocalypse: Write a story about a world overrun by zombies. How do the survivors band together to stay alive?
• Friendship: Write a story about a new friendship that blossoms unexpectedly. What draws the characters together, and what challenges do they face?
• Rewrite history: Write a story that reimagines a historical event. What if things had gone differently? How would the world be changed?
• Sounds of nature: Write a story that incorporates the sounds of nature. What do your characters hear, and how does it affect their mood and actions?

These unique writing prompts are just the beginning. Use them as a jumping-off point to explore your own creativity and discover new stories to tell.

Daily Writing and Journaling Prompts

Daily writing prompts are a great way to develop good writing habits and improve your writing skills. They can help you get into the habit of writing regularly, which can be especially helpful for beginners. There are many different types of daily writing prompts, including prompts for journaling, creative writing, and more.

Journaling is a great way to reflect on your thoughts and feelings and can help you gain insight into your own life. Daily journaling prompts can help you get started and keep you motivated. Some popular journaling prompts include writing about your goals, your dreams, your fears, or your daily routine.

Daily writing prompts can also be used for creative writing. These prompts can help you develop your writing skills and explore new ideas. Some popular creative writing prompts include writing about a character, a setting, or a plot.

If you prefer to write in a diary or a letter format, daily writing prompts can still be helpful. You can use prompts to write about your day, your thoughts, or your feelings. You can also use prompts to write letters to yourself or to someone else.

Setting an alarm can be a helpful way to remind yourself to write every day. You can set an alarm for the same time every day, or you can set it for a different time each day to keep things interesting.

Overall, daily writing prompts can be a helpful tool for beginners who want to develop good writing habits and improve their writing skills. By using daily writing prompts, you can get into the habit of writing regularly and explore new ideas and topics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some simple creative writing prompts.

If you’re a beginner looking for some simple creative writing prompts, you can start with some basic ideas like writing about your daily routine, describing a favorite place, or writing a letter to your future self.

What are the easiest topics to write about?

The easiest topics to write about are those that you are familiar with, such as your hobbies, interests, or experiences. You can also write about your favorite books, movies, or TV shows.

What are 5 minute writing prompts for adults?

If you’re looking for some 5 minute writing prompts for adults, you can try writing a short story about a character who finds a mysterious object, writing a letter to your younger self, or describing a memorable moment from your childhood.

What are good writing prompts?

Good writing prompts are those that inspire you to write and help you develop your writing skills. Some good writing prompts include writing about a difficult decision you had to make, describing a favorite childhood memory, or writing a story from the perspective of an animal.

What are some quick writing prompts?

If you’re short on time and need some quick writing prompts, you can try writing a haiku about a favorite season, writing a letter to your favorite fictional character, or describing a dream you had last night.

What are some daily writing prompts?

Daily writing prompts can help you develop a daily writing habit and improve your writing skills. Some daily writing prompts include writing about a recent accomplishment, describing a favorite place, or writing a story based on a picture.

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52 Argumentative Essay Ideas that are Actually Interesting

What’s covered:, how to pick a good argumentative essay topic, elements of a strong argumentative essay, argumentative essay idea example topics.

Are you having writer’s block? Coming up with an essay topic can be the hardest part of the process. You have very likely encountered argumentative essay writing in high school and have been asked to write your own. If you’re having trouble finding a topic, we’ve created a list of 52 essay ideas to help jumpstart your brainstorming process! In addition, this post will cover strategies for picking a topic and how to make your argument a strong one. Ultimately, the goal is to convince your reader. 

An argumentative essay tasks the writer with presenting an assertion and bolstering that assertion with proper research. You’ll present the claim’s authenticity. This means that whatever argument you’re making must be empirically true! Writing an argumentative essay without any evidence will leave you stranded without any facts to back up your claim. When choosing your essay topic, begin by thinking about themes that have been researched before. Readers will be more engaged with an argument that is supported by data.

This isn’t to say that your argumentative essay topic has to be as well-known, like “Gravity: Does it Exist?” but it shouldn’t be so obscure that there isn’t ample evidence. Finding a topic with multiple sources confirming its validity will help you support your thesis throughout your essay. If upon review of these articles you begin to doubt their worth due to small sample sizes, biased funding sources, or scientific disintegrity, don’t be afraid to move on to a different topic. Your ultimate goal should be proving to your audience that your argument is true because the data supports it.

The hardest essays to write are the ones that you don’t care about. If you don’t care about your topic, why should someone else? Topics that are more personal to the reader are immediately more thoughtful and meaningful because the author’s passion shines through. If you are free to choose an argumentative essay topic, find a topic where the papers you read and cite are fun to read. It’s much easier to write when the passion is already inside of you!

However, you won’t always have the choice to pick your topic. You may receive an assignment to write an argumentative essay that you feel is boring. There is still value in writing an argumentative essay on a topic that may not be of interest to you. It will push you to study a new topic, and broaden your ability to write on a variety of topics. Getting good at proving a point thoroughly and effectively will help you to both understand different fields more completely and increase your comfort with scientific writing.

Convincing Thesis Statement

It’s important to remember the general essay structure: an introduction paragraph with a thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. A strong thesis statement will set your essay up for success. What is it? A succinct, concise, and pithy sentence found in your first paragraph that summarizes your main point. Pour over this statement to ensure that you can set up your reader to understand your essay. You should also restate your thesis throughout your essay to keep your reader focused on your point.

Ample Research

A typical argumentative essay prompt may look like this: “What has been the most important invention of the 21st century? Support your claim with evidence.” This question is open-ended and gives you flexibility. But that also means it requires research to prove your point convincingly. The strongest essays weave scientific quotes and results into your writing. You can use recent articles, primary sources, or news sources. Maybe you even cite your own research. Remember, this process takes time, so be sure you set aside enough time to dive deep into your topic.

Clear Structure

If the reader can’t follow your argument, all your research could be for nothing! Structure is key to persuading your audience. Below are two common argumentative essay structures that you can use to organize your essays.

The Toulmin argument and the Rogerian argument each contain the four sections mentioned above but executes them in different ways. Be sure to familiarize yourself with both essay structures so that your essay is the most effective it can be.

The Toulmin argument has a straightforward presentation. You begin with your assertion, your thesis statement. You then list the evidence that supports your point and why these are valid sources. The bulk of your essay should be explaining how your sources support your claim. You then end your essay by acknowledging and discussing the problems or flaws that readers may find in your presentation. Then, you should list the solutions to these and alternative perspectives and prove your argument is stronger.

The Rogerian argument has a more complex structure. You begin with a discussion of what opposing sides do right and the validity of their arguments. This is effective because it allows you to piece apart your opponent’s argument. The next section contains your position on the questions. In this section, it is important to list problems with your opponent’s argument that your argument fixes. This way, your position feels much stronger. Your essay ends with suggesting a possible compromise between the two sides. A combination of the two sides could be the most effective solution.

• Is the death penalty effective?
• Is our election process fair?
• Is the electoral college outdated?
• Should we have lower taxes?
• How many Supreme Court Justices should there be?
• Should there be different term limits for elected officials?
• Should the drinking age be lowered?
• Does religion cause war?
• Should the country legalize marijuana?
• Should the country have tighter gun control laws?
• Should men get paternity leave?
• Should maternity leave be longer?
• Should smoking be banned?
• Should the government have a say in our diet?
• Should birth control be free?
• Should we increase access to condoms for teens?
• Should abortion be legal?
• Do school uniforms help educational attainment?
• Are kids better or worse students than they were ten years ago?
• Should students be allowed to cheat?
• Is school too long?
• Does school start too early?
• Are there benefits to attending a single-sex school?
• Is summer break still relevant?
• Is college too expensive?

Art / Culture

• How can you reform copyright law?
• What was the best decade for music?
• Do video games cause students to be more violent?
• Should content online be more harshly regulated?
• Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism?
• Should schools ban books?
• How important is art education?
• Should music be taught in school?
• Are music-sharing services helpful to artists?
• What is the best way to teach science in a religious school?
• Should fracking be legal?
• Should parents be allowed to modify their unborn children?
• Should vaccinations be required for attending school?
• Are GMOs helpful or harmful?
• Are we too dependent on our phones?
• Should everyone have internet access?
• Should internet access be free?
• Should the police force be required to wear body cams?
• Should social media companies be allowed to collect data from their users?
• How has the internet impacted human society?
• Should self-driving cars be allowed on the streets?
• Should athletes be held to high moral standards?
• Are professional athletes paid too much?
• Should the U.S. have more professional sports teams?
• Should sports be separated by gender?
• Should college athletes be paid?
• What are the best ways to increase safety in sports?

Where to Get More Argumentative Essay Topic Ideas

If you need more help brainstorming topics, especially those that are personalized to your interests, you can use CollegeVine’s free AI tutor, Ivy . Ivy can help you come up with original argumentative essay ideas, and she can also help with the rest of your homework, from math to languages.

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Essay Topics: 450+ Awesome Picks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Topics for Technology Essay

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Ideas

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

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

Problem Solution Essay Topics

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

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

Informative Essay Topics

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

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

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Research Essay Topics

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

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

Education Essay Topics

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

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

Personal Essay Topics

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

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

Ideas for an Opinion Essay

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

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

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

Ideas for Nature Essay

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

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

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

Environment Essay

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

Essay on Deforestation

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

Pollution Essay

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

Water Pollution Essay

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

My Favorite Season

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

A Raining Day Essay

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

Psychology Topics for Essay

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

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

Gender Equality Essay

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

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

Process Analysis Essay Topics

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

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

Essay Ideas on Stereotypes

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

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

Ideas on Essay about COVID-19

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

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

Topics for Essay Based on Proverbs

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

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

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How to Choose a Topic for an Essay

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

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

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

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

Ideas for Essay by Category

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

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

What Are Good Essay Topics?

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

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

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

The writer of the academic essay aims to persuade readers of an idea based on evidence. The beginning of the essay is a crucial first step in this process. In order to engage readers and establish your authority, the beginning of your essay has to accomplish certain business. Your beginning should introduce the essay, focus it, and orient readers.

Introduce the Essay.  The beginning lets your readers know what the essay is about, the  topic . The essay's topic does not exist in a vacuum, however; part of letting readers know what your essay is about means establishing the essay's  context , the frame within which you will approach your topic. For instance, in an essay about the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of speech, the context may be a particular legal theory about the speech right; it may be historical information concerning the writing of the amendment; it may be a contemporary dispute over flag burning; or it may be a question raised by the text itself. The point here is that, in establishing the essay's context, you are also limiting your topic. That is, you are framing an approach to your topic that necessarily eliminates other approaches. Thus, when you determine your context, you simultaneously narrow your topic and take a big step toward focusing your essay. Here's an example.

The paragraph goes on. But as you can see, Chopin's novel (the topic) is introduced in the context of the critical and moral controversy its publication engendered.

Focus the Essay.  Beyond introducing your topic, your beginning must also let readers know what the central issue is. What question or problem will you be thinking about? You can pose a question that will lead to your idea (in which case, your idea will be the answer to your question), or you can make a thesis statement. Or you can do both: you can ask a question and immediately suggest the answer that your essay will argue. Here's an example from an essay about Memorial Hall.

The fullness of your idea will not emerge until your conclusion, but your beginning must clearly indicate the direction your idea will take, must set your essay on that road. And whether you focus your essay by posing a question, stating a thesis, or combining these approaches, by the end of your beginning, readers should know what you're writing about, and  why —and why they might want to read on.

Orient Readers.  Orienting readers, locating them in your discussion, means providing information and explanations wherever necessary for your readers' understanding. Orienting is important throughout your essay, but it is crucial in the beginning. Readers who don't have the information they need to follow your discussion will get lost and quit reading. (Your teachers, of course, will trudge on.) Supplying the necessary information to orient your readers may be as simple as answering the journalist's questions of who, what, where, when, how, and why. It may mean providing a brief overview of events or a summary of the text you'll be analyzing. If the source text is brief, such as the First Amendment, you might just quote it. If the text is well known, your summary, for most audiences, won't need to be more than an identifying phrase or two:

Often, however, you will want to summarize your source more fully so that readers can follow your analysis of it.

Questions of Length and Order.  How long should the beginning be? The length should be proportionate to the length and complexity of the whole essay. For instance, if you're writing a five-page essay analyzing a single text, your beginning should be brief, no more than one or two paragraphs. On the other hand, it may take a couple of pages to set up a ten-page essay.

Does the business of the beginning have to be addressed in a particular order? No, but the order should be logical. Usually, for instance, the question or statement that focuses the essay comes at the end of the beginning, where it serves as the jumping-off point for the middle, or main body, of the essay. Topic and context are often intertwined, but the context may be established before the particular topic is introduced. In other words, the order in which you accomplish the business of the beginning is flexible and should be determined by your purpose.

Opening Strategies.  There is still the further question of how to start. What makes a good opening? You can start with specific facts and information, a keynote quotation, a question, an anecdote, or an image. But whatever sort of opening you choose, it should be directly related to your focus. A snappy quotation that doesn't help establish the context for your essay or that later plays no part in your thinking will only mislead readers and blur your focus. Be as direct and specific as you can be. This means you should avoid two types of openings:

• The history-of-the-world (or long-distance) opening, which aims to establish a context for the essay by getting a long running start: "Ever since the dawn of civilized life, societies have struggled to reconcile the need for change with the need for order." What are we talking about here, political revolution or a new brand of soft drink? Get to it.
• The funnel opening (a variation on the same theme), which starts with something broad and general and "funnels" its way down to a specific topic. If your essay is an argument about state-mandated prayer in public schools, don't start by generalizing about religion; start with the specific topic at hand.

Remember.  After working your way through the whole draft, testing your thinking against the evidence, perhaps changing direction or modifying the idea you started with, go back to your beginning and make sure it still provides a clear focus for the essay. Then clarify and sharpen your focus as needed. Clear, direct beginnings rarely present themselves ready-made; they must be written, and rewritten, into the sort of sharp-eyed clarity that engages readers and establishes your authority.

Copyright 1999, Patricia Kain, for the Writing Center at Harvard University

How To Write An Essay

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

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Published on: Jan 25, 2021

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Good Essay Topics for Students

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

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

Essay Topics for Kids

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

Essay Topics for Grade 3 

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

Essay Topics for Grade 4 

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

Essay Topics for Grade 5 

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

Essay Topics for Middle School Students 

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

Essay Topics for Grade 6 

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

Essay Topics for Grade 7 

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

Essay Topics for Class 8 

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

Essay Topics for Class 9 

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

Essay Topics for Class 10 

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

Essay Topics for O levels 

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

Essay Topics for High School Students

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

Essay Topics for Grade 12 

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

Essay Topics for College Students 

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

Essay Topics for University Level 

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

COVID-19 Topics

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

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

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

Essay Topics by Category

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

Good Argumentative Essay Topics

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

Some good argumentative essay topics are below:

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

Controversial Argumentative Essay Topics 

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

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

Funny Argumentative Essay Topics 

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

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

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

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

Persuasive Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Narrative Essay Topics

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

Below are some good narrative essay topics for your help.

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

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

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

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

The following are the topics for your ease.

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

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

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Informative Essay Topics

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

Check out the below topics for your informative essay assignment.

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

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

Research Essay Topics

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

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

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

Expository Essay Topics

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

Some good expository essay topics below for your essay assignment:

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

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

Definition Essay Topics

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

Here are some excellent topics for a definition essay:

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

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

Descriptive Essay Topics

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

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

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

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

Personal Essay Topics

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

Here is a great list of topics for your help.

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

Problem Solution Essay Topics

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

Below are some topics that can make your essay great.

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

Classification Essay Topics

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

Check out some great essay topics.

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

Proposal Essay Topics

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

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

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

Essay Topics on Technology 

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

Tips for Choosing the Best Topics 

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

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

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

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

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

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

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

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100 Persuasive Essay Topics

• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

Persuasive essays are a bit like argument essays , but they tend to be a little kinder and gentler. Argument essays require you to discuss and attack an alternate view, while persuasive essays attempt to convince the reader that you have a believable argument. In other words, you are an advocate, not an adversary.

Writing a compelling persuasive essay requires you to select a topic that ideally stirs your readers' emotions. Before settling on a subject, explore some options to find one that helps craft the strongest and most engaging argument.

Below is a list of potential persuasive essay topics to spark your brainstorming process. You can choose a topic from this list or use it as inspiration to develop an idea of your own.

Main Components of a Persuasive Essay

• Introduction : This is the opening paragraph of your essay. It contains the hook , which is used to grab the reader's attention, and the thesis , or argument, which you'll explain in the next section.
• Body : This is the heart of your essay, usually three to five paragraphs in length. Each paragraph examines one theme or issue used to support your thesis.
• Conclusion : This is the final paragraph of your essay. In it, you'll sum up the main points of the body and connect them to your thesis. Persuasive essays often use the conclusion as a final appeal to the audience.

Learning how to write a persuasive essay is an essential skill people use every day in fields from business to law to media and entertainment. English students can begin writing a persuasive essay at any skill level. You'll surely find a sample topic or two from the list of 100 persuasive essays below, sorted by degree of difficulty.

Watch Now: 12 Ideas for Great Persuasive Essay Topics

Beginner topics.

• Kids should get paid for good grades.
• Students should have less homework.
• Snow days are great for family time.
• Penmanship is important.
• Short hair is better than long hair.
• We should all grow our own vegetables.
• We need more holidays.
• Aliens probably exist.
• Gym class is more important than music class.
• Kids should be able to vote.
• Kids should get paid for extra activities like sports.
• School should take place in the evenings.
• Country life is better than city life.
• City life is better than country life.
• We can change the world.
• Skateboard helmets should be mandatory.
• We should provide food for the poor.
• Children should be paid for doing chores.
• We should populate the moon .
• Dogs make better pets than cats.

Intermediate Topics

• The government should impose household trash limits.
• Nuclear weapons are an effective deterrent against foreign attack.
• Teens should be required to take parenting classes.
• We should teach etiquette in schools.
• School uniform laws are unconstitutional.
• All students should wear uniforms.
• Too much money is a bad thing.
• High schools should offer specialized degrees in arts or sciences.
• Magazine advertisements send unhealthy signals to young women.
• Robocalling should be outlawed.
• Age 12 is too young to babysit.
• Children should be required to read more.
• All students should be allowed to study abroad.
• Yearly driving tests should be mandatory past age 65.
• Cell phones should never be used while driving.
• All schools should implement bullying awareness programs.
• Bullies should be kicked out of school.
• Parents of bullies should have to pay a fine.
• The school year should be longer.
• School days should start later.
• Teens should be able to choose their bedtime.
• There should be a mandatory entrance exam for high school.
• Public transit should be privatized.
• We should allow pets in school.
• The voting age should be lowered to 16.
• Beauty contests are bad for body image.
• Every American should learn to speak Spanish.
• Every immigrant should learn to speak English.
• Video games can be educational.
• College athletes should be paid for their services.
• We need a military draft .
• Professional sports should eliminate cheerleaders.
• Teens should be able to start driving at 14 instead of 16.
• Year-round school is a bad idea.
• High school campuses should be guarded by police officers.
• The legal drinking age should be lowered to 19.
• Kids under 15 shouldn't have Facebook pages.
• Standardized testing should be eliminated.
• Teachers should be paid more.
• There should be one world currency.

Advanced Topics

• Domestic surveillance without a warrant should be legal.
• Letter grades should be replaced with a pass or fail.
• Every family should have a natural disaster survival plan.
• Parents should talk to kids about drugs at a young age.
• Racial slurs should be illegal.
• Gun ownership should be tightly regulated.
• Puerto Rico should be granted statehood.
• People should go to jail when they abandon their pets.
• Free speech should have limitations.
• Members of Congress should be subject to term limits.
• Recycling should be mandatory for everyone.
• High-speed internet access should be regulated like a public utility.
• Yearly driving tests should be mandatory for the first five years after getting a license.
• Recreational marijuana should be made legal nationwide.
• Legal marijuana should be taxed and regulated like tobacco or alcohol.
• Child support dodgers should go to jail.
• Students should be allowed to pray in school.
• All Americans have a constitutional right to health care.
• Internet access should be free for everyone.
• Social Security should be privatized.
• Pregnant couples should receive parenting lessons.
• We shouldn't use products made from animals.
• Celebrities should have more privacy rights.
• Professional football is too violent and should be banned.
• We need better sex education in schools.
• School testing is not effective.
• The United States should build a border wall with Mexico and Canada.
• Life is better than it was 50 years ago.
• Eating meat is unethical.
• A vegan diet is the only diet people should follow.
• Medical testing on animals should be illegal.
• The Electoral College is outdated.
• Medical testing on animals is necessary.
• Public safety is more important than an individual's right to privacy.
• Single-sex colleges provide a better education.
• Books should never be banned.
• Violent video games can cause people to act violently in real life.
• Freedom of religion has limitations.
• Nuclear power should be illegal.
• Climate change should be the president's primary political concern.

Key Takeaways

• Persuasive essays aim to convince rather than confront, effectively making you advocate for a position or idea.
• Choosing a compelling topic that evokes emotions is crucial for crafting a strong persuasive essay.
• The main parts of a persuasive essay are the introduction (with a hook and thesis), body paragraphs (explaining themes supporting the thesis), and conclusion (summarizing main points and making a final appeal).

Hamilton College. " Writing a Persuasive Essay ."

• 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• Complete List of Transition Words
• 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
• Personal Essay Topics
• What Is Expository Writing?
• Tips on How to Write an Argumentative Essay
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
• 67 Causal Essay Topics to Consider
• Tips for Writing a "What I Did on Vacation" Essay
• Practice in Supporting a Topic Sentence with Specific Details
• Topical Organization Essay
• How to Outline and Organize an Essay
• Make Your Paragraphs Flow to Improve Writing
• 12 Interesting Ethical Topics for Essay Papers
• Ecology Essay Ideas

Home > Blog > Tips for Online Students > Tips for Students > How To Write An Essay: Beginner Tips And Tricks

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How To Write An Essay: Beginner Tips And Tricks

Updated: June 19, 2024

Published: June 22, 2021

Many students dread writing essays, but essay writing is an important skill to develop in high school, university, and even into your future career. By learning how to write an essay properly, the process can become more enjoyable and you’ll find you’re better able to organize and articulate your thoughts.

When writing an essay, it’s common to follow a specific pattern, no matter what the topic is. Once you’ve used the pattern a few times and you know how to structure an essay, it will become a lot more simple to apply your knowledge to every essay. 

No matter which major you choose, you should know how to craft a good essay. Here, we’ll cover the basics of essay writing, along with some helpful tips to make the writing process go smoothly.

Photo by Laura Chouette on Unsplash

Types of Essays

Think of an essay as a discussion. There are many types of discussions you can have with someone else. You can be describing a story that happened to you, you might explain to them how to do something, or you might even argue about a certain topic. 

When it comes to different types of essays, it follows a similar pattern. Like a friendly discussion, each type of essay will come with its own set of expectations or goals. 

For example, when arguing with a friend, your goal is to convince them that you’re right. The same goes for an argumentative essay. 

Here are a few of the main essay types you can expect to come across during your time in school:

Narrative Essay

This type of essay is almost like telling a story, not in the traditional sense with dialogue and characters, but as if you’re writing out an event or series of events to relay information to the reader.

Persuasive Essay

Here, your goal is to persuade the reader about your views on a specific topic.

Descriptive Essay

This is the kind of essay where you go into a lot more specific details describing a topic such as a place or an event. 

Argumentative Essay

In this essay, you’re choosing a stance on a topic, usually controversial, and your goal is to present evidence that proves your point is correct.

Expository Essay

Your purpose with this type of essay is to tell the reader how to complete a specific process, often including a step-by-step guide or something similar.

Compare and Contrast Essay

You might have done this in school with two different books or characters, but the ultimate goal is to draw similarities and differences between any two given subjects.

The Main Stages of Essay Writing

When it comes to writing an essay, many students think the only stage is getting all your ideas down on paper and submitting your work. However, that’s not quite the case. 

There are three main stages of writing an essay, each one with its own purpose. Of course, writing the essay itself is the most substantial part, but the other two stages are equally as important.

So, what are these three stages of essay writing? They are:

Preparation

Before you even write one word, it’s important to prepare the content and structure of your essay. If a topic wasn’t assigned to you, then the first thing you should do is settle on a topic. Next, you want to conduct your research on that topic and create a detailed outline based on your research. The preparation stage will make writing your essay that much easier since, with your outline and research, you should already have the skeleton of your essay.

Writing is the most time-consuming stage. In this stage, you will write out all your thoughts and ideas and craft your essay based on your outline. You’ll work on developing your ideas and fleshing them out throughout the introduction, body, and conclusion (more on these soon).

In the final stage, you’ll go over your essay and check for a few things. First, you’ll check if your essay is cohesive, if all the points make sense and are related to your topic, and that your facts are cited and backed up. You can also check for typos, grammar and punctuation mistakes, and formatting errors.  

The Five-Paragraph Essay

We mentioned earlier that essay writing follows a specific structure, and for the most part in academic or college essays , the five-paragraph essay is the generally accepted structure you’ll be expected to use. 

The five-paragraph essay is broken down into one introduction paragraph, three body paragraphs, and a closing paragraph. However, that doesn’t always mean that an essay is written strictly in five paragraphs, but rather that this structure can be used loosely and the three body paragraphs might become three sections instead.

Let’s take a closer look at each section and what it entails.

Introduction

As the name implies, the purpose of your introduction paragraph is to introduce your idea. A good introduction begins with a “hook,” something that grabs your reader’s attention and makes them excited to read more. 

Another key tenant of an introduction is a thesis statement, which usually comes towards the end of the introduction itself. Your thesis statement should be a phrase that explains your argument, position, or central idea that you plan on developing throughout the essay. 

You can also include a short outline of what to expect in your introduction, including bringing up brief points that you plan on explaining more later on in the body paragraphs.

Here is where most of your essay happens. The body paragraphs are where you develop your ideas and bring up all the points related to your main topic. 

In general, you’re meant to have three body paragraphs, or sections, and each one should bring up a different point. Think of it as bringing up evidence. Each paragraph is a different piece of evidence, and when the three pieces are taken together, it backs up your main point — your thesis statement — really well.

That being said, you still want each body paragraph to be tied together in some way so that the essay flows. The points should be distinct enough, but they should relate to each other, and definitely to your thesis statement. Each body paragraph works to advance your point, so when crafting your essay, it’s important to keep this in mind so that you avoid going off-track or writing things that are off-topic.

Many students aren’t sure how to write a conclusion for an essay and tend to see their conclusion as an afterthought, but this section is just as important as the rest of your work. 

You shouldn’t be presenting any new ideas in your conclusion, but you should summarize your main points and show how they back up your thesis statement. 

Essentially, the conclusion is similar in structure and content to the introduction, but instead of introducing your essay, it should be wrapping up the main thoughts and presenting them to the reader as a singular closed argument. 

Photo by AMIT RANJAN on Unsplash

Steps to Writing an Essay

Now that you have a better idea of an essay’s structure and all the elements that go into it, you might be wondering what the different steps are to actually write your essay. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Instead of going in blind, follow these steps on how to write your essay from start to finish.

Understand Your Assignment

When writing an essay for an assignment, the first critical step is to make sure you’ve read through your assignment carefully and understand it thoroughly. You want to check what type of essay is required, that you understand the topic, and that you pay attention to any formatting or structural requirements. You don’t want to lose marks just because you didn’t read the assignment carefully.

Research Your Topic

Once you understand your assignment, it’s time to do some research. In this step, you should start looking at different sources to get ideas for what points you want to bring up throughout your essay. 

Search online or head to the library and get as many resources as possible. You don’t need to use them all, but it’s good to start with a lot and then narrow down your sources as you become more certain of your essay’s direction.

Start Brainstorming

After research comes the brainstorming. There are a lot of different ways to start the brainstorming process . Here are a few you might find helpful:

• Think about what you found during your research that interested you the most
• Jot down all your ideas, even if they’re not yet fully formed
• Create word clouds or maps for similar terms or ideas that come up so you can group them together based on their similarities
• Try freewriting to get all your ideas out before arranging them

Create a Thesis

This is often the most tricky part of the whole process since you want to create a thesis that’s strong and that you’re about to develop throughout the entire essay. Therefore, you want to choose a thesis statement that’s broad enough that you’ll have enough to say about it, but not so broad that you can’t be precise. 

Write Your Outline

Armed with your research, brainstorming sessions, and your thesis statement, the next step is to write an outline. 

In the outline, you’ll want to put your thesis statement at the beginning and start creating the basic skeleton of how you want your essay to look. 

A good way to tackle an essay is to use topic sentences . A topic sentence is like a mini-thesis statement that is usually the first sentence of a new paragraph. This sentence introduces the main idea that will be detailed throughout the paragraph. 

If you create an outline with the topic sentences for your body paragraphs and then a few points of what you want to discuss, you’ll already have a strong starting point when it comes time to sit down and write. This brings us to our next step… 

Write a First Draft

The first time you write your entire essay doesn’t need to be perfect, but you do need to get everything on the page so that you’re able to then write a second draft or review it afterward. 

Everyone’s writing process is different. Some students like to write their essay in the standard order of intro, body, and conclusion, while others prefer to start with the “meat” of the essay and tackle the body, and then fill in the other sections afterward. 

Make sure your essay follows your outline and that everything relates to your thesis statement and your points are backed up by the research you did. 

Revise, Edit, and Proofread

The revision process is one of the three main stages of writing an essay, yet many people skip this step thinking their work is done after the first draft is complete. 

However, proofreading, reviewing, and making edits on your essay can spell the difference between a B paper and an A.

After writing the first draft, try and set your essay aside for a few hours or even a day or two, and then come back to it with fresh eyes to review it. You might find mistakes or inconsistencies you missed or better ways to formulate your arguments.

Add the Finishing Touches

Finally, you’ll want to make sure everything that’s required is in your essay. Review your assignment again and see if all the requirements are there, such as formatting rules, citations, quotes, etc. 

Go over the order of your paragraphs and make sure everything makes sense, flows well, and uses the same writing style . 

Once everything is checked and all the last touches are added, give your essay a final read through just to ensure it’s as you want it before handing it in. 

A good way to do this is to read your essay out loud since you’ll be able to hear if there are any mistakes or inaccuracies.

Essay Writing Tips

With the steps outlined above, you should be able to craft a great essay. Still, there are some other handy tips we’d recommend just to ensure that the essay writing process goes as smoothly as possible.

• Start your essay early. This is the first tip for a reason. It’s one of the most important things you can do to write a good essay. If you start it the night before, then you won’t have enough time to research, brainstorm, and outline — and you surely won’t have enough time to review.
• Don’t try and write it in one sitting. It’s ok if you need to take breaks or write it over a few days. It’s better to write it in multiple sittings so that you have a fresh mind each time and you’re able to focus.
• Always keep the essay question in mind. If you’re given an assigned question, then you should always keep it handy when writing your essay to make sure you’re always working to answer the question.
• Use transitions between paragraphs. In order to improve the readability of your essay, try and make clear transitions between paragraphs. This means trying to relate the end of one paragraph to the beginning of the next one so the shift doesn’t seem random.
• Integrate your research thoughtfully. Add in citations or quotes from your research materials to back up your thesis and main points. This will show that you did the research and that your thesis is backed up by it.

Wrapping Up

Writing an essay doesn’t need to be daunting if you know how to approach it. Using our essay writing steps and tips, you’ll have better knowledge on how to write an essay and you’ll be able to apply it to your next assignment. Once you do this a few times, it will become more natural to you and the essay writing process will become quicker and easier.

If you still need assistance with your essay, check with a student advisor to see if they offer help with writing. At University of the People(UoPeople), we always want our students to succeed, so our student advisors are ready to help with writing skills when necessary. 

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50 Persuasive Essay Topics to Help You Ace Your Next Assignment

5-minute read

• 19th January 2023

Welcome to your ultimate guide to persuasive essay topics! 

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

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

What Is a Persuasive Essay?

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

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

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

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

Top 50 Persuasive Essay Topics

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

Science and the Environment

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

Crime and Politics

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

Health and Fitness

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

Lifestyle and Culture

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

Tips for Writing a Persuasive Essay

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

Choose a Side

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

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

Do Your Research

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

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

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

Keep Your Audience in Mind

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

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

Outline Your Essay

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

You should break it down into the follow sections:

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

Get It Proofread

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

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

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Essay Papers Writing Online

Tips and tricks for crafting engaging and effective essays.

Writing essays can be a challenging task, but with the right approach and strategies, you can create compelling and impactful pieces that captivate your audience. Whether you’re a student working on an academic paper or a professional honing your writing skills, these tips will help you craft essays that stand out.

Effective essays are not just about conveying information; they are about persuading, engaging, and inspiring readers. To achieve this, it’s essential to pay attention to various elements of the essay-writing process, from brainstorming ideas to polishing your final draft. By following these tips, you can elevate your writing and produce essays that leave a lasting impression.

Understanding the Essay Prompt

Before you start writing your essay, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the essay prompt or question provided by your instructor. The essay prompt serves as a roadmap for your essay and outlines the specific requirements or expectations.

Here are a few key things to consider when analyzing the essay prompt:

• Read the prompt carefully and identify the main topic or question being asked.
• Pay attention to any specific instructions or guidelines provided, such as word count, formatting requirements, or sources to be used.
• Identify key terms or phrases in the prompt that can help you determine the focus of your essay.

By understanding the essay prompt thoroughly, you can ensure that your essay addresses the topic effectively and meets the requirements set forth by your instructor.

Researching Your Topic Thoroughly

One of the key elements of writing an effective essay is conducting thorough research on your chosen topic. Research helps you gather the necessary information, facts, and examples to support your arguments and make your essay more convincing.

Here are some tips for researching your topic thoroughly:

By following these tips and conducting thorough research on your topic, you will be able to write a well-informed and persuasive essay that effectively communicates your ideas and arguments.

Creating a Strong Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a crucial element of any well-crafted essay. It serves as the main point or idea that you will be discussing and supporting throughout your paper. A strong thesis statement should be clear, specific, and arguable.

To create a strong thesis statement, follow these tips:

• Be specific: Your thesis statement should clearly state the main idea of your essay. Avoid vague or general statements.
• Be concise: Keep your thesis statement concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details or lengthy explanations.
• Be argumentative: Your thesis statement should present an argument or perspective that can be debated or discussed in your essay.
• Be relevant: Make sure your thesis statement is relevant to the topic of your essay and reflects the main point you want to make.
• Revise as needed: Don’t be afraid to revise your thesis statement as you work on your essay. It may change as you develop your ideas.

Remember, a strong thesis statement sets the tone for your entire essay and provides a roadmap for your readers to follow. Put time and effort into crafting a clear and compelling thesis statement to ensure your essay is effective and persuasive.

Developing a Clear Essay Structure

One of the key elements of writing an effective essay is developing a clear and logical structure. A well-structured essay helps the reader follow your argument and enhances the overall readability of your work. Here are some tips to help you develop a clear essay structure:

1. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your essay with an engaging introduction that introduces the topic and clearly states your thesis or main argument.

2. Organize your ideas: Before you start writing, outline the main points you want to cover in your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and ensure a logical flow of ideas.

3. Use topic sentences: Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. This helps the reader understand the purpose of each paragraph.

4. Provide evidence and analysis: Support your arguments with evidence and analysis to back up your main points. Make sure your evidence is relevant and directly supports your thesis.

5. Transition between paragraphs: Use transitional words and phrases to create flow between paragraphs and help the reader move smoothly from one idea to the next.

6. Conclude effectively: End your essay with a strong conclusion that summarizes your main points and reinforces your thesis. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion.

By following these tips, you can develop a clear essay structure that will help you effectively communicate your ideas and engage your reader from start to finish.

Using Relevant Examples and Evidence

When writing an essay, it’s crucial to support your arguments and assertions with relevant examples and evidence. This not only adds credibility to your writing but also helps your readers better understand your points. Here are some tips on how to effectively use examples and evidence in your essays:

• Choose examples that are specific and relevant to the topic you’re discussing. Avoid using generic examples that may not directly support your argument.
• Provide concrete evidence to back up your claims. This could include statistics, research findings, or quotes from reliable sources.
• Interpret the examples and evidence you provide, explaining how they support your thesis or main argument. Don’t assume that the connection is obvious to your readers.
• Use a variety of examples to make your points more persuasive. Mixing personal anecdotes with scholarly evidence can make your essay more engaging and convincing.
• Cite your sources properly to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. Follow the citation style required by your instructor or the publication you’re submitting to.

By integrating relevant examples and evidence into your essays, you can craft a more convincing and well-rounded piece of writing that resonates with your audience.

Editing and Proofreading Your Essay Carefully

Once you have finished writing your essay, the next crucial step is to edit and proofread it carefully. Editing and proofreading are essential parts of the writing process that help ensure your essay is polished and error-free. Here are some tips to help you effectively edit and proofread your essay:

1. Take a Break: Before you start editing, take a short break from your essay. This will help you approach the editing process with a fresh perspective.

2. Read Aloud: Reading your essay aloud can help you catch any awkward phrasing or grammatical errors that you may have missed while writing. It also helps you check the flow of your essay.

3. Check for Consistency: Make sure that your essay has a consistent style, tone, and voice throughout. Check for inconsistencies in formatting, punctuation, and language usage.

4. Remove Unnecessary Words: Look for any unnecessary words or phrases in your essay and remove them to make your writing more concise and clear.

5. Proofread for Errors: Carefully proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Pay attention to commonly misused words and homophones.

6. Get Feedback: It’s always a good idea to get feedback from someone else. Ask a friend, classmate, or teacher to review your essay and provide constructive feedback.

By following these tips and taking the time to edit and proofread your essay carefully, you can improve the overall quality of your writing and make sure your ideas are effectively communicated to your readers.

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Published August 01, 2024

Announcing the 2024-2025 Common Application for NYU

Billy Sichel

Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions

It’s August 1st and that means the application at NYU has officially opened. This year, we’ve made some pretty big changes to NYU’s Common Application to simplify the process for our applicants, and to help us learn a little more about you!

When you start NYU’s member questions on the Common App, you’ll see 6 sections that you’ll need to complete. We give you a little bit of a head start by checking off the “Writing” section. This section is optional – but also new and exciting! More on that later.

The General Information Section

In the “General” section, you’ll be asked a few questions about how you want us to handle your application – Early Decision I, Early Decision II, or Regular Decision? – and which campus you want to apply to. As you (hopefully!) already know, NYU has three degree-granting campuses: in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai. Our Common App will let you apply to any combination of our campuses.

Once you make your campus selections, an additional set of questions will show up that are specific to your campus(es) of interest. Nothing too tricky here! You’ll be able to tell us about your academic area of interest for each campus, and a few other quick-and-easy questions about program eligibility, housing preferences, etc. so that we’re ready for you if you are ultimately admitted.

The Academics Section

Once you have those sections squared away, you’ll move on to the Academics section. This section will walk you through the information we’ll need you to submit outside of the Common App itself. Nothing to do here, except confirm that you’re clear on the next steps and additional requirements.

The Optional Supplemental Question

Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for: The optional, pre-checked-off Writing section. Last year, we made the decision to update our supplemental question. However, what we heard from our applicants was that people really wanted to tell us more! But the thing is…we already know why NYU is a great place to spend your 4 years, so we thought: if you want to tell us more about your passion for NYU, let’s make the question about you .

The new writing question says:

“In a world where disconnection seems to often prevail, we are looking for students who embody the qualities of bridge builders—students who can connect people, groups, and ideas to span divides, foster understanding, and promote collaboration within a dynamic, interconnected, and vibrant global academic community. We are eager to understand how your experiences have prepared you to build the bridges of the future. Please consider one or more of the following questions  in your  essay :

What personal experiences or challenges have shaped you as a bridge builder?

How have you been a bridge builder in your school, community, or personal life?

What specific actions have you taken to build bridges between diverse groups, ideas, or cultures?

How do you envision being a bridge builder during your time at our university and beyond?”

So, if it feels right for you to tell us a little more about yourself in the application, we want to know where you will turn to for inspiration, and what experiences have shaped you and resonate with you. Four years at NYU will propel you into a future you might not even be able to imagine yet, but take a minute (if you want – it really is optional!) to tell us about the ideas that have gotten you to this point, and those that might shape you into the person you’re about to become.

These are just a few of the changes we have made this year, so make sure to carefully read each question carefully before you answer them. If you ever have any questions for us about our questions, we are always here to help . We wish you the best of luck this application season, and can’t wait to learn more about you!

More from Billy:

How to Approach the Common Application

There’s no wrong way to approach the Common Application, but here’s two different strategies you might want to choose from when you apply to NYU.

Submitting a Transfer Application to NYU

Everything you need and everything you need to know about the transfer process.

Why You Should Start Your Common Application Early

There are many benefits to getting an early start on your Common Application to NYU.

How to cite ChatGPT

Use discount code STYLEBLOG15 for 15% off APA Style print products with free shipping in the United States.

We, the APA Style team, are not robots. We can all pass a CAPTCHA test , and we know our roles in a Turing test . And, like so many nonrobot human beings this year, we’ve spent a fair amount of time reading, learning, and thinking about issues related to large language models, artificial intelligence (AI), AI-generated text, and specifically ChatGPT . We’ve also been gathering opinions and feedback about the use and citation of ChatGPT. Thank you to everyone who has contributed and shared ideas, opinions, research, and feedback.

In this post, I discuss situations where students and researchers use ChatGPT to create text and to facilitate their research, not to write the full text of their paper or manuscript. We know instructors have differing opinions about how or even whether students should use ChatGPT, and we’ll be continuing to collect feedback about instructor and student questions. As always, defer to instructor guidelines when writing student papers. For more about guidelines and policies about student and author use of ChatGPT, see the last section of this post.

Quoting or reproducing the text created by ChatGPT in your paper

If you’ve used ChatGPT or other AI tools in your research, describe how you used the tool in your Method section or in a comparable section of your paper. For literature reviews or other types of essays or response or reaction papers, you might describe how you used the tool in your introduction. In your text, provide the prompt you used and then any portion of the relevant text that was generated in response.

Unfortunately, the results of a ChatGPT “chat” are not retrievable by other readers, and although nonretrievable data or quotations in APA Style papers are usually cited as personal communications , with ChatGPT-generated text there is no person communicating. Quoting ChatGPT’s text from a chat session is therefore more like sharing an algorithm’s output; thus, credit the author of the algorithm with a reference list entry and the corresponding in-text citation.

When prompted with “Is the left brain right brain divide real or a metaphor?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that although the two brain hemispheres are somewhat specialized, “the notation that people can be characterized as ‘left-brained’ or ‘right-brained’ is considered to be an oversimplification and a popular myth” (OpenAI, 2023).

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

You may also put the full text of long responses from ChatGPT in an appendix of your paper or in online supplemental materials, so readers have access to the exact text that was generated. It is particularly important to document the exact text created because ChatGPT will generate a unique response in each chat session, even if given the same prompt. If you create appendices or supplemental materials, remember that each should be called out at least once in the body of your APA Style paper.

When given a follow-up prompt of “What is a more accurate representation?” the ChatGPT-generated text indicated that “different brain regions work together to support various cognitive processes” and “the functional specialization of different regions can change in response to experience and environmental factors” (OpenAI, 2023; see Appendix A for the full transcript).

Creating a reference to ChatGPT or other AI models and software

The in-text citations and references above are adapted from the reference template for software in Section 10.10 of the Publication Manual (American Psychological Association, 2020, Chapter 10). Although here we focus on ChatGPT, because these guidelines are based on the software template, they can be adapted to note the use of other large language models (e.g., Bard), algorithms, and similar software.

The reference and in-text citations for ChatGPT are formatted as follows:

• Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023)
• Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Let’s break that reference down and look at the four elements (author, date, title, and source):

Author: The author of the model is OpenAI.

Date: The date is the year of the version you used. Following the template in Section 10.10, you need to include only the year, not the exact date. The version number provides the specific date information a reader might need.

Title: The name of the model is “ChatGPT,” so that serves as the title and is italicized in your reference, as shown in the template. Although OpenAI labels unique iterations (i.e., ChatGPT-3, ChatGPT-4), they are using “ChatGPT” as the general name of the model, with updates identified with version numbers.

The version number is included after the title in parentheses. The format for the version number in ChatGPT references includes the date because that is how OpenAI is labeling the versions. Different large language models or software might use different version numbering; use the version number in the format the author or publisher provides, which may be a numbering system (e.g., Version 2.0) or other methods.

Bracketed text is used in references for additional descriptions when they are needed to help a reader understand what’s being cited. References for a number of common sources, such as journal articles and books, do not include bracketed descriptions, but things outside of the typical peer-reviewed system often do. In the case of a reference for ChatGPT, provide the descriptor “Large language model” in square brackets. OpenAI describes ChatGPT-4 as a “large multimodal model,” so that description may be provided instead if you are using ChatGPT-4. Later versions and software or models from other companies may need different descriptions, based on how the publishers describe the model. The goal of the bracketed text is to briefly describe the kind of model to your reader.

Source: When the publisher name and the author name are the same, do not repeat the publisher name in the source element of the reference, and move directly to the URL. This is the case for ChatGPT. The URL for ChatGPT is https://chat.openai.com/chat . For other models or products for which you may create a reference, use the URL that links as directly as possible to the source (i.e., the page where you can access the model, not the publisher’s homepage).

Other questions about citing ChatGPT

You may have noticed the confidence with which ChatGPT described the ideas of brain lateralization and how the brain operates, without citing any sources. I asked for a list of sources to support those claims and ChatGPT provided five references—four of which I was able to find online. The fifth does not seem to be a real article; the digital object identifier given for that reference belongs to a different article, and I was not able to find any article with the authors, date, title, and source details that ChatGPT provided. Authors using ChatGPT or similar AI tools for research should consider making this scrutiny of the primary sources a standard process. If the sources are real, accurate, and relevant, it may be better to read those original sources to learn from that research and paraphrase or quote from those articles, as applicable, than to use the model’s interpretation of them.

We’ve also received a number of other questions about ChatGPT. Should students be allowed to use it? What guidelines should instructors create for students using AI? Does using AI-generated text constitute plagiarism? Should authors who use ChatGPT credit ChatGPT or OpenAI in their byline? What are the copyright implications ?

On these questions, researchers, editors, instructors, and others are actively debating and creating parameters and guidelines. Many of you have sent us feedback, and we encourage you to continue to do so in the comments below. We will also study the policies and procedures being established by instructors, publishers, and academic institutions, with a goal of creating guidelines that reflect the many real-world applications of AI-generated text.

For questions about manuscript byline credit, plagiarism, and related ChatGPT and AI topics, the APA Style team is seeking the recommendations of APA Journals editors. APA Style guidelines based on those recommendations will be posted on this blog and on the APA Style site later this year.

Update: APA Journals has published policies on the use of generative AI in scholarly materials .

We, the APA Style team humans, appreciate your patience as we navigate these unique challenges and new ways of thinking about how authors, researchers, and students learn, write, and work with new technologies.

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000

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